.....times of refreshing.....

Sometimes it concerns me when I thought of my kids' tertiary education needs. That will be 15 years from now and it was a time when I'm also getting older and my income might be affected. It worries me to see things are getting so expensive right now and the term, 'live by your own means' can just be an advice but difficult to implement. Of course, temptations to buy cool stuffs are everywhere and it's not easy to resist.

I will be working out my financial plans soon, which I have been procrastinating all along or do not the 'stamina' and discipline in maintaining earlier plans. It's not easy to do one but my goals has been always -

1. Save at least 10% or more of your monthly income
2. Contribute some percentage aside for emergency funds
3. Grow your investment nest as money will depreciate
4. Contribute to your retirement funds
5. Work out an education fund for your children
6. Insurance coverage for family especially illness


The above seems to be a tall order ! *phew* How you folks plan your financial needs? Let's share it here. :)

I walk into a dangerous zone this afternoon after lunch, and left with S$100 poorer! OK, don't get me wrong, I'm well and not robbed. I visited a badminton shop and again, got tempted with the varieties of rackets over there and got home a new racket - Pro Ace Ultralight. The S$100 came with a grip, bag and string. I guess it's very 'dangerous' for me to step into a badminton shop each time, especially those selling cheaper brands like Pro-Ace, Apacs, Fleet, Head and etc compare to the branded ones like Li-Ning and Yonex. I'm liken to a lady who went into a Gucci or LV shop! :P


Before this new acquisition, I have three rackets - My almost 16 years old Victor Lightning (which will remains as a souvenir for now), Apacs Nano Fusion Speed 976 and Head NanoPower 600. I've been using a 'posh' Yonex Armotec 700 (this was Lin Dan's favourite before he switched over to Li-Ning's racket) for three years but have sold it off recently as I don't have the shoulder power to wield this powerful gear, and always ended up with a shoulder injury.

Lin Dan with Yonex Armotec 700

I love my Apacs Nano Fusion Speed 976 as it's very light at 5U.Check out badminton weight units here. It's fast and easy to maneuver but then, I find that smashes were weak and not hard enough. I got a heavier Head NanoPower 600 at 3U, and I actually love it's wide body frame. It packs power but then, it's a little heavy for me especially towards the end of the two hour session.

Thus, I may have got my 'dream' racket today - a light 5U but slightly head heavy and wide-frame for power shots like smashes. It seems like this Pro-Ace Ultralight is a best seller though it has been around since 2008.
I haven't really tried it yet which I have to wait until next Tuesday and Wednesday for my next badminton sessions. However, the 'feel' of this racket seems good. Anyway, last but not least, at the end of the day, it's the skills that matters most  and not the gears.

Have a good weekend and enjoy badminton!

I am one of the special ones who don't have to go to work on a dreadful Monday today. Yes, I'm grounded by flu again last Friday. Lately, I seems to be quite susceptible to flu, after enjoying good health at the beginning of the year. I attributed this to stress and lack of sleep. Well, have to sleep early from now instead of the usual 12am or 1am. :(

I'm pondering on procrastination and fear. One of the most effective method to beat fear is to take action! I realise everytime when I'm worried about something, the longer I ignore it and delay it, the worst the fear will get. It's especially worst when you're resting on a weekend and the thought of that fear will definitely occupied your mind till you get back to work on it. However, taking action on it immediately, though it may take away some of your rest time, give you peace of mind! Some examples here are - delaying your difficult tasks, delaying your public speaking, delaying your visit to the dentist or doctor for checkup, delaying facing your problems and etc.

However, once action has been taken, you will  realise the peace and satisfaction derived from your ownself. Lately, I tried to talk as much as possible to an audience. Though there are anxious moments, I felt good after that, whether I did a good job or not. Hence, it's always better to face your problems as soon as possible to avoid it become a gigantic issue in your mind! Nip it in the bud.

Have a good week!