Archive for August, 2009

Pain Day..

Fitness

…title suggested by Karen for the day when I attempted two different workouts and felt pain from both. Fail dot com dot my -____-”

270809
21-15-9 reps for time of:
Handstand Push Ups
Burpees
Knees-to-elbows
Results: 12:28 / 13:17 (plus 3 reps)
Enjoyed this short & sweet workout. My HSPU’s have improved slightly, I can go deeper now even at the 7th rep whereas previously I would have just done a shallow one after the first 2. Managed to steadily maintain proper form for burpees (high jumps & claps. wOOt!) as well as knees-to-elbows, so even tho my time isn’t very good, was satisfied with the form for this WOD.

Photo courtesy of Pushmore. Knees to elbows.

280809
Five rounds for time of:
15 Kettlebell/Dumbell Thrusters @ 35lbs/25lbs
15 Ring Dips
Result: DNF (Did Not Finish) Barbell @ 50lbs. Did two round within 6:50 but decided to stop as I could feel pain on my left shoulder. I think my previous injury has not fully healed 0.o

Attempted to do last Saturday’s workout of run 3 rounds of 1.6km. Took me about 5 mins plus to do 800 metres before my right knee started acting up again. The knee support didn’t help much. I guess the sensei was right when he said I shouldn’t put so much weight on it for the time being. There goes my participation in the next few running events. FML -______-”

Bleh. Since I couldn’t finish the two above workouts, I picked something which I knew I could complete.
3 rounds for time;
10 Deadlifts @108lbs
10 Chin Ups
Result: 7:08
Thought I was slower than the last time I did this (072209), but it turned out that my time had improved by 33 seconds. Yay!

30082009
Swam 20 laps x 25 metres. Didn’t stop as many times as previously, a sign that my endurance is getting a lil bit better? Or it must’ve been the caffeine high -__-”


Backlog

Fitness

Whoa! Its been a week since I last updated the fitness blog. I’m just gonna chuck in all the past week’s workouts into one post as I’m supposed to be finishing up some pictures now instead of blogging >.<

21082009
Swam for 20 laps x 25 metres after a looooong day of shoot. Didn’t realise it would but my right knee actually felt slightly painful even when I was swimming. FML 0.o Need to go check it again soon.

23082009
After a hiatus of more than 6 months, I went climbing. Yes! Headed to Camp 5 with Edm, Andrew, Ping and Ah Boy. I warmed up on the auto belay wall, climbed approx 6 routes there before heading to the leadwall where I cleaned 3 routes and lead 1 easy route. Good times but sore fingers >.< Thereafter we went swimming. Did 10 laps x 25 metres.

24082009
“Cindy”
In 20 minutes, do as many rounds as possible of:
5 Pull Ups
10 Push Ups
15 Squats
Result: 11 rounds + 5 Pull Ups
Did chest to bar for the pull ups. Was initially targeting for 15 rounds, but by the time I reached round 8, I was bloody tired!

25082009
Woke up in the morning and the weather was sooooo damn good that I decided to take the morning off work and went climbing. Seeing that it was my second year anniversary (yes, August 25 is the actual date :D), I told myself I deserved to take a break. Hah! Excuses, excuses.

Headed over to Nanyang Wall in Batu Caves with John-Son and Juan. The weather was awesome but by noontime it got quite hot and I actually turned 3 shades darker. Well, something like 3 shades anyway :p Cleaned 3 routes and lead one super easy route.


John-Son giving Juan a backrub? Nah, he was just applying sunblock for him ;p Talking on the phone while belaying? Luckily you’re not at Camp 5 :p

I’m starting a new fashion fad – “Towel Head Look” >.< Yes, it was THAT hawt! Literally

Headed back to work for a couple of hours before going off to Pushmore for the below workout,
“4500kgs for time.” (actual workout was from 21082009)
Bring a total of 4,500kgs (3,000kgs for women) from ground to overhead.
- You choose the weight and exercise. Kettlebells, dumbells, or barbell, your choice.
- Every rep must start from the ground and finish overhead.
- Example would be to do 188 reps of KB Clean & Jerk @ 24kg(188 X 24kg=4512kgs).
- Record total time, reps and exercise used.
Result: 53:11 (15kg x 223 reps of push press with barbell)
This workout was no joke. It was fun but the high repetitions got to me after the first half. Will definitely do this again in a couple of months time. Perhaps sometime next year ;p The DOMS that I got from this workout lasted ’til today. No joke.

