Happy Thaipusam!

Haha.... I'm so glad to finally have gotten a break, thanks to the public holiday... I've not even the time to open this page sometimes! Oh and if you see me on MSN and I'm not replying... I'm away from the computer alot and probably have just forgotten to turn it off. But well in spite of everything I'm learning how to take it in stride and try to see the silver lining in it.

So what's new? Haha physically nothing's very new... lost 1 or 2 kg IRONICALLY by doing more weight training and less cardio. Or maybe it was cos my stress levels hit the roof? Ngah! No significant changes, I still pretty much look the same apart from a few fresh bruises thanks to pole class......

This is the worst one yet... on my upper arm. Gym mates have been teasing me and asking if I've been abused!


Another nasty, angry one on the calf for swinging too hard into the pole. Argh! No pain, no gain!

I'm making an effort to eat right these days and have always wanted to try some of the yummy-looking protein bars out there in the market. So after a long search... I found these!!


UN Doctor's CarbRite Diet bars! Snapped em' up at Egonutrition Subang Parade - they were out of stock everywhere else, even on their website, and I just saw these by chance sitting on the counter as loose stock. So I asked for them to pack it up and sell it to me as a box. ^^ Yay!

Shit these are so, so good.... perfect for my sugar cravings! I'd have these over a Mars bar anyday and it's so hard to believe they're sugar free too! Great postworkout munchies... Suddenly I don't miss my candy so much anymore. XD


Tony came by yesterday to fix some things up at the gym. I didn't catch him... but he sure did leave us some treats! Hehe. Ultramet bars from Champion Nutrition! Haven't dug into this one yet.... but it's a hell load of calories and carbs in spite of the high protein content. Probably save this for my hardcore days or if I'm gonna be doing shitloads of cardio.


And here is what I typically have for dinner on a worknight. Tandoori chicken and boiled broccoli. Bliss.

Have to go now... hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! I hope I will... wanna make sure I will!! Hehe. Take care!

A client today told me that she enjoyed my company, and liked talking to me very much, above all our sessions and workouts.

As a personal trainer.... To me that is the highest compliment anyone can pay you.

I felt immensely appreciated that she could see thru the emotional breakdown that I was trying so hard to hide, and showed genuine concern for me. That I wasn't just someone providing a service, and I was a friend. She gave me a glimmer of hope and the confidence that I may just be needing.

Two very special people have showed their concern and care towards me over my recent work issues. Due to privacy issues I will not be stating who. But these two people know very well that they are very loved and valued friends to me for being with me thru this time. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and motivation, and for your understanding. I know that I am going to pull thru just fine.

Kimmie will be kicking ass!

This is probably not one of the most positive posts I'm gonna make... and also some of you may say I am in no right to complain or comment about this… But right at this very moment I am really feeling chock-full of emotion, and am simply overwhelmed by the whole situation. Gut feeling tells me I’m getting myself into one big, fat mess.

I’m having my worries and doubts about work, especially as of late when I feel I may have bitten off more than I can chew. I don’t have an off day anymore, having acquired more clients. Even on my work days I’m coming in several hours more “overtime” to train them. Recent changes at work have also brought me to this predicament where I may need to be dishing out EVEN more overtime for my PT and on top of that, floor duty. Some days I come in twice a day, as early as 7am! But heck don’t get me wrong as I don’t mean this in a hostile manner – I love my work, I love the gym and the people and all my colleagues. I don’t mind pulling out a couple more hours a day in the gym, but (oh yes there’s always that big, stinking BUT) this paired with my university schedules, dance practice and classes?

I’m tempted to throw in the towel and say I can’t do this anymore – I seriously don’t have a life anymore beyond uni and the gym, but I know I can’t be that responsible. I really feel that things are rapidly slipping out of control. Technically I’m a fool and an asshole to complain as well. The rewards from PT are immense and you have absolutely no idea how proud I am of my strong, hardworking ladies. I’m feeling a lot of guilt, having to reschedule some of them. I’ve even put my modeling on hold! I know I cannot afford to just stop working and concentrate on my studies either. There’s money to make. Money I NEED for practical things like food and supplements, and for the fact that if I work harder now… there will be more that I can allocate for my little luxuries in the future. I have made financial mistakes in the past that I hope to rectify.

