A journey of my life

Party at workplace

2012-01-16T18:34:00.000+08:00

We are in Advanced Data are happy, jovial & funky people! Woohoooo!!!

Multi-Purpose Insurance 12km Run

2012-01-15T14:38:00.001+08:00

It's only into second week of 2012 and I already did my second race this year. Normally, I don't sign-up for any distance lower than half marathon, but since the race venue is very near at Padang Merbuk, I decided to participate just for fun.

"The best school holiday ever!" my kids said....

2012-01-14T00:44:00.000+08:00

Yes.... that was what my boys said! Being in a family is all what they wanted. A family doesn't mean must have both parents, being with one parent who knows what they want is good enough.

I took them out jalan-jalan every weekend.

Desa waterpark is a must go place school holidays. I don't know why they like it so much. As usual, their favourite cousins Syukran & Afif tagged along.

We went out several times to watch movies in cinema and try new things like archery.

Outing with Niza's family. Her son also named "Ian" excited to see Ian & Dmi. We went watching Puss in Boots.

Every weekend full with activities. I'm glad they enjoyed being with me :)

Took them to Sunway Lagoon, but don't go during school holidays. The place jammed pack with people & tourist.

They wish school holidays will last forever.

All good things must come to an end, same goes to school holiday and it's time to send Ian back to JB. As usual, he doesn't want to go back to JB, he wants to stay with me. Their mother, decided to bring Dmi to stay with her family in KL. Not sure if it's a wise decision to separate them. But on a positive note, I will be able to see Dmi more often and get involved in his school activities.

Poor Dmi, he cried when we had to say goodbye to Ian. They never separated since Dmi was born. I'm not sure how is he going to take it. He's been telling me many times, he doesn't want to stay with his mummy. Of course he doesn't want to be in a place where he feels like an outsider. Hope it will not effect him emotionally.

Newton New Year Challenge

2012-01-05T21:42:00.000+08:00

My first race in 2012. 25km is a good distance to start my training for Tokyo Marathon in less than 2 months.

Brought a camera as usual but forgot the memory card.... dang!!
So, I ran as fast as I could (errr... not that fast actually) and clocked 2:44hrs.

Goodbye 2011, Welcome 2012

2011-12-31T22:14:00.000+08:00

New year eve always a good time to look back at the past and more importantly looking forward to the coming year. I have achieved nearly all I wanted to do in 2011 such as spending more time with my kids, maintain my fitness level throughout the year, completed some major races, lead my own team at work, enjoy life more and the biggest achievement is having my own place.

Races I took part in 2011

My own place

What's in the house for 2012.
Tokyo Marathon under 5 hours- This is a start for me to race in overseas. Errr... other than Singapore in the past. Maybe racing in Asean like Thai, Cambodia or Indonesia will do less damage to my pocket.

Ultramarathon - To complete a distance longer than a marathon. My aim is Sundown 100km in Singapore in June.

Learn something new - After take up drumming, I want to learn play guitar. I bought one recently. Hope by end of next year, I will be able to impress chicks with my new skill :)

Get back together with my two angels - hope after Ian finishes his UPSR, he will move in with me and then follow by Dmi.

Happy New Year guys! May 2012 will be the best ever to all of you.

明けましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願いします。

Stages in relationship

2011-12-30T21:02:00.000+08:00

Whatever the relationship turned out to be, I always treasure the sweet memories :)

Malakoff 12km Run - last race of 2011

2011-12-21T18:07:00.000+08:00

My 15th and final race for 2011. It was on the hilly route around Bukit Damansara. This is the time to test your stamina for a short and fast race, I managed to clock 1:13hrs. Didn't do better than last year but it's still an enjoyable race for all of us.

Sweet Nana with her pirate costume. She's the reason people like me joined the race. I hijacked her pirate hat for the photo.

There were Laif, Yusran, Ariff, Nik, Jeli, Jaja, Hadi, Julie, Irwan, Izuan, Azu and many other friends took part in the race. I lost count of how many hills we climbed on the race course.

Photo courtesy of Jason Thai.

See.. it wasn't that tough, I was happy running :)

A good closing event for my 2011 racing calendar. We had breakfast at Sri Hartamas before heading home. Hope to run my first 2012 race on 1st January 2012.

StandChart Singapore Marathon 2011

2011-12-10T20:46:00.001+08:00

I've been running in S'pore every year for the past 3 years and all the events were marathon. So, I decided to run half this time. Main reason is I grew tired of running in ECP (East Coat Park). S'pore don't have place for people to run 42km. The only place available without having to close the road is ECP. Another reason I wanted to try half marathon because part of the running course is around Sentosa and inside Universal Studio Singapore. I've never been to this place before and I hope to take my kids to USS someday.

Thanks to Kash for picking me up at Novena and drove me to the Marina Sands Bay for race kit collection.

The start line for half marathon was at the entrance to Sentosa

Less than 3km into the race, we stuck in human traffic jam!

We had a chance running inside Universal Studio Singapore

The road was so narrow, we could rub shoulders with the runners coming from opposite way

The last 11km was on the highway to "Padang". It was bloody hot!! Saw many casualties along the way. I crossed finish line in 3:17hrs which is my PW :P

Another medal for my collection :)

My gratitude to Kash & family for letting me crash in at your place. Then she took all the trouble to send me to Novena to board a bus to KL. Hope to see you again in next event.

First time bought a laptop

2011-12-06T18:29:00.001+08:00

Last Friday I went to PIKOM PC Fair in KLCC. As usual, I hate going to PC Fair unless I have something to buy in bargained price. My kids keep begging me for a laptop for the past 2 months especially Ian. I told them to ask from their mummy because daddy has bought them PS3 last July. Unfortunately, according to my kids she reluctant to buy one for whatever reason. Being a father, I don't have a heart to do the same. Maybe you would think I like to spoil them but for all the anguish & misery that they have been through from our divorce, at least this is what I can do to make them happy.

I also realized, this is first time I bought a laptop. So far I've been using 7 laptops for the past several years, I never buy on my own, all belong to companies I worked with. After doing a quick research I bought ASUS notebook, known to be top choice by serious gamers. Well, daddy poorer by RM1299 now but for my babies I would give them the world :)

We Run KL 2011

2011-11-28T09:06:00.001+08:00

For RM20 only entry fee, I think Nike Malaysia has done very well in organising We Run KL event. I think this is the shortest distance race I've done this year. But it is good recovery run between PBIM last week and SCSM next week. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling very well that day. Flu, coughing, sore throat minus the temperature. It's only 10km but I must run sub 1 hour.... with camera in hand! Managed to clock 56min, hmmm... ok la, not so bad.

Some of the photos during the run

Mingle around with friends after the race.

OK, better get ready for SCSM next week.

Penang Bridge International Marathon 2011

2011-11-20T20:53:00.001+08:00

Yeay, completed my third half marathon for this year! Actually, this is my first PBIM half marathon. I took part several times before but all in marathon distance. Then I thought, why not do half this time? Overall timing is not really impressive. Still far from my sub 2 hours target. There were many runners in half compare to full distance. I started at the back row and the road was very crowded after the start line I had to follow other people's pace, and as usual taking some photos along the bridge.

After U-turn on the bridge I reached at kilometre 10, then I look at my watch and the timing was 1:12hr. Geezz.... I was so slow. From that point I increased the pace and started overtake all other runners. A few runners tried to follow my pace but I managed to drop them off... hehehe. Finally, crossed the finish line in 2:17hr. Woohoo... that mean I did negative split 1:05hr in the last 11km! If I could maintain the pace from the start I might be able to clock 2hr on the dot. Maybe in the next race.

One more medal for my collection

One on one interview with OP Stupe

2011-11-18T15:03:00.001+08:00

My good friend, OP Stupe featuring me in his blog tristupe.com. I am lucky to have friends like him. God bless you Bro!

Batch trip to Taman Negara

2011-11-04T10:15:00.000+08:00

28 OPs from Royal 8th batch RMC (1987-1991) went to Taman Negara for our get together trip. Actually, we had 31 pax but Budin, Gegek & Bapak unable to make due to family & work commitment.

These are the attendees

We RV at RMC, the last person to arrive was newly wed Ala because he had a busy night before. So we gave him 20 knuckle-clap. It was smooth ride to Kuala Tahan and the boys already started to catch up in the bus.

On the first day after check-in at Rainforest Kuala Tahan, we went out for a boat ride to Lata Berkoh for a jungle tracking and nice picnic near a small water fall. Then short stop at Kelah Santuary on the way back to Kuala Tahan.

Dinner & karaoke session at night. Thanks to Mat Yep for sponsoring the T-shirt.

On the second day we did canopy walk.

Two-day trip is very short for us to do the catch up with everyone. Even before we reach RMC, we already planned for the next one mid next year.

Thanks to Mat Kong, Bandit, Bear as committee members and everyone else for making an effort to join the trip. You guys are awesome!!!

My friend pimping me out :D

2011-11-02T15:00:00.000+08:00

Click here to check out what he wrote about me....

Thanks bro, I appreciate what you did. Please let me know after you've done with the selection ;)

Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon 2011

2011-11-02T00:11:00.002+08:00

"Deemed the World’s Toughest Mountain Race, the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is the ultimate challenge to take for those who are brave enough to test their endurance by running up and down Mount Kinabalu for a total distance of 21 kilometers.This extraordinary 21 km race up and down the 4, 095m of Mount Kinabalu, boasts a gruelling vertical climb of 2,300m over a mere eight and a half kilometres." - Taken from the website

With 2:30hrs cut-off for men open category and 3:30hrs for veteran and women category. Yes! It's tougher than running a marathon and this is the race where Mt. Kinabalu's porter and guide beats us the marathoner and Ironman. It is totally a different kind of race all together.

During race kit collection and race briefing, I met many familiar faces. Many of them on their second or third attempt like Raymond, Stupe and his wife Aileen, Luvis, Adeline, Puisan, Some on their first attempt like Bacin, Nik Raiha, Shawal, Haniff, Mukhlis, Mac, Ahmad Fathi, Azman, Sabri, etc. And the veteran like Yusran has done it multiple times for the past several years.

Actually, first day event was for veteran and women category but I volunteered to go up together with Haniff & Mukhlis to put Celcom's buntings at shelters between Timpohon Gate and Layang-Layang. Then I purposely joined the race because I wanted to run up to the peak for the first time and the cut-off also longer on the first day.

It's getting tougher and tougher after Laban Rata. My legs just refused to move and my lungs almost busted. I only ate two pieces of bun with plain water for breakfast and now I'm bloody hungry!!

At this point, my energy slowly drained out. I had major cramped up here on right thigh, dizzy due to high altitude and low oxygen level... While sitting on the cold rock I was thinking...If I go slower, I might not meet the cut-off... should I give up? Physically I'm done but subconsciously I continue limping my way to the peak . Where the mind goes, the body will follow and my mind is on the peak.

