Days leading Up

FYP over 3 term papers 3 exams

2007-11-09T00:54:00.000-08:00

Ok next lap, 3 term papers and 3 more exam papers to go. Quite a bit of work for a few weeks. Probably need to cut down my commitment on WOW and increase my work output at the same time. Hopefully the flu bug will go away so i can go on max speed from now on.

Anyway, had the chance to head down to dampsey road to had dinner at Prime Ribs (google it), it serves decent steaks and ribs. I had a full rack of pork ribs (Honey mustard) served with a generous share of fries, bbq Veg and corn. All in all cost 40 dollars for a pretty nice ambience.

Havent got a chance to upload the pic. Will do it once I manage to lay my hands on a cable.

FYP round up.

2007-11-05T10:53:00.001-08:00

Ok, finally manged to sort out the contract with Accenture. Its pretty much set I would begin work there the beginning of next year.

At this point of time, I am still a little torn whether heading to a consulting position versus an entrepreneurial role in Garag3 would be beneficial. Hope I didn't make a wrong choice now. Eventually, hope all roads lead to Rome and this path would lead me back to my entrepreneurial dream.

Meanwhile, FYP prez is up. Hope the profs wouldn't get too edgy and start asking quantum questions. Sigh, the work never seem to finish, yet I can't wait for this to be over. I probably hate the amount of work that I need to finish within this one-two weeks. kinda killed off the joy of learning in Singapore. That's y some parents send their kids abroad cuz they prolly feel the education equates more to torture than learning! (though most Sings subscribe to the torture chain of thought)

At the same time, Iris's B-day is here. Really glad to be able to spend it with her this year. I missed the last two years since we were away overseas at different corners of the earth. Wish her a great year ahead.

Here's one reason why I smile a lot:

Stuck with 3 term papers, 1 FYP presentation

2007-10-30T03:03:00.000-07:00

Stuck to finish this up before I can begin my examination prep work, which I have fallen very very far behind. It has gotten me a little worried, but not stressed yet.

Seems like I am feeling more of irritation rather than anything else.

Fortunately a job secured, I guess there's less pressure there. Still it wouldn't make mathematical sense to give up a hard fought 2nd upper at the last lap.

Guess i need an ice cold beer to keep me going and thinking straight.

Job Selection: Accenture or EDB

2007-10-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

I was really fortunate to be offered a position at both Accenture and EDB. Both are positions are career opportunities that would promises a lot in the future. I had the spend the past two weeks contemplating and thinking of which would be a better choice.

Clearly, there isn't a superior choice. Rather I had to go wif my gut feel and hope I am not wrong. its in some way a leap of faith. Accenture here I come.

What probably warmed my heart today is that I guess made some friends in EDB in the mean time. Though I had to turn down their kind offer, something great did turn up, which is great friends.

Well, definitely hope to catch them around sometime.

Back to FYP> zzzzzzzz

Blogging from Funan

2007-10-25T00:28:00.000-07:00

After a meetup with a business associate, I causally walked into Coffee Club in Funan Center. It appears that this place is not very well frequent and presents as a rather appealing place to recharge and do work. It incubates kinda inside Times book store on level 1. For people who are seeking a place to get internet access and don't mind paying between 5 to 10 bucks to get a seat, its quite a great place to lay back and enjoy a cup of coffee. The staff are warm and the service is great. Definitely don't mind coming back for another Apple crumble or another mud Pie.

Though Wireless@Sg kinda suck in terms of connection stability and speed, the minimum for me is to get e-mails out. Thankfully it succumbed to my persistent clicking. This week is crazy, term papers and lotsa commitments flying around. I am yearning for a time when I can throw these things down for a couple of days and relax.

On a separate note, Facebook Dev Garag3 was just over yesterday and the turnout was very good. We had probably like 30 people standing around (over capacity) and great response from the people. Web Developers might wanna check it out at www.e27.sg.

Facebook has just gotten a valuation of 15b from Microsoft and 240m injection from them. My guess is that they are going to worth a lot more than Youtube (which was bought out for 1.5b). The platform and value that could come from cross advertising and understanding the entire market is gonna be very valuable. So much so that, there's tons of apps online that's probably too suffocating. I really don't wanna check out my friend's profile that's like cluttered with tons of apps that don't make sense to me. Perhaps someone should write an app or script that can clear these things up.

K Heading back to school for lessons...

Oops! - New Job New Progress

2007-10-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

A big sorry to my friends who come back to this blog to read. I realized I have a major problem trying to keep up recording events in my life. Perhaps I should try and make it a habit.

Things are looking really busy for the next month. Scores of term papers and catching up of coursework before I can officially leave my academic career.

