12/2/07
L I F E
It’s a big word isn’t it? One that summarizes our whole existence. Our joys, journeys, sacrifices, sorrows, you name it, it’s there, right in between the 4 alphabets. Sometimes you can sense it coming from miles ahead, but there are also times where it comes out of nowhere - when it’s the last thing on your mind, or the last thing you would expect to happen. Something happened today that made me think about all the things LIFE has in store for us.
I guess what they say is right – What we do is we plan. Plan and execute. And we do that to the best of our abilities. The result, however, is something we may not fully be in control of. And in that case, if our plan doesn’t play out the way we planned it to be, then what? We re-plan? We list down all the key learning we could extract and learn from it? Do we twitch it a bit and try the same plan again? Or do we whip out something totally new, in the hope that it brings out a different effect? And who’s to say which is best? Ourselves? Hey, if we knew what was best, wouldn’t our plan worked already?
The thing is…. LIFE gives us no clue. We don’t know what’s gonna happen. Today, tomorrow, next week, 6 months from now…..we don’t know. Well, we have plans – what we see ourselves doing in the future; where we see ourselves in say, 5 years from now, who we think we’re gonna be with……but do we really know whether things will go our way? NO. We don’t.
If all this sounds depressing, it’s because it is. And I am, I’m depressed. And sad. I wish there’s something I can do about it. But then I don’t think I can do enough. Because no matter what you say or do, it’s never the same as being the one experiencing it. But what if………? What if I’ve gone through something similar? Will that count? Will that allow me to be there, to provide comfort? I sure as hell want to………cos I have, in fact, went through something really, really similar. It may have been over 8 years ago, but I can still remember every detail; the shock, the hate, the disbelief, the sadness, the withdrawal……and I carry it with me…..until now…..and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
Friends. Friends who understand. Friends who could relate to where I was, and what I was experiencing. Friends who had faith in me, and what I was capable of. That’s what really helped me brave it out. I may not have made it out if I didn’t have that back then.
So now I think, no, I KNOW it’s my time. To be there. And I do, I have definite faith that you will pull through this. and i know you're tougher than i was. And years from now, you will look back and reflect, perhaps the way that I am reflecting now, thinking about how LIFE once hit you hard and swift….and how you endured…..and how you got back on your feet….and how you showed them fucking bastards that you’re better than that.
Trust me, YOU WILL.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Saturday, February 10, 2007
10/2/07
OZ
Just finished season 6 of OZ, which happens to be the final season. I've really enjoyed the series. It's nothing like any other series i've seen before. It's raw, honest, brutal and very, very disturbing.
It makes me wanna do a lot of things; drive more carefully so i don't end up like Toby and learn self defense so i can avoid getting shanked are 2 examples. Apply to be a C.O. is not.
As the series progress, i got hooked to more and more characters - the good, the bad and the worse. One thing i really liked about this season is the mental maze. It's this circular maze design painted on the floor. This is how it works; If you have something on your mind, a problem that's bothering you, what you do is enter the maze, starting from the entrance on the outside. Then, you sort your way inside, choosing your own path........by the time you reached the end of the maze (that middle point of the circle), you'd find a solution to your problem. There! isn't that simple?? Too bad, in real life, it isn't. But i still like the concept. maybe we all should try it.
I've also stumbled upon this really cool analogy, uttered by the librarian, Stella to Bob. She said "Men are like books. Sometimes i want a romance, sometimes a thriller, sometimes maybe a trashy novel to take to the beach. And sometimes, i want a classic. but when i'm finished, it's back to the shelves....and on to the next" hmmmm.........i wonder what kind of book i would be......
The series sure contains plenty of death and violence, but there's also an underlying factor of love and compassion, which makes it addictive. Too bad it didn't end well between Beecher and Keller. it would've been nice.
But then it wouldn't be OZ, would it.
OZ
Just finished season 6 of OZ, which happens to be the final season. I've really enjoyed the series. It's nothing like any other series i've seen before. It's raw, honest, brutal and very, very disturbing.
It makes me wanna do a lot of things; drive more carefully so i don't end up like Toby and learn self defense so i can avoid getting shanked are 2 examples. Apply to be a C.O. is not.
As the series progress, i got hooked to more and more characters - the good, the bad and the worse. One thing i really liked about this season is the mental maze. It's this circular maze design painted on the floor. This is how it works; If you have something on your mind, a problem that's bothering you, what you do is enter the maze, starting from the entrance on the outside. Then, you sort your way inside, choosing your own path........by the time you reached the end of the maze (that middle point of the circle), you'd find a solution to your problem. There! isn't that simple?? Too bad, in real life, it isn't. But i still like the concept. maybe we all should try it.
I've also stumbled upon this really cool analogy, uttered by the librarian, Stella to Bob. She said "Men are like books. Sometimes i want a romance, sometimes a thriller, sometimes maybe a trashy novel to take to the beach. And sometimes, i want a classic. but when i'm finished, it's back to the shelves....and on to the next" hmmmm.........i wonder what kind of book i would be......
The series sure contains plenty of death and violence, but there's also an underlying factor of love and compassion, which makes it addictive. Too bad it didn't end well between Beecher and Keller. it would've been nice.