I have been booted clear out of my comfort zone. I know it’s time for this princess to toughen up and rough it out. I wanna believe, that somewhere deep down I am capable of doing THAT much, giving more than what I thought was “my all”, coming out to be a better, more resilient individual. I wanna believe everything happens for a reason, and I shall do my very best to see this as a test of faith and willpower.

My walk with the Iron has been fulfilling so far in spite of every obstacle and heartache. I have been broken, discouraged, and let-down in the past… but right at the end I have always been rewarded for pushing my limits. Once again, this is one of those times I’m gonna have to step up, suck it up, and while I’m at it I’m gonna hold my head high and say hey. This is what I love, and it is what I will stand for. I’m sticking with this now, no worries. I’m gonna muscle thru it all, and I know whatever I sow… I will reap. I want to believe that I can pick up the broken pieces again and when I mend, I will be something stronger.

I'm incredibly frustrated and ticked off by the fact that (either I'm incredibly blind/stupid) or I can't seem to find lean turkey breast at supermarkets. Even more annoying.... they only sell chopped up turkey drumsticks, or the whole damn turkey. OR they sell those salt-soaked, fat-filled cold cuts at the deli section.

GAAAARRRGH.

Any ideas?

Not much has been going on in my life lately apart from work, training, dieting and studying... Geez. I officially don't have a life anymore. And I don't have an off day anymore cos I'm constantly coming in for extra hours to train my clients.
*sigh* Wong how on earth do you do it!?

Being low carb again sucks too. Tuna. BLEAAARRRGH.

But lately... in whatever little free time that I have.... I have been spending a little time in front of the PC with my newly acquired downloads....

Yeap. Now I know this has been around for YEARS. But cos I don't watch TV... It's only recently that I've managed to get torrents for the US versions. I have finished watching Season 1... and am slowly making my way thru Season 2....

And shit I'm addicted to this thing! And this is just NOT ME as I've never really gotten addicted to any TV series before.... never watched, cared for, or followed TV series faithfully like my life depended on it since I left my childhood cartoon phase... But I suppose The Biggest Loser really strikes a chord as I relate to it so much - I've been there. I know how it is like being obese and ridiculed and having no self-confidence or body image. I know how it felt like, making a total lifestyle change and getting off my ass to do something about it. It was all very real to me and I genuinely felt for the participants. Heck, I can cry watching Biggest Loser!!

Oh and on top of that.... as a personal trainer now... Bob and Jillian are huge sources of inspiration and motivation. Doesn't every trainer wanna be as successful as they are! And of course Jillian has the body to die for and I'm hoping one day I'd look as impressive as her too!

Season Two's theme song had lyrics that really hit the heartstrings and stoked the flames of passion within me.

"What have you done today to make you feel proud?"

Well today, I got up this morning barely able to walk. Leg day yesterday had paid off, but in spite of my aching body, I know I will be back this evening, hitting hard with everything I've got. Doesn't matter how much I lift. Doesn't matter how long I train compared to everybody else. But the fact is I'm there, and giving my hundred-and-ten percent. Tommorow will be another day where I will wake up feeling that deep, dull ache. But it is a sacrifice and investment that I just KNOW will reward me for my faithfulness. And with that, I know I will feel proud.

Doesn't matter who you are, what your fitness levels are, or how "bad" or "weak" you think you are. It's never too late or too impossible to make a change. People on this show are living proof that it all can happen for anyone. And I hope that people all around the world will be inspired and educated about fitness and healthy living. It's just too sad knowing how so many out there take these things for granted.

Can't wait for my Season 3 to finish downloading!

Hope the Asian version will have torrents too once Season 1 has finished airing.... I seriously have no time to catch it properly on TV....

Guess some of you guys might be pretty miffed about coming here and finding a lack of updates. Well the truth is these days I hardly find anything to blog about... and on top of that I have been surrounded by a whole lot of negativity regarding my new class schedule, and all the other commitments I have made during the holidays that I absolutely CANNOT put down right now.

Behold... my weekend schedule.

