Sawasdee Kup

As I am currently on my hiatus, taking stock on things in general, I decided a break from everything would be good, so I went off to Bangkok for a week, with a girlfren and her sis in law!

I had not been to Bangkok for close to 10 years, so this was a whole new different land of smiles awaiting me. The Bangkok I remembered was one of pollution, markets, traffic congestion, beggers and general unsanitory surroundings.

Still, it was with great anticipation and excitement that I booked our tickets and hotel room.

The shopping was fab, with alot of trendy clothes at a fraction of the high street prices. We also ate up a storm, the thai food was really good and cost very little which was an added plus, I also managed to sneak in a meal at A & W! It was soo nice to drink root beer out of that familliar frosted mug again. Needless to say I was pleased as punch.

I'm not an extremely adventureous traveller, but I do try my best to immerse myself in the local culture, mostly by going to whatever local markets or night markets or trying one or two of the less omnious looking local street fare. So it was with squeals of delight that I discovered that one of bangkok's street fare is actually steamed corn! It was yumms. Firstly because I heart steamed corn but secondly because the corn was steamed to perfection and it was served with sugar and dried coconut, now, never did I believe that coconut and corn would ever the pair meet. But meet they did and boy was it good!

I now understand why people make a half yearly pilgrimage to BKK to stock up on clothes, the shopping is really neverending! We were there 5 days, but we hardly made a dent in the number of shopping malls visited, yet I was pretty much all shopped out! Not to mention Boots! I was so happy to see that old fren of mine, if I am not wrong I still have the points card lurking someone in my memory box! Heh.

Splish Splash

It was a lovely day today and the booster was in the best of moods when I arrived.

We decided to take him for a dip in the pool and he loved it!

Boo having a splashabout

It was a nice afternoon babysitting and just hanging out. My, our baby boo has grown fast. I remember how not so long ago, all he did was snooze and drink milk. And now he's swimming and sitting up and playing with all the toys! Oh booster, we love u and can't wait for you to take your first steps! Lots of hugs and kisses, your kuku.

Post Race

I'm alive! Hurrah! The race went better than expected and I am proud to say that I made it back in one piece and under one hour.

Being my first time taking part in a mass running event as such, I didn't really know what to expect.We were pretty lucky in that the sky looked omnious and threatening as we were about to start but in the end, it was perfect because it was not too sunny and there was a gentle breeze. The atmosphere was one of anticipation and excitement as everyone made their way from their various corporate tents to the start area on Anderson Bridge. Everyone was chatting and joking, with some even grooving to the music blasting from the various speakers put up for the event. All in all, the atmosphere is truly a big part of the appeal in events such as these. I suppose running is as well, but perhaps not so much for me. I started off the race, good intentions and all, with a steady jog, not too ambitious and not too slow that people behind would curse at me. ( you wouldn't have thought it, but runners at these type of events can be quite scary when you block them) The first 1km went by without too much pain, after passing that milestone, it all began to unravel. The legs started to get tight, my mouth began to feel parched and I was sweating profusely. Trust me, I NEVER sweat. Breathing was getting laboured and I was starting to slow down, runners were over taking me left and right. It was then that I chanced upon my two colleagues, (in our bumble bee outfits how could I possibly miss them,) whom I mistakenly thought I could pace with. I encountered a huge ass rock, courtesy of the road works and construction going on around the millenia area which thankfully only tripped not to mention scared the bejeebers out of me. I soldiered on for another 200m ( maybe?) at which point I gave up and ended up brisk walking.

It was at this point that the race leader passed me, running on the OTHER side and the time flashed behind him. 10.54, are you kidding?! This joker had already U-turned and here I was, clutching my side and feeling like my feet/head/legs/chest was about to explode. So here I began the cycle of jog-walks that were to repeat themselves for the next 4km or so. Looking ahead I could not see the U-turn point and it was pretty demoralising, I grabbed a bottle of water from the drink station which momentarily eased the parched mouth feeling, but did nothing for the rest of the body.

Nevertheless, I soldiered on and amidst the breathless and shooting pain in every inch of my being, sprinted my way down the last straight of the race to finish in the time of;

45:40

Not too shabby if I don't say so myself. All in all, I did have fun, kinda.

