OUTDOOR: Cycling

Cycling:

SINGAPORE vs SCOTLAND

I often let people disbelief that I was an outdoor person who loves sport. That only applies to people who know me later in my life as I may look like a person who love to read, quiet and anti-social. It all started out me being an active girl in primary school who happened to be a runner (sprinter) but cannot do long jump. I can't do long runs actually, but I can do short quick runs. Fast forward to secondary school, I was in the netball team. And, also being actively involved in extra-curriculum activities, especially St John Ambulance.

Fast forward again.
Last Sunday, my A-Level college clan, the A-B-C who are now working in Singapore, went for a wee outing to cycle in East Coast Park, here in Singapore. It sounds like a long stretch beach but the sandy area is only a few steps walk from the shore to the sea. Singapore is a petite island that I remembered a tourist guide once said, "when God created the earth, he finished it with a fullstop. And, the fullstop is now known as Singapore". Yes, Singapore is really THAT tiny.

I'm staying near east coast so it's convenient for me to go there. It took B and C about an hour to reach the east side as they stay in the west. As B said, there's a time zone difference of about 10minutes! Haha!!

The weather that day was really sunny, that I had to put on sunscreen lotion before I head. The sky was blue and when we go there, the sea breeze was just relaxing. As usual, Singapore being a high population density country, East Coast Park was filled with people, although the picture above doesn't show that much.

Sitting on top of a rocky hill off the shore, we were trying to enjoy the scene, seabreeze, and the sun. As you may have already noticed, there's no such thing as 'no boundaries' of seaview in Singapore. You will definitely see some boat laying outreach of you but within your view. It actually kind of ruin the beauty of sea.

That's the three of us! We never fail to have laughter when we unite. We blend well together as we have different thoughts but share the same kind of laughter! The weather was just nice for cycling and a little bit of walking to burn off some calories. *Ahem*

We rented our bicycles, at S$7 for an hour, and you'll get another hour for free! It's quite a good deal! I have not cycle for a long time, and believe me the last time was in 2008 when me and my bestie in class went to Millport for a day trip (more details to come).

We cycled for more than 1.5 hours, we enjoy some scene, joke each other, competing with speed, and even bump into each other's bike! We ended up riding 'Skyline', my 'Honda', and a 'kancil-turned-into-pimp-my-ride-Fairlady'!! Of course some bypassers would have Ferrari for its speed! We should do this cycling more often as there isn't much activities we can do in this congested Singapore.

Me in 2012. My messy hair can't be fixed during pictures due to strong seabreeze!

Me in 2008! I went cycling @ Millport, Isle of Cumbrae.

2008, after finishing all our semester exams, me and my classmates decided to go for a day trip, away from city centre. We decided to go to Millport at Isle of Cumbrae, near the west of Scotland.

We need to use a ferry from Largs to cross over to Isle of Cumbrae. It was my first ferry experience and it was really nothing less than fun!

We rented bicycles to cycle around the island. We were actually cycling round the island around its perimeter, not within the island. It took us a few hours to finish, of course with some 'pit stop' in between.

The weather was gloomy, and it's nothing less the expect from the moody weather of Scotland. Although it was supposed to be summer, the most you get is two weeks of real sunshine! We were already quite lucky that it wasn't raining.

And was us taking a break from our cycles to look around, and of course to mention the photographer who's not in this picture is Alan.

Although 2008 may seems to be too long ago, and I may have become older-but-wiser, the sweet and nice memory still stay very well in my mind. Memories are the best thing to look back, to keep, and to treasure! Scotland was a transition of my life. Not just the idyllic places, university, friends but also the people!! Scotland is uniquely amazing!

Either Singapore or Scotland, both cycling trip were nothing but fun-filled! I will not forget about it, and hopefully, I will continue to cycle in Singapore (as Scotland is not so possible now).

