Hello hello! Long time no see! I've been away at a children's camp. No, not attending it, but running it!
Yes, this kid here can run a camp. Do you not know I have extensive experience with kids? Well, now you do. I actually love little kids, a lot. When is anyone going to grant me godparentship? Jie? Anyone?
Well, the camp was 2 days long, but not an overnighter. It was the first camp of the company, so it was decided that we should it safe and attempt a day camp. The camp was held at Laguna Country Club.
The first day, we met up early to discuss things. It was just formality, so after familiarising ourselfs with the day's activities, we head inside the country club to our designated room. The instructors of the camp consisted of my Uncle Lloyd, Zeen, a friend of his, and Jenny and Shu Zhen, both of whom I know.
The kids started streaming in around 8.30am, so for the half hour before camp officially started, we just sat around talking to the kids.
The first activity of the day was a game called Spiderweb. It is a game designed to allow every person to introduce themself. A ball of yarn was secured in the centre of the circle of kids, and then thrown to one of them. When he/she had introduced themself, they would throw the yarn to another kid in the circle. The resulting chaos of string resembled a spider's web, hence the name.
After Spiderweb, the kids were split into 3 groups, each led by either Jenny, Shu Zhen or me. I got 7 kids, all of whom were girls. We were then given some paper, markers and other stationeries and was tasked with establishing a group name and logo. My kids and I decided to do a parody of Superman's famous logo, replacing the 'S' with a huge '7'. It came rather nice, I might add.
Members of my 'Sevens' (as I call them) are: Amirah (No. 2), Carise, Denyse, Celest (my oh so adorable 5 year old), Meagan, Elana and little Elvina. In the beginning Elvina wouldn't let go of me; she adored me so much she wouldn't leave my side, can you believe it?
After a break and some refreshments, the kids were brought round back to an empty patch of land, where we were instructed to assist them in building a tent out of bamboo poles, cable ties, pegs, some yarn, and a ground sheet.
The kids weren't too knowledgable in building tents, so I had to teach them some basics. Although we had some set backs, we eventually erected our tent in the quickest of times, finishing before other's were even halfway through. I was very proud of my kids, especially my No. 2.
Next after the tent pitching, the company had arranged for the kids to barbie (a grill, really) some food for lunch for themselves. Also pre-prepared were some mouthwatering beef burgers, which were humongous I might add.
Some of the kids went straight to the grill, and others took the burgers first. Most sat down and did nothing, so we brought them burgers. One darling, Iffah, was a vegetarian. The company did not know this, and since I was the only one who knew, I bought her sandwiches. I just couldn't bear to see her not eat, she was my darling! A cutsie 9 year old who was very pretty and smart.
Once the kids were done with lunch, we brought them back to the room for some art and crafts. We had them take a couple of wooden cloths pegs, break them up, and then glue them back together to make some sort of holder for small items.
My kids were very efficient; in no time most had finished, and were helping others who had problems. I taught my kids the importence of helping, sharing, respect and manners, so they were being fabulous kids and were doing as I told them to. Saying their P's and Q's, helping one another, sharing glue. It was really sweet.
On top of making their holders, we also gave them some good sized pebbles for them to draw on. This pebble, we told them, was meant to be given to their fathers for Father's Day, which is coming up. Many of them designed a really nice pebble to present to their father.
High tea came next. There were some cakes and packets of Milo for them to consume. There were a lot of breaks during the camp, a total of 3 official eating breaks a day. One in the morning, lunch, and of course, afternoon tea. Goodness, rich kids really are pampered.
Pretty soon, the kids were full and ready for some more action. they were restless, never stationary for longer than a couple of seconds. The next activity was what they were looking forward to and asking about for the entire day. We were going to teach them life saving skills.
We showed them what to do when they see a person drowning. We taught them how to identify the type of victim, analyse that, and take the appropriate course of action. They learned how to coil a rope up and effectively deploy the line to rescue the victim. Some weren't too good at it, but after a bit of practice, we were ready to try it out in the pool.
The kids, being kids, were estatic about going into the pool. They wanted to play, which is rightfully so because it is their holiday after all. Each and every one of the kids had to perform the rescue procedure, and each of my kid did it well, most to perfection. A proud moment for me.
When swimming was done, and they were cleaned up and changed, we headed back to the room. It was time for the last activity of the day.
We handed out square pieces of paper to every kid, and also all the necessary stationery needed for them to decorate their pieces of paper. This piece of paper was sized to fit into the cover of a vinyl CD cover. We wanted them to put anything thing that they though reflected themselves onto the paper.
My 5 year old, Celest, was adorable. She actually wrote my name down on her cover. She had sprinkled glitter over it and did it up nicely, well, for a 5 year old. I was so touched by that gesture. She really liked me. That's 2 girls now in my group who couldn't be seperated from me.
