Marie Kondo - Konmari Method

I stumbled upon this method while my binge Youtube weekends and I was intrigued. I went through videos after videos about this Marie Kondo and at the end of last year, a dear friend bought the book for me. I couldn't put the book down and was ready to try out her method.

Some of her points in tidying methods are:
1. Take out everything
2. Pick up one thing at a time and ask yourself 'does this bring joy?"
3. If the answer is No, discard

I started with my clothes and I think I discarded (don't worry I didn't throw them away..kept them to be given away to friends or to be donated) about 2 big garbage bag worth of clothing and the rest I rearranged them back into my closet in a way that you could see everything and folded in a way that it is pleasing to the eye.

Key points to clothes were:
1. Don't stack
2. Arrange from Heavy/Dark/Long to light/short
3. Only hang clothes that are meant to hang
4. Every item of clothing has a sweet spot when it comes to folding.

This method makes loads of sense as you do not have to lift up the clothes above and everything is within reach. 

I moved on to books and cleared out almost 30 books to donate or to sell. I then moved on to my papers and cleared out loads too.

Her method makes a lot of sense however, I do not follow her method 100%. I have yet to throw out all papers as she mentioned. There are still books on my shelves that do not bring me joy but still want them there. There are clothes that are there because it is practical even though they don't bring me joy. I haven't moved on to the miscellaneous items or keepsakes yet. 

Slowly but surely, I will get rid of clutter and mess.

Sadly I forgot to take before and after shots of my efforts. 

Post Obstacle Run Clean up

The last post I did about OCR was about how I packed for an obstacle race. So what happens after the run? How I wish that whenever I run, I only end up with sweat. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Most of the time, everyone is covered in mud from head to toe. Some races are nice enough to put an ice-tank as part of the last obstacle so you get to do a little mini clean-up before the finishing line. However, even with that tiny rinsing, most of your gear will still be covered in mud. If you follow me on Instagram, I have a few post-race photos where I can probably say I am DIRTY from head to toe.

So what do I do? I HAVE TO CLEAN LAH! 

            

Firstly, I put ALL DIRTY clothing into a BIG plastic bag and then into my shoe bag. Yes, Everything. My dirty shoe, socks, undies, sports bra, everything that I wore for the race! This is so that when I get home, I just take this bag and dump it to the washing area and my other gym bag stays clean.

Once I am ready to clean them, I dump everything out and try to shake out as much debris/sand/ mud/rocks etc. before I throw them ALL into a bucket.

                     

 

In the bucket, I rinse and rinse and rinse till I lose count.

I rinse until there are no more debris and the water is relatively clear compared to the first rinse.

Then it is into the washing machine minus the shoe. I use the brush to wash the shoe, and since it is an all-terrain shoe it is a breeze to wash. I wash the other stuff in the washing machine at least 2 rounds. I do check between washes to see weather the water runs clear.

And that is how I WASH my gear.. and even after sooo MANY races, I STILL HATE IT!

2015 is over?

It is the last day of 2015! Crazy how time flies, in a glance 2015 is over. Have you accomplished whatever you set out in the beginning of 2015? It has been a good year for me I would say. Managed to do and accomplish quite a few things. So now I shall list them as I sit down and reflect my 2015:

1. Era's Wedding - One of my best friends got married and it was such a wonderful wedding, both here and in Labuan. Most chilled wedding I have ever been to. A wedding with the closest of friends and family and definitely a milestone for my darling friend.

2. Chinese New Year  - Melbourne! First time celebrating CNY out of Malaysia and it was definitely different. We didn't have houses to visit but we had family. Since we didn't have anyone to visit, we did a road trip on the Great Ocean Road. My best friend from home, Hsei Di came along to and we had so much fun - BBQ, Beach and Koalas!

3. Russell Peters 'Almost Famous' Live - A couple of friends and I managed to catch Russell Peters live in KL and it was AWESOME! Seeing one of you favourite comedians live is definitely one thing to remember. He is funny and cracks you up

4. Backstreet Boys Concert - Thanks to my brother who managed to get tickets for us for our childhood dreams to come true! My girls and I sang to our hearts content and screamed like we never screamed before. 

