Looking forward!

Looking forward to cut my fringe this friday..
Looking forward to meeting my friends this friday night at tangs..
looking forward to look see audition this sat..
looking forward to meet baohua this sat as long time no see
looking forward to sheares run..
looking forward to seeing the sparklight kids..

and looking forward to breakthrough!!

Through it all

It was dark,
brown and black..
It seems cold..
No one I see..

A voice I hear..
saying that the abnormal things of life has came to the mankind..
Great tribulations?
Rapture?

And a voice sang:
and i ... look to you,
and i... wait on you

As I hold on to my bolster,
hold on to my blanket with all my might,
laying on bed,
so much in fear that i dare not move even a little...
so much that I lack the courage to open my eyes,
and unwillingly i did that knowing i gotta faced the whole thing..

and i look to you,
and i wait on you,

verse of 'Through It All'
running through my mind..
so real, and I still don't dare to move
yet a part of me want it to be unreal..

and I thought about my beloved family and friends,
especially mummy..

Oh i am alone in my room..,
Oh i need to go toilet,
Oh how i dread to walk in darkness,
walking across the idols outside..

Jesus Jesus!
I called knowing the power of your name..
a name that is above all names..
in desperation,
knowing you are my help in times of need..

The light of the kitchen was on..
The light of the toilet was on..
Your peace upon me..

Walking past my parent's room, they were soundly asleep..
thank you thank you my Daddy in heaven!
You know I love them so much..

Dear Friend, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the spirit of God: Every spirit that aknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the fresh is from God, but every spirit that does not aknowledges Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

1 John 4:1-4

My God, my best friend, my stronghold, my hero, you are greater than the devil and you have overcome the world! You gave me the best encouragement with sharpness and punch! Best teacher! You walk with me in valley of darkness.. rain or shine.. you are there..for me, with me and in me! even though there are brown and black colour, through it all, you see me through with lights and songs! My all in all, there is none like you! I shall fear not, I shall move forward with courage knowing all your promises..!

And Father may you open the eyes of my loved ones.. and reveal to them that knowing Jesus is the best thing that can happen to anyone and is the most important decision in life and in the whole universe. And i pray that you will keep them, bless them for they are your wonderful creation..

I love them and I know God you love them too..

Move on Run!!

Yes move on! Run!

I hope the sheares run this sunday is fun!!

It's time.. to move on

Everyone says monday is blue.. but i shall want to start my monday this week at least with a rainbow color as a headstart..

for those who has read my blog regularly u will know that i have not been active.. well, after a period of some trials.. as i have been quite down for a period of time.. if i were to scribble n voice on my blog, i will be critisising people endlessly.. and i wanted a space from people.. to be away and in solitude for awhile..

guess its enough.. and time to move on.. n i hope i really do mean it and do it this time..

Wars Of In-Laws

Wars Of In-Laws － 我的野蠻奶奶

Cast:
Liza Wang
Shek Sau
Myolie Wu
Bosco Wong
Christine Ng
Eileen Yeow
Hong Wah
Ha Ping
Suet Li
Chan Hoi Yee

監製：關永忠

編審：蔡淑賢，梁恩東

演員：

汪明荃，胡杏兒，黃宗澤，石修，伍詠薇，劉家輝，雪　妮，姚瑩瑩

生於上等旗人之家的喜塔臘˙鑠蘭(汪明荃)自恃著格格的身分，四十多年來橫行霸道，極盡野蠻之能事。蘭兒子甯茂春(黃宗澤)到了適婚年齡，蘭為他強搶來一位她認為是全京城最好的媳婦，豈料陰差陽錯，兒子竟輾轉娶了山寨王之女田力(胡杏兒)。蘭吹毛求疵，但一山還有一山高，力亦不是溫婉和順之輩，婆媳各不相讓，終日吵吵鬧鬧，叫懦弱、缺乏主見的春左要遵循母命，右要討好老婆。卻原來一切皆是掩飾，春其實武功高強，且背負著不為人知的秘密……

Born in a royal family, Princess Shuet-Lan has been barbaric, obnoxious, unreasonable for forty years. Black turns white and white turns black from her mouth.. Her son mau chun (Bosco Wong) was of a marriageble age and suppose to be married to a royal concubine..but on the big day, she eloped and while seu yat (Myolie Wu) a young lady from a family of bandits together were trying to run away from a group of soldiers.., and she took the chance to escape by pretending to be the bride by chance..and she and and mau chun was accidentally married and that start the head and tail of the show..

