New Court Shoe

Sports is an expensive hobby, well, not to all but to me. My last court shoe which was an Asics lasted almost 2 years, and now sudah koyak. But still can wear la. So it was time to hunt for a new pair of court shoe. I was thinking of getting another Asics because it is really comfortable and solid. But the design is a little less attractive. 

I now join my company's weekly futsal game and they advised me to change my shoe. I was a little surprise when I received a call from a colleague of mine, volunteering to fetch me to Al-Ikhsan to look for shoes.My company really have nice malay chaps. 

Lo and behold, this striking yellow Adidas Sala was calling out my name, I walked towards it, grabbed it, touched it, throw it up in the air and smelled it. Fuh... nice but it was really pricey! RM270 for that. Hell no! Next thing I know, I was out from the shop with the shoe in my hand and hole in my pocket. One of the main reason I bought this shoe was to match Innebandy!Co's next year jersey kit. I'm gonna be a bananaman.

In addition to that, I've upgraded my Floorball stick and my stick bag. I've spent at least RM800 just for Floorball. Other sports le? Also got new sports wear and equipment, but let's save it for another post. Too much negative sign here. 

Adidas Top Sala

Banana Shoe

On a brighter note, as long as you're happy with your purchase, it's worth it. =)

My Journey To Work

This is the tenth month of me working at Butterworth and I can say I’ve settled down pretty much in terms of adapting to new sleeping pattern, different culture in the work place, the distance and time to travel form home to office and last but not least, a less stressful work environment.

I used to wake up as early as 6.30am to get ready for work because the punctuality of the ferry is very subjective. It’s like not knowing when the last day of earth is. It is so unpredictable and inconsistent, that you may call it ‘woman’. Dad told me if you wanna take control of time, take the bridge instead. Since I’m staying at my parent’s apt now, it’s more convenient for me to use the bridge too. So now I can leave the house by 7.35am. I save almost 1hour!

Every day without fail, there will be at least one idiot smoking in the ferry despite a big sigh board showing “DILARANG MEROKOK. DENDA RMxxxxxx.”  The staff on board wouldn’t bother to givethem any verbal warning or whatsoever. If that’s the case, why bother putting up the sigh board? I’m sick of inhaling those toxic after burned smoke. It is getting on my nerves when one does such in public without considering the feelings of others. Is there anything that can be done? Will a written complain be sufficient?

Idiot of the day

Once I brought a friend to commute the ferry, she asked why is the ferry moving at a snail pace speed and would visitors really enjoy the ride because you don’t really get scenic views compared to others. I didn’t know what to answer, I kept quiet and smile. A colleague of mine probably in his fifties told me that last time the ferry had to move ‘zig zag’ to avoid collision with many foreign tankers and cargo ships. That was how congested in sea was in the 70s and 80s. He shared some history but I can’t remember most of them.

Now I have the best of both worlds, I go to work via bridge and return via ferry. Taking the ferry has it’s pros as well. You can rest, you can read, you can take pictures of big tankers and the best thing is, you don’t have to do anything. I’ve crossed the bridge many times and the view is always the same. But today, it’s a little different. If you wanna see the world differently, plug in thy earphones and play Enya (or whatever music you like). As I cruise on my humble purple scooter, I could feel the morning sun heat on my face and the arch of the bridge looks gold from a distance, sea water was glittering as it reflects the sun rise. As I reach the end of the bridge, I saw 4 fishermen bringing their nets in, this is not an unfamiliar scene but with the angelic music playing in the background, the actions of the fisherman looks really graceful and beautiful as if I was no longer in a busy city surrounded by crazy drivers on the bridge. It felt like I was in a water village, the one I experienced when I was in Kapalai.

Before reaching my office I would pass another flyover, a mini Penang Bridge, without fail the aroma of sugar would fill that section of the bridge. I would take a deep breath and inhale all the sweetness into my nostril. The smell comes from a sugar factory not far away. It may sound weird, but every morning I can’t wait to pass the sugary air.

And suddenly I could feel my face getting wet, was it raining? The sky looks clear to me. I tried to wipe it away, but it got wetter. I close and open my eyes again. I was still on my bed with Shadow licking my face. Checked the time, holy crap 7.30am d! I’ll be late for work. But I made my dream a reality this morning. =)

Shadow against the strong wind =P

PAAA Annual Round the Island Relay 2012

This is my second time running with Run Forrest Run, a team comprising working adults who are passionate about running. I was invited to join them early this year to participate in another relay event which was shorter than the Round Island relay. It was Cheok Teng a.k.a Ronaldo with big balls who introduced me to them and I couldn’t be more blessed to know this awesome people, I will tell you more in a bit.

