Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Old Media Appearances....

I had a little feature in Marketing Magazine sometime back when I was still working in the Advertising School. My God.

My Picture Looked. So. Fat.

*taking a peek at it again... *screams* WAH LAU!!!

Check it out HERE.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Mag My Pic!


Go on... go to this site and mag your own picture! You know you want to... hahahah!

Can't get enough of Jeff Dunham....



I seriously have to share this.. this guy is funny and one hilarious ventriloquist. I laughed till my face cramped and I literally fell off the chair...the one above is him and Peanut. Thats really funny shit..!! Enjoy! Enjoy!! You could always just double click the video to link to youtube and check out the rest of his work... NICE!

This one below is... Melvin the Super Hero...

Then a little trailer of what he does... hahhaa... Hilarious.... I really enjoyed this.. I hope you do too! .... Now thats funny. And he has a standing ovation at the end too! Gosh! I'm totally feeding on the Euphoria he must have had right there... Thats just great!

Jeff Dunham - Achmed The Dead Terrorist

With reference to this, a reader recommended this about Jeff Dunham - Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Great recommendation! Its FUNNY! Check it out!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Acting is seriously hard work!

Rehearsals have begun. Refer to this post to know what I'm talking about. I've been presented with the leading role for Lydia's graduating film for the Red Geisha.. am I the Red Geisha? Noooo.. I'm Mamasan Tang and I tell you. Its. Damn. Bloody. Hard. Can!

With reference to this Wong Kar Wai film in terms of ambience, look and cinematic inspiration. This is how the film will be like and with Gong Li as my "inspiration". I'm set out to be as bitchy with a capital B with a touch of glamourous power to pull this character off. *Looking at facial expressions and tone of voice*

My main co-star which is Leon *aka in real life also known as Pavan; he actually does real commercial and corporate acting on the side* was pretty good. He only needed to go through his lines ONCE and it was all in his head... *bish* How Can!! *envy*

My hats off to actors/actresses because it is really hard work and so challenging. I've never acted in my life okay! My body was stiff, I was nervous as hell and I kept on forgeting my lines, like totally blank out okay!... errrrr duh.. *white noise in my head*... *smack head* Like that called Acting? Please lor... anyway.. I'll be practicing my lines... and also working my butt... *blush*

We found that the Gold Cheongsam that they bought for me is a little too tight at the hips. Big Hips LAAAH!!! *Wah lau* I can't breathe!! Imagine if I didn't lose weight. CONFIRM cannot fit lor!! Seriously, who'd have thought that if a piece of clothes is tight at the hips, it would give you breathing difficulties. -.-'' We pulled it down and it fitted so closely that I DEFINITELY cannot sit down or it will rip. Walk can. Sit down. Cannot.

Other than this, the Golden Robe was lovely. And *cough cough* the black laced babydoll for the opening bedroom scene is also... quite *ahem* nice.... its Victoria's Secret after all.... *cough*

Next rehearsal is next Saturday... before the main film rolling shoot next week from the 2nd to the 4th of April 08.

*chant* Relax. Relax. Talk slower. Talk slower.

Who's your favourite Comedian?



Have you heard of Russel Peters? He's one funny dude. I love watching people when I'm in a constant state of grin. What does this mean? It means I'm literally watching with this goofy open mouth grin on my face and bursting out in little smattering of laughter when I find something amusing. Now tell me this guy isn't funny.. he's damn bloody funny can!!



This one is by Rex Navarette. He is this filipino comedian who lives in the states. Those who can understand the filipino accent, you'd find this absolutely hilarious. In the accent, you'd notice words that start with "P" sounds like "F" and vice versa. Understanding this, you'd understand this video alot more. Hahahahhahaha....



This one is by Dane Cook. American dude.. and really damn freaking funny. Sooooo funny!! U should check him out! He's pretty hot too eh! Enjoy!

Google these guys up and you'll be sure to find a whole host of their work online to enjoy. At least enough to last you a couple of side stitching hours.

Let me know if you have your favourite comedians to recommend! Email me! :)

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Personality Tests

I took a personality test today since I was having a headache and wanted to just zone out... and found it strangely amusing and true... what do you think? It also good to know that I seem to be in the correct career/business for myself in the long term.

Life as an ENFP (Extravert, Intuitive, Feeler, Perceiver)
People of this type tend to be: enthusiastic, talkative, and outgoing; clever, curious, and playful; deeply caring, sensitive, and gentle; highly innovative, creative, optimistic, and unique; adaptable and resourceful but sometimes disorganized.The most important thing to ENFPs is freedom to see possibilities, make connections, and be with a variety of people.

Here are just a few popular and often satisfying careers for people whose Personality Type is ENFP. *I've highlighted what I do already*
Advertising account executive
Career / outplacement counselor
Management consultant
Developer of educational software
Actor
Journalist / magazine reporter
Graphics designer
Art director
Copy writer
Corporate team trainer
Residential housing director
Psychologist
Inventor
Human resources profession
Child welfare counselor

How to Love an ENFP
Appreciate my creativity, curiosity, and uniqueness.
Tell me how much I mean to you and be patient with my need to process how I feel privately before sharing it with you.
Re-establish harmony quickly.
Support my need to try new experiences and maintain my many friendships.
Try not force decisions too quickly, or bug me about being messy.
Above all - encourage me to keep growing, changing, and experimenting with life.

How to Spot ENFPs:
high energy, friendly, and good natured imaginative, fun loving, and off beat curious; discussions shift quickly from one topic to another warm, concerned, and eager to help solve problems

Tips for Communicating with ENFPs:
Focus on interesting and innovative possibilities and new ways of solving problems
Don't overwhelm them with facts and details
Keep things relaxed, warm and flexible

Leg Lifts

I finally found it. Some of you are asking what I mean by leg lifts from this previous post and this is what I mean. I do about 5 sets of 20 reps *aka 100 lifts* right after each run. Do one set, rest for about 10-15 or maybe 20 seconds then continue with the next set. Try not to wait too long in between intervals.

I place my hands right at the base of my spine though not by the side to give me some leverage. You would not want to be lifting your body as you do this so try to "stick" your shoulders to the ground when your legs come up.

As with all exercises, REMEMBER TO BREATHE in through your nose and out through your mouth... Ppffffttttt! Don't hold your breathe till you turn purple when you're working out. Your muscles need the air and you don't want to end up passing out.

Legs must be straight and together the whole time. No bending of your legs, no over enthusiastic throwing up or down of your legs, and no alternating lifts. Imagine that your ankles are tied so they have to move together.

They're a killer for the lower tummy and they really can make u tremble and burn when you're reaching the end. Thats normal! But they're SO good.

I'd recommend for beginners to at least try 3 sets of 15 reps for the first 2 weeks and increasing in repetitions or sets as you go along when you get stronger.

Good Luck!

Truely Madly Deeply

Truely Madly Deeply by Cascada

I love this song.. and I appreciate both versions.. both the original by Savage Garden *below* which I was a big fan of... whooot! and Cascada's version *above* is good for working out too... what I don't really get is the girls in the leotards. Seriously, if I ever entered a room and saw these 4 ladies hopping about like that. I would be totally baffled and stunned. Did I enter some high school pyjama party or what? *blah*

But for the song, its not bad, I like it. Alot. In it goes into my music play list...

