Happy New Year!!!

As Frankie said, 'and now...the end is near....'



That is how I am feeling now, a bit nostalgic but at the same time excited to welcome a brand new year. It has been an eventful year, especially with relationships and friends.

Some friends came and gone but more new ones came (what a drama it has been!),

the expected relationship blossomed then wilted and died unexpectedly (better now than later and life goes on...),

two friend got married (happy for them of course),

another friend separated (sad...sad...but you gotta pick up the piece and go on with life),

one or two got new babies ( i lost/couldn't be bothered to count anymore),

two friends left the security of their jobs and embarked on their own business (scary! But my hat off to you guys...you have the guts to do it!)

an aunt, uncle and a cousin brother passed away peacefully (may His Almighty bless their souls).



Thanks to facebook, old relationships were rekindled, previous scholmates found each other (though iWelcoming at first but, there are one or two that I really don't want to come across to anymore...and this are the ones that managed to find me!)



On the job front, it was quite okay. Not as bad as last year coz I got the additional help that I wanted but it was exciting nevertheless.

Did not imagine that I will step foot in Japan but 2 trips to Sapporo this year was really worth it! Also, having Bard and Linda joining me in Xian made it the best post-meeting holiday ever!

Where else? Oh ya, Brunei was totally unexpected, it was my second trip there after more than 10 years and Shanghai.....i loved it, 2 times this year!



But most of all, now I enjoy the luxury of leaving the office ontime on most days.

And have also got on better undertanding with my immediate superior. I don't love her but at least....we understand each other better now.

2008.........some tears were shed but more laughter came. Yeah...we learnt one or two more lessons in life and learnt to appreciate the unappreciated a bit more. Oh! More importantly, i have learnt to be more selfish (as opposed too giving ) and more evil (from being too kind).

Don't mess with me now...or you shall be eliminated!! haha!!! Actually, its just corwardly move of deleting people from my fb (which is rather childish, I must say) but hey, that's my perogative. I don't want to be a hypocrite and I will do whatever I want to do....

But i still try to be a better person....like a wrote earlier, a better friend, a better daughter, a better worker, a better person.... I will try to be more patient and understanding towards demanding colleagues, clinging family members, sensitive or inconsiderate friends. But don't push me too far....or..... i'll delete you!

So tonite, like last year a few of us will get together to cheer Mimi and his fitness show,followed with dinner then the countdown at a secret venue. I can't write now coz this is supposed to be a surprise to my dear friends. All that they have been told is that it will be at an exclusive private venue......hehehe......if only they know.....

Till then....

Good bye 2008......... well hello 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ms Wannabee wants to party tonite!

The Christmas Holiday

Oh gosh! It's been quite hectic these past few days. Hiking, X'mas party and entertaining family friends and of course, the customary cooking (and eating) activities....

We finally did the Dragon Back's Trail. It was a 7km trail, a proper hike this time without the paved trail and quite strenuous, especially going up the hill. Nevertheless, it was well worth it. The views were breathtaking and spectacular!!!

The Dragon’s Back Trail

Starting off in from the side of Shek -road , the ascent to Shek-O Peak is quite strenuous, as the ridgetop path cuts through some treacherous terrain. As we gained height, a great sweep of azure sea came into view. This section of the trail is known as Dragon's Back, so named because it rolls up and down like the back ridge of a dragon. The vantage point offers splendid vistas across Shek O and Big Wave Bay. Not to mention the picturesque and majestic bungalows and mansions which we can only ogled from the distance peak.

Towards the end of the hike as we approached Big Wave Bay, we found a new fantastic spot, right over a cliff with unsurpassed view of the jagged cliffs, rocky shore and strong big waves....(near the 3600 years old stone carving). This is the south coast of HK Island. The view is totally awesome and invigorating. I wish it's near here but the closest access will be via Shek-O. Oh, never mind....I'm sure we will be there again soon...

Friends and such…

Several parties came over from M’sia. What started as an obligatory courtesy call (on behalf of my brother) ended very well indeed. But I must say that is was quite tiring acting as an unofficial Tour Guide as I did not expect to be herding 11 adults and 2 children from IFC Tower towards the Central ferry pier to TST (via ferry, of course) and escorting them all the way to Shadowman Café and after that taking the MTR Train back to Central and Sheung Wan to send off another party to Macau at 12 mindnight!

Well, at least I gave Pak Kadir some new leads for his potential investors.

Abg Syed, Kai and the boys…it wasn’t that much trouble entertaining you guys and I was glad to show the part of HK which I am quite proud of.

Thanks to Linda and Bard for including me in their social activities with their visiting friends and colleagues from Msia. It was enjoyable to spend time with Rina, Kak ‘Wa and Siti. They are real fun to be with!

Thanks also to Abdul Rahim who led us to the Dragon’s Back and patiently trod with us. He also has to endure all our noises...made worse since it was mostly in Malay language which he doesn't understand. As much as I hate it (because I don’t want to encourage more smoking), I think next time we should provide him with a supply of his fav cigarette whenever he joins us. At least that will keep him occupied…..

And a special thanks to Rina for getting me the highly sought-after Twilight book which has sold-out all over HK and the earliest I could get will be in January 2009. Rina came over here just before X’mas and managed to get me the book from KLIA airport. Thanks so much Rina!!!!!! And you even refused to let me pay.

Ops, nearly forgotten!! Thank you also for the unbelievably easy Tiramisu recipe. ….
It was truly and greatly appreciated………….(the Twiligt story book and recipe).

And last but not least, thank you Karen. Your Christmas gift to me, the story book on vampire/finding your true self ....................how apt for the occasion. That is sooo me!

Till then…….

Twilight

I am brimming with the adrenalin rush of watching an intensely moving movie, Twilight.

What a superb, awesome, enjoyable movie it was. I'll definitely go out and get the book tomorrow.

I never really like those teen drama kinda movies, and vampire movies didn't do anything to me either....even the Anne Rice Vampire which had Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. Nope, didn't do anything to me at all.

I watched James Bond because of Daniel Craig. There were some dull moments there but that was okay cos it was James Bond. Last Monday, I watched Beast Stalker, a Cantonese movie with Nicholas Tse. That was good too and I must say better than Bond.

But this movie Twilight.....it was different. Yeah, I heard lots of good reviews about this movie but I didn't really put too much hope in it.

This time.....

I was bowled over....

I was completely gobsmacked!

