A year ago today...

A year ago, I was still waiting for my trip to take my PADI Open Water, and it's almost a year I've been diving around. Almost every month. 2 weeks ago, I went to the same resort where I took my PADI Open Water course to complete my first dive log. Logging my 50th dive.

My 50th Dive at REDANG KALONG.

From the mountain to the ocean, It's a completely new experience for me. Basically, everything about diving is the direct opposite of Climbing.

In Climbing, you go higher. In diving, you go deeper

In Climbing, you inhale thinner air, In diving, you inhale pressurized air

In Climbing, you fight the gravity, In diving, u don't feel the gravity

In Climbing, you see the risk, In diving, risk is invisible

See the contrast..??

Few months ago, I got hooked up on a youtube series called "Borneo From Below" hosted by an English gentleman name Bertie. He initiate the BFB series 1 with just a Gopro. And soon after, some of the resorts and dive center around begin to sponsor his video by providing him accommodation, boat transfer, cameraman, dives and other utilities to complete the series. In the last episode, Bertie confessed to his audience that they need some sincere contribution to make the Series 2 a success. And by signing up as a Patron, anyone can contribute as low as USD2/episode and part of the fund collected then will be used for Ocean conservation project in Malaysia. I enjoyed the series and I hope to contribute a little bit that I can afford. So, I signed up as a Patron. I was the No 6 Patron when I signed up.

Well, life goes on and I continue diving almost every month at any chance I have. I even dive at places where most of my friends aren't willing to dive at due to the expected poor visibility and not so clean water. Port Dickson. Well, to me, there's no unnecessary experience. And I believe there are different marine life at different habitat.

Attached is some pictures of the critters I took at Port Dickson. Not too bad huh...

Then, few days ago... Someone posted posted a 2012 article about shark fining. And as expected, the responds were no other than anger and frustration regarding the shark fining problem that took place at Borneo. And of course, it'll packaged witb vengeance and name calling.

So, it reminds me of the final video of Borneo from below. And i took the opportunity to share it with them regarding the minimum contribution they can do to help the situation and create the necessary awareness to the public.

Well, as usual... when someone posted a problem, a million cry. When it comes to contribution, even when the involved an amount that anyone don't mind losing, milions kept quiet.

As of today, I checked the Borneo From Below Patreon page. It remained as 6 patrons.

Sometimes I wonder. Maybe, we should ask ourself. Do we really love the ocean, or we just love diving.

Sorry for all the ranting ... and thank you for everyone whom are still reading my post alrhough i have not been active for a long time. 

Below is anothet 2 diving videos O took on the 23^01/2016 at Tekek, Pulau Tioman.

Diving at Tekek, Tioman

A night dive at Rengis

Thank you to those whom is reading, if there is any. Till I write again, take care and may god bless you.

The final touch on the local rock...

It's 18/05/2015, Exactly 10 days my flight to the United States. Have been resting for a few weeks from climbing hope that my shoulder will grow better from the September 2014 injury. But well, as everyone knows, rotator cuff is a little complicated compare to the previous injuries I've had.

So, I decided to touch the local rock one final time before my USA climbing trip. Who knows if my shoulder still allows me to climb after the trip. I may be resting for shoulder recovery after the Climbing trip in USA. And I know I'm going to miss the local rock... so much.... so much.... Especially the girl I love...

The day started with a saddening news. Jocelyn say she may not make it for climbing today. She just felt moody and no energy. Anyway, I just told her if she wants to climb, we'll be there. And it's better to come out to the crag and breath some fresh air and sweat rather than staying at home alone... And if she want to climb, we'll be there...

It was a lazy day for me, but I was prepared fot the Lost monkey, 6c just incase a climber Mellissa couldn't finish it. Well, she did a good job and made it to the top. I'm sure with a little more training and practice, she'll be able to clean it. I just proceed to my climb a route called Scotch On the Rock, 6a+. And to my surprise, Jocelyn came in and I suddenly felt endorphin flushing my body....

Later of the day, I belayed her to top rope the Lost Monkey. She had a hard time there struggling, but she still made it to the top. I was so proud of her....

While leaving the climbing site, I felt a little tear filling my eyes... Looking at the site I started climbing 16 years ago, knowing that it's going to be a while before I touch the handholds again... I left the site and proceeded to dinner. I had a Claypot Chicken Rice, and had some chat before leaving the restaurant.

