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I'm ending my year with presents galore and a stuffed tummy. Festive buffets at Keppel Club, Marriott; dinner gatherings at Crystal Jade, Dome and home delivery junk food like curry chicken Golden Pillow! I've been eating non-stop, I'm just stuffed! As of today, I am on a detox fruits program, but it wouldn't last very long with New Year's Eve around the corner. So as soon I clear my system off those oily, greasy, sugar coated goodies I've consumed during the week... I will replace it with a belly full of beer!

It's quite hard to believe that I have lived through yet another year; as of now - 364 days of 2005. The year brought with it new challenges, a deepening of faith, a cultivation of relationships and joys of new discoveries. There were so many moments that made this year special. When something good passes, there's always this bitter sweet feeling... then the anticipation and fear of the unknown in another year... This year, I had my fair share of laughters and tears; for all it's worth... I'm proud of all the experiences I have encountered.

And so the journey of Life will continue into 2006...
Give thanks for everyday of 2005 and Have a fantastic 2006!

*Peace*

The presents are wrapped, labeled and placed under the Christmas Tree; guarded by my trusty reindeer. The shopping spree was quite an adventure, more because there are just tons of insane people at the malls. Hands filled with shopping bags, long queues at wrapping counters, wide smiles on children faces. The thought that your present will actually light up someone’s day. I’m just happy that the mad shopping saga is over. This year I am too late for snail mail card delivery. Thank God for Email!

We're about 10 days to Christmas.
Finally I'm able to adjust myself full swing into the mood after a hectic week of job deadlines and late nights. I'm still extremely sleepy with dark panda eyed rings. On a happy note, the money will go to good use for the Christmas season and my bike. I'm gearing myself for the holidays; I want to make Christmas Cards, come out with a Christmas Gift List, go shopping, clean up my house a little, give something to the poor and perhaps spend a little quiet time.

Now that I am giving Christmas more thought, it seems to come across more like a period to reflect on 'Being Christ' to the people around.
This year, the youth in STYG will be making a very meaningful weekend trip up to Boys' Home in Bintan. They will be experiencing what 'under privilege' means and appreciating what each has been blessed. I would have made the trip if the dates had not clash with my D&D and also the Journey Within session. Guess there will always be other occasions. Wishing the group an eventful and safe journey - I'm sure it'll be a good one.

This year for a long time had been a good one - in an overall kind of way; and looking deeper into the world around me and realising that I am truly one of the more blessed souls, I somehow wish I can do 'more'. More what, more how or more when... I haven't really figured out. Maybe I'll come to realise that next year.

So this Christmas, I'm just contented to spend it with my family, friends and baby Jesus. Just to let them all know, they mean something in my life.

It's funny the responses I got from my 'kind' friends on the bruised & scratched situation that I am in.
Extracts of some of the comments to let you know what I really mean...

"tat was quite a nasty fall .. how on earth did u get yrself so badly hurt ??? yr leg looks like braised pig trotters ...hahaha .."

"u damn funny lor..... ur photos looks like those gruelsome photos in those chinese medicine shops, whenever they wanna sell those miraclous healing ointments.. hee
okie...sorry, don't think it's very funny to you hor....:P
aiyoh, u just learn how to cycle issit? how come u can fall while going downhill? u didn't brake issit? or maybe ur bike too high?"

"saw ur disfigured body parts on the net, so r u okie now?"

"nice work ... i love the commentary on the picture .. do u know it can actually be sang as a song?"

"get well soon. and for god sake learn how to ride a bike....
http://www.bhsi.org/kidteach.htm"

In all fairness, you folks were truly sweet. I am blessed...
The bruises have turned a pale shade of brown but it's still visible. I'm giving it another week to clear completely.

Check out those gigantic bruises I'm suffering since my bike fall at Sentosa over the weekend. I hate mentioning the fact that I wasn't doing some awesome stunt that landed me in this state, but just some lame downhill mis-handling.

Fortunately no one saw me fall, except Derek... and seriously, although I know it looks damn awful, the cuts and bruises should heal soon enough.

Unfortunately, my spanking new Scott bike suffered the same fate as me :(

I gave myself a early Christmas treat! A maroon red and dark grey Scott Contessa 30 Woman Mountain Bike (2004)!
And together with that, I got 2 bruised palms and scratched knees from a skid fall while going downhill towards Sentosa Cove.

I toped up a Catlike Kompact Pro helmet which cost 1/3 the bike price! With accidents like that, the $150 bucks is certainly well spent.

I so need my AWS now!

The Tech Specs:

Frame: Scott; round PG-tubing; Solution geometry
Fork: Manitou SIX; Coil / Spring; 80mm
Headset: Ritchey LP
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore; RD-M510 / 24 Speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-MC 18
Shifters: Shimano Alivio; SL-MC20, RF-fire plus; w/gear indicator,black
Brakelevers: Scott Comp
Brakes: Scott Comp; Tektro SCB-34-AL
Crankset: Shimano; FC-MC20-L, silver; 24x34x42 T
BB-Set: C-H / CH 51
Handlebar: Scott Comp Solution; Aricle YC-210-601; 580mm, black
H'stem: HL TDS-C45-8 Ahead D.B-Clamp, black; 1-1/8" / 15° rise
Pedal: Wellgo; LU-998-S
Seatpost: HL - 233
Seat: Scott VC-2N Solution
Hub front: Formula CO-31
Hub rear: Shimano FH-MC-18
Chain: Shimano CN-IG51
Cassette: Shimano Alivio; CS-HG50-8 11-30
Spokes: CN silver
Rims: Alesa ZAC-19; Alloy black D-Wall UP
Tires: Ritchey Speed Max Black sidewall; 26 x 1.95 / 27TPI