I have turn over... I was VAMPIRED

As Bella, the lead actress said..."I have hopelessly, irrevocably fallen in love with..." Twilight the movie...and of course (pause, for that dramatic effect), Edward Collins the actor.

(Opening credit...encore music, curtain raised, orchestra playing....possibly Tchaikovsko3, that's how my emotion is right now.......)

I loved the two main characters. Unfortunately did not have the time to find out the main actress's name but the actor, he's called Robert Pattinson and in the movie, he's the cool, reclusive, unsociable Edward Cullens.

I supposed all the females audience fall in love with him finally. Soooooo sombre and aloof at first but subtly grew on you. From the very beginning you can just feel the tension and the chemistry between the 2 characters and you can't help but got drawn into it as well.

I was moved and totally hooked, line and sinker to the movie....

At the end of it, to quote my dear Bard....all I can say is.......TAKE MY BLOOD! TAKE MY BLOOD!!!!

To be the person worshipped, loved, cherished and protected by a character like Edward Cullens....

That will be the ultimate love from a man to a women....

I will gladly give my blood to him....

And be his vampire so that we can live in the glory of our love, eternally....ever.............(sigh).........

I wannabee Edward Cullen's vampire!!!!!!!!!!!

(And the curtain comes down.....to the overly passionate, melodramatic reviews of Ms Wannabee)

Boredom....

It is that time of the year when you have too much time on your side. You’re trying to look busy and yet……..the telephone rings less, the number of emails in your inbox is even less, the number of people in the office is also less and less..

Everybody is either on holiday or just staying away from the office clearing away their ALs'. Unfortunately for me.....I'm stuck here in this office since I've used up all my leaves. My lady boss is not here (which should be a 'whoppeee!!!!) and yet she sends aimless emails at odd times of the day with some stupid tasks after another (dduhhhhhh....).

I wish she can just leave me alone for a few days. She’s not gone for the whole month, but for A week ONLY and yet………
Oh…I know, I know….she’s just checking up on me….sigh…….

I’m so bored now….thanks to my beloved boss, I am not without work. But I just can't 'work' now. It's that pure, no-urgency-i-can-do-it-later = procastination, lazy sickness.

Urghhh!!! Can’t get it out of my system….So bored and lazy…..and sleepy too.

Gimme something that will keep me awake.
Please, please, please….gimme something 'interesting' to do… before I die of boredom…….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz….....

Ms Wannabee is full of contradictions??

In memory...

Received news that one of my close relatives passed away peacefull yesterday. It was sad...but we have to rejoice too because this is the end of his worldly sufferings.

These past 2 years have been a challenging time for him, physically and emotionally. But it was comforting to know also that since the past few weeks he was surrounded and taken care by his loved ones. At least he went away happy and fulfilled.

Abg 'Pa,
For as long as I can remember you've always had great appetites..... for good humuor and laughter and also good food. You'll be remembered fondly by your friends and family....

Salam takziah to Kak Long and sons, Abg Nal, Abg Am, Abg Man and Kak Ipah......

The Sadaqah Walk, 30 Nov 2008

This activity was organized by the Islamic Union of Hong Kong, the ‘first time ever in China’, as we were told over and over again by the proud, beaming, chairman/organisor.

Bard, Linda, Azam and I decided that it would be a good idea to participate, to meet other fellow bros and sis and also to see the countryside.

It was an enjoyable walk. We befriended several local Chinese Muslim brothers and sisters and it was very interesting to see the cultural differences between the groups. From housewives, teachers, government pensioners, retirees, expats (ermm…like us)…..HK Chinese, Indians, Indonesians, Filipinos and Malaysians, we made an interesting mix of ‘rombongan’ (excursion group). There was even a local anthropology student doing his PhD studies on Islamic Community in HK, I’m sure he must have a lot to write about after that trip.

As for the walk, I think we must have covered about 7-10km of the Hong Kong’s south side, from Wong Nai Chung Reservior to the Tai Tam Reservoir which is part of the Hong Kong Country Park. This time of the year is the best time for tracking and hill-walking activities. It’s not too hot and not too cold, just perfect. And with this being the first such event by the Islamic Community, each of us we were even presented with a Certificate of Participation. Wuuhuuu!!!

After that first trip in Sai Kung and now this, I kinda like these walking trips. Instead of traipsing through shopping malls and shopping heedlessly (the usual weekend activities), we use our time to explore the countryside.

Mind you, we are not aiming for the extreme sports here, it is just walking and walking……….. Sometime it goes uphill, sometimes it goes downhill. And what make it comfortable are the paved and well-directed walking trails and enough public amenities for the comfort of city slickers like us.

And if you get too lazy to walk there are numerous bbq sites for you to sit and have your lil’ bbq party. The pit is already there waiting for you!! Just bring your food and drinks, skewers and charcoal.

Rest assured, that’ll soon be on our agenda. BBQ in the park!

Ms Wannabee…the urban jungle warrior wannabee…

The well directed sign boards

The Certificate Presentation by the enthusiastic Mr Organisor

Now...isn't that exciting? But we haven't gone to that level yet....

Ms Linda in her 'I'm happy' pose, and Mr Azam trying to give that 'cool' pose (tapi tak jadi)

Beautiful background with beautiful models ...(yeah... dream on....)

The Badminton and Tennis Ace Wannabee

Oh, ya! Also not to be forgotten are the Friday night tennis and Saturday morning badminton games. That was first initiated by Bard and Linda and now have nearly become the weekly norm.

Okay, sports is not one of Ms Wannabee’s strong points. I am pacing myself very very slow here…. started from contributing the ‘after games’ bites (as opposed to playing). Like baby steps, I have now ‘gingerly’ started to participate as well.

Have never really involved in ‘sweaty games’ in my ‘younger’ days…thanks to my over conservative parents (then) and ignorant brothers who always left me out of their tennis, badminton, ping pong game plans.

The only contact I have with a badminton games back then was to ‘borrow’ the net as one of my props in my themed events (fisherman village theme) while in college and the only use I had for the ping-pong table back home was to use it as my outdoor buffet table….ha ha…much to the horror of my brothers who complaint that I spoilt the table for good. Well…good for them!!!! (bad, evil thoughts…)

But now…..…..thanks to the encouragements of the Sports Committee (namely Bard and Linda), it is never too late to get started. And so….here I am. Uber Cup and Wimbledon, here I come!!

Ms Wannabee wanna get sweaty….(but not dirty)

An eventful November 2008

Socially and recreationally speaking, November 2008 was an eventful month!

