silver lining

My heart broke...

Moments after being upside-down watching in slow motion my phone dropping 130ft onto earth, and then hearing the phone smacked onto the ground.

I can only be thankful that it didn't hit anyone. Very thankful. So very thankful… and don't want to imagine what it could've been.

It was an interesting mind-over-matter situation how one can sober up in a blink of an eye mid-5G experience.

It was our last day in Copenhagen. It was a trip to celebrate our sixth year anniversary together. We were at Tivoli. We were on our second ride at the amusement park, the Vertigo to be exact.

Various thoughts went through my mind. When the ride ended and the attended handed me my phone, my heart numbed.

Oh my phone.

Thereafter days of roller coaster emotions, I consoled myself that I was on mobile phone-sabbatical.

That itself was an interesting experience which I will share in another post.

The high after that was knowing that my desktop recognised my iPhone.

The low immediately after that was that I had to unlock my phone, which I couldn't with the shattered screen.

I had hope.

What followed the next two days was my alarm going off in the morning and I couldn't switch it off.

But I still have hope to retrieve my data.

New phone searching started a few days before I plugged-in my phone to the desktop. Man, it is expensive to replace a phone that I didn't have insurance for.

But I couldn't think of going for anything else other than an iPhone 5. I was smitten. I've fallen in love. What I didn't realise, I was dependent.

A conversation with a friend asked me to try the Apple shop, and I managed an appointment with them over the weekend.

Almost a week into my mobile phone-sabbatical.

I was told by Apple Tech Support that I can get my screen replaced for a fee. I was over the moon to know that.

Just before I went to the store over the weekend I realise that whilst I knew that the screen was beyond repair, I thought the phone did well to survive the fall without a scratch; but little did I realise was that there is a slight dent in the back. Ouch, poor phone.

I must say, the acrylic glass case I had must've taken most of the impact, unfortunately I've not seen what it looked like after impact.

During my 15 mins wait, I observed a high number of phones (various iPhone generations) replaced at the Apple store. I later found out what high mark-up we pay when we get a new phone. I also thought to myself that there is a possibility that I will be getting a new phone.

It later transpired that for a small fee, rather than getting my screen replaced, I received a new replacement phone, easily half the price of a new iPhone.

Then, my heart broke, again.

Why you say? I'm getting a new phone (albeit with a small fee), what else could I ask for more? It wasn't the small fee that my heart broke; I accepted that I need to spend that money for what I wanted.

Unfortunately Apple store can’t back-up the information I had on my phone. That is what the iCloud is for. I guess you can imagine they have so many customers to attend to and to carry out back-up for every customer it is going to take forever. And there is also the possibility of data protection? I don’t know...

Of course I was thankful that I can get a new phone. What I didn't expect is that I was quite upset (internally) that I lost four months’ worth of data, photos, notes, and memories.

Arrgh...

Four months.

Four months, because it came up that the phone will restore from May 7th.

Anyways, four months...

...All because I didn't know how to use iCloud well enough.

...Because I didn't get my desktop sorted to do a backup. (The computer fan needed some attention, and it is now fixed).

Four months.

Made me realised how dependent we are on our technology.

I lost some notes I made recently on Notes.

***Update from where I stop drafting:

I was going to go on a spill on the story of my life, about the various thoughts I had that I needed to jot down. I was upset as you can imagine.

So what I didn't tell was I went to the Apple store on Saturday. After I left the store (with my new phone), the phone required Wi-Fi to restore but I couldn't use Wi-Fi as I was out and about. It was after when we finally got home at night that I noticed the phone hang asking if I wanted to restore with Wi-Fi or later. I couldn't do anything with the phone.

I could hardly sleep on Saturday night.

Upset that I was going to lose four months of stuff.

We went back to the Apple store on Sunday and all it required was a soft restart.

I started my draft of this post on Sunday morning before the visit to the Apple store.

After the soft restart and later when we have Wi-Fi to restore, I am thankful for iCloud. What I didn't realise was quite a number of things have been backed up onto iCloud.

The wonderful people at Apple, oh, so clever.

I still lost some information and memories. But it wasn't as bad.

I lost all my Notes.