Do you? :)

Truely Madly Deeply by Savage Garden

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Why I'm not blogging diet details...

People have asked why I'm not blogging details of the diet that we've done on my blog and I have several reasons why I'm not doing that and will never do so. So don't expect it.

Firstly, there are too many who are readers who take things at face value without truely understanding what they're getting themselves into.

Everyone has a different body and with the diet, would have varying results from what I had achieved. You may drop even faster or alot slower than me. And, this is not something that can be done if you have underlying medical problems or are pregnant or nursing. Its dangerous trying to do something based on very little information.

Furthermore, I realise that alot of people really do not understand food content, more so about carbohydrates. It won't be wrong to say that you understand carbohydrates as your standard rice and noodle variety but it really also extends to other selections of food too.

Understanding bodily effects that happen in the beginning is something you will need to understand too. How your body will and can react can be quite unsettling for some.

So this is why also, I can tell you what I did to get to where I am but understand this, analyse what you need to tailor make it to your lifestyle and needs and then do it. It would not be possible to follow exactly what I did, my life is surely different from yours but you can find a way to tailor it around yourself and your meals and exercise regime.

This being said, those who are interested and have contacted me some way or another. I will be talking to you in groups instead of individually so everyone starts off together. If you at this point feel that you cannot commit, please let me know now because it takes time for me to explain it enough for you to understand and grasp the concept effectively for you to implement it into your lifestyle.

I cannot believe how time and time again, people are still pissing me off with their "all talk and no commitment" attitude.

Seriously now people. Wake up your bloody idea. Saying "I want, I want" isn't going to help if you're sitting sitting on your fat arse and not doing anything different. If I asked you to meet me, schedule it SOMETIME SOON. Perhaps if you just say "I want" about 10 thousand times everyday, maybe you will burn some calories in your jaw??! Argh!!

People tells me "just stop helping already" if it pisses you off so much. Seriously, I've considered this from time to time. But I have hope in you. You. The one who really wants the change. I can relate. And I would be happy to rejoice in your success when it works out for you.

After all. Its all to your benefit.

My support is there but only to those who are truely keen on making a change. Don't ask me FOR FUN. Those who are on it now know that my phone is open all the time. If need be, I have met some at the gym too to check up on their workout routine to make it more effective. I'd give you my time, if you give me your cooperation.

BUT I have some hit and run people lately. Those that I've been told they're DESPERATE. But are you really? Because if you were, you would be doing all in your power to reprioritise and bug me all the time to ensure you at least start off with sufficient information and on the right foot before embarking on this journey. Being "too busy" is just an excuse because EVERYONE is busy. Bloody hell, I'm busy too you know..I have a business to run and if I had a staff like that, you'd be fired for non commitment.

Reprioritise to make sure you have this as something you NEED to do rather than suka suka have don't have chin chye lah... kind of thing can?

I really won't want to have people running about out there doing what they think is correct and then coming back to me complaining they are without any results bc you're doing a fucked up job. Or worse, hurting yourself. Do your research before you embark on anything. Don't come to me and say "I've been eating less rice this week, how come I'm still so fat?" Be responsible for yourself.

That also being said, Be Sensible. If you know you cannot, then find another way. This is not a one size fits all diet. Maybe another may work for you better. Any sensible diet, as long as you keep to it. Will show results.

If you want me to help, don't expect me to follow up and chase you like a cow but if you really want it, I am willing and want you to succeed. Don't make it like I owe you because I DON'T. My lines are open. Email me if you have decided. honeymeow@gmail.com

Workout Music

Everytime We Touch by Cascada.

I workout to music. Namely dance, techno, hip hop and house. I feed on the beat and upbeat tempo. It gives my workouts a higher level of intensity and makes me go on for longer without needing to always hear myself panting.

If you're working out alone, I'd recommend gathering a list of songs for working out and contain listening to them ONLY when you're working out and make them FAST for when you're doing cardio and relaxing when you're stretching.

I keep the songs to only when my workout begins as it helps my body identify when my workout begins and starts to gear up for it. Its psychological so much so that if I hear those songs when I'm NOT working out.. I automatically and naturally start to sweat as my body starts producing adrenaline even if I'm not doing anything but sitting down.

If you can believe it.. Eirian found this song for me and it works out well for me. She found it on You Tube first and said "Mommy! This song nice to run one leh!" I fully agree! Hows that for family support! *Love love my girls*

Other songs now that are good are.... I've got these recommendations since my last post on Whats in your Mp3 player... some are pretty good!!

Low by FLO Rida

Shelly recommended Kayne West's Stronger... its really alright... it gives a good beat for brisk walking but not really something I'd run to.. but then again.. brisk walking is good for fat burning...

Black Eyed Peas - Pump It

Generally, I'd recommend choosing something that you'd enjoy but at least make it something that has a faster beat so that you can use it to pace yourself...

Enjoy!

Crunch your way to a flatter tummy.

Recently, quite a number of people have noticed that I've been leaning out and more so, a general comment would be that "you've lost your tummy!"... so Yes, I have.. to a certain extent. Its flatter but not firmly flat like how you would expect someone wearing a bikini to have. Furthermore, I'm a mommy.. I have mommy medals aka stretch marks so wearing a bikini will NEVER be the same forever again...

It puzzled me when they made that comment because I didn't think that the tummy was really so much of an issue so I went to hunt down some old photographs of myself when I was 100kg sometime August last year in 2007.

And then I found it and I was and still am horrified. Scroll down to see what I mean.

It looks flatter now because I used to have a really big and protruding tummy that made me look 6 months pregnant even on a normal day. So much so that people on the MRT THINK I'M pregnant!! Much to the amusement of CJ then. I'd get a seat often just because people would look alarmingly at me when I enter the MRT train and stand up and offer their seat to this "pregnant lady"....which of course.. was ME..... argh!!

See what I mean!! Doesn't this look like I was pregnant??! Sure does! Arrghhh *blinding my eyes* How lumpy could I get??! This is what you get when you're 100kg and not realising that you look like a marshmallow with clothes.

So then, over time as my regime increased and the weight dropped, combined with my workout for the day, whether its some cardio at the gym in the morning or running in the evening, I combine it with 200 front crunches + 200 side crunches to strengthen and flatten the upper abs and sides... which makes wearing fitted shirts like this I'm wearing today look alot more visually acceptable... and 100 leg raises to flatten the lower "pouch".

What I've noticed though is that many people are doing their crunches wrongly. They pull up with their necks instead of raising their shoulders. *Think of puppet strings attached to your shoulders and pulling you up* Doing it wrongly causes alot of neck strain and after just a few, some complain their neck, head and shoulders hurt. Its NOT supposed to hurt. If anything, ur tummy might feel crampy and have a little bit of a burn but then that means, you're working it girl!

I do not do sit ups because it hurts my back and find crunches more effective. Its practically 1/3 the effort of a full situp but double the effectiveness.

I couldn't find a proper leg raise instructional video but anyone will know, pad your lower back and spinal area, find a comfortable spot, extend your body straight and raise both legs together. I do 5 sets of 20 reps *aka 100 raises* 3 times a week right after my runs.