Since looking out for jobs, I was fortunate to be given a couple of offers. Both could give a challenging and fulfilling career. I wish I could take up both, but like everything else in life, we often have to make a choice.

I know this one would ultimately impact my future, where I will be, how successful or sucky I will be in my career, my financial stability, etc. It would in many ways shape and depict how I will live my life over the next few decades.

Deciding wasn't easy and the warmth of my potential future colleagues did make it a lot harder to take sides. After much deliberation and consultation from friends and loved ones, I chose to give a shot at Accenture in the their System and Integration, Technology Consulting Arm. Getting the first job is like falling in love for the first time. It essentially feels the same, perhaps the leading on by would be too.

Dialogue with CEOs of IDA, EDB, Perm Sec from Info Comm, Education, etc

2006-05-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

Today attended a dialogue session with the various CEOs and Perm Secretaries from the various ministries. It was a well co-ordinated event held in Sofitel San Francisco Bay, a pretty nice hotel in Redwood city. The event started with refreshments and a chance to begin networking session at 6.30. Following that, we began the dialogue session promptly at 7.

A short introduction followed from each of the CEOs of the various civil sectors and Perm Sec from the various minstries. They gave an overview of current policies and new actions in their respective ministries/sectors. Lo Kheng Hwa, CEO of EDB gave a preview of the growth in various sectors in the Singapore economy. Lim Chuan Poh, Perm Sec of Ministry of Education gave some overview of the autonomous management of the 3 publicly funded universities in Singapore. Other leaders of the industry gave some overviews as well.

The Dialogue sessions kinda invoked very interesting questions, perhaps very seldom mentioned in Singapore itself. And I find it interesting and revolutioning for Singaporeans to ask these questions. Because it definitely showed some form of changes in the mindset and how the young and new generation approach problems.

Peter Purushotma who happens to be my consulting professor commented on the stigma not young people have, but it is the stigma in our families, maybe parents that are continuously influencing us. Thinking back, I thought it is very true. In the valley, I could concentrate better and focus better in the work that I do. Perhaps its the families that are holding us back. Being from an Asian Chinese culture and background, one will argue the importance of family values versus career prospects in one's life. In the big picture, at least in my perspective, it will be generally a more utilitarian view for all to contribute in their own sense to Singapore and its economy.

There has always been a hot debating point on whether Singaporeans are creative or entrepreneurial enough. I have always be educated by teachers and my parents to take the safest and steadiest path through life. My point of view however began to evolve to take a tougher and more challenging path of creating value not only for myself, but for the country as well.

The stay in Silicon Valley so far has offer tremendous networking and learning experience. When I initially arrived, I have no idea of any avenue to know more people or how to go about doing things. After spending some time here settling down and getting myself involved in NUSEA, it seems to open up to more people and opportunities. Today's dialogue session, with the few other mixers that I have attended slowly sparked the passion and interest to get the entrepreneurial dream going.

I will want to keep this fire going and burning.

Controlling your life

2006-05-15T00:34:00.000-07:00

In life, we have face many deicsions. Most of them are minor ones which you wouldn't probably not bother about or remember.

For the few that would alter your life greatly, choose them with great care. Take the courage and follow your heart. In life, there's no 2nd chance and you only get to live through it once.

Don't regret it.

I was over at the TieCon (THe Indus Entrepreneurs Conference), kinda like the largest in the world. Met Mr Arnold, a couple of inspiring entrepreneurs, VCs etc. Kinda got me in the mood of setting my own business really soon.

Felt that we need the kind of environment to simulate entrepreneurship growth. Sadly, in Singapore, Entrepreneurship is not a weed that can grow everywhere. Here, its like that, you can't seem to kill off that kind of spirit. Hopefully with the influx of more people and personal efforts of people like myself, Singapore can slowly evoluate to a country that's open to creativeness, entrepreneurship and risk-taking.

Wildflower Long Distance Triathlon - Half IM (2)

2006-05-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys and Girls back in Singapore,

    Mr Kenneth Kuo and myself went down to Lake San Antonioin Central
California last weekend for the WildFlower Long Distance Triathlon.

http://www.tricalifornia.com/wildflower/2006/

(go under long course - course descriptions and maps to see the elevations
in the course)

     With the blessing of the Tri-Gods, we both manage to complete the race.
Kenneth came in with a spectacular timing of 5.45 whereas I took 7.21 glad
to finish.

