27th Dec 2013

Time flies, 2013 coming to an end soon. Been busy the last few months... Busy tweaking my life to be healthier... Exercising frequently, clean eating. Added and will be adding more superfood to my diet : Kale, Quinoa, Maca, Cacao, Raw honey, extra virgin coconut oil, cinnamon, sea salt.. etc 

Some thoughts on clean eating and healthy lifestyle...

I love clean eating, but that does not mean I dun eat other things. Just that generally, I opt for more nutrient dense superfood whenever possible. I mean, why would you want to eat stuff that does not benefit, and in fact might harm your health? 

And no, healthy != unappetising -_-

Apparently, when you tell people you eat clean.. you start getting those "looks"... Most people equate healthy with unappetising, yucky food. 

EH HELLO... Seriously, if you even think about it : If the food doesnt taste nice, no one wouldn eat it. And if healthy/organic/gluten food really taste that bad? No one would buy it... Those companies selling them would have closed shop long ago -.-: 

The reason why organic / gluten free / healthy food business are still around, its becos they taste good and are healthy.... Just that you probably gotta pay more for it :)

Also, the food that I eat, may be uncommon here in Sg, but its very commonly eaten in other parts of the world -.- Eg, Quinoa, maca... Staple food in some parts of the world. So if healthy means unappetising.. The part of the world where its commonly eaten.. Are they eating unappetising food all the time? Anyone with a bit of common sense should know that can't be true?

There are many reasons that push people to start looking at what they eat. Usually its only when they start having serious health problems, body breaks down, etc, before they would acknowledge that they need to eat healthier.. and start exercising.. 

Ultimately, lifestyle choices are very personal. No one should be judged for choosing healthy / clean eating ;)

And seriously, I love what I eat! Now I just need to add some high grade organic matcha to my list and I will be done :D Yum :9

Other than healthy living, Im learning about fundamental analysis for stocks, Technical analysis, and also Forex. 

Looking forward to 2014! Gonna be a few busy weeks while I learn more about using Price Action on Forex and Stocks. And also my upcoming trip to South Korea in Mar 2014 :D

7th Oct 2013

It's been a busy month, with all the birthdays celebrations and stuff. One more birthday to go, this Thursday, then I'm gonna start on my gluten free/dairy diet. Or rather gluten/dairy avoidance diet.

I had been monitoring how my stomach feels when I eat certain food. Like pasta(>90% wheat), my stomach tends to churn... I had been eating alot of bread recently, which is full of wheat, and my breakout went crazy(I've always been breaking out, but never like this...) stuff like soya sauce, also tend to make my stomach unsettled. I don't get the runs from eating all these food with wheat, just my stomach feels indigestion / churning / unsettled.

Milk on the other hand, gives me really bad stomach churns, and definitely the runs. Definitely lactose intolerant... But not all milk. The milk I had in Japan on my last trip was fine.... And tasted good too. The condense milk in the milk tea I drink, doesnt affect me as well... I really duno why...

Read about gluten and wheat, its really bad for ur digestion. Since Im not really a fan of bread, and pasta is not my staple food, I can definitely avoid them since they do not agree with me. Fried food is normally full of wheat/gluten too. But I rarely eat them, so its fine. Soya sauce, on the other hand is quite commonly used in the food i normally eat, and hard to avoid. But I guess the impact should be minimal.

In Singapore, this diet is not that hard to keep to.. Since I'm not strictly gluten free... The only problem I will face, is when I travel.... Definitely face more problem than a vegetarian... Ha...

Got myself addicted to reading again.. Haha... Started on the first book of the series in September, I think. Finally finished reading the 7th book in the StarDoc series. Another 3 more to go, can't wait to get my hands on them!

The love Duncan has for Cherijo in StarDoc, reminds me of the love Jack has for Rose in Titanic. They both do everything in their power, to save the love of their life. In every way a person can be saved. I wonder if I will ever meet someone like them.

29th September 2013 Sunday

Today marks the 10th yr in my current job. And another yr older since yesterday... Also, mid way through my yearly break in Sept/Oct...

The goal is to spend a day, relaxing. Its been many yrs since Im in Orchard on a Sunday. Firstly, because 90% of the time, im working on a Sunday... And the rest, Im simply overseas or slacking at home :P

I realised, I still dislike weekends in general... Crowded train, slow intervals. Crowded everywhere Else. I don't feel peaceful or relaxed outside.. at all. Given a choice, I would rather work weekends, n have more weekdays off.