Saturday:
7am - I wake up, and down a thick cup of coffee
7.30am - I go for my run
8am - I chill for awhile. Probably catch up on some reading and uni work.
12pm - 6pm - I HAVE CLASS. For 6 friggin' hours back to back. On a weekend.

Yup. And after that... I am in the dilemma of whether to train.... or go for dance practice. I feel an immense sense of guilt knowing my training is of utmost importance and I should be hitting hard even tho I feel so fatigued and strained... and on the other hand I need to catch up in dance as I am one of the poorest and clumsiest gals in terms of coordination. Wish I could do both. Wish they would be open for longer hours. Wish I had more hours in a day! *sigh*

Oh Sunday's not much better. I have to work.

Anyhoo. Here's a dose of the funnies from ProBuffedBodies. I put up a coupla these yesterday and thought I'd share em' here too.
_________________________________________________
Best Call To Tech Support EVER!

Customer:
"I got this problem. You sent me this install disc, and now my floppy drive doesn't work."

Tech Support:
"Your floppy drive doesn't work?"

Customer:
"That's what I said. You sent me a bad disc, it got stuck in my drive, now it doesn't work at all."

Tech Support:
"Did it not install properly? What kind of error messages did you get?"

Customer:
"I didn't get any error message. The disc got stuck in the drive and wouldn't come out. So I got these pliers and tried to get it out. That didn't work either."

Tech Support:
"You did what sir?"

Customer:
"I got these pliers, and tried to get the disc out, but it wouldn't budge. I just ended up cracking the plastic a bit."

Tech Support:
"I don't understand sir, did you push the eject button?"

Customer:
"No, so then I got a bit of butter and melted it and used a syringe to put the butter in the drive, around the disc, that got it loose. Then I used the pliers and it came out fine. But now the drive doesn't read any of my discs... I can't believe it! Why would you send me a defective disc?"

Tech Support:
"Let me get this clear. You put melted butter in your floppy drive and used pliers to pull the disc out?"
At this point, I put the call on the speaker phone and gestured for the other techs to listen in.

Tech Support:
"Just so I am absolutely clear on this, can you repeat what you just said?"

Customer:
(sighing) "I SAID! I had to put melted butter in my floppy drive, then use pliers to pull your crappy disc out."

Tech Support:
"Did you push that little button that was sticking out when the disc was in the drive, you know, the thing called the EJECT BUTTON?"

...Silence.

Tech Support:
"Sir?"

Customer:
"Yes."

Tech Support:
"Sir, did you try the eject button?"

Customer:
"No, but you people are going to fix my computer! or am I going to sue you for breaking it?"

Tech Support:
"Let me get this straight. You are going to sue our company because you broke the floppy drive, didn't follow the instructions we sent you, didn't actually seek professional advice, didn't even consult the user's manual, instead proceeding to pour melted butter into the drive and physically rip the disc out with pliers?"

Customer:
"Ummmm."

Tech Support:
"Do you really think you stand a chance, since we do record every call and have it on tape?"

Customer:
(now rather humbled, and whiney) "But you're supposed to help!"

Tech Support:
"Certainly sir, but physical abuse is not covered by the warranty."

XD

I know, I KNOW!!!

Right after making a post about dieting and training..... Here I am making a food review post. Can you say hypocrite???? *gets chased and beaten with a stick*

But hey I'm happy to say things are all good in the gym... been very busy lately with all the happenings and being acquainted with all the new people 2010 brings. EF is one big, happy, noisy family alright! Okay now who wants to go makan durian after training??? :DDD *gets chased and beaten again*

Hehe anyways. Ernie and I have unearthed a pretty good place to eat in Aman Suria. It's called Betty's Midwest Kitchen, and is a small, cosy non-franchise restaurant. It is run by a family that had stayed in America for years, learned how to cook dishes unique to the Midwest, and come back here to open a restaurant. We've been there about twice already in two months. Unfortunately it is non-halal tho, as most of the dishes they serve up contain pork.




One of their signature dishes - the Boston Butt, which is a generous serving of pork shoulder, slow-baked to perfect tenderness. Literally melts in your mouth! Absolutely recommend this to everyone!

Oh as you all know I don't eat pork cos I hate the smell - just like how some people don't like beef and lamb. But certain pork dishes here are cooked and seasoned so well that it masks that particular scent/taste I actually don't mind taking a bite!