Me and Cheok Teng

I feel I’ve slacked a lot in my preparation for races, now I just go without training, without proper rest, nutrition and preparation (i.e scouting the running route, etc). And it’s really true, if you fail to plan, you’re only planning to fail. For my case, I got a blister for running without socks! Because I didn’t pack the night before, I woke up super late and I missed out a pair of socks. Fortunately it was only 6.4Km or else, my feet will be full of blisters. It was really embarrassing reaching the race venue an hour late, missed the group photo and almost got left behind by the pickup bus. Even though I was a little wasted from my cousin’s wedding the night before, there shouldn’t be any excuses for being late! Period.

Pre race team photo (I was still sleeping at home)

Quickly grabbed my race bib number from Neoh with the help of Alaga and off I went to the bus. I was really JIT. Any second later, I will be left behind and it’s gonna be a lot of hassle for the team. My drop off point was at Balik Pulau near a playground. It was probably 5.45am when we reached there. Fortunately there was a Mamak just a stone throw away, ordered two pieces of roti and a cup of hot milo. Enjoyed my breakfast and saw some runners warming up and stretching already. Walaueh, even if the fastest runner reached us, it would be at least 7am, 1 more hour to go. I wanted to take a nap but I’m afraid I can’t wake up, so I just plugged in my earphones and try to stay awake. About 6.30am most runners already left the mamak waiting at the transition area. I was sitting there alone, stoning and dreaming away. At 7.30am, I left the mamak and walked to the transition area as my teammates are here to collect my beg. They told me to get ready as the 5th runner is approaching, did some warm up runs and waited at the transition area. Few minutes later, my teammate arrived and I collected the baton from her and started running.

Teluk Bahang Dam with the team

My assignment was a 6.4km flat road with quite a scenic view, I do pass by this area when I do round island rides so I’m familiar with the roads here BUT I don’t know how far is 6.4km. This is a problem when you don’t have enough preparation. I think everyone in the team scouted their running route way earlier and it helps when you know the route. I forgot to wear my watch, so I can’t estimate when I’m nearing the end. Babi! Just run d la, can’t do much. Run run run. Wah… feeling a bit tired. Oh…almost finished, I saw my teammates at the small roundabout at the Balik Pulau town. Tekan minyak a bit, when I approached them, they kept cheering, “Turn left, go go go!!!”. Oh uh, that’s not the end, it’s only half way. Gai liao, don’t know how far more. Run run run. I overtook 2 girls on the way and a guy overtook me after the turn into the kampong area.

Running alone is really different from running in a group, that is why pacing WASN’T allowed in this race but unfortunately some unethical running group still does it despite of the rules. Anyways back to the race, being overtaken by this guy was actually a good thing for me, he was like my pacer, and I tried to stick to him as much as I could and together with the help of the super supportive and encouraging RELA escort, that made my race even sweeter. Towards my last 500M I could see a crowd of people, the guy was about 100M in front of me. I know I still have some legs in me to finish the race strong. I asked the RELA uncle, is that the end? He replied, “Should be.” But he didn’t sound very convincing, so I had to take a gamble, if that’s not the end, that’s it, I will be running on empty. I asked him should I go? He replied, “Yes you should, and you can do it”. Those words really pumped me up and I started sprinting, together with the cheers of my teammates, I ran as fast as I could. I reached them (where my teammates are cheering and clapping), I wanted to stop and walk because I’ve burned up every fuel in me BUT that wasn’t the end. WT… Neoh (7th runner) was about 20 meters away from me, alamak, I tried to push a little more, I feel like I was going to faint but I manage to pass the baton before I stopped running.

Posing with our medal and little trophy

Rested a little, and said hie to some of my teammates that I’ve never met before (because I always ponteng team training and meetings). Someone came up to me and said, “Oh….so you’re Deswyn la.” I was like yayaya it’s me the rebellious indiscipline guy. Haha. So we hopped into the car and continue cheering and supporting all 6 remaining runners. All runners were given a breakfast box special courtesy by Chef Chee Foong, organic home grown banana by Alaga, 1 bottle each drinking water and isotonic drinks sponsored by Neoh and Paris and coconut jelly. I was like feasting after my short run. Really really well prepared and the food was yummy. That's why I said I feel blessed to know this people and run with them.

