AnGeL|cW|tcH 's TraVeLObLOgUe

My New MacBook

2007-09-03T00:13:00.000+08:00

Went to Comex few days back.. and I heard my name at the Apple Booth..MacBook is calling my name... the deal is quite good.. and there's the 0% installment plan for credit card...

So I decided to buy my long-craved after MacBook... haha... The specs are the same the one that I've posted few days back.. except there's an 2GB Ram Upgrade.. cool!

Right now, i'm just sitting here, typing from my new MacBook, getting used to it...

Ahhh... This is LIFE!!

Floor Play

2007-09-02T01:18:00.000+08:00

Went to the dance 'Floor Play ' today with Ness, and it was fantastic!

It was the production from the original 'Burn The Floor' and I am glad that I did not miss it! Playing for about a week in Singapore, it was kinda hard to get the tickets. And I was so happy that there's someone to go and watch it with me..

After watching this, I'm all excited about getting back to my dance classes.. haha...

If they every come to your town, do take some time off to watch it!

Click on the link below to check out their world tour...
http://www.burnthefloor.com/floorplay/index.html

MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!

2007-09-01T01:19:00.001+08:00

Para hadirin sekalian, Malaysia pada hari ini, telah mencapai 50 tahun. Biar anak-anak Malaysia menyambut hari ini dengan menyanyikan lagu 'Negaraku' ..

Sila berdiri para hadirin,

Negaraku
Tanah tumpahnya darahku
Rakyat hidup bersatu dan maju
Rahmat bahagia
Tuhan kurniakan
Raja kita selamat bertakhta
Rahmat bahagia
Tuhan kurniakan
Raja kita selamat bertakhta

MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!

Happy 50th birthday, Malaysia...

MacBook

2007-08-29T01:06:00.000+08:00

I was so tempted to go downtown and grab one... Have been craving for this for months! But I kept telling myself, focus babe.. focus on the bigger things.. save up money for rainy days.. don't waste all my money.. Haha...

So there, I didn't buy the MacBook, yet again...

Specs:

13 inch screen
2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory
120GB hard drive1
Double-layer SuperDrive

S$ 2,229.00

WAH!!! I sooooo want to get this!!!!!!!!!!

Signs You're a BAD Driver

2007-08-28T16:28:00.000+08:00

Since I've gotten my driving licence in Singapore, I've been driving around in Nard's car often. The thing is, I think I'm a BAD driver, since there's so many people honking at me.. haha.. mind you, I have not driven manual car for ages!

This is adapted from the Reader's Digest (I'm sorry I can't find which month it is published, I only got the page number - 133);

"Signs You're A Bad Driver"

Insurancehotline.com analysed accidents and traffic tickets of 100,000 drivers by astrological sign. From the top down, the worst to best:

Sign: Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22
Traits: Indecisive; craves concensus; flirtatious
Car Karma: Lacks ability to make the snap decisions necessary to avoid a crash

Sign: Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18
Traits: Stubborn; rebellious; unconventional
Car Karma: Ignores the rules of the road, especially speed limits

Sign: Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19
Traits: Risk-taker; imipulsive; childlike
Car Karma: Wants to race you off the line when the light turns green

Sign: Pisces Feb 19- Mar 20
Traits: Daydreamer; theatrical; vulnerable
Car Karma: Doesn't pay attention; prone to bouts of road rage

Sign: Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21
Traits: Vengeful; possessive; strong-willed
Car Karma: Might chase you if you cut in front of her in 'her' lane

Sign: Taurus Apr 20 - May 20
Traits: Cautious; deliberate; stubborn
Car Karma: Has an urge to charge at red lights; fails to yield

Sign: Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21
Traits: Talkative; independent; traveller
Car Karma: Argues with police; extreme driving; talking on mobile phone at the wheel

Sign: Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19
Traits: Goal-oriented; scheming; traditional
Car Karma: So focused on the destination he ignores speed limits and traffic signs along the way

Sign: Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22
Traits: Analytical; sceptical; timid
Car Karma: Focuses on minor details (the squirrel) - instead of the big picture (the speed trap)

Sign: Cancer Jun 22 - Jul 22
Traits: Moody; nurturing; family-oriented
Car Karma: Considers other drivers an 'extended family'; manoeuvres car quickly

Sign: Gemini May 21 - Jun 21
Traits: Alert; adaptable; curious
Car Karma: Need for mental stimulation helps her spot changing traffic patterns

Sign: Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22
Traits: Generous; egotistical; optimistic
Car Karma: Strives to be a 'star' driver and be respected for it

So, which one are u? I'm not that bad a driver after all, ranked third from bottom.. haha

the new iMac

2007-08-28T01:09:00.000+08:00

THE NEWEST iMAC... (click on the link on the title to get to apple's site!)

need I say more? this is my latest craving.. I've always wanted one to put in the kitchen.. you know, keep all my recipes, listen to songs when I cook.. plus, it'll look really cool on my kitchen-top.. great asthetic value.. but wait till I get a place of my own first... long way more to go.. haha...

the specs:

24inch screen
2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB memory
500GB hard drive
8x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Radeon HK 2600 PRO with 256MB memory

Price: S$3898.00

!!!!!

Hydrogen Peroxide

2007-08-27T00:26:00.000+08:00

It is said this is the best thing to remove blood stain from clothes.. or mattress.

Have not tried it myself. Can someone let me know where to get this? All the links that I found on the website are giant laboratories offering big tanks of hydrogen peroxide.. Damn, I don't need a tank...

And are there any different types of hydrogen peroxide? I saw some that says 35 % of hydrogen peroxide and stuff like that...

I got a C for my chemistry... CAN SOMEONE HELP ME OUT HERE!!!!

Boxing???

2007-08-26T00:45:00.001+08:00

A friend of ours bought Wii and invited us over for a game or two...

So here is the footage where Nard gets so excited in the boxing game.. but, he doesn't look like he's boxing though..

Haha.. it was so hilarious watching him dance around...

Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

2007-08-25T23:58:00.000+08:00

A friend emailed me this; I felt compelled to post it up... Just something that we all wanted to do, but never had the encouragement...

I have always been a worrier. Someone who is very afraid of consequences from my decisions. I want to break free from that, and be confident in what I feel is right. Life is a learning process, and I am learning at a very fast pace in the past six months compared to what I'm used to. Still building my confident about life (after being smashed around for years), and to do so, I'm building knowledge of everything around me, emotionally, spiritually, physically and life as a whole.

I hope this inspires you too...

The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren

Don't date because you are desperate
Don't marry because you are miserable
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior
Don't philander because you think you are irresistable

Don't associate with people you can't trust
Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend
Don't dictate because you are smarter
Don't demand because you are stronger

Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough and know better
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals
Don't stagnate

Don't regress
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr. Right
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking

Learn a new skill
Find a new friend
Start a new career
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions

To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy
To fulfil your parenting fantasies, get a puppy
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons

To make yourself happy, pursue your passions and be the best of what you can be
Simplify your life. Take away the clutter
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty

Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family
Be true to yourself
Don't commit when you are not ready
Don't keep others waiting needlessly

Go on that trip. Don't postpone it
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass
Do what you have to, even at society's scorn

Write poetry
Love deeply
Walk barefoot
Dance with wild abandon
Cry at the movies

Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you
You light up your life
You drive yourself to your destination
No one completes you - except YOU

It isn't true that life does not get easier with age
It only gets more challenging
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love
Pursue your passions

Live your dreams
Don't lose faith in God
Don't grow old. Just grow YOU

When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back
Your time is your life. That is why the greatest girt you can give to someone is your time
Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves

Blog under construction...

2007-08-24T13:29:00.000+08:00

This blog is currently under construction. Will try to put up the finished look as soon as possible.

At the moment, please bear with the current look.

Thanks.

Samsons-Kenangan Terindah

2007-08-23T21:00:00.001+08:00

Stumbled on this song on my friend's site... Love it!

Samsons, an Indonesian band, has a few albums under their belt. Most of their songs are under the categories of rock/ballad with a hint of jazz.. This song Kenangan Terindah is from their album Naluri Lelaki. If anyone knows where to get this in singapore, let me know :)

Enjoy... (with my limited translation of Bahasa Indonesia)

Samsons - Kenangan Terindah (The most beautiful memory)

Aku yang lemah tanpamu (I was weak without you)
Aku yang rentan karena (I sufferred because)
Cinta and tlah hilang darimu (your love that is lost)
Yang mampu menyanjungku (is able to honour me)

Selama mata terbuka (As long as eyes are open)
Sampai jantung tak berdetak (Until my heart stops)
Selama itu pun (Until then)
Aku mampu tuk mengenangmu (I still will remember you)

Darimu (From you)
Ku temukan hidupku (I found my life)
Bagiku (For me)
Kaulah cinta sejati (You are my true love)

Oohh..

Bila yang tertulis untukku (When what is written for me)
Adalah yang terbaik untukmu (Is the best for you)
Kan kujadikan kau kenangan (I will make u my memory)
Yang terindah dalam hidupku (that is the most beautiful in my life)
Namun takkan mudah bagiku (But it won't be easy for me)
Meninggalkan jejak hidupku (to leave my past life)
Yang tlah terukir abadi (that has been written forever)
Sebagai kenangan yang terindah (As the most beautiful memory)

Oohh..

PASSED my driving test!

2007-08-17T16:03:00.000+08:00

I just came back from the driving center.. passed the theory test for my licence conversion into singapore licence.. hehe... I can official drive in singapore now! yay!

gonna drive home to kl tonight, see you guys back home soon... will give u guys a call when i'm back to meet up :)

i better get my assignment done now...

cheers!

HYPER! My First MOO!

2007-08-14T00:48:00.000+08:00

I just had a can of cola during my supper half an hour ago.

I'm so hyper now. I'm supposed to go to sleep, but here I am, trying to find something to blog about.

Nothing comes to my mind, but I still want to blog. All I know is, I'm very hyper right now, and I can't go to sleep just yet.

I'm supposed to finish up my assignment. I miss my class today because I have to go to work. Huh...

***

Now I have something to blog about...

My very first MOO... I lost it when I was in Johannesburg... I forgot to bring it home with me.. sob sob..

That's the cutest moo ever! And I missed it so much....

It has brought me so much happiness... No other Moos can do that...

***

Enough of Moos...

My cola is losing it effect on me... I should play a round of Burnout on XBOX 360 before Nard gets home and find me not sleeping yet! Haha...

Moo's Joy Ride in Nard's new car

2007-08-12T15:49:00.000+08:00

Nard's new car is here, so...I took the whole family of moos for a joy ride...

But, when we're not looking....

Lil' moo was all over the car... I wonder what he's up to...

With Milkshake Moo as the partner in crime...

Moo was caught red-handed trying to drive the car away

Since Hershey Moo is not involved in the crime of trying to drive away nard's car, we decided to allow Hershey Moo to be moo-guard of the car... hehe...

For the two of you moos, it's time to go home!

Moo on the move

2007-08-12T14:29:00.001+08:00

Moo caught redhanded driving nard's new car

Pessimism

2007-08-10T01:40:00.000+08:00

"People are hynotised by their own feeling of powerlessness and used this as an excuse for doing nothing -- the lack of will is much more than merely an ethical problem: the modern individual so often has the conviction that even if he did exert his 'will' - or whatever illusions passes for it - his actions wouldn't do any good anyway."
Rollo May (1969)

Pessimism, is a powerful form of thinking that can manipulate a person's behaviour. I once thought I could not do anything, because I don't think I have the power to do so. Right now, I am glad that I snapped out of that.

I might still have the conviction that I am not able to so certain things, but at least for now, I'm trying. And I realised one thing, to try with all the effort I can muster, is very satisfying, despite the outcome.

I'm just grateful I'm given the chance to try.

Don't waste the chance given to you, grab every opportunities that comes by...

My Precious MooMoo ~~Moooooo

2007-08-09T08:32:00.000+08:00

I just got back from Dubai two hours ago. Didn't want to do anything at all but sit in front of the PC. Have not unpack either.

It's raining heavily outside right now. I love this kind of weather. Gives me all the reason to cuddle up in bed and do nothing. Huh, and yeah, today is Singapore's National Day. What a day it is! I bet the everyone at the National Parade will be drenched. Plus, this year they are holding it on a platform above the water. Good luck to everyone there. I'll be in bed all cosied up with my three moo-moos.

