10 day solo travelogue to Pai - Part Deux

Let the adventure begin!! My 2D1N rafting trip dictates the 2nd exciting part of my 10 day trip. FYI, this period is the dry season, means that the rapids are small case (at most grade 2). If u want the real action, come during wet season (June – October) when u’ll get grade 4 or 5! But anyway, it’s a good experience still! Anyone interested, I recommend Thai Adventure Rafting

Me, Captain Poo & Ja Tuk (From right to left)

The day started cold (as usual during this time in Pai, extreme cold in the morning & night). But progressively Mr Sunshine decided to throw us some light! The group had 7 pple, eh ya I’m the single person in this case. We have the picture perfect couple from SF (Sam & Nice), the students from Berkeley (Neil & Tracy) and the partners from London (Carly & Maranda)!

Day1 will see us paddling through 27km of water with some action along the way. 1st half of the day was calm, with only slight bumps along the way. The real deal started after lunch! Some real fun bumps along the way, when Sam from the other boat fell into the water!!

We stopped by a hot mud spring area, where we treated ourselves to free mud spa!! It was so fun & comfy to slap yourself with the hot mud! Oh man, I felt my skin perked & radiant! But loath the aftermath of washing it off in the freezing cold water…

Hot Mud bath!! The heat radiate thr ur slippers even when u juz stand beside it!

All mud-ed up!!

Our night is spent in a campsite along the river, sleeping on hard hard bamboo huts. It was damn hard that it made turning difficult & sleeping a chore! We spent the night talking around the campfire & drying our wet wet clothes by the fire. Before 10pm, everyone turned in, tired from the whole day of rafting. And we did not bath that night, none of us. Too cold to want to get near water.. Anyway, everybody smelled the same, & we had sorta a wash off after our mud bath...

Our bamboo huts

My sleeping area

Beautiful purple sky!!

Early next morning we awoke to a gloomy sky. Not good!! 33km of water to raft through this day. The morning started with yet again some pretty boring waters… Why do action always take place in the later part of the day!!

Breakfast of bread, eggs & pineapple

To keep us warm, we took turns downing shots of sticky rice wine, courtesy of Captain Poo. Don’t worry, we did not get high.

Drying pants over fire...

Sticky rice wine!!!

Then the real action started after lunch! The great rapids!! The most exciting one!! Our boat passed through 1st, & we waited by the side, happily with our cameras, trying to capture the other boat rafting through. Then the entertainment unfolded! The boat came down, everyone paddling hard hard hard, & suddenly the boat got stuck & everyone onboard started to panic. Within minutes, pple got tossed into the water & floated downstream!! Drama drama!!! It took about 20mins to ‘rescue’ the boat & continued onwards… For their brave escape & great entertainment, everyone was awarded more shots of sticky rice wine!!

Here we come!!!

And we all fall in!!!

Me with the stuck boat at the back...

All good things must end eventually, as we near the end of the stream, dear Mr Captain Poo decided to play funny curves with us. It involves power paddling along the curves & suddenly stopping any movements, allowing the currents along the curves to move the boat & caused it to topple slightly & tossed us into the water – unexpectedly!!! Bloody hell!! But it was fun!! In the freezing water somemore! Haha, I wana play it again man! For those who might ask this qn - How do u relieve yourself when nature calls? Well, easy, repay back to nature!! Yes, u juz need to do it there n then, no toilet, just behind trees or bushes...

Cute little coffee van (i know someone's eyes will light up at the word 'coffee')

Pai gyoza!

Ice cream, put in cups of cabbage leave!!!

Spent some time wandering the night market again. It is pretty interesting cos u see alot of things, pple & food! N it's not so crowded & vendors don try to pester u into buying (which is common sight in other areas of Thailand). I must say there are ALOT of thai tourists obviously they LOVE to visit Pai (maybe to enjoy the cool weather). & nver failing, I was taken as a Thai ALL THE TIME!! Damn it, I must learn to speak Thai hahah

Exhausted, cold & tired, I turned in an early night (yet again) once we reached back to Pai. Resting myself for the next adventure to begin the very next day – Trekking!! Haha u must be thinking I’m crazy to do back-to-back adventures, but well I like to push myself to the extremes.. Get it over & done with!

10 day solo travelogue to Pai - Part 1

Finally had the time to sit down & start writing the LONG awaited blog of my 10 day solo adventure. Yes, I know, a lot of u have been bugging me for this blog since forever, but u noe missy here has other things to do leh.. Had to write my resolution (tt’s my previous blog), arrange my photos & upload them b4 I start blogging about the trip! Now tt all those have been done, it’s time to start blogging!! Now where to start?? How abt right from the beginning! Think I’m going to split the blog into parts, easier to read!

My adventure started on 22 Dec 2008, with a 2hr flight to Bangkok. Met up with my Bangkok friend, Ing, at the train station for a chit chat & coffee! Thanks to her, I was able to get my train ticket to Chiangmai! Just to let you guys understand the transport, I was to reach Pai, a town west of Chiangmai. So the only gateway to there is through Chiangmai! That means, after my 2hr flight to Bangkok, I had to take an almost 14hr overnight train to Chiangmai, followed by the last leg of bus travel about 4hrs long. That brings the total traveling time to almost 20hrs!! I flew to Bangkok cos bloody budget airlines DO NOT fly to Chiangmai!

