Sat down to write my last post of the year and realised that I haven't been writing since my last few days in Bangladesh. Wrote "My longest hiatus ever!!!", paused for a very long time, and then closed the tab. Too many words, too much had happened and too lazy!!!
I have been very busy at work since getting back from Bangladesh, then spent an activity-packed week back at home. In short, I was busy, very occupied, but enjoying every minute of my last month of 2010. I am thankful for how my 2010 had ended.
As for 2011, I am looking forward to the launch of our new business venture in the first quarter, myself getting acquainted with everything in my new workplace and the development sector, and... getting ready to be a mummy. *gasp*
Happy 2011!
Friday 31 December 2010
Sunday 5 December 2010
What we see
I have finally started the last activity for my Bangladesh trip this morning. My 3-day workshop will end on Tuesday and on Wednesday morning, I will be heading home!!! This feels like a really long trip .
I met a couple of Afghans at the workshop, and a young American lady who has been working in Afghanistan for the past year. Over lunch, they were describing the weather, the mountains and the many things that you would not have imagined if you hadn't spoken to someone coming from Afghanistan. And I recalled what Juma, an Afghan I met during my training in Bangkok, told me about his country. He said security is an issue, but certainly not that much of an issue, especially in Kabul. He then invited me to Afghanistan. I mean, I am not sure about most people, but I would not have dreamt about visiting Afghanistan. But after the many conversations I shared, I am not so sure. Has the situation been dramatised by what we are watching on the TV and in the theatres? How much of what we see have been politicalised? The situation in Bangkok was a very good example of how the government had manipulatively disseminate information by broadcasting only what they want us to see and how the mainstream media can be controlled to dramatise the situation so as to cast the opposition in bad light.
Sometimes, what we see may not be real.
Sometimes, what we see may only be half of the truth.
I met a couple of Afghans at the workshop, and a young American lady who has been working in Afghanistan for the past year. Over lunch, they were describing the weather, the mountains and the many things that you would not have imagined if you hadn't spoken to someone coming from Afghanistan. And I recalled what Juma, an Afghan I met during my training in Bangkok, told me about his country. He said security is an issue, but certainly not that much of an issue, especially in Kabul. He then invited me to Afghanistan. I mean, I am not sure about most people, but I would not have dreamt about visiting Afghanistan. But after the many conversations I shared, I am not so sure. Has the situation been dramatised by what we are watching on the TV and in the theatres? How much of what we see have been politicalised? The situation in Bangkok was a very good example of how the government had manipulatively disseminate information by broadcasting only what they want us to see and how the mainstream media can be controlled to dramatise the situation so as to cast the opposition in bad light.
Sometimes, what we see may not be real.
Sometimes, what we see may only be half of the truth.
Saturday 4 December 2010
10 nights in Bangladesh
Accomodation for Leg 1: The Ambrosia, located at close distance to our office at Dhamondhi.
My room for the first 3 nights:
The main door to my room
Strangely led to a walkway, with mattresses and some garbage piled up on the left
And a second door (which cannot be locked) and the mini fridge
Leading to the main room
Basic facilities:
Night 4 and 5 at Rajshahi at Parjatan Motel
BBC all day for me
Last 5 nights in Gulshan, Dhaka
Right out of my room:
A & W!!!!!
My room for the first 3 nights:
The main door to my room
Strangely led to a walkway, with mattresses and some garbage piled up on the left
And a second door (which cannot be locked) and the mini fridge
Leading to the main room
Basic facilities:
Night 4 and 5 at Rajshahi at Parjatan Motel
BBC all day for me
Last 5 nights in Gulshan, Dhaka
Right out of my room:
A & W!!!!!
Purchases in Bangladesh
Finally, I am at the last leg of my trip. 4 more nights in the heart of Dhaka city, I will be heading back to Chiang Mai. I took a slow stroll in the afternoon and decided that the dust and the stares were too much for me to handle. Plus, the aimless stroll didn't seem fitting for a Chinese lady in a busy town.
I managed to grab some small gifts for the ladies in my family (my 2 mums, MM, SILs, nieces) this afternoon at a local craft shop
Adding on to these are some (Bengali inspired) cushion covers I got few days back
And a T-shirt for P
These are my survival kits that I got from a local DVD store (that would be keeping me occupied for the next few nights), at USD 1 per disc.
