As The World Turns

Hmmmm

2009-11-08T14:49:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I've been back here. Maybe its about time!
It's time to train again. Focus Focus.
Woot!

Yet another weather rant

2008-08-21T19:28:00.003-06:00

The weather is crazy this week.
Monday we reached record highs here. Officially its 33.7C but my thermometer said 37C. Urrrgghh melting.. the dry air here makes it seem hotter as you don't sweat enough to help cool you down.....
Then today the temp is a high of 13C! In 3 days there is a temp swing of 24C according to my thermometer.
Its expected that this sunday the temp will rebound to 27C.
Like that also dunno how to dress. Shorts or longs? Bring jacket or not? Maybe I should go back to bear skins and fig leaves... Grrrrr

Alamak where the airconditioning

2008-08-19T22:32:00.003-06:00

Hmmm I came here to escape the heat and the first long trip I take on the motorbike I get a heat wave, alamak like riding back in SG and MY like that...swelteringly HOT. Grrr

But first the trip.

Day 1
Left SG nice and late, stopped in Banff for lunch. Too damn crowded that place now. Scooted my way back to my old stomping ground of Lake Louise to refuel. This bike the range damn good. Even better than the old Goldwing with its supertanker sized gas tank. By this time I was flying again. After riding a scooter for 3 years before coming here and not riding for another 3 years after coming here, I thought I'd forget how to ride a bike and would be going slow. Nope, nada, no way. I was flying along like as if in my good old days of riding the GSXR. Woohoo! Ground control, one silver bullet coming your way. Of course nowadays, I actually look at the scenery more rather than just go from Point A to Point b in the fastest possible speed. But I was still overtaking everyone else on the road. What I'll also remember from the trip is the heat!!!!!!! Urrggh. Halfway on the way to Jasper, my old experiences from riding around Msia came back to me. Open the sleeve cuffs! Open the collar and unzip the jacket some!! (d'oh!) Cool off at the athabasca glacier! Between the glacier and Jasper, it was all a blur. I was squirming around already my butt having gone to Timbucktoo. Reach Jasper, checked into the hotel, went to the lounge, plunked down into a lazyboy with a beer and refused to budge after that...ahhhh... aircon....and beer.....

Day 2
Wake up, eat a full full breaky. Packed and headed back out to Calgary, 'cept I was going via Rocky Mountain House. I'd be turning off at Saskatchewan Crossing onto highway 11 to RMH then back to CGY. Heard there is some kind of lake between SC and Nordegg. Now it would have been a spectacular ride except by this point I was melting and so I was rushing to get to RMH and started to fly again. I had hoped Nordegg would be a bit more rustic and it was, but I was in no mood to hang around. Refueled and moved on. Nordegg to RMH was another blur of landscape. I was never happier to see a Macdonalds in RMH!!! Ahhhh the simple pleasure of a Quarter pounder, an apple pie and a large coke. Oh yes, cooling off in the aircon and resting my butt on a nice wide seat. That beemer has an enduro like narrow seat, great for the twisties, lousy for the straights...sigh.. good thing I had my Airhawk seat pad....The ride from RMH back to CGY, I passed through several quaint towns and when I reached CGY I got what I wished for! A big big thunderstorm!!! I and the bike was getting so plastered with bugs all over I was wishing for rain to a) Wash the bike b) Cool off. I got my wish!!!

1000 kms, 14 hrs riding in 2 days.

Now I just need to get out and ride more.....heh

Weekend trip coming up!

2008-08-12T10:55:00.003-06:00

So after having had the motorbike since May, its sad to say I haven't been on a long trip with it! I'm scratching my head wondering where I went wrong with that bit. So finally I’m getting to go somewhere this coming weekend. Up to Jasper, spend the night there and come back the next day. Should be about 950kms in total give or take a few kms. Will be a longish ride about 5-6 hrs each way depending on how long I stop for piccies, breaks and ogling at the odd scene here and there. Good thing I have my Airhawk seat cushion! But darn that my high windscreen isn’t here yet. Oh well, will have to bring along more faceshield cleaner I suppose. Damn bugs.

Yet another hike!

2008-08-10T22:48:00.001-06:00

Dragging myself out of bed this morning, I went on yet a another hike! This one short but a not so easy one, 700m up over 3kms... oww, but damn good views

Hmmm I think I miss this sometimes

2008-08-06T11:38:00.003-06:00

I miss this sometimes, being (sorta) anonymous and spouting all the rhetorics I can spout without worrying about who is going to bite you back (yes I just got bitten, this might be a knee jerk reaction). So I think I will sporadically be back here, occasionally, sorta like a summer cottage, you come, you go when you like, kinda thing.

Anyways had a crazy weekend, mainly because mentally I was not up for it, but anyways, managed to climb two mountain passes, Guinn's at 8000ft and Buller's 8200ft in altitude, gasp, gasp, need air in my lungs. Although the actual elevation climbed was more like 5000 ft in total since we started at 5800ft anyways (I've since been slowly getting used to the higher elevation here, Calgary is already 3300ft). One thing I did managed to do very well is twist both my ankles mainly cos I was being careless in where I was putting my feet....interesting since I haven't had that happen in a long time. Oh well, nothing like anti-inflammatories to kill that. But I think its time to move on from backpacking trips to motorcycle camping.....

"You mean we have to climb THAT thing?"

And away we go

The view at the campground

"Oh look a Moose!"

Goin' home

One of the many pretty little creeks we had to cross

2008-06-25T00:24:00.001-06:00

Psssst usually at Facebook these days... heh

Drifting

2008-05-02T23:39:00.002-06:00

Watching the HBO series, From The Earth To The Moon, things started drifting by.
Suddenly you notice things like as time passing by, it struck me that half of my life is now over and where have I been so far? Well lots. As you travel through time, your view of the world gets shaped and reshaped along the way. Often you loose track of what's gone past. But that is natural, you'd want to look to the future. What I've realised is that what you shouldn't loose sight of is the dreams you had. The dreams you had when you were a kid of what you wanted to do, wanted to be. I wonder what's the best approach, best strategy to get back to those dreams. After all, you haven't live until you've dreamed.

Rat's Nest

2008-03-31T23:10:00.003-06:00

Soooo Saturday was interesting.
Firstly the sky decided to dump on us. Ohhh winter's last revenge! Snow! Snow! and more Snow!
The drive up to Canmore was umm interesting. Even the snow plows were having a hard time clearing the roads and it was like summer last week! Crap.
But it didn't matter where I was going snow couldn't get in (but first I had to get there!)
I was going Caving!
But the snow made the hike up to the cave entrance rather treacherous.
Incident #1 - slid off on a snow cover piece of ice and busted my thumb owwwww
Coming back down -
slide #2 with a half twist and landed on the left hip.. double oowwwww
slide #3 with a quarter turn and landed on my right elbow.... how to say ow? blur already
slide #4 with a deadman's double leg kick and landed flat on my back... hope i didn't break amy of helmets in my knapsack...
all in all a spectacular display of my flying prowess (but not my landing prowess unfortunately)

oh yeah about the cave

Running around like headless chickens hey where is my climbing harness?

The Cave! The Cave!

Ok lets take look here, you mean I have to squeeze through that hole? I knew I shouldn't have eaten that mcburger....

Good thing I'm not wearing a skirt.. doing dancing under a horizontal pole imitation

Weeee we get to rappel down this dark dark hole.. ehh... where are going again?

I managed to bounce off one of the walls shimmying down a rope on my right hip so I managed to get both hips in a day. yay!

Ahhhh now I hurt all over... from my falls...

Catching Up

2008-03-24T09:08:00.005-06:00

It's been a month since I last posted... hmm... Alzheimers is setting in... maybe..

Anyways, woke up to white fluffy stuff this morning, snowed about 1cm, as usual made things all slushy, mushy and crazy on the roads. Why do people suddenly forget how to drive once it snows? Grrrrr....

Got me a new toy over the weekend. :o)

Its the new Olympus 1030W. Waterproof, Shockproof, Coldproof, Sandproof, Idiot proof....
Got the black one (speaking of which I forgot to pick up the spare battery! better go later)
Yeah yeah I know pics pics but I've been having problems with my pc (it says hardware failed to initialise, go figure, I'm too lazy to trouble shoot). So I need to grab stuff off the web. Uploading other pics might take awhile....as I'm meanwhile using, ahem, "another" pc which does not allow me to connect the USB card reader (policies policies policies...)

But what is really bugging (ok, killing ....) me is that motorcycling season is here and I don't have my bike.... argggghhhhhhhhh...grumpy... (and I got the Cam for the bike!) I still have to wait at least another month (if I'm lucky) before I get to even see it... sigh.... meantime I can only watch the bikes go by....bummer... I might get fed up cancel that order and go buy something else... but somehow having a BMW is rather alluring....

Eh? where did the time go?

2008-02-15T10:26:00.007-07:00

Alamak, so fast the time flies. Almost time to go back liao, flying monday. but still waiting for seefei, leonard and company to see if can catch up or not. kayell gang solly maybe next time I back, I get to up when I can actually get tickets to go up....

meanwhile the escapades of one escaped semi-canadian continues..

the biggest thing that hit after coming back was Culture Shock!!

Alamak how come so many people wan, why people dun keep doors open for people wan, how come people like to jump queque wan, how did I ever manage to drive here? lessee if I can remember how to cross the road, how come the mrt here got more people taking it on a weekend than peak hours in calgary.

I just came back from Pattaya Thailand (how come there are TONS of Russians tourist everywhere), where I shop and shop and eat and eat (good thing I brought elasticated waisted pants!) Had a manicure and pedicure (I wonder why I never went before, it's sooooo good), thai oil massage was just the thing after walking around all day. I also went did some scuba diving, so much fun, saw a blue spotted ray, a very shy puffer fish, a lagi shy bamboo shark. lots of not so shy small and medium fish. now I just have to go and finish the rest of the open water divers course back home, when you're short on time, you're short on time.

so tomorrow is chingay, I'm deliberating whether to go see see, the crowds should be massive. maybe the F1 car might make it all worthwhile. but anyways got some last minute shopping still to do. mainly all the makan stuff but funny leh, I not so craving like last time... yikes I've been assimilated by the calgarians... noooooo.... (yessssss)

Ahhhhh Home Again

2008-02-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sooooo

Back on familiar terra firma. After 2 years since my last trip home, so fast the time flies. So fast was the flight back, I went through something like 6 movies.

NOT SO FAST was my luggage coming home with me.

Singapore Airlines LOST MY LUGGAGE!!!!! Grrrrrr.....

It got left behind in Vancouver missing the connection. What was worse was that they promised that it will be arriving the next day and IT DIDN'T!!! now I really GRRRRRRR

It finally arrived at midnight 2 days later!!!! more *&^$#$%^$#@@

But the worse was yet to come. I had packed some frozen nice juicy super duper LARGE abalones (the size of your hand) and scallops back for the Chinese New Year Feast so you can imagine the result by then, big time ^%#&*&*&(&*^%$$%$

I guess after this trip I won't be flying that airline much any more.... I'm really pissed that it took they them that long to deliver my bags. Good thing I wasn't booked to go anywhere else.... I just had that niggling feeling. Back to Japan Airlines for me next time...

For sure SIA will get a nice big juicy damage claim from me.

Anyways moving on..

Hmmmmmm .... where did that great big monstrosity of a Ferris Wheel come from? That big round thing sitting at Marina Bay. How come now there is a tunnel at Penang Road. What and where is Vivo City? Geez.... all this in just 2 years.

More surprising was that I wasn't straining at the leash to go hamtam all the local foods. Evolution perhaps? Or did I get assimilated by the Canadians into one of them already? Egads!

I've forgotten what +30 feels like. Although I've been lucky, the first 2 days back the temparature has been a chilly (according to my folks here) +25C. Lots of rain too. Had trouble trying to remember how to use an umbrella.

I've forgotten that most places around here are closed for the CNY. Dang! I just went through that hell for Christmas in Calgary!

