The Loaf

After all these years, it never occur to me to eat in this place.  Until recently I had no choice cos it was soooo early. As early as 730am, no where else is open at such early hour.  I was suppose to meet PPL for breakfast but she will only be available after 8.30am.

The best bet was for me to hang out at Empire Shopping Gallery the only place with some eateries opening at 8am.  It wasn't difficult to decide between La Bodega and The Loaf.

La Bodega's breakfast set is huge and it's around RM30++ (excludes coffee I think)


The Loaf's are simpler and so much more affordable.

Square Egg on Thick Toast  with Latte at only Rm13.80 (tax inclusive)

Simple, light and affordable.
Latte is not bad too!

I don't mind going back again..

Still Sick!

I'm still sick!

No fever..but feeling very tired and lethargic. 

Appetite is still okay..so I'd say I'm not that sick eh..but what's "alarming" is I don't feel like having coffee anymore :-o  

Had this for early lunch..porridge with left over mui choy minced pork and carrots. 

nice?

It's now about 4pm, I just had Indo Mie for tea :D


Ya ya..doesn't seem like I'm sick right?


Probably just the body's way of asking me to rest, rest rest.
Shouldn't have gone to the gym yesterday..

Dad's Foot

Five days ago I noticed Dad's got a swollen foot.

He told me that it's just minor swelling from a minor accident accident with a bus and there's nothing to worry about.  I quietly monitored him for a few days.  The swelling seems to be subsiding for the first 2 days though...

Last night, I noticed he was in some sort of pain. He claimed that cat must have scratched him on the wound while he was asleep. 

Hmm... it's time time to see a doc, I thought.

Coincidentally, my sis is available today. So I told her to come over, pretend to go out for lunch together, and then drag him to the doc. He normally listens to her more.

That's how the foot looks like today.  

Doc says it's infected and advised him to rest i.e. not to work for a few days (retire better still) otherwise the injury will get worse and will need more medical attention.  As always, he will insist that he has to work, he cannot take leave bla bla bla.

We've tried and given up coaxing him to stop working.  He kept saying that staying at home makes him very bored and dull.  So..we kept quiet and let the doc do all the talking.

Some  funnier part of their conversation went like this:

Doc:

"Uncle...you are already 80 years old...why do you still want to work, you don't need the money, why don't you retire and enjoy yourself by taking morning walks and then have early morning drinks with friends"

Dad:

"Go out for walks? Then people will 'pok' my head and rob me.." 

Doc:

"Ha??" 

(He then changed topic talking about current crime incidents..)

Doc:

"Uncle..I understand that it's difficult for you to admit that you have aged a lot and you may not be as fit and good as before. For example, I won't admit that I'm not good looking"

Dad:

"No la..it's not that you're not good looking, you will look good if one is to look at you for a longer time"

Doc:

*speechless*

That's my dad.

Doc's conclusion...

Uncle, you are very stubborn la. And you are so good at twisting the facts and arguing. I think you would become a good lawyer if you had the chance to further your studies when you're young..

:D

In Recovery Mode

I've been kinda sick for some time. Felt a little 'bug' creeping up since the Friday before last week.  

Yep..that was like ages ago. It wasn't that bothersome in the beginning, so I loaded vitamin C and went on with my life, come to think of it I didn't feel anything wrong during the Shape Run on the following night.  The runny nose comes and go for about a week especially when there's a sudden change in temperature.  Then, it got worse this week after a day out with some friends and kids at a 'pool-party'.  My neck and body was achy since yesterday.

Got fed-up of the being lethargic and miserable, I gave in and went to seek treatment. As usual, I'd look for my old sinseh who always works wonders on me with his magical acupuncture method.  

Unfortunately, he wasn't in today. Was told that he hasn't been well and is on a break until further notice :(

I was referred to another doctor.  I was reluctant but without choice...had to give it a try.

Although relatively younger he seems experienced enough based on the questions that he asked.  He was very meticulous in going through previous notes on my card(s).  Basically, I told him that..my main reason being there was because of the cold and body aches..that got worse after the 'swimming'.  He paused and asked.."hmm..you have a cold and why did you go swimming?"

