Turning 32... Yeah its my Birthday again!

Gosh! So much as been happening these couple of weeks before and after my birthday.. been getting more classes to teach, clients to do personal training with and really filling up my timeslots... and we moved house - quite a feat by itself that happened over a couple of weeks.

Been getting quite abit of people recognising me and the hubster in our latest TVC advertisement for Allswell... no one asked for my autograph yet tho.. haha kidding.. but the 2 ads have been running for quite some time now since early June at GV cinemas and on Channel 8. Once I can get it up, I'll upload the video onto YouTube and link it here if you haven't caught it. :)

And we found a greeaat new cosy place to call our own once again next to one of Singapore's famous Hawker centre.. (gah! the food!! eeevill!!) and then took another few weeks to settle in and unpack... and then had my birthday while at it!

I turned 32 on the 2nd of July! and strangely enough, I had this thing in my mind that I was 33 for some reason.. Pffft... anyway.. what happened for my birthday, I came home the day before my birthday after teaching at Raffles Town club and the girls and CJ stayed up with a Durian birthday cake! and 4 little "lucky" durian Mochi and blew out my birthday candle.. I looove Durian cake!

I spent my actual birthday roaming the East over at Tampines Central for breakfast with the hubster and Eirian (Lauren had overnight school camp) then hopped over to IKEA for more gallavanting, cheesecake, Daim cake, wings and meatballs! Then back home to drop off crucial purchases and then back to IKEA and Giant Tampines for some supermarketing!

2 weeks after that though, some of my Saturday dance class girls got together and we had a night out at Clarke Quay to celebrate my Birthday belated! We hit dinner at Hong Kong Cafe and then had a vanilla cream cake with strawberries sponsored by Azzucar - danced but the crowd and evening there that night pretty much bombed - it was so surprisingly empty for a Saturday night! So everyone adjourned to Pump Room across the fountain to relish in some Bon Jovi for the rest of the night... cosy group of friends - Judy, Angie, EY, Preetha and Julius, Liz with her girlfriend from KL and Woo Yen.... thank you for the evening together and joining me.. :) I had a wonderful time with all of you.. :)

And Santhia from my Saturday morning Aqua class gave me a pressie too! So sweet lah!! A extremely gorgeous primer & eyeshadow set from Sephora.. like totally totally totally gorgeous colours!! Its going to be my new favourite palette for the next couple of months!

But before that.. the weekend right after my birthday. My dad and sister suggested we hit Sentosa for a Sunday together and we did! It was partially to celebrate my birthday and for some grandpa-girls bonding time and it was such a fun day!

We drove and parked at Vivocity where we boarded the bus that brought us to the Resorts World on Sentosa. He wanted to purchase the Universal Studios tickets but they were sold out that day but nevertheless it was fun doing other stuff! We'll go back another day to check it out...

If you haven't already gone to RWS, you really should even just to walk about! There are shops and restaurants and it really feels like you're in totally different country.

It was such a hot day and Eirian didn't want to take picture with the spinning Universal Globe so Lauren took it by her self. But everyone cheered up soon after when we hit the shops.. theres a Hersheys shop amongst the many retail shops there and it was literally Chocolate Galore and Reeses Heaven.. if you like peanut butter then you would like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.. and there was a giant Reese character greeting people at the door.. I love Reeses!!

And at the Hershey shop, there were shelves and shelves of their "World's Largest Hershey's Bar" available. But seriously, thats alot of chocoate.. and its real too! Perhaps it would be good for a fondue for a really large group of people?

We were drawn by the smell of popcorn next door - Garrett Popcorn... and seriously.. this is majorly GOOD popcorn.. we HAD to buy some.. and left with a bag of cheese popcorn and almond crunch popcorn.. shiok can!! I'll go back just to buy more nutty popcorn! They're huge!!

And I love how baby-ish Eirian still looks as she looks longingly into the popcorn window (fortunately or unfortunately her little button nose with no bridge comes from me) at the mountains of fresh cheese popcorn.. "I want... I want..."

We explored the place and my sister, Alex brought her camera & took a reflection of us girls when we went past a shop window...

