Carpe Diem!

A Lifestyle to keep!

2008-01-22T17:21:31Z

Raw Diet:

Embarked on the raw food diet recently and have already seen the much praised results on myself.
It's all about eating everything raw such as greens, raw nuts, plenty of water, juices, fruits. Even some dark chocolates are considered raw.
After barely a week, I feel less lethargic throughout the day, a slightly more refined and toned muscle line especially around the waist and the abs.

Abs Toning Program:

1. Normal crunches
2. Side Crunch
3. Extended V crunch
4. Oblique twist

Cardio/Yoga Workout:

Mon: Leisure jog
Tue: Boxing class (1hr)
Wed: Run (10KM)
Thu: Rest
Fri: Hot Yoga (1hr)
       Pilates (1hr)
       Boxing (1hr)
       Run (10KM)
Sat: Rest
Sun: Run (16KM)

Challenges:
Mar 08: Sundown Marathon (42KM)
Jun 08: Lion city Marathon (21Km / 42Km)

Plans:
Would like to add on project spin into my cardio routine..

my heart really ached..

2008-01-16T13:50:48Z

My grandaunt suffered from a sudden blood vessel burst in her brain. It caused a haemorrhage and needed to be removed immediately.
After a long day of investigation and preparation in the ICU, at 8pm she went in for her op which lasted till 245am. During the first two days, she was conscious but still very drowsy due to the heavy sedation and drugs which she was put on. All of us took turns to stay by her side in the ICU.

It is a very sad place to be in as all the patients there are either very young or very old. In the room 2 doors away was a one year old boy, who choked on a peanut his grandfather fed him. Although the peanut has been removed, due to prolonged lack of oxygen, he is now in a coma, it has already been 3 weeks since then. Things are looking really pessimistic, seeing his dad singing to him every day, his family crying each time they saw him, was really heart-wrenching.

Today, my grandaunt is finally able to be transferred to the normal ward. It was the first time in 2 days that I finally saw her open her eyes and could chat with me. Hope that she'll recover soon. Seeing my grandaunt on so many tubes, her partly shaven and bandaged head, her swollen fingers and face, it really made my heart ached so badly.

This incident has taught me to really cherish each and every of your loved one everyday.

Chinese New Year is soon arriving, for this year, I guess we will just be spending it with my grandaunt and granduncle. I am grateful that I have them in my life, if not, I really do not know where I will be now.
So now, it is my turn to look after them.

*later

Long long night..

2008-01-07T01:16:21Z

I have created a record for myself, I have not slept a wink the whole of last night. Too many cluttered thoughts which was worsened by so much discouraging words.

That is when these lyrics of the song seem so suitable to describe the feelings inside me now..

It's a long, long journey
Till I know where I'm supposed to be
It's a long, long journey
and I don't know if I can believe
When shadows fall and block my eyes
I am lost and know that I must hide
It's a long, long journey
Till I find my way home to You

Many days I've spent
Drifting on through empty shores
Wondering what's my purpose
Wondering how to make me strong
I know I will falter
I know I will cry
I know You'll be standing by my side
It's a long, long journey
And I need to be close to You

Sometimes it seems no one understands
I don't even know why
I do the things I do
When pride builds me up till I can't see my soul
Will You break down these walls and pull me through?

'Cause it's a long, long journey
Till I feel that I am worth the price
You paid for me on calvary
Beneath those stormy skies
When Satan mocks and friends turn to foes
It feels like everything is out to make me lose control
It's a long, long journey
Till I find my way home to You

I hope i can find my way back soon..

New year's motto..

2008-01-01T12:07:02Z

“When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your objective. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy 2008!

2008-01-01T11:36:06Z

The first chapter of 2008 has just begun, it has been quite an exciting! My definite resolution for 2008 is to make it a year filled with joy and love.

The BF and I spent the last few days of 2007, doing some house viewing. We are looking for our own pad, hopefully by 2009, so decided to get started on the house viewing process. Out of 8 houses viewed, only 1 we felt was comfortable, be it the location or the condition of the house or the "home" feeling we get.

From today onwards, I'm gonna be embarking on my side line of being a power seller on ebay and auctions to earn some extra cash. Need to start saving up for our own pad..

This year i'm feeling extremely motivated to improve myself..

May this year be a wonderful year for all,

Ciaoz..

Making the most of the remaining days of 2007

2007-12-22T10:42:38Z

It's just a week more to go before we enter 2008, I really do not know what to expect in 2008.
Perhaps, I should get my resolutions started, bearing in mind not to make one which I cannot realize.

