Doc Visit (again)

(I was going to post this last night but lost half the entry due to lost internet connection. Let me quickly try to re-cap what I lost ...NM!)


I went to see a doctor yesterday. This time about the nagging pain in my knees, shins and ankles. Finally decided to seek some advice after much pondering. The last time I visited a doc for similar problems was back in July 07 . Since then the discomfort come and go ocassionally depending on whatever I did or shouldn't have done. The discomfort/aches are not seriously unbearable, that's why I can live with them lingering around for years.


This time I got a bit worried because one of my tai ci mate who had also been bearing a lingering ankle problem for months (probably years) was told by her doctor that she had aggravated an old injury (a hairline fracture) and because there wasn't any medical attention applied, the fracture had become almost permanent and can't properly support her ligaments, muscles, tissues now. (Am trying my best to explain the condition in layman term, hope I got it right). Anyway...in other words, nothing much can be done to her ankle now. The doctor taught her some exercises to strengthen her muscles - thats all. The doctor also mentioned that the condition of her bones are equivalent to a 60 yr old..she is only 40!

I don't want to experience the same in 5 years time! Plus, the on and off nagging pains had been affecting my fav past time at the gym and on court.

The doctor I saw yesterday is a full time sports physician and was previously attached to the NSC. I found him on this website while I was looking up for information related to my problems. I know I know..I've seen several doctors and practitioners..medical and alternative practices...whom do I trust? Well, before deciding to make a personal visit, I communicated with this doctor via a few emails and I kind of liked his approach. In addition, he currently practices as a GP, so charges won't be exorbitant.

Outcome - ?

The good news is my ankles are alright and my problems are quite common. He also said that most of these problems occur when one's muscles are not strong enough to support such strenous activities (walking inclusive - if it gets worse). While these problems are common, if left unattended, over time, it may lead to other complications in different parts of the body e.g. back, hip, etc etc - ring some bells....

As expected, I was adviced to reduce high impact activities...for instance...body combat and badminton :((( Instead, he taught me some simple exercises to strengthen my core muscles around the hamstring, back ..etc (can't remember ..too many things discussed). Was also given medication to reduce possible inflammation and a gel to relieve the pain (if any).

Conclusion - ?

It's all up to me isn't it? To do those exercises diligently and strengthen those muscles. And...(this is hard to do)...cut down on BC :(

Lembah Kiara with Ryan

Some overdue pics from outing with lil ryan..my 3 yr old date Shy wor...

A snail that freaked Ryan out..

...

Fafa asked why I seem a bit quiet today....

• sleepy lar
• monday blues kua
• sianz lor
• writer's block..
• weekend withdrawal syndrome
• trying hard to get some work done
• knee and ankles stil bothersome, affecting my fav. pastime

i do have some backup entries in the draft..but..dun feel like posting them yet..

Prolific Weekend (after all)

Did I say it's going to be a quiet weekend?
Did I say I will do some spring cleaning?

ah-ah.
*GRIN*



Saturday evening chill - Waterfront @ Desapark City with sis, bro, s.i.l and lil Danial

Lil Danial posing in front of the christmas deco.

Photos below are taken by him. Not bad eh?

Sunday - Mid Valley shopping spree

More gifts achievement!

New Status:

Jojo's b-day (due Nov 29th) - done!
Baby Leon's b-day (due Dec 7th) - done!
Nephew Danial's x'mas - done!
Jojo's x'mas - done!
MK and family x'mas - no have
SY and family x'mas - done!
AST x'mas - no have
Cousin's kids x'mas - no have

And..ta..daa...MINE!!

Check this out...I so love this bag!

Today..

Introducing CHOC! my labrador puppy on Facebook :D Do help me to feed / play him when you drop by :) It's under the Pokey! application.

Today..that's the title of this post. May not be of any relevance...just that..I think Today is such a Gift that I would like to dedicate a post to it. I have nothing in particular to talk about today...but since it's Friday and the weather is beautiful (it has been raining for 2 nights in a row)....I just have to log down something for the sake of it. Am sleepy again although I went to bed at 11 last night and I'm drinking "susu lembu brew coffee" . Thought it's a relatively better coffee option since it's fresh cow's milk - more expensive ler - $2.80!!! Been getting a teeny weeny bit worried over my steady weight loss in last couple of months. Yesterday I noticed I could see my rib cage bones!..Don't remember ever seeing that part of my organ in my entire life. Not sai meng here..just a little worried. But then..since I still have good apetite..should be alrite kua??

