Laziness kills

... YOLO!

Book Review 1: Teach Yourself: Successful Marketing In A Week! By Eric Davies

A basic guide to marketing for any interested individuals; whether you are thirsting for extra knowledge, bored, or an start-up entrepreneur-to-be. This will provide a basic outlook of the marketing world, in terms of relationship with customer, competitors through marketing research and analysis, and most crucially, the packaging of product, price, place as well as promotion or pull-string techniques.

A pocket-sized book, it is small, light and convenient to slot into your handbag and carry with everywhere you go! The content is neatly organized and disparaged into different chapter, these are substituted by the days (Sunday-Saturday) for readers to stick on their daily reading habit and spending around 15 minutes to absorb each lesson. It appears to be a good method of igniting that motivation  with simple plan like this, killing laziness that might hit and give ways to excuses.

However, as a relatively new reader who is into business learning, it doesn’t keep my reading interest burning. It was rather painstakingly reading, and tormenting to have chunks and big paragraphs of words hitting onto your face. It is okay to be wordy, in fact, many books are especially novels. However, the writing style of the author lacks the element of keeping one interested in the long-run and makes the whole thing tiring.

Mistake me not. I, as a typical school-goer Singapore for the past decades, have been trained to study deadpan-ly and read long hours and was never defeated.

Some of the reasons could be, the font style which makes one dizzy. Second, there is no attention grabber – e.g. case study, anecdote or sharing of author’s experiences except a 2-pages 10 dry MCQs at the end of each chapter. Third, interlink between each paragraph section is rather weak. There is a deficiency of intriguing factors that maintains your curiosity towards the very end of the chapter.

One word conclusion, dry.

Will I recommend?
Even as a usual read-it-all and somehow technical-learning person, I find it a mental pain to continue reading. Probably there are better books out there! 

8 most regrettable things of an old man

Broke off a habit and be active! After attending a physiological talk by Dr Arlene Taylor, also an influential speaker and Adventist Christian, I decided to make a positive change for the sake of my 'active aging'.

Not only did I crunched my toes (same logic to your car's ignition key) before I rolled off my bed, one of the first few things I did was switching to FM100.3 from my angmoh-inclined ears of FM92.

"8 most regrettable things of an elderly", absolutely turned my curious button on!

You might have already guessed one - travelling. Surprisingly NO! Look on!

1) Not taking care of HEALTH
This includes regular exercising and healthy diet. Young and middle-aged individuals may find themselves physically passable and continue to eat whatever they like (ignoring how sinful the food is) and giving all sorts of excuses that feed to their laziness.

Some may claim, "Life is short, just do it!". Or, "If not, when?" It surely holds some truth in it. However, life with zero self-control is akin to a piece of shit. Chaos.

Many elderly ended up having a lack of pride, low self-esteem and worthless, having to greatly or fully depend on others. They could not handle simple daily tasks and instill an internal distress.

2) SMOKING
Needless for elaboration, it damages your brain, lungs, teeth blahx3 and uglifies your image.

Many elderly who used to smoke heavily suffered from breathing difficulty. The thirst of, one breath of fresh air, can never ever come true.

3) Unacquisition of making NEW FRIENDS
Like me and you, there tend to be introvert and extrovert. No matter who you are, as long as you can read this, you are a human being and destined to be social animal.

No individualist can live. And yes, I meant LIVE!

As you grew older and your mindset began to set in, it will be increasingly hard to change. When you get older, more morale and physical supports are required. Learn to open up now, throw yourself out there, or else you will find it even harder later.

So, don't be shy! :p

4) No HOBBY
Many elderly found themselves lost. Their lives meaningless.

It is said that "a hobby requires 5 years to cultivate." Hobby = Happiness.

Yes, you got it.

5) Lack of INDEPENDENCY
Are you someone who could not tolerate 'self-accompany'? Then you are in great trouble.

As one gets older, hearing ability deteriorates. The world could get eventually softer, and then silent. Loneliness and anxiety may plunge, beware!

6) Lack of ACCOMODATION PLAN
Stay WHERE With WHO? 

Uh huh!

7) Lack of an ENERGETIC LIFESTYLE
This includes your perspectives of life at different stages - acceptance and indulgence. Having unfulfilled wishes and etc.

Many elderly are lost due to the lack of directions in life. Therefore engaging in events that provide a light of hope e.g.  religion can help.

8) Lack of POST-MORTEM PLAN
Never will you want to see your descendents slitting one another's throats.

And coffin, if you care.

Hit a Job!

Good news: I have finally gotten the job! The one which made me bit my teeth, panted, sweated, wiped, and 'bleed' for  the intensive workout! Commercing in Jan, there will be another long month to pull through before my covenant signing slipped under my shivering hand (rather touched, that I won't have to nua anymore).

So happy! The experience of being selected is brain-squeezing and hard-earned, plus majority of luck. Thanks God for working miracle. Especially when I barely slept the night before hee.

Preparation? Nothing but connecting with, focusing on Christ on my hour-ride there. :)

In layman terms, chillax.

