Fitness & Musing: Determination my Ass

While I was jogging last night and my feet pounded the grass, my mind started pondering what actually motivates me to do things. Determination, determination from where, what, HUH?

HAHA, fuck no. more like 'Stubbornness', 'Ego' and 'Pride'. I had a chat with myself for almost 20mins about this (in my mind of course) and the conclusion is: 

Determination probably can't exist without the interference of 'Stubborness', 'Pride' and 'Ego'. If I had it my way, I'd predefine 'Determination' as a spinoff word from 'Stubborn'. It's probably a word that was sprung up to make human deeds look like they've been fuelled by positivity instead of the words that have a taint of negativity on them. Throw in 'self-loving', 'vanity' and 'joy of being conceit' to that string of thoughts.

If determination is not the spinoff of stubbornness, then what is it? What fuels your determination?

Maybe I'm being myopic, basing this theory on myself - I have a deep-rooted suspicion mine stems from hardcore stubbornness and ego - simple true and pure (okay so maybe not suspicion persay...). As much as Procrastination is my Kong-Pao Chicken when it comes to making decisions, there've been moments where I just get things done cause of some undercurrent ego that's probably been bruised by a passing cloud. The cloud may have rained down on me and floated away, but leaving behind an uncovered area where the sun shines brightly down on a very soaked me like a freaking spotlight in mockery, very disturbingly-so.

Case-in-Example: When I was a teen, my sister-in-law bet that I wouldn't be able to wake up early and go for a jog. (Okay, in retrospect she may have been trying to help me get my feet moving and prep for cross country.) The next morning I was up, out and back in a glistering shimmer of sweat (cause my metabolic rate is just shit-bad) even before my sister-in-law had her morning cuppa coffee.  

I indulge in the 'feel-good' theory that comes once things are done - which should be a good thing. So all hail my stubbornness, atleast for the 'right' causes.

Okay, maybe not that hardcore stubborn till I'm all purple-faced? Image doesn't belong to me, cool it.

Now, I'm on a stubborn pursuit of that toned Bod (yes, fuelled even more so cause of something someone said almost a month back). After some major damages from "Damnit Smurfcity Diwali", mainly from Mama's cooking - I am back on track and re-configuring my body clock.

Next up: 

• Illumi Run on 7th Dec with +Antoinette Patterson, +Hari Kumar , +anu parasuraman +Thulasi Mahadevan and a couple of others who have yet to make their astounding presence known.
• Diving
• Cycling --> Biking
• Dancing

Hang on, have gym tmr at 8am - Bodycombat they say. 

Oh joy, the pleasures of mental self-mutilation. 

Celebrations: Diwali 2013 with the Family

And so for the first time since the being in the industry, I've taken leave to spend time at home and help out at home for the festivities, include the weekend and office closure on Monday = 5-freaking-days. Kinda feeling all grown-up.

Little did I know how "Nazi" I'd get this year.

While my sister-in-law, very graciously-so, kick-started this... tradition of buying new clothings together for the family last year, I went ape-shit nuts and got my nephew, niece and myself clothes to be tailored from 2 Saris (bought by my mum and aunt for me). Got similar coloured Saris for Sis-in-law, Aunt and Mum. Dad's got a new shirt and Brother's weaselled out of it claiming he's got enough of blue shirts and no way he's wearing a traditional top....well, it'll probably take me another 10years before I can make a miracle like that to happen...I just have to keep trying with him. It's Family, you keep trying and never give up.

My nephew though, whole other universe of class and style. That boy (although he dragged his foot initially) instructed the tailor on what he wanted and I went in to rescue the collar and neckline cutting. My boy's got style yo! My niece was also reluctant to wear a skirt & top set, that pretty girl is a crossbreed of tomboy and sibeh-feminine-girl, but she's in love with her tailored set as well (think she knows she doesn't have much choice). It's taken me a total of 5 trips to Little India, which I very affectionately call "The Black Hole" (not-so-private joke), this is more than a couple of past years accumulated, but this family's been in need for some festivities spirit. I LIKE!

"We going to smurf it out this year!" Replacing the my white scarf with Gold.

