Finally went to the gym last night (Wed) after two weeks! Sigh.. busyness (also lazyness I suppose) and a flu prevented me from doing so sooner.
Didn't see any PDA couples this time round. Maybe I was quite late - I was there from 8:30-10:30pm) and for once I didn't feel castrophobic. And I felt good after exercises. Indeed I should make an effort to go more regularly ie. twice a week.
Exercise diary: (that's the reason I wrote this post so I can have a record of my exercise regime.. err.. what regime?)
1. 33 minutes on the treadmill - burnt 245 calories
2. Precore stretching
3. 20 abduction/ 20 adduction
4. 10 eagle chest press
5. 70 sit-ups on the sit-up apparatus
Oh, i am capable of writing a short post! :D
Friday, January 20, 2006
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The Shopaholics Strike Sunway!
With a newly-found shopaholic partner, I went on a shopaholic spree on Monday!
The timing was a candid coincidence for it was the premiere of a Hong Kong CNY movie `The Shopaholics' that night. In between the meet-the-media session and the movie premiere, we had more than three hours to `kill'. Don't expect us who live far off to rush back home or go back to office during peak hours and then to come back all the way again for the movie at night.
Since we were at Sunway Pyramid. Wasn't it a god-given opportunity to shop? Somemore CNY is just around the corner!
That was exactly what I had in mind already, and it happened that fellow journo Jessabell also had the same `great idea' in mind (hehe, great minds think alike). So, after the press conference and a satisfying Chinese `high tea', we both went on a shopping spree!
The timing was a candid coincidence for it was the premiere of a Hong Kong CNY movie `The Shopaholics' that night. In between the meet-the-media session and the movie premiere, we had more than three hours to `kill'. Don't expect us who live far off to rush back home or go back to office during peak hours and then to come back all the way again for the movie at night.
Since we were at Sunway Pyramid. Wasn't it a god-given opportunity to shop? Somemore CNY is just around the corner!
That was exactly what I had in mind already, and it happened that fellow journo Jessabell also had the same `great idea' in mind (hehe, great minds think alike). So, after the press conference and a satisfying Chinese `high tea', we both went on a shopping spree!
The CNY mandarin orange decor at Sunway Pyramid Concourse
It was a blessing that I had Jessabell with me, for she knew all the right shops at Sunway Pyramid as she lives in Subang! Because of its location, I had never shopped in that place per se although of course I've been there a number of times mainly for work-related stuff..
Lets see.. we started off looking at some earrings at some small kiosk-like shops which had a myriad choice of beautiful dangling earrings (yearh, I'm into that recently) at good bargain prices. I ended up buying three pairs and Jessabell bought one.
But soon, she caught up with me.. and soon, I realised that I've met my match! Here is one true swift and smart shopper! She knew all the shops with the nicest stuff and nicest prices! And when she enters a shop, she can pick up the most attractive products in the shortest time. Like me, she follows her hearts desires if the price tag is right. She ended up buying three pair of shoes - of which two pairs are of the same design but differnt colours!
Lets see..in less than three hours, among the shops we thronged and browsed through included MNG, Espirit, Miss Selfridge, U2, SEED, MCKY, Nose, Vincci, Nike, another sports shop which I don't remember the name.. and maybe a few more which we stepped foot in and out again.
Gosh, I was so `ulu'. My impression of Sunway Pyramid was something like a slightly upmarket Sungai Wang with all local fashion for the young ah-lians and ah bengs.
Finally I didn't manage to get my CNY outfit - it's not easy to find nice clothes that flatter and fit me. But I got my earrings, a stylish purple hat (yep, a hat but not the rimmed type), a gorgeous pair of shoes for formal occasions - picked up by the sharp eyes of Jessabell, a Nike water bottle, a cute owl t-shirt (my suitable mascot ;))... I think that's it.
I think Jessabell spent more than me as she also got a nice Nike bag (on discount) for her brother. Not forgetting her THREE pairs of shoes and a few other small items.
Lets see.. we started off looking at some earrings at some small kiosk-like shops which had a myriad choice of beautiful dangling earrings (yearh, I'm into that recently) at good bargain prices. I ended up buying three pairs and Jessabell bought one.
But soon, she caught up with me.. and soon, I realised that I've met my match! Here is one true swift and smart shopper! She knew all the shops with the nicest stuff and nicest prices! And when she enters a shop, she can pick up the most attractive products in the shortest time. Like me, she follows her hearts desires if the price tag is right. She ended up buying three pair of shoes - of which two pairs are of the same design but differnt colours!
Lets see..in less than three hours, among the shops we thronged and browsed through included MNG, Espirit, Miss Selfridge, U2, SEED, MCKY, Nose, Vincci, Nike, another sports shop which I don't remember the name.. and maybe a few more which we stepped foot in and out again.
Gosh, I was so `ulu'. My impression of Sunway Pyramid was something like a slightly upmarket Sungai Wang with all local fashion for the young ah-lians and ah bengs.
