It must be springtime here, because a lot of couples are blooming during this period. A couple of my friends are getting attached this past few days. Of course it's a good thing, because getting together means they'll have some happy times, which may or may not last due to a number of factors.
I mean, people my age generally aren't ready for a serious relationship. However, many of them do not realise it, or they do, but when they're in that relationship, and they try to get something better out of it, and when it doesn't work out, it devastates them. It's sad, really.
As I've been told, at this age, everything should be fun, and one should be having a ball of a time. This is the period when one doesn't have much (if at all) worries in life, so he should just enjoy. Even if one does get into a relationship and it doesn't work out, one still has a fufilling and long life in front of him. He'll have time to get another mate in the future.
And love. Do people my age actually know what romantic love is? Sure everybody experiences familial love, and possibly platonic love if they're lucky, but romantic love is quite different from either. To say you love somebody is a serious thing. People use it too lightly these days. I mean, 2 weeks into a relationship and one says 'I love you' to a partner? A little quick, don't you think?
Then again, who am I to say these things. Coming from a person who has absolutely no romantic history at all, my statements probably hold no ground.
However, I have experienced the heartbreaks of so many of my friends. I play somewhat of a Cupid, nuturing the relationships of others, and also when others go down, I play the wise man, dishing out advice and helping them make it through the troubled times.
I would say then, that I have extensive experiences from an outsider's point of view, and thus am good at judging relationships. In this case, do I have any credibility? It matters not to me. I only write what I feel, and that is the purpose of a blog.
In a perfect world, everything works out. Remember then people, that we do not live in a perfect world. The world is a cruel and difficult place. If you find something good, hold on to it.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Clear
Short post today. I don't think I can manage to write a long one.
This morning I went over to Jade's place to train a bit. Well, not really train because I refused to do much. I think more like me being accustomed to the whole idea of training again.
So anyway, I went over in the morning. We did a couple of breathholds each, before heading for the hot tub, which has sort of become a ritual for us over time. Body's going all like, 'I'm cold, get me some heat, quick!' and the nearest source of that happens to be the hot tub, which sometimes can disappoint with the lack of heat.
After that, we went up to her place to change up. She gave me a really delicious Indian snack to eat, and a chocolate muffin that she made. Yummy. Nothing like tasty food after training to perk me up.
When she was in the bath, I happened to see a copy some magazine on her coffee table. What caught my eye was the huge freediver slapped on the front page. It was her bestie, Matt. Cool. Inside the magazine, there is a 5 page article about freediving and him. Nice one mate. Good way to attract sponsors.
When Jade came out of the bath, she showed my another magazine, this time it was about Will Winram freediving with tiger sharks. The photography was amazing, but I didn't get to read the article due to lack of time. I shall need to visit her house soon to read that article.
As usual, we chatted and chatted. Today Jade left me with on very important lesson that didn't mean much till recently. She said, don't live life with regrets. Don't miss your opportunity now, and in the future, look back and say that you could have done something about it.
For me, at this period of time, that statement is very deep. I hope I can live without regrets.
After we split, I headed to town to walk around. I hate crowds, so 1pm on a Thursday afternoon is a good way to avoid the masses. I walked around Takashimaya, and ended up in the sporting department. Somehow a poster of CressiSub products caught my eye, and I walked over to check it out.
In the corner of the sports department, there is this little outdoor-type shop. There's a section of it with snorkelling gear from Cressi. That means masks, snorkels and snorkelling fins. I found a really nice snorkel that I liked, and got it. It's $12, pretty sleek, and transparent. Matches my Ice fins!
I also saw that they had a Minima. While I was tempted to get the mask, I knew I shouldn't waste unecessary money on things I don't need. Afterall, I already have a Sphera and an Alien.
So I'm pretty happy with today. But paintball was cancelled because of the weather, so no game. Perhaps another time. We've been having so much trouble getting the troops together.. Lucky for us, Jane, who works for Red Dynasty, understood our plight and offered to refund us our deposit. How nice of her and the park! Thanks a lot!
I'm waiting on Jie to reply to the message I sent her. No paintball, but I was hoping to meet up with her for dinner.
This morning I went over to Jade's place to train a bit. Well, not really train because I refused to do much. I think more like me being accustomed to the whole idea of training again.
So anyway, I went over in the morning. We did a couple of breathholds each, before heading for the hot tub, which has sort of become a ritual for us over time. Body's going all like, 'I'm cold, get me some heat, quick!' and the nearest source of that happens to be the hot tub, which sometimes can disappoint with the lack of heat.
After that, we went up to her place to change up. She gave me a really delicious Indian snack to eat, and a chocolate muffin that she made. Yummy. Nothing like tasty food after training to perk me up.
When she was in the bath, I happened to see a copy some magazine on her coffee table. What caught my eye was the huge freediver slapped on the front page. It was her bestie, Matt. Cool. Inside the magazine, there is a 5 page article about freediving and him. Nice one mate. Good way to attract sponsors.
When Jade came out of the bath, she showed my another magazine, this time it was about Will Winram freediving with tiger sharks. The photography was amazing, but I didn't get to read the article due to lack of time. I shall need to visit her house soon to read that article.
As usual, we chatted and chatted. Today Jade left me with on very important lesson that didn't mean much till recently. She said, don't live life with regrets. Don't miss your opportunity now, and in the future, look back and say that you could have done something about it.
For me, at this period of time, that statement is very deep. I hope I can live without regrets.
After we split, I headed to town to walk around. I hate crowds, so 1pm on a Thursday afternoon is a good way to avoid the masses. I walked around Takashimaya, and ended up in the sporting department. Somehow a poster of CressiSub products caught my eye, and I walked over to check it out.
In the corner of the sports department, there is this little outdoor-type shop. There's a section of it with snorkelling gear from Cressi. That means masks, snorkels and snorkelling fins. I found a really nice snorkel that I liked, and got it. It's $12, pretty sleek, and transparent. Matches my Ice fins!
I also saw that they had a Minima. While I was tempted to get the mask, I knew I shouldn't waste unecessary money on things I don't need. Afterall, I already have a Sphera and an Alien.
So I'm pretty happy with today. But paintball was cancelled because of the weather, so no game. Perhaps another time. We've been having so much trouble getting the troops together.. Lucky for us, Jane, who works for Red Dynasty, understood our plight and offered to refund us our deposit. How nice of her and the park! Thanks a lot!
I'm waiting on Jie to reply to the message I sent her. No paintball, but I was hoping to meet up with her for dinner.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Law abiding
I have always been questioned by people if it is illegal to carry a small knife around in daily life. And while I have never known the answer, I have always answered yes, because I know for a fact that unless you're carrying an offensive weapon without a lawful purpose, you cannot be charged.
I finally found enough reason to find out an answer. Here's what I found:
I quote the 'CORROSIVE AND EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES AND OFFENSIVEWEAPONS ACT' from Singapore Statures OnLine:
Carrying offensive weapons in public places.6. —(1) Any person who in any public road or place carries or has in his possession or under his control any offensive weapon otherwise than with lawful authority or for a lawful purpose shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes.
(2) In any prosecution for an offence under subsection (1), the onus of proving the existence of a lawful purpose shall lie upon the accused.
(3) A weapon shall be presumed to be carried with lawful authority if it is carried —
(a) by a member of the Singapore Armed Forces or of the Singapore Police Force or of any visiting force lawfully present in Singapore under the provisions of any law relating to visiting forces; or
(b) by any person as part of his official or ceremonial dress on any official or ceremonial occasion.