    We both left home at Sunnyvale at noon and drove 3 hours down to the
race site. We were immediately greeted by the beautiful pastures, rolling
hills, blue lakes and the treacherous slopes. After finding a decent site to
camp overnight, we proceeded down a 1 mile, 7-8% slope towards the racesite
for registration. Its probably something which you wun see in South east
asia at least. A transition area probably 3-4 times larger than the one in
OSIM, and stalls/booths that stretch a long way. We had to cycled back up
this 1 mile slope back to the race site. Though it offers a nice view, it
gave us a very good idea of what we will be expecting in the entire cycle
leg.

    Following a simple pasta dinner and some race preparations, we hit the
sack early. Though the day temperature linger between 25-30 degrees, it
immediately drop drastically to 5-10 degree when night falls. We kept waking
up in the night because of the cold and woke up at 5 plus to prepare
preparation. By 7, we are heading down to the race site.

    After doing the necessary, we head towards the starting line up and I
realised that my wave has already flagged off. Damn, I jump in and quickly
got my to my way and started the swim. The water is probably 15 degrees
cold, our asses are being freezed off in the morning. The swim was nice, no
greasely shit in the water and no salt lingers in your mouth either. I took
a slow transition in T1, putting on my cycling jersey on top of the tri-top
and don on gloves and arm warmers. Cycling out presents a beautiful sight
and view as we go along the lake. By mile 3, we hit a 10% slope that is a
400 ft climb. had to go down to the lightest gear ratio to go up. and it
wasnt easy, everyone is slowing down to 10-15 km.h. Fortunately I had a
12-27 gear ratio, I dunno how Mr Kuo did it with a 12-25. Please ask him how
he did that.

    The 1st 30km were filled with more massive slopes upwards and downwards,
its draining because of the gradient. By the 1st 30 km, it got me thinking
and wondering whether I could even finish the brutal course. Fortunately for
the 30-60km, it was gently sloping upwards and downwards, pretty much
similar to the course in Desaru. That was the easiest part of the cycle leg.
By mile 40, it is a nightmare. 1000ft climb up at a 8-10 % gradient,
stretching 2-3 miles long. Its utterly disgusting. By then, I was tiring out
really bad, lack of decent training is taking a toll on me. After a mile, I
realised that cramps will set in really quick if I continue going like that,
and I had to push my bike up to the peak of "Nasty Grade". At the top of it,
you can see the beautiful Nacimento Lake and hills on the left and massive
LAke San Antonio on the right. What you see on paper is one thing and this
part is the toughest and the most painful part of the whole course. I told
myself that, whatever it is, I will finish it, with friends and loved one
supporting me at the end, I know I can do it once i finish the bike leg. The
remaining bike leg doesnt offer much ease either, its covered with few
hundred feet climbs and undulating terrain. I was going down a long slope,
probably 10% where I hit a pothole, it kinda took out the sponge on my aero
drink, and I was going way to       fast to stop soon. Kinda don't make
sense for me to climb 100 ft or so at this pt of time, I continued on. The
whole bike leg took 4 gruelling hours with much of it spent on the hills
where progress is really slow and painful.

    I was glad that the bike leg was over and began a slow T2. 5hrs into the
race and the temp began rising quickly, hitting 30 degrees when i started
the run leg. I was afraid that dehydration and lack of nutrition will hit
me, and i brought along more bars and gels. Fortuntately, I had more
opportunities to run in Silicon Valley and its paying off. I didnt suffer as
much in the run leg and not surprisingly, the run route aint flat. I tried
running as much as I could and I tried to aviod cramps by walking up the
long slopes. By mile 6-7, I am still feeling comfortable and I know I will
be able to finish well below the cut-off timing. Probably not a great
timing, but I don't care. Maybe if you guys were there, you wouldn't too. I
took a 2.23 run. with most of the time wasted on walking up long hills. I
was really happy to reach the last mile, and made a slow downhill run
towards the finishing line.
The support from the spectators and friends were awesome. Without those
people cheering you on, its probably a lot harder to finish.

    Technology and Gizmos can't get you through the finishing line. It
doesn't matter wat bike you ride or wat tri-gear you buy. Its the legs
that's gonna carry you through. And legs ain't juz powered by gels and bars.
Its powered by your passion and determination to finish it. Its probably one
of the toughest and most painful race I have ever done, with extremities of
conditions and lack of proper training. Its definitely a race to remember,
but through the years that I have began my life as a triathlete, the
mentality of pushing thru got me thru many other situations and problems in
my life. For the many similar minded people in the team, continue
challenging yourself and don't give up in your life. It serves as a brutal
life lesson to me on Wildflower as to what you can or can't do.

    If you believe, you can do it.

    For the rest of all in SG, train hard and good luck for Port Dickson and
OSIM. Know its holidays now, so enjoy your well deserved breaks.

    Anything is possible.