Finally after more than four hour from where I started, I reached the Low's Peak!!! WOOHOOOO!!! I screamed on top of my lung! This is the toughest event after Ironman and I was humbled by the mountain. I almost cried up there.... seriously I proud of myself. Now I know deeper meaning of "pushing beyond the limits" and "mind over body".

"The truth is that part of the essence of mountain climbing is to push oneself to one's limits. Inevitably this involves risk, otherwise they would not be one's limits. This is not to say that you deliberately try something you know you can't do. But you do deliberately try something which you are not sure you can do."

- excerpt from Outward Bound Inspirational quote. Exactly how I felt during the climb.

Well, on the race day itself, I ran up half way to Layang-Layang and brought down all the buntings I put up the previous day. Yes, I was DNFed. Only small bunch of runners managed to reach the peak in less than 2:30hr. The winner this year is Killian Jornet from Spain completed the race up and down in 2:37hrs.... amazing! But Marco De Gaspri was the first to reach the peak in 1:37hrs, 4 minutes ahead of Killian.

I would like to thank Celcom for sponsoring me to the race and one of my wishlist has been full-filed during the event, to run up Mt. Kinabalu to the peak. I hope Celcom will continue sponsoring me for more future events. I also glad to be part of the last race to the peak because starting next year, the race will take place different route. No more to the peak.

OCBC Cycle Malaysia 2011

2011-10-17T19:32:00.000+08:00

I registered 52km challenge category earlier but last minute changed to 21km foldies category. Altogether the mileage was almost 50km because I cycled from home to the event ground in Dataran Merdeka. I was a bit tired after ran half marathon the night before in Putrajaya but I had so much fun :)

Putrajaya Night Marathon 2011 - A Tribute to TSB

2011-10-17T18:42:00.001+08:00

My first marathon was Putrajaya Marathon in 2007. Running a marathon is always tough due to heat either night or day time. This time around I only signed up for half marathon. I promised myself no more full marathon until end of the year.

I also dedicated this run to our good friend Kharis aka TSB. He passed away 3 days before during his morning run while training for the race. He fondly known as Chomel because of his cute body shape. I have nothing bad to say about him except he's very knowledgeable about bicycle and cycling. He also has a great passion on food and he knows which place serve the best food around the town. Rest in peace bro.

Solat Maghrib dulu sebelum race. I really impressed with Masjid Sultan Mizan

Adination Geng

Full marathon category. Many otais, no hot chicks :P

Full marathon started first

In memory of TSB

Haaa... half marathon ramai sikit org muda :)

Hadi sengih jer tgk ramai aweks sampai tak perasan nenek Patsy overtake dia

Supporters

It was still hot at night in Putrajaya

Volunteers

Kita makan pisang dulu

Take a break, cuci mata sikit

Let's dancing to rhythm first

Patung yg hidup

Superman pun tolong cheer jgk! Ada lagi 4 characters with him.

Azmar, bakal pengantin tak lama lagi

Perut lapar, belasah jer la apa yg ada

One more addition to my collection

Books!

2011-10-15T13:46:00.000+08:00

Never in my life I bought so many books at one time. Yesterday, I went to Big Bad Wolf Book Fair in MAEPS Serdang and I bought 33 books! Two of them I gave to my neighbor for her birthday presents.

Visiting Ian & Dmi

2011-10-15T13:38:00.001+08:00

I did my best to see them at least once a month. I went to JB last weekend to spend time with my babies :)

Not only me, they also happy to see me.

Games, games, games

Ian wore my t-shirt

Showing off his newly bought Angry Bird T-shirt

Ma & Pa borong barang antique. Murah-murah belaka.

Hope we will be living together again soon

Bye bye sayang, see you again next month during school holidays

Flash mob dance in the office by Celcom's Advanced Data Team

2011-10-12T20:54:00.000+08:00

I'm glad I work in Celcom, we had so much fun here :)

Adidas King of the Road

2011-10-02T22:54:00.000+08:00

16.8km run is no fun to most people but for me I had a great fun run today. Now you know why I love running ;)

Congratulations to newly wed Doc Hisyam & Lyanna!

2011-10-02T20:08:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, another one bites the dust.... again for the second time. My good friend Dr Hisyam Salleh an ENT surgeon finally met his dream girl Lyanna a MAS stewardess. Of course as a stewardess she's very beautiful girl and I think Ala (Doc Hisyam) is a lucky guy. I pray for them an ever lasting happiness together.

He's going to end his bachelorhood today but he doesn't look convincing enough :P

Stop for regroup after Putrajaya Tol

Konvoi ke rumah pengantin perempuan

Whoaaa.... now standard hantaran RM20k ke?!! Lambat lagi la aku kahwin nampaknya ni.

Rombongan pengantin lelaki

After listening to the khutbah by the imam, being a husband is a very heavy responsibility from Islamic point of view. I might have second thought to remarry in the future. Hope all wives out there to be grateful to have husband by their side even as a second, third or forth wife.

Penyerahan emas kahwin & pertukaran cincin

Officially Mr & Mrs Hisyam :)

Suami mana yg tak sayang bini ooiii!

Pengapit dua-dua belah dah kahwin.

Photo session with our RMC batchmates

Jeling-jeling manja chewah!

Lunch!

Ambik berkat duduk kat high table

Semoga berkekalan sehingga ke akhir hayat.

Ala... I know you will be a better husband for the second time and being more appreciative of her as your wife

Lyanna... there is no such thing as live happily ever after like in fairy tales. The challenge start now and I'm sure you will be a good wife to Ala.

Sending off Cikgu Adnan to London

2011-09-25T13:29:00.000+08:00

This is the first time I send someone off to London not at the airport. As everyone read about him in the newspaper lately, Cikgu Adnan is on his solo cycling expedition from Kuala Lumpur to London. He will be crossing Thai, Laos, China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France and finally England. Whoaaa.... that cover roughly 20,000km!!! Who doesn't know him, Cikgu Adnan was my art teacher in RMC and he's 69 year-old this year. He accomplished many extraordinary things in his life like dozens of marathon, scaled the country's 12 highest peaks, endurance races. He survived Marathon Des Sables (243km marathon across Sahara Desert) and came back alive to tell the story. He once told me, he only started all these after 40 years old and he was heavy smoker with drinking problem in his younger days. This proof it is never too late to start healthy lifestyle. His target is to reach London before the start of London Summer Olympic Games 2012. He said it doesn't matter slow or fast, his objective is to help increase public awareness on HIV/AIDS issues as well as raise fund for MAF and also his own personal quest for adventure. Let's pray for his safe journey to London.

KL Rat Race 2011

2011-09-25T00:47:00.001+08:00

This is the 12th year of Corporate Malaysia's one-of-a-kind race and it was my first. Started from behind, so that I can overtake my team members and take their pictures one by one. The distance supposed to be 4.5km but my GPS tracker recorded 6km on the dot. Unfortunately, I wasn't the fastest guy in the race.... but I'm still the fastest runner in Celcom team and I ran with blue wig on too! :)

The Blue Team in full bar spirit!

I met many people I know at the event

It is time to run!

I overtook them one by one from behind

Thanks to Celcom's supporters... you guys awesome!

The best Raya week with Ian & Dmi

2011-09-22T19:55:00.000+08:00

A day before Raya

Hari Raya

Raya week

The day I have to send them back to JB :(

Born To Run

2011-09-09T20:39:00.000+08:00

If you think you are not fit enough to run, try listen to this talk. You will have a different perspective about running. I have read his book "Born To Run", and it made me want to sign-up for ultramarathon.
Hope the talk will inspire you to go out and run. C'mon guys! Let's run!!

Hari Raya 2011

2011-08-30T18:41:00.004+08:00

Sayang Daddy :)

Alaaa... Tak cukup sorang lagi.

Mejar Mutalib's clan

Selamat Hari Raya!! Maaf Zahir Batin!

Smart use of social media

2011-08-28T11:37:00.003+08:00

Although I'm working for Celcom, but I have to salute Digi for coming up with a better TVC and it became viral over the Internet. I started getting interested with branding when our CEO always preaching about branding in many meetings. Most brands get it so wrong focusing on peppering their logo and branding on everything but Digi understand subtle nature of doing this way. The key to branded content is to create something that people want to watch and at the same time it fits the brand core values.

By the way, sempena menyambut Hari Raya Aidilfitri, saya minta maaf atas sebarang kesalahan & kesilapan yang sengaja atau tidak selama ini. Selamat Hari Raya!

PD Triathlon 2011

2011-07-28T19:30:00.015+08:00

My first triathlon this year and my 5th PD Tri of entire career. I never missed it since 2007. I always wanted to bring my family here since the first year I did PD Tri because this is almost a perfect race to get your family to witness you completing a race without having to wait for too long under the blazing sun and enjoy the holiday at the same time. Unfortunately, a bachelor like me, I spent time with friends. Maybe next year if I'm lucky I will bring along my kids here.

Race kit collection at Avillion Admiral Cove

With usual suspects (triathletes)

And other friends, Ironmen!

It was my 2nd ride this year on my steed. 40km bike was kacang lah!

1.5km swim also wasn't a big deal. See... i still smiling out of water. Yummy!!

10km run also easy peasy

Because I'm a superman! jeng jeng jeng

Well, this is the toughest part.... driving home alone after the race. I almost had an accident because I doze off a few miliseconds behind the wheel.... gosh!

Another one for my collection.

Chelsea vs Malaysia

2011-07-23T00:26:00.005+08:00

I'm not a football fan, so I never been to a live match before. At Bukit Jalil Stadium last night I anticipated a good match to be enjoyed. Not knowing Chelsea standard is same level as Malaysian League, no goal was scored in 1st half. What a boring match! I went straight home after 1st half.

The stadium was almost full. I think more Malaysian fans than Chelsea fans.

Nice view from here

I don't know a single player in both teams

Most likely I will never go to another football match in the future :P

Weekend with my Ian & Dmi

2011-07-22T23:55:00.015+08:00

Look at Ian's face

All of us wearing black T-shirt and a pair of jeans

Their fav meal fish & chips

Let's walk to City Square

Dmi was tired near JB Sentral

We watched Transformers, but Dmi & I fell asleep half way

Not a perfect family, but we glad to have each other.

Ian showing his floating skill

Dmi making funny face

Alhamdullillah, he was praying without being told to do so. Ian said he's praying for us to be back as a family again... that's my boy!

Macam boss pulak

3 days is too short for us but we have to say goodbye.