Yes, I may not have all my 2,000+ photos; at least I have most of our expensive Copenhagen weekend photos (now made even more expensive with the phone replacement). I lost all our Copenhagen photos on the last day.

I still don't know how much was backed up onto iCloud as the phone is still being restored.

Lessons learnt, of course.

And I am in awe of the Cloud, or in this case iCloud.

***Update: I must give credit to TheOtherHalf for putting up with me for the past week, non-stop on everything about the phone.

counting down to Christmas - 28 sleeps to go

In our household, you'll be impressed that our Christmas dinner is actually prepared by TheOtherHalf.

As much as I will start with some sort of preparation, he will end up with most of the work.

Now, before you think I pushed this stressful responsibility to him, I don't make him do it. I am very lucky that - the way he wants to be a part of everything.

So I'm left with the (some what) supervision of Christmas dinner, while he stresses himself out on it. Which incidentally, I find it rather amusing. I know, it does sound rather mean.

And every year he give me this "I'm so proud and lucky to have you in my life" feeling.

Love you lots... xx

three.years.on.

Today mark the beginning of my three years working with my present company, although my employment started earlier in the month.

It has been quite an eventful three years of which, I spent two years seconded to Scottish Water Solutions commercial managing a portfolio of infrastructure and capital maintenance works of water and wastewater quality projects.

Whilst seconded, I had wonderful Project Managers who provided me with opportunities travelling around the south west of Scotland visiting many project sites and patient Project Team Members who answer my incessant questions.


The travelling provided me opportunities to get to know my Project Managers better through sharing of life in Glasgow, our individual private lives, technical chats and everything and anything that we can think of. The travelling also provided me opportunities to visit some of the most stunning places around the south west and seeing how treatment plant works. Also, not forgetting the animals that I met along the way.


How can I forget the monthly meet up guys? It was as good as it lasts. Too bad, everyone is away working with their various new employers and locations.

I am currently based in the Glasgow office assisting bids for Pre-Qualification Questionnaires and Invitation to Tender / Negotiation; reorganising our section of the office and document folders; and anything that keeps me out of trouble. Periodically, I assist my colleagues in the Environment sector carrying out environmental monitoring and remediation system maintenance fieldwork in Scotland, which I enjoy immensely.

Recently I was asked what is my best moment or favourite moment at work and I listed the following: participating and completing 2 out of the 3 stages in Construction's Future Leaders 2007 competition; achieving Client Satisfaction score of 97.69%; and being on the Global Knowledge Network. I will soon add going on a week long knowledge transfer programme to The Netherlands to the list too.

I am thankful for the opportunities and the people I meet along the way.

So as a new year begins, I do hope to add more memorable experiences, build better relationships with my colleagues and Clients, and continuously learning from everything I do and everyone I meet.

the.proper.birthday.post

Right. Yesterday’s post was rubbish, if I say so myself.

It was unfair to just plonk in a post just for the sake of it when my brain was a mush from doing cost plans all day.

Anyways, my 30th birthday was better than envisaged, which IMHO is always good. Life's little bonuses, I would like to think of it as.


My birthday started with the arrival of cards and abundance of wishes on Facebook. My two Aberdonian men gave me pop up cards which I love to bits.

My BFF Ryan made an appearance by travelling over to visit me plus treating me to dinner at Sarti the night before.

For my birthday, I baked some banana split cupcakes inspired by Cupcake Project, after doing a test batch. My earlier desire to have black forest cupcakes, which is one of my favourite cakes and thus become the birthday cake of tradition if it is not blueberry cake, turned out to be disappointing during the test batch and I also quickly realise that not everyone like cherries. I still have to try baking it again one of these days.

My colleagues at work sprung a surprise and presented me with a chocolate tray bake with candle, birthday banners, two birthday songs, and a birthday card. Oh and how can I forget about the balloons!

My close friend Chuah and his mate Chee Meng provided excellent company to Japanese food at Nanakusa on Sauchiehall Street.

Then I went home to a lovely bottle of cherry beer.

Although I had greater plans months ago about a potential picnic, a dinner night out at the swanky Living Room on St. Vincent Street, and even a World Cup themed BBQ at one point, didn't turn out as plan; my birthday yesterday was one of the better ones I had for a long time.

