Happiness

Do you know what makes you happy? Have you found the happiness that you are looking for in life?

I have always thought that happiness is state of mind of greatness you feel when you get things you want or achieved something big in life. But somehow, I think I'm missing something. Certain milestone or achievements in life so far has not given me the kind of happiness that I thought I would feel. You know, the feeling when you just feel like jumping and say Yippee!!

I am slowly realizing how I have started to burden myself with so many targets and deadlines in life since I was very young. How I have always thought that achieving all these set targets will give me happiness in life. I am so WRONG.

For instance my target list when I was 19:-
1) to buy a car at 21
2) to buy a life insurance policy at 21
3) to get married at 23
4) to have my first child at 24
5) to buy a house at 28
6) to graduate (part time study) before 30
7) get $ salary level by 30

That was my first target list that covers up to age 30. Looking back, some of it does not even make sense. Plan was to start early and you get to settle down early. That was the BIG plan. I was so forward thinking even to the type of house I was supposed to purchase. Suburb area, far from the city, windy, single storey corner house .. so that you will not have to worry about climbing stairs when you're old and the part about it has to be a corner house so that you can extend and your children can visit and sleep over during weekends.

Believe it or not ... I basically achieved all the targets set. I even got to get married at 23 and gave birth to my first child at 24 (I fell in love with the car salesman - when I bought my 1st car at 21). I was so worried that I don't get to fall in love. Luckily I found love. Thank god for all the achievements, but it came with big responsibilities and lots of adjusting to do. My first baby was such a crybaby .. with sleepless nights and constant crying .. and the next one popped out exactly one year after ... I was getting a bit depressed .... help!! I thank god constantly for making me strong and for all the blessings. I even survived all the adjustments I needed to do with my life partner. That was tough too and I survived! The house was a very bad choice and I got pregnant twice while doing my part time study! But thank GOD. I survived.

I know now that Happiness is not about getting what you want .. it is about giving, sharing, it is about contributing and definitely about give and take, try to take it easy and occasionally just hang out and chill.

I was lying on bed one morning when suddenly all the kids just hops on the bed and we just lie in bed chatting, sharing stories and we laughed a lot. That's happiness.

How about giving or contributing to the society, to the environment or even sharing something with someone or friends. Little things that you do can actually make you feel good and make you happy.

I read through my target list up to the big 50. There's nothing wrong about making such list as you need REMINDERS that can give you direction and focus to achieve things in life. But we just need to take it easy as the targets can get bigger and bigger as you grow old you may just stressed yourself up... AGAIN. So I decided to cross some targets from the list but still continue to dream and strive to achieve the targets that I decided to keep. I even put in extra targets that are more GIVING and some targets to prepare me for life after death. That's ultra IMPORTANT!!

I am sure that I will find Happiness now with my new set of targets .. with Allah's blessing.

I'm full of Blobs

I am not feeling good. My eating habit seems to change so drastically for the last one month plus. I have been drinking lots of Teh Tarik, 3 in one coffee mix, cordial drinks .. I have not gone to the gym for almost 2 months. Of course you skip Gym during Ramadhan, but Ramadhan is over .. and I just don't feel like going back to Gym!! .. I am feeling lazy! Looking down at Ms Tummy, the blob is not looking good. Worst thing, I have 3 open houses to go this weekend and all I can think of is Food, Food and more food.

Thing is, I have been so good in avoiding sweets and chocolates and yesterday while waiting for the LRT train I indulged my self to a whole piece of Snickers bar. What the heck is happening to me? What happen to Control?

I need to get back to my normal self. I really need to ... OK .. now which is my normal self. The one who wallop everything and thinks it's OK since she's not getting fat anyway or the one who watch out what she eats coz she is fully aware that everything she eats will eventually have effects on her body? Let me think now ...

A colleague had a heart attack on Sunday September 28th. He died. He was the marketing head in the Philippines. We talk occasionally on the phone and communicate via emails most of the time about works, mostly about deadlines. Exactly my age. Young, slim, good looking guy. I was shocked and sad when I got the news. My first question was .. were there any symptoms? Felt guilty when I asked that question. It's like you know that when the time has come, you will go. If it's not time yet, even when you fall from 7th floor, you can still live. As Muslims, we know that. But I guess, we also know that we should take care of ourself all we can. I am not saying that my friend did not take care of himself. He just got back from a 3 weeks vacation and was looking forward to get back to work. He was also preparing for his wedding scheduled December this year. Gonna miss his warm voice...

