Man City

I just watched Man City lose to their better neighbours Man Utd 1-0.

Man City was recently bought over by Middle Easterns, received a hefty cash injection, and can be said to be one of the richest clubs now. With their riches, they signed one star player.

However, the club remains toothless, devoid of quality and vastly inferior to their more imperious neighbours.

With a better man at helm and positive directions, they may be able to fare better. But decisions aren't showing them to be heading towards the right direction.

Man City fans must be chronically frustrated seeing their team attempt to emulate their more illustrious neighbours but repeatedly fall short.

Only time will tell. Question is, can Man City fans live long enough to see the glory days?

Riches are temporary, but class is permanent. There are some things money can't buy.

Like It Or Not

On Sat, there were three different people talking about new releases.

First up was Chris, one of the members whom I bumped into the changing room. A brief exchange and update and I casually mentioned that I was supposed to be in BKK for the quarterly over the weekend. He probed further and I told him the workshop was for instructors to do the masterclass, collect the DVDs, catch up on some latest education, and of cos a legitimate excuse to get out of the country.

So he went along the line saying that new releases are not that fun. My reply was simple, "Just give it some time, and gradually the tracks will become fun. After all, the tracks that you liked were new releases once too!"

He gave me a smile, "but some tracks are more fun than the others."

Then during lunch, I had a conversation with YM, and I don't know the topic digressed to new releases. He proferred the same opinion and I gave him the same casual reply.

He remained indignant. "If I like the track, I will like it when I first do it, like Shooting Star."

Now, Shooting Star is one of my personal favourites, but if I had to do that same track a few hundred times, I'm sure I will hate it.

After my two classes on Saturday, I loitered around STC area before meeting up with some instructors for a Thai meal. I know it's damn corny (or so I thought), about 10 of us who were supposed to go for BKK quarterly and didn't manage to make it, gathered together to eat Thai food at Golden Mile. The meal was great even though it was a little spicy and I don't like spicy stuff.

Besides me, there was Joel (who organised), Max, Junwei, Edwin, Fernie, Joanna, Yinshi, Leonard, Xavier and Ms Lynn. Prior to the dinner, I had a forewarning that dinner may be a little quiet, but it was far from quiet.

I realised I digressed. As we adjourned to Liang Seah after dinner for desserts, Leonard mentioned he did BC38 and didn't like it. He thinks the music and moves are bad.

So that makes it three people in one day who said something about not liking new tracks. Coincidence or what?

As for me, I look forward to new releases, good or bad. I think new release challenges us, keeps us on our toes, and most importantly keeps things fresh. I'm sure if anyone plays the same few tracks all the time, they'll get bored of it. Which is why I never like to repeat the same tracks until a few weeks later.

There have been releases that have been pants for me (eg BC35) and I also didn't really enjoy BC33, but I just like the excitement of anticipating new music and seeing new moves. I was one of those who have been proven wrong by new releases, I hated a certain release once on first listen, and it ended up being one of my favourite releases.

Take the most recent release for example - BC37. Don't tell me there's no one who doesn't like 'Sea of Love'? Or the MT 'Let The Beat Control Your Body'.

Anyway BC38. I do like some of the tracks already. Music and choreography wise. I do think there'll be a couple which may not take off, but generally I prefer to do it a few times before I make a passing judgement.

And even if BC38 really sucks, there's always BC39 to look forward to! I for one am looking forward to that. Music wise, I think BC39 will be hot, but it will not be as challenging physically as BC38. And if I think Pink's So What is one of the weakest track in BC39, the release is going to smoke.

Looking forward to more new releases.

Of Cancellations and Christmas

I don't really know how I feel about the cancellation of my BKK trip. I could do with a break, but on the other hand I don't really need it so soon. I could do with a quarterly workshop, but on the other hand missing it isn't the end of the world.

Everything's official now. I've cancelled my hotel bookings, only a matter of time before I cancel the flights. Received notification on crediting workshop fees from Les Mills Asia Pacific. Shall wait till next year. KL doesn't interest me that much.

On the latter subject in the title, you would probably think I'm writing something exciting about Xmas and totally looking forward to it. You may be awfully wrong. If you're really pro-Xmas, I suggest you stop reading any further right now.