Wondering where to go and how to get there on the Island... we wanted to get from the entrance area to the Underwater World!

And we finally reached there...my dad que-ed for tickets while we had hotdogs and I had a field day prodding the fishes and rays in the "petting pool"... heh heh heh... the thing about that place though.. it hasn't changed at all since I last went there and its been a couple of years already! Blah... the good thing this time, Lauren actually watched the fish swim by (albeit squatting on the travellator and covering her eyes occassionally) compared to the last time we were there and she completely covered her eyes and buried her head into my belly the whole time we were going through the aqua tunnels.. what a waste of money then!

We then headed down to the Dolphin lagoon where we took some time to watch the Seal show... and yeah, the weather was killing hot...

And Daddy dearest wasn't too pleased when the usher insisted he had to shut his umbrella... well actually it was my umbrella but it was hooot lah!! We didn't stay for the Dolpins and decided to head down to the beach instead!

The girls had their swimming costumes and were EXTREMELY pleased that they would have gotten a chance to hit the beach.. they literally ran off screaming in happiness despite the heat after my dad announced we'd have some time for some sand play...

The seals were cute though! Kinda like what you would see at the Zoo...

And a very happy Lauren... yay!! We're going to the beach!!

And in a flash the girls stripped and ran down to the waterside...

Frolicked in the water and played in the sand.. I literally had to insist they give me a picture before they continued... smile Lauren!! *snap snap*

And say Big Cheesy Eirian! *snap snap*

and the Grandpapa watching them like a hawk under the coconut tree...

We literally spent the whole afternoon at Sentosa there from noon and when we left to get back to RWS, the sun was setting already.. and there was still so much to do and see! We'll definitely be back to Sentosa.. theres more there than I remember!

and Daddy dearest had a surprise too! He bought front block tickets ($131 tickets) to Voyage De La Vie! that night for all of us! Gah... I supposed he's relieved that such outings happen only once in a while as it really REALLY burnt a hell of a big hole bringing all 4 girls out for the day.. but it was so worth it...

They didn't allow pictures to be taken inside the theatre but it was SPECTACULAR... my girls watched stage shows before but they were always kiddy kinds like Barney and Hi-5 but nothing like this and I could see they REALLY enjoyed themselves... I did too! Now that they're pre-teens, they can understand and appreciate more "complicated" shows so I'm going to plan for more!

I would really watch it again! It was literally an edge of the seat, adrenaline pumping and amazing show.. I've never seen anything like it before and it was such a rush! If you have not yet watched it, PLEASE DO.... completely worth it no matter what seat you're in because they literally move all around the theatre throughout the show.

Sometimes you just don't know where to look.. on stage or the middle platform where they are flipping about or swinging from the ceiling.. incredible! Pyrotechnics, visual effects, acrobatics, music, comedy and magic.. all a superb combination... Kudos to the show and the cast.. it was truely memorable.. and the girls were so pleased with their Grandpapa for bringing them there, they spoke about it days and days even after watching it that day.. Thank you D!

After the show, we took some pictures by the posters before we left.. Lauren and Eirian with their Grandpapa Ah Gong...

Group shot with me and my sister Alex.. and yes.. to answer some questions if you find her familiar.. that is Alexandra. Yes, the hot spinning instructor from California Fitness gyms.. and yes... she's my sister.. and no, you can't have her number.. :)

And my dad found yet another poster so we took another shot there... Phew!! It was such a good show.. and at the end of that day, we were all exhilirated and exhausted... but it was all worth it. Happy Birthday Me!! :)

Busy busy busy...

Yes, I know..its been weeks but I've been busy..really busy but you've all still been there... thank you... :) Its been weeks filled with work.. instructing on an almost daily weekday basis.. and soon to be including Saturday too...

I was also on Sports@sg on Channel 5 last night at around 1015pm? Did you catch it? We did the filming on Wednesday at a private studio and it came out on TV 2 days later! Damn fast lah!! Anyway, it was just a minute on the "Showstopper" Segment and I realised something.. when a director asks you to come in LIGHT MAKEUP... put it on heavier bc I looked so darned pale during the shoot and well... perhaps once I recieve the video clip by post, I'll post it up for those who had missed it on TV.

