Natural (Food) Laxatives

Loads and loads of bananas.

Generous intake of papaya-pear juice.

Forget about prune juice, not really useful leh.

Guess what, Dear2 is having a serious bout of constipation!  So bloated.  So painful.  So uncomfortable.  So constipated.  So that’s what ‘being constipated’ means.

Sometimes I just wish that someone can slice open my stomach to retrieve all these bad stuff. It’s definitely there cos I can feel the solids knocking hard on the walls so much that it hurts every time they do the knock knock.  So, someone plssssssssssss open me up!!!!

Ha, but that’s too extreme.  Perhaps I should just get some over the counter laxatives to ease the situation?  But too much medicine is no good for the body leh.  Sigh………

Hey! Natural laxatives.  What are these?  Blah blah blah, what herbs what dandelions, what in the hack are figs.  Hmm… I should just remember those foods that can be easily found.  Here goes:

• Walnuts
• Turnips
• Soy beans
• Grapes
• Papaya
• Mango
• Almond
• Apricot
• Avocado
• Coconut
• Dates
• Olive
• Persimmon
• Pineapple
• Prunes
• Watercress
• Apple-pear juice

Haha, with this, lunch at Raffles Place is now a treasure hunt of only foods that are made of these ingredients.  A soya bean diet really does seem to work quite well for Dear2, but I’m not sure if it’s becos the bean products have already gone bad (as u would know, soya bean products really turn bad easily) or it’s becos of the natural laxative function in them.  Whatever it is, long live natural laxatives!

– Dear2

2.4km in 15m56s

Alamak… what a lousy timing! Recently, Dear1 went to take his Individual Physical Proficiency Test or simply IPPT as required for all Singaporean males during their NSmen liability period. Sigh… Without a doubt, I failed.

There are 5 stations in all. 4 static stations, namely shuttle run, sit ups, chin ups and standing board jump. As Dear1 was very active in sports, particularly basketball, during his schooling days, I had no problems with jumping and sprinting. But I wasn’t really good in the sit ups and chin ups. Sigh… Overall, the IPPT was a disaster.

What really surprised me was actually the 2.4km run. Dear1 and Dear2 had been somewhat active in running, participating in running events, personal training and everything, but 15m56s was just atrocious! Hmm… maybe it wasn’t that bad after all… I remember we ran 40mins for the 5km Passion Run. Ops, so I *was* running that slowly all along.

Maybe it’s the difference between long distance running and short distance running. Running events have always been long distance and we tend to keep quite a lot of energy in reserve for long runs knowing the distance we need to cover. But 2.4km is really very short and one needs to burst through the entire distance in order to meet the IPPT passing criteria. I suppose that’s the difference between endurance run and power run.

And if I can’t clear my IPPT before my birthday, I would need to go for the dreaded Remindal Training (RT), what a waste of time. For the sake of my freedom and possibly $100 incentive for passing, I must train up my 2.4km run! and chin ups! and sit ups… =(

For now, Dear2 will continue with her 5km training runs while I’ll convert to 300m interval runs to build up my lung capacity, with static training between intervals. Certainly hope this works. And hopefully I’ll be able to shed some fats along the way. :D

-Dear1

First time giving out Ang Baos for CNY

We had our customary wedding late last year, so this year, we’ll be ‘married’ in the Chinese cultural sense and we’ll be giving out ang baos as married adults to our unmarried juniors. Just for your info, we’ve already escaped giving out ang baos for the past 2 years. :P

After receiving CNY ang baos for so many years, it does feel rather awkward to be actually handing them out this time round. When we were younger, ang baos had always been a big source of income for us. I especially remember the times when Dear1 and Dear2 starting dating, that was during our schooling times. We had no other source of income and CNY was always a big bonus for us. Trust me, dating isn’t cheap for school boys and girls. Maybe modern kids these days are more pampered by their parents, but I certainly recall eating 60 cents beehoon for lunch everyday at school so that I can save up some money to go out with Dear2 on weekends. For us, we typically receive around $200~$300 worth of ang bao money during CNY and that will probably last us about 6 months or so. Oh, how we looked forward to CNY back then.

Fast forward a bit. We gradually found ways to increase our income. I went to army for National Service (NS) and receive some measly salary each month, both of us started giving private tuition and we worked hard at school so as to put ourselves in a good position to receive scholarships offered by various organisations. Finally, after we graduated, we entered the workforce and earn our monthly salary. Over the years, our notion of money change as we accumulated more life experiences. The ang bao money we received last year hasn’t changed all these years; we still receive the same $200~$300. But it didn’t impact our lives as much as it did 10 years ago. At our age, receiving ang baos isn’t about its monetary value anymore. Rather, it’s more about the symbolism our elders extending their sincere wishes to us for the coming year through the giving of the ang bao. It is with this thought that we continue to receive ang baos and that we start our act of handing out the good fortunes of the new year.