It was time to go home after they finished their covers. Many of them were fetched by their parents without having to wait a long time. My poor darling, Iffah, could not contact her mother. She said her mother was never on time, so we waited with her for her mom to come. The poor darling almost fell asleep while waiting. Her mom did come, eventually, so we headed of home for some much needed rest. More so for me, as by then, hadn't slept for a grand total of 28 hours. This number would go up to 32 before I finally slept.
So, this was what happened during the first day, in brief. I have just returned from the second and last day, and I'm beat. Tomorrow I shall continue to complete the stories of camp for the second day.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Solutions
A brief entry for today.
So I heard back from the post office and from Maksym (monofin maker) today. Max presented me with 2 options.
One, try cutting off one wave and see how I like it. According to him, the Chinese finswimmers like their fins shorter, and some others too. Two, send it back to him and he'll make me a new fin. He apologised for the cracked fin, saying it was only the second fin to have cracked in about 10 years.
He would have cut one wave anyway off if I send the fin back, so suggested that I do it. If I still did not like the fin, I could always send it back. He says my size should fit the fin perfectly, if not, he'll find some use for the fin when I send it back for his swimmers.
So, I took to the fin with my scissors. I first cut off a wave as close as possible to the next, and then used a cheap sharpening stone (not my ceramic one) to sand off the remaining fibreglass. I then finished up with some fine grit sandpaper to smoothen the edge. That operation took me a fair amount of time.
Later in the day, I took the fin to the pool. I thought that cutting off one wave might make the fin stiffer, seeing as it is shorter now. But to my surprise, it was fine. I could not tell if I was using more or less energy. It would take more testing to figure that out.
The fin swims well. Since I had no one to film my technique today, I don't know if it has improved. This fin is not the easiest to swim with.
The left inside of the left footpocket is still giving me problems. The rest of the foot is already used to the tightness, but there is this one lump of material that sticks into my foot, which causes my whole left foot to cramp. I'll have to modify the pockets somehow. Check back to see my progress!
Photos can be viewed at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24228903@N04/
So I heard back from the post office and from Maksym (monofin maker) today. Max presented me with 2 options.
One, try cutting off one wave and see how I like it. According to him, the Chinese finswimmers like their fins shorter, and some others too. Two, send it back to him and he'll make me a new fin. He apologised for the cracked fin, saying it was only the second fin to have cracked in about 10 years.
He would have cut one wave anyway off if I send the fin back, so suggested that I do it. If I still did not like the fin, I could always send it back. He says my size should fit the fin perfectly, if not, he'll find some use for the fin when I send it back for his swimmers.
So, I took to the fin with my scissors. I first cut off a wave as close as possible to the next, and then used a cheap sharpening stone (not my ceramic one) to sand off the remaining fibreglass. I then finished up with some fine grit sandpaper to smoothen the edge. That operation took me a fair amount of time.
Later in the day, I took the fin to the pool. I thought that cutting off one wave might make the fin stiffer, seeing as it is shorter now. But to my surprise, it was fine. I could not tell if I was using more or less energy. It would take more testing to figure that out.
The fin swims well. Since I had no one to film my technique today, I don't know if it has improved. This fin is not the easiest to swim with.
The left inside of the left footpocket is still giving me problems. The rest of the foot is already used to the tightness, but there is this one lump of material that sticks into my foot, which causes my whole left foot to cramp. I'll have to modify the pockets somehow. Check back to see my progress!
Photos can be viewed at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24228903@N04/
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Cracked
So, the monopalme finally came on Saturday. I was so happy when the postman rang my doorbell and gave me the fin.
However my excitement was short lived, as it soon turned to horror. I ripped open my package which was so 'robustly' wrapped in cloth and thin foam to find that the fin had cracked in 2 places. SON OF A BITCH!
I kept saying to myself, why why why did this happen to me? Such bad luck.
It was obvious why the fin came cracked. First off, the fin wasn't protected well enough. Obviouosly with some rough handling it would have cracked. Second, the fin isn't a traditional shape. It has a 'tail' that sticks out in the centre, and is below the rest of the fin. If you rest the fin on that edge, it will be stressed more than the rest of the fin and crack.
I wrote to the manufacturer about the fin and am awaiting his response. I also called Singpost and lodged a complain. They will contact me on Monday to launch an investigation as to how my fin came damaged.
In the meantime I'm placing an order for a surfing repair kit. It comes with fiberglass cloth and also putty with fiberglass strands in it. In case the manufacturer won't replace my fin or Singpost won't reimburse me or both, this is my only option.
On the lighter side of things, the fin is actually very pretty. I really like it alot. It's heavy, but it floats, which is a common feature on all hyperfins. One thing, it's FAST! Very fast. It's also more stiff than I expected, so my stroke needs to be corrected again, bummer. I need to develop more strength.
