OVER THE WEEKENDS

Yesterday I attended a wedding of one of my hiker friend. We were friends for almost 7 years now. I was rather surprised he got hitched now because he was never one who believes in marriages. I guessed love can changed one's   mindset. So glad he found his love. 

Have been thinking why do people ran? Is it for fun, the medals, or the tee shirts? 

As I reflected on this i first did it to oblige a friend. I certainly did not do it for the medals as i dont even open them after getting them. Well some of the shirts are nice i must admit and i do like quite a few of them. I have give some of them away to  a nearby orphanage home. So this year i will be cutting down most of the run. I have to learn to say no to friends and not to do things I do not enjoy or passionate about. 

I will need to terminate my gym membership as well even though there is a group workout i enjoyed very much. 

It is due to finance constraints and personal reasons. 

This morning's sunday sermon was a good reminder. I should not think of negative things or blame God. I ought to be like Job. Recant and repent

DAUGHTERS

Saw these beautiful images and so sharing here. This is for all the fathers who has daugthers out there.

ROCK CLIMBING GEARS

Sent this snapshot to a outdoor gear shop who offer resole services a while ago. Was told might not be possible to do it as the hole was too big. So sad have to buy new ones and they dont come cheap now with the introduction of gst. Since this week end is thaipusam and the road leading to the shop is expected to be jammed will drop by only next week. 

Meanwhile some items in my bucket lists:-

FAIRY TALES ARE NOT JUST FOR KIDS

I am not ashamed to admit it, I still enjoyed reading fairy tales stories or watching fairy tales movies.

For one , you need not think what is going happen next, just need to relax and enjoy the movies.So many of these fairy tales have been reboot and some even rewritten for entertainment. I prefer those newer version, for their special effects .

 Here are some of those which I have missed. Will try to watch them on showbox.

NO MORE MONKEY BUSINESS

Chinese new year is just about two weeks plus away, but there isnt much fun fare at the mall or at the road side. In the past years, just after chistmas, one could hear chinese new year songs being played almost everywhere.Stalls selling oranges and other stuff would be seen every where you go.But it has slowed down a couple of years back and this year is no different.
Chinese new year used to be a festival I looked forward to when my late mum and grandma was around, but now it is just a routine, we visit our relative and then it's just like any other normal day. Of course little children are still excited as they can collect the red packet or AngPow.
This will be the 2nd year, my God daughter won't be visiting me as she is still working oversea.Actually I was looking forward to this year and hoping for  a new visitor...but now I am not sure if it will happen or not.

2016 will be the Year of the Monkey according to Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Monkey will start from Feb. 8, 2016 (Chinese New Year) and last to Jan. 27, 2017.

 One of my grandchildren's favourite song: 5 monkeys jumping on the bed. Every time my grandson comes into my room he will ask me to carry him and put him on my bed, so that he could jump.

SOME OLD SONGS...GOOD MEMORIES

Thank God for You tube, we are able to access to some of the gem from the past.

These are three of the songs I heard during my school days. still loving them. 

Jenny 2x by Little Richard

jennifer eccles the hollies

I first heard this on my uncle's turn table as a kid.

Top 10 Things Malaysians Wasted Their Money On In 2015

How many of these did you blew your $$$ on? Mine would be no 4. 

Written by Rebecca Shamasundari

As we are nearing the very tail end of 2015, it is time to reflect on our finances, and how we fared this tear. What were the financial mistakes you have made, and what can you do better next year?

One of the biggest mistakes almost everyone make is overspending. It’s remarkably easy to overspend. Not only are we surrounded by enticing things to buy, it has become increasingly easy to buy things, even when we are sitting in the office via thousands of online shopping sites. We are so used to buying things, sometimes we tend to forget that these expenses are purely optional.

Here are the 10 most common things Malaysians have been wasting their money on this year:

1. Mamak

Food has always been a cultural thing for Malaysians, to the point that we would gladly admit that certain food represents us. This is not just true for the foodies. Almost every Malaysian would flock to the mamakfor supper every other night to hang out with friends.

