adieu 2010!

The last day of the year always puts me in a contemplative mood. It's just the perfect time to reflect upon the year that has passed and to acknowledge all the blessings God have bestowed upon us. 


As with any other year, I've got a lot to be thankful for in 2010: 

• A clean bill of health for me and the people I love;
• A baby boy on the way;
• Creature comforts Reden and I can afford;
• A wonderful new job for Reden which came at the perfect time;
• Peace and happiness in my heart.

Thank you God for all these! You are great and good all the time! I know that 2011 will be just as good as 2010, if not, even better. 

the best of 2010: visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia

Our trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia last May was truly a trip of a lifetime. I've always wanted to see Angkor Wat and all the other temples there ever since I watched Angelina Jolie's Tomb Raider. I knew it would be so fascinating to see the centuries-old structures and indeed, the many wats we saw didn't disappoint. 

Aside from visiting the many ancient sites, Reden and I had a grand time meeting the locals. Our driver, Mr. Han and tour guide, Mr. Kunthea, were both very accommodating. We also enjoyed trying Cambodian cuisine served at the restaurants along Pub Street, the market and the streets. Shopping was also fun because the goods were cheap at the Old Market and made for really nice and sulit pasalubongs.

Our vacation wouldn't have gone half as smoothly if we didn't stay at The Villa. We just availed one of their packages, which included accommodations and tours, and they made sure we enjoyed every single second of our Siem Reap adventure.

We would definitely visit Cambodia again. 

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Scrapbook page credits: Red solid background paper and red floral paper (used as ribbon), flower stickers from Echoes of Asia kit by Jessica Sprague. Bronze frame created using Photoshop.

the best of 2010: picking up running

I must say that one of the best things Reden and I did for ourselves this year was to get serious about running. We picked up the sport in line with our goal to get fit but I was surprised when I ended up liking it and wanting to do it regularly. 


I personally find it relaxing and meditative and each time I finish a kilometre or two, I feel empowered; I feel I can do anything. Running and pushing my mental and physical limits also became like a prayer to me. I did it to give thanks to the God who created me and put me on this Earth.


Reden and I signed up for several races in 2010. Last April, we ran the Dow Live Earth Run for Water 6 kilometre event together, then on May, Reden ran his first 10K event at the PAssion Run. In July, I was supposed to join the 5K Shape Run but I was already pregnant, but Reden got to run 7.5K in the Race Against Cancer, raising S$225 for the Singapore Cancer Society.


Last September, Reden joined the 10K men's open at the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon, and in October 10, at the Mizuno Wave Run. To culminate a year of running, Reden ran 10K at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, which I also signed up for before I knew I had this little one inside me. I was supposed to run my first 10K at this race!


I'm still quite surprised at myself for saying this, but I miss running! I'm looking forward to running again and I just know it will help me get back in shape after I've delivered our baby. Gotta start looking for jogger strollers soon!


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Scrapbook page credits: Circles background paper from Moody Blues kit by Shabby Princess, sunshine paper (used in title) by Liv Esteban at Jessica Sprague.com.

the post-Christmas post

The Christmas celebrations are done and now we're counting down to the new year. All that's left is the chicken macaroni salad, a few slices of ham steak and a few servings of kare-kare. 

Here's a summary of our holiday in photos:

We also attended the Christmas Eve mass at Holy Family Church. Father Pat said, the most important gift we can give others this Christmas (and always, I think) is ourselves. I agree. Sometimes we get caught up in the consumerism that we forget what the season really means.

***

The first Sunday after Christmas was the Feast Day of the Holy Family. Listening to the mass readings and Archbishop Chia's homily made me feel grateful for the family I have. I appreciate the way Mommy and Daddy raised us and I'll keep their parenting techniques in mind when I raise my own kids. I'm also grateful for my in-laws because if they hadn't raised my dear Reden the way they did, I don't think we'll be half as good a man as he is now. 

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Scrapbook page credits: Red background paper from Charming Christmas kit by Shannon Jackson and crumpled stitched stars from Christmas Time kit by Marie Stones, both at Free Digital Scrapbooking.

the best of 2010: losing weight

This is the first of The Best of 2010 series, which will cover the highlights of my 2010.

One of the goals I set for myself at the start of 2010 was to lose weight. We really wanted to start a family and one of the doctors I saw told me maybe it would help if I lose the excess kilos. She referred me to a dietitian and that's when I decided to get serious about getting fit.

In 2009, I hit my heaviest at 75 kilos or 165 pounds. I had a body mass index of 30.2, which classified me as obese. The first time I talked to my dietitian, she gave me a meal plan where I only needed to consume 1,500 kcal a day. Aside from that, she told me I have to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes.

I started my fitness regimen in January, right after the holidays. I became mindful of my meal portions and made sure to eat lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy protein. I needed to watch my intake of hawker fare because most of them were too oily. We switched to plain brewed coffee instead of instant three-in-ones and started using Splenda instead of regular sugar.

I also began walking 30 minutes every other day. At first they were just slow walks but when I felt I already could, I started brisk walking and increased the duration. By March, I felt I was strong enough to start running. I began inserting 10-minute slow runs in between brisk walks, and the next thing I knew, I could run for 20 minutes straight. I also bought a Polar FT4 so I'll know if I'm working hard enough. 

By July, I already lost 10 kilos or 22 pounds. My clothes fit better and I felt healthier and more energetic. I would have been on my way to reaching my goal weight of 55 kilos by the end of the year but God had other plans.

I think this is the first time when I actually stuck to a diet and fitness regimen. I guess I really needed the help and guidance I got from my dietitian. It also helped that Reden went on the journey with me, eating what I ate and exercising too.

Achieving a weight loss of 10 kilos made me realize that I can do anything I put my heart and mind into. I just had to be willing and determined to put in the work necessary so I can reach my goals. Now I am confident that when it's time to do this all over again, I can and will succeed.

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Scrapbook page credits: Striped paper, stapled tabs and alpha from Two Soon kit by Shabby Princess. 

Photo credits: Fruit salad by nkzs, veggies by bigevil600, running track by dlritter and bread are all from stock.xchng.

the first one

Since my mom passed away, I lost the motivation to blog. After I recounted her last few days on earth, I felt there was nothing more to say and no one to say it to so I left my Multiply un-updated for so long. Losing her made me feel that there was no one left to write to. So I retreated to my private (paper) journal, fleshed out my thoughts and feelings and immersed myself entirely in the experience of losing my mother.

But a year has passed and I feel I’ve already done the work. Now I am ready to open up again, to share and to connect.

I hope to see you here.