Went for my bone x-ray appt early in the morning at SGH just now. While I was expecting the procedure to be as fast as a normal x-ray, it actually lasted almost the whole day cause of the waiting time. Basically it went like this.

1. Consultation and an injection
The injected was rather cool cause it was the first time that I saw the doctor bending the needle of the syringe into almost a 90 degree angle to allow for easier insertion into the vein. Ingenious I say! After that came the shocking part when I was told that I had to come back at about 2.15pm. It was like only 11am then. I was also told to drink at least 2litres of water for god knows what reason.

2. Changing into the stupid gown
I swear that that was the most humiliating time that I ever spent in a hospital. I had to change into a stupid gown before my x-ray and since there was no slippers provided, I had to wear the gown with my boots! It didn't help that the slits of the gown was damn revealing. Lucky thing I wore my boxers. Arghh fashion disaster! What made it worse was that I had to walk from the changing area to the waiting area and also to the toilet in that horrible get up. I know you idiots are just dying to know how idiotic I looked so for your sadistic pleasure, I took a photo of me.















































3. The x-ray
It was surprisingly long, lasting for like half an hour or so and I had to change positions several times. One of the position was particularly uncomfortable and I was cramping man. Luckily, the doctors there were rather nice.

Ohh anyway I finally finished reading 'Dynamic Governance'. Yay!

I was quite tired yesterday and I shall explain why. Firstly, I went for a 9km run at East Coast Park in the morning after like a whole month of inactivity. My stamina has taken a blow. I couldn't run well and was lethargic during the duration of the run. I was so thirsty after the run that I drank a super big gulp in about 10 mins.

Went for my medical appointment at SGH and donated blood on the way back cause the Bloodbank was near the area.

Back at home, I got a wonderful surprise SMS telling me that there was going to be a night cycling activity as a company cohesion. My first reaction was that it wasn't that bad cause how hard can cycling at a park be? It was only when I reached there that I found out that it was a overnight cycling expedition! After getting over that, I wasn't feeling too nervous as I'm quite an avid cycler. Little did I expect me to be assigned to a double seater bicycle cause my to-be-partner didn't know how to cycle! Trust me when I say that that bicycle is damn hard to control! Tommy tried to replace me for awhile on the road but he almost fell on the taxi beside him when he tried to move. Up-slopes are definitely a killer on a two person bicycle. And so we went to SMU, Fort Canning Park, Simpang Bedok for breakfast at an ungodly hour of 4am (check out the people sleeping with their heads on the tables) and back to East Coast again at about 6am. I reached home and slept at 7am, waking up only at about 3pm just now. Haha.

Here are some of the pictures. There are only a few cause I was simply too tired.



Anyway on a divergent point of Hari Raya, look who paid me a visit?


and of course, his cousin wishes you

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI!

RWC France vs England

Even though France lost the match, it was a damn good game! Let me give my views on some aspects of the match.

The beginning was a harbinger of the result that was to come. Josh Lewsey scored a try in just 2 mins no thanks to Damien Traille who just stood there and tried to tackle straight at him instead of pushing him to the side where the ball would have been outside the playing area. That early try gave England a motivational start with 5 points and that cost France the game.

To give credit where it is due, I found that France performed really well most of the time. I would say that France played much better then England did in spite of the scoreboard. They were tight and cohesive in play. I felt that Chabal and Michalak should have been in the starting line up where they could have made a greater impact. Beauxis did well though with his kicks in earning points for his team.

Wilkinson! Arghh. I feel that England would be nothing without this guy. He was responsible for all the points in England's previous match against Australia and his kicks were pivotal today in getting the much needed points for England. His last penalty kick gave England the lead and his last spot kick which sailed between the bars really sank the hearts of the French. England better lessen their dependence on this guy cause he is getting old.

South Africa vs Argentina is showing later. Lets see if Bryan Habana can make his trademark sensational runs to score some tries.

Its the morning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and I feel that this year, the feeling is distinct in the sense that it differs from the past years.

The day started off as usual with me going to the mosque for the Aidilfitri prayers but as I sat down in the hall reciting the festive prayers, many thoughts played in my head. Firstly, I realised that this would mark the first time that I won't be having my grandfather visit my house right after the prayers. This used to be a routine that I looked forward to every morning of Hari Raya. The feeling is just different.

Secondly, while the sounds of the prayers resonated through the halls of the mosque, I felt the power and significance of the celebration of what is known as 'the day of victory for Muslims'. The feeling was sublime as I realised that I represent only a sole individual in the sea of Muslims worldwide who are similarly reciting their Aidilfitri prayers. This really had a humbling effect.

Thirdly, I can't help but feel that despite all the social barriers that we see in Singapore, Islam transcends it. It is common to pass by the strangers in the street without even a semblance of acknowledgment but yet after the prayers, I noticed that we were greeting and giving our 'salaam' to each other with such sincerity that it was as if we had knew each other for a long time. This is in line with the Islamic belief that all Muslims are fellow brothers and sisters.

As I was preparing to leave the mosque, I saw this guy who I have noticed for a very long time as he lives in my estate. I think he is mentally-challenged but he is a pious guy who goes to the mosque every day to perform his prayers. What struck me just now was that he was enthusiastically hugging this guy while patting his back. They both had huge grins on their faces. While that may sound rather ordinary, it was the feeling of the extent of love among two fellow Muslims that impacted me very strongly. I wanted to take a picture of them but upon hindsight, I think some moments are best left in one's heart and memory.

Here's to a brand new Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a day of victory and celebration in light of a completed month of spiritual cleansing. Maaf zahir dan batin to all my Muslim and non-Muslim friends alike.

company cohesion @ Sentosa

I was initially rather excited yet apprehensive at the thought of spending the day at Sentosa while fasting. While it was rather challenging in the face of such extreme heat, it was fun!

Check out all the backstreet boy pictures


Went back to Vivo for awhile after the company cohesion was officially over to pray, resupply and to rendezvous with Aznie and Chloe after which we headed back to Sentosa to watch Songs of The Sea.