Does it work? Well.. see for yourself.. what do you think?

Atkins Update: 77kg!

Finally, the scales are moving.. after hitting 79kg for the longest time, and having that break to 78kg made me almost delirious... I seem to be on an only 1kg a week drop lately. Its not going as fast as I would like it to be dropping like previously where I dropped 2-4kg a week? But AT LEAST its dropping.

I weighed in last night and let out a squeal... 77kg! So there you have it... one more kg down.. 22kg to go!!

*Note to self : you've come this far.. go all the way!*


Am I Happy? YES I AM!! ~*GRIN*~

Monday, March 17, 2008

Whats on your office walls?

Whats on your office walls? As I look around, I see that I've got pictures of my girls and a whole hosts of drawings that they colour up for me all over the place... here are 2 of their latest additions.. and *cough* yes, thats me surfing up my facebook page in the background...

This one came from Eirian.. its some kind of fish mutation with transparent wings, a funky heart antennae and... errr... floating above the water? .... She's in kindy now and turns 6 this year..

And this is from Lauren... her interpretation of a Baby Rhino... which I thought.. in all its distorted manner that it was quite cute! Lauren's turning 8 this year and now in primary 2!... how time flies.... before you know it, I'm going to be dealing with relationship and pre-teen/teen issues!!! Arrrgh!!

This is her other drawing of a Baby elephant.. it actually came to me without ears and looked a little deflated so I asked "why your elephant have no ears har?" so she immediately grabbed a crayon and added 2 small ones in.. hahaha...

and my favourite one is this and I pinned this on my notice board... it was done about 1 year ago and it says....
" jesus is is the sky. and love me and my Sister and me Dear Cousin is his name is Gareth tham ar and my Sister Name is Eirian Sim and my Name is Lauren Sim and my Monther Name is Mummy and my Father Name is Daddy?"

Its definitely not in perfect english, not perfect grammar, not even perfect spelling or punctuations and capital letters but she wrote it all by herself before she presented it to me.. I was so amused, I told her it had a special place on my wall. I love my girls.. and everything they make for me... *even if sometimes I feel like slapping them silly with all their sibling fighting, arguing over clothes to wear out and their fine french "whining".....

My Tattoos...

Check it out! I've got tattoos done! I know some people out there are screaming "OH NO!! Pam! You can't have done that! Its SO NOT U!"

I have this fairy tattoo on my right inner forearm... I can't really get used to having something on me and each time my pheripheral vision catches a view of the "wing" part, I think its a bug and have to resist smacking myself.

Having this there makes it really obvious that I have a tattoo on my arm bc it can't be covered. So that being said.. it makes me feel a little rebellious today... hahaha!

This one however can be covered if I wear sleeves but since I'm usually in tank tops these days, it too is very obvious. Its a leafy pod situated right at my left arm right at the base of my deltoids... or more simply said. Right under neath my "BCG" mark. *Note to ignore the sun burnt skin around it...*

I feel so inked out... but luckily for me... and those who are screaming in bloody horror.. these are airbrushed black tattoos so they will only last me 6 days at most..

I did contemplate having a real one some time back and went to the studio to check out the designs and quite liked it. I looked at it and somewhat decided that I'd have a lower back one and the tattooist asked me then, "are you thinking of losing weight?" and back then I said, "yeah! why?" then he told me..."better lose weight first before u put that on if not when your body changes, it might distort"... me: "-.-".....

He then said "take a look at it for a while and decide if u really like it and let me know".

I took his advice and looked at it for a while.. then I came back the next day.. looked at it again.. and did that for about a week and by the end of the week of staring at it...I decided I didn't like it. It was a celtic kind of design but as the days wore by it started looking like an evil persian man with an evil eye and a curly moustache... *you might be wondering why I had so much time just going back to that shop, it was located in the same building as my workplace in town before* so that was it. I dropped the idea.

So in the meantime, I'll just pretend that I have two of them till they disappear this week.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Beef Steak & Toasted Vegetables

Friday's Dinner was quite pleasing.. whole slabs of beef steak was going on sale at Cold Storage so it was the best time to make this plate for under $10 for both plates for CJ and myself.

So here it is... and it was SOOO good. I marinated it with BBQ sauce, black pepper and italian seasoning and topped with a blob of butter.... Had toasted red peppers and grilled eggplant. A handful of grapes, a slice of watermelon, a spoon of spicy salsa and a slab of cream cheese....

Very diet friendly for us as all in all, they hit less than 20gms of carb as usual! If not less! I was burping the whole night away.. lucky for us.. there was Hell's Kitchen to keep us up to help us digest before we went to bed... and talking about Hell's Kitchen.. isn't that like one of the best cooking shows yet? I loved it!! Looking forward to Hell's Kitchen 3.

Whooot!!... Moooooo! I love cow... ahem.. I mean.. BEEF... MOOOOooo!!!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Never Ending Story

I loved this show when I was younger.. I watched it over and over and I absolutely adored the song.. I so very much want to let my girls watch this.. so if anyone has a VCD/DVD of this, can I borrow it from you? Pwease?

Whats in your Mp3 player?

Or if you're like me who doesn't use an Mp3 player.. whats in your phone that you listen to while commuting/working out or just listening in with your headphones? Are you the type that has headphones stuck in your head? Well lately.. I am.. it makes the world around me more "surreal"... like constantly being in a real life music video...

For me.. I have several that I like tuning into on a regular basis...you know what they say.."music tames the savage beast".... they lift me up and they bring me down and calm me depending on the mood .....so to start off some of them here.....

We Live by Bosson... tune aside which I find upbeat and good for commuting, I find the lyrics good for the soul too.. and find it relevant to me too. This song puts that little skip and hop to my step so if you see me outside alone. Its likely I won't be able to hear u calling out to me and u can recognise me if you see me walking with a little skip...



If you find the voice familiar then you might know his previous hit, "One in a Million"...



So do I have this in my music library too? Yes I do.. heh.. now looking at his music videos.. this guy is actually not bad looking! Check out the first video with the black leather outfit.. Rowwll!! Bad Boy Clothes!! Whoot! But.. he has thin lips, small ears and is a little too "blonde".. which I don't really like.. and come to think of it.. Is he Gay? *Damn* Hahhaa... anyway... I like this song.. as quoted:

"Life is all too short to spend on doin' boring things and I want and I want to have fun...."

In today's world. One in a million really isn't something to shout about anymore.. that just means there are 4 of the same in Singapore itself.. don't mention the rest of the world.... Blah.... -.-''

Next!.. for those who know me.. you would know that I'm not really a Rocker person.. but I do have one Bon Jovi piece in my player. Its My Life by Bon Jovi... and I tune into it when I need a little boost and feeling rebellious....



Next!... some workout tunes that I listen to when I'm on my regular runs now.. Its Like that by Run DMC...very old school...I find up tempo tunes like these very invigorating while pounding the road as it helps me keep pace so I run longer and harder. I have a library of 90's techno music too... those are GOOOOD! I really like those while working out...



Next! Angel by Lionel Ritchie.. I looove this song.. yet another one that has a beat that I like..