Throughout the past 1.5 mth, I'd become healthier and more energetic than before. Exercising is great! It is never about slimming. Never about diet. It is, in fact, about strengthening your physical and mental states. Stronger torso, less susceptible to injury and disease, greater immune system, greater perservance, higher generating of endorphins - happiness.

First self-promise: I will continue to exercise and keep fit. At least twice a week.

Because, it makes me feel lighter and confident.

Keep track, friends! I'm gonna make a long list of promises to myself before immersing into the working class.

Reason being: I want to keep good traits of mine and never want to end up another unhappy working class.

Keep positive at all times. Oops! Another promise. Haha

~~~

Today was beautifully with my visit to my church's chinese cell group. We had dinner together and had a worry quiz which precedes sharing.

As expected, I am an irritating optimist. Neither hopeless nor self-denial. Just optimistic.

I believe, at least, solvable matters are not worth a headache. Be it confrontation, workplace stress, relationship issue. They all have a way out.

It is only a matter whether you have the courage to admit, confront and act.

During sharing session, we talked about peace. A counteract against worry in life.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Although worldly matter may plague our well-being, we can have a freedom of choice - to let worry comes in, or block it out.

It mainly relies on us if we want to be affected. It is up to us if we want to let external factors affect our inner state.

And let us always remember, only in God is perfect love found.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

In God's love, we have no fear. Perfect love has no fear. It triumphs.

As the human race, we are weak by nature. We are unconsciously tempted by many plots of Satan - desires of success defined by fame, social status, wealth, workplace performance, recognition and relationships. Continuous pursuit of these make us restless, stress and worrisome. Peace is casted away.

This clause also side-trackingly reminded me of a life philosophy, "You can only love others when you love yourself." Similarly, by abiding and receiving the gracious love from Him, our love is only then perfected. And there, we become courageous, secure and can love others.

God has given us an everlasting promise, a genuine one. Peace comes with faith in God. Faith is a divine gift from Him, so as peace. To obtain inner peace, we need to trust Him. And with peace, you are resilient, you have no fear.

We achieve everlasting victory and Satan defeated.

These I wrote in abstract. If you have any enquiry and comments, please feel free to contribute.

God bless and goodnight! :)

ITD 19 - Happy Bakery!

Before my Intensive Training Day moves on to the 20th 24 hours, which I probably won't work out much since it's the Lord's Day, let me carry out my regular duty by updating about my health progress for the past week! :)

ITD 16 - Revigorating
Joints stinged after 5 km the night before.

ITD 17 - Aerobic Dance 
Fun and effective as usual. Waist stabilises at 26 inches as usual. (Reminded me while I was sharing this 'victorious' result of losing 2 inches of mine last night. Felt awkward when I think back now as if I'm trying to hao lian or what but well... wasn't that intention. Haha)

ITD 18 - Challenge of 5.5 kilometers!
A friend of mine was supposed to join me in the healthy run but backed out last minute due to some appointment. It was quite a let-down. Nevertheless, since I was already there at Liang Court after my job interview, I might as well took the good opportunity to train up and appreciate the great scenery myself!

Luckily enough, my old old friend Tucky jio-ed  and recommended me to a vegetarian restaurant for dinner! Compensated for my minor disappointment earlier. It was called Zi You Zai near Boon Keng MRT. We ordered Hor Fun and Yi Mian.

Yi Mian @ $4

The place is convenient to locate. Food is decent, edible, being average is sufficient. The best thing about this restaurant is that it is valuable and not pricey like most others. Particularly salad stall where you can never understand why can they be so costly and overrated when there are more options to a healthy diet by our Eastern way.

It is undeniable that our society is too much blinded by westernization - be it lifestyle or diet - that we are starting to copy in every footsteps of theirs and determining the boring way (salad, like grass eating) as the healthy meal.

In fact, look at our Asian counterparts, were we ever obese compared to the West? Standing in a neutral point of view. In fact, our food may not be anywhere low in cholesterol or fats, but we definitely have a less fattening diet (on an average person) compared to theirs. 

It may not be righteous to say that we are more health-conscious than them. Surely everyone loves their body, just compare our diets in general.

At the end of the day, it all boils down on oneself to nourish your body system with the right variety of food necessary for healthy growth and lifestyle!

ITD 19 - Baking experiments!

 Bold attempts. Washed the baking tools and utensils like mad. It's all worth it! ;)

Chocolate Lava - drives you mental!

I only did it successfully after 3 attempts, with slight alternations each time, temperature and ingredients step-by-step. Fully utilized the existing resources at home - soon-expiring cocoa and hardly-used powder sugar. 

Patience is highly appreciated and returned in the process. The chocolate lava turns out great! It drove me crazy when the liquid of chocolate lava in the hot oven was oozing out! I immediately turned crazy and that was where you know you did it!

Gave it to my cocoa-maniac father. He absolutely loves chocolate! And worth mentioning, the culprit of all existences of different brands of chocolate bars at every corners of our home fridge. Apparently he liked it alot! :p

Fed my poor mommy some, even though she had enough of the kueh-like 'lava' beforehand. Keke...

Remembering my old old friend's belated birthday! Soooo... I baked a simple cake for him!

 Japanese cotton cheesecake - Took me one whole morning to bake this. Oven baking by itself took an hour plus excluding time for preparation and cooling down.

 That explains the relatively high-cost of this beautiful invention. Time is precious. 

I was glad to know that my church friends still missed my cotton cheesecake. M actually came telling me that she tried a cheesecake outside recently but immediately thought of my bakery which is deemed much nicer! I was so flattered but happy! Although the fact there was still room for improvement! :)

Other than my eye-candy baking fairytales,

we finally installed air-con!