(4) An offence under subsection (1) shall be deemed to be a seizable and non-bailable offence.
Take note of Section 6 subsection 1, it states 'Any person who in any public road or place carries or has in his possession or under his control any offensive weapon otherwise than with lawful authority or for a lawful purpose shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes'.
And the interpretion of "offensive weapon" includes any instrument which if used as a weapon of offence is likely to cause hurt.
Which means the knife falls under this category, for obvious reasons.
So basically, if you carry a knife, you can be guilty of an offence. Unless, like I said, you provide a lawful purpose. Lawful meaning 'being in harmony with the law' or 'conforming with the law'. So if a person (like me) carries a knife around for cutting fruits and general purpose use, it's fine. That is my interpretation of this law (is this a law?).
Of course, if you go around town flashing your knife at everyone you see, the police is not going to believe you when you say 'it's for cutting fruits', needless to say why.
Also, take note of "scheduled weapon", which means any offensive weapon specified in the Second Schedule.
The Second Schedule states:
1. Any knife, sometimes known as a flick knife, which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife. Note: HANDLE.
2. Any knife, sometimes known as a gravity knife, which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device.
3. Any whip manufactured from bicycle or motor cycle chains or from any similar kind of chainwork.
4. All kinds of knuckledusters.
5. Any blade or other instrument attached to or forming part of a bicycle pump, metal-pipe or stick, and concealed therein, which is capable of being used for cutting or stabbing.
6. Any sword, machete or parang, axe, sickle, bearing scraper, spear, bayonet, iron rod, and the nancha-ku (segments of wood or metal joined by a chain, leather strap or cord).
And the Law pertaining to this:
A person in possession of any scheduled weapon shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes, and in the case of a second or subsequent offence to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years and not more than 8 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes.
I finally found enough reason to find out an answer. Here's what I found:
I quote the 'CORROSIVE AND EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES AND OFFENSIVEWEAPONS ACT' from Singapore Statures OnLine:
Carrying offensive weapons in public places.6. —(1) Any person who in any public road or place carries or has in his possession or under his control any offensive weapon otherwise than with lawful authority or for a lawful purpose shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes.
(2) In any prosecution for an offence under subsection (1), the onus of proving the existence of a lawful purpose shall lie upon the accused.
(3) A weapon shall be presumed to be carried with lawful authority if it is carried —
(a) by a member of the Singapore Armed Forces or of the Singapore Police Force or of any visiting force lawfully present in Singapore under the provisions of any law relating to visiting forces; or
(b) by any person as part of his official or ceremonial dress on any official or ceremonial occasion.
(4) An offence under subsection (1) shall be deemed to be a seizable and non-bailable offence.
Take note of Section 6 subsection 1, it states 'Any person who in any public road or place carries or has in his possession or under his control any offensive weapon otherwise than with lawful authority or for a lawful purpose shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes'.
And the interpretion of "offensive weapon" includes any instrument which if used as a weapon of offence is likely to cause hurt.
Which means the knife falls under this category, for obvious reasons.
So basically, if you carry a knife, you can be guilty of an offence. Unless, like I said, you provide a lawful purpose. Lawful meaning 'being in harmony with the law' or 'conforming with the law'. So if a person (like me) carries a knife around for cutting fruits and general purpose use, it's fine. That is my interpretation of this law (is this a law?).
Of course, if you go around town flashing your knife at everyone you see, the police is not going to believe you when you say 'it's for cutting fruits', needless to say why.
Also, take note of "scheduled weapon", which means any offensive weapon specified in the Second Schedule.
The Second Schedule states:
1. Any knife, sometimes known as a flick knife, which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife. Note: HANDLE.
2. Any knife, sometimes known as a gravity knife, which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device.
3. Any whip manufactured from bicycle or motor cycle chains or from any similar kind of chainwork.
4. All kinds of knuckledusters.
5. Any blade or other instrument attached to or forming part of a bicycle pump, metal-pipe or stick, and concealed therein, which is capable of being used for cutting or stabbing.
6. Any sword, machete or parang, axe, sickle, bearing scraper, spear, bayonet, iron rod, and the nancha-ku (segments of wood or metal joined by a chain, leather strap or cord).
And the Law pertaining to this:
A person in possession of any scheduled weapon shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes, and in the case of a second or subsequent offence to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years and not more than 8 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Forgotten
Being the jobless person I am just recently, I have a lot of time nowadays to surf the internet.
Today I was going through my Facebook updates, and saw that Eunice wrote that 'she's been forgotten'. Immediately I thought about Jade, because she has written that exact same sentence in May, before we left for our Sipadan scuba/free-diving trip.
I thought about it for a while, before coming to the (obvious) conclusion that a person is never forgotten, at least not while he's still alive. There will always be someone who will think about you, wondering if you're well, worrying about your safety.
Be it your mother, father, sister, brother, or a friend who you'd never think will be there for you, someone's always thinking about you.
Of course, I understand that people write those updates on Facebook for dramatic effect (mostly). I'm just writing my thoughts about the matter, so please don't be offended or feel the need to argue with me.
I myself wouldn't mind being forgotten from time to time. Then I'd be able to do what I really want. You know how sometimes you just want to be alone and enjoy the quiet, and you can't because you're in the middle of a bustling city, where everyone is talking or doing something? I'd like to leave that behind.
That's why I go on the weekend trips to Tioman or Dayang/Aur. Of course I go for the diving, but mostly for the peace, though it isn't always the case. I like it when things are taken slow. I don't like it how life is so rushed. What are we rushing for?
When I'm on Dayang especially, I love to just abandon everyone after dinner and go lie in the sand just above the drift line.
I would lie down and look up at the beautiful starry night sky. I would play with the fine white sand, letting it flow between my fingers. I would hear the waves crash gently on the beach, and take in the fresh scent of the sea. Time almost seems to stop for me, almost as if to say that I could have the moment for ever and ever.
I never thought I would be able to enjoy such a simple thing. In the past, I never understood when people said they enjoy the simpler things in life. Nowadays, I feel like I'm beginning to appreciate those things. And it's a lovely feeling.
Like when I freedive by myself (sorry Jade, I know I shouldn't), I feel so free. Things slow down. It becomes so peaceful, and it's so different. All of a sudden, you hear the sounds of the ocean you've never heard before. It's like the ocean begins to talk to you. The fish chirp, they groan, bark, even sing. It's amazing.
I like to forget that I'm only a visitor to the ocean, but pretty soon I will get reminded of who I am. If I don't go up for a breath, the ocean that is so beautiful will consume me for ever.
I'd like to be forgotten for a while again sometime soon. Whether by others or by myself.
Today I was going through my Facebook updates, and saw that Eunice wrote that 'she's been forgotten'. Immediately I thought about Jade, because she has written that exact same sentence in May, before we left for our Sipadan scuba/free-diving trip.
I thought about it for a while, before coming to the (obvious) conclusion that a person is never forgotten, at least not while he's still alive. There will always be someone who will think about you, wondering if you're well, worrying about your safety.
Be it your mother, father, sister, brother, or a friend who you'd never think will be there for you, someone's always thinking about you.
Of course, I understand that people write those updates on Facebook for dramatic effect (mostly). I'm just writing my thoughts about the matter, so please don't be offended or feel the need to argue with me.
