Wishing you

Weekend of new releases

I have officially tried out Body Combat new release, BC34, on Saturday. Surprisingly, I was able to comfortably follow much of the class. Earlier on, I was kinda nervous as most of the regulars would have already tried it out. A lot of kicks in this new release. The shuffle speedballs and shuffle jinga was a little confusing for now but I'm pretty sure after attending a few more classes, I should be able to follow without any hiccups. I love the conditioning track though...a lot of tricep and top half bicep pushups...a real test on body strength.

On Sunday, I decided to go for Combat for a short while as I have 20 mins to kill before yoga class started. Slipped out very quietly at exactly the end of track 3. I didn't think Rahayu would have noticed but apparently she did. I was questioned about it when I bumped into her in the locker room later. Yikes! Anyway, I may decide to attend her full class next sunday. I think I need plenty of practice to familiarise myself with this new choreo. Besides, her class is usually not packed so there's plenty of room for kicks.

I also attempted Body Jam new release, BJ43 on sunday with Chia Ling and Yanti. Overall, it wasn't that complicated but this being our first tryouts, we looked mighty lost and clumsy. Love the Chaka Khan's classic disco track though. Again, just like Combat, a few more classes and I'm pretty sure I can get comfortable with the whole routines. The only downside is that Leonora will not be around (balik Kelantan, she said) til next year so it will be a rest test for me on whether I can get comfy with other replacement instructor's style of teaching. Leo said she may get Juwita to replace...keeping my fingers crossed. I'm ok with Juwita.

On other note, I've been jaga-ing my sister's shop during the weekend while she was away. The sales clocked in wasn't too bad considering that I only opened shop during mornings and nites. I was asked by a couple of customers to help gift wrapped their purchases. It was then I discovered that I suck in gift wrapping. The outcome was horrible. It didn't help that I have limited splace to do the wrapping. I felt so bad for the customers. Sigh...

Skipping monday body pump again today. That's 3 Mondays in a row already. Won't be going next monday either since it will be Christmas eve. I guess I will only see FPI next year.

Looking forward to a more relaxing time with 2 more weeks remaining in 2007.

No pain no gain?

I'm aching all over. Every muscles in my body is aching. I had anticipated having less energy upon my return to the gym after a long hiatus. What I didn't anticipate was struggling mightily. I guess I had not recover 100% as I had thought.

Went for Body Pump yesterday. It is BP64. The new release. First time trying it out. Probably Ms Kylie Gate's last class too. The class started 5 mins late so Kylie was rushing thru. Members have to quickly change plates in between tracks. I think I chose the wrong day to return to the gym. I don't do very well when I'm rushing...in anything.

I'm not sure if BP64 is really that tough OR it is becos I was "out of shape". For the first time since I joined Body Pump, I was unable to finish the second portion of the chest track. I couldn't lift anymore. My left arm has absolutely no strength left. Throughout the class, Kylie was saying some people cheated...hmmm...does that include me? During back track, my legs were shaking big time. I had difficulty following the lunges track. By shoulder track, I was hopelessly strengthless. My shoulders were fatigued. Every body parts were crying. I could not finish this track either. One thing about BP 64...the music sucks. Just doesn't jive at all with the movements.

After Pump, I opted to go for yoga instead of joining Kylie's Body Jam. My thoughts were..yoga should be easier and more relaxing. After having endured a tough pump class, yoga would be a welcome. I was so wrong. Mr.Yoga chose to do sun salutation non stop. 3/4 into the class, I was ready to cry. Seriously. I actually teared up for a few seconds. I had to dig out every single ounce of energy I could find to finish the class. I had never looked forward to meditation time as much as I did last nite. To end the nite, went out for dinner with gym kaki and watched Amazing Race Asia...our usual thursday nite ritual..ahaks.

As tiring as it felt, it was really good to return to the gym. Will be taking it slow until my body is able to adapt back to the usual exercise regimen.

I get it.

I asked but I get no replies. I guess that would be my cue.

Rounding up...

It's been hectic at work. Working on Sunday. 2 days travelling outstation and working throughout the nite. The same process to be repeated next week. Sigh. I'm not sure how much more of working overnite I can take.

I'm looking forward to today's gym classes. It's been almost 2 weeks since I stepped into the gym. I had planned to attend yesterday's Body Combat but my X'mas shopping took up more time than I had expected. I guess I won't get to try out the new Combat release until Saturday, at the earliest. I just hope I am able to follow the class then. Well....at least I get to try out the new Pump release today, under Ms. Kylie Gates..which I understand will be her last class before going back aussie land. I heard the new Pump release is quite tough.

I must admit, I miss going to the gym. At least while I'm at the gym, my mind is occupied with the classes, and not on other unwanted unhappy thoughts. Maybe it's just me...maybe I'm being overly sensitive and critical. Let time and silence deal with this one.

Xmas shopping is almost done. I'm so terrible at shopping but I think my nieces and nephews will like what I'm getting them. I just hope someone can give me a nice gift in return ..say maybe a new car or an all expenses paid overseas trip or perhaps loads of money?? Yeah..dreaming. Ok, how about a nice sunglass? Or the latest nike shoe? Dreaming again...

It's gonna be a quiet Xmas this year.

Reflections of life

I need to stay strong....physically, mentally and emotionally. The days ahead will be challenging to the mind, the body and the soul.

Pretty

That chapter of my life has closed

This day has finally come. It's a whole new world from now onwards. Will I be strong enough to resist the temptations that come my way? Only time will tell...

Acute gastritis OR food poisoning?

Vomitted 5 times, diarrhea close to 20 times, fever, headache, abdominal pain since Sunday.

Paid a visit to the clinic at 3am (Monday morning).

Given a jap (of which the pain can still be felt).

Doctor was damn unfriendly & sarcastic. The medicine given was damn useless.

I think I lost a tremendous amount of weight too from my already thin frame....

Beaming with contention

..the craving is over. I finally get to taste those pretty cupcake I had been longing for. My office mate has been nice enough to get me one for testing when she saw a lady selling them at the putrajaya market.