Rainforest World Music Festival 2011

2011-07-20T23:48:00.004+08:00

My first time going to RWMF and it was awesome! Definitely, will be there again next year ;)

SCKLM 2011

2011-07-11T23:56:00.008+08:00

Before

During

Almost

After

Completed my 12th Marathon in 5:26. Not bad but can be improved... sounds like a comment in report card... hahaha

That will be my last full marathon this year. Pls kick my ass if I sign-up any full marathon before 2012 :P

Sundown Marathon 2011 (42km)

2011-06-01T11:35:00.003+08:00

Sundown Marathon is my 11th marathon, the race to beat the sunrise. You must finish the race before the sunrise. The race started at 2200hrs from Changi Exhibition Center. We were running through road next to Changi Runaway and then we got into ECP (East Coast Park). It is a very long park about 10km long. There were many people at the park that night. I didn't achieve my target to finish in 5 hours but I completed the race without any injuries.

Thanks to Kash for giving me a ride to Singapore and Luvis for helping me with the race kit collection & hostel booking. It was a pleasant trip for me :)

Sundown Ultra Marathon - 100km!!!

2011-05-26T17:41:00.004+08:00

No no no.... I'm not going to run 100km ultra marathon. Not yet because I don't have enough time to train. However, I have a wonderful friend Juliana Ali who will be running Sundown 100km Ultra Marathon on 25th June 2011 for a charity!!! She's an accomplished triathlete, she did many races including Ironman Langkawi. However, this is her first ever ultra marathon. It is as tough as Ironman... maybe tougher... I don't know, but I'm pretty sure she will be suffered :P

Here, I would like to call all my friends out there to support her in effort to collect donation for Earthquake & Tsunami victims in Japan. She's working with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society as her official NGO partner for this charity event. Details about the donation can be found in her blog http://missjewelz.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/sundown-ultramarathon-2011-and-running-it-for-charity/

日本へ愛を込めて、心から本当に有難いと思います。よろしくお願いします。ジュリーちゃん頑張れ！日本頑張れ！

All the best Julie! Hope you will finish it!

Jalan-jalan di Hatyai

2011-05-24T22:04:00.008+08:00

Everytime I told people that I will be going to Hatyai alone over the weekend, everybody will give me that sleazy dirty look. And I don't blame them. Me too before this, I always have a perception, when guys going to Hatyai.... they are looking for sex. Dubbed by "Sin City" similar to Las Vegas in the US, Hatyai has many things to offer from a solo traveler to those traveling with a family.

OK back to the question, why the heck I have to go to Hatyai.... alone?? The story is like this.... long long time ago, at the end of last year, Airasia was doing a promo and one way trip to Hatyai was only RM8 and the traveling period was around this time la. When I read an article about Hatyai Marathon last year, I purchased the ticket & booked the hotel based on last year's race. I was 99.999% sure the event will be organized last weekend. However, when the organizer announced the race date early this year, the event actually this weekend. I missed it by just one weekend. Damn!

Since I never been to Hatyai and lucky me I don't have a wife or girlfriend who's going to strangle or kill me if I go there alone, I packed my bag and proceed with the journey to the unknown frontier of sleazy Hatyai.

To be fair to Hatyai people, actually the city is very nice. Just like Ipoh or Seremban. Other than Thais, there are many Malays & Chinese around and traders are everywhere too. Many Malaysians come here for shopping. Jalan2 cari makan is good here. Varieties of Thai food can be found, fresh fruits are dirt cheap, massage parlor are everywhere, abundance of garments with the latest fashion and very reasonable prices. High quality made in Thailand's kitchenware like Zebra also good bargain.... errr flesh also fresh for those who come here looking for that one thing la ;)

Well, what did I do here for 3 days 2 nights??? Ehemmm..... whatever happened in Hatyai, stays in Hatyai.

Labor day weekend with my babies

2011-05-06T00:09:00.005+08:00

Spending time with my kids always therapeutic for me. They calmed me down when I'm facing all the problems in my life. They also give me the meaning of life.

During Labor Day weekend, I took an effort to go to JB to be with them. It was the first I saw Dmi in his school uniform. This is a little small things that I missed being a father. We had a good time and I think we should do this more often. At their grandparents house on the last day, Dmi showed me Mr. Bean's Teddy & Penguin he got on his b'day years ago. He said he will cuddle both toys when he misses mommy & daddy. My poor baby :(

Hope I can take them back to live with me soon.

Energizer Nightmare Run 2011

2011-04-20T19:16:00.007+08:00

I remember about a year ago I took part in the first ENR and I was pacing Diana to complete her first ever marathon in exactly 6 hours. We had so much fun and I expected a better race this year especially when they have it at Sepang International Circuit.

Although SIC was built more than 10 years ago, this is my first visit to that place. What make it more interesting, I had the opportunity to run on the track and get a close look of being an F1 driver burning rubber on the track. In this case burning my shoes... hehehe

The race started at 7:45pm in front of paddock area. For 42km category, the first 5 loops we ran outside the circuit. I think it was quite well organized on the outer loop. We had enough water stations with plenty of water & Gatorade and a number of volunteers and medics. The feelings of running in a loop, brought back my memory of running legs in Ironman Langkawi. Mentally and physically, I was strong. I have no problem finishing a marathon. After all, this is my 10th marathon excluding 2 Ironman.

The last loop about 5.5km, we had to run inside the track. It was great experience running on the track. Unfortunately, there was no water station around the track except for last 1km. About 200m to the finish line, I saw the digital clock at the finish line showing 4:59:xx. I don't believe it! I would be able to clock sub 5 for the first time! I was sprinting like Usain Bolt to cross the finish line before 5. I made it in time just one second before 5 hour.

Yeay... I felt like on the cloud 9. Finally, I did sub 5!!!

Only then I realized all the official had gone back leaving the marathon runners and a few volunteer at the site. I didn't know where to get my medal & finisher t-shirt. There was no goody bag too as promised by the organizer. Before we went home, we stopped for late supper at mamak.

Only after I got home and checked my FB, I realized what was happening during the 5.5km, 11km & 21km, all the commotion and dissatisfaction of the participant & supporters. It wasn't a pleasant experience for most runners. It became a talk among the running community and it was published in the local newspapers. The news travel all over the world all the way to the Energizer HQ in the US. I do not want to elaborate here but you can Google about it in the Internet & Facebook. And thanks to the organizer for shattering my dream because I've been told by other runners the actual distance was 40km only and it wasn't sanctioned by the MAAU & FTAAA. Therefore, my record is invalid... Dayem! :P

Well, my quest for sub 5 shall continue in Sundown Marathon next month. Gambarimashou!

You will know they just ran a marathon the day before, if they walked like this.... hahaha. Have a good laugh.

Father & sons bonding activities

2011-04-20T15:34:00.002+08:00

Photos taken during school break last month.

Dear Me

2011-03-30T19:25:00.005+08:00

Today is my 37^th birthday. If I can whisper to my teenage self, what advice, warning and insight I might share? This is the letter I would write my 17-year-old self.

Dear Me,

I have good news and bad news. I’m afraid the good news won’t sound so good now - but in time like every door that shuts in your face, another will open and in the end you will be rejoicing that it slammed and locked you out so that you were forced to try another.

Well, at the age of 37 years in 20 years into the future, you are not going to marry a beautiful girl or living in a big house with your beautiful kids for that matter. Now, don’t start sulking because you haven’t heard the worst part yet. Brace yourself; you will be living in a small room (actually maid’s room) with your mom and dad in Keramat. Yup, you will not be living in New York, London, Paris or Tokyo.

I know, it wasn’t what you wanted to hear, but really the world we grew up is not what you imagined. Same goes the world you will find in your early 20’s in Japan. Don’t get too excited. Same deal there.

Now, here’s another one difficult to explain. You are a smart boy and you know damn well that “being brainy” opens door of opportunities. But you have bad instinct and don’t want to listen to others. You will not listen to your father to take up an offer to do Business Degree in the US but you take up Engineering and Japanese language instead. Guess what, you end-up don’t even use both of them later in your life.

What did I say about you don’t listen to others? You are stubborn especially when you are in love. People say love is blind and it is true. You will get married to a decent girl. Nothing is wrong with the girl and no one knows what she looks into you. You must be puzzled, where is she in your life in 20 years to come. Well, she will stick around you for awhile and it will be a wonderful episode in your life.

But not for long, you will be in bad shape after she dumps you. Trust me you will be glad that she left you. It just another chapter in your life and thank god you have great people around to support you. You will get a second chance in your life to do what you always wanted to do. I bet you won’t believe it if I tell you will be obsessed with marathon, duathlon, triathlon and you will become an Ironman at the age of 35. You will feel and look so much better in your mid 30s than in your late 20s.

Although you will be working in a few good companies, please remember that life is not all about works. There are many other things you should enjoy. You will find a good life balance. You will have to find a way to make yourself useful to others. Yeah, sounds a drag at 17, but believe me it seriously fulfilling. You have to learn what girls seem to know instinctively, and they know it when you lie. Too bad, you are a terrible liar. However, you must learn about confidence and bluff. Get handle on that and you have a chance at running a show.

Good news is you will have two boys from your marriage that keep you going strong every day. They are the most wonderful things in your life. When you are 37 and looking for love is distant memory, they remind you what’s important when you are 17. There, happy now? I’m so sorry if you are not. I promise to write again when I reach 47. Perhaps better things will happen to me in the next 10 years to come…. Insyaallah.

Congrats on newborn babies

2011-03-23T00:28:00.005+08:00

Congratulations to my sister & husband on the new addition to the AM clan. Now, my parents have 13 grandchildren. Pretty big family for raya gathering this year.

Congrats to my ex & her husband too for their 1st born baby together last week. I remember it took a year after we got married before Ian was born. But for these two lovebirds who just got married last July, they settled down very fast. Hope both baby & mummy are ok because being pregnant in late 30s might bring other complications like this premature birth.

After went through the hassle of waking up in the middle of the night when the baby cried.... I don't think I want to have another baby if I ever get married again in the future. Anyway, my Ian & Dmi were very excited to get a half brother and soon they can start bullying him... hahaha.

My first race for 2011 - Bareno Run

2011-03-23T00:20:00.003+08:00

Bareno Run Half Marathon on 13th March 2011 at Bukit Jalil Stadium. I clocked 2:18 which I think it was a good timing after a long break.

My new babe... Rika ;)

2011-02-27T16:24:00.003+08:00

I just realized that cycling is more than just mountain biking, triathlon or duathlon. I found the love of doing fun ride lately and bought a folding bike (I gave her name Rika ;). What I like about this kind of riding, it is less competitive with more leisure. I had a chance meeting new people and socialize among the Urban Velo cyclists. Below are the recent two rides I took part with my foldie. I wish one day very soon I would be able to bring my kids along to join more fun rides. More father & sons activity coming up in the list. Time to catch up the lost time for the past 3 years.

Putrajaya Inter-parks Ride & Ampang Park Critical Mass Ride

Ian's circumcision

2011-02-04T21:08:00.003+08:00

Petrol: RM 100

Toll: RM 88

Total distance: 660km

Driving time: 10 hours

Medical cost: RM2,210.00

Being there with my boy in his journey into manhood: PRICELESS!!!!

