Life Reflections - Part 1, Day 1

We arrived at Gatwick airport nice and early in the morning. Our flight was at 08:05. The destination is Italy, Lake Garda. We are so excited, we can hardly wait.

Panorama Photo taken with my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 

We checked in our luggage and  had plenty of time to spare. I always like to over estimate, better safe then sorry. Jessica was suppose to be at mine at 04:30 but cane 15mins late. Clearly she runs on so called BPT. 

We had about a hour to spare so we decided to do some duty free shopping. Jessica brought a lovely tedbaker case for her iPad mini and we brought a bottle of great goose, yummy. After we finished we decided to grab something to eat.

We was looking around for a little bit, until we found a wetherspoons. That's right I said wetherspoons. We both looked at each other with widen eyes and gigantic smiles. 

Morning breakfast and drinks served. Theirs nothing like a double gin and tonic in the morning. 

TIME FOR TAKE OFF

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN. 

We have landed, hello Italy. We grabbed are luggage and found an exchange point in the airport. It seems changing money overseas can sometimes be better then doing it from your home country. After we exchanged are money, it was time to find are way to our hotel. Traveling to the hotel wasn't  something I had planned for but how hard is it to find a taxi, right? last resort if we can't find something cheaper, which we didn't specially considering the help desk was closed. However in the end we found a taxi to get us to where we were go.

Admiral Hotel Villa Erme,

The admiral hotel was beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. Our also had a little balcony. The hotel service was very nice and they were insanely attentive to us, nearly every corner we was greeted with a smile and how can we help you? The level of customer service outside Britain, always amazes me. 

We checked in and went up to our room. It was still early in the day. Time to quickly unpack and go out and enjoy Lake Garda. I open my luggage bag and guess what happened?

My cream (Vaseline Cocoa Radiant - Essential Moisture) exploded. This is why they till you to put liquids into plastic bags at the airport. ¬_¬'  Granted it doesn't look that bad. I already started cleaning some of it before, I took the above photo. It went all over my blue leather jacket as well. I didn't take a photo of this either, my mind wasn't really thinking about taking photos for this trip.

Jessica and myself changed clothes and got ready to venture out. I swear when it comes to changing clothes and making sure we are looking on point, is something we share common besides are love for alcohol. This reminded me, we also needed to get chasers for the bottle of goose we brought. 

As we ventured out we explored the hotel as we left. The hotel was really nice and had a indoor swimming pool and sauna room. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone staying at 'Lake Garda', especially if they are getting a high floor room facing the lake, 

A cross the road from outside the front of our hotel, was a path that lead down to the lake. 

 

The view was truly amazing 

We couldn't believe it was a lake. It looked like an ocean, even had breach sea fronts on parts of the lake. 

We ventured off to the right on a small boardwalk and on the other side was a small breach style restaurant. Jessica's brain and mine were in complete sync. We must operate on the same wave-frequency becuase we knew it was time to get some drinks and food. We didn't even know if they served alcohol.

We popped inside and had a look at their menu's and yes they served alcohol, ^_^ We couldn't find anywhere to seat so one of the waitress helped us get chairs and a table to seat in the lovely sun. We ordered three drinks and a pizza, yes three drinks becuase that's how we roll, two each as we split the massive beer bottle =P.

I remember at this time, feeling amazing. 

The world's most beautiful women in-front of me, lovely sunny weather, amazing view, one of the most tastiest pizzas I have ever had and drink. 

We chilled for awhile sharing a lot of stories and dreams about ourselves;

what we've learnt so far in life,

what we want in life,

where we are in life,

where we want to be and go.

After awhile we decided to head back to the hotel. We wanted to change clothes and then find one of the lake's beach fronts to chilliax and catch some rays on.

As we headed towards the hotel, we thought it be a great idea to find somewhere to grab some water and snacks. However as the hotel was closer we stopped their first to ask for directions to the closes place. There was a nearby supermarket, which we headed over too and during the walk we spotted a lovely area to lay down and catch some rays, so we picked up our provisions and head back to the hotel to change.

 

When back at the hotel it was the perfect time to open up the goose as we brought juice when we was at the supermarket store. 

After a few drinks and fully changed, Jessica into other dress that she could remove that reviled the two piece she was wearing fir the sun, Lord save me. I changed aswell but only my v-top and shirt. 

Now where recharged and ready for the walk and the fun ahead, we headed out.

I am not a great fan of tanning as i am pretty dark as it is but I love the feel of the sun on my body (don't we all).