Oh ya..I completed the 10 stamps at the gym and got my $40 Triumph voucher. Guess what. Marketing gimmick lar! It comes in Two $20 vouchers and only One voucher is allowed per transaction! Cheh! $20 off a $149.90 sports bra -- tsk tsk tsk. Aii..waste my 7 classes a week effort. No wonder my 'pai kuat' all showing. So..if you need $20 vouchers...come to me - vouchers expire end Dec this year. I will still collect those stamps since I am at the classes quite regularly anyway. May be I can give away as Christmas presents *GRIN*

This morning, while dressing for work..I heard sounds of a band playing some songs. Must be the band preparing for the funeral of my sis' neighbour. Their house is just a stone throw away from my place although they are a different garden (slightly more affluent so to speak).


What else for TODAY. Oh wel..while M'sia is arguing about yoga fatwa..etc etc...alot of other major issues happening elsewhere. Mumbai attacks, Havoc in BKK, financial crisis seems to be getting worse...Sigh...life..

One more thing..I am enjoying driving in the "new wheels"...no new car....new tyres only :D

Okie dokie..will get back to work. I shall try to be productive Today...so that I can leave on the dot..chilling out again tonite :)


oh oh...one last thing..I am deep shit this time. I can't locate the confirmation email for the mama mia musical. I swear I received and read the mail some time some where but I can't find it in all my mailbox. None in hotmail nor gmail..nor my work mail. Ooops.


P/S:
This weekend will be a quiet one. Planning to go for the annual medical checkup for myself and dad tomorrow. Hope to clean up the new house abit too since I finally have the lights & fans done up.

PPS:
Actually not feeling very well by now. Occassionally will get this...body stiffness and aches..it wil go away I hope...some beer tonite will help :)

Ciao!

World Meatless Day (25 November)

25 November was declared The World Meatless Day. According to http://www.meatlessday.com/ :


In 1986, it was proposed that November 25, Sadhu Vaswani's Birthday be celebrated as an International Meatless Day. The campaign has met with considerable success in that, lakhs of individuals send their pledges to the Mission to go meatless on this day. Four state governments in India - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh - have issued instructions for the closure of slaughter-houses as well as butchers' shops on 25th November every year, in their respective states.
In order to create an awareness in the minds of citizens about the Meatless Day campaign, peace marches are held in Pune and other cities in November, every year. Thousands of students from city schools and colleges march through the streets propagating the idea of Meatless Day and reverence for all life, as the first step to World Peace. Meatless Newsletters are also issued between August and November every year to propagate vegetarianism and the Meatless Day.

I read this - 7,500 Malaysians to go meatless for a day on the newspaper the other day and totally forgot about it! Some interesting facts from the article:

Last year, 7,637 Malaysians joined over 89.2 million people worldwide in observing International Meatless Day, started by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in India, named after its founder who advocated non-violence.

“In fact, by going meatless one day a week, each person could save 170kg in carbon dioxide emissions in a year"

Missed the date wor.
Can replace tomorrow? Today I already ate fish and chicken :)

Thanksgiving

What a coincidence. Today is actually Thanksgiving Day and I happened to write a somewhat relevant post yesterday so much related to the subject matter without even realising it!

Wikipedia says..Thanksgiving, also known as Thanksgiving Day, is a harvest festival. Traditionally, it is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general. It is primarily a North American holiday which has generally become a national secular holiday with religious origins....

..Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Thanksgiving dinner is held on this day, usually as a gathering of family members.

Check out Danielle Steeel's post - here - somewhat deep but good insights about the subject matter form a personal perspective.

Happy Thanksgiving :)

Now..it's ok to yoga (as long as you don't chant)

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Muslims who performed yoga without chanting any mantra can carry on with their activity as it was good for their health.
He urged all quarters to understand the content of the yoga fatwa issued by the National Fatwa Council and not twist facts and cause confusion among the public...READ MORE @ THE STAR

Reference for previous report - here. Since Saturday, there has been numerous reactions to Saturday's annoucement.

Ermm..don't think there is any need to say much here. It is self explanatory. Moral of the story is Think Hard Before Saying Anything. Think A Few Steps Ahead & Consider Further Consequences Before Acting.