Me & Ing at the train station

So travel weary & 16hrs later, I reached Chiangmai to take the bus to Pai. Having chosen the local bus, it took abt 5hrs for me to get into Pai (cos local buses r slower & pick up/drop off locals along the way). It doesnt help that the bus broke down midway & had to wait abt 30mins for it to be fixed. Word of advice; take the minivan if you DO NOT want to be stuck in the bus for too long. Minivan takes abt 3.5hrs & cost 150B, only 38B more expensive. Another word of advice: Don’t eat too much, cos the road to Pai is bumpy & winding, u MIGHT get car sick!

After 20hours of traveling on 23 Dec, finally PAI!!! Checked into my guesthouse – Darling View Point & got a nice bungalow to myself! 550B per night (not cheap but good for money though). It’s good enough to sleep 2 or even 3 small sized pple, with hammocks just outside the room!! N the view is fantastic!!! Overlooking the rice/garlic fields, u just see a lot of greenery! Went for a short walk in the town of Pai & the night market. After a long day, I turned in early the night. FYI, as u’ll discover later on, I have developed a very healthy sleep routine, turning in before 10pm every night & waking up early the next morning feeling fresh!

Lalang or wat?

2nd day in Pai begins my cycling expedition to discover the surroundings of Pai!! Excited & all ready, I embarked on the trip with map in hand at 1030am. Mr Sunshine decided to bring on his best face tt day, shining brightly throughout the day!

1st destination – Mhor Pheng waterfall! Along the way, beautiful scenery greeted my eyes! I also just happen to chance upon a nice little lotus pond! Of cos, this unlikely discovery left marks on my beautiful gams – scratched my legs while trying to cycle into the bushes, didn't realized tt the bushes were thorny. But it was worth it, cos I would have missed the nice scenery! N this is the exact pond tt got pple praising it on facebook.

Lotus pond. I know u guys love this photo!!

1hr into cycling, I finally reached a sign that actually points to Mhor Pheng waterfall being 2km away. There were absolutely NO signboards before this, I cycled just purely based on the roughly drawn map & kept going straight as instructed. Happy that I was so near, I kept on cycling. But the real test is about to begin! What followed was up up up hill!! Another 30mins passed, with another sign that points to the waterfall being 2km away! Now, tell me do they know how to measure distance?? N how long do u have to take to cycle 2km? 15mins later, there was ANOTHER 2km signboard!! WTF!!

Finally, really exhausted, I reached the waterfall after almost 2hrs. Jelly-legged, I dismounted my bike, excited to view the waterfall, but when I saw it, ‘Tang tang tang tang’!!! I cursed myself for taking on the trip. It looks more like a BIG rapid than a waterfall. Damn it. But I consoled myself with the beautiful scenery which I would have missed if I had not gone on this trip!

Look at this & tell me if u feel the same 'That's it' feeling...

Heading back was 10times easier!! It took just 20mins, whizzing past FAST along the road. After a short water break, I continued on to the 2nd destination – the war memorial bridge & Pai canyon.

The road to the 2nd destination was not any much easy. Damn it, y r all the roads in Pai full of uphills!!! Along the way, I passed by ‘Coffee in Love’, a popular cafe made famous by a Thai movie. Being a tourist, I just joined in the fun to take pictures keke…

The famous cafe. It has a pretty nice view though...But i'm not a coffee lover

75mins later, I finally reached the war memorial bridge across the Pai river!! The view is FANTASTIC!!! So beautiful! Mountains, river, bridge, like so romantic!! All memories of the perspiration, messy hair, merciless sun & painful butt melted away upon seeing the view! Wah, didn't realize I can be so poetic!!

The memorial bridge

What a fantastic view!! It looks better when u'r there

Then it’s off the Pai Canyon! A small hill up where u can have a view of the surrounding. Pretty ok view though not the best.

Then it’s back to town & onto the last destination of the day – Mae Yen Pagoda! By the time I reached the top (it was a 365 steps uphill on foot), I was exhausted beyond words. But the view was great!! It was a nice feeling just to sit there & stare ahead, resting my poor legs…& that ended my 2nd day in Pai, a full 6hrs of cycling (extreme workout) physically exhausting but mentally recharged! Makes me think of Pulau Ubin cycling -- I wana go there to cycle again!! ANy kakis??

1km? I don't think so...
365 steps up. Yes i counted, when u'r tired & have nth bter to do...

Must take photo even tho my hair is messy

Sunset

My dinner. Noodles with sauce for 20B

Went for a walk in the night market & had local food for dinner. The noodles was nice!! SPicy i like! That night, I slept like a baby zzZZzzZZ, feeling my toned legs & bum (ooo how perky they've become!!) & not to mention superbly tanned (almost chao da) arms

总结篇 - 完结

Ok, first of all, I'm back! From 10days of solo travelling in Pai (Northwest Thailand). I'll blog abt that next year..

2nd, I had intended this to be a trilogy, with 一部曲，二部曲，完结。But lazy bug hit me, and well, forget it, juz end it now! Why prolong it into 3 parts when u can do it in 2! & it wouldnt be in all chinese (like the 1st), it'll mainly be in English.

