Ipoh

Was in Ipoh for the weekend with Family and Mum In Law.

We drove down in the rain from KL on Saturday Morning and only reached Ipoh slightly after lunch. The usual 2hours drive took 30 minutes more due to accidents and traffic along the way.

I was grateful to had reached safely and posted something stupid in my tweet. It was offensively offensive as i got the typo wrong. So, to all my muslim brethens, i apologise. I won't attempt it anymore.

Primary reason for the Ipoh trip was for Weng Aun's wedding. He was a friend i know during my Explorace 3 days and he and Cee Yee went on to win second place in the race.

Weng Aun's wedding reception was held in a small town called Chemor. There were only two row of shophouses. Very similiar to how the other small town in Perak were set up.

It reminds me of Bidor, only smaller. But definately bigger than Chenderiang, where everyone knows your name (or who you slept with).


Congrats to both of you on the auspicious day!

My photography skills are not getting any better and i totally do not want to be in the way of the other two photogs on D700 taking pics at the wedding and one HD camera man capturing the moments. So, i decided to just sit down quietly and yes, the above were the ONLY photo i took. It was using a G10 and it took me sometime to get used to what the camera could do.

I came to a conclusion of either you give me a real PnS camera, or a DSLR. Anything in between, my mind can't comprehend or switch over as fast.

Secondary reason for being in Ipoh was to visit my mum in law's brothers. One of them will be moving to Singapore (his kids are there working) and there is no better excuse not to lump Mum in Law in for this trip. It also meant that myself and wifey could go for the wedding and not worried about the Kids.

Moreover, the granduncles and grandaunt has not seen Nadia and Ryan has grown up so fast, i don't think Ryan was the same baby they saw more than 2.5 years ago or Nadia looked the same since a year back!


Ryan - 6Months then, 3 Years now



Nadia - 1 Day then, 18months now

Obviously these two sweetie stole the heart of their grand-relatives. Both with boundless energy and one that can't seems to keep his mouth shut while the other as curious but were so shy that she stucked to wifey everytime.


When older Monkey teaches, the younger Monkey follows

I also spent like 45 minutes making Ryan jumped down a bed on the pretext to take his pics. Good way to practice my camera skills and for me to play with the setting. He was a very willing subject and there were not an instance where he did not want to do it.



Nadia? She tried and she was wiser to know that she can't possible do what the brother did and she went out to sleep.



I had the simply best weekend with the family. It was much better without the distraction of TV and i guess being out of town where the air are technically fresher and the gloomy overcast raining skies sort of allowed the kids to be outdoor. With minimal traffic and no worries of cars driving recklessly right outside the home, it seems only to be perfect for the kids to run about without any worries.

And we did just that.



A joy, isn't it?

One of the many things we did when we were in Ipoh were obviously food. I am a foodie myself and i will go all out to get good cheap food. Ipoh is one such place if you know where to find it.

There are items that are really good and there are some, just like Penang, overrated.

Nevertheless, they were all finished and licked clean.


Breakfast at Ipoh enough for 6 Adults and 2 Toddler. RM30 with Change for two teh si peng


Pamelo BEST and cheap. Straight from the planters at half the price


Funny Mountain Tau Foo Far - far toooooo sweet, even for me


Nasi Ganja aka Nasi Ayam Merah Yong Suan


Hakka mee at Ipoh East

There were other stuff that was eaten too and they were simply too many to actually put up here.

Most memorable one would definately be the search for the Nasi Ganja.

It is actually situated in new town and despite whatever you all read about it through other people's blog and such, Nasi Ganja is not in Tanjung Rambutan Bus Station. I repeat, it is in NEW TOWN near the POLICE STATION and NOT Tanjung Rambutan.

We went allllll the way to Tanjung Rambutan only to know there were NO bus station or Nasi Ganja.

Definately memorable. It was also my first time in Tg. Rambutan. :)

Says a lot of my mental state of mind, eh?

We left KL after we tarpow-ed Nasi Ganja for dinner and the Nasi was washed down with a tupperware full of peeled Pamelo.