It was a great experience for me because all this while, a race, marathon is always a solo effort but this race requires team work and my captain really played an important role in strategically and wisely allocating running assignments (route) according to runner’s strength and capabilities. He even had an estimated time schedule and actual time recording. I learned a lot from him. This again, proves the law of victory is inevitable. Yup, first law of victory, leadership is responsible that got us into 2nd runner up and of course every single team member who played their role. This is my first time getting placing in a running race. =)

Unofficial result from captain Chiat Fong

All smiles again

Cheers

Let’s Bring It Home & 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8……97,98,99,100

Those are the 2 words that carried me through 21km. 

I registered for full marathon but got cancelled due to late payment and when I tried to register again, the 3,000 slots were all taken up. I was kinda disappointed because I won’t have a chance to compete a full marathon in my home town so I’ve decided to skip the marathon this year. I didn’t wanna do a half marathon because I wanted something more challenging. 1 week before PBIM, my emails and FaceBook are bombarded with tones of PBIM newsletter, information updates and ‘Are you ready?’ posts and it made me feel left out. Haha! I thought to myself, this is already the last wan, what the heck, just join la.

I texted Soong’s on Wednesday asking are there any runners, who registered but are not running, don’t care what distance lah, FM, HM or 10k also ok. I was desperate! On the same day, I got good news that I have a slot for a HM. I was like wohoo! This is good news but I’ve not run since June so I don’t really know what to expect. Yet I was excited, I won’t miss out the last PBIM. I was really not prepared at all. I don’t have any PowerGel, I don’t an iPhone armcase and I did not train.

My ever faithful race partner =)

Soong’s and friend took a bus down on Saturday night and they stayed over at my place. I told Soong’s I’m going natural on race day, no power gel or whatsoever energy booster. The only PowerBar in my house left was one which should be consumed before June, so it was 5months “expired”. I didn’t really bother le since it’s gonna be a fun run for me. Definitely not gonna set any sub2 time target to achieve.

We slept around 11pm. The plan was to wake up at 2am and leave the house by 2.15am. But as usual, we were late again! We woke up 2.10am, no proper breakfast as we were rushing to get ready. Mentally I wasn’t prepared and this is bad, I told Soong’s I don’t wanna run d, thinking of the journey already scared me, let me just drop you guys there. He was like, NOOOO! You have to run. Reluctantly I abide to it.

We reached and parked opposite Sg.Nibong bus terminal at 2.45am. Holy molly, we started to jog and walk to the starting line. It was about 1.5 - 2km from the bus stop. When we reach the starting line, in less than 2minutes, we were release by the VIPs. Oh man, I was still tired from my warm up run. The weather was hot and humid, I can hardly breathe and I was melting already. As usual, slow traffic at the first 5km of the race due to the bottleneck roads. As soon as we hit the bridge, I was able

able to breathe better and it was less crowded and then I STOPPED running. I stood by the side of the road and pretended to tie by shoe lace. I checked my watch <30minutes a="a" ago="ago" already="already" and="and" at="at" bad="bad" before.="before." between.="between." blog="blog" blues="blues" chill="chill" drink="drink" every="every" from="from" get="get" gonna="gonna" good="good" higher="higher" hit="hit" i="i" in="in" incorporates="incorporates" intensity="intensity" is="is" it="it" kinda="kinda" know="know" lil.="lil." low="low" m="m" never="never" not="not" of="of" on="on" out="out" p="p" plus="plus" read="read" really="really" recalled="recalled" running="running" so="so" station="station" stations="stations" stopped="stopped" strategy="strategy" that="that" the="the" this="this" timing.="timing." to="to" top="top" tried="tried" ve="ve" walked="walked" walks="walks" wall.="wall." was="was" water="water" which="which" work="work" years="years">

My strategy was to run fast for every 100 counts and walk for 10 counts. If I can keep the intensity up, I would run to 200 counts. Oh ma ma mia, works! I was pacing this guy in front of me and till the 17km check point, I was still right behind him. The U-turn at the 17km checkpoint is the killer! Not physically but mentally. Because before the U-turn, there was 100plus water station, after the U-turn which was probably 20meters later, another 100plus water station. At this point, I gave up. I sat down at the side of the road and sip 4cups of 100plus. For those who know me, I will NEVER do such a thing but I just wasn’t mentally prepared for it. After 2minutes of so, I stood up and told myself, I gotta be serious and let’s bring it home. Let’s finish this! Semangat! After 100 meters, I stopped again. I can’t, I really can’t. So I did the 100counts plus 10count thing again. Till the end, I keep telling myself, ‘Let’s bring it home’.

I could feel the surge of energy when I reached the last 1Km, I went all out as fast as I could and finish my last running race for the year at 2 hours 10minutes and 52 seconds. Not bad considering the circumstances above.

