"Sssorryy, where are we going, who's birthday is it today?"
"We are going to Sheesh Mahal lah Bapak... I belanja... and it's nobody's birthday" says Muni who loves that restaurant because of their Palak Paneer (a blend of sauteed spinach, shallots, garlic and chillies topped with Indian cottage cheese). It's really very good.
"Then why are we going?"
"Don't you know, it's Mothers' Day?"
"Owh, Mother's Day..." ...duh and it's already half-past eight in the evening.
Aah never mind, whatever commercialised day has never been a big day in this household; Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, Children's Day, Wives Day, Husbands' Day, Spoiled Cats' Day, etc. etc.
But this weekend was New-Cupboards Day. We took delivery of three spanking new wardrobes to replace the old furniture that had gone rickety with age and overload. As per hubby's liking, ours has mirrors in the sliding doors "to give the illusion of space" he says. Yeah yeah and it reflects the bed. His taste has not changed much over the years, I must say.
The children's have more shelves for not only their clothes but their books, gadgetries and memorablia as well. We all know how young adults accumulate cheap junk which all purportedly has sentimental value. But there's nothing like a new cupboard to prod them into re-organising their belongings.
So it was a 5S weekend for us. Those in government and GLC's are likely to be familiar with this Japanese concept.
"5S" stands for five (5) Japanese words that start with the letter 'S': Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke.
Seiri - Sort and Discard
Eliminate All unneeded items.
Seiton - Arrange and Order / Sanitize
Arrange all items that are left.
Seiso - Clean and Inspect / Shine
Clean all areas.
Seiketsu - Standardize and Improve
Maintain the first 3S
Shitsuke - Believe and Self-Disclipline
Believe that the 5S are important
It means that in a maidless household, everyone is a janitor! Actually this thing is a no-brainer, trust the Japs to package it and sell it like it is their heretofore unrevealed secret to management success.
And what started out with cupboards, extended to 5S operations of the back store-room because we had to put one of the old cupboards in there. As a result, we have a spanking tidy store-room due in no small measure to the elbow grease of a fifty-something who loves mirrors on wardrobes and for whom Mothers' Day doesn't ring a bell....
.... in conjunction of which I wish to share something from a book which I had forgotten I have until FB friend Shahieda mentioned it recently - "You Can Be The Happiest Woman In The World" by Dr A'id al-Qarni
5 YES's and 5 NO's that I have selected from the book:
YES! to your beautiful smile that sends a message of warmth and friendliness to others
YES! to your kind words that establish (permissible) friendship and dispel rancour
YES! to honouring one's parents, upholding the ties of kinship, honouring neighbours and caring for orphans
YES! to acceptable charity that brings happiness to the poor and feeds the hungry
YES! to reading useful, interesting and beneficial books
NO! to wasting time in trivial pursuits, and love of revenge and futile arguments
NO! to neglecting physical hygiene and cleanliness in the house
NO! to thinking of past calamities and dwelling on past mistakes
NO! to giving priority to money and accumulation of wealth over one's health, happiness, sleep and peace of mind
NO! to forgetting the Hereafter and neglecting to strive for it.
OK am off to 5S my dressing-table...
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Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Monday, 10 May 2010
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Oh So Sore
Yes, very sore. That was how I felt this morning - achy all over. Monday I had popped back into the gym after a very long hiatus: since the beginning of Ramadan actually, and now it's the last week of Syawal.
With Syawal on its way out, pretty soon I should be rearranging my living-room to it's former minimalist layout of 1 carpet and a 3+2+1 lounge set plus an extra sofa and no coffee table. At present there is another carpet laid with the furniture arranged into 2 separate lounge areas for raya guests. A bit more effort needed to sweep and vacuum that's all, but with the minimalist style it's easier to get round behind the chairs to sweep and to roll the carpet to mop the floor.
Well I had let myself get flabby the last couple of months. Didn't do any serious exercise. I knew I had lost some strength when I could not push the single chair off the carpet. Maybe it wasn't just the whole weight of the chair on the carpet, maybe the carpet itself had exerted some friction on the chair that my puny strength couldn't overcome. Whatever the fact, that was when I knew I had to hit the gym again.
The little weight I lost over the fasting month had returned. Well it was just water anyway. I was so dehydrated and sleep-deprived, exercise was never factored into the daily routine then unless one considers the supplementary terawih prayers a form of exercise. I sweated small buckets, but that was all. Nothing like the totally satisfying drenched t-shirt front and back kind - smalls included.
And so at the gym I only managed half the weights I used to do on the machines. Before that session, 25 mins of easy striding on the strider machine. And finished off with another 25 mins on the stiffer machine which has more resistance on the "pedals".
The 3 poco-poco classes I had taken recently were helpful enough to ease me back into exercising. Otherwise this morning I would not have been just achy and sore, but the more painful achy-breaky as in that line-dancing song Achy-Breaky Heart.
My buddy says we have to set objectives and visualise the target. Well let me declare what my target is:
You see that tall lady in the centre of the stage beside the cowboy in black?
That will be me on the 1st of March 2010 YEEEEE..HAAARRRR!!!
_________________________________________________________________
With Syawal on its way out, pretty soon I should be rearranging my living-room to it's former minimalist layout of 1 carpet and a 3+2+1 lounge set plus an extra sofa and no coffee table. At present there is another carpet laid with the furniture arranged into 2 separate lounge areas for raya guests. A bit more effort needed to sweep and vacuum that's all, but with the minimalist style it's easier to get round behind the chairs to sweep and to roll the carpet to mop the floor.
Well I had let myself get flabby the last couple of months. Didn't do any serious exercise. I knew I had lost some strength when I could not push the single chair off the carpet. Maybe it wasn't just the whole weight of the chair on the carpet, maybe the carpet itself had exerted some friction on the chair that my puny strength couldn't overcome. Whatever the fact, that was when I knew I had to hit the gym again.
The little weight I lost over the fasting month had returned. Well it was just water anyway. I was so dehydrated and sleep-deprived, exercise was never factored into the daily routine then unless one considers the supplementary terawih prayers a form of exercise. I sweated small buckets, but that was all. Nothing like the totally satisfying drenched t-shirt front and back kind - smalls included.
And so at the gym I only managed half the weights I used to do on the machines. Before that session, 25 mins of easy striding on the strider machine. And finished off with another 25 mins on the stiffer machine which has more resistance on the "pedals".
The 3 poco-poco classes I had taken recently were helpful enough to ease me back into exercising. Otherwise this morning I would not have been just achy and sore, but the more painful achy-breaky as in that line-dancing song Achy-Breaky Heart.
My buddy says we have to set objectives and visualise the target. Well let me declare what my target is:
You see that tall lady in the centre of the stage beside the cowboy in black?
That will be me on the 1st of March 2010 YEEEEE..HAAARRRR!!!
_________________________________________________________________
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Giving and Receiving
From my Inbox
This is how the Law of Giving and Receiving works.
This is how the Law of Giving and Receiving works.
Giving is the other side of receiving.
Therefore if you wish to receive anything in your life, you first need to give it.
It is that simple.
If you wish happiness, simply give happiness to the people around you.
If you wish love, simply give love.
If you wish friendships, joy or abundance simply give it to the people around you and you will receive loads of it.
When you withhold your giving, you are withholding your source of abundance.
You are stopping the flow of your own energy and you suffocate.
No wonder I felt joyless and dead when I stopped giving.
Sounds a little too easy, doesn't it?
Where's the catch?
The catch is that you have to give without expecting anything in return.
Giving for the sake of giving.
Only then the flow begins.
The intention behind the giving is the most important.
The intention has to be for the creation of happiness, harmony, peace and joy, as these are fundamental to life.
The reward will be there when you give from your heart and without condition.
Giving should be a joyful act, just as a child bringing a flower to his mother.
Albert Schweitzer said, "The one who gives is the one that receives most".
The easiest way to fulfill your wishes is by supporting others to achieve their wishes.
This principle is true to individuals, organizations, businesses and nations.
If you wish to be blessed with all the good things in life, learn to give a blessing to all that surrounds you.
Even a thought and silent blessing has the power to start the flow of giving and receiving.