To be honest, I thought this would be another show that would be crappy and trying to be funny.. but i though just give it a try.. hahaha but to my surprise i was rather entertained and i had enjoy myself.. and u might think i am crazy if i tell u i actually cry while watching the last few episode of this comedy drama.. yes i cry! i thought it was touching..! Beneath the humour, I see loves and humility..and perservance.. and i was thrilled to see princess shuet yat arguing with the emperor to save her son she remarked that the emperor too has made mistake.. when everyone thought she will be devastated and helpless in a corner when knowing that the emperor has given the order that his son to be executed..

Liza shines in this show.. ! no surprise that she won herself an award! I like her potrayal of princess Sheut-Lan.. its well seasoned.. at least she do made me laugh n cry.. and she just got this air that came naturally..

The Charm Beneath 胭脂水粉

Chinese Title : 胭脂水粉

Cast:
Moses Chan
Gigi Lai
Yoyo Mung
Chan Hung Lit
Michael Tong
Anne Heung
Sharon Chan
Mandy Cho
Kiki Sheung
Cecilia Yeung Sze Sze
Tseung Chi Kwong

Producer : Mui Siu Ching ( Shine On You )

Honestly, when i came across this production, i was a bit disppointed to see the group of cast because most of them were unfamiliar to me and no one in particular i wanted to support much..and was also a bit disappointed that sheren tang was taken out of the show. However, the reason why i took a step to rent this drama serial was because the title 胭脂水粉 caught my attention and the gal at the rental shop managed to persuade me that this was a nice piece of work.. plus i have always been interested in periodic dramas.

Set in the 1920s and 1930s in Hong Kong, Halle De Fleur was the business owned by a very wealthy family, 'chuk family'. They were doing cosmetic business with roller lipstick as their star product. You can definitely expect politics among the family with loves, hatred, jealousy..and of course the good and better among the goods, and the bad and even worser among the evil. (Anyway not going to say much as just in case someone out there wants to watch the show..this is a show that one should not know too much in advance..)

What impressed me about the show was how the technique of 'xuan lian' was put to use. This was a term i learnt during my scriptwrighting module in nafa. It sort of means the technique of stopping at a point when its near to climax.. I felt a good 'xuan lian' is actually vital in sustaining the audience in captivity.. And i like the plot and the theme of family, romance and frienship. (However i felt that the scene that marks the end of problem was lame. How can someone succeeded in jumping into river and commit sucide in the pressence of so many good people who were 1 to 2 metre away.. and also i felt the real reason for the death of the founder of Halle De Fleur should be revealed to the family household members.. and Siu Hsing (the character played by Sharon Chan) should know the truth of who killed her brother..

Moses Chan as Cheuk :

Simply a 'bai jia zi' and lady killer who was yet creative , kind and carefree. After going through much, he became matured. (But i don't like the way he handles relationship. )

Moses' performance was ok but still room for improvement.. At times I felt he could have been a little bit more emotional esp the part when he saw his beloved being stabbed with knife.. something lacking still.. but i guess he just has the look of a witty spoil from rich family which makes him more suitable for the role than bowie lam who was replaced by him.

Gigi Lai Cheuk Wing Wai:

A sophisicated and smart woman who was observant and who truly cares for her family. Interestingly, her husband was played by Tseung Chi Kwong who was many years older than her and also in terms of looks.. He looks like an uncle.

Gigi did quite a good performance (even though i din really like her) except the part where she cried to which i felt could be improved though she manged to touch me in some crying scenes.. Anyway i thought this was a good role which TVB has given her and heard that the review for her was good.. (but my guts feeling tells me that sheren tang will also be able to do a very good job for the role as i felt she will be good for periodic drama..)

Yoyo Mung as Yee Fong

A gentle spirit lady who gets along well with everyone. She has her intersting and silly side even though she was shy towards the one she loves. A very gal next door who likes to watch drama and is also one who will go through thick and thin for her loved one.