Now I'm sitting at the computer fiendishly trying to book Flights and Hotels to just about everywhere withing spitting distance of SG with a beach and the sun but no luck. Got flight but no rooms. Got rooms but no flights.... sigh.... can't even rent a car to drive to Malaysia so that's out....

Maybe I should just rent a Kayak and paddle to Batam....

Any free offers of lodging anywhere? (and a car if it's in west malaysia)

It's -33C right now !!!!

2008-01-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Brrrrr it's monday morning and what a chilly start to the week and it's supposed to last another few days the weather.... dang.

It's minus 33C right now in the morning, with the wind it is -49C.... brrr.... but then again I have my super duper Canada Goose down jacket. Cost me all of my arms and legs and then some but ooooooooh best investment for the cold ever! if you remember that movie The Day After Tomorrow where Dennis Quaid was trekking through the snow wearing that yellow outfit, that's the stuff, it's designed for Antartic expeditions. Already proved it's worth when I went camping last weekend and it dipped to -25C overnight. I was sniggling at the others freezing away....muarhahahaa

But the really good news is that on thursday, it will turn to +33C for me!!!

31-1-08

That's the date I'm going home to Singapore. Yippee

Will be hanging around the beaches, sipping Mai Tais, going shopping in Sungei Road (LOL). Getting some humidity therapy for my skin. Can't wait. It's been what, 2 years since I went back... I hear there is a ton of changes.

PS anyone want to go visit Angkor Wat & Bangkok with me?

2008-01-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

31-1-08

A New Year is a Comin'

2007-12-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

So one more year has almost passed. Time zooms past so much faster these days than I can remember. Or am I having so much fun these days that it seems faster?

I've been a busy boy for the last few weeks. Hence my truancy from here e-home.

Firstly I moved to a bigger place.

Secondly I just bought me a nice christmas present. :)

A brand new 2008 BMW F650GS loaded to the gills and then some as I add stuff. I'm browsing the Touratech catalog as I type.. power sockets, extra lights, aluminum panniers, bigger windscreen, the whole adventure touring set up here I come! I'm looking forward to doing the Dempster Highway to Inuvit in Summer. I will be crossing the Artic circle to get there woo hooo..

Now .. I just have to wait till Feb to get it as it's on order.... but ain't riding on the slippery roads anyway meanwhile... or will I? Muarhahaa with a bike anything is possible.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2007-12-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

So winter is here, chilly temperatures, flakes of snow, wind that chills down to your bones, people sliding all over the place, deer hiding, hares bounding around happy cos they now are white and blend in, birds grounded...
so why am I hiking around in -18C weather?
*goes to ice cave to ponder*

Postscript
The outdoor survival program was awesome, just a space blanket, a poly sheet, a knife and moi surviving in the cold forest...

Its winter! (well almost)

2007-11-21T23:29:00.000-07:00

Good grief!
Where has the time gone to.
I've been rather busy lately. Organising meetups for movies. Been co-ordinating stuff for the outdoor club. Lord knows why people want to follow me when I hardly know the places, but better to go in a group eh?
We just had our first snowfall yesterday. As usual people were sliding their cars all over the place, off the roads etc. You'd think that being local they'd be more aware and fit snow tires, but I guess familiarity breeds contempt? Until they hear the crunch of the wheels hitting a curb/car/tree/lampost (take your pick).
Ok more stuff for me coming up to do. Have an outdoor survival program overnighter this weekend. How to build shelters, signal fires, stay alive, trap bears (just kidding). Everything I've learned about jungle survival doesn't apply here, amazing what sort of stuff you need as basics, so away we shall go...

Another week bites the dust

2007-10-21T22:01:00.000-06:00

Yet another week blows by.

I had fun.

I had sleep.

I had to work (grrrrr)

I went back to sleep (yummmm)

What else am I missing I wonder?

Magical

2007-10-17T22:43:00.000-06:00

It all started a few months ago when I received an innocent looking email. Hmmm, what the heck, why not? Besides it was just the right timing, let's give myself a present :)

So tonight, finally, I got to go watch the concert.

An Olivia Newton John concert.

It was like a dream come through. She looks every bit as pretty as when she was in Grease. Many years ago, she was one of the loveliest singers ever to grace the scene. She's still is.

Her voice has mellowed a wee bit but she sounds even more fantastic now. Watching her perform live was simply magical. I used to say Karen Carpenter was the best female singer around, I was wrong. Memories came flowing back with all the songs. Her rendition of an acoustic version of Physical was oh so sultry and tantalising, even more now than the original version.

I was so privileged to get to watch her sing.

I was so enraptured I forgot it was my own birthday treat LOL. I get to be 42 this sunday.

Happy sigh....*bliss*

Weekend?

2007-10-09T20:48:00.000-06:00

Well, the weekend was sorta ... interesting.

Was gonna go backpackin' and campin' in the first place, but I felt I wasn't really up to it, but then it ain't pretty to cancel when you're supposed to lead the group in *rolling eyes*

Anyways...

As we drove out to the mountains, woooohhoooooo snow caps on the tops. Reached Barrier Lake Visitor Centre and the place was under 3 inches of snow. Hmmmm.....
Reached the car park and trail head and brrrrrrrr, damn! it was chilly. It was cold, it had snowed the last few days and to top it off a brisk wind was blowing. Couldn't wait to get the pack on and move out, at least hiking in will warm up. With the weather conditions, the hike in was slow, lots of stopping to catch our breaths. Why does it seem harder to hike in cold weather than warm weather?

We crossed a few creeks and bridges. Picturesque would be the word. Reaching the camp ground, it looked like a winter wonderland. Probably about 5 inches of snow covered the place. Nice campground, next to a creek, food lockers, picnic tables. Probably one of the prettiest camp grounds I've seen so far. All of us were shagged from the hike in, so we hung around played frisbee. Starting the campfire was a bitch as all the wood was damp. Couldn't get a big enough fire going, chose the wrong (smaller) pit! grrrrrrr.

Since it was Thanksgiving weekend, all of us brought in Turkey meat in one form or another. I had turkey sausages yummy.

Day 2 had the guys hiking up to 3 Isle Lake. I stayed behind to look after the camp (but really I just wanted to chill out hah). Thought I'd have a nice quiet afternoon, but ended up chatting with all sorts of people who drifted in and out of the site. The second day was a lot warmer as a chinook ran through. Later, it started to rain in the middle of the night. But I was nice and toasty in my sleeping bag and tent.

I'm all sore now. Need to back off my activities for a bit I think..

Thanksgiving weekend

2007-10-06T01:08:00.000-06:00

I watched the new movie The Kingdom tonight. I thought it was typical of Hollywood to stereotype the middle east again. If the setting was in Iraq/Kuwait instead of Saudi, it would have been perfect...

Going backpacking and camping again this weekend, just love campin' out here in the woods. Gonna be a little chilly though, at night it will be about -5 and there might be snow in them there hills. As usual I've overloaded my pack and I think I've brought everything...including the kitchen sink. I toyed with the idea of bringing a durian but I think my campmates would ban me from going anywhere near them. Not a good idea when I'm the organizer!

Oh well, so much for a relaxing weekend.... yet...

Is that the Sun?

2007-10-01T22:52:00.000-06:00

Hmmmm haven't seen daylight here for awhile .... :P

I just love sunrises here, the low angle of the sun produces some stunning mornings.

Went on hikes, having lunch on meadows like this, my backpack trip to Tombstone Lakes

And getting a view at lunch like this, hiking the Burstall Pass

Some places I've been to have these 1000 year old Pictographs at Grotton Canyon

Even lousy weather still can't stop me from looking at stuff like this at Grassi Lakes

I got to learn how to Hang Glide

Got to go watch an international fireworks competition too

I've been busy in a cave organising group hikes for a local club

In the evenings its just sheer pleasure taking a stroll along Glenmore Reservoir

Ahhhhh........ the life........

Yawn....

2007-09-25T18:12:00.001-06:00

*emerges from cave*

Sigh

2007-08-27T22:50:00.000-06:00

The Kawa got sold out....bawling...sigh....
next shipment apparently won't be till Jan!
Hmmmm beemer... hmm

How time flies..and more conundrums ...

2007-08-19T21:06:00.000-06:00

Egads! It's been 2 weeks since my last post.
It's been a rather giddying 2 weeks though.
To sum up in one sentence - hike, workout, kayak, drink, crash out, work, repeat process.

Oh did I mention work? I've been on the new job for exactly 2 weeks. See any correlation with the stuff I am doing now? I have to wake up 2 hours earlier, but I also get to go home 2 hours earlier. So far so good. My at-work trainer prefers to teach by osmosis. I have no complaint with that!

Back to the current topic

Right now this is my current struggle. I've decided not to get a new car but instead I'm looking to get a motorcycle now. It didn't help that I just bought the first season of CHiPs. Remember that TV show? It's brought back memories (and also why I wanna ride in the first place)

I've been looking at a few bikes, right now its mainly a contest between the new 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 and the BMW F650GS. They are both large enduros. I have this weird vision of me doing the same thing as Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman did. Well at least I want to ride the Yukon. The green one is the Kawa and the blue one is the Beemer. Hmmmm....

The Kawi is better suited for off roading and the the beemer is the better do it all but the beemer is also some $4K more but seems more solidly screwed together. Hmmm....

And THEN...

I saw this,the new Gilera Fuoco 500. Sultry isn't she?

OK OK, it was the chick that attracted me at first but then I looked closer at the bike and I went OMG that's so cool. A 3 wheeled scooter that looks so ... brutal ... like a Transformer...

BUT and thats a really big BUT, the Gilera isn't sold here!!!!! %#@#@&^* Grrrrrr

The Piaggio version is available but it looks so tame. Sigh... so back to the first conundrum.

The Beemer or the Kawi? Hmmmmm

Summer Fun

2007-08-07T21:36:00.001-06:00

OK OK I've been slacking quite a bit, haven't been posting as much.
Ahhhh my excuse is that I've been a busy boy.
As proof of my busyness, here's what I've up to.

Dancing With The Stars Tour was in town! The Tour concert came here and yours truly paid big bucks to get ring side seats. I'd show you pics of the show but I was too busy ogling at the dancers. But here's one I stole from elsewhere anyway.

The celebs that came were Joey Fatone, Joey Lawrence, Drew Lachey and Joey McIntyre, who btw is an awfully good singer. In fact in addition to the singing all FOUR of them sang. Then of course came the dancers, naturally I'm only interested in the Gals. Cheryl Burke, Julianne Hough, Edyta Slewinski, Kym Johnson were all there and not an ounce of fat on them. Makes Megan Fox from Transformers look fat. Sigh 'tis was a magical night.

Then the same week I was watching Hairspray, another musical! and John Travolta hasn't lost his Mojo errrr ermmm stuff singing and dancing and boy can Queen Latifah belt it out. I didn't know James Marsden from X-Men can also sing!

Then there was Transformers the movie. Sigh, the cars! the cars! Eh what girl?

Then I went Kayaking .... again.

Then I went rafting down the Bow River (which btw is the national pastime here in Calgary). Now most people drift down the Bow as a leisurely affair like these chickens.

But no oh no. Not us. It was water warfare all the way. Take no prisoners! We started out with ONE article of war and ended the voyage with EIGHT count 'em EIGHT articles of war. These includes but is not limited to buckets, water cannons and one captured pirate cutlass.

I think I must have floated down the Bow IN the water as much as on the raft. Repel boarders was the by word of the day! That's me in the water the last red cap trying to recapture some articles of war aka a bucket.

The intensity of the warfare left me totally exhausted and aching. Damn that water gun is hard to pump!

But I don't think the ducks and geese were very impressed.

So that's all for now. I have more events coming up, wonder if I have energy left...

woohoo

2007-07-19T23:23:00.000-06:00

everyday I find more and more new things to do
am going hang gliding next month
woohoo!

A quick review

2007-07-15T20:54:00.000-06:00

Finally the Calgary Stampede is over. 10 days where every one seems to be dressed as cowboys or cowgirls and just being plain silly. Why not be one for 365 days instead? better what.

I got me a new job starting in Aug. Pays better.

and then today, got a Tornado watch for the city. huh?

