Confessions of a City Slicker

There have been no updates on my diet for some time because Coach is in Jordan visiting her parents.  I had a follow up session with one of the other supervisors and found great results!

I’ve lost a total of 2.5 kg and 44 cm in 4 months!

Well, based on my figure as it is right now, I can in fact, stop the weight loss part of the diet and move on to weight maintenance.  I just need to add their protein to the shake to help build more muscle mass and tone up the sagging areas.  This will definitely help with the residual fatty areas on the tummy that is an eye sore for me.

But, I think I would like to lose a little more, after all, it’s better to have a margin of safety, no?

My skin has improved so much now that I think I can stop going for those expensive facials.  Maybe I’ll just go for a pampering session, but other than that, I can definitely save on the facials.

I’ve started to use their outer care products.  So far I’ve started on their eye gel which I keep in the fridge so it’s nice and cooling on application.  The texture is finer than the regular eye gels that I’ve used before that leaves a residue around my eye area, not unlike when I have just been crying.

Also just started on their day cream which I absolutely lurrrrrrve!  It has a velvety finish and is not greasy or sticky.  The day cream also comes with SPF 15.  I still use my other sun block.  Hey, I bought the thing for over RM200.00, so it will be a waste if I don’t finish it.

I can’t wait to add on other products.

Hongkie Kopitiam at eGate - lousy food despite its variety, bad service and the price is definitely not worth paying.

But I still keep going back because for one, it’s more affordable than the other places here and secondly, the other places were either too expensive or sucked even more.

Still feeling sick today and didn’t feel like taking the short walk from the office to my car under the sweltering afternoon sun to go home for lunch.  So I opted to go to Hongkie instead.

After looking through the menu, I finally settled for a dish called "Downing Street".  It’s fried fragrant rice with beef and topped with mozarella cheese.  The whole thing is then baked.

The result, well, they have this sauce that tastes suspiciously like kurma.  There was not enough cheese and the beef was so tough, it felt like leather.

Was glad that I had the good sense to ask for a big plate instead of attempting to eat out of the tiny bowl that the dish came in.  Trying to cut the pieces of beef into bite size pieces would pose a challenge indeed.

Needless to say, I didn’t finish the whole thing.

The last time I was there, because I had a sore throat, I ordered their nissin noodles which is very bland and with the ingredients which consists of a piece of ham, a sausage and fried egg, it was definitely not worth the price they were charging.

After lunch today, I took a detour to Guardian pharmacy to buy a roll of dental floss for the beef that got stuck between my teeth.

It’s funny how I always think of going to Hongkie when I’m sick.  I guess during those times, I can’t tell the difference good food and bland hospital food.

Was starting to feel a little under the weather again when I got home last night, or should I say early this morning.

So after what I hoped to be a refreshing shower, I took some medicine and went to bed.  Can’t believe I slept through church.  The medicine, especially the cough syrup makes me drowsy.

Apparently it hasn’t left my system yet, because I woke up feeling real shitty.  The parents, of course thought I had too much to drink the night before and was badly hungover.

After they left to visit some relatives, I took out my belly dance music and went through some of the old routines I have learned.  If people thought belly dance looks easy, let me tell you this - it’s hard work!

Even the slower numbers we learned during the intermediate classes require lots of internal energy so it’s really good to work up a sweat.  Friends who think I don’t sweat enough have apparently never seen me after 2 hours of belly dancing.  My T-shirt was soaked through!

Well, after all that dancing and a cold shower, I started to feel much more refreshed.  Now, if only this cough will go away….

Tonight I was initiated into the ancient tradition of a Hindu engagement ceremony.

Tai Mai got engaged tonight and I was there to take notes so I can blog about it (am addicted to blogging or what hahahaha).

The ceremony took place at a temple on the mainland.  First thing I found out - Ponnu (pronounced Poh-Ner) means Bride.  The bride must be at the temple early and hidden out of sight.

Part 1

The groom arrives with his entourage bearing all kinds of sweets, cakes and assorted kuehs.  The entire entourage will circle their main altar (for want of a better word) before placing them in front of the dais.