I am not one who watced Yoyo Mung's show often. But i gotta say i likeYoyo inside the show..the potrayal of Yee Fong .. even though her hairstyle was ugly it has some air and ex-factor.. got wei dao..

Chan Hung Lit as Shan

Boss of Halle De Fleur .. A fatherly figure with authority and was Head in Cheuk family. Some respected and was grateful to him, and some trying to get into his good book for some motives.

I like Chan Hung Lit inside the show.. Felt that he's good as he has the air of a father.. and i felt his fatherly loves in the show..

Anyway, my favourite character in the series are Cheuk Wing Wai and Yee Fong!

A great show!

Morning & Afternoon.. Night

Morning started the day,
with an alarm ..
Inside my blanklet,
tossing around,
not wanting to face it,
but yet i got to.
Perhaps i have lost the heart for the day..
perhaps i am still indecisive,
although not giving up..

Afternoon formed part of the day,
with a crying smile.
I know you are there,
yet I am running away,
getting myself lost..
I hope you will find me,
you can,
you want,
and you will..
with rainbow..

Can one sight decide for all?

Eyes were open,
ear were hearing,
hearts failed to understand..
perhaps it was never meant to,
or never want to..

Voices were circulating the tight air for the night,
but i hear my cries more.
Yet, trying to be happy.

Can one sight decide for all?

saturday & sunday

Saturday :

this was a working day.. royston was at work too.. i remember i dread myself from the bed and headed to work. was almost tempted to ask rui en to cover for me as i felt i needed rest for my sick body but think it was too late, its 8.30am i looked at the time..

anyway afterwork i headed home to rest.. and had my lunch. afterwhich i went to ang mo kio popular to do some research from my coming work on mon. pei and man were there to accompany me too. after which we went to have our dessert and i headed home while pei and man went to East Coast Park (which i suppose ting steph and kelly going the very next day)

at 7pm i went to miracle service.. felt better after that.


sunday:

waking up for the day, i decided to go for night service. as i felt maybe a night service will be better for me for the day..

Baby Cadence, my sis and my brother in law came back today.. hee cadence started to choose who can hold her and who cannot hold her.. this baby gal started to feel for her surrounding..and knows how to make noise to show.. anyway she was used to us after sometimes and just lay still with as we play and hold her..

After which, mummy went to work and i went to meet eddy which was a last minute decision made the night before.

Soon it was bishan station. I alighted and was looking out for eddy but i can't seemed to find him.. and i thought could it be i can't recognise him? the last time i saw him was many years back during my nafa days. soon he saw me.. and still quite the same except that he seems fairer. we went to this cafe cartel.. and i ordered camomile tea.. we had a good chat about those old memories when we are doing productions and our some of our future plans.. anyway we left the place at about 5pm and i felt i needed to get home to rest before i went to the 7pm service.

i met venon and ivy serving as asher today. Nice of them to give me a ride today..

i enjoyed the service.. remembering Pastor Bernette saying something like 'to finish strong, everyday is a masterpiece..'

Morning

i woke up at about 9.30am, having and knowing the thoughts of reporting to work at 12pm for claiming of overtime.

i started the day with my washing up and quiet time followed by a meal. am happy to spend the morning with mummy..we watch tv together. hee..

What Colour

I am writing this half an hour after i came out from toilet. As i was looking at the mirror, glancing at my black hair..i thought i look down to earth.. Am thinking of red cum purple cum blue.. shall be my next colour..

Shall i cut short my hair?
Shall i rebond my hair?
Shall i perm my hair?

well, will see how..

Sunday

Wake up at around 9am+ for the day.. ate breakfast and prepared for service. there was some change of plan. i would be meeting xiao guijing at 12.55am after the service instead of 10.40am.

Service was a little fast than norm and i reached admiralty station in time to meet xiao guijing. after which she came to my house - we were watching TV and playing with bibi cadence (as sis and brother-in law came with her) Mummy also cooked nice nice dishes..so long never tasted her soup with sweet corn, pop ribs,onions, carrot and potatoe..yummy!! and love her chicken..love her vege ..love her fish..bibi cadence was so cute..she has brought much joy to the family.

After which i accompany xiao guijing to church a while and proceeded to take train to chinatown after the announcement made as i got an appointment with my beauty doctor cindy.

