The Life of a v.v. Happy Bunny!

Epic Battle

2012-01-30T10:27:00.003+08:00

Rafa and Djoko fighting it out

What an epic battle it was yesterday! 5 hrs and 53 mins - the longest Grand Slam ever! If you've been living under a shell, I'm referring to the Australian Open Men's Finals last night. This is certainly one of the best matches I've seen since the great battle between Rafa and Federer in Wimbledon 2008.

Although Rafa didn't win this one, I must salute both men for displaying such aestheticism and fighting spirit and I marvel at their endurance.

It was such an intense game and both men were fighting tooth and nail for just for a point especially in the 31-shot rally. That was an amazing, nail biting moment for me.

I can only imagine what their feet look like this morning and I have nothing but the utmost respect for both men.

Can't wait for the French Open!

What I Want for My Birthday

2012-01-18T16:45:00.002+08:00

How is it possible for somebody to be looking this HOT?!

He has the bluest eyes and he speaks french. A mon avis, il est tres parfait!!

I know now what I want for my birthday, Bradley Cooper wrapped up in a ribbon, delivered to my office.

Thanks v. much!!

2012-01-12T09:17:00.001+08:00

How I've been feeling this past week

Hello! It's been a week since we got back from our annual NY celebration in Phi Phi and I still have the residual flu. It's gonna be a super long day today what with 3 agency presentations we have to listen to today.

12 days into the new year and I can say it's been alright so far. Tried a new class at the gym yesterday -TRX. Needless to say, my arms are sore.

Next trip lined up would be Bangkok for my birthday weekend! Yaay!

Pretty in Pink

2011-12-29T11:53:00.000+08:00

And here are my beliefs for the new year!

Introspection

2011-12-29T11:47:00.000+08:00

From postsecret

This is exactly how I feel about 2011 - full of challenges, losses and finally getting over them.

Christmas is Here!

2011-12-23T10:15:00.002+08:00

What my X'mas tree would look like

Finally, I have some breathing space at work. It's been non-stop action since 2 weeks ago. Our FY is ending in a few days which means groundwork needs to be done for next year.

X'mas is in the air. I can smell it already! I wish a had a kampung to go back to for X'mas. Preferably one with snow, so I can snuggle in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa and the wonderful smell of fresh pine needles filling the room. And a X'mas tree in corner decorated in silver and tinsel, colourful baubles.

Okay. I have to stop day dreaming now and get back to work.

Merry X'mas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Almost There

2011-12-15T09:20:00.000+08:00

I can’t believe we have a few days left till the end of the year and boy, am I super glad!

Events that happened in December last year led me to believe that 2011 was going to be a promising year. I was soo certain it was going to be a fantastic year but how disappointed I was. This year has been tres terrible. Ugh. Yuck.

Anyway, I’m not gonna say anything about 2012. I’ll just live one day at a time. That’s always the best.

A Message to Women

2011-11-29T15:55:00.000+08:00

Dear every woman I know including me,

You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed.

And you are beautiful.

Taking a Break

2011-11-17T11:39:00.000+08:00

Yaaaaaaawn!

The weather is sooo lovely outside. We hardly get good weather nowadays given that the rainy season is here. I wish I could be outdoors soaking up the sun and finishing the book I'm currently reading. I'm reading Room by Emma Donoghue, if you must know. It's soo gripping, stayed up till 2am last night reading it.

Looking out the window, I soo wish this was last year. If this was last year, this was when I was feeling a bit blah but unbeknownst to me then, I would have a super, super time in December!

Oh well. This is just me taking a breather from looking at all the numbers and charts and graphs.

I'm sooo tired and it's not even noon yet.

Something to Make Me Happy

2011-11-11T11:45:00.000+08:00


God, how I wish I was the cat!

Marlon Brando the eternal heartthrob.

Have a good weekend all!

A Tigger December?!

2011-11-08T15:38:00.001+08:00

Say, I'm so happy I feel like bouncing!

If there's a time when I was really, really REALLY happy, it would December last year especially after I got back from Siem Reap. It was such a lovely, lovely time. I was a bouncing tigger, bursting with optimism and energy. I was oozing with soooo much happiness, c'est incroyable! I still remember last December vividly like it was last month.

I had no worries (not that I have any right now) and I was unfazed by anything. Now, that we're approaching December, I can't help but wish that it was just like the last one.

Busy October!!

2011-10-31T10:57:00.000+08:00

My ducks are in a row!

Sorry I've neglected this blog for a while. Been busy getting my ducks in a row. Also, I've been v. busy with a whole lot of stuff this month from my marketing campaign, to weddings and more weddings, Diwali open house, helping a friend unpack into her new place and also a halloween party last Saturday night.

And of course the previous weekend, we had our sales retreat in Penang where my colleagues and I got a wee bit too merry.

Just writing this alone is enough to make me collapse in exhaustion.

Je suis libre maintenant parce que mon chief n'est pas la. Donc, je peux ecrit. I actually posted something mid Oct but I decided to delete it and now I can't retrieve it from anywhere.

This post is random and isn't making much sense which really is a reflection of my mind right now.

So cheers people and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

C'est la vie!

2011-09-29T10:46:00.004+08:00

Wow. What a month September has been. When I was high, I was deliriously high and when I'm low (like right now), I feel really, really low especially when Mr. Right turned out to be Mr. Life Experience instead. But you know what? Shit happens.

Am I angry? Of course, I am. Am I sad? Hell yeah! I'd be lying if I said I'm not smarting but I think I'll just stick to Barney's advice for now:

Bonjour a tous!

2011-09-13T09:38:00.000+08:00

Where I'll be this weekend!

Hello!

I'm back! So Hari Raya came and went (well not really cos Hari Raya is a month long celebration, so technically it's still here). Been stuffing my face - what else do you do during this silly season but eat, eat and eat some more? Hari Raya also gives you an excuse to just drop in at your relatives' house unannounced. At least, that's what my relatives like to do. Hmph.

Anyway, I'll be off to Perhentian this long Malaysia Day weekend. Can't wait to finally be on the beach again, the last time being in Kapas in July. Woo hoo!

Happy Malaysia Day everybody!

I want Cake!

2011-08-16T11:24:00.001+08:00

13 more days to go before the fasting month ends! I can't wait! I miss having lunch with my friends. Well, actually I miss gossipping over lunch with my friends.

I've already made a list of all the places I wanna go to when this month is over. Quite sad actually because the fasting month is supposed to be a month of contemplation and avoiding all forms of temptations as opposed to a month of bingeing and dreaming of all the food I wanna eat.

Anyway, I could do with this right now:

oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeaaaaaaaaaaaah

See what the fasting month does to me?!

Thank You!

2011-08-15T13:11:00.000+08:00

It's funny how I write less when there's more going on in my life. Everything is going swimmingly. Work has been good, I'm surrounded by great friends and family, I'm going out with this amazing person (sigh!), and so far, I have no complaints. So, I would like to express my gratitude to God/Universe for everything that I'm blessed with.

So, here's a big THANK YOU! from me.

Busy bee

2011-08-01T15:16:00.000+08:00

Running around like a headless chicken!

I know, I know, I know I've been neglecting this blog for a while now.

I've been running around like a headless chicken, organising our brainstorming session in Penang, going out, going to parties, going on weekend trips to the beach.

So yes, I've been busy.

I have to tell you about our Kapas trip which I think is awesome! Plus, I went there with the guy that I'm really into right now, so that made it even super!

Post Race

2011-07-12T11:30:00.001+08:00

I felt this way many times during the race especially in the last 2k!

I just saw my official time for my last 21k (which I must say was torturous!) 2h 35m 50s.

Waaay baaad considering my best time is 2h 17m in Siem Reap last December but I suppose it isn't too shabby for someone who had minimal training, boozed and smoked all the way till just a few days before the race. So no, I'm not complaining.

When's my next run? Je sais pas.

Back to the Grind!

2011-07-06T11:35:00.000+08:00

Super busy!

It's now July. We've just ended our financial year for 2010/11 and we're now 6 days into the new year.

So no more laadeeda for me. It's back to the grind, people.

I've been super swamped lately getting some ground work done for the new year. SIGH.

I hope I meet my targets which is now doubled by end of Dec so I can breathe easy 2nd half of the financial year and go on more holidays!

Wish me luck!

Bali High

2011-07-04T12:16:00.002+08:00

Hello hello!