I believe they would put it up HERE on the Sports@Sg site too so you can get a direct stream if I don't manage to convert the video here for viewing. :) Did I look chubby in the filming.. *sigh* unfortunately the rule about people looking at least 20% fatter than they usually are still stands true.. but whats done is done.. :)

Apparently, its also screening on TV mobile as I recieved some calls earlier this morning with people exclaiming they saw me on their bus ride.. *cough cough*.... :)

I want to give special thanks to the 4 ladies who joined me for the shoot, namely Preetha, Su, Loida and Karen... thank you for giving me your afternoon. *hugs*

I also took a day to visit my other instructor pals and my dear Diane, CEO of Fisaf Singapore last week. FISAF is a certification program that people take when they want to become a fitness instructor. So you would see different kinds of people from those who do group aerobic classes like me, to aqua aerobic instructors, personal trainers, fitball trainers and even yoga instructors...

FISAF holds training 3 times a year and Diane is now back in Singapore conducting the 2nd for this year! There is another one at the end of this year for those interested to go into this field of work/interest. You can check out www.fisaf.com.sg for more course details.

Recognise anyone here as your existing instructor? :) Other than me of course...

Class 95 - Morning Show Spot

SOYJOY had placed a spot over at Class 95, Morning Show with Glenn Ong and Vernetta Lopez to talk about the SOYJOY Challenge and each blogger. This morning at 750am and another one at 940am, the first release of my feature came out for all of Singapore to listen in to. :) Click to listen in!

Oh and the Flying Dutchman is on leave this week and its HIS BIRTHDAY TODAY TOO! Happy Birthday FD! :)

Listen in HERE.

No, We didn't get into the Finals.

Continuation to THIS post... ... we went to the Mother/Daughter Cheongsam Pageant that was held by Singapore Expo on Friday for the Qualification round. Around 35 or so, pairs signed in.

No, we didn't get in to the final 16 but it was an experience nevertheless. Not exactly a good one but.. whatever. We went there at 1pm but spent the rest of the time lobo-ing around while we waited for the other contestants to stream in.

Luckily there was the JL sale going on and other super duper cheapo sales *$3 for shirts!, $2 for halters?! I should have bought more...* going on so it "entertained" us for a while.

We were registered as M4 and D4. Just before we went up on stage for our bit, Eirian started to FREAK OUT. So I calmed her just before we went up the ramp but obviously it was not enough.

She clammed up and HID BEHIND ME during the whole thing. Which was surprising to me as I threw her on stage before and she sang a song infront of a crowd beautifully and not shy at all! See that HERE.

And the emcee had to ask the URGH!est questions to her which she doesn't know, even I didn't know how to answer. Ie "wow! your name is very unique? What does it mean and where did you get it from?!"

And that was not something I had discussed with Eirian before and she really couldn't be bothered knowing so both of us just went.."huh?" -.-''. *SILENCE... (cricket chirping)

Then we had to CATWALK and bc she was already ATTACHED TO MY BACKSIDE, it was literally a case of DRAGGING HER ALONG the stage floor while I attempted to stride & pose. Very hard to do so when u have a 26kg lump o child attached to ur ass.

Then I had to take a qn out of the fishbowl and my qn was "Name a strength and a weakness that you have and tell us why" so.. I'll leave it up to you to guess how I answered that but I did pretty well if I might say so myself. I attribute my emceeing experience and somewhat public speaking at my events/workshops training enough to know how to talk through a smile.

Then we said thank you and walked off the stage. Pfft... it all ended around 6pm when the rest of the contestants finished the rounds.. announced the winner then we just left. So thats it. No Cheongsam contest prize.. that red cheongsam can just stay in its little cloth bag to see better days someday. Pfft... till the next contest perhaps...

Red Cheongsam for Mother/Daughter Pageant

Yep, thats the Red Cheongsam I have for the Mother/Daughter Pageant that Eirian and I will be attempting to participate in this Saturday that many have "heard" about over Facebook.