:D

Ya.so .he was quite meticulous Asked a lot of questions.  Was quite analytical.. Wasn't in a hurry at all. He didn't do any acupuncture but did the Gua Sha Therapy  on my neck and back.  It was quite painful especially on the neck and shoulder blades.  I'm all bruised and battered now but felt kind of relieved.  As with all Chinese medical doctors they arrived to similar and yet different conclusions. 

I.e. I have an imbalanced system (whatever that means).  Inner energy is relatively weak therefore I still feel tired despite regular exercise.  I need better quality sleep hence..advised to cut down coffee, preferably only 1-2 times a week :S  

He seems quite confident that if I can cut down on coffee, I'll have better inner health ...hmm.

He made an interesting point though - my active lifestyle helps to promote macro blood circulation, so I may feel strong on the outside but I'm actually weak on the inside.  Physical activities like running, cardio exercises helped with macro circulation but not micro circulation which benefits from activities like yoga, tai chi or qi gong.

Okay, hmmm...I'll make more effort to go back to body balance and / or yoga classes...

Cost of treatment   : RM45

Was given some medication for evening consumption before meal. Suppose to go back again on Friday.  Will see. If I'm better, no need to go back ler (that's from my reasoning not the doctor)

Meanwhile.. on a recovery mode.  Will make an effort to cut down coffee. Didn't have any since this morning.  Not fit to go to the gym tonight.  May be tomorrow :)

No more injuries please..

So.. I ran the Shape Run again this year.

The Men's Health / Shape Run is one of the most popular run, probably because it's held at night at Putrajaya which is known for it's beautiful night scenery.  And..it's also well known for it's very 'heavy' goody bag, see below:

Registration fee was RM44, we get the above and a running vest.  Worth it?

..I've mentioned before that I was never a keen runner.  I hated running as a kid, I used to cry when my dad took me took me out for jogging.  In school, I was very much in to racquet sports but never in athletics.  I almost passed out when I was 'forced' to compete in the 4x400 race at the sports day during my Form 6 year - they were short of girls.

So, anyway... it's history what got me started in all these running craze.  Probably a case of midlife crisis...or just a case of "everyone's doing it...sounds fun, why not.."

I'm still not good at it.. after three years, there ain't any improvement and plagued with injuries and injuries :s

GLL who started with me did her virgin full marathon at this year's SCKLM!

Me? I'm down to only 5km at the recently concluded Shape Run :D

Looking back at my initial posts when I first started, you will see that I was taking things very lightly.  I was injury-free and stronger..but I was taking it easy.  Now, a few years older with two weak ankles, a stiff back and some other random problems, I wish I had taken it more seriously when I was stronger.

Well. I did say that I run for fun not for results but I'm an data analyst by training..so I couldn't help but analyse..

Let's start with Shape Run.  Coincidence or what..I had injuries for three consecutive Shape Runs! 

wth.

First one was in 2010.. it was going to be my first run beyond 10km, I had high spirits but I picked up a thigh muscle injury post SCKLM.   I took it slowly and  finished the race in 1 hr 47 mins at 8.7 mins/km.

June last year, I picked up a back injury, only did 5km although I registered for 12km. Finished in 37 mins at a relatively slow pace of 8.21 mins/km.

Last Saturday night, I had two weak ankles and a sore left hamstring, did 5km in 41 mins.  But pace was faster at 7.52 mins/ km.  Not too bad for someone with two wobbly legs?   

As for 10km, average finishing time is around 45-60 minutes. Top runners can do it in 30 mins or less.  Check out the chart above, I clocked 1 hr 25 in the 1st run ar ENR 2010, haha.  The most recent 10km was at Nike last year, not too long after returning from a back injury, I clocked 1 hr 13 mins.  Slight improvement there :P

Basically,  I became slightly more serious in the recent runs ..just curious to see how well I can do, after all the injuries.

I was probably at the best during ENR 2011 Half Marathon,  too bad I didn't give it my best. 

I thought I'd give HM another go at this year's Taiping International  (me and my funny reasoning on why run short distance after travelling so far to run in another town..) but now I'm not sure if my two wobbly legs will recover in time. 

Ermm..there are actually three runs in September..

12km KOTR on 9th, 

16th is Taiping HM 

Salomon X-Trail on 30th!

No anymore injuries please, and we shall see...

Part Time Parent

I've been busy playing a part time parent.  My bro's away for 2 weeks, so I'm helping out with the kids.  My tasks are actually very simple..