This is one of my favourite moo-moo to cuddle... :)
Bought it end of last year on my trip to Dubai...

This moo likes to play hide and seek on my bed... sigh...
The third moo is the hershey's cow that I bought from New York.

Sun, beach and sea... and STUDY!

2007-08-03T07:33:00.000+08:00

I just got back from Male yesterday. It's been yet another wonderful experience in Maldives. No pictures this time because I was too busy snorkelling and suntanning. Now I've got a wonderful tan (but I don't look like a Chinese anymore... haha)...

I thought of studying for my new semester (which coincidently started on the last day of my exam day of my previous semester), so I brought my reading materials to the beach. Well, as usual, I never did touch that book. I'm feeling really guilty now :P

I promise myself I'm going to finish reading at least three chapters of that book today. So I'm going start now.

P.S: Expect a lot more movie updates in the next week as I have been watching a lot of movies lately.

The Simpsons Movie

2007-08-02T22:03:00.000+08:00

Starring: Homer Simpson

Category: Comedy

Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

About the movie: This is a brilliant showcase of Homer's stupidity. He caused the whole Springfield to be covered in a dome, and later, to be eliminated from the face of the earth. His mission is to save Springfield and his family from this tragedy. A whole lot of slapstick jokes in the movie. Watch it for a great laugh!

For more fun with Homer and his gang, click on the link below:

http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/

Please be patient...

2007-08-02T22:01:00.000+08:00

My blog currently looks really yucky due to the flash i'm trying to upload on it.

Please bear with it for the time being.

Seducing Mr. Perfect (Korean)

2007-07-23T16:35:00.000+08:00

Excerpts from the movie (translated);

"is love a game of power?"
"is love a set of strategies to manipulate another person's emotion? to win?"
"is it wrong to tell the other person that you care?"
"is it wrong to want to do everything for the person you love?"
"is it wrong to just want to give instead of taking?"
"why does doing all these will make men treat you like dirt?"
"must everything in love be a cold blooded calculation of who is getting the upperhand?"

more than enough said. two thumbs up for this movie.

My chocolycious trip

2007-07-19T14:02:00.000+08:00

This is just a trial version of my first flash baby...

My surprise party, turned 23!

2007-07-19T03:35:00.000+08:00

Ha! I can't sleep. So I'm here, blogging.

Few hours ago was my first paper since I stopped studying for the last two and a half year. Phew! Thank goodness I can answer the questions. Was so worried that I could not pass. Ha ha..

On my birthday two weeks ago, nard gave me a surprise party. I was really 'surprised' as most of my close friends in singapore are there. He really put in a lot of effort into it. I can see it from the retro looking cut-fruits... hehe..

Anyway, here are the photos from my surprise birthday party. The other surprise that I get is that no one got drunk from that night. Hmm.. what a waste of alcohol. Too many good drinkers out there nowadays. Haha.. Oh yea, the whole night was centred on the pictionary game, with alcohol as the penalty. A bunch of drunkards, all of us!!
*burp..

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2007-07-16T21:38:00.000+08:00

Just came back from the cinema with nard, watching happy pottie.

The plot is the same as the book, but a tad disappointed with the first half of the movie. No action AT ALL!!! And it doesn't build up the suspense either!

Sigh, the book is still much better.

My only advise before watching this movie, read that book first to understand what's happening in the movie, or get a lot of sleep before the movie so you won't fall asleep in the first half.

Ghost Rider

2007-07-16T21:29:00.000+08:00

Mat Rembek Berapi...

No comment.

Really, no comment.

Transformers

2007-07-16T15:23:00.000+08:00

With all of us growing up with transformers, who would not watch this artfully animated movie?

When nard gave me that phrase, 'the review is freaking good, let's go and watch it now.' I was a little skeptical about it. I mean, how good can it be? After all, half of it is animated. But I was mesmerized the first minute the show started. It's goo-goo-gaa-gaa the whole way.

This show not only redefines transformers as we know it, it redefines the animation world. (although there are a few parts that are 'not that great', it's forgiven by it's overall script). If you don't watch this, you might have just missed the movie of the year. It's really 'f* good'.

Transformers - more than meets the eye. (it really is).

200 Pounds Beauty (Korean)

2007-07-16T15:19:00.000+08:00

I finally managed to force nard to watch a chick flick with me. Haha.

A beautifully written movie about plastic surgery playing a role in raising a person's self-esteem. It raises the question, would you go for plastic surgery to boost your confidence?

With the humour and love playing in this show, it's worth a watch.

Fantastic Four 'Rise of the Silver Surfer'

2007-07-16T15:10:00.000+08:00

Not so fantastic after all. Lacking in the action department. A lot of silly arguments about teamwork and relationship matters.

Not that great. Watch it if you must, but no love lost if you don't.

Dinner Party

2007-06-17T22:29:00.000+08:00

It was supposed to be a decent dinner with crabs, prawns, a few good laughs, and a couple of beers. Don't we look decent here? Of course, that is before the drinking starts.

Look at the crabs, ain't it scrumptious?

Well, with my dear Jean around, the night is never over without getting drunk. So we went back to my place with a few other friends and basically, started drinking. This time around, we were more creative with our drinks so we slapped in the pictionary game. Sounds lame, but the amount of laughs we got was unforgivable. How could two circles and a small one in between the two represents a motorcycle? Boy, I do salute the guy who managed to guess that.

Two more friends joined us later, and more booze followed. More ridiculous pictionary game. The night took a turn when the losing team needs to cross-dress. (It has already been a culture at my place that all the guys that are at my place for the first time will have to cross-dress). So, needless to say, it was hilarious, with cross-dresserS and high on booze, it was a fun night.

Don't ask me for the photos of the later part of the night. If I put it up here, I might risk this blog being closed down. Use your imagination.

Oh by the way, the two guys at the dinner table photo, they were not the ones who crossed-dress. It was the other two that came later, just in case your imagination run wild. Haha...

Nelson Demille's Wildfire

2007-06-16T19:31:00.000+08:00

Interested about conspiracy theory?This is a good read. It's the fourth book in the John Corey series, and it's still good.

Sadness

2007-06-12T23:20:00.000+08:00

Maybe I am born a sad person. Maybe I'm just plain too hard to please. Regardless of the situations, the circumstances, I can never be happy (at least, not for long).

I thought I could be happy doing this, but I am not.
I thought I could be happy doing that, but I am not.
I thought I could be happy not doing anything, but I am not.
I thought I could be happy doing everything, but I am not.

What is wrong with me? Why do I feel sad no matter what? Why do I feel down ALL the time? There must be a huge problem somewhere that I don't know about.

I remember I posted something regarding 'only fools can be happy with little things.' And I remember saying that I'd rather be a fool.

Today, I'd say the same thing over again. I'd rather be a fool if I can be happy. I would give up everything just to have the ability to laugh at little things. To laugh at mistakes. To laugh at silliness. To laugh at everything around me. To stop pretending high and mighty. To crush down my stupid pride and ego. To be able to feel love. To be free.

I also remember praying really hard for my heart to stop feeling. My prayer is half answered. I stop feeling happiness, but the sadness is holding a prominent place in my heart.

It's not as though my world is crumbling down around me. In fact, it is actually moving upwards. I should be feeling happy about it, but I am not.

I used to have a phobia of being alone. Of having meals alone. Of going out shopping on my own. Of not having anyone to talk to. So I strived at conquering this fear, with the saying 'you don't have to be lonely being alone, you might be lonely when you're in a crowd' held close to my heart. And I succeeded, but I was never happy.

Around me, there is always an aura of sadness surrounding me. I will never be happy unless I am able to tear away from the sadness, but will I be able to?

All I want is to be happy, but I do not have the eyes to see the opportunities. Will someone be my eyes?

It's time to let go...

2007-06-10T20:32:00.000+08:00

Finally have the time to clear out everything in my room.
Stumbled across a lot achitecture-related books/magazines. For a moment I was tempted to keep it back on the bookshelf, then I tell myself, it's time to let go.
There's no reason for me to keep those anymore. I don't need it anymore, because I am no longer in that field.
Not that I regret that I was once an aspiring designer/architect, whatever you choose to call it, but I realise, it is a dream best forgotten, otherwise I would have a lot of unsatisfaction of my inability to become one.
With a great sigh of relief, I am finally letting this part of my life go. I'm tossing all the books and magazines out of my life.

To my friends that are still going strong in architecture, good luck! And I'm really proud of you guys!

Shrek 3

2007-06-04T23:27:00.001+08:00

Feeling down?

Try watching Shrek 3.

Good humour, although the plot was a little disappointing.

If you're all up for a good laugh, go ahead and watch it, but don't expect it to be as good as the previous two.

Won't spoil your fun by telling the whole story here. Go watch it and drop a comment here!

Cairo

2007-06-02T02:47:00.000+08:00

Finally had some time to update my travels.

I went to cairo (egypt) beginning of last month, the weather was just nice, cooling for a day trip on the desert.

As usual, being my first time there, I was excited to do all the touristy stuff. So a friend and I decided to take a day tour to the pyramids (sphinx) and a trip down to the local museum.

Along the way to the pyramids, we saw buildings that are half built. Apparently it is a family house, and as the need for more room increase, they will build another floor on top of the existing floors. Of course, when they have the extra cash as well. Quite an interesting way of construction, but it was a sore-eye to anyone that is trained architecturally.

The pyramids are wonderful. You can't imagine the magnificence of it unless you're standing right next to one. I always thought that the pyramids are one of those things that I can only see on national geographic or on posters. Never really given it a thought that I would be able to stand next to one. Oh, did I mention that the tour around the pyramids was done on a camel's back? Lovely experience.

The desert POLICEMAN... cool... imagine running around desert chasing criminal with a camel.

My camel and his pyramids on his head..

At the local museum, I was mesmerized by the mummies. I mean, looking at it on the tv is one thing, staring at it behind the protective glass casing is another. I was kinda spooked at the end of the trip. I mean, there is a body there. A REAL ONE. It's just like a tour to the graveyard, just that you see the coffin and the body (some of it). It's just as well that they don't allow photography.

On my second day in Cairo, we went to the flea-market. It was a colorful experience, to put it correctly. But I was very wary of the over-friendly shop keepers that seemed to be excited to see an Asian girl walking around without an escort. Apart from that, it's about the same as walking down Petaling Street in KL, minus the dirt and dust.

To end our lovely trip in Cairo, we went for a wonderful cruise along Nile River. Longest river in the world right? I'm not too sure. There was a performer who can spin and spin and spin for the entire evening without stopping. Impressed. I will try to upload the video once I figure out how to do it.

Cairo, all in all, a lovely trip. I don't mind going again just to look those magnificent pyramids.

Love Is Not Enough

2007-06-01T23:39:00.000+08:00

Love Is Not Enough - A Smart Woman's Guide to Making (& Keeping) Money

This book by Merryn Somerset Webb is really for girls (like me), who has just started working, or who has been working for a few years now, and wonder sometimes, where did all my money go?

A really informative book about managing finances and it did somehow explains why we shop. A good read although most of the information given are UK based, but we can always check the sources in the country we're working in.

Worth a read.

Guys might want to have a look too as it teaches us how to manage finances in a very practical way.

A walk in London

2007-05-30T02:42:00.000+08:00

Walking aimlessly on the streets of London for 4 hours certainly does some good to me.

Wasn't feeling very well earlier today. The company doctor made a house call to the hotel, gave me some medicine, and I went to sleep. Woke up feeling pretty much the same, and something terrible came to mind as well. So I decided to take a walk with a friend of mine who happened to be in London at the same time as me.

The day was looking good when suddenly the rain came pouring down. Huddled together in a corner by the sidewalk, we decided to go to the cafe next door. After our coffee, we went our own ways because he needs to get back to the hotel to get to work.

Left alone, with nothing to do, I decided to take a walk. So I walked, walked, walked. With no particular place in mind, I walked.

During this four hours walk, a lot of things came up in my mind. Passed by a church, made a little prayer, please show me the way to live my life. My mind was asking again and again, where was the girl I used to love? Where is Cassandra? Casey? Cass? The girl that I most revered, was gone the moment that incident happened. It was such a dramatic turning point that when I now looked at it, I am lost for words. Can Cass be brought back to life? Will Cass be able to change things?