When we got to the beach front it was really chilled out. The area was divided between sand and grass land. The grass area was further up, divided by small fence with chains. This was becuase you had to pay to seat/lay in this area. We find this out when we was asked to move when we mistakenly sat down without paying, oopsy our bad. 

We didn't mind moving becuase we had brought towels to lay down on anyway. We moved to the sand area in-front and placed our towels down. 

There was a small establishment on the side that sold lollipops, drinks and etc. 

If you have never seen human female body perfection before, your not going to see it here either unfortunately, out of respect for Jessica. However I will try my best to describe the moment to you all so you can understand my feelings at this moment. 

Now picture the perfect women, curves all in the right places, beautiful  

However I will say it was a divine moment, the best get away. I was out the country with an amazing friend, enjoying the pleasures of a new place. To be able to free, say what you want and do what you want . . . FREEDOM is very powerful, All i did was admire everything at this moment. I truly realized life needs to be more of this. 

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Life reflections - Introduction

This year has been very good, even considering I have failed nearly all my new years resolutions.

A common theme with me it seems. I plan and never seem to follow - through. This is something that has bothered me for years.

Recently there have been a few life choices I have made, which have also cost a considerable amount of money, my procrastination.   

Why am I like this? I really want to know but the only person who can truly answer this question is myself.

I am lucky enough to have a few wonderful people in my life. One of them who I have always considered to be my future wife (in pasting jokes). Hmm never know lol. We share many similarities and i know i can go away with her and relax without being judged, time spent with her is beyond amazing.

JESSICA KHOR

She's made a massive change in life recently and wanted to get away from everything for a little while. I was helping her with choices of destinations outside of London.

In the end she invited me to accompany her and we decided to go Italy. Only for 2 nights, but people always say time-away changes your outlook and broadens your arising.

Definitely need a change and this trip is long over due. A small adventure to a different country, different culture and different language.

In this modern age we are so lucky to have smartphones. My lovely phone will be doing all the translating although I do plan on picking up some words and phrases here and there. You know the good ones? Haha

So this is the introduction. I hope you all look forward to the following blogs of our trip away. I hope I have lots of insights and life changing things to share with you all afterwards as well.

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Hello 2014 - New Years Revolutions

Happy wonderful New Year to everyone around the world. I hope everyone is enjoying their celebrations and for the people that aren't or cant. I wish you all the best whatever steps you take next.

So every year, I make a new years revolution's list, and every year i always fail to fulfill everything on this list. However the intent is there and my heart is always in the right place (in most cases). 

I STOPPED SMOKING ^_^

This year I really want to fulfill everything on my list. 2014 is going to be the year I make the biggest changes in my life to date, so please read on and see what I have in-store for myself.

2014 NEW YEARS REVOLUTIONS

LEARN TWO NEW SUBJECTS
CHANGE CAREERS
FINANCIAL SECURITY     

BUILD THE HIGHEST HIGH SPEC PC
BE MORE CONFIDENT WE'VE WOMEN
NO MORE ALCOHOL 

NO UNHEALTHY FOOD

NO LYING
NO TV/MOVIES OR FILMS FOR A YEAR

LEARN TO DRIVE

DRAW AT LESS ONCE A WEEK

READ AT LEAST ONE BOOK A MONTH

UPDATE MY BLOG AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK

STAY ON POINT – ALWAYS FOLLOW THROUGH 
MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Holiday Day 1 - Las Vega, Baby and 1Oak (Nightclub)

We landed in Vegas and it was just as sexy as the last time I Came. I am here for a stag do. It's going to be an awesome and memorial time.  

Last time I came to Vegas, I stayed at the New York, New York hotel. Seemed like a nice hotel when I arrived there, with a really cool roller-coaster ride that's passes throughout the hotel. However my room was haunted but that's a story for another time.

The Wolf Pack (The Stag Do Party) are all staying at the MGM. I got myself a Tower Spa Suite, which was very cool. 

Tower Spa Room Suite

However I found out the MGM had a room type called 'sky loft room', which are super amazing and sexy. I would have definitely booked this room type or even upgraded if i had knew they had them but that's after I had already made my booking and taken the room.

Sky Lofts

So moving on, we checked in, which took almost a hour but we cracked jokes as we waited. The MGM has a massive display screen wall, which is attached to there twitter page. So I had to post a massage on there. 

Clearly the MGM is the party social hub hotel to go too.