26082009
Weighted Pull Ups
3-3-3-3-3
Result: 12, 16, 16, 17, 18.5kg
Threw myself into this workout even though there was no time element as I headed over about an hour before the noon closing time. The first 3 sets was ok and when I decided to upp it by another kilo, I struggled by the third rep. Took a break before the final set to do the below ab workout. Struggled like a stuck pig with the final weights but managed to complete the last rep with a weird kip.

100 Sit Ups For Time
Result: 3:10


  1. Danielle says:

    Great images. I love the vivid colors.



It’s Been One Heck Of A Ride…

Personal

It dawned upon me that it has been two years.

Two years since I said goodbye to the corporate rat race, two years since I leaped into the unchartered (by me anyway) waters of life as a freelancer. Personal sacrifices were made, lifestyle changes happened. Gone were the days where I had the security of a steady pay to cover my expenses, medical coverage to rely on and in rolled the days where I would be editing till the wee hours of the morning, shooting 10 hours straight with heavy gears, feeling absolutely sore after a full day shoot.

And you know what? I have no regrets AT ALL. Sure, like those who run their own businesses, I do have my down days. When those days happens, I mentally slap myself and remind myself that I have what I deem as one of THE best jobs in the world. Seriously.

When I reached my first year of being a full time photographer, I sent out an email to my clients. This time round, I decided to write this blog post for I not only want to thank my clients but basically everyone!

To my family who despite being far away, are supportive (and I hope proud :D) of what I do. To my close friends who have become my family away from home. To those who check out my blog and leave your kind words (or constructive criticism!), thank you for making my virtual world less lonely ;) To my clients who have given me the opportunity of being part of their big day and the honour of capturing their most intimate moments, you don’t know just how happy I am to be part of it all.

I know this sounds totally cliche (but since its my blog, I’m allowed to be ;p) but seriously, it is thanks to everyone’s endless support and God’s grace that I am blessed to be doing what I am doing now. I’ve had the opportunity to meet (and shoot!) so many wonderful people in the past two years and sometimes it seems like I’ve got THE best clients in the world.

I’m way far from being the best photographer in the industry (work in progress!), but one thing’s for sure. I love what I do with a passion. You know how it is when you feel like you’re about to burst with joy and you wanna hug someone and share the happiness? Well, sometimes when there’s no one around, I actually say ‘Thank you’ out loud. And I would be smiling to myself when I say that. Call me crazy but that’s how you make me feel and I feel so lucky at times that I’m afraid that all this is just a dream.

I used to think that only fools would believe that dreams come true. I’m glad I was that fool, for this, what I’m doing now, is a dream come true for me.

Thank you for sharing the journey with me. Here’s to many more awesome years ahead!

With Mucho Love & Appreciation,
The Cheesy / Corny / Crazy Photographer


  1. Glenn Guan says:

    You MADE it! More years to come. Keep up the good work sifu =)

  2. HLiza says:

    Congrats for the two wonderful years. I’m happy that you made that change. I’m still keeping that dream of getting your fabulous service to take our family photo..one day..one day..it will happen..(I just hope if that happens only 10 years from now, you won’t increase the charge by 10 fold..sudah glamourkan masa tu!)

  3. Sophia says:

    Congrats!! Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing all these wonderful shots. Love it!

  4. Nurul says:

    congrats & all the best for many years to come :) i share the same dream with hliza.one day i want you to capture my cheesy/corny/crazy moments with my darling hubby :) seeing all ur wonderful shots,it never fail to make my heart smiles *wink

  5. heaven says:

    congrats anna! u have truly been my inspiration…
    keep the shutter busy :)

  6. Ker-hsin says:

    hey anna. Congrats again on the 2-year milestone :) have always loved your portraits and wedding pix, but been too lazy to drop a line here… hahaahha… i love the way you capture ‘moments’ instead of just ‘occasions’… and hope i’ll be lucky enough to have you taking pix of me in the future… :)

  7. SeeMing says:

    we are very proud of you Anna!