As I walked further and further away from the cafe where I splitted up with my friend, the rain started again. Hurriedly looking for shade, Cass' words rang in my ears, "Yennie, why are you running from the rain? What is wrong with walking under the rain? Getting drenched under the rain is perfectly normal. Let's walk under the rain, shall we?" And there was Cass' hand stretched out in front of my eyes.

Most of you will not know who Cass is, but she is someone who is very, very close to me. Some of you might have heard of her, but if not, it is not important. This is just one of those very often rambling thoughts of mine. My close friend for more than 3 years, she is now gone. So fragile are our dreams. Our existence is nothing but a flicker of candle, and yet, we give way to broken dreams.

If given a second chance, I'm not sure if Cass will choose the same path, or will she make another choice? But there is no second chance in life, I must come to terms with that. The only thing that I can do now, is to continue living with her spirit, continuining the once brightly lit candle, bringing all her hopes and dreams to life into this world.

Rest in peace Cass, I will carry your burden now.

Thank YOU, for showing me the way to live by sending Cass.

Wants and Needs

2007-05-26T19:22:00.000+08:00

what you have might not be what you want
what you want might not be what you need

Sounds familiar?
Everyone has different wants and needs. It all depends on how much the wants and needs drive a person to do things in a certain way or direction.

My wants and needs has always been intertwined. I can never recognize which is which. I have always been confused with my wants, thinking it is my needs, or thought that my needs are my wants.

So now I have come to a point where I realised that those things I've driven myself crazy to get, are not exactly the things that I need. Those are things that I want, or perceive to need. Funny how things turn out when I step aside and critically look at my current life.

A lot of things that I fought for, I got it, but now that I have it, I begin to wonder, do I really need it? Or is it just another want in my greedy heart?

Then, there are the things that I am still fighting for. I have not gotten it, but I'm beginning to ask myself, is it worth all the tears and sweat to get it? Do I really want it? Do I need it? Can I live without it?

These questions are driving me crazy, but these are the same issues that are pushing me to work so hard, that really motivates me to keep going, not matter how tough the situations are. The one and only REAL question is, is it really worth all the effort?

An Orange An Apple

2007-05-26T02:48:00.000+08:00

I'm sure everyone has eaten oranges and apples before. Sweet or sour, it is all the same oranges and apples. My personal preference, I don't like either because the oranges are too sour to my taste and apples are just too umm.. well, I don't like the taste.

Ever wonder, it takes a sour orange to realise how sweet an apple is? But ultimately, it's two different fruits. It doesn't make sense to compare, and yet we still do. In life it is the same. You know you can't compare the two things, and yet, you still compare. At least, that is the case with me. I'm always looking left and right, up and down, comparing, comparing.

I need to learn, an orange is an orange, apple, an apple. Afterall, there is no use comparing, it's just fruits to help us in constipation, right?

Half the year gone... gone... gone...

2007-05-25T01:24:00.000+08:00

Goodbye May, Hello June...

Take one deep breath, everyone... And relax... Half the year gone, all of us are so busy, chasing... chasing... chasing time...

I realized that all that I had been doing this year is just running from point A to point B then back to point A, and chasing dreams, dreams that are not really well thought-out. So I told myself that I have been wasting my time doing silly things that really didn't really make my life any better...

Adjusted my priorities, and here I am. Finally blogging after I have been missing for the longest time.

Priority no 1. Stop whining, start living.
Priority no 2. No more complaining, live each day happy and contented.

That's all I want to achieve this year. I have a long way to go, growing up to be a emotionally stable woman.

Wish me luck.

January '07

2007-01-21T03:28:00.000+08:00

It's almost the end of the first month of 2007.
Finally I have the time to sit down and rest for awhile.
Let's recap what happened since I last blogged.
Had a wild party at my place on christmas eve. When I say wild, it is wild.
Fell sick for 5days after that. What a way to end my 2006. I even said 'no' to that glass of moet during new year's eve party.
The moment I've recovered, I worked non-stop for the next 15days.
Took one day's break, continue working for the next 7days. (today is the 5th day of that stretch of 7days work).
Going to break for 4days worth of holiday. Hopefully that is going to help me recharge.
So basically, I have no time for anything else but work, not even for my nard.

Sounds fun?
That is the wrap up for what I have been doing since my last post.

I was just going through my blog's previous posts. It seems that a lot has been said, a lot has happened, a lot of thinking has been going on my head.

My blog started off as a site where I write about all my travels, the things I've done at various countries. All the excitement and hype can be felt for the first few months since the blog has started. Slowly, it became a place where I talked about my frustrations of my life, and the events of my life. Then, I try to reignite the site into a space where it talks about travel. After all, that's the main point of starting this blog. Still, it reverted to the topic of me, myself and I.

Perhaps I'm too self-centred to realise till now that all I actually want to talk about is me. All I think about all the time is me, me, me. I have done this, I have not done that. I felt this way, I felt that way. All about me. No wonder no one visits this page anymore.

With that said, now I'm trying to work on posts that are purely about travel. I will try to talk less about myself. Hopefully that way this blog will be a more interesting place. *crosssed my fingers.

Anyways, a belated cheers to 2007.

P.S:maybe a small space for me to talk about myself? (huh?) how's that for a compromise? hahaha...

Last post of year 2006

2006-12-30T22:17:00.000+08:00

This is going to the the final post for this year. Time flies. Not knowing it, there's another year. Before we know it, we're celebrating the coming of year 2007.

I have not been so lucky this last week of 2006. Fallen really sick for the past week, and have been doing nothing else but sleep at home. Not exactly my idea of spending the last week this year, but all's well now. I've recovered (partially- still feeling faint on occasions but that's fine). Tomorrow will be the last day of work before I call an end this year of hardwork. Will work even harder next year. Need more money!! Hahaha...

This year has been a great year for me, despite all the ups and down. Although the times I cried is probably equal to the times I laughed, but all's well. I'm happy this year. Been through so much, things are started to settle down back home, things is Singapore is starting to look friendly. Nothing more that I ask for.

For this year-end wish, I wish that everyone is in great health, and are in the company of loved ones. I realise nothing beats the warmth of the person that you love and who loves you back, knowing you're not alone out there. Appreciate things around you, nothing is going to be there forever. As time goes by, we're all growing older, and hopefully wiser too. Take care everyone, all the best for year 2007...

Crap Part IV ??

2006-12-11T22:29:00.000+08:00

Oh.. oh...

As I was going through my blog, I realised that I've watched 45 movies this year. How the hell did I do that, I have no idea. I didn't even realise I spent so much time in the cinema. But then, why the year coming to an end, I have a really brilliant plan. I will try to watch 50 movies this year. That will be a nice closing to this year. At least I can say that I accomplished something this year. Ha ha...

While I'm typing this, there are so many typing mistakes that I have to keep correcting. If I publish the original post, I don't think I'll be able to understand what I'm trying to say, let alone you who are reading this.

Anyway, I should return to my online game. Too blur to do anything else.

Crap Part III

2006-12-03T00:35:00.000+08:00

I just got back from two rounds of dinner. Felt that my one hour in gym this evening has gone to waste. Nothing to complain about I guess. The dinners are lovely, had loads of funny kind of meat today, including kangaroo and deer.

Actually, I have thought out what to write about in this post, but somehow, my brain is failing me. I can't remember a single thing, including why I'm writing this in the first place. Probably another piece of crap. Oh dear, oh dear.. have I really run out of things to blog about? Maybe I should just close this blog down, then I don't have to scratch my head everytime my conscience tells me that I have not been blogging often enough.

I got back from my San Francisco (via Hong Kong) trip yesterday afternoon. Nothing much to highlight about, except I managed to meet Kristie in San Francisco! Once I got the photos from my friend, I'll put it up. It was so nice chatting with you, Kristie, it's been so long!! I felt bad because I was so tired the whole time I was there. Sorry, but I will try to go to San Francisco again in January. *cross my fingers!!

Apart from meeting Kristie, I spent a lot on this trip. I just kept buying and buying, till I realised that my hands are tired from carrying the bags that I have been spending too much. Guess I have to live on bread and water for the next two weeks.

I think I need to get my precious beauty sleep now. Tomorrow I need to meet my darling at the airport. Till next time, ciao!

Crap Part II

2006-11-23T21:57:00.000+08:00

I just came back from watching the movie 'Happy Feet'. A very cute and funny movie. Worth a watch if you have nothing better to do.

Tomorrow night I will be leaving to Hong Kong and then onwards to San Francisco the day after. Kristie, I can't wait to see you again!!! It's been so long, there's so much to catch up on. Wait for me, I'll be there!! Haha..

I named this post 'Crap Part II' mainly because I'm looking at my blog, and it's looking back at me, heck, why not another post of nothings. So, here I am, talking about absolutely nothing. Crap basically.

A request for all my architecture friends, is it possible to send me some of the Penang and Melacca pictures we took way back then? Those pictures about the old buildings, the Malacca establishment and stuff? Would be really happy to have those in my hands. Currently doing some stuff regarding it. Thanks a lot in advance!

Here I am again, looking at this crappy post, and it's looking back at me. Heck, let's click the publish button!

Crap

2006-11-21T10:28:00.000+08:00

I have been so lazy recently that I did not even want to sit in front of the computer. I stop updating all the new places list, the movies' and books' list. All I want to do is lie down in bed, snuggle snuggle and do nothing. Probably read a page or two of a magazine. But that was what I wanted to do for quite some time. The flying around the world is starting to become more of a chore for me. Been pretty lazy and uninterested about going places. Maybe I need a break from traveling. Tired of unpacking and packing again.

BUT!! today has been a different day. I woke up early, cooked breakfast (it's such a huge achievement for me, I just need to note it down, haha) cleaned my room, did my laundry that has been piling up. And right now, I'm updating my blog, writing crap. Later I need to clear my workstation and dressing table. Bought this new wood protector spray that I must use. Haha.

Plus, today is also pay day. That also means that I'm going for a shopping spree. Christmas shopping! Woo Hoo! I just love christmas!! It gives the perfect excuse to blow the budget for the month. Haha...

Almost end of november, and again, I did nothing much this year. Sigh, not again.

I'm talking crap again. Oh no...

The Rainbow Connection

2006-11-17T18:59:00.000+08:00

Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told
and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong
wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that wishes would be heard and answered when wished on the morningstar?
Someone thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell.
We know that it's probably magic.
Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me.

=The Carpenters ~ The Rainbow Connection=

Lift your glass of champagne

2006-11-06T18:20:00.000+08:00

Expressions are necessary when all colors are grey
When all scenery is all but the same
When words that spoke of essence are gone
When all food taste like sawdust
Lift your glass of champagne, cheers to loneliness

Bid goodbye to the world of innocence
Close the chapter, roll out the carpet
Welcome to the lonely world of life
Lift your glass of champagne, and cheers

Living is the necessary evil
Where repentence is a sin
Guilt does not exist
In the hole that once housed the heart of many
Lift your glass of champagne, cheers...

The Biggest Lie

2006-10-21T12:17:00.000+08:00

I'm the biggest liar in the face of this earth, and the person I lie to, is myself. Every morning I wake up and I tell myself, everything is good, everything is ok, even when my heart is telling me otherwise.

I have a job that is envied by lots of people. But so what? It's not something I've wanted. It's not who I wanted to be. It's not who I am. But I went on and tell myself that I love this job. I love the travels, the perks and everything about it. I love doing nothing on most of my days. I lied to myself, and the people around me. Deep down, I am trying so hard to conceal who I really am, who I really want to be.

Not that I didn't try to break free. I took a few steps, met a few deadends, and I stopped and whine. Saying things like, heaven is not on my side, why should I force my way through? No matter how hard I try, I'm still going to fall, going to get hurt and disappointed. So why bother at all? Why don't I just wallow in self pity and never get up? That was exactly what I did. I lied to myself.

Mentally I have given up everything of who I used to be. I don't want to turn back now, I lied to myself again and again. My current life is great, it's what I really wanted after all. But do I? Do I really? Yes, I heard myself lying again.

I've failed myself and my dreams over and over again. I shall never pick myself up again.

Mum and dad, I'm trying my best, but I've failed myself as a person. I'm sorry.

MY BLOG- UPDATED

2006-10-19T02:36:00.000+08:00

I have been slacking again...