Pretty sure, not many Ppl would say this, but.. I really wished for Sunday to end, and Monday to come! :D 

4th August 2013

Its been an eventful month for me. Somehow. Been actively working out, and tweaking my workouts to fit my life.
I really think that there are no reasons for not exercising. Unless it's health related, where you can't exercise. Anything else is just an excuse, seriously.

If you want to do something, u will find time. If you are just not that keen or you don't think it's important enough, you find excuses... Thats just human nature... ;)

In order to fit my exercise routine in my life, I've been waking up real early. Shifted my waking time to 6am-6.30am. Sometimes even before 6... And sleeping before 11pm if possible, Else latest 11.30pm.

I could never wake up early previously. Due to having to wake up real early for a Batam trip last month, I realised it can actually be done... I guess I was always afraid of not getting enough sleep if I wake too early. Imagine trying to get through 12hrs of work when sleep deprived! Nightmare!

Now all's good. Even on Offdays I wake up around the same time.

Next thing in progress, healthy diet. Still a trial and error. Trying pescetarian for this month... Then tweak from there... Cut diary too. Not sure if I'm imagining things, I'm feeling Alot better after cutting meat n diary... Hmm. Not sure if it's the diet, or the exercise.

28th July 2013 Sunday

Strangely, no travel plans for upcoming Sept / Oct, and I don't feel the least bit restless. Think the last trip made me so tired.. probably killed all enthusiasm of travelling or photo taking for awhile -.-: I'm still not touching those photos from my last trip. The thought of going through them.. Is simply tiring -_-: 

Been more than a month since I started my exercise routine in an attempt to become healthier and have more energy in general. Pilates and Yoga, each 2-3 times a week, weight lifting once a week and cardio... which is still pretty inconsistent. About 1-2x a week. There is only so much time, and the only way I could fit in cardio, is by waking up at 6am to do it before work. And that didn't turn out so well. Not to mention the muscle ache I get from from time to time, rendering me really too achy to exercise on some days...

Made a decision to go pescetarian for a month. Started two days ago. Trying to see if cutting meat will give me more energy... We shall see... The biggest challenge is getting enough calories and iron from good food in a day... quinoa will be featuring alot on my meal plans, when I could find time to cook...

Time.. Thats the one thing I could never have enough of >_<

16th June 2013

Went for my trial at Pure Yoga last week, and I love that place~ I wished they offer Pilates....

My goal currently, with regards to my exercise routine / health, is to squeeze in 30min cardio, yoga, pilates, 3-4x a week.

Options open to me now:  

1. Fitness first membership, $125/mth for gym, yoga, pilates classes. 24Mths commitment. This was my first option. Having everything under one roof, sounded really gd to me,not to mention cost saving. I could go for pilates, yoga, and then 30min on the machine for my cardio. Location was gd too. Islandwide 13 outlets currently , the next one at Jurong east opening Dec 2013.

But I'm really not impressed by the classes I tried.

Facilities also lacking. Had trouble getting hold of a hair dryer. Alot of lockers, but not enough shower rooms, not enuff dressing tables, mirrors... In short, everything lacking  -_- Classes were also too packed for my liking. 

For yoga, it could be dangerous if done incorrectly. If classes are too packed, n instructors had no time to go around correcting u, you could be doing it wrongly and injure yourself....

And I tot Fitness first was one of the more premium fitness center in Singapore... Hmm. 

2. Sadhana Sanctuary, $95/mth - $116/mth for yoga and pilates classes. 12-24Mths commitment. Facilities also lacking. Had to q for showers during peak hours... But at least classes are good. Instructors went around correcting us when needed. Will just have to go for classes during offpeak hours, which I normally do anyway... 

But need to pay for separate gym membership to get my cardio. Of course there are always the free cardio options. Hmm. 

3. Pure Yoga, $156/mth for 18mths commitment. Very good facilities, good class size, good location. Loved everything abt it~ They even provide tea for members to enjoy, and newspaper too... Plenty of couches, with comfy cushions for you to sit n enjoy the hot tea after yoga... I had Ginger tea after my Yin yoga session when I went for my trial ...