Will post the pic up soon when I get a usb dongle to connect my hp to my pc. The cupcake is about to be slaughtered eaten during today's tea break so no time to source for a digital camera to capture it. Actually that one little cupcake will be shared among some office mates (cannot be selfish mah)..so I have to be contented with a little piece.

...unless my office mates decline...ahaks.

Monday over...it's Tuesday today

I have been stalking religiously following FPI's pump class since I took up Body Pump last year, escaping only when work schedule did not permit me to go. Last nite marked the first time I did not attend her Pump class while I was at the gym. Damn my sore back..

Went for her Combat class though. I'm getting old so I can't recall most of the tracks we did last nite. Lazy to recall also. I really admire gym bloggers who can actually list down every songs that were played when they join a particular class. Combat class last nite was quite full...it was peak hour class anyway. I was glad Chia decided to join me...at least got kawan. Saw a few combat diehard regulars there, as usual standing near the mirrors. I'm very amused to see members who like to glance at themselves in the mirrors while doing a class. Wei...pay attention to the instructor wor.

I did better than I had expected in Combat (for a monday), although there were a few lapses of concentration here and there. The studio was smoking hot, despite the AC on. Found myself working extra hard to breathe. It didn't help that the first 4 tracks were non stop. Not much shouting in the class...so can save a bit of energy.

Chatted a bit with Chia after the class before leaving the gym. This lady can stay for hours (sometimes a whole day) in the gym every day. I asked what class she came for earlier..and her reply was "kelas cakap cakap". Haha....

Had myself a pepperoni pizza for dinner. I failed to realise that the size of a personal pan pizza is equivalent to just 2 slices of pizza. Really not enough for me. I had to dig out whatever food I can find in the home. It's time to do grocery again...sigh. Need to do something about my food intake. I've been neglecting it recently...which explains the weight loss. Sigh....

Went back home, and since there was so much time to kill, I totally sank myself in the sofa watching tv. I think I would have slept in the sofa that nite....if my body hasn't screamed for a bath hours later.

What a weekend

The right side of my back is still a little sore despite using many medicated plasters...ahaks. Must try out the chilli "flavored" medicated plasters...I was told it's very syiok. Despite my "injury", I tried out Pump last Saturday. Carried much lighter for squat, back and lunges. The verdict is.....if carry lighter, might as well don't go for Pump.

Decided not to continue on to Combat that day. Besides, I got a lot of office work waiting for me at home. Spent the whole afternoon and evening finishing my work. By 11pm it was 90% completion. Then...stupidity and carelessness kick in. I wanted to use one of the page as my next template and so I deleted the rest of the doc BUT I forgot to save the file under a new name. So....what I had done for almost the entire day was wasted...GONE! I didn't know whether to cry or to laugh. I was surprisingly calm though. Decided to shut down the notebook and go to bed instead. Nothing much I can do. Nasi sudah jadi bubur...cry also no use.

Spent my sunday morning re-doing the work (all 20 pages) while at the same time doing my usual duty at my sis' shop. Didn't pay much attention to the customers....I was trying to rush my work. Work was 95% completed before I left for yoga class. Decided that I can afford to continue on to BJam later that day.

Arrived gym much later than usual cos had to send the notebook home first. Walked past the main studio and saw that there were only 4 members in Rahayu's class. She saw me and franctically gestured me to join the class. Kelly and Adrianne were amused. I was wearing slippers then..how to join leh. Planned to apologise to her before my Jam class but couldn't locate her. I guess next week I should join her class for awhile before yoga starts. Jam class ended 10 mins early. 2nd half of the class was conducted by a trainee doing her clearance. Not bad...I guess she should be able to pass the test. Went back home and finished the remaining office work. Final shutdown at 8pm. Had enough energy left to do some housekeeping.

Mad mad rush this morning to complete my tender. Managed to get everything printed out and compiled; just in time for submission too. Reminder....note to self: next time don't volunteer for tenders with the most items.

Today's monday. I decided to skip Pump today and go for Combat instead. Hopefully by Thursday I'll be in better health for Pump. It's very rare that I get to be home by 8pm on a monday nite. Still thinking what I should do later tonite. Laundry? Ironing? Grocery shopping? Re-arrange furniture perhaps?

I'm grimacing in pain

?

The saying "fool me once, shame on you...fool me twice, shame on me" is a very true statement. Despite this though, I still haven't learn from past mistakes. Shame on me indeed. *head shaking*

I think I need to be spanked upside down and given 10 times slaps. I seem to be in a dreamland still.

Tsk...tsk...tsk...being so hard on myself today.

I think this calls for a round of retail therapy. I need to be saved.

Mini ranting ahead...

Note to self: Next time DON'T volunteer to do tenders with the most items.

Why?: I've already proven before that I can single handedly handle it...so why can't others? Why must others always complain?

Moral of the story?: If there is a choice, choose tenders with the least items to work on.

I am balanced...ALMOST

I was a little disappointed that BPump was cancelled at the last minute last Saturday. Somemore, BCombat was so so only that day. I lost focus quite a bit because I was focusing on somebody else...or rather I was paying too much attention to the interaction between a girl and another girl.....ahaks. Just being kepochi....haha. On a side note...was surprised that FCI did the 'switch knees' track. Had asked her last Wed why instructors don't do that track anymore. I guess I finally got my wish fulfilled. Anyway, fast forward to yesterday's gym-ing.

I could have made it to BCombat yesterday...arrived gym early actually but then opted not to join 2nd FCI's class. Instead, I detoured to Jusco's bakery and got myself some plain cupcakes (I'm still looking for those pretty cupcakes though..hehehe).

The Pump class started off not full but then suddenly many members started coming in after the warm up track. Note to latecomers: Next time when you come in late, look for available empty spaces AND don't squeeze yourself into a corner WHICH prompted the instructor to ask other members to adjust their spaces to accommodate you! Unlike other classes, adjusting spaces in Pump class means shifting the plates (not one, not two), bench, bar,....NOT just the feet.