Let’s see what I have been up to:-

Firstly, there was my Birthday Celebration day. I enjoyed myself the whole day of it. Again, thank you very very much for the bouquet of roses, gifts (yeah…even the COW-shaped photo frame), home-made video from the KL office and the ‘nearly’ red-themed group dinner at Discovery Bay. I loved the food and place and simply luvvvvvvv the company. Thanks all!

Then there was the Sailing and Trekking Trip in Saikung. That’s my closest to rubbing shoulders with the powers that be in Hong Kong. Thanks Linda, that reminded me again why we SHOULD BE ladies of leisure.

A ‘close-to-drama’ BBQ and housewarming Dinner at a house of a friend’s friend (Mimi). It was ‘nearly’ a drama since we violated the hostess’s strict number of guest policy and later being ‘subtly’ told-off why we were only allowed to bring a certain number of people and not a person more!

Oh well, to each his own…we have to respect the ‘tuan rumah’ (host) rules & regulations. It’s not that we were simply bringing any Tom, Dick or Harry, we have a certain social obligations to our close circle of friends and can’t leave him or her out without hurting the feelings. Oh never mind… it’ll be sometime again before we make another visit there or, no-more visits! Haha!!

Okay, next came the pampering session at the uber chic Mandarin Oriental Spa. It just got better and better, didn’t it? What a day it was! Spa’ing in the morning, ‘doing’ long lunch with the gals, shopping…..the ultimate high for a social climbing Ms Wannabee.

And then the trip to Macau and at the superbly luxurious and elegant Four Seasons Hotel. No less, mind you….

Ms Wannabee was in her highest elements ever!!

Finally ending the month with our participation in the Sadaqah Charity Walk at the Tai Tam Country Park. We have befriended a new friend from this trip, Abdul Rahim, an English speaking, 3rd generation of Chinese Muslim ‘brother’, born in HK, bred in UK, seems quiet at first but quite okay once he gets started. He is also a keen outdoor man and an enthusiastic sportsman. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of many more walking trips and outdoor activities.

Hear ye! Hear ye! Here's to more exciting outdoor trips for us....

Ms Wannabee continues to dream the great, grand dreams…..

Living It Up in Macau (28-29 Nov)

It was another whirlwind weekend.

I finally went to Macau. Yeah…after nearly 2 years in HK, I guess I must be the last bastion of expats who do not see the need to step foot in Macau within the first 3 months being in HK.

Anyway, if it wasn’t the incentive to stay at the Four Seasons with my group of close friends…I don’t think I’ll be there yet. And so…we planned and planned, and planned but closer to date, there were only Bard and I. Bard had to be there due to work and me….like I said earlier….its the Four Seasons Hotel plus it was FOC (thanks to friends in the right places...haha!!!)

Okay, like tourists….we did the customary tourist landmarks. We did not follow any particular trails, but Macau is a fairly easy city to walk around. From St Paul’s Church we found our way down pass a busy shopping street, cobbled alleyways with beautiful Portuguese names and ended up in the beautiful Senado Square.

If it wasn’t for the Chinese names, you’d think you are somewhere in Portugal. There were Portugese names everywhere. Bard led me to a lovely café at Senado Square to sample beautiful mile-high gateaux’s and aromatic coffee. Actually it was Japanese Coffee but it’s the ambience that’s important right? I sampled the cafe's famous Caramel Gateaux, light and soft vanilla butter cake layered with snowy smooth creamy whipped cream with crunchy caramel pralines. I luv the cake and whipped cream but not the caramel though......

Anyway, from quaint picturesque little town square, we then followed the trail of glittering neon lights and ended up at the foot of the gigantic glass encrusted and glittering lights of the famed Grand Lisboa Hotel, which is the first casino hotel in Macau.

This particular stretch of street is like a mini Vegas with gaudy and bright neon lights flashing various casino and hotel names. We walked passed several big hotels towards the Starworld Hotel because Bard wanted to show me the leggy and beautiful host and hostesses….

And yes…the hosts and hostesses look like fashion models. The men were tall, tanned and broad shouldered and the ladies were gorgeous and really, really sexy….beautiful people with great body, long, endless legs and beautiful bone structure that was simply oozing with sex appeal especially the ladies….…Even I had to curb some sinful lesbian thoughts from my mind when looking at these people….YEAH….they could do that to you!!

After that we return to the Four Seasons. Again, it is another world in here. They really made you feel important…maybe because there were not that many hotel guests, I think that ratio was 5 staff to 1 guest. Everybody was so attentive and welcoming. Never mind that I was only a free-loader, I feel like the whole place is mine. It was sooo luxurious and decadent. Beats all the other hotels I’ve stayed in this year.

Ohhh my……!!! I was soooo born for this…..hahaha!!!

A visit to Macau is not complete without going to the Venetian and casino. And yes…we did this too. I’ve been to Venice, so I guess there is nothing special here but have to give full credit to these people for creating a Venice of the east. It is the exact replica of the Venetian in Vegas complete with artificial lightings, canal and gondola rides. And yes…the gondoliers can sing Italian songs too!

As for the casinos…if you love to gamble you’d love this city. I’m not one….we tried our luck in the slot machines but again….no luck and no patience to wait for our luck to change. But it was exciting though…to see these people…the serious ones and the not so serious ones….

The next day we explored the quiet and deserted Coloane, the Portugese Settlement area. Again, it was exploring some nooks and crannies and it was soo peaceful. I dunno where everyone went, there were lots of houses but it was soo quiet and deserted. Guess it worked to our advantage. It gave us the privacy to take lots of photos (check-out the fb soon) and I really ‘bergaya sakan’ my new ‘sweater bulu-bulu’.

Then back to Four Seasons to watch the infamous multi-extravaganva Cirque du Soleil’s Zaia show. I’m speechless…the artistic direction and technical aspects of the show is mind boggling….

Here’s an excerpt of a of the show, performed by nearly 50 performers:

Zaia is about the musings of a young girl living in modern society, who dreams about being an astronaut, watching the world revolve far below. The usual cirque mélange of dancing, comedy skits, acrobatics and gymnastic feature throughout the 90 minute show, set to a compelling score performed by live musicians.

Just like the Zaia show, I could say that this trip was spectacular. I enjoyed every minute of it!

