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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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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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.

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!!!

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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.

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!

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.


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Education beyond education

Have been incredibly busy this week. We have been reaching home at 9pm almost every night and yes, my kitchen has been under utilized. After work, we will be at his dad's company, wait till business shuts for the day, shuttle them to-fro city and their farmhouse, then dinner at their place in town, help to do up dishes, engage in casual talks and there goes another day. And no, I am not complaining, I am just tired. I need to laze on my sofa and do nothing but stare blankly into space.


Had 2 students coming to me yesterday and we had a long and interesting chat. I don't think I am old enough to be giving substantial advices but I was glad to be able to share my views and thoughts about life, education etc. I was amazed by their maturity and forward thinking and it was a chat that left me food for thought.

Growing up in Singapore, life's kinda a breeze for many of us. To say that our society is a material driven one would be an obvious understatement. Education to most is a vehicle to the self-perceived ideal life. Not so much about our passion to learn, more so about how it could eventually lead us into an industry of our choice that would fetch us the money. It is not wrong. Most of us were brought up equating education to opportunities in life. We were told to excel in school. Of course, in a way, this mentality is common in Thailand. But given how things work here, education also means a loss of opportunities. In a society where social status is very much based on 1. wealth, 2. seniority, the more time is dedicated to education, the later you join the workforce, possibly will lead to a greater loss of opportunities.

In a purist society, education would be the answer to one's hunger for knowledge. It is interesting how different societies shape and give meaning to education and it is a shame how our lives are contrived by the very society we have created.

#2 Things I hate about Thailand

Thais like to gossip, like ALOT. This coming from me, you know how bad they are.

39 Ways to Annoy Your Coworkers

Karen Burns, On Wednesday 1 September 2010, 23:55 SGT

Coworker relationships are like no other. You don't (usually) get to choose your coworkers. Yet you have to spend considerable amounts of time with them, and you have to get along with them well enough so that you as a team can produce whatever product or service it is that you produce.
All this, whether you like these people or not!
[See 21 secrets to getting a job offer now.]
Sometimes dealing with problem coworkers is your biggest job challenge. But mostly, coworker trauma arises out of the little annoying everyday stuff. No one (usually) sets out to drive coworkers crazy. But it happens, and it happens every day.
In fact, it's possible that maybe even you, wonderful you, are guilty of a few less-than-ideal behaviors. Not likely, mind you. Just possible.
[See the 10 best questions to ask at an interview.]
Therefore, in the interest of greater workplace sanity and happiness, not to mention productivity, here's a list of things not to do in the workplace. They're not illegal or immoral. They don't all apply to every kind of work. Some are even not that bad in small doses. But there's enough here to provide food for thought for pretty much everyone.
(Who knew there were so many ways to be a pain?)
1. Your workstation is a sty.
2. You brown nose.
3. You complain.
4. You gossip.
5. You carelessly "reply all."
6. You come to work sick.
7. You try to convert coworkers to your religion.
8. You try to convert coworkers to your political cause.
9. You tell dirty jokes.
10. You use bad language.
11. You loudly chew gum.
12. You conduct personal grooming, such as clipping fingernails, in the workplace.
13. You bring smelly food for lunch.
14. You over-share about your personal life.
15. You forward junk E-mail.
16. You smell of strong perfume or cologne.
17. You smell.
18. You brag about your successes.
19. You are a drama queen or king.
20. You borrow things and do not return them.
21. You steal people's lunches/snacks.
22. You leave long rambling voice mails.
23. You stand behind people and read over their shoulders.
24. You shout over cubicle walls to ask questions or make remarks.
25. You play music loud enough for others to hear.
26. You leave a mess in the workplace kitchen.
27. You burn popcorn in the workplace microwave.
28. You walk so noisily that others can hear you coming and going.
29. You make maddening little noises (tongue-clacking, knuckle-cracking, humming).
30. You click your pen, or tap it on your desk.
31. You set your cell phone to an annoying ring tone.
32. You talk on your cell phone in the restroom.
33. You make loud personal phone calls others can hear.
34. You share detailed descriptions of medical procedures.
35. You repeatedly use "amusing" expressions such as "Working hard or hardly working?" or "Are we having fun yet?"
36. You take credit for other people's work.
37. You are frequently late.
38. You are never around when you're needed.
39. You are dishonest, or unreliable, or just plain bad at your job.
[See more advice from Karen Burns at U.S.News Careers.]

Weekend, you left too soon!

Oversize pretzel on Saturday night

Arts and craft on Sunday morning

The man working on his plane

Check out the pilot!



My turn: The flying pig!


MM wihout legs

MM

MM with wings!

The final product

Followed by a evening plant hunt at the flower market. Here's our new purchase sitting next to the TV unit:

Finally, we have some green in the house!

And then it was a hectic night preparing for the arrival of our guests for the first BBQ, right in our garden. It was a night of good food, good company. Our guests just left and I am dead beat!!!

When I get up tomorrow, can it be Sunday again?

Good morning Saturday

Homemade pancakes


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#1 Things I hate about Thailand

QA team suppose to turn up at 1pm. But it's now 5pm and WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY????? They must have lost their watches AND phones. I know Thais are known for being laid-back, but this is wayyyyy too much.

Where is your sense of responsibility, dudes?

Homemade onsen

This is amazing





The onsen bath salts sizzle then turned the tub of water into a pale green colour. I actually did feel like soaking in a japanese onzen.

This followed by today's purchase and more cheese.


I love mid week!

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