Note from a Seven Year Old

Hey there, do you know that I love Spongebob? Well, of course I do. He is naturally funny. Actually my sister loves him too. How cool is that? I know it's hard to answer.... Well, just answer! The second reason the show is funny is because of Spongebob's friend Patrick, who is much funnier that him and they say he is important. very funny.

Wow! I wish I was the one who created Spongebob.
Actually I like it the way I am. Like wise. Otherwise I will have to write words, draw spongebob a million times, waste my breath and lots more. I can't believe they call hamburgers 'kraby patties'. Weird right?

Patrick Star... I wonder what type of name is 'star'? Anyway there are many ways Spongebob is weird.

Bye Bye I dont want to waste ink!

The above was taken from a seven year old's handwritten notebook. My friend 'copied' from her daughter's notebook and mailed to me! I have no idea ..why the mommy did that..though...Plagiarism man :D

I guess the mom just wanted to share her joy...right?

Boy..kids nowadays are so good. Can write so much better than me ....makes me wonder..what I was doing at seven..playing five stones?? May be I shall invite her to blog for me.

Fan Tai Sui 2009

Been told about this Fan Tai Sui thingy over and over again..think I must really go pray pray since I was born in the year of Ox. Other animal signs that are in conflict (FTS) are the Goat , Horse and the Dragon.

For more info...read bnelow:

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Chinese-Astrology-and-Feng-Shui-2009-Year-of-the-Grand-Duke-Ox&id=935685

Every year, the Grand Duke Jupiter will move into a different sector in the house and the palace in which it occupies for the year will be afflicted with negative energies. In the year of the Earth Ox (2009), the Grand Duke Jupiter flies into the Northeast 1 sector of a house and its direction is northeast 1.

If you were born in the year of the Ox, you are said to be offending the Grand Duke Jupiter of the year. What it means is that the energy in you or qi (the energy you were infused with at time of birth based on Chinese Astrology) is tuned in the same direction with the energy of the year and such an alignment of energy creates negative outcomes for the person. You will face with many setbacks and obstacles in the year relating to wealth, health and relationship....


According to Wikipedia: Tai Sui (太岁) refers to stars directly opposite of Jupiter. They influence the Chinese zodiac, and are also a theory in religious Taoism and Feng Shui.

In the Chinese zodiac, there are sixty heavenly generals who assist the Jade Emperor in taking charge of the well-being of the Mortal World. Each of them takes turn to be in charge for a year.

Due to most of them having a military background, they are normally known as the Military Generals, or as the Cycle Gods. Each of their features and weapons signifies the well-being of that year. For example, if the Tai Sui of the year is one who holds a pen, it signifies political unrest for that particular year. On the other hand, if the Tai Sui of the year holds a spear or sword it signifies the need to work hard and excel for that year.

In Taoism, those whose Chinese Zodiac is offended, or by their sign conflict or clashes with the Tai Sui of the year are advised to go through a prayer session with a Taoist Priest to ask for blessing in obtaining Peace and Good Fortune throughout the year.

CNY 2009

Hello. I am back to work today on 'Chor Sei" (forth day of CNY). Yesterday was suppose to be a better day to start work but for plain laziness related reasons I decided to start today instead.

Today is an Average day..can also la. Am wearing a new green blouse today : ) just saw that green is good for Oxen this year ..hee hee. I wanted to wear my new bright pink Wacoal bra..but realised that this low cut blouse very sexy la..the pink bra keeps 'appearing' :D so I had to change to a lower color tone bra instead so that it's not so obvious :p

Speaking of bra...

On the first day of CNY....it is 'best' to wear everything new inside out :D I will normally try my best to follow la. No harm ma. Unfortunately, my new khakis didn't match the new white top I wanted to wear..so I had to wear my old jeans instead. Inside..new la senza undies...and i thought...and I was damn sure I put on the other new wacoal bra. So..whole day I thought I was wearing a new bra..until the next day...when I was looking for more new things to wear...I saw this bra that I thought I already 'opened ceremony' lying in the drawer. Aiiik...why is it still there?? Turn out that I wasn't wearing a new bra on the 1st day after all :( No idea how that happened! Choiii....!

okie dokie, enough crap from me.....once again..gong xi fa cai...may all of you have a wonderful year ahead. Really hope the global economic crisis will get better soon.

Here are some pictures to round up my CNY 2009:

CNY deco at Mid Valley

My reunion dinner soup ..for the 1st time my dad openly declared that my soup is good :D

2nd day at sis' place..getting ready for fireworks....'hoi nien' (literally traslated as 'open year')

my ang pow collection...

and..some of the goodies.. that make me fat....

Gong Xi Fa Cai

SOURCE:http://www.chinasprout.com/shop/KHL107

Howdy..gong xi fa cai everyone! Here's wishing everyone a great brand new year of Ox! It's past midnight here in KL...while typing this I can hear sounds of fireworks in the neighbourhood. Majority of chinese households are praying to welcome the 'fortune'God...wishing for a properous year ahead.

Am at my bro's place..my nephew is sitting next to me watching some ninja turtle movie..while his daddy is snoring away.

As for me...I am just enjoying this very moment. Alive :) About 30 hours ago, I met with an accident. I was with dad on the way to grab dinner.....as always..dad was nagging me for following too close behind the car in front me, for driving too fast (I wasn't..) ....all of a sudden the car in front did an emergency STOP. I managed to brake in the nick of time..I've never been so close to a car before...kisssssseddd slightly..before I can heave a relieve sigh...the car behind hit us like a rock. I sat still for a while..recollecting my soul while dad went on with his."didn't I tell you so.."