Reached home, clean the gears and I felt like eating again. SO, I went to the KFC nearby for a Snack plate at 10pm. Right after the Snack Plate, I felt like eating ice cream, so I went to the Mc Donald's nearby. While queuing for my turn to order, I suddenly felt like eating a Fillet O Fish burger, so I ordered a set and finished it. I just felt like eating...

I think Anxiety kicks in and just felt like eating to control the stress and nervous I'm facing now. I too felt stressed and Nervous. And of course, I'm going to miss the local rock... And Jocelyn...

Thanks everyone for reading, if there is any. Till we meet again, do take care and may the creator bless you. Have a nice day ahead.

Let's keep climbing. If we do that, I believe we can meet again!!!

"I'm Ok if there's no sun..."

TLJ Takun Summit Expedition 2015 was planned on 19/04/2015. Which just past. Well, after all the hard work, the training, the effort of getting things prepared, the worries of the rain and weather...

The expedition didn't happen. One of the teammates just recovered on Friday. In the groupchat, I asked if he is ok to climb the 9 pitches.... And that was the answer I got. Getting out from the roof to climb a 200m route consist of 9 pitches and expect there's no sun... Isn't it easier to say, "Sorry, I don't think I'm fit to climb" rather than just putting the blame on the sun which shines everyday in Malaysia? So, when nobody wants to be responsible for failing to climb on the agreed date, "someone" has to be responsible at the end of the day so that someone else can say, "Well, I said I'm ok if there's no Sun, but HE decided to call it off."

And there you go, I decided to be the HE is this situation where noone wants to take the blame.

But as soon as I called off the expedition, there you go... He start asking people to join him in an Air-Conditioned Climbing Gym. Maybe, just maybe... Sweating in Aircond is still better than sweating under the sun especially when you just recovered from fever. I am in no medical expertise is justifying this fact... Just maybe.

Sometimes I wonder... 

Maybe it's just me, Wanting them to explore themselves more into the height. 

Maybe it's just me, expecting them to be excited about climbing a really long route like how excited I was 8 years ago.

Maybe it's just me, thinking that all the climbers wanted to climb high and see things from an angle they've never seen before.

Maybe it's just me, wanting to finish off whatever I've started

Anyway, the climb has been rescheduled to 9/5/2015. But I have not receive any definite response from either of them...

Maybe, if we fail to attempt again... the team isn't destined to summit Takun. Anyway, it's just a journey of 1 1/2 years with the team and nobody should feel any lost and be sorry about it. 

Whatever moment we've been through would still be precious and should be kept in a corner of our memory to remember all the great times we've had. Well, at least for me... 6.^

If my Colorado trip is a full stop to the second chapter of my climbing journey, lets meet again in some rock one day in chapter 3. My friend once told me,

Let's keep climbing. If we do that, I believe we can meet again!!! - Takuma, 30/03/2007

And that was the last time I heard from him. And I am very sure I will meet him again somewhere on the rock. Climbing.

Thanks for spending your precious time to read my ranting, if there's any reader. Till I write again, take care. 

timz

From the mountain to the ocean...

Wohoo... I'm finally certified as a PADI Open Water Diver... Another item from the bucket list cleared. So, the upcoming event is an important one. The Takun 9 pitches Summit Ascent. Can't wait for the day to come...
And next, I will be busy preparing for my USA Trip. Which will take place a day after my Birthday 34th Birthday. Maybe I can have a short diving trip at the East Coast before my USA trip. And maybe a short dive trip at FLorida while visiting my friend there. That will be perfect... And after the USA Trip...  It's time to put myself on another Complete Climbing Rest Mode. Well, not sure how long it's gonna take, but I needed this rest for my shoulder to recover.

 

A step I walk closer to my Long awaited US Climbing trip is another step closer to my Climbing Rest Mode. And every time I felt excited about the trip, it kinda remind me that my Rest Mode is approaching. And it never fail to put me in emotions...

Well, at this moment... Other than wishing for my shoulder to recover asap during the Complete Rest Mode, I have a small little dream...

Is to have everything I know to pass on to anyone whom are willing to learn. So that those whom are passionate will have his opportunity to learn and experience Multipitches Climbing is a safe environment with the Right People to guide them.

I wish that putting my hope and trust to Jocelyn and Loon will not end up with disappointment and everything I thought them will be handed from generation to generation of climbers whom are passionate about Multipitches Rock Climbing.
Well, maybe my little dream is too big for them. But I hope they'll keep their promise that they've made before accept Multipitches Climbing teacher.