And a portfolio by Shahabuddin Ahmed from the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts
Amazing pieces that portray the spirit of the Freedom Fighters, a pack of 30 for USD5!!!
I managed to grab some small gifts for the ladies in my family (my 2 mums, MM, SILs, nieces) this afternoon at a local craft shop
Adding on to these are some (Bengali inspired) cushion covers I got few days back
And a T-shirt for P
These are my survival kits that I got from a local DVD store (that would be keeping me occupied for the next few nights), at USD 1 per disc.
And a portfolio by Shahabuddin Ahmed from the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts
Amazing pieces that portray the spirit of the Freedom Fighters, a pack of 30 for USD5!!!
Friday 3 December 2010
Leg 2 in Bangladesh
The 2 nights I spent without internet connection
-----
Day 1 in Rajshahi
We set off on the second leg of my trip here in Bangledesh this noon. We took a whole 5 hours for a 300-kilometres trip and the ride wasn’t exactly conducive for nap taking. I spent most of my time looking out of the window, getting amazed by the people and things I saw on the way up north. The 2 cities are separated by townships (where traffic immediately slowed down), stretches of fields and bodies of water. When we got to the motel, we were welcomed by our partners. In my previous position, our institution was a grantee, and I know exactly how it felt to be receiving donors. When the role reversed, it started to feel kind of weird.
Now that Yvonne and Mattias left, I am continuing my adventure with my colleagues from
Today is a long day. We started off the day with a visit to our partner’s office, then a local pre-school, the Union Parishad’s office, a village belonging to an indigenous group (Adivasi) and the bi-monthly Gender Development Forum.
I was amazed at the spontaneity displayed. The children didn’t need egging of any kind when asked to volunteer for performances. The indigenous, a group that is highly marginalized and living in extreme poverty, were highly pro-active. They shared spontaneously about the issues they were facing and how the help they have received from our local partners had changed situations in their lives. They also asked interesting questions that I wasn’t expecting. The participants at the Gender Development Forum were an interesting lot. They were very vocal about the key issues in their daily lives. Men and women, old and young sat together on a large straw mat laid across the field. There wasn’t a single moment of silence. We hear their views and their efforts in making positive impacts in their community. I don’t understand them, and so I observed their expressions. You know how when people speak passionate about things they truly feel for, their eyes sparkle? That happened. It was pretty obvious that our process of empowering the rights holder is very well implemented here. The results were stark and remarkable.
The people asked: Does your government take a top-down or bottoms-up approach? I paused for a while, looking for the most diplomatic answer. Here, we are advocating the participatory approach but I cannot lie. And so I went “top-down, but my government is one of the least corrupted (if not, the least) in the world, and so we trust our leaders”. They looked at one another, then nodded their heads. I came back in the evening thinking how we Singaporeans are becoming so complacent that we are somewhat ignorant. I am guilty of that.
Suddenly, I felt ashamed.
Monday 29 November 2010
Day 2 in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Day 2 in Bangladesh. I had heard about the terrible traffic conditions before arriving but it is not what one can image unless you see it with your own eyes. Yesterday, our consultant told us over dinner that he will need 1.5 hours to get home. Mind you, the distance from the restaurant to his house was 5-6 km. It's crazy. The jams, constant honking and the bad air (which has been making me sneeze while out on the streets) are becoming synonymous with the city.
I sat through Day 1 of our strategy planning workshop for our Bangladeshi office like a sponge. At the end of the session, I thought I was having a splitting headache. I know now that I have a lot of homework to do. I hope by the beginning of next year, I will be more oriented. It is always through sessions like this that I hate how little I know, and I appreciate how passionate the locals are about issues at hand. I remember telling someone that the peace in Singapore is not healthy. I was kinda advocating for alternative voices. I think I wasn't able to, at that point in time, justify myself in a way that was easy to be understood. I guess I am able to do it better now: In Singapore, we lacked a progressive civil society where community-based organisations can potentially effect (or even revolutionalise) changes. And because of this absence, we are often so dependent on government agencies to act. Instead of asking what they can do for us, think about what we can do for ourselves. We are agents of change.