So here you have a little taste of whats in my library, let me have a peek into yours? If you have a good workout song that gets your buns shaking, your feet tapping, heart pounding or just puts that little spring in your step.. let me know! I want that in my library too.. :) Enjoy!!

What do your Eyes Reveal?

Take this test!
Playful gals like you make it their business to find the fun in life. Whether it's hosting an impromptu dinner party or heading out the door at 11 p.m. for a spontaneous getaway, you can be counted on to stir up the unexpected.


Your lighthearted and fun approach holds true when it comes to your eyes and makeup, too. Whoever came up with the term "batting your eyelashes" probably had a gal like you in mind. In fact, you can probably captivate a whole roomful of people with your eyes alone. Consider it your secret weapon!

Do you think its true? Anyone wanna vouch for the above? Hahaha....

Monday, March 10, 2008

Pre-Chao Dah Picture Update for 78kg

I thought it would be nice to have a visual update each time the scales move so now that its hovering at 78kg... here's a visual update. BEFORE I became "Pamelia D/O SimChaoDah" with my uber tanned arms, MULTI TONED back... *grumble grumble*, flaming red scorched *and PAINFUL!* chest and almost another nationality burnt face after that last outing at the Riverside. BLAH.

Would you imagine that I have finished a whole TUB of Aloe Vera gel in just under 2 days. Almost reaching 1/2 a tub of Olive oil cream, bought a HUGE fresh aloe vera leaf and I'm heading out to get some Rosken healing cream tomorrow! .... Please dear God. Let the redness dissappear... the pain go away... and my skin NOT TO PEEL!!

*I have an event this weekend!! Please!!!! Wails.... *

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Warning: This is Disgusting!

What do you think this is? Take a guess if nausea hasn't already set in. *I'm already turning green from looking at this....*

Its a lump of ear wax.

Its so HUGE, so hard and so black and we FINALLY took it out of Lauren's ear. This lump literally FILLED her ear canal and we could never get her to sit still to clear it out until tonight. Its even bigger than your standard cotton bud!
Finally. Its out and maybe now, she won't have to keep yelling and talking like a samseng kia *gangster's child* as she can now hear better..
So take this as a very disgusting warning to parents... please clean your children's ear regularly or you might end up with an 7 year old lump of wax like this. *Still feeling nauseaus looking at it*
Thank GOD she didn't get an infection from having this offending thing in her head all these years!....

Crispy Fried Pam....

Everyone else had plans to go out today so I planned a little outing with my girls that I knew they'd enjoy.. we threw on some clothes and strolled down to the MRT to head down to Kallang Riverside.

For one. BAD IDEA for me. I ended up CHAO DAH! Even with sunscreen. -.-'' And I forgot my umbrella too! I'm too fair to be under the sun lah!! *wails* Anyone have a good recommendation of something I can put on to sooth the PAIN! *sobs* PAAIINN!!!

But for two.. the girls enjoyed it alot... at least for that.. its worth getting crispy fried like this. *Sigh.. the woes of parenthood... you'd do anything just to make them happy...* *Ouch!!!!**

I stuffed my bag with little cheese buns, 2 chicken burgers, a bottle of water, an extra change of clothes, camera, handphone and a pack of twisties for the day.

Upon reaching, we threw off our slippers while I found a little spot for myself to sit and enjoy some music and the breeze while my girls happily pranced towards the sand with their beach toys which finally get a chance to see the daylight since they got it for Christmas...

It was still some time before noon and I was relatively happy.. the sun was WARM.. the air was cool and breezy and best of all... No one was around except the group of 4 wakeboarders who constantly made circles around the water to amuse us... so it was just us in our tiny little private piece of "beach" under our tropical sun...It was pretty much the best alternative than to go to East Coast where its pretty much BRIMMING with people and other screaming kids and it's only 10 minutes away!.... Ahhh.. peaceful and calming...

I peered over and asked "u girls ok there?" and I was greeted with a "yaaaaay!!!" as they went about mushing sand in their toes and gathering pails of water. Lauren found a HUGE array of shells which made her very pleased. She's been wanting to do that for the longest time now..

We looked about and noticed that there were a couple of dead fishes around.. I looked into the water to see signs of oil but didn't see any.. there were actually quite alot of tiny live fishes that were swimming around the shore. This one washed up just where we were so we bent over to inspect it. It was pretty big, bigger than my hand!... and I looked at it wondering if it was actually edible.. does anyone know if they are? hahahahaha....
After a couple of seconds of contemplation, I picked it up and flung it beyond the rocks away from where we were. There was also a dead eel that washed ashore much to the amusement of my girls! "Mummy! Look snake!!" ... "Its not a snake lah! Eel!!" Only to have Lauren squeal and point into the water at another one "Snake!!" ...."No lah!!!! Its an Eel!!" ... and with that both girls nodded their heads and softly said "ohh.. Eel" and we stood there to watch it swim away.

I took some time to take some random shots.. our 3 feet in the sandy water... its funny how fast my girls grow.. from once before where their feet can fit into the palm of my hand to now.. where when I look down and realise.. they're almost my size soon!

So I left them for some time to play in the sand building sandcastles and digging holes and just enjoyed the quietness and breeze.... took my camera out and just snapped away... took one of my legs.. arghh... still so fat!.... but good to know where the problem areas are so I know where to work them...

Looked around me and found some seeds... ahhh! I remember collecting these little red seeds when I was younger! I looked around and only found some and put them in my pocket. What are these called? I can't remember. But I took them out and showed them to my girls and Lauren squealed "Skittles!". Horrified, I covered my hand. "NO LAH!! SEEDS!!" With that, I made a mental note not to give it to them incase they accidentally mix it with their sweets. Argh!

So another 1-2 hours passed and I started to get hungry... so I called MacDonalds!! Hhahahaah...Did you know that they can deliver almost anywhere? Even if it meant that I was sitting by the Riverside waiting for it to arrive? I happily made my order for some food, drinks and some chocolate sundaes and waited patiently for the delivery man to drive on by.. he took a little while and made a big round before calling me to ask where I was. Only to realise he actually passed us by so he quickly did a u-turn and passed us our food after he saw me waving my fat arms around frantically to catch his attention... thankfully, everything was still in good condition.. ice-cream still looked like ice-cream, drink was ice cold and fries were still crispy...

So I called out to the girls... "MacDonalds!!!" And Eirian did a "Yaaaayyy!!" and skipped to dry land.

And Lauren did a "Yaayyy!!" too and made her way in.

I dried them off, dusted off sand, changed their wet clothes and washed their hands and we layed the food out on the bench... yum... MacDonalds... always good lah...

I asked... "like your ice-cream?" Eirian said..."yaaaa".... and continued to stuff her face...

I asked Lauren "U leh?" She replied... "Hahaha.. yahhhh..." Hmn... at least some people are happy.. little did I realise.. that poor ole me was getting more and more chao dah *burnt* by the minute... *wails*

It took about 2-3 minutes after laying out the food to realise that for some strange reason the sun was unbelievably HOT and scorching!! So I suggested we have a picnic on the grass under the palm tree instead.. at least there was shade...

And with that.. they were happy and I was too... ahhh....

