The last month of the year..

December, the last month of the year and also the festive month, has just arrived unknowingly.

As I grow older, every year seems to pass by faster and faster. I don't remember time passes by so fast when I was young. I'm kind of freaking out knowing that December is here all of a sudden  #signsofaging

So what's in store for me this December?

Just as I thought I won't be so busy as I was in November, I think my prediction skills failed badly this time round.

The first half of December would be filled with baby shower and celebrations, not forgetting the flea market that I'm participating in. It's not the first flea market that I've partipated in, but I do feel the excitement though.I really can't wait to get rid of my preloved clothes and have some extra moolah for cny.

Tieing up loose ends for my solmenization ceremony is part of the to-do list for this December. I can't help but to procrastinate for the longest ever time.

The birthday celebration of the fiancé, xmas and new year celebration will all come in one shot.

Admist the busy schedule, the goal to keep fit is still ongoing. It's not easy especially during the festive month.

Not forgetting, I'm already started to plan my marathon schedule for 2014. Yes I know, house renovation, rom and whatsoever is coming, but the goal of completing at least a half marathon in 2014 will still be 1 of my top priority. No idea if I'll be crazy enough to try a full marathon but I'm going for half marathon at the ver least.

Decemeber is also the time to look back at 2013 and reflect on the resolutions set for this year, have they been met and also time to penning down your resolutions for 2014..

I do hope that everyone will embrace and enjoy this joyous month as I do! Have a blast :)

Hello November! :)

Hello November! My favourite month of the year and it so happen to be the busiest month of my whole 2013. So November, please be good :)

While waiting for my flight back to Singapore, I came to know about the news of the 25 year old female who passed away during the Nike run last Sunday. I do know her as she was my polymate. We were from the same course in poly and I do see her around during the uni days.

Though I don't know her personally, but this piece of news was quite shocking/saddening to me. Life is really fragile and unpredictable. My heart goes all out to her family and everyone who knows her.

Everyone exercise to keep fit and healthy, for the pride and glory when they pass by the finishing line during a marathon, however  it's also important to listen to your own body. "Slow and steady" this three words is what I've been chanting to myself throughout my runs. It doesn't matter how fast you go, as long as you pass by the finishing line, you are a winner.

I'm back from BKK 2 days ago and was on leave yesterday. I woke up in the late morning(seriously, not enough sleep), to run some errands and did some site survey with Derp. We went for a 3.6km jog in the evening, and Derp accompanied me to get me warm up for this Sunday's 10km. :) I stopped running for like a week.

Having said that, I've been doing plank and side planks throughout my BKK trip because I simply eat too much during the trip. If you think BKK is only about shopping, you are totally wrong because there's many really nice and cheap food around. I'll blog about  them really soon so stay tune okay? :):).

There's still some loose ends to be settled with Derp over our ROM followed by our photoshoot. In the mean time, we are working hard on planning our house renovation. I'm praying I won't turn into a bridezilla anytime and I've been telling myself to take things slow and easy, but sometimes I just can't help it.

Nevertheless, this BKK trip has served it's purposes of letting us chill before our upcoming busy months of wedding prep and house matters.We had plans of our yearly trip for 2014 but that won't come so fast. :( Probably end of next year.

In the midst of my busy schedule, I still aim to stay fit and healthy. Looking forward to my last 2 races of the year, but that doesn't mean I will stop my running routine completely. I'm hopping to incorporate yoga into my exercise routine!

Till then, and have a great week, it's TGIF soon!

Morning or Night Run

I'm a night owl since birth, or maybe used to be. I can't really stay awake in the mornings. Even on normal days, my brain ain't shut on in the morning. Hence, I suffered quite a lot during my schooling days because I just can't stay focus.

But yes, I can wake up for morning marathons on the weekend without having much trouble. Though at time, it can be a bitch, but the joy of running in the morning, is kind of different. It's something which I don't get to enjoy that often apart from running at night.

I've been finding out whether is there any difference in running in the morning and running at night. After much research, there isn't much. When I mean difference, I mean something like which is healthier, which is better for weight loss and etc.

