Adventure Trip - Part 4

Doing a debrief after every activity

"You stand here", says Japheth.


I swallowed hard.


"OK", I answered in my bravest voice.


It was past 10pm. There was hardly any breeze that night. I was afraid that it might rain... I don't want to get soaked. There was no shades. There was no way I could escape this. They have even provided a poncho. Which means, rain or no rain... Solo Hour is happening.


Surrounded by bushes left and right, I decided to sit on my Poncho. Ouch. The floor is very hard. But better than standing. I could see the moon peeping through the high branches of the trees. My! There was a firefly walking through some weeds, dried leaves and wet earth, just in front of me. How cute. A dot of light in the dark night. No torch light, no campfire, no streetlights, no mobile phone light, just firefly and me.


What in the world do people do for a whole hour in the middle of the jungle?


No laptop?


No mobile phone?


No TV?


No MP3, MP4, Radio, etc.


Its part of the Adventure program... Solo Hour. Meaning, solo. Alone. Nobody around. Just me, myself and I. Lone Ranger and no Tonto. *blink blink* What to do?


Reflective mood sets in when you don't get distractions. Which is almost impossible in our age, time and technology filled lives. But when I actually sat down and started to quiet myself, I could actually hear myself breathing. The birds chirping too loudly than preferred (considering its really dark and I am standing alone all by myself). So many thoughts flooded my mind, especially concerning the schedules and busyness of my life and of course mostly involving my children. Juggling all the things we want to do... And talking to God.


Then suddenly....


From the corner of my eyes, I saw a figure, as if standing. It was dark, so I could not be too sure if that was Jus who was suppose to be the nearest person standing away from me or .... No, no. I should not scare myself silly. After all, I am a Mother who tells their children that, "You shoud not be afraid, Jesus is always with you." La la la la la ... I am not afraid. La la la la. I must not scared. Its just darkness. I am a grown adult. No fear *trying to calm myself*


I was in that dilemma for a good 15 mins, I think, since I did not have a watch.


After the whole session was over, I spoke to Jus and asked him how come he look small most of the time and suddenly standing tall the next? I was really curious. Having had fear inflicted on me in such an unnecessary way. "I had to pee lah", admited Jus *sheepish smile* What can I say? When you are in the midst of nature, you might have nature's call.


Phew, I didn't have an encounter.


The 2 day 1 night Adventure Program was totally enjoyable. I did some stuffs which I have not done before and some I have not done for a long time. If you are interested to join any of their program, visit their website here.


BTW, since joining the program I have been convinced that what they are doing is something really wonderful, beneficial, meaningful and great for the young and not-so-young alike. So, I have joined them as a part-time staff in the area of Admin.


If you are 18 years old and above, you can join them as a volunteer Instructor. Its great to able to be such a great blessing to many other young people and enjoying the outdoors all at the same time. Trainings are provided for free.

Adventure Trip - Part 2

*Puffing* *hyper ventilating* "How far is the journey?" Realising that I have only just begun. In my panting overworked heart, I had enough. My muscles was screaming for help and my lack-of-exercise limps was ready to give up about 2 minutes after I started!


Mountain biking... Why? Why was it created in the first place? To torture lack-of-exercise people like me, obviously. No, no... I think it was created for human beings such as my Sons... Who has limitless energy and needed some releasing.


*still puffing*

"You can do it".

"Take your time".

"Try resting".


En & Angel, the Instructors cheered me on. I was embarrassed that I was holding the 20-years-old-something participants from an early arrival at the destination.


I tried. I really did.


I never knew gravity to pull this hard when going on mountain biking in FRIM. There must be some kind of sabotage going on... The uneven uphill path, pebbles and wet earth everywhere was no help either.


After what seemed to be forever.... At last, we arrived at the destination. I was never this happy to meet any team members as I did that afternoon. They sat nicely chatting away while I was still grasping for air.

This was before I almost died...

I vowed to exercise after leaving this program *expression of determination* But. Will I live through this?


To be continued......

Adventure Trip - Part 1

I am an adventurous person by nature. I like doing outdoor adventure stuffs... provided it does not take too much of my energy.


Over the weekend, I went for an Adventure Program.


It was one of the most physically challenging program I have been to. I mean, I haven't been to a lot... *sheepish smile* I usually go and do something adventurous but not as organised as this. I get to "give-up" whenever I want... But not this Adventure Program. The Instructors are so encouraging in "pushing" me forward and not give up.


A group of 7 of us gathered, not too far from the entrance of FRIM, Kepong. All of us looking at each other, not really knowing exactly what to expect.


The program started with warm up games, getting-to-know-you games and many more for about 3 hours. I totally enjoyed the games, it was so much of fun!!!! I laughed and laughed and laughed. It was great! Mentally I felt young but unfortunately, my body feels much much older than that. I chose to slowly walk rather than run whilst the other guys and gals (half of my age) was busy zipping by. Nevermind. I have my ways of conserving energy (I didn't know how much I needed it....).


After lunch, the program was mountain biking. But. If it rains, we can skip it to the next program. I was hoping it would rain. Yes it did. But. It stopped just as we were about to go for mountain biking. How fortunate, for me...


I cycle, sometimes but have never done mountain biking. The uneven and uphill terrain was a real challenge for me. I mean, real challenge. I struggled so much that I was going to turn back towards camp. The Instructors were gently nudging me ahead.


to be continued .....

Sleepover, Ice Skating & Fun

My nephew and niece came over to stay during their school holidays. This is their first time sleeping over at our place. Previously we stayed at their home, twice, so they got used to us. That was when we returned from Bangkok for holidays. So, this was a good thing because none of them made any fuss. Even the little girl.


Incidentally we were invited by a friend who was celebrating her son's 6 years old birthday, who decided to have it at Sunway Pyramid, Ice Skating. We have been to the ice skating in Bangkok various times but not the one at Sunway Pyramid.


Eventhough it's advertised to be the biggest in Malaysia, its still half the size of the one in Bangkok. Still enjoyable, I must say.

Timmy was extremely brave eventhough its his first time ice skating

I can't believe this! She is so gung-ho that she will just hold on to the side and walk around the rink without help

Joel's new friend

Everyone freezing... Ethaniel didn't want to play... There was once that he fell badly while skating in Bangkok. So, paranoia rules!

The children enjoyed themselves immensely. I promise to come back on another day when its not this crowded. A weekday will be nicer.