MacDonalds!! We wuv MacDonalds!! I just hope now that they're grateful for having this day out because it's now going to cost me a pack of Aloe Vera, a bottle of body lotion and a few days of recouperation from all the burn. All for you my darlings.. all for you...
*Ahhh!!! So thats how you get Crispy Fried Pam....** *Wails**

Friday, March 07, 2008

Food this week...

Salsa Chicken for Lunch today! After a morning of sweating it out at the gym, I go back to my office to have this... Yummy... Roast Pepper Chicken Salsa! It was so good that up till now.. I'm still a little swollen and rolling about my office floor groaning from being too full!! Hahahahhaa... Greedy lah...

And people go "har!! U eat like this can lose weight meh??!" Of course lah! U think I would sabotage my own diet? Hhaha u must be kidding.. look carefully at my plate.. U will realise that all u see there comes up NOT MORE THAN 20gms of carb... which is typically the daily limit.

What do you see there? A Black Pepper Chicken leg, a chicken sausage, a spoonful of raisins, a handful of green grapes, a spoonful of cashew nuts, a handful of walnuts all tossed in a spicy hot Salsa sauce. And by the side.. my lump of cheese. LOL!

This was one of those "made with love" supper dishes that I made for the hubster.. when he came home after his training, I made this little dish of corned beef omelette man... Its very diet friendly! Definitely less than 10gms of carb here... he came out and looked at it a little stunned... hahahha!

Earlier this week, we had some business at Tanjong Pagar so we had the opportunity to have breakfast at Amoy Street Market..... I had the Yong Tau Foo there and it was GOOD!.. I grade YTF by their serving sizes, variety and their SAUCE! This one. I grade as a 5 out of 5 chopstick Yong Tau Foo!!.. I always have them "dry" without rice or noodles... and always with 2-3 stuffed red chili, kangkong, meatballs, teriyaki chicken, an eggplant, tau foo, and a fried boiled egg... GOOD AH! Must try... :)
I love my food... don't u? Being on a diet is not as bad as you think. Eat and lose weight? Why not? Hahhaa.. I can.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Singaporean Singer: It's real by Olivia Ong

There are a few singers that come out of Singapore that I listen to.. people like Corrine May which sings songs that are quite relaxing... and theres this other lady who is also from our sunny shores...

Olivia Ong.

Olivia is a Singaporean singer. She sings mostly in English but develop her career singing in English and, later, Japanese.Likened to Keiko Matsuda, she won a singing contest and was signed to a Japanese recording company at only 15.After taking her O-level examinations in Singapore, Olivia moved to Japan to further her studies and career as a solo artist. In Japan, she became a member of a Japanese pop (J-pop) group called Mirai, before she released her bestselling debut, "A Girl with Bossa Nova" at only 19.

You can hear more of her songs HERE.

I think she's not that bad actually.. I'm not quite a fan of local artists but I'd listen to these 2 ladies and give them my support.

I've noticed though that most of the Singers that hail from our little red dot tend to sing in a manner that seems like it was created for National Day or at least have a singing style that is very National Day like. Know what I mean?

Think Corrine May.. some of her songs sound like or the way she sings it sounds like something you'd hear as a National Day song.. even this one... or think Taufik Batisah.. he's SO very National Day singer type.. when he was in his throes of winning Singapore idol, I could so imagine him leading all the upcoming National Day songs and with that.. I concluded.. aiyah like that sure win lor! ... blah.

Don't u think? Imagine those music videos we see nearer to August where there are happy Singaporeans, buying a flat lah.. driving down the CTE lah.. graduating and throwing their hats up lah.. buying a flat lah and having a baby and surrounded by Grandma and hubby...blah blah blah. ... all those cliche social images and suggestions that are planted in our Singaporean minds and then the Singer with alot of wind blowing through their hair singing their National Day chosen song..

Argh.. please lor! But still we all sit transfixed to the TV watching the whole song though... Whats wrong with us lah!! Its a conspiracy lah! Anyway... -.-''

I still think this song is quite nice.. I'll listen to it for a while more....

Atkins Alert!

I've noticed recently that my blog has been circulated amongst friends. *Cough cough... thank you for your support lah!! *blush* Some redirecting those who are interested to lose weight towards my blog to gain some idea or inspiration to get their butt moving..

I was surprised that my page hits had even exceeded 550 on a daily basis lately which is quite unusual for my readership. *I'm not complaining.. I'm quite pleased actually.* But I would love for you guys to let me know who you are without me having to track you down can?

Its a little unnerving having so many people reading out there and not knowing who you all are... talk to me lah!! honeymeow@gmail.com

BUT thats great knowing that people are finding some inspiration out there! I know there are a number of you out there just watching this space and just reading and wondering if you could do it.. hey.. I just want you all to know.. HELL! If I can do it, so can you.

However, with all the talk about Atkins and low carb and diets.. I want everyone to know that we don't actually follow the Atkins diet word for word to what it is. We had modified this diet to work for us and to suite our local lifestyle. Its an adaptation that takes reference to the Atkins diet and thus the reason why when explaining how it works FOR US takes so long... it may be different for you and for your body type and health concerns. Do note this. I can only tell you what we did that worked for us. Do take into consideration that everyone is different and you may have your own health issues and results would vary from person to person.

I've noticed that people are looking up Atkins on google and I've read their concerns on their blogs which can be confusing and misleading for them and maybe even turning them off the idea towards a better self.

I have and still open invitation to those who are SERIOUS in getting to a smaller size. And offer my support online and offline too. But please. DECIDE FIRST and we would need you to throw all the ideas of what you know about food and diets out of the window first and come with an open mind. And make time to meet me.

On another note, CJ, my hubster has also now opened invitation to help those who are keen on BUILDING UP in size. Ie those hubbies who are a little on the lean side who want to build up their bodies and look a little more macho? *ahem*... let me erm... toot toot a little here.... He worked from building down in size as you can see here.. but he can build up others too who want to work the other way up..... and you can rest assured that he's fully qualified as he's a regular Karate Instructor and also with National Coach qualifications... :)

From this in mid 2007...
*pam feeling a little naueaus looking at this picture* *Ahem.. sorry ah dah.. really lah..CMI lah... *

To this.. in 2008... and still building and sculpting..

I'm looking forward to an even more macho lao gong in the months to come due to some upcoming competitions. If you're married or have a boyfriend, think of all the benefits that a fit partner can have!! *cough cough*

And for further inspiration since my blog seems to reach out to a more female crowd. This may be more relevant to you and show you.. that even though I haven't reached my goal yet.. I'm 23kg away. What 17kg of difference can do for a person. This is me.. but what can it do for you? Most Singaporean ladies are only 60+kg on average... losing weight just needs a little more commitment and discipline towards a healthier lifestyle change. Its not impossible.

This was me mid 2007 at around 100kg and this is how I was several years before that. Does anyone remember me like this?I couldn't stand my blur like sotong face so I had to blur it out....but you can tell the magnitude of how bad it was then... and the worst part.. I didn't even realise that I was THAT big!

And this is me... 16kg down. I'm counting from 95kg to 79kg. Feeling fine, not looking haggard like how some people on a diet change think they would be and still on the way down! Now, that I'm down to 78kg, I just have another 23kg to go and I'll definitely reach it. Just watch this space.