Well, I'm considerably an environmentalist. At least, this identity is quite confirmed since my active participation and initiative in such advocates in my colorful uni days. It is time for my parents to enjoy a small luxury like this - especially given to the increasingly humid and warm weather, my mother was complaining about headaches and uncomfy and etc.

My parents were very excited and anticipated towards the arrival of 'air-con man'. Haha.. Weird enough, as I grow older I find them cuter. It is unexplainable.

How I wish I was the one who bought this mini luxury for them, instead of them spending their money of their own.

By this time, they were already happily enjoying being blown at by the newly-installed air-con.

I still remember when I was young, I kept pestering them the questions, "Why didn't we have air-conditioner?", "Why do we only have fans?". I was told we were poor to afford the seemingly-conventional materials, which in fact it was.

Although they may not be as highly-educated, they invested much efforts in nurturing us and teaching us the importance of education which they couldn't afford to enjoy during their eras.

To be a little thick-skinned, they are getting luckier each year as we each grew up to be capable children who did relatively well in their studies and career individually. 

There are many things I want to give them. That is why I want to have my job commerce soon and start being financially independent and capable. That is also why I set my visions towards aviation industry.

The other part of the reason is because of my intuition.. I feel that there is a compelling force telling me to head towards tourism-customer service-related industry, and next relating to business. I am not certain how it will turn out for me, frankly speaking. I am afraid that this decision of mine is somehow steered by superstitious factors.

However, one thing for sure, no matter where I go, He is watching and He will guide me along the way. I am sure every near-future journey of mine will benefit me in my further-future walking path.

I even thought of devoting my life into the ministry in my later age (since I may stay single forever), which my pastor and I incidentally discussed. He was quite surprised, since it was considerably rare for people to think towards this direction and let alone women. Nevertheless, he generously volunteered in giving me advices and links to more research into this area.

One thing he said is very true, "If God wants you, there is no way you can escape."

"That's why I'm here." I replied. :)

ITD 15 - 5km jog from Raffles Place - Esplanade - MBS

Summary of my MIA-ness:

ITD 12 - Aerobic Dance

ITD 13 - Sabbath Day! The seventh day, the rest day, the Lord's Day, the sign between He and us. Chilled out with my church friends and had an unexpected, luxurious meal.

Very sinful indeed. :(

I was too phobic to have my figure rebound. Upon returning home, I came across this interesting aerobic dance video and acted it out for an hour. It was sooo fun and effective! Sweated like crazy and really stamina-challenging!

After all the conventional exercises that you had repeatedly done for a period of time, there is an urge for you to make variations and add some spice into your routines! Or even for improv and try out something new!

ITD 14 - Rest day from ITD! (Recommended to rest or do only light exercise a day before a heavy one.)

ITD 15 - 5 kilometers JOG from Raffles Place - Esplanade - MBS. This marks a milestone in not only my sports arena, but also my life! I never try jogging this distance before, let alone finishing it in 35 minutes!

I usually jogged at 7.5 km/hr in gym, over a distance of 3km. If you calculate the speed, I have vastly improved to a speed of 8.57 km/hr! 

Partly owed to my encouraging sporty mates along the process! :D

Three take-homes my sporty mates and I picked up after the jog:

1. You jog better & smoother if you avoid intensive & heavy exercises a day or two before! (physically tested)
2. Jog constantly and at a slightly faster pace! The slower you jog, the easier you get exhausted.
3. Divert your attention. Talk to your sport mate along the way. This can keep you active and distract you from the exhaustion building up below. Alternatively, you can focus on the details of the surrounding and scenery! (Change location to jog once in a while. Surprisingly, you will start to find how beautiful Singapore can be!) 

One of my sport mates actually sighed happily, praising about the beautiful scenery around Singapore River. He was 150 kg and now 85 kg after merely 10 weeks of continuous exercise and healthy diet.

He felt much more lighter after shedding half of his weight! Moreover, he is also very inspiring and determined that he would never want to rebound back to what he was in the past. Really happy for him! 

Good news: My waist had trimmed down to only 26 inches! As of last week's 27 inches. Everyone around me started to notice the difference in me - not my waist, but sharper chin! ;)

I am not underweight. It still remains the same. Wonder where my fats went to! :D

As mentioned a few times before, it all boils down to your diet. Do you know? Your body shapes in the way that 80% is based on your diet and only 20% is based on your physical exercise and calorie-burning activity!

Seriously I ate as usual everyday. Nothing changes except the exclusion of supper! It really makes a big difference. Ask every slim and tummy-flat people. 

I know eliminating supper from your regular diet can be a tough one. However, you must understand the utmost fact that if you keep having this bad habit, you will NEVER IMPROVE!

In fact, it is common for people to mistake 'thirsty' for 'hungry'.

I have pulled it through and felt much healthier now! Keep drinking water after 7 p.m.. Alternatively, you can have a piece of non-sweetened seaweed if you are really hungry. 

Remember to accompany it with early turn-in. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. is the golden period of resting where your body is repairing itself sweetly. 

Share enough. Leave a comment at my post if you have any questions. I'll be happy to help! 

JIAYOU!

ITD 10 & 11 - Zumba & Jogging around Singapore River

Within merely less than 2 weeks, I was surprisingly active and unknowingly got a taste of a myriad sports and workouts! Things that I never had done before.

Milestones:

1. Trekking - Bukit Timah & Bukit Brown!
2. Badminton - Got a grip of how to serve ball and rules of double playing as well as score system.
3. Stretching - Increase body flexibility is significant in lowering the risks of physical injury.
4. Zumba - Reminds me of aerobic dance! Preference to the latter. 
5. Stairs Climbing - Most intensive workout ever! Paralyzed the next day. Nonetheless proven to be effective for tummy trimming! ;)