Start practicing the Law of Giving and Receiving and watch your life become abundant and joyful.
Abundance to All
Croz from OZ
If you know anyone who would like to receive these news letters please forward this on to them so they can join up on the website www.croz.com.au
Friday, 31 July 2009
When You Believe
Red Alfa (RA): Yang, be the good storyteller and tell the F*nd*q M*'T*m story for laughs! I have just tried with my secretary. She did laugh.
Zen: Did she?
RA: Ah..but then ALL good secretaries would laugh at their bosses' jokes, wouldn't they?!
Zen: She's REALLYgood if she knows Arabic and Tamil, too. But I won't tell it here.
RA: Why not?
Zen: Well firstly this blog is a respectable blog, it's visited by respectable people like Dr. Sam, and Madam Markonah, and other people from the east coast - they are all so refined you know. Malulah. Not to forget my nephews and nieces - whose minds I do not want to corrupt any further.
RA: Maybe you can tumpang other blogs?
Zen: Hmmm there's that vicious feline, Saya Kitty, who's place is X-rated as she declared. But your joke is "for men only" bar-counter joke lah. Forget it Bang, I've got a reputation to protect.
RA: Alaa.. Yang.....
Zen: Eh Bang you forgot today's special occasion.
RA: Oh-Oh.... What occasion? Your birthday's months away what!
Zen: Today 9 Sya'aban lah.
RA: Ehmmmm......... remind me
Zen: 29 Muslim years ago???
RA: Our first date?
Zen: That was 34 infidel years ago!
RA: Oh yeah, we were married! Then 3 weeks later have to start fasting - Argggh! Why suddenly you remember the muslim calendar?
Zen: Dah pencen. Thank you for the 29 years, Bang. Remember 1997 / 1998?
RA: Don't I ever.
Zen: That was a tough year kan? But YOU were TOUGHER. Here's THE SONG for you to well tears over.
Remember EDIFY, BE TEACHABLE, DUPLICATE
GO CORE - If you're not Kaur (core) you're Sikh (sick).......sic
Happy Anniversary, Bang!
Zen: Did she?
RA: Ah..but then ALL good secretaries would laugh at their bosses' jokes, wouldn't they?!
Zen: She's REALLYgood if she knows Arabic and Tamil, too. But I won't tell it here.
RA: Why not?
Zen: Well firstly this blog is a respectable blog, it's visited by respectable people like Dr. Sam, and Madam Markonah, and other people from the east coast - they are all so refined you know. Malulah. Not to forget my nephews and nieces - whose minds I do not want to corrupt any further.
RA: Maybe you can tumpang other blogs?
Zen: Hmmm there's that vicious feline, Saya Kitty, who's place is X-rated as she declared. But your joke is "for men only" bar-counter joke lah. Forget it Bang, I've got a reputation to protect.
RA: Alaa.. Yang.....
Zen: Eh Bang you forgot today's special occasion.
RA: Oh-Oh.... What occasion? Your birthday's months away what!
Zen: Today 9 Sya'aban lah.
RA: Ehmmmm......... remind me
Zen: 29 Muslim years ago???
RA: Our first date?
Zen: That was 34 infidel years ago!
RA: Oh yeah, we were married! Then 3 weeks later have to start fasting - Argggh! Why suddenly you remember the muslim calendar?
Zen: Dah pencen. Thank you for the 29 years, Bang. Remember 1997 / 1998?
RA: Don't I ever.
Zen: That was a tough year kan? But YOU were TOUGHER. Here's THE SONG for you to well tears over.
Remember EDIFY, BE TEACHABLE, DUPLICATE
GO CORE - If you're not Kaur (core) you're Sikh (sick).......sic
Happy Anniversary, Bang!
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Rumah Aku
Dah nak masuk bulan mulia ni, aku rasa terpanggil nak ngodit rumah, nak bersedia sikit sebanyak, konon-konon lah.
No. 1 - aku tengok pagar rumah ini sikit-sikit karat, dari jauh macam OK sebab cat gelap, dah dekat rasanya kena touch-up juga - pagar kena jaga, itu squad barisan hadapan
No. 2 - pintu gate otomatik aku sejak kebelakangan terkadang terbuka dengan sendirinya - remotenya aku yang pegang - akulah yang lalai awasi agaknya, entah apa karut-marut dah menyerlap masuk
No. 3 - peti-surat built-in kat tembok OK lagi - boleh muat kad-kad raya yang semakin kurang sejak aku pencen - kenapa tak ada sesiapa hantar aku flyer-flyer jenis peringatan?
No. 4 - bawah peti-surat ialah ruang letak tong sampah - mungkin kena tambah lagi satu tong - sebab banyak toxin dalam rumah nak kena nyah!
No. 5 - well.... keadaan cat luar dan dalam masih mantap lagi - tahun depan tengok macam mana
No. 6 - pintu depan rumah ni ringan sangat - entah jenis apa punya kayu - kena angin sikit dah rattling macam berleter - tapi selak dan kunci in good working order - ensel OK
No. 7 - alamak aku tak perasan cermin-cermin tingkap dah jadi kelabu. Dah tu langsir dua lapis pulak, itu pun dah time masuk washing-machine. Barulah dapat meneropong dengan lebih khusyuk.
No. 8 - grille - kira second line of defence, pun kena dilap sebab dah entah berapa lapis debu yang dah singgah - debu itu suci? Suci dalam debu? Melalut pulak...
No. 9 - keadaan sawang di penjuru-penjuru dinding - nampaknya bersih lagi - mana pergi labah-labah yang dulu suka buat sarang kat sini?
No. 10 - keadaan dapur mencermin peribadi tukang masak - alah biasalah kalau dapur berasap sentiasa - faham-faham aje lah
No. 11 - pintu belakang? dibuka bila nak hantar sampah ke tong je - ok lagi :)
No 12 - selainnya - peribadi ya?!!
Tak boleh lengah-lengah memperbaikki rumah, biar bila sampai bulan puasa rumah aku dah ready.... Insya Allah
sampai raya, nak tunggang langgang pun tak hal
can take it!
No. 1 - aku tengok pagar rumah ini sikit-sikit karat, dari jauh macam OK sebab cat gelap, dah dekat rasanya kena touch-up juga - pagar kena jaga, itu squad barisan hadapan
No. 2 - pintu gate otomatik aku sejak kebelakangan terkadang terbuka dengan sendirinya - remotenya aku yang pegang - akulah yang lalai awasi agaknya, entah apa karut-marut dah menyerlap masuk
No. 3 - peti-surat built-in kat tembok OK lagi - boleh muat kad-kad raya yang semakin kurang sejak aku pencen - kenapa tak ada sesiapa hantar aku flyer-flyer jenis peringatan?
No. 4 - bawah peti-surat ialah ruang letak tong sampah - mungkin kena tambah lagi satu tong - sebab banyak toxin dalam rumah nak kena nyah!
No. 5 - well.... keadaan cat luar dan dalam masih mantap lagi - tahun depan tengok macam mana
No. 6 - pintu depan rumah ni ringan sangat - entah jenis apa punya kayu - kena angin sikit dah rattling macam berleter - tapi selak dan kunci in good working order - ensel OK
No. 7 - alamak aku tak perasan cermin-cermin tingkap dah jadi kelabu. Dah tu langsir dua lapis pulak, itu pun dah time masuk washing-machine. Barulah dapat meneropong dengan lebih khusyuk.
No. 8 - grille - kira second line of defence, pun kena dilap sebab dah entah berapa lapis debu yang dah singgah - debu itu suci? Suci dalam debu? Melalut pulak...
No. 9 - keadaan sawang di penjuru-penjuru dinding - nampaknya bersih lagi - mana pergi labah-labah yang dulu suka buat sarang kat sini?
No. 10 - keadaan dapur mencermin peribadi tukang masak - alah biasalah kalau dapur berasap sentiasa - faham-faham aje lah
No. 11 - pintu belakang? dibuka bila nak hantar sampah ke tong je - ok lagi :)
No 12 - selainnya - peribadi ya?!!