5. Diving License - I quite my job of 3 and half years and took a 2 weeks break back to Labuan. While I was there, I managed to get my diving license which I have been wanting to do for a long long time. Initially, I thought I had a fear of the dark waters, but after being in the water, I loved it! I look forward to start diving next year!

6. Robi is Born! - Another bestie of mine gave birth to cute baby boy! So happy that I am an aunt again!

7. Races - I did 7 this year, one got cancelled due to the haze. I never thought I would be a race junkie, here I am already did 7 and have already signed up for 2 next year. I know that this is something I love doing although I still hate the washing up after.

       

8. I am a TEACHER -  Like I said, I quite my job! I am now a teacher in an international school teaching 5-6 year olds (Year 1). It is definitely a new challenge as I have not formally taught before. There are a lot to learn and thankfully I have colleagues that are nice and helpful, which makes working a lot less stressful. One of the perks of being a teacher is the school holidays! Who doesn't love holidays?

9. NEW CAR! - I bought a car! My most expensive purchase so far! A cute little Myvi which I can call my own. I have been driving it around for a month and so far so good! Feel more grown up now with so called the 'commitment'

10. The BIG 3-0! - I turned 30 this year and boy I feel old! Hahaha.. I usually don't think much into my birthday but this year, I felt a little down. Somehow I felt a little under-achieved when I compare my life with others. Sometimes it is hard not to compare and to feel like your life is nothing compared to others who have successful career, fantastic job, married or even a happy family! But fret not, it was a passing moment and I am definitely grateful with the life I have been blessed with and continue to strive for a better and happier one!

This are some of the highlights of 2015. Of course there are so many other highlights from 2015 that I treasure (like picking up painting, colouring) but I am getting tired of typing. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, I am sure that you have seen what I have gone through the past year. I believe 2016 is going to be greater! I already have a few plans in mind! So watch this space or Facebook to be posted!

To all of you reading this, Have a wonderful 2016, party safe and BE AWESOME! <3>

What do I pack for an Obstacle Race

You all know that I have been into obstacle running and tomorrow will be my last race for 2015 and this post is about what I pack for such races. What I pack for OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) is different from a run (10km run or marathons of that sort). I have a checklist that I have saved on my Evernote so it doesn't go missing and it is easy to reuse.

So what I will do before I start to pack is un-check all the items and start fresh.

Here is what it looks like:

From the top left (L-R): towel, sport pants, sports bra, sport shirt, gloves, glasses case, dry bag, wallet, car keys, house keys, head scarf, water bottle, snacks & isotonic sachets, wrist band, a change of clean clothes, knee guard and dirty laundry bag, phone, slippers, and socks & shoes.

I normally wear the same thing for all my obstacle races which is an old sports bra, an old sport bottom and an old sports shirt. All these I don't mind getting dirt on and even if they stain, I am not bothered. Obstacle runs are VERY DIRTY so don't be wearing your favourite white sports bra because you are going to cry when you are done with your race.

Other things that I wear when I run are a head scarf (which sometimes acts as a wash cloth when something gets into my eyes), a wrist band, gloves, a knee guard, and awesome all-terrain shoes.

I have a small dry bag that I put important things in such as my wallet, phone, glass case and keys. DO NOT FORGET YOUR TICKET AND ID too when you are packing. My ID is in my wallet and my tickets are usually on my phone electronically. This dry bag is perfect as it doesn't get wet or dirty when I clean and change myself after the race. I normally do not bring things like watches or accessories when I go for races like this.

I put my shoes into a shoe bag with my knee guard and my plastic bag. I normally wear my slippers to the event and only change into my shoes when the event is about to start as I do not like walking in the all-terrain shoes on concrete or cement floor and I don't like the stuffy feeling all day.

Depends on the facilities each race offer, I might bring a toiletry bag filled with the essentials. I normally do a full-on shower as it takes too much time and normally there is a LONG line for the water. so a thorough rinse off should suffice. But just to show you my toiletry bag and its contents: 

(L-R T-B) Sunscreen, Contact solution, deodorant, perfume, tea tree oil, face wash and moisturizer, feminine wash, shampoo, conditioner and body wash

 Everything above usually fits into my gym bag below:

and once it is filled, it will look like this. I put my dry bag outside before the race so I don't have to rummage through everything for my keys but I will put it in the gym bag before it goes into the baggage area.