I myself wouldn't mind being forgotten from time to time. Then I'd be able to do what I really want. You know how sometimes you just want to be alone and enjoy the quiet, and you can't because you're in the middle of a bustling city, where everyone is talking or doing something? I'd like to leave that behind.
That's why I go on the weekend trips to Tioman or Dayang/Aur. Of course I go for the diving, but mostly for the peace, though it isn't always the case. I like it when things are taken slow. I don't like it how life is so rushed. What are we rushing for?
When I'm on Dayang especially, I love to just abandon everyone after dinner and go lie in the sand just above the drift line.
I would lie down and look up at the beautiful starry night sky. I would play with the fine white sand, letting it flow between my fingers. I would hear the waves crash gently on the beach, and take in the fresh scent of the sea. Time almost seems to stop for me, almost as if to say that I could have the moment for ever and ever.
I never thought I would be able to enjoy such a simple thing. In the past, I never understood when people said they enjoy the simpler things in life. Nowadays, I feel like I'm beginning to appreciate those things. And it's a lovely feeling.
Like when I freedive by myself (sorry Jade, I know I shouldn't), I feel so free. Things slow down. It becomes so peaceful, and it's so different. All of a sudden, you hear the sounds of the ocean you've never heard before. It's like the ocean begins to talk to you. The fish chirp, they groan, bark, even sing. It's amazing.
I like to forget that I'm only a visitor to the ocean, but pretty soon I will get reminded of who I am. If I don't go up for a breath, the ocean that is so beautiful will consume me for ever.
I'd like to be forgotten for a while again sometime soon. Whether by others or by myself.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Waffle Time!
Today turned out to be a great day! Why? Because we had WAFFLE TIME! WHEEEE!
I had been planning Waffle Time for quite a while now, actually since before the Tioman trip. But everytime we had a date going, people would cancel at the last minute because they had something they had to attend to. While I don't blame them, I do need to get my fill of waffles.
I thought about it for a while, and finally figured that if I asked enough people, some of them would eventually come, wouldn't they? So that's what I did.
I quickly went to the Evite website when I got back from Tioman and made up an invitation. For those of you who don't know, Evite is an online application that sends out invites, and has the capability to track the RSVPs. This is a useful tool that I got to know about when Jade sent me an invitation for Andrew's surprise party.
Anyway, in a couple of minutes, I had drawn up an invitation. I gathered the emails of the people who I had previously invited during the Tioman trip and entered them into the system. Pretty soon, my invitations were on the way.
Now, when I had recieved my Evite invitation from Jade, it had ended up in my inbox. However, some of the invitations I sent ended up in the junk/bulk folders of the recipients. That kinda screwed up my plans, so to rectify it, I sent out the invite again using regular mail.
Turns out, I didn't do my job well. Apparently, most of the people I sent the mails to didn't know who I was. I mean they do know who I was, but as I had kept my name to myself during the Tioman trip where I had met all of them, nobody knew it was me (Mark) who sent the mail. So in the end, only the people who knew who sent the mail RSVP'ed, which turned out to be a miserable 3.
And out of that 3, Jens couldn't make it, as she had meetings to attend at the last minute. (Don't worry Jens, it's not your fault. These things are out of your control) So only Rachael and Adriel were expected to go to Waffle Time.
However, when I arrived at Woodlands MRT station, I was surprised to see another 2 people waiting with them, named Johnathan and Jo Lyn. The 2 of them were also coming along to Waffle Time. Even though I didn't know them, it is always nice to share Waffle Time with as many people as possible.
So the 5 of us went up to Gelare in Causeway Point. When we reached the place, we were horrified to find that it was full. I didn't expect it, but thinking back, of course it would be full. Tuesdays are when waffles are at half price, so it would make sense that people would take advantage of the deal. And also, there is a school full of ravenous students nearby with spending power (RP).
After a bit of waiting in line, we finally got a table to seat the 5 of us. Which was good as I was already drooling, thinking about the waffle that I was about to eat. Not to mention that I was very hungry due to the fact that I hadn't eaten anything throughout the whole day in anticipation of Waffle Time!
We quickly placed our orders and paid up. During the wait, I showed them the book I had brought along. It is a picture book about the island of Sipadan. I thought that as divers (turns out the other 2 are as well), they might be interested to see the beautiful pictures that are in the book.
Halfway through the book, our food came. Exchanging the book for a delicious waffle wasn't a very difficult thing to do. So I chucked the book aside, and was onto my waffle in no time. It didn't take very long for me to wolf down the waffle, considering the situation. And personally, I don't believe you have to eat slowly to fully enjoy food.
We had a great time laughing and joking while we were there, and on the way home as well. The bunch of people I was with turned out to have real ticklish funny bones, and we laughed and laughed for pretty much the entire time we were together. That is a lovely way to spend time with people. I really enjoyed myself today.
I will be planning another Waffle Time to be held in about 2 weeks, so check your inboxes! Jade, our Waffle Time is to be scheduled for another time, I'll keep you posted!
I had been planning Waffle Time for quite a while now, actually since before the Tioman trip. But everytime we had a date going, people would cancel at the last minute because they had something they had to attend to. While I don't blame them, I do need to get my fill of waffles.
I thought about it for a while, and finally figured that if I asked enough people, some of them would eventually come, wouldn't they? So that's what I did.
I quickly went to the Evite website when I got back from Tioman and made up an invitation. For those of you who don't know, Evite is an online application that sends out invites, and has the capability to track the RSVPs. This is a useful tool that I got to know about when Jade sent me an invitation for Andrew's surprise party.
Anyway, in a couple of minutes, I had drawn up an invitation. I gathered the emails of the people who I had previously invited during the Tioman trip and entered them into the system. Pretty soon, my invitations were on the way.
Now, when I had recieved my Evite invitation from Jade, it had ended up in my inbox. However, some of the invitations I sent ended up in the junk/bulk folders of the recipients. That kinda screwed up my plans, so to rectify it, I sent out the invite again using regular mail.
Turns out, I didn't do my job well. Apparently, most of the people I sent the mails to didn't know who I was. I mean they do know who I was, but as I had kept my name to myself during the Tioman trip where I had met all of them, nobody knew it was me (Mark) who sent the mail. So in the end, only the people who knew who sent the mail RSVP'ed, which turned out to be a miserable 3.
And out of that 3, Jens couldn't make it, as she had meetings to attend at the last minute. (Don't worry Jens, it's not your fault. These things are out of your control) So only Rachael and Adriel were expected to go to Waffle Time.
However, when I arrived at Woodlands MRT station, I was surprised to see another 2 people waiting with them, named Johnathan and Jo Lyn. The 2 of them were also coming along to Waffle Time. Even though I didn't know them, it is always nice to share Waffle Time with as many people as possible.
So the 5 of us went up to Gelare in Causeway Point. When we reached the place, we were horrified to find that it was full. I didn't expect it, but thinking back, of course it would be full. Tuesdays are when waffles are at half price, so it would make sense that people would take advantage of the deal. And also, there is a school full of ravenous students nearby with spending power (RP).
After a bit of waiting in line, we finally got a table to seat the 5 of us. Which was good as I was already drooling, thinking about the waffle that I was about to eat. Not to mention that I was very hungry due to the fact that I hadn't eaten anything throughout the whole day in anticipation of Waffle Time!