Tak boleh lengah-lengah memperbaikki rumah, biar bila sampai bulan puasa rumah aku dah ready.... Insya Allah
sampai raya, nak tunggang langgang pun tak halcan take it!
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Sin and Salvation - For the Weight-Challenged
a.k.a Project LTHIN30 (Lose These Handles In 30 days)
Starting Vitals:
166 cm
71.6 kg
36.1 BF% (Wow I've dropped 2% since I last checked!!!)
43.9 %Hydration
Day 1 - 11th June 2009
Sin - Mee Goreng Mamak with Telor Mata and Teh Halia Kurang Manis
Salvation - 45 mins on StarTrac cross-trainer Level 1; Triceps 21 (not sure lbs or kilos) 3 sets - 8, 6, 4 reps; Spinal Rotation 30 lbs?kilos? 15 reps on each side; 20 mins on LifeFitness cross-trainer Hill-Plus Level 6; 5 mins cool-down; stretches
Day 2 - 12th June 2009
Sin - Last night's extra half-portion of big juicy lamb-chop
Salvation - home-video workout - Buns and Thighs by Kathy Smith - 4 mins warm-up; 16 mins step-aerobics; 10 mins squats, dips, one-legged squats; cool-down; 10 min floor-work for glutes, hamstrings, quads, inner-thighs; stretches.
This video always works for me after a long exercise hiatus - yesterday was so-so, level 1 is just strolling :-|
Day 3 - 13th June 2009
Joy - 1.5 hrs Poco-poco with Ezan. 1st phase - 40 mins regular poco-poco; next phase - stretching lower body, then engaging more upper body dance movements (shoulders, arms, including belly), cha-cha steps; next phase - floor work - upper body stretches, pelvis, abs, legs, spinal twists; finish off with choreographed dances - this week: "Sway", Chinese Off-beat, "Made in India", Zapin
Reward - truly creamy mushroom soup (mmmmmm), cheesy mashed spuds, grilled salmon, brocolli
Day 4 - 14th June 2009 Sunday
Double Joy - No exercise: Recovery Day!
Day 5 - 15th June 2009 Monday
Double Joy - No exercise: Another Recovery Day! (from a hectic Sunday haha)
Day 6 - 16th June 2009
Sin - Nasi Goreng breakfast with ikan bilis and telor mata, leftover telor mata sandwich or lunch
Salvation - 20 mins on LifeFitness cross-trainer Fat-burning program Level 1; Lats Pulldown 30 3 sets 10 reps each, Pec flys 19, 3 sets - 10 reps each; Triceps 25 10 8 6; Spinal Rotation 30 lbs?kilos? 15 reps on each side; 45 mins on StarTrac cross-trainer Random Hill Level 2 4 6 - change every 15 mins; 5 mins cool-down; stretches
Day 7 - 17th June 2009
Alamak! A bit sore from yesterday evening's work-out. Good excuse to rest today. 4 days of exercise out of 7 - not bad to start.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 8 - 18th June 2009
Sin - Nasi Lemak dinner last night with sambal sotong, ikan bilis, kangkung celor and telor rebus
Salvation - 1.5 hrs poco-poco with Nah - begin with stretches, 40 mins regular poco-poco, practised "Made in India" - Nah's choreography (more challenging), Rock Around The Clock, and Chilli Cha-Cha. Dropped by the gym after lunch: 7 mins limbering up on StarTrac cross-trainer Random Hill program Level 1; Lats Pulldown 30 3 sets 10 reps each, Pec flys 19, 3 sets - 10 reps each; Triceps 20 10 10 10; Spinal Rotation 30 lbs?kilos? 15 reps on each side
* Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday - in Banda Acheh - maybe can't exercise, see how it goes
Day 9 - Friday 19th June 2009
Sin - Breakfast at Kak Nani's - burger and fried egg sandwich; On the plane - cheese and chicken sandwich; Lunch - gado-gado and popiah; Dinner - sea-food galore at Banda Sea-Food, avocado and choc shake(burrrp)
Salvation - 30 mins of poco-poco moves
Day 10 - Saturday 20th June 2009
Sin - Hotel buffet breakfast; Lunch - Acehnese table spread: rice with asam ke'eng, ayam tangkap, bayam bening, sambal ijo, rendang daging, avocado and choc shake; Dinner - rice with more asam ke'eng
Salvation - Shopping? Sightseeing?
Day 11 - Sunday 21st June 2009
Sin - Hotel buffet breakfast; Lunch - Acehnese Kenduri Kahwin: rice with rendang daging, sambal kentang, sayur capcai, ayam masak merah, bubur lambuk, air tebu; Ngopi: Kopi Ulee Kareng, pisang goreng salut keju (mmmmmm); Dinner - Nasi Padang at Sari Bunda: rendang minang (daging), otak lembu masak lemak, ayam tangkap, asam ke'eng, kacang pindang, avocado and choc shake;
Salvation - morning: cycle 20 mins, chest press 2x15 reps, leg press 2x15 reps
Day 12 - Monday 22 June 2009
Sin - Breakfast at Restoran Inti: Nasi Gurih, Ayam Tangkap, tempeh goreng, pelbagai sambal, kopi Ulee Kareng; Lunch on the plane - Tuna sandwich, Nescafe; Tea-time at Dengkil R&R: Sate Kajang Hj Samuri 6 sticks ayam, daging, perut plus nasi impit, teh tarik; Dinner - Sop kambing and mee rebus (half n half)
Salvation - Grocery Shopping?
Day 13 - Tuesday 23rd June 2009
Sin - Lunch - Curry laksa with chicken, cockles, fish-paste, and tofu-wraps
Salvation - None: didn't want to unbalance my re-aligned joints after Thai massage!
* Didn't dare to weigh myself!
Starting Vitals:
166 cm
71.6 kg
36.1 BF% (Wow I've dropped 2% since I last checked!!!)
43.9 %Hydration
Day 1 - 11th June 2009
Sin - Mee Goreng Mamak with Telor Mata and Teh Halia Kurang Manis
Salvation - 45 mins on StarTrac cross-trainer Level 1; Triceps 21 (not sure lbs or kilos) 3 sets - 8, 6, 4 reps; Spinal Rotation 30 lbs?kilos? 15 reps on each side; 20 mins on LifeFitness cross-trainer Hill-Plus Level 6; 5 mins cool-down; stretches
Day 2 - 12th June 2009
Sin - Last night's extra half-portion of big juicy lamb-chop
Salvation - home-video workout - Buns and Thighs by Kathy Smith - 4 mins warm-up; 16 mins step-aerobics; 10 mins squats, dips, one-legged squats; cool-down; 10 min floor-work for glutes, hamstrings, quads, inner-thighs; stretches.
This video always works for me after a long exercise hiatus - yesterday was so-so, level 1 is just strolling :-|
Day 3 - 13th June 2009
Joy - 1.5 hrs Poco-poco with Ezan. 1st phase - 40 mins regular poco-poco; next phase - stretching lower body, then engaging more upper body dance movements (shoulders, arms, including belly), cha-cha steps; next phase - floor work - upper body stretches, pelvis, abs, legs, spinal twists; finish off with choreographed dances - this week: "Sway", Chinese Off-beat, "Made in India", Zapin
Reward - truly creamy mushroom soup (mmmmmm), cheesy mashed spuds, grilled salmon, brocolli
Day 4 - 14th June 2009 Sunday
Double Joy - No exercise: Recovery Day!