As for me... I think I'll go back to my normal self... My normal self that makes me feel good.

Facebook

I just managed to find some old friends via Facebook!! Facebook is so cool!! Yeah!!

Ya.. ya .. you may be thinking that I am so out of date and I must admit that I am so way behind when it comes to the Internet Technology.

Just want to share that I am glad that I joined Facebook. It's exciting!! Bye for now!

LOVE

World is changing everyday, people change, mind change, feelings change ... love is a great feeling, sadly it can also change.

Remember when you were in love? That feeling that you feel, you just can't stop thinking about him, you always want to be with him, to hold hands and to share every moments of your life with him. You planned of building a happy family together, provide a nice home for your family, raising kids and growing old together and taking care of each other. Every single thing together!!

Don't ever fret if you feel lost somehow, that the feeling is just not the same anymore. Coz, love is something that you need to nourish so that it will blossom, so that it will not disappear without you knowing. A lot of work and efforts needs to be done by both sides to keep the feeling alive.

Never take things for granted and try to be sensitive to your partner, though sometimes it can tough! Life is too short, your life partner may not be some hero that you dreamed he could be, but he can be that hero, look into the positive sides, ya! there are definitely some if not many. The negative ones ... handle it with care or just let go! Appreciate .. it's important to appreciate. Can't imagine life without him. I do love him, hope he knows it ... maybe I should say it more..

Anyone for Calories?

Once upon a time, there lived a girl, who was blessed with high metabolism. She can eat all she wants without gaining weight. Deserts would be the main course if she gets the chance to eat at buffet lunches or dinners. She can practically stuff herself with cheesecakes, chocolate cakes, ice creams, all the sweet Malay kuehs that she dearly love…nothing else matters. Cadbury chocolate is something she eats while waiting for her ride home.

One day, this girl, this skinny girl turned 32 and while going through a health magazine, she stumbled into some very scary “information”. Scary enough that she has managed to shave off her bad, very bad eating habits. It’s not easy, but with determination, the progress has been positive.

Do you know that being skinny does not mean that bad calories won’t get inside your system? I bet you know that calories or bad fats can clog your arteries! But you just can’t resist the temptation, can you? One piece of that YUMMY Secret Recipe Indulgence is just not enough, you had to take 2. Hmm!!

Well, to start off.. absorb this .. SWEET STUFF CAN MAKE YOU GROW OLD FASTER …. another point … YOU CAN END UP GETTING a HEART ATTACK OR a STROKE! Especially if you’re an addict!!

Yup! Most deserts, sweet stuffs are not just bad for health but also bad for your skin. “Control” is the key Word here. Live healthy. Eat lots of fiber and lots and lots of vegetables and fruits and drink lots and lots of plain water. Oh Ya! Don’t forget to Exercise!!

LEARN TO SWIM FROM A BOOK

Just want to share that you do not have to take a swimming lesson to learn how to swim. You can learn from a book! I didn't even buy a book, I borrowed it.

There are books that will provide you with step to step details on swimming techniques and styles, which includes photos that you can refer to. Once you have found the book, read it and imagine doing it in the water. Keep on reading again and again and imagine doing it. Just try to remember important details such as the breathing techniques and how you should be moving your hands and legs under water.

When you actually get in the water, with all the information in your head, all you have to do is just to practice it. Keep on trying, look at how other people around you are doing it. Wear your goggles and peep under water to look at their hands, legs and body movements. Concentrate, be brave and do not give up. That's how I learnt swimming. I still have problem doing the free style and I am still working on it.

If you do not know how to swim yet, go get a book and start now. If you do not have access to a swimming pool, at least you can try it the next time you go for a vacation with your family.

Other must haves when you go swimming are swimming suit (track pants and shirt is a NO NO), cap and a pair of goggles.

Good Luck and all the best!!

Muslim Swimwear? What swimwear again?

Muslim swimwear? What is Muslim swimwear?

2 years ago, it was impossible to find suitable swimwear for Muslims. The best you can find maybe are those that covers all your body parts, but still reveal all the curves that you don't ever want to show off, especially to strangers! Those days are gone. Now, we can find Swimwear suitable for Muslims quite easily. Maybe it is still hard to find it in shopping complexes, but you can easily buy one via online shopping. You can choose to buy from various styles, qualities and brands and from all over the world, thanks to the miracle of the Internet.

Perception on Online Shopping is very different now. A lot of people actually buy stuff online and it's like a TREND. Online Shopping is becoming an IN thing now. Not like before. There are no boundaries, you can shop from all over the world, from your home just by clicking on your mousy. Is that great or what?!