Finally I didn't manage to get my CNY outfit - it's not easy to find nice clothes that flatter and fit me. But I got my earrings, a stylish purple hat (yep, a hat but not the rimmed type), a gorgeous pair of shoes for formal occasions - picked up by the sharp eyes of Jessabell, a Nike water bottle, a cute owl t-shirt (my suitable mascot ;))... I think that's it.
I think Jessabell spent more than me as she also got a nice Nike bag (on discount) for her brother. Not forgetting her THREE pairs of shoes and a few other small items.
Jessabell and me happily clutching our shopping bags while having a rest..
And guess what? we went into the cinema carrying several huge plastic bags - how appropriate for the movie theme! But of course our so-called shopaholism pales in comparsion to Cecilia Cheung's chronic shopaholic syndrome in the movie. It is quite scary actually..
I would recommend anyone - especially shopaholics - who wants a good laugh to go watch it. It's creative, simply fun and hilarious though quite over-the-top (like most HK comedies) Read more about it in my article in MM on Thursday! :p
So it was a fruitful and satisfying shopaholic experience (but of course we did exercise restrains or else the things we bought would be much more!) It was fun shopping with Jessabell the `shopping sifu', and we agree that we would do it again next time when we have nice assignments like this!
A (Mini) Make-Over
Disclaimer: a `narcissist' post' . Be forewarned!!
My hair was getting on my nerves... ever since I daringly went to an unknown new (but slightly cheaper) hair stylist who exuded much confidence in making my hair nicer; but his heavy layered cut made it more frizzy and big!
My hair was getting on my nerves... ever since I daringly went to an unknown new (but slightly cheaper) hair stylist who exuded much confidence in making my hair nicer; but his heavy layered cut made it more frizzy and big!
Many people noticed and commented.. :( So just two weeks after a haircut, I decided to go for another hair cut at my trusted hair-stylist, Grace Salon.
On Saturday noon itself, I made a drastic decision to have a total re-style and to chop off at least 4-5 inches of hair. It took me about two years to reach that length.
But no regrets. The result was more than satisfactory. I felt much lighter and trendier. ;)
BEFORE
AFTER
The next day - Sunday - since I had the afternoon free, I went for a pedicure session. The foot treatment itself took a much longer time than colour application. As CNY is not far away, I decided to be `bold' and go with the festive colour (I usually stay away from red varnish) I also got nail art done on the big toes-! Had tried twice before and loved it! :D
Toe Nails Make-Over
Monday, January 16, 2006
Today - the two Js' `Day of Fame'
Wow, time flies. It's January 16th already and it's the two Js turn to be featured on `The Malaysia's first 365-day Dog Calendar'! The calendar has been making its sales - for a good cause of helping to minimise unwanted pets - around the Klang Valley the last two months. So, the many dogs lovers who have a copy of this calendar would have Jojo and Jelly staring at them on their desk for about 24 hours or so.
Yep, the two Js are calendar pets for the day in Malaysia! Hehe! D
Thursday, January 12, 2006
*Sniff! Sniff! Cough! Cough!* - And Some News...
Yeah, the title said it all. I have been ill..and still am. First it was slight sore-throat, which developed into a bad cold. And now as the cold is finally going away, the throat got irritated and itchy, and I am now coughing away quite badly. The voice has changed a bit too.. :(
Ok, enough of my illness.. I went back to work today after resting at home yesterday with M.C. The first news that greeted me was that I've missed a `compulsory briefing' from our CEO and GEIC (group-editor-in-chief).
Oops! I heard about the meeting on Monday but have just totally forgotten about it! Anyway, since almost everyone was talking about it at 2pm, I found a trusted colleague and got more info from her. Yeah, it is about the Malay Mail's future. And if you want to know, it is been updated in Jeff Ooi's post , an interesting blog that serves as a political and media watchdog that NSTP server has barred.
Being in the entertainment desk, guess I'm not really affected by this change since what the `new Malay Mail' will focus on is entertainment and sports. But I'm not so keen on the idea of a newspaper for the 15-29 age group. How much is it going to be different from others existing entertainment/sports publication targetted at the young market?
It is kinda sad too.. Only recently our desk (Buzz/Entertainment) has an internal revamp and things are looking more bright as more articles from us reporters have been churned out rather than using foreign wire features. We have been working well as a team and in the latest appraisal, my ed even verbally said he would recommend me for a promotion. But now... with this massive change in management a totally new `revamp' to the paper, I really don't know what is going to happen..
One thing we - employees of NSTP - can all do is to apply for the VSS (Voluntary Separation Scheme) which the company is offering. But then, like the same situation about two years ago, only very few who applied actually got it because the bosses already had a list of the people they wanted to `get rid of'. This time, rumours said that it's gonna be senior staff (read: editors and higher-ranking editorial staff) that will be welcomed to leave.
Personally I am more keen to be offered the VSS than to work with this new, young, entertainment and sports newspaper. Also, now that MM is going to be a company by itself, if the `new paper' doesn't do well, there is every chance for it to be sold out or be folded. The security just aint there..