The footpockets were very snug, even a little tight. My big toe is always crushed, and the left inside of the left footpocket sticks into my foot. The footpocket is so tight I could not use it for more than half an hour the first time. I hope the footpocket expands somewhat, or I get used to it, or both, or I will be very limited in practices.
Strangely, even with this giperfin, the angle is not enough for me! I realise I have a very big angle from my shin through my feet. I will need to stretch my ankles more and also work on my calf muscles so that I can keep my ankles pointed during the upstroke.
Some photos of the fin can be viewed at my flickr page:http://www.flickr.com/photos/24228903@N04/
Today I used the nasal drop prescribed to me a while back. Man, it's horrible! It works really well, but it tastes bad, and it hurts my throat, a lot! I had a sore throat for half the day. Damn, why am I so sensitive to such things.
Some news: Dani Pedrossa won the Spanish GP, which is also his home race. Congratulations. Rossi was second, and Stoner third. Rossi has changed his suit and helmet and bike, and now it looks very ugly. I do not like his colours.
Nadal has won the French Open, beating (annihilated) Federer in 3 straight sets. Ivanovic won the ladies side. Congratulations.
Today is World Ocean Day. People, remember the ocean and respect it. The ocean has provided us with food and life for eons. What we are doing is harming the ocean, and that's no way to pay back our benefactor. Do we really want to see half the ocean's species wiped out before we pass on? If not, switch your habits. Find out what you can do at: http://community.oceana.org/.
However my excitement was short lived, as it soon turned to horror. I ripped open my package which was so 'robustly' wrapped in cloth and thin foam to find that the fin had cracked in 2 places. SON OF A BITCH!
I kept saying to myself, why why why did this happen to me? Such bad luck.
It was obvious why the fin came cracked. First off, the fin wasn't protected well enough. Obviouosly with some rough handling it would have cracked. Second, the fin isn't a traditional shape. It has a 'tail' that sticks out in the centre, and is below the rest of the fin. If you rest the fin on that edge, it will be stressed more than the rest of the fin and crack.
I wrote to the manufacturer about the fin and am awaiting his response. I also called Singpost and lodged a complain. They will contact me on Monday to launch an investigation as to how my fin came damaged.
In the meantime I'm placing an order for a surfing repair kit. It comes with fiberglass cloth and also putty with fiberglass strands in it. In case the manufacturer won't replace my fin or Singpost won't reimburse me or both, this is my only option.
On the lighter side of things, the fin is actually very pretty. I really like it alot. It's heavy, but it floats, which is a common feature on all hyperfins. One thing, it's FAST! Very fast. It's also more stiff than I expected, so my stroke needs to be corrected again, bummer. I need to develop more strength.
The footpockets were very snug, even a little tight. My big toe is always crushed, and the left inside of the left footpocket sticks into my foot. The footpocket is so tight I could not use it for more than half an hour the first time. I hope the footpocket expands somewhat, or I get used to it, or both, or I will be very limited in practices.
Strangely, even with this giperfin, the angle is not enough for me! I realise I have a very big angle from my shin through my feet. I will need to stretch my ankles more and also work on my calf muscles so that I can keep my ankles pointed during the upstroke.
Some photos of the fin can be viewed at my flickr page:http://www.flickr.com/photos/24228903@N04/
Today I used the nasal drop prescribed to me a while back. Man, it's horrible! It works really well, but it tastes bad, and it hurts my throat, a lot! I had a sore throat for half the day. Damn, why am I so sensitive to such things.
Some news: Dani Pedrossa won the Spanish GP, which is also his home race. Congratulations. Rossi was second, and Stoner third. Rossi has changed his suit and helmet and bike, and now it looks very ugly. I do not like his colours.
Nadal has won the French Open, beating (annihilated) Federer in 3 straight sets. Ivanovic won the ladies side. Congratulations.
Today is World Ocean Day. People, remember the ocean and respect it. The ocean has provided us with food and life for eons. What we are doing is harming the ocean, and that's no way to pay back our benefactor. Do we really want to see half the ocean's species wiped out before we pass on? If not, switch your habits. Find out what you can do at: http://community.oceana.org/.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Monopalme
So after many days of not being able to track my parcel from good ol' Ukraine, I start to worry. But I've always been a bit of a worryrat. Well, may not *just* a bit.
Well anyway, today, or rather yesterday now, I tried tracking my parcel again. I entered the tracking number into the Speedpost system, and what do you know, my parcel has arrived in Singapore! That really was fast. On Monday it was sent from Ukraine and yesterday (it's Saturday now) it arrives! Amazing.
I guessed I shouldn't have worried so much. I read online that EMS tracking numbers never seem to work. Or rather, they work, but they do not track the parcel every step of the way, not like UPS or DHL. EMS only informs you when your parcel touches down and is scanned in your country.