HK/ Macau/ Hk on Turbo Jet and Cotai Jet Ferry = HKD300++

One night at the The Four Seasons = HKD2000++ (FOC for me)
Ticket to Zaia Show = HKD1000++ (I don't make a habit of this but this is an exception)
Bard’s wisdom and attention = Priceless

Thanks so much Bard.

With just the two of us left for this trip, it was still well worth it. We both know where we stand eh?

I had a great time honey !!!!

Ms Wannabee is lucky again to be in her elements.....................

The Moon Goddess Wannabees

A day spent at the Mandarin Oriental Spa. It was a day of pure, blisfull pleasure....

We embarked on a therapeutic journey called the Moon Goddess Therapy at the posh and opulent Mandarin Oriental Spa. My partner took the moon goddess body therapy while I had to settle for the moon goddess's face therapy (for obvious reason of course).

But ......oh......my oh my.........ohhhh......blisss......... what a pleasurable time we had. To our sponsor, THANK YOU for your generosity, it would have been perfect had there been a Moon God each for us, the newly transformed Moon Goddesses (sigh.......). Anyhow, even with the absence of our Moon Gods, we were still happy and content.

The Moon Goddess Therapy was actually a birthday gift from my dear housemate. From beginning till the end...it was 5-star treatment all along. I guess the handwork (massage, exfoliating, scrubbing, kneading) were all the same like any other spas but it was the luxurious-ness of the place and the level of service that made it sooooooo special.

From the moment our reservations were made to our arrivals, the type of facilities that we could use at our disposal before and after our treatments.......our departure........it was so luxurious and decadent. Both of us were cosseted and pampered like tycoons' wives.

I supposed this trip was really special because it was free and in the middle of the week (my spa outings are usually end of the week, winding down activity after the marathon-like existance during onsite meetings). Plus it was so quiet and deserted....we had the whole place to ourselves!

Not a single moment passed by when we wished that we were both rich tai-tais with nothing better to do but pamper ourselves in this manner (going to expansive spas, 'doing' lunches and teas and shopping with fellow tai-tais instead of slaving away in the office, 'doing' proposals, reports and financial reconciliations....sigh....double sighs.... ).

And YES, we did do a long lunch after that, at an Italian bistro in Lan Kwai Fong. And YES, it was followed with another few more hours of shopping expedition.

Who wants to be career women anyway? We both wannabe ladies of leisure.....RICH ladies of leisure...........

Congratulations Mrs and Mr Loong!!!!

This post is especially dedicated to my housemate a.k.a. landlady, a.k.a unofficial counsellor,
Ms Lee Whai See whom,
as of 17 Nov 2009,
has successfully registered her marriage to her beloved fiance' Mr Loong Sze Peng.


Dear Whai See and Sze Peng,
Heartiest congratulations to both of you on your matrimony.

Marriage binds your love for each other
May it bring your joy eternally ever
Though there might be some rocky paths in one way or the other
But you must have faith in your love and in your significant other

In sickness and in health
In tears and laughter
For richer or poorer
May you both shall live
Together forever


With warm regards,
Yus (19 Nov 2009)

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Congratulations to the NEW
Mr and Mrs LOONG

We wish your matrimony
will be lasting and STRONG

Even if there are conflicts and STORMS

Your love and respect for each other will keep you marriage STRONG

And both of you will remain together forever LONGGGGG!!!

Love :
Bard, Cici, Linda, Karen, Suaimi & Azam
11 Nov 2008

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

The adventure-less of Two Ms Wannabees - Wanna be rich and famous

On a chilly morning of 9 Nov, Ms Wannabee and her friend Ms Linda (another wannabe) were whisked off to the exclusive Hong Kong Marina Club in Sai Kung for a day of boat trip.

The boat was a 20-footer Deluxe Western Cruiser that could accommodate up to 28 people on board equipped with 2 outdoor decks, 1 indoor lounge deck with fully equipped galley (kitchen), karaoke with more than 100 dvds and vcds collections, 2 fully equipped bathrooms and shower cubicles…….and 4 full time crews. And, there were also 4 wicker baskets filled with individually packed freshly laundered fluffy bath towels.

Abroad, on the way to the first destination, a continental breakfast with assorted Danish pastries and hot beverages (coffee, tea and orange juice) were served.

After a 30 minutes cruise, the party were transferred to the dry land in a smaller speed boat. From there they followed the group leader up the Mac Lehose Trail in the Sai Kung Country Park. This is part of the Sai Kung Peninsula with its magnificent view of the countryside and vistas of sapphire blue sea….

Except for the group leader, little did the 20 over odd members in the group realized that it will be a 3 hours walk up the hill, down the hill to get to their lunch destination. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable walk (if not a little bit strenuous to some).

The highlights of the walk which impressed everybody were the pleasant weather with plenty of sunshine, bypassing the beautiful High Island Reservoir with its gorgeous 2 blue hues of dam water (sapphire blue and turquoise blue), circling the Sai Kung Peninsula and seeing a herd of live cows….

Yes! There are live cows in Hong Kong indeed!!!!!!!.

After the not too strenuous but a little bit arduous 3 plus hours of walk, they reached the little fishing village of Pak-A for the much anticipated seafood lunch. Finally, food!!!! (The rumble and growling sounds in everyone’s empty stomach could have rivaled the percussions in the Chinese Opera!!!!)

Among the food that could be eaten without was-was were:-

Roasted peanuts – crispy and lightly salted (supposed to be a condiment for the porridge but almost everybody gobbled it up first since they were too hungry),
Steamed prawns – fresh and sweet;
Fish congee – silky smooth and steaming hot, perfect for the cooling weather;
Baked Scallop in shells – big and tasty morsels,
Lobster thermidor – succulent lobster meat with creamy cheese sauce, perfect with its accompanying al-dente egg noodles,
Fried rice with baby anchovy and French beans– a dish that could never go wrong, tasty as always with the beans providing crunchy bits to the rice
Blanched pak choy – okay, this one was a little bit limpid, but everybody was already full by that time to comment on the limpidness…..

Overall, it was deliciously yummy!!!!!!!!!!

After lunch, thank God no more hikes were required! Instead, the group was transported back directly to the boat via a jetty directly behind the restaurant. How convenient……….

The surprising thing about this fishing village is there were many weekenders, mostly overpaid Caucasian expats enjoying the sunshine day with their family, friends and their pampered dogs. They sailed in their sleek, custom built, luxurious catamaran, wind cruiser, yatchs, whatever…. which Ms Wannabee and the other invitees in the boat could only look with lust from afar…………

Back on board, it was another cruise to another inlet. This time the boat dropped its anchor for a spot of sailing or water sport activities. Nobody ventured for any water sports except for the youngsters who opted to swim.

