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

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 :)