That is why I just posted 4 posts in one day.

There will be more to come.. but at the moment.. I'm just too sleepy to continue.

Enjoy the pictures! :)

Hong Kong

2006-10-19T01:55:00.000+08:00

A day after I came back from Seoul, Nard and I went for a short getaway to Hong Kong. It was a fun trip, because I get to go to Disneyland! Ha ha...

=One of the streets of Hong Kong=

Oh, of course, we went to the usual tourist spots, like the Lady's Street, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and the Harbour where you get to see the light-show on the buildings from across the river.

=Wong Tai Sin Temple=

Despite the rumoured Hong Kong Disneyland to be sucky, I find that it is really not that bad after all. Of course, the mainland Chinese cut queues and spits everywhere, and that the Disneyland is very small, but I find the rides entertaining. In fact, with its small size, it is just nice to take all the rides in a day and still not rush from one to the other, unlike those huge Disneylands in Tokyo or LA where you have to rush the whole day to complete all the rides.

=Hong Kong Disneyland=

=On the Disneyland train=

=Anyone wants to get smacked?=

=Mickey=

Oh, and on the final day, paying no attention to my misgivings, Nard went ahead and bought himself three remote control planes. And we have to carry it all the way back. If I remember correctly, the box is almost as tall as me. Goodness, men and their toys.

=SMELLY TOFU!! yum-yum=

That aside, it's a fun trip and it's nice to get away from our chores at home sometimes.

Seoul

2006-10-19T01:37:00.000+08:00

Kim Chi anyone?

I happened to be in Seoul the same time as Nard, but we only had enough time to meet for lunch before he leaves for Singapore. But we manage to take a walk nearby the hotel's day market. Fun!

London

2006-10-19T00:31:00.000+08:00

I finally got the 'courage' to walk around London's tourists spots. I went to the Salisbury cathedral, Windsor castle, and the Stonehenge in my fourth trip to London. Lovely trip on a lovely trip, except for the part where we were herded from place to place in a rush. Never am I going to take a guided tour!

=Windsor Castle=

=Stonehenge=

=Salisbury Cathedral=

On my fifth trip to London, I went to London's Tower Bridge and Greenwich park. I also visited the Big Ben and took the ride on the world's largest ferris wheel, the London's Eye. The view from the Eye was breathtaking. It's worth its 13.50 pounds fee. Too bad I didn't have a proper camera with me. With my crappy Sony T-5, I took only limited good night shots. But great experience nonetheless! The Greenwich park is one of the main park that shows the Line that splits the east and west, the GMT.

=Tower Bridge=

=Greenwich Park, the GMT line=

=London's Eye=

=Big Ben=

2006-09-21T03:47:00.000+08:00

Nard, you have been away the longest time.. i miss you.. come home soon..

9-11

2006-09-15T00:59:00.000+08:00

It was September 11 when I woke up in my hotel room in London. My immediate reaction was to turn on the tv and the news channel. Scanning and listening to the news while preparing to go out for the day, I was relieved there was no terrorist attacks for that day. At least, not in the vincinity.

So, that day's plan was to go out and tour the part of London that I have not been, despite the fact that I've been to London for so many times. The Tower Bridge, Big Ben, London's Eye, the Greenwich park. Anyway, to cut the long story short, I went to all those places in a day's time.

During lunch with my colleagues, we were talking about my plans to go site seeing in London. They ask questions like, "Hey, you know it's September 11, don't you? You're still going out?" Oh well, I shrugged it off with the it's-been-five-years-dude attitude.

After coming back to Singapore and as I was looking through my photos, I stumbled upon the photos taken when I was in New York few weeks back. I went to Ground Zero, took some pictures (3 to be exact). It was too devastating a site. To think that the area has been a graveyard to thousands of people, it was just a heart-wrenching scene. Not only that, it has led to more deaths around the world, in Afghanistan, Iraq, London, Iran, India. Suddenly, the world is full of terrorists that wants nothing but to kill.

9-11 has started a war that is not going to end anytime soon. Five years has passed, the shadows of it remains. More and more people are dying in this war against terrorism. Even as I am writing this, there are people who die of gunshot, of bombs, of beatings.

Let's just take a break from our daily chores and have a quiet moment, to remember those who has left us and those who are still fighting...

It's a challenge!

2006-09-06T10:46:00.000+08:00

About a few minutes ago, I stumbled across this site that says, 'List down ten things you love about your life...'

It got me thinking, it's not that easy to do just that. Us being human, it's much easier to list 100 problems rather than 10 things that we love about our life. Such ungrateful creatures we are. So here is the challenge, let's list down 5 things you love about your life in less than 10 minutes. When the time is up, let's see if you can fill up the numbers. No cheating here!

1. My traveling (1st minute)
2. The figure in my bank account. Muahaha (3rd minute)
3. Nard (4th minute)
4. My photo album that is categorized by countries (7th minute)
5. My family and friends (time's up!)

How hard can it be right? Hahaha...

Sick. Medicine. Sleep.

2006-09-05T22:15:00.000+08:00

I fell sick again.

It has not been long since my last visit to the doctor, and yesterday after work, I have to visit the doctor again. Not exactly my favourite past-time. And the medicine, eeeuuww...

Time to take my medicine. And sleep.

Sigh...

Reflection by the plane's window

2006-08-26T16:41:00.000+08:00

It's almost the end of August. Two-third of the year has passed me by. The other day when I was in London, I was on the phone with Yen Ling from that faraway place (it might be on another planet) Aberdeen, she said that 'life is like a toilet roll. The nearer you are to the end, the faster it rolls.' Can't help to agree with this cuckoo. Finally, she is making some sense.

Yet again, this post is going to be a reflection of what has happened this year. (More or less like how companies audit their financial position.. haha) This year has been an eventful year, a year full of soul-searching, endless with surprises when I least suspected it.

Right now, right here, I can proudly say that I've achieved one of my biggest dream. Which is to travel around the world, and hey, I'm only 22. I have been to a lot of places, but traveling has taught me a lot of things I never know I never know. It is a great revelation to me, because I have always been a person who never knew how to count my blessings, and now, I'm counting it.

Other dreams that I have consistently thought of coming true, is slowly coming into focus, so I can finally say that I have found the reason of my being, my destiny, as Paul Coelho would put it.

But at the moment, let's just enjoy the moment, and I'll blog more, earn more, eat more, shop more and be happy.. after all, I can only grow so much in a year right? Hahaha...

Melbourne

2006-07-20T20:39:00.000+08:00

With last minute changes, I managed to go to Melbourne with nard last week. This is our first trip together, and it was fun.

We stayed in the casino hotel, which I complained so much about because it is so far away from the city. It is such a hassle to get city, either a 20 minutes walk or by the free shuttle provided by the hotel.

I just realised that Melbourne itself has quite a few places that is nice to sight-see. The past few times that I was there, I spent all my time catching up with my relatives, cousins and friends, that I overlooked the sightseeing part.

Then again, this trip to Melbourne, we didn't do much either. Just took lots of pictures by the river near the hotel. And there's this lovely red colored block of concrete somewhere. Lovely lovely. The next time I'm in Melbourne, I definitely going to explore more of the intimate parts of this subtle yet imposing city.

Jungfraujoch

2006-07-19T22:13:00.000+08:00

Jungfraujoch (yung-fr-au-york)

Jungfraujoch to Zurich, via Kleine Scheidegg, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken Ost.

17July2006 5:20PM Local Time (Zurich)

Jungfraujoch is The Highest Point in Europe. 3454m / 13642ft

To get to Jungfraujoch, it is better to purchase a One-Day Swiss Pass, which costs roughly about CHF.95. With this pass, the public transport in Switzerland is free to use for a day. There are certain routes that might need a purchase of tickt, but with the Swiss day pass, there's a 50% discount on most railways. (A guided tour to Jungfraujoch will cost roughly aboug CHF.200)

In the case of getting to Jungfraujoch, there is a 50% discount on the ticket from Wengen to Jungfraujoch, which costs about CHF.71. after discount. This purchase is necessary because from Wengen station onwards the Swiss Pass is no longer usable. But to get to Jungfraujoch, there is little need to stop by the Wengen station. The purchase of the ticket is just a formality. In the Swiss Pass map that is given, we can just bypass Wengen station and head straight up to the top of Europe.

From Zurich, the minimum times we have to change trains are three times. Not much stress about that because all the trains are mostly punctual, and the people in the tran station are always willing to help a lost traveler. Just make sure that it is the correct train before boarding and everything will be just fine.

The trip from Zurich to Jungfraujoch is an estimated 5 hours, give and take. So set out early and be prepared to come back to Zurich late. In my care, I left my hotel at 5am, to catch the 6am train in Bahnhofstrasse, arrived in Jungfraujoch about 10.40am, spent a few good hours there, catch the 1.50pm train down and now i'm halfway across the country on the way back to Zurich. Roughly we'll arrive about 7pm (in the hopes of having cheese fondue for dinner before leaving for Singapore tomorrow morning).

Jungfraujoch is always covered in snow, so it is advisable to bring a really thick jumper, wear wool socks, and if possible, wear a pair of good hiking shoes, plus a pair of sunglasses. Of course, not to forget is the camera. Even in the middle of summer, it is cold up there, no kidding. One point to take note if you're bringing your ipod with you, keep it in a warm place, be it underneath your shirt or in a thermal flask. My ipod (at this very moment) is screwed up by the cold temperature. At first it was heating itself up when I turn it on, then when it finally cool down, now I couldn't turn it on. So take good care of your electronics if you're bringing it up to any snow mountains. Oh, and not to forget to bring some snacks in case you're hungry during the train ride. Plus, the food up there is a little bit overpriced (as usual).

On the trip up to Jungfraujoch from Kleine Scheidegg, it is good to stop by Eismeer and the two stations before it (the train will actually stop at the stations for 5 minutes so that tourists and travelers alike can hop down to take some panoramic photos of Jungfraujoch). It has to be done on the way up because on the way back, the train will not stop at those stations. Don't worry about losing your seat if you hop down (the train is always crowded), what is that 10-20 minutes of standing in the train if you can get postcard photos?

When I reach Jungfraujoch, the first thing I did was use the toilet. Let's leave part of me on the tallest peak in Europe. Haha.

Getting down to business, I went to the Ice Palace (Eis Palais). Here, a good pair of hiking shoes comes in handy. My sneakers keep slipping on the ice floor. Everything is so cold, so cold. There are cute sculptures in the Ice Palace. I took a lot of pictures there. Although it is all ice, but what the heck.

Coming out from Ice Palace, we headed to a place called the Plateau. There, we walked outdoors to take pictures of the snow mountain and the surrounding area. Such breathtaking view, I can't believe I'm actually standing on a snow mountain. Even the photos looks too good to be true. I felt as though I juxtaposed a picture of myself on a postcard. Words can't describe the overwhelming sense contentment in my heart as I tell myself I'm on the highest peak in Europe. The snow are pure white, so white and bright that it pains the eye if you look at it for too long. That is why you need a pair of sunglasses.

Satisfied with the amount of photos I have taken, we went to the restaurant for lunch. After a slow lunch, relaxed our muscles and warmed up our toes, we went to the souvenir shop downstairs to get our all time favourtie souvenir, fridge magnets.

Walking away from the souvenir shop with a lighter purse, we went to the Sphinx Terrace. That is the observatory deck that is always shown on the tour brochures. The huge building on the top of the snow mountain, with a dome in the center. Over there, be it indoors or out, there are lots of angles to take pictures of this magnificent mountain. I just couldn't stop myself, running from point to point, just to bring home as much photographs of Jungfraujoch. Beautiful, splendid, simply breathtaking.

After all the excitement has died down, we decided it is time to head back to Zurich. Four hours thereoff, here I am, sitting in the train, writing all of these down, with the hopes of transfering it to my blog (which I did!).

It is 6.25pm now, another half hour to my cheese fondue dinner.

Note: This time round, it is actually the first time that I did not feel rushed to go to a place to sight-see. Everything seemed so effortless, I just go with the flow. I didn't feel that I have to go to all the places, take all the pictures till my camera's memory runs out. It is a totally different feeling. It is more of contentment, rather than achievement. I felt happy, and in fact, lucky to be able to go to Jungfraujoch just to soak in the beauty, instead of feeling proud that I've been there, done that, another item ticked off my list. I guess I'm finally feeling like a real traveler. Haha...

