Sawadeeka

It's my day 3 here in Bangkok.

I'll be back home tomorrow / Wednesday morning.

A special shoutout(s) to some friends:

Congratulations on your win boys! =))

And may the both of you be happy together forever, and live happily ever after. Arguments are bound to occur, non-physical fights, clashes in opinions and thoughts, but I pray that all of that will make your relationship that much stronger. /heart

Off to have my mango sticky rice breakfast with coffee followed by more shopping later (when my mom eventually gets her ass of the bed). 

I hope all you folks have been good over the weekend, and here's to a great week ahead.

Ready Steady Go

For starters, let's rewind back to a couple of days.

Wednesday - This day, I felt iffy. Iffy in the sense that I didn't feel right. If I had to explain that feeling in words or actions, it would be similar to me wanting to cut my hair off. Something like that. I'm glad I didn't go with it nonetheless. Also the day Oracle beat Emirates Team New Zealand (in Malaysian time).

Thursday - Was green tea latte day. Yay me. But there were still moments in which I asked myself if I'm being the best I can, and doing the best I can. To not be judgemental, to not be impatient, to not be defensive. I felt like I tried but was not trying hard enough.

So now we come to Friday, first up, thank God it's Friday. =))

There are many times when I come to conclusion that I much rather be alone. It's easier that way I tell myself. I just need plan my own time, do my things, at my own pace. Sorta kinda.

I'm not saying that I don't need friends or family, they're essential don't get me wrong. I suppose it's just what kind of relationship you end up having with people that matters. Now it sounds as though I've got some attachment issues hey?

Ready Steady Go - Paul Oakenfold

Maybe that's just it.

There was some grave news today at work too, a student had gotten into an accident and had lost his life. It's sad. It really is. You never know what might happen tomorrow, or in the next second.

So as always, but more so now than ever, cherish all that you've got, say all that you've got to say and be earnest about the things you do. Don't waste time and effort doing things that won't matter. Don't hurt people just because. Do what you know is right, even if it may not be the easiest thing to do. Be truthful, be kind, and live and let live.

Happy Friday you all, and have a great weekend.

Am I Tired Enough For A Cuppa?

Let Her Go - Passenger

Pretty sure I've shared this before too, but it's the tune of the night.

Clarification: I had meant that if I were to have a nice warm cup of coffee now, would I still manage to sleep just fine tonight. Otherwise, it's no point risking sleep.

Funny turn of events today. Nice people make my days that much better. 

Look At The Stars, Look How They Shine For You

Yellow - Coldplay

This, my dear friends, is one of my all time favourite. =))

I am contemplating whether or not to wash my hair again. Simple evening. Watch some AC action on youtube, sort my folders, and dream time. Just the way I like it.

I wonder if there's such a thing as a dream date - as in, you date in your dream and have your happily ever after and wake up to reality feeling happy. A real dream date dream date would be cool too of course!

Everyone has a secret they can't tell. 

I Wonder

If you remember your promise. I am tempted to say it straight to you that if ever a day comes when the promise can no longer be fulfilled, that you can tell me honestly, so that I won't allow myself to look forward to the eventual day. But I'm also scared that by doing just that, the promise never gets fulfilled.

And after all that, I wonder if we even did pinky promise the whole deal.

Or I merely conjured it all in my head. #goldfishmemory

Because It's Sunday Night

My brains are still on a break and have yet to return to me.

The message at sermon today was strong. A reminder to love God the one and only, and to love your neighbours as you love yourself.

Thank You Lord - Don Moen

Two things you probably never realized as you transitioned into adulthood. We gradually started using pens and left our pencil days in primary school. We gradually outgrew velcro type wallets and moved onto ones that can hold at least a couple of cards.

No race to watch today, postponement again.

I end this post with two questions.

1. What is your calling?
2. And, how much are you willing to suffer for others?

Questions I ask myself too as I drift into slumber. 

Maybe I'll Have A Teensy Bit of Ice Cream

Aww man, I'm 58 minutes into the replay of Race 13 of the AC and I am feeling real sad for the Kiwis. =/

Two side points. Boss asked me if I was following the America's Cup today and that conversation sure took me by surprise. Having thought about it though, it does makes sense that he's watching it. Point 2 - I know I've said how I don't ever want to date a sailor no more, but, I am thinking it's gonna be tough to not date a sailor.

It's just one of those things.