But for now, I'm resting my tired and aching body.

Ed: I cannot walk down the stairs without holding up the rest of the pple behind.

Back in Business

After a long long hiatus ( and lots of K-Bing from the K-B kia), I have decided to revive this blog. Still in the midst of tweaking the skin and whatnots but well on the way to completion.

In other news, I am running in the JP Morgan Chase corporate challenge today and I am so NOT looking forward to it. Kinda worried because, well, if you knew me, you'd know I am not the fittest of bunnies. Was meaning to get some running done before the event but well, time was scarce and there were better things to do!! Managed to get a swim in on Monday though, hopefully that will help. Am optimistic it will not be a total disaster, as I have just scored an arm band holder thingy for my nano, hurrah, and so with groovin tunes I should be able to sail through the 5.6km I am not prepared for. Truth be told, I have yet to run that distance in my life all in one sitting and so have good reason to be concerned.

Oh well, at least I have the rest of my colleagues to slug it out with me. It's funny though, cos suddenly everyone has been hit by the flu bug so no one is really running at 100%, oh well, guess we aren't exactly gunning for top place so that should be fine.

I'm a mix of nervous energy and anticipation. I remember a time not so long ago when I was into getting fit and perhaps toying with the idea of doing a marathon. However, inertia has its way of unravelling most great plans and seeing as I have not stuck to any kind of fitness regimen, it's quite apparant that that was not happening any time soon. So perhaps this will give me a taste of what it would be like to run further than for the bus in the morning.

Lovers and frens

It's the day where lovers celebrate their love by giving in to commercialisation at it's best and burn a hole in the bank accounts on flowers, presents and candlelit dinners. But I can't complain, as I'm one of the fortunate ones benefitting from all of the commercialisation. Pleased as punch today when flowers arrived at my desk even before I did. And Dar's gift couldnt be more perfect. Thank you dar. I love u so much. You have made our second Vday even more memorable than the first. What more could a girl ask for.

Hello Kitty Spotted in Surfer's Paradise

(hello kitty; surfer'sparadise blvd; the sunset from my room; the gold coast)



3 days in Gold Coast is never enough, but well it will just have to do for now.

Just got back from a biz trip to Surfers Paradise and it was just lovely.
Weather there this time of the year is a cool 13 deg C and sunny. The coast is a beautiful sight and the place is just wonderful. The trip was pretty good, lovely food and wonderful company, even a limo ride to boot! Woot!

Of Weddings and Travel

Oh well, one of those times in the year where time whizzs by without me even realising.

So it's one of them long overdue posts again. ha.

Marque where we had dinner

July was great, a very dear old fren of mine got hitched! Hurray! The ceremony was beautiful and she looked so lovely. It was held at her house and the decor was realli awesome. Food was lovely too and most importantly, I was so glad to see her so happy and that she has found her other half. The evening was filled with many a cute and moving speech, not only from the happy couple but from the fathers as well, albeit an extremely brief but sweet one from the father of the groom that summed it all up. Also a few performances by the groom as well as the other well wishers. Not to mention the steller performance of high and dry by the bride's brother . Absolutely awesome. It was also nice to meet up with my primary school frens. Time surely flies by without you noticing sometimes.

Oh well, another 2 are getting hitched in October and on the same day!! I will be a busy woman in Oct! But first, off to the Gold Coast for a couple of days, alas it is for work so don't be too envious.

Manic May

Daddy celebrated his 60th! It was a month of celebration, food and travel.

It's been an absolutely manic month. First we went for a family R and R in Bintan. It was really nice, golfing and just relaxing. Celebrated the actual day with dinner at Equinox. Food was yummy and the view was fab, but service was a tad dissappointing. They even made us sign a disclaimer cos we brought our own Bday cake.

