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.

snow.snow.snoooooww!

It had started to snow in Glasgow last Friday, but the snow had started a week before in the North East of Scotland.

There is something about the snow that makes me excited. Perhaps not growing up with snow is one of the reasons. The other could be because of the white blanket of snow somehow exudes magic and romance.

Of course the down side of snow is the travel chaos and slushy mess.

There always seem to be such a palaver with snow in the UK. In fact, the UK seemed not to cope with any adverse weather condition: heavy rain, snow, and heat, there is always something happening in these times.

Luckily this year, I don't have to travel across east to the micro-climate of a place call Livingston. I heard parts of the surrounding area there have about a feet of snow, compared to our inches of snow.

If I get paid for playing snow, I would do it. In the meantime, work beckons and bills have to be paid.

I'm looking forward to going up to Aberdeen this weekend as there are so much to do including putting up an IKEA daybed. However, I'll need to pop into IKEA to pick up some items that was missing in the packaging.

Somehow the travel chaos and airport closures bring back memories of December 2009. Last year, after meeting up with my dad and his family in Paris, we were stranded there unable to fly out because of the white stuff.

I just hope that my family who will be visiting in two week's time will not be affected by the snow, other than just enjoying it.

it's.not.holland

Since I am going to The Netherlands in a few weeks on a transfer programme, I thought I share with you some of my findings taken from The AA Key Guide on Western European Cities which I am currently reading.

Holland Doesn't exist.

The Netherlands is made up of twelve provinces, which include North Holland and South Holland, both in the west of the country on the North Sea coast.

The capital of South Holland is Den Haag, although the largest city is Rotterdam.

The largest city in North Holland is Amsterdam, but the capital is Harlem.

Amsterdam, however, is the capital of the whole country, despite the seat of government being in Den Haag.

It isn't surprising visitors are sometimes confused.

Who would've thought, eh?

Then it goes on with...

About half the land is less than 1m (3ft) above sea level, and much of that is actually below sea level,... A complicated system of sea walls, known as dikes, and pumping stations all help keep the North Sea from flooding in. The very fact that the country exists is a testimony to the determination and ingenuity of the Dutch people.

How ace is that?!

Too bad, I don't think I will be able to go to the coast to see these dikes and pumping stations.

So that is a little insight of The Netherlands for now. When I get there I will see what else I can see and let you know.

it.could.just.as.well.be.a.full.moon

You know, I never believe in the whole hullaballoo about full moon and weird people. But some how if it was really a full moon, then hell, it was a night full of weirdos - well maybe two. Even so...

Weirdo #1

I was at Catford Bridge station trying to catch the train back to London Charing Cross.

There, at the far end of the platform was a guy speaking to himself or at least to his imaginary foe telling off this foe of his about how mad it is to put the cat in the microwave (oven); and that this foe of his should know better not to put the cat in the microwave.

He repeated his story again and again; facing the tracks and then turning his back and facing the wall. Repeating the story over and over again.

It was the longest 15 mins wait on the platform.

I.Was.Rather.Freaked.Out.

Weirdo #2

After I got away from Weirdo #1 and got onto the train, I thought I was smart enough to choose a carriage that was rather busy - about seven of us including another girl, for that time of the night about 1030pm.

Then this guy who was a few rows down and opposite me asked across the aisle to another guy who was few rows down from me, if he liked this country.

Guy few rows down from me didn't answer the guy across the aisle from him.

Guy across the aisle from guy few rows down from me then looked outwards of the window into the dark.

Later guy across the aisle who looked out the window got up to say something foreign to guy few rows down from me.

Guy few rows down from me said ‘huh?’.

Guy who was across the aisle but had got up then said goodbye to guy few rows down from me and then got off the train.

OMG such a freaky night!

I.Was.Further.Freaked.Out.And.I.Still.Had.To.Take.The.Tube.And.Walk.Back.To.My.Hotel.