The priest then blesses the gifts from the groom to the bride which consists of a saree, garland, bouquet, and a small mirror.  These will be presented to the bride who will change into them.

Part 2

This, I believe is something of an acknowledgement of sorts from both families to the acceptance of the couple’s wish to get engaged.  Two elder representatives from both families, a man and a woman, will sit on each side of the priest who will preside and over the whole thing.

The whole ritual starts with prayers.  Then the priest passes holy smoke on the representatives and sprinkle holy water on them.  The representatives will then rub rice on their hands.  As a sign of their families now being joined together through the marriage of the happy couple they will then annoint each other’s cheeks, forehead and arms with yellow paste which I believe is made from yellow tumeric powder.

Somewhere during the whole proceedings, while I was busy taking notes on my cell phone, the priest said blessings on 2 pieces of cloths.  The cloths are then tied around the heads of the male representatives of both families - red for the groom and white for the bride.

Part 3

After the bride has changed into the saree gifted by her husband to be, she will make her grand entrance and exchange garlands with him.

When both the bride and groom have taken their places in front of the prayer area, the same ritual of passing the holy smoke and sprinking of holy water continues.

Before exchanging the engagement rings both have to rub rice on their hands.  By this point I gathered that it’s some sort of a cleansing ritual?

There is a ritual before the rings can be placed on their fingers.  First they have to dab holy water and the ceremonial "tilak" or red tumeric powder on the ring finger.  The priest followed by the respective family members will then bless the rings before they can be placed on the finger.

Once all that is out the way, the bride and groom may now take their places on the dais.

Here’s the happy couple with the ceremony now finally finished.  Congratulations to Tai Mai and hubby.  Say, I know that the picture here looks a bit blur, but do you think Mr Tai Mai looks something like a certain motivation guru whom we went to Singapore to watch?

Of course, being the avid belly dancer, I couldn’t help also snapping a shot of this tabla player.

After the ceremony has finished everybody headed outside for dinner.  It was just a simple vegetarian fair and yours truly being the carnivor only had tomato rice with lots of kurma gravy, potatoes and baby corn.

Was initiated to another different ritual during dinner - the art of eating with your hands.  This is the first time I’ve done something like that and needless to say, it was a mess.  I stopped eating while the video guy had his camera focused on us.  This is something no civilized human being wants to see.

I look forward to their wedding in August.  I think it will be an even grander affair.

I’m sick today

Started yesterday somewhere near lunch time when I suddenly felt so dazed.  Even walking around felt like floating.

Must the weather.  Yesterday was exceptionally hotter than usual.  Man, how I hate the sun!

I thought that going to the gym to sweat it out a little will make me feel better.  By the wee hours of the morning, I was having a full blown fever.

Dragged myself out of bed and went to see the doctor.  One thing about going to the doctor’s in the wee hours of the morning is that there will be no one or very little people there so I don’t have to wait long.

Got myself MC for the day.

I’m still a little stoned from the meds.  It’s no fun being sick, but I’m grateful for the time to slow down.  Anyhow, today’s weather is soooooooo heavenly to sleep.

Suppose to have dinner with Steph to celebrate her birthday tonight.  Don’t know if I can make it

I haven’t had this in a long time.

Was running a little late this morning and since I forgot to prepare my Herbalife shake the night before, I had to look for food after I have arrived at work.

It was a little cool this morning with some hints of rain, so nothing fits better than a packet of nasi lemak with fish and steaming hot teh tarik at the mamak stall.

The nasi lemak is a little spicy with strong belacan smell.  It’s just a small packet (A-cup size, my colleague calls it :D) so it wasn’t too heavy.  The teh tarik settled my stomach some what, since it balances out the spiciness of the nasi lemak.

Very fatty and high in cholesterol, but satisfying all the same.

I am human just like the rest of the world.

People wondered how I managed to stick to my diet.  It’s not easy going liquid for 2 meals a day and only getting to eat 1 meal of solid food.

Well, let me tell you this - it’s not an iron will or discipline, I’m just stubborn.  That’s my secret.