Drats, I shouldn't have worried so much! So much energy spent on NOTHING!
However I haven't stopped worrying yet, until my parcel arrives at my feet. I MUST see that it is in perfect condition and that every single thing is right before I will relax.
On top of my worry issues, I am also an extremely impatient person. I could never sit around and wait for things to come. If I had a choice, I'd rather go collect them. At least I will be doing something.
I nearly DIED when I had to wait for my Elios to come. I nearly DIED when I had to wait for my noseclips to come, twice. I nearly DIED when I had to wait for my ICEs to arrive. I simply am not the most patient person on Earth!
However, I also nearly died when each and every one of those items came. I would give a girly scream when the postman rang the bell, and once inside I would rip open the parcels with such force I could very well have killed anyone unlucky enough to have been accidentally elbowed by me.
My eyes would glitter as I closely inspect every single tiny detail of the product. I would inhale deeply, enjoying every funky smell the product had (and i tell you, the ICE fins smelled funky). Ah, the joy of recieving. I don't enjoy it often, so I cherish every moment when I do.
I so very hope that the post offices are open today, and send me my parcel. It's now 5am in the morning, and I won't sleep until I get my package! Even if I had to go down and sort through hundreds of parcels to find mine.
Oh, I'm so terribly elated that I'm singing, right now! In the ungodly hours of early morning, which I actually happen like. I hope no one will be stirred.
Well anyway, today, or rather yesterday now, I tried tracking my parcel again. I entered the tracking number into the Speedpost system, and what do you know, my parcel has arrived in Singapore! That really was fast. On Monday it was sent from Ukraine and yesterday (it's Saturday now) it arrives! Amazing.
I guessed I shouldn't have worried so much. I read online that EMS tracking numbers never seem to work. Or rather, they work, but they do not track the parcel every step of the way, not like UPS or DHL. EMS only informs you when your parcel touches down and is scanned in your country.
Drats, I shouldn't have worried so much! So much energy spent on NOTHING!
However I haven't stopped worrying yet, until my parcel arrives at my feet. I MUST see that it is in perfect condition and that every single thing is right before I will relax.
On top of my worry issues, I am also an extremely impatient person. I could never sit around and wait for things to come. If I had a choice, I'd rather go collect them. At least I will be doing something.
I nearly DIED when I had to wait for my Elios to come. I nearly DIED when I had to wait for my noseclips to come, twice. I nearly DIED when I had to wait for my ICEs to arrive. I simply am not the most patient person on Earth!
However, I also nearly died when each and every one of those items came. I would give a girly scream when the postman rang the bell, and once inside I would rip open the parcels with such force I could very well have killed anyone unlucky enough to have been accidentally elbowed by me.
My eyes would glitter as I closely inspect every single tiny detail of the product. I would inhale deeply, enjoying every funky smell the product had (and i tell you, the ICE fins smelled funky). Ah, the joy of recieving. I don't enjoy it often, so I cherish every moment when I do.
I so very hope that the post offices are open today, and send me my parcel. It's now 5am in the morning, and I won't sleep until I get my package! Even if I had to go down and sort through hundreds of parcels to find mine.
Oh, I'm so terribly elated that I'm singing, right now! In the ungodly hours of early morning, which I actually happen like. I hope no one will be stirred.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Eyes wide shut
It's gonna be a short entry, I'm half asleep already, and it's only 4 in the afternoon!
Today is not a good day for waking up. It really isn't. I literally jumped when I heard my alarm ring. I must have been airborne for a couple of seconds. Imagine going from not awake to awake and halfway to the moon in hundreds of a second. Not fun or recommended. It did not help that I had an awful night as well.
Random thought: Thursday is training day, so it seems for the month of June. Next week is going to be Thursday as well. The month of Thursdays. Cool...
Today I went to Jade's for practice. As usual, I skipped my static. I didn't feel good, sleepy more like it. Which is good since it'll help me with my hold, but I was just too tired to hold my breath. Jade did her statics, and did very well. Her contractions were later than usual, and for me that seems like a good sign. She was losing it at the end though, but Super Smurf here was ready to jump in and save her if need be.
So with a rescue operation averted, we proceeded to the sub zero temperatures of the pool. I worked on my technique and efficiency, then I went for a length. 31 kicks for about 50m, and about 1min/1min 10 swim. It seems I'm not going anywhere, which sucks. I'll have to work on that. My stoke felt funny sometimes as well.
Jade did her thing after I did, going for lengths. Her stroke is nice, not like Elizabeth Kristoffersen, but good enough. Her monofin is nice as well; did I ever say how much I love love love her mono? I'm going to miss it soon though.
We bee lined to the hot tub after we came out of the pool. Ah, so warm, so inviting. There was a little whirlpool in the middle of it, which was cute.