The day of landing I had arrange a VIP night at to the 1Oak club. Using UK2VIP services to arrange everything for us. Needless to say everything I had heard about them was true. I have never had a VIP experience like this ever, before in my life. 

The customer service standard in American is so superior to the English standard. That are average level of customer service isn't on a rating scale compared to America. I am currently working in retail and I know what customer services is and as a country we rarely delivery substandard service if your lucky in comparison.

We had are own security guard and he was so freaking BOSS. He escorted to us to the toilet and whatever we need he made sure sure we was taking care of.

Met a few girls that joined us in our VIP section and thank god. There was noway in hell we was going to finish are three bottles of 'Grey Goose;. 

One of the women was that had a few tickets on my 'female ticket list' was super cool. We chilled and cracked a few jokes but in the end nothing happen. Disappointed but hey, there;s plenty more fish in the sea, as they say.

First day in Las Vegas was legendary. I even almost got arrested for peeing in the middle of the street. i generally 'Pee Free;y when I have had a bit to drink'. However, becuase I was abroad. I tried to contain myself, but clearly in this case I didn't. The police was a nice guy and told me to just move on,which I did promptly.

I was walking back to our hotel with my mate Ricky, He made sure I got back safely and I made sure he got back safely. 

All photos can be found 

Facebook - Holiday: Las Vegas, San Francisco and Oakland. 

Stay Brilliant, Say Beautiful 

Fitness - Part 5, Body Type - Do You know Your Body Type?

Now that we have a better understanding of our minds lets move onto our bodies. Part 4 will discuss, explain and show examples of the three body types in relation to diet and training styles.

During my journey of research into personal fitness. I came across the term, Somatotypes. A theory of constitutional psychology developed by William Herbert Sheldon, an American Psychologist in the 1940s. Although some of his works were dismissed it created a spark and his terminologies have been referred to throughout history ever since.

'William proposed that the human physique be classified according to the relative contributions of three fundamental elements'.  

Taking a look his theories gave me a better understanding of my body. To truly make a difference and improve your lifestyle. You need to understand your body as well as your mind and how it works. 

So what are the three body types?

Ectomorph - Characterised by long and thin muscles/limbs and low fat storage; usually referred to as slim.

• Fragile
• Thin
• Flat chest
• Delicate build
• Young appearance
• Tall
• Lightly muscled
• Stoop-shouldered
• Large brain
• Has trouble gaining weight
• Muscle growth takes longer
• Fast Metabolising 

Training Tips - 'Ectomorphs find it very hard to gain weight. They have a fast metabolism which burns up calories very quickly. Ecto’s need a huge amount of calories in order to gain weight. Workouts should be short and intense focusing on big muscle groups. Supplements are definitely recommended. Ectomorphs should eat before bed to prevent muscle catabolism during the night. Generally, ectomorphs can lose fat very easily which makes cutting back to lean muscle easier for them'. - Quoted from Muscle and Strength

Mesomorph - Characterised by medium bones, solid torso, low fat levels, wide shoulders with a narrow waist; usually referred to as muscular. Mesomorphs are predisposed to build muscle but not store fat.

• Athletic
• Hard, muscular body
• Overly mature appearance
• Rectangular shaped (hourglass shaped for women)
• Thick skin
• Upright posture
• Gains or loses weight easily
• Grows muscle quickly

Training Tips - 'The mesomorph body type responds the best to weight training. Gains are usually seen very quickly, especially for beginners. The downside to mesomorphs is they gain fat more easily than ectomorphs. This means they must watch their calorie intake. Usually a combination of weight training and cardio works best for mesomorphs'. - Quoted from Muscle and Strength

Endomorph - Characterized by increased fat storage, a wide waist and a large bone structure, usually referred to as fat. Endomorphs are predisposed to storing fat.

• Soft body
• Flabby
• Underdeveloped muscles
• Round shaped
• Over-developed digestive system
• Trouble losing weight
• Generally gains muscle easily

Training Tips - 'When it comes to training endomorphs find it very easy to gain weight. Unfortunately, a large portion of this weight is fat not muscle. To keep fat gain to a minimum, endomorphs must always train cardio as well as weights. Usually supplements may not be needed as long as the person has a high protein intake in their diet'. - Quoted from Muscle and Strength

I am close to Mesomorph. I say close because it is possible to be a mixture of two. I would be considered an Mesomorph/Endomorph.

So 'What body type are you?'

Bodybuilders.com have a page that allows you to answer a few questions. Answer them as accurately as you can and you will found your body type. Link: So what is your body type?