I was hoping we do a slightly different warm up track, just like the week before but FPI went back to the usual boring warm up track. After warm up, I think my body started crying. Struggled with chest track. Sourced for every ounce of energy to do the 7x pull ups (correct terms?) during Back track. Felt the burn during lunges. Tricep track was a killer with tricep dip towards the end. In all honesty I welcome tricep dip cos very syiok but in the end I couldn't feel my arms. Shoulder track was no better either and will ALWAYS be my weakest. Had to stop so many times during the track.

During the class, FPI said it's recommended to BALANCE out between cardio, strength and flexibility workouts and not just focus on one. This got me thinking about my current workout. Let's see now..

Monday
Body Pump - strength/weight/resistance training

Tuesday

Body Balance - flexibility

Wednesday
Body Combat - cardio workout

Thursday
Body Pump (if I can make it) - strength/weight/resistance training
Yoga - flexibility

Friday - REST DAY!

Saturday
Fitball - Core/Toning workout
Body Pump - strength/weight/resistance training
Body Combat - cardio workout

Sunday
Yoga - flexibility
Body Jam - fun times! (or perhaps I should say 'make a fool of myself ' session..ahaks)

I think that is pretty much a BALANCED workout. The only thing that is not balanced now is my diet. By diet, I mean diet as in, to regulate the food, esp. in order to improve the physical condition, AND not diet as in, to select or limit the food one eats to improve one's physical condition or to lose weight. The latter is a big NO NO for me.

So, what else is new?

The trip to Bali is off. Conflict with work schedule.

Work is starting to pile up again, despite nearing year end.

Health is back to normal again. Finally went to see an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist last week after much coaxing from my colleagues. Confirmed having swollen sinus but it's not at serious stage. Got some much needed medications so I no longer wake up to a painful nose. It's interesting that my horoscope reading last week was this :

Decisive action is the main order of business now. Take care of any medical
problems that have been bothering you recently. You can't be too cautious when it comes to your health.

Gym regimen is back to normal as well. I'm back to attending all my regular classes. Did well in some classes, got lost in some classes, got confused in some classes. Dropped RPM from my schedule for the time being...too much calorie burned in this class. Not good for me. Next goal is to increase weight...and more importantly, to recover back that 1kg that I lost. Huge task.

FPI told me that she's going to Prego again with family for the champagne buffet. That's like rubbing salt into my wounds...haiss. Told her I won't be going so soon.

I have finally downloaded the 2 songs that I've been searching hi and lo. No need for channel surfing anymore. In fact, I have repeated the songs too much that I'm close to getting bored.

That somebody has been bugging me to meet up. I've been avoiding. Maybe I'll just meet for the sake of shutting the fella up. Can't stand self-centered people.

It's been a while since I've hung out with friends. Maybe Dec will be a good month, no?

Sedikit berita yang terkini

Is it me or does everything feels boring when year end comes? Work is boring. Gym is boring. Staying at home is boring. Facebook is fun but it's also getting kinda boring already. Reading others' blogs used to be fun but it's boring now. So, what else isn't boring, I wonder. Sigh. If it's not boredom, it's laziness. Lazy to do this, lazy to do that. Perhaps I need another spanking.

The greatest thing to do during year end is to clear annual leaves. I'm clearing mine during the last week of Dec. No idea yet what I'll be doing during that week. I should go home but I haven't plan that yet either. I just hope I don't rot in my own home.

Gym-ing should be fun at this time of the year when the usual office workload isn't piling up and one should be able to go for more classes. I guess I can do so if I want to but I've got the laziness syndrome. God knows how many regular classes I've missed since last month (it was partly due to busy work schedule too lah...ahaks). So much so that in yesterday's Body Pump class, FPI (that's Favorite Pump Instructor) pointed at me at the start of class and exclaimed "Hey, long time no see", which prompted almost the entire class to turn and look at me. So damn paiseh. I can only afford to flash a smile back at FPI. Making my presence known eh?

Other than this, nothing much interesting happen. Workout is as per usual routine, though on Mondays, I normally use the shorter bar (lighter) cos the longer bars are limited so I give way to the guys. Note to self: Next time be more selfish!

Going for Body Balance today. This one die die must go. I heard that FBI (that's Favorite Balance Instructor) is leaving next month for kiwi land. *sob sob*.

Burglars broke into my sister's house 2 weeks ago. Now I decide to lock my front door too. I never bother before cos that door is one damn heavy fire resistant door. My niece commented that if thieves were to break into my house, they got nothing to steal. So true. Thanks, Ms. Niece.

My colleague commented today that I look thinner. Yah, I know. *sob sob*. Not only do I look thinner, I feel thinner as well. Where did all those KFCs, McD's, Ramly burgers that I ate for the past 2 weeks go? So frustrating!

Of late, after watching some video clips during a channel surfing spree on Astro, 2 songs kept playing on my mind; Inconsolable by Backstreet Boys and Izin Ku Pergi by Kaer. Ever since then, I have been hopelessly searching for these songs on Hitz.TV, MTV & Channel V. Talk about pathetic! Blardy fool....cannot find those songs anymore. How much more surfing do I need to do?

Nobody wants to tell me where to buy pretty cupcakes so I think I will make my own. Yeah.....right!

Sweet tooth

Suddenly I find myself craving for one of those beautifully decorated cupcakes. Where to buy?

Look ma...no shoes.

Gym log.

Sometimes one can just have fun sitting in the gym and observing other members. I was watching the BJam class yesterday while waiting for usual BCombat to start. Almost towards the end of the class, one lady suddenly appeared at the back of the room, doing Jam...with NO shoes! Then I thought maybe she just came out from yoga or BBalance class....I mean, that would explain her being barefooted.

But then, this lady continued on to BCombat...with NO shoes! Shocking! Good Lord...how can anyone do cardio class barefooted? FCI politely pointed out to this lady that she cannot do the class without shoes but then this lady insisted on staying. Her friend even pointed out to FCI that it's ok to stay on without shoes. OK la....no shoes then. If it was me, I wouldn't even wanna take the risk. Blisters, stepped on by other members, rolled ankles..any of this injury could happen...especially in a fast paced cardio class. Not recommended, lady!

