I.N.S.A.T.I.A.B.L.E.D.R.E.A.M.S

MIA

2005-11-23T22:49:00.000+08:00

Yeah I've been missing in action on blog.

Spare me some time, other commitments - other outdoor activities.

I'll be back with perhaps a new look for the blog too!

Training Day #1

2005-10-05T23:49:00.000+08:00

Date: 05 Oct 05
Time: 9pm to 10.30pm
Route: Jurong East - Boon Lay - Jalan Buroh - West Coast Highway - West Coast Park - Home
Total distance covered: 17.9km
Max speed attained: 32.1km/hr

Hitched a ride from Vic to JE and joined the rest of the group. Did about 3 climbs and downhill with the help of Trainer John. Was a little worried at first cos I braved this training with a little cold. In order to shield myself, I had to wear a jacket while cycling. Probably was a good idea cos I managed to perspire enough to feel great as I blog.

@ West Coast Park, I met my cousin Jon and introduced him to my fella kakis. Been a long time since I last met him. Gosh I miss the sight of anyone huggable!

While Vic, Gtwace and i headed home, the rest of the group headed towards PSA building - Queensway - Clementi - Jurong East for part 2 of the training.

So long for now, I am ready for my chess session anytime. *Wave*

Hectic workload is finally over!

2005-10-05T00:04:00.000+08:00

So guilty of not blogging often lately. I've been busy with work and life!
I had to work from monday to sunday for 2 weeks and today I finally I get my half day off to recharge myself.

Despite the hectic workload, I still made an effort to join WestEndRiders (Cycling group from the West) on their off & on road night cycling trip.

Date: 01 Oct 05
Time: 7pm to 1am
Route: Jurong East-Bukit Batok Trail-Chua Chu Kang-Lim Chu Kang-Old Lim Chu Kang-Old LCK Jetty-Boon Lay-Jurong East
Total distance covered: 53km
Max speed attained: 36km/hr

For my first trip out on my WarriorComp it was a really long and tiring one for me. However no matter how hard it was, I kept pressing on. I'm glad that now I am part of WER - a patient and adventurous group of cyclists.

PS: I hitched a ride from one of the members from Boon Lay back home. In fact total actual distance covered was more than 53km. By the time I reached home and washed my bike, it was 3am already. *Gosh*

Here comes the best part. The next day, I was off working @ 9am for system testing. I wasn't aching much from the tedious cycling trip so I guess I pretty much in good shape. After work, I joined my Amphibians Dive Club @ Tanjong Pagar for rock climbing. For a first timer, I only managed to conquer one wall after much determination. The 2nd wall, the furthest I went was completing 3 out of 6 sections. I really sux cos I am really exhausted after having insufficient rest for the past 2 weeks! All thanks to long limbs (where did my go?!), my bro was climbing up and down like spiderman. In the end I am aching from rock climbing instead of cycling. Its really hard to carry your own weight if you have insufficient arm strength.

Till next time, I shall sign off to get my beauty sleep!

Starlit experience like no other

2005-09-21T23:17:00.000+08:00

On 15/09/05, before the starlit experience was a gigantic meal @ Waraku Japanese Restaurant Marina Square with Kein. When i say gigantic, I mean it ok. Why?

This is why. A freaking big bowl of Kakiage Udon!!! *Faints* But indeed I could finish this meal for hitotsu (one person). The bowl and udon merely enlarged to make me look smaller than what I am already. What Kein ordered was just as amusing, just check out his katsu curry swimming adventure.

This is my favoruite - Sukiyaki (鋤焼 or more commonly すき焼き) is a Japanese dish in the nabemono-style (one-pot), consisting of thinly sliced beef, tofu, konnyaku noodles, leeks, onions, Chinese cabbage, and enoki mushrooms slowly simmered in a shallow iron pot on a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Just dip your beef in a bowl of raw, beaten eggs before eating! Oiishi desu ne! I'm glad Kein likes my recommendation!

Price: $16.80 ($6.80 per 100g of additional beef)
Who wanna join me again? I was given 15% for my next visit *wink*

The food critic review: 4 out of 5 stars! Excellent service too!