2 kids came to the hot tub and almost jumped in, risking scalding us with hot chlorinated water. Luckily, they found out the tub was a HOT tub (not a wading pool) and went away, but not before depressing the button which activated the bubbles. Some kids have no manners.
Oh, did I mention that 2 little girls were arguing whether I was a girl or not? Yeah, even after I took my shirt off.
After warming up, we showered at her place, and then had some lemon cake. Yum yum. Jade was talking about making a vegan cake, one without butter. That's going to be interesting. I've never made a vegan cake before, though it cannot be much different, can it?
Oh, Jade's been asked to apply for the Canadian team. I encouraged her to go, but after absorbing some info, I'm not sure it's such a good thing, considering the situation. And anyway, she has a tight budget. Going to Hawaii to train is out of the picture. Too far, too much.
.
.
.
I'm drawing a blank as to what to write. I have already struggled to write the above. Sleep is dawning upon me, sleep... is inevitable. MUHAHAHA! Right, but before I go, some news.
The Detroit Red Wings have beaten the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Stanley Cup. For all those who don't know what that it, it's basically the most prestigious award there is in ice hockey. And, today is World Environment Day. No littering today you guys. Or any other day for that matter.
I'll try to make the next entry more interesting. Till then.
Today is not a good day for waking up. It really isn't. I literally jumped when I heard my alarm ring. I must have been airborne for a couple of seconds. Imagine going from not awake to awake and halfway to the moon in hundreds of a second. Not fun or recommended. It did not help that I had an awful night as well.
Random thought: Thursday is training day, so it seems for the month of June. Next week is going to be Thursday as well. The month of Thursdays. Cool...
Today I went to Jade's for practice. As usual, I skipped my static. I didn't feel good, sleepy more like it. Which is good since it'll help me with my hold, but I was just too tired to hold my breath. Jade did her statics, and did very well. Her contractions were later than usual, and for me that seems like a good sign. She was losing it at the end though, but Super Smurf here was ready to jump in and save her if need be.
So with a rescue operation averted, we proceeded to the sub zero temperatures of the pool. I worked on my technique and efficiency, then I went for a length. 31 kicks for about 50m, and about 1min/1min 10 swim. It seems I'm not going anywhere, which sucks. I'll have to work on that. My stoke felt funny sometimes as well.
Jade did her thing after I did, going for lengths. Her stroke is nice, not like Elizabeth Kristoffersen, but good enough. Her monofin is nice as well; did I ever say how much I love love love her mono? I'm going to miss it soon though.
We bee lined to the hot tub after we came out of the pool. Ah, so warm, so inviting. There was a little whirlpool in the middle of it, which was cute.
2 kids came to the hot tub and almost jumped in, risking scalding us with hot chlorinated water. Luckily, they found out the tub was a HOT tub (not a wading pool) and went away, but not before depressing the button which activated the bubbles. Some kids have no manners.
Oh, did I mention that 2 little girls were arguing whether I was a girl or not? Yeah, even after I took my shirt off.
After warming up, we showered at her place, and then had some lemon cake. Yum yum. Jade was talking about making a vegan cake, one without butter. That's going to be interesting. I've never made a vegan cake before, though it cannot be much different, can it?
Oh, Jade's been asked to apply for the Canadian team. I encouraged her to go, but after absorbing some info, I'm not sure it's such a good thing, considering the situation. And anyway, she has a tight budget. Going to Hawaii to train is out of the picture. Too far, too much.
.
.
.
I'm drawing a blank as to what to write. I have already struggled to write the above. Sleep is dawning upon me, sleep... is inevitable. MUHAHAHA! Right, but before I go, some news.
The Detroit Red Wings have beaten the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Stanley Cup. For all those who don't know what that it, it's basically the most prestigious award there is in ice hockey. And, today is World Environment Day. No littering today you guys. Or any other day for that matter.
I'll try to make the next entry more interesting. Till then.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Around the world
Ah, Tuesdays. Doesn't feel much different than any other day I might add. It's just that Tuesdays are usually when we practice in the pool. However, this week it's Thursday, as was last week. Jade changed the date, I have forgotten why.
Morton's going to be back in the Phillipines on the 23rd of this month, and he's asked me to join him for some freediving. I would really love to go, because according to him and my research, it has depth, it is beautiful, and I get to catch up with him. I'll also get to meet Wolfgang, whom I've told many times that I want to go and dive with.
However at this moment, I donot think I'll be able to go. The diving costs will not be within my budget, because I have just come back from a trip to Sipadan. I don't have money growing from a tree, you know.
I remembered that Sherrin (forum member on DB) is going to Tao on the 20th of July, and I had told her that I couldn't go because I will already be enlisted in the army. But now I think the enlistment date is being pushed back, so I might just go up to meet her.