Then we went on our second holiday to the Maldives. It was breath-taking. Absolutely beautiful and wonderful. Totally want to go back again. Went snorkling and swimming and the folks went to the spa. Had a relaxing time. The sea plane was realli cool but extremely noisy, they even gave out earplugs! Food was also rather yummy and aside from the slight drizzle the day we arrived, the weather was lovely. Saw alot of fish and MANTA!!! Was so excited, saw it whilst having a stroll on the bridge one evening after dinner, was soo happi!! Ah well, will let the pics tell the rest of the story.



dinner at Equinox


The View from the course

Golfing at Bintan




The Sea plane( make that noisy sea plane)


The view from the Sea plane


Chilling out at the villa


Paradise...I miss it already

The Lunch

so i met the folks, they are super nice. super cute as well.very sweet pple.went to CJ Palace for lunch where we ate up a storm and I must say that the food was delish.Lovely.All the dishes were yummy and the decor was realli pretty as well. Liked the chandellier theme and they even had realli pretty fresh flowers.

Think will bring momsy there for lunch to celebrate mother's day. think they will like it.

Was kinda apprehensive at first cos it hasnt been that long and well I guess one always wants to create a good first impression. I'm glad to say that it all went swimmingly well and that they are sweet pple and I think they like me as much as I like them. To say the least, ha. But yah, ended up walking around town and goin back to his place. First time bein in his room, kinda felt schoolgirlish glee. haha. Dunno y it is so strange, that I would still feel this way, at my age as well. hee. But they made me feel so comfortable and so welcomed. :) I feel blissful. Fingers crossed.

Kor's BDAY!

It's the big Three-O so here are the pics!

Long Overdue

Ok,so I've been away for a long time. Long Overdue posts and pics owed. heh. But I've been busy to say the least, so please understand. *bambi eyes* So here are the pics;

KL trip~








yummy KL wanton mee;our night out clubbing; just the gers on the way back to the hotel; the yummy restaurant we had dinner at; our fav place.

Had a fab time, the hotel was superb and it was great to hang out and get away, positively one of the best bday pressies ever. Thanks Sweeties!!

This is cloud nine to ground control, come in ground control.

Waiting, have never been really good at that. Well I guess if I were happily occupied that wouldn't be a problem. But no, this kind of waiting is akin to waiting for your hospital test result, or for the dentist to come check what that nagging pain is about. It could very well end in tears. I really hope it doesn't tho.

How did I go from Cloud nine to zero in just a day? argh.

Had dinner with S tonite and it has been at least six months since we have met up. It's looking like a season of old buds and catch-ups. Dinner was nice, we rekindled our shoe-shopping connection but managed to leave with our wallets in tact. Phew. She's in pretty much exactly the same situation as I am at the moment and it is comforting to have someone who understands completely how I am feeling. It's also terribly bizzarre. We had a good chat and many good laughs and I hope I see her again in less than six months! It's so funny how women all over the world can just bond over shoes and men! I seem to be finding shoe-shopping buddies all over the place.


It's not supposed to be this way, I need you I need you, more and more each day

Just one of those days

Sometimes u just want to chat with that one person, n no amount of talking to
anyone else can suffice. That sucks. Especially when you know that they dun
want to hear the things u have to say anymore. How do things get soo
complicated? Is it just human nature to make things more than they truly
are.

Why are we often our own nemesis? Why is the heart a limited resource? and why
do I even care about all those little people? Thinking of leavin, flying away.

I guess wat they say is true, no good deed goes unpunished.
And everyday I mull the purpose of my existance.

a phone call from afar

Sometimes it just takes the voice and nuttiness of a far away fren to brighten up your day and to put that smile back on ur face.

Thanks for calling, missing your nonsense and your 'kao pei-ing'. What will I do without u.

Mmmm...lemon drizzle cake....

So, I'm a ball of nervous energy and I have come to realise that I do strange things and freak people who would otherwise think I was sane out. So yah, I kinda stab myself in the foot alot, figuratively speakin of course. I dunno y I do it either, it's so daft as well cos I wreck my chances for anything good but I just can't help myself. But I'm smiling for now...

Had lovely lemon drizzle cake which was a nice end to the day. Met up with an old mate and it was a great girly catch up session that left us both in stitches. I guess that's what's so great about old frens, the ease in which we slip back into the frenship, just like a well worn in glove, still feels the same after all the time apart.