I've always regarded Xmas as just a normal day. It has never ever had any significance to me, perhaps I'm not a Christian, I don't understand it and thus I don't celebrate. To me, it's just a public holiday where I don't have to turn up for work.

I remember one year when I watched a Xmas eve concert, stayed over, went church on Xmas day, and then left for home feeling very empty and totally conflicted inside. I'm not a religious person and that was a personal concession which I doubt would be accorded in this lifetime ever again.

For the past 2 years, I've conducted classes on Xmas day and then went off straight after that. 2006 was STC and 2007 was 2hr at PPW. I remember because I record every single class I conduct. In fact, I can even tell you what tracks I played. It's because I record every single class I conduct. All 453 of them to date. Memories are most precious to the crabs so I've been dutifully jotting down every single detail without fail. Unfortunately, this year, I am not conducting class on Xmas.

I feel Xmas is over-commercialised. Why wait until a day in the year when you let someone know that they're in your thoughts? We can do that any day. I never liked receiving gifts because I hate owing favours to others and receiving gifts feels like that. I also don't like being expected to produce a gift just because it's Xmas. Not getting a present for someone doesn't mean they're less important or they're not regarded as friends. Everyone has a different yardstick and that's just mine.

As for helping the economy in recession, I believe I do more than my fair share. Just look at my spending. I've no qualms buying anyone a meal but I would seriously LOVE to avoid the shopping crowd. I hate scratching my head to think of something appropriate to buy for someone.

I'd rather remember dates with more relevance - for instance Jul 1 or Oct 28 or any other date that has meaning to me. Dates that carry memories.

Ironically, as I'm writing all these, I've just accepted a Xmas party invitation at a colleague's place. I accepted because I really like these colleagues of mine. Parties are fine once in a while but I do prefer the one to one personal touch. And sometimes I'm quite fearful of my own mood swings which can just change instantly, especially at parties where there's many people.

So there you have it, I don't know why I'm writing all these, but I guess I just want to tell a particular reader that I'm not compromising, not because I don't regard the person as insignificant, but doing that means it will be very contrived and it won't be the real ZJ. The real ZJ hates being diplomatic like the Libran.

Would you rather have a WYSIWYG ZJ? Or a ZJ who flatters to deceive?

*WYSIWYG - What you see is what you get

Big Question Mark

As this round of quarterly workshops is the super workshop for LMAP, there are at least 50 of us (instructors and trained) going up to BKK this time round.

It would have been a great workshop, most of the who's who in the Singapore fitness industry for GX and LM at one location. As most of the instructors already know each other by name, if not personally, it would have been a perfect opportunity to share a common passion.

Unfortunately, a series of events has occurred, rendering the trip potentially dangerous. Flights have been cancelled, there are protests at the airport. It remains a big question mark whether we can still go.

The reality hasn't sunk in yet, and it is still uncertain. I would like to go for a holiday, but I can do without. This would be my 8th overseas trip this year. I know some of us have waited forever for this trip, and it would be a huge disappointment if they don't get to go.

So how now brown cow?

Never Rains But Pours

Here I am, hearing about doom and gloom in the financial markets at work. I thought I can get away from it all for a few days, enjoy a fantastic quarterly workshop, good food, good massage and maybe even buy some stuff on the cheap.

Then I read news saying that flights to BKK are cancelled. Whether I can go for quarterly remains a big question mark.

I want to go. I would like to have a mini break.

You Can't Please Everyone

It's 3am now and I'm still reading LM forums - both official and non-official.

While reading some tracks, it seems that several instructors have dismissed BC32's Power 3 - 'Welcome To The Black Parade' as absolute pants. And this track happens to be one of my favourites! I always get high doing it so it's quite bewildering to hear such comments.

Well, you can't please everyone. It's just like many people liking BC37's Combat 2 - 'We Will Survive' and I abhor that track.

Sometimes I also think track selection has got to do with personality and style. I try to integrate my personality and style into each track, but some tracks just don't work out well. Nothing unusual about that.

It's like I'll never ever see myself as a BODYJAM instructor. Regardless of what style cos I can't dance for nuts.