Another forum member is going to Tao soon as well. Brad (hello! thanks for the comments) is going to be in Tao late June, early July. I don't know if I will go, though probably not. Jade's parents will be in town during that period and she wouldn't be able to go. She might not even be free to go in late July. We'll see.
Today I recieved a tracking number that will allow me to track my toy. I've also been informed by the maker that a world champion had ordered the same item and is loving it. Have you guessed what my toy is? If you have not, you will just have to wait to find out! Stay tuned!
Oh, I've always wanted to say what day it is whenever I blog. You know, like, event-days. Like Mother's Day in Korea, or Teacher's Day in Russia, that kind of thing. My source is Wikipedia, which I trust.
Apparently today, there isn't a day! Yes, June 3rd, there's no day! Which for me is surprising, because I've never seen that space empty on Wikipedia. Everyday there's a day, usually. Like yesterday, one day was Italy's Republic Day. Strange...
Morton's going to be back in the Phillipines on the 23rd of this month, and he's asked me to join him for some freediving. I would really love to go, because according to him and my research, it has depth, it is beautiful, and I get to catch up with him. I'll also get to meet Wolfgang, whom I've told many times that I want to go and dive with.
However at this moment, I donot think I'll be able to go. The diving costs will not be within my budget, because I have just come back from a trip to Sipadan. I don't have money growing from a tree, you know.
I remembered that Sherrin (forum member on DB) is going to Tao on the 20th of July, and I had told her that I couldn't go because I will already be enlisted in the army. But now I think the enlistment date is being pushed back, so I might just go up to meet her.
Another forum member is going to Tao soon as well. Brad (hello! thanks for the comments) is going to be in Tao late June, early July. I don't know if I will go, though probably not. Jade's parents will be in town during that period and she wouldn't be able to go. She might not even be free to go in late July. We'll see.
Today I recieved a tracking number that will allow me to track my toy. I've also been informed by the maker that a world champion had ordered the same item and is loving it. Have you guessed what my toy is? If you have not, you will just have to wait to find out! Stay tuned!
Oh, I've always wanted to say what day it is whenever I blog. You know, like, event-days. Like Mother's Day in Korea, or Teacher's Day in Russia, that kind of thing. My source is Wikipedia, which I trust.
Apparently today, there isn't a day! Yes, June 3rd, there's no day! Which for me is surprising, because I've never seen that space empty on Wikipedia. Everyday there's a day, usually. Like yesterday, one day was Italy's Republic Day. Strange...
Monday, June 2, 2008
It's the final countdown
Oh YES! My new toy is coming in approximately 10 days! However sooner is better than later. I'm so excited!
So anyway, short entry for today. I tried a max today, and boy, was it difficult! I haven't held my breath for a month now, and the first hold was difficult. Well then again, the first hold is always difficult.
Anyway, I went for my max on the second. AND I beat my 5 minutes! I'm impressed with myself.
But before I start patting myself on the back, I got to say that I felt light headed at the end of the hold. I really need to get back on the tables. I've never actually done them, but it's never too late to start, right?
And now, the freediving achievement of the week. Morton, the guy we met in Semporna (technically on Sibuan), went to do a course with Wolfgang Dafert in Cebu. As far as I know, he's done 41m in Free Immersion, 21 in constant ballast, and 5 mins in static. Way to go!
I feel so proud, because we inspired him to take up freediving. He probably already wanted to, but we gave him the push he needed. And I was the one who found Wolfgang for him. So I'm well chuffed.
Which left me thinking. I should redifine my limits. Yeah, like Tanya Streeter's slogan. When I first started out I didn't what to expect, so I set low targets. I still don't know what I'm capable off, but I know I'm going to work hard to find out what they are.
Jade, if you're reading this, there's no reason to freak out. I promise I won't do stupid things that will put my life in jeopardy. I know you think I like to push myself too much, but trust me, I haven't pushed at all. I'm grateful for your concern and I will keep myself safe as best as I can.
So anyway, short entry for today. I tried a max today, and boy, was it difficult! I haven't held my breath for a month now, and the first hold was difficult. Well then again, the first hold is always difficult.
Anyway, I went for my max on the second. AND I beat my 5 minutes! I'm impressed with myself.
But before I start patting myself on the back, I got to say that I felt light headed at the end of the hold. I really need to get back on the tables. I've never actually done them, but it's never too late to start, right?
And now, the freediving achievement of the week. Morton, the guy we met in Semporna (technically on Sibuan), went to do a course with Wolfgang Dafert in Cebu. As far as I know, he's done 41m in Free Immersion, 21 in constant ballast, and 5 mins in static. Way to go!
I feel so proud, because we inspired him to take up freediving. He probably already wanted to, but we gave him the push he needed. And I was the one who found Wolfgang for him. So I'm well chuffed.