Today was the first day I've been home. Mum actually let me sleep in till noon (yay!) and then this hot-piece of demoness arose only to start 'barking orders': THROW, CLEAR and CLEAN the damn house. I've been 'bullying' my Dad getting him to clean the windows at the very least and shoved all his stuff scattered around the hall into his room. Made Pineapple tarts with Momma and discarded heaps of hers and Dad's magazines, 2 tables and I'm going to rid of a couple of things without them knowing, they probably didn't even realise they have it. HOARDERS, they are!

Tomorrow's got painting walls, mope & sweep floors, help Mum clean her shit from the room and her atrocious kitchen (it's a very nice and big one but dear lord...), harp at Dad (for fun atleast) and my precious room to be tidied. Already have 3-4 large bags of clothes to be given away as well!

SPRING CLEANING rule of thumb: If you haven't used it in a year, throw it away! You can always buy a new version if you ever need it.

Looking forward to tmr night for some winding down over wine with Mum & Aunt and then... Saturday (Diwali)!!

Fitness: OneFC - A very different Friday

[I'm actually waiting for a file to upload onto Dropbox for work right now, 25mins to go.]

Friday, 18th Oct 2013 was the first time I've ever been to a live fight championship! Thanks to a good girlfriend Abigail, who is apparently taking up BJJ (Brazilian Jujitsu) and her gymmate snagged some seats for us. I've only watched WWF (previously known as) and Fight Club etc onscreen movies, atleast that was it for me for professional matches.

Initially it was pretty hilarious as we were supposed to be on the sidelines of the entrance walkway of these fighters into the arena to cheer them on and reach out for the Hi-5 etc. After the warmer-up 3x rounds (which were all won by our locals and one of them being Abigail & Co.'s buddy  - GO SINGAPORE!!!!!), we went for a toilet break and never returned to that specific location. 

Alot of jargons, all not that alien cause some of my friends do talk my ears off about these and a series of human battles. The sounds of skin hitting skin, the crowds shouting/boo-ing/cheering on their favourite contenders, THAT hyper alert voice of the announcer, not-so-hot Ring Girls (according to Gail), a good ice-cold beer (A, one only k) and some popcorns made the night interesting to be in and part of. 

At the ONE Fighting Championship, Fri, 18th Oct 2013, Indoor Stadium Singapore

The reigning Champion from last year is only 21 and someone behind us comment "If in Singapore, need to serve NS!" which rendered a couple of snickers from us. Abigail's pal Juan Wen Jie won the Catchweight round, wee! Alot of the fights were interesting and kept us on the edge! The initial 2 matches had clearcut winners but subsequently it was all about technics and things-i-can't-remember-at-2.50am. How Shannon knocked out Mitch in the Featherweight challenge was awe-inspiring, how Sylvain turned the table of Jake in the light heavy weight round and flexed his puppies when he won was just showmanship. The Middle Weight and Featherweight rounds were the best! The contenders were in an all-out battle against each other but charmingly had respect for their opponents (although Japan's Aoki got hit in the groin). 

We left during the first round of the final match, pretty much all of us were yawning or running on reserve energy. Couldn't help but notice how when western was pit against Asians, the Asians gladly walked away with the win... hmm!! YAY! 

Of course being around all those toned people - NEED TO GO GYM!!

For more details, go here: http://www.onefc.livesport.tv/home

Music: Melodies of the Night & Obsessions of the Mind

Music has always has been something I turn to... for everything actually, unless I desired absolute silence and go into "coma" phase therein shutting the world out (yes it happens!!)

And when I like a song - it's on repeat for a couple of hours or days... weeks sometimes. An ex-colleague, CK, used to complain and bitch (AIYOOO!! NOT AGAIN!!!) when I had Adele's "Let the Sky Fall" (OST of James Bond version) on repeat while trying to "let them hear" the difference when songs have full orchestra instead of studio sounds. He even started to hate one of the songs he liked (okay I'll admit I was being obnoxious for that one).

This mind always seeks the sweet symphony of classics and melodies to calm it down. It also tunnels its way into the language and race I was born into - Tamil. 