One of the side dishes called "Dog Food", which is basically fries drenched in cheese and gravy. Thought this was just okay as I'm not too big a fan of french fries.


The "Juicy Lucy" - a big burger with a thick homemade beef + pork patty, with a hot melted cheese centre. This was another good one and the cheese centre made it all the better!


Their special Mac n' Cheese, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and lots of bacon. I picked out all the bacon bits and fed them to the boyfriend. Lol. Sorry lah if I'm weird that way.


Cheese Rounds. These are deep fried potato croquettes with a hot cheese filling. Had a mild, peppery taste to it. It sounded and looked really good, but I thought this wasn't very much to shout about actually.


Chicken and noodle soup. Reminiscent of minestone cooked with macaroni. Not bad.


Pork baby back ribs. This one had a very smoky flavour... and the distinct pork smell was rather strong too in this dish which I didn't like. But the meat is tender and well cooked, and Ernie totally loved this!

This is definitely a restaurant I would reccomend to all pork-lovers! Serving sizes are large, and the price is reasonable too. While I may not be able to come up with a very accurate commentary about their food (since I usually don't like and don't eat pork), Ernie was very enthusiastic about it, and looks like we might be regulars here after all. Haha.

And ooooh I have yet to try any of their desserts..... *evil grin*

Saw this really amusing thing in Juice magazine about a week ago at my gym. Pardon the low quality pics. Only had my phone with me at the mo.


=.= Wth-ness kan! Either that was a very silly mix-up... (very unlikely since "squats" was the only workout-related item on the page) or a very sad case of trying to get away with ignorance.

FYI those are reverse bench lunges!!!!!! *indignant*

Hmm anyways. I don't seem to have much to blog about these days. But one thing that has been playing over and over again in my mind... has been my new year's resolutions for this year. Now usually I don't make new year resolutions cos I didn't believe in them. But somehow this time it feels.... different.

I am 20 now.
I have been lifting for 5 years.
I've been with EF for 3 years, and one year as an employee.

5 years ago, my family and the people around me, they looked at me, and said I wasn't gonna make it. Silly overweight girl wanting to join a gym for novelty, most likely, and then get lazy and drop out and waste all that money. 5 years ago, people looked at me like I didn't belong. What's a fat girl doing in a hardcore bodybuilder's gym? Why is she even lifting weights?

5 years later here I stand. Fuelled by passion and a burning desire to kick dirt back in the faces of people who have put me down. I have accomplished, but I have not accomplished ENOUGH. 5 years later where will I stand? Still comfortably where I am now?

It has never been easy, no matter how much drive you can have. Any iron brother or sister can tell you that. I have been thru times where I hated the sport and never wanted to go back training again. I have felt hopeless, throwing myself at the weights and forcing myself to pick it up rep by painful rep. And on top of that... I face what most females face in this - rejection and misunderstanding. But in spite of all the times I have broken down... I kept my faith. I knew I would thank the iron one day, looking back.

And my promise is this, that to my dying breath I will continue to lift and to train religiously. How much is enough? I tell you enough is never enough. Besides I don't think I'm doing enough considering I look nothing like a bodybuilder. I slack and cut corners. I procrastinate. Will I be good enough, strong enough, to throw all that away and really get my priorities right? Can I forget all else and become so single-minded and mechanical to pursue the dream all the way to the end?

I MUST.

2010 is about setting higher limits. Greater personal records. Who cares what anyone else says - I will rest in peace every night knowing I have given my best. I will walk proud knowing today's workout had not gone to waste. And I when I take my cheat days I know they are well deserved and free of guilt and conviction. Thru the Way of the Iron, I will grow to become a stronger, more wholesome, more disciplined person. For those who are faithful shall be most generously rewarded. I want to be one of that number.

My new stash of whey protein to kick off the new year!

And a little something else I got with my birthday money...