But then it wouldn't be OZ, would it.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
1/02/07
B O Y Z II M E N
I started my fascination with BoyzIIMen since I was a kid. Well, I can’t exactly recall at what age, but it doesn’t really matter does it? All that matters is that I am A BIG FAN! Who cares if I can’t carry their tune, or can’t harmonize shit! I still sing my heart out (or my lungs out, depending on who’s listening) in the showers, in the changing room, anywhere I please. I think at times, I can actually sings like Wanya. Yeah…rite!
When shedevil told about the boyz coming to town, I was ecstatic at first, and then it dawned on me. I shouldn’t be spending money on a concert when I got so much more to pay for my new house. So I told her “hmm….dun think I can make it……cos I’m moving house and all” She tried to convince me, but I think she realized that I wasn’t gonna change my mind, so she stopped trying.
2 days b4 the concert day, shedevil called me and said “What are you doing on this Saturday?” I said “Dun know, probably nothing, why?” She replied “Well, dun get too excited or anything, I’m not sure yet and I can’t promise you anything……” and I exclaimed “You’ve got tickets to BOYZIIMEN!!!!!!” “Yes, I might have some” she said. And it made my day!
She told me that there were 4 tickets, so we could both come plus 1 and that someone will need to drive and it’s not gonna be her or her friend. I had no problem of driving, or it was the least of my concern, so I said we were on!! I had a feeling Prince is a fan of the boyz, but I had to ask, to be sure. So I did, and he said yes to going and to driving. Even better! hehe. So off we go on Saturday, arriving a little early, which was good. The seats given to us were not bad at all, it was a bit to the sides, but was near enough to the stage that it was somewhat surreal – to be that close to the boyz that is.
The concert started just a tad behind schedule. When the announcement came, my hairs stood up (and not in a bad way, you creepy horror fans!) and I was so ready to be amazed by their voices in harmony. They started singing familiar numbers from their previous albums – coolyhighharmony, II, and even evolution, which is my favorite! I was so happy I sang alongside the boyz on every track, unknowingly that someone was watching – so embrassiing…. (Read – so embarrassing). And halfway through the concert, Shawn sat in front of the stage and said “Some of you may know this song, and if you do please sing along with me…” and then he started singing “There was a time, when I felt life was over and out, when you went away from me, my dying heart made it hard to breath…” And I cried inside….This was like the one song I was truly hoping to hear them sing live and they were!!! Needless to say, I pretended I was one of the boyz and went harmonizing every single word, since I know it by heart.
The last song rendered was Motownphilly and it was so appropriate, to have the concert ended on a high like that was just fantastic! I was jumping and dancing through the whole number (Yes, I did and you better believe me!).
By the time I got back, I had this really bad sore throat that lasted for 4 days. I wonder why.
B O Y Z II M E N
I started my fascination with BoyzIIMen since I was a kid. Well, I can’t exactly recall at what age, but it doesn’t really matter does it? All that matters is that I am A BIG FAN! Who cares if I can’t carry their tune, or can’t harmonize shit! I still sing my heart out (or my lungs out, depending on who’s listening) in the showers, in the changing room, anywhere I please. I think at times, I can actually sings like Wanya. Yeah…rite!
When shedevil told about the boyz coming to town, I was ecstatic at first, and then it dawned on me. I shouldn’t be spending money on a concert when I got so much more to pay for my new house. So I told her “hmm….dun think I can make it……cos I’m moving house and all” She tried to convince me, but I think she realized that I wasn’t gonna change my mind, so she stopped trying.
2 days b4 the concert day, shedevil called me and said “What are you doing on this Saturday?” I said “Dun know, probably nothing, why?” She replied “Well, dun get too excited or anything, I’m not sure yet and I can’t promise you anything……” and I exclaimed “You’ve got tickets to BOYZIIMEN!!!!!!” “Yes, I might have some” she said. And it made my day!
She told me that there were 4 tickets, so we could both come plus 1 and that someone will need to drive and it’s not gonna be her or her friend. I had no problem of driving, or it was the least of my concern, so I said we were on!! I had a feeling Prince is a fan of the boyz, but I had to ask, to be sure. So I did, and he said yes to going and to driving. Even better! hehe. So off we go on Saturday, arriving a little early, which was good. The seats given to us were not bad at all, it was a bit to the sides, but was near enough to the stage that it was somewhat surreal – to be that close to the boyz that is.
The concert started just a tad behind schedule. When the announcement came, my hairs stood up (and not in a bad way, you creepy horror fans!) and I was so ready to be amazed by their voices in harmony. They started singing familiar numbers from their previous albums – coolyhighharmony, II, and even evolution, which is my favorite! I was so happy I sang alongside the boyz on every track, unknowingly that someone was watching – so embrassiing…. (Read – so embarrassing). And halfway through the concert, Shawn sat in front of the stage and said “Some of you may know this song, and if you do please sing along with me…” and then he started singing “There was a time, when I felt life was over and out, when you went away from me, my dying heart made it hard to breath…” And I cried inside….This was like the one song I was truly hoping to hear them sing live and they were!!! Needless to say, I pretended I was one of the boyz and went harmonizing every single word, since I know it by heart.
The last song rendered was Motownphilly and it was so appropriate, to have the concert ended on a high like that was just fantastic! I was jumping and dancing through the whole number (Yes, I did and you better believe me!).
By the time I got back, I had this really bad sore throat that lasted for 4 days. I wonder why.
1/02/07
Kona – Day 2 to 6.