Honestly speaking, I prefer to embrace the sunset or should I say enjoy the silence of the cooling night, as compared to the wee early mornings of the day whereby the temperature of the surrounding would slowly increased. In short, I prefer hot to cold, rather than cold to hot.

I've heard about some running myths like for example, a person who run in the morning empty stomach is able to burn whatever he/she eat the night before. And for a person who run in the evening, he/she can only burn what he/she had ate in the day. Myths are just myths.

After running for like nearly a year, the biggest difference of running at different point of the day, would be the amount of oxygen level at different time of the day. I find myself going breathless easily whenever I run at night as compared  to when I attend marathon. It's much more tiring to run at night though because you are snatching the oxygen with the trees. This didn't really cross my mind until I start to think through it.

Though I'm a night run person, I don't totally excuse myself from a morning exercise hence I joined marathon. Not being able to wake up early in the morning during weekdays, doesn't stop me from waking up early in the weekends. Afterall, you do not need to force yourself to stay awake in the day on weekends, so no matter how tired you are in the morning, it's fine! :)

Running at night as compare to the morning, one will experience a totally different running experience. You have to do it to experience it yourself. Words can't really describe it.

In short, I do my routine training only at night and find myself running easier for marathons in the morning. And not forgetting, I used to hate running because it's so tiring, then I realized I was doing it wrong all along. I do find it quite unbelievable that I'm enjoying it that much now.  

It's amazing how I started from 5km to 6km to 8km and the soon to be 10km. I do feel butterfiles in my stomach 1 day before my race, worrying whether can I make it and etc. But if you never try, you won't know how far you can go.

I'm looking forward to complete my first half marathon in time to come and not forgetting a full marathon.

10 Lessons Running Teaches You About Life

I chance upon this article and find it worthwhile sharing it on my blog.Do take sometime to read, especially if you're a runner yourselves. Because you'll find whatever written below, totally true!

So here goes, the 10 lessons running teachers you about life.

1. When things get tough, just keep going.

"When most people encounter a rough patch, they quit.  The truly successful people in the world keep going no matter what.  Never let your setbacks win."

During a routine training run/a marathon, there's bound to be route which are not as smooth as the normal routes which you usually take. Be it going up/down a steep slope, or a congested road with many runners trying to go through it at a same time, whatever it is, just keep going.

2. Consistency creates habit.

"To incorporate anything into your life, you have to make it a habit.  To make something a habit, you have to be consistent.  Whatever it is you’re aiming for, make it a part of your life."

I never start to like running instantaneously, infact I took awhile to make it a habit and incorporating it into my life. Many a time, I go for a run subconsciously and never dread about it because it has already become a habit. Doing the same thing over and over again,  make one gets better at it.

3. You’ll have to get through hell before you get to heaven.

"Like all things worth pursuing, you are going to get knocked down, stepped on, and rejected along the way.  Consider this to be part of the path to your goals.  Sometimes it’s more about the journey than the destination."

At times, training can be going through hell. No matter how tired you are, you have to drag yourself to do it. Just do it!

4. Reaching your goals will take a lot of work.

"If it doesn’t, it’s either not a goal, not worth pursuing, or will not have any fulfillment.  Never expect to not put in work and get somewhere."

You can't expect a amateur to train 1 month and complete a full marathon with above average timing. It take years and a lot of hard work.

5. Every aspect of life is mental.

"It’s not about what you do or what happens to you, it’s about how to respond to it.  It’s how you decide to carry on.  Your power comes from inside your head."

6.  You do have time– you just have to make it.

"If something is important to you, you’ll make time for it.  If not, you’ll make excuses."

There are some who rather die than to move their ass to exercise, are often the one making excuses - fact. This show that how unimportant exercise is to them.

7. You define your own limits.

"Your limits aren’t put unto you by your parents, other people, or the universe.  You are in total control of it.  You decide whether or not to shoot for the moon or stay right where you are."

The sky is my limit.

8. If you wait for the right conditions, you’ll never get anything done.

"Don’t wait for anything or anybody.  You know what you have to do to reach your goals and get things done. Just go do them!"

Yea, you don't need the sun to be at the highest point in the sky of the day, or they moon to be a full moon, then you will get down to run. Or should I say, even if it rains, there's alternative, as simple as that.