My Birthday Pictures!!

2006-07-15T11:00:00.000+08:00

Flowers?

Cake Cutting Ceremony...

roller coaster ride

2006-06-28T19:40:00.000+08:00

Funny sometimes when we are so happy with what we have, and there goes, a steep fall, a swerve to the right, to tell us that, hey, you're not so lucky after all.

I guess it gives me a wake up call when something I have so dreaded has happened. It told me not to take things for granted, and I should be up on-guard at all times. Be prepared for the worst to happen because when it really happens, then at least it is not going to hurt that much.

Sometimes I ask myself, why is it when I am just starting to realise the good things around me, starting to take out some courage to reach out, that I have to be thrown about in this ridiculous roller coaster ride? There I go again, losing my already loose footing in life.

Last night, after a night out to velvet, I came home and I sat in the living room, talking to my housemate. Exasperated, I asked her, 'if tomorrow is going to be a better day, why can't today be a good day?' All I get from her was a tiny note on my desk the next morning, saying, 'dear girl, when times are challenging, be strong and remember all those supporting you. Be happy.'

Tears came to my eyes, feeling grateful that the plunge downwards, the hard swerve to the right, the throwing about in this roller coaster ride, is actually a blessing in disguise. There are actually people who care about me, genuinely. And that is worth more than having hundreds of books in my library or traveling around the world.

I really want to thank her for the wonderful, and powerful note that made me realise, I do have something that I am proud of, my friends. They are really angels sent from above, and I love them. Just being there when I am bruised and beaten, giving me the shove just when I needed it most, or a hug when my materialisitic world is falling around me, is the greatest treasure on earth. I'm rich, I'm lucky, and finally I can say that I wiped off the tears and stand up to face this cruel, cruel world again.

red wine

2006-06-27T21:05:00.000+08:00

Red wine. Three nights in a row. 2 bottles.

Wine. January to June. 18 bottles to date.

Plus champagne. 25 bottles.

Add some whiskey. More vodka. 30 bottles.

Some cheese at the side.

A few beers to share the fun. When there's no more wine.

Fine dining at Shangri-La. Another bottle please.

End of this year, a trip to the doctor.

Please don't drink and drive.

Thank YOU

2006-06-26T03:04:00.000+08:00

I really needed this 9 days break from work. Although I did not manage to go anywhere because of visa problem, but I am still happy.

I spent about 2 days back in Kuala Lumpur with my family and friends, and I'm glad about that. At least there's some catching up with gossips and shopping!! Hahaha.. my dad said that I had shopped till I dropped in the few days I'm in KL.

I came back to singapore on the eve of my birthday, and nard took me for a nice dinner and arrange a surprise party for me after that. Although it was a small party, but it was really sweet of him. I love the roses and the cake! Muaks.. and to my housemate, I really love that dress!! Didn't know this kind of dress will look good on me.. hahaha.. A big wet kiss for you girls, MUAKS... and the girls night out was fun just now.. can't wait for the next one!

And for all my dear friends around the world, thank you for the phone calls and messages. It was lovely to know that you guys still remember me and my birthday.. and sean, I love that dog, although it's not pretty (just like you! haha)..

I still don't have the pictures of my birthday party, but once I get my hands on it I'll post it up...

P/S: I really love the roses, nard, just can't stop looking at it!

My Dirty Laundry

2006-06-18T14:51:00.000+08:00

Almost six months has passed for this year, and a lot of things has not been done. Especially my laundry. I have no idea why there is no way I can finish doing my laundry. It's always there and it's forever piling up, no matter how often I wash them, dry them and iron them. Who created clothes in the first place anyway? I'm happy stark naked.

Or maybe someone should just invent clothes that can clean on its own, or stain free clothes. Now, as I'm writing crap here, the washing machine is working very hard. Half hour from now I will be working hard hanging them up under the sun. And the business of folding and ironing when it's dry later tonight, it's driving me crazy!!

The ordeal of organizing the pile of clothes into light-colored and dark colored, then dumping into the washing machine, taking the washing powder from the cupboard, pouring in the softener, it's hell a lot of work. Maybe I should consider wearing the same clothes over and over again.

That said, I still have to do my laundry. I can hear my washing machine saying 'it's your turn to work now...'

%#@&#!#!

It's time to wake up

2006-06-13T19:39:00.000+08:00

"When the going gets tough, the tough gets going"

Such cliched phrase, yet it has its own truth.

I have been living in the past for too long. Every time I met someone that does not belong to my current lifestyle, I get that all too familiar feeling. "The good old times", that's what I say, all the time.

I realize it's no use dreaming about the past, about how good it was, about how badly I wanted to go back to the world that I fit into. Where I was the winner, not someone who is struggling in another world. Oh god, how long has it been since I felt good about myself?

I have been depressed, sad and beaten for the longest time... about three years and a half years since the first wave of depression hit me.

Now I tell myself, it's time to wake up. Get on with life and stop whining about how unfair fate is treating me. Now I will pave my own way and I will end up where I belong, once again. This time no matter how hard I fall, I will climb back up again, because I want to be there. I will be there.

Wish me luck!

Now now.. I know most of you are saying, FINALLY!!

All I want is, EVERYTHING

2006-05-10T00:36:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I realize that i have been asking too much from life.

Just today i was in MPH scouting for some books, then my eyes fell upon this wonderful book, titled "All i want is, EVERYTHING." But of course, I didn't buy the book (I didn't even lift the book up to read what it is all about). I don't think I need the book to remind me just how greedy I am.

Sometimes I just wonder whether I've wondered too much. I think too much about life. I ask too much from life. I want too many things that are unreachable. I basically am too absorbed in my own 'wants', too full of myself, that the world has to revolve around me. Great revelation, huh?

Not that I feel bad about it. But at times I do feel frustrated for not having what I want. Then again, this is being human, right? Not?

Do I really have to lower my expectation just to be happier in life? Do I really have to give up my dreams just because I am no exception in this human race? Why am I crying most of the time thinking that my life is just not good enough, that my life is just not moving forward? Everywhere I look is dead-end. No light at the end of the tunnel. Or maybe I just choose not to see it.

Haven't I got a job that allows me to travel the world? And get paid well for it? Haven't I have great friends that I can call my support group if I'm not happy? Haven't I have a supportive family that allows me to do whatever I chose to? Am I not much luckier than most people in this world who has to worry about their next meal? Then why the hell am I complaining so much about my life? Why the f** am I so unhappy and unsatisfied about my job?

I hate being in the condition that I am right now. An old friend that I met up with last nite said that I am no longer the girl he used to know. Where is she anyway? I am asking myself the same question. I've turned into someone who is needy, desperate and pathetic. Someone who desperately need something or someone to cling on just to survive. Lost my identity. Where is a.l.i.c.e? Where the hell is she?

I am so pathetic.

*llorar*

Roma @ Italia

2006-04-20T04:01:00.000+08:00

I came back from Rome about 24hours ago, and I still am not able to shake off that feeling of awe that I have been to Rome. I mean, it's my dream destination (apart from Spain), and I was there!

***

Rome, when it's mentioned, a romantic city, filled with wonders in architecture and art will come to mind. It need not be explained further. Walking through narrow passages with three to four stories tall building built closely together, taking in the smell of freshly brewed coffee, or just licking away to heart's content a huge cone of gelato, it is Italy we are talking about.

On a lazy summer day, with pigeons everywhere in the square, people enjoying the fine weather sipping coffee outdoors, street-musicians filling the air with sweet music, artists showing off their skills in paintings, sketches, waters sprung out from fountains under the sun that makes it look like gleaming crystals in the air, what more could you ask for from this beautiful city?

***

Pantheon, an architecture marvel, such huge dome built almost 2000 years ago (although the hole in the centre still makes me wonder about what happens on rainy days), it is a marvelous experience to be in such significant symbol of Roman architecture. I tried taking pictures of the hole and the dome, but the huge scale just does not permit the whole building to be captured into one single shot on my camera. I felt honored to be there, to touch and experience something that is so old, so solid, so prominent in history.

***

Trevi Fountain. The place where it is famous for making a wish and throwing a coin into it. I made a wish and threw a coin. I do hope that wish comes true. What that wish is? I'm keeping it a secret.

The day that I arrived in Rome, it was a Easter Sunday. Imagine the crowd in the whole city. Although Trevi Fountain is famous for being crowded everyday for the whole year, but I was just seeing humans and humans everywhere. It was so packed, we have to seize the split second opportunity to just stand next to the fountain to make a quick wish and throw a coin. Funny sight it has been.

***

Spanish steps. Although I am not too sure what is so special about this, but I went there anyway. Apparently it was a beautiful steps especially if viewed during sunset. I felt sorry that I could not appreciate the beauty, one because I know nothing about the history, two because it was so bloody crowded with people and three, because I was not there during sunset.

***

Vatican city. Need I say more? It's Easter. It's holiday. It's crowded. I mean, there's not much space to offer, being the smallest independent state in the world. Took photos from outside of the building and had a splendid dinner around that area. I wanted to enter to be blessed by Pope and join in the communion, but the queue was just way too long, I gave up (don't have much time to spare anyway, have to rush off to Coleseum).

***

Coleseum. Picture Gladiator and it's glorious entry into the place.
Picture Coleseum again. There you have it. Despite it being in ruins, it is still standing proud. I can just feel the strong vibe that it is giving as I walked around it. A very proud Roman building indeed. I passed by the Coleseum on my second night on the way back to the hotel, the whole place was lighted up, and it was simply breath-taking. Forget about the bits and parts that has fallen down, it is telling a story of its own, fighting against time, against modernization.

***

The Leaning Tower of Pisa. The most important building on my must-see list. It took me 3 hours to get there by train and the train fare is sky high. But it was worth the pains of waking up 6am in the morning, sitting on an uncomfortable seat for 3 hours and almost emptying my bank account for the train ticket.

When I was there, all things were forgotten, it was just Pisa and I. Despite it being a bell tower, not a huge one, but it just gives off this feeling of awe, of wonder, of marvel. You just feel like sitting down on the grass, looking at it. Simply beautiful. It is funny how some things has the ability to move your heart, to shake your senses. Just like looking at a beautiful painting, this small petite tower will make your eyes glued to it, never leaving sight of it.

A friend of mine jokingly said that we are just wondering at human errors. The building is not meant to be leaning sideways anyway. If it was a normal bell tower, not leaning whatsoever, I doubt it will be as famous as it is today. Nevertheless, I spent the whole day there, just drinking in the wonderful Pisa Tower.

***

Food is good as well. I don't remember eating and drinking so much for the past few months as I did in Rome. Brioche (crossiants), cappucinos, wines, latte, pastas, pizzas, gelatos, you name it, I tasted it. Even the McToast in McDonalds for breakfast is fantastic. Well, I was just plain stuffing myself silly.

***

Loved every moment in Rome, I don't mind going back there again, just to enrich my experience in one of the world's richest city in history and architecture.

April?

2006-04-07T03:38:00.000+08:00

I can't believe it! A quarter of the year has passed and I have not even noticed? Goodness gracious, life certainly has been eventful and busy this year. I can't say that I have complains. Things has been doing fine and I hope it's all the same for everyone.

Just went to Seoul few days ago for the third time. This time I brought my camera with me, but too bad, I was in the mood for shopping and plus, I went alone. So all the photos does not have me in it. I guess it's just my luck with Seoul that I will not be able to take 'proper' photos. Haha.

Recently I have been using my brain a little bit too much. Makes me think too much about my present condition in life (not that I ever stopped thinking about it). But it's starting to make me feel so sick and stressed out whenever I think about it. I envied my friends who are still going strong in architecture (gambate guys!) and those who graduated with degree just few months back and are taking their first steps in prestigious firms in the field they've studied. Plus those who are following their heart's passion, I wish I can lay down all my burden and responsibilities and be reckless for once, doing the thing that I have always wanted to do - after all, we only live once (what was my passion again? - I guess I've forgotten - too engrossed with money-making till my passion has been buried deep down - sigh).

I think that is enough reflection for the first quarter of the year. Bet there's more to come till I've sorted out this muddled heart of mine (that'll be the day I die - haha).