Finally, it was time for us to move towards Padang for our starlight movie: A lot like love. A romantic movie in the big open field under the moonlight and not shining stars makes this experience an unforgettable one. Not to mention, the movie is worth watching again - WL bought the dvd, I'm so watching it again in the comfortable my of bedroom. *hehe*

Then Kein suddenly said "S***! I felt raindrops", I quickly standby my umbrella and fearing for the worst. What would you do if it really started raining? Sit on the groundsheet and continue or stand in the open field and continue to watch or leave the starlight cinema? Think it really depends on how heavy the rain is. Luckily on this very day, everyone @ Padang was given the chance to finish the movie in dry mode.

Should you have no idea where to go with your parnter, give starlight cinema a try. I guarantee you will enjoy the moment provided it is not rainy!

Proud owner of WarriorComp

2005-09-14T20:18:00.000+08:00

This my first mountain bike - A Ironhorse Warrior Comp. Please don't ask me for the specs - I am really lousy telling you the details of a bicycle till I learn enough from other kakis.

My passion for cycling was frozen when my mum threw away my little BMX and West Coast Park was reclaiming for very long time then. However this passion was awaken by my new circle of friends which led me to a crash course with Ben and Roo on the different components of a bicycle. Within a week, my financial manager - Dad the man got me really nice MTB. I am so looking forward to my horsie's virgin cycle trip. Oh ya I'm planning to cycle to work on my saturday duty days - Who would look forward to go to work but me! *hahaha* BTW, check out my adidas top which I bought for myself on my birthday. I actually bought a bike to match my top - hahahah one dark pink the other is orange! *You go girl!*

For once I am home early this week and for the 2nd time of the week, its really noisy when I get home. An opera troupe is right in front of my block performing. *Argh I need some peace man!* I'm so tempted to cycle out and get my dinner but I'm really too hungry to carry my bike le. *Pathetic it is - but my main reason is because I wanna catch Serena on Ch8. She's a friend of mine whom I gotten to know through gaming in Dark Age of Camelot (DAOC). We used to meet up with the other kakis but nowadays I break away from the gaming community cos I decided not to dwell on online games (maybe until further notice *haha). She was one of the finalists in 全名偶像新凳场 but sadly she didn't make it to 2nd stage. Now she's an actress or always has been. Occassionally you would see her on TV and today on Ch8 9pm she's a corpose. Gasp go catch her ghostly side of her ba :P

Officially 24 years younger

2005-09-12T23:34:00.000+08:00

My weekend started on a fair and sunny saturday. Ben picked me up from my place and we headed off to Paya Lebar to have our long awaited dry ban mian. Luckily all these years, the store has yet to relocate. Rarely that you find fry homemade noodles in Singapore and I actually forgotten to take a picture of the yummy meal in order to tempt you guys out there *hehe* After our breakfast, we headed down to east coast park to scout for mountain bikes. We realised Giant don't exactly have suitable frame size for mini Adri. Found Hasa Pro 9.0 @ Rodalink but I didn't really like the frame. Next stop, Cyclecraft which is an authorised dealer for Scott USA and found ideal models like Tampico, Yecora, Montana and Contessa50 with special quoted price as Ben knows some contacts. I was pretty convinced by Tampico but hahaha NOT cheap :P Yet on the other hand, Contessa50 is ladylike, cheaper but standard comprised. *Can you feel my agony yet?* Third stop, Hup Leong @ Chin Swee Rd where I was welcomed by a really nice auntie who tried to convince me to buy a brand we never heard before for $1100! *oh gosh* According to Ben, its fully Shimano Deore and comes with a very good set of tyres - value for money but haha abit the steep for my first MTB though! Ok by this time of the day 2pm, both of us were slightly tan travelling around on Ben's motorbike. We needed water parade really soon! Damn hot! We headed downtown Orchard to shop for his pda phone. Initially he came prepared to get his hands on Eten but he was confused by the O2 promoter and me to get Mini. *Hehe* Ben pondered which to buy while eating Xiao Long Bao @ Din Tai Fung and finally decided to get the O2 Mini. I was so tempted to get one too man but I chose to give up my tech savvy gadgets for my MTB, wished I could get my hands on Mini too. *Sniff*