Luckily the rest of the trip was not as freaky and even the walk back to the hotel slowly ease my tenseness.

*Sigh of relief*

random.airport.rants

They changed the pick up / drop off Point in Glasgow International Airport!

Ever since the terrorist who tried to bomb Glasgow airport incident in 2007, the initial pick up / drop off point was then changed to beyond Car Park 2 building, opposite the terminal. You'll need to walk through the car park to get to the terminal. It wasn't too bad considering you are most likely walking in a straight line to the terminal. Unless you are official airport taxi, you won't be able to stop right at the front of the terminal, right near the entrance.

Then BAA, who managed the airport, changed the drop off point closer to the terminal and within Car Park 2. It was of course much better, even though you need to get out of the car park within 10 mins or you risk to pay a very expensive parking fee for pick up / drop off. The trick was to get out, go around the building and come back in again.

When I was last here at the end of May, there was rumours that the pick up / drop off point was going to change but nobody knew where it would be.

This morning, I was dropped off at the far end of the terminal, just as the start of the terminal. I guess it must've been so hush hush that work is still being done around the area. Now, my only gripe is that it seems so far away a walk to take. Especially if you are walking towards Terminal 2.

Okie, it is not such a big deal, at least you don't have to worry about your times are up.

On a separate note, it was about 5.10am when I first arrived at the airport this morning and you see loads of people coming out of the arrival hall looking as if they were just back from their sunny holidays. I had quick glance and it looked like flights from Alicante. My goodness, I wonder what time they were up and depart from their departure airport.

Still, I'm sure they had a lovely holiday.

And to close, I had a seriously close call this morning with check in. Although I had only hand luggage, I forgotten that I can't check in the usual way using the check in kiosk and the BA check in desk queue was snaking away.

Of all morning! And check in was closing at about 20-30 mins time!

Luckily, a lovely lady from BA came along to speak to a family before me, got them checked in but they still need to go down the queue because they had luggage to check in, and then the lovely BA Lady came to speak to me and got me check in and my boarding pass printed.

That was a seriously close one this morning...

OMG. Can you believe it is almost three years since the airport incident on 30 June 2007???

what.a.freak!

Just as well TheOtherHalf didn't buy the flat opposite...

Mystery surrounds 'horse-boy' on Google Street View

You can see 'Horse-boy' on Google Maps here.

coffee.overboard

Me and coffee don't seem to be going very well of late.

Last Friday I knocked over a whole flask of coffee.

Yesterday I spilled coffee over the car passenger seat.

Today, I knocked over Toni's cafetiere.

I need a break, probably...

Or I need to be more careful...

honestly? promptly?!

I checked my email and guess what I received?!

An email from VFS, regarding 'Feedback on UK Visa in Malaysia'!

I sent my feedback like eons ago. Last year! In DECEMBER!!!

And they only sent me a reply now.

"Dear Applicant,

Thank you for registering your feedback. Your email will be responded within 2 working days promptly."

Blardiehell, I have to wait a respond in 2 working days, as well!

Promptly? O.o??

Promptly should have been December 2008!

Let's wait and see...

the.time.of.change.has.come

Today is the day the world will change.

This is the day, where the first African-American President of the United States of America takes office (or taken office by this time).

Today, a Barack H Obama created history.

All eyes will be on President Obama. All his electoral promises will be kept in close scrutiny as President Obama fulfill those promises one by one.

The fact that what seemed impossible in the past, just shows that nothing is impossible.

This is an encouragement to all, that we can do what we want as long as we believe, stay focused and pour determintation into our goals, then all things are possible.

And as the man himself said,
'if you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress'.

This is definitely a great message of hope in grim times like this.

I do hope that the inauguration of President Obama will not only change history as him being the first black President of the United States of America, but also this change will improve the economy and world peace.

We shall just have to wait with much anticipation.

The first black man in the white house.

President Barack Obama.