Since I've already paused the clip.. Funny how I had already read race recaps before watching it and already knew the outcome anyway but yet watching it now makes me feel even sorrier about the race. Maybe it's because you actually see the crew putting in all that effort to finish the race and you know that they're not gonna make it. BAH. I've been there, done that (albeit on a much much much smaller scaled race), it sucks.

I think I may have just sat there and cried, if it were me. Complete with, "I'm just gonna quit", but that explains why I not at that level and instead sitting here writing this. Of course, that's just me putting it plainly. There's more serious and realistic reasons as to why I'll never make it that far in this sport.

But ohwell. It's not always about me hey.

Psych challenge 2013 ended well. "It's a wrap!" is what I had in my mind when all the winners were announced. :D

I actually hadn't done much but being a part of it still made me feel happy and proud. This is exactly what we coin as basking in reflected glory. I do remember some things I learnt in my degree.

I'm tired, and feeling mildly under the weather. My effing wisdom tooth is still hurting, I had kept to chewing food with the right set of my teeth (so to speak) but I think that has taken a toll too because I've now got an ulcer on the right side from biting myself too many times. -__-

In any case, all's well ends well. Saturday has been great, I must say. =))

When You've Done What You Can

And have given it your best shot.

Turns out, Master's Sun has such a huge fan base. =)) Can't believe it's gonna be another week before the next episode. Well, at least something to look forward to to the next week .

Not counting calories today. Confirm exceed.

Psych Challenge tomorrow, we're all set. Or at least we've done our prep as best as we can. If any issue is to arise, we'll just wing it. I'm pretty confident we'll manage just fine.

It's starting to dawn on me that I'm not going to be part of this team for much longer. It's definitely one of the best teams I've been a part of, everyone compliments everyone. That's what a team is all about.

No Matter What - Seo In Guk

You've got a reason to smile because, you know you've done your best! #tgif

Of Flower Pots & Flower

I want to talk to you, but I don't want to talk to you.

I'm incredibly tired. And my body is aching, strangely though, it's more my upper back than my legs.

Got my contact lenses. We're all set to conquer the world now. Hehehe!

I miss my brothers.

Wise Men Say, Only Fools Rush In

Can't Help Falling In Love - UB40

I'm totally recovered from yesterday's lousy mood. Sorta. =)

Though I do have an amendment I'd like to make. I mentioned in yesterday's post that "not feeling like the brightest of bulbs was already getting to me", in all honestly, I have never felt that I am the brightest bulb, what I had meant to convey was that I felt like I was below my own average. Which really sucked.

But ohwells, all is good now. =)

Lengthy post ahead because I seem to have quite a number of thoughts today.

People say a girl can dream hey.. I would like my future wedding to be by the beach, where I'd wear a pretty (but simple) flowy white wedding dress, like this, or this, or this. With pretty gold/ bronze flip flops. Ahahaha! And my guests can wear flip flops too because I've always wondered what goes through people's minds when they wear any form of heels to the beach. Hello? Sand -> heels -> sink. How to walk?

And I'd like to be holding a bouquet of Baby's Breath, click here and here. So pretty! =)

I would pray and hope that it wouldn't rain on my wedding day, considering it's redundant to have tents built for a beachside wedding. But if it does indeed rain, I'll probably ban umbrellas because 1, umbrellas always get in the way and 2, for some strange reason, umbrellas remind me of funerals. So I'll probably have colorful raincoats ready. And my guests can wear rain boots or something of that sort. Hahaha.

As for the groom, well, that I haven't given much thought because of all things, that's the one thing that I probably wouldn't have any control over. I wouldn't be picky about the beach either, but I'd obviously like it to be somewhat secluded and clean. I can't imagine (yet) that the wedding would be overseas because I think it would costs a bomb to fly all my favourite people to the location and pay for their stay, though a girl can dream, but I'll be realistic to this point. So a nice quiet, clean and cozy beach within Malaysia would do. For the time being.

And I can tell you now that if and when that day really comes, and you do get an invite, you are a very important person to me. And that would be the reason you're invited.

Wedding hallucinations dreams aside, my wisdom tooth is hurting, again. Gahh. And no, I'm not going to the dentist for it because it'll be the same old just-extract-it-once-and-for-all and you'll never have to bear the pain again. No thank you, I'll bear with the pain, thanks very much.