The 5 days stretch had me going through different emotions. Workshops had me excited while SM was a bit distracting and confusing at times. Had fun going out with friends for a few nights, but received devastating news that made me wish I was back home.
Yeah, I really did feel like I should be headed home, but I know it wouldn’t be wise to do so. I t was Tuesday in Hawaii (Wednesday back home), I was out walking about the hotel’s garden, listening to dealova, when 2 sms came in. Both carried the same message. TT’s mom had passed away. She never recovered from the coma she was in since earlier that day. I broke down. I couldn’t deal with it. And I was sad, cos I am so far away from TT and that I can’t be there for her. Yeah, I know she has her husband and family around her to console her and all, but still, TT and I have really gotten close over the years, she confides in me as I do her. And to not be there for her then, it felt unfair. So I called my DMs, so they could do things I couldn’t. And I’m fortunate to have good people like them around, people who are always considerate and with much empathy towards others. So they helped to be there for TT, for me.
I was starting to feel somewhat stable later that night, and then my roommate came back. I lost it again when I broke the news to him. I had actually began to come to terms with it earlier, when I started talking to Face over YM. As always, he managed to make me feel better, and to have a better grasp at things. and I’m grateful for that. I also talked to Prince about it and he helped me to feel more at ease about it. And I’m thankful for that too.
By the morning after, I had come to terms surrounding what has taken place. Thinking back, I wonder – how can I be so sad and crushed the night before, only to go back to my cheerful self after only 6 hours of sleep? Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer to that.
Dun get me wrong, I am still very much sad for what has happened, it’s just not as intense as that night in Kona.
As I was saying, the week saw me in different moods and emotions. The thing with SM has me confused to bits! I’m telling you, as guys, I think we should just say what we mean and mean what we say. And be upfront about it. No use shying away, or being unsure about whether the other person want the same thing or not, or whether we should let the other person make the first move. Because if I did that, I would possibly turn out to be mean and bitter about it. And perhaps even cynical. So obviously I did something about it. And please don’t judge me by what you’re about to read. I don’t normally bare my soul like this. I guess I just wanna let some of it out so I can store more of other things inside. Whatever.
So I said what I meant and meant what I said. I said “Just to clarify – I like you, but I dun know whether you feels the same. And if you don’t, just tell me so I’ll know for sure, no problem.” And then something else. The day after, I got a reply “Just to clarify also – I like you too!” and then something else. Now isn’t that all screwed up??!!!! What, I had to put it all out there, at the risk of falling flat on my face??? That’s the only way I would know what’s going on the other person’s mind??? I guess I kinda did. Sure, it made me feel sluttish, sleazy, inferior, being unwanted and all, but one thing I can say for sure – I AM A MAN! Cos I say what I mean and I mean what I say! And I’ll always believe in this! Until I fall flat on my face. Then, maybe then, I’ll seek other measure of a man to hold on to. I know, I know. It’s all a mess. I dun even know if I’m making any sense. That’s where you guys come in.
Give me a comment and let me know, please.
Kona – Day 2 to 6.
The 5 days stretch had me going through different emotions. Workshops had me excited while SM was a bit distracting and confusing at times. Had fun going out with friends for a few nights, but received devastating news that made me wish I was back home.
Yeah, I really did feel like I should be headed home, but I know it wouldn’t be wise to do so. I t was Tuesday in Hawaii (Wednesday back home), I was out walking about the hotel’s garden, listening to dealova, when 2 sms came in. Both carried the same message. TT’s mom had passed away. She never recovered from the coma she was in since earlier that day. I broke down. I couldn’t deal with it. And I was sad, cos I am so far away from TT and that I can’t be there for her. Yeah, I know she has her husband and family around her to console her and all, but still, TT and I have really gotten close over the years, she confides in me as I do her. And to not be there for her then, it felt unfair. So I called my DMs, so they could do things I couldn’t. And I’m fortunate to have good people like them around, people who are always considerate and with much empathy towards others. So they helped to be there for TT, for me.
I was starting to feel somewhat stable later that night, and then my roommate came back. I lost it again when I broke the news to him. I had actually began to come to terms with it earlier, when I started talking to Face over YM. As always, he managed to make me feel better, and to have a better grasp at things. and I’m grateful for that. I also talked to Prince about it and he helped me to feel more at ease about it. And I’m thankful for that too.
By the morning after, I had come to terms surrounding what has taken place. Thinking back, I wonder – how can I be so sad and crushed the night before, only to go back to my cheerful self after only 6 hours of sleep? Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer to that.
Dun get me wrong, I am still very much sad for what has happened, it’s just not as intense as that night in Kona.
As I was saying, the week saw me in different moods and emotions. The thing with SM has me confused to bits! I’m telling you, as guys, I think we should just say what we mean and mean what we say. And be upfront about it. No use shying away, or being unsure about whether the other person want the same thing or not, or whether we should let the other person make the first move. Because if I did that, I would possibly turn out to be mean and bitter about it. And perhaps even cynical. So obviously I did something about it. And please don’t judge me by what you’re about to read. I don’t normally bare my soul like this. I guess I just wanna let some of it out so I can store more of other things inside. Whatever.