9. Go beyond your limits every day and watch the magic happen.

"You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve if you just push yourself a little further."

Every time you push yourself for another few minutes of your routine training, you'll find youself getting unexpected results. You may think you might not make it, but many a time, you will make it! It's all in the mind.

10. There is peace even in the most chaotic times.

No matter now grueling, stressful, sorrowful, or painful your situation is, there is always a silver lining and something positive to be found.  Seek it out, learn from it, and keep moving on.

After every marathon, there's your 100 plus waiting for you or finishing medals/t-shirt. Not forgetting the pride and sense of achievement that you gained. It's priceless.

Source: http://thedailyrunnerpage.com/2013/09/16/10-lessons-running-teaches-you-about-life/

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

"Cervical cancer is the 9th most common cancer in Singaporean women. It can be effectively treated if it is detected early. The best protection against cervical cancer is to go for regular Pap smear once every three years. You can also speak to your doctor about HPV vaccination to determine if you are suitable."

What is cervical cancer?

• Cervical cancer is the cancer of the neck of the womb which is called cervix.
• Some types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can infect the cervix, causing the cells to change.
• In about 90% of the infection cases, the virus clears by itself and the cells return to normal.
• In some cases, the infection can persist and cause the cells to grow in an abnormal way, developing into cervical cancer.
• Specifically, HPV types 18 and 18 causes about 70% of the cervical cancer cases worldwide.

I started my first does of cervical vaccine way back in March 2012 and completed it in October 2012.

What struck me back then to take up the cervical vaccine was actually quite random. My company appointed a list of clinics which is under Shenton Insurance, so we got to go this various private clinic for a subsidized rate whenever we fall sick.While waiting for my turn to see the doctor, I was there staring at the cervical vaccine poster.

I clearly remembered the keywords "Can be fully paid my medisave", "Consult your doctor for more information".

I took the brochure and read through while waiting .

I can't remember what illness I had that time, but most probably the usual flu/cough/fever.When the doctor has done writing down all the medicine prescription for me, I popped him the question on cervical vaccine.

He promised me that the needle is not thick, that's probably my no.1 concern. He even took out a sample dosage to show me that it's actually that small. Nothing scary/pain as compared to taking blood test.

He also told me that I can use my medisave to pay the full costs of it, and I only need to pay the administration fee which is $10 bucks or less. I can't really remember but it's really affordable since the rest of it was paid using medisave.

I've heard of cervical cancer quite a while ago because I had a aunt who had her womb removed due to cervical cancer, But thank god, she already have three kids. I didn't really think much back then because I've the thinking that I'm still a student and it's not going to be cheap.

Since I've started working and starting seeing $$ in my medisave, why not? Afterall, medisave are meant to be used for such purposes, you can't cash them out when you are old either. The only side effects I had were my left arm felt really numb and sour after each dosage. But all these will wear off after a day or 2. :)

However, a person who have gotten vaccine would need to have to get their pap smear done too every 3 years because pap smear is the best way against cervical cancer. For those who have gave birth, it's advisable to get their pap smear done every year or so.

For more information on Cervical Cancer Vaccine, you may visit the HPB website or click here for more information.

 I'm glad to have gotten my vaccine before I turned 24. The optimal age is between 9-26 years old. Do get yourself vaccine today! It's never too late :)

When you walk, don't smoke. When you smokes, don't walk.

As the title say "When you walk, don't smoke". Sounds simple isn't it? But I've met with tons of people who just loves to walk and smoke.

Whenever I go down for my routine jog, I'll bound to meet people who smoke as they walk. Seriously, I can only use "wtf" to describe. That is what's going on in my brain at that point of time. Almost every evening run, I'll meet smokers. I'll have my ways to tackle them like always

There are 3 types of smokers:

1) Smokers who stand at the bus stop and smoke - Stationary smokers aka least harmful smokers. At least the 2nd hand smoke don't go around passing to whole world or in my case whole Jurong.

2) Smokers who walk towards you. He/she belong to the middle range of harmful smokers. You will just need to hold your breadth for another 50M after passing the smoker. 