A Tornado here? hmm......

makes the monsoon rains looks like masak masak play

Canada Day Weekend Bliss

2007-07-02T22:49:00.000-06:00

I haven't had such a good time in years. No rushing around to view sightseeing places. No dates and timing places to meet. Just pack your gear and spend a weekend out in the woods
Eat, sleep, hike, banter around a campfire. Watch the stars at night. It's rather magical.

I haven't done a camp out since...hmm.... 1990. Egads! It's been that long since. Sigh.... what ever happened to the time?

@ Barrier Lake in Kananaskis Country

Ahhhh the "joys" of a heavy pack.... my camping campanions

A park resident eyeing us

Our own private beach, the water was somewhat nippy for a swim...brrrr .. but I did go for a did, a traditional Canada Day plunge and to refresh after the afternoon hike.

My little home for the next 2 nights

Nearly forgetting how to cook in camp ....

Some pretty flowers along the way

A Whiskeyjack waiting to swoop on leftovers

A magnificent view from the top of the mountain where I also took a nap

The trail we came up on

It was very unforgettable.

Bliss :)

All in a day's play

2007-06-24T22:31:00.000-06:00

Sooooooo... I had my vacation, been up to my neck in toooo many activities, so sorta beat right now. Need a vacation to recover from the vacation.... sigh....

But anyways, the highlight of my week this week is that I got to go kayaking. My lordy, its been over 20 years (sob ... time flies...) since I've been in a kayak. Thankfully I still remember how to paddle, it came back to me like riding a bicycle. Actually it was easier than riding a bicycle, since the day before I was have my first go at mountain biking and that included hills, ravines and steeeep climbs. It was also my first time on a bike in 6 months so I was somewhat wobbly.

But back to my kayaking evening. It was a nice evening, a good breeze made sure the surface was somewhat interesting. Here we are getting our briefing before heading out.

But what made the day really was, I spotted this other kayaker who had capsized and we went over to help. Now its been a loooooooong time since I did a water rescue. Come to think of it, I've never done one except in practice, but it was amazing how things all just came rushing back. So here we are helping this bloke out of the water and back into the kayak. Mind you we were in the middle of the reservoir and the water is COLD.

Certainly makes for an interesting day!
But I'm hooked, I wanna do more kayaking, ahhh the fun of starting life all over again.

:o)

2007-06-04T22:50:00.000-06:00

This past week has been work, work, work, go dancing, watch Shrek 3, hahaha, back to work, work, bummer.....

But there is light at the end of the tunnel !
I'm going on vacation starting tomorrow !
I'm heading to Waterton / Glacier National Park for a week of hiking, kayaking and basically lazing around. Ahhhhh'mmm a happy camper...yodelayeeyooo

Later blokes!

Flower pOWER

2007-05-29T22:33:00.000-06:00

Now that we're edging closer to Summer and the hours are finally longer, been up to some activities in the evenings. Last night I went with a group of people, supposedly to train for an upcoming backpacking trip. Filled up the Alice Pack to the brim, strapped it on and went up and down the hill. Gawd.....I'm outta shape.....

Then tonight, I went rollerblading. Now mind you, never in my life have I bladed. But my butt and palms now hurt, my shoulder is out of joint of I think. Crashing and burning was the theme tonight. I also managed to discover that my blades were crooked, no wonder my right foot kept wanted to turn over....arrrgghh... so the others went on and I trudged back to the car, out came the tool set, disassembled the traitorous blade, stripped the thing, hammered a few bits back in shape and hopefully it will be straight now. Will find out saturday.

So now I'm still in the scenery and flower photo taking mode.

The city skyline.

White flowers.

More white flowers.

Yellow flowers.

A rustic bridge.

A purple flower.

A goose hijacking an eagle's nest. Lucky blighter.

Hmmm time for some night shots.

Victoria Day Weekend ... not!

2007-05-22T22:32:00.000-06:00

I got my long weekend washed out. Sigh, was supposed to go climb Mt Baldy on sunday but rain/sleet/snow made it a no no. In fact 2 climbers on a another higher mountain got killed when they fell off in the same conditions. Ah well next time.

Meanwhile, been playing around with the new camera all week. Some samples,

Wide angle shot

10X optical zoom

Max 48x digital zoom

Super Macro

Starbucks

Reading the label on the shelf of that coffee bean bag at starbucks using 10X zoom

Nice house along the Bow River

A Dandelion at macro

Your ~~friendly~~ neighbourhood Canadian Goose, bugger hissed at me! grrrrr

Little Nellie aka James Bond's ride, at 10X zoom macro

BB and his new buddy BJ says hi

Will be playing more with the cam! more to come.
Tonight is the Dancing with the Stars Finale. Watching TV first

YAYYYYY my fav couple won!!!!

A week in review

2007-05-13T23:28:00.000-06:00

Mondays I usually go for a walk/hike with a buddy. Since I did the Indian Graves hike on sunday, I figured on a fast walk on level ground instead for the monday walk. I got 2 things out of that day. One was this wonderful view of an Osprey having caught a fish and having lunch!

The other was a great big blister on my right foot. Ummmm. Haven't had one since lord knows when. Out came the sewing needle and first aid kit. Punctured the thing and dressed it. But walking for a while was funny.

Then I went and watched Spiderman 3. I found it somewhat long but rather interesting. Things are getting funny for me, used to be fascinated by the action but these days I'm fascinated by the human interaction more. There is a big love triangle in this movie and of coming of friendship.

Then finally, I got me something I've been eyeing for a long time. The supermart had a $30 off coupon for anything over $250.... my brain clicked into gear and I got this cam for only $269... yayyyyy. A brand new Fujifilm S700 (S5700 in some places), 7.1MP, 10X optical zoom, 1cm Supermacro, Image Stabiliser, it takes SD cards too! I had gotten a spare 1GB SD card last year for $30 during last year's Boxing Day sale, now I can use it. I'm off tomorrow for some fun. :)

Day Hike at Indian Graves Rec Park

2007-05-06T23:23:00.000-06:00

Ahhh the reason for Alberta's fame and fortune. On the way to the trail, lots of oil wells like this dotting the landscape.

Arriving at the trail, firstly, it was up this bloody steep hill, huff puff, need to get in shape.

Stop along the way to admire my personal version of El Dorado (anyone remember Romancing the Stone?)

Nothing like ridge walking

But the climb was worth it, what a vista

We also had a furry friend come along, he's a Siberian Husky, damn friendly

Beats bashing the jungle anytime

Got another day hike coming up in 2 weeks, need to learn to lighten my load...huff puff...

PS: got a big blister on my foot now.... oooooooooh

Achy Breaky Muscles

2007-04-26T22:48:00.000-06:00

Ouch Ouch Ouch
Every step I take
Every move I make
Every breath I take
How my poor muscles aches
Been working out at the gym seriously these last 2 weeks
Ouch Ouch Ouch

Bliss...

2007-04-23T02:34:00.000-06:00

Saturday I went back to my old haunting grounds of Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Just the thing needed for a recently rather worn out brain. Instead of travelling the fast route via the Trans Canada Highway, I elected to go via my favourite road the 1A aka Bow Valley Parkway. It parallels the main TCH but has much better things to look at. Pottering around in a car has never been so enjoyable. Plug in the MP3 player, select my fav songs and away I went.

On the way there are some rather eclectic sights like this old chapel beautifully maintained, I think it's circa 1907 I believe.

Big horn sheep lining part of the hillsides, shaking their booties. The animals around here seem to have their heads permanently buried in the grass.

I never get tired of this particular view. I was hoping a train might come through..oh well another time perhaps. The trains here are super duper long. I think it must be at least 1km of trains from the first to the last carriage.

The snow melt off hasn't started yet. The river is still shallow and super clear. From so high up you can still see the individual rocks on the river bed.

Nothing like a roadside stop for lunch and a picnic with a view like this.

This male Elk is slowly growing his horns back. Every winter they loose their big horns and grow new ones.

Along the 1A, some stretches are farms like this one rearing horses. The guy at the right seems to be calling for someone. Mommy!...... he's a young 'un.

Reaching LL. I forget that whilst Calgary has started spring, here it's still winter.

Been thinking of getting me a GPS unit. Hiking season is here and I'm thinking of some backcountry hikes and some backpacking trips too.

Last friday, I learned to do the Jive and the Bachatta. Fascinating. I can't wait to learn the Waltz and the Tango, coming soon.

Va Va Voom

2007-04-16T22:03:00.000-06:00

Browsing TopGear, I came across this beautiful pic of the Aston Martin V8... ooooooooooh and I saw one on the road just a few days back..... sigh... *looking dreamily*

Browsing somemore, wah.... what a rump, jaw dropping, sultry, sleek, what elegant beauty...of course I'm talking about the car...NOT! .... lagi dreamy now ...

So ... ahem ... last friday, it was the Rhumba and the Foxtrot .... slow quick quick, slow quick quick .... oops... whew... just missed the toes....

Among other things, I'm mentalling over whether to go back and do TKD again... hmmm... used to wear this badge in army...

Second childhood maybe...

Old Movies (Classics)

2007-04-10T00:48:00.000-06:00

Working right next to the supermart DVD sale bin isn't really a good idea. But among the gems I dug up was this. Roman Holiday, starring Gregory Peck and a rather cute Audrey Hepburn in her first starring role and which won her an Oscar for best actress. But the highlights are the scenes of Rome circa 1950's. They shot the whole film in black and white, heightening the sense of a Golden Bygone era when things where simpler and you spent your time watching people go past at the sidewalk cafe instead of an internet cafe. Certainly brings back some memories of the early 70s for me which was my retro period.

Question of the day.
Do you need to have feelings about being passionate about some things?

Yawn....... Woo Hoo!

2007-03-30T23:23:00.000-06:00

Ahhhhh ..... Sunlight!

Hmmmm what's this on my butt? It looks like a bite.

Gawd..been bitten by the dancing bug.

So tonight, I finally got my arse moving, literally, been meaning to do this. I recently discovered a local company does classes and dance nights. It's a 1 hour workshop on ballroom dances followed by dance till you drop! Yayyyyy.

Lesson number 1. How to Salsa....
and twirl and shake and lead...

Lesson number 2. How to Hustle.
always wanted to learn how to do this... 1 2 3 ...

Lesson number 3. Watch in awe at the dance party as some pretty pro dancers work at it.

I'll be back.... the Rumba and Foxtrot is up next....

ZzzzZZZzzzZZZzzzz

2007-03-26T16:49:00.001-06:00

*Hibernating*

Alllright...

2007-03-19T22:39:00.000-06:00

Weeeeee how fast a week scoots by.
A week that has been rather nutty and siao. One day like summer at +15 then suddenly next day drop to -5 with this! *scratching head* A 20 degree change in one day siao or not?

The rest of the week, rather low key, work, work, work, collect Buggy, work and oh yeah eat some food.

Soooooo ... hmm ... *scratching chin* .... eyeing handiwork... yikes my frog disappeared... ok lah, not bad for a first time effort. I will be back with more, ahem, artwork.

But really the highlight of the week is that:

Formula 1 is back! a new season starts! Ferrari wins! Kimi wins!

Oops I meant to show the car.

Also Dancing With The Stars is back! more intrigue and toe tapping!

I think I can forget about going out on sundays and mondays now....

Whew..another weekend goes by

2007-03-11T21:40:00.000-06:00

As usual my weekend off days are so precious and since I don't get to see many of them, I jammed packed sat and sun with stuff to do.

On saturday, I got to stretch my painting fingers and dredge from the deepest recess of my memory on how to hold a paint brush and actually paint something.

But I was painting was not oil on canvas, but pieces of ceramic ware. This is my little buggy. I stuck to the safe route and chose something I actually know about.

Next time I'm doing more tiles, vases etc, like my fellow painters did. These are unfinished pieces, they still need to be fired in the Kiln and be glazed. I am assured that it will look wayyyy better once its been fired. Keep tuned in for the final product.