What Hurts The Most - BC38

It's been nearly two weeks since I wrote anything here. No, I haven't disappeared, it's just that I've been so busy at work, and I haven't had much to write anyway.

Since my return to work after a 2 week absence, I've been swamped. I've been going non-stop like a machine, looking forward to weekends (when I can finally rest and do my classes) and pay day (last week)!

The finance sector is kinda like the worst place to work in right now. Shattered confidence, retrenchments, pay reductions, cost-cutting exercises. I'll be lying if I said the mood at office wasn't affected. Everyone's scared and we should have every reason to be too.

Someone I had dinner with on Friday night commented that I'm generally quite serious and not so positive. I think I've probably reached a stage in life where I'm less excited easily. I'm more excited at the prospect of doing it rather than the process of doing it. (Eg. I'm more excited knowing that I'm going for filming rather than going for filming itself) Well, this person is still NOT going to get her Christmas present. A Christmas treat is fine, but I don't have a habit of getting Christmas presents. Sorry lah, I just don't celebrate Christmas.

Fortunately, I'm still very enthusiastic about BC and conducting classes. Maybe it's because I only conduct classes during weekends. I really do miss conducting classes on weekday nights, I still miss those days when I was conducting those evening classes at Chevron (Tue) and FES (Wed).

It's tough being a weekend warrior. One entire week without physical activity then I bust my ass over the weekend. Tiring but shiok.

What keeps my enthusiasm going is thankfully, new releases. The day I dread new releases and learning new music/moves/choreo, it's probably time to call it a day. One week from today, I'll be on board a plane and flying to Bangkok for the quarterly workshops.

KL, BKK, AKL - sometimes I just use quarterlies/filmings to give myself an excuse to get out of the country for my recharge. With the economy in recession and the uncertainty, perhaps it's time to cut down on those lavish spending. Luckily I still have enough Krisflyer miles for 2 more Auckland trips on Economy. Was even thinking of redeeming Biz class for the shiokness factor since my current job doesn't require me to travel. Shall be more prudent now and don't waste the mileage unnecessarily.

About BC38, I think most of us will like this release. It is also likely to be one of the most painful releases ever. Like I always say, it's kinda useless just watching the DVD and passing remarks on whether this track is 'can make it' or 'cannot make it'.

Music wise, I think we've got quite a good mix, there hasn't been any that has stood out as an instant favourite yet, but there's a few tracks I think I will like.

T1 - Good songs, esp the lower body warm up, keeps ringing in my head! Simple movements, simple strikes, no capoeira. Interesting reversal of upper warm up from R to L(a bit like BC15)
T2 - Jury's out on this one. Initially thought the song was duh, but the more I listen to it, it's really quite nice. Choreo wise, a little too simple and many many repetitions.
T3 - I like this track. One of those techno songs. Won't stand out as one of the best in the whole collection, there's been many better power 1 tracks, but I think still do-able.
T4 - Butt blaster. I like the surprise at the second half of this track.
T5 - Erm, my initial favourite. Avril Lavigne. I know her songs are a little bimbo sometimes, but I really like her tracks cos they're so catchy. And I think this will blast the shoulders... Oh those jabs.
T6 - If anyone thought the esquiva track in BC37 was tough, this is much much tougher. Test of balance. Legs WILL burn!
T7 - Ok, my initial thoughts on this track. Messy. Feels like a N&G track from pre BC20 days, just fitting random combos into the track. No integration, no combination. But who knows, the feeling may change after I do it.
T8 - What Hurts the Most. Shoulders and arms. When I was watching it, I was like... goodness me this is going to HURT big time!
T9 and T10 - no comments

I think I'll be back with more updates after BKK quarterly.

=(

Sometimes I just hate my own mood swings.

I'm feeling super depressed now because Sunday is coming to an end and all I can think about now is going back to work tomorrow morning. No more sleep-ins.

I know there will be at least a thousand emails to clear. There will be shit for me to pick up when I return. Stress will return once again. Long working hours. Non-stop talking.

Most importantly, no more 'me' time. I could have done with more of that.