The next few minutes went by in a blur. Since I am the 'middle' victim sandwiched between two cars..I had to juggle my "front and rear". I didn't expect any damages at the front cos I was quite convinced I didn't hit too hard but the driver insist that i reverse for him to check. Ok..did that..and immediately after that...I had the other driver waiting for me..to check my rear...I was expecting a hugely dented or damaged rear bumper..BUT....hooray.....it was as good as before!! I checked and rechecked at least 5 times...to make sure I didnt miss anything...but true enough...no damages..hooray. Good ol KIA..!! The owner of the x-trail wished me Happy New Year before he hop on to his vehicle..his front bumper and lights slightly damaged. By then..the driver of the other car was patiently waiting for me..with something in his hand..my number plate :D it fell off when I kissed his car.

For at least 12 hours..I was rejoicing on how lucky I was..that there wasn't any damages resulting in financial losses..only this afternoon...I realised that the accident could have seriously hurt any of us if the impact had been greater. I should be be thankful that we got away unscathed! Phew!

Thank you..

Charity-Unicef

I'd normally spend money when I need to perk myself up ...this time I put my money to better use. Am faxing over this form to Unicef to sign up as a regular contributor to their fund via monthly credit card deduction. New Year gift :)

Hmm..but...the fax is so difficult to get thru...what is this la....testing my sincerity issit?

TODAY

Today I was cut-off from the internet for 3 long hours and it was a torture

Today I entered a cyber cafe for the 1st time in my life..just to get a 'fix' of the w.w.w.

Today I realised that I can be super efficient at work without the internet

Today I had a discounted subway sandwich at only $7.50 and donated the balance to a charity box to help the Gaza victims

Today I would like to log off early so that I can catch an early class at the gym..tired of nite classes

Today I saw a irresponsible young man dumped packets of rubbish next to the dustbin in the public area..they are not suppose to do that!

Today an old friend told me she will start following my blog..but she prefers 'lighter' read to help her relax..so I shall try harder not to bitch ever again

And finally..TODAY...just a while ago..I received another good news. Congratulations my friend!


-END-

Idiocy can Kill

When I started this blog....I decided that this shall be a neutral platform..no bitching..no politics...no conflicts...etc etc

BUT...today..I shall break the golden rule.

I am so so pissed that I don't even know how to start this.

I only know that I was almost shaking with frustration, anger...totally defeated..speechless and clueless on what to say and do next... as a result of extreme idiocy.

me: do you know i've been trying to get in touch with you?
xx:*shake head*
me: i left u numerous sms...didnt u recv?
xx:*shake head*
me: why is ur phone always off? u were avoiding calls from "xx"?
xx:*nod head*
me: can't u turn on the phone to check sms..u know I need thos info from u urgently
xx:*shake head*
xx:do for you now


Arggh...FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!

I almost had a heart attack and could have died standing!

Elizabeth Kenny - He who angers you conquers you
~I am totally conquered in this case~

So Wrong!

The traffic was so bad last night that I did something horribly wrong. My sincere apologies to all the cars that I cut-off selfishly when I forced myself through that traffic light to turn into sec 17. I promise I wil never do it again (ermm..)..well, at least not intentionally. I swear I did not plan that move. I was desperate and .... I was just following the 'flow'.

You see...it rained in the evening. As usual..when it rains..the traffic condition of the entire Klang Valley becomes chaotic for reasons I never found out. I had already allocated one hour in advance to get to Hartamas from PJ to attend the 8.15 rpm class. On normal traffic conditions ..30 mins is more than enough.

Lo and behold traffic was almost at standstill the moment I hit the road and I was not even on the Federal Highway.

...Jalan Kemajuan, sec 13..thanks to the eating forever Chinese community who seems to have started their CNY meals celebration in advance--cars were parked along the road and ..on dividers in front of the stretch of restaurants where Ah Yat Abalone and a few others are located. I always thought these restaurants shouldn't be allowed there if they can't provide sufficient parking spaces for their rich customers whoc comes in big and luxury cars! And..where is the enforcement?


..Jalan Dato Abu Bakar was totally unaccessible.

..so I had to detour to Jalan Universiti hoping that I can cut-thru sec 17 and sec 16..then out to Jalan Dato Abu Bakar again. I almost fainted when I saw the stretch of cars! I needed to get on to the right lanes to turn into sec 17 but there was no way I could get past those cars. I had no choice but to cruise along the outer most left lane..hoping I can inch my way through whenever I get a chance (fat chance..imagine..inching through 3 congested lanes-no way!)

In a couple of mins..I was already approaching the traffic light to turn ....if I don't turn I will have to go straight..to the roundabout and turn back..that means forget about rpm. Here's when I made a split second decision to join the other desperate cars in front of me...force our way in!

I am sorry...whichever driver / car beside me that I pissed off. Same goes to hundreds of other cars behind there that had been queueing for hours to turn. My sincere apologies.

So..that was my story :) Oh ya..along the way...I came across..at least 4 stalled cars...so that added-on to the congestion. How not to be stressed! I was late for class anyway. ...by the time I reach Hartamas...look for parking..it was already past 820pm.