Problem, it's a huge premium to pay for just yoga alone.... If they had Pilates, I would already have signed up~ Sure, it's the most expensive among all options, but it's really nice n peaceful there. That's what yoga should be all about~

But they dun... so need to pay for separate Pilates n gym membership -_-

After much considerations, decided to take up Sadhana, they offer yoga and pilates. I really like the Pilates lesson there.. Sadhana was the place where I discovered Pilates and fell in love with it ~ Going down on Tues to sign up. 

Was researching on my Cardio options, and came across this activity called, Aqua spinning or Aqua bking. Its like a regular spin class, except done in water. Sounds like fun to me, classes start at a rate of 40-50 / session. Haha. Even more expensive than my Pilates reformer classes... 

So many activities I really wanna try. When will I finally get to do them all... 

9th June 2013 Sunday

Finally attempted to organise the wardrobe again the other day. Been doing bits of it over the past few mths... Just too much to go thru. Haha. Did a count, 70 dresses fill up half of my wardrobe, the other half of my wardrobe filled to the brim by tops and about 10 skirts.. Thankfully I own a large corner wardrobe unit... And still I managed to fill it all up -.- Not a good thing, I guess. Haha.

Went for a trial with Fitness First.. Hmm. The gym is pretty nice.. The classes are only so so, in my opinion.. 
In the other Pilates and Yoga classes I attended, the instructors will go around and correct us if needed. Not much of that was done for the classes I attended. 

I tried out a Pilates class and a Body Balance class. Pilates was alright. The instructor did try to go around and correct us if needed, though not as much as Im used to. And the instructions were not as clear as the other classes I attended. 

Body Balance, Im simply not impressed and unlikely to try another class. Its supposed to be a fusion of yoga, pilates and whatever, but it doesnt feel like any one of those -_-" Feels messy to me -_- But thats just me... 

I guess if I want to do Pilates and Yoga properly, a gym membership is not going to suffice... 

I wished there was a place that offers quality Pilates and Yoga classes.. along with classes that offers a cardio workout. Is there such a place? 

2nd June 2013

In an attempt to reset my sleep cycle, been trying to wake up as early as I could. By waking up earlier, hopefully it will make my body tired enough to go to bed earlier... Will sleep and wake at the same time everyday so as to somehow reset my body clock. Somehow. Still trying it out, already mostly waking up earlier. Mostly. 

The last few days was crazy, saw this dress that I really really really love... Well, actually 2 dresses. And they were out of stock/size! Did a whole lot of searching online, using image search, different descriptive words to search.. Was so fed up, everywhere that I can find those dresses, are out of stock / colour that I want... was about to give up, and today finally found them :D Well, and came upon another few really nice dresses too.. So.. total of.. a few more dresses to add to my wardrobe. I love dresses ~

Maybe I should add pants to my wardrobe. I own only two pairs of pants. Thermal and windproof pants for crazi cold weather. And a pair of yoga pants -.- not sure about the jeans I own, since I haven wore any of them this yr. 

The thing about gals and their clothes.. I totally agree with having an entire wardrobe full of clothes, and I seem to keep wearing the few same pieces? My wardrobe is about to burst, and yet I cont to buy. Not a good sign. Definitely more than 50 outfits in there. Should be less than a 100 outfits... I thk... I know I could definitely go for a long time without repeating any outfit -_-" Going to do a count next week... 

21st May 2013 Tuesday

Went for trial class at Pilates BodyTree, studio looks quite nice, but dun really like the changing rooms... lt's unisex.

The class I tried out was the spine corrector class. Nifty piece of equipment, the workout is not simple. I thk I still prefer working out on the reformer or the roller...

The good thing about today is the location of the studio... Its at Amoy street, and since it somehow near to Clark Quay, i decided to walk from Amoy Street to Clark Quay. Figured might as well explore tat area abit. Don't usually go there much... And happened to chance upon T Akademi... Lovely selection of drinks ~ Tried the sakura milk today. Will go back and try others if I pass by there again ^^

Still undecided as to which studio to sign up for. But I guess I still have a few more days to think.

20th May 2013 Monday

I watched Titanic again today. The famous movie during my teen years. It was romantic to watch this movie many times back then, believed it was showing in the cinema for more than 6mths? I think I watched this movie in the cinema, maybe 3-4 times. 