Day 5 - 15th June 2009 Monday
Double Joy - No exercise: Another Recovery Day! (from a hectic Sunday haha)
Day 6 - 16th June 2009
Sin - Nasi Goreng breakfast with ikan bilis and telor mata, leftover telor mata sandwich or lunch
Salvation - 20 mins on LifeFitness cross-trainer Fat-burning program Level 1; Lats Pulldown 30 3 sets 10 reps each, Pec flys 19, 3 sets - 10 reps each; Triceps 25 10 8 6; Spinal Rotation 30 lbs?kilos? 15 reps on each side; 45 mins on StarTrac cross-trainer Random Hill Level 2 4 6 - change every 15 mins; 5 mins cool-down; stretches
Day 7 - 17th June 2009
Alamak! A bit sore from yesterday evening's work-out. Good excuse to rest today. 4 days of exercise out of 7 - not bad to start.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 8 - 18th June 2009
Sin - Nasi Lemak dinner last night with sambal sotong, ikan bilis, kangkung celor and telor rebus
Salvation - 1.5 hrs poco-poco with Nah - begin with stretches, 40 mins regular poco-poco, practised "Made in India" - Nah's choreography (more challenging), Rock Around The Clock, and Chilli Cha-Cha. Dropped by the gym after lunch: 7 mins limbering up on StarTrac cross-trainer Random Hill program Level 1; Lats Pulldown 30 3 sets 10 reps each, Pec flys 19, 3 sets - 10 reps each; Triceps 20 10 10 10; Spinal Rotation 30 lbs?kilos? 15 reps on each side
* Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday - in Banda Acheh - maybe can't exercise, see how it goes
Day 9 - Friday 19th June 2009
Sin - Breakfast at Kak Nani's - burger and fried egg sandwich; On the plane - cheese and chicken sandwich; Lunch - gado-gado and popiah; Dinner - sea-food galore at Banda Sea-Food, avocado and choc shake(burrrp)
Salvation - 30 mins of poco-poco moves
Day 10 - Saturday 20th June 2009
Sin - Hotel buffet breakfast; Lunch - Acehnese table spread: rice with asam ke'eng, ayam tangkap, bayam bening, sambal ijo, rendang daging, avocado and choc shake; Dinner - rice with more asam ke'eng
Salvation - Shopping? Sightseeing?
Day 11 - Sunday 21st June 2009
Sin - Hotel buffet breakfast; Lunch - Acehnese Kenduri Kahwin: rice with rendang daging, sambal kentang, sayur capcai, ayam masak merah, bubur lambuk, air tebu; Ngopi: Kopi Ulee Kareng, pisang goreng salut keju (mmmmmm); Dinner - Nasi Padang at Sari Bunda: rendang minang (daging), otak lembu masak lemak, ayam tangkap, asam ke'eng, kacang pindang, avocado and choc shake;
Salvation - morning: cycle 20 mins, chest press 2x15 reps, leg press 2x15 reps
Day 12 - Monday 22 June 2009
Sin - Breakfast at Restoran Inti: Nasi Gurih, Ayam Tangkap, tempeh goreng, pelbagai sambal, kopi Ulee Kareng; Lunch on the plane - Tuna sandwich, Nescafe; Tea-time at Dengkil R&R: Sate Kajang Hj Samuri 6 sticks ayam, daging, perut plus nasi impit, teh tarik; Dinner - Sop kambing and mee rebus (half n half)
Salvation - Grocery Shopping?
Day 13 - Tuesday 23rd June 2009
Sin - Lunch - Curry laksa with chicken, cockles, fish-paste, and tofu-wraps
Salvation - None: didn't want to unbalance my re-aligned joints after Thai massage!
* Didn't dare to weigh myself!
Monday, 1 June 2009
Sisters We Are
E-mail from my travel sista:
SISTERS ARE SPECIAL
A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of
adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter
'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.'
Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.' What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman Thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!'
But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After 53 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:
THIS SAYS IT ALL:
Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up.
Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't do what they're supposed to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end. BUT...
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you... Or come in and carry you out..
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!
The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other..
Every day, we need each other still. Pass this on to all the women who help make your life meaningful. I just did. Short and very sweet:
There are many angels in this world. And one is reading this at the moment.
SISTERS ARE SPECIAL
A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of
adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter
'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.'
Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.' What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman Thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!'
But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After 53 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:
THIS SAYS IT ALL:
Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up.
Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't do what they're supposed to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end. BUT...
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you... Or come in and carry you out..
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!
The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other..
Every day, we need each other still. Pass this on to all the women who help make your life meaningful. I just did. Short and very sweet:
There are many angels in this world. And one is reading this at the moment.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
CHEATING ON YOUR WIFE
I've taken this article lock, stock and barrel from Women's Health Magazine. It's an American man's take on fidelity and it is a fascinating read, given the times.
I want to tell you a secret. It's something I'm deeply proud of yet also ashamed of. It's about being a man and about being less of one. It defines who I am while it defies who I am. It's a dichotomy that's difficult for even me to understand.
How I feel about this secret depends on who I'm with. Alone, or with my wife and family, I feel pride. But with other men--coworkers, drinking buddies--I'm often embarrassed. Even though it's been 23 years, I've never admitted this to anyone--not even my wife. Then again, I'm sure she's never seriously doubted me and will not be surprised by what I confess.
My secret is that for almost a quarter century, I've been faithful. Although I've lusted after many women, I've never slept with one, or left even a lingering kiss on a pair of expectant lips.
I am successful. I am fit. I have money. I dress well and no, I am not ugly. Yes, I've had opportunities. Yet…
That's me you've seen in those sports-bar crowds, clinking pint glasses and clapping shoulders at sexual innuendo. That's me you've overheard commenting on the sassy new intern. Yes, I think about it. Yet…
Those surveys that reveal how many husbands cheat on their wives (and vice versa), I've considered them all. I've been tempted by the idea that monogamy is outdated. Yet…
And of course there's the blandness of the long-term relationship. It's seeing her in sweats scrubbing the toilet. It's running out of things to say over dinner. It's making love in the same position in the same room at the same time year after year. I crave excitement and variety. Yet…
…I've never cheated. And I haven't admitted it because, well, men typically don't do that. No matter how sensitive we'd like you to believe we've become, our brother-cliques still rely on bravado and conquest for acceptance. The minute we confess to not being on the chase, to turning our backs on our genetic drive to procreate, our gorilla chests start to shrink. It may sound small-minded, but that's the way it is, at least in my world.
So why have I never wandered? I have a few ideas:
1. I've never met a perfect 10.
A colleague once told me: "If you're going to cheat, do it with a perfect 10. Because when you get caught--and eventually you will--you'll need to look back without regret." I always thought that was good advice. Plus, I've never met a perfect 10 who was interested in me.
2. My ankle hurts in the morning.
In his book Letters to My Son, Kent Nerburn equates temptation with the time he broke his left leg: "Whenever I feel a surge of attraction to a woman, I think of that leg.…Being unfaithful snaps a relationship as surely as that fall snapped my bone. At first, it may seem like nothing. Over time, you may be able to mend the break so that the relationship is stronger than ever. But it is not healed. The scar remains and it will haunt you forever." I haven't broken any limbs, but I've sprained my right ankle a few times. And it aches almost daily.
3. I'm drawn to a particular type.
Whenever I'm attracted to another woman, I ask myself why. Usually it's because she's tall, thin, brunette, amply endowed, vivacious, witty, and kind. These are all qualities my wife has. It's made me realize that I'm naturally drawn to one type of woman. Why cheat with her twin?
4. I love my wife's gnarly feet.
I once read an article by a guy who cheated. Upon waking next to his one-night stand, he immediately noticed her feet. They had been tucked into sexy black pumps the night before, but now they appeared big and manly and even had corns. He was so disgusted he fled. We forget that love camouflages faults. After 23 years, I know and love every part of my wife--including her feet.
5. I'm Catholic.
After suffering through 12 years of parochial school and memorizing the hundreds of thousands of sins that can send you to hell, I have a deep-seated aversion to coveting my neighbor's wife. Maybe my fidelity has nothing to do with strength and morality. Maybe I'm brainwashed.
6. I keep my word.
I made a public vow to be faithful. And as the son of an ex-marine, I believe a man's word should be unassailable. I'm talking about personal integrity here, a trait often muddied by politicians, athletes, CEOs, and sometimes even our own fathers. I may not have kept some of the little promises I've made, but I've kept the big ones, and I'm damn proud of that.
7. I'm on a streak.
I have a friend who has ridden his bike every day for 14 years. It's a streak that has acquired too much momentum to carelessly abandon. Perhaps my fidelity (8,579 days and counting) is a similar phenomenon.
8. I've benefited from the doubt.
In many marriages, possession is nine-tenths of the love. When you suspect someone is trying to take away what's yours, you work harder to secure it. Even though my wife denies it, she's a bit jealous. But that's good, because from her occasional doubt springs newfound appreciation for me. It's a selfish reason, I know, but I've enjoyed it.