Sir Ken Robinson bring on the revolution

2011-01-14T19:38:00.000+08:00

This is exactly how I feel about our education system. I never enjoy what I do for living. I want my kids to be what they want to be. Not what I want or teachers want them to be.

Baby, you're a firework!!!

2011-01-12T18:15:00.003+08:00

If you are feeling sad, tired, overworked, over trained, missing somebody, upset with your boss, partner, parents, or overwhelmed with all the issues and problems around you.... listen to this song.

Make sure you blast up the volume and sing it loud with pretty Katy!

New year resolutions??

2011-01-03T01:42:00.018+08:00

Like anyone else, I was questioned by my friends about new year resolutions. Hmmm... not that I don't have one but it is always like previous years... to take part in races as many as possible, to improve my PB and to get to know as many girls as I can.... bla bla bla... But then, someone asked me why not putting "getting married" as one of the resolutions. Yeah, very tricky question but I have the answer why I don't want that to happen yet

Even my ex-MIL also asked similar question over and over again because her daughter already married and live happily ever after, while I'm still struggling with my life.... NOT! No, I'm not under pressure.... my life is great! Better than before :)

Normally, my standard answer is "belum ada jodoh" or I haven't met someone I love. I still believe I need to be in love to get married and not to repeat mistake like the first one.

Well, my main reason isn't that. When we got divorced, I told my ex whatever happens, it happens for a reason. I can't force her to stay in marriage if she doesn't love me. I think I did a noble thing by letting her go. But moving forward, let's focus on the kids. Unfortunately, human always forgetful and we always think about ourselves first. Yes, both of us screwed up our lives but we must not screw up our kids’ lives.

Children are emotionally very fragile and sensitive. They do not want to see their parents with someone else. I remember there was one time I took my kids out with one of my girlfriends and when I hold her hand, Dmi pulled my hand back immediately. This is exactly what happens when parents start shifting focus to someone else. After that incidence I never talked about girlfriends or finding a new mummy to them anymore. Just imagine how they feel if I get married, having a baby with new wife and of course a new family??? I'm very sure they will be devastated and that's why I'm eager to get them back to KL. No doubt their granny did a great job in ensuring academic excellence. I'm very grateful to be blessed with parents-in-law like that. However, for me emotional development is more important to them right now. Being away from both parents is like giving a wrong signal that we do not want them to be in our lives. They are too young to understand this whole thing and they are just so not ready for it yet even after 2 years separated. All these will only make them angry and resentful.

I'm counting the days when they will be moving back to KL. I have so many things father and son activities that I want to do together with them. I pray to Allah, soon they will be living with me and three of us will be a one happy family again. Insyaallah.

In bringing up children, spend on them half as much money and twice as much time. ~Author Unknown

You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once. ~Polish Proverb

There comes a time when a woman needs to stop thinking about her looks and focus her energies on raising her children. This time comes at the moment of conception. A child needs a role model, not a supermodel. ~Astrid Alauda, on the "hot mom" trend

Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you. ~Robert Fulghum

HAPPY NEW YEAR! May god bless us with happiness and joyous life.

Medals collection 2010

2010-12-31T09:51:00.004+08:00

All the medals I got this year.

Year-end school holidays with my Ian & Dmi.

2010-12-30T23:10:00.005+08:00

We had so much fun together for the first 3 weeks plus before I sent them over to spend time with their mummy. I miss them already. Hope next year, I can take them live with me if my ex doesn't want to. :(

Final race of the year, Malakoff 12km Run

2010-12-30T22:18:00.006+08:00

Closing my 2010 race calendar with Malakoff 12 km Run on 19th Dec at Bukit Damansara. My timing was 1:07 which wasn't that bad for two-loop hilly course. More races coming up in 2011.

Singapore Marathon 2010

2010-12-10T22:34:00.002+08:00

This is another record breaking when I did 3 major races (1 powerman & 2 marathons) in 4 weeks. I was pushing my body over limit but I was enjoyed doing it. Anyway, don’t try this at home if you are not mentally prepared and lack of training. Seriously, most of you will give up half way or maybe not even half way :P

I couldn’t see where the heck is start line from where I was standing.

Whoaaaa…. I couldn’t see where is the end of the line too. I must have been standing somewhere in the middle. Roughly 15,000 marathoners and 60,000 runners in total including half marathon & 10km run took part this year.

My fellow Singaporean runners S’porean Blade Runner, Kash & Zam

This is why we call him Blade Runner. Don’t play-play, he can cut your head with one swing kick. Anyway, despite his disability, he continues running and shame on you who have both legs but too lazy to exercise.

One photo of myself :)

It took me nearly 10 mins to cross start line.

Running in the middle of the city somewhere near Chinatown.

Half the course was in East Coast Park.

Halfway through, another 21km more to go.

Awesome babe! She was running in sandals, with a python strapped around her, a 20 pounds tyre hooked to her, and a monkey taking joyride in the box behind her....Look at all her muscles, sexy!
Check out her blog why she did this: http://www.justgiving.com/tyregirl

At the 30km mark, 12km more to go.

Great view from this spot

My favourite quote…. 7km more to go.

Check out her ARSE!!!! I mean check out was written on the paper. Don’t stare too long ok… hehehe

If you think she can do and so can you…. YOU’RE WRONG!!! Marathon is a mental game. Even if your body as skinny as lizard or as tough as Arnold Susahnakeja, you will never complete a marathon if you are not mentally prepare.

Yeay! 2km more to go!!!

This is another record breaking…. my worst ever timing! Hahahaha…. But at least I completed the race right?!

The finisher medal… nice huh?! ;)

And finisher tee.

One more race to go for this year Malakoff 12km Run on 19th December. Hope can I can do it sub 1 hour.

Penang Bridge Marathon 2010

2010-11-24T17:06:00.002+08:00

Obviously not enough time for me to recover from Powerman on the previous Sunday. My body just refused to increase the pace. To make it worse, I didn’t have enough sleep and proper carbo-loading as I took a bus from KL at 3:30pm on Saturday and arrived in Queensbay Mall 5 hours just before the race. Even the weather was not on our side, we were struck by tropical thunderstorm at the middle of the bridge. Imagine you have to run against the wind and I couldn’t look forward to see where am I going. Despite all these I crossed finish line in 5:38hrs. Not my PB though, I’m happy with the timing :)

Bib

Name

Country

Official

Net

3722m

18679m

21137m

32988m

37789m

A00857

KAM KASTURIE

MALAYSIA

05:39:13

05:38:31

0:23:15

2:14:53

2:38:41

4:18:29

5:02:31

Race started at 2:00am. Very sleepy…uwaaaaa

I tried to follow her for the first 12km but I couldn’t keep up with her pace.

Running on the bridge.

OP Azmel 1st Marathon & OP Jabir sub 5 timing.

Tropical thunderstorm with heavy rain on the bridge

Another 7km more to go…. but the marathon has just started. Glycogen depletion and my body about to shutdown.

OP Bandit’s debut Marathon. Covering his nipples after nipple chaffing.

Yesss…. the torture almost over.

This fella from Singapore, Mr. Mohan Marathon Maniac just completed… not 3… but his 111th Marathon over his entire life. Amazing!!!!

OP CK, a marathon grandpa.

OP Farouk ran for Rumah Anak Yatim RABEKA also completed his 1st Marathon. Well done!

Mr. Azhar Azib from S’pore also has run nearly 40 marathons in his entire career.

All finishers within the cut-off time get a medal & finisher Tee.

My next race will be Stand Chart S’pore Marathon on 5th December. To those who still being couch potato, only watching EPL on the TV and never wanted to exercise…. please continue doing so. Running a marathon is too much painful and very torturous. You might not enjoy it.

My first Powerman race (14th Nov 2010)

2010-11-17T02:00:00.002+08:00

During my last Powerman two years in 2008, I was in Manjung to race but I was DNS (Did Not Start) after experienced very bad diarrhea only 5 hours before the race start at 7:30am. So, technically this my first Powerman, I was very happy to be able to complete it within cut off time and I got a medal together with finisher T-shirt.

Run 11km: 1:01 hrs (T1 – 5 min)
Bike 64km: 2:09 hrs (T2 – 5 min)
Run 10km: 1:18 hrs
TOTAL: 4:39 hrs (Cut-off 5 hrs)

I haven’t ride my bike since Desaru and only focused on running has taken a toll on 3rd leg. My last 10km run took a lot longer when both my tights cramped up due to lack of bike training. Hope I would be able to recover before Penang Bridge Marathon this coming Sunday.

Travelling with Kay & Laif

The weather was nice & hot

We stopped for lunch at Bidor Banana Leaf Curry House

My lucky number

With fellow friends

Transition area

So many participants this year.

Me & my loyal old steed Acqua Sapone

A few minutes before start

We are about to start now

1st leg 11km run and I did it in 1:01 hrs. The fastest 11km I think so far.

Bike leg 64km in 2:09 hrs

The killer bridge

Downhill…. yippeeee!!!!

3rd leg, final 10km run. It was bloody tough and I completed it in 1:18 hrs

Finally, the finish line right in front of my eyes after 4:39hrs… yeay!!!

Now I’m a Powerman…. bukan Power Rangers OK :P

Finisher medal

And finisher T-shirt

Jalan-jalan cari makan in Kuching

2010-10-25T21:03:00.002+08:00

Kuching Airport. Last visit was 4 years ago together with my kid Ian and it was still under construction at that time.

This is where I stayed The Basaga House

Seafood at BT Mata

Quite a lot for 3 people.

My host in Kuching. She’s a native Sarawakian.

Karaoke session after dinner. Believe it or not, all these ladies are ex-TKC.

My tourist guide was so hot and she has a cool car… hehehe

Orang Ulu main Sape at Waterfront

She was so excited to get her photo taken with him.

Beautiful handicraft

Brought back some of these form my new home

Kek Lapis Sarawak.

She took me to the best Ais Kacang & Laksa Sarawak

The Best Ais Kacang Kuching style

Authentic Laksa Sarawak…. so yummy!

Mee Belacan… I don’t like it :P

White Lady drink…. mix of everything. A bit too sweet for me.

Rojak buah Kuching style

At night, she took me to Satok for supper. I had Ais Jagung campur Laici…. power!!!

This is the best Mee Kolok in town!!! Only available after 10pm.

Thanks babe for being a great host.

Second round of Laksa Sarawak (2 bowls actually) before heading to Airport.

Time to go home. Bye bye Kuching. Will be there again for Rainforest Music Festival next year.

Desaru Trip with Ian & Dmi

2010-10-15T15:16:00.001+08:00

Your children need your presence more than your presents – Jesse Jackson

Desaru Long Distance Triathlon 2010

2010-10-08T12:46:00.002+08:00

3 OPs in my car. OP Bandit, OP Harry & me.

Plus 2 future RMC boys… Ian & Dmi

We stayed at Lotus Desaru. Highly recommended for a family getaway.