Again, she analyse my face, and did a scraper, extraction and blue laser shined on me. the whole thing took about 1hr.

i proceeded to bugis after that to meet shumin. finally i get to meet her to pass her the cds.

reached home at about 9.30pm.

i had an early sleep..slept at 12.30am..

its a great day!!

Saturday

My initial plan of the day was to start 30min of running at 8am. But looking at the time, it was 8.30am. The weather was cool, my bed was nice, i dun want to be late and in rush with meeting up with pei. thus i decided to accompany my pillow and blanket a little while..

Never did i expected that 9.20am came so fast.. as i was meeting pei and her sis at 10.15am.. i did my preparation with a good speed ..and fly to ang mo kio. On my way, i met kai zhong..erm think gotta rephrase..he met me as he saw me 1st. A small world it is..as he was also going to Ang Mo Kio and some times back, i learnt we had a common friend that is Rui En..as he knew her through Johnson.

Ang Mo Kio station arrived and we walked to the Jubilee hall as kai zhong also wanted to say hi to pei. After which we proceeded to ang mo kio market for our breakfast and hopped onto the cab proceeding to Alexander Hospital with pei and her sis to visit their mother who had watched me grown up.

Aunti , pei's mum which i addressed looks good..i guessed she was on a recovery side. She ate the lunch from the hospital and the porridge pei bought for her after which.. while i also did spent some time chating with her, roaming the hospital and reading magazine. Soon it was 1.45pm and the visiting hours will soon be over till the next slot of time.. Thus we made a move.. Before that, I hold aunti's hand and prayed for her wishing her a speedy recovery, with strong health and able to walk with no side effect..(hee i actually find aunti to be comfortable looking..her eyes were actually big with defined double eye lid and was potentially fair.. i told pei that aunti must be a beautiful lady during her youth..)

Then, we went to Harbour Front Centre..and have a drink and snack at Breeks.. we shared buffalo wings, fish nugget with lime sauce, and i ordered Ocean, pei ordered brownie with ice cream and also a drink which tasted so sour.. Yinn came to join us shortly after and she ordered brownie with ice cream and ocean too.. we had a good chat.. after that we shopped around the area .. 5plus came and we went our separate ways as pei has to go back to hospital to be with her mum and family..Good gal man! i am impressed. (a potential good wife definitely. ) meiyin and i took 145 to head to toa payoh. after which i went back to woodlands for miracle service and yinn see see look look walk walk at the vicinity of toa payoh.

the testimony of the twin miracle babies were encouraging. I am so happy for my sis in Christ..who has been through disappointment, down times ...and ultimately God answers her prayer for wanting a twin pair of babies..With God anything is possible!! Amen.

looking forward

waking up for the day, i looked forward to breakfast with mummy while watching the 37 TVB anniversay with her..its really a joy.. we had teh tarik with toast bread.. and she made chee cheong fun for me before i left for work..

a great start for the day!!

Thanks

i knock off for the day yesterday at around 5.15pm.. before i left rp, i wanted to buy a peanut pancake for myself.. but aunti said she is running out of that kind of pancake..and thus she offered me another kind of pancake which has hotdog , cheese and egg..which was actually more expensive..but aunti charged me only $0.80. it was nice!! thank God and aunti..and as weather was fine, i decided to walk home.on the way, i saw an ice cream man and he gave me a free ice cream which he accidentally opened it the wrong way..thank God and uncle..i enjoyed my journey back home..

ate my dinner and watch tv..went to Shine Light ministry meeting after which.
ends at about 10pm..get to know some new friends today. thank God!

thank God that i no need to wake up early the next day too..hee

That time...

Have not blog for a few days simply because i am lazy and not in the mood. but i have decided to do a capture of my past few days for my own record..

i managed to meet up with xiao guijing..so glad to see her..as it has been a yr since the last i saw her.. miss her man..!! Salute and congrates to her for completing her mission overseas!! I am proud of u !! Not easy to study oversea alone i understand.. well done! We went for 11am service and after which she came to my house.. we bought all the japa lang food..and watch beauty and war together ..after which we went to causeway point..to see see look look walk walk.. and have a great conversation with her.. its a great day. thank God.

for the past few days, i have not been running as i felt wind in my stomach. guess i have to change my diet..always love to eat the oily..and sweety and savoury taste..which usually clog up my whole health system .. maybe i should try and appreciatie the beauty of plainess in food.such as fish soup..yau tau foo(soup base)..or perhaps also ..friends encourage me ok!!
(hee am happy ..this week someone commented that i had slim down..)