Then on sunday, I re-learned to over come two things I am usually cynical about. But firstly a slight detour as the event was held in Calgary's Olympic Oval. This stadium is used for speed skating events as well as Ice Hockey and Figure Skating.

Then, my two cynical problems, one apparently a fear of heights and trusting someone at the bottom won't let me scream aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh all the way to the bottom, should I be a dud and do actually fall off which I duly did although at a ridiculously low heights. Ahem, but I did managed to get to the top. Yes I went Rock Wall Climbing. Yes it's also my first time. Now as soon as my fingers decide to return from being angry with me, I'm going again.

Nassau?

2007-03-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

Since I bought that JB DVD set I've been spending some time going through each movie and I must say by far, for scenery, Thunderball is my favourite. Filmed a lot in the Bahamas, the sights of blue seas, beach night clubs..ahhh nostalgia...

There is something about the Bahamas. Probably because I like the tropical setting and clear seas. Makes me wonder what the heck I'm doing here.

Back to the movie, this being 1965, it also reminds me of when things were simpler, when things were more carefree. Boy do I miss things like having drinks on the beach like this.

Hmmm, I need a vacation in the Bahamas.. or maybe Cuba... :P

Voyeur?

2007-03-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Browsing the web, curiousity again got the better of me.

Eat full nothing to do, I entered a place commonly known as voyeur cam rooms. This is where people put up cams all over their homes and we get to eat them, watch tv, eat, sleep, shit etc
The cam quality is not all that great, usually its a wide angle shot with cheapo desk top cams.

So, ahem, curious about how other people actually and really lead their lives, which by the way is incredibly boring, I ended up at one particular room which has attracted my attention.

Because they have this orange Tabby who's life mission is to sleep curled up on the bed all day and walk all over the house on the furniture, tables anywhere but the floor. Apparently it doesnt like the floor very much.....The Tabby is also the main comedic relief of the place. After watching these guys watch TV in the living room, just sitting there vegetating and turning into potatoes, along comes Tabby to stir things up... fascinating lol...

This today's news..

2007-03-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

UFO science key to halting climate change: former Canadian defense minister

A former Canadian defense minister is demanding governments worldwide disclose and use secret alien technologies obtained in alleged UFO crashes to stem climate change, a local paper said Wednesday.

Hmmmm if only this was so true....

Anyways, I just found out a Polar Bear's fur is actually transparent and clear, its the bear's skin that you see white.....

and I'm going Laser Shooting tomorrow night... wooo hooooo

Oh what a weekend....

2007-02-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

The weekend has just been amazing. Thanks to a website meetup.com , I somehow managed to pack it with activities. I got a rare 3 day weekend off. Thanks to a weird schedule but I'll take it anyway after working so many weekends.

Saturday morning:

Bleary eyed, I trudged my way to a Reiki group meetup for newbies. It was held in a basement bookshop that specialises in spiritual, paranormal and non main stream books. I might go back for a Tarot workshop......

In the afternoon, I spent the afternoon at the local YMCA where I volunteer and followed up that up with a workout. Gyms here compared to Asia are quite different as far as members are concerned. The people who come here to workout are so much more committed and mindful of what they are doing.

In the evening, headed down to the King's Head pub. Ooooooh nice, its got a Blues band jammin' in the early part of the evening. They have an amazing Harmonica player. Now I can appreciate why a movie like The Blues Brothers was so popular. I also got to meet a whole new bunch of people.

Sunday:

It's a nice pleasure waking up sooooo late. So late in fact I nearly missed going for lunch (brunch?) to a restaurant I had heard about. After a quick wash up, off I went and made it there by 1pm (I had another group appointment at 2pm). It was supposed to serve Bak Chor mee. The Singapore style teochew mee with the Mee Pok (the flat egg noodle), liver, kidneys and a dash of vinegar. Ahhhhh I finally found it here and in a Vietnamese restaurant no less. They also had a version of the Singapore fried Carrot Cake!!! OMG.

Gastronomically satiated, I headed to my next 2pm meetup where I got to meet another bunch of nice people and also spent the afternoon traipsing around Prince's Island with them. It was a beautiful day. Clear blue sky, the temperature was a nice brisk -1, finally got to enjoy a nice sunday afternoon after working so many others.

Then the evening got interesting. I headed to a local meetup for budding golfers. Never mind the outside ground was covered in snow and cold-ish. Because this was an indoor driving range! There is this huge dome a bit like a circus tent except it's round and it's kept inflated by positive air pressure. I think I figured out my cure for the slice, keep the body rotation in check. Sunday evenings is cheap cheap night, I'll be back....

Immedidately after, I took off for downtown (nice to have a car at last) for another meetup and met another bunch of people at another pub where everyone was watching the Oscars presentation. Calgary recently outlawed smoking in Pubs...Yaaayyyy!!! But I don't drink much, the cops around here actually check all the time for drink driving.

Monday:

Chillin' .... but I'm thinking of that Bak Chor mee again.........*salivating already* maybe lunch today...heh.... but but but *looking out the window* it's snowing today! Big fluffy flaky white stuff coming down... *thinking* ahhh Second Cup after the mee....

What secret?

2007-02-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

In the 17th century, the French philosopher René Descartes

came up with the "explanation for it all":

"I think, therefore I am".

In other words, "I think I am angry, therefore I am angry." "I think I am tired, therefore I am tired." "I think I am busy, therefore I am busy."

Fast forward to the 20th century.

I attended a 5 day training program as a Life Insurance Agent wannabe in 1998 amongst the lush foothills of the Pahang mountain range, namely at Janda Baik.

The thing I came away from that program was this magnificent memory of the place and oh yes, the phrase:

"I am what I think about"

...which has been percolating somewhere among the far reaches of that dark recess known as my brain.

Go forth to 2003. Out of work, out of energy and out of money, out of the blue came another training program courtesy of some very well intentioned people, which I duly did and drilled into me that Intention is everything.

So with good intention, I ended up in Canada.

Sitting here in Canada wondering what Intention brought me here, along in 2005 came this movie, "What The Bleep?" which looked at Quantum Physics, which thrilled me to bits, with dancing Peptides, Receptors, Ameobas and also along the way explains why we act the way we act with a rather pretty Marlyn Matlin.

Now in 2006/7 comes this movie, "The Secret" and the Law of Attraction. This "Secret" apparently has taken North America by storm, even Oprah queen of talk shows has given this the airing of one whole episode. It seems everyone is going Ga Ga over the Laws of Attraction.

Now I'm scratching my head, errrr.... this has been going on since the 17th century..maybe even earlier... so what Secret?

Being the Pseudo Cat I am, curiosity got the better of me and I actually paid good money to get my hands on the DVD, which co-incidently had been out of stock for some time and with splendid luck was coming the same day I decided to go look for it and whilst while I was waiting in line to pay for the DVD, I got the book as well, which was literally thrust into my hands by a friendly store assistant because someone had returned it and I was next in line at the till. The book is apparently sold out too. Hmmmm Law of Attraction....

So....... it isn't really a movie at all but a full blown docu-commentary like a one of those Achiever's Congress with a lot of people explaining things.

I found it to be a really good reminder of the programs I had done in 98' and 03'. So I wasn't really blown away by it. But I guess for some who don't have the benefit of the hindsight I had might think differently.

But a timely reminder it is, so it will be:

I Think Therefore I am.

But right now I'm thinking of getting another pet Rabbit.....cute furry little lovable critters...

Just Added:

For those who want to watch Oprah talking about this and I think it might be enlightening for some click this:
Oprah The Secret Show

Burp....

2007-02-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Spent the last 2 days gorging....burP.....
now where is my diet plan....

I think I've found it...

2007-02-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

In Arthurian Legend, the Holy Grail, the chalice from which Jesus Christ drank from at the Last Supper supposedly represent miracle powers, hence the life long search for it. In modern day context the "holy grail" is seen as the distant, all-but-unobtainable ultimate goal for a person, organization, or field to achieve. The What's My Life's Purpose. Admittedly I'd been on this quest for a while, unobtainable it was described but I can be a hard head at times. Blame it on a mid life crisis, moving here, everything and anything.

Meanwhile, As The World Was Turning, recently chance occured and I stumbled on a clue, a possibility. Curiosity led me to reading it up and then more curiosity developed. I delved into a sub-branch. I paid money (as usual) and bought a few books to find out more (I don't know how to go to the library and borrow...). The more I read, the more pieces began to fall into place. Inexplicable happenings now had a meaning. Past Faux Pas', Gaffs, Weird Behaviour were now clearly explained. The why of the things and what I did to begin the whys in the first place began to click.

Then it dawned on me, I'd been searching for the Grail conventionally.
It wasn't really Where Is It?
It should have been the What Is It? that I should have been looking for.
Now that I think I've identified the culprit. I've got a long road ahead to build things that suits me better.

It's both good and bad news. Well not really bad news but at least it explains A LOT. Like why I can't be like everyone else. The not knowing the Why had been driving me up the wall. Now I can come down, rather precarious hanging up there.

Back to my reading.

Weekends and surprises

2007-02-12T00:57:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhh snow again here, this place looks more like winter now and what better place than to curl up and hang out at a Starbucks sipping a cup of this

Then later I visited a rarely visited place these days, an Asian supermarket.

Lo and behold, to my great surprise I found these!!!!

Mangosteens

Starfruit

and my shaking hands doesn't do this justice, but they are Rambutans

All fresh off the plane (I hope) nothing like a taste of home. What a weekend.

All pics taken with the handy dandy Motorola 0.3MP phone cam hence the variety of quality and sizes...I'm travelling light nowadays.

5 Things U Dunno About Flyboy

2007-02-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Wahhh so honoured, kena tagged by Ah Boy. I can't remember the last time I was tagged. There was one by Kat about foods I miss from Mom but that one I kena stuck...too many to list.

So 5 things you dunno about me wor..damn this is hard, how to say 5 things without giving away secrets....ssshh

1) I love singing Karaoke but only in a private room and Engrish songs...think Peabo Bryson *unashamed*

2) I like watching Day Time Soap Operas... so the drama ... not to mention a lot of Leng Luis.

3) I'm a Museum nut. Every where I go, I would visit them. In fact, I'd rather spend a the whole afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City instead of visiting Greenwich village. Which was exactly what I did when I was in NYC so I havent a clue what Greenwich village is like but I can tell you all about the exhibits at MMA....

4) I can't read chinese, they used to call me Banana ... no surprise why I'm here but the funny thing is I've spoken more chinese here that I ever have back in SG...thank god I can do mandarin, hokkien and cantonese.

5) I can be a PC game nut....so I try to stay away... try.... grrrrrr.... I'm currently hooked on Texas Hold Em' and I just blew a $3000 lead...

I invite anyone who wants to do this to do this tag.... cos I'm hopeless at trying to tag someone...

Ice, Pork and a DVD machine

2007-02-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

This morning had a really good workout. Woke up to the car covered in ice.... last night it drizzled, it drizzled freezing rain, its still drizzling tonite. Driving thru the damned stuff is a nightmare, it hits your windscreen and freezes, in the dark its an interesting experience. I must have used up my entire tank of windshild washer fluids to de ice the widnscreen. Now I know what's freezing rain is like. Yucks, scraping the damn ice off the car this morning was a really good exercise....*bulging arm muscles*

So in the freezing drizzle/fog I drove (finally) to the Best Buy shop. Picked a slightly costlier DVD player for 50bucks. Some made in china house brand. But it plays pretty good, much better than the old one, price does make a difference..lol

Then drove to the supermarket to pick my snacking groceries to munch on whilst watching my brand new DVD playing.

Pork Puffs! Looked yummy so I grabbed a bag.

Zero Calories sounds even better.

So I settled down watching this DVD, of Ali G, starring Sasha Baron Cohen aka Borat. Its rather brainless but hilarious at the same time. Amazing how he got dignatories to be interviewed....he so siao they so serious.

What yummy crunchies. Then I looked harder at the pack and spied this,

Wahhhhh ..... deep fried pork skin aka rinds.... hmmmm *crunch crunch* nice!

Grrrrrrr......

2007-02-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

AArrrrggghhhhhh...I'm going to pull my hair out, good think I cut botak earlier...