  8. Wana says:

    Well done Anna and keep up the excellent work!!

  9. Nadia says:

    ever since i stumble upon your photoblog few months back, been a frequent visitor since! just to see those wonderful photos (i know it’s not mine ;P). ehehe~ your photos are so inspiring and sorta inspired me to finally try out photography just for fun and loving it to bits! ;D keep it up anna and hope to see you around for a very loooong time. my wedding is undecided and a looong many years to go but i’ve decided on my wedding photographer! ahaha~ ;) lots of love.

  10. Alind says:

    haha..guess i’m a little bit advanced though!
    Neway kudos on your excellent work…not only you inspired a lot of people but most important you brought photography into a whole new level n give life in each photos. Cheers to many more years to come…*hugs*

  11. Ena says:

    Well done babe and keep it up. You’re my inspiration. No really. You are. :)

  12. Jazzmint says:

    Congratulations Anna. You’ve come a long way and indeed I’m inspired by you. Wonder if I’d ever have the courage to go fulltime one of these days haha…Keep up the good work :)

  13. jeannie says:

    u make it! so be proud yay! =D
    i wish to be like you someday!

  14. Gurpal says:

    awesome work anna, love the passion you show in your work. Keep it up, wishing you all the best in all future endeavors.

  15. Gurpal says:

    Congratulations Anna, awesome work,your passion really shows in your work. Wishing you all the best in future endeavors.

  16. JC says:

    I can see you’re wearing the same baju for 3 different weddings. time to get a new wardrobe yo!! hehehehe…

  17. JC says:

    By the way, did I mention that I am super proud of you? I am super proud of you :D

  18. Lawrence says:

    Well done! I can see all the hard work, dedication and passion reflected through your pictures. I’m glad to have seen you at work and admire your professionalism. Keep it up Anna. =D

  19. calvin says:

    you know what Anna, I check out your blog everyday before i start my day as an assistant photographer cum graphic designer. It makes my day when i see nice pictures taken by you, accompanied by funny, and sometimes touchy text.. Well, what more can I say, I am proud of you. Keep shooting to make me inspired!

  20. Rudy says:

    You’ve come a long way girl..i still remember when you started out with no knowledge at all…look where u are now…one of the best! Pass some aura to me..:)

  21. LucilleJoyce says:

    It’s time for you to pat your back and say, “GREAT JOB, ANNA!” XD
    Many more adventorous years ahead! :) God Bless.

  22. LucilleJoyce says:

    Same outfit, diff place & occasions, and made it up to “Anna’s Wall of Fame”, means – that dress is a lucky charm and produce good shoots! :)

  23. jess says:

    congrats anna, i’ve been a silent visitor of ur blog for a while… but looking at this post i have a sudden question – what’s ur trick for getting such precise self shots using an SLR? i dont know how to balance the heavy cam the other way round on one hand while maneuvering the finger to press the shutter. do u press the shutter with the thumb? :-)

  24. Foxy says:

    Awesome! I check your blog first thing in the morning everyday! and it never fails to leave me with a huge smile. you are going to be my photographer if my big day comes by!

  25. Sharmila says:

    Hey babe, you’re an inspiration..!! Loved your work before and still loving it..pretty sure always will be..=) Keep up the good work..=D Ur pictures never failed to draw a smile on my face..*two thumbs up*

  26. stephers says:

    CONGRATS, Anna!! Can’t wait to meet you in person in December!! ;)

  27. Tim Halberg says:

    congrats on getting out of the rat race and staying out!!! we’re up in Canada this week and we keep telling ourselves, wow… and everyone else is working, but we’re chilling and enjoying a trip because we’re wedding photographers and loving life!

  28. Nazra says:

    It’s the love and passion that we love about you Anna. It must be tough with all that competition but to me (sorry I have to say this again..heheh) you’re the best!

  29. jude ivyra says:

    i really love your work..im a fan of yours and im sabahan also..yayyyyyy! We will meet sumday..i want you to capture me on my big day…will u Anna?

  30. Andy says:

    what a pixs! u are so talented :) gifted. :) have good day there :) ..i link u on my blog for sure :)

  31. mimie says:

    hye guess what anna rina.
    your face just like zee avi.
    wee~ love all your photo.
    thinking of buying DSLR..
    any tips from you?