Anyways.
We managed to wrap things up at 4pm and do some shopping. While in Dhaka, I noticed how easy it was for me to attract stares. I stood out being the only one lady not wearing a sari or kurta. And it wasn't regular (I suppose) for them to see a Chinese walking around not accompanied by more Chinese. I think I should get one soon, given that I would be in and around Bangladesh for the next 10 days.
I sat through Day 1 of our strategy planning workshop for our Bangladeshi office like a sponge. At the end of the session, I thought I was having a splitting headache. I know now that I have a lot of homework to do. I hope by the beginning of next year, I will be more oriented. It is always through sessions like this that I hate how little I know, and I appreciate how passionate the locals are about issues at hand. I remember telling someone that the peace in Singapore is not healthy. I was kinda advocating for alternative voices. I think I wasn't able to, at that point in time, justify myself in a way that was easy to be understood. I guess I am able to do it better now: In Singapore, we lacked a progressive civil society where community-based organisations can potentially effect (or even revolutionalise) changes. And because of this absence, we are often so dependent on government agencies to act. Instead of asking what they can do for us, think about what we can do for ourselves. We are agents of change.
Anyways.
We managed to wrap things up at 4pm and do some shopping. While in Dhaka, I noticed how easy it was for me to attract stares. I stood out being the only one lady not wearing a sari or kurta. And it wasn't regular (I suppose) for them to see a Chinese walking around not accompanied by more Chinese. I think I should get one soon, given that I would be in and around Bangladesh for the next 10 days.
Monday 22 November 2010
Sweet December
Day 2, night 2 in Bangkok, and I am missing my bed already.
1 more night and I will head back to Chiang Mai, then flying off to Bangladesh on Sunday, for a whole 10 days. The session today had been enriching, and I am glad that my organization is generous and had been doing their utmost preparing me on board. My trip to Bangladesh will be a fruitful one, both for work and at a personal level. Following my trip, will be a week of vacation back in Singapore starting on the 18th.
My December will end in the most busy and hectic fashion ever. I am looking forward to 2011, the year that things will start to look really different. I am looking forward to exposures at other country offices. I am looking forward to my training sessions at Brussels, Stockholm.
I am looking forward to knowing more, knowing enough and getting down to work.
1 more night and I will head back to Chiang Mai, then flying off to Bangladesh on Sunday, for a whole 10 days. The session today had been enriching, and I am glad that my organization is generous and had been doing their utmost preparing me on board. My trip to Bangladesh will be a fruitful one, both for work and at a personal level. Following my trip, will be a week of vacation back in Singapore starting on the 18th.
My December will end in the most busy and hectic fashion ever. I am looking forward to 2011, the year that things will start to look really different. I am looking forward to exposures at other country offices. I am looking forward to my training sessions at Brussels, Stockholm.
I am looking forward to knowing more, knowing enough and getting down to work.
Monday 15 November 2010
Day 1 at work
First day at work was SPLENDID!
I hope everyday will be just like today.
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I hope everyday will be just like today.
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Thursday 11 November 2010
Muffins in the house
The plain jane chocolate chip muffin
VS
The hippie muffin
The green in the buttercream is from the pandan essence (and a few guilty drops of green colouring).
These muffins are party ready!
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VS
The hippie muffin
The green in the buttercream is from the pandan essence (and a few guilty drops of green colouring).
These muffins are party ready!