Anyway, class went on, full house as usual. All familiar tracks. Can't recall any of those track songs except for the warm up & cool down tracks...and that's because I have that in my ipod...ahaks. Yeah, I have the full collection from Body Combat 22, 25 & 26. A full house is always good because of the energy and the shoutings but in terms of space allocation, not good. I have to constantly turn and look at the guy next to me cos' he moved so much slower (I think he's quite new to Combat) and I fear I would accidentally bumped into him while shuffling to the right. That by itself already made the class less fun for me.

Conditioning track started off with 12 wide pushups. Did that on my toe...surprisingly no problem...ahaks. The rest of the conditioning pretty much sucked after that....I felt a strain on my neck...abs not strong enough, I guess.

I guess my workout was pretty good cos I was damn tired last nite that I actually have a good nite's sleep, despite my sinus.

End of month update

Crazy work week is over. Body is still recovering from all those late nites though. My sinus is killing me...for the past 2 months, I woke up to a painful nose. Maybe I need an ionizer.

Returned to gym this week. No stamina & less strength. Went for BCombat on Sat but was exhausted by Track 3. Skipped BPump that day because I felt too lazy. Instructor Isaiah asked why I wasn't in the class...hmm...not nice to say I was too lazy to attend..so I said I couldn't make it..ahaks. Skipped yoga and BJam on Sunday too....just too lazy.

Finally dragged my lazy body to BPump yesterday after a 2-weeks hiatus. I carried light to ease my body back into my usual regimen. It was replacement instructor Mimi doing the class cos FPI was down with sore throat. Very garang instructor. I felt like I was in a bootcamp drill with the commander shouting instructions. Scary...

My office mate informed that I had won the tender which I had to handle by myself (both commercial & technical) during the Raya break when everyone else was on leave. But then the Acct Manager tells me that he wants to convert to another brand...wht the hell! We already commit to this principal and now he wants to change. Inviting unnecessary tensions to the already strained business relationship! I'm walking away from this one. I no longer wish to play peace maker when the troublemaker is from this side of the team.

Looking forward to the last 2 mths of the year. How time flies. Managed to give some lurve to my home + car but there's more to be given. Also, a trip to Bali may be in the horizon...

Crazy

5 consecutive nights of working past midnite and going to work again early next morninng.

So not fun.

Syiok but not easy

Gym log.

My 2nd attempt at fitball was much more fun. Can feel the abs work but damn tiring. I think I'm gonna stick to this class a few more times and see what kind of results it can bring. 6 pack? 8 pack? No pack??

It has been FUN!

Gym log.

It took 2 awesome gym classes AND a slap on the butt to bring me back to my old self. A super kickass Body Combat class on Wed and one super hot Body Jam class yesterday.

On Wed I left office late but luckily managed to arrive in the nick of time. Everyone was already in the studio. FCI's class is always full with the usual suspects in attendance but I managed to grab a spot at the back of the class. Didn't like it but I have no other options. Had to brave myself for a full 45 minutes without water as I didn't have time to fill my water bottle earlier. I can't remember (memory not very good) the tracks played in the class but all were awesome. I gave it my all in the class..full intensity. Besides, standing at the back of the room means I was near the glass door...meaning people outside can see every little bits of movement I made. So therefore I had to fully focus and not make mistakes! Which is really a good thing (very motivating) cos I had a superb workout. Perhaps the best Combat class ever too. Plenty of shoutings by the hardcore made the class pumped! Makes me crave for BCombat every day.

Track 6 was the usual 'split the class into 2' routine....something which I absolutely detest. Then there was the high knee skips which I normally don't take seriously. Sometimes I cheat. Besides, instructors hardly pay attention to me on this so I usually get away with casual skips. But in this particular class I got a good whack on the backside by FCI when she came behind and saw my knees weren't high enuff. Bleh! I think FCI's got quite a heavy hand cos butt felt quite painful. A good jolt to wake me up, I must say. Luckily not a male instructor...or else I sue for harrassment...ahaks!

Yesterday went for Kylie Gates' back-to-back BPump and BJam. It was my 2nd attempt at her Jam class and I didn't do that well in my first attempt. Self conscious I guess. I let loose this time. All tracks were awesome and I was glad she did a few tracks from Body Jam 41 release, particularly the jinga incorporated track. Love it. Kylie was very energetic on stage and full of fun. Overall another great superb workout. Actually I shouldn't call it a workout...it was more like fun dance session. A much better Jam session for me compared to my miserable maiden attempt at Kylie's class the week before where mistakes were plentiful and my footwork attempt was pathetic.

This has been a good workout week...exactly what I needed to elevate my mood. Who says exercising isn't fun? Gonna attempt another Fitball session on Saturday before I go M.I.A for a week due to busy work schedule.

In need of a plaster

What crap is this?

I want to go see Beyonce in concert but dear Beyonce decided that it's not worth coming to good old Malaysia. Seriously, who can blame her?

Beyonce opted to go Jakarta instead....yes, that's right..Jakarta! The country with the most populous muslims. They didn't even impose any dress code there! I seriously don't understand this. How is having Beyonce doing a show here corrupting the minds of our youths? Good Lord! *shaking head*

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7021723.stm

http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=e68fcbc9-4f5a-4c71-9799-9347b94aabdb&sid=fd-hot1-txt

?

Suddenly the interest to write has dwindled down tremendously. Even gym logs don't interest me much either. In fact gym sessions will be cut down this month. Raya holidays workout plan has also been cancelled off. Basically I just want to hide in a cave and hibernate.

Been receiving numerous unexpected sms-es from that someone since a week ago. I gave it my best shot but I realised I cannot be a friend. I will never make a good friend. I tried but it wasn't working.

My focus on the other someone has also came to a halt. I better not kid myself.

