I have set a target for next year which is to participate in the annual Standard & Chartered Marathon which is very popular. Everytime I see it on tv, I've always said that I'd join...pretty much every time. And this year, I have finally put words into action and started taking my first steps to achieving this goal. I have bought the running shoes and have started jogging. Now, the only exercise I get is my weekly dose of football, which is great, enough to keep fit but not enough to lose weight, which is another reason for me to do more exercise.
I went for my first jog/run last night and didn't realise that even at 9pm, there are alot of runners and people around, somehow its quite inspiring to see other runners at this time. I was running with my friend who has actually done the marathon and obviously does alot more running than me (but then that wouldn't be too difficult, believe me).
The last time that I went jogging was about 1 or 2 years ago. As I started running, I was able to keep to a steady pace which lasted about 15mins....before I started to feel the stitches then I started to feel my knees, which I'm sure I could hear start to creak the longer I ran. 'Time to slow down' was now running through my head. Another 5mins down the path seemed like 20mins, I even had to double check my watch. It seems time was slowing down for me. Now I really was feeling my weight. From a steady pace to a very slow pace. I was getting taken over by runners, which is normal, but getting taken over by old ladies is a little bit intimidating...
After about 1 and a half hours of running and walking (most of the way), it was time to head back. Being the first run, I'm not really bothered about the time, as it was a marker for what sort of condition I'm in, and it seems my condition does not look very appealing... for anyone. The idea of preparing a year before the marathon seems like a genius idea (enough to win the nobel prize) now. As we walked back to my flat, I could feel the muscles in my legs expand tremendiously, now I know how those body builders in the Mr Universe competitions feel. I tried not to think how my legs was going to feel tomorrow morning.
I spent the day today walking around with 2 blocks of wood known as my legs. They don't bend, and they really are quite heavy, and pains from parts of my body I don't remember using suddenly slowly crept out. But as the day drew on, the muscles started to warm up and I was able to feel my own legs again and the pains weren't so painful. I know that the more practise I get, the easier it will be. So with my new fondness of endurance for the pain and aches awaiting, I look forward to the next run, and to which I say to myself in a small voice 'oh god, here I go again'
Thursday 25 March 2010
Tuesday 23 March 2010
At the Cinema...
I went to the Cinema to see 'The Hurt Locker' on Sunday to see what the fuss was about. The Film was not bad, though I didn't realise that it had the 'Blair Witch element' (hand held movements with the camera...which didn't go down too well with me), but at least I enjoyed it more that 'Blair Witch'. But other things were on my mind anyway...now I'm quite a very laid back guy, so there really isn't much that bothers me. But the things that do, REALLY DO. For example, 1) People talking through the movie. Now, luckily I don't have much experience with this when I go to the movies, so when it does happen, I sit and think ''oh, the movie is just starting and they are probably abit excited about the movie', so I'il just leave it. Then 10mins into it, I start to think, they'il just quieten down, then 20, then 30, and then I realise, its not going to happen....so its time for 'the look', the one that kills. And its not the 'good flirty kill, its the 'please shut up, I am trying to watch the movie and you are buggering it up for me' look. Its amazing how effective this can be. No words, and no communication'. and then theres 2) People who insist on having there phone on through the movie. All I can say is' WTF?!' These people have the phone on and then when someone does call, they say 'I can't talk, I'm watching a movie...' WTF??!! whats the point in having it on in the first place then? And if they do talk, they tend to ignore the fact that everyone can hear them....AMAZING...truly AMAZING..that really does make me go .'HMMMM....!!'
Thursday 18 March 2010
ARTWALK 2010
I went to my first artwalk last night, and really enjoyed it. For those who don't know what it is, Artwalk is an event supported by galleries around HK and I think the arts council to give exposure to those Galleries for Chairty. So basically we pay a fee to walk all around the Galleries where there is free wine and food in aid (partly) for charity which is not a bad idea. Anything for a good cause is not a bad idea, also at the same time we get to see lots of different artist whom we may never have heard of, or know even. A good chance to broaden our knowledge of arts and artists..oh..did I mention the free booze and food?