So I had sorta summed up my 2008 in the 1st series, now I'll talk abt the future! Yes, resolutions! Hah, I've not been one for setting resolutions, cos well most of the time, we don't stick to it! So y set it when u forget abt it later. Also, tt doesnt mean I'm aimless. This little brain of mine contains tremendous amt of information, thots, and ideas tt r hidden most of the time, but will come overflowing at the opportune time. So when the opportunity arises, the brain will click & tada! That idea/goal/thot will b fulfilled! So it's not like i have no resolutions, i just don write it down in black & white, properly defined.

Thanks to the edification provided by tks, i realised tt it actually helps to write it down, so tt u go thr the motion of seeking to fulfil those desires, goals more fervently. Gives u more motivation to search for more, to really do what u want! So here I am, writing down my resolution! I spent the past 10days while holidaying, to reflect on my life past & ahead, n came up with the following goals/objectives! Alot of them r not juz to be achieved in 2009, rather they're for constant improvements & learning, to be achieved consistently thr'out the years, & not juz stop at 2009. I rather prefer it tt way than to set one thing for 1 year!

So here we go!

1. Invest more time in my love for baking.

I love to bake. I find it theraupeutic. However, I don normally eat what I bake, it's just tt the time n effort put into making those produces make u appreciate the outcome rather than savouring them. I've ignored tt passion of mine for the past yr, for some reason I can't explain. Maybe I just lost the interest. Instead, it sparked the interest in my little sis! I've only baked twice this year, n I want to do more often in the coming year!! Starting with 1 Jan 09, my ever famous choc chip cookies!

2. Maintain my health & fitness
Proud of myself this year for achieving the best fitness I ever had achieved! I've dedicated myself more seriously to exercising for toning & fitness & I'm happy with the results so far! I've grown much stronger & fitter, & I believe I have more room to grow! My goal for the coming year is to become toner & fitter! To lose those still remaining flabby arms & tone up the core muscles. I haven been sick for a long long time, & the feeling is great!

3. More responsibility for my job
1 yr has passed in my new job. Happy so far with the work, colleagues & boss. Work environment has been really great! For the coming year, I want to work even harder. To learn more abt the tactics & art of internal auditing. I have yet to fully grasp tt concept. I want to be taken more seriously & take my job more seriously. No more 'swimming' ard & see how things go. I need to be more proactive & excel!

4. Challenge myself with 10km run
Haha, this is actually very simple to achieve, but my main problem is the lack of motivation from lack of kaki! No one to train with me makes me NOT want to take part. Actually i've alwayz had the idea of doing a mini triathlon, but have yet to take tt step cos no kaki. Of cos it would be great to be able to achieve it. So any kaki interested?? 10km run or mini triathlon?

5. Improve communication with my family
This is my achilles heels. I admit, it hasnt improved much over the years. Just when I thot it improved, somehow it fell back to grd zero again. Maybe it's the way we were brought up, daddy being the ultimate head of the family, making all the decisions, making him alot less approachable & creating an invisible barrier. Maybe it's gota do with his character & personality, always wanting things to be done his way, & not too receptive to other pple's ideas. SOmehow, it prevents us from really talking to him abt matters of the hearts or even work. But over the years, I can feel tt he has mellowed abit. Maybe it's not tt hard to get thr. I just have to try. N i resolve to do more on my part!

6. Pay more attention to the process of reaching the goal, rather than focusing too much on the goal itself.
This is sth I want to change & improve. Alot of times, I get too focused in reaching the ultimate goal tt along the way, I missed out on the joy of the process or the nitty gritty information tt may come from the process of reaching the goal! It makes me less attentive to the surroundings. Alot of times, I become too focused tt I missed out on fun! I miss out on spotting friends, I miss out on stopping to enjoy the scenery on the way to the destination, I miss out on just understanding the environment ard me. I think in this age, alot of us become too goal-centric tt along the way, we juz choose to ignore whatever comes our way tt either assist or hinder our path. It's a pity cos sometimes (of alot of times), this is the time when we could discover gems! On my recent trip in Pai, I did a whole day of cycling, aimed at reaching certain destinations in record time (i.e. b4 night falls). Along the way, there were times when I wanted to juz get on with it rather than stop to enjoy the scenery, but the emotional side of me persuaded otherwise. I thot time off the cycling, breaking my momentum to enjoy the mountains, rice fields along the way. It was then tt i realised, the place is so beautiful! Reaching the destination was fulfilling, but taking time to enjoy the scenery along the way was way more rewarding!

7. Learn a new skill/enhance a current one
活到老学到老. I believe we have to constantly nourish our minds to remain current and active. However, as we get older, we become more resistant to learning new things. So instead of learning a totally new concept, why not improve a current one! I would love to try blading again, but of cos I need a patient enuff teacher. While cycling in Pai, I kept cursing along the way, on why I cldnt ride a motorbike (would have made my life abit easier), or y i wasn't a better mountain biker. Maybe it's time I improve my cycling skills!

8. Conquer the sky
Ok, this one, maybe not in 2009. But it's sth in my mind tt I wish to accomplish. I've done the sea, mountain, left with the sky. Have to do tt to complete the cycle! It's a matter of conquering tt fear of jumping into nth-ness. It's like committing suicide. Who likes tt feeling! But once u'r off, u juz feel lightness & greatness. It's sth tt can be conquered.

9. Travelling
You don't think i'll leave out travelling ya.. No way, I like travelling. Even tho i travel alot for work, it's always different when u do it for leisure! The joy, excitment, adventure & experience u gain from each travel r unmeasurable! The world is so big, & we'r only a tiny dot each!