3) The most most most bastard type of smokers are those walking in front of you and you're just so 'heng' to be behind. So probably you'll suck in all the 2nd hand smoke unless you overtake him/her. Most harmful type of smokers around who don't give a shit about their surrounding/environment and just keep SMOKING! Their slogan should be "Just keep smoking!"

At first, I do thought it's legal to walk and smoke as long they are not indoors, I can only blame myself for choosing to jog at a place with so many smokers. BUT NO IT'S NOT! IT'S ILLEGAL!

Adapted from NEA website as below: 

List Of New Smoke Free Areas Included in the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act (updated as at 15 January 2013)

Residential Estates

All common areas including:

Linkways from bus stops to residential blocks

Void decks

Corridors

Staircases

Stairwells

Multi-purpose halls

Public Spaces:

Covered walkways and linkways

All pedestrian bridges

5 metres from the edge of bus stops

Hospital outdoor compounds

Link: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/public-health/smoking/smoking-prohibition#smokefree

Let's see the keyword here, 5 Metres from the edge of Bus stop! I passed by 2 bus stops each time during my routine jogs, I still can meet people who smoke like free. As long they get out from the lift and walk to the bus stop, they smokes. 

Can they just be a little more considerate?? What if you're just happily smoking and totally unaware of who's behind you sucking all the 2nd hand smoke and the particular someone is a pregnant lady? or a young child/elderly? 

At least when I'm jogging, I can overtake or siam the 2nd-hand smoke in the shortest possible time(While holding my breadth and jog at same time, trust me it takes me sometime to train), but for those who can't move fast due to their body condition, they'll probably be sucking in everything. Yet, smokers always give the "I don't give a shit face" when that happens. 

I'm not in anyway against people who smokes, I just wish to bring out this message " When you walk, don't smoke. When you smoke, don't walk", as simple as that. Be more considerate! 

Nobody is forcing you to cherish your life more, but at least you shouldn't be or don't have the rights to take away few years of others. But nonetheless, it's never too late to quit smoking :)

The Conjuring, Elysium, Jobs, Internship

I have caught quite a number of movies lately, a total of 3 movies last weekend and 1 during the long weekend another movie!

I hardly have any relaxing weekends especially in the month of August but I'm so happy that last weekend Derp and I are totally free. No need to rush all over Singapore to get things done. And that would mean we can just chill around and watch some movies be it watching at home or outside.

We caught The Conjuring, Elysium, Jobs and Internship just over the past 2 weekends.

Just some short reviews on theses various movies below:

1) The Conjuring

Seriously, just the poster itself sends a shiver down my spine.

I must admit I'm never a fan of all these horror shows because I think it's dumb to spend money to scare myself. Thank goodness I watch The Conjuring at home though I think the whole experience would be better if we were to go to a cinema.

It's been awhile since I watch a not-bad horror movie, the standard of the movie was good and the story line isn't lame at all. I'm amazed by the movie because it's a real life story! Some of them are still alive now and there's interviews on the web. Do google it if you're interested :)


 
2) Elysium 

Sci-fi movies have been my second favourite genre of movie to catch in the theatre. My favourite genre is defintely action pack movies like iron man, avengers, gi joe, wolverine, okay in short all sorts of action pack movies.

The movie, Elysium, potrays the mega difference between the wealthy and poor really well. You got to be really god damn rich to buy the ticket to go Elysium and be a citizen there, a place whereby healthcare facilities are super amazing. Actually I'm quite -_-" by the bed which heal every single illness you have on your body for example leukemia. Is that even possible? Okay sci-fi movies, anything is possible. I got to bear that in mind.

The show is NC 16, so do expect many gore scenes and spoiler alert, Matt Famon never dies until the very end. After going through shit and many injuries on his body, he survived till the very end.




3) Jobs

When I first know that Ashton Kutcher would be acting as Steve Jobs in the Jobs movie, I went like "HUH??!". My image of him stay put when he acted as that hot guy in No Strings Attached with Mila Kunis. He have always been my cup of tea to be frank. I've really have no idea why until I watched Jobs.

After watching the whole show, I just want to say they have found the correct person to act as Steve Jobs la! Aston Kutcher really look like the young Steve Jobs, at least 90% alike. Gosh!