Back to Muslim Swimwear, you now have the luxury to choose any style you like. There are ample styles to choose from and the best thing is that Muslim Swimwear are becoming more and more modest now. There are designs that are loose, with loose blouse and pants and those that actually have head cover that can cover your chest. There are also Muslim swimwear that actually have LYCRA spandex in it. This would be best for Muslims who really wants to swim or learn to swim, you know, not just sit by the pool to watch over your kids during their swimming activity.

Swimwear with LYCRA is of superior quality and it would be perfect for those who loves swimming as the material is light, it's low water absorbency, has UV protection and are chlorine resistance. It will definitely gives you a great swimming experience as LYCRA material is great under water. I would really recommend you to try Zikky Swimwear if you like swimming and are looking for quality swimwear. Just make sure you follow the CARE Label to care for your swimwear. You can buy one online via My1Stop website.

Do you have Sciatica Nerve Problem?

Just came back from the Gym. Decided to go today after work since I will not be able to go on Sunday. It’s peak hour and there are lots of people, compared to Sunday. My goal today is to do 1 hour of upper body, join the Body Combat class at 9pm, then one hour of glutes and thigh toning, 15 minutes of Sauna, a long hot bath and then head home. Since I can’t do my prayer yet, I do not have to worry about finding a place to do my prayer. So timing is right. No rush! Do it slow and steady.

I arrived at the Gym around 7.30 pm after taking a quick bite at a nearby restaurant. Started with 10 minutes of cycling to warm-up. Thereafter, somehow I started to have a conversation with this guy, I forgot his name, I think it was Alan. We actually discussed POLITICS!! Can you imagine that? Discussing politics in a gym full of people!! Well, I am a pretty good listener, so I just listened to his views about our current politic environment, which you know, kinda like scenes from a Hollywood movie. I listened and made a few comments. After the conversation with Alan, another guy, a trainer started to have a conversation with me, I think he was trying to gauge whether I would be interested to get a trainer. Time flies and before I knew it, 1 hour passed by and I’ve merely done 2 sets of resistance workout for the chest and only 2 sets for the Triceps. First mission failed. I can only make time once a week for the gym !… How can I ever get Nicol David’s triceps with interruptions like this?

Thank God, I managed to complete and achieved Mission Number 2. The Body Combat class was great. It was a very good solid one-hour workout. I felt the pain, but I did not give up, I jumped, I kicked, I lifted my knee high … I persevered.

After body Combat I went to do my glutes and of course the thighs. These are what I call the problem areas. These problem areas are the reason for me signing-up for the Gym membership. After 1½ years, my glutes are still not like what I would imagine it to be when I signed-up. Though I must admit that I can see a bit of improvement down the thigh area, which I can call a small achievement.

My problem whenever I start doing my lower limb workouts is that I have this nerve problem behind my thigh area that start to give me the electric shock, throbbing sensation which I just can’t stand. It is not really a pain, just this very discomforting throbbing sensation to your nerve that make you feel like punching the nerve to ease the throbbing sensation.

I just found out the name of the nerve recently. I have Sciatica. Yes! I have Sciatica nerve problem. The nerve pain that have been preventing me from pushing my self to the limit, when it comes to lower limb workouts is called Sciatica.

I bet a lot of women out there have this and do not know what it is. Sciatica is the main nerve traveling down the leg. From what I understand, pain associated with the sciatic nerve usually originates higher along the spinal cord when nerve roots become compressed or damaged from narrowing of the vertebral column or from a slipped disk. Symptoms can include tingling, numbness, or pain, which radiates to the buttocks legs and feet.

I have been having this nerve problem since I gave birth to my very first child 11 years ago. I think a lot of people have this problem and are not sure what it is actually. I did a bit of research and just want to share some information on Problem that can arise when you have Sciatica nerve problem and how to manage it.

Sciatica is a condition involving pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve.

This is an article I found in the web on how to Manage your Sciatica
There are a number of practical strategies that can be used to help your sciatica.

1. Obtain a Clear Diagnosis
Because sciatica is really a group of conditions each with a slightly different treatment, knowing the true cause of your sciatica is the first step in managing it effectively.

2. Use a Combination of Measures to Manage Your Sciatica
The most successful treatments are usually a blend of different therapies including externally applied and oral pain relievers, abdominal and lower back muscle strengthening exercises, stress reduction, hydrotherapy, weight loss, improved posture and seating, acupuncture, physiotherapy and improved ergonomics at work and home.

