Personal - Swimming Theme #12

Hi Blog,

Learning to Float... Swimming has always been something I love, yet even in the water, my mind doesn’t fully escape. I take pictures of myself in my swimming trunks, documenting my journey, but each time I do, I wonder—am I trying to appreciate myself, or am I just looking for proof that I don’t measure up?

There’s a strange comfort in swimming, where I can feel weightless, but at the same time, the moment I step out of the water, I’m back to reality. Seeing fitness influencers with their sculpted bodies reminds me of my own struggles with self-acceptance.

Some of my friends, with good intentions, tell me to stop wasting time feeling lousy and to take control of my life. "Work harder, earn more, prioritize, get a gym membership, eat clean." I understand where they are coming from, but they don't see the full picture of my life. It’s not just about putting in effort—it’s about balancing everything.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #107

Hi Blog,

Running against my thoughts. Jogging is often seen as a way to clear the mind, but for me, it’s more than that. It’s a quiet battle between my thoughts and my feet, between what I feel and what I know. Every step I take is not just about fitness but about pushing through the emotions that weigh me down. Recently, I realized that jogging, which was supposed to be my escape, also became a reminder of my struggles with self-image and societal expectations.

It all started when a well-meaning friend shared images of fitness influencers with sculpted bodies, captioned with words about dedication, hard work, and achieving one’s dream physique.

On the surface, these messages were meant to inspire, but for me, they became a trigger. Instead of motivation, they reminded me of what I lacked. I know I should only compare myself to my past self, not others, but it’s hard when society worships a specific kind of "ideal."

Personal - Swimming Theme #11

Happy Snakey Year Blog,

In my swimming theme series number 11, the snake—represented by a straight line—symbolizes the zodiac sign of the snake. But beyond just a symbol, the snake holds a deeper meaning for me. As I reflect on my life, I realize how much I relate to its nature.

I attempted to take photos here, but a friendly lifeguard advised me not to because some swimmers disliked it, so I avoided it. As a result, my swimming theme #11 remained incomplete.

Snakes are resilient creatures. Despite their soft, flexible bodies, they have a fierce will to survive. They navigate harsh environments, relying on keen perception and decisive action. This reminds me that while adaptability is important, perseverance is just as crucial. No matter how difficult life gets, I must hold on to my goals and keep pushing forward, even when self-doubt creeps in.

Perhaps the most powerful trait of a snake is its ability to shed its skin—a painful yet necessary process of renewal. With each shedding, it grows stronger, leaving behind what no longer serves it.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #106

Hi Blog,

These were monsoon days, and I was not motivated to go for a jog because the ground was wet or raining... Plus, there were long unfinished posts in December and a heavy workload in January... I hoped to regain my jogging motivation...

I tried to reflect on why I had lost motivation. I know that workload, weather, and unfinished posts all impact me, but I believe it is primarily because I have gained weight. Sigh.

Here's a collection of me in trisuits and jogging, expressing my inability to break free from the fat web... I finished this theme early last year, and now I am looking at my fat stomach... I just started to hate myself...

Personal - Incomplete Swimming Theme #0

Hi Blog,

It had been over a year since my last visit to this swimming pool, so I published this incomplete swimming theme post. Since Bedok Hometeam is so easily accessible, I doubt I will be able to visit Tampines Safra, a place that belongs to many demigods or "merman".

I don't have a picture of that pool so let's create one from Ai! 😂

Looking back, boring themes could have been deleted; why did I post them? Just demonstrating the amount of effort put into gathering the photos by striking the same posts is time-consuming and uneasy; I should learn to recognise every effort that I have made rather than dismissing it easily. Even though it was not finished, the main message was "At least I tried."

Personal - Suits for the Theme #102

Hi Blog,

For the past few years, I’ve been on a journey to stay fit while capturing moments of wearing different trisuits in the same spot. This one is my #102 trisuit post, it still amazes me how what started as a small gesture has now become a motivating factor in my life. Looking back at my #1 in March 2018, I realize that it had been six years already!

Yeah, it might seem a little strange, but each photo serves as a reminder that I'm taking care of myself - whether I'm going for a run or just keeping track of my progress.

It's my way of acknowledging my dedication and reminding myself that even the smallest actions, such as getting ready for a run in my trisuit, can have a big impact.

Blog - August Overview

Hi Blog,

After July, I had a clear aim for my life, but there were some unresolved backlogs, specifically relating to friendship. I will share in general, when meeting new people, we often encounter individuals who initially appear genuine and sincere. There’s a certain hope that this new connection could lead to something meaningful for one another, even though my past experiences have taught me to be cautious and I am also trying to understand that not everyone will have content to discuss besides personal objectives. Personally, opening up to someone new is always a gamble, but it's a risk we take in the hopes of forming a true bond.

Sometimes, however, the intentions of others can be a mix of friendship and something more. Even when I try to set boundaries and communicate my discomfort, the lines can get blurred. My hope to preserve a friendship often leads me to make concessions, even when, I know it might not end well.

After an encounter that involved crossing the line, the nature of the relationship changed, just as I had expected. The closeness we once felt began to fade, replaced by distance and fewer conversations. I feel regretful and blame myself for allowing things to reach this point, especially when I sensed and mentioned the potential for disappointment from the start, only to be dismissed by the other party. I feel like a fool because they could just exit easily since they already got what they wanted and affirmed that I am still that stupid person from the beginning.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #101

Hi Blog,

#101 trisuit theme - just a reminder for myself that I moved on.

Apart from the conclusion of my unfruitful romantic saga, the next chapter that weighs on my mind is friendship.

I haven't identified a clear pattern yet, but what I do know is that people come and go. Especially when many initially seem sincere and eager to kindle a friendship. However, once they received the confirmation or acknowledgement, their demeanour changed and became distant, even though I made an effort to be open and approachable...