Putting that aside, it's a inspirational movie to show the early life of Steve Jobs, it's not really a funny movie like Social Network Even though I already somewhat know what's Steve Jobs life was like when he's young and how he have made it so far, this movie probably makes one understand him more as a person rather than text, and that would be all the Wikipedia content about him.

I think Ashton Kutcher did a not-bad job imitating Steve Jobs actions like the way he speak and the way he walk. :)

4) Internship

My favourite movie among all the others I've watched lately. Though I don't know why the version I've watched is without the rubik cube competition part, a bit sad though but it's a good movie!

Okay la, maybe I'm a software engineer and I can totally relate to this movie like whatever terms they use and I go ga-ga over Google company. They have free drinks and free food at their cafeteria, they have this energy pod whereby staffs can take a power nap there, they have slides everywhere, yes slides like those in playground type whereby you can just zoom down from level 2 to level 1 in an instance. So freaking nice la!

Okok best part, I love their hats. Yes the hats they wore on their first day.

So freaking cute :):)

Anyway the main point of this movie is to tell you, you do not need to be the smartest or whatsoever to get into their company because the 2 joker salesman made it into google company in the end lol. You just got to be different and team work is very important.

I've always write Google as my ideal place to work in whenever I was asked to write down for some test or what, this movie has reaffirmed that Google is still my ideal place to work in! :)



That's all for my movie reviews and I'm just sharing my two cents worth of thoughts. :)

Loots from Kinokuniya, OOTD Review

Last Friday after work, I headed over to Kinokuniya before dinner date with Derp. Oh We had Four Fingers cause I'm craving for it hehe. 

Anyway, I was looking for a magazine which gives Rilakkuma towel as a free gift but I didn't manage to find that. I've gotten myself something else instead which I think it's a better choice as compare to the Rilakkuma towel! 

Oh and I've been looking for brides magazine but to no avail. I reckon I've to head to Kinokuniya one of these days. Karen told me there's a sales going on in Kinokuniya for members. I was thinking whether can I just say out Karen's IC number for them so I can get the discount but can't. :( They require the physical IC of the Kinokuniya's member. 

But in anyway, I'm good to go without the discount since Derp is reaching soon and We can go for dinner (totally famished). Just as I was paying, the kind guy behind asked the cashier to use his membership for me so that I can get the discount. Woo hoo! So grateful to him. He also asked the other cashier to do it for another guy beside him who's paying. Seriously, 好心人! 好心会有好报! :)

I've saved more than $10 bucks off my total bill. I guesed the Kinokuniya cashiers were all giving him black face because the kind guy have caused them to earn lesser. lol.

So here are my loots from Kinokuniya. :)

The Rilakkuma's 10th anniversary booklet + gift and Blissful Brides magazine. 

I've bought this Rilakkuma 10th anniversary box for this Rilakkuma tote bag. It's so worth it as compare to the Rilakkuma towel. Come to think of it, I've no idea when I'll use the towel. I'll probably can't bear to use it. 

The Rilakkuma tote bag is reversible! Hence you can flip in and out to use it depending on your mood.

Okay, all the jap words which I don't understand at all. But anyway, they attached a Rilakkuma 10th anniversary magazine inside showing all the various Rilakkuma products over the 10 years. So cool! This page above is just 1 page in the magazine. 

And below is what's inside the Blissful Brides magazine. It's super heavy and comes with many free stuff. It costs $7.90! Super worth it hence I chose this. There are many others brides magazine in Kinokuniya but I guess Blissful Brides is the best choice. Afterall, it's a local magazine. 

I like the wedding journal (Most right hand booklet) which let you jot down all the details. It's printed in a way such that there's check lists inisde, budget list and many other stuffs! Super helpful for brides to be and prevent one from becoming bridezilla!

Kinokuniya is having 20% storewide sales this long weekend till 11th August for non members! For more information check it out here :)

Last Friday's dressdown #OOTD. Katelyn Classy Peplum Top by Eternity Loft. Check out my reviews here.

Jcube Eat @Taipei, Serangoon Broadway

Last friday date night, Derp and I went to Jcube to have some taiwan cuisine! Not my first time there but it's Derp first time. I've always wanted to bring him there to try the food though it's really nth fantastic but above average and the food is at affordable price.