That being said. Anyone can do it if they want to. Provided of course if you're healthy and don't have any major health problems but the first step is in the mind. Stop procrastinating and just do it.

But Decide First.

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Cleo's Most Eligible Bachelor's Party

**Advertorial**
As I age, my preference for the different magazines change over the years. Obviously now, I prefer the more mainstream -more for older women- magazines like HW, SH or WW. If you read these magazines, you know what all those mean.. but when I was younger.. the magazine that appealed the most and had the most relevant information to me was of course CLEO!

To see a bigger version of the above. CLICK HERE.

I bought Cleo every single month and was an ardent supporter when they first started and almost had a shelf bend from the weight of all my magazines. *Ahem* I also nearly worked for them once before when I was younger, I applied for a position and sat back and prayed they call me back. They did. AFTER I already accepted another job at an advertising agency... Sigh.. back then, it was quite a dilemma for me.. work for a magazine that I really liked or work for an ad agency.. both were appealing and very relevant for me.. but obviously, you now know what I decided. I still wonder though, it would have been a hell of a ride for me if I chose the magazine way...and of a slightly different career path for me.

So some years ago, they came up with this Most Eligible Bachelor's contest and I went "AAAaarrghh!! Damn! I should have chosen to work for them instead!!! Damn Damn Damn!! Hahahahaaa" I wanted to be the one who ran down Orchard Road hunting down the hotties!! LOL... Darn.. How fun is that... an actual reason to pick up a hot dude and still be able to be serious about it. *You people over at Cleo have it made lah!!*

So over the years.. there were some pretty HAWT! looking blokes that were spotted and selected. Some good.. some pretty average and some.. I look at and go "wah lau! who the hell langah into this guy's face?!?" CMI lah!! CANNOT MAKE IT!!!

So the contest has come around this year again.. and I'm was looking forward to see what the Cleao Team had managed to rustle out of our little red dot and this is what they found... *See above to check them out!*

Obviously, they must have a time and date to celebrate and this would be at the coveted "Cleo's Most Eligible Bachelor's Party!" It will be held on the 8th of March at Zouk. I can just imagine the girls screaming when the men come waltzing out in whatever outfits they had chosen.. and I hope to hell that the one who wins actually has a killer smile. *The smile is what makes a man eh?*

As I browse through the list of bachelors, it makes me realise though how old I now am with cradle snatcher tendencies because what comes to mind for me is.. "little boy little boy... aiyoh you little boy *pinch cheeks* you so cutey wutey weettle boii.... "

... -.-''

*ahem.. so can you tell I actually like OLDER MEN? - would explain why the hubster is 7 years older than me eh!*

Anyway... this party looks like something interesting to attend if you can make it. I might be a little out of place I'm sure considering people actually call me Aunty already... but a party is a party is a party...

Check out the links up in the image above. You could choose your favourite 5 bachelors to be stationed at the "Kissing Booth" *ahem... "little boy ah... better use listerine hor... if you need to kiss me... *kiss my cheek oni nia ok!!"*

Then nominate them for the various Favourite categories, see who you want for the "strip tease" act... and then u can read up a little more of each bachelor from the various blogs they've setup for this contest...

Check it out.. you might find something.. or someone... interesting... :)

For me..why I'd love to go is to check out Irene Ang and have a little chat with her.. since she's one of the supporting sponsors to this event and of course... we work with Power 98 too in our course of work as a media partner and hell! I wanna see how those guys are getting along... and for one thing... *Don't gawk... for the life of me.. I've never been INSIDE Zouk before... really! No kidding.. I know its the oldest club around.. and EVERYONE'S been there before.. everyone.. except me. Hahahahaaaa....anyone wanna bring me there? Lao gong? Haha...

Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Fina-freaking-ly Broke Plateau!

Oh My Freaking Gawd. Finally.

After 4 months of hitting 79 from November 07, gaining 5.9kg over my carb holiday and Christmas, losing that, hitting the floor at 79 again and then gaining 4kg over CNY then losing that, then hitting the blardy floor at 79 again.

I hit a plateau that I simply couldn't break for a while... TU LAN AH!!!!

So tonight after back from my 6 round run + 100 leg raises + 25 floor climb up my block.....

Fin - freaking - ally... I look down at the scale and see.....

78kg.

Finally. *dropping to my knees in my head* Please please.. let this not be a fluke because this only means... its GOING DOWN BABY!!!

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTT!!!!! Finally!!!!! Yay!!!

Do you know this man?

Hilarious lah!! He can be anyone...anywhere... or even anything... do you know this man? *rolls eyes.. as if u haven't literally seen his face EVERYWHERE YOU TURN!!*

The Good Husband

I recieved this in the mail and I was quite tickled so here it is to share.... luckily for me, the hubster doesn't really go drinking... but if he ever gets drunk.. I'd expect the same response. Those married ladies who are reading my blog...tell me you can relate and are now nodding your head going "hhhmmmmm GUAI!" knowingly.. Haha!

THE GOOD HUSBAND

Jack wakes up with a huge hangover after attending his company's Christmas Party. Jack is not normally a drinker, but the drinks didn't taste like alcohol at all. He didn't even remember how he got home from the party. As bad as he was feeling, he wondered if he did something wrong. Jack had to force himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins next to a glass ofwater on the side table. And, next to them, a single red rose!!

Jack sits up and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed. He looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotlessly clean. So is the rest of the house. He takes the aspirins, cringes when he sees a huge black eye staring back at him in the bathroom mirror. Then he notices a note hanging on the corner of the mirror written in red with little hearts on it and a kiss mark from his wife in lipstick: 'Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to get groceries to make you your favorite dinner tonight. I love you, darling! Love, Jillian'

He stumbles to the kitchen and sure enough, there is hot breakfast, steaming hot coffee and the morning newspaper. His son is also at the table, eating. Jack asks, 'Son... what happened last night?

''Well, you came home after 3 A.M., drunk and out of your mind. You fell over the coffee table and broke it, and then you puked in the hallway, and got that black eye when you ran into the door.”

Confused, he asked his son, 'So, why is everything in such perfect order and so clean? I have a rose, and breakfast is on the table waiting for me??'

His son replies, 'Oh THAT!... Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your pants off, you screamed, 'Leave me alone, I'm married!!'

Author Unknown

Halter Me Silly!

I recieved a hand delivered gift today which came in a handmade pouch!....

My friend, Wendy who has the nimblest of fingers at the sewing machine and an amazing crafting talent made me a top that I've wanted for a long long time'but could never get the size or the style for it! Neither did I have the body to carry it off!

Made? Yes! Made it!! For me? Bwuhahaha... yes... *blush* hahahah... this is one of 2 pieces that she's crafting up with those magic fingers of hers.. the second one will be a modification of this one and probably just as Hawwt! if not more... hehhee... *waiting in excited anticipation*

In the meantime.. try ignoring those scary tan lines on my back, I go swimming ok! And don't remind me of sun block.. I did use sunblock... boh pian.. my skin burns easily.. :( It would look a hell of alot better when I get more toned but it will do for now even if I don't have a waist.. I will!!... just pretend u don't see my soft soft marshmallow pui pui skin... *blah*

Thank you Wendy!!!... Gorgeous.. Do you like it? I like it alot.. now..... time for that night out that my lao gong promised me.. *ahem*... What shall it be? MOS or St. James Power Station har? ......