7th April 2011: A day to remember

This was the day that everyone in class was emotional, either sad or happy. I had my last ever Primary Eye Care clinic on 7th April 2011. I had a nice patient and love talking to her while testing her. She's very co-operative. Also, getting compliments from my clinic supervisor was an additional happiness. There was clinic technician said, "Anna, is this your last clinic?" and I had to reply, "Yes, I'm a bit sad as it's my last eye test in Scotland". All the "Good luck in your future" and "Bye" from clinic supervisors make me somehow, sad. I know I will be great in future but leaving my status as a student is sad, too!

Here's some picture of me and my eye clinic:

This is the entrance that I go through first time when I was in second year, with all the remote feeling that every thing looks scary. And after years of training. I am feeling confident seeing patient each time. Now, all the clinical staff knows me well, and we greet each other whenever we met. It's amazing how this clinic enables each and everyone of us to grow and become another professional.

I can be a 'miner' in the clinic, wander around with this BIO ophthalmoscope, saying "can I have a look into your eyes?". Oh wow, it was like I'm looking into something as interesting as enjoying a picture in an art gallery.

And, this was the test chart I used to ask my patient, "Which is the smallest line can you see?"

And this will be the test room I will miss dearly. I am now being let loose in the public (well, not quite yet), without supervisors coming in and out making sure I am doing the right thing. After years of training, I now have full control over test room and I'll make sure you walk out of the door with problem solved. And, that was just a random picture of me in my white coat, a.k.a. clinic attire, everytime I perform my clinical duties. (I tried to be more colourful rather than wearing the boring, black/grey/white office wear)

This was my view when I have a full day of clinical duties in the Eye Clinic. I just sat by the window, munching my quick lunch. Oh, I miss it already...

Besides, I also have my last ever lecture in my university also on 7th April. The impact was too strong but I can handle it. It's like double sadness in one day.

That was the last ever lecture by Dr. Strang. He's a really nice and down-to-earth-head-of-school-to-be person. He would sit in the cafeteria with students, to talk about anything! "Good luck, everyone. And your year is a really nice group to teach! Hopefully will see you all in future!", was what he said in the very end.

I will also miss the Saltire Centre, also the library, that me and my pals used to hangout between lectures when we were in first and second year. That where we build our friendship and prolongs till now and getting stronger. I already miss this place as we were getting busier in third and now, final year.

This was the computer room that I used to hang around if I would like to do my report/project. I love it here because I can enjoy reading project stuff with my big fat English Breakfast.

Last but not least, this is the bridge to everything. This is the bridge that me and my mates used to walk out to when we want to have a drink somewhere nearby, shopping, or a visit to the anatomy museum! Also this is the bridge to the world, and I walk out of there being a professional.

I admit sometimes I lost concentration in lectures or complaining about the work load, but I will definitely miss university life. Anyone else out there who is still in school/college/university, treasure your time with your mates and enjoy every single moment that you can. That's my little piece of advice!

(p/s: Radio was playing "I'm coming home", making me much more emotional.)

My ever-oh-so-lovely-one-and-only Christmas Card from home!

Woke up late on the morning on 2oth December, then as usual I always switch on my laptop before going to brush my teeth. (Yes, that's my routine daily unless I'm running really late)

On my browser, I have bookmarked some tab that I use always. Not to mention, it's Facebook, Hotmail, Twitter, and then Yahoo! UK news.

I got an email from my parents, and turned out they sent a Christmas card to me, specially made by my dad. It's so lovely, isn't it?

It's so cute! But wait, what are these little shoes? My mum has a habit of keeping stuff, for many many years. Then over the weekend they found these cute little shoes of mine, during the time when I dont even recognise things. And, it's just during the time when I just have colour vision and start seeing the world. My dad took pictures of these little shoes and compiled them into this one and only Christmas card for me.

I love this card very much and thanks to my beloved mum and dad! Too bad I missed another Christmas with them but my heart is always there. I will be home for Christmas next year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

p/s: I'm leaving Scotland soon, away to Manchester, London then Austria for my Christmas and New Year breakaway! I will be inactive in my blog again!

Backstreet's BACK!! - 'This is Us' TOUR

Just read a news minutes ago that Backstreet Boys is flying to Glasgow today from Berlin after attending the European MTV Music Award. I am excited. Anyone has a clue which flight are they on?? I'm a crazy fan of them!! "WOOOOOOO!!!"

