14 November 2004, Sunday. Another highly anticipated TSV award party. Somehow, we always look forward to these gatherings and always have a ball. Despite the long weekend, we managed to get a chalet at Pasir Ris. Cool.

In the morning, Viruses even went for a round of training before they geared down and got ready for this event. I really believe that some of these mad Viruses are adrenalin junkies, maybe too hardcore for their own good.

In the afternoon, the familiar TSV banner proudly went up in front of the chalet. As the Viruses were busy preparing and fooling around, the pet dogs were busy checking out the place and marking their territories! Aarrrrrrhhhh...

By evening, all the yummy food began to fill the tables. I enjoy good food and realize that some of the best foods are served at TSV parties. The juicy Teo's Curry sent everyone licking their fingers. Fidelio's gratin got Viruses saying "ooohhhs and aahhhss..." Have you tasted coleslaw so creamy that it oozes out of your mouth? The freshness must have come from the Spinstall sleeping bag that it came with.

"Wah... These curry puffs very expensive leh" remarked Viruses Topless. "It's got so little chicken inside!" He didn't realize that they are famous for the pastry and not the fillings... kekeke. The "xang xin" beehoon and yum yum fried rice were the best. The delicious almond bean curd dessert was a real blast! There was so much food that Viruses were stuffing themselves silly. Other then gorging themselves, they were also busy catching up with each other, jesting around and of course being the vain Viruses, taking photos all at the same time.

Award presentation was soon under way. This league saw many Viruses improved tremendously on their timing and technique. Congratulations to winners of the Men's Open - Virus CK, Daryl Chan; Women's Open - Virus Lady Speedster, Jenn Lui; Junior Open - Baby Virus, Sean Lim and Women's Fitness - Virus Luvluv, Helen Cheah.

Other awards were given out one by one to the rest of the deserving Viruses. Our "Best Matrix" award again went to Virus Spinstall (3 league in a row) - this is an award that Viruses do not fight for.

When the last award was given out, Virus SpyDirector hopped onto the stage and said, "Wait..... I want to make a speech...." Viruses were so busy cheering that he had to repeat 3 times before the rest of the noisy Viruses quiet down and waited with abated anticipation.

He continued, "We all know that sometimes, when some of us get caught up with work, studies, family, etc. We may take some time off... However, there is one person that is always there through thick and thin, rain or shine... She never gives up on the team and is always there no matter what...... I think she deserves a special award from us. We want to present our Vice-Captain, Jenn Lui with this plaque to show our appreciation for her......"

As Jenn went up to receive the plague, Viruses went on their feet and cheered her on. Many were touched evidently from their misty eyes and the passing of tissues. As Jenn gave her thank you speech, Viruses continued to clap and cheer. I also know that it will not be her last. I for one, have her to thank for bringing me into this sport and for giving me so much encouragement, nurturing, training and motivation to reach where I am today; I'm very sure many Viruses share the same sentiments. Thank you God for this wonderful being and for all my mad team mates.

As the dust settles, I could see the mad Viruses getting restless again. As expected, they put on their beloved skates and started their night skate round the park. A quick dash here and a sprint there. We were enjoying the great breeze and that nice warm sniff of evening barbeque air. One insane cow jumped up a flight of stairs and then jumped off another like there's no tomorrow.

"Whoever reaches the circles last will buy everyone drinks...." Chiong ahh..... Nobody wanted to be the last, even Baby Virus dashed like crazy. Poor Virus Meemee almost freaked out when she finally reached the circles  Skating has improved our stamina so much that after a 3km dash, I hardly saw any Viruses pant. We continued to explore the park until we headed back to the chalet where we continued with a game of "zhong chi mi ma".

Trick of the game was NOT to guess the hidden number. The penalty was to eat up the balance food! As everyone has been well fed, it really wasn't an incentive at all. Virus Topless who guessed the hidden number first was given a plate of beehoon as penalty, which he readily polished off. However, when the 3rd plate was handled to him, he took it with a deep frown across his face and a bloated stomach to match, "Wah liao... how to finish this mann..." Virus KP had 2 plates of beehoon and a plate of gratin which gave him that constipated look. Baby Virus was almost in tears when he got his 3rd plate of penalty.

"This game very scary one....." "Wahh.... Another plate of beehoon and I'm gonna puke!" "This gratin tasted very different earlier on leh....."

With heads, hands and legs shaking vigorously, some Viruses' faces turned quite green when it was their turn to make the guess. Even our infamous "wu di dong" didn't have that happy look when his fav food was served to him.... hahahaaa...

Thank you one and all for this wonderful evening. Thank you God for this Virus family. Until next time..... aaooooookkkkk (puking sound) :)