Me, just me

I am 40 years old as I write this. I have lived a good life; I have loved and being loved, I have scored the winning goal for my team, I have performed in an orchestra, I have acquired qualifications and certifications, I have impacted the lives of many children in a positive manner, and I have made my sole-living parent proud.

Professionally, as a coach, I have produced medalists in both State and National levels. I have also written an article which has been published in a National Publication. I have coached swimmers at both State and National levels, and I have even trained swimmers at State and National levels. Finally, I've also represented my state as State Coach and my country as a National Coach in numerous swimming championships.

My swimmers may forget me and my efforts for them. But I shall never forget them. I have reached the apex of my career. I cannot think of what else I desire apart from what I've accomplished or acquired.

A slithery surprise

I came home to find this on my porch:

At first, I thought it was a bag of stuff I had taken out of my Waja and absent-mindedly left it on the chair. But upon closer inspection, I discovered this instead:

It turned out to be a baby/juvenile ular sawa, maybe less than six months old but more than 3 feet in length. It probably showed up after the heavy rain the day before, but it sure scared the crap out of me.

I called 991 but it took them a more than 30 minutes to show up to get rid of the slithery pest. Fortunately, this little guy was kind enough to stay put on the chair and not decide to slither inside the house to get more cosy.

Thanks to 991 and Jabatan Pertahanan Awam for removing this critter.

Insanity week

This week, I've turned down two job offers that pay double than what I'm getting today. Am I insane? Probably. My lady friend tells me I've gone bonkers. My finances tell me that I'm broke.

But my heart tells me that I'm doing the right thing.

"Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have."

I'm happy with what I have. What I have is little and pathetic, but I'm happy with it.

Better to be happy with what little you have than be miserable with the riches of the world.

A new toy

While everyone's excited about the 13th General Elections tomorrow, I'm excited about my new toy.

The Big 4-0

This April, I celebrated my 40th birthday. Yes, I've hit the big 4-0.

So much white hair have appeared on my head that I've given up looking for them. But no, I've yet to experience mid-life crisis (or maybe I'm there already?).

I celebrated my 40th birthday with my colleague Kenneth Lok and some of my swimmers and ex-swimmers, namely, Weng Tatt, Eusoff, Elyas, Sean Pang and John Lee. We had an excellent dinner at Seoul Garden in Queensbay Mall, and then we spent the time reminiscing about the past, about PISA Swimming Team, and about absent friends.

After dinner, we adjourned to Starbucks for a drink and some cake, but had to end our activity early as the following day was a school day.

That night was an wonderful night for me. It was the best time that I've spent with my swimmers in years. For once, I felt loved and appreciated by my former and current swimmers. For once, I felt that my existance on this planet actually impacted other people's lives.

When I got home, I opened the birthday present these guys got for me. It was a Casio Edifice analog wrist watch.

And it even has my name engraved on its casing.

 

I was so very moved and touched by this gift.

As corny as it may sound, but I've always wanted a wrist watch like this. All the wrist watches that I've ever owned are imitation and fakes bought from Jelutong market or the Lorong Kulit flea market. By far, this is the most valuable wrist watch that I've ever owned, not only because of its cost, but also because of the sentimental value and because of the love and gratitude packaged with it.

To top it off, the watch's bracelet actually fits my wrist perfectly. This shows how well my swimmers know me. My only regret is the enormous cost it must have set these non-earning kids back to get this expensive present for me.

To all of you, I say "thank you, thank you so very much".

I must also express my appreciation to the Chang family, who although had only known me since a few months earlier, took the trouble to organize a birthday-do with cake for me in their apartment. I was thoroughly embarassed but admirably touched by your kind and thoughtful gestures.

Here, I've learned and experienced something new: "Swimmers come and swimmers go. But as long as you're appreciated and remembered, you'll live in their hearts forever."

Happy New Year 2013

Nope, you won't find any photos of fireworks in this post. I welcomed in 2013 from the comforts of my home.

For me, 2012 started out with uncertainty and ended with much unhappiness, worry and disappointment. I'm sad to note that I'll be entering 2013 with the same feeling I left 2012. To top it off, I'll be hitting the big 4-0 this year.

I'll be a year older and hopefully a year wiser. I like to think that I'm like the old saying ... that like wine, I mature as I grow older. Sadly to say, that has not proven true for the last 39 years.

But I'm hoping that this year will be better than the last. It has to be. I pray that it will be.

Happy 2013 everyone!