We quickly placed our orders and paid up. During the wait, I showed them the book I had brought along. It is a picture book about the island of Sipadan. I thought that as divers (turns out the other 2 are as well), they might be interested to see the beautiful pictures that are in the book.
Halfway through the book, our food came. Exchanging the book for a delicious waffle wasn't a very difficult thing to do. So I chucked the book aside, and was onto my waffle in no time. It didn't take very long for me to wolf down the waffle, considering the situation. And personally, I don't believe you have to eat slowly to fully enjoy food.
We had a great time laughing and joking while we were there, and on the way home as well. The bunch of people I was with turned out to have real ticklish funny bones, and we laughed and laughed for pretty much the entire time we were together. That is a lovely way to spend time with people. I really enjoyed myself today.
I will be planning another Waffle Time to be held in about 2 weeks, so check your inboxes! Jade, our Waffle Time is to be scheduled for another time, I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Birthday
Today was pretty much like any other day, except for the fact that we celebrated Andrew's birthday at Little Bali.
Jade had been planning the event for 2 months now. She wanted to give Andrew a very memorable birthday party, and so has been sneaking behind his back, planning this party for him. And she did very well to conceal the event from him too. Until the moment he saw us, he no idea that anything was planned. And he was really happy to see his friends coming out to celebrate with him.
I left the house at 1855hrs to make my way over to Little Bali, which was located at Lock Road, which is near Alexandra Road. I had earlier calculated that it would take me about an hour to get to the place from where I was, so I had left the house when I did to arrive punctually. Punctually being 2000hrs.
However, being the scatterbrain that I seemed to be these days, this walking genius cleverly crossed the road to the bus stop opposite from where his house was. So what's wrong about that? Well nothing, except for the fact that the party was the other way. It took me quite a while before I realised I was headed in the wrong direction.
When I realised what I did, I gave my head an almighty smack, which drew the attention of several passengers on the bus. They must have thought I was some kind of nut job. I quickly pressed the bell, and alighted at the very next stop. Since I had planned my journey very precisely, I knew I was bound to be late if I took the bus again.
With all options exhausted (actually I had many other options, but was lazy), the only choice left was to request help from my creator. No, not that Creator. He's for more important things and cannot be disturbed for such trivial matters. I meant my father.
I gave him a call on his cell, and thankfully, he was headed in the same direction I was going, Alexandra! It was really fortunate, because otherwise he would not agree to send me anywhere. My other Creator must have helped a bit too. Thank You!
I took a bus back home, and after a bit of a wait, my father's car appeared in the distance. I got into his car and we were soon on our way. There was a bit of a jam when we entered the expressway, but the traffic was still moving so it didn't worry me all that much. I knew we would get there, albeit later than sooner. Still, I was grateful. At least I wouldn't be late.
And late I wasn't. I arrived promptly at 2000hrs, on the dot! Coolio! I was a bit hesistant to go to the reserved table, because there would be people there that I wouldn't know. Then God pulled another string of his. The moment I got out of the car, Adeline got out of hers and waved to me. How fortunate! And so we walked in while her husband parked their car.
A teenager greeted us as we entered the place. First thing I noticed about her was that she was cool. I absolutely loved her hair, which was basically like mine (long, swept acrossed the forehead), but with so much more flair. Even though her clothes were last seasons, her hair made all the difference. And yeah, I shouldn't be commenting about fashion, considering the way I dress.
We soon got to the table where most everyone was already seated. I gave an almighty 'Hello!' to everyone at the table, before going around to introduce myself to everyone. I met lovely Susan, whom I've heard a lot about from Jade (what about cake time?!). I also met pretty Ji-Young, whom Jade also mentions frequently. I met all the other friends of Jade/Andrew as well.
And apparently, I had gained some fame as Smurfie. When I introduced myself to Susan, she went, 'Oh I know who you are! You must be Smurfie!'. More or less the same with the others. 'Ah, you're Smurfie!'. Which was kinda cool. Even though I no longer will be known as Mark, Smurfie is quite a unique nickname. Well, rather then Egghead...
Not too long after we sat down, the couple arrived. All of us present gave Andrew a big greeting, which surprised him greatly. It was really lovely seeing that look on his face. I was really happy for him, as all his friends came out to celebrate with him.
After greeting everyone, they finally sat down at the table. We order drinks and requested for the food to be served. While that was happening, everyone brought out their gifts for him. I almost gave myself another great smack, because the genius that I was forgot to bring the present I had gotten for him! What an embarassment! But I got away, because I was the kid. Hehe.
The food came in due time, and we tucked in. I must say, the food was half decent. From what I read on food blogs, the place didn't have the best of rep for good food. It was more about the ambience. But I liked the food, and helped myself to it shamelessly. The highlight of the meal was the fried mantous! Oh, mantou mantou, I love you. Those mantous can make me weak in the knees.
So we had our meal, chatted quite a bit. Everyone was laughing and talking and generally having a good time. I really enjoy being in that kind of situation, whether it involves me or not. That vibe that people give off, it makes me smile.
After the meal we basically mingled. For a moment everything on my side of the table halted, because a cockroach had come flying at us and the girls were freaking out. Using my super fast thinking and kick ass ninja skills, I trapped the cockroach under a plate. Ha! Take that you flying abomination! I must admit I felt kinda cool when I did that. It's not often you get to show off your cockroach trapping skills.
And soon after that, we had cake! It was the birthday cake for Andrew. It was a chocolate cake with a biscuit bottom and a jellied top. The jelly on top was so that a design could be put on the cake. The design was... a monkey! How cute is that!
After everyone had their fun commenting about the monkey, the candles were lighted and we sang Andrew a birthday song. Then, it was cake cutting time. With all the cake slicing skills of an ogre, Andrew cut pieces of cake out for everyone. It was kinda fun, because people got to choose what part of the monkey they wanted. Susan got the eye, and Gerry got the frontal lobe (brain). I got the sinus cavity. Charming.
After cake, we mingled somemore. Pretty soon though, and one by one, people started leaving as it was getting late. First it was Ad and Stephen (her husband), then it was Karen (I think that was her name) and Gerry. Then Susan and her hubbie, then the Indian couple whose names I completely forgot!
It soon came down to Jade, Andrew, me, Ji-Young and her husband, Boris. We requested for the bill, and after settling some finaces, we got up to leave. We saw that cool (and cute too) girl as we came out, and she got cabs for us. Ji-Young's cab came first, and after a long wait and another cab later, ours came too. We cabbed to Jade's place first, then I cabbed home.
Right now I'm rushing to finish this entry cause my stomach is killing me. I hate tummy aches! Alright folks, I'm going to go. I've gotta nuke the head! Au revoir!
Jade had been planning the event for 2 months now. She wanted to give Andrew a very memorable birthday party, and so has been sneaking behind his back, planning this party for him. And she did very well to conceal the event from him too. Until the moment he saw us, he no idea that anything was planned. And he was really happy to see his friends coming out to celebrate with him.
I left the house at 1855hrs to make my way over to Little Bali, which was located at Lock Road, which is near Alexandra Road. I had earlier calculated that it would take me about an hour to get to the place from where I was, so I had left the house when I did to arrive punctually. Punctually being 2000hrs.
However, being the scatterbrain that I seemed to be these days, this walking genius cleverly crossed the road to the bus stop opposite from where his house was. So what's wrong about that? Well nothing, except for the fact that the party was the other way. It took me quite a while before I realised I was headed in the wrong direction.