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Weightloss: Tips to get off ur BUTT!

When I was Fatter... I won't even start of saying "When I was Fat" because I'm STILL F.A.T.

No one believed what we said when we offered our tips on our diet and exercise plans and I don't blame them.. would you trust a poor person on investment advice? Likewise, a fat person for diet advise? Nope.

Time passed and of course results speak for themselves and bit by bit, people come to us asking us how it was done. We opened a support group when we were midway to gather a group of like minded people to lend each other motivation to keep on going.

More than 16 people expressed interest. They said they were sincere and genuine. When the meeting was called. Only 2 came. Many giving excuses that it was too far to meet. Hell, we are almost in the central of Singapore. HOW FAR can it be IN SINGAPORE!!!

Pathetic.

It shows how people are STILL more talk than action. Without commitment and are not willing to put in an effort AND still expect a miracle to happen to them. We were seriously disappointed.
Even in the midst of the 2 who came, only one came out triumphant, of which we are most pleased. He stuck to the plan and dropped 8kg in his 3 month stint. Only gained 2kg during his carb holiday and is now back on the plan. He didn't exercise much to our horror and hope that he does in this second round so that his results can really show for all the effort that he and his family is putting in. *You know who you are* Keep it up!

Over the weeks, several people added me to their msn list to ask and it was always "how? how? how? I want I want". Having hope, I started of explaining it to EVERY SINGLE one of them only to realise that majority just asked for the SAKE OF ASKING which absolutely PISSED ME OFF. If you read my blog, you know who you are. I was and still am seriously pissed OFF!

It takes alot of time to advise someone on the concept of the diet that we work on along with little tips that we find useful throughout the course of our diet so that it works for our local context. It differs a little for everyone as health status and daily schedules come into play. It literally takes more than an hour JUST to explain it and MY TIME IS PRECIOUS U KNOW! .... TU LAN. *GRrrrrrr*

Only a couple of people lately have taken our word seriously, did some research on their own diet plans either by adopting our plan or devised their own combination and worked out their schedule around their life and made it work for them for this, we are proud of them for their success and for not making us WASTE OUR BREATH.

For C - who aimed to lose her 4-5kg and did it in a month... she's off to maintenance now. Congrats!

For Jo - who researched and researched, tried our plan and found that a low calorie diet worked better for her for her lifestyle.. ANY diet works lah.. .as long you KEEP TO IT. She lost from 58.5 to 47kg in just a couple of months. Good for her!

For K - Run dude! Run!!... You have to start excercising.

Then there are some newer ones in the pipeline who have either recently begun with our support and we wish them all the best...

For Lynn - Keep it up!

And there are some who have written to me personally asking for some support and help.. for this, I am thankful that my blog has reached you and helped to inspired you to make this change. Hell, even my anti-blog hubby now has a blog that you can use for support ok! .... See link in the side bar.

It frustrates me when people come to us asking how it was done only just to make us explain it over and over and then not do anything about it. And worse! Argue with us that our methods don't work! hahaha.. what a joke.. if it doesn't work.. explain how CJ drops 25kg in 3 months and how I dropped 16kg in 2.... explain that. If you're not convinced and are not willing to try, don't bother to detract us for what we know works for us. Go devise your own plan lah!

As you can tell, its very TU LAN *FRUSTRATING* to constantly be in touch with these people.

I will state here and now that unless you're serious for a change and are willing to join us WITH AN OPEN MIND AND HEART. Don't bother contacting us. We're not interested to talk.

In the meantime, for those on the plan.. here are some tips that I've gathered from around to get you off your butt!! Some are gathered from the latest Men's Health Magazine and some online sources..

  • Blackmail Yourself - take a picture if yourself holding a sign with your email address, date, and weight. And send it to a very unforgiving friend with a huge social circle and say "If I don't send you a new picture that shows serious improvements in 12 weeks, post this photo in facebook and anywhere you think will be embarassing"

  • Pre-pack your gym bag - Get your bag ready the night before so you only need to grab and go and are more likely to use it with no excuses that you forgot something like your PANTS or socks.

  • Make a workout music list - Plonk it into your MP3 player or phone and use it to gear yourself up when you work out. Fast beats that makes you want to shake your booty always works. No slow love songs please unless u use them for warm downs! Studies show that people who work out to music do so for longer durations and at a higher intensity than those who are doing it in silence.

  • Go through the motions - Even if you don't feel like working out, try going through the motions first of your favourite parts. It would be likely that once you start, you will complete it. If you're still not up to it after, just go home.

  • Don't do what you hate - If you start to hate what you do, time to change routine.

  • Buy a longer store of supplements - If you open your cupboard and realise that you still have several bottles of supplements, you may be more inclined to keep to your workout to reap the full benefits of what you are using them for.

  • Feel the difference -How you feel after a workout. Its the endorphins. I always feel great after a good workout. It’s a high. And I let that motivate me the next time: “You know how good you’re going to feel!” And note how as each session passes, how much stronger you feel or more flexible you have become and how each movement gets easier with time.

  • If you hate going to the gym alone/run alone, then try to make your workout time and days the same so that you tend to bump into the same people. Be friendly, say hello and you will soon have a circle of people who share your routine and can help spur you on. For me, I rather work out alone. I hate talking unless necessary when I'm running or working out and rather concentrate on my breathing. Time for contemplation. I love, love the quiet time of exercise for thinking about things.

  • Blubber broadcast - This is most effective for me because it means that there are TOO MANY people watching me. Firm up your commitment by going public and telling everone about your exercise and body shaping plans. If you lose pace, you lose face and hell... its BLOODY embarassing... so show people you can do it and be an inspiration instead. Posting it on your blog. Tell people you’re going to lose weight or exercise daily, and report to them. You’ll make it happen.

  • Challenge youself each time - after a couple of days of running the same circuit, challenge yourself to either increase your repetitions, run faster or longer or beat your previous time.. as long as its an improvement, its always good.

  • Make every workout second count - Exercise is accumulative, something good to know for time tight people so make every minute count, whether you're doing a 5 minute or a 60 minute routine. Don't do a half fucked job if you can give it your best effort.

  • Record your measurements or weight progress - It helps to know how you have been progressing to keep the motivation on and rejoice at even the slightest change. A small good change is BETTER than NO change.

  • Set realistic targets each way but keep a bigger picture in mind - If you aim for a 10kg loss, aim for a target of 2kg each time and celebrate when you reach it and keep on going! "If I can do it for 2, I can do another 2 and another.. and another... " Before you know it, you've reached ur target. :) Reaching a goal. Set a goal for weight, or your waist measurement, or a number of days to work out, or a number of miles to run this week. Setting and tracking a goal helps motivate you to complete that goal. Make it easily achievable.

  • Keep a positive mindset - if you convince yourself by thought and words that you will fail. You will fail. Keep things light and be positive.