10. Live a simple life
Not tt I'm living a complicated life. But simplicity itself is a beauty! 简单就是美。Alot of times, pple think tt by piling on lots of articifial coverings or superficial stuff, it makes life so much more glamorous & great. Yes it may be glamorous, but underneath all those coverings, u may not be truly happy! Look at those Hollywood stars. They have e'rything u can only dream of, but u hear stories of them down with depression, ugly breakups, lonely hearts. Things tt u thot shld never happen to them, but they do! Their lives have been complicated by the scrutiny of the media & pple ard the world tt makes it difficult for them to be themselves, to truly njoy life, to truly seek what brings happiness! I was staying at the village huts for one night during my trip. They had nth extravagant. Maybe only tt of solar powered lights for the night. Other than tt, no electricity, tv or computers. No stoves, no proper sanitation, not even a proper bed! But u look into their eyes, & u see tt they'r truly satisfied with their lives! They don complain. Their lives r not complicated by the materialistic outside world. It's true tt they don have much money, but they don really care tt much! They have their farms to take care of, their rice fields. They'r happy as long as they hv enuff rice to feel the mouths. Who cares of grade A or B rice! We see children running ard, in torn tattered clothes, no shoes, N they r truly beaming with happiness the way they r!

Sometimes, we need to take a step back & look at ourselves. We r really lucky! We have e'rything. I am lucky to be born in Singapore, where we have no natural disasters, where the govt is good & no political turmoil. We don nd tons of money, juz enuff to survive. 知足常乐。Do we really need Prada/Gucci bags to make us happy? Yes, good to have, but tt kinda happiness is short lived. We should be happy n grateful tt we r living!

Wow, 10 resolutions sound like alot, but well they'r not meant to be achieved in just a snap of the fingers. Most of them r long term goals. Well some of u may say, 'hey what about finding a bf' or 'getting married'. Duh, those r not resolutions. Those r defined by fate, & not by force. If it comes it comes. And when it really does come, grab hold of tt opportunity real tight & not let go. Sometimes, u'll only regret when u lose it, n it'll b too late when tt happens.

Wow, it's 20mins past 12midnight! It's the new year!!!! Happy new year to all!!

Yes, I'll blog abt my Pai adventure later the week. 1st thing to do, bake my famous choc chip cookies when I wake up later in the day.

Till then, maybe love n peace be with all of u. Pursue ur dreams & nvr look back!

总结篇 - 一步曲

又到年终了！一转眼，2008到了结尾。1年前的今天，我满怀希望，超兴奋的期待新的工作岗位。开始我的第二春！没想到，那么快，我已过了1周年！其中，渗透着喜，怒，哀，乐！ok，多半是快乐的！同事都很open,funny,humorous，做得好开心！学到很多，见识很多！又长大了！喜欢这分工，飞来飞去，见识不同的工作地点，不同的工作环境，不同的工作习惯，各式各样的工作伙伴，超爽！i like! 我喜欢到不同的地方工作，不需每天对着同样的desk,office,pantry. 偶尔换个环境是挺不错的！其实，这份宫廷适合我的！至少，keep me occupied! 到国外，有不同的东西做，not so boring :)

总结清单，2008还好！没拾么大起大落，超悲凉，哀怨的事。2008 is a happy year! 结婚是in thing! 2 close friends got married，many more other friends too! expected! 这个年龄，因该差不多是时候。next year may be worse! 祝所有新婚夫妇，幸福美满！早生贵子！！Happy for them! 拾么时候轮到我？Haha，等咯！找到了再说！Time is still on my side...Sorta!

Anyway,看似好像去了好多地方！但都是公干，还没真正的放假！终于，我可以放假了！1 & half weeks, to North Thailand! 22 Dec起飞！元旦前夕将返回！始终还是选择了在祖国过元旦。So, I'm still available for any new year party!!!

又是一次的单独旅行，no kaki no choice! 但还好，其实有时，蛮喜欢这种一个人独处的时候。OTOT　－Own time own target，Plan自己想做的事，想看的景点。像光洁就走，想slack就slack．不需care友人的感想。听起来，好像很selfish，但有时挺Accurate & true．清净，有时间，自我反省，检讨，憧憬未来的方向，目标，旅程。也能认识更多来自远方的旅客，朋友。Maybe有时，在夜深人静时，会有孤单寂寞的感觉，但也是烟消云散，一闪而过。Peacefulness is actually quite therapeutic。这是第二次，单独出门。I can take it! Don’t worry!　行程表已安排好了！Fun packed and action filled 1 and a half weeks of trekking, rafting, sightseeing & slacking!　挺期待，但又有点不以为意。Just another trip!　但还是高兴，兴奋的！End the year with a bang!　FYI, I’ll be touring a small city west of Chiang Mai called Pai.　说了，你也不清楚，但Just to let you know。典珊历险记即将展开！敬请密切留意，关切期待！

Set 了resolution吗？I don’t believe in setting.　要就做，敢敢来！通常，set了都没去fulfil。还是不要set。顺其自然。

Seems like 2008 may end peacefully.　希望如此。美好的圣诞，完美的开始新的一年。

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of YOU!! Be back next year to update!!