6. Scenery jogging - Around CCK & Singapore River. Going to explore Jurong Lakeside soon!

Complimenting to workouts, I acquired the correct knowledge of having a healthy diet for slimming down. Differing from the conventional belief of eating less, the ultimate secret of trimming fat belly into sexy flat tummy in 7 days (which I did it! *proud*) is...

Fast after 7pm except plain water and sleep strictly before midnight. 

This is the ultimate secret that skinny people, who ate like giant pig and don't even exercise, did not tell you. Because they themselves are not aware of too. 

I did not have fat belly in the past. It all only started when I picked up the bad habit of indulging in supper 2 years back. And it sucks a big time, in both my filming career (last time) and later my soon-to-be C.A. life.

Other foolproof, complimenting methods of slimming down your belly in the shortest time possible are, VERY IMPORTANT for healthy slimming:

1. "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper." Wake up early for a big breakfast and reduce the food intake for each meal after which.
2. Aerobic exercising (e.g. jogging, rope skipping at least 500 times) every day! Make it as early as possible. 
3. Get a cup of low-fat / skim milk each time after post-workout. Your body seeks proteins to repair the exhausted muscles after exercising. This will help weight loss. *Forget about those expensive and commercialized rich-in-proteins post-workout products as scientific research (1 2 3) has proven a simple cup of milk is the best! Would you spend $8 on a luxury protein drink which tastes boring or $1.20 on a pack of milk that tastes yummy? 
4. No fried or fast food and avoid sugary or artificially sweet stuff. Needless to say, they are very evil. 
5. Eat your carbohydrates (rice, noodles, bread & etc) as usual or reduce to an appropriate amount. You must not void all carb food in your diet just because you think they will cause weight gain. Rather, your body will protest and rebound fat! (Search online for more info) 

Lastly,

DISCIPLINE & DETERMINATION

"It takes 21 days to form a habit.", as famously quoted as it is, holding true to its words. People with stronger mentality will take lesser than that. I took 7 days to form a habit. 

For all the pretty or healthy-wannabes and those who want to change their lives for better, please continue to strive! There's no such thing as immediate result. 

Every achievement comes with consistent hard work, logical minds and formidable perseverance. 

That is what makes achievement worthy and promising. 

If others can do it, why can't I? 

SO if I can do it, why can't you? :)

ITD 9 - Workout Bootcamp @ WellnessXpress & Selamat Hari Raya

Selamat Hari Raya! 

Woke up early for my church friend's housewarming to chill out on the public holiday! Although it doesn't affect since I was/am/will be unemployed. At least until the end of this year. :[

Thanks C & H so much for the great hospitality and food! Re-watched E.T. and the film is still as heartwarming and impactful as always. Much much better than most animations these days. 

Waiting for job to commerce is tough. You are penniless and bored. No unlimited concession (transport), no face to ask your old parents for financial support. Except a few working projects here and there, where the pay only comes long long later. Every day's a free day and you start to get itchy and looking for things to keep you occupied - physically and mentally. 

Just like home-bound lol. 

9th day down the road to my personal intensive training diary. I decided to give it a try to WellnessXpress and seek for any potential motivation that keeps me going. Besides, exercising alone can go downhill. This is where your good or new friends who are similarly determined should join you in the race! ;)

On my first day there, I already made wonderful and strong-willed friends! They are very motivated and amiable!

 3 young sisters, all in black!

There's a noticeable change in my face shape. It became slimmer and sharper unexpectedly. So is my tummy! Flattening! Note not fattening okay! 

After all the daily aerobic exercises! IT8 I jogged back and forth from Yew Tee to Choa Chu Kang. *feeling proud of my determination!*

Gonna continue my visit there tomorrow. Keep fit, sleep early and goodnight!

Conclusion for today's overall diet:

- Breakfast: Avocado milkshake (finally I got it! yumm!), carrot cake

- Lunch: Catering @ friend's house

- Dinner at 5.30pm: Salad with some carb food - pasta & potato

ITD 7 - Bukit Brown Heritage Park

Early and refreshing morning! We had come to Bukit Brown Heritage Park, also known as the old Chinese cemetery, peacefully resting are the great contributors to Singapore who had enriched our local history.

I happened to pass by this interesting free tour in Meetup.com. Apparently the cemetery is planned to be abolished for expressway and other possible future development. It is a shame that we are going to lose another important historical site of ours. What is left for our children? What will they know?

Besides their fierce loyalty playing with a piece of metal and plastic screen...

Even today, our younger generation (and also my era) already knows so little about Singapore history. Our general education system at my time has been set in a way that foreign histories are prevalent and more emphasized compared to our Mother land.

At the end of the day, I learnt that there is a combination of factors in order to instill patriotism in our fellow Singaporeans. And one of these is, History.

I can understand why quite a significant number of people of my generation and younger feels a detachment from their nationality.

History is important. Other than plainly showing us examples of a series of human activities, other than teaching us to understand the 'yin' and the 'guo' and not repeat the unwanted historical warfare or conflict again, other than equipping us with the knowledge to analyse, we must not forget. History is the significant link to our roots.

I used to think little about my root. And I believe we were taught the chinese idiom 'yin shui si yuan' but we never truly understand what it means at the core.

Well, it is getting a little too deep and emotional here.

Cutting short, we signed a petition to save the heritage after the tour. The tour guides are all unpaid volunteers, who are truly passionate and dedicated to the heritage protection. It is highly doubtful that it would change the authority's decision, who knows if we spread the word and do something about it?

If the Japanese cemetery (as old as Bukit Brown's) in Singapore can be conserved, why not ours? :)

Note: I will update next time about my trip there! Photos? Of course! :D