Also, I did wake up to go jog this morning. Plus minus 30 minutes all in all. My legs wanted to die. Heh. My knee actually hurt at one point, so I stopped and walked and then I felt like I was being lazy so I jogged again. I wonder how I'll survive the 10km. Maybe I should really try the sticky tape thing, a friend recommended it to me saying that it actually helps prevent soreness when you run long(ish) distances. But it's so expensive!

Tummy feels a little weird. Probably wasn't a wise decision to have that iced latte and that mushroom aglio together hmm. My hair is actually quite long now, and I am toying with the idea of keeping it till December and then dip dying the ends with some funky ass color since I'd be free to do so by the end of the year. I'd accept sponsorship. How about, if you'll pay for it, I'll color it whatever color you will. Okay. On second thoughts, maybe not.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. =))

Fall in love with me? Please pretty please. Hahaha.

Haha, Not The Best Day Of My Life

Not feeling like the brightest of bulbs was already getting to me. And of course from then on a string of other events happen and it just goes down down down. And then Microsoft decides to crash on me too. As it is, tech savvy-ness isn't my forte. I just wanna cry. Oh wait. I've already done that. I guess I just have to tell myself that the world isn't ending. Nor am I dying. Nor are my troubles too big to handle. I just need to get over it hey? I'll probably lug my laptop back to the shop one of these days, whenever that is. The attempt is to wake up early, and go run it off and hopefully knock some sense back into myself.

Goodnight world.

A Monday That Feels Like A Sunday

My Bali post seems to be getting quite a bit of hits, actually.

I'm not difficult to please, but I've got pet peeves too. I don't particularly like waiting for people. So I try not to be late, though I'm still not very good at it. I don't like people saying they're sorry all the time. I don't like people forcing their thoughts, views or opinions on me. I don't like rude and/or mean drivers on the roads. I don't like it when my freshly done manicure gets all smudgy.

I signed up for a 10km run coming Oct, what was I thinking. Having to actually run it aside, I just realized I don't really have much time to train for it. Most weekends leading to the run is actually occupied already, leaves me with practically no time to practice!

9 things we need to just be honest about already. Ditto!

Looks like it's gonna be busy stress busy stress for the next couple of weeks, but fear not, I have A WHOLE EHD WORTH OF DRAMAS TO WATCH! /glee Thank you you!

I'm already slowly starting to work on things I wanna accomplish next year, too soon? Should I keep my bangs? I'm undecided.

Last but not least, Happy birthday Malaysia! =)

Gone, Gone, Gone

Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips

Heartwarming.

If Tomorrow Is The Day I End Up In Heaven

I was never one for the rainy weather. Yes, it's nice and refreshing and all, but it always makes me feel a little sad. A little lonely. Maybe due to the simple fact that more often than not, rain confines people.

Probably the only time I actually like the rain is when I need to cry. Are those tears yours? Nope, they're raindrops.

I much prefer sunshiny days. I can go out and be happy and well, just be. =)) #justsoyouknow

P/s: I still miss you.

I'm Giddy From All The Cute

"Joo Joong Won, Joo Joong Two, Joo Joong Three.." Master's Sun (2013). That's all it takes. That one thing. The right thing. From that one person.

Such an adorable show. I'm hooked.

The premise initially didn't interest me - with our heroine seeing ghosts and the usual-chaebol-prince who has the-usual-dramaland-problems. But I happened to read one episode, or was it having seen one particular screenshot..?? Either or. And that's how I got started.

If you've been following my blog for a while, you'd know that I have the habit of reading dramas instead of watching them. I read recaps of episodes on Dramabeans, the best thing I've stumbled upon on the worldwideweb, sans Google that is.

Bali travel buddy - her name is Wai Li and mine's Ai Li. 

Speaking of today, I don't feel too swell actually. Think I am getting slightly feverish. Boo hoo. And the throat hurts.

Stinky feet. But I wasn't even wearing my closed toe pumps today. Rawr. It'd Friday tomorrow anyway, and a long weekend for those of us in Malaysia.

Hope I get better soon! =))

That Wednesday Kind Of Love

That Wednesday Kind Of Love

ThoughtCatalog once more.

And so, that's what Wednesday are like. =)

Something Doesn't Feel Quite Right

I just can't quite put my finger on it.

Sneeze, sneeze. Is it you?