Alan

Starting Work

2006-03-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Guess i am not so much a blogger that will consistently put in entries. Have been in Silicon Valley for a couple of weeks and settling well. Going to get a car soon, that's probably one other thing that is still left on the to-do list.

Leaving for Lake Tahoe this evening. It is basically a ski resort, going there to do some snowboarding. I never done that before, so going to try that out. Heard it is real pretty, will be a good place to let off some steam and enjoy this weekend. Whole trip will not be cheap, probably costing around 250-300 USD. Well, my first trip, save more elsewhere and put a bit more money into seeing the world.

Working in Nanogram is pretty pleassant, American company culture is generally more flexible and less rigid than Asian/Singaporean companies. Well, that's a good thing cuz its kinda going down standard for a while. Probably left 10 months here and going to make good use of my time.

Still haven't got my bike and only ran about 7-8km once. Oh dear, I dunno whether I can make it for Wildflower triathlon man. Will be bad if I can't make it.

Will post more photos online soon.

For the rest, can click on this link to see some photos.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/alan_ang_yn/album?.dir=8492&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

Silicon Valley

2006-02-27T18:13:00.000-08:00

First Blog since I arrive at Silicon Valley.

Not much a blogger I guess. Trying to settle down. The only thing left in the air is getting a car and a local license. Probably will get the car real soon. Maybe in a week or so. Hitching on someone's back is quite troublesome. You can't really decide where you wanna go.

Well and it has been raining yesterday and today. Unlike singapore, the rain is rather light, you dun really get wet from it. But it is pretty cold at times when there's wind. Its quite hard to even go for a run. Well. I will try my best. And work is beginning to pile up soon.

First day at work has been quite ok, perhaps no tangible work yet, But i sense quite a bit of work coming. well, shall do my best anyway. I already feel that there's a lot to learn ard. Gonna spend my time learning as much as I could, and it was prolly the reason why I came here in the first place.

Fortunately I didn't feel homesick. Maybe old liao, dependency kinda not there. But I certainly miss the nice food and sunny weather in Singapore. Silicon Valley is pretty different from what I had expected. Not good nor bad I would say.

Just Different.

Going home now.

Centennial Dinner at Suntec City

2006-01-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

Been a long while since I have updated this blog. Well just an update, I have signed the contract with the company almost 2 weeks ago and should be leaving in 2-3 weeks time.

Well today I went down to the Centennial Dinner this evening 21st Jan, Sat, all in the hopes of getting a good meal. Well its free. And since I will be leaving soon, I reckoned it is high time that I will buy my blazer, No.1 for the event, No.2 I need it anyway. and it is 300 bucks spent on a blazer plus a matching pants. Yupz, not cheap, so its a big hole in my pocket. Guys & Girls, so dun expect me to treat u anything for meals, harhhar, spent really a lot on the preparation for NOC.

Back to the topic. Well the thing that caught me up the whole night was Dr William Tan. Well, initially as the event started, there were talks by people and video presentation and so on by the varsity community. Until the video on the marathons screening completed by Dr Tan, I was basically not paying much attention to it.

Why, many would ask? His feat of completing 7 marathons in 70 days or something might not sound too incredible. But I saw how he had completed each race with determination and pride puts me in awe. To many, there's probably nothing too great about him. To me, I would say he would be a hero.

Some background info, Dr William Tan lost the use of his legs to polio when he was 2 or 3. Following that, he got a medical degree and practice medicine. He showed to the world what he as a handicap had managed to achieve while many others who are more fortunate couldn't. I believe that the handicap does not lie at his legs, but at the mind. I saw the ballroom stood up and delievered a thunderous appaulse for his feat. I think that he displayed the strongest human spirit and willpower to live life to the fullest. He is aged 48 and yet I would say inspired many, including myself and a lot others.

I guess I was quite fortunate to be able to get an autograph for him. For once, I haven't been admiring someone more than him. And I think this evening's dinner taught me one good lesson.

Live up and live to your fullest, don't give up.

Long time never post

2006-01-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, i really very long never post blog.

Situation is at such: I am waiting for my boss to revert with the necessary documents before i can start with the Visa. This will mean that I am a month away from leaving.

Did many things throughout the last 2 months Harhar. But not much changes. Still the same old me, juz that I feeling my patience is wearing thinner by the minute over the whole saga.

Wish me luck, I hate waiting.