A great day..

Left the place at about 3 ++ and reached Toa Payoh at about 4.17pm. Wow there were sales going on and i win shop a while there.. and proceed to snooker zone to practice my pool.. hee not very good thus need practice.. after which i went to run at toa payoh stadium ..did 8 rounds.. i enjoyed the run despite my tired feet from the earlier win shopping.

Soon ling reached toa payoh.. and we meet up at about 7.50pm.. really long time no see. had a good time catching up.. still remember our struggling time during prudential days amd how we always rot around tanjong pagar areas and have a drink of Teh Tarik..Those were the days..

Blue Laser

Meet Pei after work today at Ang Mo Kio. She accompanied me to the BCNG laser and medical aesthetics for my acne laser treatment.

I was then introduced to serene and Dr cindy.. so cute.. dr cindy was not the usual serious kind of doctor..it seemed like her hair was all made over (nicely coloured with red) and she wore a low cut sexy dress..with coloured share nails..

i was very hungry during the 1 hr blue laser treatment.. which was surpose to reduce my oil level at dermis and hypodermis ... while i lay there for one hour i can also imagine pei must be very hungry then..as she walked around the vicinity (serene also applied antibiotics on my face before i was under the laser light..

soon 1 hr was up. pei was already back by then..she bought me a swiss roll!! anyway i bought a bottle of multi-vitamins consisinting of B-complex, vit c, vit E, and zinc.. together with the laser bill. after which we went to lau pa sat..

we were so hungry!! hui called me shortly after and she joined us pretty soon..she was so tired..i ordered sweet and sour fish, pei ordered zhu za tang, hui ordered guey zap..

after which we took the train back home..
and hopefully everyone have a good rest sleep for the night..
i think i did..

The following for your reading pleasure if you are interested :

The B vitamins promote healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and brain function. The B vitamins are also coenzymes involved in energy production. B Complex is important for elderly people and a deficiency can mimic Alzheimer's disease.*

Vitamin C performs hundreds of functions in the body. It is crucial for the production of antibodies, strengthens connective tissues, helps reduce the duration and severity of a cold, assists with wound healing, and protects other vitamins from oxidation.*

Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is an anti-oxidant that prevents the fats and fat-soluble Vitamin A stored in the body from breaking down and combining with other substances that may be harmful to the body. It also protects red blood cells from rupturing

Zinc is required for the production of both RNA and DNA, the basic building blocks of the body. It assists the body in making the 200+ enzymes and is essential in the development and continuous normal functioning of the central nervous system. Zinc also plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.*

My Weekends

Saturday

The last weekend seemed to fly fast. I was working on Saturday actually and was thankful that it was a half day and my health was getting better. A sense of contentment was in me to know there will be sweet and sour fish rice waiting for me when I reached home. (Papa bought one) At least, there was something to look forward to.

Time went fast. Strike one and I packed off to leave the working place. Brother and father were at home. There was not only sweet and sour rice, there was also Ee mee. I bought them all into my bedroom and set them onto my so call small dinning table and watch ‘Beauty and War’ (Jin Zhi Yu Nie) with a bottle of honey that was good for throat and with my air-con on. (Only occasionally)

Ironically, in such a relaxing ambience, and in the comfort of my bed after I finished my lunch, I was watching such a heavy show. Was a bit tired in catching the words by words politics between ‘liang liang’ and ‘gong nui’.. and even eunuch. (But I do felt that the script was beautiful sometimes)Perhaps I was tired, I fell asleep soon, wrapping myself with blankets and lying with my pillows entering into a dreamland. (Even though I knew it was so ‘sinful’ to sleep shortly after a meal. But thinking that my pillows and I have been missing each other, and thinking that I will run productively next week, I rewarded myself with such simple joyous gift.

Don’t ever underestimate what a sleep can do for you. I felt my heaty level in body dropped after my one hour sleep. Ulcer seemed to be better too and my mood was good. After which, I wash my clothes and read the newspaper. It was a leisure to me.

