New running shoes - Nike Air Pegasus 2007+

I have started running again recently. I was an avid runner all my life until I picked up badminton seven years ago and badminton gradually became my only sport. I have recently blogged that I ruptured my knee ligament (ACL - anterior cruciate ligament) playing badminton and i put off badminton for six months. As part of the recovery process, my sports doctor advised me to do some jogging to strengthen the muscles around my knee. So slowly I picked up running again and am enjoying the feeling of running. Dana (my dog) is my running companion and I noticed her stamina is improving together with mine.

My wife bought me a new pair of running shoes today when we went shopping at Raffles City. This is the current model of Nike Air Pegasus. The sales assistant at the Nike shop very kindly gave us a staff discount of 15% although the shoe, being a current model, was a nett price model. The final price after discount was $137.45.

I tried a few shoes, including a few models at New Balance, but found the Air Pegasus to have the best 'first-fit' feel. And immediately after returning home, I went for a run with Dana and found the Air Pegasus to be a very solid running shoe.

A few shots of my prized Air Pegasus.

Here's what Nike.com has to say about the Air Pegasus:

Welcome the newest incarnation of the Men's Nike Air Pegasus+2007. Already legendary for its fit and cushioning, the Air Pegasus shoe now boasts even more shock-absorbing PU crash pads and Air-Sole units. A tough new BRS 1000 carbon rubber heel and sticky rubber forefoot grip the road for strong traction. Breathable mesh and synthetic overlays keep your feet snug without squishing your toes.

The Air Pegasus has come a long way since its 1989 model which my brother Ben bought when we were in secondary school. That was his first branded shoe. I recall we took a bus from our old place in Marsiling and all the way to Queensway Shopping Centre to purchase those shoes. Ben, this photo (taken from some website) is for you to reminisce about those days.

CNY 2008

Chinese New Year is on

7 Feb 08, Thursday.

Looking forward to the celebrations!

X'mas Gathering 2007

Finally, the long awaited day was here. For me and wife, preparation started in the afternoon. The emphasis was making our place presentable -- tidying, vaccuming the floor and mopping it. Thereafter, I was off, together with Dana, to fetch Jinglun, Ben and wife and Snowy.

My bro GH and his wife AL made a X'mas tree for the occasion and it was a novel suspended tree complete with decoration and lights. See photo below.
In all, there were 15 persons for the dinner. As usual, there was too much food, so we had to distribute food to the various families. Thanks to all who brought food to share. I particularly enjoyed the leg of ham that the Lee Family brought. Aunt Jac also took time to bake a chocolate chip cake. Ben also fried 2 kg of prawns (bought by my dad) and sausages (bought by me and wife). Alec's mum fried a mountain-full of beehoon and made a very delicious Achar. GH and AL ordered Old Chang Kee finger food to round up the menu.
Let's take a look at the photos.



The reluctant being photographed.
Jinglun didn't like the wine Ben brought, so he resorted to this.

Haisong chummy with Dana. Hope this lasts haha.
The dogs got a X'mas gift each from their Ah Ma.
Final task of the day: exchange of presents.

海南之行9 - 文昌小吃：鸡粪藤 （Chicken Dung Dessert)

白天看起来只是一排停车位，其实一到了晚上便摇身成热闹，老少咸宜的糖水档口，而卖的便是一种很特别的糖水 -- 鸡粪藤。

白天的停车场。

夜晚的糖水档。

这就是鸡粪藤，用的汤是姜汤，姜味够浓，够辣。回到了新加坡还是念念不忘。

但鸡粪藤到底是什么？请到以下网页： http://www.hq.xinhuanet.com/photo/2006-09/19/content_8075456.htm

简陋的档口却是大家喜欢聚集的角落。

糖水档的桌子，经历了多少食客的敲打和欢笑。

海南之行8 - 天涯海角（Sanya Sights 2）

三亚的另一个著名景点就是“天涯海角”。海南岛位于中国的最南部，竟然在岛的最南部，这便是海角了！为什么是天涯呢，便不得而知了。

一大早便驱车从宾馆赶到景点。路途间匆匆地吃了早餐。
热烘烘的包子！
景点入门票不便宜。
风景明媚。

父母在英雄赵鼎的肖像前留影。

谁是赵鼎呢？ 看看简介：
到“天涯海角”其实就是看一群天然的石头。最著名的就是刻着“天涯”和“海角”的石头。刚巧有一对新人也在拍婚照。


其他的石雕。


母亲很喜欢这块石头所刻的讯息。

其他的照片。

海南之行7 - 家常便饭 (Home cooked food)

Auntie Yung introduced us to another of her nieces called Ah Yen. Ah Yen was working as front desk for one of the hotels in Wenchang. My mum said that Ah Yen has grown plump since the last my mum saw her two years ago.

Auntie Yung with Ah Yen.

During our last two days in Wenchang, Auntie Yung graciously invited us for lunch at her place and Ah Yen was the main cook and what a cook she was. Normally, I am very hesitant to have home cooked food but I was very impressed with Ah Yen's culinary skills. Take a look at the variety of dishes she whipped up. Besides Wenchang chicken, the fried fish was good and so was the soya sauce chicken. My parents especially liked the simply boiled pork whiched tasted wicked with the special dip that Auntie Yung prepared.

Having a happy meal together.

海南之行6 - 三亚名胜1, 南海观音 (Sanya Sights)

著名的南海观音便建在南山。对了！这就是“福如东海，寿比南山”的南山了。 这尊观音像是整个南山文化旅游区的主要景点了。来看看简介：
从远处看南山。
除了高180m的庄严观音像，整个南山文化旅游区还有许多的景点供游人参观，包括寺院等等。

在南山寺前留影。在左边的是司机符阿姨，在中间是带领我们游玩的荣阿姨。

与父母合照。很高兴能在父母还有精力时，和他们一同游玩。