When I first joined the S company...we had this fearful MD (Mr RP). When we need to speak to him about issues..we'd always make sure we have all our facts justified and ready at our finger tips for his QUESTIONS! No such thing as reporting a problem without proper solution. No such thing as giving unclear half past six updates. That's how all responsible Executives should behave!

Btw, Mr PM...there wasn't any need to twist facts and cause confusion because the first annoucement made on Saturday wasn't clear in the first place.

Tyres Tyres

Aii...choices choices...am blogging from the Tyrezone. Was scratching my head deciding which brand of tyres to change to? How many tyres to replace? Technically..all four tyres are worn out. If I were to replace all four with what I have been using - Michelin - it will cost me $940! Bloody expensive! I can buy loads of good stuff with $940...can even go travelling ler!

The next best alternative will be Bridgestone/Goodyear..but it is only about $15 cheaper per tyre. Dunlop will be more economical ($100+ each only) ..but..I may not be able to get use to it. The other consideration factor will be..if I were to change car..I shouldn't need such good tyre after all.

For the records..the last time I changed tyres was beginning of 2007, roughly. Life span slightly lesss than 2 years. About right?

Ai yai yai..while I was counting my miserable ringgit...a friend of mind..was deciding on a USD1.8K trip! What a contrast. Duh...

Anyway..my decision..was to replace the two front tyres for the time being...with Michelin. Sigh..

15 years left?

Yet another unexpected death. One of my sis' friendly neighbour had a heart attack and passed away unexpectedly yesterday. He was barely 50. I have not met him though..but was told he was a very very nice man.

Barely 50 and time is up. I can't help but wonder...if I were to have the same fate..I only have less than 15 years left to live this life. What have I done and What have I not done??

PAUSED.

BLANK.

Ermmm....

• I've been a good kid...I think
• I did my degree at the very least
• I have a job..and have been earning a steady income for the past 12 years
• I have been a good daughter..I'd like to think so
• I have been a good person..I'd like to think so too
• I have been a good sister..uh huh?
• I have an adorable but naughty little nephew
• I am going to have a niece!
• I have been a good employee...*blink* despite the fact that I am bloggin now at 10.28am
• I have a house altho..technically it belongs to the bank
• I drive a car...something I didn't think I wud be able to do when I was 17
• I have great friends
• I have a blog and I am loving it
• I have a dog and a cat
• I survived TM
• I am re-discovering fitness
• I still love BC at the gym
• I am learning tai ci..do I love it?..I still can't tell..
• I am re-discovering my love for badminton (my childhood hobby)
• I live to eat..although this contradicts big time with the other love
• Oh ya..did lasik :)
  

That's all??!!!

Boo hooo...

• I don't really know how to swim
• I can't even cycle properly
• I have not dived
• I have not bungee jump
• I have not been up Mount KK altho it's so nearby
• I have been single all this while and still am!!
• I have not given birth
• I have not experienced motherhood
• I have not backpacked
• I have not work/live overseas

I am glad though that ....I was in Beijing (last year around this time)..

I was at the Great Wall of China...would love to spend more time up there though...

I am also glad I was at Nepal (Y2003).....we didn't even have digital cameras then..photos were all in print copy. I 'stole' this from the net - The Annapurna Peaks...a familiar scene which we woke up to everyday while we were in Nepal.

Just read on Wiki that the Annapurna Peaks are among the world's most dangerous mountains to climb, with a fatality rate of 40%!

http://travel.sulekha.com/china/kailash-mansarovar/photos/slideshow/19928/pageno-1.htm

So...what's left to do in life?

Stay healthy people. Stay fit. Appreciate, be grateful to what you have right now.

Your life. Your job. Your parents. Your siblings. Your hubby. Your wife. Yourself. Your house. Your bed. Your car. Your food. Your drink. Your colleagues. Your friends.

Smile to yourself now and say Thank You.

Spend more time with your loved ones.

Give your best to what you are doing and will be doing...

but then...remember that we ain't perfect after all...learn to give ourselves a break some times.

Ensure that if we don't leave life with regrets.

And I shall get back to work too :)

P/S:

Yawn..having 2nd cup of coffee. Sleepy lar. Was up early to go to the gym..didn't get to go last night. I was surprise to see so many serious gym go-ers working out so early in the morning..it wasn't even 7! Aii...sleepy betul now.