Came home today, wanted to watch a movie I just bought but but the damned DVD player wont start!!

WTF %^&%#$^$ Gggrrrrr and I still have a disc inside it and it won't even eject it, more Grrrrrrr.

With frustration comes evil. Snigger.

Out comes my handy dandy Victorinox Swiss Army Knife (do I get paid for product placement here?)Had this little baby for over 10 years. Top of the line model.

Whipping out the philips screwdriver, I start slowly stripping the DVD player's casing of its screws, slowly torturing it, stripping off its innards. Breaking little pieces here there. Finally I get my disc back, Snigger. Toss the leftover bits into the trash can.... it goes clunk

Muarhahahaaaa.....

Damn now I got to buy a new one tomorrow....who ask me to get cheapo players...lets see.....what should I get......

Snigger

Something else to work on now

2007-02-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

The car I've really been lusting after is this Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Quite a mouthful, but oooohh 300hp, 4 wheel drive and a full on World Rally Championship birth right. The closest thing to flying on the road. Ferrari performance for a fraction of the price. But sadly, I not so rich yet.

So I got me this baby instead (thunk, back to planet earth), the EF model. Not the actual car, too snowy here to take pics, car is covered in muck now, actually come to think of it, might be better looking in muck given the rust, at least it matches in colour, but this pic is what it's like to look like soon...

Mine is the bare bones DX model. No power steering, no power windows, no central lock, no tachometer, no vanity mirror, no cupholders, no alloys, not even a clock. But its kinda fun going back to basics. It's like being 20 yrs old all over again with my first car. I'm going to get my hands dirty. I can add anything I want now, will be scouring the local junk yards and performance shops for parts. I used to be quite handy around cars...

Cost me all of 900 bucks. I think I got a great deal. There is quite a bit of rust on the outside, but mechanically it's in excellent shape. All the bits are within prescribed tolerances (wow). I'm still amazed that everything works, and I mean everything. The engine bay looks like it came out of a new car. The previous owner really kept up the maintenance. Now all I need is a Sander, Anti Rust tratment, some fiberglass patches and lots of Bondo... might be posting updates on my restoration. If the weather co-operates.

P/S I think the EG9 ESI is a great car, I love the 3 door hatch/coupe.....

Bowled Over

2007-01-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

'Tis was an interesting day today. Worked the weekend so will have tuesday and wednesday off this week. As usual, thanks to years of conditioning in that country which prides itself on having the World's Greatest Sale, I went shopping.

However the wind was not really co-operating, another *rolls eyes* cold front is coming in for the next few days. But the wind was rather something. I was walking around in the outdoors, I could feel the winds trying to bowl me over and I'm a heavy guy.

But the Piece De Resistance of my buys today is this:

That shiny Key Fob is from Simple American (now you know where that has ended up, always wanted a Lone Star, thank you!) but the other black bit is mine. I'm now the proud owner of a 1989 Honda Civic 2Dr Coupe. She ain't much to look at, but is mechanically sound, (think Millenium Falcon, going to be working on the Warp Drive), comfy (the seats and heater work, important!) she will require a lot of TLC from Moi. I'm already falling in love. Thank god I'm mechanically inclined. But the best bit is, I can actually now go places regularly! No more wasting time waiting for buses.....Yaaayyyy.

Now I remember why I came here, I can't afford a car like this in Singapore!

All that Jazz

2007-01-28T04:13:00.000-07:00

Jazz..ahhh that much misunderstood, sometimes maligned form of music. Makes some people swoon, makes some fall asleep, causes yet others to go stark raving mad. Jazz has so may sub forms its just mindboggling. Fusion, Blues, Folk, etc there is so many to list. Always been a Rhythm sort of person so I guess thats why it appeals to me. Eons ago, when policemen actually wore shorts, I used to be on the school marching band and I actually played the piano. Dont ask me to march/play anything now, still getting to grips with PS3. What I really like about Jazz though it that its timeless.....whichever music that sets your heart on fire...

This time of the year, the sun still being a low low angle, creates very interesting light especially with pinkish storm clouds in the background, this is the Chinook Centre, Calgary's biggest shopping mall...

Are You a Drama Queen?

2007-01-20T22:08:00.000-07:00

So whilst browsing through Self magazine...I came across this tiny bit of tidbit about being a drama queen. Not one to pass up anything free, I took off my inhibitions and skinny dipped into the realm of the unknown. Namely:

Are you a Drama Queen?

And with my score of 75... the result is....*drum roll, peeks through fingers*

You should get an Oscar for your dramatic flair. You tend to blow situations out of proportion, overreact and make mountains out of molehills. While this might keep your life interesting and provide the occasional laugh, it's also got to be pretty hard on you. It's exhausting riding a constant emotional roller coaster! Both for your own sake and the peace-of-mind of those closest to you, you should really learn to chill out a little. Try to keep things in perspective - something may seem like a major life crisis at the moment, but will you even remember it in a month (or day) from now? You can keep your passion for the dramatic (a tiger never changes its stripes), but consider toning it down before you wear yourself out!

So are you one?
The Drama Queen Test

DYK

2007-01-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

Do you know that Bats always turn left when exiting a cave?

Do you know that you can only fold a piece of paper a maximum of 7 times?

Do you know that watching a advertisement for Toyota cars tells you these?

Do you know I might be babbling?

The Chill Arrives

2007-01-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

So the cold spell is now here, but it is now where near as cold as the one we had in nov last year. Maybe because I now have a down jacket, ooooh warmth, nice. But what really piques my curiosity is, why is it when it gets colder, the urge to go pee becomes worse? The only solution is to go commando, I knew army training would one day be useful.

A long weekend

2007-01-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Having a 3 day weekend (finally!) I decided to head back to my old haunting grown - Lake Louise.

Heading out, bright sunshine

Ahhhh at Canmore....hmmm from the clear skies at Calgary to looming clouds...

Mountains again!

Wah! Twisting mountain roads, my favourite! Notice the avalanche danger sign at the side of the road. This road was closed just a week ago because of an one.

Loaded with snow somemore, its really fun trying to slide the car around the corners, nothing beats a feeling of being behind the wheel and in a slide. Must remember to stay away from telephone poles...

A Warm Winter???

2007-01-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

This was the headline and part of the news on Yahoo Canada today. Much of eastern Canada is currently having rather warm weather. Some ski hills there have had to close and the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, billed as the world's longest skating rink, still isn't frozen giving rise to many to ponder if this is the trend to come.

"Canadians waiting for winter, wondering how it will affect national identity.

Canada's typically harsh winter weather continued to spare most of the country over the weekend as mild conditions prevailed instead of the snow and deep freeze many would expect at the start of January.

And while many cheerfully enjoyed the unseasonal treat, others pondered what it all means for Canada's national identity.....as a hardy, cold-weather population"

Me cold-weather populatee?

"..the weather is gradually becoming warmer but Canadians shouldn't think current conditions herald a new winter reality. You can't use this as a forecast; you can't say this is the beginning of balmy winters from now on. I think this is in fact a preview, a dry run of the normal winter that we'll see in 2030, 2040." - Environment Canada senior climatologist David Philips.

"Canadian Sarah Campbell seems perplexed. "It's kind of weird," says Campbell, who is more accustomed to the mild weather of her native Scotland. "This time last year, it was snowstorms." She says she's most concerned about Canadians of a different sort. "I just think about the poor polar bears. I feel badly for them." - Hooray for her!

The weather is certainly weird. I just came back from my old haunt Lake Louise which is benefitting from the storms battering British Columbia i.e. lots of snow. I don't remember seeing that much snow when I was there last year....

Back to a bit closer to home. Been hearing that a cold front is coming through the middle of this week but WTF! this is too much.

From +1º to -21º in one day is, really, too much *indignant*

Makes watching this movie over the weekend suddenly seem so ... relevant..

25 ways to tell you're grown up..

2007-01-03T02:42:00.000-07:00

eat full nothing to do...

A Happy New Year

2006-12-30T01:21:00.000-07:00

2007 is about to arrive
looking back on ole 2006
it's been interesting
a journey I'd never thought be possible moons ago
I can be nostalgic and reminisce
or I can be an eager beaver
and look ahead with wide open eyes
rekindling the spirit of wonderment
like the explorers of the past
who first saw new lands
I will wonder what new adventure
will the new year bring forth
I'd imagine I'd relish the challenges
as we head that 'a way

truly a dawn of a new year
exciting indeed

Interesting TV Series

2006-12-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

Its been slow and I got days off to clear, so I'm spending all week getting tanked up on rental DVDs. I never really looked at it before, but now I'm watching a broader range of genres and this is rather fascinating. Makes Sex and the City look positively PG rated. Ok ok I'll admit it was the chicks on the cover that got me intrigued but if you want to get to know women and relationships better, watch this....:p

From Amazon.com :
"Synopsis:
Follows the lives and loves of a small, close-knit group of lesbians living in Los Angeles as well as the friends and family members that either support or loath them.

'The L Word' is billed as the intimate story about the lives and loves of a group of lesbian friends living in Los Angeles. Mostly centering on Jenny, a recent graduate of the University of Chicago, who moves to Los Angeles to live with her boyfriend Tim and begin a professional writing career. Jenny's life is turned upside down when she attends a party hosted by Tim's next-door neighbors, Bette and Tina, a lesbian couple who are looking to take the step into parenthood after seven years of dating. A brief encounter at the party with Marina, the owner of The Planet, the local coffeehouse that the ladies gather on a daily basis, suddenly has Jenny thrust into the local lesbian community and a whole new world she never understood until she questions her own sexual orientation. Other friends of Bette and Tina include Dana, a rising tennis player looking for love despites having no dating experience; Alice, a magazine writer whom just wants to find the woman of her dreams; Shane is a sexually aggressive slacker/hairstylist whom seeks out her own girl just for her own pleasures. "

It snowed all day today, with blowing snow to boot, like walking around in a sand storm....not fun...

Its Christmas Week!

2006-12-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

A BIG thanks to everyone who came and left christmas cheer!

The folks here in Calgary and I suspect the rest of Canada have a really nice tradition to Christmas. They really like to light up their houses. Makes the Christmas light up really a sight to behold. Every where you go there are lights, including construction sites and the overhead cranes are all lit up.

So today being Christmas and the North American version of Chinese New Year as far as shop are concerned, i.e. they are all closed. INCLUDING the $%$W*& bus service (not nice to curse today but I'm being jolly here). Eat full nothing better to do, I headed out west towards Bragg Creek Provincial Park for some much needed R&R.

Ahhhh Bliss...I miss this.. the Rockies again!

Definitely the Old West.. would be a great place to hang out in summer

Rustic, nice!

Then I continued further west into Kananaskis Country, they do a lot of movie filming here

I stopped at the well known Elbow River falls, mainly 'cos this is the furthest I could go, the rest of the route was closed for the season, avalanche country...

Elbow Falls canyon, it froze, it thawed...might freeze again, maybe..

Elbow Falls, something rather calming about a waterfall..notice some frozen bits at the side, in the full winter the whole thing is frozen

Some rather fascinating ice figures carved by the flowing river. Amazing what nature can get up to.

The Midday Sun over a frozen Elbow River. Notice the storm clouds brewing at the top of the mountains....looks like the weather forecasters may be right, snow on wednesday...hmm

Tomorrow is BOXING DAY. The best day all year for shopping, loads of places giving discounts. Plenty of door crashers, can't wait.

Winter now starts...

2006-12-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today is the shortest day of the year, here in Calgary we will get less than 8 hrs of daylight. Meaning at 4pm the sky is already dark. Today also is the winter equinox which officially marks the start of winter. The good news is that starting tomorrow, the days can only get longer!