P/S: BTW..I got to walk right behind gym weirdo last night. Her heels touch the floor ler..meaning..she is not a ghost :D but she is stil as weird though.

Stay away from Easy

I have some time to kill before running off...though I'd drop by to pen down some thoughts...gym day today :) yea..going to kick some ass. MY FB status stil says that I am Geram (meaning Pissed). Didn't want to take it out yet..cos I am still pissed whenever I think about 'it'. As much as I keep telling people that I am cool..I won't let these minor things affect my life...but hey..I am human...I can't help it. So...will leave it there for another 12 hours. Will clear it tomorrow morning :)

All good is hard. All evil is easy. Dying, losing, cheating, and mediocrity is easy. Stay away from easy....by Scott Alexander

Just changed the blog title header to the above. Meaningful eh? Yea..stay away from EASY.

Hmm...

What else...nothing much. Quite tired liao. Didn't do much today..completed some mediocre task *frown*.....darn! Hope I can do more tomorrow...and day after and day after ...so that I can go for a peaceful CNY break.

Still haven't done much cleaning around the house. Will take it easy lar. Worse coem to worse..just do some spot cleaning..only places that are obvious to visitors. So..no one step into my room :D Oh...i managed to clean one of the toilets. Actually still got about 1/5 left. He he...you see...I always got very tired after cleaning like 1-2 walls or the toilet bowl itself..so I 'd take a rest and continue the next day. so..after 3 days..I have another 1.5 left lor :D

Now..it's obvious that I will make a lousy housewife right. Hey...nowadays very easy to get maids ma...

Sangria & Confinement

We were at Busybee's place on Saturday...partly to pay her a visit after her delivery and also to have a get together since Mag is back from her infamous six months holiday adventure. We last met in June last year at the same house same place before Mag left for her tour and that was when Busybee announced her pregnancy. Remember the 'fight' we had with the security guard at midnight?? Read here for details...yupe that was six months back..time really flies.



This time is slightly different cos..it's suppose to be a subtle affair (in my opinion) cos...it had just been 2 weeks post delivery. Baby and mommy are supposedly still weak and should be in 'confinement'.



A traditionally strict confinement sounds like this:

You cannot bathe or wash your hair for an entire month. Forget about shopping, visiting friends or even going for a stroll in the neighborhood. Practically the only food to touch your lips must be cooked in sesame oil and ginger, and you can't even have a glass of water....MORE


Read on..and you judge by yourself Busybee's version of confinement :)

Well..it was a good quiet afternoon for all of us. I think we were there for at least 4 hours! Mag invaded the kitchen to whip out her cool version of sangria.

We also had our share busybee's confinement food - vegetarian pig's trotter in vinegar.




Thanks Busybee for this pic. I actually s.o.s her to take a pic of this for me cos I was so stoned (lack of coffee but a little under influenced of alcohol) that day that I forgot to take any other pics.


We also had our pizza. Big apple donuts. Some chinese new year cookies.

Boy.. was it hard...to stay subtle..especially after sips of delicious sangria. It was bright daylight and we were sipping red wine and sangria...Busybee was also happily sipping away..wine is good for health according to her...her version of DOM...occassionally baby megan joins us for her milk sessions.....no wonder baby megan is always sleeping :D (FYI..she's breastfeeding!)

and this time..we didn't have any fight with the security.

Thanks Busybee for the hospitality..although you were having a headache. Chill!

Friendship and Shabu @ Puchong

A belated post about an adventurous Friday of mine.

I left PJ around 7pm heading to Puchong for a dinner at Puchong with Mich, CC and Trish. Why Puchong? Traffic will be horrendous...right? Ya..correct..we know that..but these are things that we don't mind doing on Friday nights just for friend's sake becos..Mich had lessons in Puchong till 9pm....so the best place to meet is still Puchong. We have not met Mich for months.

So..psyched myself to be as patient as I can with the traffic..I 'crawled' on Federal Highway heading to the infamous Sunway bridge...and then managed to painfully squeezed through the irritatingly small lanes to get on to the LDP which was relatively smooth until I hit the toll.

It was a nightmare immediately after the toll with millions of cars zig zag-ing and fighting to enter their respective exit points....you will know what I mean if you've been there. There are like 4-5 different exit points. I needed to head to the 4th exit on the right..and I was stuck right in the middle of MANY cars....and nobody wanted to give way to me. Come on people..we are in the same boat....give way la..what's the point of inching your way pass my right and left..just to be a car ahead of me..Idiots!

Anyway...after that nightmare..I had to face another obstacles...yes..like amazing race! Again..if you've been onto LDP leading to Puchong..you will know what I mean. There are many surprise road dividers and exit roads ...e.g. suddenly you find yourself unable to exit left cos you are suddenly separated by a divider (this happens opposite Tesco for example) or suddenly when you thougth it is safer to travel on the left most lane...suddenly you see that the road exits to some unfamiliar places that you have no intention to go to..and super driver me here was caught many times making emergency lane switching on a busy highway. And these are everywhere!

I experrienced these more ..because cos I had to travel some extra miles...cos I missed two u-turn to go to the oppsite side where Tesco is. As a result..I almost drove myself to Putrajaya! Went all the way to another toll...drove on...made a U-turn...pay toll again..and finally..Tesco!