I just came back from Bali last night. Needless to say, I'm knackered. I'm suffering from withdrawals from all the nicotine and alco we've consumed during our 3 night stay.

Unlike our previous trips to Bali, this time around we decided to splurge a little by renting this massive villa in Seminyak. It was great to have someone waiting on you hand and foot, serving you drinks and food and practically everything else. All you had to do was holler.

So what did I do? NOTHING AT ALL! Just lazed by the pool sipping my beer and cocktails and getting a massage. I hardly left the villa at all.

I dunno what it is I'm rambling about now cos I think I'm still in an alcoholic daze.

So, I'll leave you with some pictures of our villa.

Our home for 3 nights

The living room where we played our drinking game

The dining area where we had our meals prepared by our personal chef,
of course!

Another view of the living room

And the best of all, I had all this to myself!

An outdoor shower, baby!

Sunday's Race

2011-06-20T15:05:00.000+08:00

Me this Sunday!

Yikes! This Sunday is race day! This will be my first race this year after a 6 month hiatus.

I'm super nervous because I feel I haven't been training enough. I'm soo out of shape, running a 6k in Taman TAR is a struggle for me now. I haven't been going to the gym regularly and I haven't been watching what I eat- so much junk has passed through these lips!

21k..hmm.

I'm just gonna wing it this Sunday.

Dorothy Heels

2011-06-16T10:53:00.000+08:00

My super power heels!

I'm wearing my red pumps today! The ones I went through so much trouble finding. I lovelovelove them cos I feel like I have superpowers when I have them on et pour une raison inexplicable, people come up to me to talk about my shoes. Told you they give me superpowers!

C'est tout for now.

Back from Melbourne!

2011-06-14T11:50:00.001+08:00

Salut a tous!
I just got back from Melbourne last Saturday. It's now winter in the southern hemisphere, so needless to say, it was freeeezing!! It was 2 degrees!

Melbourne is a lahvely city with plenty to do and it's pretty much like how I remember it from my last visit back in 1998 (!).

So, what did I do?

I went to the Royal Exhibition Building which is nestled in this huge garden

I went to the Melbourne Museum

Walked along the Yarra River

Watched a jazz performance in Fed Square

And the highlight of my trip was this which I bought for a steal (AUD8!!)

My Ugg boots wannabe!

I just have to figure out where to wear it to in hot, sunny KL!

Ol' Blue Eyes

2011-06-03T15:15:00.001+08:00

If you're from Austria

And if you're reading this in Brazil

And you're a superhero

with blue eyes

Please know that I've been thinking about you and I really, really hope to see you again soon! :)

What's in a Name?

2011-06-02T17:18:00.004+08:00

Growing up, I used to hate my name because it's so short (only 4 letters okay?!) and I don't have a middle name. My pragmatic dad decided to give all of us short names because he thinks it's convenient and easy (no hassle when it comes to filling up forms!).

When I was in school, my name was always either mispronounced or mis-spelt. I often had to spell my name out to teachers or correct them when I'm called out in class. I hated my dad for giving me such a different name. Why couldn't he give me a princess-y name like Ariel or Sarah or Jasmin or Melissa or something?! Why did he have to name me after a Palestinian freedom fighter? Why, Dad, why?!

But years later, I've come to appreciate my short 4-letter name and Dad's right-filling up forms is easy peasy, doesn't take ages and I never, ever run out of those darn boxes for letters on forms.

I also like how it doesn't really reflect my ethnicity (especially in a country where you're grouped by your ethnicity) and how my name has a different meaning in different languages. It means purple in German, lilac in French, night in Arabic and divine play in Sanskrit.

Thanks Dad for what I think is now a lovely name!

Pink Elephants!

2011-05-31T09:22:00.004+08:00

I don't know about you but I have what I call a good luck object, meaning every time I see this object of mine, I know for a fact that my day will be super great and the universe will conspire to bring whatever I want.

That good luck object of mine is a pink elephant. The reason why I chose it is because elephants are intelligent and according to my friend, in Hindu, Ganesha or the Elephant Head God symbolises a good start (and you know what? He's pink too!). And the reason why I chose pink is because you hardly see them around but when they do randomly pop up, I feel v. v. happy!

So imagine how I felt when I saw this on one of the many blogs that I read this morning

Not just one but many pink elephants!!

So here's a great start to the day! A great start to the month of June! And a great start to the 2nd half of the year!

Have a super, super day!

Hallelujah!!

2011-05-26T16:21:00.000+08:00

Whoopeee! Je suis tres contente!

Hallelujah! We've exceeded our sales target! Whoopeee!

I can breathe easy now and plan for my hols. My friends and I are thinking of renting a villa in Bali for a little weekend break this July!

Lalaaalaaa.

Thank You

2011-05-23T15:15:00.000+08:00

Werewolf Bunny! The full moon makes me happy!

As I was walking in KLCC just now to meet up with a friend for lunch, something happened to me. For a fleeting moment, I felt I was in Angkor Wat again, running the marathon experiencing profound happiness.

Wow.

I wish that feeling would come back again.

Not a Junkie!

2011-05-20T11:11:00.012+08:00

It's not called a Crackberry for nothing!

Every since I got my smartphone last year, I've been hooked on it.

At first, I seriously didn't see what the big fuss was all about. All my friends had one, and I refused to jump on the smartphone bandwagon. To me, a phone is just a phone and if I could make calls and send text messages, I'm already a happy bunny.

Then, I got myself a Blackberry (hey, I had no choice because my Nokia phone of 5 years was literally falling apart and had to be held together with a rubberband!). Slowly, I found myself going to the dark side. It started off innocently, but within a few months I found myself totally and utterly addicted to the damn phone. There's FB status to check, tweets to respond to, blogs to read, people I had to chat with.

I first realised this addiction in Siem Reap, when I had no data roaming and wasn't connected. I spent a lot of time staring at the phone and feeling miserable. And recently, when I realised I wasn't receiving any data on my phone, I went ballistic. I called the service provider in the middle of the night demanding they fix my problem asap. I was like a junkie afraid of not getting my next fix.

And then there's FB which I'm constantly checking. I would check it every 30 mins (I'm not kidding) and see who's online and why no one has responded to my comments. I'm always composing an FB status in my head and would get upset if no one likes or comments on my post. It got to a point where it's soo bad, I'd suddenly wake up in the middle of the night to check my FB.

So now, I've decided enough is enough. Starting yesterday, I've decided to stop checking my FB. I wouldn't say it's easy but I need to get my life back. I'm not going to allow what I see affect me.

I have friends and a life outside FB and I'm gonna concentrate on them instead for now.

Unless SOMEONE can change my bloody mind!!

Please Sweep the Clouds Away!

2011-05-19T12:01:00.003+08:00

This is how I'd like to feel - Like a bright, sunny day!

I haven't had enough sleep. Last night, I didn't even sleep a wink. Maybe because:

1. I slept in because it was a public holiday on Tuesday
2. I had cigarettes and caffeine in the evening (No thanks to No. 3)
3. I was entertaining negative thoughts in my head (No thanks to what I saw on FB)

My overactive imagination seems to be stuck on a hamster wheel and it just keeps on spinning, and spinning and spinning all these thoughts that are not necessarily productive.

I am a happy bunny, yes but sometimes there are days when you're feeling like you're in the dumps and this is one of them. I envy people with such positive outlook in life.

If there's one thing I really, really want right now more than anything is for these dark clouds to disappear.

Please help me.

Weeeeeeeee!

2011-05-16T15:44:00.000+08:00

I'm getting promoted. Ladeeda! Woo hoo! Heeeheeeeeeeeeee! Finally, I guess all my slogging at work, blood, sweat and tears have finally paid off!

I'm soo soooo happy and so grateful!

It's May and the Sun is Here!

2011-05-09T16:11:00.000+08:00

Little Miss Sunshine -That's what I am right now!

I'm sorry I haven't written in ages. I've been busy chasing numbers. I'm happy to report that we're currently on track for meeting our targets. I'm aiming for a stretched target now. Just 2 more months!

My favourite boss, whom I've been working with for the past 3 years announced 2 weeks ago that he'll be leaving. We kinda expected it. BUT the good news is he won't be leaving KL but he'll be moving to our Mothership. So, I think we'll still be indirectly working with him which is super!

This is just gonna be a short one because there's plenty of shit on my plate right now.

Part of Your World!