Silicon or Bio Valley

2005-11-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

Oh well, I set out to go Silicon Valley, but I might end up in BioValley in the end. I think I have kind of decided that it would be the company that's more important than the place itself. I suppose it might be a little disappointing that I am moving away from somewhere I thought I would be. But I am not, I think its because of the exciting companies in Bio Valley. I think that's where the companies that I want to work for are. Silicon Valley has mainly IT firms, and I guess it is really a mismatch of skills and jobs available. Oh well, As I told Iris initially that it is not necessarily a bad thing to go to BV. The only bad thing about it is the feeling of having to allow the Bio Valley people accept you. They are all nice people, and I think I know a couple of them there, so it should be easy for me to integrate. It is therefore more critical for a great company rather than the big name itself. And perhaps the fact that coming back for Startup Singapore would be a great idea, especially with the great track record of the best BV participants. That's my secondary aim I think. Looking at the big picture, I think it is time that I move into the area of Biomedical. Mechanical itself is a dying industry in my opinion. Not that they dun need mech engineers anymore, but the number that they need are much lesser. It is therefore critical I move into a area where I can specialise and do well in.

Wish me all the best. A great company and a great year ahead.

Wish all the NUS/NTU guys all the best too for their exams. Hope you guys do really well. Harhar.

Day of Days

2005-11-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Mugging....................

Exams is just a stone throw away and I am desparately trying not to get distracted. Gotta keep focus now. Spent yesterday in school mugging before a light swim and run. Found a ezlink card, belonging to some girl. Hmm, prolly gotta return it soon. Google is a nice tool. Yah, you can somehow find clues to locate someone. Had nice pizzas yesterday. Shiokz man, but a little expensive. Tempted to get a new bike frame. But I better don't think so much. Shouldnt spend that kind of money now!

Ok. Juz realised the usefulness of infra-red port. I can now dl pictures into my lappy easily. Finally, all projects cleared. And I managed to make it down to zouk last wednesday. Incredibly we manage to enter through Charles' friend. And we see like hundreds of them queuing up. And damn NS boys, bloody hell. If i had a bottle with me, I would have smash it on their heads. NB. Aint too fun sometimes when everyone around you are all army boys. But well, couldnt complain much, that night had great music, if not I was tired, I could have stayed on till later. Gave up at 4. Had a long day liao. Go home and sleep.

Great break before exams and I should be ready to go again. All right, no more zouking until exams are over. No more looking out for pretty girls at zouk either. Lol.

Good luck all for exams.

Nice Ride Hot day, Tiring legs.

2005-10-30T04:12:00.000-08:00

Today's ride was cool. Saw Vicky's new frame. Argh, tempt me to change my bike frame. Harhar, but i better keep my eyes off fancy bikes, keep my eyes on the roads instead. I guess I won't pour in a lot of money for a new frame now. Sounds illogical. Perhaps when I come back from NOC.

Hmm, havent been going out often, not much life this semester since Iris is away. Then leonard also not around. and therefore lack of kakis to chiong, drink and ooze. Never mind. Exams time anyway, better focus my efforts on that. Have been slacking a bit at home these days. not too good. Gotta get my ass moving else I will see my 2nd upper flying away. Not too cool when u see all your efforts go down the drain. Tmr is design presentation and suppose to have a dinner after that. That's rather cool, since I havent been enjoying much company out often. Perhaps still possible to go out for a drink or something.

All right back to work. Constant blogging is a good practice, I hope I can keep it up.

Keep up with the men

2005-10-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

All right, this period of time is a cycling training window.

Rides with the Rodalink men has been awesome, After weeks of dropping out, finally I managed to keep up with the old men. Harhar, I wonder why all the guys cycling have huge ego. Doesnt really seem to be the case of tri guys. Oh well, but they are still a great bunch of people to ride down from West Coast all the way to Tuas and back. 35 km in under 55 mins. That's an average of 38 km/h including stopping. Tired, but worth it.

I realised why I love cycling. Cuz I have no car to go fast. And humans love to go fast. Riding down on a bike at 50 km/h is awesome. Almost as fast as a rollar coaster but no seat belts and you risk dying at that speed. Harhar, but I would just go back for more.

Speed is addictive, probably more so than drugs.

Will cycle the next 2 months with them as well, i think I will miss the rides in Singapore with the people here when I leave. Harhar, and the food. But no need think so much yet.

Handle exams first.

Then going zouk for a great night out after all the hard work. Small outing to reward myself a little.

Not bloggin enough?

2005-10-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, People is complaining that I havent blog enough. True is I am a lazy blogger. Oh well, I guess I should just do it since I have decided to start it.

Havent been training much, only cycling on Tues and Sundays, wonder why people think that I always go and train and all that. Guys! Annoucements, I am not a siao kia who has no life but triathlons. I am a pig who like to sleep and rot at home too.

Anyway these weeks are getting a little draining, project work are almost done I would say. The only thing that's bogging me down is the NOC interviews. Had quite a no. of chats less interviews with people. Hmm, think I have been thinking too much over what others say. It always seem like, huh, you mean you can only offer these? Hmm, perhaps it is regrettable that they expect too much from a 23 year old who spend most of his time in school and holidays working.