My favourite quote from the movie, "A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets. But now you know there was a man named Jack Dawson and that he saved me... in every way that a person can be saved. I don't even have a picture of him. He exists now... only in my memory."

The only thing I did not like about this movie was the sad ending, wished they could have been together.. 

19th May 2013 Sunday

"你想的越多，顾虑就越多；什么都不想的时候反而能一往直前。你害怕的越多，困难就越多；什么都不怕的时候一切反而没那么难。别害怕别顾虑，想到就去做。这世界就是这样，当你把不敢去实现梦想的时候梦想会离你越来越远，当你勇敢地去追梦的时候，全世界都会来帮你"

So true. Wished its that easy to follow your heart, and just got for whatever you really want. I think, mostly things will just work out, no matter what. However, the fear of the things that could go wrong, that sense of insecurity... is not easy to overcome. 

If it was that easy.. Many people would already be living their dreams instead of being stuck in a job they hate or a life they wished were different. 

But even though we might not yet be able to take that leap of faith to follow our heart, we can still take baby steps towards what we want. It might take alot longer... But I guess, as long as it gets us to where we want to be ultimately, it will be worth it :)

I'm taking small steps towards what I really want. However, it will be quite some time before I can see some significant results. But currently happy with this yr's results so far, and its only May. Half a yr more to go :P Waiting waiting for stock market GSS ;) Then can load up on my REITS :D Hopefully can set up a nice stream of passive income soon. 

Other than financial targets, I have decided that, even if I'm not pretty, I still want to be the best version I can be of myself. At least, I will be happy when I look into the mirror everyday ;) Though.. finding the time to do that, is going to be tricky. Let me think.... 

18th May 2013 Saturday

I wonder... how did people lived in the past, when arranged marriage was the norm. It would never have worked for me... I dun believe that love can be nurtured over time... Or should be nurtured over time.. Nuturing feelings yes... Love no.

But why would you want to try to nurture feelings of love if it does not exist in the first place? It sounds wrong to me... 

I still think that a person will be happier in a RS, if attractions exist in the first place. Probably will last longer too. 

17th May 2013 Friday

Figured I have to try not to laugh too much the next few days.. Now whole body aching -_- It's been a very challenging Pilates class today. Can totally feel my muscles working, esp my abs... Best thing is, for most part, pilates is done lying down, either on the reformer, the roller or mat. You don't even perspire much, but different parts of your body gets worked out nicely. Now, just how much more effective can a workout get ;)

Finished my 3 fundamental classes this week, been a good week. I'm now more aware of my body after going for Pilates. And I can somehow move individual muscles better now. But still need to work on neutral pelvis position. Not simple. Haha. The instructors in Focus Pilates are quite nice too. I like Alvina's class :)

Going for my first Pilates Beginner group workout class next Mon. Hopefully able to keep up with the pace. Considering a private class package, seems more effective... Tempting as it might be, it comes with a price tag of $120 per class though. Haha...

Did not managed to try out the Pilates BodyTree today. Was thinking of going for it after my fundamental at Focus Pilates... But as my muscles are already aching, decided not to. Already booked trial class for next Tues~ If I like both places, I might sign up for both. I guess Pilates will be something I will be doing for quite awhile. Haha.

Happened to see APTT IPO Booth today at Raffles... 8.5% yield, pretty tempting for me to keep the shares. I happened to be allocated some free APTT shares as I'm holding MIIF... pretty tempting to keep them... maybe I will. Need to research more.

16th May 2013 Thursday

Random browsing in Kino after Pilates today, the psychology section was really fascinating. When I was young, I thought psychologist is a really cool career. I Wonder if I could have been one.

Saw this book, "Dangerous Instincts", about using FBI profiling to avoid unsafe situations. Quite interesting. I'm currently watching this show, Criminal Minds, also about FBI profiling. Definitely a very exciting career.

Saw this quote in that book, "Soulmates are like unicorns. Neither one exist."

I'm beginning to think so. Well, in the sense that no one should be looking for someone perfect to be their other half, because nobody is perfect... If you are looking to find that perfect guy/gal.. you will likely be disappointed....

Perhaps we should be looking for someone we couldn't imagine living our life without. Despite their imperfections...

15th May 2013 Wednesday

Testing out Blog App... Hopefully it works. Ha

Finally off work~ Looking forward to a lovely 3 days off ;) One of the things I love abt this job. Lolz....

