​How do you know if you made the most out of your Lockdown? 
Some have set goals; daily or weekly to accomplish during this lockdown to keep them occupied, some have just moan and shared how bored they are through social media, while some have taken this time to build bonds with their kids or re-engaged on hobbies that they lost.
 
Neither is wrong, different people have different way of coping and its always what’s best for you so I’m not going to judge you whichever course you take or change along the way for better or worst.
 
As for me, I wasn’t born with a silver spoon and was off working since I was 16. I enjoyed every single job I took up, from coaching netball, teaching adults to rollerblade, which is scarier than you imagine, when they pull you down along with them. I dabble in selling ice cream, modeling and standing around giving out flyers. Name it and I’ve given it a go! Nearly even considered pumping gas at a petrol station.
 
Working has been a norm to me, knowing that I could buy what I wanted and live by myself sooner than later. Yes I was the black sheep and was too stubborn to listen, I wanted thing my way but I am willing to work for it.
 
This lockdown have given me the time to reflect that a break is actually really nice. To be fair, I’m still working and doing online session at 6am on most days, but much lesser than I usually work. I have always managed to find a sweet spot of balance to ensure that I enjoy the job that I am doing.  The last month have been both fulfilling yet intoxicating, never would I imagine going for a run at nine in the morning right after doing 3hrs of virtual session. That’s usually one of my peak hours and no way I could go to the park and listen to birds chipping away and naming every squirrel I see. I can’t wait to do it for another month and appreciate every moment of being around the trees across my house. I do miss my daily cycle everywhere but I am putting some effort in cycling around my neighborhood and I can tell you every nook and cranny of my circles around my park. I’m going to say it! “Too blessed to be stressed”
 
 
I’m not even counting down the days or wondering of when I’m going to party or take my next flight. I do miss some friends but technology is far advance than sending a pigeon across.  I’m glad I have Sam who sings Disney songs in the kitchen and my cat that wouldn’t stop annoying me. Oh yeah we got engaged I designed my own ring, so I had say yes, jokes. Would talk more in my next post!
 
 
For now if you’re not doing what you really want to do, but instead are succumbed to society saying that you should be productive, e.g. read a book, get a new hobby or upscale yourself. Are you even living and enjoying this break that you might never have in the next decade or so?  I say do you! 

I am now 28! I still choose not to believe it (btw) and age is merely a number, it doesn’t stop me from doing anything besides of course crazy stuff like; last week I wanted to take my rollerblade and go down a massive ramp but thought twice as I do not intend to break anything.
 
Isn’t it weird that the older you get the more you fear being injured. There’s to much consequences having a boo-boo like lost of earning and also all the things you can’t do when your gammy, trust me I broke my hand and realized it’s importance when I had to get someone to tie my shoelaces or my hair. Oh yeah taking out a wet sport bra with a broken arm is a mission, a lot of visualization involve and planning if the head or the arm gets out first and continuous jumping on the spot like an idiot. Oh well, that didn’t stopped me as I was at work the next day with an hourly supply of ibuprofen.
 

Sam got me a pair of pet shrimps : 9

Sam's birthday and mine is exactly a week apart and there's lots of cake and food between that 7 day ! I am not complaining.

Two of my lazy breakfast ideas.
1)gluten free bread eggs cheese and avocado 
2) soy milk papaya banana pumpkin seed and honey!

Michael dropped by over the weekend so Sam got some man time besides just staying at home with me and singing Disney : )

Was invited by ASICS for a staycation at the new WAREHOUSE HOTEL for 2 day of activities with a bunch of ladies! One of the best time ever and also the food, was so good and yes TANYA POPPETT IS LEGIT ! Being a person trainer I'm very fussy of my exercise program and trust me it was no walk in the park with Tanya, purely just training no bullshit like some other fitness program i shall not mention ;) 

Finishing of the night celebrating our win with NZ FLYER! Fall in love with netball all over again with this team and next season is about to start and can't wait to get on court.

I've lived in Singapore for 20 years now and I haven't paid so much attention to it until recently , such a beaut isn't it!