To think of it, it's probably worth it (monetary wise) to go as I would have been in the company for more than 11 1/2 years come end of April. Gosh, it is that LONG already. May be it IS about time to move on....
You know, it has been a dream at the back of my mind these few years to go to study in a seminary (in Malaysia, not overseas) In fact that was what I had in mind when I applied for the previous VSS. But then I didn't get it so the `dream' was put on hold...
Now, it looks like another chance is at hand.. And to be honest, I always wonder how long I would want to continue the fun but frivolous career of an entertainment journo.
Whatever it is, I know I have to seek God's direction first. I need to pray hard on what He wants me to do in life now that this whole thing is coming up...But I would not worry or fret, and just leave everything into His mighty hands.
Do pray with me too...
Ok, enough of my illness.. I went back to work today after resting at home yesterday with M.C. The first news that greeted me was that I've missed a `compulsory briefing' from our CEO and GEIC (group-editor-in-chief).
Oops! I heard about the meeting on Monday but have just totally forgotten about it! Anyway, since almost everyone was talking about it at 2pm, I found a trusted colleague and got more info from her. Yeah, it is about the Malay Mail's future. And if you want to know, it is been updated in Jeff Ooi's post , an interesting blog that serves as a political and media watchdog that NSTP server has barred.
Being in the entertainment desk, guess I'm not really affected by this change since what the `new Malay Mail' will focus on is entertainment and sports. But I'm not so keen on the idea of a newspaper for the 15-29 age group. How much is it going to be different from others existing entertainment/sports publication targetted at the young market?
It is kinda sad too.. Only recently our desk (Buzz/Entertainment) has an internal revamp and things are looking more bright as more articles from us reporters have been churned out rather than using foreign wire features. We have been working well as a team and in the latest appraisal, my ed even verbally said he would recommend me for a promotion. But now... with this massive change in management a totally new `revamp' to the paper, I really don't know what is going to happen..
One thing we - employees of NSTP - can all do is to apply for the VSS (Voluntary Separation Scheme) which the company is offering. But then, like the same situation about two years ago, only very few who applied actually got it because the bosses already had a list of the people they wanted to `get rid of'. This time, rumours said that it's gonna be senior staff (read: editors and higher-ranking editorial staff) that will be welcomed to leave.
Personally I am more keen to be offered the VSS than to work with this new, young, entertainment and sports newspaper. Also, now that MM is going to be a company by itself, if the `new paper' doesn't do well, there is every chance for it to be sold out or be folded. The security just aint there..
To think of it, it's probably worth it (monetary wise) to go as I would have been in the company for more than 11 1/2 years come end of April. Gosh, it is that LONG already. May be it IS about time to move on....
You know, it has been a dream at the back of my mind these few years to go to study in a seminary (in Malaysia, not overseas) In fact that was what I had in mind when I applied for the previous VSS. But then I didn't get it so the `dream' was put on hold...
Now, it looks like another chance is at hand.. And to be honest, I always wonder how long I would want to continue the fun but frivolous career of an entertainment journo.
Whatever it is, I know I have to seek God's direction first. I need to pray hard on what He wants me to do in life now that this whole thing is coming up...But I would not worry or fret, and just leave everything into His mighty hands.
Do pray with me too...
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Gotta Curb My COBS
In case you're wondering, COBS is the acronymn for `Critical Owl-ish Behaviour Syndrome' - a term I just made up to describe my now worsening habit of sleeping late.By late I don't mean 1am or 2am. No, not even 3am. I have been sleeping no earlier than 4am everyday for the past five nights!!
Why? I don't know. Not that I've been out painting the town red until the wee hours of the morning. So, what do I do? Errr... mostly in front of the computer - checking emails, reading blogs, just generally surfing the web. I would shower at 3am and then read the papers before calling it a night.
Ok, I am quite lucky in that I can actually walk into office after lunch if there is no early assignment. May be that liberty of flexi-hours at work had spoil me in my lifestyle and discipline especially when it comes to the sleeping hours.
And somehow, I love the quiet wee hours of the morning when the whole neighbourhood is asleep and only me and my two Js are awake. Yeah, my poor dogs are now nocturnal creatures (like their mommy), especially Jelly which gets put to sleep in her crate only at 3am. Jojo too, would be awake to play with me or get fed with treats sometime near 3am.
Fun? well, not really... today I think I am feeling the toll of it... (sounds like de javu as I've blogged about this before some time last year) Today is a public holiday and I decided to give myself a break as I have completed two deadlines yesterday. So I took it easy. Decided to just accompany dad to do some furniture and electrical items shopping (or more like browsing) but by the time we got home at five something, I felt really unwell... tired and worse of all, my runny nose was getting from bad to worse.
I planned to take the two Js for a walk but couldn't even do but luckily my dad took Jojo and i asked my maid to take Jelly. Sigh..