I wished that TheOtherHalf was around to celebrate it with me (hopefully in the near future when we are not living apart) and my friends. And somehow I felt a bit nostalgic thinking about my family and missing them - my grandparents, parents plus stepmom, my sisters, my half brother and my wee niece; you may even say that I had a wee bit of homesickness (not something that happens often).

Still, I am thankful for the abundance of well wishes and love showered to me. It reminds me of how blessed I am.

happy.birthday.me

Banana Split Cupcakes inspired by Cupcake Project

So another birthday has arrived.

I'm very thankful for the birthday wishes and cards received from loved ones, family and friends. But I do miss TheOtherHalf and wished my family was around to celebrate.

Oh wells, ces't la vie. Hopefully it won't be too long until I see them. At least, I'll see TheOtherHalf in less than 48 hours time...

p.s.: I have lots on my mind to blog about. I'll just need to find the time and energy to do it. Hopefully not too long a wait...

mid.year

I thought of starting this post with a cliché-y 'time' quote. But heck, why not start it with another cliché-y opening instead.

It is now that time of the year, the halfway point of year 2010 where everyone evaluates what has been happening in the past six months.

Are the New Year's resolutions still there?

How many to do things on the list has been completed?

I didn't start the year with any resolutions, maybe because looking back at my draft post I mentioned 'I don’t really do 'resolutions' but I had some 2010 aspirations...'

1. Further improve my work performance.
2. Complete my RICS APC training and obtain chartership.
3. Keep in better touch with my family / friends.
4. Lose some weight / tone up.
5. Learn new skills.

So halfway point:

1. My work performance ~ I would say improved a lot. Although I'm doing a mish-mash of many tasks at the same time, I do feel more motivated compared to say, seven eight months ago. I'm also very happy that my partner, I'm currently working a lot with my Senior Project Manager, has been very good at sharing responsibilities, providing me with many opportunities to step up and be part of decision making.

2. RICS APC Training ~ I admit I'm struggling with this. Time management is the key word in this task. Hopefully I will have something done, so watch out for updates and posts on this.

3. Keep in better touch ~ I'm not sure about this. When I wrote down the above aspirations on 5th January, there were some improvements. Perhaps my aspiration then was fuelled by after my dad's visit at that point, and other family matters. Then after that, all had been quiet at the family communication front. But then again, I would say that there had been some communication with my bestest buddy back home lately. So I would summarise as a rollercoaster. There's still room for improvement.

4. Lose weight ~ Ah, that age of resolution. Have I? I doubt so. Enough said. (Perhaps not putting on weight is as good. I'll need to check to make sure).

5. Learn new skills ~ hmmm... have I? To be fair, I have a few things I would love to do so I better get it moving in the next six months! Less thinking, just do it!

Keeping this short, I guess I'm at 45-60% achievement. There are lots of room, and I mean loooots of room for improvement. So let's hope that I will put in enough effort to make it better!

see.you.again!

Have you ever felt that you wished you had done something when you had the chance to do so?

It was Robert's last day.

He was the very first Project Manager I worked with. He was a good and patient teacher, often provided opportunities for me to learn, brought me along to sites to see the project, to learn more about my project, to provide an understanding of the numbers - the value of my projecet.

We explored the realms of project commercial management. And no matter how busy Robert was, he often have time for me - whether it was work or just about life in general.

Our little outing to sites, provided many opportunities for us to get to know each other - our lives, families, background, etc.

Like how active he was with the Boys Brigade, or that he and his pal swapped a suit outside of a company for the same interview and then returned the suit back to Marks & Spencer.

How he meets his sister once a year in Aberdeen for Christmas shopping, presents wrapping, exchange and she onto the ferry back to Shetland, and he into the car back to Glasgow.

How he explained to my why houses in the UK has a name and how they are used, just like another member of the family.

How he is the first person who told me that it is possible for a car to have 'cleavage'.

When Robert left his role as Project Manager back to the contractor side as Quality manager, we don't speak as much as we used to. Much less when he moved desk to the bottom of the room.

We still chat. Often, I do make a point to make time to have a chat to catch up.