After the heritage tour, we had a lunch feast at Two Chefs Eating Place! One of the best Zi Char restaurant around! 

Taking random of the plate while we were curiously discussing about the 4 letters on it. Reading from the right is "wan shou wu jiang". It means "a million years of longevity without border".

What else have you seen? Observe!

In conclusion, Singapore is small but it is rich in history and heritages worth exploring. It is untrue that we had it all here and it is a boring place with nothing but shopping mall which majority of us had visited a thousand of times. 

One precious take-home today is, there is countless to explore in this small sunny island. 

We do not have to be "out-of-the-box" to enjoy life. 

In fact, life can similarly be fulfilling "inside-the-box", 

by paying extra attention to every single details, of our surrounding.

P.S. Did a little hiking and jogging. A suitable pair of shoes is an essential for good sports. We shall find out more in my upcoming post! :)

ITD 5 - Badminton

It's been a long time since I picked up a badminton racket! Exactly this was what my new friends and I were doing this afternoon. Even received a free professional lesson on how to kick-start a shuttlecock. :p

Played for 3 hours continuously. A great leisure and interactive exercise that tests you on your focus, reflexes and skills. Hit three birds with one stone! 

Lastly, wish everyone a happy Sabbath day. May you abide in God, and He abides in you. For He is the Living God and the only and faithful God. 

Amen. 

ITD 2 - Stairs Climbing (outdated)

Due to my intended training, it makes me read up more about a myraid of exercises and led my curiosity about pilates.

Did pilates the night before and in the morning when I woke up. I must say, the effect was intense targetting at my abdomen, accompanied by regular jogging/skipping rope.

Guess what, both sides of my waist have clearly sunk in in just 3 days!

Mommy was shocked when she thought she saw abs.

Interestingly, I signed up for a meetup group which organises regular outdoor workouts.

So I went for my first challenge - stair climbing!

30-storeys HDB blocks. 4 times repeatedly.

Total = 120 storeys for an hour.

Surprisingly, you tend to sweat way much more compared to regular jogging. Resisting against the gravity, lifting your limbs up higher each step.

Milestone

Tada! *vain*

Alright, move aside...

 On top of the building 

Very intensive for a beginner. Even with proper warm-ups beforehand, my legs wobbled after the whole event. My leg muscles, knee joints and ankles were a little uncomfortable.

The whole event was challenging and fun despite such! The seniors were friendly and welcoming though I'm the only youngster that evening. They are also very generous in sharing their sports adventure! :D

Stairs-climbing group!

Since I'm going to continue my self-motivating training, I bought 2 knee support bands to protect my joints. Only $3.80 from nipponya!

Prevention is better than cure, isn't it? :)

Good news: Progression for my backbone. I finally stand straight! Automatically!

How do I know? Cos' I leaned against wall every 15min to make sure things didn't go back to square. Quite obsessive but it works! Hee..

Muscle memory. They are built around the new bone position if you kept doing it.

When I tried to slough, it felt so awkward and returned to the straight position automatically.

Idiot proof. Do it for 3 days continuously, every day, every minute and every second!

Discipline plays a big role here. You have to persevere. Starting can be painful. I was a little depressed when my shoulder muscles hurted after the first day. It is normal to feel so.

But I kept persevering and it doesn't hurt anymore! :)

Believe in yourself and you can do it. For hunchbackies, you aren't alone!

Now I need to take note of my cervical area. Slightly forwarded neck and doing neck push back exercises every hour.

Gonna wake up for jogging tmr. Good night!


Note: Due to fire outbreak at SingTel facility, I only get to post this 3 days later. :/

ITD 1 (Intensive Training Day 1)

Remember that I mentioned about taking up a personal intensive training of correcting my posture and slimming down my body? My mommy seemed to have voluntarily taken up the role of a watchperson, readily scrutinize my daily work-out and consumption.

I wasn't allowed to touch anything from the fridge last night, not a finger laying. It tortured me so badly as a habitual happy supper-indulger. ;(

Unbearably, I sneaked into the kitchen in the midnight to steal a mouthful of milk and pieces of cereals. Keke..

Waking up the next morning at 8 a.m., I accompanied my mom for grocery shopping and bought roughly a-week food supply that will prepare me for my healthy diet programme. She is unexpectedly supportive, never did I see her that enthusiastic about my initiative before. We bought all the healthy items like avocado, watermelon, organic salad, cherry tomato, yoghurt, chicken breast and cereals. Some of these will be served as my newly-listed tidbits in case my mouth got itchy and start munching mindlessly.

At 9 a.m., I headed to jog for 2.4 km (minimum target to start out) which was considered very short distance. For an average occasion, I can jog up to 3 km at least in the gym. The road feels slightly uneven and a different texture on the park jogging path. Followed by 20 sit-ups and crunching before I headed home to bathe.

At 12 p.m, I had salad! Never a salad fan and only tried less than 10 times in my whole lifetime, I couldn't understand why the exaggerating benefits about it. My usual diet is generally fine and healthy, as I often drink avocado milkshake, orange juice, eat salmon and fishes, and only 1/3 bowl of rice. Meats are usually not for me as I don't enjoy the odour. This kind of explains of my good complexion and fast-healing.

The main thing that contributes to my unsightly tummy is SUPPER. And sloughing to eat makes the fat even more glad to accumulate there.

I finally decided to give salad a try. My first salad recipe.

Tada! My lunch...

Beyond my expectation. It tastes good! :D

It is simple. Green, red lettuces, cherry tomatoes and baked salmon, garnishing with thousand island.

Finally, to update about my posture correction (standing straight) since last night, my reflexes have adjusted well and automatically alerted me to stand straight. It wasn't easy, I did it intensively the whole night yesterday, once every 5 minutes to assure my straightness against the wall.

There is improvement! I tend to stand and sit straight the whole morning after continuous self-alerts. I will continue with the good work and probably improvise it by stabling book on top of my head.