I guess it all boils down to starting early. Don;t be like me, start early. I think i have started way too late, after NS, to consientiously better myself. My advice, people still look at the paper before they look at your face. Credentials and past experience on paper might not directly reflect how you are as a person, but it definitely is a ticket to your destination (or perhaps a ticket home).

Good luck to myself. I am not in a hurry to get place. Just want a gd placement at the end of the day. Looking forward to cycling down mandai at 60km/h tomorrow.

Flu, Cough, Sore Throat., Destiny, Fate

2005-10-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

Pui, fall sick at this time. Not a critical moment but i just hate to fall sick and all thanks to my brother who pass it to me. Should be because we all share one bedroom and everything juz spreads. Haiz, feeling breathless while cycling this morning, oh well, tough especially trying to keep up with vicky, sianz when u are dropping behind because I am not up to it plus not feeling well. Shit feeling. Hope it will be over soon though. Must Ganbattene.

oh well, these days getting bored, hmmm, dunno why also, perhaps something is missing in my life?? I also not too sure, but also like getting a little sick and tired of going out all the time, harhar lazy. Oh well, whatever it is, prolly bogged down by work, illness and tough times thru the semester. Good news is i finishing up with 1 of my tuition kid, which would mean that I would have more time doing my own stuff. I think I am quite sick of giving tuition, 3-4 years is enough liao. sianz and tired, hope i have some other way of making some money for myself to spend. Jialat, I think i now got a bad habit of spending excessively, perhaps too used to it. Not used to a frugal life anymore, I better buck up and get myself accustomed soon.

Haiz, long for a good long break. Quite tired from years of work and work non stop without much rest. Juz wanted to like break off from my position and go somewhere alone for a while. Idealistic, but i think it is time i have a break after my ACCA. oh well, big price and sacrifices for big dreams. The bigger ur dreams, the more u need to sacrifice to keep it alive and burning. Else, once the fuel runs out, dreams will juz dissolve in the air.

Perhaps it is because I placed very very high expectations of myself. I wonder I can pick myself up should I fail totally. Well, I think I would, but perhaps, will take a great deal out of me to do that. There's always hope when there's life. I believe in that. Always believe that there's a always a chance to fight back, never bow down to fate or destiny. Cuz if you believe that life's all about fate and destiny, you will be a slave to them, I rather want to option to control my own fate or destiny. Makes more sense to me.

Hmm, ok eating dinner liao. almost 11. hungry manz. Feeling down perhaps, that's why didn't have appetite juz now.

Alan signing off............

NOC Part 2

2005-10-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, Monday is deadline for my resume to be posted up online. The comapnies will basically look at it and pick out those they think are zai and confirm an internship placement. It will be so called our face posted online. Better go and pray to my ancestors for some blessings harhar, but well i think count it to my gods that I got it through so far. I think some luck is critical from now onwards. Hopefully a prospective company will pick me up and select me. but i think most importantly, i must be suitable and i can learn something at the end of the year. Hmm, dun want to go there and waste my time being a kopi-kia. So all down to luck liao. Lucky I went to the resume workshop, har, at least i saw my resume from another perspective and made some changes to it. Hopefully it will turn out well. Else, my dreams about going there will be down the drain.

Ok Part 3 will come after a internship company selected me, everyone else, harhar, need all the blessings and help you all can give!! THanks.

NOC - What does it mean? Part 1

2005-09-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Well, going all the way for NOC has been an uphill task. Remembered back in Year 1 where I planned to embark upon this remarkable program. However, I suffered a setback back in last semester. Didn't going through the interivews the previous rounds prove to have hurt my confidence. After which, I applied for SEP and some other programs as a backup. This was the so called last chance for me to try to go. I therefore made a lot of effort to prepare for the interivews. consulting my gf, my friends, honing my CV, asking my friend to look through it. Hours of preparation work went into it. I guess it really depends on how much you want something. If it has always been your dream or ultimate goal, I think you wouldn't mind the extra effort. As usual, I wun give up and therefore give it another shot. Working at NVS has proven very useful in securing my place for NOC. It has also open up another doorway of opportunities. The testamonial that Mabel has prepared for me turned in rather handy during the interview when Prof Teo suddenly ask for it. Fortunately I brought it along and somehow inevitably help quite a little.