Of course, there is a monetary value to every ang bao and we need to seriously consider them. The dollar value of the ang bao is somewhat a representation of the relationship between the giver and receiver. Ya, it’s a skewed manifestation of our modern capitalist world but at least its a socially accepted guideline with which we gauge the strength of the bond and the affluence of the giver. As much as we would like to giving out $100 ang baos to everyone we meet, we simply cannot afford it. Hence, we reserve the big ang baos for our respected elders, namely our grandma, and our parents. Next in line at our close cousins whom we keep in contact with throughout the year. And last are those that we hardly recognise but vaguely recalled that they fall into our extended family tree (I’m just being frank).

But there are some problems with giving out ang baos. And that is to consider who the recipients are and whether is it appropriate to give them ang baos. One such example is that of an elder cousin that is not married. Or even an uncle or aunt (one generation older) that is not married. Ang baos are traditionally given to unmarried persons more junior than ourselves in the family line. The older recipient may feel some awkwardness receiving the ang baos, and if that’s the case, we should consider creating the appropriate mood and atmosphere to give them our well wishes or perhaps to not give the ang bao at all. Another problematic case is the uncle who is younger in age. I think there’s one case of such in my extended family, but I doubt I’ll get to meet him this year, so no problems here.

Now, what about friends? The problem is really multi-fold. First off, marital status. Second, age. Third, social status. Fourth, nature of social circle. Fifth, place of meeting. Example, ur unmarried supervisor younger than u comes for a CNY gathering at ur house with a few other colleagues. Tricky ya? For us, to simplify things, we decided that we’ll give to friends (senior or junior) that visit our house during CNY since we’re playing host to them. Everything else goes on a case by case basis. Always have spare ang baos in ur pocket. When in doubt, just give an ang bao in the spirit of the new year and make it as light hearted as possible.

And here’s wishing all our readers a prosperous new year ahead. Happy Chinese New Year!

-Dear1

Safari Zoo Run 2009, here we come!

So interesting… We’re taking part in a running event that runs within the zoo itself! Here what the route map looks like, credits to the Safari Zoo Run 2009 website.

Here are some of the reasons why we decided to join this run.

1. In memory of Ah Meng, according to the official tag line of the run.
2. Popular among dating couples. We’ve always wanted to visit the zoo as a romantic dating destination but have never gotten around to do it.
3. Good race route. Look at the map, we get to visit both the Singapore Zoo (left half) *AND* the Night Safari (right half) on the same run.
4. Comfortable flag off time. Believe it or not, it’s 4pm in the afternoon. No need to walk up at 3am to catch a chartered bus from Bt Gombak station. Yippee!
5. Relaxing distance. It’s only 6.2km.
6. Running with the animals. Imagine the joy of running alongside the lions and tigers and zebras…
7. Value for money. Ticket to zoo is already $18, ticket to night safari is $22. This run is priced at $38 and we still get an event polo t-shirt. For those without a Passion Card, free 3 years subsciption. Truly worth every dollar.

Perhaps one of the bad points I can think of at the moment is that the condition of the air isn’t going to be top notch (think animal dung). But then, it isn’t a competitive event, and we’re more encouraged by the sight seeing part of the event more than the sporting aspect. We’re really looking forward to this one. :D

♫♫♫ We’re going to the zoo zoo zoo,

How ’bout you you you,

You can come too too too,

We’ll see you at the zoo zoo zoo! ♫♫♫ :D

-Dear1

The BBDC Experience

Dear2 passed her Basic Theory Test (BTT) when she was 20 years old.  And Dear2 is sitting for her Final Theory Test (FTT) in a month’s time.  All because there isn’t any time validity from the time u passed BTT till the time u get your driving licence, but once u have passed your FTT, you need to get your driving licence within 2 years.  Yeah, Dear2 is set out to obtain her driving licence very soon!

The registration process at Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC) was mortifying.  On a week day night at 8.30pm, there’s soooooooooo many people at BBDC!  Everyone seems to be either waiting for their number to be called, or booking/ checking something at the rows of computer terminals, or waiting to go/ coming out from class.  BBDC’s human traffic beat that of any shopping-centre-on-a-weekday 2 hands down.

Registration as a student of BBDC proves to be super confusing too.  Customer service must be dealing with millions of students everyday cos they seem to expect that u know exactly what lessons u need to book, or what tests u need to sit, or when u can apply for what.  Come on, I’m paying so much to be a student of your centre, u’d jolly well explain CLEARLY to me what I need to do.  But no lor, they seem to expect that u know the process inside out already………….

An orientation briefing on the day of registration was conducted to induct new students, basically to give u a better understanding of the learning course in BBDC.  Being a fast notes-taker, Dear2 was still unable to take down all the notes that the instructor rambled on at super fast pace.  Luckily for all the scribbles, these precious notes really did help to give a better understanding for me to plan out my schedule when we got to that stage.