The weather channel here is my idea of watching tv... geek speaking here. Its rather fascinating watching all the different weather systems coming in, going here there, but importantly what we will be getting here. Every morning without fail, I will check the day's weather before going out as it will determine what I'll be wearing, something thin and flimsy (which all the girls seem to wear no matter how cold it is, hmmm come to think of it, if I were to wear a skirt out I will also become a girl..no wonder...ahhhh mystery solved) or do I need to pack ice cleats. I've seen all sorts of weather here, however there is one thing I haven't seen yet and that is freezing rain. Apparently it rains, but when the water hits the ground it freezes up, that will be something to see. Another thing that is rather apparent is the Calgary appears to be rather blessed. The Rockies to the west blocks a lot of the low pressure systems coming in from the Pacific. The winds and rain and snow ALWAYS comes from the west.. don't aske me why, havent found out yet, maybe because of the earth's direction of rotation? Vancouver recently has been hammered by tons of snow, rain and winds that up rooted many trees but thanks to the Rockies we've been spared all that. Rather fascinating to see the computer images of a a system move in and cover British Columbia and get stopped dead in its tracks before reaching Calgary by the rockies. It also explains why there are so few trees here and is mostly grassland, its like a North American Serengeti. I was told most of the trees in Calgary are transplanted here...but i like lots of trees... dang...

Gonna be spending my christmas at my old hunting ground of lake louise. Gonna do some snow shoeing, skiing and maybe chase a squirrel or two, kinda miss those ~~beggers~~ buggers...

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY HOLIDAY EVERYONE!

More Bond Madness And Other Stuff

2006-12-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Since its the season to be merry plus I finally got a wee bit of commissions paid at last after waiting for 5 bloody months (you get the idea) I decided to treat myself a bit. Ever since I first saw 'ole Roger Moore in Live and Let Die when I was all of 9 years old and got scared out of my wits with it's Voodoo theme but at the same time who the heck is this guy who is dashing, apparently invincible and fun. Fast forward to today and I've been a Bond fan ever since.

So over the weekend, I got myself the whole ultimate edition release of the 007 series. Yes all 4 volumes. It was a tough decision a camera or this. The camera will still be there later, this will sell out fast. Yup as some of you might discern I'm really a 007 nut. I must say Ursula Andress in Dr No, in her publicity stills is very much a siren to lust after....

This will be a nice addition to my whole collection of all the Bond books by Ian Fleming, including those by John Gardner.

Moving on...

Today was rather interesting, I got to be on my toes and be a bum at the same time.

Went for an interview this morning.
I came away thinking egads, I didn't do a very good job at that. Firstly it didn't last very long, not always a good sign. Secondly it wasn't very interrogative as most interviews seems to be. Thirdly, the interviewer asked me all of 2 questions, formally. I think I asked more questions back. The rest of the time seemed to be on small talk. Being the perfectionist I am, I'm always thinking what else could I have done better? I thought I had done everything (almost) possible to not do well there. I was less than overly enthusiastic, I can't ever remember what was actually said other the gist of things, I wasn't wide awake but somehow I still managed to smoke and muddle my way through. Hmmmm...... Oh well, at least she seemed friendly, was my thoughts after leaving...I got the job done no fanfare. But at the back of my mind was something I was telling a friend about being hired to fit corporate culture...

Then to my surprise later in the afternoon, I got a call from the HR department saying the interview went well and that they would like to move on to the next stage i.e. the paperwork and necessary background checks. My initial reaction was Jaw Dropped wide open, I'm somewhat flabbergasted at the moment. I really went only to test the market.but also the prospect of a raise. But I've grown rather attached to my co-workers and present lifestyle (read simple and no one to look over your shoulder most of the time)

So now I'm stuck, Shall I move on? Shall I stay? Thats me, Libra.....cannot make up my mind.

Oh yeah, the bit about being a bum for the rest of the day, that's what happens when I can't decide......

Charting

2006-12-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

So as usual eat full nothing to do, I've been ruminating over what to do here career wise.

The story so far...
In the words of Captain Kirk when asked where to go, its been "just go that'a way"
Boldy going where no sane Singaporean has gone so far.... well mostly..

Then recently a seed got planted and is now slowly sprouting. Danged if I'm not actually intrigued. I suffer from ADS... Attention Deficit Syndrome.. I loose interest in things ... fast. But this has been slowly simmering. So it must mean I'm actually interested. Egads! Horrors! this is so not me. I'm supposed to be the laid back ex-beach and now snow bum.

As always with anything here, getting the necessary qualifications and licences is a must.
The good news is that the home study course isnt all that expensive.
The bad news is that it isnt all that simple or so I think.
Its been a while since I went back to school, much less study anything, more horrors!
But you gotta do what you gotta do.
Yee Haw! learning to be a cowboy here....

THOK the Drifter

2006-12-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

Sooooo....
I got myself a present today. Its made by Lego.
What a name...

THOK the Drifter

Look it comes complete with an assembly manual for the assembly challenged

Ahhh the legs are taking shape, was always a legs man ...

I see an arm!! Its coming together!

It's alive!!!! Growl...stay away....

I'm fierce

Ahhhhhhh the Sun!

2006-12-08T23:20:00.000-07:00

Ok I got around my wee camera problem by doing what Angel suggested..I got me a card reader! As long as it works!

So this pic was taken a while back mid-Fall when I had a rental car and was browsing the west side of town where you start heading into the Rockies again. As I was approaching Bragg Creek Provincial Park, I was rather awestruck by this scene during sunset. Its about 20 mins from Calgary.

Back to to the present. Now that we are nearing the Winter Equinox, i.e. when the days are at its shortest and the nights are are at the longest, the Sun in all its glory also doesn't really go very high into the sky. This is about as high as it gets and yes, it was -15 that day. After the Winter Equinox, Winter officially starts but the days start to get longer...(yes!)

So why am I still here...*rubbing chin, deep in thought, eyes glazed at the sun*

Feet, drugs and time

2006-12-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting last few days. Nearly got swiped by a car, walked just about all over town, again. Went to corners of Calgary I haven't been to yet. Took lots of pics with no way to post..yet. The big bonus is literally the end of year bonus next week yippee...

The boring bit is now is the slowest time of the year for sales, yikes need to hike up the pants and get goin' faster. A nice bit is all the houses all nicely decorated with lights for christmas, sorry again no pics.

Sometimes I wonder why am I here. Last night on the train going up north, passing thru' downtown, right at one of the train platforms in front of everyone, there was these few people loading up a syringe with something and aiming it for a jab. It was obvious this aint no insulin jab as there are special syringes for that. This guy was filling it up from the open end, inserting the plunger and tapping it to clear the bubbles. Shooting it up I believe is the term. Rather fascinating. On the way back had this group of kids at a train station ask me if I wanted Gun's n Roses...huh? Need to find out what that is...

That's the interesting bit of living here. Apparently it's still not so safe to go out late at night. I haven't felt this lower level of safety since the early 80s in SG. You're so used to present SG levels of safety you take things for granted and forget what the good ole' days were like. Makes me want to go back to classes for TKD..or better still weapons arts. I wonder when will the Calgary Police spend more time patrolling the streets and less time on catching people for speeding tickets.

This reminds me, yesterday was the 2nd Anniversary of my blog. Time sure does flies....

Sigh...

2006-12-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Ok been meaning to post some pics here but my damned camera and pc are not talking to each other.
I dont know who pissed each other off first but they aint talking. I've reinstalled the drivers but doesnt work.
I keep getting a found new hardware pop up message but no matter how I try to resinstall the driver or point the find hre hardware browser to the cd it aint working...
I'm scatching my head right now..

Ha! I survived another adventure!

2006-11-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Fall what fall? This felt like the middle of the goddamned winter. We just broke all records for the coldest fall and november ever..... for the last 110 years. Yes you read right, the last time it was that cold during fall was a 110 years ago and then it was only -26C. What global warming? More like global freezing. Even the all the Hurricanes decided to give the US a break this year. Although Mexico's west coast got hammered, bye bye Puerto Vallarta....(hint: eyeing for vacation...cheap!)

It ~~reached~~ (thats not the correct word) dropped to an amazing -30.1 C, yes and that was the daytime high, on tuesday and it's not even officially winter yet.

Yes it's still fall here....I can't wait to see what winter really brings. Probably lots of "warm" weather, anything above -30 is warm.... hahaaa

So today was a relatively balmy -15C. It felt so warm I wasn't inclined to cover up like Lawrence of Arabia trekking through a desert storm. The last few days of walking around outdoor, the only thing you could see of my face was the slits of my eyes.... Apparently you can get frostbite on exposed skin in under -20C temperatures in a matter of minutes. Now I wasn't about to put that to the test.

So it will get warmer the next couple of days, it will only be -3 or so. Makes me want to break out the shorts and tees.

I watched The Bourne Supermacy on TV last night. Had been thinking of renting the dvd, funny how things come your way.

Into the retro phase now, anyone remember this song?

More Brrrrrrrrrr and a movie

2006-11-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

Its -27 C ambient temp tonight with windchill at -38 ....and .....windchill warning tomorrow at -42...yikes...but I'm staying home curled up with a book haha!

But I'm pretty well prepared now, I think. After the initial shock of going from +15 to -20 in a matter of days, I think I've gotten the hang of the weather and what to wear. But..there is always a but....it will warm up again by friday..to a more seasonal -1.... yup single digits..now lets dig my wardrobe for what to not wear..

The weather has gone all batty over here. Last year we were all balmy here and Ontario was freezing and now its the opposite. Darn now I got to keep all that artic stuff....but I'd bet $5 bucks by Jan we'll get a couple of chinooks and all will be warm again.. any takers?

So tonight, braving the wind, flying snow, its been so damned cold the snow has basically turned to powder...great for skiing, not so good when the damned things gets in your eyes, its like sand getting in....

So tonight, again, I caught the movie The Devil Wears Prada, thank god for neighbourhood cinemas, cheap and good. It was a really good movie and stylish and made me wonder why my old friend who used to work for Armani didnt dress like that.... still a feel good movie and rocking soundtrack.... nice.

Brrrrrrrrr................

2006-11-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

This is a little too bit early....
-23 today....
It takes me half and hour to dress up cos of the layers...
More like going for an artic expedition than going to work
I got snow shoes on and my dress shoes in the pack
and just for a 6 block walk to work.....
.....weeeeeee

Cold Air!

2006-11-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

"The nice and sunny weather we have been having will soon change
starting tonight, a ridge of artic air will be moving down from the north
bringing with it freezing rain and maybe some flurries
you can expect the temperature to drop below minus 10 and
reach -25 this weekend"

That was the weather forecast for the rest of the week
Hmmmmmmmm now some serious re-thoughts about growing roots here....
its been blowing like crazy tonight, the wind is nuts...
right now at 11pm its light snow and at -9 with the windchill its like -19...
tomorrow morning will be.....interesting.....damn now I wished I got that artic furlined parka i was eyeing the other day....

Its Monday

2006-11-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

So recently went on a sabbatical from this place. mainly to see if I can live life without a blog. I guess I could, but then life would be far less interesting. There were times when I was itching to say something but I said no... see if I can tahan.. I guess not... :P

Gawd...the tension, the arrrgghhhh can't say anything feeling
The itch to ~~blog~~ blab is too strong
Our basic instinct is to blab probably, thats why us humans are social animals

But like all things, once a certain time has passed, you don't feel the same primordial urges anymore. Like a mouse, we learn to find other avenues (well mostly).

Like now, I don't crave for Sing/Msian foods like I used to. Probably living in the city now, I can get asian foods a lot more easily. HK, Indian, Indonesian, Thai and I discovered ONE Malaysian restaurant (yippee and sigh) It has Chilli Crab! Chai Tow Kuay! Curry Laksa! No where near the original (I think I can cook better) but at my present place, cooking has limited opportunities, fighting for the kitchen use with the landlord and another roommate. (now you know why I dont blab about my culinary exploits anymore, maybe when I find a rommier place, need a roommate though, to help pay the rent!) and I suppose you can't be choosy over here

So now I have this sudden great big pressing urge to find and grow my roots here. OK, maybe not so sudden but its been brewing for a while. My problem is that I've always had the wanderlust. No wonder I liked travelling so much, to the point of ending up here. I've never been afraid of getting lost, quite the opposite. My favourite pastime is to try and get "lost". Go places I've never been to before and see which part of the woods (used to be jungle)I come out from. No surprise one of my fav tv shows is the Amazing Race, I'm so jealous of the racers.