Although sleeping earlier was not stated under my New Year R&R (reflections and resolutions) but it falls under the `SPG challenge' - ie. having self-control and not over indulge in whatever I do.
In this case, letting the COBS set in and living a `noctunal lifestyle'.
I decided that I will go to sleep latest by midnight tonight, and get up at 9:15am to get ready to watch the press preview of Memoirs of the Geisha. (update: didn't get to go as didn't feel well at all in the morning... though I slept before 1am. Finally slept again till 1pm!)
I actually sacrificed Oliver Twist yesterday morning because I simply could not wake up so early when I went to be at 4am. And I really wanted to go and planned to sleep by 2am at least however, I just didn't manage, somehow...
Gosh, before this COBS becomes ingrained in me (it is almost there!) I have to curb it....!!
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Some uncertainties, some exciting times ahead..
It's just the first working week and I'm already swamped with assignments and deadlines!!
No kidding.. I have like four stories to complete between now and Tuesday or so.. and more to come. Take last night's `The 3rd Generation', billed as Malaysia's first art film in Cantonese. Gosh, it was a LONG assignment - from exclusive interviews to movie premiere and the latest press conference I've been to at 11:45pm. Ended up coming home at 2am because I had rush back to office after that and do a newstory as well and they didn't even credit me. :(
It's weekend but there will be no rest. Another busy one that is filled with social commitments and work assignments. Looks like this will be the order of the day till CNY.
However, just now I had a meaningful time at the CCF thanksgiving night.. its our annual combined meeting for fellowship and yes, thanksgiving to God - where we had some dinner, worship, some sharings and prayer together. It was good to see the gathering of many of members and new friends - it was a time to reflect what the past year has been, renew resolutions for the new year and above all to be reminded of God's faithfulness in ourlives.
From the sharings, looks like many people are convicted to have a fresh start this year, and to be convicted of a closer walk with the Lord in the year to come.
On a more serious note, our newspaper is now facing a lot of uncertainties. The rife rumours that we had been hearing on MM being sold to another media group now looks mostly a fact, even half-confirmed by the GEIC (group editor in chief) But what I just heard today was the paper might be shut down and some editorial staff will be absorbed into NST while others might face VSS (voluntary separation scheme) options.
But the thing is no one knows what is happening, even most editors are kept in the dark and there are many speculations. There are various reacitons ranging from defiant to anxiety to nonchalant. Just signed a petition campaign against the `sell-out' mooted by some NUJ (National Union of Journalists) committe.
However, like one colleague put it, we should just continue to do our job and no point getting worried over something we can't do anything about. Guess i should be praying about this and commit my future career to God, although I normally don't pray that much over my work situation...
On a happier note, I am simply thrilled and excited that I am planning to go on a trip with World Vision to visit my sponsored child in Yunnan, China. Ever since adopting the boy about six years ago, it has been my `secret wish' to meet him one day. We have been communicating at least once a year and it was a joy to see him grow physically from a small, wimpy looking four year old to a tall, strong 10-year-old boy.
So, when I received an email today saying that WV child-sponsoring group is organising a five-day`sponsor trip' to theYunnan Yunsheng project area in March, I knew I definitely want to go! I was planning to travel in that month anyway, thinking of going to Hong Kong to see my niece but since they will be back for Easter, it is like God giving me the opportunity to go to see my sponsored child Zhang Jian and the visit the community he lives in! It would be a great experience and an enriching trip.
I did enquire further and to my relief, unlike the rough travel condition of some mission trips, we will be put up in decent hotel but the only thing was we need do quite a bit of walking. Mom is keen to come and she was the one who first suggested we should go visit Zhang Jian one day. However, I don't know whether she could cope with the physical demand of the trip. We'll see but I'm definitely on! :)
Before I sign off, just a little update on the Js. They have been more active today since thier `gong gong' and `por por' are home. And tomororw, they will be going for their first `dental appointment' finally - as the vet has been busy.
Yeah, since birth, this mommy has neglected their oral hygiene! The two Js have never gone for teeth cleaning so now they have tar on their teeth that need to be removed. They will have be put under anaesthesia and they need to miss their main meal in the morning. So just now I fed them and they seemed hungry. Hope the procedure will go smoothly.
Time to hit the sack to get ready for more busy (and exciting) days ahead....
No kidding.. I have like four stories to complete between now and Tuesday or so.. and more to come. Take last night's `The 3rd Generation', billed as Malaysia's first art film in Cantonese. Gosh, it was a LONG assignment - from exclusive interviews to movie premiere and the latest press conference I've been to at 11:45pm. Ended up coming home at 2am because I had rush back to office after that and do a newstory as well and they didn't even credit me. :(
It's weekend but there will be no rest. Another busy one that is filled with social commitments and work assignments. Looks like this will be the order of the day till CNY.
However, just now I had a meaningful time at the CCF thanksgiving night.. its our annual combined meeting for fellowship and yes, thanksgiving to God - where we had some dinner, worship, some sharings and prayer together. It was good to see the gathering of many of members and new friends - it was a time to reflect what the past year has been, renew resolutions for the new year and above all to be reminded of God's faithfulness in ourlives.