Body marking

At transition area

OP Jabir also racing

Start biking leg

At T2, ready for running leg.

For the first time my kids were there waiting for me at the finish line.

Cool quotes

2010-10-08T12:23:00.003+08:00

A few cool quotes I found on the Internet that might give people some inspiration.

"A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it." - Albert Einstein

(there are many clever people in my company but hard to find a wise person)

"People do not lack strength, they lack will." - Victor Hugo

(I proved that with will power you can complete an Ironman race… of course you have to train harder & many hours too :P)

"Getting divorced just because you don't love a man is almost as silly as getting married just because you do." - Zsa Zsa Gabor

(I do not want to get married to a girl who only loves me because one day she might stop loving and dump me just like someone did to me in the past)

"If you want happiness for an hour -- take a nap. If you want happiness for a day -- go fishing. If you want happiness for a month -- get married. If you want happiness for a year -- inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime -- help someone else." - Chinese Proverb

(this is so true, by helping others actually you’re are helping yourself)

Newton 25km Run (26th Oct 2010)

2010-10-08T12:03:00.004+08:00

The course was hilly and the heat like in oven. I did it in sub 3 hours and enjoyed the race.

Pondan looking socks :P

Huffing & puffing... running uphill…. arghhhh!

Sexy Keiko! She was pretty fast.... pretty & fast! :D

3km to go was like forever

Yes, completed another race.

Running buddies Azmar, Julie & Firul.

Yeay! I got a medal, that means I was top 400 in my category.

Happy 10th B’day Ian Danish Iman!

2010-09-15T17:34:00.002+08:00

My eldest already 10 years old! Time flies huh?! Less and less photos of him for the past 2 years.

Year 2000-2003

Year 2004-2005

Year 2006-2007

Year 2008-2010

Ray-Ban Aviator RB3025 001/4F

2010-08-28T10:59:00.002+08:00

My 4th Rayban sunglasses and 1st Aviator Metal Frame. It is the design define the styles and become the Ray-Ban icons. It was invented in 1937, originally developed to combat the blinding glare experienced by US Air Force pilots. The lens are photochromic and can be used in door as well. I can be like a celebrity wearing sunglasses at night…..hahahaha

I find ladies wearing Ray-ban Aviator look sexier and more appealing than those wearing stupid oversized Gucci or designer labels below.

Unless you have the model look like above (they look good with any shape of glasses) but if you are just average looking babe… please don’t.

Fun stuff

2010-08-28T10:20:00.001+08:00

We’re so used to convenience and to some people climbing a short staircase is like running 100m dash. Unless you running a marathon like me, no sin for taking escalator or lift… hehehe. So, how to get people to use staircase instead of escalator? Have a look at video below how they did it.

If you think that’s fun, check out this website www.thefuntheory.com

Happy 7th birthday to my Dmi!

2010-08-15T10:14:00.002+08:00

“Birthdays are filled with yesterday’s memories, today’s joys, and tomorrow’s dreams.”

From the day he born until 2 years old. We never plan to have him this soon but we were glad to have him in our lives. Life was so wonderful back then.

Between 2-4 years old. He was so cute at this age. He knew how to amuse us.

Between 4-5 years old. Those days were the happiest times for all of us.

Between 5-6 years old. It was tough years for all of us due to their mummy’s life crisis. Ian & Dmi had to live faraway from me.

Latest photos this year before he turns 7. He still a small baby to me. Don’t worry baby, no matter what I will bring you back to KL next year.

Jakarta oh Jakarta

2010-08-13T22:58:00.002+08:00

My solo travelling continued to Jakarta Indonesia last weekend. Arrived in Soekarno-Hatta airport in the afternoon, I encountered with massive fluke of people coming into Jakarta. I was stuck at immigration for almost an hour and then took me another hour to get a cab. Rush hour in Friday evening make it worse and it took me more than an hour to get to the hotel. “Macet” of traffic jam in metropolitan Jakarta is well known to everybody who used to be here. I was staying in Mangga Besar, little that I know this is the center of red light district in Jakarta. Karaoke, pubs, night clubs, discotheques, spas, massage parlors are everywhere and girls to accompany you for a night also can easily be found around this area. This is a different light of Jakarta that I know from my last visit with my ex-wife during my business trip here 3 years ago (yeah, she insisted to come, probably she knew what Jakarta can offer to solo travelers)

This is seriously a dodgy hotel. Every day I saw many beautiful girls coming in and out of this hotel.

I rode a bajaj to Mangga Dua and I survived!

Arim Ari the magician. I learned some magic tricks from him.

The best meal I had in Jakarta. I went to this restaurant twice!

No doubt I was a happy guy after the massage session…..hahahahaha

Bye bye Jakarta… sampai ketemu lagi ya!

Slash Live in Kuala Lumpur

2010-08-11T20:37:00.001+08:00

The legendary rock icon Slash pioneering member of Guns ‘n’ Roses and one of hard rock’s finest guitarists, performed at Surf Beach at Sunway Lagoon last Thursday. Two concerts in a week, for sure I’m not getting older yet…hahaha. Somehow at Slash concert I feel more in the right crowds. With VVIP ticket I could see the stage clearly plus with food & drinks.

I was sweating like running 10km. Anyway, I had a great time there.

Wet n wild at MTV Stage Concert

2010-08-04T00:27:00.002+08:00

I’ve been to the first MTV Stage concert last year and it was so much fun, makes me wanted to go again this year. This times I chaperoned two girls to the concert. The only thing I hate about the venue is the traffic jam. It took me nearly an hour get to the parking area from LDP which is less than 3km distance. We had our dinner first at Sunway Pyramid before going to the concert. We were surprised the queue was so long and it ended at the main road. After 20 minutes of waiting, we finally get into the gate.

We missed Bunkface performance, when we arrived at our standing zone, Wonder Girls were on stage. The Korean girls performed a variety of songs, I think they lip-synched. The quintet finally performed its hit single “Nobody” complete with the schoolgirl dance moves. The crowd was now running high on adrenaline but unfortunately the organizers didn’t know how to sustain it for long. We were left standing more than an hour for the next show due to some technical difficulties (my arse!!!). To make it worse the rain came back and it didn’t help but to merely dampen the crowd’s spirit. The audience got restless, and when VJ Utt and Sean appeared on stage, they were booed and even flipped off. We all know the tickets to the show had been given out but that didn’t mean the audience was cool waiting in the rain for over an hour and listening to lame circus-inspired music just because we got in for free.

When Tokio Hotel finally emerged, it took crowd on the spot to heat up to the band. The four-man band played their staple hits with the crowd sang along to. They ended their show with the much-anticipated “World Behind My Wall”, which re-energize the crowd and by then, the earth practically shaking with people jumping.

After another 20 minutes of waiting, it was then the moment everybody was waiting for…. Katy Perry’s awesome performance! She performed her hits songs with stunning electronic visual backdrop. She teased the audience with her new song the “Peacock” was just about a bird before going… “I want to see your peacock… cock… cock… cock!” It got the audience go wild…. really really wild! She closed her show by climbing the scaffolding while performing her last song “Hot and Cold”.

The ending was fabulous and the organizers announced that Wonder Girls would be back on in 5 minutes (yeah, right :P… I heard it took another 20 minutes) but after almost 5-6 hours standing in the rain, we didn’t care anymore about this not so wonder girls group, even if the organizers has announced that Michael Jackson was back from the grave to perform “moonwalk”. We left the venue heading to the car. By the time I got home it was 3am.

Well, no doubt it was a great night of entertainment although with unnecessary waiting involved. Just make sure a “bomoh hujan” is hired the next time around.

Sweet Alisa & Raz were so excited to go the concert. Lucky me, they behaved.

Makan dulu sebelum pegi tgk konsert.

The queue was very long until the main road

Ehhh… there’s hot babe queuing behind us lah! ;)

Lame show by not so Wonder Girls :P

Wow, so many young people! I think I was the oldest teenager in the crowd… hahaha

Bill Kaulitz of Tokio Hotel… great perfomance!

Ehhh… we meet again?! :)

Let’s take photo together :D

The crowd bigger than last year

Much awaited Katy Perry

They enjoyed the show!

Dah habis… jom balik!!!

Before that kena redah banjir dulu.

Port Dickson Triathlon 2010

2010-07-30T01:10:00.002+08:00

My only Olympic Distance triathlon this year. The pain nowhere near Ironman. But I had lots of fun :)

A few hours outing with my babies

2010-07-13T10:01:00.001+08:00

They came over on the weekend for the ceremonial on Saturday. However, I managed to get them for a few hours on Sunday.

They still in the pool when I arrived

I used to live here once a few years ago.

With their great grandmother. Of course all relatives were here for the big event.

They were excited with the convertible.

Love this car… we have good chemistry. Thanks Nina for letting me drive it around :D

Dmi & Ian said… “Daddy, with this car you can date more girls!”. Like father like son. My handsome boys going to be heartbreakers when they grow up.

Convertible car did catch a lot of attention. But of course the guy in the driver seat too :D

As usual, we watched movie “Despicable Me”…. kinda cute and sad movie actually. My kids said, they are like the 3 orphan kids in the movie who wanted a daddy to be around.

Met Sulaiman, Niza & their kid also named Ian.

Bowling session after lunch

Dmi’s trick to get strike

Ian dah terrer main.

Dmi siap baring atas lane lagi…. he got spare for this.

Let’s go back boys… we had a great time right? We’ll see each other again soon.

Dmi was very upset. He wanted to spend longer time with me. I don’t know what’s in his mind and heart but I’m sure all the things that happened lately had severely damaged him emotionally. I pray to Allah, things will turn out okay for everyone especially for my kids.

Saying goodbye from the balcony…. bye bye sayang, I’m gonna miss you both.

Congratulation to Newly Wed!!!

2010-07-10T10:08:00.001+08:00

Whoever getting married today, I wish them congratulations! As clearly states on the t-shirt below:

Deep down inside me i always have this tiny hope that all of us Ian, Dmi, Mummy & me perhaps one day will be reunited. But today, i finally accepted it will never happen.

Sincerely, I hope they will live happily ever after just like in a fairy tale.

Argentina got f*cked by Germany last night

2010-07-04T17:48:00.000+08:00

Patong, Phuket

2010-07-01T20:00:00.001+08:00

Patong Beach was empty due to low season… nice weather but where’s everybody else?

Opsss… i said it too fast… raining everyday. My holiday spoiled a bit la :(

Let’s find something to eat…. TomYam Gung!

JungCeylon Shopping Mall. I came here everyday. “Junk Ceylon” was the first name of Phuket in its history. Historians have found the original name of Phuket on the maps of Portuguese sea merchant maps.

Shopping fake items. Poor guy like me can only afford fake branded stuff.

Raining all day long

Not complete a visit to Thailand without watching Muay Thai tournament. But I had to give it a miss, coming back on 29th June night. I wanted to watch that dangerously hot looking Italian babe Muay Thai exponent.