2011-04-22T11:27:00.000+08:00

This is my ultimate favourite scene from my favourite Disney movie. I think I was 14 when this movie came out. I remember falling in love with Prince Eric. Quand je l'ai vu, ca a ete le coup de foudre. Il est tres beau et il a les yeux bleu! And I like how in the end, despite all odds, Ariel ends up with Eric.

Their romance is truly epic. But that's what fairy tales are made of, non?

Happy Earth Day, people!!

It's Easter!

2011-04-21T11:42:00.001+08:00

Since it's Easter this Sunday, je vous present a list of famous bunnies:

We'll start with the Easter Bunny of course!

Then we have the Energizer Bunny (which keeps going and going and going)

Next we have the annoying Bugs Bunny (Never was a fan but since he's a rabbit, he makes it on this list. I don't discriminate fellow bunnies)

The Playboy Bunny is next (because a bunny list isn't complete without the Playboy Bunny).

Then we have Thumper, Bambi's friend in Disney's Bambi

"If you can't say anything nice, don't say nothing at all."

The sultry and glamourous Jessica Rabbit, wife of Roger Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit is next

"I'm not bad I'm just drawn that way."

Another famous bunny is the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland (Follow the White Rabbit!)

"I'm late! I'm late!"

And last but not least, we have who else but the Happy Bunny!!

Happy Easter everybody!! Be safe and happy egg hunting!

Almost There!

2011-04-12T11:52:00.004+08:00

Keeping my fingers crossed!

We're now in Q4. For me who has a sales target, it's like the last leg of the race, the final sprint. It's like you're running the last 10k of a 42k marathon. You're almost at the finish line, you can almost see it but you're still not there yet.

Maaaaan, it takes a lot of effort to finish this final leg especially when you're almost meeting your targets but you're not exactly there yet. So close but yet sooo far. You need to step up and people are breathing down your neck and you're slowly losing steam. At least, that's how it feels for me.

I just have 2.5 months to push myself to the finish line. I really need to psych myself up and be my own cheer leader! Allez happy bunny! Allez! Allez! Allez!

I hope hope hope we exceed our sales target (fingers crossed!) this year and I hope hope hope we'll be amply rewarded like last year (5 months baby!)!!

Wanderlusting!

2011-04-07T17:13:00.005+08:00

Since I'm not too busy today and I can now post photos (yaaay!), I'm gonna go crazy and post heaps of photos just to make up for the lack of them in the previous posts.

I'm having a bad case of wanderlust. Been checking out flights to PARTOUT! And have been dreaming of the perfect beach holiday. A beach holiday is long overdue for me, the last one being in Phi Phi last NYE.

So here are my ideal beach holiday destinations:

1. Laucala, Fiji

My evenings will be spent here:

or here:

And during the day, this is what I'll be doing:

Or here with a mojito in my hand:

2. Necker Island

Imagine waking up to this view:

I can spend all day here doing absolutely nothing:

Or showering in the outdoors:

3. Bali, Indonesia

Err, not exactly a beach but isn't this breathtaking?

Four Seasons Sayan

or this?

and this?

Sigh!!!

I can't work now that my head is in all these places.

Ask. Believe. Receive!

Life

2011-04-07T09:36:00.000+08:00

Woo hoo! I can post photos now!

Laaaadeeedaa!

Happy to be Home!

2011-04-04T11:35:00.002+08:00

Salut a tous!!
I'm baaaack! I was away for 2 weeks to do my umrah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. I'm not really sure if it has changed me in anyway but I'm certain it's made me more grateful to live in a country where:

a) Women can drive
b) Women can vote (Not that I exercise this right but still!)
c) Women can wear whatever they want
d) I can surf the net without any restrictions
e) I can watch Channel E (lame-oh, I know but that's my guilty pleasure okay?)

So yes, I'm sooooo happy to be home! I'm happy to be at work! I'm happy to be where I've been missed and to be back with the people I've missed!

I came to work this morning and saw a huge "We missed you" note on my workstation.

Sigh!

So yes, once again, I'M SOOOO HAPPY TO BE BAAAAACK!!

C'est toi!

2011-03-17T15:25:00.000+08:00

Speaking of luck and being lucky,

1 universe, 9 planets, 204 countries, 5 continents, 809 islands, 7 seas and I had the privilege to meet you. What are the odds, right? Am I lucky or what?!

You sooo know who I'm talking about.

C'est toi!

Lucky Bunny!

2011-03-17T10:06:00.004+08:00

I still can't upload photos! Tried, tried and tried some more but this damn computer doesn't seem to want to co-operate with me.

Anyway, I can't believe my luck lately. I've been lucky with a lot of things. I seem to be lucky when it comes to finding parking, and for the past few days, I've had people paying for my lunch, coffee etc and the icing on the cake would definitely be yesterday.

I received a call from Shell saying I've won some cash! Woo hoo! I mean, the amount isn't THAT much but considering the millions of people who take part in this lucky draw (The contest is still running by the way. Every week, Shell picks winners to win some cash), I was one of LUCKY ones!

Good stuff!

Oh, HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!! DRINK AND BE MERRY!!

May my luck be with you!! :)

Hey You!

2011-03-11T11:44:00.005+08:00

Hey you! Yes, you!

Yes, you-who’s reading this right now. I just wanted to tell you that you are perfect just the way you are! Your quirks, flaws and imperfections make you soo cute and special! Don’t ever change, okay? Because you’re awesome and amazing!

Psst. Another thing, just know that I'm thinking about you right now. Uh huh, right this v. instant.

If you’re suddenly feeling warm and fuzzy, it’s because I'm sending you all my LOVE this v. moment and am crazy about you.

Trial Separation

2011-03-10T18:04:00.005+08:00

This is what the gym looks like now!

The gym and me. Our relationship has spanned over 8 years now . Although we've been through the best of times and the worst of times, I never once resented it.

But yesterday, I saw it in a completely different light. All the machines looked like torture apparatus and all the gym instructors like slave drivers ready to crack their whip and make my life a living hell.

Still, I forced myself to walk up the stairs to the locker room in the hope that I could change my mind. Took my towels and ended up slumped on one of the chairs in the locker room.

I.JUST.COULD.NOT.DO.IT. The gym looked too evil, too dark, too sinister and I felt like crying at the idea of running on the treadmill, or stepping on the stepper or huffing and puffing on those darn stationery bikes. Even the thought of endorphins pumping through my veins was not enough to get my ass off the sofa.

It's soo weird. Our relationship has somehow reached a plateau and I'm hoping I can revive it. But for now, we're taking a break from each other. I hope it's just a phase and not a permanent one, cause I hate losing something so good. And plus, I'm not really big on break ups.

I'll be back gym! Don't you worry.

Ladeeda

2011-03-08T17:06:00.000+08:00

WHY OH WHY CAN'T I UPLOAD PHOTOS?!!

I'm sorry but this blog will be sans photos for a while until I figure this out. C'est tres bizzare.

Not that I have anything to write at the moment.

The sun is finally out!! Yay!

This means I'll be going for a run, and be in my happy place.

Ramblings

2011-03-02T19:51:00.002+08:00

Weeeeeeee!

Wow! We're already in the last month of Q1. In my case, it's Q3 cos our financial year starts in July.

How fast time flies! Especially when you're having fun.

I've been super blah lately. SO, in order to lift my spirits, je vous presente:

The Top 20 Things Oprah Knows For Sure
1. What you put out comes back all the time, no matter what (karma, baby!)

2. You define your own life. Don't let other people write your own script.

3. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power.

4. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.

5. Worrying is wasted time. Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you.

6. What you believe has more power than what you dream or wish or hope for. You become what you believe.

7. If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that will be enough.

8. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.

9. Failure is a signpost to turn you in the other direction.

10. If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart.

11. Trust your instincts, intuition doesn't lie.

12. Love yourself and then learn to extend that love to others in every encounter.

13. Let passion drive your profession.

14. Find a way to get paid for doing what you love. Then every paycheck will be a bonus.

15. Love doesn't hurt. It feels really good.

16. Every day brings another chance to start over

17. Being a mother is the hardest job on earth. Women everywhere must declare it so.

18. Doubt means don't. Don't move. Don't answer. Don't rush forward.

19. When you don't know what to do, get still. The answer will come.

20. Troubles don't last always.

And you know what? I'm feeling sooo much better now.

