Sunday, April 30, 2006

The 'Thon Girl

Hey, I did it. Joined my first 'thon of any kind.... ;) Went for the Young NTUC (gulp!) Dualthon which consisted of a short run and an even shorter swim. It was nice of Ray to come along and support his wife in this masa- masad event - especially when she'd been throwing up since the day before....(well actually, still am)

I am also thankful for my hubby for marrying me and as a result forcing me to get into running (as a last-minute desperate act to fit into my gown), and Serene for being a shining example and positive influence.

Like she said, it's all mental. Of course she says it after 20km. I? 2km...

Hey, we've all got to start somewhere.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Happy Birthday to Chicklet

Happy Birthday to me!!!!

Hubby not here (a new hat trick? He's already done it with Valentine's Day...). Went for run. Walked dogs. Swam during lunch break. I am looking forward to CAKE!
Serene swam 15 laps in the time I did 10. I was about to console myself that I ran this morning when she broke the news that she also ran this morning. Damndamndamn. Young people. Can't live with them, can't catch up with 'em! Man, I feel 30 plus...

Hope to get some yummy nasi lemak for dinner. Supposed to meet up with Derrick and fellow aunty Adeline (the dog groomer).

Apparently, I share my birthday with Adolf Hitler. Gulp.

Monday, April 24, 2006

Mao: The Unknown Story

I must say, so far I am not impressed by June Chang's version of the Chinese leader (tyrant?). I've read several biographies on him, as well as stories set in the Communist era, and all were infinitely better than Ms Chang's tome. Even Red Azelea.

Mao: The Unknown Story rambles on, and does not offer much detail or depth to truly grip the reader. Alot of research, and it's as if she was determined to squeeze it all in. Sigh. And I am only a quarter through it.

I particularly enjoyed the Private Life of Chairman Mao by Li Zhi Sui. Partly because it's got juicy bits, but more because the way it was written, well you could believe the guy (Li was Mao's physician). You were transported into his world, you could see it...

Well, I shall give Ms Chang the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps I should read it alongside Mao: A Life by Philip Short. It seems to be other recommended Mao title at the moment.