Run My Own Race

As F1 was roared past the island last weekend, here is the route map for my own "F1 track" to prepare for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2008 (SCSM-10km). *Ta Da!*



Today marked my humble comeback to this beautiful lake at Pandan Reservoir. We reached the reservoir late at 7am, but surprising it was a good and relaxing run, after nearly 5 months break. And it is still one of my favourite spots for long distance running.

Why? Time seems to stop still here. Besides the artificial breakwater rocks, calm waters reflecting the surreal sky of clouds and trees, this place also reeked of occasional smells of Gardenia and Delifrance bread. If you are lucky, you can spot turtles and huge fishes swimming near the water surface. On the softer side, sweet memories filled the area, as my secondary school used to be located opposite the reservoir.











Back in my teenage schooldays, no one ever ventured beyond the "2.4km" mark near the first make-shift bridge at the reservoir. Those were the times when we thought we have the best cross country route of all. Some schools run along roads with heavy traffic, around the perimeter of the school compound, or even along large smelly canals. Eeeek. How fortunate.

Was doing some research on other running routes in Singapore, in a bid to train for SCSM 2008 on 7th Dec. We are running the 10km category only lah!! West coast park is a frequent place we go due to the massive shade from overhanging trees and the good terrain. But the last time I was there, the park was filled with posters of Mas Selamat, making the place somewhat shady, figuratively =)











Looks like Bedok is a good candidate to practise on the final runs at 6.2miles, or around 10km. But it can a wee bit too far.. hmm, but it is good to explore, have never been there. Maybe the air is really better in the east? =)



I have always wondered how marathoners can run without music. They must have magnificent mental strength.. I think I would have given up at the 2km without my Josh Groban and Piano Spas. Heehee.

My Love Affair with Scrapbooks

I did not expect to fall in love this way.

Especially when this is a rather costly hobby, and also demands a lot of time and concentration. I inherited my first set of tools and "scraps" from my sis in May, and it initially started as pastime as time was in indeed in my hands. And believe me, my first scraps was horrendous. What you see below is an improved version from the inaugurate.

I guess in the end it was the motivation to complete my first anniversary present for Desmond which persevered me to the end, completing about 30 pages of scrapbooks in almost a month. But my pockets were severely burnt too.

To many, scrapbooking is an time-wasting, arty farty tool, tailor-made for the tai-tais to spend their lazy afternoons with. I beg to differ. For one thing, not all tai-tais have the patience and passion to complete this task. It takes a lot of perseverance to choose material, pick colours, select photos and create a good theme. In fact I think the last element is the most crucial and most difficult. I can still remember how many hours I spend at "Made with Love" and "Laine's Papeterie" to select cheap and good materials. Desperation even drove me to "Spotlight" which surprisingly sells economical versions of those sold at the two shops. I spent so much time, emphasising on the details, analysing the value for money and finally restrict myself to get only those material I really needed.

At last, my efforts paid off. My favourite will have to be this:




It took me about one whole day to finish and it is the second time I did one which can be hang up on the wall. I especially like the lace details. And of course, this went straight to my dearest =). The first hanging scrap was actually a 32nd anniversary one for my parents, inspired by a nostalgic post on http://www.madewithlove.com.sg/.


I manage to do one for my dear niece Paige, just before I started work. I managed to use some recycled material too (the stems of the flowers are from the handles of a paper bag). Actually I like it a lot, it has a great theme and a nice colour combination. And she is REALLY a gorgeous little angel.


It has been a quite long while since I last scrapbooked. Maybe 2 months? Now my tool box, and remaining material are all lying quietly in one corner on my working table. About there. I hope that patience and time will be on my side, and I can start indulging, again. And my inspiration has just arrived: Baby Matthew.