While food is indeed a necessity, the main point here is that we are spending way too much on food that the habit actually hurts our pockets. That, plus the fact that if you look at the prices at the mamak they aren’t much cheaper than other types of eateries. Often times, they can be more expensive.

How to save money:

Other than the usual three meals, consider meeting at places such as your or your friend’s home, or at the park to hang out with your friends. This will definitely save you at least a few bucks a night.

2. Gadgets

In the wee hours of November 6 last year, you might have been one of the many Malaysians queuing up to get hold of the new iPhone 6. Keeping up with the latest technology comes with a price, and the sad truth is, not many of us can afford that price. If keeping up with this hobby is racking up thousands of Ringgit of debt on your credit card, it’s time to look for a new pastime.

How to save money:

Buy a gadget only when you need it or upgrade only when your phone is no longer functioning. Sometimes it may make more sense to spend a little bit more on a good smartphone that can last you longer. And if you’re an Apple fan try to hold off your urges for major upgrades instead of incremental ones.

3. Daily expensive coffee

Ask any caffeine addicts and they would tell you that life begins after coffee, but life shouldn’t begin after EXPENSIVE coffee. With many hipster cafes and coffee places mushrooming in town, it has become a norm for Malaysians to pay about RM10 for a cuppa.

Coffee is a daily expense that quietly drains your bank account without you even noticing. That daily latte of RM10 on office days can costs you RM200 a month, and RM2,400 per year – all just for coffee!

How to save money:

You can always get your morning caffeine dosage from the mamak down your street. Or you can brew your own at home or at office. If quality is what you argue about, why not invest in a coffee machine that will allow you to have the same high-quality coffee as the café?

4. Gym memberships

As the New Year approaches, gyms would probably expect a barrage of new sign-ups, as it is not uncommon for people to make getting fit their resolution for the new year. The lack of time due to workload or a lengthy commute often becomes excuses on why people lag behind their exercise regime. Irregular visits to the gym would not get you the results that you want. You end up wasting your hard-earned money on a gym membership you do not have time for.

How to save money:

Obviously the best way will be to drop the gym and rather opt to exercise at home or at the nearest park. There are thousands of YouTube videos of different workouts, and they are FREE!

5. Service packages

One of the easiest ways for businesses to get money from you, the customers, upfront is by selling packages of their services, be it manicure/pedicure, car wash/polish, facial, or even massages. Yes, packages may seem cheaper but if you are not going to use the service regularly, you are taking on a big risk by paying too much money upfront. There have been many cases of businesses winding up, leaving all their existing customers who bought such packages in a lurch.

How to save money:

Only buy packages of services that you need regularly and from a reputable business. Keep track of all your receipts and payments on your end, in case of any dispute. If you don’t think you will be using it regular, it will make more sense to just purchase on an ad hoc basis.

6. Lunch delivery

Depending on where you work, lunch can be an expensive affair. If you happen to work in a Central Business District (CBD), lunch options could be limited. Due to this, food delivery businesses thrive. Ordering from one of these hipster food delivery companies could easily set you back by RM360 a month, that’s RM18 per meal for 20 meals a month.

How to save money:

Get out of the office to look for cheaper lunch options, or better yet, pack your own nutritious and scrumptious lunch from home!

7. Healthy living

So many are now adopting healthy eating habits by spending hundreds on cold-pressed juices and organic food. Healthy living is important, but one of the easiest ways to live healthily is simply to eat and drink in moderation. You don’t need to spend half your income on trendy health supplements, and organic food and juices.

How to save money:

Eat a balanced diet, and choose to buy organic only for certain produce, such as leafy vegetables. Working out regularly will help too (see point 4).

8. Subscriptions

We live in an era of subscriptions. Subscriptions do make our lives easier, but they should be reviewed periodically to ensure we are making full use of what we are paying for.

Malaysians easily spend well around RM1,800 a year just so they can watch five to 10 of the 200-plus channels they’re subscribed to. In the age of legal streaming TV, there’s no reason for you to be spending RM150 per month on cable television.