Soon, it was five. Time to meet pei at admiralty mrt. Together we meet man at Yishun and proceeded to kovan and headed to ‘xin wang cha can ting’ for a meal. This was the 2nd time I went to Xin Wang. (The 1st time I went to the branch at Marina Square.) I knew some people like the place some people dun like.. some people like the food some people likes the drinks whereas some people like the drink but don’t like the food.. I felt that I enjoyed the HK ice milk tea there although comparatively, not as authentic. But for the bo lo bao that I ordered, I am not very impressed. Fried chicken was normal. Anyway I still like the place a lot because I like the idea of cha can ting. But I knew pei and man felt that the food cannot make it and poor them as they were sort of accompanying me as I was the one who suggested it.

After our meals we went to see see look look walk walk. Even though Heartland Mall seemed small there were quite a few cute stalls around. I saw a brown top which got ‘air’. I felt tempted to buy it at the 1st glance.

After which we took bus to Ang Mo Kio we sat down again to have drinks. Reached admiralty at about 11am plus. Since there was pasam malam, I see see look look walk walk again. Reached home at about 11.45pm.

A simple yet relaxing Saturday with close friends. My thanks for you father.


Sunday:

The day was so comfortable. My bed was cool and I felt cool. Waking up for the day, I started it with 2 breads with butter and jam and hot hot teh si. While eating, I continued to watch ‘War and Beauty’. This particular episode was nice and I enjoyed it. After which , I set off to prepare to go to church.

Service was real and thought-provoking. I felt touched that day. Had always appreciate Pastor Rony’s sincerity.. I can feel his disturbance, stress and his love for the congregation and people.

I knew Father you are around at all times!
I walked out of church feeling the peace and feeling empowered, knowing that your light is upon me.

After which I walked towards Admiralty station going to Marina Bay to meet steph and kelly. Glad I am able to reach there before two. Met the 2 of them and song liang reached shortly after.. We were all wondering how the surprises will turn out to be..

Finally we saw the birthday gal of the day with liyi.. we were all hiding behind the grass with kelly holding on to the birthday cakes.. haha when it was getting excited the 2 gals went the other way.. so funny.. we had to get up and sort of to call them. They managed to see us. hee. we mum mum, fly kite, play zero point and hotscotch after which..It was fun!! And certainly a good workout. Happy birthday Ting! God bless you.

As I have to rush to aunti lan's place for family gathering and niece Xiang Ling Irish birthday celebration, I could not join the gals and song liang for ice cream ..

The occasion was at Hougang. was there at about 8.25pm. The place was full of small little ones, medium ones, big ones.. Glad to see my relatives..auntis uncles and cousins..nieces.. Am thankful that i have nice relatives .. I enjoyed the bbq chicken, satay, bee hoon, fried rice, chicken curry and many others..cooked by my uncle mostly..always felt he is a good cook! (if not wrong he really used to be chef..)

Left the place at around 9 plus. I enjoyed the day..and was thankful for it.

I enjoyed my weekends.

Premenusration Syndrome

Felt very tired these few days..and particularly today dun feel like talking..perhaps have not been feeling well recently..with my flu, throat and ulcer..and right now is premenustation process..that means fatigue, breakout, water retention, bloatedness, and cramps.. and also moodiness..

Forgive me ok to all around me.. if i look super sian.. I have copy and paste the following from a website link :

(Yeah...perhaps I should look on the bright side..tomoro is weekend..)


What are the most common symptoms?

Whilst many women do not suffer PMS, others may suffer one or more of the following symptoms:

Emotional Symptoms:
irritability
anxiety
nervous tension
mood swings
lower coping ability
depression
aggression
difficulty concentrating
lower libido, rarely increased libido
feeling unloved
wanting to be alone
reduced interest in work and social life
Physical symptoms
Fluid retention (swollen fingers or ankles)
bloating around the abdomen
breast swelling and tenderness
headaches ranging from mild to a severe migraine
tiredness, lethargy, insomnia
increase in weight
constipation
food cravings especially sweet foods
aches and pains particularly lower back, legs and abdomen
poor coordination or clumsiness
skin problems such as acne
occasionally increased energy

How do you tell if your symptoms are PMS?