From the sharings, looks like many people are convicted to have a fresh start this year, and to be convicted of a closer walk with the Lord in the year to come.
On a more serious note, our newspaper is now facing a lot of uncertainties. The rife rumours that we had been hearing on MM being sold to another media group now looks mostly a fact, even half-confirmed by the GEIC (group editor in chief) But what I just heard today was the paper might be shut down and some editorial staff will be absorbed into NST while others might face VSS (voluntary separation scheme) options.
But the thing is no one knows what is happening, even most editors are kept in the dark and there are many speculations. There are various reacitons ranging from defiant to anxiety to nonchalant. Just signed a petition campaign against the `sell-out' mooted by some NUJ (National Union of Journalists) committe.
However, like one colleague put it, we should just continue to do our job and no point getting worried over something we can't do anything about. Guess i should be praying about this and commit my future career to God, although I normally don't pray that much over my work situation...
On a happier note, I am simply thrilled and excited that I am planning to go on a trip with World Vision to visit my sponsored child in Yunnan, China. Ever since adopting the boy about six years ago, it has been my `secret wish' to meet him one day. We have been communicating at least once a year and it was a joy to see him grow physically from a small, wimpy looking four year old to a tall, strong 10-year-old boy.
So, when I received an email today saying that WV child-sponsoring group is organising a five-day`sponsor trip' to theYunnan Yunsheng project area in March, I knew I definitely want to go! I was planning to travel in that month anyway, thinking of going to Hong Kong to see my niece but since they will be back for Easter, it is like God giving me the opportunity to go to see my sponsored child Zhang Jian and the visit the community he lives in! It would be a great experience and an enriching trip.
I did enquire further and to my relief, unlike the rough travel condition of some mission trips, we will be put up in decent hotel but the only thing was we need do quite a bit of walking. Mom is keen to come and she was the one who first suggested we should go visit Zhang Jian one day. However, I don't know whether she could cope with the physical demand of the trip. We'll see but I'm definitely on! :)
Before I sign off, just a little update on the Js. They have been more active today since thier `gong gong' and `por por' are home. And tomororw, they will be going for their first `dental appointment' finally - as the vet has been busy.
Yeah, since birth, this mommy has neglected their oral hygiene! The two Js have never gone for teeth cleaning so now they have tar on their teeth that need to be removed. They will have be put under anaesthesia and they need to miss their main meal in the morning. So just now I fed them and they seemed hungry. Hope the procedure will go smoothly.
Time to hit the sack to get ready for more busy (and exciting) days ahead....
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Gym-courting?
Went to gym after work today and had a pretty good workout. Hadn't been there for more than a month and half expected the large numbers of members there in the late evening.
Yes, with the fitness center boom that KL is experiencing, now gyms are the hip place for the young and happening. When I started joining gym two years ago and it was still Sweat Club, the people exercising there mainly were there by themselves and all just minded their own business doing one thing - working out .
Sometime last year, Sweat Club Mid Valley Megamall had been bought over and now it has evolved and and been `upgraded' to what's called California Fitness Jackie Chan Sport. Not only it has a total face lift in its facade and facilities, but the demography of its members have changed dramatically. With a huge recruitment drive, now, the club is filled with many younger members, at least half or more I dare say are Chinese educated - I was hearing many Mandarin and Cantonese. And they always come with friends - Girl-girl, guy-guy, a girl-guy group AND also.. couples!
Not that I have anything against couples joining gym together. But today, in just that 40 minutes or so when I was working out on the bike and treadmill machines, I was kinda taken aback when I saw some PDA* going on in the exercising area!
Ok, before your imagination runs wild.. what I saw were these:
1. A girl - a SYT* - walking up the stairs and then a guy was running after her. She turned, smile and the guy grabbed her waist from behind and they held each other for about five seconds before walking up the stairs hand-in-hand.
2. A young couple, walking hand-in-hand, leaning closely to each other as they giggled and walked towards the cardio exercise area before choosing two machines next to each other.
The scenes just happened in front of my eyes when I was stuck on a machine, not that I wanted to be a KPC*. It was obvious that there many other couples aroud too but most more discreet in the PDA part.
What does this mean? Well, looks like the gym could be the latest `hang-out' place for young couples to `pak tor', in addition to the normal haunts like shopping centre, cinema, fast food joints..
I also observed another trend. May be I'm slow but my fitness centre is really becoming a place for social gatherings! Many of these young people especially the girls were hardly exercising. They spent lots of time chatting with one another, strolling and just sitting around. They they tried out some cardio or weight-training machines but the way they did it was so leisurely and only for a short while... All the time with their make-up (for girls) and hair in place and hardly a drop of sweat!
Is this just the trend of a Hong-Ki fitness club in KL I wonder? What about the others like Fitness First, True Fitness, Clark Hatch and others? If you're a gym-mer, let me know for I'm curious.