As for the others….the time was used to read, sleep, went for a couple of rounds in the smaller speed boat and of course taking photos……

The 2 Ms Wannabees used the time to the fullest, clicking away as many shoots as they could, both in their cloud nines (and over) day-dreaming away…………

Perhaps pretending that one of them is an heiress lounging about in their 100-footer yatch cruising the Caribbean’s or;
Maybe a contestant showing off her beautiful curves and long legs posing for the search of American Next Top Model…??

Needless to say, both Ms Wannabees were in their elements!

After a couple of hours, the anchor was hoisted from the seabed and the journey back (to earth) resumed.

As the 20-footer Deluxe Western Cruiser sailed back to the docks at the Hong Kong Marina County Club, the pleasant host and the attentive staff extended their warm hospitality by serving afternoon tea with assorted cakes and gateaux to the happy and sated group.

Oh what a perfect ending to a perfect ………
Oh what a life….

PS: Ms Wannabee would like to thank Ms Linda for this kind invitation and also to HKTDC for providing this opportunity. She enjoyed herself very much. Thanks also to Mr Bard for providing home-cooked dinner upon the return of the two Ms Wannabees back to Robinson Road.

Friends or foe?

I grew up in about 11 places, 10 states, 3 countries;

I studied in 2 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, 3 colleges and 1 uni;

Despite the number of places that I have been to, I only keep a small number of friends. Surprising eh?

There are many type of ‘friends’ that I have met and befriended, some are for keep and some are………. not worth at all.

One thing for sure, it doesn’t matter what religion, what race or colour or what social standing the person is….it is their heart that matters.

My true friends accept me they way I am, will tell me off if I f__k up, do not judge me or force to do anything I don’t want to do but most importantly, will have faith in whatever I do….

I have 2 friends who are the complete opposite of me in everyway is and after nearly 7 years we are now soul sisters;

I met a girl whom I bullied mercilessly when we were 9 years old but she is the person whom I could turn to for sound advise and never judges me for all the stupid and reckless things I have done;

I met a friend who I disliked instantly but now he is the person whom I can wake at 3.00 a.m. if I can’t sleep and need someone to talk to;

I met several friends who were in need of something (jobs, money, car to use,….), after I helped them, they disappeared. But not all….. There were also one or two who pledged their next generations to me. And there is also one or two who came back to me after all these years and still mentions my ‘kindness’….I feel like an angel to this people…(as if!)

I met a ‘friend’ whom I clicked with instantly. She used to call me 3 times a day (in addition to the texts messages and emails) and started planning my life, whom I should marry and where I should live……. (yeah, to that extend! Even my parents do not have that far a plan for me!!)

After 3 months we grew apart, then the daily phone calls ceased.
Just because of we disagreed on different circle of friends….
One day I received a text message informing me that they "could not ‘hang out’ with us anymore"…… How childish was that?

After 6 months we became strangers. No more communications and when met each other we acted like strangers.
After 12 months I removed her and her hubby from my facebook. Then I was called an "Immature B...h".

From friends to foes……..that is one of life’s vicious cycles. You can’t win ‘em all…eh?

I do not want to be a hypocrite anymore. I can’t please anybody and I do not want to do that anymore – pleasing everybody (that was one of my new birthday resolutions, btw).

Call me a cold, mean b…h. I don’t care…………I want to be selective with my friends.

The funny thing is I guess the hubby is angry with me NOT because I deleted them from my friends’ list but because being the competitive person that he is, I did it FIRST instead of them.

They have earlier removed me from all their social activities, that was fine with me.
I just made it official for them by deleting them from my fb altogether. Problem solved!

Guess they didn’t like it that I beat them to the punch.

Too bad…..Ha ha ha!!!!!!!!! (Loud, evil laugh...)

Ms Wannabee wants to be a mean, cruel and vindictive evil b….h !!!!!! (but she will still pray for world peace)........

My Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!

The pic above is a birthday message from dear, dear Bard.
Yes, the rainbow is real, not photoshop. It was taken in Xi'an...

My dear friends, colleagues and relatives,

Thank you soo much for all your birthday messages today. I'm totally overwhelmed by all your kindness and thoughtfulness. I am not able to copy and paste all the birthday messages that I rcvd today but just wish you all to know that each one means soo much and is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

With lots of loving feeling to each and everyone of you,

Ms Wannabee

________________________________________________________________

Sent: Friday, November 07, 2008 9:15 AM

To: 'Karen Tan'

Subject: RE: Event Announcements

Hi, sorry did not return your call last night. But thanks for the thoughts of dinner last night. I have been celebrating my birthday at meeting sites and working like donkey for the past 4 years, this is the only year that I managed to have time on my birthday eve and on birthday.

Am looking forward to another year ....have to look at the positive sides don't we? Can't dwell and think about the unachievable (yet). So today, tomorrow and hopefully for the rest of the year will be happy (with the occasional pms blues permitted, that's normal), be positive (as always) and not make me make a fool of myself over a man over again (yeah, yeah....)

Amen.

______________________________________________________


Sent: Friday, November 07, 2008 9:39 AM
To: Waikin Wong; Ho Hui Foo; Anne Andrew; Andrew Teh; Jessica Chan; Emily Shi Thu; Sek Hin Foo
Subject: THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OHHHH MYYYYY GOOODNESSSSS!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU, THANk YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I NEARLY FELL OFF MY CHAIR LAUGHING, AND HAVE TO CONTROL MYSELF FROM LAUGHING OUT LOUD
IF ANYBODY WERE TO PASS BEHIND ME, THEY WOULD HAVE SEEN ME SHAKING LIKE MAD!!!!!!!!!!
I really dunno what to say you guys….I'm speechless
I'm sooo touChed that you all went to that trouble, the cover, the video making, the music n the background……ohhhh…. Now I feel like crying
This is priceless!!!
Jessica, Andrew, Anne, Ho Hui, Waikin, Emily, Sek Hin….THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU…..MUAH MUAH MUAH!!!!!!!!
Ohhhhhh thank you sooooo much!!!!!
Love you all!!!!!!!!!