..I was hungry, a little dizzy and tired. Through out..the journey..to be honest..I did question myself..why on earth did I agree to come here ...at this hour...at this kind of traffic congestion..just for dinner! All for the sake of friendship :) And...guess what - we had fun!

We were at Shabu Shabu King. For RM26.80 each, we had buffet shabu shabu. We get to take Whatever we want from the spread. There were loads of stuff to choose from the moving conveying (just like in sushi king) and there were also other items like fresh pork slices (see below), fried stuff etc that we can order from the waitress. AND..the most fun part is..we get our personal pot to cook the stuff. Personal..as in..each person One pot! So..depending on the kind of meat/vege that we put into the soup..one's soup may taste diff from the other!

Fun! Pics..err..no bring camera...as usual..some pics I took from the blogspere. This site - http://limmeiyen.blogspot.com/2007/08/shabu-shabu-restaurant-bandar-puteri.html captured some great pics of the place:

My niece is one month old

Angie is one month old!
We (bro, sis, sis' mil, sil, sil's mom and myself) were debating about what need and need not do for the ocassion. It's quite obvious that my dad's not in the 'discussion' cos we know he will say 'no need'. Bro and sil has been kept super busy with the new arrival and also coping with D (the elder 3 yr old) is no joke. So..my bro welcomes the simplest 'do'.

In the end..it was decided that a simple gift pack (with two 'red eggs' - a must have during a baby full moon) will be distributed to close relatives and we (immediate family members) gathered for a simple dinner at the restaurant.

As in weddings or festivals, the color red represents happiness and good luck. Eggs are significant because they symbolize fertility and the renewal of life. Also, their shape is traditionally associated with harmony and unity. According tosome sources, an even number of eggs means a daughter has been born, while an odd number represents a son. MORE

Anyway..here's another nice blog write-up about do's and don'ts according to chinese the tradition after a baby's birth....

Meanwhile..here's the lil angel the @ newborn ....:

and a month later.......err..don't ask me why the head seems 'longish' now..we oso wondering...but she seems to be a happy baby :)

Food Glorious Food

Friday!!! And I am craving for these............

PICTURES FROM http://www.weatethis.com and http://pablopabla.blogspot.com

Gym Weirdo

..i must note this down. ..there's this weird character that I've been seeing at the gym. She is WEIRD. Firstly..she is always in black. And she always wears a very long and loose black track suit (that covers her up all the way to her thighs) over her black track pants. The suit has very long sleeve too..almost can't see hands. Can you imagine now..why I say she is Weird.

Wait..there's more. What's even weirder is I Have Not seen her in any classes or on any of the machines. Every time I see her..she's 'strolling' around randomly. I am dead serious! Imagine this...the gym has a few sections within 2-3 floors..there is a staircase in between to connect the floors and sections.

Example....first I see her at the stairs outside the changing room ...later in about 30 mins..I see her walking pass me while I was on the treadmill leading to the end of the room...and she will make an about turn..and continue walking aimlessly. Then..in another 30 minutes she will appear from the staircase again...and walked passed me again when I was on another machine.......mins later she appears again..and dissappeared to other floors.

Is that a new way of working out?? Or did I see a ghost??
I was very tempted to ask other people if they see her.

Things That I Have NOT Done for 11 months

1. clean windows & grilles
2. clean ceiling fan
3. clean kitchen
4. clean the fridge
5. wipe the washing machine
6. wash the entire toilet at one go
7. clean my rooms properly..eg. windows, cupboard tops, sweep/mop hidden corners, etc
8. ditto for the house..
9. clear wardrobe from old clothes
10. visit my childhood best friend of 23 years

..will update if I think of anything else :D

About Cabbage & Milk

Warning:
The following can be potentially harmful to health. Read on at you on risk.
Names / Charactes and some parts of conversation removed for privacy reasons


A says:my breast engorgement is so bad, i cannot sleep properly
A says:got milk also problem
A says:no milk also problem
A says:and this time, it is too much milk!
B says:hahaha
B says:funny
A says:not funny ah, so painful
C says:so u dun need papaya tis time
A says:yah lo
A says:no need the red bean soup also
A says:been using cabbage in the hospital, also not good enough
B says:what red bean and cabbage? what are we talking about now?
A says:red bean also can be used to stimulate production
A says:used to drink that
A says:and cabbage is used to suppresed the production, NOW using that
C says:phew
B says:now A is missing again.
B says:so busy mother
C says:eating cabbage
A says:not eating cabbage ag
A says:putting the cabbage on the breasts
C says:OMG
C says:LOL LOL LOL
C says:i almost fell off my chair
B says:PUT CABBAGE ON BREASTS!!! what the hell is this?
B says:are you kidding me??!
C says:and i m trying hard not to laff out
C says:omg
C says:i need to go out
C says:brb
C says:to laff
C says:i m back
C says:pls dun mk me laff again
B says:haha
B says:is that cabbage thing for real? i'm still a bit doubtful
A says:real one
A says:but it can also decrease production
A says:so doctors don't recommend
A says:http://www.leron-line.com/handouts/Breast_Engorgement.htm
C says:goodness
B says:err.. i don't think i wanna read this breast engorgement thing now.
C says:u almost killed me
C says:1st i was muching some food
C says:2nd i cud not laff out loud cos collegue is here
A says:wat la u 2
C says:3rd..it is so 'out of od tis world'
C says:i CANNOT imagine...tat cabage on ur breast
A says:woi
C says:wat
A says: r u laffing at me??
C says:ah but then
A says:wait urturn
C says:oop
B says:i hv to say this seems a bit ridiculous lor
A says:it works ma
B says:doesn't your hubby find this gross?
B says:but you have successfully turn me off from motherhood i must say
A says:no la, u can choose not to breast feed
B says:i like the idea of breast feeding, but physically and emotionally it is so both hard to accept lah
B says:need some brain washing
A says:worth it i must say
C says:may be u dun hv to use cabbage ler
B says:no way i would use cabbage
C says:boy..i m stil giggling
B says:my god, feel like pengsan, LOL
B says:ok ok, we shall be supportive

What are you missing?