I'll not forget once Robert said a lot of good things about my work performance. It was great getting good feedback - but I wasn't sure did the alcohol played a part in it or not.

Whichever way, it seems so suddent that Robert was leaving for pastures new. I suppose for one who is a big fan of attention, he didn't make big announcements. That is the kind of humble man that he is.

Looking back to earlier today, I wished I had given Robert a hug, rahter than a handshake.

A hug for being a good listener, the misunderstanding we had about 'red' and 'rape'.

A hug for being a patient teacher, and more importantly a friend.

Robert didn't have a farewell party / drinks or provided cakes to widen our already wide waistlines, instead he was really kind to make a donation to Water Aid for the amount he would have spent as a parting gift.

I thought that was more meaningful.

Although I did say what I wanted to say, my wishes and thanks to him; I wished I did get hiim a farewell / good luck card.

I wished I had given him my contact details.

But the industry is not as large as we imagine, so I'm sure we will cross paths again.

In the meantime, Robert, good luck and thanks for all the great times we had, for being a patient teacher who is generous in your time and knowledge. More importantly, thanks for being a great friend.

All the best, you'll be surely missed!

i.passed.i.passed.i.passed!!

I passed my driving test today! *beams*

*More beams*

Yes, you can imagine my joy.

Interestingly enough, besides the initially beaming, it just seemed... normal.

I’m not trying to be ungrateful, unemotional. I guess it is just me.

Meaning, it’s not much fun celebrating it alone, does it?

But, the amazing TOH will be taking us out for dinner to celebrate this weekend. And it is double celebration - me being a qualified driver and us, eighteen months together.

Back to my driving test...

Yes, I was nervous.

I had to remind myself not to think so much of the past, not to overanalyse all the things I should and should not do.

Heck, I have at least 10 years driving experience! But all this getting back to basics has really waver my confidence.

Luckily I did some driving when I was back in KL. In fact, a lot of driving. I’m not complaining, as it did make a significant difference.

I was really lucky today.

When I was going to work this morning, it was wet, grey and miserable. All I could think of is ‘I hope it will be dry and brighter’ and ‘no stress this morning’. I even had camomile tea for good measure!

Thankfully, by test time, it was dry, bright and I even caught some sunlight in my eyes.

Even luckier is that it snowed an hour after I reached home. Of which, if either rain or snow during my test would have meant I will need to reschedule my test!

Also, I had a really good examiner. He was kind, friendly and helpful. Put me at ease, especially the usual pressure you put on yourself to pass. He passed on good advice. Bless the man!

Bear in mind, I’m sure all of them are really nice.

Anyways...

I took longer than I should on the reverse parking. But I did it!

I received a minor point for speeding. Interestingly enough, my instructor always had to shout out for me to ‘ACCELERATE!’. When I realised to correct, it was a little too late. But I did it!

Whatever it was, I’m just so glad to have passed my exams!

One thing for sure, I won’t miss forking out lots of money to pay for my own lessons and tests. Where I learn it must have been not easy for mom to pay for the three of us to obtain our driving license in the past.

Thanks so much mom! xx

I know for sure I will miss my driving instructor, Jenny.

I remember the first time we met, she kinda barked at all my mistakes.

I suppose it was just me, not wanting to accept that I can be improved, that I’m that bad.

That evening and many evenings, I learnt a lot - not only about proper driving but also the many pointers that work the same for life too.

And as time passed by, Jenny did only what any nurturing teacher would do, wanting the best for their students.

And for that I’m always grateful. And her friendship as well.

So whilst I wait for the driving license to come through the post, I’ll just have to smile proudly and broadly at my Practical Driving Test Pass Certificate!

*beams!*

first.day.of.work.2009

I’ve been struggling since morning. *Yawn yawn*.

Thankfully, I managed to get up and be at work around 8am, half an hour earlier than usual. But I had been yawning since I get in and all I feel is just lethargy.

Now, a bit of headache.

Psychological? Maybe.

Laziness? Definitely!

I know I know... I should be thankful.

I did get to work in one piece and safely. No train delays for me compared to some.

And more importantly, I have a job to go to. The grim economy and job market news throughout the holidays haven’t been at all encouraging.