I still miss my `old gym', where members went there with only ONE mission in mind and not definitely not to pak-tor or catch up with friends..
Anyway, will do a chipmunkrock today and may be if I perservere, I will continue with a exercise account on my blog..
Exercise today:
20 minutes on the exercise bike
25 minutes on the threadmill
stretching on Precore
60 sit-ups on the sit-up apparatus.
Total calorie burned: 275 (from cardio machines)
Glossary:
*PDA = not your Palm, but public display of affection (if u don't already know that)
*SYT = sweet young thing (normally refer to nubile, pretty girls in their teens or early 20s)
*KPC = Kepochi, meaning busy-body in a Chinese dialect
Yes, with the fitness center boom that KL is experiencing, now gyms are the hip place for the young and happening. When I started joining gym two years ago and it was still Sweat Club, the people exercising there mainly were there by themselves and all just minded their own business doing one thing - working out .
Sometime last year, Sweat Club Mid Valley Megamall had been bought over and now it has evolved and and been `upgraded' to what's called California Fitness Jackie Chan Sport. Not only it has a total face lift in its facade and facilities, but the demography of its members have changed dramatically. With a huge recruitment drive, now, the club is filled with many younger members, at least half or more I dare say are Chinese educated - I was hearing many Mandarin and Cantonese. And they always come with friends - Girl-girl, guy-guy, a girl-guy group AND also.. couples!
Not that I have anything against couples joining gym together. But today, in just that 40 minutes or so when I was working out on the bike and treadmill machines, I was kinda taken aback when I saw some PDA* going on in the exercising area!
Ok, before your imagination runs wild.. what I saw were these:
1. A girl - a SYT* - walking up the stairs and then a guy was running after her. She turned, smile and the guy grabbed her waist from behind and they held each other for about five seconds before walking up the stairs hand-in-hand.
2. A young couple, walking hand-in-hand, leaning closely to each other as they giggled and walked towards the cardio exercise area before choosing two machines next to each other.
The scenes just happened in front of my eyes when I was stuck on a machine, not that I wanted to be a KPC*. It was obvious that there many other couples aroud too but most more discreet in the PDA part.
What does this mean? Well, looks like the gym could be the latest `hang-out' place for young couples to `pak tor', in addition to the normal haunts like shopping centre, cinema, fast food joints..
I also observed another trend. May be I'm slow but my fitness centre is really becoming a place for social gatherings! Many of these young people especially the girls were hardly exercising. They spent lots of time chatting with one another, strolling and just sitting around. They they tried out some cardio or weight-training machines but the way they did it was so leisurely and only for a short while... All the time with their make-up (for girls) and hair in place and hardly a drop of sweat!
Is this just the trend of a Hong-Ki fitness club in KL I wonder? What about the others like Fitness First, True Fitness, Clark Hatch and others? If you're a gym-mer, let me know for I'm curious.
I still miss my `old gym', where members went there with only ONE mission in mind and not definitely not to pak-tor or catch up with friends..
Anyway, will do a chipmunkrock today and may be if I perservere, I will continue with a exercise account on my blog..
Exercise today:
20 minutes on the exercise bike
25 minutes on the threadmill
stretching on Precore
60 sit-ups on the sit-up apparatus.
Total calorie burned: 275 (from cardio machines)
Glossary:
*PDA = not your Palm, but public display of affection (if u don't already know that)
*SYT = sweet young thing (normally refer to nubile, pretty girls in their teens or early 20s)
*KPC = Kepochi, meaning busy-body in a Chinese dialect
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Porkfest, Dirty Santa and a `Hamsap' Jojo!
January 3rd - Today's the day when most of us including me will start work again except some lucky ones with extended leave (like my sis' family having their holidays in Japan..!)
Before the mundane begins... glad that I had another wonderful day - thanks to the replacement new year holiday. Our BS group had a `makan' outing to Klang - what else but for its famous bak kut teh! It was also dubbed `Cheryl's Going Away Porkfest' as it is a farewell meal with one of our dear members who has been posted to Sarawak for her teaching job.
We met at Tzu Anne's place and then car-pool up the highway while Cheryl& Yen, and the `hosts' Mark and Elaine waited for us at the toll and brought us to a bustling coffee shop called Lai Chun (which is just near Klang Parade) Because there were 14 of us, so we had to wait a while for tables and our patience paid off as finally got three square tables on the pavement - which was a relief as most people were sitting on the road which was wet with puddles.
Standing around waiting for tables (and giving pressure to the diners) and then finally got places to sit down and.. let the feast begin!
The tea came first then soon the rice and the piping hot pork ribs in herbal soups arrived. Almost all of us - besides Mark and Elaine - tasted DRY bak kut teh for the first time! It was really yummy, in fact I think it was nicer than the soup one. But of course I still loved drinking the hearty herbal soup and the Klang one is normally thicker than those you find in KL. Carmen and I who share a bowl ended up having many refills!