Lots of love aways,
Yus

_________________________________________________________________


Sent: Friday, November 07, 2008 2:03 PM
To: Waikin Wong; Ho Hui Foo
Subject: RE: THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aiyaaa......you girls really, I just dunno what to say.....
How to repay your kindness and thoughfullness ah? Cannot repay this effort....
I'm becoming Ms Melodramatic already.....

Just now BK took us conferencing team to lunch. I received gifts from all 3 of them....so...nice of everybody, I really feel I don't deserve it.
Karen gave me a white purse
Kaman gave me a flower make-up bag
BK gave me a photo frame in the shape of a.........cow.

Yes, it was a COW-shaped photoframe.

I dunno what to say to the cow-shaped photo frame except...."Oh wowwww!!!!!......This is sooooo cute.....thank you so much!!!"

Later on Kaman told me that 'cow' in chinese means hard working, so I suppose BK's message is she wants me to work hard like a cow??????

Anyway, no bad thoughts today....I'm just thankful to everybody's thughfulness in making this my day. I am very very happy today!!!!!!

Thank you sooooo very very much!!!!!

Oh another thing, also just found out that BK's birthday is 2 days away......I just can't believe it, BOTH OF US ARE SCORPIONS!!!!!!!!

OOOOHHHHHH TIDAKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.............

Note to self: I really really have to learn to like her now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
____________________________________________________________________

(Ms Wannabe is off to Discovery Bay to her birthday dinner with her most exclusive group of friends in Hong Kong)

I am Worth a Lot

As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself.

I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection mentally, because I need conversation and mental stimulation.
I don't need a simple- minded man.

I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection
spiritually, because I don't need to be unequally yoked... believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

I need a man who is striving for perfection financially, because I don't need a financial burden.

I am looking for someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded.

I am looking for someone who I can respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive...he just has to be worthy.

God made woman to be a helpmate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself.

I'm worth a lot.

(Anon)

I just wannabe free!!

Another couple of days and it is another birthday for me……I’m just too free this time, can’t help but dwell on it.

Another year older, none the wiser…..

Am starting to get the blues. Hence the poetic attempt (vol. 1). Oh well…..

My housemate is getting her pre-wedding jitters
and I’m having my pre-birthday jitters…go figure….

Women…..when can we ever stop being answerable to soo many people (parents, siblings, friends………)
So many people to answer to
So many people to please
So many traditions to uphold
So many obligations to fulfill

Why do we put up with it?
Do we really have to put ourselves thorough all this miseries?
But we all know the answer to that, don’t we?

We don’t really have to but somehow….whether we like it or not, we get suck-up into it.
It is expected of us…….
More so because we are too kind, too giving, to loyal, too generous with our love and affection to our close ones, be it family or close friends………………
It’s in our gene….. We are just too nice!

We just want to please everybody and more often than not it is at our own expanses (physically and emotionally)

Sometimes I’m just so tired of pleasing everybody, keeping a smooth surface for fear of ruffling a few feathers,
I just couldn’t care to be seen confident when I am so unsure of myself and I don’t really know what I’m supposed to be doing…..

I just don’t want to care, I just want to be selfish and think only of myself and hopefully someone else will take care of the rest….(including me?)

I just wannabe be free!!!!!!

Ms Wannabee's Poetic Attempt (Vol 1)

Believe......

When life gets sad
When life gets confusing and questionable
When life is an endless chore of pleasing others
Of keeping a smiley face through pain
Of being cheerful through hurt and disappointments
Of being an optimist instead of pessimist
Of smiling and laughing when I just want to cry and scream

I look inside myself and think….
Okay...
Is it so bad?
Is this too sad?

How many happy days were there compared to sad days?
Were there more tears than laughter?
Was there more failure than success?
Was there more darkness than light?
Did the sadness outweigh the happiness?

I guess I have to count my blessings
I am healthy not sick
I am well to do not poor
I have a job not jobless
I have friends not alone
I have a family not orphan
I have a home (several homes in fact) not homeless
I have money (though may not be enough to get me the LV) but not penniless (can still get that Agnes’ B)
Though it may not be designer labels, I have a wardrobe for four seasons not only one
Though it is not a 20/20 vision, I have my sights, not blind
Though I may not shoot balls through hoops, I have hands, not crippled
Though I may not run in the Olympics, I have feet, not lame
Though I may not get into American Idols, I have voice not mute
Though I may not have bionic ears, I have a good hearing, not deaf

So I should be thankful
When life’s path seems too long and seems bleak
When the dreams seems unending
When everything seems meaningless

Can’t let our miseries get hold of us
Can’t let our fears hold us back
Can’t let regrets make us afraid
Can’t let failures make us stop

This is just a set-back
This is just a delay
This is just a hitch
This is just a hiccup
This is just a test

When the dreams you had somehow seem lost, don't ever give up
Be patience

You are already halfway there
Keep smiling
Keep working
Keep your wits about you
Keep your spirits above you
Keep on believing in yourself
Keep your faith in God

Don’t forget who you are
Don’t give up
Don’t’ run and hide
Don’t turn back
Don't be sad

Everything is possible if only you believe
Believe in yourself
Believe in your faith
Believe in God

Believe in Ms Wannabee…………

The good times

How time flies when you are having a good time. After the hardship of arriving in HK last year, I reflected on the good times that I have had this year....my fav ones were:-

- Reading Judith McNaught at a beach in Lamma Island. It was one of the rare times with just 'me' as company...

- Getting to know somebody new over a 3 hours lunch and realising that both of you have the chemistry to get along well......

- Exploring Discovery Bay for the first time with Bard during the snowless winter in HKG, though it was cold and chilly it was a great day, a great place, great people and great fish and chips lunch (if it wasn't too browned). Felt just like in the Docklands in London...
And to top it all, I got a beautiful framed b&w photo taken by Bard.

- Ocean Park with Suaimi and Iszam during CNY. It was very crowded and we did not go on any rides since the boyes were not 'brave enough'. Despite that, it was one of the best times I have with these 2 guys....A fun-filled day with fun and crazy company...

- Goofing around with my nephews while they were on holiday in HK, joking and playing UNO with Suaimi joinning us till late at nite, bantering and joking......

- Dinsum-ming with Noy, Kamarul and Iszam followed with short trip to Citygate for window shopping. Then we proceeded to the airport for a bite at Popeye's and then took the bus back to Central to pick up Karen after which we took the ferry to Discovery Bay for dinner. After that we took the train to TST to meet Noy again for dessert supper at Sheraton Towers.

