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.
Monday, January 15, 2007
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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