Bodycombat at YJC

I wanted to update this blog cos I just had one of my most enjoyable classes ever. And it wasn't even at a gym. It was a corporate class at YJC as part of their sports CCA camp. Kids today are super lucky. There's so much more to experience. When I was in JC, I think BODYCOMBAT was just being created!

Because I was a JC boy once (and not too long ago haha), I knew how young adults think, so it wasn't too difficult for me to rack my brains to capture their attention.

May seem a surprise to some who are used to my 'serious' demeanour in my classes, but I was cracking jokes half the time and I'm glad the JC kids responded very well with their natural laughter, so I think I succeeded. (Sidenote: Anyway, I think I've lightened up a lot in my recent classes already...)

As I was alone, the best thing to capture their attention was to get them involved, and I called for people to sabotage their friends by calling out names to come up on stage to be my sparring partner, where I would demo the moves and combo before I start each track. I did that for each track, so a fair number of young adults came up!

The crowd was about 60-70 and it was from the sport CCA groups like floorball, bowling, sailing, soccer, basketball, etc. So each time someone came up, I would ask them for their names and CCA, and then disturb them a bit. It was all in the name of a good laugh.

The girls were terrified cos they kept thinking I'm going to punch and kick them each them I demoed the combo.

It was a very good experience cos these young people are natural athletes and they process physical instructions relatively well. A few who were not used to the program had co-ordination problems at the start, but I think by the 5th or 6th track, they were really getting the hang of it.

Before the class, I was told by Sebestian to just teach them about 5 tracks, but one of the PE teachers told me to 'give it to them' since they're all athletes haha. Together with all the showmanship, getting names and people to come up for me to demo the combos, we still managed to do 8 tracks. I was definitely very pleased.

And in today's class, I did So What by Pink from BC39. I have the song, I remember the choreo, but I did the pre-filming version, which has a simpler choreo. So these young kids actually had the privilege to do something which all the hardcore members have to wait 4-5 months to get a taste of. I guess I just couldn't resist. Something funny though, when I asked the class if they wanted to do push-ups, everyone kept silent.

After the class, I had a chat with some of the PE teachers. They loved BC very much and they all think it would be good if they have incorporate this into their PE classes or Sports Education Program. They noted that having music to exercise with engages the participants and keeps their concentration and focus. Energy levels are also higher. They mentioned they had some kickboxing and Muay Thai classes before but it was all done without music so it was kinda boring.

I'm sure Lynn will have something to say about this... I know Les Mills don't pay me to market their stuff, but I actually promoted BJ to them! Showed them a couple of BC and BJ videos I have in my ipod and got them all interested. I even wrote down for them what the programs were and how to get access to these program for their students. Seriously, LM should employ me to be their ambassador!

The teachers enquired how much I charge for each class if they wanted to have another session again. I almost wanted to say I don't mind doing it for free cos the satisfaction of seeing enthuasiastic young faces outweighs any monetary reward. But in the end I didn't say free of cos, because all the other instructors would hate me.

Finally, one of the teachers mentioned something which has always been my belief. She said it was nice to see the students working out and most importantly have fun and enjoying it. This has always been my philosophy - have fun while working out.

Catching Up With Friends

It's been 2 days since my last entry and already someone (an instructor) is asking me why my blog is not updated. To put it simply, there is nothing for me to update! But today, there's finally something for me to update, but I'll just post the missing gaps for the past couple of days first.

I'm still clearing my leave and will be back at work next Monday, so I took this opportunity to catch up with some of my friends and buddies. My work is taking up most of my time, I do end about 9plus every evening, and it has consumed much of my social life, and even my weekday gym classes have not been spared. Occasionally, I end early and attend one or two classes, but I'm finding it difficult to strike a momentum.

On Wed, I met up with Mr Scorpio to give him a birthday treat and pass him his birthday present. We had dinner at Kazu, a yakitori restaurant at Cuppage. I must say the food is awesome. I love the foie gras especially.

Thu, I met up with Ed to catch Quantum of Solace. Because we arranged at Vivo, I actually went to gym before the movie. Had an unpleasant incident, which I felt was very unprofessional, but I shall let it lapse and not harp on it.