One of the fighters being paraded around the town. He doesn’t look muscular but he has fast kick.

People said Christin Massage is the best soupy massage available in Patong. I did go in to check the place. But no photos allowed :P

Hard Rock Cafe Patong. I went to the shop to buy beer glass for Diana.

The famous Bangla Road during the day. This is where all the nighlife happening. Over 200 bars, pubs & discotheque available here with thousands of beautiful bar girls (gotta be careful coz some of them are ladyboys or transvestites. Very difficult to differentiate). If you come here, you will never go back alone to the hotel and you can bring back 2 if you can handle them.

One of the photos during my visit at night. Had a few drinks with a bar girl name Nat. I was laughing when she said “I’m nut!” It was almost midnight but the place just about to get crowd coming.

Photo from the plane on the way back. Yes, as you can see from the reflection on the window, there was a hot chick with hot pants sitting next to me in the flight.

Sweet little Natalie poking my camera. She’s so cute. I want a daughter with blonde hair…. but first need to find a blondie ;)

Next trip would be Jakarta and then Hong Kong… or maybe Bali.

Father’s week!

2010-06-26T21:12:00.001+08:00

2nd week of school holidays is father’s week. Yes, they were with me and we had so much fun. We went out to Wangsa Walk every night for 6 days.

They are very close together. I had no choice but to take Syukran along.

With new friend Ian. Hey, he’s name also Ian.

Wayne Rooney wanna be in full England jersey

Yup…. He wants to be Messi…. not messy ya ;)

One day driving trip KL-JB-KL was really tiring. So, we took a bus this time around and they were very happy.

Don’t be sad my babies… we’ll see each other again soon.

Father’s week was a bonding time and we had a great time together.

Classic All Black vs World XV

2010-06-15T16:44:00.000+08:00

Classic All Black doing their opening Haka Dance….

With my RMC buddies

Great match

Conversion kick

Dressed up to go dating but she couldn’t make it :P

The All Black star “Jonah Lomu”. He was sluggish during the match but he still the legend.

After game lepak at Stupe’s place. It was Nadia’s b’day party actually.

Macam-macam adaaaaa…..

2010-06-06T23:47:00.001+08:00

I won Indoor Triathlon Challenge organized by Fitness Concept last weekend at Alamanda. What was the grand prize? A stay in Bali/Phuket and local resorts. And my next challenge is to choose which girl to accompany me ;)

I’ve been searching this “Tombelli” brand for so long, finally I found it in Jusco AU2A. Hope this pair will last as long as my previous Tombelli.

To much of facebook lately… I need a real book to read and i bought these 2 book at Borders last weekend. I’ve read Malcolm Gladwell’s Tipping Point before. Same astounding facts unveiled like in his other books Blink & Outliers. While, Tony Parsons’ Man & Wife telling a story that close to what I’m facing in my life now. One day I hope I can write a story of my life which is quite interesting to tell too.

Damn! My Samsung 1.5TB harddisk kaput last weekend. I had to buy another 500GB external HDD to back up some of deleted files in my other 350GB HDD. Lost lots of photos and videos. Sent the 1.5TB for repair last Friday. Hope the technician won’t go through all my personal photos… got some x-rated ones in there…not my photos, they are someone else actually, hope she doesn’t freak out…hahahahaa

Bought my fav brand Esprit jeans. 50% off from the normal price. First time I got a new pair of jeans still in plastic bag.

Ironman also got high blood pressure :P Need to monitor my BP everyday, watch my diet and exercise more often. Just imagine if I don’t do all these extreme sports, I could have stroke!!!!

Birthday celebration for Syukran, Pidah, Huzi & Farees. Everybody is here except my kids Ian & Dmi.

I went to Tony ~~Ramos~~ Roma’s in Mid Valley for dinner last night. This Salmon pan-snared coated with sesame was soooo goood!!!

My date for the dinner at Tony ~~Ramos~~ Roma’s was a gorgeous 19 year-old model. The older I become, younger the girl I get. She’s the 3rd model I’ve dated so far. I like her sexy lips, better than Amber Chia and Angelina Jolie :D

I don’t look that much older actually. Only a few years different from her ;)

Cellphone Operating System

2010-06-02T18:20:00.002+08:00

Why la Celcom didn't take iPhone in :P

I don't like my Berry.... it's so boring!!!!

Facebook: Facts You Didn’t Know

2010-06-01T19:01:00.002+08:00

The only book I read lately is facebook. I'm so addicted to facebook and I check it almost everyday :P

NB15km Run 2010

2010-05-23T13:05:00.001+08:00

Due to off season and overweight, I clocked 1hr 32 min and I satisfied with that timing. Thanks Riha for coming over for morning breakfast :)

Sabah trip

2010-05-19T00:21:00.001+08:00

A week visit to Sabah took me on a solo journey from Kota Kinabalu to Mabul Island which covered more than 700km. The places I stopped were Kota Kinabalu –> Tenom –> Keningau –> Tawau –> Semporna –> Mabul.

In Mabul, I was staying at Sipadan-Mabul Resort. The best resort in Mabul some say Semporna :)

I took lots of photos especially underwater photos. Enjoy the photos and videos.

Happy Mother’s Day

2010-05-09T01:23:00.001+08:00

Happy Mother’s Day to these 3 wonderful mothers…..

My mom Kamariah Mas’ud

Thanks you for being the greatest mother. Although I’m bad at showing affection to her as a son, she knows I love her very much. Thank you for your “doa” in Mekah recently. Insyallah, god willing I will meet someone special in the future. At the moment, I’m spoilt of choices :P

My mom in-law Rokiyah Ismail

Thanks for taking care of my Ian and Dmi. I do not know how to repay all your kindness. May Allah bless you with good health and great life.

My ex-wife Eza Shafina

Thanks for giving birth to our two wonderful kids. You deserves my respect for going through all the hassles to go to JB every month just to spend time with Ian and Dmi. May Allah bless you with a better marriage in the future.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers everywhere.

Weekend road trip to JB

2010-04-17T02:14:00.001+08:00

I haven’t not seen my babies for nearly 2 months since Feb. My friends always asked me how I feel for not being able to see my kids growing before my eyes. I don’t know how to explain it but it is hard being away from them I tell you. Feel like apart of me missing. I can’t imagine how difficult for them living in JB without mummy and daddy around. To make them feel I’m around, I will call them almost everyday.

I’m counting the days when their mummy get married and bring them back to KL. I don’t see any reasons she can’t take them back to KL. Just like me, I think she misses them too.

Hope I can do this more often every month. Daddy misses you, Ian & Dmi !!!

New addition to my toys collection

2010-04-05T00:15:00.003+08:00

After reading many point & shoot camera reviews, I decided to settle with Canon S90 and I bought it together with an underwater housing for my future diving trip. S90 is sharing similar feature with Canon G11 but with smaller and elegant design for people who looking for small camera that can fit into a pocket.

PowerShot S90 & underwater housing

Canon made me RM2400 poorer but thanks to my Maybank credit card for providing me with 12 months interest free installment :)

Some of sample photos below

Anne is the sales girl who sold me the camera at a shop in Low Yat Plaza

Cucumber juice with naked lady stir stick in macro mode

S90 made Nina looks like 25 years old girl ;)

I captured this beautiful lady at The Curve with dim lit mode

Flawless self capture photo mode ;)

It has blink detection warning when Maria’s accidently closed her eyes

It made our food look so yummy

She’s already beautiful but S90 in portrait mode made her superbly gorgeous hot babe !!!

Mercedes GP Petronas, this car won 3rd place in Sepang F1 this year

With Aperture F2.0, it produced awesome night photo

Energizer Night Race 2010

2010-04-03T01:10:00.002+08:00

I ran my 7th Marathon in Energizer Night Race last Saturday at Cyberjaya as a pacer for Diana who runs her first marathon. I promised to stick with her all the way and pulling her to complete her first marathon in 6 hours. And guess what we completed in exactly 6 hours. Although it was my worse timing ever, I’m glad I helped Diana to achieve her dream to be a marathoner. My next Marathon is Penang Bridge Marathon in November. I’m aiming to clock sub 5-hour for this one :)

Yessss… I did it again! I’m 2 times Ironman!!!

2010-03-07T00:32:00.003+08:00

I’m having Post Ironman Depression Syndrome (PIDS) right now. I have no mood to write a report. If you wish to read a race report I suggest you to visit OP Stupe’s blog. He wrote his Ironman experience this year very detail until you can visualize yourself in the race. Anyway, enjoy some IM photos below.

Pre race swimming session.

Unpacked my steed

Race briefing

Daniel helped check my bike

Bike check-in

With Multiple Ironman IM Yusran

After body marking

With IM Barath the Chicken Man

Bike bags in T1

Smiles before being tortured

Start & finish line

The cannon blew-off and off we go swim 3.8km

Out of the water in less than 2 hours

Hush hush!

Thank god I’m back to safe ground

Loyal supporters Hazura, Bandit, Alisa & Zabrina

Begin my 180km biking leg

Thumb up

Climbing Bukit Malut

Water & aid station

Half way break, looking good :)

Approaching T2

Start run 42.2km marathon

Run Forest Run

The climate was bloody hot!

Catching up with Stupe

Feel like fainting

Forced myself to smile for this shot

It was damn painful… so torturous

Announcer: “Number 539 Kam Kasturie frommmm Japannnnn!!!! You are an Ironmannnnnnn!

Me: Huh??? I’m from Japan?

I stood there for 5 seconds to savour the moment… hahaha

I wish my kids were there to witness this, someday they will race with me side by side

Alhamdullilah… I got my 2nd Ironman medal. Now I have two medals each for my Ian & Dmi.

Well done IM Stupe!

One of the greatest achievement in 2010

Finisher medal, t-shirt & certificate

THANK YOU TO

Stupe – for everything especially arranging the logistic for me. You are such an extraordinaire person to me.

Barath – for being there during the last miles into running leg. I hope you will try again next year.

Bandit – For being the most loyal supporter, supplying me with drinks during bike and powergel during run. Thanks for running with me too.

Zabrina – for accompanying me for about 10-15km and being a knight in shining armor (female version) providing me support when I need it the most

And thanks to my other friends who were there as participants or supporters… Yusran, Ishal, Adeline, Mac, Senn, Arif, Ahmad Fathi, Aileen, Kok Aik, OP Chan, Mejar Kalam, OP Sofiyan, OP Shazly, OP AJ, OP Jim, Jason, Elaine Karyan, Zabil, Azah, Elicia, Abu, Dush, Raymond, Ezer, Dino, Julie, Kay, Halim, Chie-san, Nik, Tey, OP Mantat, OP Jabir, OP Ramzul, OP Farouk all together with their wives and many others (sorry if I missed your name)

Thanks to those who support from far like my family, Amy Walling, Nina, Ruzy, Azmar, Laif, TSB, OP Ala, Aghil, Kash, OP CK, Jaja, OP Harry, Luvis, Bahri, Haza, Ian Yusof, all Le Tuang members, my fellow facebook friends, my fellow OPs, my fellow colleagues in Celcom like Maria, Niza, Santhana, Zaila, Sherizal, OP Azzam and others too.