I just bought their album recently (you will know if you follow my blog closely, see here!) and it bring backs lots of my memories since I'm in primary school. For those who were about my age and listens to English songs since young, I believe you too, had once fell in love with Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, Spice Girls or 5ive! Girls out there, don't tell me you never been crazy about Nick Carter before. Hmm...

FYI! I am going to BACKSTREET BOYS concert tomorrow in Glasgow! My first ever concert!

My tickets arrived last week!

In early October, Brian Litrell was diagnosed with Swine Flu while shooting their new music video 'Bigger' in Japan. I was so worried that they are not going to make it here in Glasgow. Now he has fully recover and everything is back to plan.

Anyway, I am extremely excited and been listening to their song over the week, over and over again. They already had their first two concert in Newcastle and Manchester. I will be seeing them here in Glasgow LIVE!

Here's a few song from their new 7th album that I really like:

• Straight Through my Heart
• Bigger
• Masquerade

I own quite a few of their album, mostly originals. I will buy originals if I support the singer. I have 'Millenium' (1999), 'Black & Blue'(2000), 'Greatest Hits: Chapter One'(2001), and the current one, 'This is Us'.

Their song brought me up through my life, been listen to their song a lot more than any other singer I can say, just like people love Michael Jackson or Bee Gees.

Every album brings back my memories. 'Never Gone' (2005) album brings back memories of things that happen in college- friends, study and life! I listen to their song on my mp3 while studying in Inti College's library. They bring me through my hazardous exams.

I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THEIR CONCERT TOMORROW AND WILL DEFINITELY BLOG ABOUT IT!
(Continue to listen to their song now so that I won't miss a word of their lyrics and can sing with them!)

Everloving Edinburgh

Many times, I hope for a prestidigitation, to turn back time, seeing old friends and flashing memories.

Sunshine has glare most part of UK, and it's the season of Spring that flowers blossom. Also, season I adore. Follow by Spring, it came the one week Easter break. I make 'full use' of it, by having so much witty time. :P

Edinburgh is my choice of destination. To meet up with my dearest friend whom I known ever since I came to Glasgow, Stella. She is such a lovely girl, who now moves to Edinburgh for work. I miss her quite a lot as we share a lot of common interest.

Together I have 4 other friends with me, going to an alluring city. It was the first trip for some. Mine, second.

The girls, upon arriving.

Been to the castle, been to the main attraction.
This time: Queens Gallery, Holyrood Palace & Park, Dynamic Earth.

Been a weather conscious myself, I am excited with the fabulous weather we had. Just nice and alluring.

Myself, I like the Holyrood Park, took a wide angle picture of it.

Last but not least,

Our delighted faces has prove everything. We are happy.

Edinburgh.13/04/2009.Anna.Stella.WernNee.Eunice.Steven.Lincoln.KarWai.

Show your teeth! Smile~

Picture of heavy snow in Glasgow, February 2009

There's one saying: "If you worry, you'll die; if you're happy, you will also die; then why worry?"

"The perfection of wisdom, and the end of true philosophy is to proportion our wants to our possessions, our ambitions to our capacities, we will then be a happy and a virtuous people." - Mark Twain

Manchester & Liverpool, January 2009

Let your day shine! Live your day with laughter and get rid of all the sadness.

"Whoever is happy will make others happy, too." - Mark Twain


Birmingham & Cardiff, December 2008

Do something you feel that makes you happy each day, even if it's just eating a cube of chocolate! Being happy not only you'll look younger but also emotionally.

"Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient" - Aristotle

Don't forget to capture your happy moments! Look back and you will definitely like it!
Have a nice day!

2nd February 2009. A date to remember..

I've been very concern about weather ever since I came to UK. The unpredictable weather is sometimes pathetic, especially when it comes to heavy rain & strong wind.

On 1st February, I read on Yahoo! news (click here to read more), it says this February is going to be the coldest since 13 years!! I was thinking, how cold it's going to be in Glasgow?