What we had: the soup based bak kut teh (top) and the dry type
After a satisfied meal (the only regret for me was the restaurant ran out of intestines!) we made our way back to T.A.'s house and proceeded with dessert! Ice cream to go with our host's homemade `accidental' spice cake - which has a rich chocolate flavour. It was a novelty to me, tasted quite nice actually. The baker was honest and said it was NOT meant to be like that cos she accidentally put spice in instead of cocoa power. Well, T.A. I think u have just created a new cake recipe that might work.. ;)
Then we had the `Dirty Santa game'. It is a bit complicated to explain in detail the technicalities, but basically it is a gift exchange with a difference - a greedy and `dirty' streak. All the gifts are placed on the table and each person has a choice to take a gift or take some one else's already opened gift if it catches his/her fancy. Then the person without a gift can choose again or grab another person's gift. So, several `hot' items went round a few times before a person finally `retires' after owning it for three times.
It was pretty fun.. and I was happy to get (literally) a picture book entitled `Where Dogs Dream' that Pat bought from London. :)
Some of us stayed back to watch a vcd - `13 going on to 30' before calling it a day and bid farewell to our dear sister.. :(
I wanted to take a nap when I got home but Jelly won't let me to - kept jumping on my bed! So I decided to spend some time playing with the two Js. Trying to get some good photos of them in the garden but ended up snapping many shots in their wrestling and tussling sessions again.
First, it is over a mulled-up soft toy....
Then, it is fighting over a piece of dried leaf!
Later.. the two gets even more rough..
As the weather was fine, even grandma came out to the front garden and sat at the garden chair. The two Js, normally would just leave grandma alone, decided to be `friendly' with her as she happened to be in their territory. Poor granny was terrorised by Jojo's sudden over passionate reception! I didn't keep Jojo away cause I know he is harmless but she kept saying that a male dog is always sooo `hamsap'!
Well, actually I was too busy snapping pictures and they turned up so candid and funny that I think it would be a waste not to post them here! LOL!
Jojo trying to kiss granny!
Then he just jumps on her and Jelly looks away....
Finally Jojo decides to just sit next to granny, who now looks relief
Before the mundane begins... glad that I had another wonderful day - thanks to the replacement new year holiday. Our BS group had a `makan' outing to Klang - what else but for its famous bak kut teh! It was also dubbed `Cheryl's Going Away Porkfest' as it is a farewell meal with one of our dear members who has been posted to Sarawak for her teaching job.
We met at Tzu Anne's place and then car-pool up the highway while Cheryl& Yen, and the `hosts' Mark and Elaine waited for us at the toll and brought us to a bustling coffee shop called Lai Chun (which is just near Klang Parade) Because there were 14 of us, so we had to wait a while for tables and our patience paid off as finally got three square tables on the pavement - which was a relief as most people were sitting on the road which was wet with puddles.
Standing around waiting for tables (and giving pressure to the diners) and then finally got places to sit down and.. let the feast begin!
The tea came first then soon the rice and the piping hot pork ribs in herbal soups arrived. Almost all of us - besides Mark and Elaine - tasted DRY bak kut teh for the first time! It was really yummy, in fact I think it was nicer than the soup one. But of course I still loved drinking the hearty herbal soup and the Klang one is normally thicker than those you find in KL. Carmen and I who share a bowl ended up having many refills!
What we had: the soup based bak kut teh (top) and the dry type
After a satisfied meal (the only regret for me was the restaurant ran out of intestines!) we made our way back to T.A.'s house and proceeded with dessert! Ice cream to go with our host's homemade `accidental' spice cake - which has a rich chocolate flavour. It was a novelty to me, tasted quite nice actually. The baker was honest and said it was NOT meant to be like that cos she accidentally put spice in instead of cocoa power. Well, T.A. I think u have just created a new cake recipe that might work.. ;)
Then we had the `Dirty Santa game'. It is a bit complicated to explain in detail the technicalities, but basically it is a gift exchange with a difference - a greedy and `dirty' streak. All the gifts are placed on the table and each person has a choice to take a gift or take some one else's already opened gift if it catches his/her fancy. Then the person without a gift can choose again or grab another person's gift. So, several `hot' items went round a few times before a person finally `retires' after owning it for three times.
It was pretty fun.. and I was happy to get (literally) a picture book entitled `Where Dogs Dream' that Pat bought from London. :)
Some of us stayed back to watch a vcd - `13 going on to 30' before calling it a day and bid farewell to our dear sister.. :(
I wanted to take a nap when I got home but Jelly won't let me to - kept jumping on my bed! So I decided to spend some time playing with the two Js. Trying to get some good photos of them in the garden but ended up snapping many shots in their wrestling and tussling sessions again.
First, it is over a mulled-up soft toy....
Then, it is fighting over a piece of dried leaf!
Later.. the two gets even more rough..