I have not achieved a sub-2 since my knee surgery and since I started cycling. I’m not sure which plays a bigger role. I don’t feel the speed in my legs and I really feel heavy. The damage wasn’t that bad; I could walk and still train after the marathon. I guess this technique works for me, just need to refine it more. I hope I can continue training more on my runs. Knowing this is the last PBIM, it was really an emotional run for me, besides the running I was also reflecting on the past PBIM I had, there was one year I ran in Lin Ken’s shoe which was 1 size smaller, how much I’ve change in my sports attire, in the past I was running with the Miracle Miler, I used ear phones and I don’t wear knee guards. All that start flowing in my mind making me emotional and now I don’t feel like ending this post because once I click ‘Post’, there won’t be any more memories to recreate in the future. As I mature in the area of sports, I’ve learn many things which are applicable in life. Last but not least, I wanna take this opportunity to thank God for always being there with me!

Yours truly

Project Save Orange Final Episode

I woke up this morning hoping that all this is not a dream. I went outside the living hall and saw Orange lying down comfortably and still looking a bit pissed. That made me smile; at least she is back home with us. That is what matters most for now. Like any other girls, Orange is as human as she can be, she felt abandoned and she’s really really upset and disappointed over that. I’ve seen her depressed before but not pissed like now. I guess I have to make it up to her this week until she forgives me.

Zzz. She don't usually sleeps like this. Only tonight after I sayang her.

There are many unanswered questions and missing pieces to complete this puzzle but I’ve decided to leave it as it is. I can say that, the success of recovering Orange is owed to many people. To those who helped share of FB, to those who helped me personally, to those who encouraged me with words and to those who prayed. There are also many people which I will categorized as the ‘boh nau’ people; most of their comments would be; Orange has been eaten by the Vietnamese, I smell Dog Kut Teh, sure cannot find d wan, you will only find the orange collar only, got reward ar? (I would give, no need ask. I question the ingenuity), it’s just a dog-get a new one la, people who ignored the flyer and throw it on the ground, etc. I am not mad or anything at people like this, I just hope one day, you’d be in my situation and we shall see how well you take comments like that. =P I remained cool and calm throughout those comments and days, surprisingly.

Brought her to poo and pee this morning =) Good times again.

Searching for Orange taught me a few things, spiritually and physically. I am reminded about the parable of a lost sheep, how our ‘Shepherd’ would leave the ninety-nine to look for the lost sheep until He finds it. And when He finds it, He calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my loss sheep.’ I can imagine the effort and joy of our Shepherd when he finds us, no matter how far and deep we run and hide, you know He is there searching and calling out to you. Don’t wanna sound too holy molly here. Haha.

As for the physical part, you won’t know how much you can do till you’re super desperate. If I list the things that I’ve done in the process of recovering Orange, it would be pretty embarrassing and hilarious. On the good note,  I’ve met, talked to so many people along the way and learn a few things or two from them, i.e People who have lost their dogs and recovered them, neighbors’ who I’ve never talked before, dog breeders, etc. This will be one of the most memorable moments in my life.

By right there is another episode before this, as I did continue to investigate and interview a few personnel from the pet shop and even went to the housing agency company to get some information but I’ll just leave it to your imagination. =P

After 18days of misery and searching, finally I can get back to being “normal”. On Tuesday night, I was having dinner with my gf and her sister. We were talking about Orange and I told them, I can feel her very close to us. We’re gonna get her back real soon. Then my phone rang; an unknown number. I picked it up and he asked am I the one looking for his dog and I answered instantly YES. He asked me to describe my missing dog, where and when did I lost her. After giving him the facts about it, he said the dog should be mine. WOW, that feeling, my heart was beating fast and hard, hands getting cold and wet. I was extremely nervous and excited at the same time. Our food wasn’t serve yet,  I didn’t have to appetite to eat after that phone call. I told him, I wanna meet him tonight, he agreed.

Orange

After dinner, we waited at the designated location anxiously; I didn’t feel well, I could feel my stomach churning and my head feeling light and dizzy. I don’t know how she would react when she sees me or how I would respond when I see her. 5 minutes later, a white Kelisa approached and parked in front of my car, the man opened the door and I quickly rush to him. He brought Orange out and I looked at her. Funny, no responds from her and she looks like she doesn’t recognized me. Her Orange collar was replaced by a red color and a rose ribbon around her neck. Her fur was shaved off (the man brought her to the groomers). I asked myself, why no responds because when she sees me, she would make howling sounds and rush to me but it was the total opposite this time. I could not verify and confirm that it is Orange. I felt a little disappointed because I didn’t get the respond I was expecting. I asked my gf and her sister to double check and to talk to her and see if she would respond. They checked her, and find certain black spots and quickly confirm to the man that it is our Orange. In that few minutes of inspection, I could feel her anger and ‘hatred’ towards me. She just ignored me. I was sad and happy, sad that she thinks I deserted her and happy that we’ve finally found her. The man claimed that he saw Orange wondering at Penang road on a Saturday morning. I didn’t ask much because I just didn’t feel the need to but I know, the discovery of Orange is not some random thing but from a process from Day1 till Day18. 