It is going to be a tough process. My body aches after the whole process last night for 6 hours. It still stings a little but my body is adjusting to it. Seeing much oblivious wing-bones! :)

Let's continue to eat grass for the next 1.5 months. Moooo...

SIA Interview - Praise the Lord!

It was a great experience. I never expect I would come so far.

Thanks God for working the miracle.

Deuteronomy 7:9

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."

I am very flattered to reach the final stage of kebaya-trying.Despite not meeting the stringent standards, I met with this kind and motherly judge who pointed out my shortcomings and was willing to give me a chance to work on my figure and grooming and keep me in view. In which, I can come back straight to test the kebaya again next recruitment. 

There is no confirmation or assurance that I will get in after my next attempt though. All depends on my personal result later.

I was and am very very lucky. Especially when I did not intend to come in the beginning due to other concern. No words can describe my gratitude now. 

It is going to be an intensive training and work-out from today onwards. In fact, I had been practicing the correct straight posture the whole evening and now suffering from muscle cramps! Gonna maintain it for the rest of the month to turn it into a habit. :)

This is the posture that I'm working on!

For those who got in, congratulations! For those who didn't, keep trying and never give up your passion. I tried the second time before I nearly or somehow made it.

"Failing is a process of succeeding." - quote from Attention Please Special

I will work hard, so will you! 

No star's greeting tonight

Homemade butter cookies!

Simple easy, easy simple.

Overcoming evil with kindness

Romans 12:17-21

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 
“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 
To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Amen.

A Sound Prayer

How do you pray? This is a question that I used to ask when I first baptized and has never disappeared from my life as I subsequently encountered by both believers and non-believers.

So, is there a format for praying? 

Debatable. However, one will come to a consensus that the core of prayer is about communicating, confessing to God and doing it wholeheartedly. 

Bible about prayer (Matthew 6: 5 - 14):

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10 your kingdom come,

your will be done,

    on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

    as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

    but deliver us from the evil one.

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

A satisfactory answer based from credible source. What if we want to pray about specific matter? 

As I surfed through the internet and an accumulative knowledge from various church sources, there are two sets of guidelines you may consider: 

A) The 5 Fingers of Prayer is a simple way of praying and focuses on the notion of loving people. This is also commonly taught to young children as a fundamental way of caring about others, be it blood-related or unrelated, through action of praying. Read here!

As we grow, we see more, we hear more, we sense more, and there, trouble more. The next prayer tends to have an inclination of forming a more intimate connection between you and God. 

B) The A.C.T.S Formula is a galvanizing method, and some says 'complete' way, of praying with the following 4 elements:

• Adoration: Give God praise and honor for who he is as Lord over all.
• Confession: Honestly deal with the sin in your prayer life.
• Thanksgiving: Verbalize what you're grateful for in your life and in the world around you.
• Supplication: Pray for the needs of others and yourself.

Hope you have a greater insights and concrete ideas of going about establishing relationship of God after reading this. Amen! 

Oh, God!

Interestingly, an in-house movie appreciation together with my sisters on Sunday night.

"Oh, God!", featuring George Burns & John Denver (2007)

The comedic story centers on Jerry Landers, a kind-hearted and diligent assistant supermarket manager and a non-believer, whom is chosen by God, a disguised old man, as a messenger (a 'contemporary' Moses) to spread his words and testify his existence. A non-believer, he was extremely skeptical of the God's existence but still obeyed reluctantly approached the media about his encounter with the divine. As the story flows, he subsequently believe after witnessing the God's mysterious appearance and performed miracles and began to have unyielding faith in him. It was commendable for his total trust in God in such a short time despite the God's seemingly ridiculous requests to slander which later invited a lawsuit, which reminded us about Moses being told by God to kill his beloved son to test his faithfulness, in addition of vis-à-vis the distrust of his closest kins, pressure of religious authorities and mocking from the media and public.

As a modern audience who has a myriad varieties of great movies (advanced visual effects from 3D to CGI) to pick, this old movie and plot totally appeals to even today's viewers with its humor and shooting style notwithstanding being overall simple. Unlike many films that utilized sexual appeals, body function jokes or bring-to-the-table messages that they want to convey, this film is light-mooded, humorous, plays no emotional tricks and leaves room for thoughts.

The best parts, in my opinion, were:
1 when Lander asked God about which world's religions is the closet to the divine truth, God answered, "The divine truth is not in a building or a book or a story.. Put down that the heart is the temple wherein all truth resides."

2 and whether Jesus Christ is the Son of God, he answered, "Jesus was my son. Buddha was my son. Mohammed, Moses, you, the man who said there was no room at the inn, was my son."

Here, some food for thought.

Although the screenwriting about the God is varied from what we understand from the scriptures in order to cater to the audience (humor, surprises, the thrilling unexpected etc), it is a great feeling to see how benevolent and accepting our Lord God is.

The following video depicts the final part of the story. After an intensive period of mental turmoil, God finally appeared to Lander's rescue in clearing his name and dispelling the public's doubt about his 'second coming' and bringing the truth to light.



At the end of the day, the morale of the story tells us we hold the ultimate decision to believe in whatever we see or hear - faith.

One memorable quote by God in the movie, "I know how hard it is in these times to have faith. But maybe if you could have the faith to start with, maybe the times would change. You could change them. Think about it. Try. And try not to hurt each other. There's been enough of that. It really gets in the way. I'm a God of very few words and Jerry's already given you mine. However hopeless, helpless, mixed up and scary it all gets, it can work. If you find it hard to believe in me, maybe it would help you to know that I believe in you."