When I realised what I did, I gave my head an almighty smack, which drew the attention of several passengers on the bus. They must have thought I was some kind of nut job. I quickly pressed the bell, and alighted at the very next stop. Since I had planned my journey very precisely, I knew I was bound to be late if I took the bus again.
With all options exhausted (actually I had many other options, but was lazy), the only choice left was to request help from my creator. No, not that Creator. He's for more important things and cannot be disturbed for such trivial matters. I meant my father.
I gave him a call on his cell, and thankfully, he was headed in the same direction I was going, Alexandra! It was really fortunate, because otherwise he would not agree to send me anywhere. My other Creator must have helped a bit too. Thank You!
I took a bus back home, and after a bit of a wait, my father's car appeared in the distance. I got into his car and we were soon on our way. There was a bit of a jam when we entered the expressway, but the traffic was still moving so it didn't worry me all that much. I knew we would get there, albeit later than sooner. Still, I was grateful. At least I wouldn't be late.
And late I wasn't. I arrived promptly at 2000hrs, on the dot! Coolio! I was a bit hesistant to go to the reserved table, because there would be people there that I wouldn't know. Then God pulled another string of his. The moment I got out of the car, Adeline got out of hers and waved to me. How fortunate! And so we walked in while her husband parked their car.
A teenager greeted us as we entered the place. First thing I noticed about her was that she was cool. I absolutely loved her hair, which was basically like mine (long, swept acrossed the forehead), but with so much more flair. Even though her clothes were last seasons, her hair made all the difference. And yeah, I shouldn't be commenting about fashion, considering the way I dress.
We soon got to the table where most everyone was already seated. I gave an almighty 'Hello!' to everyone at the table, before going around to introduce myself to everyone. I met lovely Susan, whom I've heard a lot about from Jade (what about cake time?!). I also met pretty Ji-Young, whom Jade also mentions frequently. I met all the other friends of Jade/Andrew as well.
And apparently, I had gained some fame as Smurfie. When I introduced myself to Susan, she went, 'Oh I know who you are! You must be Smurfie!'. More or less the same with the others. 'Ah, you're Smurfie!'. Which was kinda cool. Even though I no longer will be known as Mark, Smurfie is quite a unique nickname. Well, rather then Egghead...
Not too long after we sat down, the couple arrived. All of us present gave Andrew a big greeting, which surprised him greatly. It was really lovely seeing that look on his face. I was really happy for him, as all his friends came out to celebrate with him.
After greeting everyone, they finally sat down at the table. We order drinks and requested for the food to be served. While that was happening, everyone brought out their gifts for him. I almost gave myself another great smack, because the genius that I was forgot to bring the present I had gotten for him! What an embarassment! But I got away, because I was the kid. Hehe.
The food came in due time, and we tucked in. I must say, the food was half decent. From what I read on food blogs, the place didn't have the best of rep for good food. It was more about the ambience. But I liked the food, and helped myself to it shamelessly. The highlight of the meal was the fried mantous! Oh, mantou mantou, I love you. Those mantous can make me weak in the knees.
So we had our meal, chatted quite a bit. Everyone was laughing and talking and generally having a good time. I really enjoy being in that kind of situation, whether it involves me or not. That vibe that people give off, it makes me smile.
After the meal we basically mingled. For a moment everything on my side of the table halted, because a cockroach had come flying at us and the girls were freaking out. Using my super fast thinking and kick ass ninja skills, I trapped the cockroach under a plate. Ha! Take that you flying abomination! I must admit I felt kinda cool when I did that. It's not often you get to show off your cockroach trapping skills.
And soon after that, we had cake! It was the birthday cake for Andrew. It was a chocolate cake with a biscuit bottom and a jellied top. The jelly on top was so that a design could be put on the cake. The design was... a monkey! How cute is that!
After everyone had their fun commenting about the monkey, the candles were lighted and we sang Andrew a birthday song. Then, it was cake cutting time. With all the cake slicing skills of an ogre, Andrew cut pieces of cake out for everyone. It was kinda fun, because people got to choose what part of the monkey they wanted. Susan got the eye, and Gerry got the frontal lobe (brain). I got the sinus cavity. Charming.
After cake, we mingled somemore. Pretty soon though, and one by one, people started leaving as it was getting late. First it was Ad and Stephen (her husband), then it was Karen (I think that was her name) and Gerry. Then Susan and her hubbie, then the Indian couple whose names I completely forgot!
It soon came down to Jade, Andrew, me, Ji-Young and her husband, Boris. We requested for the bill, and after settling some finaces, we got up to leave. We saw that cool (and cute too) girl as we came out, and she got cabs for us. Ji-Young's cab came first, and after a long wait and another cab later, ours came too. We cabbed to Jade's place first, then I cabbed home.
Right now I'm rushing to finish this entry cause my stomach is killing me. I hate tummy aches! Alright folks, I'm going to go. I've gotta nuke the head! Au revoir!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Tioman
White sandy beaches, clear blue skies and warm, inviting clear waters. Big fish, small crustaceans and beautiful corals. These are the things that lure me to diving, like a moth that is enticed by a glowing light.
Tioman is all of that, except maybe the part about warm and clear waters. The waters are fairly murky, and the temperature isn't exactly toasty. Not to my skinny ass anyway. Brrr.
It wasn't too long after I returned from Sipadan that Uncle Lloyd told me about the trip. But even though I had just returned from Sipadan, I knew I had to go away for another dive trip or I might go mad. So I did.
I was in need of a diving holiday when Uncle Lloyd told me that he was going to Dayang. Although further away from Tioman, I actually like Dayang island much better than Tioman, unless of course the people I'm going with are great. In the end though he decided to go to Tioman.
This trip, we had 17 OWDs (term for Open Water Divers eg, new divers) and 6 AOWDs. On top of that, there were quite a few leisure divers, and not forgetting the crew. In total there were over 40 divers! This was a first for Hardy Tadpole, Uncle Lloyd's dive company.
Most of the divers were from Republic Poly (RP). Majority of them were students, but there were teachers too, 2 to look after the students, the others to enjoy a short holiday.
All the divers met at 7pm on Friday night at RP, to gather gear and get on the bus, on time. I had gone to the school earlier to have dinner with Jenny, but she was later than me, who was also late, so we didn't manage to grab a bite. However I did manage to get Reen to grab some (junk) food for me on her way over.
Closer to go-time, the divers started trickling through the gates of the school. Jenny, who was from the school, was stressed to bits about everything. She was busy getting everything to go smoothly, and it didn't help that most of the students need to be told what to do, otherwise they would not move at all and just sit around.
As luck would have it, we managed to fit (stuff) every one of the RP contingent into the bus transport that was to take them to Mersing, and in time too. I was fortunate enough to have had a comfortable seat assigned to me in a car which was driven by someone who loved to go fast.
Mr Fu (our driver and DM) took off the moment everyone was in the bus. We hit a traffic jam shortly after we left the gates of the school, but it was smooth driving after that. We had so much time to spare, because Mr Fu drove like a madman, that we even had time to have stop for dinner and still reach Mersing ahead of everyone.
The bus took some time to get to the port. We were getting a bit agitated waiting for it to arrive with all the students, as it was early in the morning (o100hrs) when we arrived in Mersing, and most of of wanted to get to the island quick to catch a quick nap before heading off for our morning dives.