By 4pm. Thomas was already bugging me on SMS when am I meeting him. I was supposed to meet for dinner but didn't reach Bishan until 6pm with a half-filled stomach. Ben dropped me @ Bishan and went off. And there I was waiting for Thomas outside OP. When I finally saw him after 3 over months, he was all chubby! We rented VCDs to watch while eating our favourite DoReMi Fried Chicken. He bought me a pint of Hagen Daz icecream too. *Sinful weekend sia* Actually, to be frank - this is the first time he is keen to spend time with me on my bdae weekend. No doubt about it, he misses me but not me vice versa. At this point, I'm not in a stage to miss someone or fall in love. Perhaps I'm just tired. Oh ya, he actually gave me a World of Warcraft but I rejected it simply I decided not to play online games anymore. He kept it and would get something else for me. *Aww*

At the strike of midnight, I received many SMS from friends *So touched!* Wished I was out celebrating instead of reaching home by 10.30pm lor. (Thomas left for a mahjong session at 9.50pm)

On sunday I had Ipoh Hor Fun @ River Valley Rd with my parents and then left for Pasir Ris to meet Roo to check out the bicycle shop there. The owner quoted us a pretty good deal for Kona with F & R Der. upgraded to deore. But frankly speaking, scott's frame looks much more better! I need to scout for more, waiting to check out Ironhorse @ TEF on tuesday. After all the scouting, we headed to Concourse to get Roo's long awaited fins. I actually lost one his fins without realising it myself. *Refer to my dive blog for the hilarious blunders I made @ Pulau Hantu*

Done with the fins, it's dinner time! Highly recommended by the service and the food critics, Victor's located @ Marina Square Center Stage serves excellent Macadamia Nut Crusted Dory with excellent customer service too. The complimentary fruit punch for the bdae girl was really nice too. *Adri is so pumped up by this third feast* What more can I say, I like the ambience too ^_^ but unfortunately there wasn't any uber camera to capture more moments for myself.

Up next! Movie for the day: Red Eye. All about killing someone in a very leycheh way lor. The question is would you ever have the courage to poke your attacker through his throat with a pen? *I'm too freaked out to answer that but do not make me angry - Nothing is impossible* I admired the kind of courage Lisa had in the movie. I am now more determined to take up Aikido soon. Yup, I have endless things I wanna do. Hey I'm only 24! Let me feel the vibes in my youthful blood!

By the time I got home, it was over 10pm. I was still waiting for a msg, one that I always pray for it every single year since then. Even if I am only on his mind for only one particular moment on this day, I will be contented. At 11.06pm, the msg finally arrived. *Good enough good enough*

Basically, thank you to those who specially took your time to accompany me. Your company is appreciated and thank you for your thoughts that count. I realised who makes me smile the whole day long. Adrienne will press on in search of true happiness.

For now, I am looking forward to receive an envelope from RELC and enjoy myself on a starlit date ^_^ Cheers, Love Adri.

Caving in

2005-09-09T00:20:00.000+08:00

Right on the day of opening, Roo and I went ahead without J & J to catch "The Cave". It's a mix of cave diving, rock climbing and freaky creatures violence. We're sitting at the 2nd row from the front, so every image is glaring at you. (Nope, I don't have to strain my neck much - distance is relatively sufficient) Watching thriller shows at this close range can give your heart a really good workout sia. I'm not gonna provide any spoilers here but what I say is that it reminds me movie like "The Abyss" - those typical movies about deep sea diving and divers or researchers encountering the mysterious creatures. Hey water is 70% of Mother Earth - there's so much we do not know k.

At the end of the movie, I pondered if I have second thoughts about night or wreck diving. Then again - I am really thinking too much. I need to conquer myself before I can conquer anyone else. Anyway, couple of things to highlight about diving. One of the cast was fining sideways instead of up and down. According to Roo, it helps to reduce movement from picking up small particles (Otherwise it fogs the path). I wonder how far can I go finning like that? Also managed to see how a rebreather looks like and of cos understood how it works after Roo explained. In general, eventually you will breathe oxygen that is not fresh. *Eeuw*

So much about diving, now lets talk about Starlight Cinema! Remember the old times when Taman Jurong had a drive-in cinema? Watching movie with your love ones under the stars. *Aww so romantic* Although the price is a little steep, you might wanna consider the Ladies Night offer if you intend to experience it. Check out the schedule and don"t forget to check the weather forecast too!