Least nothing is wrong either hey. That's a consolation. =)

Take A Step Back

Salvation Belongs To Our God

Let's see. Yesterday, I went to church and then went sailing. And I successfully did a couple of things wrong. One, I left my crew to go out to sea without me onboard. Two, I decided, let's just sail this when I knew the boat wasn't exactly fully prepped, and that caused the bump on my head now - from hitting the boom because it was lower than usual and I overestimated my height (when else can I actually say such a thing right)!

But all that aside, it was a nice cold sail, we had fun. I think. I had fun to say the least.

And then we had myBurgerLab in Seapark for dinner and then I met a friend for supper. Verdicts: Yay for BurgerLab's burgers and fries and dip, nay for the queue and nay for the long wait. And Devi's corner has pretty decent Teh Halia. Oh loves.

Let Us Exalt His Name Together Forever

So all in all, Sunday was good. =))

It's been rainy heys! Let's play word association for awhile.

Monday morning. Stay in bed. Coffee. Late. Blue skies. Car. Traffic. Park. People. Music. Youshouldn'thavedonethat. Funny. Rain. Glowing. Pumpkin. Spinach. Coffee. Work. Touch Love. Rain. Safe and Sound. Cold. White duvet. Stretch. Daydream. Cream cheese bun. America's Cup. Woots woots!

At some point, it didn't make sense no more.

I made dinner - cabbage soup and pan fried broccoli. Hahaha. I did say foolproof dishes! But I didn't eat much, because I wasn't hungry to begin with. It's just that my vegetables are gonna rot in the fridge if I had left it still.

That's it pretty much, have a great week ahead! #totalcuddleweather

Good Morning Saturday

This wasn't quite what I envisioned my Saturday morning to be. My idea of sleeping in was to really sleep in. But I guess a part of being a *cough* grown up is, waking up automatically in the mornings even if it's meant to be a sleep in weekend.

To this tune.

I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

The ultimate feel good song! Makes me wanna pack up my bags and go somewhere. Badly. But not in the bad sense though, I just don't know how to explain it.

Dry dry lips. Someone once said kissing helps. And Reader's Digest even tells you the 5 benefits of kissing. Hmmmm.

Have quite a bit to do today, now I just got to sort out my timings and priorities. Cue to my to-do-list! =))

Awesome Saturday all you folks!

And It Only Gets Funkier

Organic Hojicha Chai. Roasted Green Tea with spices. Smells good, haven't tasted it yet. Instruction said to brew it for 4 minutes.. which would be right about now.

Hmm. I probably still prefer the taste of brown rice green tea.

I am likened to believe that all things happen for a reason, whether good or bad. We may not know it, but that's because we're not meant to know all things!

Put in some extra hours again today, which turned out to be a smart move because I can proudly say that my work week ended on a awesomely good note.

My face does need some rescue work though. Breakouts are all over and my fingers keep itching to poke my pimples. And sailing this Sunday means more sun exposure.

But who am I kidding. Fun-under-the-sun trumps facial breakouts, anytime anyday!

So, I was starving when we finally left work and was thinking of treating myself to some icecream since this week has been such a good run. But I ended up sticking to my cherry tomatoes with Mizkan sesame dressing with extra sesame.

Not bad eh? ;)

My room smells a tad funny. And I can't seem to trace where the smell is coming from. I hope that it's not gonna keep me awake tonight..

Neways, a great weekend to all you peeps! Sending love to all..

Thank You's That Are Due

Dear Lord, thank you for today. Thank you for showing me grace and how to respond to unkind people of sorts. And thank you for showing me that being the better person will not only make a difficult moment pass more quickly, but that it also ultimately leads to my own happiness too.

I was a pescetarian today. Had fish paste noodles for lunch. I reckon I could stick to this diet for much longer. I feel healthier. Now all I need it to throw in some form of exercise. Plus, being vegetarian / pescetarian really isn't all that hard!

Sometimes, when you want to prove a point, is it to prove it to yourself? Or is it a show for others? Ask yourself that question first. Because then it determines how you act in a given situation.

Sneezed. Twice again today. Who's that!

Sleeeeepy! ZZzzZzzzZ, and it's Friday tomorrow! =))

Dear Darling, Please Excuse My Writing

Dear Darlin' - Olly Murs

Another good day to say the least. Productive at work again, although it was only because I put in extra hours today. I wonder if it's because I'm coming close to the end of it that I feel things are getting easier and easier to do. Hm.

Sneezed. Twice. Who there?? Fess up.

I was torn between Dear Darlin' and Roar. Both are equally entertaining tunes.