In case you missed this in The Sunday Star - very meaningful article - must read:

A MAN sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work. The one who paid the most attention was a three-year-old boy. His mother tagged him along, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only six people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk at their normal pace. He collected US$32 (RM112). When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth US$3.5mil (RM12.25mil). Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theatre in Boston and the seats average US$100 (RM350).

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organised by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people.

The outlines were:
in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour:
Do we perceive beauty?
Do we stop to appreciate it?
Do we recognise the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

This thought-provoking tale came through the e-mail. If you receive similar stories or anecdotes worth sharing, send them to starmag-heart@thestar.com.my. Include the source or author if possible. Today’s story was sent in by BENEDICT LEE.

I hear the sea..

Suddenly..I hear the sound of waves from the beach ...aaahh..I need another vacation!


Note:Pictures taken in Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia, July 2008- my most recent vacation (boo hoo..)

CNY to do

Typing this while I gobble down my subway sandwich...

1. a pair khakis - just got it abt 30 mins ago :)
2. any red top - pink / maroon can ah?
3. new undies - hehe got afew frm la senza not yet open ceremony
4. new wallet - if I can find one that I like
5. new small weekend wallet - urgent
6. new bra - not sure if i stil hvany new ones ..no need la..
7. haircut for myself
8. haircut for phoebe
9. new shoe?
10. clean house :(
11. gifts for relatives
12. pressie for Kyrie n Hallie
13. new gym top?
14. new gym bottom?
15. new sports bra?

hee hee...

RPM - in my humble opinion

I've just attended my fourth RPM session (excluding the 1st torturous one about 3 years ago). Think it's time for me to have an entry just for it.



RPM stands for Raw Power in Motion.
It is a 50-minute indoor cycling class based on outdoor riding. You ride to inspirational music over the equivalent of 20-25 kilometres of varied terrain, controlling the intensity of your workout with a resistance dial and pedal speed.



Benefits:
Increase your cardiovascular fitness, burn fat and tone and shape your legs, hips, and butt
Increase leg strength and muscular endurance without building bulk
Burn up to 600 calories in a normal 50-minute structure
(RPM™ has been proven to burn up to 800 calories in one hour)
Release endorphins to give you that natural high and leave you feeling fantastic
Souce:http://www.lesmills.com/global/en/members/rpm/about-rpm.aspx





In each session, I can't help but felt amazingly electrifyingly motivated but at the same time abit amused to be in the same room with a bunch of 'outdoor cyclists' wanna-be. Well....we are very much Indoor...but each session is designed to stimulate an outdoor riding experience..together with mountains and highway etc!

The songs are also great..like real only i.e. riding up a mountain kononnya. For example..I love this....riding up a mountain to this song by Simple Plan - Take my Hand:






And this..imagine riding on a highway to the sound of this :

Cascada - A Neverending Dream


See below A typical RPM Class Structure..and you will know what I mean:


1.Warm up
2. Pace - speed and intensity increase as you work towards your top personal pace. The road is flat until you encounter a small hill designed to warm up the climbing muscles.


3. Hills -this is the first set of hill climbs which will increase your leg strength and endurance.

4. Mixed Terrain - short recovery, then stay in the working zone through a series of short climbs, fast descents and sprints.
5. Intervals - like a cycling time trial designed to cover the most amount of distance in the shortest possible time.
6. Free Spin -picture a flat open road where you will ride at your top pace with light resistance.
7. Mountain Climb - the road starts out easy but quickly climbs as you strive to reach your full potential.


8. Ride Home - Finish the journey and ride home together. Recovery is the name of the game.
9. Stretch - A final stretch to complete the workout.



MK warned me not to sit behind any men cos I may end up being 'rained' by their perspiration :D But sitting behind them motivates me more..not to give up. Ya..indeed we sweat alot and it's satisfying :)

Ox Horoscope 2009

Source - Email from Jane

Ox Year Borns: (1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009)
Guess which year I was born?

Good Personality Traits: Powerful, Inspiring, Quiet and Good Leaders.
Hai meh?

Bad Personality Traits: Conservative (True), Angry (At times), Unemotional (True) and Ignorant (Selective).

Ox's Compatibility: Rooster, Snake and Rat.

Forecast:
According to the Chinese Horoscope for Ox, these people are going to have a balanced year 2009.
They are advised to stay away from taking risks in the Year of Ox.

Apart from this, the Oxen are advised to avoid any clashes of opinions with their partners, be it in marital life or professional life in 2009. Chinese Horoscopes 2009 indicates, that the Oxen are going to get many opportunities to rise in their career. They need to change some tactics to excel in their professional life in 2009. Those seeking promotions need to take bold moves this year to get the desired results. (Hmm..)

