Help! I am a commitment phobic!!

Ms Blogger Wannabee
Well here I am again...the same...another promise broken. I promised that I shall update this blog regularly and yet...what happened?
Previous excuse was no laptop, no Internet, no broad band service....well I got all those things and yet....I am so ashamed of myself.


The Laptop Collection
In the process, I got myself 2 laptops...one I generously gave away to my lil' brother (well...no so little anymore since he is a father of 2 now) and the other one...which I claimed was the new love of my life...the bright metallic pink Sony Viao... yeah that one....I sold off exactly a year after I got it on my last birthday. Yup, sold it just a few weeks ago, the offer was too good to missed so I have to part company with it. hence the longing for that 11" Mac Air Book.


Bootcamp
Okay this one I have a valid excuse. I gave myself 2 months but I lasted 4 months. I could have continued longer but too much hassle. Now with the new job...it is not possible to slot in that 5.30-6.30 am slot any longer.


Ms Marathon Wannabee
Post bootcamp season I was running regularly and happily so. Yeah, I did the KL Marathon and publicised it like crazy and planned that Penang Marathon next. What happened? The new job and its crazy schedules were what happened. It was just impossible to train regularly, and to give me that perfect excuse, our official launch fall on that same weekend when the Marathon was supposed to take place. And sooo I missed my regular run and that dream of running on the Penang Bridge. Damm!!!


Now, even my fellow runners have stopped calling me every Saturday morning because I have missed running the past 4 sessions - excuses but really I really do have valid reasons for each absence. Just listen okay

First, there was that Hyderabad Trip (the ICCA Conference), then the Official Launch Weekend - I was tooo swarmed with work to get up an hour early just for that run, then there was one weekend when I totally overslept and did not even hear the phone ring (yeah! I swear on my precious Prada Bag that I was really dead to the world on that particular morning and did not hear the blasted phone ring at all!!!!!) and the last weekend I was travelling between Barcelona and Amsterdam (the EIBTM Trip).


YESSSSSSS!!!!!!, I did go to those 2 beautiful and amazing European Cities but that is for another blog entry. Sorry Amrita...if I have the time and means I would have gone to visit you in Stockholm but it was for work (though we did have 2 days in Amsted which was for totall pleasure...oh yeah...enjoyed myself silly......am grinning like an idiot now ).

Hopefully, this Barcelona trip is an annual event which falls into one of my job functions (okay, this is one of the things that makes this new job really interesting, I get to travel far....compared to the previous job which only sent me within the Asian region). Well, that for another story.

Back to the main topic of this blog today....I realised that I AM A COMMITMENT PHOBIC! Not only in relationship with humans, pets and trees but also with all other things and activities. I can't just stay committed and carry on with things....not that I am not loyal. I am a Scorpion after all, loyalty is one of our strong points but my interests will stray.

Could I blame it on the way I have been brought-up??? You know...all those nomadic life or rooting and uprooting myself over the years especially during my teenage year....I really ought to blame my parents for this. Yeah...it was their fault moving me around soo much that I end up now alone and unable to commit myself to a decent relationship and a decent life.....

HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!! I was just joking!!!!! I am not blaming anybody here. This is just the way I am...ditto.

See you all again!

Birthday, Birthday...

I celebrated my birthday last Sunday (7/11). Yup, another new number next to the 3. Next year it will start with 4. Ohhhh dear..... I don't want to think about that yet!

As usual I did that 5 minutes of self-contemplations: my achievements, where I am, where I'm going, what's gonna happen, how far I've come....bla, bla, bla...

Nothing much to report...that's why it took 5 mins only :) hahaha!!!!

Honestly, I really do not feel like a 39 years old. Is one supposed to feel anything different as one gets older?  I'm still unsure of my life direction, my careerr goals, though this year...I am proud to report that this year I have a new job, a new title, a new office, a new salary which only makes like more difficult coz that only worsen my shopaholic tendency. Yup, the shopping mania is even worse now and let's not even talk about my credit cards collection. I'm soooo ashamed of myself when I look at the monthly statements.

But on the other hand.....when I look at my purchases....I'll be smiling that happy, contented, satisfied, glowing, happy smile.....

I am still the same person. Still clueless....where I'm going, what my aspirations are....still surviving day to day in my job, trying to appear as if I know what I'm doing while inside my head...its just like in the moon - zero gravity.

So on one hand I'm still a lost soul, still unsure of herself and her capabilities but on the other hand, I am thankful for what I have today. I am thankful to have great friends and great ex-colleagues who are supportive and have high faith in my ability to do my job well and give me constant encouragements and motivations, good health, nice job and live live-up to that...