Finally after a fair amount of waiting, the bus showed up with all the students. All of them were thickly wrapped in thermal layers, complaining about how cold the bus was as they got off. After getting their gears, we brought everyone to queue for the boat.
It was low tide by the time everyone was ready to leave, and our ferry was parked offshore to escape being beached by the receding tide. We thus boarded a tiny transfer boat to get to our ferry. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, Uncle Lloyd forgot to bring his dive bag with him, and it was left in the port. It did however make it to him the next day.
The boat trip was fairly uneventful. I made some new friends during the 2 hour ride to the island. Ken (buddy, as I would call him later), Ivan, Addie, Sabrina, Carome, Eunice etc. They are nice. I mean, they talked to me the whole ride to Tioman! Everyone knows I talk, a lot.
Soon enough, we reached the island. The boatman did some skillful manuevering to get the boat alongside the jetty. Once secured, everyone got off the boat. We headed straight to our designated bunks in the resort and before long, most were snoring. I was one of those who couldn't sleep, but I did eventually.
The next morning at 7, we dragged our tired asses to the dining area to have a bite before heading out. Something screwed up, so we only left the place at half past 10. Some people were getting a bit agitated with the wait, but all were elated when we got up to leave.
The first dive of the day was my favourite. I saw loads of stuff, many of which I was the only who saw. All the divers on that same dive did not like the dive, rating it last among the 3 dives we would do that day. Strange.
Nothing much about the dives I want to write about. I don't advocate people touching anything underwater, so I was a bit pissed when the divers went around flipping everything. That being said, even though I don't touch anything whilst under, I did mutilate 4 Crown of Thorns very badly with my knife. I just had to. I'm sorry, really I am, but I personally think I am doing the reef a favour.
I didn't dive on the second day. I wanted to do a bit of shallow freediving/snorkelling (which I happen to really really enjoy) so I packed my scuba gear early. Turned out that I couldn't do any freediving during that day.
It was utter chaos. Uncle Lloyd dropped us in a current, and when the scubies went down, some couldn't. The boat had already gone off a distance, and the water was murky, so in seconds, me and the scubies with problems lost sight of the other divers.
Time was ticking. We were being swept out to sea and lost forever! Well maybe not, but it was not a pleasent situation. There was a pontoon a swimmable distance away, but against current. It was our only chance of survival. Turns out one of them cannot fin hard enough, so I had to drag his heavy ass (plus the 16 pounds of weight he was wearing) against current to the pontoon. As if it couldn't be any harder.
I got them safely to the pontoon in due time. Pretty soon Uncle Lloyd spotted us and came to pick them up. Whilst this was happening, the fat guy (Farhan) dropped his 16 pound weightbelt into the consuming blue. And I was tasked by Uncle Lloyd to try to find it, which I attempted to do later on.
All of a sudden, all the other scubies started popping out of the sea, like daisies! Except daisies don't grow in the sea. Many were girls, and some started panicking, no thanks to the China dude who was screaming his balls off. I went to help them, but Uncle Lloyd told them to float down current and the boat will go pick them up later.
I looked like fool scrambling over to help. Oh well, I was concerned wasn't I? I had good intentions at heart. Haha. But by then my heart rate was way up, and I couldn't go down too long on a breath. I may have given freedivers a bad name by not staying under long enough. Scubies don't understand or care; all they want is proof you can stay down for at least a minute. Well, not with my heart rate like this, no!
After resting on the boat for sometime, mingling, it was soon time to get in for the second dive. I couldn't freedive as I had been tasked to find the weightbelt. Though I was wondering, how the hell was I going to drag 16 pounds of weight, stay afloat, and go back the 200m to the boat? Luckily, I didn't find the belt.
During that swim for the quest of the belt, I encountered 2 huge-ass cudas! They were easily 1.5m long, and staring at me, like I was lunch! Naturally I got a bit unnerved, but I swam past them and nothing happened. It was an interesting swim, that one. Me looking back constantly, half expecting 2 cudas to come charging out of the gloom straight for me.
Eventually I got back to the boat, and manage to scare the girls playing in the water shitless. I used my breath holding skills (which are limited) and covertly swam a distance underwater and came bursting out in front of them! I almost died laughing. And that was pretty much it for the second day.
Oh, the RP students are horrendous. They seem to have a unique skill in losing/breaking things. It was all incredulous to me. Though I too broke my snorkel holder when I dived head first into the blue from a height. Oh well, at least I could freedive to collect the snorkel which had become unattached.
Another interesting event happened on the first night on the island. A fishing trawler caught fire and burned at an incredible rate. I think no was was hurt, but I heard that the owner was inconsolable. Afterall, it's their only source of income.
We headed back to Mersing at noon on the second day. We managed to get back without anyone doing a merlion (Singapore slang for puking) even though the sea wasn't a mirror. It was actually rather rough. Waves were high and the boat rocked violently.
Amongst all that turmoil though, Siva, Jenny, MC, Adriel, Racheal and Diana managed to sleep on the floor of the upper deck. The most incredible feat though was performed by Eunice. She managed to sleep on one of 2 benches on the upper deck, and she didn't fall off when the boat went side to side! It was like seeing a parrot roosting in the trees during a storm.
I sat Mr Fu's car back, and again on the way we stopped for dinner. We were the only ones fast enough to have time for a stop, both going to Mersing and coming back. We had an incredible seafood dinner courteous of Mr Fu. However, we misjudged our timing, and got stuck in the traffic jam while heading home. We were stuck 2 hours in the jam, most of which I slept through.
Eventually I got home, at 11pm in the night. Everyone else was already home, bathed and sleeping, but my father didn't pick me up on time, so I came back late.
It's now 0220hrs in the morning, so I'm going to sleep yeah? Be seeing ya!
Tioman is all of that, except maybe the part about warm and clear waters. The waters are fairly murky, and the temperature isn't exactly toasty. Not to my skinny ass anyway. Brrr.
It wasn't too long after I returned from Sipadan that Uncle Lloyd told me about the trip. But even though I had just returned from Sipadan, I knew I had to go away for another dive trip or I might go mad. So I did.
I was in need of a diving holiday when Uncle Lloyd told me that he was going to Dayang. Although further away from Tioman, I actually like Dayang island much better than Tioman, unless of course the people I'm going with are great. In the end though he decided to go to Tioman.
This trip, we had 17 OWDs (term for Open Water Divers eg, new divers) and 6 AOWDs. On top of that, there were quite a few leisure divers, and not forgetting the crew. In total there were over 40 divers! This was a first for Hardy Tadpole, Uncle Lloyd's dive company.
Most of the divers were from Republic Poly (RP). Majority of them were students, but there were teachers too, 2 to look after the students, the others to enjoy a short holiday.
All the divers met at 7pm on Friday night at RP, to gather gear and get on the bus, on time. I had gone to the school earlier to have dinner with Jenny, but she was later than me, who was also late, so we didn't manage to grab a bite. However I did manage to get Reen to grab some (junk) food for me on her way over.
Closer to go-time, the divers started trickling through the gates of the school. Jenny, who was from the school, was stressed to bits about everything. She was busy getting everything to go smoothly, and it didn't help that most of the students need to be told what to do, otherwise they would not move at all and just sit around.
As luck would have it, we managed to fit (stuff) every one of the RP contingent into the bus transport that was to take them to Mersing, and in time too. I was fortunate enough to have had a comfortable seat assigned to me in a car which was driven by someone who loved to go fast.