So yes, I should be thankful for everything.

There's even the lovely blue sky out there, even though it is seriously cold.

Anyways, to those of you, like me has just got back to work, hang in there, it’s not long till home time.

thanks.and.missing.you!

It wasn't as easy leaving this time as I thought it would be.

This time, funnily wasn't the same as the previous times.

I felt homesick before I even left the country! Let alone the house!

The thought of it will be a while before I see all things familiar - my grandparents, dad, YenJie, Ron, the family home, the place I grew up in, the city that I'm rather familiar, my bedroom, the kitchen, the garden, the house, the dust, my friends, neighbours and everything around me that I've been in contact in the past six weeks.

I don't deny that there are some things I wished I had done during my so called 'exile'. But I wasn't in that 'place' to do so.

However, there are many things that I didn't thought I would have the opportunity to do so during this trip but managed to.

The unknowingly wait gave me the opportunity to celebrate Ron's birthday, attend the Nation's Sale (not that I bought a lot anyways), participated in a Rotaract project, met up with Katherine and Kellee, and spent lots of time with dad, YenJie and Ron.

I wished I had spent more time with my grandparents. We did spend some time together. Some days we just watched movie on tv together, other times, a little outing to the supermarket. There's more that we could have done. But the what little time that we had was really good.

There are friends that I wished I had spent more time with but there is always next time. And perhaps, next time around, there would be better planning and hopefully less obstacles.

In this time of my 'extended holidays' I've watched three Chinese serials. It was crazy but it was so addictive! The first serial I watched, I sat down and watched ten forty minutes episodes in one go!

I.Honestly.Need.A.Life.

Then there was the mahjong sessions. Initially I felt it was me who was entertaining the aunties, but then truth be told, it was the aunties who were keeping me entertained. Thanks to mom, Aunty BB and LanCheh.

It wasn't so much about losing the money playing mahjong, even though there will be a very small element of it, but more of the excitement of playing the game.

And as I saying then and now, mahjong isn't just a game. There is understanding, skills, and risk. As they say, mahjong keeps the mind sharp.

I must thank the various people who have been supportive of my extra time in KL and made it easier to pass time. To the people who took the effort to get me out of the house, the people who made this time away a little more pleasant, my heartfelt thanks to you.

Perhaps I shouldn't leave too big a gap between now and my next trip.

I will miss you all! I know I am already!

the.wait.is.finally.over

This is what I want to know.

FINALLY!!!

My thanks to all who had been supportive and helpful during the long wait.

Thanks, you know who you are!

xoxox

one.year.work

I went to AD earlier this morning and said ‘HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!’.

It’s to our year working in this office and friendship. Silly I know.

A year ago today, both of us were this two fresh faced strangers sitting at reception waiting for the relevant person to come and show us to our desk, which, much to our dismay, no desk. Were they not expecting us, since the week before?!

It was great having a fresh faced companion to go through the past year with me. We stuck by each other and help each other out, more like having AD for me to emo to, tears and all. So embarrassing!

Am actually very privilege that way, made good friends with AD.

The learning curves had been steep at some point - I stirred some trouble, and learnt a lot in the process too.

A year on, I never thought that I would go through putting forward an unacceptable behaviour complaint, declining one drunken interest and fending off a freaky weirdo.

Being the nice person that I am, it was an achievement sending out an email that goes like this.

Hi xxxx, Thanks for your invitation but I’ll have to decline. I want to be clear that I’m not interested in going out with you. Regards.

All in a year, in this client’s office.

Ten lessons from the past twelve months. I’ve learnt that...

One: It is important to have everything jotted down or sent in an email as a written proof. It doesn’t matter how big or small the matter.

Two: Just because it is acceptable to some, or nobody says anything, or people are ignorant about some things, doesn’t mean that you have to accept and keep quiet.

Three: It is not a bad thing to stir trouble. I’ve prolly caused quite a lot of trouble intentionally and unintentionally at work.

Four: Not to be afraid of being whiny or a big baby. Chances are if a matter bothers you, it is a matter requiring resolution. No one should bottle it all up.

