Fire

I realised that living Australia has changed me. I am no longer that Asian girl/lady who holds back and consider everyone's feelings when something is definitely not right. I have been transformed into this vocal individual who confronts an issue when there is one, within means, of course. That said, this does not apply to being a keyboard warrior (only if I have no other means of contacting the other party). You have tainted me, Australia!

Then again, I am sick of people taking things for granted in this industry. One can only stay silent for so long. Well, I have experienced different scenarios, same shit, more than thrice - they say, "Three times, you are OUT!". Honestly. Logically, that should happen to everyone when pushed to the limits too.  I have seriously considered my actions, and no, I was not over-reacting.

Life On A Day With Less Responsibilities

Wake up
Roll in bed for an hour
Brain argument on whether to hit the gym or not
Roll off bed
Freshen up in the bathroom
Turn on laptop (aka Morning music mix)
Make a cuppa
Rummage through closet
Selling my wardrobe online.

YES!!! It's the season to DE-CLUTTER!!!!

Tag, You Are It!

If you have noticed, lately there have been a lot of "Tag your friends .." posts on Facebook, and whoever gets tagged have to complete the assigned task. My younger sister tagged me in the 'Daily Gratefulness' post - I have to post five things that I am grateful for daily, for seven days. And I have not done so. Not because I am ungrateful, but I am rather ... *clears throat* lazy to follow suit such a task. I will do so, eventually, I think. Meanwhile .. you see, I just lost my train of thought there. I was so eager to express myself about 'something', and now I forgot what that 'something' was.

Anyway, I have booked an appointment for my first IPL experience next week. It came to a point where I was just too lazy (jeezzz... I am making myself sound like a bum I swear, I am not) to keep epilating/tweezing once a week, especially during winter. The package I purchased is for three sessions, which I think I can only do two as I will be heading off mid-October. Nonetheless, LivingSocials had a 10% off deal today, so I paid AU$13 for all three sessions. How crazy cheap is that? Let's just hope it is a good one. After all, I have had more than a handful of horrible experiences  for services purchased via discount vouchers.

Oh, Hello Again!

And I am back!

Let's address my main concern here - I am getting fat. No joke! My muscles have turned into flabs. I feel depressed. Again, not joking. No point denying the truth, I stopped dancing. I stopped being active (aka dance for three hours non-stop, twice a week). I thought I'd give up dance completely, but now I am missing it. Reason for doing so (giving up) was because I was not enjoying myself. It became too much of a 'chore', taking up too much of my time without getting anything in return (besides a firm body). Well, my idea of 'gain' is to get paid for doing what I love to do. As much as I do not mind volunteering for causes, one can be stretched too thin before one breaks. I think I broke. I felt uninspired. I felt lost. I did not want to do it anymore. Plus it was costing me too much, overall, having to work daily yet feeling exhausted to the point where I became unhappy.

I would not say I quit. I just took a break. And I think it is time for me to get back into it. 

Some time back (I forgot when), I nicked this Core Challenge from someone's Facebook/Pinterest. I did it once two weeks ago. Loved it. Haven't done it again since ... I am terrible at keeping myself motivated for this. Who wants to be my workout buddy?

Spent  most of my time back home watching TV - Yup! I morphed into a couch potato, which explains the weight gain, that led to the downfall of my self esteem. I can be so dramatic at times *flips hair*

Liane crocheted a bag for my birthday. I adore it so much!! Nothing beats handmade stuff, honestly. Besides the idiot box, I do spend some quality time doing nerd worthy activities like read. Am halfway through a book on Rwanda circa 1990s. Trying to refrain from typing the 'G' word because I do not want the search engine to direct people to my blog. No, thank you. You know what I am referring to, if you know what goes/went on in the world. I hardly read fiction anymore, unless I am in one of those 'I-don't-wanna-use-my-brain' kind of moods. Or if something really grasps my attention. Or if I decided to download tons of unknown titles of Amazon into my Kindle, which contains quite a number of fiction of questionable quality. Whatever that means. eh.

I did two day trips to Kuala Lumpur the first two weeks I was back, mainly for work reasons. Had my first Uber experience, and boy, am I never going back. It is so much cheaper for me to utilise such an efficient service. Plus, I had a great chat with the Uber driver on my first trip. And to find the following email in my inbox right after, I am staying loyal to the service, until someone f*cks it up. Kidding. Heh. Anyway, if you are in Australia, and would like to taste your first Uber ride, grab the code below and sign up for an account. You get AUD10 off your first Uber ride. I ain't pulling your leg. You can track your driver as he's approaching you, supervise the drive (I have had way too many experiences with cabbies who take me on a longer route), check how many Uber drivers are near you, and .... no cash needed. Payment will be deducted off your credit card OR your Paypal account. As simple as that.

Don't take my word for it nonetheless. Experience it yourself, and drop by to let me know how it went. Would love to hear stories about this service, regardless whether positive or negative ones. Hey! We are all learning and sharing everyday.