1. Thrash the scales
It's not the number on the scales which indicates if you are fat or slim, it is about how you feel. More accurately, it is how you feel. Should you find your jeans getting a little tighter, eat light and step up on your exercise regime. Controversially, should you feel your pants getting looser, go on an extravagant dinner.
Should you often exercise and still find yourself putting on kgs, that is just because you have put on muscles which weights much heavier than fats.

2. Do not exercise out of obligations, do it as a passion
I am sometimes guilty of doing my routine exercise because I am going for a heavy lunch later on. When that happens, I do not find the motivation to do what I am doing. When I do it because I enjoy doing it, the sport becomes much more enjoyable more than a routine.

3. Live to a budget
Set myself a budget to prevent unnecessary spending on non-essential items. Draw a financial plan towards owning a pad of my own.

4. Have a "date-with-myself" once a week
Having to work even on weekends most of the time, leaves me little time for myself. It will be great to be able to spend personal time doing some grooming, shopping, reading, yoga sessions, etc once a week.

5. Stop eating Meat
Well, you don’t HAVE to. But I know my body works best when I eat a meat-free, non-dairy selection of food. Read My Year Of Meats by Ruth Ozeki or Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser if you want to know more on the subject. Being vegetarian or vegan is a bit more work than just being a desultory meatmouth, but I think it’s worth it.

6. Tame my temper
This year, I find myself managing stress by flaring my bad temper at my BF and some people around me. Through the months, towards the end of 2007, I am slowly beginning to learn to take things in my stride and being better in control of my temper.

7. Read one self-improvement book at least once a month
I am surprised at how much I learnt from reading this self help book which a friend recommended recently. I used to believe there is little that a self-improvement book can do, if you have this same mindset, just start with a first one and you will be proven so wrong.

8. Do not compare with others
Every individual is different, that is why we call ourselves an individual. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses, look into building the strengths and improve on the weaknesses to be a different!

These so called resolutions are goals which I wish to achieve in 2008, of which some are already in progress. I want to not prove to others, but myself that I can be a different person in the coming year.

Here's wishing everyone a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year!

**Cheers!**
*till later..

Moving house is such a tedious chore!

2007-12-19T09:02:59Z

The past weekend has been a really bad and tiring one for the BF and me as well as his parents. It was time for them to say goodbye to their old place which they have spent about 12 years in and say hello to a new home.
The new place is much smaller and older, somehow, due to financial constraints, his dad decided to downgrade.

It was a really bad idea to get a smaller flat than the previous one as his mom had loads of things which 80% she brought over.
Boxes and boxes of things, we spent Friday night shifting some, Saturday night shifting most of the BF's stuff over, and moved tonnes of Auntie's stuff over on Sunday. Poor Uncle, who has been doing lots of the carrying stint with us had his legs aching the whole night.
The worst part of it all, we had a close friend's wedding dinner to attend on Sunday. After the dinner, we went back to the old house, packed up the remaining stuff and brought it over for auntie...for three consecutive nights, we slept at 4am. I am nursing a pair of panda eyes right now, so is the BF.

I must say, it is a real stressful thing when it comes to moving house. Especially so when you had to adjust to a downgrade to a smaller flat from a much bigger place. Alot of adapting is required. The BF was pretty upset and stressed out the first couple of days, as he is a neat freak who cannot tolerate mess. Seeing all the boxes of stuff lying around, he got pretty tensed. I tried to help Auntie pack a little here and there..told baby to give his mum more time to pack..as days went by, the place is getting much much better.

Been trying out California Fitness at Bugis, it is not too bad. Now still considering my options of True Fitness or California Fitness).
Till later..

Wee hours of mid week!

2007-12-11T17:24:56Z

It is already 1 am in the morning, just came home after watching "The Heartbreak Kid" with the BF.
That show is pretty hilarious with a touch of humour along with it.

Spent some time catching up with Jen Bestie today, her smile seems to have brightened up, glad that she has finally found a job she have great interest in. She is going Japan again..I gotta make it a point to go there with her sometime soon...

After meeting up with a client in town, while waiting for boxing class to start, I did some good retail therapy and bought 2 pairs of shoes..1 wedge which is so uptown and another pair of summer wedge..all from the only shoe shop I patronize now.."Substance!" they have very pretty pairs of shoes at pretty reasonable prices. Go check out!

