70.0

16 October 2009. I will remember this day. About 10 months ago, I had vowed to shed 10 kgs. I was at my heaviest back then. I had problems getting a visa due to what doctors called 'fatty liver'. The NZ Immigration gave me a 2-year visa, after which I would have to re-apply, hence re-sit a medical test. The doctor told me to exercise (burn fat) and take some supplements to improve my liver function. By January 2009, I had lost 5 kgs from a low carb and 'no chicken' diet. After my father's passing and my move to NZ, I put on about 2-3 kgs, mainly due to food binging (as a result of emotional distress) and consumption of greasy food (fish n chips, fried chicken, etc). Two months ago, I looked at the mirror and saw what an unhealthy diet was doing to me. So I decided to start exercising, reduce fatty food intake and maintain a low carb diet. Today, I stepped unto the weighing scale and was jubilated by sight of the digits 70.0 (kgs). This is the lightest I've ever been in probably 7-8 years. I have gone from overweight (BMI 27.0) to normal weight (BMI 23.7). Now, I have set a new goal, which is to be 65 kgs.

The First Three Things I Did To My New Old Car

The first thing I did with my new old car was clean the interior. Armed with a microfiber cloth, water, Vanish stain remover and Dettol Oust 3in1 disinfectant/deodorizer/air sanitiser, I thoroughly cleaned every part of the car's interior.

The second thing I did was discard the old, worn-out, dirty floor mats. I drove over to Super Cheap Auto and got myself a set of universal car mats made of rubber for $46. I wanted mats that are easy to clean. I also bought a car refreshner.

The third thing I did was replace the entertainment unit (a factory-installed CD/Casette/Radio player that was not functioning) with a brand new Kenwood CD/Radio player. It cost me $289.

Got myself a new (old) ride!

When I first arrived in Christchurch, I set out on not getting a car. My uni is just a 15-minute walk away, and my residence is in the center of town. I reckoned I could get around town by foot or by bus (the bus service is fab, by the way). That was exactly what I did for over 6 months - no complaints whatsoever!

On Tuesday evening, I came across a just-published ad on TradeMe of a 3-door 1998 Toyota hatchback going for $2,800. I had been keeping a close watch on used car ads for the past 2 months. I had a strong feeling about this particular car. It was to be mine. I quickly contacted the seller and hurried over to his place by bus (and in the pouring rain). He told me a used car dealer had offered him $2,500. I asked him how low he could go and he responded $2,700. I told him to go lower and he finally said $2,650. I grabbed the deal. He asked for a deposit of $100 as assurance. The guy was a nice enough to give me a ride back home. The next day we met for the handover. I handed him the cash and we took a drive to the post office to transfer ownership. It was all done in a couple of minutes. Then I drove him back to his place and the trade was completed with a handshake.

So why did I get a car?

I realised that there was a need for a car. My research requires me to collect in-situ data from residential streets all across New Zealand. So by having a car, I could get to the study locations easily and transport my equipment securely. Furthermore, I will also have to conduct speed surveys in-vehicle, which is one way of being inconspicuous - so that my presence on the street with a speed meter would in no way affect drivers' choice of speed.

I also admit that having a car makes traveling more convenient for me. I could go to places at any time I wished in the privacy of my own vehicle. Now, I don't have to depend on other people to give me a ride to parties, social gatherings, etc.

But this doesn't mean I will switch mode of transport altogether. I will continue walking to uni, shops and malls (those accessible by foot, of course).

Also, I envision a road trip in the near future .....