So I said what I meant and meant what I said. I said “Just to clarify – I like you, but I dun know whether you feels the same. And if you don’t, just tell me so I’ll know for sure, no problem.” And then something else. The day after, I got a reply “Just to clarify also – I like you too!” and then something else. Now isn’t that all screwed up??!!!! What, I had to put it all out there, at the risk of falling flat on my face??? That’s the only way I would know what’s going on the other person’s mind??? I guess I kinda did. Sure, it made me feel sluttish, sleazy, inferior, being unwanted and all, but one thing I can say for sure – I AM A MAN! Cos I say what I mean and I mean what I say! And I’ll always believe in this! Until I fall flat on my face. Then, maybe then, I’ll seek other measure of a man to hold on to. I know, I know. It’s all a mess. I dun even know if I’m making any sense. That’s where you guys come in.
Give me a comment and let me know, please.
Monday, January 15, 2007
14/01/07
Kona – Day 1; part 2
I dressed casually for the cocktail reception. Met a lot of acquaintances from all over Asia Pacific and got to know a lot of new ones. It felt really good to re-connect after the past few years. Particularly, since I get to meet SM again for the second time since 2003. That’s a lot of years!
SM looked better than ever. And he acknowledged. Phew! Our conversation was brief, but we did talk a bit about things outside of work, which was nice. I was starting to really enjoy our conversation when the others joined us at our table. Damn it people! Can’t you see we’re occupied??!! I was waiting for the opportunity to continue our conversation. Unfortunately, the people were not going away, so we sorta talked about work-related stuff. Oh well, we’ll see whether tomorrow brings better luck.hehehe
The food was good, the prawns were all without shells and they reminded me of Karen, who simply loves em prawns!!!
I was hoping for more variety though, since besides the prawns, there were only 1 variety of sushi (plain rice wrapped in sea weed, topped with sesame seeds), chocolate ganache and mini cheesecake. The rest were the unattractive offerings of carrot and celery sticks, tomatoes and some other vegetables dip items. Yeah, sure, like I haven’t had enough of vegetables on this trip!
Oh, there were oysters too, which was nice.
Workshops will be starting early tomorrow, so am hitting the bed soon.
And by soon I mean now.
Kona – Day 1; part 2
I dressed casually for the cocktail reception. Met a lot of acquaintances from all over Asia Pacific and got to know a lot of new ones. It felt really good to re-connect after the past few years. Particularly, since I get to meet SM again for the second time since 2003. That’s a lot of years!
SM looked better than ever. And he acknowledged. Phew! Our conversation was brief, but we did talk a bit about things outside of work, which was nice. I was starting to really enjoy our conversation when the others joined us at our table. Damn it people! Can’t you see we’re occupied??!! I was waiting for the opportunity to continue our conversation. Unfortunately, the people were not going away, so we sorta talked about work-related stuff. Oh well, we’ll see whether tomorrow brings better luck.hehehe
The food was good, the prawns were all without shells and they reminded me of Karen, who simply loves em prawns!!!
I was hoping for more variety though, since besides the prawns, there were only 1 variety of sushi (plain rice wrapped in sea weed, topped with sesame seeds), chocolate ganache and mini cheesecake. The rest were the unattractive offerings of carrot and celery sticks, tomatoes and some other vegetables dip items. Yeah, sure, like I haven’t had enough of vegetables on this trip!
Oh, there were oysters too, which was nice.
Workshops will be starting early tomorrow, so am hitting the bed soon.
And by soon I mean now.
14/01/07
Kona – Day 1
We landed down at Honolulu airport at 6:30am, Sunday (Malaysia time: 1:30am Monday). While Taipei was short on cuties, Kona is totally the opposite! I was going through security check at the immigration when my jaw dropped straight onto the floor! Not literally of course, but if it could, it would have. Just ahead of me, stood this hottie security personnel, all smiling and ready to serve. Yes please!!! However, he wasn’t checking the queue I was in. and I wasn’t about to make a scene just so he could come and perform body search on me. Hmmm……maybe I should have. hehehe. Trust me, this hottie is everything rolled into one, physically that is. Neat hair, good facial features, great smile, nice body. What do they say? “sugar, spice and everything nice?” But of course, I can’t just stand there staring (though I think I did for a moment), so I blew him a kiss and moved on to the departure hall, where my flight to Kona is waiting.
We stepped foot on Kona at about 8am and took a cab to Sheraton Keauhou. By then, the hottie and me has already gotten really close, it was like we’ve known each other our whole lives. Then the moment got so intense, so intense that we couldn’t resist locking lips at the back of the cab.
Okay. Reality check. Like that’s gonna happen!
I took a cab with 4 other colleagues (boring!) and then checked in into our room - a room with a view (of the sea, that is) and a lush bed with 5 feather pillows. Excellent!!
By this time, we were all starved beyond words (or at least I was), so we went out to the nearby shopping mall, which supposed to be “just a short walk away” from the hotel. NOT!!! We walked, under the sun, for what felt like hours (or ½ an hour, who knows?). After lunch, while waiting for the shuttle to come pick us up, I did some snack shopping to prepare for the week ahead. Spotted more cuties in the mall, and I suspect there’s more to spot!hehehe.
Am now back at the hotel, exhausted and sleepy. Therefore, am gonna catch a nap so I can be fresh for the cocktail reception later at 6pm.
Who knows, maybe the hottie will be there later.