Five: Everyday is a school day. Be open to learning and accepting the various issues in the work place. Diplomacy and politics are words to remember.

Six: Besides work relationship, the only other relationship with colleagues is friendship. Anything else is not acceptable.

Seven: You are never alone. No matter how insincere some people are there are still a handful of people who really care, even if it is just one person.

Eight: Enjoy the work at hand. It is easier this way than to hate what you are doing. If you hate what you are doing, take action, chances are you are in the wrong job. No one deserves to be unhappy.

Nine: No one deserves to be bullied, whether at or out of work.

And lastly, Ten: never be put off by bad experiences.

Achievement in the year:
Not sure if ‘acquired two stalkers’ should be the highlight.

I don’t know what will happen in the coming year and I don’t know who else I will meet or get acquainted with, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

The past year has brought me colleagues who I can call friend, who I can confide in with confidence, and those I can gossip with.

Just as the business I am in, the client I am with, and just with nature of life, people come and people go, I just found out that The Big Guy will be leaving soon to another area within the business. He will be deeply missed. I dread working with the guy who we will be reporting to since he is not that nice a person plus he is a perve. Wonderful. OK, maybe that is not fair - we'll just have to see how we get along then.

Likewise, AD will be also be leaving this office not long now and move on to another client’s office. I will miss him dearly, all the banters, emo-ing, and outing during lunchtime.

To AD, thanks for being a great friend!

august

August marks a milestone for me.

I have been working for my current company for exactly a year now.

In thirteen days time, it will be a year since I started working and living in Glasgow.

Eighteen days time, it will be a milestone for TOH and me too.

One year. Three hundred and sixty five days.

Interestingly, this is my year reflection.

Unfortunately my mind is plagued with so many things that I can’t think properly or gather my thoughts to put it in words.

The past year of professional employment had been rather interesting, more so in the last few months.

Living in Glasgow opened my eyes and mind to the various places of interest in and around the city.

I made new friends who I am close to. People who you can share a banter and enjoy the times together, meeting up with old and new acquaintances, made this city less of a lonely place.

I appreciate the people who are patient, friendly and even at times caring towards my work life and my life in general. People who generally care.

For every person who does care, there are also those who say things for the sake of saying things. I’ve learnt to accept that there are people who say ‘hi, how are you?’ for the sake of saying it but doesn’t really care whether you are fine or not. They don’t care if you had done much or not. They just ask for the sake of asking. Which often I just wished they don’t ask if they don’t want to know. A simple ‘hi’ would be sufficient.

There are the times that I struggle each month, thinking initially I did so well, learning and improving from the previous month’s experience, only to find out that it is not good enough. Those were the days I struggled, doubting my worth and contribution to my work life existence.

As much as I dislike politics, I am required to learn the politics and diplomacy of work. Which can be annoying but interesting at the same time.

Then there are the differences in cultural background. The acceptable and the unacceptable. And more recently, a person who don’t get the hint.

There are many times I feel battered to a pulp yet needing to continue ploughing through all conditions.

With that, equally there are the many times I’m proud of my contribution to this facet of my life.

Every year, there will be many examples of learning, improving, elation, disappointment, and dishearten emotions to go through.

I don’t know what the future working years will bring but I know the above emotions will carry on at least another thirty years. *goodness that sounds long!* And I can only hope that there will be more joys than sorrow.

I guess all I need is enthusiasm and drive.

Come on, bring on working life!

thanks

Thanks for the wishes and cards!!! xxx

birthday

It’s supposed to be my birthday.

But so far nothing interesting has happened. Perhaps it is only 10am.

Had a few birthday wishes - a handful to be exact. Either people have forgotten or it doesn’t really matter.

Does sound like I’m a bit discouraged.

I was saying the other day that I love birthdays and like getting older because I age well. Hehehe. . . [(>.<)]

I suppose it is easy when you accept that it is part of life.

Another year under the belt is often a very reflective time in one’s life.

I’m happy for what I’ve achieved and have, and I learnt from a lot of my experiences, though, I’m not going to profess that I’ve perfected my lessons learnt either.

I supposed to me, birthdays are about celebration. And since I haven’t had a proper celebration in the past few years, I felt as if I’ve not aged at all.