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Tuesday 9 November 2010
给我家人的祝福
每个人想要的幸福都不一样。
幸福对未满十八岁的她，是找到甜蜜的初恋，享受纯纯的爱。
幸福对二十八岁的她，是找到一份自己热爱的工作，每曰开开心心地忙碌打拼。
幸福对三十八岁的她，是孩子们乖巧懂事，一家合气安康。
幸福对四十八岁的她，是年长的父毋含饴弄孙，婚姻仍火花四射。
幸福对五十八岁的她，是过着半退休的生活，不愁柴米油盐醋。
幸福对六十八岁的她，是身心健康、儿孙满堂。
无论在生命中的哪个阶段，总希望沉浸在无穷的幸福里。无论你在生命中的哪个转角，我都希望幸福离你不远处。
在找寻真爱的你，但愿你会遇到一个有缘人，欣赏你的好。在开创另一片天空的你，祈求你一切的努力会换来成果。在迷茫中的你，期盼你会感受到生命里的无限美好。
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幸福对未满十八岁的她，是找到甜蜜的初恋，享受纯纯的爱。
幸福对二十八岁的她，是找到一份自己热爱的工作，每曰开开心心地忙碌打拼。
幸福对三十八岁的她，是孩子们乖巧懂事，一家合气安康。
幸福对四十八岁的她，是年长的父毋含饴弄孙，婚姻仍火花四射。
幸福对五十八岁的她，是过着半退休的生活，不愁柴米油盐醋。
幸福对六十八岁的她，是身心健康、儿孙满堂。
无论在生命中的哪个阶段，总希望沉浸在无穷的幸福里。无论你在生命中的哪个转角，我都希望幸福离你不远处。
在找寻真爱的你，但愿你会遇到一个有缘人，欣赏你的好。在开创另一片天空的你，祈求你一切的努力会换来成果。在迷茫中的你，期盼你会感受到生命里的无限美好。
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Wednesday 3 November 2010
I love it when people around me travel
One set of Skin Food caviar line from Korea!
It's like Christmas came early.
Mei, are you jealous?
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It's like Christmas came early.
Mei, are you jealous?
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我的炖蛋
I think my hong kong style egg custard dessert is getting much more professional than before.
It's so yummy I gobbled down a bowl in less than 5 minutes.
It's the easiest to cook dessert ever. For one full bowl you just need:
- 1 cup full cream milk
- 5 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Too much sugar! Well, try not to have it everyday!
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It's so yummy I gobbled down a bowl in less than 5 minutes.
It's the easiest to cook dessert ever. For one full bowl you just need:
- 1 cup full cream milk
- 5 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Too much sugar! Well, try not to have it everyday!
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Sunday 31 October 2010
Lampang trip and plants
Went on a short trip to Lampang, 2 provinces south of Chiang Mai last evening with friends we knew since Sydney days. It was a nice evening, had a belated group birthday for P at The Riverside, a restaurant right on the river bank and after dinner, strolled to a local weekend night market. We had a great time.
Our acquistion:
A cute looking paper mache pen holder!
Few days ago, P noted that our cactus is growing
Look how much it grew in less than 5 days:
I am having a crazy addiction recently. Last week, I started drinking boiled water with a few pandan leaves added to it. The smell was so aromatic I started boiling it more often and also storing it in the fridge.
It's becoming my staple
And here I share with you an amazing sight from my kitchen, while preparing my green drink:
You don't see the lovely shadow in this picture
But wait till you see this:
This is so lovely.
Happy Sunday!
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Our acquistion:
A cute looking paper mache pen holder!
Few days ago, P noted that our cactus is growing
Look how much it grew in less than 5 days:
I am having a crazy addiction recently. Last week, I started drinking boiled water with a few pandan leaves added to it. The smell was so aromatic I started boiling it more often and also storing it in the fridge.
It's becoming my staple
And here I share with you an amazing sight from my kitchen, while preparing my green drink:
You don't see the lovely shadow in this picture
But wait till you see this:
This is so lovely.
Happy Sunday!
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Friday 29 October 2010
Thursday 28 October 2010
Some people...
love themselves more than others.
love others more than themselves.
create mountains out of molehills
have the virtue to see problems as opportunities.
love creating havoc.
love peace.
are defensive, they are never wrong.
are afraid to be right.
give an extra kick when you fall.
pull you up when you trip.
love others more than themselves.
create mountains out of molehills
have the virtue to see problems as opportunities.
love creating havoc.
love peace.
are defensive, they are never wrong.
are afraid to be right.
give an extra kick when you fall.
pull you up when you trip.
Wednesday 27 October 2010
Revelation
Sent out my departure email this morning and before signing off, wrote:
"Work here is interesting, so are interpersonal relationships. Excessive gossiping, at times malicious and usually pointless and irrelevant to work is a disturbing hobby that commonly disrupts production and lowers morale. I hope staff will put aside their differences, channel their attention to work and strive towards achieving a common goal."
This email went out to all administrators, deans, etc. This is the furthest I will go. And since I am leaving, it doesn't seem important that I see the problem rectified. However, I cannot go pass myself not highlighting this discouraging situation. It's just me.