...fetch the eldest to school in the morning at around 6.30am
...fetch the 2nd kid from the kindy in the evening at around 5.30pm
...stick around to the house to be 'entertained' by the kids

So simple compared to a full time parent. Imagine my SIL has to care for the three kids all by herself while the father is away.  Yet, I'm so tired!

No doubt starting the day earlier..makes the day so much longer and supposedly more productive.  I had high hopes on getting some long overdue errands done at the bank, government offices, meeting friends, going for early gym classes, etc.

It's only the 3rd day..I've not done much of the above but drained.  I came straight home after dropping the kid and went back to bed :D

And I'm still groggy now...LOL.

Perpetually tired although I'm only "on duty" for a short time. More tiring than running a half marathon.

If you noticed..I haven't been blogging recently..Daytime groggy. Night time sleepy.  How to blog??


If you are a parent reading this : I SALUTE YOU.

Friday the 13th

...I got kinda of bored and thought I should go run some errands..

It's a Friday, I thought, why not stay out longer..I called two friends to try my luck for lunch but none was available.

Then, I thought (again) ...why not head over to Daiso at The Curve to get some files and folders. After all..I was bored. And it's a Friday.

Source: leilockheart.me via WSL on Pinterest

I was in Damansara Perdana.

Then..I accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up on the Penchala Link and was slightly lost..I hit the toll.

CRAP!


My mind must have be wandering too far off on how to get back to Curve while exiting the damn toll...

B A N G... I hit the curb!
Then I heard loud hissing sound..my tyre was deflating ..fast!


CRAP!


I had to stop. Car was barely moving anyway.


F***k!  What a turn of events .. I thought cursed.

The highway patrol came by within minutes and helped directed traffic so that I can slowly move the car to the rest area.  He helped me change to  spare tyre too.  My saviour!

The tyre is beyond repair as the damage was at the side.  

F.....

So..instead of shopping..I made my way to the tyre shop at Uptown.  And guess what..I took a wrong turn again! And ended up lost again!  Got stuck in traffic for a while before I found my bearing again.

When I finally got to Uptown..guess what?! 

The tyre shop has closed down..!

LOL!!!

WTF..

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry :D

Sigh..then friends told me today is Friday the 13th.

Should have stayed home eh??

Anyway, I'm safe despite all the bad turn of events.

Had to change to a brand new tyre.  Ouch!

Dog Whisperer

Dog: Are you unhappy? I'm here..

Dog : *lick*

Thank you..

Dog : My pleasure..always..

It glows..

It's a cloudy rainy morning..

The zenbook glows in the dark :)

Let's not Complain

I've been somewhat troubled by the inconvenience of not being physically fit. It's been frustrating.  Also...been   experiencing some abnormalities in this month's menstrual cycle..am worried that the endometriosis is creeping back.

"Business-wise"..looks like there's a pause.  As mentioned in previous posts..it's unclear beyond July.

But..what am I doing about the uncertainties?

Nothing.


Sometimes I think I'm taking life too lightly...?

Source: facebook.com via WSL on Pinterest

I couldn't help but compare my simple life with others, e.g a friend of mine : a super mom taking care of a sick child and two other boys, a husband and a business and yet she's always so motivated..... hell..I'm such a useless pig really!

Moral of the story ... let's complain less but accept and embrace what we have ..

What a let down...

I'm disappointed with this year's Shape Night Run running vest. I've participated in the last two runs by Shape and their vests  by Reebok had always been my favourite tops for gym use.  

We were skeptical when we saw a change in sponsor..but we signed up anyway.  

What a let down : (

Almost everything from design to material to workmanship is not up to standard..in my opinion.  

Compared to last year ...

The team should have put in more thoughts on these details ...in my opinion (again).  Very simple reasoning....if I'm not mistaken, the brand had been trying to penetrate into the running and fitness community with its latest shoe range and now ..becoming the main sponsor for a popular running event.  Good move..as the brand gets thousands of runners carrying the brand ..and may be eventually liking the brand.

So..why not put in more thoughts (and cost) on making at its best possible.

Well..may be I have high expectations ..but seriously, while I'm not a serious runner but I've signed up for enough running events and a self proclaimed sucker for sports brands..so I believe my views have some worth here.