Johannesburg

2006-03-24T01:49:00.000+08:00

I just realised that I promised to upload my Johannesburg photos in my previous post. So here goes, not that it's really impressive because all I saw in the safari was elephant backside, giraffe backside, some funny looking animal's backside. Basically, it's a animal-backside educational tour for me. Why did I only get the backside's view? Ask those bloody animals... the moment they see a car approaching, either they run away (which gives you their backside's view) or their back are facing the road (that's why they are not running away, they don't know we're behind them) so all I see is their backside. Get my point here?

Anyway, I'm not bothered about those animal because all I want to see are lions and tigers. So I went "lion, lion, Lion, LiOn, LION, LION!" for a few hours till my voice died on me. And still, I don't see lion. Then I went, "tiger, tiger..." but still no tiger. At the end of the day, after the sun sets, I was really really hungry for some lion. But no lion. No tiger. Such disappointment. You can't even imagine how low i felt. So we left Pilanesburg and drove back to the city. Which was all for my first ever south-african trip.

But on my first night in Johannesburg, I had this really huge lamb shank for dinner. That bone was huge! Picture Flinstone and my lamb shank. *angelicwitch nods... Yess.. It's huge. I bet if I take that bone and threw it out on the street, the lions will come after it. Why didn't I thought of keeping that bone for my safari trip the next day, I wonder.

I don't mind going back to South Africa for the second time, but if I ever go on a safari trip, there better be lions around (either that or I pack myself a bunch of bones from dinner).

UPdates

2006-03-13T01:28:00.000+08:00

I know I know..

I have been missing from the IT world for quite sometime now.. Life has been so busy, I don't even know where to begin.

First of all, I lost my old housekeys.. I wonder what happened to it.. because it just went, 'missing!!' And because of the keys, some complications arised in my workplace, which kinda sucks because everything seems to be going to smoothly in my job then this incident screws it up.

After that, I moved to a new place, with two of my friends. Which was all well, but the cleaning up and trying to organise all my stuff in my room really tires me. Plus the fact that I have never been really a neat person really helps. Being away from singapore most of the time is another factor.

Other than that, life has been good, smooth flowing in fact. Nothing much I can complain about. I went back KL last week for 2 days, and catching up with my family and friends really helped me clear up my messed up mind a little. Just some time away from work and stress is good at times. Oh, and I love my new baby!! Vios 1.5E, it's purrs... I know it's nothing to some of you, but it's my very, very ,very ,very own first car. Bought it, loving it! Hahaha.. Those of you who are back the same time I'm back in KL time, I promise I'll be the driver provided you pay for the petrol :P

Apart from this, I finally have the chance to go to south africa, johannesburg. It is a beautiful place, but a tad dangerous I think. When I have the time and when my PC is discharged from the hospital I will upload all the photos of the safari trip I had.

Enough of UPdates from me. Till next time. Muaks.

Because of you...

2006-02-12T23:55:00.000+08:00

I will not make the same mistakes that you did

I will not let myself

Cause my heart so much misery

I will not break the way you did,

You fell so hard

I've learned the hard way

To never let it get that far

Because of you

I never stray too far from the sidewalk

Because of you I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt

Because of you I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me

Because of you I am afraid

I lose my way

And it's not too long before you point it out

I cannot cry

Because I know that's weakness in your eyes

I'm forced to fake a smile, a laugh everyday of my life

My heart can't possibly break

When it wasn't even whole to start with

Because of you I try my hardest just to forget everything

Because of you I don't know how to let anyone else in

Because of you I'm ashamed of my life because it's empty

Because of you, I am afraid...

A series of conversations. A chain of events. A trail of experiences.

2006-02-11T12:53:00.000+08:00

I was digging up some old entries that I wrote few years back in my old website, when I come upon one article that once, used to mean a lot to me. So here I am now, trying to revive the revelation I have found when creating this once new post.

April 20, 2004 - A series of conversation. A chain of events. A trail of experiences.

"Recently, I have been exposed to a new way of looking at things. It was not a great revelation, but it enlightens me all the same.

I am grateful for all the things that happened in my way. Starting from the moment I utter the first word in my life, till right now, this moment. The good, and the bad, I am totally thankful. Without all these things happening to me, I will not understand, I will not learn, I will not appreciate.

On my first day in kindergarden, I would not learn to mix with other kids of the neighbourhood, if my parents did not let go of their hand and push me forward into the classroom. I will not understand the meaning of secrets, until my first friend betray me with her seemingly inability to keep her mouth shut. I will not appreciate the value of friendship until the first friend that asked me how I was doing when I recovered from my sickness.

I will not learn when to say things, and when to be silent when my friends are talking, if quarrels did not exist in my life. I will not understand the power of family warmth, until I came back from my first-ever outing. I will not appreciate life, if all things are never to happen in my life.
All these said, I will not be who I am today, if it is not because of the little things that happened in my life, good AND bad. Here I am now, thanking all those who has come into my life, thanking all the little things that come my way, thanking all the big things too, and thanking all those who allow me to enter their lives.

All things are connected to one another.

Things had happened, big or small, good or bad, either way, it has touched my life in a way I have never known before. "

-A series of converstions. A chain of events. A trail of expriences-

My blog

2006-02-08T23:19:00.000+08:00

My conscience has been nagging me for not updating my blog for the longest time. Not that I feel guilty or what, it’s just that I have to blog because it’s time to blog. Please pardon me for this currently crappy blog because I have been overworked by my company and now I’m feeling really tired and shitty.

I just came back from Bombay this morning and I only have about 2 hours sleep before I was waken up by a full bladder and an invitation to join my friends for a chicken rice lunch in Katong. Not that I’m complaining, it’s fun, because I ended up spending half the day in IKEA window shopping. Quite a diversion, huh? Haha..

My Chinese New Year celebration has turned out to be good despite the fact that I was only able to spend about 48 hours with my family. It was all good fun, good laughs, and good time spent. Although I was not able to return home for reunion dinner on the eve, but I could still spend most of my time with my parents. After being away from home for the really first time, I could finally understand what family warmth is. Great experience!

This particular post is supposed to be and update of what I have been doing and where I’ve been for the past one month. So I will try to make a short paragraph for everything worth mentioning. I hope it is not too boring for you.

I was finally being sent to Adelaide! It was a really nice trip because we rented a car (and I drove!!!). So we went around Barossa Valley, spent some time in Rundall mall and Glenelg Beach. Met up with a friend and this was nice because he managed to show us around. (but at the end of the trip, my bank account was drained because of the car! Ugh.. hahaha)

Oh, last but not least, about my dreams. Recently I have been having really weird dreams that absolutely nothing to do with real life or what I am doing at all. One particular dream is so funny that I should just post it here.

“I dreamt that one day I woke up in the morning and found out that Singapore has been bombed by the USA, and we have to take refuge in Iraq in a fighter plane. Later during the flight of the plane, I meet with a guy who can actually speak the ‘fish’ language. When we arrived in Iraq, we found out that the Iraqi king has apparently been working the fish overtime, and the fishes are underpaid. These are translated by the guy to me because I saw him talking to the fish by scooping waters to his ears. Then wanted to investigate the truth because we wanted to fight for the fishes’ rights, we turned invisible and entered the Iraqi king’s palace. Halfway through the hall, the king ran amok and threw a glass to the floor. Unfortunately, the glass hit us and we are not invisible anymore. The king saw us and sent his army after us. Running down the stairs of the palace we passed by fishes that has been helplessly smashed into curry powder by the cruel king, then, *snap* I awoke from my dream”

I realize that this dream is absolute nonsense. But none the less, I think I’m turning my blog into a blog full of crap and shit. Well, is it a time for a makeover (again)?

Happy Chinese New Year!

2006-01-25T13:15:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!! Let's welcome the year of the Dog into our lives with good wishes and best of hopes!!

Unlike the 'english' new year, for Lunar New year, we will never say that we are making resolutions, or starting a new life. We will more likely talk about the preparations to welcome the lunar new year, the reunion dinners, the redpackets and meeting up with relatives and visiting one another.

As for this year, it will be the same as any other year for me, except that I am unable to be back for reunion dinner and I can only be back home for the first day of lunar new year. On the second day I would have to go back to work. So my friends, please forgive me for my inability to go around visiting the few of you. Maybe next year. Haha..

As the fengshui masters said, this year will be a good year for most of us. So let's just make use of this opportunity to make the best out of this year 2006 and the year of dog. I know I will do so. Haha..

P.S. Don't forget to collect a lot of angpaus!!

Greed

2006-01-20T00:10:00.000+08:00

Just when I’ve begun to settle down with my so-called ‘new’ and simple lifestyle, I met up with an old friend. After spending a few hours with him, the conversations with him reminded me of how strong-minded I was last time. It also triggered that crazy and giddy greed that once resides in me. The greed for money, status and power that monopolize my life not too long ago, is now slowly resurfacing again. I am beginning to be afraid of myself again. The evil greed that can cause me to trade time for money, friendships for status, and love for power is starting to envelope itself around my cold little heart.

I was actually thinking of returning to my religion, as someone that is devoted to having a peaceful and decent life. But then, the meeting this old friend fires up all the greed I used to harbor inside of me. The greed to be the best and most successful person is so much of a temptation that I am slowly drowned in the giddiness of pursuing it. Betrayal and lies comes together as a package. But I love it. Have I become so obsessed with the need of money, status and power that I no longer care for anything or anyone else?

To have a better lifestyle, to be able to say that I’m moving forward and having more every year, it means to have to win every rat race that is thrown to me all the time. I have to climb every ladder, every mountain that is in my path. I used to tell myself back in those days when the greed was engraved in my heart that ‘there is no where else I want to go but upwards, above everyone else’. There is no space for failure, no time to sit and wail for help. That was exactly what that has happened to me. I have fallen really hard and I have lost the will to stand up and run again. I have chosen the road of just sitting and watching others passes me by.

My dear friend, I could not express more gratitude to you for waking me up. Even though the time spent with you was short, but you have just push me back into the race of greed. It might take me some time to adjust back to the old, harsh me, but I will be back. Even though I am now only kneeling by the roadside, but I am no longer sitting down. One day I’ll be running fast, even faster than you in this rat-race. I will make my come-back so unbelievable that you would have to ‘kutow’ me. Watch out, my old friend, don’t slack in your steps else I’ll be overtaking you.

London

2006-01-09T17:10:00.000+08:00

This should be a really really short post. I have another hour to go before rushing to the airport to catch the plane back to KL. Just got back from London an hour ago. Not too bad, but cold and tiring.

The hotel that I stayed in London is really, really cool. Not much time to really elaborate much. Please feast your eyes on the pictures.

Cheers!~

Phuket 2005

2006-01-03T09:10:00.000+08:00

Recently I have been engrossed with my photoshop application. I wonder what's happened to me. But anyway, let's not stray from the main subject.

I went to phuket for four days before christmas. We had so much fun just by doing silly things and walking the streets looking at 'girls'. But the weather was not really good on the second day, because the sea was so rough, the wind was too strong for us to go snorkeling. So we ended paying about 200 ringgit for 30mins of snorkelling and bumping in the speedboat trying to get to the next island the whole day. What a waste. But better than none.

The photos are roughly the summary of what we've done there. Nothing much, just feel like compiling them and stretching my photoshop skills a little bit. (I know I still need to improve my design skill..) FYI, the guns we're holding are real guns. I dun remember what model joshua is holding, but mine is a .42 (or was it .46?) caliber (if i'm not wrong). Shooting was fun. With my lousy eyesight I only managed to get 8 out of 100 points. Haha..

Next destination, Gold Coast, babe?

Happy 2006

2006-01-01T21:09:00.000+08:00

First day of the year!!

Happy New Year!

Hugs and kisses!! May this year be another year of endless blessings for everyone!!

Yesterday I have the privilege of being one of the few who celebrated 2006 ahead of everyone else in the world. I celebrated my new year in christchurch. Some of you might have noticed the early messages I sent to you guys earlier that day. :)

That said, I just want to wish everyone a great year ahead!!

Love y'all!!

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-18T10:59:00.000+08:00

Have a fiery Christmas, dudes!