After 1 hour of boxing, 1h15mins of Vinyasa (int), 2 hours of movie, 1 glass of wine and few slices of watermelon, the Zzz monster is attacking me..time to hit the sacks for there will be a busy day ahead of me..

Cheers to a good mid week :)

A sunny day..so we went..

2007-12-03T02:41:00Z

Sentosa for some Sun-bathing action!

We finally had some time off on a Sunday and decided to take drive into Siloso beach for some sun bathing action as the BF finds himself too fair to his own liking.
It was great, just lazing on the beach, doing some reading for the soul, while yang yang met his admirer. Till now, I think he's still missing her..

well it definitely helps to lift my mood for this new week..

Had a superior dinner with the BF yesterday at some baby first year function last night. Had shark's fin, lobster, prawns, abalone and scallop..all the yummy fine dishes that was cooked in a healthy way..So more runs to burn the calories this week...
that sums up an eventful Sunday!

Beautiful weather

yang yang, the sunshine in my life!

Picture perfect!

Perfect Sunday!

Cheers!

Cloudy.windy.purrfect weather!

2007-11-30T09:29:32Z

Today's weather seemed almost perfect for everything that's got to do with nature!
Planned a birthday surprise for the grandaunt yesterday which proved to be a great success!
Had a really busy day yesterday, first appointment at Tuas, then to Tanjong Pagar, then to OUB centre. It was quite late at about 3pm that I finally had abit of a munch and looked for a gift and cake for my grandaunt. We did not know what to get, so amidst walking around, I bought her a set of bed covers and a card for her grandchildren and a mango mousse cake which was quite light on taste.

Jordan, one of my cousin, was so cute. On the eve of his grandma's birthday, he called and asked:"Grandma, what do you want for birthday present? Chilli?"
Grandma replied:"Okay!"

The next day, upon reaching grandma's gate, he shouted:"Grandma, Happy Birthday! Here are your presents!"
Guess what?
He gave his grandma 5 packets of Macdonald's Chilli sauce!

What a bright kiddo!!

Sometimes it is really amazing how kids can be so naive and in the little things they do, they bring smiles to our faces!

Cheers to a great weekend!

Rainy Mid week wednesday!

2007-11-28T07:36:17Z

Today started off with me feeling blue..
Because of that painful cramps that I had first thing I woke and I knew that time of the month which I dread is here.
It not only brings you cramps but leave you feeling bloated and having water weight gain.
well well, it's all because we are woman!

Been popping calcium/magnesium supplements which are said to alleviate these symptoms. Been on it for a month and I think, It dies help a little this time round. So those ladies out there who experience this same painful cramps during your period, can try taking such supplements.

It is raining heavily here and I absolutely adore the dark grey skies.. Hope the rain will cease when it is time for me to go for my run this evening.

*Thur: Birthday surprise for the grand auntie
*Sun Morn: Sentosa with the BF and my son
*Sun: Ting's daughter's 1st Birthday celebrations!

Cheers to a great weekend!

We have to put an end to:

2007-11-28T07:25:54Z

Fishing for Compliments:

* When we are out with friends or family, we sometimes put ourselves down and hope that someone will lift your mood by giving you a compliment. Low esteem stems from within, it does not matter how much compliments you receive, ultimately when you back alone in your apartment, you will still feel bad about yourself and all the bad ones will be remembered and not the good ones.
In a competitive society, we cannot deny that we feel this way from time to time. But we can make a commitment in learning to love and appreciate ourselves, if not who will?

Talking bad about others:

* Before we start gossiping about others, we shall look at ourselves. Everyone has his/her negative traits, as friends, colleagues, family. acquaintance, we should be true and sincere.
If you are constantly disturbed by someone and feel the need to gossip about them to release your frustrations, then stay away from them as this is not fair for the other party as well.

The Job you hate:

* If you despise waking up every morning to that job that do not interest you, then stop now! Life is short, why torture yourself. Tart up your CV and decide on a job that is of your own interest. Life is short, unhappiness at your job might permeate into the other parts of your life, ruin relationships and affect everything you do.
Promise yourself that you will improve the situation as life is too short.

Obsessing over your size:

* Our society might be putting a premium on being skinny. But it is not fun, it might leave you weak, pissed and miserable - if you are not meant to be that size. It will be much better to accept your body shape and take care of yourself. It feels amazing to be confident of your body shape over someone who is always having eating disorder and food hang -ups. NO ONE's BODY IS PERFECT! so stop beating yourself over it. Eat lots of greens, drink lots of water, get lots of exercise, & watch your happiness soar!