As far as love life for the Oxen is considered in 2009, these people will win the hearts of their loved ones.
For married Oxen, the spouses are going to yield immense support this year. However, for many Oxen, betrayal by the spouse can also be foreseen in the year of the cunning and shrewd rat.

Chinese Horoscope for Oxen indicates that the health of these people will be in accordance to their relationships this year. There are chances of their health suffering due to some misunderstandings with their spouse. These people need to take care of their immune system in 2009, as even a small disease can turn out big this year.

Overall, the Year of Ox will bring along really good interpersonal relationships for the Oxen. Whether personal or business relationships, the Oxen are going to have a really cordial time with all around in 2009. This year, the Oxen are advised to be careful while making judgments.

Too general lar. Non conclusive. Just take life a day at a time...

Weet!

Ya..WEET! A term that I normally use on MSN to beep someone. Some creative individual like FY will reply with a WUUT!

I have nothing to update today -- that explains why I am blabbering aimlessly....it's Friday but I am not particularly ecstatic because I have quite a bit of un-done business *sigh* Nevertheless I still look forward to the weekend (although I may need to drop in to work a little)..but I know I will still enjoy the weekend. Looking forward to a productive end of day and a good 'bicycle ride' to close off the week :)


At this moment, Busy Bee should be in the ops theatre undergoing her C-section and she will soon meet her precious little gal. Hope everything will turn out well. She was telling me about her pre-delivery emotional turmoils..how she feels weepy all of a sudden, and how she woke up from a nap and started sobbing ...I gave her an 'indifferent look' emoticon :) I am so bad right? Funnily..now I am experiencing some kind of emotional 'disruptions' -- can I sob too?

Meanwhile, I am kept entertained and amused by updates from friends like Cowie about their daily morning battle with young school going kids on this 1st week of the year ha-ha... I was a cry baby too. Cried on first few days of kindy. Half year thru kindy oso can cry. Cried on 1st year primary. 2nd year went to new school oso cry. 3rd year went to new class oso cried :D boo hooo...

Till then..have a nice day!


"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn"...Harriet Beecher Stowe

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE

Where's the coffee!

This morning I went to the Kanna Curry House to get susu lembu brew coffee (coffee brew with fresh cow's milk) instead of the regular local chinese style coffee. Normally..I would have sipped a quarter off while driving to the office but today I completely forgot about it until I reached the office parking bay. Strange?? You know why?? ....it's because there was no coffee aroma!

Why is that so..because I was given MILK INSTEAD!

PICTURE TAKEN FROM : http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=146595

But but....I'm cool. Read some of your comments in previous entries. Made my day. Thanks guys! Now...let me try harder to get back into that 5th work gear.

Ciao!

Knee and hip pain are the most common cycling injuries

OOPS!

............As injury is generally a problem of overuse, it is often seen in the cyclist just beginning a training program or early in the training season when the temptation is to do too much too fast. In order to minimize knee and hip pain in the early season, take it easy for the first few weeks


Read more - HERE

P/S:
Wondering why I am online at this hour?
I was working ler :p chasing time again..one of those ocassions la..time not enough.
but I am cool about it...recession coming ler..think of those people without jobs...better buck -up and work hard ..nanti kena pay-cut or retrench lagi worse 0_o cannot afford new car how?

Ok..balik rumah now....very hungry! Good Night!

Not again..

ya ya.. "...certainly that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life..." (see above blog description)

why do i keep doing it...i deleted my own work again..this time I don even know when I did it. Suddenly..I realised one slide is missing from my power point deck ...stupidity to the maxx!

fortunately..it will take me only about 30 mins max..to re-do that damn slide. The last time...I deleted half a day's work!

NM!

Economies of Scale

CHART TAKEN FROM WIKIPEDIA

Good Morning boys and girls. Economics class this morning :)

I was telling CC yesterday yesterday I will attempt two classes in a row at the gym (RPM+BC) and she gave me a 'jaw dropped four inches" emoticon ...I tried to justify my insane obsession by relating it to Economies of Scale.

I am supposedly an economics graduate you see...

Wikipedia...says:

Economies of scale refers to the decreased per unit cost as output increases. More clearly, the initial investment of capital is diffused (spread) over an increasing number of units of output, and therefore, the marginal cost of producing a good or service is less than the average total cost per unit (note that this is only in an industry that is experiencing economies of scale)

Investopedia says:

When more units of a good or a service can be produced on a larger scale, yet with (on average) less input costs, economies of scale (ES) are said to be achieved.

For the world of me..I can't seem to understand these definitions! Economics graduate some more. No wonder I didn't do well in pre-uni and uni although I had damn good teachers (in Setapak High) and lecturers (in Help University College).

But..but ..based on my 'background'..I am quite convinced that I can justify my obsession+the cost vs. better health using the fundamentals behind Economies of Scale.

My rationale ---ever since I started working out diligently..my visits to the accupuncturist had reduced significantly. (Each visit normally cost me about $80 incl. medication).

Where else....the cost of the gym membership is fixed / sunk since I'd to pay $112.98 every month regardless of no. of visits. Hence..when I double/ triple my visits to the the gym ....I reduce the cost per visit on top of that..I save of medical fees also...ta daa...and that's Economies of Scale!

Betul? Correct?

Ha-ha...me going insane here..