The tyres of my car are very worn out. Too dangerous to be on the road. Will get them replaced later today. Big hole to the wallet again ..sigh..

Back..

In case you are wondering..I haven't killed myselft yet :p Was out for some meeting that extended to lunch. Aii..I awlays think meetings are waste of time. Three quarter day gone. Ywan....
Still have not re-done the stuff that I single-handedly Erased yesterday. Hoepfully can have it done before I go off. Gotta go off earlier today to have dinner at cousin's place then go together to the wake at Loke Yew.

Boy...look att all the dyslexia typos!

Total Idiot

Boy..never felt so much like an IDIOT before!

I just deleted my whole morning's work!

Arrgh!

S I L L Y

PIC SOURCE: http://www.alanmccabe.co.uk/pics/gun_to_head.jpg

snoozeeee

Sleepy wor. Nothing to update actually..but I am so groggy right now..I have to do something to distract myself. So...rambling begins...

• Been having problems getting into the server to get some work files for past 30 mins or so...guess what I have not log on the server in the first place *smack*
• I wished Happy Belated Birthday to AST..when her birthday is TODAY *smack smack*
• I ran out of tissue paper so..I am claening my coffee stained lips with my tongue

On a separate note...my nephew Danial said this to me last night at the weding dinner:

• D: koo koo..why yesterday you not beautiful?
• Me : huh? what do you mean? what about today?
• D : today u beautiful but yesterday not beautiful

...HA HA....

Congratulations it is...

Tired! Not sure what to write here. I guess the pictures are sufficient to say that the wedding went well despite the circumstances. Will probably be at the wake on Tuesday night to pay our respect.

Condolences or Congratulations?

It's such irony that I will have a new cousin in law (officially) tomorrow and most likely will be attending his father's funeral the following day. So..what do I say to him tomorrow? Congatulations but my deepest Condolences too?

Dating a 3 yr old?

Two more things to jot down. Was deciding whether I should say all in one post..but nahh....this deserves a post by itself. Gosh..I will be late for dinner...but I'm stil blogging away. Don't care...still angry with the old man..not ready to be nice to him yet. Think he is not ready too.

I went for a walk at the Kiara Park this morning ML and lil Ryan. It was more of a stroll actually. Did I mention that Ryan is a valentino at only 3 years old? He is only nice to pretty girls. When he was younger he didn't even pay attention to me cos I don't have long hair *rolling my eyes* Some months back..when his mom told him that they will be meeting Aunty SL at Ikea..he asked if Aunty SL is pretty? After the outing...his 'feedback' was.."Aunty SL is pretty" Phew!

This morning...I think..I had a lilttle bit of pressure...on what I should wear to meet this little guy. I think I did la...can't remember..was in kind of a rush..and half asleep. Anyway...I wore a track bottom, a T-shirt, a cap and my sneakers of course. I had to wear a cap because my hair was messy and I didn't wanna waste unecessary time and wax shaping it up.

ML sent me this sms in the afternoon:
Ryan's feedback for today - "auntie SL not pretty today bcos she didn't wear a dress" nx time u hv to wear a pink dress, sure he pass u then.


**ROLLING MY EYES**

Yoga is Haram!

Suddenly so many things in my mind. A few things I wanna pour out here. Some happy some not so happy stuff. Been "busy" on cyberworld since an hour ago. Lost my cool (again) towards dad just now ... I know I shouldn't but ....

Anyway..first let me note down this latest piece national news update (as usual..news in M'sia can be quite mind boggling:

The Star Online (6.09pm):
Fatwa Council says yoga with worshipping, chanting is prohibited..

The 1st paragraph says:
The National Fatwa council has declared that the yoga practice which involves three elements of physical movements, worshipping and chanting as haram (prohibited) in Islam
My Q: So....yoga is allowed if not all 3 elements is practiced?



And following paragraph says:
Its chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Shukor Husin said although merely doing the physical movements of yoga minus the worshipping and chanting might not be wrong in the eyes of the religion, it should be avoided as “doing one would lead to another”.

He said yoga has been practised by the Hindu community for thousands of years and incorporates physical and religious elements and chants and worshipping, with the aim at “being one with God”.

“Because of this, we believe that it is inappropriate for Muslims to do yoga and the council has declared that practising yoga when it comes all together with the three elements as haram.