Who would have thought?

Congratulations President Obama!

grim.grim.grim

Before the end of 2008, at least five retail companies have announced that they were going into administration.

The high street old timer, Woolworths will close all of their stores after 99 years on close of play Tuesday, 6th January 2009.

I’m sure each one of us have been into a Woolies at one point or another in our lives – browsing, games / toys, sweets and chocolates, home ware, gardening items, Christmas, etc.

I was at their store just before Christmas, and a wave of sadness come over me. Although I don’t frequent Woolies as often as some, it is really sad to see a business of 99 years to just wrap up and go. The shelves bare from bargain hunters, the soul of the store just sucked all out.

The closure of 807 stores see the lost of 27,000 jobs.

Others who called in the administrator include:
Adams: Children / baby fashion
USC: Fashion
MFI: Furniture
Whittard: Tea and coffee shop
Zavvi: Music and games
The Officer’s Club: Fashion

A variety of businesses from other industries has also called in the administrators.

And today, the prestigious Waterford Wedgwood, china and ceramics firm, has announced that they are going into administration. This means that 10 companies within the group will go bust.

The Pound is really weak. With the Euros almost one to one with the Pounds.

On the high street, sales started before Christmas, traditionally saved for after Boxing Day.

Perhaps the only company enjoying this difficult time are the administrators.

Hopefully this will all end soon. We just need a miracle.

idiot

What an idiot! *Smacks forehead*

I've every good intention to attend my friend Sheera's wedding today.

But found out on site that I was there on the wrong date.

So I will miss her wedding next week and I've missed going up to Genting with my grandparents.

But honestly, what an idiot!

the.story.so.far

TS teased the other day about my ‘exile’ in Malaysia.

I suppose it does all really seem to be an exile, which I can only hope it is not. You know, you don’t really want to joke about things like this.

My worries and stress started months ago, when I embarked on this journey in obtaining my working visa.

What appeared to be an easy, straightforward process had grown arms and legs, at least that is how I felt.

Should it not have just been a swap in visas?

Could it not have been done in UK?

And let’s not get started with the other issue that really disturbed me.

To the unknown, to get a working visa in UK, one will first need a work permit. With this work permit, Malaysians who plan to work in the UK requires an entry clearance, or what is also known as a visa. (But then all changed on 27th November as well...)

After weeks of fretting and worrying the possibility of getting the work permit, there were issues that could render complication with the work permit, I was relived to obtained it.

My initial plans of coming home to attend SA’s graduation and play tour guide to TOH, has turned into a tri-purpose trip as I was required to submit my visa application in KL.

So there was the commotion of preparing all documents ensuring that I have all required before the journey home, and any other preparation to ensure that the visa will be obtained in the shortest time possible.

In my mind, I was thinking that three days was all it takes to get the visa. After all that was the case in the past. But past it was.

When I submitted my application, I was told that it would take minimum 10 days to maximum 30 days to process.

Yikes! 10 days?!

But I didn’t have a choice. I NEEDED it. I needed this visa. So 10 days it was.

But then 10 days came and gone.

They said it was now minimum 20 days to maximum 30 days.

Great...

But then 20 days came and gone too.

So has my trip to Dubai. So has TOH returned to UK. And I’m stuck here.

And now even mom and SA has flew off to Glasgow – seems like we are each house sitting for the other.

I’ve spoken to and emailed the visa centre on numerous occasions; I’ve even got myself in the firing line of the British High Commission’s telephone operator – oh yes, she barks!, but there was nothing.

No one could give me a definite or even a tentative answer. No one knows which stage of the process it is in. No seems to want to help. No one could give any advice nor any reassurance. Nothing. Zilch.

Poor? If you are in my shoes, I’m not sure if poor is the word to describe it.

I try to empathise with them - issues with their system and the backlog of work; issues with the change in visa application; and anything else I can think of - a blocked toilet?