How to save money:

You can get rid of the unwanted TV subscription or keep it basic. You can watch movies in theatre, buy the DVD later or watch online through mediums like iflix.

9. Banking fees

Bank charges are pretty standard in Malaysia due to the strict regulations set by Bank Negara Malaysia. However, there are ways you can avoid paying additional and unnecessary fees. This includes unnecessary ATM fees, exorbitant credit card interest and late payment fees. All these fees add up.

Put more forethought on your banking habits, and be really careful with how you manage your credit card balance. Missing a payment can automatically increase your interest rate from 15% p.a. to 17% and eventually 18%.

How to save money:

Some of the things you can do to avoid paying extra are:

• Use the ATM from the same bank to withdraw money to avoid paying the additional RM1.06 (inclusive of GST) for withdrawals made at other bank ATMs.
• Plan your payments ahead to avoid paying additional charges for Instant Interbank Transfer, which cost about RM0.50 per transaction.
• Pay your credit card bills on time to avoid extra interest charges and late payment fees.
• Take full advantage of the interest-free period on your credit card.
• Making extra repayments on your flexi home loan can help you save on interest.

10. Skipping regular dentist visits

We all know that we should visit a dentist twice a year, but not many of us do. Dental check-ups can be costly, but missing them can be costlier. Here’s why: dentists perform a lot of routine maintenance to prevent problems that could occur if you do nothing. Prevention is always better than cure. You only get two sets of teeth, take good care of them.

How to save money:

Preventive treatments such as scaling and polishing cost about RM100 only, and if you do it twice a year, that would be RM200 a year. However, if you neglect your pearly whites, it could lead to problems that can only be solved with extraction or fillings that cost RM150 to RM200 per tooth, or worse, root canals that cost more than RM1,000!

We all are guilty of making wasteful spending, one way or the other. If you want to have a healthier financial life, then it is time to break down your personal expenses and pinpoint the things you do not need or can live without. Always remember, you work too hard to earn the money and you do better off financially by not spending it on such unnecessary things

original post found here

FIRST OUTDOOR CLIMB FOR 2016

After a long absence, I had my first outdoor climb at damai wall, batu cave. Also had my first bruise, first blood, first cut for this year. Got bruise on my shine and even cuts on my fingers.
Some how the fear of falling was still there. I had overcome the height probia, but not the falling bit. Need to focus more. Anyway did some high and not so easy route. Overall quite happy with my achievement.

got cut by the sharp rock

Photocredit:IreneAng

with the organiser Irene

AT THE CINEMA

It's been quite a while since i step into a cinema. Since I was not hiking or at the gym and Ip Man3 was still playing i thought i will watch it before it is taken off the screen. There was not much crowd and the hall was freezing cold. I should have brought my jacket.  Anyway I enjoyed the show though i have to go to the toilet half way the show.  The toilet at this cinema is quite a distant It was a good thing I only had to go once. Have to. Remember to bring my jacket the mext time I catch a movie here.

Ip Man Played by Donny Yen

The real Ip Man

Here’s How You Can Get in Shape in Time for Chinese New Year

Just to inspire and motivate self.

With less than a month away to Chinese New Year, we’re pretty sure you’ve already started shopping for your New Year clothes. And maybe, you might be feeling a tad self-conscious if you gained some weight over the Christmas and New Year break.

But here’s the thing: You can still look and feel great in your new outfits by February! Today, Evolve Daily reveals 5 Ways You Can Get in Shape in Time for Chinese New Year:

1) Maintain a balanced diet

Whole grains help minimize your carb cravings.

Although crash dieting might seem like a great idea, it’s actually nothing more than a very temporary quick-fix solution that does more harm than good to your body in the long run. This is because crash diets deprive your body of essential nutrients, such as potassium and sodium, which play major roles in your body’s nerve and muscle function. Hence, you’ll feel more lethargic and tired. This would then lead to moodiness, irritability and in more severe cases, depression.