Amen.

More quotes from "Oh, God!"

Happy Sabbath!

Hallejuah. Maiden day to my new church!

New atmosphere. New people. New culture.

I think I finally found a worship place suitable to my style, my beliefs and my philosophy - even to my diet. :D

It was great. Sisters are very helpful. Perhaps, what is a little deficient of is... the transmitting of holiness and devotion whenever we see one another and say "God bless you." with a sincere smile. :)

Nonsense overloaded

I am angry that I was angry.
I am upset that I was upset.
I am confuse that I was confused.
I am helpless that I was helpless.
I am irritated that I was irritated.

Life, is so much nonsense. Keep calm.

Return & Reflection

The past 1 year was fun and fruitful. Finally I'm back at my blog typing. And finally, I know why my brain had been inactive, lazy and slow - blogging keeps your mind working.

Also, the reason why my speech, writing and articulation skill suck a big time. It makes someone feel small and terrible when your brain wasn't cooperating!

In anyway, I shall recall and list down the wonderful things I had done during my absence.

The first time I...

...enrolled a Ramen Challenge
...engaged actively in environmental issue
...gained a leadership role, handling a major event
...am so independent
...am so happy about my life, my freedom
...read hong lou meng
...understand the unbearable feeling of carrying a torch for someone
...and many many more

It's been a long time...

Coming in once-in-a-while to rupture the spider web.

Gratitude

Be grateful to life, for that life will be good to you.

The Ultimate Optimism

被人误解时能微微一笑；素养。

受委屈时能坦然一笑；大度。

吃亏时能开心一笑；豁达。

无奈时能达观一笑；境界。

危险时坦然一笑；大气。

被轻蔑时能平静一笑；自信。

失恋时能轻轻一笑；洒脱。

今天的你笑了吗？

Ehime

It has been four days since I'd started indulging myself in salt selling. In case you are wondering,  it is Hataka no Shio, a famous Japanese salt from Ehime, Hakata, that I’m promoting.

Since I came to work, I never expect to learn so many things. On top of the fundamental skills of promoting sales products in a persuasive way, and I learned many things about Japan through a seemingly simple pack of salt.

I had been wandering aimlessly. Till I came to work for this Shikoku fair, I have started to realise so many meanings in life. I am deeply indebted to my superior, Ishimaru-san and thankful to my middleman and agent who gave me this opportunity to hold this job.

Speaking of Ishimaru-san, rather than supervising my work, it's more like he had been accompanying me and teaching me lots of things in Japan. Answering to the countless doubts I had, even working hard to check up translation dictionary to fulfil my restless curiosity about salt, and even generously sharing his knowledge in Japanese culture with me. I am extremely touched by him. No supervisor can be as good as him, giving his subordinate plenty of freedom and creativity space to explore.      

I have also come to experience the warmth, kindness and friendliness of the people from Ejime - my Japanese colleagues. They are always looking out for you, and are generous to share, even stuffing me with samples to bring home. And when I know why they are so kind to me, I then realised I was the first to be kind and helpful to them promoting their prefecture’s products,  dissolving and disseminating any radiation rumors about Japan and assuring their prefecture’s products are safe. This is actually a form of protecting them; a way of showing love and encouragement.

Time flies. The day where Ishimaru-san needs to return back to his homeland nears. We had a simple farewell dinner where we had a great time chatting and laughing together with my agent Ono-san, whom had a hard time translating many difficult indigenous terms when we went into detailed and complicated topic like history and culture. In the midst of our conversation, Ishimaru-san suddenly handed out a Japanese culture book and gave it to me as a present. I felt greatly indebted to him. Shortly after which, he passed each of us a ultra-mini pack of salt. We were surprised at first by such move. Then he took out a pen and wrote,

“塩” EN　

“缘” EN

“円” EN

The kanjis are pronounced the same way, and in English they mean, “salt”, “fate” & “money” respectively. As a whole, it means by keeping the salt in your wallet, it brings you good fate with good people and consequently good fortune. I was deeply touched not only by this gesture but also every single word of thanks from Ishimaru-san, who felt that I had motivated him not solely through my working spirit, and also personally. I felt flattered as I always think it is my duty and the right attitude to hold while doing my job. Ishimaru-san had taught by holding this enthusiasm of mine, I had conveyed to them a message of great encouragement and touched the hearts of not only the people of Ehime, but also the whole of Japan.

I will always remember what he said, “Never forget about the Fukushima people. Although years had gone by, the scars remain and they are still trying to buck up.”  At the end of the day, he told me, this is yet the end of our meeting. We will always meet again. True enough, holding a sincere heart in life, good things never end.

Words of Wisdom

"Don't allow the way others judge you to hinder your ability to distribute.

Just be yourself, put in your very best, take up responsibilities - these things are within your control. 

Whether people like you, dislike you doesn't matter. 

If you are a great person, people will see it one day."

Thank you Esther! :)

Helpless

Self-reflecting... Shall come up with a resolution soon.

MOE shooting

2nd day of MOE shooting. Probably the most energy-consuming shooting thus far cycling, running and doing almost everything under the Sun for the whole day.

Feeling a little dizzy. Now I finally know where my limit is! :p

Wrap up for the day! 

One last day shooting for this project tomorrow. 

Goodnight... :)

Improvements!

Had 3rd vocal training today! After a 'fierce' lesson last year, I continued to practice hard on my breathing techniques and finally witness some improvements. My poor habit of moving up my shoulder too much while singing has gone and I'm breathing it right in the diaphragm.

However, though the coach was a little glad for me, I wasn't much satisfied. By changing my vocal breathing, I'm restricted from singing and hitting the keys comfortably. Have to breathe deep and stand up straight at all time. 

At least by breathing it right, my vocal cords don't hurt anymore. More rooms for improvements! :)