So another one of our primitive urges, as nicely and graphically described in Mazlow's Hierachy of Needs is strong here (can never forget that danged triangle). The need for shelter does come first and takes precendence over other things. So the crunch really is.... time to find a real apartment.

He's Back........finally......

2006-11-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

Just look at the poster.
Part Saville Row
Part Miami Vice
Part Esquire model
Part Hit Man
The Swagger
This is a new Bond.

One for the new millenium. Its been a long wait! The cheesy (ray gun????) effects are gone (but keep the car, keep the car!). When I first saw Daniel Craig I was wondering who's this guy? Never heard of him. There were plenty of detractors (with egg on their faces now) when he was announced . Probably because he wasn't very well known then. Then I saw Layer Cake and I flipped. The film reviewers have been going gaga over this new chap. Calling him the best since Connery...

Finally got me my tickets to the movie, since I've had the opportunity to actually read Ian Fleming's book Casino Royale (I have the whole collection actually) and this is the closest deal you're ever going to get.

He's back......

And the ever lasting DB5. Obligatory picture...

There was one thing I didn't like though, the title song was just awful.....

This movie has been touted as going back to the beginning. How he got his roots, became the person he was.

For some strange reason, I decided to re-browse my earlier entries. It suddenly struck me how my blog had changed. Just like the earlier Bond films had gone for bigger better more spectacular, so had I.

I'm going back to this blog's origins. A fresh start. Besides, this new Bond is rather invigorating.

A Worthy Finale

2006-11-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

The Event

The Contenders

The Finalists

*contented sigh*
weeks of anxiety, tension, throbbing shoulders, shifting hips, tappity toes,

...now I can sleep happy now..

The Winners

Sabbatical

2006-11-05T22:48:00.000-07:00

An incredible image of the Sun and a Solar Flare.
Taken from Skylab many decades ago.
Some of you might actually remember Skylab.
This image really reflects me now.
Glowing red hot,
Flares a desire to break out.

I'm increasingly at a lost to blog these days.
Not really sure what to write or show about.
So rather than crack my noggin' any longer.
I'm going on a sabbatical for a while.
Doing a walkabout.
Not sure when I'll be back.
So y'all hang in thar and be good.

Till then Au Revoir.

Winter's too early

2006-11-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Its been freezing here.
Had an artic cold front come through here for the last 5 days.
Last saturday it was a nice +14
Sunday it dropped to -10
And then it snowed!
At least a foot of snow over 2 days.
And the snow turned to ice!
Cars were sliding off the roads left right and centre.
I was sliding all over the iced over pavement.
Its been below -10 for the last couple of days.
Its finally warming up.
But everything is turning to slush.
Yucks
But a chinook is coming yayyyyy

2006-11-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

Its funny how things pop into your mind sometimes.

*************************

Eureka!

2006-10-28T10:32:00.000-06:00

Prologue to Prologue:
Blogger's been acting damn weird after 2 days now I finally get to post again.

Prologue:

Whilst in the midst of researching the subject of getting well (ok ok we were talking about the benefits of Cockroach entrails on curing Acne), through further aimless Googling and talking Cock (no reference to that Rooster ). The lucious Dr. Chen and maddeningly Dr. Fly By Night (ahem, Moi) discovered the secrets of cures for common ailments through eating laviously and lustily with local South East Asian foods. More specifically, food commonly found in the region known as Malaysia and Singapore.

During the research, done through millions of seconds Go-Ogling at foods, it was concluded that curing yourslef and gaining weight is a far more enjoyable activity compared to endless hours of aerobic exercise, wearing out your joints, eating less than a mouse and paying your other doctors (present authors exempted) millions of dollars to fix all of the above side effects through plastic surgery (For example, Lost of Boobs, Sagging Love Handles and Sagging Arm Bottoms symptoms as opposed to Voluptous figures, DD Cups and Full Hips). We discovered through this research that paying this pair of doktors millions of Dollars/billions of Ringgit is far more preferable as we provide the latest and greatest in food and oh yes the cure too, we think. (Email us for our bank account numbers.)

This publication is by no means comprehensive and new chapters are added all the time, whenever a new succulent dish is discovered and a use of a cure found for it. In that order.

We now present:

"How to cure yourself and gain weight by eating fats" by Chen M.D. (Medical Doktor, real wan) and Flyboy aka Fly By Night M.D. (Mad Doctored).

SORETHROAT
It is known that drinking Vinegar may help cure Sore Throats. But we'd rather eat true and original Teochew Fishball Mee which is loaded with Vinegar. Ask your local favourite hawker for additional dollops of Vinegar like the whole bottle. You get to enjoy your noodles and crunchy Fish Balls while curing your sore throat. You may also opt for Extra Extra Extra hot chilli. If the Vinegar doesnt work, burning off the lining of your throat most certainly will. After one mouthful of this mixture, your tongue should be sufficiently anesthetised so you should not feel a thing but taste all its glory.

THE COMMON COLD
Try this combination of Curry Extra Spicy Vindaloo with additional servings of Japanese Wasabe. It is guaranteed that your Sinus will be unclogged in no time. Please allow for extra boxes of Kleenexes or as we prefer, as it is more absorbent, Huggies Kitchen Towels. It is alleged that this one stays intact when wet. A very desirable quality.

THE COMMON COUGH
Since sweet things makes your cough worse. We now recommend the opposite end of the spectrum and go salty. One specialty is Fried Rice with Salted Fish. Lots of Salted Fish. Preferrably the whole damn Pacific Tuna sized fish. As an appetiser, Kiam Chai Soup may be served before the entree to sufficiently adapt your tongue for the upcoming feast. Should you be living out somewhere in the west like Canada, Chicken Soup may be substituted for the Kiam Chai Teng. Just remember to use the whole bottle of Ajinomoto when seasoning.

THE COMMON HEARTPAIN (Lover Breakupitus)
There is only one solution and that is Chocolates. We prefer Dark Chocolate, preferably Swiss. However should the attack be an Acute one, any thing by Cadbury is sufficient. Its Purple wrapping is somewhat Royal (Feels like you are above others) and Gay (Makes you stop hating the opposite sex and perhaps temporarily or perhaps permenantly gain an appreciation for the same sex). Looking at it makes you feel better. We do not recommend KitKat as its red colour may otherwise incite you to perform acts of derring do you may regret. You only burn his or her house down AFTER you have removed all your precious items like The Ex-Significant Other's credit cards, bank cards, checkbooks etc.

THE COMMON HEADACHE
There is a bit of a argument of the benefits of Garlic on healing headaches with one camp for and one camp against (mainly the air freshener nice smell lovers) but we believe Garlic does help. The best way to consume Garlic and lots of it is with Bak Kut Teh soup. Triple, Quadruple or Millionuple the amount of Garlic you usually use.

THE COMMON BAD BREATH (Garlicoitis)
After consuming Garlic laded Bak Kut Teh, you may notice people tending to avoid you. Garlic is known for its mother of all bad breath side effect. So we recommend as dessert after BKTgladen, the King of fruit aka Durain. Please note, this only works for those born in the region which actually has Durain. Persons from other regions, notably the west may disagree.

Disclaimer:
The above recommendation have not be subjected to double blind studies as during our attempts at such, the control group often secretly snuck out to hang out with the medicated group, rendering all results meaningless other than a siginificantly increased number of happy faces in both groups.

Next book. Weight and You. Soon at a blog near you.

A Little Reminder....

2006-10-26T00:51:00.000-06:00

There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms. - George Eliot

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow. - Aesop

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.- Emerson

The heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight. But they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night. - Thomas S. Monson

Starting over

2006-10-24T19:33:00.000-06:00

So I just got me a brand new CD today and I must admit I'm a Carpenters fan. Listening to its tracks, it also struck me how apt one of the songs was for a chat I had last night. Make believe it's your first time, leave your sadness behind. Its truly the best way to go.

Make Believe It's Your First Time
The Carpenters

We've tried our hand at love before.
We've been around the game enough to know the score.
But then is then, and now is now.
And now is all that matters anyhow.

Make believe it's your first time, leave your sadness behind.
Make believe it's your first time, and I'll make believe it's mine.

The door is closed, it's you and me.
We'll take our time with love, the way it ought to be.
This moment's ours, tonight's the night.
And if we fall in love, that's all right.

Make believe it's your first time, leave your sadness behind.
Make believe it's your first time, and I'll make believe it's mine.

So close your eyes and hold me close.
Let our hearts pretend that love is ours to share tonight, and it might
never end.

Make believe it's your first time, leave your sadness behind.
Make believe it's your first time, and I'll make believe it's mine.
Make believe it's your first time, and I'll make believe it's mine.

Toe Tapping..

2006-10-22T08:30:00.000-06:00

Not quite as inspiring as I thought...... good dance moves though.

More insightful stuff....

Coffee Anyone?

2006-10-20T23:29:00.000-06:00

Yikes and Yaayyyy

2006-10-18T21:04:00.000-06:00

Egads!
A weee bit too early in the season for this. Damn!!!
Its Snowing!!!
It snowed the last couple days. Wake up in the morning and everything is turning white!
Drat. Noooooooooo...... its too early for this!!!! This is madness! This is .... hmmm... Calgary...

ON THE PLUS SIDE.
Today is my off day. So I went Jalan Jalan and found a place where I can go shoot the snow maker.

Yes these are bullets. Found a indoor shooting range, had fun shooting the M16 again (I never knew I missed the damn things but I do, why dont they have a machine gun here?). Somethings you never forget and then tried my luck with a handgun.

I hate to boast, ahem, but I think I'm a pretty good shot. All my rounds landed within my aiming points. I got some nice groupings too. Including the hits off the silhouette cos I aimed there and this is the FIRST time I've ever shot a handgun. Rather addicitive, this is bringing out the competitive nature in me. Lets now see if I can make the groupings even tighter.

I'm going back again soon, this was so much fun! But next time I'm bringing my camera with me!!

Aifix

2006-10-17T23:04:00.000-06:00

When I was a kid, I used to build a lot of plastic model kits, then commonly known as Airfix, because the main brand then is what else? The Airfix Brand. There were also lots of other brands such as Tamiya, Hasegawa, Matchbox, AMT to name a few. But the challenge of putting a kit together to make it look as real as possible was rather fun. I built loads of them.

I used to build a lot of aircraft such as this Supermarine Spitfire. I was pretty nifty with glues, putty and paints and brushes. I specialized in WW2 aircraft, ships and tanks. Jets somehow just didn’t appeal me to me. I found the old warbirds had a element of grace and old world charm about them.

Coming over here its been like being in a candy store. I’ve had the opportunity to visit lots of museums and see the actual aircraft and parts up close, touch them and just plain ogle. Things that I used to build and imagine what they might have been like are now standing in front of me. It’s like a dream come true.

A Supermarine Seafire

A top turret from a B17 and the Rear Turret of a Lancaster. Gawd, the real thing, how I spent countless hours trying to get the details right then. If only I could see then what I see now.

Earth Wind and Fire was rather hot then too.

Wonders

2006-10-15T23:39:00.000-06:00

As I gaze, wonder and marvel at beauty around me. It never fails to amaze me what I can learn.

Your Dominant Intelligence is Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

You are naturally athletic and coordinated, good at making your mind and body work together.

Sports are fun and easy for you, especially those requiring good hand - eye coordination.

There's also a good chance you're a great dancer, or good at expressing yourself through body language.

You learn best by doing, and you feel like you've always got to be moving (even if it's just your hands).

You would make a good athlete, physical education teaches, dancer, actor, firefighter, or artisan.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Were You Born on a Cusp?

2006-10-13T20:29:00.000-06:00

One day, actually it was today, while deciding what was the best way to shoot myself in the head (a 5-inch Gun might do nicely), which itself was the result of trying to decipher the vagarities of my apparently inconsistent behaviour. A eureka moment then occurred whilst browsing another website that there might be a logical answer for everything.

