2007 in retrospect

This time last year, I blogged about how 2006 went by so quickly. Well, 2007 wasn't any different and here I am again, reflecting on the 12 months past. I must say 2007 has been a very good year for me, and for that I am very grateful.

Running
I ran every race I wanted to run in this year, including a trip to Penang for one (very good excuse for a makan-makan road trip). With a race calendar, I felt more motivated to keep up a regular running schedule and it worked. Happy to report that my running time improved at every race and I completed my first ever half marathon in September. I now believe that anyone can do this if he or she really wants to (of course, willingness to commit to a training schedule is important). I was never the athlete in school, being an asthmatic weakling back then, so this was quite a personal breakthrough.

Next race: Great Eastern Pacesetters 30km Run. I just signed up for it last weekend at a whim. I haven't been running as much as I would like now that my exercise hours also include cycling and swimming. But what the heck. I still can't get past the mental barrier in my head to attempt a full marathon. This 30km run would be a good start. I'll just do it slow and see what happens.

But the bigger goal for 2008 is to do triathlons. Wish me luck.

New wheels
And a pretty 2-wheeler it is too! So far I've logged in 4 rides totalling about 220km (no bike computer yet, so I don't have the exact distance). Never thought I'd enjoy it so much. Whizzing down the hills. Enjoying the view as I ride (love Hulu Langat!). I now have tan lines on my thighs from my cycling tights (even with sunblock).

Finding fins
Started swimming again and I had to (almost) relearn everything. Rotating the hips. Reaching out to glide instead of splashing inefficiently. Breathing on both sides. I still can't do it properly. Or do it properly long enough. It's tough being so uncoordinated. Sigh. It's been 6 weeks of weekly swim sessions. A bit of improvement. Can't complain, but I'm still a long way off.

Holidays
First up, the trip to Kota Kinabalu with YL, K and S, where we did some white water rafting and climbed the tallest mountain in South East Asia. The water rafting was fun, but not as fun as the train ride to the rapids. Mount K was beautiful and it was a good climb, albeit painful. At the top, it's almost surreal, and unfortunately, coming down was even more painful than going up. I don't know if I'll do it again, but it was a great experience. We also got to try some delicious fresh water prawns and beef noodles thanks to friends of S, who took us around. Syok man...

Next, my usual holiday with LY. It's always fun with that crazy woman, and we both realise that we have the most fun when we're holidaying together. We seem to experience and see alot more together somehow. Not that we don't have fun with other travel mates, we definitely do! It's just that we understand each other so well, we have the same travel pace, interests, appetite, cincai-ness and willingness to try new things. This year, we beach-bummed in Cha-Am and ate our way around Bangkok. We've made a pact to make our holiday an annual event, regardless where we are in the future.

There was also a face-stuffing trip to Penang with D, followed by another one to Muar with JK and YL for a wedding. And I went to Cameron Highlands for the first time in my life with D and gang. Talk about a deprived childhood!

Last but not least, the company trip to Hong Kong. Got to see and stuff my face at some places I didn't the year before. Awesoommmmmeee.

If I were to name 3 places I'd happily make a pilgrimage to every year, it'd be Bangkok, Hong Kong and Bali, which I haven't visited since 2004. Affordable! Great food! Great shopping! Chaboh! Ta-Boh! How? Wanna go this year?

The band
We named ourselves Thin Izzy. We've been playing together for over a year now and enjoyed every minute of it. Now, 16 gigs later, we are taking a break, indefinitely. MI is starting his own firm, so he'll have less time for music. MH feels he's getting too old to play in a band, which is utter nonsense cos despite being the oldest, he looks younger than all of us. We may jam together every now and then, but we probably won't be a band for hire from now on. We had our last show last night at Rick's Casablanca on New Year's Eve. What a party it was! Sigh. Gonna miss my bros!

Work
On a day to day basis, it's been okay. But that's the problem. I am getting too comfortable. I entertained thoughts of working abroad, maybe in China or Hong Kong. It's something I should do before I get too old. The problem is, I'm so deeply rooted here right now. I have supportive colleagues who are also great friends. A good boss. What about my folks? What about people I will miss greatly when I'm away? What about Sunshine? What if I don't like it there after all? Still, the itch is great. And if a good offer comes along I may be very tempted.

Another surprising thing this year was this, which got me this.
Not surprisingly, something like this happens and creates a cess pool for ego maniacs and glory seekers. She wasn't even there when the idea was first conceived and executed. I was annoyed to no end. Really annoyed. But people here know the truth. And that's good enough for me.

Significant Others
Best news of the year - MY CHABOH IS DATING! Nice guy, tall, dark and handsome with a thing for goats. Hahahahaa! Though it's long distance, it's been a few months now and I'm quite optimistic it'll work out. I mean, who couldn't possibly love my Chaboh? :D

After some time apart (sort of), D and I found ourselves back together again. I can't pinpoint exactly when it happened, we just grew into it naturally and so far, so good. It's amazing how he puts up with my nonsense sometimes (I suppose I have to put up with his too, haha). Muaks. Ewww. I hate PDA.

Happy New Year!
Yep, it's been a good year.
And I have God, loved ones and friends to thank for the blessings I've received. For the first time in years, I'm looking forward to the new year. And may yours be a fantastic one.