Kona – Day 1
We landed down at Honolulu airport at 6:30am, Sunday (Malaysia time: 1:30am Monday). While Taipei was short on cuties, Kona is totally the opposite! I was going through security check at the immigration when my jaw dropped straight onto the floor! Not literally of course, but if it could, it would have. Just ahead of me, stood this hottie security personnel, all smiling and ready to serve. Yes please!!! However, he wasn’t checking the queue I was in. and I wasn’t about to make a scene just so he could come and perform body search on me. Hmmm……maybe I should have. hehehe. Trust me, this hottie is everything rolled into one, physically that is. Neat hair, good facial features, great smile, nice body. What do they say? “sugar, spice and everything nice?” But of course, I can’t just stand there staring (though I think I did for a moment), so I blew him a kiss and moved on to the departure hall, where my flight to Kona is waiting.
We stepped foot on Kona at about 8am and took a cab to Sheraton Keauhou. By then, the hottie and me has already gotten really close, it was like we’ve known each other our whole lives. Then the moment got so intense, so intense that we couldn’t resist locking lips at the back of the cab.
Okay. Reality check. Like that’s gonna happen!
I took a cab with 4 other colleagues (boring!) and then checked in into our room - a room with a view (of the sea, that is) and a lush bed with 5 feather pillows. Excellent!!
By this time, we were all starved beyond words (or at least I was), so we went out to the nearby shopping mall, which supposed to be “just a short walk away” from the hotel. NOT!!! We walked, under the sun, for what felt like hours (or ½ an hour, who knows?). After lunch, while waiting for the shuttle to come pick us up, I did some snack shopping to prepare for the week ahead. Spotted more cuties in the mall, and I suspect there’s more to spot!hehehe.
Am now back at the hotel, exhausted and sleepy. Therefore, am gonna catch a nap so I can be fresh for the cocktail reception later at 6pm.
Who knows, maybe the hottie will be there later.
13/01/07
KL – Taipei
After 4 ½ hour sleep, I was all ready for my Hawaii trip. Left home in the morning to park my car at the office because it’s much safer there than at home. Then it was onto the monorail from the office to KL Sentral, with my backpack, laptop bag and my hand luggage. I packed it full so I have no space for shopping,hehehe. Not that I was in any condition to anyway, have pretty much blown my bonus on the new house.
As I boarded the plane, I contemplated whether to take the aisle or the middle seat and since my colleague didn’t care for much, I decided to seat in the middle. Bad move!!! because seconds after I sat down, a Chinese couple came and took the seat right next to me and guess what? They had a baby with them!! I thought to myself “trouble is on the way!” cos I just know that at one point during the flight, she’ll be screaming in my ear. And she did. That and I smelled poop for at least a quarter way of the flight. Nice.
Upon reaching Taipei airport, we had to wait for about an hour for the hotel shuttle to come pick us up, so we went to a Starbucks there for drinks and to hang out. By 8pm, we were whisked away to the transit hotel, which looked somewhat questionable. The name is totally different from the itinerary and they weren’t ready to check us in. After a few communication issues, we were given our room and 15 minutes later, we were all out again, wanting to go to a much talked about night market. The market looked like any other night market anywhere else, really, like Petaling Street (only longer), Bangkok night market (with more pork!) or Thaksim in Istanbul (with less cuties – only 2 were spotted. Two!! Hardly worth the effort, hehehe). After a few hours and a couple of sore feet, we took a cab back to the hotel.
I’ll be heading to US soil tomorrow and despite our flight departing at 2:45pm, we will be picked up by 10:20am, something about “joining the bigger bus”. I have no idea what it means.
Maybe I’ll get a cutie sitting next to me on the flight tomorrow!
KL – Taipei
After 4 ½ hour sleep, I was all ready for my Hawaii trip. Left home in the morning to park my car at the office because it’s much safer there than at home. Then it was onto the monorail from the office to KL Sentral, with my backpack, laptop bag and my hand luggage. I packed it full so I have no space for shopping,hehehe. Not that I was in any condition to anyway, have pretty much blown my bonus on the new house.
As I boarded the plane, I contemplated whether to take the aisle or the middle seat and since my colleague didn’t care for much, I decided to seat in the middle. Bad move!!! because seconds after I sat down, a Chinese couple came and took the seat right next to me and guess what? They had a baby with them!! I thought to myself “trouble is on the way!” cos I just know that at one point during the flight, she’ll be screaming in my ear. And she did. That and I smelled poop for at least a quarter way of the flight. Nice.
Upon reaching Taipei airport, we had to wait for about an hour for the hotel shuttle to come pick us up, so we went to a Starbucks there for drinks and to hang out. By 8pm, we were whisked away to the transit hotel, which looked somewhat questionable. The name is totally different from the itinerary and they weren’t ready to check us in. After a few communication issues, we were given our room and 15 minutes later, we were all out again, wanting to go to a much talked about night market. The market looked like any other night market anywhere else, really, like Petaling Street (only longer), Bangkok night market (with more pork!) or Thaksim in Istanbul (with less cuties – only 2 were spotted. Two!! Hardly worth the effort, hehehe). After a few hours and a couple of sore feet, we took a cab back to the hotel.
I’ll be heading to US soil tomorrow and despite our flight departing at 2:45pm, we will be picked up by 10:20am, something about “joining the bigger bus”. I have no idea what it means.
Maybe I’ll get a cutie sitting next to me on the flight tomorrow!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Kona awaits!