我终于登陆了西海岸！
原来西海岸比我想象的大
原来西海岸是有建设游乐园的
原来西海岸不是那末ulu的
原来西海岸还挺多人的
原来西海岸是有海景观看的（虽然是没沙滩的）
原来西边是挺不错的
麦哈北派 （mai hiam bei pai)
西区只是在等待着我们去发掘它其中的奥妙！

Do you know there's a Shanghai Road and Kay Poh Road in Singapore? Does it mean people stayin in Kay Poh Road will be Kay Poh or have to be? Does it mean Houses along SHanghai Road are influenced by the SHanghainess culture??

I have been edificed on the locations of Singapore road!! I should continue to understand my country!

Btw, the Christmas lighting along Orchard Road doesnt seem that bad!! Why are pple complaining? I have not witnessed the lightings last year, so i have no benchmark but judging by what I briefly glimpsed of this year's lightings, I think it is a good enough job!! Come on pple, stop complaining and start feeling the atmosphere! Does it mean brighter and more lights will bring abt a more Christmassy feel? Or should the atmosphere come from within? We don't need superficial ornaments to tell us how and what to feel! Don't be so shallow (quote from my colleague)

Attended my LAST wedding for 2008, and it just so happens to be the wedding of one of my closer ring of frens! & the 2nd gal from our group to take the walk down the aisle!!!

Mr Anthony Toh and our dear Christine Tan Qinyi finally become formally unified and declared husband and wife on 4th Dec 2008. & It just so happened to be QIn's birthday!! Quoting from the husband Mr Toh (aka Congming. FYI cos he looks like tat person from the Taiwanese group Tension from eon years ago), 7years ago, boy met girl. Boy told girl, boy will marry girl when girl turns 26! & Walau 7 yrs later, on the day girl turned 26, they got married!!! Hahah sounds so sweet rite!

The night begun at 630pm for the solemnization when they became legally married in the eyes of the law.

TV screen outside the room @ Marina Mandarin

After which dinner commenced at roughly 820pm (or so i presumed). They had an army march in (so cool!!) but no fire engine in sight hahaha (congming is fireman). & as usual, time to play some 'Say Cheese' games to the camera!

Happy version with the bride!!!

Let's pose prettily!

Me with bride

The entourage!!! So cool!

8 courses & 3hrs later, the dinner ended. Stomach full & bloated, we walked outa the ballroom & back home to our lovely beds! So happy for them! Qin looked splendid tat night!

The wedding flavour! Same as Seowling's so now i have a pair!! (Tho diff type)

Me & Cindy

Cindy with JJ & Alvin. NO IDEA what the HECK alv was trying to do man

Table photo!!

Table photo with the couple!

The lovely couple is flying (or oredi in air??) to Europe for their month long honeymoon, covering Italy, France & Spain! So envious 1mth holiday!! Shiok ar!

I want to go on my HOLIDAY!!!!!

p/s: Does eating dried apricots lead to LS, or is it just a natural cleansing & detoxfying process tat so conviently coincides with the ingestion of dried apricots?

pp/ss: Madrid next Jan for conference! WoooHooo!!! Going to extend 1 more wk to visit the city of Barcelona & Madrid & meet up with frens!!

ppp/sss: Hey I'm updating my blog more often now!!! Hmm mayb the fire of writing has been re-ignited!

pppp/ssss: SOmeone finally had the courage to tender! Hope it is for real. To tat someone: DO NOT WAIVER AGAIN!!!!!

ppppp/sssss: I did 90% of my 'NEEDS' list!!! Still need to buy sports shoes (ok deciding b/n sports shoes or trekking shoes now), nice sandals (may defer), extendable trek pants tat can become long or short with zippers (ok i dono how to call it formally)

Zoe Tay was just next to me for at least 5-10mins but I only noticed and caught a glimpse of her leaving for 5-10secs...

I'm so Bloody Blur!!

When did my neighbour hang the birdcage along the corridor? Just yesterday night or days ago? Never did realise it until it was pointed out to me yesterday night...

I'm so Bloody Blur!!

Things are ever changing every hour, minute even seconds. We either react n be responsive to it or choose to be ignorant. Alot of times, we are ignorant. Maybe it's time for us to pay more attention to our surroundings, be aware of every happening and be proactive rather than passive. So often, it becomes too late when we realise what is happening just when we'r about to lose something. Time to cherish those around us, things around us before all is too late... Love the ones u love, care for the ones u care.. What with tough times ahead, uncertain future and crazy happenings... YOu never know what will happen next... Live life to the fullest, no regrets seem to be the way to go...