As the weather was fine, even grandma came out to the front garden and sat at the garden chair. The two Js, normally would just leave grandma alone, decided to be `friendly' with her as she happened to be in their territory. Poor granny was terrorised by Jojo's sudden over passionate reception! I didn't keep Jojo away cause I know he is harmless but she kept saying that a male dog is always sooo `hamsap'!
Well, actually I was too busy snapping pictures and they turned up so candid and funny that I think it would be a waste not to post them here! LOL!
Jojo trying to kiss granny!
Then he just jumps on her and Jelly looks away....
Finally Jojo decides to just sit next to granny, who now looks relief
Sunday, January 01, 2006
A Blissful New Year Day
I spent the first day of 2006 at home.. and how I am enjoying it! For so long... I have forgotten how nice it is sometimes just doing nothing in particular.
May be I should add to my list of NY resolutions.. That for 2006, I wish to have more `free' time, where I could have quality time of solitude, which was so lacking in 2005.
I had more than enough time today to take the two Js out for walks - one by one. I had the time for once to have a good look at my neighbourhood properly when it is not dark...and enjoy the outdoor and the breeze as me and Jojo and then Jelly took our strolls. If not because it rained again later, I would even spend some time in the balcony by mysefl..
Earlier in the day, I spent a couple of hours chit-chatting with Carmen, who slept over after watchnight service. It was something that I have not had the luxury to do with most of my friends these days... for communications are often restricted to sms, online chat or the occassional supper, lunch, post-service hanging out.
Two nights ago, I also had a heart-to-heart kinda talk with Lynn at her place and realised although we communicated frequently, there were many things in each other's life that we did not really know of. and glad we can share and encourage one another.
So, how was your new year count-down? Well, mine was done in church while I led the congregation to sing `My Tribute' as the clock turned minight and then everyone greeted one another warmly with shouts of `happy new year!'
Watchnight service was really good and meaningful, and I felt so blessed to be there although initially I felt a bit feverish in the evening but the Lord strengthened me as the service began. The encouraging testimonies and sharing from church members made it one of the best, if not THE best watchnight services I've attended. The turn out might not be as many as last year (the Tsunami special prayer night) but somehow you could feel God's Spirit was really working and He was using various individuals to speak to His church.
It was wonderful to usher in a new year amidst your brothers and sisters.. and although I was totally exhausted when I came home but my heart was filled with joy, peace and thanksgiving.
This morning, I just couldn't wake up for service.. considering the night before I slept at 3:30am and the previous day I had only 5 hours sleep.. but i felt it would be not right if I were to drag my feet to church service just because I felt obligated but when listening to Pastor's sermon I would wish I would still be in bed..
So yeah, I missed the first Sunday service of the year because I really needed the sleep, and I know God understands.. :)
But I am determined to have an `appointment' with God before I sleep tonight. I'm going to start anew with a constant devotion time for 2006.
Here's wishing one and all a blessed year ahead that's filled with love, peace and joy.
May be I should add to my list of NY resolutions.. That for 2006, I wish to have more `free' time, where I could have quality time of solitude, which was so lacking in 2005.
I had more than enough time today to take the two Js out for walks - one by one. I had the time for once to have a good look at my neighbourhood properly when it is not dark...and enjoy the outdoor and the breeze as me and Jojo and then Jelly took our strolls. If not because it rained again later, I would even spend some time in the balcony by mysefl..
Earlier in the day, I spent a couple of hours chit-chatting with Carmen, who slept over after watchnight service. It was something that I have not had the luxury to do with most of my friends these days... for communications are often restricted to sms, online chat or the occassional supper, lunch, post-service hanging out.
Two nights ago, I also had a heart-to-heart kinda talk with Lynn at her place and realised although we communicated frequently, there were many things in each other's life that we did not really know of. and glad we can share and encourage one another.
So, how was your new year count-down? Well, mine was done in church while I led the congregation to sing `My Tribute' as the clock turned minight and then everyone greeted one another warmly with shouts of `happy new year!'
Watchnight service was really good and meaningful, and I felt so blessed to be there although initially I felt a bit feverish in the evening but the Lord strengthened me as the service began. The encouraging testimonies and sharing from church members made it one of the best, if not THE best watchnight services I've attended. The turn out might not be as many as last year (the Tsunami special prayer night) but somehow you could feel God's Spirit was really working and He was using various individuals to speak to His church.
It was wonderful to usher in a new year amidst your brothers and sisters.. and although I was totally exhausted when I came home but my heart was filled with joy, peace and thanksgiving.
This morning, I just couldn't wake up for service.. considering the night before I slept at 3:30am and the previous day I had only 5 hours sleep.. but i felt it would be not right if I were to drag my feet to church service just because I felt obligated but when listening to Pastor's sermon I would wish I would still be in bed..
So yeah, I missed the first Sunday service of the year because I really needed the sleep, and I know God understands.. :)
But I am determined to have an `appointment' with God before I sleep tonight. I'm going to start anew with a constant devotion time for 2006.
Here's wishing one and all a blessed year ahead that's filled with love, peace and joy.
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