By the way..since I am on the topic. I survived doing both classes last night. I took two buns and a packet UHT milk while on the way. By the time I finished RPM I was hungry liao and was dead dead tired. Thought I won't be able to stay till the end of the next BC class but I did! Surprisingly..all the tiredness and hunger feeling gone by the end :)

About Time & Love

Good Morning.

Life is slowly getting back to normal routine. A little mundane. Chasing time day in day out. Chasing time to reach the office. Chasing time to kill as many tasks as possible. Chasing time to blog in between (*blink*) Chasing time to rest/ eat. Chasing time to play. Chasing time to be home with love ones. So stress ler.

Am a little sleepy this morning. The coffee doesn't seem to be working.

I managed to attend another RPM yesterday. Even more enjoyable this time :) As usual..chased time...zoomed into the gym to be on time for the class...and then zoomed to be back home..grabbed dinner and zoomed to tai ci and lastly zoomed home to shower, have a little alone time and snoozeeee....

I can really go all out to do / get something when I have the passion for it. Someone was telling me about a little hiccup in his/her relationship...he/she thinks she is getting a little bored with it. I'm not in any position to give any advice about the subject mattter cos' I have yet to fall in love with anyone before (so sad!). Does my handsome little nephew count?

I only know that when I find love/ passion for something....I will really go all out to do it regardless of whether it is rain or shine. If only I can fall in love so easily to men just like how I fall for cars....I would have plenty of boyfriends & husbands :D But my friend here is saying that...with a human being is different..Quote: "fall in love with things is simpler than fall in love with human ... falling in love with things depends on oneself but falling in love with human needs efforts from both side ..."UnQuote

Orhhmmmm....

Well Done JPJ

So much of suspense just to get a valid road tax sticker for the car. I was at the post office at about 3.30pm just now. Such a long queue....after waiting for a while..they annouced that JPJ (Road Transport Dept) system link is offline. WTF! I can't risk another day on the raod without road tax man. As usual..my brain works better when under stress...I remembered that there is a JPJ office nearby within 5 mins drive. By then it was about 3.45pm ...wasn't sure if they close at 4pm or 5pm...but decided to take a risk...nothing to lose since I was desperate to get it over and done with.

Reached JPJ at 3.55pm...was relieved that they still gave me a queue no. but my no. was 1443. The running no. was 1307!!! WTF (again)...why so many people ????

But but...I must say this out loud..I am totally impressed by the efficiency. There were about 6 counters in operation. Each transaction only took about 5-10 mins. 136 persons went by in an hour. I got my precious road tax sticker by 5.10pm!! Phew! Well Done JPJ Malaysia !

Proudly left it for display (on the dashboard). Will take me some weeks before I stick it properly on the widnscreen :)

So in love ...

I tested the Honda City yesterday. Don't really like it lar.
It doesn't give me as good feel as the Latio.
The interior is not as luxurious...only normal fabric compared to Latio's semi leather.
The interior oso seem so tight...not as spacious as Latio altho the latter is only a hatchback.
The Latio's seats are also more comfortable.
Driving condition for the City is also not as smooth and quiet.
I only like one thing about the City...the stereo supports direct USB and Ipod connection :D whereas Latio's stereo is very basic one CD stereo.

The Nissan Latio Sport has stolen my heart! I'm so in love with you...

P/S: Jus received news that the latest interest rate offer from Toyota Vios is between 2.38% to 2.5% (versus City - approx. 2.6% and Latio - 2.55%) Ohmmm....see saw ride here. With lower rate..I can go for Vios higher specs *blink blink* So..how la?? Hiak...I go ride bicycle in the gym to think think harder!

5th day of 2009

Yesterday marks the end of the year hols 'technically' and today marks a fresh beginning of a brand new year for most of us. The new school year begins today. More people are done clearing their annual leave by now and will report back to work today...facing temporary forgotten KPIs, datelines, etc. I was asking to Mich on Saturday about the latest interest car loan rates ..she said she has not been working for half a month..so..she doesn't know what's happening in the market :D

The morning road congestion is back to usual. I am not affected.. yet. I think some parents are still 'away' sending children to school. I predict tomorrow will be even worse. Alright..that's all for now. New year New beginning. Let's get back to work and don't forget to play hard too....hope the economic slowdown won't hit us so bad. Ermm..let's look forward to the next holiday? CNY in two weeks! Ha ha...

By the way.....in case you are wondering about the state of this little stray kitty that I took-in about half a year ago in July.

It has now grown into a handsome muscular young man! Long fluffy hair. Long legs. Strong and muscular. He irritates the hell out of the 'queen cat' though...fought many times liao and more often than not dad became the victim of the queen cat's scratches when he tried to separate them.

RPM - new hobby

Last Friday evening..I was frustrated that I did not manage to renew my road tax. Totally forgotten about it although the post office was right in the building of my office. SY helped me to check with the Bangsar branch that operates until 10pm and was told that I can still do it till 9pm. Unfortunately when i got there I was told that..I can claim rebates till 9pm but renewal can only be done before 6pm. @#$! no point cursing..since it's nobody but my own fault for procrastinating.

My original plan for the evening was to go for a swim...instead of this -_-

Was also dissappointed that we couldn't get enough quorum to resume Saturday's badminton game. I can't help but wonder...why is it so difficult to take one hour off from 9 to 10am ler??

Talk about feeling sore..on a Friday night :( Second day of a brand new year somemore. I decided to head to the gym to 'relieve' myself. I knew there is a RPM class at 8pm ..so I left it to fate --- if I can get there on time and parking is available..I shall do RPM--something that I had been procrastinating on doing for a long time....like....three years!