Mr Fu (our driver and DM) took off the moment everyone was in the bus. We hit a traffic jam shortly after we left the gates of the school, but it was smooth driving after that. We had so much time to spare, because Mr Fu drove like a madman, that we even had time to have stop for dinner and still reach Mersing ahead of everyone.
The bus took some time to get to the port. We were getting a bit agitated waiting for it to arrive with all the students, as it was early in the morning (o100hrs) when we arrived in Mersing, and most of of wanted to get to the island quick to catch a quick nap before heading off for our morning dives.
Finally after a fair amount of waiting, the bus showed up with all the students. All of them were thickly wrapped in thermal layers, complaining about how cold the bus was as they got off. After getting their gears, we brought everyone to queue for the boat.
It was low tide by the time everyone was ready to leave, and our ferry was parked offshore to escape being beached by the receding tide. We thus boarded a tiny transfer boat to get to our ferry. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, Uncle Lloyd forgot to bring his dive bag with him, and it was left in the port. It did however make it to him the next day.
The boat trip was fairly uneventful. I made some new friends during the 2 hour ride to the island. Ken (buddy, as I would call him later), Ivan, Addie, Sabrina, Carome, Eunice etc. They are nice. I mean, they talked to me the whole ride to Tioman! Everyone knows I talk, a lot.
Soon enough, we reached the island. The boatman did some skillful manuevering to get the boat alongside the jetty. Once secured, everyone got off the boat. We headed straight to our designated bunks in the resort and before long, most were snoring. I was one of those who couldn't sleep, but I did eventually.
The next morning at 7, we dragged our tired asses to the dining area to have a bite before heading out. Something screwed up, so we only left the place at half past 10. Some people were getting a bit agitated with the wait, but all were elated when we got up to leave.
The first dive of the day was my favourite. I saw loads of stuff, many of which I was the only who saw. All the divers on that same dive did not like the dive, rating it last among the 3 dives we would do that day. Strange.
Nothing much about the dives I want to write about. I don't advocate people touching anything underwater, so I was a bit pissed when the divers went around flipping everything. That being said, even though I don't touch anything whilst under, I did mutilate 4 Crown of Thorns very badly with my knife. I just had to. I'm sorry, really I am, but I personally think I am doing the reef a favour.
I didn't dive on the second day. I wanted to do a bit of shallow freediving/snorkelling (which I happen to really really enjoy) so I packed my scuba gear early. Turned out that I couldn't do any freediving during that day.
It was utter chaos. Uncle Lloyd dropped us in a current, and when the scubies went down, some couldn't. The boat had already gone off a distance, and the water was murky, so in seconds, me and the scubies with problems lost sight of the other divers.
Time was ticking. We were being swept out to sea and lost forever! Well maybe not, but it was not a pleasent situation. There was a pontoon a swimmable distance away, but against current. It was our only chance of survival. Turns out one of them cannot fin hard enough, so I had to drag his heavy ass (plus the 16 pounds of weight he was wearing) against current to the pontoon. As if it couldn't be any harder.
I got them safely to the pontoon in due time. Pretty soon Uncle Lloyd spotted us and came to pick them up. Whilst this was happening, the fat guy (Farhan) dropped his 16 pound weightbelt into the consuming blue. And I was tasked by Uncle Lloyd to try to find it, which I attempted to do later on.
All of a sudden, all the other scubies started popping out of the sea, like daisies! Except daisies don't grow in the sea. Many were girls, and some started panicking, no thanks to the China dude who was screaming his balls off. I went to help them, but Uncle Lloyd told them to float down current and the boat will go pick them up later.
I looked like fool scrambling over to help. Oh well, I was concerned wasn't I? I had good intentions at heart. Haha. But by then my heart rate was way up, and I couldn't go down too long on a breath. I may have given freedivers a bad name by not staying under long enough. Scubies don't understand or care; all they want is proof you can stay down for at least a minute. Well, not with my heart rate like this, no!
After resting on the boat for sometime, mingling, it was soon time to get in for the second dive. I couldn't freedive as I had been tasked to find the weightbelt. Though I was wondering, how the hell was I going to drag 16 pounds of weight, stay afloat, and go back the 200m to the boat? Luckily, I didn't find the belt.
During that swim for the quest of the belt, I encountered 2 huge-ass cudas! They were easily 1.5m long, and staring at me, like I was lunch! Naturally I got a bit unnerved, but I swam past them and nothing happened. It was an interesting swim, that one. Me looking back constantly, half expecting 2 cudas to come charging out of the gloom straight for me.
Eventually I got back to the boat, and manage to scare the girls playing in the water shitless. I used my breath holding skills (which are limited) and covertly swam a distance underwater and came bursting out in front of them! I almost died laughing. And that was pretty much it for the second day.
Oh, the RP students are horrendous. They seem to have a unique skill in losing/breaking things. It was all incredulous to me. Though I too broke my snorkel holder when I dived head first into the blue from a height. Oh well, at least I could freedive to collect the snorkel which had become unattached.
Another interesting event happened on the first night on the island. A fishing trawler caught fire and burned at an incredible rate. I think no was was hurt, but I heard that the owner was inconsolable. Afterall, it's their only source of income.
We headed back to Mersing at noon on the second day. We managed to get back without anyone doing a merlion (Singapore slang for puking) even though the sea wasn't a mirror. It was actually rather rough. Waves were high and the boat rocked violently.
Amongst all that turmoil though, Siva, Jenny, MC, Adriel, Racheal and Diana managed to sleep on the floor of the upper deck. The most incredible feat though was performed by Eunice. She managed to sleep on one of 2 benches on the upper deck, and she didn't fall off when the boat went side to side! It was like seeing a parrot roosting in the trees during a storm.
I sat Mr Fu's car back, and again on the way we stopped for dinner. We were the only ones fast enough to have time for a stop, both going to Mersing and coming back. We had an incredible seafood dinner courteous of Mr Fu. However, we misjudged our timing, and got stuck in the traffic jam while heading home. We were stuck 2 hours in the jam, most of which I slept through.
Eventually I got home, at 11pm in the night. Everyone else was already home, bathed and sleeping, but my father didn't pick me up on time, so I came back late.
It's now 0220hrs in the morning, so I'm going to sleep yeah? Be seeing ya!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Bad luck
So I was thinking today about the last time I was in the water, which was on Monday night, on my birthday if you wanted to know. I had a really bad session.
I wanted to try the kick kick glide technique that I often see on the forums. So I brought along the weight belt I borrowed from Jade and borrowed a weight from Jeroen so that I could ballast myself right. The problems started there.
I could not get the belt around my hips and make it stay there. It would simply ride up. I spent quite a while trying to figure out what was wrong, before submitting to the fact that I may have a bigger butt then most people my size. Bummer. And where the hell do you stuff the flailing ends of the belt?!
I did not bring my mask to that session, and instead brought my swim goggles and Paradisia. Bad choice. It was night, and I couldn't see shit through those tinted goggles of mine. Luckily the pool was lit, so it affected my only above water.
I started trying to swim with the technique that I thought was going to be easily achieved. Wrong again. It could not have been more disappointing. I kicked and kicked and glided nowhere. No extra distanced achieved. None. Nil. Zlich.
I had a theory formulated in my head by the end of the session as to why I could not get anywhere. It's been at the back of my head for a while now.
The reason I could not glide effeciently was because I had no mass whatsoever to glide with! I'm a skinny person, according to what others say. Physics 101. No mass = no momentum = no glide.