Which left me thinking. I should redifine my limits. Yeah, like Tanya Streeter's slogan. When I first started out I didn't what to expect, so I set low targets. I still don't know what I'm capable off, but I know I'm going to work hard to find out what they are.
Jade, if you're reading this, there's no reason to freak out. I promise I won't do stupid things that will put my life in jeopardy. I know you think I like to push myself too much, but trust me, I haven't pushed at all. I'm grateful for your concern and I will keep myself safe as best as I can.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Cherry popping
Hello hello. Well, FINALLY! I know you're going, 'what? finally what?'
.
.
.
This is going to sound stupid. But FINALLY!... I remembered my account information. =D
HA!
.
.
.
I had forgotten my account and also the password to my previous log, and goodness knows what's happened to it because now, it's gone. I suspect someone must have hacked into this email because it's empty!
But... I'm not *too* bothered because I never use this email anyway. It's always the Hotmail account because I also use it for Messenger. However you'll never catch me online.
What do you mean why? Actually that's a good question. I'm stumped. Hmmm... Maybe it's because I do not want to be disturbed randomly, like halfway through a game. It crashes my computer. Also this way, I can be selective in who I choose to chat with.
Anyway, this blog is about freediving and also about myself. As Jie once said, this is the only way she(and you) can know what's going on with me, since we don't meet up as often as we'd like. It's also a log of my activities(well, duh!), in case I forget.
So anyway... I didn't do much in the last couple of days. I've just been counting down the days till my new toy arrives. I still don't know when it touches home base, but hopefully in the next week or so.
Couple of memorable events. On Thursday I went over to Jade's place. For all you who don't know, Jade is my mentor/coach/friend. I'd like to put surrogate parent as well, but I might not come back from next practice alive.
So, Thursday. Jade did not come into the pool with me because she had a rash going. It appeared that morning quite mysteriously. But, being the lovely lady she is, she brought down her monofin for me to play/practice with.
We chatted on the deck chairs for awhile (trivia - Jade has a fancy name for those chairs) before I stripped rather unglamourously down to me Speedos (imagine that) and put on my, you guessed it, Speedo swim cap. On went my Sphera and I was ready for a session of monofin technique improvement.
I haven't been doing so well for the technique. I simply could not translate/duplicate the undulation I achieved on land into the water. I bend my knees too much, which is an awful technique, not too mention a complete waste of effeciency and total retarding of forward motion on the upstroke.
However, this session I got it right! It isn't perfect, but I know I've got it going. I was so pleased with myself, I remember. Jade was coaching from topside, and was/is the key to my success. I distinctively remember her sage advice, passed down to her by Peter Scott (Laminar). It was, be like a paintbrush...
Not with split-ends and all, but rather, like the motion. Up, down, up down of the waist. And no bending of the knees. Simple but profound advice.
Not a soul in the pool, I remember. Usually on our regular practice day, it'll be packed like a tin of sardines full of swimmers who swam all over the place. Not good if you're wearing monofins with the capability to reduce your do to nothing, or worse, make the pool red. I like red, but I have issues with blood.
After the session I went up to her place for a rinse. After I came out, we established that her rash was too severe and that she should stay home and out of the heat. Her internet was down, which sucked. So she decided to bake and invited me to join her. Who was I to refuse?
After a quick bite and trip to the supermarket for supplies, we were back in her kitchen ready for battle. She was all decked out in her Swiss apron and I was resigned to a fluffly one. Just lovely.
Prep took about 10 minutes and the mix was in the oven. ETA was 65 minutes, and during that time we washed up. We had also unplugged the modem and router in an attempt to reboot her connection, so when it was all put back together and worked, it didn't suck anymore.
Past 65 minutes and the cake was ready. 27cm by 15 by 10 of coffee and chocolate goodness. It wasn't perfect, but hey, chocolate solves all problems. I was presented a generous slice to bring home, which almost did not survive the journey. After gratitute was shown, we left the house. I was headed for the tube, and she the library.
After we parted ways I went downtown to an art supply store, known as Art Friends. I was in search for a suitable material for the replacement of my Paradisia nose pads. It seems that the FIT nose clip used felt, so I went along and got me a sheet of red felt.
I did not have time when I got back to complete my project, as I had a birthday party to attend. Memories from that event include being told by aunties that I had the features of a girl, excluding the frontal protrusions of fat. How nice.
I remember not if I finished my repairs to the Paradisia that day, but I got it done sometime before today. It is now a grey Paradisia with red nose pads and a yellow lanyard. People are going to talk when I unveil it to them. In contrast the FIT clip is a stern and serious looking piece of equipment.
In the last few days I've also been doing some research on sites for depth training. I think I've got a location that rivals the depths of the Blue Hole in Dahab, and probably with more to see. I also got several more for other purposes.