I have not done my christmas shopping. Not that there's much to shop for. My parents said they didn't want anything from me. Which makes it harder for me to guess what gifts will they prefer. And my brother, the shopping is done. As for the rest, I've gotten the perfume, wine, and vodka you guys wanted. (Sorry Vaseist, no Cordon Bleu, out of my budget la)

Have I left out anything? Please let me know. I've been so busy packing for my Phuket holiday trip, I'm sure I will forget something.

But anyway, have a fiery Christmas... haha

P/S: I'll be back in KL for Christmas. Give me a buzz if you miss me.. haha

Another year gone...

2005-12-15T11:03:00.000+08:00

Time really flies. Without me knowing, it's already end of the year. Two more weeks, we shall bid our farewells to 2005, and welcome 2006 into our lives.

This year has been an eventful year. From landing a job in Singapore, to owning my first computer. Among all the years in my life, this has been the most fruitful year. Being able to visit so many places till I have run out of places to go during my holidays, well, I guess that is a great achievement. One might ask, "What else do you want?"

*angelicwitch smiles weakly, nodding "Yes, there are more things I want. Things that you could not even begin to imagine."

All of us has been through a lot. Changes of direction in lifes, decisions that changes the course of our destiny, events that affects our faith and judgement. In just 12 months of 2005, we learn, we grow up, and we see things more clearly. With that, I hope all of us are a better person when 2006 arrives on our doorsteps. Armed with experiences that no one has but ourselves, march forward into 2006 with courage and hope.

That said, I guess my new year's resolution is "Try my best to live a simple life, and try not to want so much..." (is this a joke? huhu..)

P/S: Picture taken and modified by angelicwitch.

Empty, empty...

2005-12-13T22:29:00.001+08:00

A friend said this to me recently, "Simple and small things are enough to make a fool happy." I smiled at her and said nothing. There was a small voice inside of me saying, "If so, I'd rather be a fool, anytime."

It's been a long time since I've felt happiness in my life. There might be smiles and laughter, but after awhile, smiles are worn off, laughters dead. It might even be easier if there are reasons to cry or to complain over, but there is none. There is this phase where no feelings exist in the little cold heart of mine. Sometimes I'm not even sure whether I should call it a 'phase' I'm going through, or is it just me, someone void of all emotions, someone who keeps wanting more and more. Someone who is never satisfied with anything, who don't mind sacrificing anything just to reach my goal. Such a cold and greedy person, I am afraid of myself at times.

When I enter teenage years, I told myself, if I get myself a boyfriend, I'll be the happiest person on earth. There is nothing more that I want more, apart from getting good results and struggling to stay in the best class every year. Slowly as the years progress, I want more and more. Having a boyfriend is not enough, I want a 'better' boyfriend. Being in the best class is not enough, I want to be on the top (although I never become one, it has motivated me to go through all major exams with good results). I was never satisfied. Whenever I get the thing I want, more things will come into my 'I-need' list.

Moving on to college days, I wanted to be known, to be recognized. I went for the presidential campaign. I got it. I became the president. How do I feel? Apart from stress, nothing. I was so convinced that I will be a special person if I become president. Everyone will look up to me, people will know me, I will be the leader. And I told myself that I'll be happy. Did i feel happy? No. Do I feel that I am above anyone else? I was, for a moment, before everything collapse into normality again.

Human always want things that they couldn't have. I, for one, is the perfect example. Knowing very well that I will not be able to continue my studies overseas after my diploma, I still force my way into university application. I told myself, maybe they will offer me scholarship. Looking at my shitty result for my architecture, I'm beginning to doubt myself. What has happened to me? Why am I fighting so hard? Why does things have to be this way? Why can't I make my childhood dream come true? To be able to graduate with a degree from overseas, that was my goal eversince I was a child. Why can't I? I was in depression mode for almost a year. I blame myself for not studying hard, I blame my parents, I blame my family background, and I blame god. Now looking back, I ask myself the same question again, will I be a special person, someone above everyone else, if i manage to go overseas to complete my degree? Absolutely not.

Then again, there is my dream of traveling around the world. I told myself, if I am not able to have a degree in my hands, then at least, let me travel the world. I got the job that allows me to do just that. Travel. In the short 10 months since I've started this job, I've travelled to countless places. Most of the major cities in the world I've been. Although there are more to come, I'm no longer excited. I said to myself when I took up this job, this is not a job to be proud of, but at least, I am given the chance to travel (which at that time, I was desperate to get out of my country). People will look up to me, and listen to my stories of experiences. Will they? Even if they do, what difference will it make me as a person? Am I any special compared to the girl that goes to the office everyday 9 to 5? No doubt, my photo collections will be more extensive. But what do I gain from there? There was once, walking down the streets in Frankfurt, I ask myself, what's so special about walking on a foreign land, now that you're walking it? Nothing so special I told myself. Do I feel bubbles of happiness inside of me? No. So why am I here? Why do I want to travel in the first place?

I guess it is my nature that whatever things that seems impossible or hard to get, I want it. But when I get it, I forgot the first reason why I wanted it in the first place. Maybe that is the reason why I can never be happy or sad about anything. To me, everything is a race, a competition. There's always something to fight for, something you'd die for, but for what reason, I don't know. All I know is I have to keep on fighting, keep on wanting in order to continue giving myself that one second spark of fireworks in my cold heart. Else, my life will be empty.

Very, very empty indeed.

Miss y'all!

2005-12-11T10:57:00.000+08:00

It was great being back in KL, although only for 3 days.

The event that is worth remembering is the gathering with my architecture friends. It might not be so long ago that we had a gathering, but it still feel great.

This time round, the main topic of our conversation is about our new jobs. Everyone has landed themselves a job in an architecture/design firm. Everyone is excitedly talking about the projects they are working about. (And also complaining about the pay difference.. haha)

There was a time what we talked about was which universities we're applying into, how long are we going to stay there, how are our packings progressing.

I wonder what will we talk about when we meet up four years later in KL tower? 31 DEC 2009, don't forget!! (Maybe about Min Sean's wedding and Jet having kids.. haha)

New York

2005-12-10T20:56:00.000+08:00

My first trip to New York.

I didn't bother to go to Ground Zero, or take a cruise to Statue of Liberty. I spent my whole trip in Fifth Avenue and Times Square. Shopping. Fun?

Frustrated

2005-11-26T15:33:00.000+08:00

The first time I went to Seoul was the first ever trip out of Singapore. My first ever flight. So, it is only natural that I am so nervous about the trip that I didn't manage to take any photos.

Nevermind about that first time, I'm going to Seoul for the second time!

Ever happily, I charged my camera's battery before leaving for this beautiful country, thinking of all the beautiful sceneries that I can photograph.

When I arrive in Seoul, and all set to sight-see and have a cosy lunch and dinner of kimchi, I took out my camera to start photograhing. Only then I realised that I left my battery at home in Singapore!

Frustrated, I spent the whole day shopping and eating!

Oh well, I guess there's always the third time... :P

The answer to the picture I've put up in my previous blog, is Eiffel Tower, Paris. :o)

Photographs

2005-11-24T10:00:00.000+08:00

On a visit to my friend's house, she showed me photos taken by her friend, who is interested in photography. When I went to his website, I am really impressed. For a guy his age, he can do really well. My crappy pictures can be dumped into the bin. Haha. You can have a look at his site at http://why.smugmug.com

Oh, yes, after looking at his portfolio, I've decided to post my best picture to date, haha.. just to amuse and embarrass myself. Try to guess where is this taken. Hint: I have a date with Mona Lisa.

Raining

2005-11-23T05:22:00.000+08:00

It has been raining for the past 24hours. The sky is so grey, I don't feel like waking up. Truth be said, I have been sleeping for 12 hours straight and not being able to wake up :P too tired I guess.

Waking up at 4AM on a rainy morning reminds me of those good old days in high school where I have to stay awake the whole night just to finish doing my revision (not that those revision goes into my head). The memory channels especially towards end of year 2001, when I was sitting for my SPM. It was raining non-stop that time too. The fresh breeze, the clear morning air, the sound of raindrops, the feeling that I'm the only awake at this time of the day is too familiar.

I longed to return to school, back to studies again. But, will I be able to do that?

Perth 191105

2005-11-21T17:18:00.000+08:00

Really, sometimes I'm lost for words to describe my trips. This is my first time to Perth, and I'm glad that I managed to meet up with a few of my high school best friends. But the car ride given by Fiona caused Rowena and I headache the rest of the day after that.. haha..

It was really nice, gathering with old friends, and talking about the good old times. The silly things we used to do back in school, and the catching up of who is where, doing what. The impression that Perth has given me, is that half of Kuching's population is there. Everyone is there. Knowing myself, I couldn't stop myself from those juicy gossips of who is getting married, who is going out with who, who is graduating with a degree, who is already working, and who is entering Uni next year (*wink at Rowena). Haha..

Whose boyfriend is this? :P

The real shock was someone a few years senior of us is already married. Well, after passing the initial shock, I guess five years down the road it will be our turn (not me though). And yes, our Europe trip is drawing nearer and nearer, I can't believe that it was four years ago that we made that promise.

But I'm really glad that I'm in Perth, although for that short 24 hours, it seems to me that we didn't run out of things to gossip about, which is a good thing. The thought of us not finding a common ground after four years is banished. Take care, keep in touch, and hope to see you again soon!

Tokyo and DisneySea

2005-11-18T02:31:00.000+08:00

Picture says a thousand words...

Four Sydney trips, more to come

2005-10-30T14:43:00.000+08:00

In the short time of 5 months, I've been to Sydney for four times. Unbelievable isn't it? And I have another Sydney trip in December. I hope there's still 'people' there that I can meet up with. Haha..

In my first trip which dated way back in May, I visited my friends in UNSW. It is actually the first time I went overseas to meet up with friends. It was such a great feeling. I still remember the way we hugged one another tightly when we met.

My second trip, about two months later, I meet up with the same group of friends again. This time we're more adventurous, thanks to this friend, Calvin who introduced me to various places in Sydney, from the back of his car. We went to this particular site, but I don't know how to spell the name. It is supposed to be one of the site where MI2 is filmed. (Huh?) Then we had this really sweet chocolate desert in the chocolate shop. And we saw loads of great cars, but none beats the Lamborghini that is parked outside the shops. Plus, it's in my favourite color, yellow!!

My third trip? Due to miscommunication of our mobile phones, I ended up hibernating in my hotel room and leave the next day. Great experience! :P

Fourth trip happened just about two weeks ago. This time we didn't do much, just having supper in Chinatown and then off to my hotel room to gossip. Haha...

Although all my Sydney trips are short, it's sweet. Meeting up with my good friends really helps cover for the loneliness I feel back in Singapore. Being in a new country, and being away from there most of the time, didn't give me much time to make friends. That is why I don't mind going Sydney time and time again..

Waiting impatiently for my next trip...

Dubai trip 231005-281005

2005-10-29T20:16:00.000+08:00

My shitty Dubai trip.

On the first night we're there, my friend, C, stepped on cat (or dog.. I'm not sure) shit. Second night, my friend, C again, stepped on camel shit. On the third night, that stupid pigeon shit fell right on my shoulder while I was walking along the Gold Souk. Maybe because I laughed too much at C, that I got punished. But one thing is for sure, the shits are smelly. Darn smelly.

First night, dinner at this Indian restaurant. Chicken tikka anyone? I guess it's too spicy for me that I didn't really enjoy it.

Second day, went for desert trip. Cool. The four-wheel drive actually when up and down the sand slopes. Everyone in the car was screaming happily for the first half hour until both my friends started to feel sick with the motion. They almost puked in the car. But I am all for it! I don't mind doing it again. Then I tried sand boarding and camel riding. Even tried out the black color outfit for ladies in the region. Well, you know, those all covered up outfit. Then we have camel riding in the evening, arabian-styled dinner and henna painting. All under the stars in the desert.

Third day we were supposed to go to Burj al-Arab Hotel but it was postponed to the fifth day because we will not be able to make it for dinner in the city if we went to the hotel. So after dinner we went the spice souk (spice market) but it was all closed because it's Ramadhan. So we walked to the Gold Souk (where I get that bird shit on my shoulder). The whole stretch of street is filled with gold. Every where I look is gold, gold, gold. Too bad I'm broke.

Fourth day we had to work so we decided not to go anywhere or do anything but hibernate in the room until it's time for us to work.