9. I'm scared.
This could be the real reason I haven't cheated. I'm afraid of what one moment of weakness would do to my life. I dread the innocent, unknowing look in my wife's brown eyes the following day. I cringe at the thought of my children seeing their mother hurt and knowing I'm to blame. To put it bluntly, I've probably been true because I'm a coward.
10. I married a perfect 10.
I need to clarify my first reason. I have met a perfect 10, and I married her. And the reason I haven't cheated is that I've never really wanted to. Although my wife and I have our differences, she is a great woman who deserves my fidelity. I may not always be able to give her my full attention or all the material things she wants, but I can give her this. And as the years go by, it becomes more precious--to both of us.
________________________________________________________________
Awww!!! This guy's so sweet, just like someone I know.....
To Cheat Or Not to Cheat
Can a guy's guy stay faithful to one woman for 23 years?
Joe Kita
I want to tell you a secret. It's something I'm deeply proud of yet also ashamed of. It's about being a man and about being less of one. It defines who I am while it defies who I am. It's a dichotomy that's difficult for even me to understand.
How I feel about this secret depends on who I'm with. Alone, or with my wife and family, I feel pride. But with other men--coworkers, drinking buddies--I'm often embarrassed. Even though it's been 23 years, I've never admitted this to anyone--not even my wife. Then again, I'm sure she's never seriously doubted me and will not be surprised by what I confess.
My secret is that for almost a quarter century, I've been faithful. Although I've lusted after many women, I've never slept with one, or left even a lingering kiss on a pair of expectant lips.
I am successful. I am fit. I have money. I dress well and no, I am not ugly. Yes, I've had opportunities. Yet…
That's me you've seen in those sports-bar crowds, clinking pint glasses and clapping shoulders at sexual innuendo. That's me you've overheard commenting on the sassy new intern. Yes, I think about it. Yet…
Those surveys that reveal how many husbands cheat on their wives (and vice versa), I've considered them all. I've been tempted by the idea that monogamy is outdated. Yet…
And of course there's the blandness of the long-term relationship. It's seeing her in sweats scrubbing the toilet. It's running out of things to say over dinner. It's making love in the same position in the same room at the same time year after year. I crave excitement and variety. Yet…
…I've never cheated. And I haven't admitted it because, well, men typically don't do that. No matter how sensitive we'd like you to believe we've become, our brother-cliques still rely on bravado and conquest for acceptance. The minute we confess to not being on the chase, to turning our backs on our genetic drive to procreate, our gorilla chests start to shrink. It may sound small-minded, but that's the way it is, at least in my world.
So why have I never wandered? I have a few ideas:
1. I've never met a perfect 10.
A colleague once told me: "If you're going to cheat, do it with a perfect 10. Because when you get caught--and eventually you will--you'll need to look back without regret." I always thought that was good advice. Plus, I've never met a perfect 10 who was interested in me.
2. My ankle hurts in the morning.
In his book Letters to My Son, Kent Nerburn equates temptation with the time he broke his left leg: "Whenever I feel a surge of attraction to a woman, I think of that leg.…Being unfaithful snaps a relationship as surely as that fall snapped my bone. At first, it may seem like nothing. Over time, you may be able to mend the break so that the relationship is stronger than ever. But it is not healed. The scar remains and it will haunt you forever." I haven't broken any limbs, but I've sprained my right ankle a few times. And it aches almost daily.
3. I'm drawn to a particular type.
Whenever I'm attracted to another woman, I ask myself why. Usually it's because she's tall, thin, brunette, amply endowed, vivacious, witty, and kind. These are all qualities my wife has. It's made me realize that I'm naturally drawn to one type of woman. Why cheat with her twin?
4. I love my wife's gnarly feet.
I once read an article by a guy who cheated. Upon waking next to his one-night stand, he immediately noticed her feet. They had been tucked into sexy black pumps the night before, but now they appeared big and manly and even had corns. He was so disgusted he fled. We forget that love camouflages faults. After 23 years, I know and love every part of my wife--including her feet.
5. I'm Catholic.
After suffering through 12 years of parochial school and memorizing the hundreds of thousands of sins that can send you to hell, I have a deep-seated aversion to coveting my neighbor's wife. Maybe my fidelity has nothing to do with strength and morality. Maybe I'm brainwashed.
6. I keep my word.
I made a public vow to be faithful. And as the son of an ex-marine, I believe a man's word should be unassailable. I'm talking about personal integrity here, a trait often muddied by politicians, athletes, CEOs, and sometimes even our own fathers. I may not have kept some of the little promises I've made, but I've kept the big ones, and I'm damn proud of that.
7. I'm on a streak.
I have a friend who has ridden his bike every day for 14 years. It's a streak that has acquired too much momentum to carelessly abandon. Perhaps my fidelity (8,579 days and counting) is a similar phenomenon.
8. I've benefited from the doubt.
In many marriages, possession is nine-tenths of the love. When you suspect someone is trying to take away what's yours, you work harder to secure it. Even though my wife denies it, she's a bit jealous. But that's good, because from her occasional doubt springs newfound appreciation for me. It's a selfish reason, I know, but I've enjoyed it.
9. I'm scared.
This could be the real reason I haven't cheated. I'm afraid of what one moment of weakness would do to my life. I dread the innocent, unknowing look in my wife's brown eyes the following day. I cringe at the thought of my children seeing their mother hurt and knowing I'm to blame. To put it bluntly, I've probably been true because I'm a coward.
10. I married a perfect 10.
I need to clarify my first reason. I have met a perfect 10, and I married her. And the reason I haven't cheated is that I've never really wanted to. Although my wife and I have our differences, she is a great woman who deserves my fidelity. I may not always be able to give her my full attention or all the material things she wants, but I can give her this. And as the years go by, it becomes more precious--to both of us.
________________________________________________________________
Awww!!! This guy's so sweet, just like someone I know.....
Friday, 22 May 2009
You Want More Energy?
Zen Habits suggested 55 ways as per the list below; some of them are quite interesting and can be done immediately.
1. Change your socks midway through the day for refreshment.
2. Rock out loud - a quick one-song rock out loud session is an effective way to beat back exhaustion.
Zendy's suggestion: (Click on "Play full song here")
3. Get rid of the stuffy nose - clear up your sinuses (and your mind).
4. Work with your body’s clock.
5. Have a piece of chocolate - we get an endorphin buzz from chocolate (Zendy: This I can do right now)
6. Have an afternoon power snack.
* mixed nuts
* nonfat yogurt
* apple and peanut butter
* frozen berrie smoothie
* trail mix
* granola bar
7. Hit up the water cooler for inconsequential banter - a little midday gossip and random banter is a great pick-me-up
8. Eat lots of berries. - All types of berries help fight fatigue and are delicious to boot
9. Wear brighter colors -(Zendy: Malaysians know this one)
10. Take a power nap - Keep it short: 5-10 minutes max.
11. Flirt - It’s fun, it’s harmless (keep it innocent), and it’s effective. Nothing quite gets the heart pumping like a little flirting (Zendy: Baik toksah)
12. Aromatherapy with lavender.
13. Wake up at the same time everyday.
14. Drink lots of water -Dehydration is a sinister cause of fatigue because it slowly creeps up on you. (Zendy: I try to go for 1 big bottle everyday)
15. Use caffeine wisely - Coffee provides a shot of energy, but can also become a counterproductive dependence. (Zendy: 1 mug a day for me, more than that spells insomnia, less equals withdrawal headache)
16. Avoid energy drinks.
17. Eat low glycemic (low or complex carb) foods.
18. Eat more soluble fiber.
19. Get your Vitamin C. (Zendy: I'm a firm believer in C)
20. Sniff some citrus.
In addition to the Vitamin C, citrus scents (like orange, lemon and lime) stimulate alertness. So lather on some of that lemon scented lotion. (Zendy: I love citrus)
21. Cover the B Vitamins. (Zendy: Makes me hungry all the time)
22. Quit smoking - Ex-smokers frequently report an energy boost of 2-3x when they quit smoking.
23. Play to relax - like Scrabble on Facebook but have a strict time limit
24. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
25. Enjoy a cup of tea. (Zendy: with my chocolate!)
26. Splash some water on your face. (Zendy: OK done)
27. Stand up, stretch and take a couple of deep breaths. (Zendy: done)
28. Get your world organized - reduce the clutter
29. Look on the bright side.
30. Take a mini-vacation - Take one day and just do whatever you want. No work, no chores, no errands. Enjoy your one full day of vacation, then come back to work more motivated and energetic.
