Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Week 3 in Review

Caught a flu on Thurs 17 Jan
Saw doctor on Sunday and got an MC for Monday.

Good news !! Elson got an intern job at MS for the summer vacation. Rejoice!

Started the big shift.
Re-arranging furniture, throw away years of baggage etc.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Book- Drop Dead Healthy by A J Jacobs


Read this very entertaining and informative book.


Description
by indie bound

From the bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically and The Know-It-All comes the truly hilarious story of one person’s quest to become the healthiest man in the world.

Hospitalized with a freak case of tropical pneumonia and ashamed of a middle-aged body best described as “a python that swallowed a goat,” A.J. Jacobs felt compelled to change his ways and get healthy. To accomplish this epic task, he consulted an army of experts and subjected himself to dozens of different workouts, diets, and devices—from Finger Fitness to Strollercize sessions, veganism to extreme chewing.

The story of his transformation is not only brilliantly entertaining, but it just may be the healthiest book ever written. It will make you laugh until your sides split and endorphins flood your bloodstream. It will move you emotionally and get you moving physically in surprising ways. It will serve you up today’s best health advice. And it will give you occasion to reflect on the body’s many mysteries and the ultimate pursuit of health: a well-lived life.


Here are some quotes taken from the book " Drop Dead Healthy " by A. J. Jacobs

Stomach - The Quest to Eat Right

One of the major causes of obesity epidemic is that we thoughtlessly shove omnipresent food into always-open maws.

We love to multi-task while eating, a sure way to get fat. Studies show that we eat up to 71% more when we are watching TV.

Eating for Longevity

One of the keys successful aging is to stay active, connected, involved, and cognitively challenged.

Heart - The Quest to Get My Blood Pumping

Dr Oz recommended that to stay young, 20 minutes of aerobic exercises 3 times a week, plus a bit of weight lifting. Too much more, he said, exercise starts to raise your age, because of the wear and tear on the body.

Recent research shows that just being outside might improve your health ... A Nippon Medical study showed that two-hour walks in a forest caused a 50 % spike in natural killer cells, a powerful immune cell.

So what's so great outdoors? One theory is that plants release a chemical called 'phytonicles'. Plants use this chemical to protect themselves from decay, but it may benefit people too.

Exercise and Old Age

A good marriage is a boon to your health .... staying in a bad marriage is terrible for your health.

The Ears - The Quest for Quiet

Noise harms the ears and the heart - but it also wreaks havoc on the brain.

The Butt - The Quest to Avoid Sedentary Life

The more I read, the more I realize an unfortunate truth: Sitting and staring at screens all day is bad for you. Sitting puts you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer,including colon and ovarian.

We weren't built to sit. Never before in history have we been so immobile.

According to the book The Blue Zones, the cultures with the longest life spans - such as those in Okinawa and Sardinia - move all the time, lugging food up steep hills.



The problem with Americans is that we've Balkanized our lives. We go to the gym for an hour and then sit for the rest of the day. Movement is sealed into an airtight container.

We sit and sit and sit, then have a burst of movement.

So my plan is to tear do the wall between exercise and life. ... I squeeze physical activity into every nook of my day.

We should all walk as we work. ... now I found walking while working actually helps hone my focus.

The Immune System - The Quest to Conquer Germs

I love the elaborate metaphors they use to convey the unimaginable number of germs. You have more germs in your gut right now than humans that ever lived on earth. Germaphobia.

Most bacteria are harmless. In fact, human beings are mostly germs. We are walking around with 90% germ cells, and just 10 % human cells with our DNA.

There are 156,000 categories of germs around, but only a small percentage are pathogenic. Maybe two thousand of these.

Hand washing is the single most important thing you can do for your health. Eighty percent of all infections are transmitted by direct and indirect contact.

Hygiene Hypothesis - the idea is that children in the modern first world countries aren't exposed to enough germs, a situation that throws off the development of the immune system. Our immune cells don't get a chance to learn to recognise and assassinate the bad guys. Our overly sanitized world could be responsible for the dramatic rise in allergies and asthma.

Immunologist Mary Ruebush, author of Why Dirty is Good, is rallying a cry for the Hygiene Hypothesis.

What her video here.



The Genitals - The Quest to Have More Sex

Recent science has come down on the side of sex as healthy.

Old age is a long, slow loss of control.