My weekend meat treat for the week made by Sam, so glorious. I usually don't eat meat maybe once a week or so or sometimes never but if Sam the chef I'll eat it all! hah 

Back to studying anatomy enough of my life! xx

 I recalled being able to blog weekly, this was all before the existence of instagram and social media. I love being able to share my life with people,  the good and also the bad but obviously not all. I’m pretty much an open book and what you see is basically what I am. I have my lows that only the people close to me get to see but I sleep on it and totally forget it the next day. I forgive easily and my mind is like clockworks its always thinking but never really capable of carrying forward an idea long term. I lose focus quite easily which I’m trying to sort myself out currently.
 
Almost missed my flight today, 5 days in Jakarta is enough. I’m not bored I just find the fact that traffic makes my day unproductive, not being able to be outdoor that much makes me lethargic. This week was not to bad I got to do what I wanted but obviously if I had patience I could have done more but sitting in traffic with the car jerking every minute is not the best way to read a book without cursing.
 
I can’t wait to get home to snuggle with Sam, I use to think I can’t live without someone and could never be on my own in another country with without my other half, even if its 2 days apart. I guess I grew up and loved myself more to spend time with myself.
 
All this obviously did not happen overnight, failed relationships, getting hurt and being emotionally abuse, cheated and also cheating on my past relationships made the person I am today. Yes I admit it I’m no petals and bubbles but I choose me and I choose to accept my flaw and love it all, but obviously I wouldn’t be cheating anymore because I’ve learn to respect myself and my other half.
 
Have I had issues with my body ? obviously! Else I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have a bulletproof solution to your problem if u do have any issue in life, be it body image, love life, you are bored, what ever issues you can think off! If you don’t like it change it! No one’s going to help you but yourself obviously.
 
In the past 7 years here are some of my changes I made!
 
Did not like staying at home ! so I moved out, and don’t tell me you can’t afford it! If you can’t stand it so much you would have 3 odd job paying for your rented apartment shared by 10 people! Make it work!
 
Did not see the world because my parent could not afford it! I travelled more! I work and travel work and travel and made sure I consistently keep travelling 3-5 countries every year!
 
Did not think I was giving my dog a good life! I was at work all the time and yes I bought him and I was being unfair so I gave him up, you can call me irresponsible but giving him up means he had a chance to have a better life as a dog!
 
Picked up the courage to walk out my 5 years long relationship because I was done being cheated on, not once or twice but way to many times. I only stayed because I was comfortable and stupid.
 
Learning to say no !
 
Learning to say yes!
 
Make it happen, I stopped talking instead I started doing.
 
Well this are just some example what I am trying to say is. If you don’t like it CHANGE.

I had two choices today to either be lazy and not train or to go for a massage. Obviously i picked massage. One of those basic cheap ones you get from a china lady who presses your back and keeps pressing even harder, whilst screaming the same word. No idea what she's saying but i always say (hen hao hen hao) which i think means (good good). Oh well I love those massages, even though my boyfriend gives amazing massages i just don't like the idea of troubling him after his working hours. I should go for a chinese class to pick up the language properly, I only seem to know how to order food. Once I asked for more chilli (la chau) in chinese but it sounded more like penis (lan chau), From which i received weird stares so never attempted chinese properly again. However I still do occasionally just to make myself chuckle.( After i made my boyfriend (Sam) proof read this, he also thinks i need an English class (x_x ) )

Jacq hooked me up with the people from LIFEPROOF, They wanted to send me a FRE case after hearing what i do with my phone and the daily danger it goes through with me being in a gym, I was only expecting one case  but instead they send me a #LIVELIFEPROOF survival kit! How generous of them. 

• LIFEPROOF FRE CASE
• LIFEACTIV LIFE JACKET 
• LIFEACTIV ARMBAND
• LIVEACTIV BELTCLIP
• COMPASS
• ENERGY BAR

So my housemate (Joe) just bought a pair a week before i receive this and he was bragging at how amazing they were, last year alone he broke 3 phones, one was not even his, so he invested in a cover.

 So i did some research and it says LifeProof cases transcends mere protection. That’s why the cases are developed to be waterproof, dirt proof, snow proof and drop proof, so you can continue to push the boundaries of fitness while giving you the opportunity to capture the proof and share amazing stories. 