But all I want is a definite answer.

At what stage is the application at?

How long more is it going to take?

When will I receive my passport and visa?

Is there anything else you need from me?

Why is it taking so long?

What can I do to speed up the process?

I just need questions like this answered.

Unfortunately it seems that no one really gives much of a toss, or so it seems. Thankfully there are the few who are very supportive and encouraging.

But, there are still not many people who would understand and just feel that all this is just procedure, that this is how things work. That it is other and not me.

I’ve been absent from work for three weeks now. My work is piling up. I’ve missed out on quite a lot for my RICS APC training. And more importantly do I still have a job when I get back?

I can only solemnly hope so.

Yes. Who would have thought that it would be so complicated?

I just want to be back to the job I love, to be with the people I love, to the place I love and to spend Christmas with my family.

I know this is a long post. A post of what have been bottled inside for the past six months. Yes, six long months.

I’ve never really wanted to say much about it for all this while as I don’t want to jeopardise the approval of my visa.

But I feel wretched and I feel hopeless.

I just need answers and results.

I just want all this to be over.

Anyone out there can help?

weird.frustration.dejected

Weird to see mom and SA away in the taxi and I'm still here.

Frustrated that nothing has been resolved.

Dejected beyond words can describe.

*sigh*

mahjong

Last night, I finally won some money playing MahJong with the Aunties!!!

So pleased that I didn't pay any tuition fees - for the first time.

not.tai.tai.material.

It has come to my attention that I may never be able to be a TaiTai (click to see definition).

I've now been so called stranded in Malaysia for the past one week. I was supposed to fly out of KUL on 13th November to the exoticly super fast developing Dubai city.

But alas! No. I'm still stuck here... pending the return of my passport from British High Com.

Without going into details and sounding like an ungrateful sod, I live my days here one day at a time - checking with the people who are working with the high com on the processing of visa.

The beloved TOH had been such a sweetheart and decided not to go to Dubai alone and stayed back to be with me. How lucky!

Now that he is back in the UK, I'm here all bored out. Everyone has their own things to do. And me? I'm 'floating about' I guess.

Daily routine would be - wake up, switch on computer, check status, and then *blank*.

People in Malaysia often think that if one worked in the UK they will be abundantly rich due to the exchange rate.

Currently the exchange rate is not as strong as it used to but nonetheless is still about five times higher.

But how much shopping and lazying around can one do?

I still need to pay bills and I'm not even sure whether I'm getting paid while being out here.

Plus, I'm a workaholic.

I've had my share of my holidays.

And now I don't know what to do.

I miss my work. I miss my flat. I miss my space.

Now, will someone please help get me out of here?

In the meantime, if you are a TaiTai or someone who has nothing to do during the day like me, we can possibly meet up and do some TaiTai activities - I suppose...

singapore.f1

Did you watch the Singapore F1 race?

First night race. First Asian street circuit.

Marina Bay circuit – was indeed a good course.

It was a good race indeed.

So much awe-ness.

So bright - one generator to every four lights. I'm certain that you can see the circuit from space. I wonder if there are any satellite pics of the race or not?

So much dramas.

Unexpected twists.

*Good sigh*

I was eagerly looking forward to the race and it didn’t disappoint at all.

I was rooting for Felipe Massa - just because he had won all the street races so far in this season.

Until, the first safety car.

Until, THAT horror incident which cost him the lead position.

And then Kimi Raikonen’s unfortunate crash out - right at the last four laps.

There goes the red team chance.

And dreams are indeed possible at F1 as Fernando Alonso proved to everyone.

The fourteen place climb was indeed an achievement. Lucky guy!

Somehow I was glad that Lewis Hamilton didn’t win. But he put up a good performance by overtaking David Coultard.

I wonder if there will be an investigation into the fuel hose incident. Luckily nothing serious happened to the engineers but still... This incident could easily be a drama itself.

Whose fault was it?