Few weeks ago, also from the Yahoo! news (click here to read more), British MET forecasted there's going to be heavy snow across UK, but I never really trust it as Glasgow is much damp and humid so snow is unlikely to clot.

On the morning of 2nd February 2009, I woke up in the morning, always hope to see Glasgow blanket with snow and YES, Glasgow is white!!!! I am so happy! It brightens up my day as if it's a sunny day!

Glasgow has ever been this white ever since i'm here but snow melted by noon. This time.. it last until evening. It has been snowing heavily in the morning, starting around 9am for at least 30 mintutes. Snowing comes and go very often and loves to see the feeling of snow sprinkles. There was a time when it snows like whirlwind, very heavily and can really believe what I see. I do not have class in the morning so i am enjoying breakfast, seeing snow out of my window. So happy!

Coincidencely before my 1pm class, my friend WaiLoong MSNed me if wanna go out hav a shot of snow.. That's definitely a "YES". I love snow. So we went for a quick caption before i head to uni.

See the happy faces. I was really excited!

During lectures, (honestly) I was a wee bit not focusing, kept looking out of the window, see if it continues to snow. And yes, it did snow on and off! Was happy n looking forward for class to finish. On my way back to halls, I saw people playing snowballs, I too, want to play!

At around 5-ish to 6, I asked my friend to come out again, fanatically for snowball fight and snowman-making! WHEEE~~~ Now let the picture speaks:

My First gigantic snowball. made for fun or for snowman.. You would not b able to lift it up as high to throw it at anyone.. *Berat tau?!* LOL...

Need support to hold it up

Lying on a blanket of snow.. It's fluffy.. Should have tried to make snow-angel. Feeling of lying on bed and on snow is different. Now, credits to my Nike ACG Weatherproof Jacket, My upper body is neither wet nor cold. BUT. A big BUT here, my butt is cold n wet, so as my legs, jeans not waterproof la~ HAHA.. I dont care. It's a special opportunity to try this. What is it to loose?

Teng teng teng~~ Here comes Snow fight!

Getting Ready

Are u with me?

Boom! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

If it's a bigger snowball, can b a bit of pain but it's ok.. Worth it! FUN!!!

Are we making gigantic 'Ice Kacang'? We dont have enough syrup. Snow is really fluffy.. You can see a wee bit of grass appearing as many bits of snow were scrappeled away by us for snow fight and for fun!

Tadaaa!! Our first snowman!! Can u help me to give it a name?

Here's us, with the first snowman~~ *Frosty the Snowman, ta da da da da da da,...*

Then we decided to made him a wife! His wife a.k.a girlfriend is a skinny one. Skinny snow-woman.. HAHAH... I'm happy enough with the end result.

Tadaa!!!

I might sound a bit of '乡巴佬' a.k.a orang kampung, but we're just too excited about snowing!!! Malaysia is a tropical country that snow never arrives except fake snow!!

Have a nice week all!!

Fire on Kuching High School

When I woke up this morning, I saw a text message from Sarah. It's at a pretty awkward time to get a text. And it says "St John room burned down..."

I was like "HUH?!" "WHAT?!" It's a shame

Can you see it? The smoke from fire is from my ex-school!! The school that I like. The building is more than 30 years old! I'm going to miss the old St John room!!

Well, fair enough, the building is old and needs to be rebuild at some point. Funding is another problem for the school.

After all these happenings, I finally realise how important memories are. Those of whom I met in high school and all those precious memories is what I keep.

ON THE OTHER HAND, and on the other side of the world, here in Glasgow, it's freezing!

When I look out the window this morning, there's people walking so carefully, thinking it could be that girl has a pair of slippery shoes. Then, I realise it was snowing last night that there's car covered with snow this morning.

No JOKE! The road is so slippery as the ice skating rink! So scary to walk a wee bit quicker.

This dont looks bad but it actually is! Due to the sunshine that came out in the morning, snow melted to become ice and it's really dangerous. I saw people in my uni pouring salt on the road to reduce the slipperiness.

Well, tribute to the buildings of Kuching High School. And, welcome Mr Snow!