Mumbai terrorist attack has been stopped. Albeit the terrible consequences (Deep condolescences to the dead Singaporean lawyer and all the other innocent victims)

PAD protestors finally dispersed, BKK situation seems to be heading for the better HOPEFULLY

世界是美好的，宇宙是伟大的，人类是渺小的

Maybe 2008 will end MERRILY... There is still HOPE

15 Facebook Don'Ts

Read this from 8-days (8-days every week...) Interesting, furnie & Oh So True!! Let's have a test, go through each of the 15 items and see if You are guilty of them!! I'll go 1st :)

1. Do Not Write Anything On Anyone's Facebook Wall That Can Land Them In Hot Soup
Eh ney I don't do tat, I'm more direct, I call them or msn them immediately hahahha - NOT GUILTY

2. Do Not Be A Facebook Whore
Further explanation: Adding people you barely remember from 10-20yrs ago or assorted strangers just to make you SEEM popular...
Nope NOT GUILTY!!! Eh I think most of the time, pple want to add me instead of the other way round.. Haha I'm just too lz to recall my past friends, except for close ones & impt friends.. So all those in my list, you know who u r & How IMPORTANT YOU R!!! - NOT GUILTY

3. Do Not Assume That People Want a Play-by-play Of Your Tedious Little LIfe
Hmm I'm not so extreme, update mayb a few days once WHEN impt things happen tat NEEDS updating... - NOT GUILTY

4. Do Not Be Passive-Aggressive
Nope, TAKE IT UP WITH THE PERSON PERSONALLY if you have issues with them. DO NOT wring sympathy by commenting your feelings on FB. IT IS SO UNCOOL - NOT GUILTY

5. Do Not Tag Your Friends in Photos In Which They Look Drunk, Fat or Are Missing Articles of Clothing
I'll KILL anyone who does tat to me... - NOT GUILTY

6. Do Not Post Photos That Are More Than 10 Years Old
Eh GUILTY WITHOUT APPEAL!!!!! Sorrie folks, I posted by Sec Sch & JC Class photos. But then again, they were CLASS PHOTOS, means small photo of Everyone, & no identification of ANYONE!! Well If tat helps abit...hehehehe..& I WILL NOT acknowledge any requests of identifying who's who in the photos! - GUILTY AS CHARGED

7. Do Not Wait Two Days Before Accepting A Friend Request Just Because You Don't Want TO Appear Parked On Facebook 24/7
Eh Nope, If I don't accept you whn I log in to view, means I'm NOT GOING to accept you FOREVER!!!!! - NOT GUILTY

8. Do Not Use Facebook for Work Related Matters
Tht's just plain stupid. Dono if u guys have read the FB case whr an employee added the boss & got busted haha tat's damn furnie man... - NOT GUILTY

9. Do Not Start a Facebook Group Claiming That you Can Save An Amazonian Tribe From Urbanisation If You Get 1,000,000 Members
Well, I guess those people R Damn bored with live to create such a group. Don't be stupid to believe such groups - NOT GUILTY

10. Do Not Inundate Your Friends With Invitations to Play Texas Hold'Em Poker, Vampire Wars etc
Tat was NEVER MY purpose of joining FB. So i NEVER ONCE accepted anyone's offer to play games. Too distracting & TOo much trouble. Yes I'm DAO. But I think the fever has died down abit, or maybe pple juz got fed up with TRYING to invite me - NOT GUILTY

11. Do Not Update Your Profile Photo Every Three Hours
Let me recall, I only had 2 photos since the 1st day i joined FB. The most recent one was a photo taken 6mths back & used till since.. No intention of changing until I get a bter one... - NOT GUILTY

12. Do Not Have a Protracted Wall-to-Wall Conversation With Your Friend
I May be guilty of this for only once!! Was talking to a friend on a possible meet up sometime next year. It MAY seem alittle too long a conversation on Wall-to-Wall. I accept my mistake. Next Time I shall Use Message Box! - PARTIALLY GUILTY

13. Do Not Engage in FDA (Facebook Displays of Affection) With Your Beau
I CANNOT STAND PDA (Public Displays of Affection). So FDA is a NO-NO to me. So far, i think have yet to see any extreme cases in my friends' list..Heng AR!!! - NOT GUILTY

14. Do Not Break Up By Chancing Your Relationship Status to 'Single'
Seriously, those pple who do this, ought to be PUNISHED!!! N U thot Sms breakup was terrible, THIS IS WORSE!!!!! Don't be a coward. Face the music in PERSON!! - NOT GUILTY

15. Do Not Complain If People Do Any or All of the Above
Oops, I guess I'm Guilty?? Since I'm complaining abt these in the blog? Oh wait, I'm just commenting, NOT complaining hahhaha... - SO NOT GUILTY HAHAH

So Let's Tally the score!

1.5/15 (There's 1 partially guilty) Hmmm, I"m NOT a FB PEST!!! hahaha So how did u guys do??

Happy Birthday TO ME!!!

The day of the year has finally arrived...Once again...

Happy Birthday to Me!! Another year has passed, wiser by one more year, smarter by one more year, and pretty as always :)

Birthday wish(es):

1) Quote from ABBA - "MONEY MONEY MONEY"
2) WORLD PEACE!! This is serious! What with the stupid BKK protestors, Mumbai bombing n such, now don u feel Miss Universe is such a meaningful competition??
3) HOLIDAY!! Yes I desperately need one. have not taken a holiday for the whole year! N my dream holiday is dependent on the situation in BKK damn it!
4) Good Health. Yes cliche but IMPORTANT ALWAYS!!!!!
5) Eh, soulmate?? Hahah every year the same wish, but still lidat... But still must keep on wishing la hahaha

15 more mins b4 my bday ends... Enjoy everyone!

Protestors should STOP wasting their time holding Bangkok Airport hostage & Staging DEMONSTRATIONS!!

PERIOD.

Missy here WANTS, NEEDS, DESIRES her well-deserved HOLIDAY!!!!!