Whether you suffer one or a few of the above symptoms, it is the timing of the symptoms that will indicate whether or not you are suffering PMS. Symptoms due to PMS will only occur after ovulation (mid-cycle) and will disappear during the next menstrual period. Mark your symptoms on a calendar or keep a daily menstrual chart over two to three months to help your doctor with the diagnosis.

Lifestyle factors that may help towards relieving your PMS symptoms

Eat regular, healthy meals including plenty of vegetables, fruit, mixed grains and cereals

Eat small meals to maintain stable energy levels, this will also significantly reduce food cravings

Drink less caffeine – particularly if you are suffering breast tenderness. Try drinking water instead! (6-8 glasses a day)

Cut down on alcoholic beverages

Cut down on salt and salty foods to help reduce fluid retention

Get enough rest, sleep and exercise

Don’t smoke

Wear a well fitting cotton bra if you suffer tense, painful breasts.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important, particularly during the premenstrual phase. Walking is an excellent form of exercise and has the advantage of being both cheap and easy for most people. Swimming, yoga, aerobics, netball, tennis, golf and cycling are other suggestions. Make sure you choose a form or variety of exercise you enjoy – otherwise you will not pursue it.Exercise increases endorphins (one of the brain’s neurotransmitters, or chemicals, which decrease premenstrually in PMS sufferers) and therefore may reduce symptoms. Endorphins also act as natural pain killers and help you to feel more relaxed and in control.

Reduce Stress

Make an effort to avoid extra stresses (mark your premenstrual time on the calendar so that you can avoid major activities)
Talk to your family about your PMS so they can have some understanding of the problem. Help them develop strategies to be supportive during this time

Try not to take your aggression out on your family

Take time out to relax and enjoy your own interests

Try to develop your ‘positive’ thinking

Seek professional counselling

If your PMS symptoms continue to distress you, consult your doctor. It is important that other possible causes of the symptoms are excluded. Although no 'cure' can be offered there are many treatments that help reduce and, for some women, completely alleviate PMS symptoms. It may be necessary to try different treatments before you find the most effective one for you.

Treatment of PMS

Natural Therapies
Many women feel they benefit from a variety of natural therapies but none have been proven in controlled studies to be beneficial, their effects being no better than placebo, i.e. about 30-40%reductionin symptoms. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) has been used to reduce emotional symptoms and fluid retention but in doses no greater than 50-100mg per day as high doses can lead to peripheral neuropathy or loss of sensation in fingers and toes.Evening Primrose oil has been used to reduce breast tenderness in dosages up to 3000mg per day.St John’s Wort is a plant serotonin enhancer, which may reduce mood symptoms. Other preparations such as Chaste Tree have also been used.Talk to your doctor, naturopath or pharmacist about this group of medicines.

Hormonal Therapies

The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) may be prescribed because it prevents ovulation and for some women this will provide relief from her symptoms. The monophasic pill (with the same hormone dose in each active pill) is more beneficial than other types such as either the triphasic or biphasic pills.Other hormone preparations have been tried such as progestins, progesterone and oestrogen preparations. Only oestrogen patches and implants have shown to be beneficial in controlled studies.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s)

The SSRI’s have been studied extensively in placebo-controlled trials and have shown significant benefit in reducing symptoms, particularly the emotional symptoms. These medications increase serotonin in the brain and improve mood in particular. The medication may be taken cyclically (in the premenstrual week) or continuously. The most common SSRI is fluoxetine (one form is Prozac), but others also prescribed are sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Aropax). Many women take this therapy long term without adverse effects. The SSRI’s are the recommended treatment of choice.

Most women with PMS will respond to either the hormonal therapies or the SSRI’s but there is a small group of women who do not benefit. This group is most likely to have a disorder of mood rather than PMS and should seek specialist help.PMS is a distressing problem for a small number of women who have severe symptoms.

Conclusion

Unfortunately the cause(s) of PMS are largely unknown but there is more evidence to suggest there are changes in brain chemistry which trigger the symptoms experienced.
There is no "Quick Fix" or cure but there are many ways to help reduce the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Some women benefit from simply charting their symptoms and developing strategies to minimise stress, whereas others may reduce stress with an improved diet and exercise routine.
Other women will require prescriptive medicines such as hormonal therapies or the SSRI’s.