Am leaving for Kona, Hawaii tomorrow afternoon. me and 6 other colleagues will be attending a Leadership Conference for the whole next week. My first leadership Conference! Yeay!! hmmm seems to be experiencing quite a few firsts this past month......what can i say, i'm inexperienced! :)
This past week have been so hectic that i haven't had the time to feel excited about the trip. But now, the anticipation is really building and I just can't wait!!
Am really looking forward to experience visiting an actual coffee farm. Walking through the coffee trees, picking the ripe coffee cherries, watching it being fermented and all other exciting coffee-related activities. Finally!!!!
More story after my trip!
Am leaving for Kona, Hawaii tomorrow afternoon. me and 6 other colleagues will be attending a Leadership Conference for the whole next week. My first leadership Conference! Yeay!! hmmm seems to be experiencing quite a few firsts this past month......what can i say, i'm inexperienced! :)
This past week have been so hectic that i haven't had the time to feel excited about the trip. But now, the anticipation is really building and I just can't wait!!
Am really looking forward to experience visiting an actual coffee farm. Walking through the coffee trees, picking the ripe coffee cherries, watching it being fermented and all other exciting coffee-related activities. Finally!!!!
More story after my trip!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Suit me up!
I like to dress casual as often as I can. As a matter of fact, I could go through life with just t-shirts and shorts. One thing I really love about my job is that I get to go to work in t-shirts and pants. Not the English pants, the American ones, in case you’re wondering J
Tonight, however, was an exception, or should I say an obligation.
I just came back from attending an award gala dinner, which happens to be my first black tie event. I didn’t bring my suit (my first suit!) to the office, so I went home at about 4pm to get ready as I needed to get back to the office by 6:30pm. Had a shower, and then started to dress up. As expected, the white shirt’s too big for me; I looked like a floating device, ready to save someone.haha! I figured no one would notice as long as I have the suit on me at all times.I gotta admit that I did feel kinda excited suiting up for the first time, though I realized hoping to look as good as Daniel Craig in Casino Royale only results in low self esteem! I should have known better huh.
So there I was, at the cocktail reception, surrounded by men and women dressed to kill. And that’s when it started to happen, as always. I just can’t stop fidgeting. The thing is, I am never that comfortable in a formal setting like the one I was in. Inferiority complex, that’s what they call it right? Yeah, I think I have it. Didn’t know what to do with my hands, don’t know where to look, where to stand, what to talk about, worried that someone might look at me and notice that my sleeves are a little too long, etc….. perhaps it’s just because it’s my first…..that means, I’ll only get better if I go to more of these formal events. Yeah, right! Not looking forward to it!
So it was finally time to enter the ballroom and get seated, so I did. After a brief welcome, dinner was served and guess what? First course, SALAD! What the….!!!!???? Why can’t it be a chicken liver pate or smoked salmon or something???? Instead, it had to be Wild mushroom and asparagus tips and young lettuce leaves. Wutever!! Thank god for the balsamic and basil dressing. It made them easier to digest. Yes, I DID have them, much to the amusement of my colleagues – they all know I hate vegetables. Just didn’t feel like refusing them, thought it would be a little impolite to do so. But that was just tonight. Next time, I’ll just skip the salad and wait for the soup. Unless it’s cauliflower soup,hehehe, then I’ll just go straight to the main course, which is very unlikely to be a vegetable platter.
Dinner came to a delicious end – chocolate covered hazelnut (Karen would love this!) parfait with wild berries coulis. Yummmm!!
Am still glad I went. Guess it’s always god to experience new things, and I don’t mean the vegetables. At least now if I get invited to another formal affair, I’ve got a suit!!!! J
Didn’t snap a photo though. Well, had a couple of shots taken with the office girls who thought I cleaned up nice. What they didn’t know was how much I was sweating underneath all the layers of clothes.
So until the next game of high stake poker at casino royale, the suit will now join the rest of my shirts, hung, and left alone.
I like to dress casual as often as I can. As a matter of fact, I could go through life with just t-shirts and shorts. One thing I really love about my job is that I get to go to work in t-shirts and pants. Not the English pants, the American ones, in case you’re wondering J
Tonight, however, was an exception, or should I say an obligation.
I just came back from attending an award gala dinner, which happens to be my first black tie event. I didn’t bring my suit (my first suit!) to the office, so I went home at about 4pm to get ready as I needed to get back to the office by 6:30pm. Had a shower, and then started to dress up. As expected, the white shirt’s too big for me; I looked like a floating device, ready to save someone.haha! I figured no one would notice as long as I have the suit on me at all times.I gotta admit that I did feel kinda excited suiting up for the first time, though I realized hoping to look as good as Daniel Craig in Casino Royale only results in low self esteem! I should have known better huh.
So there I was, at the cocktail reception, surrounded by men and women dressed to kill. And that’s when it started to happen, as always. I just can’t stop fidgeting. The thing is, I am never that comfortable in a formal setting like the one I was in. Inferiority complex, that’s what they call it right? Yeah, I think I have it. Didn’t know what to do with my hands, don’t know where to look, where to stand, what to talk about, worried that someone might look at me and notice that my sleeves are a little too long, etc….. perhaps it’s just because it’s my first…..that means, I’ll only get better if I go to more of these formal events. Yeah, right! Not looking forward to it!