After the movie, we went for dinner, and then I took the NEL with Ed to Sengkang where he lives before I take a bus home from there. I had plenty of time to spare considering I was still on leave, so I called up my buddy from my first job DY to meet.

I felt bad calling him near midnight and taking him away from his wife, but the bus stop was right under his block, so there was no reason not to catch up with him, right? We basically outlined some of the plans for the end of the year and for early next year.

Till now, I'm still very close with my buddies from my first job. I sort of regret leaving for a higher pay and more $, but where would it have taken me had I remained there? In contrast, my second job was something I hated, and I can consider myself leaving without any true friends.

Right now, I can say I've more or less settled into my new job, I like my colleagues and my boss, but the concern is on the economic climate. It's very uncertain now and everyone is scared for their jobs. We have started retrenching and so have our competitors. All the more I should be working hard and having fewer distractions to make sure I tide over this period first.

In the meantime, I shall focus on expense control, and maybe limit myself to indulgence just once a year. I still can't believe I went Auckland twice this year, not to mention the little trips along the way... Like I say to Jean, I think I'm addicted to travel.

Speaking about Jean, today was the day I caught up with some of the fellow instructors. I arranged to meet Jean and Wei Li for a buffet lunch. Prior to that, I paid a visit to the Chevron branch and was surprised to see some changes in the layout. I shall focus on the positive - the main studio has been enlarged! I think it looks great and can accomodate more people now. I still remember my Tue Chevron evening class - sometimes 50-60 pple squeezed in that old studio. How did we survive? It was fun while it lasted.

Met them for lunch to pass Jean her LM Clothing which I helped her buy, and also to catch up. I think we spent our entire lunch talking about gym stuff - filming, classes, etc.

After lunch, met up with another instructor Li Hua, also to pass her the LM clothing she wanted me to buy, and we had a chat about filming. Li Hua is definitely someone who can relate to what I've written in this blog because she has been there personally before. In BC35.

People who do not know Les Mills programs or share the same passion may never make a visit to Auckland, but it's the people who have been there who will know what this is all about.

As Lynn will always say, why are we crazy over something? Is this something real? The answer is out there. All we have to do is to make the trip to NZ and discover that there are many other international fanatics out there. We are not alone.

I shall be patiently waiting for BC39 to come out.

Auckland Day 8

Nothing much to say for this post, except that I'm physically back in Singapore.

I woke up at 9:30am Auckland time, so worried I was about oversleeping and missing my flight, I set my alarm 5 times, and I got the reception to give me a morning call. Compounding matters further was that the workout from Monday night (or was it my casino rollercoaster) gave me a high and I was still tossing around in bed at about 5am.

Had to check out by 10am so it was a mad rush. Decided to take a taxi to the airport, which set me back by NZ$60. I know it's a little extravagant considering I've already bought the return tix for the airport express, but I simply didn't feel like dragging my luggage 3 streets away to take the bus.

Decent flight, watched a few movies, only managed to catch about 30mins of sleep. Everything was smooth on the flight and the service was excellent.

My parents came to pick me up at the airport and we had dinner at the food court. I told them about my casino adventures, and now my dad is thinking of organising a trip to Genting next month.

Back at home, with a full luggage completely unpacked, I'm starting to feel really moody. I think it won't be long before I snap at someone or something. Is it the weather? Or is it the jet-lag? Is it because the adrenaline is all over and I'm back to face reality?

Three more days of leave before I return to work. I think I know why I haven't been so sociable for this trip. I have to talk so much at work that when I finally have a break, I just don't feel like talking to anyone. I'm the sort of person that needs a lot of 'me' time.

Next Monday onwards, the talking starts again.

Auckland Day 7 - Filming Day

It's past 3am in Auckland and I'm just back from the casino. Guess who I saw at the casino? Some Les Mills guy whom everyone is familiar with. Clue... Program Director of a popular program...

Anyway, the context of me saying that is I meant it as a coincidence, nothing negative about that because if it was, I'm the hardcore who visits the casino twice a day.

I should be sleeping, but I know some of you readers are waiting for snippets of the filming, so I thought I better write something.