Well, I got to bounce now. I won't promise to try my best to update as I know that will not happen and I will end up popping by in another month or so. Meanwhile, if you are on Instagram, we can connect - @sashaleong

August Behold

So much has happened the past few months since I updated this online journal of mine. I mean, who even reads long-winded life blogs nowadays?!? Kidding. I took the 'immerse myself in the moment' instead of keeping tabs about it (online). Well, I haven't been penning down journals too, one thing which I keep telling myself i have to do but seem not to do so. Bummer!

Now, let's talk about healthy changes.

I started Bikram Yoga last month on an Introductary special $30 for 30 days of yoga. I was never a fan before as I deemed doing the same 26 positions every single class pretty dull. When I saw the offer, I thought, 'Why not?'. No harm to give it a go. First week had its ups and downs. I was logging my daily Bikram Yoga experience on Twitter. Need I say, I am seeing and feeling the benefits from Bikram Yoga. Love it!!

Additionally, I started following The HIIT Mum's 30-day Challenge on Facebook. Go check it out! Every evening she posts a new workout challenge for the following day. They are high intensity exercises which take no longer than 10 minutes of your day. Trust me, when I did the three one-minute sets of Roo Jumps from Day One, I was heaving with an accelerated heart rate. Day Two was four one-minute sets of stationary sprints, followed by one leg planks the next day, and two two-minute corner burpees after (those were a killer!!). Along with the challenges, I am including my own planking sets in my daily workout - need to bust those abs, eh.

I'll update more soon *fingers crossed* Got to shower and catch True Blood now.

x

I Live For This Moment

Peddling out against the waves that kept pulling me in. One of those rare occasions when I actually wish I'd put on more weight. Although, come to think of it, that might just increased my buoyancy in water as our body is composed of mainly water. With the soundtrack to 'The Fellowship of the Rings' playing in my head, I trudged further out, yet stayed close enough within the safety zone. For someone who's gone out catching waves only a handful of times, it is still a hit-and-miss. I found my spot, waited patiently, looked out further into the ocean, and felt the sea. Instinct, they say. You will know when it is coming. Incoming. I see it. I feel it. I hopped onto the board, tried my level best to peddle. Then it comes, it rises. I was lifted by the sea, and when it broke, that sudden drop escalated into a great adrenaline flush as I continued riding towards the shore. The only thing on my mind then was I Lived For This Moment.

My Bean Theory Unveiled

Popped by my local library on Monday to print out some work documents (need to get paid!) and came across a book called "Postcards From The Other Side". I thought it was just another one of those psychic books, though my curiosity took over and decided to give it a go, see what the book's about. 

Honestly, I have never been religious. That said, I am very spiritual. It's not something I identify with or have it plastered all over my physical appearance. Just things that I have been doing/thinking subconsciously on a regular basis, but never really placed a finger on it to 'evaluate' my state of mind. If something comes naturally, let it flow.

Comparing myself to who I was when I was in my teens or early twenties (note: 20 and 21), I would say I have taken quite a long journey, nurtured myself with the wealth of knowledge and understanding whilst connecting with the Universe. 

I know people who chase after fortunes, who pen a list of monetary goals in life (eg. nice cars, big house, designer gears, and all that jazz). No doubt, when I was 15 or so, I did have such aspirations (eg. to have a walk-in closet filled with clothes and shoes, designer bags, etc). Somewhere along the way, my perception of life changed. My priorities shifted and I no longer yearn so much for physical things in life. I felt like I need to feed my soul more than ever. And to do so, I need to apply those six characteristic pillars in my life - Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Building upon that, to practice daily gratitude, patience, and project kindness.

It was during my final year in university that I realised these new goals in life, when I learnt how to let go of things that are not meant to be (eg. fallout between friends). Then, I conditioned myself and had little success when I have to explain my 'ideology' to people who lead the 'common way of life' - graduate, get a good paying job, start a family, climb up the corporate ladder,... you get my gist. No doubt I have graduated, and I did some soul-searching after that, only to discover that a well-paid job will not necessarily make me happy. Instead, I want to be wealthy in other means. That was when I wrote this story about beans. Well, not exactly, it's metaphorical.

So, back to the book I was reading - did I tell you I love commuting on public transport? Only because it gives me the opportunity to bury my nose in a book. Anyway, I came across this page that might shed a light on the confusion splashed across one's face when I tell them about my 'bean theory'.

I will write more later. I have to hit the sack now. Early morning and long day tomorrow.

xx

Focus On Your Time Off

"Let there be more joy and laughter in your living."

- Eileen Caddy

"If you want true balance in your life, managing the way you spend your time 'off' must become just as important as the way you manage your time 'on'. Look at the hours that you don't spend at work and make a plan to use your time in the most refreshing, revitalising and rewarding way possible."

This is something I have yet to imply in my life. I am such a workaholic, that even on my days off, I will find other work to do.

