Ow, ow and ow!

A paragraph from my current read "Sputnik Sweetheart" by Haruki Murakami:

No man should go through life without once experiencing healthy, even bored solitude in the wilderness, finding himself depending solely on himself and thereby learning his true and hidden strength.

It is interesting how people find it difficult to be in solitude. They think they are in solitude, but in actuality, they are still dependent emotionally on a particular presence. Is it so difficult to be in solitude?

I also like the article by Lee Wei Ling on the Sunday papers where she wrote about "persisting, despite everything". I am very much one with an internal locus of control, and I am aligned with her writing that "No matter the trials, one must roll with the punches and carry on with life." Don't depend on some higher forces or someone else, you yourself can make things and live life better.

That said, I had a great Sunday cable-skiing. I think I have mastered the technique of ski-ing off without clumsy falls in the waters. I even managed a round and a half, much to the delight of the instructor. It was quite some fun. The only complaint I have is the immense aches I am currently suffering, my neck to my butt. I have no idea why my butt hurts, but yes it does. And I am sunburnt! Ugh!

Where is the wind?

Last Saturday was my maiden venture into wind-surfing. Alas, the weather wasn't too perfect. It was rainy and cold, and the waters at East Coast were in terrible conditions. You get litter, wooden bits and insect swarms. Ew! What's worse, you tend to fall very frequently with the frothy waves that swamped in after a storm. Grrr.

Then again, it was a good workout. Don't underestimate the strength needed to pull the surf up, it's really heavy! Good training for arms and back muscles. I won't mind going back. But this weekend's adrenaline dose will come from ...... cable-skiing!

Please let the weather gods be kind. Sun, we need the merciless sunshine!

Maybe

Two weak-willed persons are good for each other?

Two were once my closer friends. Now, one of them has shown himself to be the biggest lying/cheating bastard in the world. The other has.... disppointedly decided to condone his act.

Well, it is her choice. But I guess, I have to make my choice then.

Goodbye, Gramps.

Grandpa has passed away suddenly this morning.

I wonder if he is happier, where he is.

Types of Therapy

Here is my planned list of therapies to heal thyself.

Intensive Sports Therapy
Exercise releases endorphins, which in turn cause us to have what is commonly known as a "natural high" or a "runners high". I run harder, faster and longer. I lift weights, the heavier the better. I stretch beyond my usual limits, glad to feel physical pain. Give me muay thai, kick-boxing, wind-surfing... anything to release this pent-up angst. Bring them on!

Massage Therapy
After a week of crazy exercise therapy whereby I worked out consecutively for 5 days - running, physical training, jumpboard, muay thai, etc, I suddenly felt fatigued and burnt out. My muscles were aching so badly, I had difficulties just sitting down. I booked myself a session of massage, and had the best masseuse ever. She was soothing, and unknitted all the tension in my muscles with her magical touch. Miraculously, all physical, mental and emotional pain ebbed away for the moment. I slept fitfully that night.

Task Therapy
Giving myself tasks to take up mental/creative energy help tremendously. My entrepreneurial friends are suddenly (and hopefully pleasantly) surprised with my enthusiasim in designing electronic direct mail, magazine advertisements and web sites. I have also taken to reading journal articles on consumer behaviour, creativity and innovation management to see if I could be inspired to pursue any research topics. And yes, as you can see, I have also re-started my blogging efforts and picking up my wacom pen to do random doodlings. Anyone has any entrepreneurial projects? Rope me in!

Tragic Readings Therapy
Reading about tragedies put things into perspective. My problems seem miniscule, compared to what people around the world is experiencing. Were my parents swept away by a tsunami? Did I have to experience the trauma of having my son call me just before his plane crash into World Trade Centre to say goodbye? No. I should be grateful and contented. We should all appreciate the beauty of the world, instead of nit-picking the ugliness.

Well, the gist of this is to keep busy!

Chocolate Tart Therapy

I think when one goes to sleep, the brain rests while the heart is very much active. As such, rationale disappears and emotions rein. That explains why my sleep has been very unfitful for the past two weeks. Once awake, things get better as sweet objective rationale takes over.

On other matters, I promised my team to bake something as a celebratory effort when all project papers got approved. This weekend, I embarked on baking a new recipe, despite an easier option of the familiar Linzer Torte. Let's bake something I'd like to eat for once, I thought. I got a recipe from Epicurious and set down to baking with Elaine.

I am pleased to say that it is quite a success. Yippee.

Voila!