Well for one, the day when the world did NOT end was pretty memorable. Phew! But it was yet another milestone-packed 365 days for me, and for that, I feel extremely blessed : )
Larian 40 Taman 100km
After catching the running bug last year, I started a community running project to promote healthy living and the appreciation of neighbourhood parks called Larian 40 Taman 100km. As I'm writing this, we have completed 37 out of 40 parks and it has been a really, really rewarding journey.
Harry Fotografi
Created and co-wrote this comedy series that went on-air on TV9 back in February.
Year 3 On MHI
Started out as an "accidental host" and now I'm truly enjoying every moment of it; from making potato salads and burgers, to interviewing local and international stars, and all manner of ordinary and extraordinary people. And oh yeah, even got my own Tia on the show. Cronyism at its best!
The British 10k London Run
Brunei was my first overseas run, and my personal best would have been clocked at another event in London in September, but this July event was the run of the year for me. It was challenging, emotional and fun, all at the same time. Read all about it HERE...
Moved To A New Pad
Woohoo!
The Great Ocean Road Drive
It was our first time in Melbourne and we covered more than 1,000 kms, going up a mountain for snow fun and to an island to meet the penguins. But the highlight of highlights was indeed the drive along the Great Ocean Road that culminated in cool helicopter ride over the Twelve Apostles. What a day!
The Makeover
Got on the scale one day and saw that I've lost more than 15kgs since early last year. And I've gone from XL to M, and from 35 to 32 waist. Mission next year; to be good enough for a fitness mag cover model gig. Haha.
Back To School!
Left for the UK for a month to do an intensive film-making course and finally directed my first short film. Watch it HERE...
Mamak Cupcake
After a two-year wait, my first feature film went into production this past November. Yup, what a dream come true it was. The film will be released in late 2013, and in the meantime, more screenplays are on the cards. And hopefully, directing's in there somewhere as well for me :)
Before I forget, allow me to just say thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes, gifts and surprises! Yup, turned 41 on the 8th and it turned out to be a fine day for more than one reason.
On the eve of my birthday, I walked into my office very early in the morning and was totally surprised by the room makeover given by my team. The gifts weren't bad either :)
And on the 8th itself, I started the day by doing a Larian 40 Taman and having a quiet dinner with the fam later on. Nothing too fancy, but it was more than enough to commemorate the day...
And really, there's so much more for me to look forward to this coming year. I've never felt fitter in my life, and there projects and trips lined up that would hopefully see me hitting brand new milestones in 2013. Again, thanks everyone!
All the cliches fit here: "Pejam celik, pejam celik, dah nak sampai pun", "Time flies when you're having fun", etc.
Yes indeed, it does feel like it was only yesterday that I launched my own community running project called "Larian 40 Taman, 100km". The objective's simple; to run at 40 different parks within one year with the local community and encourage a healthy lifestyle amongst Malaysians.
The first run was held at Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya on the 14th of January and as at today, we have completed 37 parks all across the country, and yes, a couple international runs as well.
It's been a blast, really. For starters, I've made quite a number of new friends with a passion in running and it's been wonderful discovering all these parks in the country. Yes, Larian 40 Taman is not only a Klang Valley-centric project, but we've also been to Johor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Sabah, Sarawak, Perak, Penang and Putrajaya.
Youth Park, Penang
Lake Gardens, Seremban
Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir, Selangor
And as mentioned, I've also included in the list a few iconic international parks like Hyde Park in London and Albert Park in Melbourne.
Albert Park, Melbourne
To be perfectly honest, it's been a fun, yet challenging ride. I mean, it is quite a commitment to gather people every Saturday morning to run, and it's quite common to receive SMSes at the last minute saying, "Sorry bang, terlajak tidur!". Hehe.
And since I have early mornings on Thursdays and Fridays hosting MHI, I often do felt like it was tough waking up early on Saturdays myself!
We've also had two long breaks. Once for Ramadhan, and then in September, when I left to do my film-making course in London, something I hadn't planned for in 2012.
The run count also felt rather slow in the beginning, especially when people kept saying, "Ooo, banyak lagi!". Damn, that was a morale-sapper right there. But since hitting the 3-0 mark, things have felt rather quick, and here I am, just three more parks to hit the much-awaited FOUR ZERO.
Taman Botani Perdana, KL
Taman Budaya, Kuching
Special shoutouts must go to all who've been such great supporters of the run. We now even have a "Larian 40 Taman" team, that will also be competing in our second relay race in January after the Ekiden Run back in May.
The handsome dudes of Team Larian 40 Taman. Hehe
And oh yes, if you're planning to join the final run, it will be at Taman Lembah Kiara, TTDI. I haven't decided on the date yet, but I am expecting a big turn out for this one. Till then, keep on running folks!
By now, everyone should know what's at stake; the AFF Suzuki Cup crown will slip from our grasp should we lose in Bangkok in the semifinal 2nd leg this weekend. A win or a high-scoring draw would mean we are through to the finals.
In all honesty, the 1-1 draw last Sunday was a fair result. We played well, but the Thais also played a good away game; waiting to pounce on any defensive lapses on the home team's part.
BUT, I am pretty confident of getting a good result in Bangkok. Thailand aren't superior in any part of the field and I believe our players have the character to pull this one off!
Meantime, here are some snaps from the first semi at Stadium Bukit Jalil...
The world needs more banjo-driven music. Especially when it's this good.
Three awesome movies in a great package...
Zombies have always, always been way cooler than vampires lah...
Who knew there's still a lot of depth left in this bunch of nerdy (and one sexy) characters?
This book will change your life. Trust me.
Great stores, fine halal makan places and a spectacular view of the Olympic Park. What more could