Actually, I also don't know why am I staying up late today. I was kind of unhappy for the past couple of hours. Some issues are bugging me. Nevermind, clipping on my phiten to bed. Ciaoz.

The Adidas Craze!

2005-09-07T00:02:00.000+08:00

Started my day fuming mad. But I ain't going to explain any further here.

Changed my entire week's plan. Didn't go to the library today. Instead I called up Bernadette to make an appointment.

Waited for my colleague WL to knock off, we headed to Bugis Junction to shop around. Guess what? She spent $300 in less than 2 hours. A pair of Adidas Goodyear cross trainer $129, two Adidas tops and one blouse. I had to yell "Stop!" before she headed back to the mall for a bag. Hey she has the spending power 'cos she gets to claim from her bf *Envy* I cannot imagine her total expenditure a month sia. BTW, Adidas having 15% discount on selected items. *hiak*

She went back home first while I met Bernadette at the beauty counter for my appointment. Bernadette is more of a friend than just a consultant. I love chatting with her and it was sweet of her to give me a birthday present by paying for my session. I ended up sticking ard till 9pm :x

Towards the end of the day, Ben my greatest pal finally replied that he could meet me over the weekend. *Yippy* I cherish each time I get to see him 'cos its really hard to make an appointment with him ya know! We would update each other on our lives etc. We're going to meet for our fave dry ban mian which is really nice *Slurp* I'm so looking forward 'cos it has been ages that I've eaten that and that I've met him.

Before I sign off, I'm so keen to get that Adidas top which I saw. Perhaps thou shalt visit thy shop and get thou art a birthday present! *I love buying presents for myself. Rofl - Excuses :P*

My body is complaining

2005-09-05T22:56:00.000+08:00

Been having gastric for past few days, suffering like mad until I finally manage to take my magnesium tri which I left one bottle in the office (the other, my mum threw it away -duh). At the same time, I have to take extra intake of calcium to help my injured tailbone recover better. No blading till further notice.

Today, Duo challenged me to master CSS in 3 weeks. The challenge is so on! But hor, I am having too much on my shoulder 'cos I'm have to mentally prepare for results and the aftermath. Next on list is to revise for my JLPT4. Bottomline: its important to keep your brain mentally stimulated at all times! Its my perseverance for knowledge that keeps me going ^_^ Gosh tired le, signing off.

End of the day thoughts:
Monday - Slacking at home
Tuesday - Visit Library & Kinokuniya for books on CSS/ Marine Life/ Bicycle
Wednesday - Hmmm make an appointment with Bernadette (My Beauty Consultant)
Thursday - Yeah! I'm watching "The Cave"!
Friday - It's body pamering day! Scrub Scrub Scrub!
Saturday - Hopefully I get to cycle
Sunday - Hmmmm I really have no idea; I know what I want though.

Raindrops keep falling on my head

2005-09-04T16:25:00.000+08:00

"Looking out from the ranger station"

Today went ahead with weekend trekking plan without Angela for she stood me up once again for the consecutive week. My partner for the week is Jackson, my primary school classmate who I haven't seen since 1994 (Of course I did meet up with him recently).

Route for the day is from Macritchie Reservoir to HSBC Treetop and back to starting point. The short or not so long route is to accomodate our recently injured backs - Me fell on my tailbone while blading down a steep slope and Jackson overstrained his back while fixing his car tyres. *Suay hor*

Before I met Jackson for breakfast, I checked the weather forecast - "Next 3 hours Macritchie partly cloudy". Hmm but the surrounding areas all raining. *pengz* I gambled with the weather anyway, not gonna let it ruin my trek.