I remember the birthday parties we used to have. The gathering of friends, mainly classmates/schoolmates. And the birthday cake trend we have in the family!

For many years we had Black Forest Cake, which is still my all time favourite! And then for many years after that we had Blueberry Cake.

The buzz of the preparations and having so many people around for a birthday party was great. I won’t deny that I love being surrounded by my friends and all the generous presents received.

One year, I think it was my 16th birthday party, mom cooked curry chicken as one of the dishes for my birthday party. Unfortunately she over-provided the amount and after the party we still had a lot left. We had curry chicken almost everyday for a week!

Looking back, it was a really funny incident.

Pastor Tony once said that ‘once you reached 21 years of age all the (physical) aches and pains will appear’. True to word, I won’t deny I haven’t had my fair share of those aches and pains.

Old age? I guess not!

As we grow older and as many of us end up scattered around the world, busy with our own life, birthdays sadly, seems to be just another day. I guess it is enjoy it while you can.

I don’t know what the future (or the future of birthdays) is going to be, but in the meantime I’ll just enjoy it as it comes.

So, this is my reflection on birthdays. Another year older and I can only hope for good health and lots of happiness.

I had a great time with TOH over the weekend. We had dinner at Sarti and I received presents from him.

My favourite part of the weekend was rolling down a hill! It was silly but I had so much fun!! And I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this for all these years!!! I was very tempted to do it again but I was wearing sleeveless and was afraid of allergic reaction from the grass, which I did had a little (not sure if it was psychological or not).

Anyways, a great thank you to you who remembered and sent me birthday wishes and cards. Your kind gesture has brightened up my day!!

My life is brilliant
My life is full

la vita è bella

Friday’s bus journey up north was quite a pleasant one.

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, it was good to travel in light, and I was awake most of the journey.

I love the Scottish landscape. There is something about it that is so beautiful.

Perhaps the brown and plum colours of the highlands that captivates me.

Perhaps the rolling green and earth coloured fields that mesmerises me.

Perhaps it is the beautiful blue, pink and violet coloured sky that is spellbinding.

Most of the fields are painted in various hue of green. Some fields between Dundee and Aberdeen were covered in yellow, signs of rapeseed flowers in bloom.

Some fields were occupied by sheep, ewes, and lambs.

The lambs were so cuuute. So young. Interestingly, I noticed that most ewes have two lambs. Does this means that the lambs are twins? Hmmm...

The light and beautiful palette of colours reminded me of my trips to and fro Aberdeen and Glasgow last year.

Almost eight months now.

So many changes happened in such a short time.

A job that brought me 160 miles away from Aberdeen.
A new home and a new weekend home.
New friends and colleagues.
New experiences.
Trials and challenges.
Different lifestyle.
A visit from my sister.

And how can I forget, a great guy in my life!

Although we had rather awful weather for the weekend, I’m looking forward to my bus journeys.

Colourful sensory indulgence and a season of life and growth.

Life couldn’t be better.

support

Like I said the other day, time flies by before you realise.

It’s been seven months since TOH and I started seeing each other.

He has been a great ‘supporter’ of the things I do and the decisions I make. He continuously encourages me.

Like wise, I the same for him.

Although, I must say that being supportive doesn’t mean that we agree with each other all the time.

Yes, we share quite a large chunk of similarities, yet, at the same time TOH always say to me ‘we’ll just have to agree to disagree then’.

It’s not easy accepting that when he says that to me. I will pucker up and sulk. But then it was for dramatisation only. I can never be angry with him for long.

It is these banters and ‘dramas’ that makes us us.

I’m the crazy one (although I saw a quote yesterday ‘I’m not crazy. I just have issues’) and he is the one that play along so that I won’t be the only obvious crazy one.

It is not rocket science that being supportive for one another is an important virtue of any relationship, but, we often take for granted things like this.

When you’ve been in a rut like me (in my past), you will understand where I am coming from.

Seven months. It seemed so fast, yet, it that all? It seemed longer than that, in a good way.

I am happy. We are happy. *smiles contently*

TOH play cheat by wishing me last night before midnight and sending an email to me yesterday for this morning.