Somehow, the impact of these songs are always atleast two-folds more... the lyrics, the way the words are carefully spilled and so inline with the melodies, the tune that wraps one in a warm embrace keeps you safe...  just breath-taking and magical. Makes you feel like floating sometimes. Oh, never try to do a direct translate of them! It's the beauty of the language (or maybe I'm bias). There's only 1 song that's made me cry and it's in Tamil, they've made me get goosebumps and feel like I've lost the "love of my life". 

I melt like warmed butter under the influence of the right music, or feel heartache/shatter or in some cases - dance like a crazy crackwhore. I'm that lunatic that suddenly smiles and eyes start twinkling when the right song is playing. You might also notice how my legs will be twitching or strained until I find a corner to do a simple twirl, sway, spread my arms and feel the wind. Can't help it!

In the sweet recess of tonight and the absence of other humans, my current wave pleasure comes from the harmony by a rising (at a very rapid pace) composer, the lyrics are minimal yet impactful and sung in the most soothing and soft manner, yet strong and with open vocals at the some points. The starting is really sexy - makes you want to stretch out and just wait to receive the song... A perfect calming blend to soothe thee mind. Erm, but the song is about getting your dreams "dissolved"...

Tadah - Kanavae Kanavae from Tamil movie titled David (it has a "killer" soundtrack btw) and this movie has an assortment of artists collaborating which is not the norm for this specific industry. This one: the music is and sung by Anirudh Ravichander and written by Mohan Raj. This track was used in bits - more of a background score, only amplified at certain points when needed. Anirudh... he's done yet another spectacular job and captured the essence required for a soft, subtle shattering track. No idea how to explain nor elaborate, it's just brilliant. 

Ah.. I love it!

Here's the track against a fanmade video hosted on YouTube:

Other songs I've had on repeat this month:

• Counting Stars by OneRepublic
• Bedroom Hymns by Florence + The Machine (OST of Gatsby version)
• Sail by Awolnation
• All Star by Smash Mouth (hahahaa classic?)

Going to pack up from office and head home... to dream.

TGIF!

Fitness: 5am Sunday toward Marathon Mayhem (& family/friends/work)

So for the first time this year (I think.. i think..), had to wake up at 5am to get my cranky ass on it's way to my first official 10.5km (1/4 marathon) at ECP, Singapore - Tri-Factor by Pokka Sportswater. But honestly snoozed and rolled out at 5.45am but was still on time to meet with the cousin by 6.50am at the Big Splash. (of course, picked Thuls on the way and we cabbed down).

WHY?!

• Initially, was supposed to be done with a good friend who was in town for 3months and her #hottestmaleever cousin. And then the PSI skyrocketed and we find ourselves fast-forwarding to Oct when Mona (said friend) is back in Aussie & transferred her race pack to her Sis. 
• I have honestly been wanting to do this for awhile to check on my stamina (cause the usual jogs only go for 5km+/-,and between Zumba and bellydancing only god knows what's going on with my fitness right now).
• Well, her cousin is really hot ;) I kid. 

The racepack did have the information we needed but up till Sat night 11pm me and Thuls were "where?", "what time?" mode. Racepack also included 2x Sportswater cans, sunscreen for FACE only, energy sachet from their sponsors, a voucher and of course the raceshirt. 

Pretty surprise we even made it and completed the rack in 1 piece. Interesting, I wouldn't mind doing it again but the registrations for a few lined up this year are already closed. (*Fingers crossed for Electric Run*) I'm waiting for the aching to begin but we'll see. Also waiting for the photos to be up on their website: http://trifactor.sg/

Here's some snippets till then:

I got home at 11am (which is usually the time I actually wake up during weekends), followed up with abit of work, did my laundry, went for "marketing" with mummy dearest and went out to catch GRAVITY with a couple of friends (old and new). Had a quick dinner at Wine Connection, Cuppage (one of my favourite hunts) and was home by 10pm. Upon which I had to settle some work things ;)

So after a busy weekend (took my cousin-in-law out on Sat!), here's to a relative early night and a strong week ahead with work & play! Looking forward to Tues and Wed where dinner plans have been lined up, yosh!

Happy October & into the 3rd Quater of 2013~ 

Celebrations: 26th Birthday Cheer (Prepping for tonight's indulgence!)

So it's happening tonight and it's 11.45am already!!