So backside itching, I decided to explore the concept more and find out what have I gotten myself into. So I headed into the not-quite-occasionally accessed place called Astrology. Where else better to find out eh?

Were You Born on a Cusp? If you are born on a Cusp, you will incorporate the energies of both Signs. Meaning you were born on a date that is on the edge of in-between two star signs.

Libra/Scorpio

Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac; Scorpio is the eighth. After Libra's intellectual exploration of other people, Scorpio's interest is in discovering other people's emotions and how they respond to the world around them. Scorpio is the sign of sex and death, the beginning and ending, and they explore these ideas from an emotional standpoint. Libra/Scorpios strive to create balance and harmony between self and other through investigation and probing. They are often strongly intuitive and penetrating. They have a need to be liked.

The astrological symbol of Libra is the Scales. Like the scales of justice, Librans are objective and just. They abhor unfairness and conflict, striving above all for peace; but at times they are easily deterred from their beliefs. Librans are able to see all sides of an argument, but as their mental scales sway back and forth, they may never find balance. The astrological symbol of Scorpio is the Scorpion. Like the mythical scorpion, those born under this sign tend to be strong-willed and wary of being controlled by others. In keeping with Libra's cardinal quality, Libra/Scorpios are diplomatic and cooperative; they are skilled at initiating group projects. They can be stubborn, refusing to give up when others have long since become bored and abandoned a project. Libra/Scorpios get things done when no one else thought it possible. In this way, the fixed quality of Scorpio is expressed. When Libra/Scorpios set goals for themselves, they are determined to succeed. They have their own agenda and work to achieve their desires.

Libra is ruled by the planet Venus. In ancient Roman mythology, Venus (and her Greek equivalent, Aphrodite) was the goddess of love, beauty and pleasure. She represented joy, happiness and appreciation of beautiful things. Scorpio is ruled by the planets Mars and Pluto. In ancient Roman mythology, Mars (and his Greek equivalent, Ares) was the god of war, and ancient astrologers assigned both Aries and Scorpio to this planet. Pluto (and his Greek equivalent, Hades) was the god of the underworld, and when the planet Pluto was discovered early in the 20th century, astrologers assigned Scorpio to it.

Libra/Scorpios are seductive and attractive, commanding and intense. Cultural awareness and a talkative nature help them shine in the social situations they so enjoy. The element associated with Libra is Air. The element associated with Scorpio is Water. Libra/Scorpios are skilled at communication and abstract reasoning, and their intelligence combines with their interest in others to become an intellectual exploration of those around them. They may repress their emotions, but underneath they are lusty and perceptive. Libra/Scorpios are motivated and loyal, but they are often misunderstood and may be seen as dictatorial or sarcastic. If they have an ulterior motive, they can be overbearing, but in a subtle, sly or manipulative way.

Libra/Scorpios are both mystical and scientific, a combination that makes them very aware of what is happening around them; they are a sign of great depth. If they aren't careful, though, their passionate nature may lead them into self-indulgence or compulsion. In their leisure time, Libra/Scorpios tend to have a definite lazy streak. However, this is barely perceptible because they also enjoy difficult pursuits that challenge them to excel, and they refuse to settle for being anything less than the best. They may have a particular affinity for activities that let them get out in nature.

In love relationships, Libra is playful, romantic and devoted. The great strength of the Libra/Scorpio-born is in their drive for peace and harmony and their determination to see things through to the end. Their skill at seeing all sides of a situation with great passion and strength makes them one of the most powerful characters of the zodiac.

Hmmm fascinating.... little pieces of the puzzle falling into place.....there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Addedum:
I'm not sure why this is in here, but what the heck.

You Have A Type A Personality

You are hyper, energetic, and always on the mood

You tend to succeed at everything you attempt

And if you don't succeed at first, you quickly climb your way to the top!

You could be called a workaholic, but you also make time for fun

As long as it's high energy and competitive, you're interested

You have the perfect personality for business and atheltic success

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

I am, I can

2006-10-11T23:00:00.000-06:00

Sailing anyone?

Play spot the furries

More tidbits - Tour 3

2006-10-10T19:18:00.000-06:00

Rewind a bit, arriving at calgary airport, I saw the space shuttle and thought waaahhhhh thats my ride. reaching the waiting area, my balloon burst when I saw the propellor plane, damn, so THATS the ride. But thankfully it was really a bombardier crj700 but I really wanted to be the cowboy buzz lightyear jetsetter....

There is an old part of vancouver called Gastown, old buildings, rustic, charging dinos and the world's first steam-powered clock.

One of the more interesting bits is the small community of Steveston. Its like a fisherman's wharf, can buy fish, open a heated beach bar... ogle at swans

or eat the best fish and chips in the world on the water..

whilst watching the sun set...so deliciously nice

Vanc at nite is tricky since there isn't really a place to stand out and take night pics. Calgary is better for that.

See mother kat, I told you got Skunks here..... lol

Tour 3 - Bits of Vancouver

2006-10-08T20:50:00.000-06:00

So last stop was a brief 1 hr flight to Vancouver. I'm gonna skip Banff and Lake Louise cos its all over my blog elsewhere. Don't be lazy go look.

Vancouver's changed quite a bit since I last stayed there 2 years ago. It's cleaner (prob cos of the olympics, new buildings have sprung up, mainly condos and most noticeably, its more crowded and damn more expensive! I think the Chinese have taken over it. Not so nice.

Anyways one must stop place is Granville Island with its shops and famous public market.

Lots of food, pies and pies and holy cow, Curry Puffs! but it's called Chicken Curry Pockets, there are also Dino Bones for the those who like to gnaw...damn big bones...

All over the downtown area there are bears, reminiscent of cows that once dotted Singapore's landscape, but these are way cooler...

But the best bit was in the evening, we went to this place, it the middle of somewhere quiet area of downtown. The only place in the world with 218 flavours of Gelato....I had a chocolatey pistachio yummm.

Couldn't take pics inside so you will have to be happy with this postcard. :P

Time Out from Tour

2006-10-05T21:48:00.000-06:00

SA asked me if I wanna do this meme, so never one to turn down a challenge to find out what I'm like, yes after 41 years I still haven't figured out what I'm like, but what the hey, every little bit you find out helps right? But we delve into that realm, here is a mental break, then read on. Please, note that Brevity is my middle name.

The Athabasca Falls along the Icefields Parkway.

The Athabasca Falls Canyon

Cuddler? Meme

ARE YOU:
1. A Cuddler? Hmmmm just me and my bear
2. A morning person? was not, still is not
3. Are you a perfectionist? Yes, big problem, too picky
4. An only child? Nope, one brother
5. Catholic? I went to a catholic school, that count?
6. In your pajamas? Nope, don’t have any, birthday suit better
7. Currently suffering from a broken heart? What heart? Sank into the sea long ago
8. Okay styling other people’s hair? Only if you want to look like a army recruit
9. Left handed? nope
10. Addicted to MySpace? Whats that?
11. Shy around the opposite gender? Not at all, need me to buy lingerie for you?
12. Loud? Soft
12-and-a-half. Bite your nails? Yucks
13. Get paranoid at times? Eh?
14. Currently regret something that you have said/done? Too many to list..
15. Curse frequently when you get mad? When I get REALLY mad, which is rare
16. Enjoy country music? Yucks
17. Enjoy jazz music? Yes!
18. Enjoy smoothies? Nope, prefer ice cream
19. Enjoy talking on the phone? Not as much as before
20. Have a lot to learn? Plenty! The world is my oyster
21. Have a pet? Yup halfway across the world, one rabbit
22. Have a tendency to fall for the “wrong” person? If I was so lucky to fall for ANY person
23. Have all your grandparents died? Sadly yes
24. Have at least one sibling? Err see # 4 duh
25. Have been told that you are smart? Is that flattery?
26. Have had a broken bone? Yup, arms, ankles
27. Have Caller I.D. on your phone? Yes,then I know who to siam or call back
HAVE YOU:
28. Changed a diaper? Never had the chance
29. Changed a lot over the past year? I’m already 41, lots of changes
30. Had friends who have never seen your natural hair color? Never changed the colour, all natural, turning white tho...
31. Had surgery? Only Lasek for my eyes
32. Killed anyone? I wished on occasion
33. Had your haircut within the last week? nope
LAST PERSON WHO:
1. Slept in the bed beside you? What? Am I that lucky?
2. Saw you cry? See above
3. Went to the movies with you? See above
4. You went to the mall with? My mom and brother, read my earlier posts
5. You went to dinner with? See above
6. You talked to on the phone? My customer
7. Said ‘I love you’ to you and meant it? See #1
8. Broke your heart? See #1
9. Made you laugh? See #1
1. Pierce your nose or tongue? Yucks
2. Be serious or be funny? Funny is better, but I look meaner when serious :P
3. Drink whole or skim milk? Whole! The more butterfats the better!
4. Die in a fire or drown? Eeeeek
5. Spend time with your parents or enemies? See above
1. What time is it? 10.00pm
2. Name? Fantasyflier
3. Nickname(s)? Flyboy
4. Where were you born? Singapore somewhere,
5. What is your birthdate? Sssshhhh state secret
6. What do you want? Too many to list, but the best is winning Toto
7. Where do you want to live? Here lah, if not come here for what? Here is Calgary Canada
8. How many kids do you want? Not sure, can buy or not?

Tour 2

2006-10-04T21:41:00.000-06:00

Leaving the heaven of shopping (and ogling) havens, it was time to drive the scenic Highway 16 to Jasper. Along the way, pit stopped at a typical out-west layby complete with saloon and truckers. The view was simply breathtaking. We had chosen to drive during the Summer to Fall change over. Soon the trees will be bare, but for now it gives us pleasure. The colours of the leaves changing from a dark green to a bright yellow. The landscape as far as the eye can see, dotted with colour. Another heaven.

Arriving at our first resort in the rockies, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Took a bit of time to arrive, having taken a slow drive, we arrived to a sky that was clearing of storm clouds. With a stunning effect on Beauvert Lake. Our fears of a wet week had just cleared.

Jasper town is picturesque. Jasper National Park is named after it.

The morning after. Gentle mist floats across Beauvert Lake. It feels so surreal, like heaven, literally. Sitting on the lake shore, you quietly contemplate and reflect. Literal and philosophically.

The mirror surface of the lake is such reflection.

A little slice of heaven.

Tour 1 - Updated

2006-10-03T21:00:00.000-06:00

So day one:

Was in Edmonton, its a nice little city, didn't take any pics of the skyline as I was too busy driving and also because we had just pretty much spent the whole day at West Edmonton Mall. The world's biggest mall. How it big? It has its own Water Park, Underwater World, Sea World, Ice Skating Rink, it's own Pirate Galleon and so many shops it'll take you 2 days to cover them all.

Update: Ok bigger pics ah?

Then somewhere around Jasper, lots of animals, including one smelling her own butt lol

Pssst, my fav show on tv (other than The Amazing Race) is right now Dancing With The Stars. Oooooohh can already feels my toes tapping, shoulders jiggling and waist gyrating...

A Week Has Gone? Sigh....

2006-10-02T20:29:00.000-06:00

I'm back! I survived without the PC for over a week, wahhh...

I've had a really nice week. It would have been nicer if the timetable wasn't so tight. But I got to take lots of pics, eat loads (but don't hang on for pics cos Canadian food is ho hum.

I got to see Edmonton, Jasper, the whole Columbia Icefield Parkway, Vancouver AND it occured to me that my cam has a movie function! So enjoy these.

The Rockies at the Icefield Parkway.

The view of Vancouver mainland from atop Mt Seymour.

Got other pics will take me awhile to get them up.
Thanks everyone who dropped by whilst I was on the road. :)

I'm going on Vacation!!

2006-09-23T23:32:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm off for a looonnnggg break starting monday. Doing Edmonton, Jasper then back via my old haunt Lake Louise and Banff to Calgary. Might be throwing in Vancouver as well if I can my scheduled confirmed for next month.
Mom and Bro is in town so am doing the grand tour with them.
Nice to get away for awhile. The fizz of a new job has worn off and its getting be rather drudgy.
*plugs in re-charger*