Extra Resources Websites:

Bodybuilders.com
Muscleandstrength.com
Mensfitness.com
LiveStrong.com

Previous Fitness (Parts) Blogs

Part 4 - Mindset (FitnessMe) 

Part 3 - Fitness, Health, Aims and Why

Part 2 - Focus and Preparation

Part 1 - Intro

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Fitness - Part 4, Mindset (FitnessME)

Part 3 will discuss, explain and show examples of what I consider a good mindset, which are based on  different techniques, trails and errors that I have learnt over the years.

First lets define what the word 'MINDSET' actually means. 

The English dictionary: 

1. An attitude, disposition, or mood
   
2. An intention or inclination

The English Thesaurus

• Synonyms: Attitude, behaviourism, ethos, medicine, mental make-up, mental processes, mentality,   mind, personality study, psych, psyche, science of the mind, therapy, way of thinking, what makes someone tick, where head is at, approach, belief, character, frame of mind.

Their are a lot of different terms and words but the best way for me to describe, what I mean by mindset is setting your focus, taking into consideration what can off balance you.

It's like firing a bow. You set your mind to the task at hand. What does it take to get your arrow from Point A (Me) the most important factor and Point B (Bow) to Point D (Target), Point C being Consideration, what can affect you hitting your target. Whether it helps or doesn't, such as wind resistance and strength.

You take aim, focus on your target, you fire and you achieve your goal, next target?

I guess what I am trying say, have you set your minds focus to archive what is possible? Freeing yourself of doubts and negativity. One set focus, one set goal? Having Multiply goals is fine but too many and you will defuse your aim.

You already have multiply mindsets. You just don't know you do. Have a deep think about what I mean by this. 

When you get up in the morning, your mindset is to get ready for the day ahead. The mindset you use when your at work. The mindset you have in the evenings. The mindset when you want something compared to the mindset when you don't want something. Understanding your current mindsets and controlling them. Will help you put everything around you into perspective. Once you have mastered this you can create any mindset you need to achieve, the task at hand. You have the power to do anything you want, just set your goal, focus on it and achieve it. 

However all this being said and done, at the end of the day, were all human and we get distracted. So what can we do to strengthen are mindsets? In fact its something we do everyday. 

WE MAKE CHOICES

We're creates of habit and sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zones. Say 'Yes' instead of 'No' and 'No' instead of 'Yes'. 

Change your self-portfolio. When we like something, we like to surround ourselves with it, we like to know everything about it, we like to keep up to date with it, we like what it says about us to others and ourselves. 

With today's modern technology this has become even easier to do. Make use of everything at your disposal. Create reminders that help keep you focus, engaged and most of all have fun with it, people rarely turn down a good time. 

Previous Fitness (Parts) Blogs

Part 3 - Fitness, Health, Aims and Why

Part 2 - Focus and Preparation

Part 1 - Intro

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters

The Last Two Weeks

So everyone, what have I been up too over the last two weeks? Where do I start? Hmm . .

Well today I got my haircut and I feel so fresh. I know I just left out almost two weeks worth of information but I am going to cover that below. Just wanted to show everyone how fly I am looking. LOL

VAIN? Nah! unless VAIN = BLUFFNESS, Yes one of my superhero powers is the power of ARROGANCE.

ARROGANCE Level over 9000 thousand *RISE FIST IN THE AIR* lol  Sorry that's kinda inside joke unless you have seen dragonball z (Clip[ below). Then you might kinda know what I am talking about

Week One

Didn't really get up to much to be honest but I did go out for my friends Joey birthday, which was really nice. For his birthday we did karaoke but instead of  going to some place in Chinatown. We went to a place near London Bridge.The place was called 'The Old School Yard'.  A cocktail and party bar with karaoke in their basement. The place was really cool. They an Nintendo 64 with four controls playing Mario kart, which was freaking awesome.

The cocktails were really nice and they severed pizza which were named after 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' characters.

Remember that old school cartoon? The place really has a retro theme style to it. Definitely a great chill out spot if you live nearby. 

Week Two

So this week I have been doing 30 minute runs in the morning and with a little added help from my pre-work out supplement. Amino Energy from Optimum Nutrition. Brought it for £32.99 and they had an buy 1 get one 1 free promotion from GNC. Awesome deal.

Been getting myself ready for my planned two month workout plan. The plan is to redo the Insanity workout in the morning for my cardio after a 10 minute jog on my cross-fit trainer. Then in the evenings do some body weight and weight isolated style workouts. 