Fifth day woke up early in the morning, (the day before we came back from work about 2am) and off we go to the souk madinat jumeirah, which is the complex next to the Burj al-arab hotel. Beautiful I would say. The interiors and the architecture, I would say it's different from what I usually see in other countries. Open spaces, small light wells on the ceiling, complicated floor plan which spiderwebs most of the shops. I'm impressed, but definitely not a wow. We went to the beach next to the Burj al-arab hotel, and the scenery is spectacular. But the hotel actually looked quite short. Maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me because of the relatively fat-bodied structure. None the less, one item on my wishlist is ticked off (although we didn't manage to enter the hotel because we need reservations and pay a lot of $$$). At least I'm still able to say that 'been there, done that'. Haha..

We had this really great lunch in the chinese restaurant in souk madinat jumeirah. Surprisingly the food is real good. Or maybe it's just because all of us has been deprived of chinese food for the past few days. Been having curry and spices the whole trip.

So, what can I say? Lovely trip, except for the shitty encounter C and I had.

My Dream Car(s)

2005-10-20T01:06:00.000+08:00

I just got home from drinks with a few of my friends. Had a really good time.

Anyway, the main topic is not about drinks, it's about my dream car :0) my friend sent me home in his new beetle (I called it turtle car.. don't ask me what model, I just know that it's the newest) and it's a convertible! It has always been my dream car, and I told myself that I'm going to own one in the future (in the very near future :P). And my friend is such a dear that he drove it with the top down.. such great feeling, plus today it has been raining whole day, the weather is just perfect for such ride! Plus, he allowed me to take picture with his car!

Another of my dream car is the mercedes benz.. yes yes.. it's SLK 280. I didn't know that I would be able to 'meet' my favourite benz model when I was in Paris two months ago. But it was such a beauty, looking at it in real life, and in magazine, it's such a different. It is just the same feeling when you look at a painting that takes your breath away. I just stand in awe of this powerful man-made machine. I told myself, I'm gonna own that one day too...

Isn't dream a great thing?

What I did, saw and ate today.. (I pierced my belly..)

2005-10-17T20:11:00.000+08:00

Well, I went to SimLim Square today to accompany my housemate to buy her new phone. Then we went browsing for cds, programs and microphones. Halfway I was searching for cds, I saw two monks, exchanging remarks (IT-related remarks) between themselves and whether they should buy those webcams and stuffs. (Cool? I told myself never to look down on monks anymore..)

Then I went to Far East Plaza to pierce my belly.. WEE... PAIN!! well, actually not pain.. hahaha

Went to Borders in Wheelock Place (did I spell it right?), bought the whole collection of Harry Potter books and The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang. Wonder when will I be finishing all the books.

Dinner at Coffee Club in Takashimaya. Had this really cheesy country pie and strawberry and fruits chocolate fondue. Don't think I'll be eating for another week.

Have to go take my shower. Cheers..

By the way, Happy 21st Birthday, Joshua. :o)

Zurich, Switzerland

2005-10-14T20:11:00.000+08:00

21.08.05-25.08.05 (ZRH)

It is a beautiful place, I wonder why so many people say that it is a boring place...
On the first day, I went to the old city, where all the old buildings are, the biggest clock-face tower in Europe is there (St. Peter-Kirche), a late-Gothic church called Framünster with five large stained glass windows by Marc Chagall (I didn't manage to see the windows, when I was there, it was already closed - too late), Grossmünster - the symbol of reformed Zurich (to me, it looks like KLCC, maybe the KLCC architect get his idea from here) and of course, the ever famous, Bahnhofstrasse area where I did my chocolate shopping that costs me a bomb!
I also managed to visit two buildings built by prominent architects of our time, the Corbusier-Haus by who else but Le Corb himself, and Bahnhof Stadelhofen (Stadelhofen Railway Station) by Santiago Calatrava.

Pic1:largest clockface in Europe
Pic2:KLCC lookalike?
Pic3: Corbusier-Haus
Pic4: Bahnhof Stadelhofen by Calatrava
Pic5: Bahnhofstrasse

After all that walk around the city, it's dinner time in Zurich.
Fondue... a Swiss delicacy, tastes like heaven. A must try if you're stopping by Switzerland... I had it for two nights in a row. So you can start imagining...

Pic: Cheese Fondue, wiener and rosti

Waking up early on the second day, my friend and I decided to take a train to the border of Schaffhausen and Zurich, to experience the rushing water falling from the height of 23m. Rheinfall is said that an average of 600m³ of water rushes over the 150m cliffs each second. It is the either the excitement of seeing such a huge waterfall or the fact that we're out of our bed early in the morning after a late night the day before; that made us took the wrong train. Instead of going to Winterthur where we need to change to another train to go to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall, we ended up in a station called Bulach (a place out of nowhere, let me assure you). And we wasted about 1 1/2 hours before we reach our destination. So my advice is, if you can't read or speak their language, don't simply jump into any available train (even if it's on the correct platform). Double check and double check again.

Pic: Wrong train!

But the view is worth the extra 2 hours of train ride. It was breath-taking. Standing at a platform that are just feets away from the gushing water, I felt the beauty and power of mother nature. It is just a 'wow'. Go and see it for yourself. Words would not do it justice. I took loads of pictures there. It is such a shame that I do not have enough time (I have to catch the last train) to take the boat ride across the fall and to the central cliff, where visitors can climb that and look at the water falling right in front of them.

Pic1: Cows enjoying the sun
Pic2: Rheinfall
Pic3: Cruise along Limmat River

When I'm back in the city, it's way too early for dinner, so we went for a 1 1/2 hour cruise boat that takes us along the river Limmat. All I can say, "beautiful view". Although most people would say, Switzerland is most beautiful during winter, but she is still gorgeous at summer time. And by the way, this summer, Zurich has this 'teddy bear' celebration of sort. I was at first intrigue by the amount of painted human-size teddy bears by the roadside, but the vast amount of it across Zurich just overwhelms me. Every bear has different theme, and the theme depicts what is happening at that particular street or area. I find it cool, but I didn't have any snaps of it, because it's just too many of them.

And yes, I ended my final night with fondue in a secluded (but packed) restaurant. What are the odds of two Malaysian girls, staying in Singapore, having fondue in Zurich, talking to two men, one Finnish, and the other ex-German now a Swedish, and plus, served by a waitress from Beijing? I called it globalisation...

Previously blogged in my old website, (but this time, with pictures)
angelicwitch 040905.2158

Nanjing - the best trip ever!

2005-10-14T00:50:00.000+08:00

09.10.05 - 12.10.05 (NKG)

I have been blessed to do a 4days Nanjing (NKG) with my team, plus a few others crew and pilots that are very nice. This trip is the most memorable of all the flights I have done so far.

Upon check in, we gathered at the lobby discussing with the tour guide about the program for the next day. Right after that, a few of us decided to take a shower and head off to the massage parlour. But it turned out, about 10 of us went for it. Massage was great, I fell asleep throughout, although I was teased for not enjoying it.

Walking out of the massage parlour, someone suggested dinner, so all of us, and 3 others joined us in this really 'not so good service' restaurant. We did not order much, but the portion was so small that we wanted to order another round. The waitress was like, "it's gonna take a long while" and start making funny faces. Anyway, we didn't let her spoil our mood. So we buy more food on the way back to the hotel from the stalls.

Picture on left: As we walk away from the restaurant.

The second day.
With the tour guide, 10 of us went to the Sun Yat Sen's Mausoleum, some place where there's this turtle sculpture being trapped by a huge stone (which is supposed to be some king / prince's tomb -my mandarin not so good, couldn't understand what the tour guide was trying to say). And then lunch! wow.. the lunch, and the service was fantastic! we ordered about 15 dishes and we finished all of it. Haha, I'm talking about a bunch of hungry people here. Oh yea, before lunch, we spend some time (and money) in this jade factory. I bought this lion looking thing (those things that businessman like to put outside their door) that costs me SGD$300. Haha, but it's well worth it. It's beautiful. Come over to my house in KL during Chinese New Year next year to have a look. *wink

After lunch we head off to this tower where you can see the most of Nanjing's skyline and the Yellow river. The sunset is beautiful. Then, we went to another shop to spend more time and money. This is an art shop, selling those crystal balls painted from the inside.

Pic: Crystal Ball shop

Oh well, I spend about 20 bucks there (again). But it's so cute I couldn't resist. Better than someone who spend about SGD$2000 on a painting of 18 dragons. (If he's reading this, he's going to kill me.. :P) Forgive me, but I just could not resist blogging down that amount of money spent.

Dinner time, because I did not join the rest for the garden and 'princess-emperor' photo taking, I had dinner with two other crew at this restaurant that is holding a wedding dinner. (very noisy and loud, the games they play, a bit weird. Not that I'm condemning, maybe it's just their culture). But the food is good and we had 4 dishes and 1 soup and it costs each of us SGD10. Aww, where to find such good bargain back home?

The third day (is a 'not so good' day for me).
I forgot to bring my camera!! We went boating around the Confucius Temple. Other than that, I don't quite remember what else we did. Oh, yea, shopping at this really small alley for jades and teapots. And a really GREAT lunch and dinner package. We called it our deluxe lunch and superior dinner. Haha. We really ate like kings for these few days we're in NKG. And the best thing is, each meal only costs SGD10. Heaven! We ended our night with massage and DVDs shopping. What a trip!

Pic: Our superior dinner! Half the dishes were taken away already, only half left!

The next day, we have to check out about lunchtime and head for work. Taking pictures in the lobby with our uniforms and so many people were looking at us. But it was such a great experience for all of us that we didn't bother. And also taking pictures in the plane during lull period. GREAT!

This trip will always be compared with my future trips, and although I think this is the best it can be, I hope there are more to come!

If Only

2005-10-13T23:17:00.000+08:00

If only…

When I was 5,
If only I have walked slower on the way home, my grandfather would not have to run after me by the roadside everyday.
When I was 7,
If only I know the meaning of friendship, I would not have lost one of my best childhood friends.
When I was 8,
If only grandfather did not die, I would have more fond memories of him tricking me into doing silly things.
When I was 11,
If only I had made myself look better, I would have gotten more friends.
When I was 13,
If only I am a little bit more sensitive, I would know that grandmother is suffering, and she wouldn’t die.
When I was 14,
If only I have been a better sister, guiding and encouraging my brother, he would not be doing the things he’s doing right now.
When I was 15,
If only I know that gossips exists behind my back, tears of betrayal could have been avoided and I do not have to harbor so much anger.
When I was 16,
If only I did not succumb to pressure of my peers, I would not get myself a boyfriend.
When I was 17,
If only I have studied a little bit more, I would have gotten 10 straight As instead of 7As.
When I was 18,
If only I am a little friendlier in college, I wouldn’t end up alone during lunch break everyday.
If only I have not cried homesick during my first semester away from home, my parents would not bring their company back to KL, and that disaster would not happened and I would have been able to study abroad.
If only I have been a better daughter, my parents do not have to worry about me so much.
If only I have chose the correct subjects and study harder, I could get a scholarship to Canada.
When I was 19,
If only I have not taken architecture, I don’t have to suffer endless nights of staying awake trying hard to complete the assignment.
If only I have not run for the president’s post, I would not become a president, and the responsibility will not take away my pride and friends.
If only I am not an architecture student, not a president for the student council, I would have more time to support my family morally and financially during the worst financial crisis that even happen to us.
If only I not so selfish, I do not have to hurt three guys in six months’ time.
When I was 20,
If only I have paid more attention in class, tried harder in designing, I might be able to get a better crit to help in my portfolio.
If only I could accept the fact that I am not able to continue my studies, I would not be depressed for the whole year, trying hard to achieve the unachievable.
Now I am 21,
If only I did not take up this job, I do not have to be scolded at least two to three times a week.
If only I could find someone or something that could turn back time, I would do everything right, once again.
If I am given a second chance, I am willing to sell my soul to the devil.

New Home for My Thoughts

2005-10-13T21:33:00.000+08:00

Yes, I have finally given up maintaining my previous blog site that requires me to deal with java everytime I want to update my blog. I guess with this new blog, I will be able to blog at least twice a week. (well, at least I hoped to do so)

So, this will be the new home for my thoughts. I hope it is not too much of a trouble for those of you who has linked me to my old blog site to re-link. *wink. Thanks.