Blissful - Redefined

Was looking through my past blog entries... I guess retro/nostalgia is starting to kick in to me. Yes, i've started posting photos from the past (from baby photos to kid to graduation), looking through the scanned photos of the past 20++ years or so, and marvel at how pple changed over the years! It's really interesting going through the phase called 'Growing up'. There was a period of young n innocent, a period of nonsensical fashion sense, flat hair and high waisted jeans. Those were the days.....

Anyway, was reading through the blogs, especially blog written on March 23 2007 on Blissful! For those who have forgotten, please refer to March 23 2007 entry on my definition of Blissful. Yes i said i was NOT blissful and WILL NOT be for years to come. I think, pple mature through the years and thinking changed.. Come to think of it, i was too harsh on my words. Reflection upon my current status and thinking, I think Simplicity is Bliss :) It chanced upon me yesterday when i was surfing through Facebook and noted one of my fren's facebook comments - "I am a simple man with a simple heart". It made me think - 简单就是美。Imagine a world where life is just simple, no pressure to perform or shine, e'rything is peaceful and simple, just like the life of the villagers in Vietnam (Sapa). U c happiness written across their faces! Granted, they have poor access to clean water, poor sanitation or even less than desirable food, but u just feel like they are satisfied with their way of living!

Beauty in life lies in simplicity. Nowadays, in the current world, survivor of the fittest is KEY. Survivor feeds competition feeds pressure. Everyone is so caught up with work and work and how to work even harder tat we forget our surrounding and minuscule things around us that matter most, or that makes us smile! How many times have we slowed down, sit in the park n njoy the day just doing nth n reading? I admit that I don even do tat! I was in Sydney in Sept. What i saw was pple sitting outside the air-conditioned bldgs, having their simple packed lunch, sitting outside njoying the sun and food and just some peace alone time, reading. Simple but it's theraupeutic. Or in the morning, just sitting by the bench, reading a book for a couple of minutes b4 heading to work! Well, we don't do tat in SG. We would rather spend tat 10mins catching up on sleep than to go out n read a book! Maybe it's the difference in culture, maybe it's the difference in mentality, but whn I look back at this, I feel like 'Hey, y don't we do tat'? I ask myself, and the answer I gave is 'I rather sleep'. Yes, I admit even tho i envy tat kinda carefree lifestyle, I too m guilty of rather sleeping...

Blissful... I think i'm alot more open on this idea than 1 year ago. Granted my life is not perfect, I mean no one is perfect! Look at those millionaire superstars, do u think they r perfect?? They have loads of money but no privacy, lots of stupid gossips. Of cos who doesnt like to have loads of $$, but $$ can't buy love, can't buy true friendship. I have all my friends ard me, I have my family ard me, I have gd fun colleagues ard me, I have a gd stable job. What's not to like abt my life?? Yes, I still don't have a boyfriend (working hard in the process), I still don't have 1mil in my bank acct. But hey those r additional perks! I have my health, my life! I should be grateful for that!

I m blissed with having a grp of crappy psychotic frens who can go crazy with me (don't have to act up in front of them). Granted some tend to be 重色轻友 and it actually do hurt when tat happened, but what r frens for! U noe that they'll come back to u and u'r the one they seek solace from in times of trouble or vice versa. It's hard to let years of friendship just go down the drain just cos of a few unhappy incidents. Let Bygones b Bygones.. Give and let go :) It feels good to be able to b there for frens whn they nd u. N they know that!

I m blissed to have my family still ard. Yes, i'm guilty of not communicating with them often. I guess that's just the way we were brought up, my dad being the 'master' of the family, creating a barrier between making it hard to talk to him freely. But hey, at least I know they'r alwz there if I nd help. Over the years, I have learnt to soften the defence wall I have built ard myself, and tried to communicate more... It's a slow learning process..

I m blissed to have good fun colleagues for the past 4 years since my graduation. Not some snorty, high class pple who don't bother to joke and b crazy with u. It's so impt to have good colleagues..

I m blissed to have good jobs so far. My life in EY can b considered one of the bter ones, not having those shitty portfolios, late nites r not as plenty as others.. Current job is good with good exposure n boss, not having to slog late hrs as well..

N my health is still with me, working twds a much bter physique and stamina! I have my whole life in front of me still! Many areas n lands unexplored!!

I m blissed with the fact that I can continue my exploration of the land beyond! So what can I say...

It's time to try to let go of myself.. Over the years, I have put up too many defenses, too many criterias for myself to fulfil. Sometimes, being too hard on myself. I'm not a perfectionist, but I have certain criterias that I muz c myself stick to. Mayb it's time to redefine these criterias and set new ones...

I feel blissed.. I m blissful... Learn to let go...

My Best Friend's Wedding

10years ago (i think abt tat many years), a bunch of us innocent, wide-eyed girls in nurse-like uniforms headed to the cinema eagerly in anticipation of dear Julia Roberts' come-back movie of the year - My Best Friend's Wedding! N we emerged wide-grinned and happy, gushing abt how romantic and wonderful the film was, how cute the songs r, and the feeling of marrying off ur best friend, that muz be fantastic! Of cos, then we were still the nubile freshies, juz started our teenage years in Secondary School... Who would have though that 10 years down the road, all of us have grown up into mature young ladies, full of confidence, career and changed mentality. N on the course of the morphing, some nice lads entered into some of our lives, and eventually led to our own - My Best Friend's Wedding!!!