After much guessing and uncertainty, results was finally announced last thursday and I was selected to go. I was exhilarated. Haha, even until now still quite excited over it. I guess I keep repeating myself and hahaha, sorry weikeong and kenneth, have to listen about it so many times. Have to share this piece of good news lah. Haha, and I end up buying a new tri top and tri bottom to reward myself. Wow, retail therapy, spent abt 600 over the last two weeks on new tires, desaru trip and new gear. Like those stuff I bought but heart still aching a little. I guess by now I am a bit more settled down. The realism is that I still got a barrier to clear, my place wouldn't be secured until a internship placement has been secured. It wouldn't be easy, I know it. Therefore, I am going to use all the avenues that I can find to make it happen. I think I have put it a lot since the start, and it would be stupid to slacken and risk losing all that I have worked so hard for.

It has been my dream to be an entrepreneur one day, although I must admit that I am still very far away from this goal, I think i am at least half a step closer. Once I am able to embark and complete this program, I will be one step closer I guess. I need not know how many more steps there are to the goal line. But I know I am moving forward step by step. Hopefully, I won;t take too long to reach that mark. It will be an enriching experience. Therefore, I shall make the most out of it. My secondary goal of course is to have the chance to experience overseas life, particularly in US, own my car and live myself. Next, I would like the chance to be able to receive education at Stanford, name and reputation wise, it is really initmitating to say that I got a good deal of education from Stanford. It might be just name, but it counts definitely.

I therefore now hope for a internship placement to come quickly. After which, I would need to settle my visa, then buy my air ticket, prepare my stuff. All these should fall in place once the internship is secured. It is also crucial that I work in a company that is suitable, else this one year might be "wasted". There is a limit to how much I can choose, so for the amount that I can't, I will take it as a learning experience, be it pleasant or not. Better burn some joss sticks to my gods and ancestors, think they have been blessing me these few months. Must go and say thank you soon, and prepare offerings for the blessings for the entire year.

Ok please read Part 2 for continuation. Hehe.

22/09---> went down to this BDA----> its a media company, first time I had to pose in front of the camera, act a bit, haha, gd experience, really different. Don't think I am cut out for this kind of thing to be a actor or star. hope that 500 bucks running lobang can come though. This would mean me upgrading something on my bike soon or getting a half-wire. ok no more bitching. real late, sleep time.

Signing off,

Alan

Half Iron Man

2005-09-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

I set off for Desaru on Friday to complete a long distance triathlon. Well, it will be my first half iron man and another milestone in my triathlon journey.

Every Long distance race, I will learn something, "Kenneth's Quote". Everytime, I will reflect upon my entire race, what did I do right, wrong and could have done better and what lessons have I learnt this time? You will be surprised how many times I feel like quitting when the going gets tough, but I didn't. From the start, I told myself, no matter what, even if I fall, cramped, rained, I will still continue. Nothing will stop my heart. When you suffer, you will curse and swear. However, these doesn't bring you across the line. Every race is like a small part of our life. The longer my race is, the longer this period of life it represent. From the start at 10 am, it was already hot, the rays were hitting on my skin hard before the swim. I know today is not gonna be easy. As we leap out into the water and clear the 2 loops of 1km each, I was initially hampered by the big crowd. Subsequently, I pulled away from the main group and was allowed to swim with relative easy for the first half an hour.

After the two loops, I ran up to my transition area and put on my gear slowly, it is a long bike leg. I need to make myself confortable. I probably took 5 mins there, harhar, which is kinda long, because I was eating and drinking a little too. I know it will be a long race to the next break, so I should make yourself comfortable and replenish my energy before I leave. Setting Off on my bike, it will be a 90km bike course, 3 loops of 30 km each, 12 major up slopes per loop, 1 super killer slope at the end of each loop. I tell you, I cleared most of the 11 slopes with relative ease, it was the super killer one that took a lot out of me. I was practically stand- peddling for 5 mins, going at 15 km/h. OMG, it was painful with all the heat and you feel gravity behind u dragging u back. That's the part where it is also to expose to headwind as well. My bike is like fixed with a parachute and ironball at the back wheel. It was at least a 50-70 metre hill I think, so the whole stretch was roughly 1-1.5km long. I was doing fine till the third loop till the 85 km mark, just before the super killer slope. Suddenly, my thigh and calf cramped together without warning. I first felt the disappointment, I have been training hard, a cramp would mean I can't perform my best for the rest of the race. Pain hit me next. I got off the bike to avoid any accidents and stretch a little and push up my bike up this slope. Once over, I felt the cramp going away and finish up the remaining bike leg slowly.

I initially thought my race was over, should I even continue. I told myself it is a must i will complete it. It is not so much because of the money factor or anything, but rather it is a principle that I have learnt. For anything that I set out to do, I don't and will never want to give up half way. Stopping and giving up was never an option. Obviously, from then on, it just gets more and more painful. But why should I stop? If i give up, it only goes to show that I am someone that lacks determination and courage. I will want to face it, no matter what.