To cap it off, it was a beautiful day with clear blue sky. What a whirlwind day but it was a perfect day with perfect company....

- 2 surprised birthday parties (late last year) - totally unexpected, one given by family in KL with the presence of my colleagues and the second one given by new buddies in HKG. Sadly, out of the 4 buddies, I only remain close with only 1....but that's another story altogether which I don't care to disssect anymore...the evening was perfect though....

- Cycling on the city wall in Xian with Bard and Linda post APOS meeting. Great day (not too cold or too hot). Never laughed so much especially when Bard dropped like a sack of potato trying to be photographed jumping midair. Great holiday it was............

- Having Waikin and Hohui in HKG. Over the years we have shared our laughters and tears, I cherished every moment spent with these girls, especially now that we are all apart. We only had 1 full day together and what a quality day it was.....started the day with a long brunch at my fav place with Whaisee, followed with a shopping spree around Causeway Bay and ended with dessert at Western Market just after a seafood dinner in Cheng Chau Island.
A grand day with the greatest company ever!

The good times spent were priceless indeed and I shall treasure these moments.....

Thank you my dear friends..... I wannabe ????????

The much anticipated Hari Raya Open House

Sincere apologies if any of my friends especially those mentioned below got offended during the past weeks. It was the excitement of the occasion plus me in my 'onsite' working mode. I guess I can't help it, event management is my bread and butter.............

This much anticipated event has been brewing for quite sometime and finally the event took place on Sunday, 26 Oct. It was called 'joint open house' since there were 5 o us co-hosting this event (Bard, Linda, Azam, Suaimi and me).

What a grand feast it was. Ketupat, lemang, roti jala, nasi tomato, beef curry, chicken kurma, dalca, kuah lontong, kuah kacang.....we had it all. And the best part was it was all home-cooked by us.

Even then, there would have been more items in the menu had we had more resources and energy but it was just too much plus we didn't have any more pots and pans big enough to accommodate cooking for 80-100 pax! It was no joke.....

Bard likened the cooking activities as "Hell Kitchen" but to me it was more like a typical onsite activity. In the wee hours of Sunday morning at 4am, we were still cooking up a storm.

It was fun, doing this together with friends and buddies. Seeing friends and guests enjoying the food that we cooked ourselves was well worth all the aches and pain that came with it. Never mind that we only had less than 2 hours of sleep. It was crazy!!

Although I can't say if my fellow buddies Bard, Linda, Azam and Suaimi thought the same way too. I guess they saw the control freak in me what with my onsite schedules, marketing list and barking out orders and instructions just like an Army General Wannabe...hehe....

Thanks all......

The power of an adjective

I recently a used a word to sincerely voice my thoughts of a person and because of that word, it was thought that I still harbor a grudge with someone. Oh well… I do not need to justify my action or my choice of words to anybody.

My dear, whatever in the past.... remained passed. So passe'......I want to move on and am not going to live in the shadow of anger, regret or anything negative. Those ill feelings will only bring wrinkles and gloom to my beautiful and pretty face. Haha!!

Anyway, what I want to say is, I wasn’t making any sarcastic remarks to anybody at all but a genuine respect to this sweet girl for being who she is.

I just wannabe sincerely honest….

The Xi'an Odyssey (07 - 14 October 2008)

I’m back in HK now after more than 2 weeks away. First was the trip home and then Xi’an. It was one of our worst experience (nothing new there) but it was also one of the best post-event trip ever!

Having your buddies joining you for a short holiday really helped to de-stress a great deal.

Where work is concerned, Julie (the project leader) used the process of giving birth to describe the whole onsite meeting experience. I fully agree with this metaphor.

The whole duration of the meeting (5 days) was the delivery process, we moaned and groaned and screamed insults at each other to deliver the baby and once the baby got delivered (when the meeting ends), it may not be a pretty or cute baby but it has its full faculties of a normal baby with complete 10 fingers and 10 toes and such….

And so, the meeting went well. Of course it could have been better, we’ve learnt new things, areas to look into and watch-out, how to improve our services but in the end the clients didn’t have too much gripes to bitch about and still thanked us for our ‘professional dedication’ and handling problems with ‘dignity and grace’. Hahah!! What a joke!!!

Some of us will be openly complimented and gets all the limelight from the others while some of us will continue to prod and work behind the scenes quietly unnoticed (to ensure that those in the front-line get all the glory). Such is life……..

I have to say this. Despite all the drama and hitches during the meeting (such as bad AV, the lousiest group dinner ever held in my 8 years of event management, the botched-up jobs on arrivals and departures) I still I love Xi’an. Really-really loved it!!

It is much better than the 4 China cities which I have visited so far (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzen and Chengdu). Must be because it was easy to get halal food and also because I managed to explore the cities with kind new friends (Sophia, Diang and Sandy) and also because I have had the pleasure of exploring the city with my close friends.

To have your non-work friends joining you made all the work related matters and problems non-existent. The 2 days I have left to explore the city after my meeting ended went really well, many many thanks to the enthusiastic and infectious company of Linda and Bard. Thanks heaps guys!!!!

Xi’an is a heaven for history lovers. The Terracota Museum is totally awesome and befits its status as the 8th wonders of the world. The best part of the trip for me was cycling on the City Wall. It is a 13.5 km journey but we only managed 1km. Shame on us...hehe...

Too many distractions, namely too many stops taking photographs and we did not have the luxury of time on our side. And so, we have to turn back after 1 km. Nevertheless, I loved every minute of it.

Also, we watched a local theater dance show of the Tang Dynasty. It was worth the RMB200 that we paid for each person with its beautiful choreography, stage setting, costumes and dancers. It was soo sensual and captivating…………….

In one of the Tang Dynasty parks, there was a park called the ‘Elegant Lady Area’. There was wooden tablet which described the women of the Tang Dynasty. It says that ‘the women of Tang Dynasty were progressive, optimistic and confident’.

How aptly put and that’s what WE, Women of the Prada/LV/Gucci Dynasty wannabe too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Eid Week - 05 Oct 2008

It’s been nearly a week since I got home, celebrating this Eid (Hari Raya).

Yeah…family ties were strengthened and rekindled. I can’t really say that I relish it but it was something that had to be done, a duty to perform. Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself, yeah I did... Not to mention that I really stuffed myself to the gills (not that I have any). But I swear that my pants and sarong have become tighter since last week. Not good at all.

Oh well….it was fun, enjoyable but also exhausting catching up with relatives and friends.

