Fast forward...2014

Realized that my last post was in 2008. Had almost forgotten abt this blog...what a shame! I shall continue to update now that I've been reminded of its existence.

Another long trip has passed. This time, it went by in the blink of an eye. The wonders of Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Athens and Santorini filled my soul.

Out of all, Lisbon created the most lasting first impression. Loved it at first sight. Beautiful weather greeted us as we arrived at Santa Apolonia Station. As we stepped out of the station, to the left, in the misty air, I could see the vastness of the sea...as the taxi driver drove us to the main square and dropped us on a tram line adjacent to Rue Augusta, my eyes fell on the pebbled grounds. It was very early in the morning and hence the area was almost deserted, with just a few people milling around (most likely tourists who wanted to have an early start as they had maps in their hands). I was pleasantly pleased with what I saw. The place where we stayed at added on to my happiness. It was nicely-decorated with antiques and classic pieces. Looked like it came straight out of an interior designer's book.

I must not forget to mention Barcelona. Beautiful city that comes alive in the evenings especially along La Ramblas.

I am blessed with yet another successful trip. I can only pray that along the way, I will be able to bring more people to share the joy of discovering the greatness of this world.

Motivation

How apt that for 3 weeks, I will be trained to drop seeds of doubt and motivate youths. It has been an interesting 2 weeks and soon, we'll be done with it. Has been fun. I must say that I have been motivated myself to go for this (besides the fact that I was arrowed to go!). Motivation #1 - Out of office. It's liberating. I'm sure I've said this many times to many people...hahah....but it doesn't hurt to say it again right. Motivation #2 - Get to know people from other branches.

But it's sooo draining...presentation after presentation. I feel blessed tho' that I get to learn more things. However, work is piling up and thank God for remote access!

Another thing to be thankful about - all my 2007 projects have come to an end! I haven't worked so damn hard and so damn much since I started at you-know-where but the last 2 months have been a helluva ride. I'm so glad I've managed to pull through. Of course there's plenty I could have done better but there's always a next time right? I told myself that it's no point harping over what's done and over.

I don't know where exactly I'm going but I have faith and hope.....

Almost paradise...

It's been some time since I last updated my blog but the recent trip to Krabi deserves some air time.

I had been waiting in anticipation for the trip to Krabi after receiving rave reviews about the islands there. Oh...it was beautiful....the Nopparat Thara and Ao Nang beaches were splendid! I totally relished in the bumpy speedboat rides as the wind cooled my sun-overexposed face and everywhere I turned, it was just acres and acres of blueness. The vast ocean made me forget my worries...if only for a while.

The islands we went to were truly magnificent - clear waters, fine and white sand. All we did during the trip was to bask in the sun and eat good food. And we obviously overdid the swimming and snorkelling which resulted in the sunburnt bodies. For me, sunburnt scalp and face. Authentic souvenirs from Krabi I suppose. Talking about souvenirs, we didn't even have time to shop much!! Coz like I said, we were busy island-hopping!

It was a totally laidback lifestyle and I realised how important it is to go to these places to get away from the hustles and bustles of the city life, to appreciate the value of simplicity. However, you can take the girl out of the city but not the city out of the girl right..?hahahha...Short getaways are great for the soul and mind. It does wonders to your perspectives in life. But in the end, I'm still quite used to living in the city.

Excitement in the air...!

Feeling excited coz Hari Raya is approaching. However, I feel a little detached from the festive prep because of ...what else but work! Thanx to my Mom whom has taken the liberty to choose the colour of my baju-baju...and everything else...hehehhe..Work is becoming a spoiler. I was hoping to have a nice week to ease into the Hari Raya weekend....but.....my hopes have been dashed. blearrghh...

Another thing to be excited about tho' is the possibility of a couple of big trips next year or so. I was also thinking of furthering my studies...and I had to make a choice between jetsetting to other countries or ermmm slogging away in the library. Well....the choice is obvious but I still wanna further my studies if I have the money, time and energy to commit. I feel it is important to take this course due to the scope of my job. It will certainly give me more confidence.

So yes...plenty of things to be excited about. Another trip to Europe? Or perhaps, Kak Suz will let me tag along to the US (North Carolina no??)???And Krabi with my long-time girls end of January insyaAllah!! That would be so much fun! Oh yah Kak Suz....check out this website pls
---> http://www.whittard.co.uk/...hehehe...thanx for agreeing to assist in my teapot-collecting hobby...heheh..Thanx also for the fun shopping day in Orchard...! Sorry I was bad influence...hahah...but they were good buys right??!

Am I a warrior?

Am I a warrior? That's a question I've asked myself lately...and yes, I would like to be one. A warrior in life.

This term will not be new to those whom've read Paulo Coelho's "Manual of the Warrior of Light". I have wanted to collect the complete set of Coelho's works since 2000. However, in the past year, I've only managed to read "The Zahir". I have browsed through the manual a few times, often reading the first few pages.

What happened to me two weeks ago compelled me to find within myself the strength to plough through this tough,muddy road. I am one to welcome challenges but I am after all a human being. My emotional turmoil will remain as such if I cannot find something that helps me define my purpose in life. And I often turn to books, music...people...to give me the push I need once in a while.

Went to the bookstore with my family and there it was. I thought it apt that I start reading it.....the moment feels right. I'm not trying to sound dramatic...but if you've had a point in your life whereby your definitions in life get clouded by other people's judgment, I think you'd understand why inspiring words are so important!

So just wanna share with y'all some good phrases I've come across thus far....and maybe, one day if you need the motivation...you'll do what I did...pick up the manual and re-formulate your thoughts once again...

"A warrior of light knows what he wants. And he has no need to waste time on explanations."

"A warrior takes every opportunity to teach himself."

"A warrior of light does not waste his time listening to provocations. He has a destiny to fulfil."

"A warrior of light needs love....A warrior of light makes use of soliture but is not used by it."

"A warrior of light continues despite his lack of faith. He goes forward and, in the end, faith returns."

Hong Kong

Just came back from HK. Was on a 4-day trip with my sis. It was hotttt!! Dang...I'm a few shades darker. Felt like summer in Perth. Didn't like the weather but the bags were really cheap...I likeee! However, tried to curb on the spending so didn't buy many things. Bought stuff for people back home.

Oooo...went to Disneyland!! It was fun...! I didn't really plan to go there....I thought we would just drop by to check out the site but we ended up on a few rides and running after the cute characters...hahhahaha! Also went to Victoria Peak and had my hand dipped in wax....coolest thing I did on the trip. I think the duration of the trip was just nice. Gave us plenty of time to shop and sightsee.

Overall, it was a good trip...got to spend precious time with my sis too but as usual, I get a little depressed now that I'm starting to think abt work again....arrggghhh....it's not that I hate work. It's the thought of losing the freedom to explore new and exciting places....not having to care about responsibilities for a little while. Holidays are just so essential to me.

Where to next...hmmmmm....