Celebrated my BFF birthday as well during that week. Went to her house and had a nice BBQ. Had some mad jokes. I did take a few photos with my SLR but not many. l will wait till the other people at the party upload there's and make a link.

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Three Blogs today and then finally back on track

Any one that has been following my post blogs have already noticed. I haven't been sticking to my word and posting enough (specially about my fitness stuff) and I have been leaving my minimum two post a week, too the end of the week.

Today is the last day. 

Now I will obviously be doing my blog post today. However the third is going to be done via my phone as I am going to my BFF house party. I am also making today my last day of drinking for the year, well i might make an assumption for Las Vegas and San Francisco. I will have to see about that.

I am such a energetic and positive person I don't need alcohol in my life. Plus if you read my post on Stress then you will understand that alcohol truly isn't your friend and will always be your enemy. 

Sorry Bud(wesier) are friendship has come to an end.   

Vodka I love your Russian Lips but I got to leave ya

Whiskey and Brandy, My right and my left, I have out grown you, may we part ways on good terms

 

Something my other half said to me really made me smile and embrace my inner character. He called me on the phone and every time we answer each other there's so much energy and passion. Lords of shouting its crazy and it really makes my whole week and I know he's the same way. He said to me 'every time he speaks to me he feels so energized because of my positive and fun nature self. 

Just have to find myself a women that can see this in me. ¬_¬' I know a lot of my post I mention my other half and its always stated as a 'HE'. He's my bromance, meaning the best male, male friendship I have ever had in my lifetime so far.

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Dealing with Stress

So for a long time now I have been dealing with a lot of stress and normally I would say a small amount of stress is always good for you. It keeps you on your toes but like most things to much of anything is bad for you.

So why have I been over stressed? I decided to do some research into what can create stress but also how to combat it. During my search I came across a lot of helpful tips on how to combat stress, which also highlighted the main causes for stress.

The first part to solving anything is accepting their is something wrong. In my case what has been stressing me out the most is;

1. What I do for a living (work) isn't  meaningful enough to me and it's not what I want to do
2. Fear for leaving my current job and not getting another one
3. I create many 'To Do Lists' and never complete them properly or at all
4. Procrastination when I know I should be using the time for something more important
5. Erratic Sleeping patterns
6. Poor eaten pattern 
7. Over indulging on alcohol

Now that I have outlined what has been stressing me out, I just have to find a solution that will fix each one.

1. Create career plan, decide what you want to do based on what you like and what your good at.
2. Anything worth doing comes with risk but if its important enough make that change and embrace the fear. Do the research, make plans and fulfill them.
3. Never overlord yourself with to much in one go and make time to get tasks done. Its all about prioritizing whats important and whats not. So create prioritizing color indicator for each task with time and date and appropriate reminders.  
4. use sundays to schedule your week ahead and make time for relaxation and entertainment
5. Creating a strict sleeping routine and stick to it and everything else will follow 
6. Manage my meal times and make sure they health.
7. Stop drinking

These are things that I will have to incorporate into my weekly scheduling not that I haven't already. However I haven't structured to my work schedule and days off and that's where it all goes wrong. This is why I shall use Sunday as the day where I alternate my week ahead schedule, plan and prioritize my to list that week. 

It's all about taking control and finding the best way to relief stress. There are many ways of releasing stress so the best way is finding what works well for you and adapting it into your lifestyle. Others ways of dealing with stress are;

1. Physical exercise
2. Mediation or me time
3. Stress Diary - To help you keep track, reflect and make the appropriate changes to keep stress to a minimum
4. Learn to say 'NO',you come first.
5. Accepting the things you can't change
6. Volunteer work can be fulfilling and rewarding, helping those less fortunate then you are can help put things into perspective 
7. Avoid unhealthy habits and people/individuals that stress you out
8. Connect with people
9. Be positive
10. express yourself more rather then bottling it all up

An one of the most important things to remember is to remember what helps you. Keep it fresh in your mind with reminders. The last thing you want to do is to fall back into the same bad habits and behaviors that resulted in your high stress levels to begin off with.

Below are some links i got a lot of helpful advise from;

How to Mediate
10 Tips dealing with Stress
Dealing with Stress
Steps to do with Stress
Stress management
NHS - Ten Stress Busters
BBC -  The Consequences of too much stress
BBC - Learning How To Relax

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Movie Club, TV Shows and Apologies

So I have been spending a lot of time watching videos off Netflix and I want to share my views and comments on what I watch.