I don't know what to do with all this gadget but so psyched to use the LIFEJACKET next month when I'm climbing at krabi and guess what? i could take a selfie without worrying, i need a lifejacket myself since i can't even swim ! Problem solved no more broken phones for me! xx

Did i mention to you that  i cycle to work everyday ! well i'll talk more about cycling tomorrow, of to bed now.xx

Just had my last lemon sherbet (cross fingers ) before my workout, no idea how sweets became part of my diet. Two weeks till my photoshoot, then i'm off for a holiday. I have no plans for competition at the moment, its amazing cause when i was prepping i was constantly hungry! like i would eat and an hour later i'm hungry again, mentally i needed to eat almonds every minute and i use to eat 1500 -2000 calories worth of almond cause i had no self control. What did i do to solve my problem? STOP BUYING ALMONDS, yes i save $ 60 from cutting out almond from my diet. 

What i had for dinner yesterday ! cheese ciabatta and some bell pepper for that extra crunch, better than having a process burger.

Don't let this salad fool it, its massive and i'm having it now as i type, double up the chicken because the whole universe put so little meat in everything. How am i suppose to grow,recover and repair if you give me a portion of chicken to feed a 12 year old, you feel me?

Finish my workout fairly early today, suppose to do my sprints but so lazy.. 

what i did today ?

deadlifts 
1x12/3x5/x3 ( max weight 105kg) 

did some shoulder supersets(video below ) 
4 sets 
10 clean and press 
5 back jerks 
15 barbell row 
10 jacknifes 
10 sit ups 

after that i spend 20 min stretching so one day i could be a pretzel .

After consuming 283283028 slices of pizzas and indulging in Indian cuisine for my grandma birthday and her cake, i had 3 slices just because my grandma is not gonna be 89 again , so i figure 3 cakes will set it straight also my aunt made this lovely custard jelly that i couldn't stop eating after which i received this email that i would be in Men's Health Magazine for the April addition ! yay!! but not yay because the photoshoot is in 27 of this month, that's 16 days away!!!! kill me already. So I'm gonna be good for this 16 days to look my best to not disappoint myself,therefore no more cookies and chocolate for me! i'm going to update you what I've eaten and exercise I've done everyday until the 26 just to keep myself sets in stones. 

took my weight today : 55.1kg ( 17.1 body fat percentage ) 

Limaran companied me for my workout today ! 

we did my program that i posted below or if your to lazy to school down here it is! 

4 set 12 reps 
back squats (40kg- (50kgx3)

3 sets 12 reps 
front squat( 30kg)
barbell row (30kg)
dumbbell walking lunges( 10kg per arm)
bendover flies (5kg)
body weight v ups

3sets 30 second 
weighted planks


what i ate today ? 
i didn't wake up till about 11am cause i'm a pig.
10am- left over risotto chicken and prawn / 1 table spoon of peanut butter( mouth was itchy)

1pm-some kinda salad. pumpkin, chicken ( from the shop below my working place) 

240pm - remaining of that massive salad 

4pm- matcha protein shake @aminobar. 

6pm - mixed veggie chips(photo below)

8pm-planning to get daily cut (lettuce , salmon,broccoli , mushroom, asparagus, egg white ) 

i did pretty well today ! lol 

greenway mixed veggie chips
Compared to dried fruit, freeze-dried fruit or vegetable  is not made with added sugar. Its natural sweetness makes it a healthy alternative to dried fruit as a snack, . Having no added sugar means that freeze dried fruit contains fewer calories. This happen to be my favourite when i feel that i need to snack, the main ingredient are Broccoli, Pumpkin, Okra and Sweet potato 97.5% Rice Bran Oil 2%, Seasoning 0.5% its cheaper eating a real fruit but i am way to lazy and i like the anything with a hint of crunch. Just thought i share with you what i fancy for a snack besides a muffin.

Believe it because I relied on  goggled when I first did a research on where to buy a pomeranian, and I probably got scammed for the price I paid but 2 years down the road I think Simba is worth more than just that.

