2013 was such an incredible and meaningful year that I was determined to end it with the one thing that I had always wanted to do, but was never eligible to.
YOU HAVE NO IDEA.
YOU HAVE NO IDEA.
Donate Blood, Save Lives
I tried donating when I turned 16 - failed the health screening test because I had chicken pox less than 6 months before the donation day. I was there because of my friends. I didn't really have the desire to give. I was more afraid than willing :P
Then came 2011. There was a blood donation drive going on near the private gym that I was patronizing. The gym staff told me about it but I was severely underweight.
I remained underweight until July 2013, after my metatarsal surgery. It was extremely distressing to see the number of the scales creep up over the last few years. There were many times when I got so stressed up over it that I just hid in my room and cried. There were also countless number of times that I rejected gathering invitations because I didn't know what's on the menu, what the chefs sneakily put onto my plate. Plus, I didn't feel comfortable eating outside my comfort areas and around people.
I remained underweight until July 2013, after my metatarsal surgery. It was extremely distressing to see the number of the scales creep up over the last few years. There were many times when I got so stressed up over it that I just hid in my room and cried. There were also countless number of times that I rejected gathering invitations because I didn't know what's on the menu, what the chefs sneakily put onto my plate. Plus, I didn't feel comfortable eating outside my comfort areas and around people.
2013 is the year that my life changed completely.
Ask me out, suggest any restaurant - let's feast together and have a great time! :P
Ask me out, suggest any restaurant - let's feast together and have a great time! :P
It's my virgin blood donation. You've got no bloody idea how happy I am. It's amazing; the things that you're able to do when you're healthy and fit.
I guess it'll be rather difficult to find another person who has such a deep desire to give blood. It's so meaningful to me because I've been through painful surgeries and being able to pass the weight criteria is a significant milestone for me.
I guess it'll be rather difficult to find another person who has such a deep desire to give blood. It's so meaningful to me because I've been through painful surgeries and being able to pass the weight criteria is a significant milestone for me.
My weight is just a number. It doesn't define me in any way.
A smaller number on the scales or around my waist doesn't result in a happier and more satisfied me.
I'll still be me - facing the same insecurities, same problems, same life.
My body is never the real problem.
I've always fantasized (yeah weird fantasies that I have...) about saving some life somewhere, anonymously. It's such a beautiful thing, don't you think?
This probably sounds stupid but I was quite scared while waiting to donate. But not as scared as I was when I was 16. I was so scared of pain and fainting, I kept reminding my friend that he has to carry me home if I were to faint. He offered to carry my bags home instead... Zzz...
If you've never donated blood because you're scared, TRUST ME - there's absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
I reminded myself of the scoliosis and metatarsal surgeries that I've been through over the last few years. My immediate reaction was,
This probably sounds stupid but I was quite scared while waiting to donate. But not as scared as I was when I was 16. I was so scared of pain and fainting, I kept reminding my friend that he has to carry me home if I were to faint. He offered to carry my bags home instead... Zzz...
If you've never donated blood because you're scared, TRUST ME - there's absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
I reminded myself of the scoliosis and metatarsal surgeries that I've been through over the last few years. My immediate reaction was,
"What the hell are you scared of?!
If you can survive being physically
cut up and screwed in,
you can survive this."
I also thought of the people who need my blood. The fear just didn't make any sense.
The nurse gave me some advice, which ignited legitimate worrying:
The nurse gave me some advice, which ignited legitimate worrying:
"Drink more water today & tomorrow
Avoid lifting heavy weights"
Avoid lifting heavy weights"
Avoid lifting heavy weights?!
My heart literally skipped a beat when I heard that. It's ridiculous. I wouldn't be lifting until Thursday/Friday. LOL.
& hey, my last lift of 2013...
& hey, my last lift of 2013...
Metabolic Training Circuit:
Lifted the Heaviest Ever
My progress over the last few months has been incredible; especially strength wise. I used to be unable to finish 2 sets of my circuits with lighter weights. Now I blast through 3 sets with heavier weights and more complex moves.
Metabolic training is what my workout designs are based upon. I literally saw my body composition change as I incorporated it into my weekly routine. If you want Absolutely Awesome Abs or just want to increase your metabolism so that you can eat more without putting on excess fats, try it!
Even my (mental) endurance improved. I mentioned in Finding the Motivation to Live Healthy that I hate traditional cardio because it bores me to death. I don't usually last more than 10 to 20 minutes. Yesterday, I ran 5km in slightly less than 30 minutes with 10 minutes of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in the middle. Pretty happy about it.
I spent my about 30 minutes on the treadmill, around 1 hour for 2 circuits and another hour of my own yoga practice and foam rolling. Haven't spent so much time in the gym for WAYYYYY TOO LONG. I loved it!!!
Need to celebrate this amazing year.
Metabolic training is what my workout designs are based upon. I literally saw my body composition change as I incorporated it into my weekly routine. If you want Absolutely Awesome Abs or just want to increase your metabolism so that you can eat more without putting on excess fats, try it!
Even my (mental) endurance improved. I mentioned in Finding the Motivation to Live Healthy that I hate traditional cardio because it bores me to death. I don't usually last more than 10 to 20 minutes. Yesterday, I ran 5km in slightly less than 30 minutes with 10 minutes of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in the middle. Pretty happy about it.
I spent my about 30 minutes on the treadmill, around 1 hour for 2 circuits and another hour of my own yoga practice and foam rolling. Haven't spent so much time in the gym for WAYYYYY TOO LONG. I loved it!!!
Need to celebrate this amazing year.
COOKIES!!!!!!!!!
Was at Cold Storage after dinner and...
GUESS HOW MUCH THIS BABY COST ME?!
GUESS HOW MUCH THIS BABY COST ME?!
S$0.65!!! HOW CAN COOKIES SO DELICIOUS COST S$0.65?! HOW?!
It's not even expiring soon (with my standards haha).
It's not even expiring soon (with my standards haha).
I checked for hydrogenated oil (transfat). NOPE, NONE.
I WIN.
On a more reflective note, I'm really beyond thankful for everything that has happened this year. There were too many opportunities that were so generously given to me and I've been feeling more empowered to pursue the life that I wish to live.
So many precious lives crossed my path; I hope I did manage to leave some positive energy lingering in each of them. For me, 2013 was a year of growth in terms of my professional skills, physical capacity, mental strength and emotion & thought management.
It is so important to remember how I got here. There were tons of struggle, failures, whining, crying, bleeding, cursing and ultimately, many episodes of shutting out negativity, clenching of my teeth and fists and bulldozing my way through all the shit.
So many precious lives crossed my path; I hope I did manage to leave some positive energy lingering in each of them. For me, 2013 was a year of growth in terms of my professional skills, physical capacity, mental strength and emotion & thought management.
It is so important to remember how I got here. There were tons of struggle, failures, whining, crying, bleeding, cursing and ultimately, many episodes of shutting out negativity, clenching of my teeth and fists and bulldozing my way through all the shit.