Well, that's a hope. So, what's next?? Yeah, during the rest... I also hope that I will have more time to Dive... Somewhere, Somehow... Maybe an advance Open Water course?? It's too early to say so. But after my Redang Kalong trip on 04/01/2015, I'm in loved with the ocean too...


I know I'm gonna miss the rock, and the team. Esspecially Jocelyn.

Thanks for reading, if there is any. See you next time.

Timz

2015 Mission...

It's 63rd day into 2015... An extremely late new year to everyone whom haven't gives up on my blog... And a Happy Chinese New Year greeting on the last second day before the New Year of Goat season ends.

Well, it's almost a year since I first told the girl I love, I love her... and the friendship has been deteriorating ever since... And at this moment, it came to a stage that I started getting annoyed by myself for being so annoying to her...

It used to be too many things to talk and too many laughter to share... Well, and now... my whatsapp message becomes her last message to be entertained and and reply... Maybe the last person that she ever wanted to see and speak to.... Well, I'm not sure what have I done wrong except for loving her... Anyway, hopefully all these will end soon when I felt too tired to carry on..

In October 2014, I had a climbing injury which damaged my rotator cuff on my left shoulder... It's been 5 months since... Well, the feeling is exactly the same when I injured my right shoulder about 5 years ago...

So, this year supposed to be the year I'm going to meet up with my mentor, Tony Bubb in Colorado for some big wall session I've been dreaming of since the first day I started Rock climbing. And I am still not giving up.

Meanwhile, I also picked up Scuba Diving and my Open water session will be in the first week of April. Hope everything will be fine...

And one of the major event is Pussy Key. A route in Bukit Takun(Takun Hill) around Klang Valley. In the earlier post, I've mentioned that I started teaching 2 climbers multipitches. Loon and Joc. Joc is the girl I am loving right now... And this year, will be the year of Summit Ascend. The planning was made last Saturday and the ascend will take place around mid of April. Hopefully everything will take place as planned so that I can leave for Colorado with one less thing in my mind.

And people around me started to feel that I'm being stupid and stubborn for not asking directly to Joc whether to accept me or not... And they started to judge Joc being someone whom is taking advantages out of other ppl... If any of you is reading this, but I doubt so.... I just wanna confess to you guys... "Thank you everyone for caring... Well, I know Joc is not that kind and I know what I am doing..."

I just wanna end whatever I've started. And after the Takun Summit, I will be busy preparing for my Colorado trip. And soon after that, my shoulder would have been pretty much worn out and may need a really long break before I will start climbing again something hard again... And I want to finish what I 've started a year and half ago... To guide both of them to the summit and leave no regrets for any of us... That's the reason I started Scuba Diving... At least I have something to do during the upcoming holidays...

As the days of my trip coming closer, I'm having a mixed feeling of excited and sad. I'm feeling excited because it's a trip I've been waiting for the past 10 years... At the same time, I'm feeling sad due to the fact that the day I will retire again comes closer as well... and by the time the shoulder comes into shape again, I'm not sure if I have the courage to start rock climbing all over again from zero strength and catch my "Waking Dreams" at Tioman...

It's sad to know that my dreams is being taken off again and at the same time, I thank the creator for being mercy to me for lighting up my passion again, though the flame may not last long...

Hmm.... At this moment, I just hope that I can do another 2 more multipitches practice with them. By the time I come back from my Open Water, we are ready to ascend the Bukit Takun. And I can rest my mind and prepare for my Colorado trip...

Thank you for reading, if there's any.

Timz

What am I?

6 months after the relationship broke down, on the 11/7/2014. I sent an sms regard to my ex-girlfriend asking about her condition. And it was sad to know that her father had a stroke attack a month ago and was bedridden since. The first thing I thought of myself was being helpless... All I can do is to hope that she's fine and able to take care of herself...

A month and half later, on the 25/08/2014. As I was driving in a traffic jam in the morning, I received a message from her telling me that her father passed away that morning and thanks for my concern previously... Tears ran down from my eyes and the next thing I realized, I've hit the car in front of me... I really don't know what I can do for her other than banking in some money to help her

Receiving the messaged kept me in my room after work for about a week... Didn't wanna go anywhere and not know what to do, I started cleaning up my room. And I found some stuff she left behind and I suddenly realized how a selfish bf I've been over the past 5 years. I found a dancing cow, an LED lastic that shoot to the sky and falls down with a beautiful swirling pattern and a bunch of DVDs... It's been 5 years almost 5 years we were together and she've been living in loneliness where she have to find her limited friends to walk around with her and buying toys for herself to makes herself happy and occupied.