Qualifying round will be tomorrow at Expo so if we get in, then we get in. If not, this quasi detox/light eating yesterday & today is driving me mad. I was 70kg on Monday *yeah, I know.. I've gained weight over the festive season from the last weigh in of 67.5kg when I fell sick in November* and since we found that we were shortlisted and I got the dress on Tuesday morning. I've been working out and eating ligher so that I can BREATHE in this dress.

I'm 69kg as of yesterday and at this rate, perhaps with a jog this evening, I will reach 68kg by Saturday and prefereably not so bloated and will be able to stand up on stage IN this dress without turning purple from the lack of oxygen and falling off the stage. *wah unglam...*

Toni - Friend & gym instructor at California Fitness lent me this lovely long dress *size 10! Argh!* and I'll be damned if I rip through this one. LOL!

In the meantime.. wish Eirian and me luck to pass through the rounds... apparently there's overwhelming response to this pageant so lets see how it goes. Qualifying round is for 20 pairs of mother/daughters. Might be interesting. :)

Russell Peters Live in Sg!

My friend and gym & makan buddy, Alex B. managed to book tickets for the sold out Russell Peters show - Red, White & Brown release last night when the tickets opened up last month.

*How I wish this pic was clearer than this... damn the taxi for being so dark! Hahahaha! Try again next time.. heh heh!*

It was a strange coincidence how Alex and I met. One day sometime back, this stranger named Alex added me on facebook. I rarely add strangers but I always give people the benefit of doubt incase my memory really failed me and I actually knew the person. And pleasantly, he gave me a decent proper response *finally!!* to his blank add to which I agreed to adding him to my account.

What happened after was bizarre, it lead to a series of uncanny similarities. Indeed a case of much less than 7 degrees of separation. In our conversations, we found to our amazement that we were both featured in the SAME MAGAZINE ARTICLE. Alex & his wife Carol were one of the other couples in the same feature. How weird a co-incidence is that?!

Then we realised that Carol took dance with me IN THE SAME dance classes! And that we all went to the same gym so we've all been working out together alot since then! Then we realised that we're exactly the same age so we had alot in common growing up - alot of topics to cover with that already as we reminisce childhood! Then being foodies we were, we all ate out together much to our waistlines revolting and the list goes on....and because we're all married couples, after getting to know Alex, I have a friend in Carol too! Very nice larh! *hugs these two, you cannot believe how sweet these 2 are...*

Anyway, we headed out to Russell Peters last night and had a really good laugh *very good for the mind & soul*. Russells' 3 night show sold out within the 2 days it was open for booking and I could see why. There were really some good new material he had come up with. It was a very pleasant evening too. We drowned ourselves in Carls Jnr Salsa with giant onion rings just before the show!! YUMMY!!

I was happily decked out in a frilly black tube corset top which I found was too large for me already..makes me look somewhat pregnant..bah!! Might want to sell it. This was paired with a pair of very nicely fitting *some freakingly expensive french brand can! - I balked when she told me how expensive it was* light blue jeans that Shelly gave me and boots.

I found in the course of trying on jeans to wear for the evening that I could FINALLY fit into a size 30 pair of jeans that I had put aside that someone had given to me before. I couldn't fit into it then and LO & behold...I now can. And it makes me a happy happy happy Chika!! From a size 40/44 jeans to 30... Phew!!~ Yayness!!

My ass is still huge though but WHATEVER... *putting up 6 fingers.. - refer to this post*

I'm still 70kg... I've been 70kg since I hit it last month... its obviously a plateau... but I'll wait patiently for it to break and still workout just as hard. I can only attribute being able to fit into new sizes now to gaining muscle mass... which would explain why no one believes I'm 70kg. All good anyhow.. all good.. :) Russell Peters IS DA MAN!! *cough... okay okay.. my sweetheart CJ is DA MAN... but.. anyway...errr.... moving on...cough cough*

RUSSELL Rocks!! Whooot!

I found one clip of Russell doing an old piece on a deaf girl. If you might be sensitive about this, don't watch it but I found it terribly hilarious!! Enjoy!