First up today was Bodycombat filming! BC39 in the house! Now I have come to the conclusion that I like this release already. There is not a single track that I do not like for this release! I liked their outfit for this release, some 'CAGE' theme that they have. And the shorts they wore 'VENUM' looked awesome. Throughout this release, the focus is on combos, typically longer than usual (tests your memory!).

Spoiler alert - Pls skip the next para if you DO NOT want to know anything about BC39.

T1 - You get to sing "I am the one & only". Simple warmup but effective and good music too. I got a miscue (from not paying attention and being in auto-pilot mode haha) so I hope it's not too obvious in the DVD.
T2 - I love the combo. I don't know the song, but it sounds like a 'Group X' remix of a rock track.
T3 - Combo is great. Music is catchy too. And the guest presenter is fantastic! I loved her energy and form throughout the class. One of the best female presenters in a while.
T4 - A Scooter track. If anyone had caught my hint in an earlier post... This track will burn your legs.
T5 - A remix of a rock classic - Johnny Be Good. I love the CROSS part.
T6 - By now, the whole online LM community would have known that this track is Pink's So What. Simple track, but surprise, D&R modified the choreo. I love the new choreo. The old choreo was simple and actually it burnt the legs more, but somehow I enjoyed the new choreo. Always feel that T6 will be missing something without the back kick. (Initially no back kick)
T7 - This techno/rave sound ROCKS! And rocks big time too! Another long combo and the music is really superb and brings the energy up high! The song is so good because there are parts in the track which builds up the suspense. Watch out for the stinger...
T8 - Remix of September's Cry For You. This, or the MT (T7) could be my favourite track of the release. My shoulders were screaming in pain! "forever, and ever..."
T9 - Good workput for the core. A slight variation from the usual sit ups.
T10 - I really like this cool-down because I like the song. =)

There you have it, BC39 superb!

Now back to the other programs. Bodystep was next and I participated as well. This class killed my legs big time. I think I haven't done step in a very very long time and I also busted myself in BC, so I was really exhausted after this. Lisa was such an inspiration. Love her bubbly personality so much. And because I am not a BS regular, I can't comment much on the tracks.

BB was the last program for the night. The class was quite crowded, more so than the other releases I've seen on the DVD. It was really nice to finish the day with a nice soothing program.

T1 - Make A Wish. Inspired by a Tai-chi sword dance.
T2 - Desert Rose. A recycled track from BB24 with different choreo. I've taught this track a few times before and I love it, so I shan't be too harsh on my criticism of music being re-used. Man, I have double standards!
T3 - The Heart of the Matter. During rehearsals, I kinda disliked this song cos the workout was really burning my legs, and I was hoping for the song to end! I think this track is over 8 mins, because it's repeated (mostly) for the other side. But today, I finally appreciated the song for what it is. Can even sing along to it. "...forgiveness, forgiveness, even if, even if you don't love me anymore..." Googled the lyrics, really beautiful song.
T4 - Ok, I hate this song. Too much SEAL for my liking.
T5 - I don't know this song, but I find this song a little too short. I've always enjoyed the hip openers track because my hips are usually very tight from doing too much kicking in BC. Other than that, this track is effective and music is good.
T6 - Killer on the abs and core. Especially after the BC core track, my abs were burning afer the track.
T7 - An oldie, as Dr Dave mentioned that his dad used to play it all the time when he was a kid. Appreciated the workout, the music didn't do it for me.
T8 - Gavin Rossdale's Love Remains The Same. I like this track very much. Enjoy the song and the workout.
T9 - Kate Voegele's Lift Me Up. This has to be my favourite track for the entire release. I like it so much that I went up to Jackie Mills after the class and told her that I love this track and thanks for putting it in. She said yes, this track is really emotional. And btw, it's official that Jackie is not in BB44 as she's busy with her daughter's wedding. But she was present at the filming though.
T10 - Relaxation/Meditation. Did the new style which Dr Dave tried in the last rehearsal. Felt wonderful after that.

Yup, so that's BB for you. I can't say I like all tracks, but there were definitely a few which resonated strongly and I felt it very much.

Now to my casino adventures. Shall make it short and sweet this time. Bad session in the afternoon. Lost over $300 no thanks to a string of bad hands. Could have lost more if I haven't had to rush down to LM for filming.