Comparing yourself to others:

Personally, I feel this is one major shortcut to happiness.
We should cease comparing ourselves with others. What is the point? You can't be them and they can't be you as well. Stop wasting your time & considering how much whiter someone else’s teeth are, or how much more money someone else is making. It is totally irrelevant to you & your life! Concentrate on yourself instead!

Think Happy Thoughts..

2007-11-23T07:26:05Z

It has been proven that if you start your morning everyday by think positive thoughts, the rest of the day will be a pleasant one. If from the start of your day, you tell yourself that it is going to be a tedious, tiring and terrible day, your day will probably be made out to be that way.

I miss every bit of Bangkok when I am back. I miss their whole array of tropical fruits. The pineapple, their Thai mango, the Guava and so many more!
Planning another trip to BKK at the end of January.. so now we just have to start saving up.. Please let me sell all the B&O items soon..

Have always been a workout junkie. Love to sweat it out!
so here's my new revamped plan:
Mondays: 20KM Run at East Coast Park (Fort Road to water sports club)
Tuesdays: Boxing class (1hr)
                    Vinyasa (Intermediate) yoga (1hr15mins)
Wednesdays: 20KM Run at East Coast Park
Thursdays: Sun Saluation Yoga (1hr 30mins)
Fridays: Hot yoga (2hrs)
                Boxing class (1hr)
               20Km RUn at East coast Park
Saturdays: Rest day
Sunday: Swim (30 laps)

**Glad that I have been abiding the regime so far..

Let's have a wonderful weekend!

lifegoesupndown @ 2007-11-21T23:50:00

2007-11-21T15:51:38Z

Bangkok is just such a nice place to relax with maximum shopping and food and people. Walked non stop for 3 days which left my feet achy but nonetheless accomplished. Though we did not buy much as we were more of enjoying ourselves this time round..will go back again!

Our Hotel Room

Yeah..BKK we are on our way!

Can you see True fitness behind us?

Let me get my directions right..

Macs for lunch!

Tuk tuk rides are fun!

We have a friend!

Just having some fun!

Nice Hotel lobby!

We are so dead tired from all day walking

streets of Patpong Night Market

The most convenient transport..MRT

We devised a way to ensure we cover Chatuchak thoroughly

My Peach and Orange which is so refreshing after so much walking done.

It's time to go home..

About to board the plane

Bye BKK!

Photos from BKK

2007-11-20T06:16:39Z

shopaholic back from BKK

2007-11-20T05:24:47Z

I had such great fun in BKK.
the trip in short:

*Day 1: -Check in at VEronica Residence
              -Macdonald's for lunch
            -Lucky Buddha
              - Platinum Mall which I simply went crazy!
              - Siam Square
              - central world plaza
          - Suan Lum Night bazaar
              -Rest up Zzz

*Day 2: -BF at the hotel
              - Chatuchak Market
              -Back to hotel for shower
              -Patpong Night market
              -Thai Massage (Shiok!)
              -Rest up Zzz

*Day 3: -BF at Hotel
             -Chatuchak for more grabs!
             -Back to hotel for shower
             -Platinum mall (too bad shops closed by 8pm)
             -Starbucks (Shot of caffeine)
             - Suan Lum Night Bazzar (did some last min grabs which I am satisfied with)
             - 24hr supermart for drinks and bites...
             - Pack up..
             - to bed!

*Day 4: -BKK to Sing...
                Flight was terrible as we experienced slight turbulence..

Photos up i the next entry..

Run.cycle.Sweat it out!

2007-11-13T17:25:06Z

Just clocked a total of 16km in one night of run. trying to aim at 30km in total this week..so far I have clocked 21Km for the last 2 days. Am glad that I am not far from my target now..
2 more days to BKK..Crazy shopping, endless enjoyment is on its way..
At the same time, I have so much work to finish. Got three projects on hand and 6 more to come in the coming month, it's good that way but when we gain something, we'll always lose something and for me, I'll be losing quality time with the BF.
well..but glad he understands.
it's almost 1.30am..time to hit the sack.

Looking forward to a wonderful wednesday!

tickle me pink

2007-11-09T09:16:55Z

it's been awhile for me to fork out some free time to sit down and post something here.
Everything has been pretty hectic..work and more work to do..
Tues, was supposed to meet up with Jen for a movie, however because my yang yang has a sore eye probably due to irritation by the shampoo from bath the night before I had to rush him to a vet and miss meeting Jen.