What else is left for me then? Bury myself in work? This past 2 weeks I find everything and everyone in the office very irritating, down to the boiling points. Many things are being thrown at me. I don't even know whether I should be proud that I'm being entrusted with these responsibilities OR I should get mad that some co-workers are getting away with what should be their fair share of work. Today I found out that one co-worker lied to me just to get out of his responsibility. Not once, but twice! Want to lie, learn to lie smart la! Then there's the constant unnecessary whinings and complaints in the office that are enuff to drive a sane human to jump down a building. How about a pregnant lady constantly vomitting phlegm in the dustbin every day? I'm not being insensitive but there is only that much vomitting sounds that I can take in a day.

What is wrong with October?

Just when I thought there's some hope...... I guess I was wrong

For the next quarter

I'm gonna give more LOVE

to and as much as I do to

One on one with FBI

Gym log.

I gasped in horror when I saw only 4 members in Surjit's yoga class yesterday. Such was the impact of mid autumn aka mooncake festival. This sparked fear within me that BBalance class, which was next, will only be myself & Kelly in attendance. We are afterall the most regular members in FBI's class. An indian lady sat next to me on the couch outside the studio so I quickly asked if she was joining Balance. She said yes. OK..that would be 3 of us then. The lady asked where were the rest of my friends....4 of us, she specifically mentioned. Hmm....I didn't know that people actually pay attention to us. We must have been THAT regular.

Kept my fingers crossed that more members will turn up. It didn't happen. Only 3 of us...4 inclusive of FBI. She prompted us to go closer to the stage so that she didn't have to use the mike. I casually commented to FBI that maybe we should cancel class and go yumcha instead....ahaks. Fewer of us meant more attention will be given to us during class. It wasn't something that I looked forward to...especially since I'm at my weakest doing Track 4 & 5 (balance). I felt very ackward throughout the entire class especially more so standing right in front of FBI's gaze in a room that felt very empty. Nonetheless, it was quality and informal time between FBI and us.

The emptiness of the room apparently left Kelly a little dazed as well. She mistakenly took my sandals after class. Even FBI couldn't help laughing. What a night! After I left I realised I should have asked FBI if she was coming to next week's class. She is afterall FBI aka Ms M.I.A.

The dreaded question

Gym log. Short and sweettt....

It seemed that these days whenever FPI and I had a chance to chat, the focus of our conversation revolves around alcohol....champagne in particular. Yesterday after Pump class I got the much dreaded question "eh, you went already ah?". No, FPI...no chance to go yet. I thought by now she would have forgotten about this. Our conversation then shifted to different types of drinks. She likes wine, I prefer liquor. She, as an instructor, chooses the healthier drink (yes, wine if drank in moderation, is good for health)...meanwhile I, on the other hand, am adopting this new philosphy "what the hell, you only live once". Cheers eh?

Yesterday's Combat+Pump gym-ing sessions were a mix of good and not so good. We were back to using the Main Studio 1....thank goodness. Classes were quite full in both Combat+Pump. At times I found myself a little blur-ish in certain tracks, as if it was my first time attempting the new releases. I think I'm concentrating too much. Next time, just have FUN. Must always remember my new life philosophy. Cheers...

Know thy neigbbours.

YES! I'm finally OFF as secretary of my RA (Resident Assoc.) ...yippee!. Relief! Been holding that position officially for 1 year + unofficially as assistant secretary/secretary for 2 years. Very phobia of taking minutes and doing reports already. We had an AGM (Annual General Meeting) on two Fridays ago, 14th Sept with about 30 residents/owners in attendance. Not a good number but enough to nominate new committee.

I was nominated for the posts of Secretary again (no thanks to SEE) and Auditor (no thanks to Mr.Yeoh) but luckily was outnumbered.....phew! Prayer answered! Tengku (now ex-VP) and I were busy nominating the residents just so we wouldn't get re-elected again. It's time the association breathes new committee into it. Poor Tengku was eventually re-elected....though this time not as Vice President. She was pleading hard to get out of it but the residents wouldn't hear of it. All because of the namesake.....sigh. The line up this year is pretty good. Full of enthusiastic residents willing to continue on the work...unlike some of us lazy busy ex-committee...hehehe. Anyhow....congrats to new president Mr. SEE...may your leadership bring our RA to newer heights.

AGM ended at 11pm. Quickly handed over to the new Secretary....good luck! Tengku and I went for teh tarik after that; joined later by Yvette, David, Clinton, Terrence, Francis & Loo (new committee member). Drinks were on Loo....toh cheah....that's the way to start his term as committee member...ahaks. It's good to meet up with neighbours once a while. I hope we can do this again some other time. It's funny but the neighbours I know are all from other floors...I do not know neighbours same floor as me.

Pictures to come later...

Did I hear "bastard"?

Gym log.

Now that I've tried Main Studio 2 twice, I guess it didn't feel that bad. A little less stuffy as opposed to the first time using it. However, don't expect me to embrace it with open arms. There will be no love given. I hope that instructors will go back to using the Main Studio 1 very soon where it's spacious, brighter and less claustrophobic like.

Went for usual Combat session on Wednesday. Crowd seemed a little smaller than usual. I'm sure the smaller new studio has something to do with it. No recovery track in this new release, which actually didn't really matter considering that the entire new release wasn't as empowering as described....at least that's how I feel up to this point. I love the speedballs and ginga though....and there's plenty of them too. Love the double back kick as well. I feel like a bull getting ready to run over a matador.

I also found out that the modified tricep pushup in conditioning track is called tricep blaster. Initially I thought I had heard "tricep bastard". Oh ho...what a joy it would be to repeatedly say it if that was true. Let's do tricep bastard!..... It's tricep bastard time! Ahaks. No kata in this new release too...we go straight down to cooldown.

Yesterday quickly quickly rushed all my work so that I can attend Kylie Gate's BPump class. Since her class is only once a month in this outlet, I figured I better catch her while I can. Maybe I can learn something new from the regional GX trainer herself. Her class is tough tough tough....becos no options were given. I struggled mightily trying to do the bar roll during the abs track. Wanted to do the hover option but Ms.Gates didn't say can do option...and no one else were doing options either. So, suck it up and tried to do the bar roll. Failed big time.