Now all I require is a counter ballast system which is portable that I have to build. It's going to need floats, (sailing) rope clutches, corrosion resistant struts and beams, rope and lots of solder. Preferably a fish finder as well. It's going to be time consuming, moolah depleting and thought provoking, but it has to be done.
.
.
.
This is going to sound stupid. But FINALLY!... I remembered my account information. =D
HA!
.
.
.
I had forgotten my account and also the password to my previous log, and goodness knows what's happened to it because now, it's gone. I suspect someone must have hacked into this email because it's empty!
But... I'm not *too* bothered because I never use this email anyway. It's always the Hotmail account because I also use it for Messenger. However you'll never catch me online.
What do you mean why? Actually that's a good question. I'm stumped. Hmmm... Maybe it's because I do not want to be disturbed randomly, like halfway through a game. It crashes my computer. Also this way, I can be selective in who I choose to chat with.
Anyway, this blog is about freediving and also about myself. As Jie once said, this is the only way she(and you) can know what's going on with me, since we don't meet up as often as we'd like. It's also a log of my activities(well, duh!), in case I forget.
So anyway... I didn't do much in the last couple of days. I've just been counting down the days till my new toy arrives. I still don't know when it touches home base, but hopefully in the next week or so.
Couple of memorable events. On Thursday I went over to Jade's place. For all you who don't know, Jade is my mentor/coach/friend. I'd like to put surrogate parent as well, but I might not come back from next practice alive.
So, Thursday. Jade did not come into the pool with me because she had a rash going. It appeared that morning quite mysteriously. But, being the lovely lady she is, she brought down her monofin for me to play/practice with.
We chatted on the deck chairs for awhile (trivia - Jade has a fancy name for those chairs) before I stripped rather unglamourously down to me Speedos (imagine that) and put on my, you guessed it, Speedo swim cap. On went my Sphera and I was ready for a session of monofin technique improvement.
I haven't been doing so well for the technique. I simply could not translate/duplicate the undulation I achieved on land into the water. I bend my knees too much, which is an awful technique, not too mention a complete waste of effeciency and total retarding of forward motion on the upstroke.
However, this session I got it right! It isn't perfect, but I know I've got it going. I was so pleased with myself, I remember. Jade was coaching from topside, and was/is the key to my success. I distinctively remember her sage advice, passed down to her by Peter Scott (Laminar). It was, be like a paintbrush...
Not with split-ends and all, but rather, like the motion. Up, down, up down of the waist. And no bending of the knees. Simple but profound advice.
Not a soul in the pool, I remember. Usually on our regular practice day, it'll be packed like a tin of sardines full of swimmers who swam all over the place. Not good if you're wearing monofins with the capability to reduce your do to nothing, or worse, make the pool red. I like red, but I have issues with blood.
After the session I went up to her place for a rinse. After I came out, we established that her rash was too severe and that she should stay home and out of the heat. Her internet was down, which sucked. So she decided to bake and invited me to join her. Who was I to refuse?
After a quick bite and trip to the supermarket for supplies, we were back in her kitchen ready for battle. She was all decked out in her Swiss apron and I was resigned to a fluffly one. Just lovely.
Prep took about 10 minutes and the mix was in the oven. ETA was 65 minutes, and during that time we washed up. We had also unplugged the modem and router in an attempt to reboot her connection, so when it was all put back together and worked, it didn't suck anymore.
Past 65 minutes and the cake was ready. 27cm by 15 by 10 of coffee and chocolate goodness. It wasn't perfect, but hey, chocolate solves all problems. I was presented a generous slice to bring home, which almost did not survive the journey. After gratitute was shown, we left the house. I was headed for the tube, and she the library.
After we parted ways I went downtown to an art supply store, known as Art Friends. I was in search for a suitable material for the replacement of my Paradisia nose pads. It seems that the FIT nose clip used felt, so I went along and got me a sheet of red felt.
I did not have time when I got back to complete my project, as I had a birthday party to attend. Memories from that event include being told by aunties that I had the features of a girl, excluding the frontal protrusions of fat. How nice.
I remember not if I finished my repairs to the Paradisia that day, but I got it done sometime before today. It is now a grey Paradisia with red nose pads and a yellow lanyard. People are going to talk when I unveil it to them. In contrast the FIT clip is a stern and serious looking piece of equipment.
In the last few days I've also been doing some research on sites for depth training. I think I've got a location that rivals the depths of the Blue Hole in Dahab, and probably with more to see. I also got several more for other purposes.
Now all I require is a counter ballast system which is portable that I have to build. It's going to need floats, (sailing) rope clutches, corrosion resistant struts and beams, rope and lots of solder. Preferably a fish finder as well. It's going to be time consuming, moolah depleting and thought provoking, but it has to be done.
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