His left teary eye left me so worried..

He has fully recovered since and he's back to hos normal hyper self.

He takes up so much of our life that even the car has a part of him always..

Baby and I chatted one day about our lifestyle now and he realise that we have let our work occupy too much of our life and we decided to take up an activity which all three of us can enjoy at the same time..

which was...

Cycling together

Yang was so excited. He wanna help in fixing it up.

There we have a wonderful bike! with a big basket for yang and a back seat for me..

At east coast, I run, baby cycles and Yang chills..

Love this new hobby we have picked up..

lifegoesupndown @ 2007-10-25T15:02:00

2007-10-25T07:21:38Z

it's been a busy week so far but am glad that everything is going well!
baby planned a BKK trip for Nov! I just cannot wait any longer..I can't wait for the crazy shopping trips!
I love planning for holidays..this time,we are going for 4 days and we have Hally going with us! I'm sure it's gonna be fun!
Got to know more about shopping in BKK from forum (ShoppingLifestyle.com).

I wanna get the new Blackberry 8820, but am not too sure if it's a right choice to change now.. shall check with Zah if he wanna sell me his Curve. This guy is a music composer. He is a London boy with a home for the future where he computerize everything on his own as he is such a IT wizard! He promised to do up my house for me like his in future..each time I visit his place I find it so difficult to leave..Sometimes, it is cool how people connect from all the different parts of the world and I am glad to have met all of those I know!

Wanna-get list:

1. Apple ibook
2. Blackberry 8200
3. Marc Jacobs shades
4. Corporate wear
5. New Shu(s)

-later*

lifegoesupndown @ 2007-10-20T15:01:00

2007-10-20T08:08:22Z

It's been a while since I last updated, as I have been busy with work!
Even now, I am still sitting in office..

let's see:
Over the last weekends, we celebrated the aunts' birthday.. two of my aunt's birthday fell on the same day.. went to Merchant Court for hi-tea..

what could be a better way to spend a Sunday?

*Recently, found a new fashion website written by an Australian fashionista..her articles are really cool..
go check it out!

her website is: www.galadarling.com

ok, shall update more later..

Cheers!

Sense of Satisfaction...

2007-10-11T07:13:45Z

it's the exam period once again.. today's the last day for the secondary ones and in 2 week's time it will be the primary's. Being a tutor is kinda stressful but yet when a student comes back after their paper and tell you.."thanks for your guidance teacher, what you taught me made my paper so much more do-able.." that is when all the stress and frustrations gets replaced by sheer sense of satisfaction.

To all my students: I hope you all will never give up trying, no matter how difficult the exam papers are.. just do everything to the best you can!

updates..

2007-10-09T16:02:02Z

well well..let's see..
been to the Car-vivor by power 98FM and we did not win.that's it..
it was pretty boring as compared to the Nokia one we took part in last time...

Health tips:
have you tried apple cider vinegar with honey drink before? Honey cider vinegar might smell and taste kinda smelly but this drink is a natural anti bacterial and anti viral drink which can boost immunity and help u lose weight as well as those acnes.. go give it a try. the smell and taste needs just a few days to get used to..

been snacking on seaweeds and figs lately, they are my nice healthy snack..

Current mission:
* Do research on iphone Vs the blackberry and out of all the articles i read, Blackberry wins hands down..as BB is a phone of great functions while iphone is just a pretty face..

**later..

Our 2nd Anni..

2007-10-01T16:35:51Z

today marks J&S 2nd Anni!
However....
we did not get to spend the day together as my baby was at reservist training today. and my poor baby is spending the night doing night shift!
But when I came home from work, this was what he gave left me..

and this left me...

Smiling all night long..

I miss him so much..

dreams.
white fluffy clouds!

my weekends..

2007-09-30T05:42:17Z

Plans for this week:

~~1) Revamp the work system which we have discussed as a committee on Sat.~~
~~2) Help Mel with her exams revision~~
3) Work hard for my next BKK shopping spree
4) Sell some of the stuff which I do not need
5) Go to the beach next Sunday
6) Bring my "son" for his grooming

Let's welcome the weekends!

2007-09-28T10:06:07Z

Aloha,
it's the weekends ahead of us.

went for boxing and hot yoga today.
it was great sweating it out and pumping cardio to the max.

More great activities coming up:
Power 98 carvivor rally.. 7th Oct
Hope this weekend will be good for all of you guys out there.

will update more later...