Gonna give it another shot for Combat and Pump on Saturday again. This time to increase the intensity. See if I will feel any different. BTW, having checked out the Free Weights Area, I decided not to go ahead with doing free weights. The area is more for testoterone filled creatures. I know I will feel very ackward being there. It's a no go then.

Have you been Facebook-ed?

I read about Facebook and the addiction people have with it. I'm also a Facebook member. Only thing is...I cannot understand the fascination people have with Facebook. In fact I don't understand Facebook at all...I'm freaking clueless as to what I'm supposed to do in there...with the exception of adding this and that..which again, I have no idea the purpose of those. Seems like kids stuff to me but hey, since so many adults are addicted to this latest craze, I guess there must be something in it.

I'm still trying to figure out how to invite new friends to join. Total blur-ness. I gave up yesterday and finally decided to ask Alison for "advice". This lady also forgets. I was gonna say "Apa la...buang masa saja I ask you".....hehehe...but then she got make some efforts to help la..but still, Ali.....tak jalan la.

So, to those that I promise to add names...please wait patiently till I figure out this thing ya.

UPDATE: I just realise that I have a long list of requests/invitations in my Facebook. Sorwee ... so green at this. Gimme a little bit more time..

The new studio is virgin no more

Gym log

Since I worked late last Fri nite and came back to work on a Sat, I decided to reward myself with a half day bookoff yesterday afternoon. Went back, took a 1.5hour nap before proceeding to the gym in the evening for a back-to-back Combat and Pump.

Courtesy of 2nd FCI aka FPI, the Combat team yesterday got the chance to drop the first sweats in the new studio. I don't like this room. It's great for Fitball program(whatever that is) and hot yoga but not so good for the Les Mills programs, IMHO. I don't like the narrow room and the low stage...very hard to see instructor...or perhaps I'm used to the high stage in Main Studio 1. The room is also a little stuffy and claustrophobic.

Sound system is great (aiya..new studio mah) but unfortunately the mike didn't work yesterday. Since it's new, there were no mats in the studio yet so we all had to do Track 9 (modified tricep pushups) on our knees on the floor. Not a very pleasant experience. Not good on the knees.....my knees especially.

After having tried out Body Combat33 few times, my verdict is this.....easy peasy. It's nice and simple but easy. For anyone who has never dare to try Combat for fear of not being able to follow the class, this would be a great time to start. With the exception of the jinga track, all others are relatively easy to follow.

After Combat, went for usual Pump. Not a very full class...courtesy of Ramadan and buka puasa. Mike and sound system are still very much OUT in this Main Studio...weeks already. How difficult can it be to get technicians to fix this?? It's an obvious problem, for crying out loud...sheesh!

I'm not improving in Pump. Bored with the current weights but yet not strong enough to carry heavier, in view of the high repetitions in Pump. I have free weights training on my mind but I find the Free Weights area a little intimidating. Gonna try approaching that SOMEONE to show me around. I have thoughts of a change in my weight training schedule but I think it's gonna be hard to pry myself away from Monday nite Pump.

On other note...Now that workload is back to normal, mood's also getting better. Looking forward to more of gym-ming (crazy I know)...must take advantage of the not so packed studio during this Ramadan month. It's ok to be kiasu....ahaks.

Fed up!

Weekend Launch

Gym log.

Last Saturday was the Les Mills new release launches at FF IOI and AXIS...followed by launches on Sunday at Curve and SPK. Kelly asked to join her for the launch at Curve but Sunday isn't a good day for me so I decided to just stick to IOI instead.

Atmosphere wise, I think the gym is a little too quiet for a launch. I was expecting a "pasar malam" scene but there was non of it. BPump was on at 1.40pm with Serena and Klevin as instructors...members wise, I think maybe around 20-30 pax. Not too bad. I don't quite get the new shoulder track. How is anyone expected to roll the bar on a slippery floor and at the same time working the shoulder? And doing pushups on a bar? Whose stupid idea is this?

Continued on to BCombat at 2.45pm. Was very excited to try out this new release. 5 instructors on stage - FCI, Alvin and Jason as main presenters while Renee and Calvin were the background dancers. Class was very sardine packed...I'm guessing more than 60pax. Not good. Can't move much at all. No fun. Love the jinga track though.

Left BCombat halfway at 3.30pm to join BBalance instead. No sense in continuing on since I can't move much in a packed studio. A bit disappointed though. BBalance new release was done by Klevin and japanese Riyo. Class wasn't packed....unlike that other new release ongoing. Balancing track in this new BBalance was challenging and so very long...sigh. Other than this and tai chi warmup....everything else pretty much was the same. Master trainers over at Les Mills running out of ideas??

On Sunday, I had thoughts of ditching yoga in favor of BCombat. Since I missed half of BCombat new release on Sat, I hoped prayed that instructors can start teaching new release on Sunday onwards. Went up to the instructor, Rahayu to check but she said noooo....only monday onwards can do that. Darn! Never mind..decided to stay for 15 mins anyhow while waiting for yoga to start. Alas....before class started, Rahayu informed that she wasn't allowed to do new release yet but perhaps she will do 1 track new release....just 1. Alamak...which track leh? Since she already mentioned, not nice la if I cabut early..somemore I was the one who asked about new release. So.....sorry Mr. Yoga, had to ditch your class.

No chance to try out new BJam yet..had to wait til next Sunday. In view of this, I decided to come back to office on Saturday instead to finish up my work...initially had planned for Sunday.

A busy week as far as work is concerned...so back to work..and blog less.

Lack of professionalism

Gym log.

Anyone who is a regular or has attended Body Combat will know or SHOULD know that it is not a real martial art class, or as one instructor puts it..."it's just pretend fights". Body Combat is a combination of several martial art movements incorporated into a cardio exercise. Therefore, it should not be a question of how high you can kick or how high you can jump. Instead members should concentrate on the proper techniques.