I also plan on making a separate topic for tv shows.

I think I shall start these blogs from next week once I have decided which day will be my movie day and which day will be my tv show catch up day.

At the moment I have been spending to much time watching programs and now of it has been scheduled so its been messing up what I should be doing. Lets say I have been procrastinating but by setting a dedicated time for this entertaining stress release time I shouldn't help create a better balance.   

As for now I am off to bed but be expecting a lot more blogs from me and I do apologies for the lack and randomness of posts. 

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Fitness - Part 3, Fitness, health, Aims and why (The Art of Project Planning)

Part 3 will discuss, explain and show examples of what I consider to be good project planning based on many different techniques, trails and errors that I have learned over the years.

Like anything in life you can plan and prepare as much as you want but if you have no follow-though it's all pointless.

Before I even start planning I need to decide what I want? Know why I want it and how I will achieve it? This is your GOAL but it should also be considered your reason for even existing. This is how powerful it needs to be and mean to you.

What is my purpose for doing this? 

This is what we call a VISION,. This will help develop a reason to follow-though. Something I learnt during a management development course was how to create a business plan. One of the first steps of business planing is to define your VISION, which in this case is FITNESS.

The second is creating a WHY-STATEMENT. This is your reason, which supports your VISION. A motto if you will.Your motivational support.

Third is your AIM or AIMS. This is what will help you achieve your VISION and make sure you stay true to your WHY-STATEMENT. Usually three aims is best although you could do four if you wished but the idea is not to have to many aims. 

Ambition is great but too much will lead to being overwhelmed, which results in failure.

Whatever your aims are, make sure its inspirational, positive and beneficial. Once you have decided on the aims that will best help or support your VISION and WHY-STATEMENT. How will you achieve these AIMS? This is where SMART (and objective planning) comes in. However that will be discussed in Part 9 becuase before you start your SMART (and objective planning) you need to have a better understanding of who you are, where you are and what factors will effect your progress. Everything that will be discussed during Parts 4 to 8.

Want to create a masterful plan that will ensure success then what has been stated above is what it will take.

Example of VISION, WHY-STATEMENTS and AIMS

VISION

MOTIVATIONAL FITNESS GURU

WHY-STATEMENT

BY INSPIRING, GUIDING AND MOTIVATING ONESELF TO GREATNESS. SHARING THIS WITH THE WORLD SO EVERYONE CAN SEE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR OWN TRUE POTENTIAL, SELF WORTH  AND THE KEY TO PERSONAL HEALTH AND FITNESS. 

AIMS

1. NUMBER ONE MEDIA RATED FITNESS STAR
2. CREATE AND FOLLOW A STRONG SELF-WORTH PHILOSOPHY
3. DEGREE/SELF-EDUCATED  IN PERSONAL FITNESS AND NUTRITION
4. FUN AND ORIGINAL 

What I hope you all notice as you read this is how it can be related to anything you want to achieve in life. Love, Career, Dreams, Life Planning and etc. Nothing is impossible until you give up and tell yourself its impossible.

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.   

My Gaming Vault - Tomb Raider 2013 Review

One of my long term passions has been computer gaming and graphics. I have a degree in Games and Multimedia Technologies. 

I have been meaning to make this blog since I got aliens and colonial marines. However as I was waiting for my mate to get hold of the game, which proved very hard at release date. Although the game didn't have the best review and ratings it was still selling out fast.

This blog topic 'My Gaming Vault' is going to feature reviews written by me detailing my experience of playing the game, what I liked about it, what I didn't like about it and overall rating.

 

 TOMB RAIDER 2013

 

Game Trailer 

Tuesday morning, 5th of March 2013, the official launch day of Tomb Raider 2013. I had per-ordered months ago from Games.co.uk and wake to a large sealed box I could bare contain my excitement. 

LARA CROFT OVER THE AGES

I have been a big fan and follower of the Tomb Raider franchise. I personally own every tomb raider game since the very first game released on the PlayStation 1 console. 

 

When I purchase games I always get the collectors/special editions. I like to collect all the extras and memorabilia. The collectors edition was refereed to the survival kit and the fact it came with a two-sided poster with one of the sides featuring a map definitely reinforces the title. 

It only took me a few days to complete the game but I have been super procrastinating and this is my first post this week. Not good I know.