I did it! And I liked it!

It was a much more enjoyable experience compared to my first ride three years ago...probably because I am relatively fitter now :) And oh..I like the songs better here....relative to the current BC tracks.

Hmm..looks like I found myself another hobby at the gym. I'm gonna to be a gym rat man! Now..I am itching for a session..but there's none this evening ler. Good also....my body can take a rest. I think I am overworking it a little bit too hard..with all this crazy combinations of food, work out and some late night outs...late nights...my body must have forgotten about this routine (have not being doing much late nights these days). Went out quite late last two nights with big bro and his SIL from BKK...y a w n. Couldn't even get up for tai ci this morning but managed to drag myself to BC...y a w n.

White

I just love WHITE these days. Had almost decided to go for the ..

White Toyota Vios

until yesterday......I tested the Nissan Latio Sport

wooo hooo......!!!

ahemm..and I have not even tested the new Honda City yet! When I told CC, she commented...."try new one like new one" and "target getting to be more expensive each time" and.."luckily not choosing husband"

LOL!!!

No Need Resolutions After All..

Came across this article -- New Year's resolutions can be bad for you: mental health charity

Making self-improvement New Year's resolutions often leaves people feeling worse, the British mental health charity Mind has warned.

...New Year's resolutions can sometimes focus on our problems or insecurities such as being overweight, feeling unhappy in our jobs or feeling guilty about not devoting enough time to friends and family throughout the year," said Mind chief executive Paul Farmer.

...."In 2009, instead of making a New Year's resolution, think positively about the year to come and what you can achieve."


...Mind suggested resolution-makers focus instead on being active, connecting with nature, learning something new and working for one's community.


Hee hee..no need to think about Resolutions after all :)

Resolution?

Brand new year...above is my brand new clean planner. Pink blobs are public holidays ..that's the only thing I have 'planned' out for 09 *geee...*

Other than that..my mind is a total dazeeeeeee....

Not very goood state to start off the year. Came across an article about creating good NY resolutions..have not read thru properly. I WILL read thru and re-write this post properly.

Have to rush off now to Renew my road tax which is expring TOMORROW! I was planning to go and do it at 3ish today..but totally forgot..too busy 'trying to work' and doing some other un-important stuff like...you know lar.

For a start...my NY resolution should be:

...play less work more!
...do not procrastinate!
...plan holidays!
..move house!

2 0 0 9

Ohmmm...I need a post holiday breakie..to recover from the holidays!

Happy New Year folks....

..how was your count down? I've decided not to mention anything about resolution...at least not today ..simply becos I have None!

Instead...a little re-cap on my NY eve and first day of '09:

NY Eve morning..went marketing at Pasar Kepong Baru. Chicken wings for BBQ, chicken breasts for soup, vegetables, mushrooms, some fish/ meat balls / etc for steamboat and macam macam - carry until hands want to patah. Lost track of how much I spent. Not alot...may be about $50-60...I think. Only remembered that one chicken wing is $1...so I bought 25 wings :)

NY eve afternoon from about noon to 3pm ...was back at home..preparing the food stuff...washing up...marinate chicken wings, making the soup, etc. I ended up buying and preparing most food stuff cos 'someone' who offered to prepare vege stuff didn't seem ready to do it..when I called her. Since I am going to the market anyway...might as well la.

As for the chicken wings..most people don't like to do this task..washing raw meat. I find it ok..equivalent to washing your own arm pits only ma. Remove excess hair..and anything that doesn't look edible...easy :)

PPL is organising another belated NY 'do' at IO's house this Saturday. I have declared that I've had enough of 'food preparation'...so may I be excuse from 'hard labour' I shall just bring myself ..can?

By about 4pm..I was on the road again..tranporting tables and bbq pit, empty pots I loaned from sis' place to the 'camp'.

FL arrived around 5ish..and helped me transport the pot of sou..and all other food stuff over to the 'camp'

We had 'some' trouble starting the BBQ fire..but we made it!

The chicken wings were great..close to perfection! WK did a good good job managing the grilling and I think my marinating oso not bad although CC thinks it's a bit blend.

The steamboat spread. It's a pity I dodn't have any pictures of the tables and stools...that my guests brought. Basically..they brought their own stools and left with their own stools. Trish and hubby brought a jip toi (table).

No bowls....seen vege soup in cup before?

The tung fun (glass noodle) that I nobody ate..was told it's normally used for prayers :D

Vodka anyone?

Temporary sound system..before we switch to WK's mini compo for countdown...but silly Red FM didn't have any Countdown ..%$#*@

Empty pot by midnight..not bad eh..

Spot the difference...upon my request..2 person making 'corn in cup' using different tools.

NEW YEAR DAY 2009! Was at SY's house...for the 2nd consecutive year..SY served her signature dish - SY RAMOS RIBS. MK declared that these ribs are better than Tony Ramos M'sia..becos TR doesn't serve babi in Msia :D

But..really....they were Great! Thanks for the hospitality. The ribs and all the food were yummy! It was suppose to be pot luck. AST brought a stew. MK brought salad. I brought Ice Cream and myself :)

And...oh..I love my pressies :) Thanks gals!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

P/S: Throat discomfort miraculously disappeard throughout the holidays..now it's back :D I must be allergic to work.