Yesterday's BCombat class was packed....more than usual. There was barely enough floor space in between members to do proper side kicks. In situations like this, members will have to compromise and make do with smaller or lower kicks. But that is not the case with a member in class yesterday...a member who is also a PT (Personal Trainer) from the gym. I was stunned (more like jaw dropped) to see this blardy "I think I'm macho" PT doing hard high kicks admist a crowded class...giving no consideration at all to the people around him, despite being tactfully "warned" by the instructor. Being a PT, he should know that safety comes first in any exercises....but noooo....this idiot was doing full fledge high front, side, and back kicks. Not only that....he was also taking up lots of floor space with his antics. The poor girl next to him had to stand still throughout most of the class for fear of being kicked or punched by this "I think I'm macho" PT....plus he took up her floor space that she barely could do anything. He was obviously aware of this but didn't give a hoot about it. What a selfish jerk!

He even gave her this stare like "you cannot follow the class ah"? OMG. Not sure if he himself has attended BCombat before but I can see that he looked lost and at times he was doing his own thing.

I am still in disbelief at what I had witnessed last nite. A personal trainer who shows no professionalism and obviously was clueless about safety.

I miss this

This is not the most beautiful looking pool but nonetheless....

Min 1.5 hour, 4 times a week.

2 sessions of 12 laps each.

Bananas every day.

Have not stepped into this area for almost a year. Need a new suit also. I'm thinking Arena. Enuff of Ogival.

Special wishes

Happy 50th Merdeka, Malaysia.
and Happy Birthday to you, Boss.

Hiak!

Gym log.

Of late I find that BCombat classes seem to be getting easy. Either I've been too regular OR the instructor's classes (FCI and replacement instructor alike) are just easy. OR maybe I'm just not getting enough. Now...I wonder when will I see the day that the instructor can do a whole class non stop. All I'm asking is just ONE class. One! I want to feel so out of breath that I'm gasping to fight for whatever air available in the studio. Silly...but true. Kisah benar....

It's pretty obvious that I'm not getting enough dosage of BCombat. I need more! I gotta get more! Just so to fulfill my "cravings", I decided to line up the following classes.

• Friday, 31st - It's Merdeka Day but I need my Combat. Let's hope my schedule is clear so that I can drop by for the 2.50pm class.
• Saturday, 1st Sept - FCI's class.
• Sunday, 2nd Sept - Maybe go for the first 20 mins of the class. If too syiok and cannot drag my ass out of the studio, skip yoga and attend full BCombat instead. Sorry ah, Mr. Yoga...see how later.
• Monday, 3rd Sept - drop in for 2nd FCI aka FPI's class.
• Wednesday, 5th Sept - FCI's class.
• Saturday, 8th Sept - BCombat 33 New Release Launch....die die also must go!

There! That should cover all the BCombat that I can take.

Shit...if like this,how to end membership?

All is OK!

Everything looks good...from physical health standpoint. Groin soreness almost gone. No signs of knee pain.

Nothing can top yesterday's BPump, as far as sweating is concerned. My clothes looked so fresh after the class...can still smell the softener :-) No need to wash...can wear for next class. Maybe I've used up all my sweats in aargh-peee-emm class.

Aargh-Peee-Emm

Gym log.

I did it! I finally went for my first RPM class for this year. Did BPump and BCombat back to back on Saturday before hitting RPM; after resting for an hour. I hate to admit this but RPM makes me sweat buckets compared to BCombat. Halfway thru class, looked up the clock...half hour more to go. I was terribly exhausted but not totally breathless. Kinda brought back memory to my first BCombat class...kept looking at the clock to see when the class will finish. Imagine my joy when we stepped down from the bike for cool down.

I don't get the studio though...why is it filled with decor of the universe? Are we cycling into heaven? Maybe that's the motivating factor for the class...haha. I rather see sceneries of mountains, rivers, hills, etc though. Isn't that more relevant? The disco lights are cool though but somehow it doesn't jive wit the decor. I think there should be a sort of simulation screen in front. That would make the RPM-ers feel like they are actually cycling in the wilderness. Wouldn't that be something?

I think the regular RPM-ers' groins are immuned to the seats. Mine is hurting big time...even 2 days after the class. Will I be able to pull off back-to-back BCombat and BPump today with this nagging groin soreness? Hmmm...wait and see. Doing RPM is the closest thing I get to cycling...for I can't ride a real bike. Tried once when I was a teenager using my neighbour's BMX (she ditched her bike somewhere and asked me to ride it home) but I kept falling off so I did the next best logical step....walked the bike home instead.

One thing to watch out after doing RPM...my knees. Did feel a little discomfort but I'm keeping my fingers crossed no major pain developed. Wait and see hor...

Recap of a week's gym-ing

Gym log.

What happened this week at the gym? Let's see now..

Monday's BPump was one of those rare moments of "went into class, looked fresh"...."came out of class, looked QUITE fresh also leh". Nothing wrong with the instructor or the class. I just don't feel it. Maybe it's time I upped the weights, no? Also, maybe it's time I resort back to flashing smiles again. I'm not connecting with FPI aka Ms. Eagle Eye these days. No fun.

Tuesday's BBalance was a notch "better". I went into class looking fresh but I came out feeling even FRESHER. Again, nothing wrong with instructor or class. The room was soooooo cold. I guess there's no pleasing me huh? No aircond, I complain. Got aircond also I complain. Most of the tracks that FBI did this week was the same as last week...so felt a tiny bit boring. Again, no pleasing me. But still, I always enjoy FBI's class.

I went into Wed's BCombat with a high expectation. Too high in fact. Afterall, FCI had been away for 3 weeks and I was doubly sure that her class upon her return would be rather explosive. What did she has in store for us? A relatively easy peasy class. So easy until she can made numerous mistakes. This I don't understand. I'm not the type to sweat buckets in the gym but I do sweat nonetheless. So when I came out from a cardio class with a dry back and dry hair, it is just wrong. Super duper disappointed. I hope that Sat's class will be more kickass than this one. A positive note though...I've finally conquered the jump kicks. Yeah!