Game Genre: Action-Platform Adventure

 

Background Story

"Tomb Raider explores the intense and gritty origin story of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor. Armed only with raw instincts and the ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, Lara must fight to unravel the dark history of a forgotten island to escape its relentless hold".Quoted from http://www.tombraider.com/

Gameplay

- Single Player

Single player mode is where all the action and fun is at. The cut-scenes are amazing and engaging. Controlling Lara Croft felt very fluid and barely any restrictions. However controlling the camera rotation around Lara isn't as accurate from the previous games where you could swing the camera around and close up to Lara's face.

The gun battles during the game only get better as you progress throughout the game. The next comment I am going to make is a SPOILER so if you haven't played the game don't read whats next; The last boss battle Lara is fighting with one gun and it cuts into a interactive cut-scene where you pick up the enemy gun and then you feel the true might of Lara Croft dual wielding (which you get to control tapping the left and right trigger keys) and it feels so awesome as if you feeling Lara awaken to her future greatness. 

I loved how the customization and unlocking upgrade progressions for your weapons work in the game. Instead of just getting faster and higher round guns as you progress you upgrade your existing weapons focusing on the weapons you enjoy using most. Also I loved the Bow its so multipurpose after using it for up close stealth kills you feel as if you want to book lessons to go learn how to use a bow. 

- MultiPlayer

The fact that they introduce a new concept to the game was great however its limited and everything feels to squeezed towards Lara. (feels like your free running world is limited). That being said their are some interesting multiplayer game style options options. However in the end it all just involves you running around shooting everything.

Graphics

The graphics are truly amazing so special thanks to the graphics designers and development team that worked so hard on the game creating such lush and immersive environment. 

I did come across two glitches which I had taken a photo of one

When this happened I carried on walking and near the end I actually fell though the floor and died,

The other glitch happened when I looked up at the sky trying to killing birds one of the birds got stock in the air, which actually happens a lot but only in one map area of the game so I think the geometry is off slightly but depending where your looking as it seems everything reacts to Lara's perspective.   

Dialog

All the elements of this game really keeps you engaged and entertained. Any time you approach a set of enemies they would be having a conversation, which really added to the realism of the game.

When you collect items like documents, which is narrated I found myself listening intently. I found myself wanting to know more and more about the back story of the game rather then just speeding around, jumping up and down shooting everything.  

What I liked

Besides the multiplayer part of the game which I talk about below I loved everything else in the game.

Although the game is very linear the direction was clear and it keeps you fully entertained and engaged and even after you have finished it anything you left undone you find yourself replaying to get everything collected and clear. 

What I didn't like

No Croft Manor? What craziness is this? I know any die hard fan of tomb raider always loved trolling around Lara Croft's manor and solving puzzles, finding hidden rooms, making her workout, dive into her swimming pool and getting Lara all wet, pun intended. Entering the manor used to be the very first thing would do when starting the game. 

Now I know this game is a prequel but adding in a bonus feature where you could enter the manor would have been very cool. Who knows maybe they will bring out a DLC? Here's hoping.  

The tombs you raid aren't challenging enough. The previous games puzzles left you dazed for long periods of time, days even. However everything in this game is to easy. 

Multiplayer is only fun for a couple of games as its different experience not really done before for tomb raider games. However after a few games your bored. It would have been better if they did a multilayer mode for single player. 

My Rating

I give the game a 8 out of 10, multiplayer and the easy tomb raids brought it down for me but everything else was awesome. Scoring a 10 in my book is extremely hard so the fact I rate it an 8 is extremely impressive. 

  

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Korean Town, New Malden.

I went down to New Malden A.K.A Korean Town to treat two of my good and close friends, Crazy Jane and Sylvester (the same Sylvester mentioned in the Chinese New Year post ) to a meal, Wednesday just gone (06/03/13). Another friend called Jessica also joined us. Its kinda suppose to be are monthly thing that we do although we have only been twice now and the first time we went was like couple years ago. Terrible I know but now that I am more organize I think i will plan are gatherings so we do see each other at less once a month if not more.

ENEMIES ARE EASY TO COME BY BUT GOOD FRIENDS AREN'T SO CHERISH THE MOMENTS YOU CAN SHARE TOGETHER, TERRY MASTERS.

When you go down the high street of 'New Malden' you will see many Korean stores and restaurants, one of my friends Jessica was astonished didn't know that New Malden was considered the Korean Town of London.

Yami

69 High Street New Malden KT3 4BT

Reviews for Yami

TimeOut, YELP, QYPE, ViewLondon.