Another thing that I usually prepare is also a big bottle of water in my car boot just in-case there is not water station to rinse myself and I need to clean my self before I enter the car.

So that is what I pack for my races. What do you pack? Am I missing out on anything? Or am I packing too much? 

Anyway, I should be getting ready for bed as I need to be waking up at about 4am to get my breakfast in and do the necessary prep (which the most important is doing a No.2 as toilets at the locations are not the most comfortable!)

So good night and to those running tomorrow! Have fun! 

Obstacle Course Running

As some of you may already know (based on my Facebook, Instagram updates) that I started obstacle course running a little over a year ago and so far have completed 7 races.

I can say that this is a hobby that I developed to challenge myself. Ever since I started going to the gym almost 2 years ago, I always wanted to know how fit or strong I have become, so to me joining these kinds of races really pushes me to train harder and not just sit around doing nothing. Some of my friends who don't understand why I do these races think I might be addicted to it, which probably am since I can't seem to stop signing up for more races when I tell myself I need to slow down.

Obstacle Running is definitely picking up its popularity here in Malaysia. More and more companies are organizing these kinds of races seeing that it makes good money! Viper Challenge is the most popular one so far in Malaysia being able to dish out about 4 races a year. Mid of this year, another great competitor stepped in - The world class Reebok's Spartan Race. The hype of it went crazy. Everyone was excited (I guess everyone I mean those into the obstacle running people). The build up to the event was amazing. The respond is so good that the moment one event ended, registration for the next one opened (which is in March, and Yes, I already signed up for it)

Another big competitor that is still not here yet is Tough Mudder. I first heard about obstacle running from a good friend who wanted to do Tough Mudder in Australia and since then I was intrigued and when I chanced upon Viper Challenge last year I got hooked. I am pretty sure that Tough Mudder will be here soon...just you wait and see.

I am also glad that I have a group of friends to do it with as I feel if I were to do this alone, I would have not lasted this long. The group that I am with are also hella passionate about this (definitely more than me) about it and that is what pushes me. They are also a very fit bunch which sometimes make me feel like I'm the weakest link which then makes me wanna push myself even harder. #teamrealsteel FTW!

I intend to start of my blog again (which I have said so many times but fail), since I have my new laptop that doesn't lag or bail on me. I also am thinking of revamping my blog, putting in more things like "what to pack for obstacle running", "what I pack in my toiletries" kinda post and since that I am a teacher, I might post things related to that? What say you?

Anyway, have a good Saturday peoples!!

Feeling a little inspired!

As I was catching up on my me time on New Years day and watching some Youtube videos, I watched one of my favourite channels do their 2014 Wrap Up - JustKiddingFilms. In the video, they talked about their most memorable moments in 2014. So I got a little inspired to start up this blog again by reflecting on my year that was 2014. What were my most memorable moments? Sometimes time flies by so fast that we forgot what we did and we are too busy to move forward that special moments and memorable moments fade away just like that.

I think one of the big things for me personally was getting fitter. I  know every year for the past God-knows how long I've always put to lose weight on my new years resolution. Well, this year I finally (or should I say I think I did) did it. Maybe not lose weight per say, but at least fitter. I signed up to a gym late 2013 (September) and was determined to do something. I was so scared that it would be "hangat hangat tahi ayam" thing but somehow I managed to pull through. So mid 2014, a rallied a few friends to join me in this thing called the Viper Challenge as a goal for me to achieve for 2014 and also something that I could work towards. So to the gym I went, most nights when I have no other plans after work, I would be at the gym for at least 2 hours. In September, I joined the Reebok One Challenge, which was a 20.5 km 15 obstacle race. My very first 20km race, my very first 15 obstacle race. I clocked in at about 3hrs and 40 minutes and can say it wasn't too bad. Then came Viper Challenge (which was what we waited almost half the year) in November, another 20km course but with 20 obstacles. 

So I guess, this is one of the memorable moments of 2014.