It is common sense. I had thought of it before, I just didn't expect it to be so significant. Bugger. What it means now is that everytime I want to do this technique, I'd have to wear a suit, then ballast it to make it neutral. This would give me more mass to glide with.
The bad part of this is that I don't like to carry my suit everywhere. It's a delicate piece of equipment. Well not really, mine is tough as hell, but I don't like to see it get creased and all. It breaks my heart. I think I'm becoming too attached to my wetsuit. Does that make me... gay?
On the brighter side of things, I'm really loving my monofin. It's treating me well.
Last words before I go off. I'm in a bit of a trilemma. I want to go to the Wellington Winter Champs, but I also want to do my instructor course, and I also want to buy a Geo. I have money for none, and don't know how I'm going to raise any.
I wanted to try the kick kick glide technique that I often see on the forums. So I brought along the weight belt I borrowed from Jade and borrowed a weight from Jeroen so that I could ballast myself right. The problems started there.
I could not get the belt around my hips and make it stay there. It would simply ride up. I spent quite a while trying to figure out what was wrong, before submitting to the fact that I may have a bigger butt then most people my size. Bummer. And where the hell do you stuff the flailing ends of the belt?!
I did not bring my mask to that session, and instead brought my swim goggles and Paradisia. Bad choice. It was night, and I couldn't see shit through those tinted goggles of mine. Luckily the pool was lit, so it affected my only above water.
I started trying to swim with the technique that I thought was going to be easily achieved. Wrong again. It could not have been more disappointing. I kicked and kicked and glided nowhere. No extra distanced achieved. None. Nil. Zlich.
I had a theory formulated in my head by the end of the session as to why I could not get anywhere. It's been at the back of my head for a while now.
The reason I could not glide effeciently was because I had no mass whatsoever to glide with! I'm a skinny person, according to what others say. Physics 101. No mass = no momentum = no glide.
It is common sense. I had thought of it before, I just didn't expect it to be so significant. Bugger. What it means now is that everytime I want to do this technique, I'd have to wear a suit, then ballast it to make it neutral. This would give me more mass to glide with.
The bad part of this is that I don't like to carry my suit everywhere. It's a delicate piece of equipment. Well not really, mine is tough as hell, but I don't like to see it get creased and all. It breaks my heart. I think I'm becoming too attached to my wetsuit. Does that make me... gay?
On the brighter side of things, I'm really loving my monofin. It's treating me well.
Last words before I go off. I'm in a bit of a trilemma. I want to go to the Wellington Winter Champs, but I also want to do my instructor course, and I also want to buy a Geo. I have money for none, and don't know how I'm going to raise any.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Charity
Hello all! It's been awhile, hasn't it? Procrastination is such a crime!
Well lately I've been getting more mails from people asking me to teach them freediving. And I'm under moral obligation to say yes, because if I don't, they might try learning by themselves and die trying! I mean, that's the worst case scenario, but you never know!
More importantly though, them not dying in the pool is a good thing. Should any one of them die while breath holding in a pool, and the press gets wind of it, us (the TRAINED freedivers) here in Singapore will get screwed over. The government will probably ban all breath holding in pool, like what they're doing in the US of A. We cannot afford to let them happen.
Right now I'm not charging anyone to learn from us, but I cannot teach for free. While I'm not teaching as a professional, time is important. I don't think Jade would teach for free either. Even if we don't charge for lessons, we should at least collect a small token for a club fund. This money could be used to build a counter ballast rig, amongst other things.
I'm actually teaching in place of Jade. Jade had her parents over from Switzerland last week, and so wasn't free. This week she's gone to Jakarta, and thus isn't available either. Jade's the head coach; all I'm doing is representing her.
Anyway, over the past 7 days I've taught 3 new divers how to freedive safely. I've taught them rescue procedures, buddy safety, some techniques and given some training advice. My 3 grasshoppers are Jeroen Elout from Holland, his girlfriend Patsy who's a local, and Wee Kiong (or just Kiong) who's also a local. So far they've been fine as students. I'm glad.
As a result of all that teaching, I've been bugged to get my company started. For all those who do not know, it's been a dream of mine to start a diving company for a while now. I had begun to when ADEX was here, but it kind of came to a grinding halt shortly after, due to a variety of reasons.
Now I've got the fire started up inside of me again. I've contacted Freedive Dahab to enquire about taking an instructor course. The reply I got back was that they'll need to evaluate me to see if I'm ready for it, seeing that I've never taken a freediving course before.
I've never had the need, as I told them, because I've had Jade teach me everything I know. However now it's necessary, so I'll be seeing some money go bye bye. It's going to be worth though.
Ben Noble has done an instructor course with them and passed, I found out just now. Maybe when he passes this way I could get him to teach me the Aida ** and ***, then I won't have to learn it while I'm in Dahab. Makes me look more professional, eh?
All this is tentative, I've not made my mind up about anything at all, other than the fact that I want to start a company and teach diving.
Boy, it's been quite a rant! I hope I haven't bored you to death just yet and scared you away from this blog. Hope to see a repeat visitor!
Well lately I've been getting more mails from people asking me to teach them freediving. And I'm under moral obligation to say yes, because if I don't, they might try learning by themselves and die trying! I mean, that's the worst case scenario, but you never know!
More importantly though, them not dying in the pool is a good thing. Should any one of them die while breath holding in a pool, and the press gets wind of it, us (the TRAINED freedivers) here in Singapore will get screwed over. The government will probably ban all breath holding in pool, like what they're doing in the US of A. We cannot afford to let them happen.
Right now I'm not charging anyone to learn from us, but I cannot teach for free. While I'm not teaching as a professional, time is important. I don't think Jade would teach for free either. Even if we don't charge for lessons, we should at least collect a small token for a club fund. This money could be used to build a counter ballast rig, amongst other things.
I'm actually teaching in place of Jade. Jade had her parents over from Switzerland last week, and so wasn't free. This week she's gone to Jakarta, and thus isn't available either. Jade's the head coach; all I'm doing is representing her.
Anyway, over the past 7 days I've taught 3 new divers how to freedive safely. I've taught them rescue procedures, buddy safety, some techniques and given some training advice. My 3 grasshoppers are Jeroen Elout from Holland, his girlfriend Patsy who's a local, and Wee Kiong (or just Kiong) who's also a local. So far they've been fine as students. I'm glad.
As a result of all that teaching, I've been bugged to get my company started. For all those who do not know, it's been a dream of mine to start a diving company for a while now. I had begun to when ADEX was here, but it kind of came to a grinding halt shortly after, due to a variety of reasons.
Now I've got the fire started up inside of me again. I've contacted Freedive Dahab to enquire about taking an instructor course. The reply I got back was that they'll need to evaluate me to see if I'm ready for it, seeing that I've never taken a freediving course before.
I've never had the need, as I told them, because I've had Jade teach me everything I know. However now it's necessary, so I'll be seeing some money go bye bye. It's going to be worth though.
Ben Noble has done an instructor course with them and passed, I found out just now. Maybe when he passes this way I could get him to teach me the Aida ** and ***, then I won't have to learn it while I'm in Dahab. Makes me look more professional, eh?
All this is tentative, I've not made my mind up about anything at all, other than the fact that I want to start a company and teach diving.
Boy, it's been quite a rant! I hope I haven't bored you to death just yet and scared you away from this blog. Hope to see a repeat visitor!
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