So it was finally time to enter the ballroom and get seated, so I did. After a brief welcome, dinner was served and guess what? First course, SALAD! What the….!!!!???? Why can’t it be a chicken liver pate or smoked salmon or something???? Instead, it had to be Wild mushroom and asparagus tips and young lettuce leaves. Wutever!! Thank god for the balsamic and basil dressing. It made them easier to digest. Yes, I DID have them, much to the amusement of my colleagues – they all know I hate vegetables. Just didn’t feel like refusing them, thought it would be a little impolite to do so. But that was just tonight. Next time, I’ll just skip the salad and wait for the soup. Unless it’s cauliflower soup,hehehe, then I’ll just go straight to the main course, which is very unlikely to be a vegetable platter.
Dinner came to a delicious end – chocolate covered hazelnut (Karen would love this!) parfait with wild berries coulis. Yummmm!!
Am still glad I went. Guess it’s always god to experience new things, and I don’t mean the vegetables. At least now if I get invited to another formal affair, I’ve got a suit!!!! J
Didn’t snap a photo though. Well, had a couple of shots taken with the office girls who thought I cleaned up nice. What they didn’t know was how much I was sweating underneath all the layers of clothes.
So until the next game of high stake poker at casino royale, the suit will now join the rest of my shirts, hung, and left alone.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Highlights of 2006
When I was 31, it was a really good year…………..
Yup, all in all, the year 2006 was pretty good……especially the fact that it ended with a month’s bonus! Yeah, yeah, I know, big deal right? Well it was, really, given the fact that the last time I got that much bonus was back in year 2000. Not that I didn’t performed (just to be clear..hehe….) but because the company just can’t afford it, or so they said.
Last year was especially tough, the bonus (and I use the term loosely), was at .3 month. 0.3 month!!!!! What the??!!!!?? I remember it well…..the news made me lost my appetite for lunch and I felt really, really angry and upset with the company. Ah well, that was in the past…..and so, I am really glad that things have turned around. And at the right time too, since I’m about to blow my budget on my new house. Ahhhh…..my new house…..my own place called home…..I think about it everyday…..almost as often as I think about sex. Wait, that doesn’t sound right. I think about sex all the time. So, maybe not. Whatever.
The year 2006 was also the last year I had my vios. Boy did I had a rough time giving it up. But the company gave me no choice. As they normally would…. “Fabia’s a great car, very safe and suitable for a family” Ah hello? Am single???!!!! Okay I have to admit that I’ve somewhat warmed up to the car now, feels good driving fast on the highway, I just miss my vios sometimes. Especially because vios has a rear speaker. Yup, my Fabia has NO rear speaker. Don’t ask me why. It just don’t. and it sucks! But then again it’s free……so, whatever. Okay, for the record, I AM GRATEFUL. There, I’ve said it.
And then there was this laptop. I didn’t think much of the 15” screen at first, but then I realized…..DVDs!!! haha….guess they know me pretty well. So, being more equipped nowadays, I have started to spend more time online, you know, reading the online dictionary, browsing through online literature, more and more reading. YEAH RITE! More like putting up profile, browsing profiles, messaging profiles, hahahah! Of course that’s not all I do. I look out for movie trailers too. Surprise huh.
And before the laptop and the new car came along, there was W810i. My first camera phone, my first walkman phone – my first cool cellphone. At least to me it is. You should have seen how happy I am (well some of you may have) when I got the phone. I wanted to take photos all the time, contemplating everytime whether I should have the handsfree ready around my neck, just in case I’ll have time to listen to music. And almost always ended up not using it. But hey, I’m entitled to a little bit of dorkyness (is that a word?) cos it’s my first. A bit like that first kiss moment, remember? No? I don’t blame you, a prince asked me that question a couple of days ago and I can’t even remember when it was that I had my first kiss. Since I got the phone, it has dropped twice. Once at a buka puasa event at Will’s, where I cursed so loudly it totally blew my ‘being cool’ demeanor that night. And the other time it was on Petaling Street,literally. It slipped from my pocket and landed right onto the wet ground. And it chipped, followed with a slightly less loud cursing (probably because it was already the second time). Ah well, like they say, shit happens.
Hmmm…..what else transpired in the year of 2006? Ahhh….CMP…..and the Ambassador’s Cup. My last stint as the leader. Had a great committee. And I’m glad that I did take the chance to reward them for their commitment. And for those who said that it should be more “open to public” and “it felt like taking an exam, not full of fun” well I say FUNTAT!! Hehe…..that felt good :)
It was also a good year socially. Had the bi-monthly ice cream session with the guys, the occasional dinners (except when I’m broke, which happens quite a lot nowadays), weekend hangouts, dvd shopping and the lots. So guys, I’m glad we’re friends! I really appreciate it. I’d go crazy without you. And I’ll try not to talk about work too much…..(key word being TRY..hehe). But yes, thanks for accommodating me. We’ll have a housewarming in a couple of months ya!
One last thing to add…….well it wasn’t really something out of 2006….more like 2nd January 2007 but I think it’s close enough to be included. Went out to KLCC and bought my first suit! Yeay!!! Spent about 4 hours browsing and was pretty close to calling it quit, but thanks to my queer eye for the queer guy stylist, I pulled through and end up with a full suit, shirt and a pair of shoes, all below my targeted budget. How cool was that! Was very, very happy. I highly recommend the stylist! J
So there it was………year 2006 in review. Plenty of other things happened for sure, but I guess I’ll add it in as it comes to mind.