May be I'll give it the run a skip since ankles are not 100% fit.... No motivation..so to speak ...heee

Coincidentally, same time last year (read HERE) I was also recovering from injury..but I went anyway, ran the 5km instead of 12km ..cos the pinky vest was simply too motivating to resist..

That Simple.

Living..can be so simple..if we let it be..

Source: sunshineandpearls.tumblr.com via WSL on Pinterest

Still Weak

Reception at Oriental Tit Tar asked ..

What are you here for?

Ankle.

Left or right?

Err..left and right..

Yep..they're still weak and I'm not happy about it.  

Almost no change as a week ago, minimal pain while walking but pain present during exertion. Meaning .. no physical activities : (

Well, ok..it did feel better then I went for 2 hr combat at Fitness for Charity by Celebrity Fitness on Saturday, skipped most leg tracks when I felt some pain. Rested for a few days after that, tried getting active again on Tuesday..pain still present ..sigh..

The practitioner says it's a minor sprain involving ligaments. Advised to rest for 3-5 days.  Treatment cost RM70. 

Don't be alarmed by the pic above, the bandages were applied to keep the herbs in tact for the night.  The actual treatment wasn't as painful as expected.  In fact, the complimentary treatment I requested for the pain at back of the left knee was so much more painful!  

Normally, when I'm idle, I'd take my Phoebe dog for a walk... miss her now.

A wise man's saying

An ex senior colleague is now semi retired..he drives a taxi now to past time and to earn some extra pocket money of course.  Recently, he shared with me some of interesting experience and people that he meets every other day.


One of his 'regular' customer is a sickly old man who has weak arms and legs due to a stroke.  Every other day, he will flag down a cab to go to random places..to beg. On some occasions he will claim that he doesn't have enough money to pay the fare.  Once he even claimed that he doesn't have any money!  What did my friend do? Nothing much.. no point getting angry, he said, in fact he continued taking him onboard, if he pays..it's good, if he doesn't treat it as a favour or charity gesture, he said.

Then, he told me about this big fat customer that he once took on board..asked to go to some destination quite a distance away.  The fare was about RM30 but this huge size customer only took out RM5 and said "this all I have"

When I heard all this..my jaws dropped. I never knew that there are such people ..lol.

I could only keep asking.."so what do you do ah?"

And my friend will say..

Well, firstly, I should be thankful I wasn't robbed!


Secondly, they gave me a chance to do good, I do lor,  after all they are giving me all the good karma, why not? They want to take bad karma, by all means.




Wow. Profound..!

Indomie Burger

I discovered this dish called Indomie Burger while I was browsing Foursquare to checkout the Bestari  outlet at Desa Sri Hartamas.  There were so many recommendations on Indomie Burger.

It's basically finely mashed pieces of Ramly Burger mixed with Indomie Goreng, and NOT Indomie in a Ramly Burger bun (as per what Mich imagined when I recommended to her).

It costs about RM5 ++ which is rather expensive given it's somewhat nil nutritional value.  But I liked it :P  Almost never missed it whenever I'm at Bestari.

So..one fine day while browsing at Tesco, I decided to get a pack of frozen Ramly Burger ...hehe.

And here's my version :D

I've got a ZENBOOK

I've been thinking about getting a new notebook since the HP540 was 'getting old', and recently it got real cranky after some heavy duty usage over the last 6 months.

I knew nuts about what to get..so many models with different specifications in the market, I wasn't in a hurry so I start by keeping my eyes and ears open.

Actually, I wasn't ready to commit in the purchase...if I can help it, I'd love to hold on for as long as I can.

Then came the trigger... the power of blogger-tising!  I fell in love with the HP Folio 13 after reading about it on Kenny Sia.  I was totally intrigued then I was in love.  I checked it out at the stores it was love at first sight, love at first touch.

But..for some peculiar reason, this time, for the first time..in my life..I didn't follow my instinct.  The sensible part of me resisted my normally dominating impulsive nature.  

I must have spent at least 3 weeks looking around, reading up before making the final decision.

I ended up with an ZENBOOK UX32VD despite extremely strong resistance from Apple fans :D

Why not MacBook Air which only cost RM100 more??  

I have my reasons.. to be honest..I still love the HP Folio 13... but this seems to be a better option in terms of specifications and word-of-mouth recommendations of course. 

I hope I made the right choice.

I'm still testing it out.  Will definitely write more about it when I've got a conclusion!