Today is my only day off. I am going to make full use of it *crosses fingers*

Love Your Life

Before I graduated (this was a few years back. I know, I am quite old!), I did an internship with a friend of my mum. She is a positive psychologist. I have never fully immersed myself in the realm of 'optimism' prior to that, although I know of it's loyal followers and have heard of the saying 'mind over matter'. Nope, never put it to practice and even somewhat laughed at the whole obsession over the 'Secret' book. Hmm..

To me, I don't dwell into things if they are so 'in-your-face', get what I mean?

Anyway, back to my story ... After spending a few months completing my internship, and receiving a huge wake up call on how I was managing (or lack of it) my life, I guess suffice to say, I contemplated hard on my future and took heed at the advice my mum's friend gave me. It was a great huge slap in the face, mind you - I meant that metaphorically by the way.

At times it is hard to explain to people certain things you do, like keep on giving back to the community, and in their words, "not receiving much in return" - they meant monetary-wise. If you ask me, I did not receive nothing in return, it's the act of giving that nourishes my soul, and I think that's even more important than having an expandable disposable bank account. That said, I won't deny that my mind was once aimed at that direction.

Have I shared about my 'bean' story? I don't remember. I must have written it down somewhere. Money beans are of little value to me. Works in kind bear more; they are my main supplements. On the other hand, I try my very best to practice gratitude daily. By doing so, it has opened my psyche to wider opportunities and perspective about life.

Recently, I borrowed a book by Domonique Bertolucci from my local library on ways to start living the life you deserve. They are mainly words of wisdom that we are all familiar with, and it is great to be reminded of and applying them in my everyday life. I even subscribed to her Monday newsletter. You can do so HERE.

Today's text advice is:

"Next time you find yourself faced with analysis paralysis, stop.

Forget the pros and cons and instead ask yourself, ‘Which of my options will take me closer to a life that is in alignment with my values?’

Once you know the answer to this question, knowing which option to take will be obvious."

I really identified to that, hence came this blog post to share this 'wisdom' with you. By acknowledging and understanding that, you won't want to settle for anything less in life, and you will get a clearer vision of where your path leads you, even when you arrive at an utterly confusing fork.

Following my previous post, here's something I picked out from the book:

"Be careful the environment you choose

for it will shape you;

be careful the friends you choose

for  you will become like them." 

- W. Clement Stone

"When you think about your friends and the people you spend your time with, examine whether they hold compatible values, share similar ideals and support you in your dreams, goals and ambitions. 

Make sure that the people you call your friends are people who really belong in your life."

Never, be afraid of cutting loses. 

Lessons In Life

First quarter of the year 2014 - where did time go? Rest assured, I have been pretty occupied with various events, hence the lack of blogging.  Or maybe I just need a slight glitch in the way things unfold daily to inspire me to write. You guessed it? It happened.

Last week, I met up with a good friend in the city for drinks, and we got into the topic of where we are at the moment in terms of our career. Now, let's call her J. She asked me about my progress in the dance industry in Melbourne, which I would say I have been pretty blessed that things are going quite smoothly at the moment. After one-too-many drinks, she told me that a mutual friend of ours (well, more like someone I'm acquainted to) came for BDC's Depart III show last year, and told J that "Sasha can't dance". That person then continued criticising in various areas, to which J responded, "But she's been getting jobs".

Let's call her, L, and these are some of her remarks:

"She can't dance .. so stiff... don't feel anything." (and every single thing you can pin-point on a dancer)

In my defense, these two ladies have undergone classical dance training since they were young. Personally, I would not even compare myself to them as:

1. I only started taking classes seriously three years ago.
2. I am still learning and developing, with much room for progress.
3. And I admit, I lack the Foundations as I have never gone through basic training.

L also commented on my pointe work (from photos), pointing out how bad it is. Well, news break, I have only started doing pointe early last year for a few months before I moved here. She has been doing it for years, yet, when I looked at her photos, she ain't got a perfect pointe either.

After meeting with J, I can't deny that I felt really sour about it and was doubting myself. Until I really contemplated on what L said, I ought not to feel so bad about it because fact is, I lack the training that they've received. Nevertheless, I have pushed myself to where I am today, making use of what I have, and have been getting constant work - Eat that!

Moral of the story is: Before you start criticising/judging someone, evaluate yourself and get to know the other person's story first. Don't give hollow remarks, provide constructive criticism.

I may lack the foundations, though it is something that I can work and improve on in time. J told me she noticed I do not have very good lines (from my photos), and provided me with some exercises I can do to build and strengthen my core and foundation. To be honest, I really appreciated that. In fact, I know myself, and I am not in-denial. I do not go around telling people I am 'such a great dancer'. No. When asked, I always reveal the truth (how much training I've done in the past, etc). It's only when you identify your weakness, then will you be able to improve.

Will I give up? Nope. I'm gonna bring it on, even harder than before.

Then again, I am at this stage where I am prioritising long-term goals. If I am in L's position, instead of voicing out in such a manner, I would offer guidance instead. Share what you've learn, and the Universe will offer you many returns.