To hell with work bullies lurking behind dark corners.
"Work here is interesting, so are interpersonal relationships. Excessive gossiping, at times malicious and usually pointless and irrelevant to work is a disturbing hobby that commonly disrupts production and lowers morale. I hope staff will put aside their differences, channel their attention to work and strive towards achieving a common goal."
This email went out to all administrators, deans, etc. This is the furthest I will go. And since I am leaving, it doesn't seem important that I see the problem rectified. However, I cannot go pass myself not highlighting this discouraging situation. It's just me.
To hell with work bullies lurking behind dark corners.
Sunday 24 October 2010
Yummy hainanese chicken rice
My version of hainanese chicken rice for our dinner. I actually chopped up the chicken all by myself. I consider it a feat.
Glad that it was successful! Recipe here:
Http://thanksgiving.food.com/recipe/hainanese-chicken-rice-133760
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Glad that it was successful! Recipe here:
Http://thanksgiving.food.com/recipe/hainanese-chicken-rice-133760
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Friday 22 October 2010
HBD Hubby
Molten chocolate lava for P's 31st birthday.
P requested gluey molten chocolate in his cake. I topped his request with a new found chocolate ganache recipe
I cannot believe he's 31. It seems just a while ago when we celebrated his 25th birthday. That was a crazy year.
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P requested gluey molten chocolate in his cake. I topped his request with a new found chocolate ganache recipe
I cannot believe he's 31. It seems just a while ago when we celebrated his 25th birthday. That was a crazy year.
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Wednesday 20 October 2010
A taste of Singaporean food in Chiangmai
My version of Chai Tau Kueh.
Yummy enough to keep me happy. I am missing Hainanese chicken rice but I think it is beyond me.
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Yummy enough to keep me happy. I am missing Hainanese chicken rice but I think it is beyond me.
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Monday 18 October 2010
Good food on Monday
Homemade sangria on a Monday evening.
Love life with good food to the max (minus the weight gain)
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Love life with good food to the max (minus the weight gain)
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Thursday 14 October 2010
About my career move
I found myself typing furiously on the keyboard. All in a morning, I completed the last 2 proposals at my current workplace, after a 2.5-year stint. The feeling is amazing. My impending career move fills me with excitement, coupled with anticipation.
Mdm spoke to my folks 2 days back, giving them heads up about the move. Mum's reaction is without doubt, well expected. When Mum heard about the places that I will be travelling to, she went !@#$% (as I mentally visualized her facial expressions). Dad does what he do best, i.e. staying open to new ideas and being forever encouraging. I am lucky that P has been very supportive about the move as well. He is happy for me because he knows that I haven't been happy in my current workplace. Plus, getting into the development sector has always been my dream.
Looking forward to November! I am glad that before 2010 ends, I am able to experience a change.
Mdm spoke to my folks 2 days back, giving them heads up about the move. Mum's reaction is without doubt, well expected. When Mum heard about the places that I will be travelling to, she went !@#$% (as I mentally visualized her facial expressions). Dad does what he do best, i.e. staying open to new ideas and being forever encouraging. I am lucky that P has been very supportive about the move as well. He is happy for me because he knows that I haven't been happy in my current workplace. Plus, getting into the development sector has always been my dream.
Looking forward to November! I am glad that before 2010 ends, I am able to experience a change.
Monday 11 October 2010
Sunday 10 October 2010
Interview part 2
Had a fruitful Sunday lunch meeting. Results would be out in the next couple of days and for now, I would be keeping my fingers (and my toes) crossed. I know it sounds exaggerating, but this impending job switch, if it happens, is going to be a significant milestone in my life. So please, let my last year in my 20s be a turning point.
I would like to wake up liking Mondays, enjoying work (not dreading work) and be a catalyst in betterment of lives. Life can be better than as good as it gets.
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I would like to wake up liking Mondays, enjoying work (not dreading work) and be a catalyst in betterment of lives. Life can be better than as good as it gets.
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Give me all your luck
Tired but can't get to sleep. Tomorrow is another big day. Wish me luck!!!
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Saturday 9 October 2010
Friday 8 October 2010
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Taiwan, you made me __________
Back, and busy, busy, busy!