  • Make Time for you. - While many people make time to take care of others (kids, spouse, other family, co-workers, boss), they don’t often make time to take care of themselves. Instead, make your “you” time a priority, and don’t miss that exercise appointment.

  • Having fun. - Exercise should be fun. If it isn’t, try a different kind of activity that you enjoy. As long as you’re moving, it’s good for you.

  • Visualise - How you’re going to look. Imagine a slimmer, fitter you. Now let that visualization drive you.

  • Subscribe to magazines like SHAPE or Men's Health. - It motivates me to read fitness stories and more tips. Not sure why, but it works.

  • Look at Cover models. Sure, they’re genetically freaky, and probably photoshopped to look perfect. But for some reason, looking at how good a cover model looks helps motivate me to work harder.

  • Blogs - I enjoy reading blogs about people who are into running or losing weight. It can show the ups and downs they go through, and you can learn from their experiences.

  • Success stories - I find the success stories of others incredibly inspirational.

  • Rewards - If you exercise for a few days, give yourself a reward! A week? Another reward. Do it often in the beginning. It doesn't have to be a food reward, it could be anything. Material or otherwise.. as long it makes you feel good.

  • Fitting into new clothes - Wanna look good in a smaller size? Work out and buy new clothes! In the same breathe, throw out the older oversized ones.. even if they're expensive. You won't want to fit into them again so don't give yourself a chance to grow back into that size.

  • Go for an exercise class as an alternative - Sign up for a class, perhaps with a friend, and you’ll be motivated to get there and work out. Classes like Body Combat, Dance, Abs Butts and Thighs, Step, Martial Arts or even fly wheeling aka Spinning.

  • Keep your before picture - You often don’t realize how far you’ve come. Take ALOT of pictures and use it as a visual chart.

  • The dread of feeling “yuck” from not exercising - I hate how I feel after not exercising. So I remind myself of that when I feel tired. Once you get started exercising regularly, you will know what this means... *gow ek - uncomfortable and restless*

  • Buy a weighing scale that works -It doesn't even have to be an expensive digital one, even a cheap needle one works. You don't have to weigh yourself every day, as your weight fluctuates. But if you weigh yourself once a week, you’ll be motivated to have it keep going down, instead of up. Combine the scale with the measuring tape, and measure your waist or whatever body part you want to reduce. For me, I still do a daily weight check more out of obsession but thats just me?

  • Bask in the comments on how good you look - When someone notices the changes in your body, it feels good. And it makes you want to work out more.

  • Look forward to an upcoming special day like an upcoming birthday as a target market or a reunion and you have a timeframe to work towards. Aim seriously for that date and don't harbour thoughts of "if I haven't reached it by then, I'll just set a later date". If the date is set, keep to it and it will make you more mindful of the time you have "left".
There you have it.. if I find more in due time, I'll post them up here.. in the meantime.. I hope this helps someone out there whos working through their weightloss plans.

GOOD LUCK!!

The Etiquette of a Social Kiss aka Beso Beso

Social Tips from me to you... learn and UNDERSTAND before attempting.

When you meet a person in Singapore, the first thing I notice is a usual non chalant. "Hey!" before the person sits down or goes on his/her way to do what they came to do.

Even when they part, its just a "Bye" and they depart without even an inkling of contact. Its cold. Especially between friends.

Rarely do I see a warmer greeting that is comfortably held in common context with the rest of the world. Or with the familiar greeting that I grew up with called the Beso Beso.

The word beso is Spanish for “kiss”. With spanish/filipina heritage, my sisters and I grew up meeting people we knew with a social cheek kiss or what we called a Beso Beso. It was normal and there was no squeamishness held around it.

Cheek kissing is “a ritual or social gesture to indicate friendship, perform a greeting, to confer congratulations, to comfort someone, or to show respect.”

In a cheek kiss, both persons lean forward and either lightly touch cheek with cheek or lip with cheek. Generally the gesture is repeated with the other cheek, or more, alternating cheeks. Hand-shaking or hugging may also take place. Depending on the situation, the number of kisses is one, two, or three.

Depending on the local culture, cheek kissing may be considered appropriate between a man and a woman, a parent and a child, two women, or two men. When you arrive, you kiss everybody hello. When you leave, you kiss everybody goodbye. Women kiss women. Women kiss men. Men kiss men. I still practice this form of greeting to those that I know find it socially acceptable and this would range from family to friends to even acquaintances that hold more western values or are the typical Ang Mos who have been exposed to this kind of greeting before and are known to me on a personal level.

I would not recommend this on a professional level of greeting where handshakes obviously are the better alternative.

I do have a few tips for novice social kissers when performing this kind of greeting. I have been horrified and amused in the course of the past few years *my eyes have practically rolled all over the floor after rolling in my head* but I would like those to know incase they "HAPPEN" to greet me.

  • Do not.... stick your tongue out when trying to social kiss. Its a greeting. NOT a bloody french lovers kiss okay! Even if you go past my mouth area, NO LICKING MY EARS or FACE!!! *My mom complained once of a relative who attempted to do a beso and he went past her cheeks and ended up SUCKING on her earlobe. Blllaaaaaaarrrghhhh!!*

  • Remember to offer to kiss the right check first before moving off to the alternate cheek.
  • Start off with a handshake, pull the person close to a hug where you bump shoulders and then attempt ur Beso.
  • If you want to start a beso, don't stutter and hesitate and swerve ur head left and right in hope of finding a side to begin. If you cannot begin on the right, then just start on the left lah!! Chin chai lahhh... *rolls eyes*
  • Don't give an ultra silent beso, make it a little exaggerated and go "Muuaaak!" or at least mutter some form of greeting like "Good to see you again" after doing the customary 1-3 or 4 kisses. Make it sincere.
  • Try to aim for the cheeks but do not end up kissing the person's ears/earlobes or neck.. If you miss accidentally and land on these places, just let it pass QUICKLY. Don't linger. But don't aim for these places on purpose, it sends shivers down the spine and makes it really uncomfortable for the reciever.
  • You have a choice of lightly touching your lips on the person's face or just kissing the air. Do what you feel more comfortable. Please do not lick ur lips before attemping a beso and SLOBBER all over the reciever. If you have slimey lips, dry it first.
  • Do NOT rub an oily cheek over the reciever. It just makes it icky and the reciever has to purposely wipe his/her face and it looks offensive instead of friendly. "Ewwww!!!"
  • If you eating, please make sure no food pieces are left on your face that would latch on to your recievers face. Nothings more embarassing to have a vegetable leaf stuck to your face after recieving a beso.
  • Make it quick. A beso beso should be done in under just a few seconds and not a long drawn out slow motion "Muuuuuuuaaaaaakkkkkkkk....* Get it over with QUICK.
  • End off looking directly at the person, smile and break off.

If you're a man, try this next time as an alternative. Even if you're not intending to woo the lady, I'm sure giving a kiss on her hand would be most chivalrous and surely send a shiver down our spine.. how princely would that be and how charming.... *I'm waiting... hehehehh....*

There you go... next time you meet or leave a friend. Make it a warm greeting/departure. After all, you have given them some time in your life to be present, whether they make a difference to your day/month/year. Time spent is already time passed. So why not make it a warm one?