Another one of the highlights for 2014 is also my trip to India with some friends whom I haven't seen a while. Although not many people would put India as part of their places to go for a holiday, I somehow put India as a special place in my heart. I think it is because my first trip to India was such a memorable one that it makes going back so easy. This is my 3rd time to India but the first to Pune and Panchgani. Being around great company for holidays is definitely much fun. Food was amazing and the weather was great too. It wasn't too hot and up in Panchgani, it was cool and lovely. 

2014 is also a year of weddings. Friends who are dearest to my heart got married - Janu, Cynthia, Ling Ling. Being apart of this huge milestone made me feel very grateful that I have amazing friendships that I treasure with all my heart.  Definitely wouldn't trade it for anything. It also helps me reflect on what milestones I want to achieve for the new year. Will it be buying place of my own? Finding someone? A boost in my career development? 

Being surrounded by people who love you and support you is definitely an awesome feeling. There are many other memorable moments like being with family around (especially when you live alone), outing and catch-ups with friends and spontaneous moments that made 2014 a great one. Of course there were mistakes made and lessons to be learnt in 2014, but lets make today one with happy thoughts! Have you reflected on 2014?

What is your most memorable moment/s for 2014?

Happy New Year everyone and may you and your loved ones be blessed with success in whatever you set your mind to and may you find happiness, joy and laughter in all you do!

Big love filled with hugs and kisses!

Life Scouts Part Deux

Continuation from the previous post!

Zoo Badge

Probably been to a few zoos in my 27 and half years of my life, but the best was probably Singapore Zoo, but I don't remember much about it. I remember fragments like the dolphin show and I think my brother got a little lost but I remember it was really good.

Horse Riding Badge

The most recent horse riding experience was last year at Fraser's Hill for about 3 minutes. I think I have a small fear of horses as I feel that they are such mighty beast and can kill me if they don't like me. Maybe it is because of the Christopher Reeve's incident that gave me this fear. Hmmmmm......

Snake-Holding Badge

Held a snake while I was at Pulau Tiga when I was about 19. It was this trip that my dad's company had organize to the Survivor Island. While we were there, we took a little trip to this tiny island that was famous for its water snakes. So there we were holding it and feeling a little squeamish. 

Rainforest Badge

Being Malaysians, we are blessed with plentiful rainforests. It's one of the beautiful things we have in Malaysia. Had a few experience with rainforest like when I went to climb Mt. Kinabalu and visited the Mulu Caves. All these places had rainforests as your preview before reaching its peak/ cave.

Video Game Badge

My experience include Game Boy, Game Gear, PS1, PS3, Xbox and the one with those cartridges and wired controllers...I don't remember what it is called.

Bowling Badge

Played this for fun. Was okay with it, but it always hurt my thumb!

Ukelele Badge

I own one but doesn't mean that I am great at it. My besties gave me for my 27th birthday and that was about 5 months ago since I had it and I am still learning! Anyone care to give me free classes???

That is all for now, as I have to wait for LifeScouts to come out with more badges. I know the descriptions are way shorter than the previous one, it is just that I feel that I have more to write with the previous badges. Let's see what badges they come up with. I surely hope they are more interesting than these ones. 

Have a great week!

Life Scouts

I won't go into how looooooooong I haven't blogged....So let's start with what I found online today.

Lifescouts!!

It is an online badge-collecting community that allows you to virtually or physically collect badges. It is more of a sharing of real-life experiences. They have just started this year so there are not many badges to collect yet. But it will be easier to start as I can talk about some of the real-life experiences based on the badge. Here goes..................

Mountain-Climbing Badge

Mt. Kinabalu (2001) - Did this when I was in Form 4. Probably one of the proudest moments of my life to have reached the top. Eventhough I came down walking like a duck for about a week, it was definitely one that put my physical fitness to the test. Did it with my dad and a few family friends and I can safely said "I climbed the highest mountain in South East Asia"

Sunrise Badge

Probably a few times which I cannot really remember when exactly, but I guess the best was when I was on the top of Mt. Kinabalu. While feeling so tired climbing the last stretch of the mountain, the sun begin to rise above the horizon was definitely took the icing! Beautiful scenery, with clean crisp (maybe a little lack of oxygen) air, it was a moment to cherish!