Finally!! I've found my pink + black Juicy Couture bag! :D yayyyy!! *dances around*

WHEE!! HAPPY 2010 EVERYONE!!!!
Hope y'all have had a good share of the partying and good times with friends. A decade has come and gone.... really makes you go, WHOA. Where did the time go?? What was I doing....? I can only hope the new year will be a more meaningful one... and that I will be ready to seize every opportunity that arises and make the best out of life. :)

And now let's take a little step back shall we? :D

30th December 2009 - Was supposed to be a very "special" day for me... I'm finally leaving my "teen" years, and hitting the big Two-Oh. But... the aftermath of Opera still left me very weak and groggy from the flu, fever and a vicious sore throat, and I really, REALLY wasn't in the mood for celebrating. On top of that I was working, and had dance class to attend....... But thank you, to everyone who had wished me on my day.... Including the 200-something Facebook messages from all over the place... most of which were 1-2 days early. LOL. So kiasu meh? XD Eh, but nobody beat Wong, who texted blurly 4 days in advance, at 3am. Rofl!!

Cos I wasn't up for anything much, Ernie brought me out for a simple lunch that he had put in much care to plan in advance at Fullhouse, NZX. It was a really nice and cosy little restaurant in the middle of the practically deserted complex. Quite a pity, really, it being hidden away like that.


Their totally SUPERB muschroom soup! It was so strong and rich... and the almond flakes added an interesting crunch to it. Totally loved this....


Ernie actually went thru the trouble of pre-ordering all the food before our arrival! This is my beef steak that was served up with a very interesting, aromatic sauce that was cooked with raisins. Mashed potatoes were really good and well seasoned too.


Ernie's roast lamb... this was pretty okay - I'm not too big on lamb cos the meat cuts are so fatty... Oh and my baby had a special gift for me too...... :D


I've been wanting to buy Strength Training Anatomy for a very very long time... had planned on getting it with my scholarship prize money but have been procrastinating cos it's one bloody expensive book.... But Ernie has gone and gotten me the Women's volume for my birthday! :D This one's not as relevant for my own training, but it is definitely more relevant for my clients and PT sessioning, and it also highlights certain workouts that would be more beneficial to help me protect that hip injury. Besides..... when he went to buy this..... Ernie also picked up the original Strength Training Anatomy for himself. :P So I can steal it from him. HEHE.

Oh and I also received the 2010 Bodybuilding Calendar of Events coincidentally today. :D

And no one else turned up for pole class either.... which resulted in me receiving a very gruelling private lesson that left me aching in most places. XD

Ernie came to pick me up after class at 10pm. And little did I know.... that man had another trick up his sleeve. He and his friends surprised me at the downstairs mamak with a Secret Recipe raspberry cheesecake! Totally caught me off guard. Everyone has really made this year a memorable and extra special one for me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!


Yu Pei's totally sweet pressie... It looks so nice I'd feel guilty for opening it and using it!

New Year's Eve was another good one - thank God I was feeling a little better. Nearly called it a miss due to my health, but I'm really glad I decided to go along with the plans. It was another unforgettable night of good company....


With lots to drink....


And thanks to Ee Mae... the exclusive Peridot Suite... which is the biggest suite in One World Hotel!



The cosy sitting area.


There was also a spectacular view from the room. We could see fireworks at 6 different locations, and the One Utama and Curve fireworks were just right outside our window!


Bright lights..... :D






Sorry I don't take very spectacular firework photos =/




The car alarms all going off one by one in the carpark below! XD


And we were thankful for not getting caught in the post-celebration traffic jam that commenced after!


The roulette wheel I got Ernie for Christmas being put to use.

And believe it or not... I've already been for my first clubbing session of 2010 last night with Wong and his business partner. I'm not a huge fan of clubbing these days, but obliged cos it was Wong's last day to "let loose" before his hardcore dieting begins, and he also wanted to take me out for a belated birthday treat. :D Wasn't too big on the music that night... but the good company made it a fun and unforgettable night nevertheless!


One of Wong's friends gave me this psychedelic blinking shotglass and a tissue paper rose he made, and said he thought I was really pretty..... :D Aawwwwww...........


So nice, kan?

So goodbye 2009, and hello 2010. I hope the new year has many good things in store for all of us, and that we will continue to make the best out of it. :D Let's make it worthwhile!


Oh I'm loving the new candy-blue striped towels at the gym..... hehehe..... And lots of remote control hogging too..... huhu....