Fine.  After totally comprehending the flow chart from the Class 3 Driving Licence Course brochure (mind u, the flow chart on the website seems to be outdated), Dear2 finally proceeded to top up credit (u need to put money into your BBDC account which is used to pay for everything) and book the lessons and tests.

So, I need to attend all the 4 Theory Lessons even though I already have my BTT, and even though the theory lessons are called Basic Theory Lessons and Final Theory Lessons (dun be misled!).   Yes, I can skip the Basic Theory Practice, Evaluation and Test since I already have BTT.  Oh, so I need to attend the Final Theory Practice, Evaluation and Test, and have to pass Evaluation at least 14 days before sitting for Test. Oh, so I can start my Practical sessions now already.  Oh, u can’t book 2 consecutive lessons in 1 day (Shit! Den I can’t optimize my time.  Still thot of going for 2 consecutive lessons every Sun so as to be more efficient.).

Dear2 has attended her first 2 practical lessons so far.  Next lesson, Dear2 should be going out onto public road once she has obtained her Provisional Driving Licence (PDL).   The previous 2 instructors were by far okay, competent enuff to warrant the fees that I’m gonna be spending (a rough calculation sets u back by at least $2,200 for that piece of licence, and that is provided that u pass first time. *faint*).  And kudos to the instructors for being so generous with their tips on handling the vehicle and road conditions, it really does help a lot to learn from the teachers who do value proper and considerate road usage.

Gotta work hard.  Ermm, or rather, gotto stay focused on the road.  Gambatte.

– Dear2

Hula Hoop from Toys “R” Us

It was really tough going!  How did those people make hula hooping look so effortless?  Hmm…..

In an attempt to pick up hula hoop faster, Dear2 came across some hula hooping lessons from youtube.   The trainers demonstrated a series of different routines with a single hula hoop – clockwise loop, turn clockwise on the spot, turn anticlockwise on the spot, and repeat these 3 routines now in anticlockwise loop.  That already makes 6 different routines.  Try it, cos only those who try it can appreciate fun in such a simple exercise.

The point about these youtube lessons is, that the video is actually to promote this certain brand of hula hoop.  Okay, Dear2 obviously is not going to order and have a hoop shipped to Singapore, but the key thing to note about these hoops is that, they are huge.  Huge and slightly weighted hoops.  Hmm… So means that bigger and heavier hoops are easier to rotate?  Hmm…  Den what about my hoop bought from the local stationery shop?  I think it’s meant for kids leh….

Off we went for hula hoop search again, this time from Toys “R” Us.   Oh, what’s that? A hula hoop is going on sale, UP $13.95, now going at $9.95.  Confirm get lah.  Haha!

And now, with the new hula hoop, Dear2 can execute all the above mentioned 6 routines with fair ease, something that the previous hoop can never achieve.  Even Dear1 now picks up hula hooping a little, and not sweat so profusely after just 2 rounds on the small hoop, haha.

Hula hooping.  Try it, it’s fun.

– Dear2

New Year Resolutions 2009

Happy New Year!

Yeah, it’s that time of the year again, the time for us to review the year and to set new goals. That’s what people commonly term as New Year Resolutions.  :p

Readers of Dear1 and Dear2 would probably know that Dear1 and Dear2 have been setting new year resolutions for the past 3 years.  As we do our yearly goal setting religiously, Dear1 and Dear2 were surprised to find that our list of 2009 resolutions is actually shorter den the previous years. Hmm, I guess that’s its benefits.  

During our early years, Dear1 and Dear2 had a lot of things to do in preparation for our marriage – buy house, renovate, ROM, house warming, traditional wedding etc – these are the usual course of events for couples.  And the starting of protection plans, savings plans, investment plans etc, these are the step by step approach towards your own healthy financial being.  Some of the tasks are daunting, afterall, all of us have only 24hours a day, 365 days a year, and limited capability to generate limited income.  Thus, we need to priotize goals, and work hard for them.  As you maintain your resolve steadfastly, all these dreams can come true for u, some maybe later den sooner, but at least fulfilled!

2008 had been a bad year for the world, financially and all, and it was a trying year for Dear1 and Dear2 as well, who got bogged down by the negative atmosphere in our workplace.  Resolutions wise, as always, some of them were uncompleted or had changed course along the way, but Dear2 can proudly say that there were no regrets as there was conscious efforts to try to achieve what we set out to do at the beginning of the year.  Efforts over results, that’s what Dear2 always say.  :p

Ok, here are Dear1 and Dear2’s 2009 new year resolutions.

Dear1

1) Go for 1 overseas conference

2) Submit/ Publish 3 journal papers

3) Lose weight and maintain at 70kg

4) Pass JLPT3 (min)

5) Submit 1 entry for photography competition

Dear2

1) Get driving license

2) Pass at least 2 ChFC

3) Lose weight and maintain at 50kg

4) Conceive

5) Post >4 posts per month

Let’s all work hard together for our own goals.  Things dun just happen, there usually needs some efforts to be made before your goals can be fulfilled.  Gambatte ne!

– Dear2