Blog - July Overview

Hi Blog,

Since May, I've been trying to find the positive force within me, but I haven't succeeded. I never feel good enough to wield the lightsaber. In June, I aimed to focus on recognizing the positive things I've been doing, but I needed clarification.

July always reminds me that I am getting old, as I often recall a quote from the Analects of Confucius. “吾十有五而志于学，三十而立，四十而不惑，五十而知天命，六十而耳顺，七十而从心所欲，不逾矩。” Online Translation: "At fifteen, I was focused on learning. At thirty, I stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the decrees of heaven. At sixty, my ear was tuned to the truth. At seventy, I could follow my heart’s desires, without transgressions.

四十而不惑, At forty, I had no doubts; I must say, I am moving in that direction, especially self-doubt. Even though I fell down, I must say I picked myself up quickly. Unlike when I was 30+, I would be stuck for a long time. I hope I can get better and wiser as time goes on.

Personal - Swimming Theme #7

Hi Blog,

The blog post may be brief, but it represents a significant effort in gathering this information. Hmm...Honestly, I had an excess of trunks and wanted to sell some, but I'm not interested in dealing with the odd requests I've read about on forums.

I'll continue to wear them for as long as possible and refrain from acquiring any more.

I really like the cut and design of those trunks, so perhaps one day I might not be able to wear them. For the time being, they're part of my themed swimming trunk collection.

Personal - Cosplay in New Suit

Hi Blog,

I recently made a painful decision on my wallet (even though there was a great discount on the website): I bought a new costume for myself. I convinced myself that investing in a high-quality costume would enhance my cosplay experience.

I'm pleased to announce that it's finally here after a long wait.

While I had hoped for sponsorship like YouTubers 😂, I understand that things don't always work out that way. Anyway, it is time for our unboxing!

Trip - Visit Batam

Hi Blog,

It was early morning... Yawning... As I didn't have enough sleep... Saturday morning where was I going to?

Mr Sun had not woken up yet, so where was I heading? As titled, yes! I was heading to Batam! Yippee!

Yippee! As promised, I went to Batam with RD after planning it for a while. RD generously offered to treat me on this trip, and I’m really grateful for the kind gesture. This will be my second visit to Batam (my first visit was documented in my previous posts), and travelling with a friend promises to make this experience even more memorable.

Personal - Suits for the Theme #100

Hi Blog,

Can you believe it!? It is my 100th Trisuit theme anniversary! 😂 Are you excited and amazed at how I feel?

Perhaps you might not understand... It is just about an ugly me's collective attempt to jog and plan my jogging route.

Since Feb 2015 when I decided to go for first jogging (post link) or search all my #jogging posts, my physique is still untoned since then, but I'm not waving the white flag and adding on with a #trisuitsuit theme (page link) in 2018 to motivate myself.

Blog - June Overview

Hi Blog,

As we reach mid-2024, it's a good time to reflect on personal growth and positive changes.

Upon introspection, I have observed a recurring pattern in my approach to friendships.

Hmm... 🤔 I've observed a recurring pattern: I tend to feel upset or disappointed with my friends. Rather than typing and contemplating, I will consult ChatGPT (boring content of my past experience) and then make revisions for myself.

Hiking - Serapong Unknown Ruins

Good Morning Blog,

Recently, I've observed a team of urban explorers venturing into lesser-known areas in Serapong. Two of them, including the Chasing Peaks blogger, disclosed the location 📍 to me.

I thought to myself that I would try it on my own.

However, I need more confidence to proceed alone, as my intuition advises against it. Luckily, some fellow explorers mentioned they were heading there, so I wanted to tag along to be safe.

Personal - Swimming Theme #6

Hi Blog,

I wasn't sure if I should post this swimming theme picture because people might get the wrong idea. I was collecting swimming themes, and I thought it would be cool to hold the light in my hand. I didn't really care what others would think. And then... I think... I will be highly judged and disgusted by my readers.

Sometimes, I feel it's a wise choice to keep my blog private to avoid anymore eyes damage to my readers.

Rather than deleting the photos I've collected over months of effort, I've decided to stop this theme and let them lost within the sea of my blog's posts.

Hiking - Revisiting Labrador Nature Park

Good morning Blog,

Today was a public holiday! Yippee! 😂 The best part was that it was sunny in the morning, so we could go hiking!

Last night, my elder brother invited me to go over to his house and help him with the game he was playing, so I stayed overnight at his place.

When I woke up, I thought about going for a hike. Should I try a new place even though the ground is wet from last night's rain? Or stick to the old place?

Personal - Suits for the Theme #99

Hi Blog,

Wow! This is the 99th entry for my trisuit theme! Can you believe that!? Looking back at my collection of trisuit themes (link) what I had achieved... I should not deny or discredit myself for the effort I had put in for years.

This elevator has been a constant companion, motivating me during workouts and work.

I found a sense of security and authenticity within the lift; similar to my blog.

Blog - May Overview

Hi Blog,

It is May, and my nerdy approach will be 'May the Force be with you,' to my exclusive readers.

The force of a black hole 🕳 just keeps me going and takes away my negativity.

In my May posts, I'll remind myself and focus on maintaining a positive vibe to celebrate my small achievements.

Trip - Fort Canning Battlebox SG

Hi Blog,

As a novice in urban exploration, I plan to visit a location that would be a dream for urbex enthusiasts if not for the organized group facilitating the place.

So where am I talking about? It is at Fort Canning Battlebox.

Within Fort Canning Hill is a WWII bunker built on the hill to operate as commanding HQ during the wars. For historical reasons, it is maintained by the government rather than leaving it to rot and be forgotten.