The evening session was much much better. In fact, started out with losing hands too and down another $200 plus, but I found my lucky seat, and with a miraculous hand, I recouped everything for the entire day and even won some spare change. The moment I broke-even, I knew I had to call it a day.

Well worth the trips. There was some drama at my table though... There were some sharp exchange of words between some players. Sometimes gambling brings out the worst in people.

I won, I'm happy, I'm contented.

More when I return to Singapore, hopefully with some pics.

Auckland Day 6

I think by now everyone who reads this blog will know my daily schedule in Auckland, so I will just write about the gym stuff first.

I have officially given up hope of attending a BP class in Auckland because I woke up at 1pm today and I didn't manage to go for Hernan's BP class at 11am. I have no idea what happened to my alarm. It is alarming me that I am not waking up to it. Haiz.

Anyway today I went for 4:30pm by Chris Richardson. This man sure can dance. I must say I enjoyed his class very much. He may be a white guy but he sure can carry off the hip-hop and gangster style very well. He did 2 huge blocks today - both house.

The first was from BJ44 and the second was from BJ45. I really loved these 2 releases as it was the time when I started BJ. I did BJ45 at the Global Summit, and also did BJ44 with Gandalf for my first BJ class. Then when I returned back to Singapore, we just launched BJ44, so I had many memories for that.

After BJ, I stayed for BB44 rehearsal for the last time. Filming is tomorrow! How exciting. BB is a program where you need to feel the music. I know the classic argument by the yoga purists about how this program sucks, but to each his own.

I remembered a conversation with Dr Venky a couple of years back when he just came over. He said that Singaporeans are obsessed with achieving 'so and so' poses in yoga when the true essence is about the mind. But Dr Venky is a smart guy. He told me he will cater his class to his target market. If poses are what they want, he will give it to them.

I'll tell you what BB works for me. It's not really the stretches, or the poses or the workout, but the emotional feel of the music when doing the exercises. Which is why I need a few classes of the same BB release to really get into the songs. And the more I do this release, the more I love T8 and T9. It really makes me look forward to the end of the class just so I can hear these 2 songs. Weird isn't it. But it's just the way it is.

During relaxation/meditation, Dr Dave tried something new, and it felt really good. I do not know if he will do it for the actual filming. I noticed for today's session, he actually had a piece of paper with him.

Now to my casino stuff. I'm pleased to say that I've finally recouped all my losses and I'm standing on a grand profit of NZ$22. Hahaha. If anyone is wondering why that figure is so odd, it's because of that dreadful $1 commission wager we pay for Carribean Stud, which I gave up after my cards just wasn't right. I'm beginning to think... what if I hadn't had that horror showing on my first three days, in particular the second day... Regardless, I'm just happy to have won three days in a row.

I'm grateful for my luck. In fact, I even broke my own golden rule today. One of my 'self-imposed' rules is that once I lose everything I bring, I stop. But in the afternoon session, I changed $200 of chips, and that was gone in less than 20mins, no thanks to a series of shocking outcomes which nobody could have saw coming.

Down and out of luck, I had a whole 1.5 hrs to spare before hitting the gym (Yes, today I even packed my gym stuff so that I can save time going back to my apt as its not along the way), so I used my reserve money first. Hahaha... So much for my rules right.

Anyway, must say thanks to Li Hua and Jean. Thanks to them wanting me to help them buy some LM clothing, I actually reserved the cash in my bag (and not in my wallet for obvious reasons) and today I had my bag with me! I took out $100 to play and managed to recoup everything. Then with half an hour to go, I told myself enough was enough, and I walked away and headed for the gym. Breakeven.

The evening session was a strange affair. I started out in a similar fashion, I was down almost everything within half an hour, and with that few chips I had in my hand, I got my lucky break. The pairs started coming in. I even had quite a few perfect pairs. The moment I broke even, I walked away and changed back my chips. In the end I managed to recoup all my losses for the first 3 days.

For this trip, most of the conversations I made were at the casino. Fellow gamblers who I see almost everyday. Some on vacation, some locals who are clearly addicted, some who came here just on a gambling trip. There was the usual acknowledgement when we see familiar faces, people who've shared the ups and downs in this short period of time.