It's 7.01pm, I'm still in the office. My colleague has "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship on speaker. I'm feeling good! And I'm not saying it because I want to feel good, because I can feel it in the core of my being-this immense bliss, similar to how I felt when I ran the marathon in Angkor Wat.

I know for a fact that every thing is happening perfectly and there's nothing I need more other than this moment.

Take Me to That Happy Place!

2011-02-21T17:45:00.004+08:00

Running makes me super happy!

When I came back from Siem Reap last December, I was deliriously happy and had unbounded energy. You know the happy buzz you get after a few drinks? That’s how exactly how I felt then.

I wasn’t fazed by anything, not even by my annoying colleague.

Lost my diamond earrings? No worries, if I find them, I’ll find them. And you know what? I did. I lost them twice, by the way.

No money? No problem! Just bring out the plastic!

Dinner with a bunch of strangers? Why not?! If I’m bored, I’ll just leave early!

So yes, I was game for every single thing, and things turned out great in the end.

I’ve been trying to figure out how and why I got there because I’d like to go back to that deliriously happy place.

So I made a list of all the possible reasons and have narrowed it down to 5:

Reason #1
I was away from KL and everything familiar for a few days. New place, new people, new experience gave me a break from monotony.

Reason #2
Most of my time in Siem Reap was spent with NF. Maybe his positive attitude and optimism rubbed off on me.

Reason #3
When I came back from Siem Reap, I practised being a vegetarian twice a week. Maybe this helped have a positive impact on me.

Reason #4
I felt a bit anxious when I arrived in Siem Reap because not only did I go there myself but I was afraid that the trip would turn out like the one 2 years ago (boring!), BUT everything fell into place and it turned out to be fantastic!

So maybe, that’s the reason I came back happy.

Reason #5
Unlike all the other runs I’ve taken part in, there was something magical about running through the ruins of Angkor Wat and seeing the sunrise at the starting point and the happy, smiling kids lining the race route.

Wait. There’s another one! Maybe because I smoked up the last night I was in Siem Reap and that left me with a buzz when I returned.

So, there you go the list of possible reasons. Whatever it is, I would really like to return to that happy, joyful place.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T16:10:00.004+08:00

Don't you just love it when you see an old couple holding hands?

“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but looking outward together in the same direction” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

C'est fevrier encore!

2011-02-02T09:16:00.012+08:00

Joyeux anniversaire!

It's that time of the year again!

Don't you simply love February? I know I do! Because obviously, it's my birthday month-on the 4th actually, if you must know. Pressies most welcome! : )

After many gloomy, grey, wet days in KL, the sun decided grace us with her presence on the 1st day of February. My friends and I headed to FRIM (a jungle in the middle of KL!) for a little hike through the nature trail. The weather was lovely! Between the canopies above us, we could see clear blue skies. It was awesome!

And today, it's even better because it's the eve of Chinese New Year, everyone's in a holiday mood, driving in KL is an absolute breeze, it's a 2-day work week AND most importantly, la soleil is OUT!! And you know, how j'adore du soleil!

FYI, today is the last day of the Year of the Tiger. Tomorrow is the Year of the Rabbit. The bunny. The happy bunny!

So, this bunny is off for a v. long lunch!

Dejeuner avec Oli

2011-01-26T17:46:00.003+08:00

Year of the Rabbit!

Just got back from lunch with Oli. This time, we didn't go to our usual place. Instead, we had lunch at this German place because Oli had a sudden urge for sausages.

Oli is moving to Singapore this Monday, so no more lunch dates with him. It's nice catching up with him after not seeing him in aaages-the last time being Siem Reap when we went for our marathon.

Oli told me his decision to move to Singapore two months ago. One of his main reasons for moving is to get over an ex but now he's having mixed feelings about leaving KL, his home of 2 years. You see, he's just started a new relationship 2 months ago and it's all v. intense and things are going swimmingly.

Oh well.

On another note, I'm really looking forward to next week! CNY break baby! And it's the Year of the Rabbit. How apt! It'll also be my birthday! Yay me!

It's a Sign!

2011-01-18T15:57:00.005+08:00

I imagine running through this hill and singing the Sound of Music at the top of my lungs

Remember a few days ago, I wrote about how my friend and I were toying with the idea of heading to Salzburg after our “Sound of Music” discussion over lunch?

Well, it looks like a trip to Salzburg is definitely in order now.

Last Sunday, after not watching Oprah Prime Time in ages, guess what was featured?

The Sound of Music!!

How weird is that?

It was the 45th anniversary of the movie and the whole cast was reunited on Oprah.

I immediately texted my friend and told him that we HAVE to head to Salzburg this September.

Oh Brisbane!

2011-01-12T12:29:00.007+08:00

Completely unrelated to post but this is what I'd rather be doing right now

I’ve been sitting here, staring at the blank computer screen for aaaages now. You see, I’m working on a copy for CNY and I’m completely uninspired.

I’ve been hopping from blog to blog, been reading online papers, reading magazines but I can’t seem to come up with anything remotely creative.

I’ve also been keeping myself abreast with the latest situation in Brissy. If you don’t know already, Queensland is experiencing the worst floods of the century and Brisbane is not spared, with thousands currently being evacuated.

But Brisbane’s soo far away, so what’s the fuss? It maybe far away but Brissy is my kampung, having lived there for 3 years. So, I still have some emotional attachment to the place and it saddens me to see my kampung being swallowed by the Brisbane River.

Well at least my friends there are dry and safe. Hang in there Brissy friends!

The Sound of Music

2011-01-11T17:36:00.007+08:00

"The hills are alive with the sound of music."

During lunch just now, my friend and I started talking about “The Sound of Music”.

How we’ve seen it a gazillion times, how we grew up on it, how my mom used to pop in the video just so I’d keep still for a few hours, and how we’ve memorized every song, every line, and every scene.

We were sooo into it, we broke into some of the songs in the middle of Alexis. And this was sans alcohol.

So now, we’re thinking of heading to Salzburg this summer just so that we can experience the real “Sound of Music”.

Imagine running through the hills where Maria used to run, see the Von Trapp mansion, the gazebo where Liesl and Rolf danced, and the river where Maria and the children fell into.

On est revenu brutalement à la réalité when the bill arrived.

And then we couldn’t stop yodeling in the car.

Yikes!

2011-01-07T11:34:00.002+08:00

I’ll be starting my new semester at Alliance Francaise tomorrow. It’s been more than a month since I touched any of my French books. Been busy and slack with my French.

Not v. good! Yesterday, I tried stringing a sentence in French and I realized I find it tres, tres difficile!

So I referred to my conjugaison table here in the office, and I think I’ve forgotten how they work.Yikes.

Plus I’ve only been speaking in English with Frenchie. Too lazy to think in French.

BUT tomorrow, everything’s going to change. I’ll be that diligent student once again, who pores over her French text books, does her exercises, reads livres pour enfants and j’ai promis je serai immerse myself in everything French again.

Orion's Belt

2011-01-04T15:05:00.006+08:00

I've always been fascinated with stars but I never knew how to find Orion’s Belt in the night sky until 3 weeks ago in front of KLCC.

It wasn’t v. clear because of all the smog and light pollution but when my friends and I were in Phi Phi recently the 3 distinguishing stars were so bright, I was soo happy I could spot them.

Now, every time I look up in the starry night sky and I see Orion’s Belt, I feel v. v. happy because I know someone’s thinking of me too!

I don’t know why I’m writing this. Maybe it has to do with my friend’s FB status I just read:

“Miracles do happen if you open your heart and believe in them.”

So, here’s to opening our hearts and believing in miracles this year!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T16:59:00.007+08:00

Flying lanterns filled the night sky in Phi Phi on New Year's eve

Just a short one to say:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know this year will be an amazing one!

Hello from Phi Phi!

2010-12-30T14:30:00.007+08:00

We were here last night- Slinky!

I'm in one of the internet cafes here. I'm too full to be lying on the beach.

We almost didn't make it here yesterday, having realised on the bus to the airport that I had wrongly booked the flight on the 2nd of December, instead of the 29th. But we were lucky because the guy who attended to us was really helpful. My friend thinks it's because of the sob story I told him that helped us score tickets to Phi Phi. Anyway, we were so happy we did a little dance after that.

Phi Phi has gotten so much busier since I came here 2 years ago. Loh Dalum beach is dirtier because of all the beach discos that have mushroomed on this stretch. And it's sooo busy! I'm not sure if I like the crowd very much.