When you have paid for a ticket, you get a badge, which you have to wear in order to enjoy the 'free things' and also a brouchure of the galleries involved and a map, showing you where they are, so you can choose your own little detour of fun. Think of it as a 'Pubcrawl' but instead you goto galleries, and even though there is wine and food, its not really the same...more like 'Artcrawl' The event starts at 5pm and ends at 12midnight. There are over 60 galleries in 7hours...that makes it...about 10 galleries an hour.. which doesn't sound alot but once you start drinking and eating from each gallery, it makes it more of a challenge to move onto the next one. A glass of iwine in each one makes it 60 glasses of wine...which is abit crazy for 1 night. But seriously, you are never going to make it to each one, so realistically speaking, you could probably make it to about 20-40 at a fast pace. So each gallery wants to show you their best pieces and want you to stay longer, so one of the ways to do that, is to prepare the best food and wine, to feed you into staying.Yes it does sound good...and yes, it IS GOOD...being pampered is not easy.
Artwalk is very very popular. Its yearly and this is its 10th Anniversary. Its a great thing to do with friends after work. . Its funny because as the night drags on, you get to see all these groups of people trying to cram into these small galleries (that is the typical gallery size in HK) so you are forever following a herd of people everywhere into galleries, and with the free flowing wine, it becomes a good chance to meet strangers and talk about how great this piece of art is and how we can understand what the artist IS actually saying. Face it, after a few glasses of wine, we begin to see art in a different light, after alot of glasses of wine, we become art critics extraordinaire.Having to try and be serous about something we totally don't get sounds like a good excuse to point and move our hands around in a artisitic manner, and another funny thing is, is that it makes us more believable. It really is fun. If this is the life of being a art reviewer or critic then it seems like a nice living.
We made our way through 10-12 galleries before the wine finally caught up with me, and my eyes were no longer under my control. Besides my lack of alcohol consumption was really not what it used to be. By about 10.30pm, I was heavily fed on snacks and finger food that really shouldn't be used as a ' fill you up'., I was also very very tired. If I was allowed to sleep in the galleries I would have.The stone pavements outside the galleries were looking very attractive and very relaxing, especially since my journey home took me an hour, and without knowing the frequency of the buses, it may take me even longer...that pavement was beginnig to look too comfortable. I slowly made myself home, luckily the bus arrived as soon as I got to the bus stop. I had a nap on the bus and it did wonders.
Only had a few hours rest before my work day started again, so the sofa was a quick option for a bed. Overall a good night out, lots to see, drink, eat and be merry , all for charity, which makes pretending to be someone who understands art but really who doesn't, that much more fun and worth it.
When you have paid for a ticket, you get a badge, which you have to wear in order to enjoy the 'free things' and also a brouchure of the galleries involved and a map, showing you where they are, so you can choose your own little detour of fun. Think of it as a 'Pubcrawl' but instead you goto galleries, and even though there is wine and food, its not really the same...more like 'Artcrawl' The event starts at 5pm and ends at 12midnight. There are over 60 galleries in 7hours...that makes it...about 10 galleries an hour.. which doesn't sound alot but once you start drinking and eating from each gallery, it makes it more of a challenge to move onto the next one. A glass of iwine in each one makes it 60 glasses of wine...which is abit crazy for 1 night. But seriously, you are never going to make it to each one, so realistically speaking, you could probably make it to about 20-40 at a fast pace. So each gallery wants to show you their best pieces and want you to stay longer, so one of the ways to do that, is to prepare the best food and wine, to feed you into staying.Yes it does sound good...and yes, it IS GOOD...being pampered is not easy.