We were planning to go for a mini wedding fair at JEM but didn't want to dine it at JEM due to the crowd. Jcube is a better choice to have dinner nowadays because it's quite deserted now. 

The various train stations in Taipei. 

Trust me, I still can't really figure it out. I was trying so hard to find Xi Men station which Derp and I stayed on our 2nd last day in Taiwan. 

Derp ordered the Spicy Braised Beef Noodles. This beef noodles had beef inside unlike the one in Taiwan's Ding Tai Fung, there's no beef inside and yet they name it spicy braised beef noodles. -_-". It's like ordering chicken rice without chicken. Anyway, the beef noodles was spicy enough for Derp's tastebud and the beef was good.

I ordered something light which is the Dan Dan Noodles. :) Simple noodles cooked with egg, prawn and bean sprouts. 

We also ordered the crispy chicken cutlet as side dish. 

I still prefer shilin/hot star chicken. This chicken is totally non spicy at all. I guess probably because they never spam their chilli powder lol. Guess those who can't take spicy food would love this but definitely not for Derp and me. 

Eat @ Taipei

Jcube #03-03

2 Jurong East Central 1

I went down with Derp to Serangoon Broadway to get his graduation robe the following day.

Initally, our plan was not to get any gown for Derp because he can just wear mine. I only wear it once 2 years ago, the condition is still damn good. But later on, We decide to take grad shoot/casual pre wedding shoot all in one shot after Derp's graduation, so no choice We got to go there to get the gown again. Thankfully a graduation robe doesn't cost much. it's around $35 bucks for the whole set. 

Cute graduation bear.

They even have graduation owls now. Quite cute what? But Derp think likewise lol. 

Now I'm looking forward to Derp's graduation that's happening next week! :) I think I'm more excited than him though he's the one graduating. The feeling of going back to see your school and those professors who taught you before, 真的是那些年! 

On a side note, I've added in the "about me" tab beside the "home" tab! Do read it if you ever am interested. I just reckon that it's necessary to add in hence I just do it up :) 

Review: 淘宝网 Taobao Loots

It's not my first time shopping on Taobao but it's my first time blogging it down! 

Just feel that there's some information to share out to my readers out there and hopefully the information is helpful to everyone especially for those who are interested to get cheap stuffs from Taobao.

I don't buy items from Taobao straight off from their website but instead, I join a spree organised by allurekingdom. She do hold monthly taobao sprees and she's a good organizer. Just sign up for her mailing list and you will be informed of her latest spree. She's well organized, efficient and keep you updated on the status or you can just check it out at her livejournal. :) So far, I've not face any problems spree-ing from her. She's a trustworthy spree organizer! :)

Anyway I mainly spree for hp casings! First of all, it's not easy to find nice and cheap casing for my blackberry casing just because it's not so commonly use in Singapore. Oh and the last few times I did spree for my blackberry casing but it just disappeared all of a sudden in my room. I can't seem to find it hence I spree for it again. I'm glad they just costs me 3 to 4 sgd. I don't feel so heart pain losing my casing.

This time round I spree for my itouch 5 casing too. Gotten the cute rilakkumas one! I've always envious those who use iphone and they can have rilakkuma casing, now I finally have mine. But I haven't try it yet. 不舍得用! 

Last but not least, bought 1 casing for Derp's HTC phone. He's reluctant to bring his new phone out until he got the casing but those selling in Singapore is just too expensive. We got it off from 淘宝 at a cheaper price. 

Everything below costs us $30 sgd. So good deal right? :) I've never spree for clothes on Taobao before but I'm always tempted to. Maybe the next time round? 

Do consider getting stuff from taobao at a cheaper price if you have the time to spare to wait for it to arrive. It usually take around 1-1.5 months till it reach my place. They basically sell all sorts of thing on their website though I must say it's not easy to navigate around the website if you can't really read chinese characters well. Honestly speaking, I usually understand 50% of it but I'm able to navigate through the website, just at a slower pace :)

Okay I'm off to the bed now, heading for another run tml evening. 1 week run twice on weekdays is really tiring and requires a lot of self discipline!