What’s more, crash diets slow down your metabolism greatly, which means you’ll gain even more weight when you start eating normally again!

Start getting in shape by including these fat-melting foods in your daily diet, and drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. It has been reported that drinking water increases the amount of calories you burn. Also, if you drink water before your meals, you’ll reduce your appetite and consume less calories!

Tip: Replace sodas and alcohol with water, and avoid sugary treats (for now at least). Save those calories for your festive gatherings with loved ones!

2) Tone your body with some intense workouts

A 60-minute Muay Thai class can burn up to 1,000 calories.

What better way is there to melt away fats and tone those muscles than a good, hard session at the gym? To begin, you should pick anaerobic exercises over aerobic ones. For example, choosing sprints over long distance jogging.

Apart from helping you burn more fats, high intensity interval training would produce better results than slow distance training – in a shorter amount of time! Remember, quality beats quantity, so you should never measure your workout’s effectiveness by the amount of time you spend on it, but rather, the intensity.

For a good full body workout, why not try Muay Thai? It not only teaches you self-defense, but also burns up to 1,000 calories when you attend a 60-minute class!

Tip: Plan your workouts well in advance, and log them in a workout journal so you can monitor your progress and stay motivated to exercise regularly.

3) Get enough sleep every night (even on weekends!)

Ideally, all adults should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

When you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll end up craving junk food, as your ability to make good food choices gets affected. It has been reported that sleep deprivation increases activity in areas of the brain that seek pleasure (including the kind that junk food provides!) What’s more, activity in other regions of your brain that can put a stop to these cravings would slow down when you’re sleepy.

As adequate sleep plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight, we strongly believe you should catch 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night.

Tip: Switch off your phone, laptop and TV at least an hour before bedtime. By disconnecting from your electronics, you’re allowing your brain to relax and get ready for a good night’s sleep!4) Get a workout buddy to keep things fun

BJJ enables a much weaker person to overcome a bigger and stronger opponent.

When it comes to choosing a workout buddy, it doesn’t matter whether it’s your sibling, or your work BFF – as long as you’re both on the same page about getting in shape!

Besides working towards a common goal together, you and your workout buddy can keep each other motivated, as well as help each other stay focused if either of you starts to slack off.

Tip: Share not only your successes but also your fears and failures with your buddy. By doing so, your buddy will know exactly when to encourage you and remind you why you started in the first place. Psst! Never forget that you’re a team, so make it a point to do the same for your buddy on his/her bad days.

5) Carry on even if you don’t see immediate results

WBC Boxing World Champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam teaches Boxing and Muay Thai at Evolve Far East Square.

There might be moments when you get frustrated or disheartened, especially when you don’t see results despite pushing yourself in the gym, or maybe after the first few days of eating healthy.

But when you persist and get through these tough moments, we’re positive that your efforts will pay off, and you’ll be glad that you never gave up. After all, giving up would do nothing but take you further from getting that body you want.

Tip: Keep in mind that progress is more important than perfection, and don’t forget to celebrate your small victories – like squeezing in a good workout after a long day at work, or getting through a week without drinking sodas.

Now that you’ve already thought about getting in shape for Chinese New Year, it’s time to take action and work towards your desired body!

original post here

SOON IT WILL BE TIME NO MORE

Just the other day, at one of the shipping community function, I was sitting with an elderly man who expressed that every day that he is living is a bonus. How true it is. Just this week, there were a few reports of celebrities who had died. All of them were in their 60s. That's the age I am right now. Well, it is not dead that I fear, but rather I fear, I might not have the time to do what I wanted and also to fullfil my heart's desire. The Bible says In Psam 90:10 70 years is what the average people will live.

 I don't have much in my basket list. I manage to do some of the things I had put there and cleared most of them. I do not  wished to have long life and I always prayed I will die in my sleep. I too prayed I would not fall sick , as I do not want to burden my family. That is why it is so important to have a healthy body. I work out to stay fit. Of course it is equally important to have a healthy mind, so put aside all the negative thoughts and things that hurts you. I wished to spent more time with loved one too.