I asked myself a few questions...

1) What have I done as a boyfriend of a girl whom loved me so much that she's willing to put down her pride and confessed to a man she loves.

2) How would it feel to have a boyfriend that has no time for her.

From her friends' point of view, her boyfriend is a caring and successful man whom buy her everything that she wanted including a smart phone, paying her car loan when she's in financial problem, buying her tires and rims when her tires went flat, servicing her car, sending her car for repair when her car involved in an accident... And all those things are money related.

But when we see things between 2 of us... what have I done to make her happy..? For the past 5 years, no travelling, no flowers, no hand drawn card and no time.  Every women that I've loved or like have somehow received at least a piece of handcrafted art from me, be it a greeting card or an impromptu drawing on a coaster... But not her.. All women that I've loved or like have somehow received at least a bouquet of flowers from me, be it carnation, roses or sunflowers. For a man whom likes travelling and seeing the world, I've not even gone to the nearest city outside of KL with her..

For all the things I've done for her in the past 5 years are all money related... And now, she's facing her toughest days in life, all I can do is banking in some money for her...

Thanks to those whom is reading, though there might not be any...

Thanks.

Timz

Re"soul"ing my Anasazi...

It all started when my friend Shiwen, one of the owner of Madmonkeyz Bouldering Gym ordered 2 big sheets of Madrubber from Madrock. And I was given 2 pcs of Bottom soles and 2 pcs of Rand soles.

Everyone in our group got excited especially the older climbers like me due to the fact that we have too many old shoes that is left in the store untouched due to the sole condition that limits the climbing performance...

And we all took home 4 pcs of rubbers happily... So, what's next... None of us actually know what to do with the 4 pcs of rubber we took home, so we decided to ask Mr Google and Mrs Youtube to give us some hints of how to it should begin. There are tonnes of video and article about Climbing shoe resoling but non actually shares how the Rand resole is done. Guess it's a Secret Recipe where all the resolers refuse to share.

Anyway, Shiwen started off with his girlfriend's sister's shoe. And next, there are some tricky and creative attempts from Fey and Shang.... Different people came out with different idea and method of resoling.. So, everyone achieved different result along the way...

So, this is my step by step attempt with some pictures attached.

Picture above shows the hole on the Rand and the worn sole with round edge at the shoe tip.

First of all, I Cut off the bottom sole from the shoe carefully. I try to avoid any accident by cutting the inner sole which is the leather. Then, I brushed the the remaining to flatten the bottom , I then brushed off the rubber on the hole and other thin weak area to make it even thinner.

*Bare in mind, you only trim down the affected area. Not the entire rand. And you don't want to remove the rand completely... Just trim down.

On the new material, surface preparation is important. I use a metal brush to brush one of the surface that's ready for Contact Adhesive application.

Apply Contact adhesive on the rand and the prepared surface of the new rubber and patiently, wait for at least 30 minutes. Actually, this is the hardest part because Humans are impatient.

Wrap the rand rubber on top of the area which you trimmed. In this case, I overlap it on the untrimmed area. by a little. And next, trim the excess rubber which might cause difficulty in folding later. Then, you fold them onto the bottom. Please use force when folding in so that it follows the shape of the shoe.

At this point, you may realized the fold down part is not falt and fold a little. Grind it flat. Remember not to over grind it to remain the strength of the rubber.

Next, I prepared the bottom sole surface by doing the exact same thing u did when I prepare the the rand sole surface. I also grind the bottom surface one more time to make it smooth and flat. I then clean both surface which I prepared for Contact Adhesive application.

So, Contact Adhesive was applied at both soon to contact surface and waited for 30 minutes. And again, Patience is very important.

After wrapping the bottom with the new sole, I trim off the excess rubber according to the shoe shape. And the final step would be grinding off  the edge of the rand to make them smooth and also grind off the bottom sole. Best is to eliminate any contact opening. 

And finally... TADAAAA!!!!! This is my Old 5.10 Anasazi with new Soul...

Thank you for reading though there might not be any. Have a great day and happy trying.

Timz