Nonetheless it was a good move on his side.

I have to admit however, that I actually didn’t realise it last night, along the lines of forgotten at that time of the night.

Anyways...

Happy seven months.

Thanks for all you've said babes. You meant a lot to me too and I'm always so glad to have you.

Tons of love xxx

'til we meet again

Time flies when you are having fun.

This time last week, Suemae and I were standing in front of the British Museum poking fun at TOH made some new friends.

What actually happened was TOH was waiting for us at the museum while we got coffee from Starbucks across the road. When we were done, we noticed that TOH was talking to a couple. Only to find out later that they were with the Metropolitan Police!

Interesting... Perhaps.

My point is that, this time last week, we were on holiday. I was supposed to be sitting in the office milling on my numbers for the monthly commercial report, but I wasn’t.

Today, I’m sitting in an all day review. Currently on my break between reviews.

Good thing the weekend is here!

Anyways, time indeed flies when you are having fun.

It was great to have Suemae around. I think she enjoyed Glasgow immensely. Of course, you can’t really compare Weegieland and The Deen. There isn’t really much to do up north.

I guess the Glaswegians lived up to their reputation of being friendly and Glasgow lived up to be a shopping haven.

Everyday all I can see is that Suemae shopped and shopped, and coming home with bags of shopping. I’m not a really big fan of shopping but spending time with her made me realised how many more things I need to go shopping for. TOH will be glad to know this. He’s moaning about I don’t shop enough. What more can I ask of a bf? Lucky me!

So yeah, it was great to have Suemae around and she will be missed, definitely! I hope she enjoys her time in Birmingham for her ‘brother’s’ wedding and I look forward to having her around again.

happy one year blogging

Time is a really ‘scary’ thing. It flies past before you even know it.

Three hundred and sixty five days ago, I started blogging on Blogger. In these three hundred and sixty five days I’ve managed to post two hundred and twenty two posts.

Not too bad an attempt. *Gentle pat on the back.*

Although I did not achieve the three hundred and sixty five posts I liked to, I think it is still an achievement of sorts.

In the recent weeks, posting has been a struggle due to various reasons.

I can only wish in the coming year I will be able to blog more frequently, logging on all sorts that I encounter in my daily life.

In this day and age of netrep, I won’t be speaking out recklessly as much as sometimes I wished I could. Perhaps some well thought out rant?

Nonetheless, this blog has provided an avenue for me to rant, record and generally let it out, good and bad, happy and sad feelings that I experience.

A quick glance at my blog shows that there are various highs and los I’ve recorded so far. There are also many more that I haven’t had the chance to write it all. For me, this blog has also been a way to communicate to people near and far, friends and strangers alike, and just to whomever who care or are curious of.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my readers who take their time to read and comment here. It is always nice to read your comments. I hope you will continue to read my blog.

Here’s to another year!

maddymadmad

I’m not the kind who make New Year’s resolution.

There are things that I will think of as the days come and go but generally, I don’t sit down or spend time think about what I want to do in the year.

Perhaps I really should. Apparently, by doing so will have a bigger chance of us keeping to our resolution(s).

Being one who believes in carpe diem, I try as much to practice it.

So this year, I set out with the resolution to continuously seize the day. And among it, is not to deprive myself an opportunity to win the lottery.

Okay, it does sound kinda shallow.

I don’t really believe in the lottery but for the sake of fun and opportunity, I’m giving it a try. After all, if I lose, it is just a quid and it goes to charity.

Eight weeks into the new year and ‘investing’ when I remember or feel-like-it, TOH and I won a teeny sum last week. Although not a lot, it does show you that in a game of chance, there is a possibility.

Nonetheless, I can’t help playing the image of one Hong Kong Cantonese movie series ‘It’s a Mad Mad World’ in my mind, when knowing I matched four out of the six numbers.

It’s silly, I know.

The movie series was really funny though.

Unfortunately, I found out that both the main characters has passed away, and more recently Lydia Shum who played the matriarch in the movie, has just passed away days earlier.

Can’t help feeling that there is such a loss in the HK and Cantonese entertainment industry. She was a talented actress and I love her always happy outlook/attitude.

At least, her legacy remains.