Will I do it again next year??? Hmmm… 90% maybe not!

Letting out jitteriness in me

2010-02-23T16:41:00.001+08:00

IM Langkawi is only 4 days away. As cool and confident as other participants may appear, there is almost always something that fills me with a certain amount of misgiving and anxiety.

Just like in my first Ironman, the fear overwhelming self-doubt as I wonder what on earth I have gotten myself into. Its almost like bungee jumping. Once you're committed, there's no turning back. The only different is in bungee jump you pay RM1000 for 5 seconds thrill while you pay only RM500 for 17 hours of excitement in Ironman. After all, everyone in your circle of friends, family and co-workers know all about it. For months they have observed as I've immersed myself in the rigors of Ironman preparation. How can you possibly back out and face the people who have supported you as you've prepared for the race of your life?

The swim is particularly terrifying for many triathletes including me. There are news reports about death by box jelly fish in Langkawi also scares me. God willing, I hope everything will turn out OK. I promise myself to take a break at least one year from Ironman next year. I’ve been putting so much effort & commitment into it already. If I do the same to my career or relationship, I’m sure I will be somebody or with somebody right now :P

Like last year, I wish my kids will be waiting for me at the finish line. Unfortunately, it still not happening this year. Good luck to all of you who will participate or come as support crew. See you guys at starting line!

Two is Better Than One?

2010-02-21T16:09:00.005+08:00

Maybe it's true I can't live without you, well maybe two is better than one.

There's so much time to figure out the rest in my life, but you already got me coming undone.

And I'm thinking two is better one.

The Knight in Shining Armor

2010-02-19T04:22:00.011+08:00

Let me share with you a story which I read from a book. Errr... perhaps there are some truths in it.

There is a knight in shining armor traveling through the countryside. Suddenly, he hears a woman crying out in distress. In instant he comes alive, urging his horse to gallop, he races to her castle, where she is trapped by a dragon. The knight pulls out his sword and slays the dragon. As a result, he is lovingly received by the princess.

As the gate opened he is welcomed and celebrated by the royal family and towns people. He is invited to stay in the town and is acknowledged as a hero. He and the princess fall in love.

A month later the noble knight goes off to another trip. On his way back, he hears his beloved crying out for help. Another dragon has attacked the castle. When the knight arrives he pulls out his sword to slay the dragon.

Before he swings, the princess cries out from the tower, "Don't use your sword, use this noose.

It will work better."

She throws him the noose and motions to him instructions about how to use it. He hesitantly follows her instructions. He wraps it around the dragon's neck and then pulls hard. The dragon dies and everyone rejoices.

At the celebration dinner the knight feels he didn't really do anything. Somehow, because he used her noose and didn't use his sword, he doesn't quite feel worthy of the town's trust and admiration After the event he is slightly depressed and forgets to shine his armor.

A month later he goes on yet another trip. As he leaves with his sword, the princess reminds him to be careful and tells him to take the noose. On his way home, he sees yet another dragon attacking the castle. This time he rushes forward with his sword but hesitates, thinking maybe he should use the noose. In that moment of hesitation, the dragon breathes fire and burns his right arm. In confusion he looks up and sees his princess waving from the castle window.

"Use the poison," she yells. "The noose doesn't work."

She throws him the poison, which he pours into the dragon's mouth, and the dragon dies. Everyone rejoices and celebrates, but the knight feels ashamed.

A month later, he goes on another trip. As he leaves with his sword, the princess reminds him to be careful, and to bring the noose and the poison. He is annoyed by her suggestions but brings them just in case.

This time on his journey he hears another woman in distress. As he rushes to her call, his depression is lifted and he feels confident and alive. But as he draws his sword to slay the dragon, he again hesitates. He wonders, Should I use my sword, the noose, or the poison? What would the princess say?

For a moment he is confused. But then he remembers how he had felt before he knew the princess, back in the days when he only carried a sword. With a burst of renewed confidence he throws off the noose and poison and charges the dragon with his trusted sword. He slays the dragon and the townspeople rejoice.

The knight in shining armor never returned to his princess. He stayed in this new village and lived happily ever after. He eventually married, but only after making sure his new partner knew nothing about nooses and poisons.

Deep in side every man there is a hero or a knight in shining armor. More than anything, he wants to succeed in serving and protecting the woman he loves. When he feels trusted, he is able to tap into this noble part of himself. He becomes more caring. When he doesn't feel trusted he loses some of his aliveness and energy, and after a while he can stop caring.

Remembering that within every man is a knight in shining armor is a powerful metaphor to help you remember a man's primary needs. Although a man may appreciate caring and assistance sometimes, too much of it will lessen his confidence or turn him off.

To Eza & Nazrin... Congratulations on your engagement!

2010-02-17T21:24:00.010+08:00

After my last entry three days ago, i got loads of messages & calls asking if I'm ok. Don't worry guys I'm totally fine. Ironman training still on going :)

I was a bit upset in last entry not because of her engagement but because I couldn't get in touch with my kids. I believe she has reasons from keeping the news from me. If I put myself in her shoe, I won't tell her that I'm going to get engaged either. Sincerely, I fully support her decision to marry Nazrin. If this is good for her, I believe it is good for our kids as well. I heard from friends who know Nazrin, he is a fair and reasonable guy. Knowing her, she has very fine selection of who can be her better half and I'm sure she made a right choice for herself. I hope she will bring back our kids to KL after they marry, so that I can see them more often.

Thanks to a friend who shared the photos of her engagement. She was so beautiful in her white dress just like I remember her. I think they deserve each other and I'm very happy for them :)

Valentine's day 2010

2010-02-15T03:19:00.005+08:00

It's 3:30 in the morning. I've been laying on the bed since 12:30 and I couldn't sleep at all. So, I decided to switch on my laptop and write something about what happened yesterday. Yesterday was a Valentine's day which coincidence with Chinese New Year. Majlis Agama Islam Negeri has warned young people not to celebrate the day as it is against of Islamic culture. Together with police they launched massive crack down in hotels around Malaysia. Well, in this case they only went after cheap hotels. I'm not supporting people socializing and go drinking before having sex at hotels during Valentine's day, but if they want to do it, they can do it in any other days.

To some couples they took opportunity to get engaged or tie not on this romantic day with hope that their special day will be remembered every year. It was a good idea because I don't think I remember on what day I got engaged :P

Tonight also I completed reading book "Why Mars & Venus Collide" which I bought 4 months ago. Yeah... finally, like I told you guys before, a non book worm like me very slow at reading. There is one fact which caught my attention near end of the book. Statistics show that men after divorce get married again within three years, but women take an average of nine years to marry. Wow... 9 years?!! This statistic just includes the women who get married again. Many more women than men just don't bother. They feel in a variety of ways that marriage is more trouble than it is worth. Instead, many women choose to live alone.

I don't know if that fact is completely wrong because someone I loved before just got engaged on Valentine's day. We're not even into our second year of divorce. Hmm... how strange?! She moved on very fast. Maybe there was something I didn't know. Actually, I didn't know about the engagement until few hours ago. Thanks to my friends who informed me about it after I was complaining I couldn't get in touch with my kids for four days after all my calls & messages were not answered. Her family kept it secret perhaps they worried I would come and crash the ceremony. Do I look like that person? Come on! Give me a break!! I don't care what she wants to do to her life but please be considerate. Please treat me like a human being. Their action cut me off from my kids just give me bad perception of what is going to happen if she finally marry this guy.

Anyway, I wish her all the best with her new found love. I hope she will be happy always. Congratulations Eza!

VERY SHORT, MOST EFFECTIVE AND HOW TRUE...

2010-01-20T10:19:00.000+08:00

30 second Speech by Bryan Dyson (CEO of Coca Cola)

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you're keeping all of these in the Air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back..

But the other four Balls - Family, Health, Friends and Spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for
it."

WORK EFFICIENTLY DURING OFFICE HOURS AND LEAVE ON TIME. GIVE THE REQUIRED TIME TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & HAVE PROPER REST.

____________________________________________________________

This is so true as for me I lost my family due to work commitment and job stress in 2008. Until now I still haven't got back my family or having a partner but I've changed 3 different jobs since then. Like a rubber ball, the harder it drops, the higher it bounces back... and it's getting better & better :)

The Donkey

2010-01-19T16:15:00.004+08:00

I got this story from Nina. She's like a sister from different parents to me. Thanks Nina for sharing it with me J

SHARING THE DONKEY LESSON ...

THE DONKEY

One day, a farmer's donkey fell into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieten.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of all of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up. Shake it off and take a step

up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen anyway.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from others.

My bad :(

2009-12-21T00:39:00.005+08:00

When I listen to this song, I wonder if I was a man like that before? I was so oblivious of her because I focused too much on my works, activities & friends? If yes, my apology to her. I hope she's happy with her status now.

StandChart Singapore Marathon 2009

2009-12-10T14:28:00.005+08:00

This is my first overseas race. It was one great experience as the organizer was very efficient. I have nothing to complain except, too many people took part in the race. The journey started on Saturday morning. Three of us, from KL drove to Singapore entering from Tuas CIQ. We headed straight to Singapore Expo to pick up the race kit. It took me only 5 minutes to settle everything. Super quick! Then we went drooling over sports stuff at the expo. I bought a pair of NB running shoes. It was very cheap only $70. All shoes on sales, I almost buy another pair but told myself... don't!

After that we went to Zam Zam Restaurant for Brayani. Joining us for carbo-loading lunch were Kay, Yusran and his 3 other friends living in Singapore. Thanks to his friend for "belanja" us. After lunch we checked-in into our hostel. Then we went to Mustafa before going to Novena. We did shopping... windows shopping! :P Then we went to Geylang Serai for dinner. After dinner we though of going to see Christmas light at Orchard Road was hampered because Kamarul's car overheated and we stuck at Ion Orchard, a new high-end luxury shopping mall. Half of the cars I saw in the parking were luxury cars with single digit including Malaysian cars. About an hour later, we slowly drove the car out of parking bay heading back to hostel. Lucky us, it was smooth journey.

With lack of sleep, we woke up at 3:30am to get ourselves prepare for the race. We gathered with several other runners staying at our hostel and walked to the starting line about 2km away from the hostel. Enough warm-up before the race. Met up with Haza and several other friends.