Praise For Drop Dead Healthy…

"A.J. Jacobs is very, very bad for your health. He will keep you up reading til 2 a.m., disturbing your circadian rhythms, making you sleep through breakfast and overeat at lunch. He is delicious. He's habit-forming. He will give you infectious titters and terminal glee. Don't let that stop you. Indulge."—Mary Roach, author of Bonk and Packing for Mars

“We can become healthier by learning from AJ's discomfort in this very funny book. He moves us from theory to practice by dragging his body through all the longevity practices.”—Dr. Mehmet Oz, host, "The Dr. Oz Show"

“I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book, and once again, the brilliant A.J. Jacobs had me laughing out loud—and also deciding to change the way I live. Drop Dead Healthy is a rare mixture of the hilarious, the absurd, and the scientifically sound. Who knew it could be so entertaining to read about broccoli puree and shoeless jogging?”—Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project

"Can one man go from a 'python that ate a goat' physique to perfect specimen? From Roman soldier workouts to Areca palm plants, from the sublime to the absurd, A.J. has tried it all. I laughed my ass off the wholeway and learned a ton ... including about my ass."—Timothy Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek

"Who wouldn't want to be fitter, happier, more productive? In this riotous, madcap book, A.J. Jacobs sets himself an ambitious goal: to become the person we all wish we could be. It's vintage A.J. Do your future self a favor and read this book." —Joshua Foer, author of Moonwalking with Einstein

"You'll burn calories laughing out loud."—Shape

“While Jacobs’s attempts at health enlightenment can be hilarious, visits with his grandfather, famed labor lawyer Theodore Kheel, provide the most revealing glimpse into the secrets of aging well.”—More

"Jacobs' light touch camouflages the impressive amount of research that goes into each chapter. He reads books and medical reports, interviews experts and scientists as well as enthusiasts on the fringe, then tries everything himself. He brings a skeptic's eye to each point of view, but he remains respectful of even the wackiest ideas... Yes, the results are funny, but this is, at heart, a serious book, with an underlying poignancy: As Jacobs works to get healthier, his beloved grandfather begins his slow decline, reminding us that no matter how healthy we are, it's all going to end the same way."—Laurie Hertzl, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

"You'll exercise your abdominals laughing over his adventures."—Entertainment Weekly

“Why go to the gym when you can sit and read a funny book about it instead?”—USA Today










Improve the Brain

Here is a list of ways to improve your brain in all areas - memory, creativity, attention, and reasoning. They are taken from the book " Drop Dead Healthy " by A. J. Jacobs

According to research, your brain is like a muscle, you can build its strength. You can keep it from withering with age. You can upgrade your brain ! The key is to keep your brain active and challenged.

Mind-expanding activities:

1) Do crossword puzzles.

2) Play logic games

3) Do the math. This will result in more neurons and neural connections, which are characteristics of a healthy brain.

4) Memorise poems. Memorising passages help children especially in the ability to speak fluently.

5) Become belligerent. One of the best ways to keep the brain sharp is to argue.

6) Try new things. Do things differently. Therefore eliminate rote, repetitive activities.

Several studies argue that charity is good for your health.  One MRI study shows that giving to charity lights up the pleasure centers of the brain. It's called 'helper's high'. A John Hopkins study concluded that volunteering slows mental and physical aging. You're more engaged, more challenged physically and cognitively.


Books tor read for improving your brain:

1) Train Your Brain - Dr Ryuta Kawashima

2) The Brain That Changes Itself - Norman Doidge

3) Intelligence and How To Get It - Richard Nisbett


Monday, January 14, 2013

Week 2 Review

This is week 2 of 2013.

Jan 10 -Today Harold got his O Level results. Was a little apprehensive for everyone at home. And at 2pm he receive the results. Thank God for the good results. He got 13 for JC and 10 for Poly. We were all very happy for him. Next decision is whether to continue his education at JC or in the Poly.

Harold decided to continue his education in Poly - and he's planning to do either Bank and fiancial Services or Accountancy. These are good choices as the criteria for these courses are 9 points and 11 points respectively which is more inline with his grades. Also the quality of the students enrolling them will be better than say Engineering where the entry is 14 points and above.

Harold eventually decisded to put Banking and Financial SErvices as 1st choice for Poly and Accountancy as second choice.

Elson has not got an intern job yet even after several applications. Two of his friends have offers. He's feeling rather apprehensive and we'll all be praying for him that God will provide a good post for him and grant him favour.




Saturday, January 12, 2013

Side Streets of Bangkok

Bangkok


The beauty of Bangkok is when you take a side-step away from the tourist hot spots it’s very easy to go off the beaten track and into the less known areas of Bangkok like some of its side-streets.

In my opinion these areas are the more interesting parts of Bangkok to discover and explore.

See pictures below.
















Service is the pathway to significance

Give Your Life for Something

Read this devotion today and I found it inspiring :

"You are going to give your life for something. What will it be - a career, a sport, a hobby, fame, wealth? None of these will have lasting significance. Service is the pathway to real significance.
As we serve together in God's family, our lives take on eternal importance. Paul said, "I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less . . . because of what you are a part of." (1 Corinthians 12:14a, 19 MSG)

God wants to use you to make a difference in his world. He wants to work through you. What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it.