Tomorrow I will not spend too much time at the casino, as it is filming day. I also need to pack my stuff for the return trip back. My trip is going to come to an end soon, but I have enjoyed every moment of it so far - be it gym or casino. It just feels great to get out of home once in a while.

Auckland Day 5

I must start to remind myself that I only have 2 days left before I return back to Singapore! Time is just passing too fast. And once I'm back, a couple of days of break before I return to work, and have to wait another dreaded year before I get another 2 weeks of compliance leave.

Well, for all you BC fanatics hoping for another update on BC39 and D&R's class, I'm sorry to disappoint because this Singapore boy is still living in Singapore time! Meaning that I'm waking up at about 8am (NZ 1pm) and sleeping at 10-11pm (3-4am). Needless to say, I couldn't wake up for D&R's class this morning at 8:30am. What a letdown I know. I set the alarm but I don't know what happened!

So I woke up, checked the gym schedule, went for my usual early afternoon casino session before heading to the gym for 3 classes!

First up, BB44 rehearsal. Mixed feelings about this one. There's a couple of recycled tracks, not from other programs, but from previous BB releases. Are they really having so much difficulty finding music for BB? And I'm really hoping there won't be any more Seal songs in BB because frankly I really don't like his music and too much of it is annoying.

On a positive note, I do like T8 and T9 very much! Gavin Rossdale's Love Remains The Same and Kate Voegele's Lift Me Up. What a way to bring the class to a close.

After the class was BC by Joe Houpapa. He's the guy who appeared in BC25 DVD. I had a little trouble perking myself up for the class especially after the relaxation in BB, and I was still feeling a little dazed.

After BC, I went down to Studio Two for BJ by Carla! She did some 'new but not the new new' stuff as I quote her. Which means BJ47! I know it's unfair to make comparisons but I think I prefer BJ48 already haha - "There's a UFO!"

Today was Saturday, so the gym wasn't as crowded as usual, but there were many people attending the classes as usual. It's so much easier for an instructor to bring up the energy levels when there are many people.

Anyway, tomorrow I'll try to wake up earlier and I die die must do a BP before I leave. How can I come all the way here and not do a BP?

I left the gym and headed to the other direction towards New World supermarket. Their Quiche Lorraines are simply delicious, and I've already had three so far this trip and I've got another two in the fridge for night snack.

Dinner and after that the usual - casino!

Today was yet another lucky day for me. I won both my afternoon and evening sessions and on both occasions had the discipline to walk away unscathed. I could do a long list about whatever strategies and superstitions, but I still seriously believe gambling is about luck (and discipline to walk away when winning).

Now for the readers who may seem alarmed at my sudden penchant for gambling. Let me assure you this is not new. I have been a gambler since young. My favourite past-time was betting on football matches. I believe that proper analysis and understanding of teams' strength can increase chances of winning. Casino is a different thing - luck. I just like the kick. I like numbers, I like calculations and I like thinking probabilities.

The other thing is that the gambling genes run in my family. My parents are gamblers. My grandparents are gamblers. My relatives are gamblers. And also I think it runs in the Chinese blood. I am quite sure over 70% of the gamblers at the casino are of Chinese descent - China, HK, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore (some ugly gamblers I've met), Korea, Japan...

Carribean Stud - I've totally given up hope on that, not a single winning hand. Today, I was quite down on Blackjack but somehow managed to string a few perfect pairs (this is what I call sheer luck). But the ultimate for me today is BACCARAT! I even managed to get a perfect pair in Baccarat. At odds of 25-1.

I love BACCARAT. It just amuses me to see people writing on the cards because I think everything is to chance, and there's no way of knowing which card will come out next. Blackjack at least requires some skill. I don't play JACKPOT though. It's the same reason as why I don't like buying 4D and TOTO. It's a long shot.

As they say... "Whatever you want, whatever you like, whatever you say, you pay your money, you take your choice. Whatever you need, whatever you use, whatever you win, whatever you lose..." Get the hint people?

Anyway, I'm happy I won today, but I think I'm more proud of myself having the discipline to walk away.