Started at 11am from reservoir - sunny and craving for ice cream. We reached the ranger station at about 12pm - the clouds are grey. 5 mins later, it started pouring. Haha - no poncho no umbrella. Stranded, cold and hungry. After more than an hour, it occured to us that the downpour might just last for hours or even for the rest of the day. Since Jackson has yet to visit the treetop, we decided to continue our trek in the rain. Covering our heads with towels and off we go.

As I walk in the rain, my waist pouch carrying my cybershot is getting too wet. I had to cover it under my shirt, so I am now officially trekking with a big stomach *keke*. When we reached the Petaling Hut at the end of the trail, I checked on my cybershot and realised I could have used my plastic bag (I forgotten that I've bought tigerbalm plasters earlier on and didn't throw away the bag) to cover it! *Doh*

We seek shelther at Singapore Island Country Club and took a cab back to somewhere near our place (We live very near to each other) to have our long-awaited lunch. Uber black pepper chicken chop - yummy! What more can you ask for when you are cold and hungry.

Before ending my day, I went to a nearby bicycle shop to scout for models and price range. Diamondback $550 vs Bikez $350 Hmmmm.... I need Roo badly on this.

End of the day thoughts:
(1) I love walking on water.
(2) Never give up despite unforseen circumstances.
(3) Always prepare poncho and a waterproof bag for your camera/wallet/hp.
(4) Unforgetable trek - The first of all my treks to be caught in the rain.
(5) Vexed - Dive @ Tioman, buy a mountain bike or eat grass either way. *haha*
(6) Forget to mention that my cybershot did not get wet :P

Link of the day:
绝对SUPERSTAR俊扬FC RADIOBLOG

The really thick photo paper

2005-09-02T03:38:00.000+08:00

Visited Comex 2005 with Roo. The usual every year, you probably have guessed it as much. This time I am scouting for digital cameras - compact and powerful enough for my photographic craze. I am currently making comparisons between Olympus and Canon DSLRs. Since I already had my fun with Sony Cybershot DSC F707, it wouldn't make any sense for me to down grade from a prosumer camera. I'll reconsider my wants (see my ultimate dream list) and depends how big a hole it will make in my wallet. *Gosh $ $ $*

Anyway, I came across this Sepoms Alumina Premium Glossy Photo Paper - 2 packs of 60 sheets (4"x6") for the price of $16.80. Hmmm it states that the picture will never fade and the texture of the paper is really thicker than usual photo paper (235g/m!). Well since my dad likes to bug me to print photos from home and I sometimes do like to make print outs, I made my purchase.

So here am I telling you the review of this photopaper.
(1) 1st try - Ge kiang, did not print original colour; Pic not nice
(2) 2nd try - Basket I did not resize it correctly; Pic too large
(3) 3rd try - Well done; Picture quality as good as from developing centre

FYI: Pictures printed on HP PSC1350

Now there's a problem. I printed pictures of my special yet ordinary friend and I. I would love to it put up on my desk but would it be contradicting? I'm an oxymoron at this point. I love the warm smile on our faces but there are some facts that cannot be changed for now. Somewhere inside me, I feel "so close yet so far". *sigh* Long story for another blog entry when I am ready to talk about it.

For now, I just got back from supper with my to-be-dive-buddy. I'm beat. Oyasuminasai.

Journey of Emperor Penguins

2005-09-01T00:01:00.000+08:00

Caught the French version of the fluffy ones with Kein on 31 Aug 05. It might seems to be a weird idea to catch such a documentary in the threate but it really enriches my knowledge on penguins. The 20 over days of journey to mating ground, months of hunger to warm the young and the loss in one breath of air - all this for the love of new life.

Now the question is - Where can I purchase such a cute penguin plush toy! *Aww so adorable sia*

Visit the official website: The March of Penguins

Presenting Insatiable Dreams Ver.11

2005-09-01T00:00:00.000+08:00

Starting a new chapter in life and going through the so-called 'Quarter-Life Crisis'.

Having to complete my studies, I have no excuses not to update my website :P

Currently living my life to the fullest, enjoying the vibrant youth in me and bringing out the sunshine glow from within.

Its the month of september, the special month of the year when I choose to pamper myself. Just let me self-indulge in the things I love to do 'cos I want to love myself more.

Once again, welcome to my world of tranquility - the place where I find mental peace.