And as for 2007, the first few days have been really good. Busy, but good. I’m sure there’ll be challenges, it’s inevitable, so am gonna have to adjust my approach to life a bit….spend wisely, grow further professionally, eat better, work even harder, be a better friend, be there for him, take good care of my mom, and of course recycle. Oh yeah, and get fit too. HAHAHAHAHA……. No seriously. It’s on my to do list. Am pretty sure I can do it……………….yup.
I can.............and I will..................and I better stop now while I still believe it.
Ciao!
When I was 31, it was a really good year…………..
Yup, all in all, the year 2006 was pretty good……especially the fact that it ended with a month’s bonus! Yeah, yeah, I know, big deal right? Well it was, really, given the fact that the last time I got that much bonus was back in year 2000. Not that I didn’t performed (just to be clear..hehe….) but because the company just can’t afford it, or so they said.
Last year was especially tough, the bonus (and I use the term loosely), was at .3 month. 0.3 month!!!!! What the??!!!!?? I remember it well…..the news made me lost my appetite for lunch and I felt really, really angry and upset with the company. Ah well, that was in the past…..and so, I am really glad that things have turned around. And at the right time too, since I’m about to blow my budget on my new house. Ahhhh…..my new house…..my own place called home…..I think about it everyday…..almost as often as I think about sex. Wait, that doesn’t sound right. I think about sex all the time. So, maybe not. Whatever.
The year 2006 was also the last year I had my vios. Boy did I had a rough time giving it up. But the company gave me no choice. As they normally would…. “Fabia’s a great car, very safe and suitable for a family” Ah hello? Am single???!!!! Okay I have to admit that I’ve somewhat warmed up to the car now, feels good driving fast on the highway, I just miss my vios sometimes. Especially because vios has a rear speaker. Yup, my Fabia has NO rear speaker. Don’t ask me why. It just don’t. and it sucks! But then again it’s free……so, whatever. Okay, for the record, I AM GRATEFUL. There, I’ve said it.
And then there was this laptop. I didn’t think much of the 15” screen at first, but then I realized…..DVDs!!! haha….guess they know me pretty well. So, being more equipped nowadays, I have started to spend more time online, you know, reading the online dictionary, browsing through online literature, more and more reading. YEAH RITE! More like putting up profile, browsing profiles, messaging profiles, hahahah! Of course that’s not all I do. I look out for movie trailers too. Surprise huh.
And before the laptop and the new car came along, there was W810i. My first camera phone, my first walkman phone – my first cool cellphone. At least to me it is. You should have seen how happy I am (well some of you may have) when I got the phone. I wanted to take photos all the time, contemplating everytime whether I should have the handsfree ready around my neck, just in case I’ll have time to listen to music. And almost always ended up not using it. But hey, I’m entitled to a little bit of dorkyness (is that a word?) cos it’s my first. A bit like that first kiss moment, remember? No? I don’t blame you, a prince asked me that question a couple of days ago and I can’t even remember when it was that I had my first kiss. Since I got the phone, it has dropped twice. Once at a buka puasa event at Will’s, where I cursed so loudly it totally blew my ‘being cool’ demeanor that night. And the other time it was on Petaling Street,literally. It slipped from my pocket and landed right onto the wet ground. And it chipped, followed with a slightly less loud cursing (probably because it was already the second time). Ah well, like they say, shit happens.
Hmmm…..what else transpired in the year of 2006? Ahhh….CMP…..and the Ambassador’s Cup. My last stint as the leader. Had a great committee. And I’m glad that I did take the chance to reward them for their commitment. And for those who said that it should be more “open to public” and “it felt like taking an exam, not full of fun” well I say FUNTAT!! Hehe…..that felt good :)
It was also a good year socially. Had the bi-monthly ice cream session with the guys, the occasional dinners (except when I’m broke, which happens quite a lot nowadays), weekend hangouts, dvd shopping and the lots. So guys, I’m glad we’re friends! I really appreciate it. I’d go crazy without you. And I’ll try not to talk about work too much…..(key word being TRY..hehe). But yes, thanks for accommodating me. We’ll have a housewarming in a couple of months ya!
One last thing to add…….well it wasn’t really something out of 2006….more like 2nd January 2007 but I think it’s close enough to be included. Went out to KLCC and bought my first suit! Yeay!!! Spent about 4 hours browsing and was pretty close to calling it quit, but thanks to my queer eye for the queer guy stylist, I pulled through and end up with a full suit, shirt and a pair of shoes, all below my targeted budget. How cool was that! Was very, very happy. I highly recommend the stylist! J
So there it was………year 2006 in review. Plenty of other things happened for sure, but I guess I’ll add it in as it comes to mind.
And as for 2007, the first few days have been really good. Busy, but good. I’m sure there’ll be challenges, it’s inevitable, so am gonna have to adjust my approach to life a bit….spend wisely, grow further professionally, eat better, work even harder, be a better friend, be there for him, take good care of my mom, and of course recycle. Oh yeah, and get fit too. HAHAHAHAHA……. No seriously. It’s on my to do list. Am pretty sure I can do it……………….yup.
I can.............and I will..................and I better stop now while I still believe it.
Ciao!
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