Artwalk is very very popular. Its yearly and this is its 10th Anniversary. Its a great thing to do with friends after work. . Its funny because as the night drags on, you get to see all these groups of people trying to cram into these small galleries (that is the typical gallery size in HK) so you are forever following a herd of people everywhere into galleries, and with the free flowing wine, it becomes a good chance to meet strangers and talk about how great this piece of art is and how we can understand what the artist IS actually saying. Face it, after a few glasses of wine, we begin to see art in a different light, after alot of glasses of wine, we become art critics extraordinaire.Having to try and be serous about something we totally don't get sounds like a good excuse to point and move our hands around in a artisitic manner, and another funny thing is, is that it makes us more believable. It really is fun. If this is the life of being a art reviewer or critic then it seems like a nice living.
We made our way through 10-12 galleries before the wine finally caught up with me, and my eyes were no longer under my control. Besides my lack of alcohol consumption was really not what it used to be. By about 10.30pm, I was heavily fed on snacks and finger food that really shouldn't be used as a ' fill you up'., I was also very very tired. If I was allowed to sleep in the galleries I would have.The stone pavements outside the galleries were looking very attractive and very relaxing, especially since my journey home took me an hour, and without knowing the frequency of the buses, it may take me even longer...that pavement was beginnig to look too comfortable. I slowly made myself home, luckily the bus arrived as soon as I got to the bus stop. I had a nap on the bus and it did wonders.
Only had a few hours rest before my work day started again, so the sofa was a quick option for a bed. Overall a good night out, lots to see, drink, eat and be merry , all for charity, which makes pretending to be someone who understands art but really who doesn't, that much more fun and worth it.
Whats that place called with all the books??
Why is it when I go for a coffee, either Starbucks or Pacific Coffee. Its full of students with their laptops "studying" there. I say "studying" because it what they seem to be doing but how can you study when people around you are chatting and enjoying themselves? There is so much that puts you off. It begs the question, 1) Surely a place like home or somewhere quiet is better suited for studying? 2) And how much space do they really NEED? and 3) can they really do any studying? I know that I probably couldn't.
To be honest I know if I go to a coffee shop to study, I'm actually just posing...looking intelligent, and saying 'hey, I'm very professional because I can work while I'm surrounded by all these people, and also I look good doing it, and one more last thing whatever I'm doing its important'.
Obviously my age is showing because I swear that there's a really good place, I know that not only is it quiet but also if you need answers, this place has it, This place is called a LIBRARY.
Are the days of going to spend a few hours in the library gone? Is the coffee shop the 'new' library now? or is it the new trend?
The next time I go to into one of those coffee shops I might have to bring a text book along so that I can look intelligent not to mention also also fashionable.
To be honest I know if I go to a coffee shop to study, I'm actually just posing...looking intelligent, and saying 'hey, I'm very professional because I can work while I'm surrounded by all these people, and also I look good doing it, and one more last thing whatever I'm doing its important'.
Obviously my age is showing because I swear that there's a really good place, I know that not only is it quiet but also if you need answers, this place has it, This place is called a LIBRARY.
Are the days of going to spend a few hours in the library gone? Is the coffee shop the 'new' library now? or is it the new trend?
The next time I go to into one of those coffee shops I might have to bring a text book along so that I can look intelligent not to mention also also fashionable.
Wearing a mask sometimes isn't that bad...
Recently I have been ill. Its funny how I always seem to be ill at this time of the year...last year and the year before that...I'm beginning to think its part of my own health cycle, something I have to get through every year, just like clockwork. And each time takes a while to get better. though there is of course alot of disadvantages, there is also some advantages...1) You get to wear a cool mask ( well, I think its pretty cool...and look like you are going to do a bank job, though NOT a good idea to actually try this..2) when people think you are sick, you get your own personal space, no matter where you are...even if there is no more space..this is good for the MTR especially during rush hour, 3) Even though you probably get the 'evil' look from people nearby everytime you sneeze or cough, you can still have fun terriorising them by trying to stand next to them...then you can watch them squirm and try to move away as fast as they can...and 4) wearing a mask can help you hide all those bits you forgot to clear around the mouth when you were having your lunch/dinner(!).
