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.....................