Driving Badge

I was one of the last ones of my friends in school to get my drivers license. Somehow, while everyone couldn't wait to drive, I took my own sweet time. I only started my pursue of my drivers license in Upper Form 6 (when everyone were taking it in Form 5). I don't really know why I wasn't in a rush but all I remember was that it was my parents who were the ones who started ask "Eh, you don't want to take driver's license ah?". Only then did I start. I guess they got bored of picking and sending me everywhere ...haha... Anyway, when I got it, I was excited to drive, but now after almost 9 years of driving already, I can safely say I rather be chauffeured.

Taj Mahal Badge

Visited the Taj Mahal in 2003 while I was volunteering at the Baha'i House of Worship, New Delhi (maybe they should have a badge for that). We took the early train from Delhi to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal and the Red Ford. My first impression of the Taj Mahal was that it was very beautifully built for the name of love! What a gesture! However before entering the Taj Mahal, I remember feeling "this better be good" because of the crazily priced entrance fee that they impose on foreigners! I remember it being about maybe RM50-60 but if you are an Indian national, it was like RM 2! Anyway, it was something to see. I know if I didn't pay to see, I'd regret it and everyone back home will go " You went to India and didn't see the Taj Mahal, baik no need to go!"

Parade Badge

I don't know if you consider being in the marching troupe part of being in a parade but it was what I did almost every year while I was in highschool. Wasn't the coolest thing to do but I did it. Marching under the hot sun wasn't the best. If you look back at my highschool photos, I definitely wasn't snow white ( I'm still not).

Bungee Jump Badge

Did this last year with friends for Era's birthday! It has been something that I have always wanted to do and so since we have one mini one here at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, why not? It was only about 25 meters high but standing at the edge was something new. Although you know that there is a bungee cord holding you, knowing that you are about to free fall for a few seconds is definitely something that will make you question yourself "What the F*** am I doing?". After the experience, I have only one advice/tip for you should you want to do this too.....DON'T THINK, JUST JUMP!

Archery Badge

Did archery for fun while I was back in highschool. Competed in a few competition organized by my dad's company, won a few vouchers but overall I still suck at it.

Picnic Badge

This is something my family and a few friends used to do when I was still in school in Labuan. This was a weekly affair we took advantage of being that we stayed on an island. I guess this one of the things you treasure when you have been living in a big city for so many years. This is what I feel children in big cities are missing out on: quality time by the beach! ;p

CPR badge

I don't know if I qualify for this badge or not. I have not saved a life using CPR before but have taken a CPR/life saving course before when I was going throught my Lifeguard certification. By now it would have expired. So I guess, this badge was valid one point in time but now I have to keep it away.

Tree-planting Badge

If I didn't this badge on the website, I would have totally forgotten this experience my friends and I had when we were in high school. We were creating a Malaysian record for planting the most trees in a period of time. Wow, somehow memories get lost in my mind and it definitely needs some jolting!

Eiffel Tower Badge

2007 was the year I met the iconic tower. Didn't manage to go up since the queue was crazy but nonetheless, very beautiful. Somehow it gives of this very romantic feeling, maybe its just the whole Paris that just gives you the impression that everything is romantic.....NOW I remember why...its the language! French language is so SEXY.

Swimming Badge

If you know me well enough, you'll know me and my history with swimming, 'nuff said.

Fishing Badge

This is also one thing I used to do when I was in Labuan. Hsei Di used to live near this small lake when we were young and once in a while we would go fishing, but would find it kinda boring so we would leave the fishing rod at the lake probably buried half way and come back later after we have had enough time to play other stuff. Hehe, well at least I can say that I have fished before.

Big Ben Badge

Another iconic structure when I visited London a few times when I was living in the UK. Fun fact: Did you know that it's the bell inside that is called Big Ben and not the structure? Now you know! The name of the structure? Go google it yourself, I am no google.

Anyway, I guess this is it for now. There are more badges but I am getting tired of writing already so I shall blog later ( maybe later this afternoon if I feel like it). It was definitely fun writing this post as it brought back lots of memories, memories that otherwise have been forgotten. Maybe you would like to give this a go? Go check out Lifescouts!

Have an awesome Saturday people!