~~~

Went for a few auditions for the past one week. Why do I kept feeling not right? 

I still remember, there was once when a producer told me my spirit seems a little dull. Quite a number of people in the past year said my eyes looked restless, even my mom reminded me of this too. 

Wonder if I'm working too hard without noticing.. Now I just have to keep reminding myself to be energetic all the time and open my eyes wide! Hahaha..

To end the day, a good advice from one of my vocal classmate: "To break down the concrete walls between you and the other, stand on the same level as him or her."

Goodnight!

2013 First Revolution (The path)

Here comes my first part. Ahemmm.. *clear throat*

How to be cheerful & honey spiritually?

1) Smile to yourself in the mirror every morning. Appreciate and praise yourself.  "You can do it!"

2) Be positive at all times! "There's nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so." - Shakespeare

3) Love yourself! Eat healthily, exercise regularly and sleep well! Dress up and carry yourself well. A sign of mutual respect for you and others.

4) Do what you believe in. Say what you mean. As long as your conscious is true.

5) Discipline! Focus on one thing at a time. Force yourself to switch off the computer screen or TV without interesting programme (save the Earth too). Study when study. Read when read. Listen when listen. Have fun have fun.

6) Do not lie, exaggerate or swear. Dishonesty and hatred repel positive energy.

7) Listen to happy yuppie music every days or nights.

8) Laugh it off! your own mistakes. But remember hard not to do it again.

9) Do your best in everything. Without getting over serious and affect others around you.

11) Read constructive or interesting books to build up your intellectual and exposure level.

12) Hang out with friends. Build rapport and invite positive energy.

13) Be understanding, however not weak. A true wisdom to be happy.

14) Have a peaceful mind. "Reflection of the day", and what and how to improve the next day.




One last thing to share before turning in,

Galatians 5:16-26:

"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." 

- Apostle Paul

Side note: Law = The Torah

Sleep well. Sleep tight.