The restaurant we went to was Yami, considered a very popular place to go too. The food was tasty although the Korean style BBQ pork and squid wasn't that great. The staff their cooked the food for us at are tables. We asked if it's ready to eat and the waitress replied with a 'maybe'. Waitress also forgot my bottle of wine I ordered from the beginning and my friend Jane who is a Pesco-Vegetarian, which she made clear before ordering got a miso soup with pork slices in it. I would say below average customer service. The decor isn't very traditional but its a nice moonlight kinda lighting small cafe style restaurant. 

As always I have listed some review sites blow the image and address of the restaurant. Not really a place I would recommend based on customer service but the main dishes were made well and tasty. 

Best Korean Restaurants in London

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.

Tipzy Day Out with ChanChan

I met up with my friend Chantelle last Tuesday gone (05/03/13). We have been speaking on and off but haven't seen each other for almost a year so this meeting was long over due. 

We decided to meet up at Westfields. The one located in White City/Shepherds Bush, where we could do a bit of shopping, bit of eating and a bit of drinking although I did start the party early at home before i ventured out with a bit of drink as you do. 

We met outside wood lane station (one of the closet stations to this Westfields), Miss ChanChan as I like to call her and myself had agreed on sushi but hadn't decided on which place inside Westfields. At this point I realized that the Westfields here was nicer for shopping as it offered a bigger selection of places to shop however lacking in places to eat department. Funny considering since they have massive food court area. However we decided on Yo! Sushi, not the greatest of sushi places but it will do the trick in a pitch and I've always loved their conveyor belt system for food distribution.

YO! SUSHI

Multiple Locations

 Reviews for Yo Sushi

YELP.

Eating at Yo! Sushi with Miss ChanChan was so funny. When we was ordering she was like 'I'll have everything on this page (of the menu)' and the waiter was like 'whoa that's a lot' , Chan replies back with 'wait I am not finished' and I said 'Yea, whatever she orders times it by two so I can have some too'. When all the food came we could barely stack it around are seating area. 

After Yo! Sushi we went to do a bit of shopping and the Beautiful Zoe joined us. Seriously I don't know what it is about her but God definitely out did his self (in my opinion) and shes so funny.  Zoe thinks dark pinks and red lips stick colours don't suit her but she would make males legs go weak, tremble and fall over if worn with the right ensemble, crazy.

After bit of shopping Zoe had to go as she was hitting the gym although we did try are best to keep her out. Terrible I know. I didn't buy anything although not to lack of trying but anything I like they didn't have in my size. Thats why i love my smartphone. I just ordered off the phone. Ha no commissions for them now, assuming they get that.

We wanted to get are drink on at TGI's Fridays but unfortunately there isn't one in this westfields either only at the Stratford one, which was very disappointing but when you have a goal and focus minded nothing will stop you so we headed to Leicester Square TGI's branch.

TGI'S FRIDAYS

Multiple Locations

 

 Reviews for TGI's Fridays

QYPE, UrbanSpoon, ViewLondon.

As my bromance and BFF love TGI's I hollad at them, which they agreed to come down. We've sometime to waste we headed over to MM World.

Where ChanChan brought this big bag of MM's. It's crazy they have massive selection of tubes where you can pick which colours and tastes you want.

After getting the sicken amount of MM's we headed over to the bar at the TGI's and ordered a few drinks. Not long after my BFF joined us and then my Bromance and we got ourselves a table to seat down and get our munch on. Yep its dinner time.

It was jokes as you can see from the photo's. I have no idea why the waitress gave me this ballon hat. It's meant for the birthday celebrating people but I loved it all the same and clearly ChanChan loved it too. 

We shared a good meal with jokes and even a game of 'I have never ever', which if you have never played is a game where you say 'I have never ever' and say something that you most likely have done or maybe something you want to know someone else has done and if they drink. That's a sign they have done it.

 
It was so jokes we ended up changing the game to 'I have' and just got it all out there however as this is my blog I won't be exposing other people's secrets no matter how juicy and funny they are.

Finally it came to the end of the day but however my hubby and me didn't want to call it a night and went over to 1997 in Chinatown and got another munch on. Seriously I don't know where we put it.

We had a taste for salt and pepper tofu. Yummy yummy in are belly's and it seems like every Chinese's restaurant makes it differently. Never have trying it here before, it was pretty damn tasty but the best we have ever had.

Stay Brilliant, Stay Beautiful, Terry Masters.