Psam 90:10 New Living Translation

Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away.

I WAS A LET DOWN

Don't know what got into me, last night while belaying my sifu as she did the lead climb. I was not focus and spot her as I should.She fell and I did not did not do my job properly. Good thing it was just a shall fall at the begining of the climb. Thank God she was not angry with me. Thanks sifu for being such a kind heart.That's why I loved her so much.  I did not get to climb much yesterday as one more girl did not turn up. We usually take turns to belay each other at the top rope. I had another neebies who belayed me and I did two difficult routes. Overall it was quite a good climb.  But I need to overcome my fear at the lead wall. I still get goose pimples doing that. Somehow the fear of falling is still there. Funny thing when I was doing top rope ,which is the same height, I do not have such fear.

Note to self will do better next time.

THE GOOD OLD DAYS.

How I long for the good old days.

Some of the songs which I listened to in my school days. Those days, there were no social media and we only depend on the radio for our songs. Records was still a luxury and have to rely on bootlegs.

No milk today from Herman's Hermit

Silent is Golden-The Hollies

The shirelles-will you still love me tomorrow?

Dusty Springfield:-You don't have to say you love me.

SOMETIMES I WONDER

What's she doing right now. Is she eating at the right time? Getting enough sleep. ?

Walking in the woods, running or just relax? 

Just wondering......because i still care

SJ4000 CAM

Actually I got this months ago from my youngest son. After opening the box I found it was not functioning and ask my son to return, but he had been procrastinating. It has been lying in my drawer ever since. But recently he asked for a small sd card and I took it out from this camera.Then he remember and volunteer to return it to the seller for a replacement/repair. I am glad the seller still honour it,since it must have past the waranty period. Anyway I got it back yesterday and was able to pair it with my Iphone and tested it abit. It comes with a waterproof housing, but unfortunately I will not have the opportunity to test it out, since I will be giving up my extreme sports like viper challenge, tandom etc. But maybe I could use it during the raining season when I go hiking? Other than that, I can always use it for my rock climbing.
Thank you son for the gift.

Did'nt know there are fake version as well. When I first got it I thought SJ was an imitation version of the Gopro hero. Only now I realiase it is a competitor

FAIRY TALES WE GREW UP WITH

Saw the google image and out of curiosity click on it and this was the story
I didn't know that.

Charles Perrault: fairy tale visionary 

By Rhiannon Williams

12:18AM GMT 12 Jan 2016

Charles Perrault, author of Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella was born 388 years ago, and has been commemorated with a Google Doodle.

Perrault was born in Paris in 1628, and was a lawyer before turning his hand to the written word. While the Brothers Grimm are widely credited with creating the fairy tale as we know it, Perrault actually wrote Le Petit Chaperon rouge, La Belle au bois dormant and Cendrillon a full 200 years before.

In 1695, aged 67, he wrote Tales and Stories of the Past with Morals, a series of moral tales designed to prompt the reader to reflect on the dilemmas presented to the protagonist, which were well-known from folklore even then. The volume contained the story now known as Mother Goose, alongside perrenially recognised titles such as Puss in Boots, Blue Beard and Cinderella, and less famous stories Ricky of the Tuft and Little Thumb

OLIVE BRANCH

Why is the olive branch used as a symbol of peace? 

The origins of using olive branch as a symbol of peace lie in ancient Greek culture. In ancient Rome too, the defeated during a war used to hold an olive branch to indicate that they were pleading for peace. 

According to Christian mythology, during the great flood, the dove sent in search of land by Noah, returned with an olive leaf. 

This was seen as a sign that God had stopped his war on mankind, the flood was receding, and land was in sight. 

According to some, an olive branch signifies peace because olive trees, because of their slow growth, are not cultivated during war time and therefore considered as peace-time trees

original post here

comments:
So when you say you have extend an olive branch to a person, it means you want to make peace with that person and do not want to continue with the dispute.The onus is on the person to accept it. If he accept it then there is peace, if  he doesnt , then there is nothing much the person offering can do.