3. Use Externally Applied as Well as Oral Medications
Many external preparations have excellent warming and muscle relaxing properties and often work well in combination with pain relieving tablets. There is also potential to reduce medication side effects such as drowsiness by lowering the dosage of pain relieving tablets.

4. Strengthen Supporting Muscles
Both the lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles give crucial support for the spine and sciatic nerve. Most sciatica patients can safely strengthen these muscle groups using appropriate exercises. Check with your practitioner for strengthening exercises suitable for you.

5. Weight Loss
Being obese or overweight is often a worsening factor for sciatica, and even modest weight reduction can help reduce symptoms.

6. Think Posture
Good posture is regularly a victim of modern day living. Sitting or standing with correct posture allows you to be more balanced, and, surprisingly more relaxed. The occasional “posture reminder” may be all that is required for better sciatica control.

7. Good Seating
Firm, supportive and comfortable seating, which promotes good posture, is a great step towards improved sciatica. The same is true for bedding. Avoid prolonged sitting by getting up for a brief stretch every 30 minutes.

8. Stress Reduction
Meditation, relaxation massage or simply unwinding with some good music can be very helpful in reducing tense back muscles. Set up a regular relaxation programme if possible. If your back muscles are overly tense, you will unlikely be aware of it.

9. Improved Ergonomics at Home or Work
Sciatica thrives where there is repetitive lifting, prolonged sitting, turning and lifting, excessive bending and increased stress in the home or workplace. Consider changes and improvements that reduce sciatica risks. Often very simple changes can produce major benefits, or prevent someone from becoming a sciatica sufferer.

10. Consider Additional Therapies
There are many therapeutic options such as hydrotherapy, balneotherapy (bath therapy), acupuncture, therapeutic massage, pain management clinics, TENS (Trans Electrode Nerve Stimulation), biofeed back, hypnotherapy and physiotherapy. Each has something in its own right to offer the sciatica patient, and used as part of the overall sciatica management plan, may provide great benefit.

Muslim Swimwear for Muslims who loves swimming

Time flies so fast nowadays. From the moment you wake up early in the morning to get ready for work till the time you reach home from work and go to sleep. In between of course the workloads at work and at home. Monday to weekends and before your know it, it's Monday again. Wow, sometimes it seems like there isn’t enough time in a day to get your work done and you just wish that the day would be longer. When you get home, you wish that you would have longer time to spend with your kids before bedtime. There are house chores that you need to do or sometimes you just have to skip some of it to make some time for your kids or you just have to do it later in the day by sacrificing your bedtime a bit. After all making sure that your home would be in habitable state is also important.

Now another important thing to look after would be health, how about beauty Hmm! How can I squeeze some time to take care of health and beauty.. Exercise ... would a bit of stretching work in the morning before you start your office work do it? beauty .. would applying face cream in the morning and before you go to bed do it?


Time flies so fast that you even forget to make sure you drink enough water in a day. Oops!! it's 5pm and I only had 2 glasses of water! At least 6 glasses to go and whenever you drink you need to go to the toilet to pee. Time.. time.. I need more time!! I am going to be 36 this December and keep on forgetting to take my Evening Primrose Oil capsules. This is bad!!

From now on, I am going to focus on what's important. Let's see ... health, spending time with the kids, preparing for life after death, toning me body so that I could hopefully age gracefully, starting a business so that I can spend more time with the kids when they become teenagers.

Firstly Health!! I love swimming and now that I have found the most suitable Muslim Swimwear, that is Zikky Muslim Swimwear, I should start aiming to swim at least once a week. After all that was the reason I bought an apartment with a swimming pool. And of course swimming has been said to be the best form of exercise, especially as you aged. The reason before was because there was no suitable swimming suit and ofcourse no swimming pool. No excuse now!

I love Body Combat but it has started to become tougher for me now. I do hope I can still kick and jump when I'm over 40. Oh ya! I need to make sure that I go to gym at least once a week, since I’ve already invested in the membership. Stupid membership .. you’ve paid .. just make time for it! Since I have dumb bells at home, I need to make sure that I pump those iron at least 2 sets a day. That should be enough. Let me see, when would be the best time to do it. Don't waste time thinking please, JUST DO IT! OK I better jot down these MUST TO DO things on HEALTH in my notebook just to make sure I remember to do it and will feel guilty if I don’t do it.

It’s now over 2 am and I do need my beauty sleep. I’ll get to the other topics next time.