There were so many people around at Esplanade Drive. Estimated around 14,000 over marathon runners gathered to torture themselves. Yeah, we are crazy people!!! Singapore managed to make it a one big festival compare to KL marathon around with only 2000 runners for marathon distance. The race started at 5:30am and it was live telecast over Star Sport Channel. I met AJ, Arif & Senn near the start line. The gun went-off AJ & Arif left me and Senn behind. It took me nearly 6 minutes to cross the starting line. Less than 2 km into the run, I pee behind a bus stop opposite Rabobank at Robinson Road. C'mon, this is Singapore! I could be thrown into a jail if I pee in public on other days. That how strict is this country.

The first 10km was nothing, I felt good. I have abundance of power gels to finish today. I already took 2 gels before 10km. When we entered East Coast Park, I had stomach discomfort... oh nooo... gotta find a toilet. But all mobile toilets were full with people queuing to do their business. I had to run until KM 18 before I found a toilet in the park with less people. After settled my big business, I met Steve and Azmar. We ran together for a short while before Azmar & me dropped Steve behind. Steve wasn't feeling well that day. After KM 20, Azmar dropped me because I was bloody slow.

So far the run was ok but slowly I felt the pains at both legs. By the time, I got to KM 25 I walked more than run. Lucky me, I met Kash and we paced each other. We were talking about how difficult and painful is the race. Kash told me, she doesn't want to participate in any marathons in the future. Yeah, I was thinking the same... "this is gonna be my last marathon" like in previous marathon races but wait till I cross the finish line... hehehe.

At KM 35 we saw this sign on the mark "Pain is temporary", well it was unbearable pains. My legs were ok but my ligament that support arch on the sole that hurt. I believe it was because I changed the way I run to midfoot strike. This is the longest ever I ran midfoot strike. No blisters, no knees pain, no cramps but my right sole was very painful.

Once I saw F1 paddock near the Singapore Eye, I started to smile again. Another 2km more to go. I could hear the crowds cheering, the music & announcer. Both side of the was full with people cheering, clapping and giving words of encouragement. I savor the moment when I saw the finish line in distance. Every step was so good. Yesss! I completed my 6th marathon in 5:48. Way off my sub 5 target and not even my PB. But the satisfaction I can't describe, always make me comeback for more races.

Thanks to TSB & Kamarul for your company. And thanks to Yusran for sending me home after a long bus ride back to KL after the race. Hope to race in GE30k in January and Putrajaya Night Marathon in February. Keep on running and stay healthy!

Personality Plus

2009-11-29T20:05:00.003+08:00

This is very interesting topic about human being. After nearly 2 years of divorce, I think I understand why my ex and I did not go well together. It all started 2 months ago after attended XTRA training for Celcom’s managers. In the training, one of the instructors was a trainer for Personality Plus. Initially, I didn’t know what was it but based on his explanation it’s about 4 different temperaments that all human being are carrying. He suggested me to read a book title “Personality Plus” by Florence Littauer. I went to a few bookstores to get the book but mostly sold out. Hmmm… this must be a very good book! Finally I bought it at Popular Bookstores. At the same store I saw another book by Dr. John Gray “Why Mars & Venus Collide” which was published last year and I grabbed the book as well.

The task to read the books took me a long time to accomplish because I’m not a book worm. After one month plus I completed Personality Plus but for Mar& Venus I only read 1/3 of the book. Here, I just want to talk about Personality Plus. All I can say about this book is it’s AWESOME! How to understand others by understanding yourself first. I’ve been reading tons of articles just to understand what went wrong in my relationship. What did I do that pissed off my ex-wife until led her asked for a divorce? Initially, I thought it was 100% my fault but after reading this book, we were actually having personality clashed. If only I knew this earlier I could have heal the relationship.

I learned God did not makes us all alike. Each one of us is unique. We were all born with our own temperament traits. Our environment and parental influence can mold our personalities, but what we are underneath remains the same. Well, what are these 4 temperaments I talked about?

Popular “Sanguine”: This is the social-type. They enjoy fun, socializing, chatting, telling stories - and are fond of promising the world, because that's the friendly thing to do.
Powerful “Choleric”: This is the commander-type. Choleric are dominant, strong, decisive, stubborn and even arrogant.
Perfect “Melancholy”: This is the mental-type. Their typical behavior involves thinking, assessing, making lists, evaluating the positives and negatives, and general analysis of facts.
Peaceful “Phlegmatic”: This is the flat-type. They are easy going, laid back, nonchalant, unexcitable and relaxed. Desiring a peaceful environment above all else.

None of these types is specifically described as positive or negative - each having upsides and downsides. The book makes it clear that the characteristics are for observing and identifying, rather than judging.

A Sanguine gets on well with people and can get others excited about issues, but cannot always be relied upon to get things done. They love interacting with others and play the role of the entertainer in group interactions. They have a tendency to over-promise and under-deliver.
A Choleric is focused on getting things done, but can run rough-shod over others. They are decisive and stubborn.
A Melancholy is a highly talented person, they have brilliant ideas, although sometimes they can paralyze themselves with over-analysis. Lists and "doing things the right way" are characteristics of this personality type.
A Phlegmatic is neutral - they tend not to actively upset people, but their indifference may frustrate people. They try not to make decisions, and generally go for the status quo. They care about people and harmony.

From the test I took, I’m 90% Phlegmatic and 10% Melancholy. That Melancholy part probably because the way I was trained in RMC and molded by my wife when we were together. Combination of Peaceful Phlegmatic & Perfect Melancholy is natural blends which made me an introverted, pessimistic and soft-spoken or in other word… I’m a boring guy! :P Based on my observation during our 14 years of relationship I think my ex-wife is a combination of Powerful Choleric and Perfect Melancholy. It is a complementary blend which made her a task oriented person. With that, I’m sure she will succeed in her career or whatever she does.

My dad is combination of Powerful Choleric and Peaceful Phlegmatic, this combination made him an unemotional strong-willed person. That’s why he was in the Army. Peaceful Phlegmatic part required him to follow orders from his superior and serving the country no matter how hard was a military life. And the Powerful Choleric part helped him to command his troops. While my mum is combination of Popular Sanguine and Peaceful Phlegmatic which another complementary blends and this made her a relationship oriented person. My dad and my mom are very bad match for a couple but i wonder how come they lasted this long?

I also analyzed my parent-in-laws which i found out that my father-in-law has a combination of Popular Sanguine and Perfect Melancholy. This made him an artistic emotional person. While my mother-in-law is like his daughter a combination of Powerful Choleric and Perfect Melancholy or maybe a bit of Peaceful Phlegmatic. Both of them are very compatible as a couple. I can see it in my kids too the personality differences. Ian is more Peaceful Phlegmatic and Dmi is Perfect Melancholy. Ian is more relax type and we need to motivate him to study or do something. While Dmi is perfectionist when the place messy he will start cleaning up. He puts things back in order.

My other siblings, Pidah is Peaceful Phlegmatic same as her husband. So, if you go to their house, the place is disaster. They only gave their 6 kids basic needs but not beyond that. To outsiders, it looks like they having a crisis, but actually it is not. Although they don't really care about their home, they still loving each other. Another sister, Yatie is Perfect Melancholy with Powerful Choleric. Her husband is Powerful Choleric with a little Popular Sanguine. They might have head to head confrontational. As long as they know the limits, they should be able to live together. My youngest sister Maria is Peaceful Phlegmatic with a little Perfect Melancholy. And her husband is a blend of Popular Sanguine and Perfect Melancholy. I think this is the best combination as a couple. I pray to god, they all will be having the best relationship between husbands & wives and never end up like me.

If you do not understand about the different personality between people you will get frustrated or intimidated by others. Some of the incidences happened between me & my ex which rocked our marriage were… She liked to do some surprises just to add excitement to our relationship. But to me being a Peaceful Phlegmatic, I didn’t get excited easily. Not that I didn’t thankful or happy for what she did. I just don’t know how to react. Sometimes acting cool with your spouse also not good.

Being a Powerful Choleric she will decide everything. Although I gave my ideas, at the end she over ruled my suggestion. Including some big decisions like buying a house, buying a car and even our divorce were all her decisions. Basically, she ruled the house. Being a Peaceful Phlegmatic I followed whatever she said just to avoid confrontation… and of course because I loved her too ;) You have to please your loved one right?

A Phlegmatic likes to throw in a few witty comments timed properly. I remember there was a time while we were in a car driving back from somewhere, she talked about how nice a house she saw in a magazine and hope we can afford it. Then with a straight face I said “If you want that kind of house now you have to marry Dato K (Siti Nurhaliza’s husband, a multi millionaire businessman) and not Mr K (that’s me). To me it was only a dry humor with subtle meaning “I will get the house when we have enough money later”. But to her probably I accused her for not being blessed of what we have now. After that, the rest of the journey was silence :P

Although there were lots of conflicts happened between us, for a Peaceful Phlegmatic person like me, I don’t care what personality she has. In fact I was glad to have her as a wife to help me to decide what to do and organizing the family. However, I think she gave up to have a husband like me because I drove her crazy all the times :P Try read the book guys!

Click here for free online personality test

Ironman Langkawi 2010 Motivator

2009-11-19T19:51:00.003+08:00

Ironman Langkawi 2009

2009-11-14T18:04:00.002+08:00

I made another video with new photos from Shazly just to boost my morale for Ironman Langkawi 2010 training.

Diving Trip to Mabul

2009-11-07T02:57:00.005+08:00

After climbing up to Laban Rata (3273m above sea level), I flew to the other side of Sabah to dive underwater in Mabul. If you don't know where Mabul is, check out goggle map below;

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Mabul popular due to close proximity to Sipadan. Mabul Island is small oval shape surrounded by sandy beaches. I stayed at Sipadan-Mabul Resort, one of a few dive resorts available in Mabul. From the jetty I could see Sipadan Island and Kapalai Island. The place is so beautiful, I already fell in love with Mabul. The people were very friendly and I made many new friends over there.

I did 8 dives in 3 days at Mabul, Kapalai, Siamil and Denawan. Mabul known as the world's best muck diving if you are interested with small and micro marine lives. While in Kapalai I could see larger fish. I couldn't a get permit to dive in Sipadan this time around. So, I missed to see a school of barracuda, bumphead, jackfish and hammerhead sharks. Some of the species I saw during my diving were all sort of fish, cuttlefish, lionfish, stonefish, flaunders, turtle, flatworm, nudibranch, etc

No doubt this place will be my annual trip diving after this. I already make a plan to comeback in April to dive in Sipadan. Before that I want to take Advanced Open Water certification first.

- Dive safe, dive happy :) -

23rd Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon

2009-11-01T22:12:00.006+08:00

The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon has made its reputation as "the world's toughest mountain race". The steepest race on the circuit, it ascend from 1,866m to the summit of Mt Kinabalu (4,095m) over a mere 8.5km - an amazing vertical climb of 2,250m. This year only 25% from my category completed the race. Oh yesss.... that's excluding me! I only managed to get to Laban Rata :P I will try again next year :)

Women are thinkers!

2009-10-21T19:40:00.004+08:00

Hahaha... I was laughing my ass off!! It's so true!