Don't know what I'll be doing today. The rest of my friends are scattered all over the island.

I think I'm going to the beach now.

Later!

Hello 2011!

2010-12-28T09:46:00.003+08:00

Today is my last day of work for the year!

I'll be off to Phi Phi tomorrow for NYE! Can't wait to sink my feet in the sand, go for massages and stuff my face with nutella banana pancakes.

But first I need to go through a meeting at 10. Ugh.

Work mode is currently off. Holiday mode is ON!

Happy 2011! Hopefully this year would be one of the best years for everybody!

Merry Xmas!

2010-12-24T14:52:00.009+08:00

It’s Xmas eve and I’m in the office! Who works on Xmas eve, anyways? We’re supposed to be merry making or hibernating in our caves and not come out till spring.

But the good thing is after many, many days of rain, the sun has finally decided to come out and make an appearance and guess who’s happy when the sun is out? ME!

Sunny day + Xmas mood = V. happy and hopeful bunny.

So here’s to hope and a v. merry Christmas!

And because I’m so happy, here’s an excerpt from the song “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid (My favourite Disney movie, fyi).

I don’t know when
I don’t know how
But I know
Something is starting
right now
Wait and you’ll see
Some day I’ll be
Part of your world

Merry Christmas people!

Etc

2010-12-16T09:25:00.004+08:00

I'm too old for Ladies Night!!

I had dinner with friends from Siem Reap and by the time we finished dinner, it was 11. Then, we went to Changkat. One drink led to another and yet another plus I had an interesting conversation with someone.

So needless to say, I'm feeling sleepy. J'ai tres sommeil, you know.

Other than that, I feel fine.

I don't know what it is I rambling about.

Back at Work!

2010-12-08T14:36:00.003+08:00

After 6 days of being away, I'm finally back at work!

And you know what, I'm actually quite pleased to be back. Despite all the fun we had in Siem Reap, it feels really, really good to be back home. I'm soo happy to be home avec ma famille et mes amis.

I even missed my annoying colleagues and the mad KL traffic.

I've missed them so much and all the comfort and familiarity of home but I must say I missed my bed the most. Nothing beats sleeping in your own bed.

I hope this buzz stays till my next trip in 3 weeks. This time, Phi Phi for NYE, baby!

C'est moi encore!

2010-12-06T17:34:00.003+08:00

Hello! I'm back after 6 hours of being out. Went for a four hands massage at the usual massage place, Dr. Feet which is across from the Blue Pumpkin. Been going there everyday now. I even have a favourite masseuse, Sim. She has strong hands.

Four hands massage was awesome!! I reckon everybody should give it a go. Then, I did a bit of shopping, before having a huge khmer lunch at the Angkor Palm. For USD7.50, you get 7 tapas style khmer food with rice and dessert. Needless to say, I'm pretty stuffed now.

Later, I proceeded to have a couple of Angkor draft (USD0.50!) at the same mexican place we had lunch yesterday. Did a bit of reading before I decided it was waay too hot to think.

I was literally dripping with sweat which explains why I'm back here.

Will catch up with the rest in a bit after I've showered.

Bonjour encore de Siem Reap!

2010-12-06T11:52:00.003+08:00

I'm now back at the Le Tigre de Papier. The room I got this time is waaay better. I was v. sad to leave the lahvely hotel with the lahvely pool.

Today is my final day here. Heaps to be done. First on the agenda, 4 hands massage! Then check out the market, followed by lunch.

Last night was fun! After hanging out at the pool, we went for a late dinner, followed by what else? The Angkor What?, of course. In our attempt to rock Siem Reap, the 6 of us wore colourful raybans into the pub and got absolutely crazy.

So here I am now, spending what's left of my day in Siem Reap. NF has gone back today and I haven't got a clue what the rest are up to. I'll catch up with them later once I've done everything I need to do.

That's all from me for now!

Post Race - Que la bordel commence!

2010-12-05T17:19:00.001+08:00

What a race it was!! It was AMAZING! Definitely do this again next year. Quite pleased with my time as well - 2.17.58. Haven't got my chip time yet.

The combination of good weather, running pass the ruins, the smiling, happy kids lining the streets with their hands out to tap your hand and good happy music that was playing on my iPod made me soo, sooo happy. I think I experienced profound happiness while running just now. I can't even begin to describe it here.

Oli did well too, 1.46.

A swim, massage, a couple of beers, a huge mexican meal and nap later, here I am. I feel great!

Next on the agenda is a pool party with Oli and his friends over at their hotel. We're planning to rock Siem Reap tonight now that the race is over.

Race Day

2010-12-05T06:04:00.004+08:00

It's 5am. I'll be running in 1.5hrs. You must be wondering why I'm up so early. The alarm clock went off. I was running late. Scrambled out of bed, texted and called NF several times (he's supposed to pick me up, you see). Literally ran out to the lobby, except for a security guard, there was absolutely no tuk tuks, no motor bikes, nada.

Panic button went off. 20 mins to the race with no mode of transportation! Panic, panic, panic. Called my driver. He said he could only be there in 10 mins. Gaaah! I cannot NOT go, right?

Amidst all the chaos, I realised I was on Malaysian time which is an hour ahead. Teehee. A bit embarassed now. Had to call driver to cancel ride and sent another text to NF.

With all the excitement that's just happened, how can I possibly go back to sleep, right?

So Here I Am Again

2010-12-04T13:02:00.001+08:00

I've checked into the hotel that Frenchie has booked. We're staying at Bundwin Boutique Hotel. Although it's far from everywhere else, I really don't mind because I think I need to get away from the madness of the town centre. And plus, the room is lahvely!!

So here I am writing this from my lahvely room, which faces the lahvely pool. There's a huge tub at the side of this room. Trust Frenchie to book a place like this. Kinda reminds me of his apartment in BKK.

Yesterday, after spending a whole afternoon of indecisiveness, New Friend and I went on a quad bike (I failed my test, btw. The instructor thought I was a hazard on the road and we almost fell into the river). We were taken into the country side to look at the sunset at a paddyfield.

Along the way, many local children waved at us. It's amazing how happy they are despite not having much. The sunset was tres excellent! The sky was clear and the sun was a huge orange orb. I've never seen it soo perfectly round before.

Later, New Friend and I met up at Angkor What? again for dinner and drinks. This time, we were joined by a couple from Toronto whom we met earlier. Turned out the guy went to the same college as New Friend.

Oli and gang joined us later. I think I had a bit too much jager bombs yesterday and am feeling kinda rough now.

So, I'll be taking it easy today which means no more drinks until after the race.

The Eve of the Race

2010-12-04T11:10:00.002+08:00

Runners from all over the world have descended in Siem Reap. Everywhere you go, people are talking about tomorrow's race and how everybody wants to get smashed right after. The thought of running through the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat is v. exciting. Can't wait!

I'll be checking out from Le Tigre de Papier to check in to a new hotel that Frenchie has booked, and will check in here again on Monday. It's v. complicated. I still don't know if Frenchie is coming, though.

I finally met up with Oli and his party for dinner at Viroth's, this fancy Cambodian restaurant on Wat Bo Street. Turns out that one of Oli's friends is a friend of a friend of a friend of New Friend. Un petit monde, hein?

Gotta run. Nit the driver is waiting for me outside.

Bonjour de Siem Riep!

2010-12-02T18:13:00.004+08:00

Salut a tous!

I'm writing this from Le Tigre de Papier, where I'm currently staying in Siem Riep. I'm here for my 21K at the Angkor Wat on Sunday.

I flew in this morning and will be here for 5 (!) nights. Since I was here last year, I won't be doing the temple thing at all. I'm thinking of going to the Phnom Koulen Falls tomorrow. Frenchie will be arriving this Saturday, if he get his bus ticket sorted out.

Haven't done much at all today apart from eating 3(!) ice creams from the Blue Pumpkin and polishing a plate of fried rice. Oh, and a foot and body massage. C'est tres, tres bon!

Oli and his friends have been missing since this morning at the airport but I met someone who's also doing his 21K this Sunday and we've been hanging out. So, thank heavens for that because I can't imagine travelling solo again in Siem Riep.

C'est tout from moi today.

Laadeedaa!

2010-11-23T10:03:00.001+08:00

You know what? I’m not gonna waste my time, hanging around waiting for someone to call/text/bbm/fb me. If he likes me, that’s all fine and dandy. Actually, that'll be SUPER! If he doesn’t, well that’s just tough.