Seems like the worst weekend to celebrate with work running in the back on my mind non-stop. Today will be the sum of all evil as I'll be trying to accomplish the following before 7.30pm:

• Find, select, match and buy clothes to wear for tonight (hurhurhur)
• Pit-stop at Sephora to purchase the very much needed Bare Minerals loose powder, concealer & primer from Smashbox and blush from Makeupprofessionals & collect BIRTHDAY gift :)
• Pit-stop at Plaza Singapura to take measurements of client's product. (1.45pm - 2.15pm)
• Head to Typo (Change Alley) to get party favours for 30pax 
• Reminders to all party-goers: Whatsapp spam alert!
• Get nails done (Gelish to match outfit)
• Reach home by 5pm and 
• Pack all party favours/Taboo/Chalkboard plus chalk
• Empty out digital camera, charge battery (OMFG)
• 2nd Shower, smell nice and clean inclusive of hair on head
• Make-up and dress up
• Grab Camera, props and party favours before running outta home
• Cab down, fetch Cindy and locate Aditi
• Arrive at location and handover credit card for Food.

Sit down and look pretty! Laugh, enjoy and be at complete bliss :)

Celebrations: 26th Birthday Cheer, the Prelude to Merriment

After toying with the idea to finally celebrate my birthday in a scale larger than my parent's home (21st Birthday), I finally kick-started the ball rolling with my good friend Tendy and wahlah!, on 14th Sept we picked the venue and we're celebrating ME this Saturday! 

Ain't it gorgeous? (Image doesn't belong to me, specific location will be revealed in later post.)

I'm entirely ecstatic about it as I've never really organised such a thing for myself nor celebrated with all my close pals in 1 location before. It's always been running to overseas locations or multiple dinners/lunches over a period of 2 weeks or so <-- it can get overrated and exhausting by the time you meet the last group. But OMG, planning a party for yourself isn't easy either! I rather plan a party for my friends/family than my own mayhem.  (I even asked a friend to throw me a surprise party instead! that girl ran off to Aussie and then wondered if I could pull of a surprise party for myself! Maybe next year or for 30 - Challenge Accepted?) 

Until you take a chill pill, say fuck it and call in reinforcements before you loose your mind - which I only grasped today. And now I know better!

Why celebrate? Other than being in love with the number 26, I do believe the oncoming year will be fabulous for me. My footing in life seems abit more sturdy, cleared my study loan this August, am in a good place with career, even signed up for and attended some Zumba classes with True Fitness and will be continuing my Bellydance classes (Intermediate III) this weekend onwards. See, exciting times ahead, yes?

There'll always be that inclination to want to improve at work, with family and friends, always!

Here's a prelude of sorts in words for this Sat's Celebrations:

• Location: Introduced to me by Tendy, a spot I have not walked past because always thought it was full and noisy... but no... buried inside is a pretty alfresco with a SWING!! This are what friends are for - to dissolve my myopia. It was love at first sight but the humidity did get to us, so hopefully the weather is kinder this Sat.
• Cake: My pretty boss has volunteered to sponsor for and pick-up my 26 cupcakes from Twelve Cupcakes on Sat (but I've requested to buy my own candles, muahaha)
• Dress-code: No Black/White or a combination of the 2. Promoting Colourful theme of sorts and of course comfy apparel. (Looking at the venue, initially wanted a Moroccan theme but got lazy just thinking about it)
• Agenda: Eat, Play, Drink and be Merry. Games like Taboo, Twister, Jinga are in the works.
• Food: Mediterranean cuisine, one of my favs (Hummus? Of course!)
• Wishlist: Has been posted on the Event Calendar within Facebook and I wonder if I'll get to drown in Vouchers (yes, a bulk of it was for vouchers :) - highly unlikely. 
• Most importantly PEOPLE! Mostly 25 of close friends and interesting acquaintances that I've picked up in the past years are gathering up. It's going to be fun to laze with my gay boys, make fun of hetero males & talking shit with the ladies. Just invited my favourite male from 2012 along as well (after getting rid of some internal idiocrasy and dialogues) and here's to hoping he'll turn up as well, he'd definitely have fun with Agnes, Henry and entourage. It's about damn time! 
• Others (to be decided on Friday/Saturday):
• Still have to grab a guestbook of sorts for signatures (what if one of them become famous 1 day?) and for photos from this celebrations. Or a Frame to be mounted on the wall? Scrapbook vs Wall mural? 
• Door Gifts/Thank you cards for 25 Guests of mine (damnit!)
• Should I still get the disposable cameras for other to take photos with? Nah.. Olympus FTW
• Maybe create my own #hashtag for instagram photos I know will be posted up - #rekasg, #lottiereed, #rekaturns26?