Is it the signaller’s fault? The fuel engineer’s fault?

Or in true Singaporean term: did someone sabo* Massa / Ferrari?

*sabo = sabotage

Hmmm? *with inquisitive and suspicion look*

We can only wait and see. I'm so glad I caught the race. *beams*

fishcakes!!!

I've been wanting to change my blog template for ages and finally gave it a try.

However, the preview blog function didn't worked too well.

So, I saved the new template(s).

Have a look at the blog with the new template(s).

Not very impressed with it.

Tried reverting back to my earlier design...

And guess what???

I lost:
1. Pictures on my side bar.
2. My blogroll.
3. Other things that I've typed in.

Basically, anything that have to do with widgets.

I.AM.SO.SAD.SO.ANNOYED.SO.DISAPPOINTED.

*SIGH*

caught.out

I received an email last week informing me that my BT telephone bill was available for viewing online.

I was shocked to see that I had to pay for my phone calls.

You see all this while I had the joys of having free evening and weekend calls. This suits TOH and I so well as we spent at least an hour on the phone every night.

Further checks revealed that my call option now only includes Free Weekend calls!

What’s the point when we see each other during the weekend?! O.o??

This morning, I went through the physical bill that came in the post and also check online on the changes.

Much to my annoyance, on BT’s website, apparently they have sent out letters informing customers of the changes in February. So I can’t challenge them for a refund.

Damn!!

Although the charges wasn’t much but at the end of the day there was still a charge.

Still, I can’t believe I didn’t pick up on that. Just so hate being caught out. Now I think all three of our phones inclusive of GB’s must have increased.

Great. Great. GREAT.

Basic line rental is now £11.75 from £11. If you continue to pay by direct debit and go for paperless bill, basic line rental will continue to be £10.50 a month.

The only way to get free evening and weekend calls now is to sign up for a 12 month renewable contract. And if you pay by direct debit and opt for paperless bills, there is no change in charges.

Otherwise, by not going for a contract and not opting direct debit and/or paperless billing, the costs will be up.

Sigh.

Since I’m on direct debit already, I think I shall consider going paperless. But I still like to receive my bills in the post and don’t want to spend on printing. However, I must admit that I have been laxing on my filing.

Thankfully, I don’t think I need to change my contract as I can still get free evening and weekend calls as long as I call from my Broadband phone.

Last Friday whilst on the bus into town, I saw a notice on the bus informing fare increase from Sunday 18th May. Great.

So that’s at least another 10p increase in bus fares. Day passes are now £3.20 instead of £3.

Today, I found out that the train fare has increased as well. My typical return train fare has now hiked from £2.15 to £2.25. Lovely.

Talk about timing. -___-"


I think I will need to carry out an updated experiment.

chucking.it

I can't believe it!!

It's 5pm and the sky opens to chuck everything down. Seriously chucking.

All the animals are out to play.

Great. Just great.

lightning.&.thunders

For the first time in many years, I'm experiencing lightning and thunders.

Interestingly while living in Aberdeen, there is hardly any of the above.

But not this evening. There were lots of it. I don't understand why I was still walking in that pouring rain to the optician and then to the doctors.

In normal tropical circumstances, people stay away from being out in the rain. People try to be at a lower point as possible. People stay away from trees.

But what was I doing? Walking in the pouring cats and dogs, monkeys and bear rain, and skipping along the pavement trying to avoid the puddles!

Chance-ing it? I don't think so...

Anyways, there was this pain while the rain come chucking down. Then I realised it was hailstones!

Great, pouring barnyard animals and all sorts, now hailstones are thrown in for good measure.

By the time I reached the doctor, I was soaking wet. My boots all wet, my coat all wet, my bag wet, my phone strap wet, my clothes wet, and all this, with an umbrella.

Lovely South West weather.

I can only thank God that the experience didn't repeated itself when I left the doctors. Nonetheless...