Running the 21km reminds of my first half marathon 4 years back. well the first 10.5 km was done decently in approximately an hour. I ran into trouble again during the second loop. Short bursts of cramps start to come in because of the heat. Cramping became a biological equation when sodium and potassium in your muscles don't add up. Fortunately I ran the half marathon with a fellow tri-fam member, we are roughly moving at the same pace and cramping at similar points. So we had to walk a little and once the cramp clears, we will run as long as we could before the cramp comes in. Gruesome afternoon. Pain in legs and taking a toll on my body. I am glad to have him by me, I think we motivated each other, and we ended up finishing together. It is important to have someone by your side when the going gets tough. That man was a stranger, but we found similar goals and help each other out with water, some gels and words of encouragment. It means a lot although he is not someone close to me. Just like during each darkest moments of yourlife, those who rendered you a helping hand are angels and god-send. At some point of cycling, I felt quite a bit of pain that tears start to flow from my eyes. I don't know, it will just get emotional, but I know the reason why I was here today. To accomplish something which I previously thought I couldn't.

Finishing the race was great, satisfaction after 6h 12 mins of motion, heat treatment and muscle cramps. 35 mins swim, 3hr 15 mins swim and 2h20 mins run adds up to another milestone. Haiz, I never thought I could do this two years before, I think it is always important to have your goals in sight and faith in yourself. Having the courage and determination will bring you a long way nearer to your own successes. Recovery gonna take a few days, fortunately, my muscles ain't that much damaged or suffered any injury. Gonna thank Kenneth for all the training that he had help me with, and all the support that my girlfriend has given me. Long distance triathlons are a show case of human spirit and what they can do, it is really amazing to see old dudes pushing on late into the race clock. To them getting back in time wasn't a concern, completing is. I have seen it, one day I will want to experience a Iron-Man not just to gain a name or pride, but to see. understand and experience the greatness of human spirit of courage and determination.

Alan

Back from mahjong session

2005-09-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

Wow, havent played MJ for a while, haha, still not a good player i guess, prolly still lack practice. Lost a bit but got some back from playing Black jack. Haha, still great fun of gambling and vices. Cannot understand why ppl totally dun gamble, hmm perhaps just a different perspective. Isn't life a gamble by itself?

gonna go mandai for cycle tmr, probably my last long ride before desaru, so gonna take it seriously. No more plray plray, Hope me will be safe and sound. Wonder what would I think of during the long 6 hrs during the race. Hmm, gonna be interesting to see how I can survive or die. Well, faith is important. Set the target and go for it. Dun think I will give up, even if I cramp, I will make sure I limp all the way to the finishing line. A lousy finish is better than no finish.

Anyway, putting my eyes on going for SEP. Gonna be a real good break for me, been working non stop for quite a while. Thinking back, I don't think I really enjoy any holidays yet. Hope the road trips and independent life there can change my perspective a little. And of course to give myself a well deserved break.

First Blog

2005-09-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hmm, haven't got the habit of blogging. Haha attribute it to Iris, must be her who influence me to blog. Since not that much company these days, I think something these words would definitely do some good to express myself.

Oh man, getting real busy, had to squeeze all my tuition on monday and tuesday (my free days) and full long school on wednesday and thursday. Doing all these so that I can go down Desaru for my half iron man.

Gonna be another milestone for me, I realised all the 1st races are the most memorable. This is my first time doing half iron man. 2km swim, 90 km cycle, 21 km run. As long as I can survive the cycle, 21 km should be ok. Been training enough for my runs i think, clocking about 16 -18 km for each long run each week, not to mention all those brick trainings ( long cycles + runs). Will make you understand why your legs feel like bricks.

Many ask why I so siao to do triathlon, siao, fun meh?? I think it is a good way for me to drive my frustrations and a way for me to understand a lot of things. Physical suffering or Mental suffering is worse? If i have a choice, i think taking up physical is easier than suffering mentally. Well 2-3 years since I started on this sport and I don't see myself quitting any time soon. The more I do, the more I want to challenge how much my mental endurance is. I think somewhat, my mental toughness became shaped because of it. Now, hmm, don't like to quit halfway or something. It kinda becomes in build liao.

Ok, saturday is my rest day, gonna go down to Jingxian's place to play mahjong, with my kakis. Haha, i love to play actually, but really no time to play sometimes. tonight gonna be fun seeing all my old JC friends again. Haha, I wonder what it would be like to meet again ten years later with our kids and spouses. Its amazing how time flies, especially in my tertiary education. How come time don;t seem to pass as quickly when I was younger, haven't really figure that out.

A long first blog. All readers and comments welcome!!