Pilates fundamental class booked for tomorrow... Will be trying a new studio on Friday... Hope I like it~ The classes they have looked pretty gd to me....

I'm kinda missing my practice at Hom Yoga... waiting waiting for GSS sale....

On top of everything, I need motivation to wake up early... Can't seem to get out of bed in the Morning -_-

14th May 2013 Tuesday

Time flies, went for my first fundamental pilates class @ Raffles today. Very nice studio, I prefer it to the one at Orchard. Pilates is not simple, alot of technics to grasp. Looking forward to the next fundamental class. Maybe Thursday. 

Have plans to check out another Pilates studio on Friday, see how that pans out. 

Random reading, came across a blog by a guy. There is this entry about "27 Truths of Dating and Love". 

This one stood out among the 27 : "She is never going to be that perfect, gorgeous woman you thought she was when you first met her. That was just a fantasy. The real her is always going to be different." ;)

A first impression is never going to tell the entire story. After you get to know someone better, they will always turn out a little different from what you thought of her, when you first met... 

And this "Guys will always go for looks. Never trust a guy who says that looks do not matter to him at all." I think Im gonna have to agree with this one too. But same goes for gals, we do take looks into consideration as well. This is only human.. 

Another entry, "How To Tell If She Is Into You?" I couldn't help but smile at the last of the ten listed points : "She has studied your Facebook profile." :P

Looks like "Facebook analysis" are of those things people do these days when they are interested in someone. Well... I'm guilty of that too :P

11st May 2103 Saturday

Went for my first Reformer Pilates class today. Well, strictly speaking, its a trial class. In any case, I signed up for a kickstart package. 1 trial class + 3 fundamental classes + one beginner's class. Going for my fundamental class next Tues ~ Looking forward to it!

I think that Pilates can tone body better than Yoga. But I guess I will still sign up for a hot yoga package if Hom Yoga has a GSS sale again this yr. Out of the numerous studios I've tried out, I still prefer the facilities in Hom Yoga... And also the types of classes offered. Location wise is great too. After class in Orchard, I could drop by Kino to do some reading.. and Donq to get some of my favourite breads. I'm addicted to Donq now. The cream cheese biscuit, is so yummy! I tried the chocolate boule today as well. Love it ~ even though the breads are slightly pricier than elsewhere, it's value for money ;)

Focus pilates is not too bad, location wise, they have 2 studios, one in Raffles, one in Orchard. Facilities wise, I wished they had more bathrooms.. They only had one bathroom in the Orchard branch I visited today. I forsee that could be a problem... Visiting the Raffles studio next Tuesday, then will decide if I want to sign a full package with them. 

Feeling so exhausted the past few days. No idea why. It could be too much thinking and pondering. Or it could just be the flu -_- Or maybe too much drama -.- Hmm. 

10th May 2013 Friday

Pondering the notion of fun. I realised I'm stumped when I try to ask myself this question : What do I do for fun? 

Other than travelling which I do like once or twice a year, nothing else came to mind. I do Yoga in my freetime, but that's hardly fun. It's more like an exercise. Facebooking and net surfing, do those count?

The one thing that I have always enjoyed doing is read. Hardly have time for that these days. Maybe its time to go back to that. 

Pondering the notion of dating and men. Has the dating rules been changed since I was last in the game? Apparently it might have. 

There was this guy I met recently, who kept asking questions after questions just to access if you are worth the effort to try chasing. Feels like an interview, seriously, while he bombards you with questions to assess your "worth". Seriously, if what a guy wants, is to find a gal who is a virtuous, submissive,etc wife, good luck. 

Nobody is perfect, and nobody wants to feel like they are being "assessed" or "interviewed" for the role of "GF" or "Wife". Or vice versa. Pretty sure the men do not enjoyed being "interviewed" too. Conversations are nice, Q and A are not. 

Gotta stop meeting strange people -_-"

Pondering about life. Suddenly had a panic attack the other day, wondering what am I doing with my life. Am I doing what Im supposed to be doing? Am I doing what I love?

Questions, questions, questions. 

Back to my resolutions when I started my happiness project (which I admit, I had not been continuing..), was to do what I really really want. And then thinking, what I really really want, does not match with my longer term goal. 

Life certainly do not get easier.