Absence makes the heart grows fonder…it’s good to keep these ‘home’ trips short and sweet. Longer than one week will over do it.

I’ll probably not stay longer than 10 days and during these times I’ll be rushing about here and there trying to squeeze in all the activities below:-

• Visitng my siblings, close friends and relatives;
• Marketing trips with my mom (the mother/daughter bonding thingy);
• Spa time with the ‘gals’ (time to update each other with the latest gossips and love lives);
• Touch base with the ‘ex’ (still a kind of investment portfolio to look into once in a while 'just in case');
• Being the perfect and attentive aunty Cici to my nephews and niece (another investment for my old age, just in case I remain a singleton past 50, I'll need somewhere 'free' to retire);
• And of course, having a drink (or two) at Luna Bar with my closest friends (non-alcoholic of course....).
  

I must say, except for the part when my handphone got stolen, everything else went well during this trip. But the lost handphone was not too much of a big deal coz I was still at home and not in the middle of nowhere.

I wanna have a perfect trip and this time, I got it!

The Homecoming Queen - 29 September 2008

I am on my way back home now, travelling back with Suaimi by my side. It’s nice to be travelling along with a buddy one in a while….especially when you are going back for holiday. It’s going to be a full week away from the office. When I return to HK, I will have Bard as my travelling companion. Not a lonesome trip this time. Gosh! I could get used to this!

I am looking forward to this holiday! But the main reason of my joy is not the going home, nor the upcoming reunion with beloved family members….it is the thought of being away from the office. YAAAAYYYYY!!!!
That shows how much I love my work…haha!!

On a separate note, yesterday I was mistaken as a friend’s mom (yikes!), as an Indonesian and also a Filipino. Duhhhhhhh….. Can’t help it that I really look like these people…it’s my colouring, I have all sorts of exotic blood in my lineage (hahah!!)… Anyway, I have a pure Asian look, no mistaken about it and in HK, this is often mistaken for a Filipino or Indonesian maid.

It is insulting at times but it’s funny too. My mistaken identity has often been a good topic of laughter among my friends and I am the butt of the jokes…yikes!

Oh well….can’t take offence to these kinda things, it’s not worth it. Stereotyping is part of human nature. We (and even yours truly) tend to stereotype people based on their looks, dressing, skin colour, etc, etc….

I wanna be me! I know who I am and am proud of ‘me’, that’s all that matters.

________________________________________________________

“Are you high?” Karen asked me last night. Haha!! I was in my usual chirpy mood but I guess I was more exuberant last night (the Malay word would be ‘galak sangat’). Must be the heady combination of having a successful weekend based on 2 main activities:

1) Playing Domestic Goddess in Linda’s kitchen (I am a shamelessly domestic goddess wannabee and all those hours watching those house/kitchen ‘make-over’ programmes really paid off). Thanks to Linda, for allowing me to ‘play house’ in her kitchen. I felt like Nigella Lawson and Martha Stewart rolled into one.
LUV IT!

2) I had had such a successful time shopping ‘economically’ in the kind of places that I never ever shopped before in HK.

It was AMAZING! I only spent a fraction of my spending money and I managed to get soooooooo many great things for my darling niece and nephews and also parents. It was sooo exciting!!!!

Only a true-blooded shopaholic will understand and appreciate the kind of ‘high’ that I am feeling. Uuummmmmmmm (it’s that feeling of contentment and full satisfaction….from shopping, that’s what I’m talking about here, no sexual pun intended…hehehe)

I'm a Shopaholic Domestic Goddess Wannabe!

Friends, Chefs, Typhoon 8 and Xi'an

I guess this will be my final entry for Ramadhan. It has been an eventful and exciting month for me, thanks to the present company of Bard, Linda, Suaimi, Azam and of course Whaisee and Karen. Many thanks to this guys and gals for filling my days and evenings with joy and laughter and of course, abundance of food!!

Despite being away from home, the buka puasa spread here has been lavish this year compared to last year, where I survived on Kit kat on most days. Thanks to Bard, whom I met, at the end of Ramadhan last year….. Since then, I have never been able to reduce to my ideal weight of below 50kg. Aisey…..

This Ramadhan, anything that I wanted to eat, I managed to get. Of course I contributed to my share of cooking as well but it was no trouble at all…….it was a pleasure to cook when you have your close buddies to share and enjoy the food with.

But I should give the award for most Hardworking Chef should go to Bard for cooking Chili Crab for our sahur and the most Innovative Chef goes to Linda for her Fried rice with Chicken Sausage and Ikan Billis. Yeah, sounds odd I know....I would never have thought of it mixing those 2 items together but it was delicious!! Fusion cuisine indeed…

Yesterday we had the 3rd typhoon that reached level 8 for this year. The typhoon is only a ‘look-forward to’ event when it reaches the Gale Storm Warning Typhoon Level 8 category coz that’s when offices and schools close. The level 8 was declared at 4pm yesterday and we get to leave office early. Hurrah!!!!

Spent the evening with Linda watching a thriller movie amidst our screaming. After that we ended up talking till wee hours of the morning. We were wishing that the level 8 will be enforced until today (and get another day holiday) but much to our disappointments, the storm level was downgraded from 8 to 5 and 3….That means back to office….that sulks…

I’m all bleary eyed and groggy now with only couple of hours of sleep in between. I bet Linda must be feeling the same too. But it was a pleasant evening getting to know each other better….

Incidentally, today is one of those hectic pre-event preparation activities. I’ll be starting my Eid leave from Monday, going home to Msia for the whole week (cuti Raya, yeh!!!!) and after that I will be off directly to Xi’an in China for the week-long Oncology Summit. That means I have to complete all my tasks before the end of this week!

Compared to my other trips previously, this time I am looking forward to this trip because Xi’an is the city of the famous Terracotta soldiers which I have read so much about and it is also known in the olden days as ‘Serambi Mekah; (if I am not mistaken) and since this is a predominatly Islamic city, I will not have any problems getting halal food!!

That is one of the best things about this trip because this time I don’t have to restrict myself to only seafood or vegetables for a whole week long. But the best thing is having Linda and Bard joining me after the meeting. We will have a short holiday together. Hurrah!!!

Meanwhile, in between my hundreds jaw stretching exercise (yawns) today…..I’m gonna be that super cool, efficient, experienced, ‘don’t panic! I have everything under control’ confident conference manager…………..Ha ha!!