Lectures started last week and it was good to get into the swing of things. Like a muscle that rapidly atrophies and deteriorates after prolonged lack of use (see for example, patients who have been in coma for an extended period of time- they need to re-learn to walk again, because they haven't used their muscles for a long time), I felt that way with my brain. So it was good to attend lectures and start studying again.

I haven't been able to run much during the last week due to a variety of reasons, but I was still able to put clock in spinning sessions every day, bar Tuesday when I ran. So I should think that my level of fitness is still there, although I would need to loosen and lighten the muscles when I run again. I think some strides, bounding drills and massaging the arches of my feet should help.

Anyway, the Lunar New Year is coming up and this year will be no different- I'll be heading to my grandparents' place in a little village off Kluang, Johor. The only difference is that I am not returning to KL. I've spent 2 months back and I should concentrate on my course here in Singapore.

The course this term is no walk in the park- unlike last term, we are being graded for class participation, course work, presentation and examinations, which means a great deal of preparation beforehand and more consistent studying, instead of the usual waiting-till-last-minute-and-cramming-everything-in approach I admittedly used last term for my exams. So it seems that I can't "sail" through this term as easily as I would have liked- that would mean less trips back to KL too. Aside from a brief 10 days back in KL during the term break from 20th February onwards, I don't see myself returning to KL at least until after my exams are over in the 1st week of May, unless there are any public holidays during that period, making it a long weekend. We'll see.

Not the best of years and experts predict a gloomier year than 2008, but I'd like to wish all celebrants Happy Chinese New Year, and happy holidays. Take care.