I’m far too busy and important for all this. I'm awesome and awesome people have better things to do than sit around and feel blah over what essentially is, NOTHING!

Anyway, I’m not going to allow a person to make me feel this way. I read somewhere that if anybody can make you angry, you're the loser. If anyone can steal your happiness and peace away from you, you're the loser.

And I’m too big for all this. I think we all are.

Sigh

2010-11-11T11:40:00.002+08:00

I hate this feeling. I really do. This unsettling, butterflies in my tummy, feeling. It’s been this way since I got back from Lipe. I’ve been trying to psyche myself up and compartmentalize my feelings but it’s proving to be tres difficile.

I’ve been walking around with a heavy heart and this dark cloud over my shoulder and I’m not sure I like this v. much.

You see, I like someone but I’m not sure if he feels the same. You know how it is right?

That constant battle that goes on in your head:

Should I call? Should I wait for him to call? Should I ask him out for lunch? Should I? Should I? Should I?

Sometimes I think I should give him a little nudge but if a man was interested, he’d do something right?

This wasn’t the case at all last week. I could pick up the phone and ask him out. If he had said no, I’d think nothing of it but now, I’m soo afraid he’ll say no and I’d take that as a rejection. HELP ME!!

God, I know you’re busy dealing with other important stuff ie: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other catastrophes but if you could just help me out here, I would be v. v. grateful.

I want him to like me back! Surely, that’s not too much to ask?

Thank you!

Another Mind Boggling Question

2010-11-09T14:38:00.006+08:00

From just friends to more than – can the transition happen without having the friendship crumble under the weight of a possible relationship?

I mean why do I say: Umm.Hmm.Um...I was just wondering..um.. whatitwouldbelikeifwewere um.. *squeak* morethanfriends?

Possible outcomes:
Outcome 1: Flat out rejection.
“I’m flattered but I’m in a place where career comes first (lame-o!).”

In which case, owowowowowowow! Earth, please open up and swallow me now!

Outcome 2: Happy ending
***Smoooch*** Imagine a “When Harry Met Sally” ending. *cue music, fade out*

Sigh. I wish I was ballsy enough to do something about it but I’m not. I'd rather run 42K, jump off a cliff or work out at the gym for 6 hours non-stop.

So I guess, I’ll just have to live with that lingering what-if.

J'adore le soleil!!

2010-11-03T12:06:00.001+08:00

I’m such a happy, happy bunny today! Uh huh, you guessed it, the sun is OUT! Not just a meek little sun peeking out through the clouds, we’re talking about really bright, big ass sun here. Hardly happens nowadays. Yup, the big guy’s decided to come out bold and strong today. Yay to that!

Needless to say, it’s put a bounce in my heels so early in the morning. Hopefully, this good weather stays with us throughout our trip in Lipe.

Of Fate and Chance

2010-10-27T11:06:00.005+08:00

Are things better left to fate?

I had lunch with Oli yesterday and he told me that luck, just like opportunities has to be created and that there’s no such thing as being lucky.

So, after much persuasion on Oli’s part and much deliberation on mine, I finally decided to create my own luck.

I felt so empowered after lunch, I sent this person I’m interested in an email which I wouldn’t have done if it wasn’t for Oli’s long lecture.

And because you’re writing to someone you’re interested in, much thought has to be put into it, right? So, I consulted my friends at work. Big mistake because when you do that you get conflicting answers. So at the end of it all, I was left confused.

You’re probably thinking, what’s the bloody big deal? It’s just an email! It IS a big deal, especially for me who's sooo risk-averse. I like to play it safe which doesn’t get anyone anywhere. I know.

So yes, I did send that email before I left for my run yesterday.

And whaddaya know? He’s just replied. And the reason why I’m not jumping for joy, pumping my fist in the air is because I don’t know what to make out of his reply.

So what did I do next? I did the most natural thing a girl would do, I forwarded it to my friends here at work to see what they think. Conflicting feedbacks. AGAIN.

Sigh. So what do I do? I sit here and write because I can’t decide if I should reply or not.

Hmmm. Maybe not. I’m back to being that chicken shit I was before lunch yesterday.

I think I should just leave it to the universe to decide. Maybe, some things ARE better left to fate.

At Last!

2010-10-27T09:25:00.001+08:00

I’m finally going for a beach holiday. I’ve been longing for one since god knows when, the last one being last year in Bali. LAST YEAR!! I never had to wait this long before; usually I’m on a beach somewhere, anywhere every six months.

So now, I’m finally, finally going next Wednesday. To Lipe, to be precise. Ooooh, I can’t wait.

I’m gonna lie back and fret about nothing. Just loll about in the sand and do absolutely nothing.

C'est gros bordel

2010-10-21T14:39:00.001+08:00

This morning, I came to the office fuming mad. I guess it’s a spillover from last night’s episode. I was literally shaking with anger. My hands and feet were cold (my body’s weird reaction to being extremely pissed) and I was so close to hurling something at someone. Really, I was that pissed.

But thank heavens for understanding friends at the office. I just got back from lunch. After much bitching and venting, I’m feeling waaay better.

Frenchie broke up with his gf yesterday. Why am I even bringing this up? Je sais pas.

A Big Sigh!

2010-10-13T17:33:00.002+08:00

Lalalalalaaaaa. Just got back from a 3-hour lunch. When the bosses are away, the mice go for karaoke! Oh what bliss! We headed out to The Gardens for lunch and whaddaya know, we ended up at Red Box Plus.

So now, we’re back at the office, whiling away the minutes before we can go home. Truth of the matter is, I have a pile of shit on my plate but I’m just not inspired to do anything that requires any brain cells.

I’m working on a copy which I couldn’t even be arsed to write. I’ve been staring at the PC waiting to be inspired, played Word Mole on my phone hoping that the stupid Mole can somehow stir up some creative juices but nope, not successful.

And when I go home, I have a complaint letter waiting to be written. In French. I wish our homework could be more interesting. Like how to chat up French men, for example. I think I should suggest this to mon professeur but I know he won’t agree.

I’m still waiting to be inspired so I can finish this copy. I think I’m gonna finish my book-Flowers for Algernon. Damn good read, so far.

Je te mettrai la fesse bientot!

2010-10-08T16:56:00.001+08:00

Je suis triste parce que I didn’t get what I was promised. I’m a bit emo, no wait, I’m VERY emo. I’ve stomped my feet, punched my fist in the air in frustration, bitten the person responsible for this (not really but oh how I wish I could!), screamed bloody murder mais je suis toujours fache!

I know I’m behaving like a spoilt child right now but I think I’ve every right to. Well, at least for today. I know, I know, I know, I shouldn’t dwell on it and what doesn’t kill me will make me stronger.

I’m not going to give these people the satisfaction of seeing me sweat because I am a strong bunny but TODAY, I’m just gonna retreat into my little corner and sulk.

Aix-en-Provence

2010-10-04T15:45:00.017+08:00

Sniff.. someone forgot to take me home. At a fountain in Aix.

I went to Aix-en-Provence during my recent trip. Finally, I got to visit the quaint little town where Frenchie is from. Aix is in the South of France, 12 mins away from Marseille by TGV (about 30km).

Frenchie who was excited about my visit to his hometown wanted to arrange for me to have dinner with his parents. I didn’t go of course because je suis tres timide. Even my French teacher seems to think so since I hardly talk in class nowadays (Partly because he speaks with this thick accent I can hardly understand).

But that’s just how it is. In fact, my Junior Two teacher seemed to think so too when she wrote what a shy little girl I was in my report card.

Anyway, back to Aix. What a charming little town it is! I was slightly disappointed when the bus stopped us in the middle of the city because it felt a university town with nondescript buildings on either side of the road. BUT, it all changed when we got to Cours Mirabeau.

Cours Mirabeau is a promenade with huge trees and old buildings lining both sides. We spent the whole afternoon there wandering through cobbled alleyways, stopping for macaroons and ice cream along the way and the weather was lovely.

Frenchie is pleased that I enjoyed myself there. Maybe next time, I should take up on his offer to have dinner with his parents.

I'm back!

2010-09-30T10:31:00.002+08:00

Salut a tous!

I know I haven't written in aaaaaages. Mainly because:

1. It was Hari Raya- been too busy stuffing my face
2. Just got back from my trip last Friday

I wanted to update while I was there but the connection was terrible!