Family+Food = Great times!

Days Are Numbered.

I know i will hate this week. I was on leave Friday, 13th for my birthday and on Friday alone, i have 97 emails flowing in with 30% of them slandering me and my team's practice in Malaysia.

I really wonder HOW someone NOT in the office could JUDGE you and decide WHAT you DID or DID NOT DO.

Like a friend said - DAMN IF YOU DO and DAMN IF YOU DON'T DO.

When you did what you have to do and only give your best, there are people out there to continue to discredit and slander you.

I am updating my CV, this will be the 4th time i am doing this in my short 10 years of working life.

Technically, i am up in the market again, if any of you are interested.

Powerman Duathlon 2009 : Report

Saturday 2126Hours:

In toilet. Contemplating. Decided to blog.

Cut off : 5hours.

First 11km run - 1:10 finish.
Second 64km Bike - 2:45 finish.
Third 10km run - 1:15 finish.

Total minus transition time : 5:10

That is 10 minutes past cut off.

I will try to be optimistic.

TO BE CONTINUED after race tomorrow.

Drove down at 3.30 with wifey and reached Lumut at 6:00. Was a fast drive via the trunk road with almost no traffic.

Groggy and sleepy i checked in and awaited for the race to start. Familiar faces abound and this was one of the reasons that keep me going back for races.

I know today will be a battle. Not trained and no mileage. Also i was jittery about my blood iron and hope it will hold up well.

My first 11 was completed in 78mins. I ran all the way slowly and this is my longest run since Desaru.

Enters T1 and spent only about 2 minutes before making my way out. The first 32km on bike was pretty good at 1:15. Struggled a bit as the thighs threatens to start cramping. My second 32 was almost a disaster. I saw my average dropto 21kmh. And it toom me almost 1:30 to complete.

My last 10km on the run was only a walk. The sun was burning down and my sweat dries up leaving salt residue which felt like some cheap body scrubs as i rub them.

I wanted to give up. I felt my dignity and ego was totally bruised. But i also realised that ishould not be too hard on myself. I came with no target except to finish and despite seeing people skipping the second loop and head towards finishing line, i soldier on.

Reality check- no training and no mileage, i should be happy i came to the last 5 km.

It was painful both outside and inside. But this is one race i need to finish to prove to wifey that i really want to do IM10 despite and against all odd.

I walked the final 500m with wifey.

5:41 and totally missed the cut off at 5:25.

Thank you all for supporting and cheering and waiting. Today's race was the toughest i've done because of my own doing.

I am on my way back, watch me.

Long Long Overdue Posting

I must apologise for not updating this blog as often as i should. Couple of things happened along those "sabbatical" period (since 13th October) and i was just too busy with work and family to update.

To keep things simple, i will just choose a few things i think worth mentioning and updating to keep this entry as brief but concise as possible.

Lets start with my health.

Glad to say that things has been looking better and rosier by the day. I was on (self) medication and in denial. My iron level, as the doctor said, was 7mg/l. That is 3 points less than average human and a good 10 points less for endurance athelete. I technically know how it is like for a woman going through their menses feel. Looking pale, lethargic, tired and heart palpilation is just a few of the side effect.


For Aneamic Patients

I could feel my iron level improving within the next 3 weeks and i no longer felt tired as fast or palpilate as if i was on Zone 4 HRM (95% and above mHR)

The cause of the medical condition?

I do not know, and i still owe myself and my family a medical to check if all is ok. Typical of me, when nothing is wrong, i do not bother. That has to change.


The Day My Blood Refused To Flow

Now, i just need to pray and hope the condition do not return. That would meant proper diet and ensure proper i do not take my own health for granted (i.e. Work until want to die)

Next - My quest to get back to training. I've not been on any training for at least two months until about three weeks ago. It was only three weeks back that i dare to pick myself up and push the bike from the storeroom to the road. Daunting. Very.

Thanks to Ishsal, i managed my first ever 64km in two months. Nevermind if it takes as long as an average 90km ride, but i felt it was an accomplishment nevertheless.