Roar - Katy Perry

So why not just share and listen to both. There's a third too actually, Avicii - Wake Me Up. But three is too much of a crowd.

Coffee before bed last night was a terrible idea. So I learn. Today, it's icecream and organic brown rice green tea. Woot woot! Nothing makes a happy girl happier, with the exception for icecream. :D

You're gonna hear me roooooar! 

The 3rd of September

Let's see..

Work was extremely productive today. I do work best with well constructed to-do-lists.

Bought some groceries yesterday so that I could 1) eat in and save some money, 2) eat healthy (I'm vegetarian this week, just for the sake of it), and also 3) try out some new simple foolproof dishes, BUT, the gas stove at home decided to go wonky. So all my raw materials are just sitting in the fridge as of now.

I had cherry tomatoes with Mizkan sesame dressing for dinner. And orange juice. And a cup of coffee. Hee!

My current total count of footwear is 27 pairs. Or maybe 28 including the pair I keep in my car. Or 29, the pair I keep under my desk at work. That's about right.

I am in need of a facial. And a hair trim. And new socks. Also about time to upgrade from the S2. Thinking nutella and toast for brekkie tomorrow. And maybe a kiwi fruit too.

Doggie has been naughty. Peeing everywhere possible. I really don't like rodents either. Meh.

Mom had bought a tonne of ice cream. I completely forgotten! I'll have some tomorrow too in that case. Since this vegetarian diet keeps me way below my daily calorie count anyway.

Vietnam next? Busan too. Greece someday. Maldives as well, I'd settle for Kapalai actually - never knew of the existence of this island until a friend of mine's recent visit. If I end up in the States, I'd be mighty angry at myself if I missed San Fran again. Yellowstone, and Seattle too (just these for the time being). Japan?

Ahhhh, the world is such a big big place. And this song comes to mind.. =))

Big Big World - Emilia

And today is the day the little rascal brother of mine finally turns 18! Happy 18th birthday! xxx

Ai Li Back from Bali

I was going to write a helpful for tourist-on-budget travel guide to Bali. But I'm not sure just how helpful the post will actually be. So my two cents anyway, here we go!

1) Things are really quite expensive in Bali, except for massages, if you don't mind slightly dodgy looking parlours that are actually quite clean and decent.

2) 70% of the locals you meet, even those who hound you nonstop about buying a bracelet from them cheap cheap at 1USD, are nice people. They're all just out to make a living. But there are still 30% of them who are only purely after your moolah.

Megawatt smile. Or not.

3) In Bali, give watersports a miss. Especially those at Tanjung Benoa. Too. Damn. Expensive. Try surfing in Kuta instead, I didn't try it, but I guess if you flirted a little, flash a megawatt smile here and there, you'd probably get a decent price from the many local dudes who'd be willing to give you a good price.

4) Either be prepared to spend lotsa time on the roads travelling from one place to another, ie, Kuta - Ubud, Kuta - Tanah Lot, Kuta - Tanjung Benoa because, traffic is crazy for the most of it, so you'll end up sitting in the car for more hours than you'd expect. Or, stay put at one place (Ubud, or Kuta, or Seminyak) and just do what's good to be done at that one place.

5) Also, hiring personal drivers who double as tour guides is quite the norm in Bali. Probably good to book one in advance of your trip, and just keep to that one driver so you don't have to keep building rapport with a new driver each day and just cross your fingers (and toes) that you've been assigned a nice guide. Many of them actually speak English, Japanese and/or Korean.

6) Sunsets are probably the same from whichever beach you're at. They're all magnificently beautiful.

7) Babi Guling is a MUST. Get a guide who'd take you to the local warungs instead. Denpasar is a good place to get some. Sorry not halal.

8) Skip the buffet spread and have crispy duck at the Batur Sari restaurant overlooking Mt Kintamani and Lake Batur. #milliondollarviewlunch Literally.

8) Luwak Coffee aka poop coffee, is not really poop coffee. Considering how I'm not much of a coffee extraordinaire, it tasted good but paying such a hefty price for it, I'd stick to good ol' Starbucks. But still, should give it a go, one of those once in a lifetime things.

9) Always bargain. Always. Always.

10) Just smile and be happy. People like happy people. And if you're happy, people will like you. And when people like you, they are more likely to cut you more slack. #lifelesson #true #live

Hashtagging because the travel buddy got me started on it. #thereyougo #hopeyouenjoyedit #balivacation =))