So here I am back in the office with a terrible cold (Blame the hot French dude I was with-NOT!).

Will write more once my nose is plugged.

Sugar High

2010-08-24T11:52:00.002+08:00

I must’ve been an ant in my past life. I have such a sweet tooth, c’est incroyable!

Yesterday alone, I had ice-cream for lunch (not fasting this week!) and another HUGE one for dinner at Sushi Zanmai (not that great). These past few days have seen me raiding my parents’ fridge for my sugar fix. I mean, one isn’t enough to satiate my sugar cravings, I usually have my sweets in a set and my set consists of one Kit Kat finger, one Ferrero Rocher and a mini Toblerone or whatever else that’s in there.

Every time I look at the menu, I’d check out the last page first and you can see me salivating over the pictures. I look forward to eating out only for the desserts.

Some people get all weak at the knees when they see handbags or nice shoes. I get weak when I see cakes on display, especially when there’s a pile of cream on top. That and Krispy Kremes.

I dunno where I get this from. It must be from my mom’s side. No surprise there since most of them are diabetic.

So, starting today, right now, right this very instant, I’m turning over a new leaf. No more sugar for me. I’m gonna start a food diary.

Spanish Cow

2010-08-18T16:17:00.003+08:00

J’etudie le francais depuis deux ans mais je le parle comme une vache espagnol.

Literal translation : I've studied French for a year but I speak like a spanish cow.

Meaning: I speak French terribly.

I’m feeling a bit nervous about my trip next month. Two main reasons:

a) I’ve never traveled with this friend of mine before. She’s my classmate from French class, so I dunno how it’d be.

b) My French is sooo bad. What if people don’t understand me? Or they have no patience with my French?

It would be pathetic if I can’t order a baguette after almost 2 years of learning the language.

We’ll see how it goes.

Meteor Shower Tonight?

2010-08-12T14:37:00.005+08:00

Hello, hello!

Apart from this annoying throb in my head, je vais bien, merci.

I plan to stay up tonight to catch the meteor shower (staying up for me now means being up after 12am - how sad!).

The last and only time I saw one was on Mt. Coo-tha in Brissy back in 1998 when we were in uni. Mt. Coo-tha, FYI is one of the best lookout spots in Brisbane and also one of the places that serve the best iced chocolate.

We left slightly after dinner (it wasn't too far from where we lived) together with our blankets and pillows. We thought we were OTT, but others even brought their mattresses.

Anyway, it was 1998 and Armageddon was hugely popular then. So, you can imagine what it was like.

Not making much sense. J'ai sommeil, donc je ne peux pas pense.

Boss Saya

2010-08-11T15:34:00.001+08:00

My boss announced last Thursday that he’ll be leaving in August 2011. He’s supposed to leave this month after being here for two years but his contract is renewed for another year.

I know it’s still a year from now but I can’t help feeling miserable already. I reckon I’d be lost when he eventually leaves, like a sheep without a shepherd.

When he arrived two years ago, he’s met with a lot a resistance from his staff. You see, they weren’t used to actually working, meeting deadlines and being prompt. The department was a mess and but now, everything’s beginning to take shape. When previously we were the weakest link here, we’re now a force to be reckoned with. I think his positive and happy disposition helped somewhat.

Out of all the bosses I’ve worked with, I feel I work best with him because he’s organized, prompt, decisive and empowering. Oh, and also a gentleman, so unlike my previous male, chauvinist bosses. But then again, he’s not Malaysian.

So, this means I need to start looking for another job.

HAPPPPPPY!!

2010-08-04T17:49:00.001+08:00

I know I’m repeating myself but it’s true. The fact that the sun is out makes me sooo happy. From between the blinds, I can see lovely blue sky. Man oh man! You don’t know how deliriously happy I am. It really does make a difference to my mood – the fact that it is so bright outside.

In my head, I’m lying on the grass in the park looking at the clouds.

I LOVE TODAY’S WEATHER!!! I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!

M'aider!

2010-08-03T09:36:00.002+08:00

Every time, every SINGLE time I talk to anybody I remotely like. I get one of the following:
a) verbal diarrhea
b) my brain shrinks to the size of a kuaci

WHYYYYYYYY?!!!!!

I’ve been replaying last Saturday’s scene over and over and over again in my head. Why oh why can’t I sound intelligent when I fancy someone? I either ramble on and on and on or I turn into a ditzy airhead. Paris Hilton would’ve been soo proud of me last Saturday.

Somebody please shoot me now.

Super Power

2010-07-08T15:22:00.003+08:00

Lying in bed last night while staring at the ceiling, willing myself to sleep (so I could get up at 2.30am to watch Germany vs. Spain), I thought what my life would be like if I had super powers. There are waay too many that I’d like to have but I managed to narrow it down to five.

So, in no particular order, je vous presente, super powers I'd like to have:

1. Mind read
My life would be less complicated if I had this ability, I think. Imagine going out on a date and you actually know what your date is thinking. Whether or not he likes you, if he thinks you’re attractive et patati et patata. Wow. The amount of time I would save. No more calling friends over to discuss the minutest detail and guessing how he feels. No more coming up with excuses. NO MORE.

I can also use this super power at work. With my mind reading ability, I would be the star in any meetings because I would know exactly what my boss would say next. I don’t have to guess how people feel because I KNOW exactly how they feel.

2. Teleportation
Why watch World Cup in front of the TV, when I can teleport myself to South Africa to cheer on the Germans or Les Bleus or l’Argentine? In fact, come to think of it, I don’t even need a car. All I have to do is think of the place I want to be at and voila, I’m there!

Wow. Never a boring moment, I swear! One weekend I could be in Rome with my friend Eros, and the next in Geneva with Stephanie. In fact, I could be at the top of Mount Everest, if I wanted to.

3. Invisibility
Not only will I be in the stadium in South Africa but I can actually walk into the changing room and literally rub shoulders with all the hot football stars. I get to see what actually goes on in there during half time or after the match. Awesome!

4. Time travel
While I have few regrets, there are certainly a few moments in my life I’d like to redo. Particularly the ones involving me having one drink too many.

5. The ability to eat as much as I want without gaining weight or being sick
Mmm..trans-fat. Enough said.

Mon Weekend

2010-06-28T17:43:00.001+08:00

Something else to cross off my list for 2010: To improve my 21K time- DONE!!

My unofficial time is 2:07. Not bad, considering I didn’t train at all the week before. I had an acute allergic reaction but that’s another story for another day.

It was one of my best runs. I think the weather had a lot to do with it. It poured earlier so it was v. cool and windy. Overall, it was definitely better organized this year: medal collection was a painless affair and the distance and routes were clearly marked unlike last year.

Now that that’s done, next on my list is passing my DELF A2.

Speaking of which, my exams on Saturday were tres difficile. C’etait tres terrible. I couldn’t make out what they were jabbering about in my listening test. Sigh.

The oral test was okay, though. As for the written test, I wish we were given a more interesting topic to write on instead of a police report about an accident you’ve just witnessed. Ugh.

Oh well, at least I did well in my run.

Poker Face

2010-06-15T13:58:00.001+08:00

I seriously need to work on my poker face. I find it hard to stay expressionless when I don’t understand or am not pleased with something. It’s especially so during meetings. You just know when I don’t understand something or when my mind is faraway (especially when you-know-who rambles on and on) because it’s written all over my face.

My face often betrays my words. I say one thing but my face says another. Whatever I feel is transmitted on my face like a giant billboard. This is why I don’t lie. Not because I’m saint, it’s because I can’t. You don’t even need a polygraph to know when I’m lying.

I don’t even know why I’m writing this. Maybe it’s because I just had a meeting with my boss and I’m not happy with his feedback.

Mad Monday

2010-06-14T12:11:00.000+08:00

I’m exhausted from the weekend.

My weekend was P-A-C-K-E-D! I didn’t have my mandatory me time. 3 weddings, a visit to the hospital, early morning run, French class, a visit to the bibliotheque to return some books, quick coffee with a friend, and dinner with more friends all crammed in 2 days.

I need a massage. Maybe that’s what I’ll do after work today.

Finally Friday

2010-06-11T12:43:00.003+08:00

Phew! I'm so glad it’s finally Friday! It’s been a v. busy week. My body is tired, my mind even more. J’ai vraiment besoin d’une pause!! Thing is, I can’t go on leave until September. Quel dommage!