 After doing a handful of research about Pomeranians, basically they are small and fragile,very yappy,attentive and full of life but could be difficult to train and handle. I would say that is all true but like every pet or child, it takes time and effort to nature them in whatever behaviour you deem as appropriate.

 
So I recalled on the 22nd of september 2012 I fixed an appointment with the breeder, who’s a local breeder, he claimed to have breed at home, I was too fascinated to owning a dog I didn’t care if he was telling the truth or not and that was the first time I laid my eyes on this big eye furball who could barely walk and stumbling all over! so I told him that I would get back to him, man it was a lot of money and I had to think about it! But being compulsive I bought him the same evening on that day since I couldn’t find a dog to adopt, if i stayed in a bigger house and the situation i was in allowed me to own a bigger dog i would have but Simba was love at first sight at that moment.


The joy of having a dog is wonderful but only if you have the time and would put in the effort in looking after them. I m not a great pet owner but I always make sure Simba is happy and healthy, get his walks, treats and lots of cuddles and neck rubs, to me a happy dog is a healthy dog, I never really disciplined Simba, which I regret because when I reprimand him he thinks I’m playing and every morning before we leave for work he would try to run out from the house with us, I can only imagine his excitement but at times I feel bad closing the door on him because he doesn’t understands. Since young, Simba got the chance to be exposed to many different people therefore he doesn’t bark at all, he just would rub his head for you to pet him, his quirk happens to be quite cute yet annoying at times but he throw me sets of beady eyes that  I cant say no on most occasions. I admit that i treat Simba like a dog i don't carry him like baby every single time or spoil him with human food, because in the long run, it is not healthy for the dog and imagine having dinner and your dog grabs your food because he thinks that what he eats, you may disagree with me but to me a dog is a dog and should be treated well as a dog and not spoiling it with fancy clothes or toys all the time rather spending more time with him doing activities together.


Before you would want to purchase a dog or make home for a new pet, do visit this website and see if you could offer this beloved animals a shelter, Simba and I make a point to donate every 3 months to ensure this shelter could afford to feed the dogs. 


Animal adoption organisations in Singapore

 (taken from www.expatliving.sg)

Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD)
Run entirely by responsible and dedicated volunteers (they were recently granted full charity status), all of SOSD's dogs and puppies go through a full rehabilitation programme before being put up for fostering or adoption to the public. Check their Facebook page for updates on their next adoption drive.

SPCA - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 
With the development of HDB flats and apartment sizes shrinking, dogs and other animals have been continuously abandoned, which the SPCA have been working to combat. Today, they take in stray dogs, cats and rabbits into their care, and all of them are available for adoption and fostering.

Action For Dogs Singapore
This 14 year old organisation's sole mission is to improve the life of stray dogs in Singapore and find as many as possible a loving home. All dogs within their care receive equal love and attention, as well as medical and health care.

Cause for Animals Singapore (CAS) 
Founded by five experienced and dedicated shelter volunteers, this animal welfare charity’s committed to saving the lives of Singapore’s homeless cats and dogs through its successful rescue and adoption program. Additionally, CAS aims to create a sustainable model of effective stray management and animal health through its vaccination and sterilisation programs.

HRSS
This non-profit organisation is dedicated exclusively to re-homing abandoned bunnies of all shapes, breeds and sizes. They also run a successful fostering program and regular education events.

Lost Paws
An online network and portal for multiple animal welfare groups and organisations, Lost Paws is a one-stop adoption and missing pets portal. These guys have adoption advertisements and lost-and-found pet notices gathered from across the networks in Singapore.

Three Legs Good
This non-profit's mission is to give injured and disabled dogs a second chance at life. They also work towards raising awareness about the joys of adopting a mongrel, who can be very intelligent and perfect companions.

Voices For Animals Singapore
Though they don't belong to any registered organisation, Voices For Animals are actively involved in animal rescuing stray and retired breeding mill dogs.

Hope Dog Rescue
A group of animal lovers who strongly feel that all animals should be treated with love and respect, Hope Dog Rescue help animals who have been abused, neglected and abandoned.

 

Besides looking after my hair,the people at BlackHairSalon especially Nick always keep  ensuring i care for my hair more, I'm the type of girl i would just bun my hair up in the tightest knot with 3 thousand rubber bands, here are some tips that most of you already might know!