31. Eat a satisfying breakfast but a light lunch (Zendy: Rice at lunch makes me drowsy after half an hour)
32. Choose protein over fat or carbs.
33. Shed a few pounds.
34. Listen to tunes while you work.
35. Start exercising.
36. Eliminate stress.
37. Have more sex - Talk about an endorphin rush! (Zendy: Hey! Ingat bende ni Touch N Go ke?)
38. Move gym time to the morning.
39. Purge low-value tasks from your todo list.
40. Avoid the mid-day cocktail.
41. Get a massage (Zendy: Thai is best)
42. Dress up.
43. Don’t drink yourself to sleep.
44. Get a thyroid test from your doctor.
45. Take a walk outside.
46. Lower your blood pressure.
47. Rotate yogurt into your diet.
48. Have a laugh. (Zendy: Blogs can be hilarious)
49. Add more cardio to your gym time.
50. Take up yoga. (Zendy: Auummm.....)
51. Eat eggs. (Zendy: Luv 'em)
52. Get a good night’s sleep - If you’re falling asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow (or while sitting at your desk), that’s a symptom of sleep deprivation.
53. Get more ginseng.
54. Socialize - Turn off the Internet and go socialize with friends. (Zendy: I do this too)
55. Get on your toes - Roll up and down on your toes. This stimulates your circulatory system, which will deliver much-needed oxygen and fuel (glucose) throughout your body. You’ll be more energized and sharper. You can do this right now.
Read the article in full here
The weekend's a good time to start - Aku Boleh!
1. Change your socks midway through the day for refreshment.
2. Rock out loud - a quick one-song rock out loud session is an effective way to beat back exhaustion.
Zendy's suggestion: (Click on "Play full song here")
3. Get rid of the stuffy nose - clear up your sinuses (and your mind).
4. Work with your body’s clock.
5. Have a piece of chocolate - we get an endorphin buzz from chocolate (Zendy: This I can do right now)
6. Have an afternoon power snack.
* mixed nuts
* nonfat yogurt
* apple and peanut butter
* frozen berrie smoothie
* trail mix
* granola bar
7. Hit up the water cooler for inconsequential banter - a little midday gossip and random banter is a great pick-me-up
8. Eat lots of berries. - All types of berries help fight fatigue and are delicious to boot
9. Wear brighter colors -(Zendy: Malaysians know this one)
10. Take a power nap - Keep it short: 5-10 minutes max.
11. Flirt - It’s fun, it’s harmless (keep it innocent), and it’s effective. Nothing quite gets the heart pumping like a little flirting (Zendy: Baik toksah)
12. Aromatherapy with lavender.
13. Wake up at the same time everyday.
14. Drink lots of water -Dehydration is a sinister cause of fatigue because it slowly creeps up on you. (Zendy: I try to go for 1 big bottle everyday)
15. Use caffeine wisely - Coffee provides a shot of energy, but can also become a counterproductive dependence. (Zendy: 1 mug a day for me, more than that spells insomnia, less equals withdrawal headache)
16. Avoid energy drinks.
17. Eat low glycemic (low or complex carb) foods.
18. Eat more soluble fiber.
19. Get your Vitamin C. (Zendy: I'm a firm believer in C)
20. Sniff some citrus.
In addition to the Vitamin C, citrus scents (like orange, lemon and lime) stimulate alertness. So lather on some of that lemon scented lotion. (Zendy: I love citrus)
21. Cover the B Vitamins. (Zendy: Makes me hungry all the time)
22. Quit smoking - Ex-smokers frequently report an energy boost of 2-3x when they quit smoking.
23. Play to relax - like Scrabble on Facebook but have a strict time limit
24. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
25. Enjoy a cup of tea. (Zendy: with my chocolate!)
26. Splash some water on your face. (Zendy: OK done)
27. Stand up, stretch and take a couple of deep breaths. (Zendy: done)
28. Get your world organized - reduce the clutter
29. Look on the bright side.
30. Take a mini-vacation - Take one day and just do whatever you want. No work, no chores, no errands. Enjoy your one full day of vacation, then come back to work more motivated and energetic.
31. Eat a satisfying breakfast but a light lunch (Zendy: Rice at lunch makes me drowsy after half an hour)
32. Choose protein over fat or carbs.
33. Shed a few pounds.
34. Listen to tunes while you work.
35. Start exercising.
36. Eliminate stress.
37. Have more sex - Talk about an endorphin rush! (Zendy: Hey! Ingat bende ni Touch N Go ke?)
38. Move gym time to the morning.
39. Purge low-value tasks from your todo list.
40. Avoid the mid-day cocktail.
41. Get a massage (Zendy: Thai is best)
42. Dress up.
43. Don’t drink yourself to sleep.
44. Get a thyroid test from your doctor.
45. Take a walk outside.
46. Lower your blood pressure.
47. Rotate yogurt into your diet.
48. Have a laugh. (Zendy: Blogs can be hilarious)
49. Add more cardio to your gym time.
50. Take up yoga. (Zendy: Auummm.....)
51. Eat eggs. (Zendy: Luv 'em)
52. Get a good night’s sleep - If you’re falling asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow (or while sitting at your desk), that’s a symptom of sleep deprivation.
53. Get more ginseng.
54. Socialize - Turn off the Internet and go socialize with friends. (Zendy: I do this too)
55. Get on your toes - Roll up and down on your toes. This stimulates your circulatory system, which will deliver much-needed oxygen and fuel (glucose) throughout your body. You’ll be more energized and sharper. You can do this right now.
Read the article in full here
The weekend's a good time to start - Aku Boleh!
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Got Love Handles for Grabs?
One thing that never fails to happen whenever I start to re-organise the book cupboard is that I will become engross in a book that happens to fascinate me at the time. But that cupboard desperately needs tidying up ever since Mat took all 3 shelf-fulls of his books with him to KK. I need to relocate to the vacant shelves all the books that were double-parked including those that were stacked horizontally; and for these I will have to arrange them in the more accessible upright position. With me getting caught up in reading all the time, I'm not sure when this project will ever finish, though.
Anyway this time I found this book - "LOSE THE LOVE HANDLES" - by Dave Kuehls, amongst the few other anti-aging titles.
Let me type out an extract from the introductory page.
"Okay, guys. The first thing I want you to do with this book is close it.
That's right, close it. Put it down.
But first, remember these instructions. Once your hands are free, you are going to reach under your shirt and use your thumb and forefinger to pinch flesh above your hips. Go ahead and do that. Then come back."
A few lines down he says:
"If you pinched an inch or more, you've got youself a set of love handles, my friend. The name is amazingly inaccurate: you don't love them, and your wife or girlfriend certainly doesn't either. Ever hear women talk dreamily about getting their hand on your - lard?"
Well, after observing so many men in my five decades plus, I can attest that Malay men in general will start depositing unused fat onto their abdomens from their early forties. Hubby and his four brothers, and also my own four brothers all exhibited this same male pattern fatness. All of them were skinny when they got married, smoked and did not exercise. By the time they turned 40, their belts needed to be loosen a couple of notches, and their trousers hung higher up the ankles due to the tighter fit further up north. And most men I encounter quit smoking as they approach their 50's, which further adds to the weight problem as they begin to eat on the bounce.
This book is actually pushing a program called "30 days to an arrow-straight waist!" which sounds just like any other marketing ploy. Even the great Bill Phillips of "Body-for-Life" fame advocates a 12 week program of mainly weight-training, a proper diet of 6 small meals a day and some cardio-vascular exercise. Hubby became a gym-rat while doing this BFL program, yes he built up his muscles and spent a fortune on protein supplements but his weight stayed up and his love handles were still there for me to ....... grab?