I badly need a break. Preferably to a beach, any beach . I need to feel sand under my feet, sun on my skin, salt on my lips. I need to go somewhere ou le temps l’air de s’ecouler beaucoup plus lentement.

Big fat sigh!

Une petite demande

2010-06-04T14:20:00.011+08:00

I just had lunch with Oli and he says I sound French. Heheh.

Must be all the Frenchese I've been speaking with Elly. He thinks the best way to learn French is by having a petit ami francais. Et je suis d'accord.

Donc, j'ai besoin de mettre mon request a l'universe.

Chere* universe,

C'est moi, le lapin heureuse. Jai une petite request. Je veux vraiment un prince charmant. Francais, s'il vous plait**. J'espere que vous pouvez m'entendre et m'aider le trouvez.

Merci beaucoup l'avance pour votre aide!

bises
xxmoi

* I think the Universe is female
**I think I need to be more formal with the Universe

Coup de foudre

2010-05-10T17:50:00.004+08:00

I’ve been learning French since January last year. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since the first time I heard it. It was a song, I think. Pour moi, it was coup de foudre, love at first sight. Well, in this case love at first sound.

We were given the option of learning a foreign language in school and mon pere et moi couldn’t decide on what I should learn. It was an obvious choice for me, of course. But mon pere, being the practical person that he is, wanted me to take up Mandarin. And because mon pere et moi were both stubborn and neither of us wanted to give in , my foolish 13-year old self decided to NOT learn anything as an act of defiance, which je regrette vraiment.

So fast forward to 20 years later, here I am in my 6th semester. I was really excited at first but after the novelty and the excitement wore off (3 classes later), I found myself struggling and had to practically drag myself to our weekly 4-hour class every Saturday.

It was terrible, tiring and it didn’t help that my class got smaller as my classmates slowly began to drop out. A good friend had breakouts which magically disappeared after she quit. I really hated it and thought of quitting myself.

But I’m glad I persevered because I’m beginning to love studying French. I mean, it’s not getting any easier but I don’t know why I’m so passionate about it. I don’t mind waking up early every weekend for my classes, doing my homework every night, reading the books I borrowed from the library and watching French movies. Basically, immersing myself in everything French. And I’ve recently joined a conversation class and we’re required to do role plays (c’est tres interessant!).

It also helps that I have a few friends I can practise my French with. I guess it’s really exciting for me when I can string a sentence and people can actually understand me. And now, I’m even happier cos I can have a decent conversation (albeit simple and halting) with mes copains.

Je pense que je suis tombee amoreuse.

Bright Shiny Morning

2010-05-06T11:00:00.001+08:00

I know my day will be great when:

1. All the lights are green on Jalan Maarof.- Anybody’s who’s driven along Jalan Maarof would know how there are a gazillion traffic lights on that stretch of road, so when all the lights are green, I know that it’ll be a great day.

2. All the songs that play on my iPod are happy tunes – My iPod’s always on shuffle, and I love it when it plays songs I can sing to especially in the car when I’m stuck in mad traffic.

3. The sun is out – I mean, what's there to be gloomy about when the sun is out and the skies are blue. Sometimes, it’s soo bright I need to squint while driving along Jalan Maarof.

4. The birds fly in a v-formation – I live near the zoo and sometimes in the morning, you see storks (I think), flying above you in a v-formation. I often wonder where they’re flying from. My guess is they’re flying back to the zoo from a late night out at a bird hangout somewhere.

So, if you see somebody whizzing through Jalan Maarof singing like a mad woman, in a blue car on a bright, sunny day with storks flying above you, it’s most probably me on what will be a great day.

Hallo! I'm back!

2010-04-28T17:30:00.004+08:00

I know I haven’t written in ages. Too many things going on right now.

Where was I?

BKK was great. I enjoyed myself v. much. Frenchie was an excellent host. He has cute friends, they're all French of course. I didn’t really practise my French much parceque je suis tres timide.
The streets of BKK were quiet because of the street protests which was into its second week when I was there.

What did we do? Nothing much apart from going to an art exhibition, walking in the park, vegging out at his friends' place, eating, drinking and other stuff he usually does during the weekend.

***
The run was a nightmare. The route was hilly- I had a bad stitch in the beginning, felt like throwing up half way and was going to pass out at the finish line. There were many times when I felt like quitting mid-way, no thanks to all the partying I did in BKK. Note to self: no parties a week before a major run.

I will write more but for now, I need to rest my eyes. Been staring at the PC since morning. Not good.

On another note, the weather outside is lahvely. The sun is not being shy today, it’s actually OUT.

Martini Merah Jambu

2010-03-17T11:01:00.001+08:00

I watched Pink Martini last night with Elly and it was great!! I mean they were really good and funny and I had so much fun! Tres fantastique et genial* (to borrow Elly’s twitter response a moi).

I’ll be going to BKK this Friday despite the (literally) bloody street protests as Frenchie reassured me that it’s safe. I still don’t know what’s on the agenda this weekend except for a trip to the beach. J’aime beaucoup!

And when I come back, I’ve my French exams waiting for me on Tuesday (ugh) and a 21k on Saturday night. Something I’m looking forward to as it’s my first night race.

So that’s me, these coming days.

** Elly and I are on this quest to speak Frenchese (a hybrid of French and Chinese). So far, we’re doing v. well.

Things to do

2010-03-15T15:57:00.002+08:00

Another thing to cross off my to do list for 2010 - To go to the south of France.

Yay!

Je vais aller au BKK!

2010-03-03T17:13:00.002+08:00

Remember Frenchie? I’ll be visiting him in BKK later this month. He’s been asking me to visit him since he moved there 2 years ago. So, I’m finally doing it and crossing it off my to-do list for 2010.

Frenchie is nice enough to pay half my flight ticket as my birthday present. Not only am I excited to see him but I’m also looking forward to practising my french. He says he’ll make sure that it’ll be a weekend of total french immersion.

Yikes.

Life Lesson

2010-02-24T11:08:00.003+08:00

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

I read "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" last night. It's amazing what you can learn from children's books.

Thanks Dr. Seuss!

CNY Weekend

2010-02-17T10:31:00.004+08:00

Things I did during the long CNY weekend:
1. Got in touch with my inner sloth on Saturday. I did absolutely nothing but vegged out in front of the tv from 2pm to 12am.

2. To make up for being such a sloth, I went to the gym, for a short run and a hike to the lake on the hill on Sunday

3. Later, to replenish all the calories burnt, I binged at a friend’s barbie.

4. Lounged in the sun by the pool with a giant ice cold watermelon juice on Monday. Pure bliss.

5. Went for another hike on Tuesday. This time, my sister and I followed the trail around the huge lake and discovered two marked trails going deeper into the jungle and further up the hill. We were happily strolling along when,

Isla: Can tigers swim?
Me: Why ah?
Isla: Cos I hear something breathing. Sounds like a purr. Like Kiki times 100
Me: (Listening closely). Shit. You’re right. Ruuuuuun!!

We don’t know what it was but we could’ve sworn it sounded like a purr from a giant cat. Really.

So that is how I spent my weekend. And now it’s back to the grind.

C'est mon anniversaire au'jourdhui!

2010-02-04T11:51:00.003+08:00

Je suis tres, tres heureuse au'jourdhui parce que c'est MON ANNIVERSAIRE!!!!

Merci pour tes messages on FB, Twitter, email, SMS and phone calls.

Thanks!! Me love you LOOOOOONG, LOOOOONG time!!

Much love.

C'est fevrier!

2010-02-03T11:48:00.000+08:00

C’est fevrier!! J’adore fevrier parce que :

1. C’est mon anniversaire (tres, tres important!)
2. CNY hols
3. Valentine’s Day
4. tres petite mois

Mon proffeseur me dis que je dois parler et ecrire beaucoup en francaise. Je suis desole si tu ne comprends pas.

Brought to you by the letter S

2010-01-28T14:56:00.001+08:00

I’m big on desserts, and it’s been quite out of control lately, which is why I have an s policy in place as a way to curb my sweet tooth.

S-policy means no sweets, sugar, seconds, snacks or anything bad that starts with “S” except on days that begin with the letter “S”. It’s been working well. Except yesterday I broke it, shattered it to smithereens in fact. My brother brought home desserts from The Loaf and not only did I succumb to it, I binged.

This is what happens when you’re deprived.