2007: Reflections
And yet another year draws to an end. Sometimes, wishfully thinking, I wonder this: if we don't keep track of the seasons and days, will the signs of passing time leave us unscathed? Our foreheads to remain forever baby bottom smooth, the fine web of crows feet never to marr the corners of our eyes and our spirits ever unflagging, bouyed by eternal optimism, never to be burdened with the cynicism that seems to inevitably seep in with age. And maybe, just maybe we could be frozen in a quantum of time where we will forever be at our happiest, brightest and most beautiful.Alas, this is but just a whimsical fantasy I toy with fancifully when I make time for introspection and self-reflection of how I have grown, and yes...aged over the year.Nothing happened in 2007 that seems to me in retrospect, extraordinarily memorable.But maybe, resigning from my old job on Valentine's Day 2007 wasn't such a great idea. (I mean, look where it's gotten me in the relationship area)The period cramps seemed to be especially terrible this year as well resulting in my first visit to the O&G who thankfully confirmed it wasn't anything serious. I wonder if it's all the work-related stress?And of course, how can I forget my 26th birthday, where I suffered from an anaphylactic reaction from the food I had for dinner resulting in a visit to the GP.Moving into my uber comfortable, air-conditioned new room and apartment with the best housemate anyone could ever ask for (maybe because we're seldom at home together as either one of us is always travelling or working late ;)) was perhaps one of the happiest events of the year. No more termite-infested room and cockroach-infested kitchen as well as no more inconsiderate flatmate who says and does the world's most innane things like this and this. Not forgetting all the "frogs" you unfortunately, have to kiss before you find your Happily (If)Ever After. The one who told me he hoped he could see me again (but never did), the one who kept calling despite the blatant "not interested" hints, the random one liners that never amounted to anything.My mom's surgery, weddings (5 weddings in a year is a record high for me!) and of course, lots of travel sort of sums up the year that was for me.If anything, I learnt this year that the human spirit is an indomitable one. Somehow, it will find a way of surviving, of adapting, learning and changing. No wonder the brunt of it all is born physically- manifesting in fine lines, sagging skin, age spots, white hair and expanding waistlines. :)I think I've reached the juncture where I should list my 2008 resolutions but I'm not in the right frame of mind right now. Maybe tomorrow if I feel like it.Labels: Me, myself and I, Personal
Merry Christmas!
Some wrapped Xmas pressies on my bedroom floor. Wrapping is quite a time-consuming affair and especially tiring when you do it in the middle of the night as I did! ;)
One of my colleagues casually asked me the other day, "Do you celebrate Christmas?"
I said, "Yeah, do you?"
He replied, "Yeah!"
"Are you Christian?" we both asked simultaneously and laughed when we both said "No."
I guess nowadays, Christmas is no longer only celebrated soley by Christians, especially in multi-cultural Malaysia. There is something magical about the Christmas season that infects me with the spirit of sharing, caring and forgiving, of wiping the slate clean and starting afresh and anew. Especially so this year where I was fortunate enough to be part of the Christmas festivities and lights in both London and Paris. I hope all of you had a blessed Christmas with good times spent with your loved ones.MERRY CHRISTMAS AND SEASON'S GREETINGS!xoxoLabels: Events
Back in KL
I missed KL while I was away! Inspite of the sticky humidity, hazy polluted skies and incessant traffic jams...Nothing like a trip away from home to make you appreciate the nice things about your own country, eh?I'm glad to be back.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today is my parents' 30th wedding anniversary. For all the ups and downs, I think it is amazing that they have been married that long! My mom said that being married for 30 years to my dad makes him the person she's stayed with the longest, even longer than with her own parents, which is true. I suppose that is why your significant other is commonly referred to as your "life partner"? For better or for worse, till death do you part!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------I experienced my first car tire puncture today while driving to KL for my annual work appraisal with my Medical Director! Talk about bad timing and Murphy's Law! I actually worried about getting a puncture while driving to work this morning. Premonition? Or maybe, I'm just an incurable worry wort, because to think about it, ever since I started driving about two years ago I always had this nagging worry (especially when I drive long-distance) as to what I should do if I get a tire puncture. Because you see, I actually only know the theory of changing car tires, but have no hands on experience. Well, I know what I should do now- stop your car once you realize you have a puncture- if not you run the risk of spoiling your car's sport rims which I assume is gonna cost you a huge bomb, much more than just merely changing the tires, and call for help. But I think this only applies if you're not in a hurry for an important appointment like I was. This time, since I "luckily" happened to be fairly close to my apartment, I actually managed to drive home (burning rubber smell and all), called a cab and made it to my appointment about two minutes late. Hehe.Labels: Me myself and I, Travel
Hi from London!
I'm writing this post from an Internet cafe which serves really tasty and healthy organic food (I like!) just down the road from my friends' London apartment. The cafe gives free Internet access for one hour with any food purchase so I'm making full use of it. Hehe. The local time is about 1.20 pm.
I'm having a brunch of ham and cheese sandwich with hot tea and milk, and organic mango, apple and grapefruit juice...Mmmm...:) The weather in London is cold but sunny! I've never been so happy to see the sun after spending 4 miserably cold and drizzly days in Paris. Felt as if I would never be really warm again! *Brrrrr*
OK, more on my trip when I get back to warm and sunny KL! xoxo
Labels: Travel
While I'm away, donate some free rice!
I'm leaving for Paris tonight! It seems surreal that I'm actually going to get on a plane and fly there in about 20 hours time. I just finished packing my luggage and all that's left to chuck in tomorrow are some toiletries that I need to use tonight. Bleghhhhhh...I'm glad that's done. I hate packing bags!
I've actually been so busy with work recently that I haven't really had time to plan or really feel excited about this trip. So sad right? After Paris, I'll be heading to London for a couple of days to meet up with some friends and do touristy stuff, so I don't think there will be any updates from me till at least when I get back to KL (and emerge from the backlash avalanche of work that I'm already bracing myself for) *scared*.
However, knowing the Internet addict in me, I can never go too long without logging on, so I might just sneak in some time to blog. Heehee. Meanwhile, do browse my Flickr account (link is in my sidebar) where I finally got around to uploading a few paltry photos from my recent trip to Thailand. I actually meant to upload more from my US and Australia trips last year, but somehow couldn't squeeze in the time! *sigh* Also, if you are feeling charitable and nerdy brainy, go to this really nerdy cool United Nations site freerice.com where you can improve your English vocabulary while donating rice to help end world hunger! It can be your good deed for the day :)
Lastly, if you haven't already noticed, I changed the design of my Google Adsense ads to have rounded corners- I think it looks much nicer don't you? I also especially like the recent spat of Advertlets and Nuffnang ads. So, if you see anything that interests you, don't hesitate to click on it to find out more. Think of it as your other good deed for the day! Thank you!!^_^ As they say in France, au revoir!
Labels: Causes, Travel