Thurs was Yoga time. As usual, nothing exciting happens in yoga and it was no different on Thursday. Class was full. Since Kelly wasn't around to reserve mats for myself and Adrienne, both of us have to be a bit kiasu and cheong into the studio as soon as the BBalance class ended. No choice. We have our strategy planned...she grabbed the mats while I reserved our places on the floor. Mr. Yoga decided to do balance poses...by far my weakest. I hate balance poses in BBalance and I hate it even more in yoga. Used up a lot of butt muscles during class so naturally the butt area was quite painful after class :-).

Friday is rest day. Hair cut day maybe.

I have RPM in mind as part of Sat's workout plan. I'm still a little fearful cos the last time I did RPM, it marked the beginning of a series of both knee pain which caused me a whole month off from gym last year. Anyhow, I have to conquer this fear. With proper setup of the bike, I think I should be alright. Fingers crossed.

Looking forward to the Sept 8 new release launch.

To ink or not to ink again

...that is the question.

Thoughts of getting another tattoo are constantly playing in my mind. Help! So much so that it is interfering with my work. Talk about addiction eh? Perhaps it's just another phase, no? Mid life crisis??

My gym friend Kelly is getting a tattoo soon, this weekend I think, if I heard correctly. Since I got my tat, 3 friends wanted to get one too. I had no idea that I share this same interest with them. Amazing...

So, the question is still...to ink or not to ink again??

Let's eat bread til we drop

This week is bread week. What that means is that there will be bread for breakfast, bread for mid morning tea snack and bread for afternoon tea time. Bread for lunch? Perhaps......if I'm too lazy to go out. Bread for dinner? Oh God, I hope not...I may have to strangle myself if I do that.

Why this much bread? My colleagues and I decided to take turns bringing a loaf of bread to office. Why? I suppose we are a group of deprived hungry bread people. Yeah...that must be it. Or perhaps it's because we are so in love with Gardenia.....who knows the weird things we do around here.

Yeah, over here we really love our bread.

Did I push too hard?

Gym log....yes, another one.

My body is aching...very much sore everywhere...groins, butt, shoulders...even toe. Just when I thought that my body is flexi enough...bleh!

Went for usual workouts over the weekend. Sat's BPump session was probably the worst saturday workout for me. I'm guessing a big part of the reason was due to the stuffy room. The aircond on my side of the room wasn't switched on the entire BPump and BCombat classes. As a result, fatigue set in rather quickly. Was having difficulty finishing chest, back and shoulder tracks in BPump. I'm guessing I was doing back track incorrectly becos replacement instructor, JJ was mumbling something while looking at me. No time to ask him after class cos had to take my place for next class, BCombat.

BCombat was fine despite the stuffy room but the mike's interference really spoiled the class. I can understand replacement instructor Cheng's frustration. Despite the occasional mike hiccups, I think this is a great combat workout in a long long time for me. If Cheng has a permanent slot at FF IOI, I wouldn't mind going for her class. Everything went well....and my jump kicks were without mistakes...cool! I like. In fact I am still feeling the "syiok"-ness of BCombat.

Sunday's yoga was very tiring. A lot of plank positions. I thought I shouldn't have a problem considering that I'm a BPump regular but still...very tiring. Of course, no aircond makes the room extremely stuffy. I wish they would fix the aircond. When it's switched on, it's really cold. So instructors normally will just switched it off.

After yoga, proceeded to BJam an hour later. Had a blast with FJI and fellow BJ trainee Nick who was doing his clearance that day. All the tracks she picked were awesome. I like. Can't remember the titles of the tracks now but can still visualise the steps. I like. Now body aching everywhere. Got a first eye view of how a Head Teacher (in this case it was FJI) conduct clearance for trainees. I must say the process is so simple. The trainee just need to do 1 track. I think that's not enough to measure the competency of a new instructor. Or maybe it's cos Nick is not a new instructor (just new to BJam)..and that's why he only needed to do 1 track. Oh well...

Today is BPump day. Haven't seen FPI in a while. Monday Pumps hasn't been very nice to me this year so I hope today isn't like Saturday's session. Somehow I feel like the outcome from my pump sessions are pretty much stagnant this year. Or perhaps it's due to inconsistency... I carry heavy on Saturdays and carry light on Mondays. Therefore very hard to see much improvement. What can I say, I feel weaker on Mondays. Sigh...

Let's yoga

Gym log.

I realised that since I started gym log here, I never wrote an entire entry on yoga class. Usually the spotlight goes to BCombat and BPump. Occasionally BBalance and BJam gets mentioned. Perhaps it's cos there are rarely interesting moments in yoga worth blogging about. Not to say that it's boring per se...maybe just less drama. No yelling, no screaming, no grunting, no doing pushups as punishments, no imaginary gang fights........nothing. No new releases at every quarter. Just the usual stretch and twist every week. Boring, no? Well, I'll be honest...it does get a tiny bit boring at times. But I'm not complaining. I still like yoga. At least now I can bend down and touch my toes.

A year ago, this would have been a "cannot miss" class....die die must go. Nowadays, it's more like.."nvm la if cannot go". Actually got other underlying reason la...but that's personal :-). One good thing about yoga is that there are many regulars in Mr. Yoga's class every week; so most of us kinda know each other already by now...know each other's names too. I think that's pretty cool. Even Mr.Yoga took an effort to know our names. I can't say the same about those LesMills classes though. Over there it's usually just..smile, nod head, walk away....members and instructors alike. Sad case.

Once upon a time, my body used to feel sore after every yoga class. Without fail. Now I feel nothing. I suppose that indicates an improvement in flexibility, no? I hope so. I just wish Mr. Yoga would do poses that test the stamina aspect of yoga. Perhaps 10mins of Sun Salutation non stop? I like.

Let's hope I will make an effort to attend classes more regularly. Been missing too many already this year.