I wish I have the time to catch up on my sleep
And yes, I enjoyed my time in Taiwan! Seriously, I would go back again, and again and again. Taiwanese TV has been keeping me awake till way past midnight every day and the sumptuous meals has expanded my waistline to an alarming *ahem* figure. And I like Taiwanese! They are such a friendly bunch. I had many bad experiences in my trips to Hong Kong, and I am glad to be in a country with nice (and sometimes crazy, but in a good way) people. My stay in Fleur De Chine at Sun Moon Lake was the highlight of the trip. Weirdly, it is way better than many hotels I have stayed at before. Maybe it's the serenity. I would love to go back some day, and do nothing but stroll by the lake.
I wish I have the time to catch up on my sleep
And yes, I enjoyed my time in Taiwan! Seriously, I would go back again, and again and again. Taiwanese TV has been keeping me awake till way past midnight every day and the sumptuous meals has expanded my waistline to an alarming *ahem* figure. And I like Taiwanese! They are such a friendly bunch. I had many bad experiences in my trips to Hong Kong, and I am glad to be in a country with nice (and sometimes crazy, but in a good way) people. My stay in Fleur De Chine at Sun Moon Lake was the highlight of the trip. Weirdly, it is way better than many hotels I have stayed at before. Maybe it's the serenity. I would love to go back some day, and do nothing but stroll by the lake.
Thursday 23 September 2010
Post interview
Had an amazing time this morning. Whatever the outcome is, I thank the opportunity given. A lot of time in life, the more you want something, the divine will make it harder for you. So for now, I will keep my fingers crossed, and take the session this morning as a chance for me to meet new people and experience a new environment.
Happy mid autumn
It's hard to believe, but this is my 4th mid autumn in Thailand.
Double yolk with lotus seed paste and durian monthong filling
Missing the snow skin and Teochew versions, but well. Mid autumn never fails to bring back memories. This is probably the one festival that reminds me alot about my godparents. Godma usually goes berserk over 4-yolk mooncakes and we used to get cool looking hand held lanterns from Chinatown every year. My goddad kinda like it old fashion and would coerce us into getting the traditional looking ones (i.e. without the music and bulbs). One year, I got a lantern in the shape of a phoneix.
I wonder if Little Guilin is still as crowded as before. I miss those days sitting by the lake, enjoying a good mooncake.
P suggested for us to take a peek at the moon and so we went out to our garage. He went on mumbling a few Chinese words and as always gave me a rub on my back. He probably knew on days like this, I miss home. My dad told me a while ago to appreciate small gestures and I am learning to do so. Each and everyday, I am learning to appreciate moments and people in life.
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Double yolk with lotus seed paste and durian monthong filling
Missing the snow skin and Teochew versions, but well. Mid autumn never fails to bring back memories. This is probably the one festival that reminds me alot about my godparents. Godma usually goes berserk over 4-yolk mooncakes and we used to get cool looking hand held lanterns from Chinatown every year. My goddad kinda like it old fashion and would coerce us into getting the traditional looking ones (i.e. without the music and bulbs). One year, I got a lantern in the shape of a phoneix.
I wonder if Little Guilin is still as crowded as before. I miss those days sitting by the lake, enjoying a good mooncake.
P suggested for us to take a peek at the moon and so we went out to our garage. He went on mumbling a few Chinese words and as always gave me a rub on my back. He probably knew on days like this, I miss home. My dad told me a while ago to appreciate small gestures and I am learning to do so. Each and everyday, I am learning to appreciate moments and people in life.
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Tuesday 21 September 2010
Busy for once
Superbly busy at work for the past few days. Got back at before 5 and went off for our weekly 5-km jog-run, came home cooked, watched movie and is now incredibly tired.
In a way, the past few days have been enjoyable. I kinda like the business. Being occupied in a meaningful way is fulfilling. Something's big happening in Thursday. I hope I don't screw it this time round. I hope I will leave Thailand for my trip next week a happy girl and come back starting afresh.
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In a way, the past few days have been enjoyable. I kinda like the business. Being occupied in a meaningful way is fulfilling. Something's big happening in Thursday. I hope I don't screw it this time round. I hope I will leave Thailand for my trip next week a happy girl and come back starting afresh.