Was dreary and wet all day long, and I swear the rain looked like snow from 36 floors up. Just made me want to curl up in bed with my new book. Ha, finished My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult and I must say it is an excellent read. Not too sure y, but I am on a book binge, am on to Freakanomics at the min, it is pretty interesting. Really like Jodi Picoult's style of writing and looking forward to reading the next novel by her, but dun want to overkill on her, so bought a girly read, Ready or Not, looks trashily promising. :) I think i miss England. Boo.

Another year wiser?

Me and my bday cake


The gang at the Botanical Gardens

Havn't been able to post much cos of the festive season and now can't post at office anymore! So annoying!
Another year has come and gone and we hope I am another year wiser. Had a nice lunch with the gang at Cafe Les Amis at the Botanical gardens. It's really lovely especially when the weather is nice. Did lots of dog watching and it really made me wish I had a pooch of my own. So many cute dogs and some slightly strange ones too. There was the poodle gone wrong that was major strange and terribly hilarious at the same time.

Food was ultra yummy, had the bacon cheeseburger, done medium, was lovely. Tried abit of the chef's burger which was kinda spicy, different but I preferred my cheeseburger. heh. Ambience was lovely to just chill out and relax. Wanted to have a walkabout at the gardens but was rushed for time cos went to meet pink n Boh, but made a mental note to go back there again some time. Hs also agreed that it was really nice and that he wanted to visit another time, so maybe we can meet to jog together there. Was a simple lunch with good food and good company, really had a nice time. Lots of catchin up and good conversations which was really more than I could have asked for.

The tennis pple got me a sweet tennis bag in PINK! Lovely. Can't wait to use it. Now all I need is the racquet to complete the look. ha. Mom and Dad got me a lovely pendant and I was really touched cos it's a cross so maybe it's a sign. All in all, was really happy the entire day and well, maybe growin old on my own isn't that bad if I have frens and family to light the way.

They say familiarity breeds contempt, but sometimes I just long for that familiarity. Like lazy days under the warm sunlight, with ice cream cones and not a care in the world.

Strolling along with the sun beating down and the wind in my hair, all that's missing is my sunnies and I'm back in San Fran.

Friday Nights at Wine bar...

back in the swing of things

Had a tennis session with the fogies last night.Whilst waiting for them to arrive, I bumped into so many ex-colleagues. It was so funny, some of them I havnt seen for more than a year. Strangely enough I kinda miss those times.

It's been awhile since we last played together and it was good to see them again. Last night's session was kinda funny, we had a new venue with posh shower facilities and hot water! ha. The tennis wasnt fab cos we all couldnt get our strokes right, no diff to me tho, cos I hardly ever get my strokes consistent. But surprisingly my shifu was also having a hard time, so it
became a pretty nonsense session.

I must say that with them I really do get a good work out and help in improving my stroke, altho the teaching methods can be slightly unorthodox, they are such nurturing and patient folk, just inspires me to get better. They are all super good, yet they have put up with my half ass slow coach pace of tennis, so really think that they are super sweeties. But now my arm is aching and I am super tired. Went to East Coast Lagoon for dinner but the satay bee hoon stall was closed! Sob sob....been ages since I last ate there. Think the last time I had the satay bee hoon was with the girls. It's so yummy. Oh well, ended up having the wanton mee, chicken wings and satay. Which wasnt too bad either! So much for burning calories and a great work
out.

Sunday was spent at the Robinsons's sale with G, we went shopping for bedding for the new place. It was really quite good, picked up some really good buys. Must say that Robinsons's has the largest bed and linens section I have ever seen. It's unreal. We spent like more than 3 hours going through all the options of colours, threadcount and patterns. Must say I really like the steal we got from Hallmark linens, it's so luxurious! Really nice sheets, the price was good too so that was a bonus. Got myself a new latex/synthetic/fibre pillow that hopefully helps me get more rested sleep. Need neck support, cos I suspect that the down ones I currently sleep on
offer little support if any at all. Ok, watching Prison Break season 2 marathon also doesn't help I know.

It's such a gloriously beautiful day today, been havin a good number of those this week.
Hope it lasts thru to the weekend.