My Q: Err...so......yoga is still allowed if either one element is practiced?

Still confused...I read on:
“We discourage Muslims to do yoga as a form of exercise because it will ultimately lead to religious worshipping and chanting which is against Islam.

“In Islam, one must not do things which can erode one’s aqidah or faith. Doing yoga, even just the physical movements is a step towards an erosion of one’s faith in the religion, hence Muslims should avoid it,” he told a press conference.
My Q: Ah..so ne. So can practice or not?


Read more - HERE
Marina Mahathir's views - HERE

Well, this is of no relevance ot me lar..as I have not been doing yoga for quite some time and I am not a Muslim nor do I operate a yoga centre. But I just find the declaration so confusing...do you?

Bluetooth Headset

Motorola H390 Bluetooth Headset



I just got one of this from my sister. It's my first! Ha ha...yes..bluetooth handsfree had been around for ages..and this is only my first for many reasons. Main reason being..ever since the only Nokia that I had ever bought (I think it is a 1110 - few years back) 'left' with the stupid snatch thief...I've been using pretty decent Motorola phones passed down by my sis. She always gets to try the latest models...for reasons that may not be appropriate for me to discuss about there. As for me..if I happen to lose a phone..or break a phone intentionally or unintentionally ..I get to pick from her pool of used phones..which are normally still in very good condition. These phones doesn't come with handsfree set..so I'd normally end up buying one. I think I hv bought 2 brand new original sets in the recent years. But..when I change phones..the headsets become redundant --any takers? The current L6 that I am using has speaker function..so I decided not to spend on any headsets.

Secondly, I didn't really like sticking those bluetooth sets into my ear. Very bulky..looks kind of cacat with it in the ear...and I can't help but imagine all those radiation wave travelling into my ear hole to my already not very functional brain. Ha ha...insane me ..i know.



Anyway...I have one now that I have barely used. I also didn't like the fact that it is designed for the right ear only..while I am more comfortable using my left ear for phone conversations. My sis thought I was being obnoxious...she asked if my right ear is Deaf! ha ha...





It's just too convenient to use the speaker phone. Tried using it just now. Conclusion....well, I honestly think..it is more hazardous driving..when I had drive and at the same time struggle to...hook this funny thing onto my ear loop...switch on the bluetooth...switch on the phone's bluetooth...connect the two bluetooth...aiii..by the time all that done..dunno how many close accidents :D

Lights Up

Ok la..my mysterious task today is to get someone to put up the lights (& fans) in the new house :) Couldn't finish everything though..will continue tomorrow.

My favourite - dining lights.

Cheap cheap Ikea lights by the staircase and the practical 3-blade KDK fan

And...these prove how long I have abandoned the house!

So tired la...although I'm not the one doing the main labourous work. My tasks were basically running (driving) around transferring the fans and lights to from one house to the other house. Making trips to the light shop to get additional bulbs and other related items. I'm beat!

Oh ya..i also managed to finalised the kitchen cabinet details with the contractor. The ball's on my end now to issue the 1st 40% payment and work will roll. Gotta find money!



In between..went to the bank too to collect this mega sized check book. Look at the SIZE and the ugly cover. The bank told me that they have a new designed sized check book for collection..I was expecting a contemporary looking book. Look at what I have to carry with me for life - yieee..so un-cool.

P/S: Aunt called. Cousin's father in-law passed away in the afternoon. Relatives of the groom decided to carry on with the wedding function. Funeral will be after. Sigh.

My Fair Lady

This is what one of my tai ci mates has been calling me - yiiiik! I'd never like being fair hence I'd always prefer being in the outdoor....so that I can get tanned, beach or no beach I need the sun. Recently, I get quite frequent comments that I am becoming FAIRER. My friend MK even called me "pak cham kai" (steamed white chicken) I don't want that la. I shall blame it on this :

Been using the L'oreal White Perfect range for close to a year now. Before I switched over I did ask if I will become so WHITE??? Of course the answer was NO lar.

But...now...i have become My Fair Lady pulak -_-

Well..to be fair to L'oreal..I am not even sure if it is really because of the products. For all you know..it's because I've not been getting enough sun lately.

Whatever it is..I am switching!

New & improved product from L'oreal..more expensive of course.

Sucker betul la..me.

Anyhow..I think today I've got enough sun exposure.......hopefully no more my fair lady...duh.