1mth 1day ago, one of my best friend - Seowling, got married, the 1st in our group! Of cos All of us were so excited and gancheong for her!! 1st of our group, we did our best to assist her in the preparation and almost got ourselves gancheong as well, cos well for those who know her, she's so damn laidback n nonchalant that sometimes u juz feel nervous for her!!! But well, alls well ends well! Eventually, after several hiccups, nervous planning and such, the wedding was smoothly held on Sept 6 2008!

Cindy n I were chosen to be her entourage (aka jie mei). But well, there was no sabotaging of the groom n such, so we were there juz to accompany her, support her n psyche her up! UP early in the morning at 630am, we proceeded to her house by 7am to witness the transformation from plain Seowling to the bride to be. Now I know how tiring it is for the bride! The whole transformation took almost 2hrs!!! From basic makeup to more makeup to final touch up, then hairdo n change of clothes, wa biangz, so damn tiring! N All these juz for a day's worth of being a bride!! What a price to pay!

In the process of transformation

Done! Hair and makeup


Happy version!!

Us with corsages!! Nice NIce

N of cos, photogs n videographers ard, hunting ur e'ry move, n capturing ur e'ry moment! N Not to forget, posing n acting for the camera! Yes, all those photos u see, alot of them r deliberately posed for the effect..so tiring! N this photog ALWAYS request for at least 2 versions of poses - Normal, and Happy version, Happy version being cutesy with the 'V' sign. So Duh! So thr'out the day, we'll hear 开心版,开心版. Aiyoyo! Then the videographer, alwz gota wait for him to be in position b4 carrying out certain actions so that he can CAPTURE THE MOMENT!! hahaha

More Happy version with the bride!!

On ur knees now!! The groom n bride

Oh, we left our heartfelt messages on the video, hope Seow gets to watch it!! Haha, wonder how we look and sound on tv man.. I think it'll b terrible, like so unnatural hahah...

Then it was off to church (ok we were late for 1hr hahaha), n the church procession blah blah (sorie, not christian, so it was rather boring for me, but hey have to respect them).. Then lunch reception n tea ceremony. Not to forget the throwing of the bouquet!!! Of cos NO ONE wants to catch it!! Yes, those movies r FAKE!!! Where got pple so enthu abt catching the flower, we NEVER see that happening!! Haha, e'ryone juz stood there for the effect but NO ONE wanted to touch it!!! So whole thing is a set up!! Haha, obviously the one person who will be getting married is tasked with catching the flower!! N tat's DANLIN!! Hehe...

Group Photo Happy version

Bigger group!

Catch catch!!! Haha Danlin got it in the end, after much persuasion

After 1 whole morning of marriage stuff, it's time for us to take a break n head back to home for a short nappy b4 the dinner begins! Yes, dinner is when I"LL SHINE!!! Haha cos i'm the selected Emcee for the event! Yes, my 1st time is given to Ah SEow! For the benefit of her wedding!! kkeke..

Had to be at the hotel by 6pm for the briefing and testing of the mikes n stuff. Again, ah seow has to prep for the make up n stuff, looking ever so damn tired. Really so tiring to be a bride man! I hope i don hv to go thr all those in future keke...

My partner is Song tai, whom some of our grp says bare a close resemblance to our dear Ryan.. Maybe he's there to remind us of Ryan's absence hahaha...

It's also nice to see all our grp of frens again, aft quite a long time... Our table was the loudest n craziest of the night man hahaha... N of cos, alot of camwhoring happening with 4-5 cameras whipping out at the same time, taking loads of photos with different crazy poses (like the 1-7 poses, or Happy version) N of the food n cheers!

Wedding gifts, each gets 1 only, not a set!!

Our table minus Cindy

Cheers!

Start of camwhoring! OUr table

Back to my 1st time, being an emcee can b quite daunting, what with all those lengthy scripts n words to read out, but once u'r up there, it juz seems like normal. Of cos, scripts r hand written and of cos, alot of times, I skipped a whole chunk of words ahahaha... We'r not the star of the night!! WE juz facilitate the entrance of the couple n the smooth running of the whole event! I think i did quite an ok job, of cos with loads of room for improvements! FYI, i was the Chinese Emcee. Ok, any other weddings requiring emcee? I MAY offer my service depending on our relationship n monetary rewards!! Hahah

My emcee Song tai n Me

Walking down the aisle. Splendid in REd!!!

Cin n I with our bear bear

Cin, JJ n ME. It's JJ Tan not JJ Lin

Cin, qiuping n ME

Tho tired, but ah seow looked splendid thr'out!! Haha, now we all know that she's blessed with a good figure ok (有料之人) haha... Yes, cindy was talking abt it ever since the wedding photoshoot! Ya she's juz jealous wahahhaha!!!

Show ur bear!! Table photo with the couple!

Me n bride. FYI, this dress is tailor-made in China!!! I thought of Seow's wedding whn i made it

N the night ended at the stroke of 11pm. WEnt home, washed up, slept and the next morning I had to fly to Sydney for my work! Hahah Xiong ar!! While our dear Ah Seow zipped of to her 1mth long honeymoon in Europe 2days later..So Shiok!!!

Oh shit, forgot to mention, the groom is Aloysius Low, but we call him Aloy haha.. So here's to the married couple Mr n Mrs Low, happy marriage, and procreate soon!!! Hahah