Second Ride. Improved by 7 minutes

I am delighted that i could be back training. I started walking with wifey, and OMG, i struggled to catch up with her. My fitness was that bad and she has improved a lot.

With minimal training and maximal rest, i am just hoping to finish this weekend Powerman within cut off. It will be a task and even struggle. The 11km Run - 64km Bike and 10km Run never looked more daunting. What used to be a stroll in the park is now a run in hell. I will try to finish the race, no matter what. And i will try not to be drama about it.

It is time to celebrate life. Again.


Training Route on MEX - Where i race a GTS or a Ferrari every Saturday

Ironman is not far away. Infact, it is a short three months of solid training left. Not much time. At this time last year and year before last, i was clocking in respectable running mileage and cycling mileage. This year, it was a laid back approach, and i know i will pay back for it. Well, the way i see it, my iron level are supposed to peak back by February, and if i just train right and train smart, i might just hit my peak right when it matter most.

Watch me GO.


2 Times Ironman Finisher. Nevermind the timing. I race against myself

The same period of hiatus too see some rather turmoil time. It was also the same period that i really feel there are people out there really trying to hurt you. Bad people with bad intention.

1. The richer they are, the more they think they own the world. You are nothing but collateral.
2. The more influential you are, the more insecure you become. You tend to think people are trying to unseat you. The people are afraid that one day, you will take their place and position.
3. Then, there are those that would lie to kill. They appear to be your friend but they have all the evil intention. Some could be racist and bigots in muhibbah clothing. Some would think you are oh-so-impressed with their title. So what if you make people believe you graduated from a high class place but the truth said you were discharged? So what if you have Ir., Prof., and Dr. to your name when all that meant is that people don't understand what you are trying to say?

I say stay away from the people above. They are poison. They run you down. They threaten you and your family. They are good for nothing. The lowest of life. They Apologise but never mean it. They patronises you but do not dare to say that to your face.

They are just losers.

Don't be them.

Ever.

One more thing that happened was that i gave up a mailing list i managed for seven year nine months. And what was worse, you were made to look like some racist with intention to defame certain race or people.

Perhaps i did. But aren't all of us laughing out loud when we speak the truth about this country?

Grow Up la. I know YOU are reading this. Go take a chill pill man, perhaps, check into some hospital for mental check up. I have every right in this country as you do and i will fight and die for Malaysia. Will YOU? sucking up to politicians don't count ya.

There. I said it.

On the same day i gave up the mailing list, i took my wisdom tooth out.


One more out, less wisdom, more subtle, less fighter cock

I guess it comes with age. I realised i did not fight back as much as i would. Or perhaps, YOU are just not worth my time.

I wish you well. I hope you sleep well at night.

And this bring us to this week, or rather, last week. Myself and wifey flew to Singapore for a close friend's wedding. It was beautifully simple. We are happy for you both Nars&Nar!.


Forever starts here

The short trip to Singapore was refreshing - it made me and wifey feel so happy we are Malaysians and nothing less. Singapore has everything we have, but Singapore do not place my families. They country is almost perfect, but not as perfect as my Tanahair. Yes, the transportation system was top notch. You don't need to own a car. The service industry is simply awesome - they are polite to everyone, unlike Malaysia, which they are only to Mat Sallehs.

But somehow, i do not value those compared to what i have in Malaysia. No way Jose.

I apologise to my Singaporean friends and friends working/residing in Singapore. I meant no malice when i state my preference over Malaysia. Singapore, will remain as a country i will visit as a tourist and i can continue to ridicule Uncle Lee without worries. :)

Wait, i do that too in Malaysia...but i better tone it down la, since i was already threaten with ISA and "i promise you will crawl in the darkest corner where even Anwar Ibrahim will cry".

The thing is, i am Lim Ee-Van. And there can only be one (well at least there is ONLY one Facebook profile that points to me compared to some people i know with at least five, with the other four to be "hate profile").

Ok. Until then. I promise to update more. I love you all.