But, just like any ordinary person out there, that does not mean that I’ve not had my moments of weakness.  Sometimes the cravings can be so overwhelming.

Take yesterday, for example, I had this sudden craving for Subway’s parmesan oregano bread which is so soft and fluffy.  So did I persevere and stop myself from indulging in that craving?

Tsk….of course not.  That would be the biggest mistake.  If you get a craving indulge in it.  Hey, you deserve it.

A lot of people don’t think so, and that’s the problem.  A lot of people break down and succumb to 1 craving and suddenly, their whole diet is ruined.  It shouldn’t be that way.

I always believe that we shouldn’t be too strict with ourselves.  We have to allow ourselves the occassional indulgement.  If we keep ourselves on this tight leash all the time, one fine day, we are going to have a major meltdown.

So what if I gobbled up that huge sandwich?  Look, I had been pretty much sticking to my diet for the past 90 days or so, having seen good progress so far.  1 little indulgence ain’t gonna ruin the whole thing for me.

Maybe it’s that perfection mentality that a lot of people have.  Got screwed by the boss in the morning and the rest of their day is ruined.  Had a burger and the whole diet goes out the window.

Maybe these people are just looking for an excuse to fail?  After all, any major lifestyle change is a difficult transition and it’s so much easier to carry on our merry ways.

Get this - NOTHING IS PERFECT.  There is no such thing as a perfect day or a perfect diet.  The best that we can do is to change and adapt as we go along.

So don’t go beat yourself up when you succumb to the occassional temptation.  Sure, you’ll feel proud of yourself when you resist.  But carry on and you’ll be just plain miserable.

Besides, I always believe in rewarding myself for each milestone.  If I can stick to my diet the whole week, I give myself a treat during the weekends.

That way, everybody’s happy.

My first encounter with The Secret was when I was offered my current job.

I had been visualizing the figure I wanted for my salary on my pay slip for about a week when I got the call offering me the job and the exact figure I wanted.  How can I say no?  I guess it was no coincidence that my boss is also a big believer of law of attraction.

Like anyone who had just started using this law, I was freaked out a little when I got the call.  I just couldn’t believe it.  And just moments before, I was at a bookstore looking for the book.

The law has worked for me in little ways every day like when looking for a parking space.  Friends know that when I go anywhere, I’ll drive around looking for the most strategic spot to park my car.  Guess how I always find a spot that I like?

Now, again, it has worked for me big time.  I had wanted to go to the belly dance workshop during World Belly Dance Day, although the price is a little steep.  Heck, I was even prepared to eat instant noodles every day just to pay for it.

Then, my boss gave us a little bonus for our hard work during the launch of his latest project and the amount was enough for me to pay for the workshop, the hafla and a little extra left over to treat myself to a massage package at the spa downstairs from my office.

All I had to do was to put out my wish to the universe it will find ways to get it for me.

Ask and ye shall receive!

Standing in my balcony watching the world go by below, I came to a startling realization.

I haven’t taken a walk down my neighborhood since Baby died.  Of course I’ve been travelling up and down the road, I have to get to work and all that, after all.  But those times I’m in my car travelling at F1 speed.

What I meant was a pleasant, leisurely stroll down the road in the morning or evening.  It used to be an activity I look forward to because it was quality time that I got to spend with Baby.  The hour or so where we would take a slow walk in companionable silence.

I still see some of Baby’s old friends pass by with their owners.  Spotty the Dalmation who was just growing into adulthood when we first met is now a magnificent creature.  Teddy from the down the road, now an old girl who ambles slowly while her companion, who bears a remarkable resembelance to my Huggy Bear, runs about.

I haven’t seen the little Schnauzer around lately.  A very unique creature indeed, with his grey coat and white eyebrows and beard.  I heard he got stolen.  Poor thing.

A new addition is this beautiful little Shi Tsu who always goes for her walks in pretty frilly dresses.

Guess Baby really did get me out of the apartment instead of staying in all the time.  Some Saturday mornings when I don’t work, I’ll take her for an extra long walk before heading back home for some shut eye.  Sometimes, I’ll even take her for a car ride.

Those were sweet times….