1) Condition your hair only below your ears onwards focusing on the ends, the scalps do not need much conditioning.

2)Never towel dry your hair and rub it like your going to rip your head apart, usually when your hair is wet, it breaks more easily, just place a towel and use your finger to massage to remove all the water.

3)Its definitely okay to change shampoo, find one that works for you and trust me I'm still finding one if it doesn't change, i usually go with one that is paraben free or contain less crap in the ingredient secret, those are the ones that cost the most too, like the saying beauty comes with a price.

4) Rinse your hair in cold water.  cool rinse of water will close the cuticle and seal in the moisture to each strand. It’s ok to shampoo your hair in hot water but finish it with a cold rinse at the end.

5)To achieve the waves on my hair above, after washing my hair, towel dry it to about 80%, i sprayed argan water(i mix 20percent argan oil and 80% water) on my hair and i braid it loosely and let it sit in till its completely dry or until you feel like removing it, gently remove the rubber band, flip your head over and ta da instant waves.

Two days ago i recalled i had a wedding to attend and i had to google to read on people's first experience of a Malay wedding. I even had to question my friends in regards to what i should do or wear upon attending to one, trust me i've had my underdressed and overdressed moments at wrong event, mostly over dressed, but now i am always prepared when i have to attend anything important.


ATTIRE

Dress well even if the location is below the void deck , it doesn't matter, dressing up is a form of respect for the people attending that event and for the bride and groom. Obviously if the wedding is in the hotel then don't be to slack, wear something formal, just like how you are attending a chinese wedding, therefore dress for the location.

Malay's are very extravagant, classy and yet modest, therefore try not to show to much skin, a simple dress that graces the knees or a maxi dress for ladies and for men jeans or pants and shirt would suffice for location below the void deck, just because a wedding is below the void deck is doesn't give you a reason to come in shorts and shirts and slippers, marriage is a grand occasion, wherever the location may be.


WHAT TO DO ?

Upon arrival don't just go find a seat, find the parent of groom and bride and congratulate them and introduce yourself after which then you find a seat.

oh oh eat! there is  no wrong of right ways to eat, you can either  attack the dessert, go for a second serving or eat the whole pot of nasi briyani, i don't think anyone would have much of an issue, but let me warn you, malay food is so tasty, especially all the lontong and rendang and if you never had them before and have a weak stomach, go easy on spicy and coconut laden dishes, but come on its malay cuisine!!

When then brides and groom arrive what to do ? nothing really ! eat some more or watch the performance that is being put up.



HOW MUCH TO GIVE?

So how much to give? give according to the location also and how close  you are to the brides and groom, please don't give 20 bucks if your invited to a 5 star hotel for a Malay Wedding because thats the norm if they celebrate it below the void deck, i am sure you are smart enough to do your math and how to cover cost like that! 

i really had fun even though i was covered in sweat i had amazing company and witness 2 beautiful people in matrimony.

This is how usually my Saturday begins, rushing to the park to conduct a bootcamp. Every since I moved out and had bought Simba my life have been a a uphill run, somedays I'm on my foot from 6am till 1am just working, cleaning house, cooking,cleaning again and walking Simba when i have a tad of energy left else ill bring him down to play fetch to make sure my boy get his exercise after which i prepare for tomorrow, but I'm not complaining. 

Today at the car wash i watched men slogged away under the sun, their skin so dried up and tanned, they were bones basically,they had music plugged in probably to distract them from the rudimentary task, i wondered how much they earned such laborious work and if there was better way to do this without them getting skin cancer in time to come, i m sure sunblock was out of the question for these men. I know its a job and somebody has to do it but watching these men i couldn't help but appreciate life a little more. So if you think what your doing is hard or your life is tough and exercise is tiring and picking up skill is not needed i want you to think again and look around you for what life has bestowed upon you and appreciate it yet stay rooted and spread your branches, share your love and kindness in every way possible, throw in smile and even some thank - you.


Politness is a skill. It must be practiced, we are offered each day to be gracious, take the opportunity people.


Taken with the Canon Legria mini x which comes with a fisheyes lens and no photos were edited,