The past weeks, I've been in correspondence with the location asking if we can have Pinatas, Bellydancers performing, whiteboard/flipboards for Pictionary etc and everything just fell limp after they informed me of a $500 rental. Nah... not going to happen! But they are prompt and helpful in responding, which I appreciate alot seeing how many queries I had for them. 

Rubbing my hands in glee and looking forward to this Saturday. Here's to wishing my fav people will all make it and we can have a blast time together just being merry, silly and naughty (maybe?). We gonna party - chill, game and rock out (there're plans to go clubbing thereafter, provided I'm not exhausted from the....chilling!).

Oh wells, off to bed, have an early morning to get the Cervical Cancer shot and countless work to be done... love Lottie Reed.

Current song playing: Some Love by Macklemore, Poo Maalaye (by Music Composer Illayaraja)

Industry: FairPrice's Marketing Stunt (Singapore)

I bought this campaign! It had me swept away and pleasantly surprised at the open invitation plus cultural exchange angle. Wanting to find out more, I did email the couple about having my team over for dinner and got rejected due to overwhelming responses. Which actually is a very good thing, so I'm kind of surprised by the backlash that they're having now. 

Kudos to NTUC FairPrice, Havas Worldwide Singapore & actual couple Dana & Sefan.

Here's the actual video on YouTube - An open dinner invitation to Singaporeans: Let's share a mean together...

"From: Dana C <danac.stefanm@gmail.com>

Subject: Re: Let's share a dinner together

Date: 20 August, 2013 11:53:48 PM GMT+08:00

Hey Reka! :) 

Thanks for all the love and support and replying to our dinner invite! 

We’re really sorry we haven’t been able to get back to you earlier. We have received overwhelming responses and have since held the dinner over the weekend. We will be sharing videos of the dinner we hosted on our YouTube channel. 

We wish we could have everyone over for dinner but because our home is quite small, we had to limit the number of people that came over. 

Thank you once again for encouraging us with your interest. We hope to see more people do the same. :) 

Danke schön! 

Sincerely, 

Dana & Stefan"

Oh wells... We're still in the office cracking things up, love Lottie Reed.

Related articles:

• Marketing Interactive: NTUC FairPrice Dinners Leave Bitter Aftertaste
• Stomp: German couple's dinner invite revealed as marketing stunt
• YouTube Video Link: An open dinner invitation to Singaporeans: Let's share a mean together

Why hello there!

Photo taken with Samsung Galaxy S3 at Sentosa, Singapore on Sat, 7th Sept 2013. With best bud.

Alas, another week at work but nothing prepared me for the 'horror' that a measly (and very regular plus ugly) 2014 Monthly Organiser bestowed me this afternoon as I swung by the bookstore. This year seems to have moved forth in an uncharacteristic rapid pace unlike previous years - or is this what we always seem to say during every single year that fades by?

Fear that I may loose my memories as age continues to climb higher or keep not having a chance/space to share some of my self-proclaimed 'wit' with anyone because it is plain rude, sometimes... These are just some reasons why I've started blogging again. (My last post previously was in 2007.) Also, I'd like to share my stories and maybe some reviews as anonymously as possible since the Internet was for this afterall - to be anonymous and connect but I'm not too sure about this. Maybe I'll reveal myself accidentally or intentionally, I do not know that now for the path that awaits me is unknown (for now atleast). 

Who am I? Living in Singapore, turning 26 sooner than later and surrounded with friends and family in this island.

Will be posting up some photos and thoughts of my weekend in Jakarta soon.

Current Read: The Mortal Instruments - City of Fallen Angels (...somethings just happen and it's was during the Jakarta trip I swear.)

Current Song playing: Royals by Lorde

Oh wells... good night for now, love Lottie Reed.