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Monday 20 September 2010
My friend, Shirley
Shirley is a friend very dear to me. She was my first friend in Sydney. I was feeling so alone after sending my mum off and I went down the hallway knocking on my neighbour's door, making new friends. She was the first to answer my door. It is strange how we didn't really have many common friends and we didn't hang out in a group but we managed to share a close relationship. In my first year in Sydney, we spent many many nights together. We bunked in my room on my inflatable mattress and in the morning, Shirley would grab her stuff running back to her room before Sasa the housekeeper do her rounds.
I haven't met Shirley since we left Sydney. Shirley is not into MSN, FB etc. We talk once in a blue moon but since she had her first baby, she hardly comes online. Few days ago, Shirley added me on Skype. She left me a voicemail. This morning, when I logged onto Skype, she gave me a ring. We spoke for the first time in years. It was brief, but it brought back many fond memories. There are not many people in this world who can bring back many dear memories and leave you in tears after a conversation. She did.
I am happy for Shirley that she found happiness. I am happy for Shirley that she is now a mummy. One day, I will visit Shirley and she will bring me to Tibet.
I haven't met Shirley since we left Sydney. Shirley is not into MSN, FB etc. We talk once in a blue moon but since she had her first baby, she hardly comes online. Few days ago, Shirley added me on Skype. She left me a voicemail. This morning, when I logged onto Skype, she gave me a ring. We spoke for the first time in years. It was brief, but it brought back many fond memories. There are not many people in this world who can bring back many dear memories and leave you in tears after a conversation. She did.
I am happy for Shirley that she found happiness. I am happy for Shirley that she is now a mummy. One day, I will visit Shirley and she will bring me to Tibet.
Saturday 18 September 2010
Rupert Grint
I was watching Rupert Grint in Wild Target and thought to myself, WOW. He is becoming such a charismatic young man. He reminds me so much of Leonardo!!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday 15 September 2010
Beginning of my last year in my 20s
Was in an incredible rush since birthday morning. My unreliable iPhone (also my alarm) mysteriously shut off by itself. I managed to get up miraculously, looked around the room and realized it was too bright for a 6.30 morning. Reached out for the AC controller and was shocked to see that it's already 7.30!!! My flight to Bangkok was at 8.30, one hour away. Was in a crazy rush: dressed myself up in less than a minute and did all the rest in the car. Was lucky to be allowed to be checked in though reaching less than half an hour before flight departure. At Bangkok, I was stuck in the notorious jam and was like an hour late for my workshop. The rest was great until it was time for me to get back to Chiangmai. I was stuck in the jam AGAIN. When I finally got onto the plane, the first 15 minutes was a rollercoaster ride. The bad weather resulted in some major turbulences that left me grabbing the armrests.
Reached Chiangmai at 7.30 in the evening, welcomed by torrential rain. Was glad that my last 4 hours were splendid. P did an incredibly tasty dish and on top of that, a cake for my birthday dinner.
I wish for a fulfilling year ahead and that my 20s will end with a blast, and my parents, parents-in-law, hubs, MM, future BIL, kau gong, popo, all my beloved cousins and friends will all be happy souls in pink health.
Reached Chiangmai at 7.30 in the evening, welcomed by torrential rain. Was glad that my last 4 hours were splendid. P did an incredibly tasty dish and on top of that, a cake for my birthday dinner.
I wish for a fulfilling year ahead and that my 20s will end with a blast, and my parents, parents-in-law, hubs, MM, future BIL, kau gong, popo, all my beloved cousins and friends will all be happy souls in pink health.
Monday 13 September 2010
With thanks
Started tossing and turning at 6 a.m., was somehow mentally awake but physically asleep. At 6.30 a.m., my phone beeped and I received a sms from a friend. Got up, reached out for my phone and was pleasantly surprised.
Thanks XC. Thanks for making my day!
Thanks XC. Thanks for making my day!
Saturday 11 September 2010
Vampire fangs come to Thailand
Thanks to MM for our cute gifts. Fred and friends is a gift line that I like alot so 3 cheers!
So hallowen!!!
Thai version of twilight/true blood.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So hallowen!!!
Thai version of twilight/true blood.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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