So the next time you have to wear a mask, just enjoy the mischievous fun that comes with it!
So the next time you have to wear a mask, just enjoy the mischievous fun that comes with it!
Train packed full of crazy fed up commuters= normal rush hour
Every working morning I get up, do the same things, clean, brush, change, and leave the house facing the next hour that could determine how I feel for the whole day. Yes, that hour is the rush hour like so many hard and happy working commuters.
At first I actually enjoyed being in with the 'hard-working' lot, but after 2 years of shoving , pushing, and 'everyone' for themselves..it began to look not so pleasant.I still don't understand how people can think they can get onto the train when there is no room....I'm always amazed how even though they are at the front of the queue, they cannot wait 1 minute for the next train, which is not long but also they will be the first ones on...sounds like a win-win situation....but somehow there must be a 'special' challenge or initiation that everyone takes to be a 'proper' commuter. I've seen it happen so many times but it still amazes me. It really does like more ridiculous than those images you see of Japanese rush hour.
I believe that once you leave home for work, you catch a 'bug' that transforms your mind into believing and acting in a 'herd' like trance during the morning rush hour.You don't realise it but once you start to get close to fellow commuters, a strange thing happens, you become part of a herd, acting in the same way they do and that you all have one objective and one goal...to get 'green fields of home' on time, no matter what it takes.
Another thing I noticed is every time I go to work there seems to be more and more people, which is quite bizarre assuming that HK is in still in some sort of economic depression, nevertheless it makes it more and more of a challenge to push and fight my way to work .
I look at some of these commuters and think these are loving family members, fathers, brothers, mothers, and daughters who don't really want to be here more than me, so I always remember how commuters are like those people who are nice until they get behind the wheel of a car, and then they become complete raving nutters....especially the quiet ones...
So how has commuting affected me? I have to say I do push and shove my way through the jungle called the rush hour, not caring for everyone else except for myself, unashamedly, but thats only from monday to friday.
At first I actually enjoyed being in with the 'hard-working' lot, but after 2 years of shoving , pushing, and 'everyone' for themselves..it began to look not so pleasant.I still don't understand how people can think they can get onto the train when there is no room....I'm always amazed how even though they are at the front of the queue, they cannot wait 1 minute for the next train, which is not long but also they will be the first ones on...sounds like a win-win situation....but somehow there must be a 'special' challenge or initiation that everyone takes to be a 'proper' commuter. I've seen it happen so many times but it still amazes me. It really does like more ridiculous than those images you see of Japanese rush hour.
I believe that once you leave home for work, you catch a 'bug' that transforms your mind into believing and acting in a 'herd' like trance during the morning rush hour.You don't realise it but once you start to get close to fellow commuters, a strange thing happens, you become part of a herd, acting in the same way they do and that you all have one objective and one goal...to get 'green fields of home' on time, no matter what it takes.
Another thing I noticed is every time I go to work there seems to be more and more people, which is quite bizarre assuming that HK is in still in some sort of economic depression, nevertheless it makes it more and more of a challenge to push and fight my way to work .
I look at some of these commuters and think these are loving family members, fathers, brothers, mothers, and daughters who don't really want to be here more than me, so I always remember how commuters are like those people who are nice until they get behind the wheel of a car, and then they become complete raving nutters....especially the quiet ones...
So how has commuting affected me? I have to say I do push and shove my way through the jungle called the rush hour, not caring for everyone else except for myself, unashamedly, but thats only from monday to friday.