Less angry Orange =)

I offered the man some amount of cash as his reward and our gratitude towards him. He even bought sanitary pads for Orange as she is having her time of the month now. OOOOOOOh!!! No wonder she is pissed at me. PMS ma. He bought dog food for Orange, brought her to the groomers and didn’t want to accept a single cent from me. Where is the world can you find a kind soul like him? He is an angel sent from above. He even brought his daughter along and said his daughter really likes Orange because she is a good dog. After seeing Orange recognizing her masters, the man and the daughter gave the green light that we can keep her. We thank him again and again and there was so much joy that night.

We brought her home, wind down the car window and she would put her head outside and enjoy the wind blowing though her face. When I saw that, I know it’s Orange, I recognized that face. She’s still quite cool towards me but time will cure.

How Orange escape from the house will forever remain a mystery. How the man got my number will also remain a mystery. I am happy that I could conclude this series on ‘Project Save Orange’ in 18days. I even told Sam and a few friends, I have 5 full days to search for Orange and get her back and it’s really a miracle and a blessing that my prayers came true. Amen!

Look at the BEFORE and AFTER expression. scary =S

 Just remember, quitting is unthinkable. The End.

Project Save Orange Episode 6

I start searching for Schnauzers at pet shops around Penang. Most shops don't have them except Poodles and Shih Tzus, which are the more common ones. I was thinking of an addition while waiting for Orange to return, probably get a male one and when Orange returns, a bf is there waiting for her. Like a welcome home gift for her, she's quite a horny dog.

And with another Schnauzer, it could help reduce my misery of missing her and all. Or a distraction to keep me sane. I do tell them that I lost Orange, a 6 years old medium size Schnauzer. During my search, this particular pet shop told me that one of her friend found a Schnauzer wondering around Macallister Road. That was a good news for me and my heart started pouding harder and faster. Could this be Orange? Macallister Road is just around Kinta Lane and it is highly probable that it is Orange.

The girl told me that she will contact her friend and return my call asap. I really pray and hope they got Orange, so I move on in life and stop searching high and low for her. I've given up going the the police station as they are always busy. Too busy for my 'Missing Dog' case. It's on my own now.

Would like to thank those who have supported me and encourage me continuosly. I know it's just a dog to many, but it's more to me. Many thanks also to those who help distribute the flyers. I will try repay the kindness upon my life.

Let's continue praying and believing.

Project Save Orange Episode 5

I took leave today, that means I have 5 full days to continue the search and investigation on Orange's disappearance. My mum and uncle concluded that Orange got 'raptured' because there is no way Orange could have left the place. My take is, the thief must be extremely skillful and may have bribe the patient to say nothing about it or someone from Sentral hotel took Orange, but the management cover up by stating they saw nothing on the CCTV to protect their reputation.

I started searching online for Schnauzer in Malaysia's and Penang's website, particular those that are for sale. It's unlikely that X would sell a 6 years old Schnauzer on the web but there is a possibility. I got nothing, only puppies and those around 1-2years old until I found a list of breeders/pet owners. One particularly stood out from the rest because he claimed he only breed Schnauzers due to the space constraint but have plans to breed bigger size dogs in the future. I started to dig more about X and found that the address he registed with the web is about 5KM from my home. It is not that far and if he is a breeder, he might have spotted Orange for his own benefit. Orange is a pure Schnauzer with a cert, meaning you can trace the lineage back to her great grandparents or even more. She is valuable for a breeder.

I got out in the middle of the night and try searching for that particular building and found that place. But it doesn't look like a place used for dog breeding. I called the next morning, but he did not pick up his phone. I texted him saying I'm interested to purchase a puppy from him, still no reply. Later in the afternoon when I called him again, his phone was turn off. Mum tried calling him, and she couldn't get through as well. We then went to the place again, we spoke to a human there and found out that X do breed and sell dogs but he do not live there, X is the human's nephew and gave us some tips on where to find him.

We are hoping to find Orange there! Fingers crossed. I suspect X because I think he was paniced or scared to pick up the call and immediately turn off the phone. He may have our missing Orange flyer and our contact numbers are there. He may have recognised our numbers and quickly disappear. Another funny thing is why would he register an address which he do not live in?