If you're not involved in any service or ministry, what excuse have you been using?

Abraham was old; Jacob was insecure; Leah was unattractive; Joseph was abused; Moses stuttered.
Gideon was poor; Samson was codependent; Rahab was immoral; David had an affair and all kinds of family problems. Elijah was suicidal; Jeremiah was depressed; Jonah was reluctant; Naomi was a widow.

John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least; Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered; Martha worried a lot. The Samaritan woman had several failed marriages; Zacchaeus was unpopular; Thomas had doubts; Paul had poor health; and Timothy was timid.

That is quite a variety of misfits, but God used each of them in his service. He will use you, too, if you stop making excuses."

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Week 1 Review


The first week of 2013 came and has ended. How so fast !!

Started the New Year by attending a Watch Night service on 31 Dec 2012. It was a memorable time to close one year and begin another. Thanksgiving to God was the theme of the service.

Managed the week well even without our domestic helper around. Washed clothes, mopped floor, changed bed sheets etc. Worked well together with my wife. Our coordination and tasks division were getting better by the weeks.

Harold twisted his left ankle.

Praying for an internship job for Evan.

Still reading Wild Swans and enjoying it! Goal is to read 3 books a month.

De-cluttered my workspace to start the year better organised.

Made a decision to use less of the internet like Facebook and spend more time reading and more purposeful activities.

Decided to capture weekly events via this blog.

Would like to write my first ebook on fx.

Devotional Reading

The key message I get from my devotional readings is about my identity in Christ.  There is no fear and condemnation in Christ. God's promises to me are:

1) I am Acceptable
Ephesians 1:6 - to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Not accepted by friends, colleagues? Do not let this hinder me from becoming myself and growing. The Bible says, God has accepted me.

2) I am Capable
Phil 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

When God says I am capable, believe it. Do not believe or dwell in the lies of others or the enemy. Do not let inner insecurity, lack of confidence, self-doubts etc hinder my potential and development. God says I can.

3) I am Forgiven
Isaiah 43:25 “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

God forgives me and gives me a new chance.

4) I am Lovable
Daniel 10:19  - And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

God loves me all the time. It does not matter if it is a good day or a bad day, He loves me unconditionally.

5) I am Valuable
 Luke 12:24 - Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!"

I am priceless. Jesus thought it was so important that He took the whole chapter of the bible in Luke 15 to tell three stories of - the lost son, the lost coin, and the lost sheep.

I matter to God and God says I am valuable because He loves me.

Looking forward to another week in 2013!


Saturday, January 5, 2013

Simplify the Internet

Simplify the Internet

Post written by Leo Babauta.

The Internet is overwhelming for many people — it never ends, and our connection to it is consuming more and more of our time. When things get overwhelming, my advice is always the same: simplify. But how do you simplify such a complicated beast as the Internet? It’s impossible!

You can start by:
1) Simplify Social - Facebook, Twitter etc. Use them sparingly!

2) Simplify email - Clear messages, filter unwanted mails.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Starting 2013 - Go Back to Basics



As I start the first week of 2013, I am reminded that the key to living a live of significance is to go back to the basics. I am reminded of the verse in Luke 2:52 ; "Jesus grew in height and in wisdom, and he was loved by God and by all who knew him." This refers to how Jesus grew when he was a young boy.

There are 4 areas of my life which i need to consider here:

1) Grow in 'height'
Reminds me about growing physically. It also speaks to me about maintaining good health with good eating habits and exercise. It is also about taking care of the physical body.

2) Grow in wisdom
Reminds me about growing in knowing the truth, valued principles of life, and the wisdom from the Bible.

3) Loved by God
Reminds me about growing in a deeper fellowship with God. To know Him deeper and more intimately.

4) Loved by all who knew him.
Reminds me about growing in a deeper and loving relationship with others; maybe friends or strangers. Love my fellow humans, do unto them what I like them do unto me principle applies.

Therefore, this is how I would plan to live this year, yes ... back to the basics

2013 - Happy New Year !!

It's hard to believe but another year has come and gone.

Wishing all of you a Blessed New Year. May God continue to bless you with divine wisdom, love and power that will bring much joy, peace, best of health and overflowing abundance in your home.

Remain hopeful because our hope is in Christ Jesus, He has given us the victory over evil, sin and condemnation. We are victorious in God, so have no fear and move out into the new year with hope and confidence that God will be there with you every step of the journey.

The journey continues .... it will be a great year ahead!!


In this new year, live in an assurance of hope for:

1) Abundant blessings
2) Healing - physical, emotional and spiritual
3) Deeper relationships with family, friends, colleagues
4) Deeper walk with God - for He desires greater intimacy with us.
5) Peace on earth and among man.

For God will make it happen if we believe !

Shalom,

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