What seems to be helping him though is sticking to 3 meals daily, with lunch being very low calorie, typically fruits and capati. Off course he still works out at the gym (he loves his muscles, I do too :-) ) and alternates that with swimming laps about 1.5 to 2 km each time). There are some tablets that he swallows, guarana and calcium I think, and he drinks coffee before bed to help maintain a fast metabolism. Hmmm the love handles are shrinking, his pants hang looser now, but the 6-pack are still eluding him, though.
Flipping through the pages, the program in this book looks quite prospective to me: three days a week of aerobics with Mondays being moderate, Thursdays intensive, and Saturdays long and steady; and two days a week of weights concentrating on the big muscle groups - back, chest, thighs and butt - because big muscles burn more calories. Hey, this might just work for my typical Mak Cik problem areas too. And it also says to eat 3 square meals a day, something I can handle. I should give it a try. It's only for 30 days anyway.
Oh dear, here goes Zendra again at yet another work-out program. If only she would make the trip to the gym more diligently than of late, she might just make that 30% body-fat sexy siren.
Anyway this time I found this book - "LOSE THE LOVE HANDLES" - by Dave Kuehls, amongst the few other anti-aging titles.
Let me type out an extract from the introductory page.
"Okay, guys. The first thing I want you to do with this book is close it.
That's right, close it. Put it down.
But first, remember these instructions. Once your hands are free, you are going to reach under your shirt and use your thumb and forefinger to pinch flesh above your hips. Go ahead and do that. Then come back."
A few lines down he says:
"If you pinched an inch or more, you've got youself a set of love handles, my friend. The name is amazingly inaccurate: you don't love them, and your wife or girlfriend certainly doesn't either. Ever hear women talk dreamily about getting their hand on your - lard?"
Well, after observing so many men in my five decades plus, I can attest that Malay men in general will start depositing unused fat onto their abdomens from their early forties. Hubby and his four brothers, and also my own four brothers all exhibited this same male pattern fatness. All of them were skinny when they got married, smoked and did not exercise. By the time they turned 40, their belts needed to be loosen a couple of notches, and their trousers hung higher up the ankles due to the tighter fit further up north. And most men I encounter quit smoking as they approach their 50's, which further adds to the weight problem as they begin to eat on the bounce.
This book is actually pushing a program called "30 days to an arrow-straight waist!" which sounds just like any other marketing ploy. Even the great Bill Phillips of "Body-for-Life" fame advocates a 12 week program of mainly weight-training, a proper diet of 6 small meals a day and some cardio-vascular exercise. Hubby became a gym-rat while doing this BFL program, yes he built up his muscles and spent a fortune on protein supplements but his weight stayed up and his love handles were still there for me to ....... grab?
What seems to be helping him though is sticking to 3 meals daily, with lunch being very low calorie, typically fruits and capati. Off course he still works out at the gym (he loves his muscles, I do too :-) ) and alternates that with swimming laps about 1.5 to 2 km each time). There are some tablets that he swallows, guarana and calcium I think, and he drinks coffee before bed to help maintain a fast metabolism. Hmmm the love handles are shrinking, his pants hang looser now, but the 6-pack are still eluding him, though.
Flipping through the pages, the program in this book looks quite prospective to me: three days a week of aerobics with Mondays being moderate, Thursdays intensive, and Saturdays long and steady; and two days a week of weights concentrating on the big muscle groups - back, chest, thighs and butt - because big muscles burn more calories. Hey, this might just work for my typical Mak Cik problem areas too. And it also says to eat 3 square meals a day, something I can handle. I should give it a try. It's only for 30 days anyway.
Oh dear, here goes Zendra again at yet another work-out program. If only she would make the trip to the gym more diligently than of late, she might just make that 30% body-fat sexy siren.
Friday, 24 April 2009
That's Life
For so-and-so who's giving it another shot in June
That's Life
That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June.
I said that's life, and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks,
Stompin' on a dream
But I don't let it, let it get me down,
'Cause this fine ol' world it keeps spinning around
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself, flat on my face,
I pick myself up and get back in the race.
That's life
I tell ya, I can't deny it,
I thought of quitting baby,
But my heart just ain't gonna buy it.
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try,
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself laying flat on my face,
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life
That's life and I can't deny it
Many times I thought of cutting out
But my heart won't buy it
But if there's nothing shakin' come this here july
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die
My, My
Love and Marriage
Love and marriage, love and marriage,
Go together like a horse and carriage.
This I tell ya, brother, you can't have one without the other.
Love and marriage, love and marriage,
It's an institute you can't disparage.
Ask the local gentry and they will say it's elementary.
Try, try, try to separate them, it's an illusion.
Try, try, try and you only come to this conclusion: Love and marriage, love and marriage,
Go together like a horse and carriage.
Dad was told by mother you can't have one
You can't have none.
You can't have one without the other.
That's Life
That's life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June.
I said that's life, and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks,
Stompin' on a dream
But I don't let it, let it get me down,
'Cause this fine ol' world it keeps spinning around
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself, flat on my face,
I pick myself up and get back in the race.
That's life
I tell ya, I can't deny it,
I thought of quitting baby,
But my heart just ain't gonna buy it.
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try,
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate,
A poet, a pawn and a king.
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing:
Each time I find myself laying flat on my face,
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life
That's life and I can't deny it
Many times I thought of cutting out
But my heart won't buy it
But if there's nothing shakin' come this here july
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die
My, My
Love and Marriage
Love and marriage, love and marriage,
Go together like a horse and carriage.
This I tell ya, brother, you can't have one without the other.
Love and marriage, love and marriage,
It's an institute you can't disparage.
Ask the local gentry and they will say it's elementary.
Try, try, try to separate them, it's an illusion.
Try, try, try and you only come to this conclusion: Love and marriage, love and marriage,
Go together like a horse and carriage.
Dad was told by mother you can't have one
You can't have none.
You can't have one without the other.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
How to be the Perfect Wife the 50's Way
My Mum and (late) Dad were blessed with 9 children. He went out to work and she took care of the household. And he always came home for lunch and dinner, unless off course there were meetings and official dinners that he had to attend. My Mum would then accompany him to these functions, dressed to the nines. I think they had a perfect marriage. She must have done it the 50's way. Read on.
This was taken from Helen B. Andelin's Fascinating Womanhood, published by Pacific Press in 1965. The course was designed to teach women how to be happy in marriage.
- GET YOUR WORK DONE
- Plan your tasks with an eye on the clock. Finish or interrupt them an hour before he is expected. Your anguished cry, "Are you home already?" is not exactly a warm welcome.
- HAVE DINNER READY
- Plan ahead, even the night before to have a delicious meal, on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
- PREPARE YOURSELF
- Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. This will also make you happy to see him instead of too tired to care. Turn off the worry and be glad to be alive and grateful for the man who is going to walk in. While you are resting you can be thinking about your Fascinating Womanhood assignment and all you can do to make him happy and give his spirits a lift. When you arise, take care of your appearance. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
- CLEAR AWAY THE CLUTTER
- Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. in a bucket or wastebasket and put them in the back bedroom for sorting later. Then run a dustcloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order and it will give you a lift too. Having the house in order is another way of letting him know that you care and have planned for this homecoming.
- PREPARE THE CHILDREN
- Take just a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small) comb their hair, and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them look the part.
- MINIMIZE ALL NOISE
- Especially give heed to this if your husband has to join rush hour traffic. At the time of his arrival eliminate noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet at the time of their father's arrival. Let them be a little noisy beforehand to get it out of their system.
- BE HAPPY TO SEE HIM
- Greet him with a warm smile and act glad to see him. Tell him that it is good to have him home. This may make his day worthwhile. If there is any romance left in you, he needs it now.
- SOME DON'TS
- Don't greet him with problems and complaints. Solve the problems you can before he gets home and save those you must discuss with him until later in the evening.
- Also, don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as a minor problem when compared with what he might have gone through that day.
- Don't allow the children to rush at him with problems or requests. Allow them to briefly greet their father but save demands for later.
- MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE
- Have him lean back into a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to massage his neck and shoulders and take off his shoes. Don't insist on this however. Turn on music if it is one of his pleasures. Speak in a soft, soothing, pleasant voice. Allow him to relax - to unwind.
- LISTEN TO HIM
- You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first, then he will be a more responsive listener later.
- MAKE THE EVENING HIS
- Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and to relax. If he is cross or irritable, never fight back. Again, try to understand his world of strain.
- THE GOAL
- Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit. Then add to this the application of all the principles of Fascinating Womanhood and your husband will want to come home. He will rather be with you than with anyone else in the world and will spend whatever time he can possibly spare with you. Try living all of these rules for his homecoming and see what happens. This is the way to bring a man home to your side, not by pressure, persuasion or moral obligation.
Phew! Alhamdulillah my man IS my nightly bantalpeluk. But still worth picking up on those petua-petua that I'm slacking. OK Zendra, re-invent yourself!
Monday, 16 February 2009
More Super Grannies
Seems I'm obssessed with power grannies this weekend. I do hope when I become one, I'll be as spunky as these ones described below.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Exercise, aging and humour
Who says you lose speed with age? 72-year old granny runs down a teenage hand-bag thief
No, this is not Part 3 of the series I started last week on Exercise and Aging. But, it was too good an opportunity to pass up, because it fits so well, and makes the perfect "weekend interlude".
You can read the story here. It describes how 72-year Jean Hirst of Derbyshire, England, ran down a 15-year bag thief when she tried to make off with Mrs Hirst's handbag.
In the article it describes how the thief had a head start, but Mrs Hirst says she covered 70 yards in about 15 seconds and the girl, with a look of "sheer amazement" on her face, was forced to throw the bag aside when Mrs Hirst was within two strides of her in order to escape!
A big thumbs up for Mrs Hirst for turning back the clock - she was a junior sprint champion at 17.
And I'm guessing that the 15-year old "failed" bag thief is not a prospective London 2012 runner. Thumbs down for stealing from an apparently helpless pensioner, and also for letting that head start slip!
A repeat performance - England has some sprint talent (in the over-65 category)
Amazingly enough, it turns out that this is NOT THE FIRST such occurrence in England - either England has the fastest pensioners in the world, or the slowest teenagers, because in doing a bit of research after receving the story from Jim Ferstle (thanks as always, Jim!), I found this story from October 2008:
Granny Janet Lane runs teenager to ground over snatched pension
Same situation, except Mrs Lane was 68, and the theives were boys. Incredibly, Mrs Lane ran them down despite wearing sandals. She had been a cross-country champion back in 1953, and had apparently kept herself in shape ever since!
So another thumbs up for Janet Lane! And another thumbs down for those British teenagers - lacking morals, as well as fast twitch muscle fibers!
Last word is a quote by Jean Hirst:
I didn't think of my safety, but I did pay for it a little the next day. I was covered in aches and pains and my daughter turned to me and said it was because I didn't warm up properly.
Have a great weekend, and join me for the rest of the series on Aging next week!
Ross
_____________________________________________________________________
Great site, this.
Till next time, keep well.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
What's HER Secret?
I don't know what to make of this piece of news I came across in the NST yesterday.
_________________________________________________________
After all, he had just turned 34 and the bride was 103.
Now, three years on, the couple who reside in Kampung Tok Bak near here have surprised many by staying happily married and proving that love will conquer all, if given a chance.
Noor, from Tanah Merah, said almost every family member, friend and neighbour had once dismissed his decision to marry Wok as a desperate attempt for companionship.
"In the beginning, we were the talk of the town, if not the whole state and country. We ended up in the news a few times.
"But now, most of the people I care about, especially my family and close friends, have accepted Wok as my life partner. Most of our neighbours have also accepted that this marriage is for the long-haul," he said yesterday.
Wok, who was born in Bachok but has been living in Kuala Berang district for more than 50 years, said some neighbours hurled hurtful remarks at them in the beginning but patience and perseverance finally won them over.
"I couldn't say the same about the press though, as from time to time, some newspaper or magazine from as far as Singapore, Indonesia, China and Japan will come looking for stories.
"They must have been disappointed to find out that we're living a normal life.
"Sometimes, I just wish that people will leave us alone but I guess there's really no chance of that happening as there are not many 106-year-old women with 37-year-old husbands," she said laughingly.
When asked how it had all began, Noor said it was certainly not love at first sight. What started as friendship developed into something stronger and eventually led to a matrimonial bond which, according to him, would only take death to part them.
"I know some people are wondering why we decided to get married but rest assured that it has nothing to do with material things as we are living modestly on my income as odd-job labourer and Wok's RM200 allowance from the Welfare Department," he said.
"I don't know how poor we are but we lost most of our worldly possession, including television set, washing machine, stove, fans and even our beds when our house was burgled in December. We have yet to replace some of the items."
Wok was quick to add that the most important thing was they had each other.
She claimed it was a good thing that they did not have their television set as it had given them more time to read the Quran together.
As for the secret to their blissful marriage, Wok said like any other, theirs also had some ups and downs but she added it was vital to remember not to go to bed angry with each other.
When asked if he had to make sacrifices in order to be with Wok, Noor said it was no sacrifice at all and that he had never been happier.
Both husband and wife also admitted they were not too familiar with Valentine's Day but said if it meant a day for professing love for one another, then every day for the past three years had been Valentine's for them.
________________________________________________________________
I mean, there's 70 years between their birth-dates!
Do they DO it? (you know ....... what married people do...........).
Or are they into spiritual orgasms of the kind we may never experience?
What's HER secret I would really love to know.
_________________________________________________________
For 37-year old Muhammad Noor and wife, 106-year old Wok, every day is Valentine's Day
 Wok Kundor and her husband Muhammad Noor Che Musa are deeply committed to each other despite the big age gap. |
KUALA TERENGGANU: When Muhammad Noor Che Musa and Wok Kundor tied the knot just over three years ago, nobody gave their marriage much of a chance to survive.
Now, three years on, the couple who reside in Kampung Tok Bak near here have surprised many by staying happily married and proving that love will conquer all, if given a chance.
Noor, from Tanah Merah, said almost every family member, friend and neighbour had once dismissed his decision to marry Wok as a desperate attempt for companionship.
"In the beginning, we were the talk of the town, if not the whole state and country. We ended up in the news a few times.
Wok, who was born in Bachok but has been living in Kuala Berang district for more than 50 years, said some neighbours hurled hurtful remarks at them in the beginning but patience and perseverance finally won them over.
"I couldn't say the same about the press though, as from time to time, some newspaper or magazine from as far as Singapore, Indonesia, China and Japan will come looking for stories.
"They must have been disappointed to find out that we're living a normal life.
"Sometimes, I just wish that people will leave us alone but I guess there's really no chance of that happening as there are not many 106-year-old women with 37-year-old husbands," she said laughingly.
When asked how it had all began, Noor said it was certainly not love at first sight. What started as friendship developed into something stronger and eventually led to a matrimonial bond which, according to him, would only take death to part them.
"I know some people are wondering why we decided to get married but rest assured that it has nothing to do with material things as we are living modestly on my income as odd-job labourer and Wok's RM200 allowance from the Welfare Department," he said.
"I don't know how poor we are but we lost most of our worldly possession, including television set, washing machine, stove, fans and even our beds when our house was burgled in December. We have yet to replace some of the items."
Wok was quick to add that the most important thing was they had each other.
She claimed it was a good thing that they did not have their television set as it had given them more time to read the Quran together.
As for the secret to their blissful marriage, Wok said like any other, theirs also had some ups and downs but she added it was vital to remember not to go to bed angry with each other.
When asked if he had to make sacrifices in order to be with Wok, Noor said it was no sacrifice at all and that he had never been happier.
Both husband and wife also admitted they were not too familiar with Valentine's Day but said if it meant a day for professing love for one another, then every day for the past three years had been Valentine's for them.
________________________________________________________________
I mean, there's 70 years between their birth-dates!
Do they DO it? (you know ....... what married people do...........).
Or are they into spiritual orgasms of the kind we may never experience?
What's HER secret I would really love to know.
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