The days before CNY
wow...I mean WOW....I have actually gone online and decided to dust away the keyboard cobwebs....for now that is. Yes, its 2010, and February (already!) And what I am going to blog about?....not too sure..but about something anyway....maybe its just mindless typing at the keyboard until something comes into my head....ah HA!...my purpose of these blogs....my life! (what else is there??) But more about my life in HK and the funny things that happen here...well, not necessarily funny...but just odd, and things that make me go hmmm...
So January has ended (so fast) and February is getting underway...and with CNY so close (next week in fact) that can only mean 1 thing.....PREPARATION. Yep...CNY in HK can not get any bigger...(well...maybe China) So that means, buying new traditional Fei Chuns (greetings to greet new luck and health and all the good things into your home with) , Throwing away the old things and replace with the new and the endless craziness of cleaning your home. Crazy? Its crazy for people like me who just are stuck to their sofa and remote controls, and has hardly ever opened cupboards that don't contain food or books.It might abit extreme, but believe me, you don't really know how much mess a guy makes, especially in a place thats not that big. Don't get me wrong CNY is great, a happy time, a time to spend with the family, and a time to get some money. The tradition of receiving money from the elderly and couplesis always followed. I may sound cheap, but hey, I work and saving is not really a concept that goes well with me. So I suppose receiving money from people is no bad thing. I don't feel that ashamed when I receive money that kids get as well. Hell, its tradition, and people don't mind.
I have decided that this CNY, I won't go crazy with the cleaning, and just do cleaning that doesn't need me to rearrange the whole flat in a 'looking for the treasure' type of way. Also, to give myself more time, I have started early, and I'm pleased to say that, even with 1 week to go before the festivities start, I have managed to do some cleaning, which just leaves some small places to clean.
As with all jobs, we all have deadlines. today, tomorrow, next week, and all holidays...xmas, easter...etc..etc.. That list also includes CNY, but this one scares me....why? because, being in the print industry, printers have a crazy holiday of about 10days(thats more than some people get in 1 year!!) which really screws our schedule. Also CNY is on different days each year, February one year, January the next... So the workload can be bad or can be mad.
Anyway, back to the CNY rant, 1 week to go, and a few more things to do, but with work this week being mad, it looks like its going to be a hell of a week...
So January has ended (so fast) and February is getting underway...and with CNY so close (next week in fact) that can only mean 1 thing.....PREPARATION. Yep...CNY in HK can not get any bigger...(well...maybe China) So that means, buying new traditional Fei Chuns (greetings to greet new luck and health and all the good things into your home with) , Throwing away the old things and replace with the new and the endless craziness of cleaning your home. Crazy? Its crazy for people like me who just are stuck to their sofa and remote controls, and has hardly ever opened cupboards that don't contain food or books.It might abit extreme, but believe me, you don't really know how much mess a guy makes, especially in a place thats not that big. Don't get me wrong CNY is great, a happy time, a time to spend with the family, and a time to get some money. The tradition of receiving money from the elderly and couplesis always followed. I may sound cheap, but hey, I work and saving is not really a concept that goes well with me. So I suppose receiving money from people is no bad thing. I don't feel that ashamed when I receive money that kids get as well. Hell, its tradition, and people don't mind.
I have decided that this CNY, I won't go crazy with the cleaning, and just do cleaning that doesn't need me to rearrange the whole flat in a 'looking for the treasure' type of way. Also, to give myself more time, I have started early, and I'm pleased to say that, even with 1 week to go before the festivities start, I have managed to do some cleaning, which just leaves some small places to clean.
As with all jobs, we all have deadlines. today, tomorrow, next week, and all holidays...xmas, easter...etc..etc.. That list also includes CNY, but this one scares me....why? because, being in the print industry, printers have a crazy holiday of about 10days(thats more than some people get in 1 year!!) which really screws our schedule. Also CNY is on different days each year, February one year, January the next... So the workload can be bad or can be mad.
Anyway, back to the CNY rant, 1 week to go, and a few more things to do, but with work this week being mad, it looks like its going to be a hell of a week...
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