Single, Successful, Confident, Self-Aassured, Independent, *Cheerful Woman of the New Millenium!  

*that 'cheerful' is a new addition, I realised that lots of my friends are constantly not happy these days, therefore it is important to include that word in my daily mantra.

Happy Birthday to Ms Wannabee!!!!!!!!

Birthday wish for this year (still undelivered):

11inch - Apple MacBook Air

A Surprise Visit!

Our official office launch is not until 22nd November 2010.

Somehow this morning....somebody got up, went to the office and as her hundred and one assistants and minions were going thru her schedules for the day, she was informed that she will have to be present for some official do at the Mandarin Oriental. Then someone mentioned that the Bureau (the Ministry's latest offspring) is located in that vicinity too and she thought...... hhmmmm....it'll be good to see what these people at the Bureau are doing....

And so...she announced "let's stop over there and see what the kids at the bureau are doing..."

And so, the PA called the Director Generals's Office who later picked up the phone to call the Bureau's CEO, who in turn, picked up his phone and called his Corporate Communication Manager, who..... once was informed of such visit....ran out of her room and screamed "OMG! MINISTER COMING! MINISTER COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Once that announcement was made ....you can imagine the chaos and furore over what an one hour visit caused:

The GM and Corporate Communication Mgr started getting all the managers to update on the latest figures and statistics;

The CEO feigned asthma attack and left all the work to the Senior Managers. He only showed-up refreshed and fully rested half hour before the VIPs and VVIP arrived;

Somebody went and informed the building management to allocate a VVIP parking area and to block a lift during the Arrivals and Departure times. Luckily this office management is used to similar VVIPs visits and knew the drill and protocol already;

The Cleaning Lady polished and repolished the still new gleaming office main door, reception area and board room;

The Receptionist started tidying the Reception area;

The Admin and Finance Manager checked and checked the company account, tidied his books (just in case he gets asked which, to his dissapointment... he did not get asked at all);

The Sales Managers started to study and update themselves with their current projects and latest figures (yeah, just in case they got caught and questioned too...but to thier delight, they were not);

The Cleaning Lady after completing her 'pimp the office' tasks was ordered to go out and buy Ovaltine and Air Kelapa Muda because said VVIP favours these drinks only; Ovaltine???? yeah, ovaltine...not milo.

The Trade Industry Manager started calling nearby hotels, requesting which hotel can deliver some cakes and sandwiches within that short time period for this important visit. None of the hotels wanted to take up that challenge, citing 'not enough time' as excuse. Stupid hotels, they will be blacklisted, mark my word!

Finally the Convention Centre, closest colleague and ally came to the rescue. They  said 'not as problem, we luvvv to help you!' and they delivered perfectly beautiful and tasty afternoon tea spread. Unfortunately, none of the guests touched the food that took up nearly 20 phones calls to make before one materialised but fortunately, all the staffs devoured within 10 minutes after all their guests left;

All other staffs were asked to tidy up their cubicles and work area;

All staffs were ordered to wear suit or coat - Male staffs were ordered to put on their ties, Female staffs were ordered to tidy up their hair, slap on some make-up, if anybody need to go back home to get their jacket or coat, they are allowed to do so.

All in all, it was a very exciting day for all. We learnt first hand what kind of protocols involved when your highest HOD (Head of Department) decides to grace his/her presence in your little domain of an office and the kind and size of the entourage that came with it.

With all the excitements, nobody did any real work at all...

Life on a fab lane!

My Dear Friends

Thank you sooo much for your motivation. I see that my regular readers have kept up to date with my musings....THANKS SO MUCH, VERY VERY MUCH Sek Hin for the motivation, Amrita (from Stockholm must be you la, who else) and friends at MTM. At least it'll keep you entertained from the humdrum of daily official reading materials eh....

And dearest Sek Hin, you said "Yus, you wrote from your heart"...........I'm speechless!!! It's like Marco Pierre White telling me "Yus, you cook like me".....I'm soooo honoured :)
And more motivated than ever to write!

I had an interesting day at work today. A couple of us were selected by our CEO to be involved for a photography shooting session. He was scheduled for an interview with an international travel trade magazine and our PR has engaged a professional photographer and a make-up artist. To make it worth the RM $$$$ that was being paid to the photographer and make-up artists, he has ordered 4 keys staffs to be involved for the photo shoot and make-up session as well. Well...err...I'm one of the key staff in case you don't notice that hint...heheheh

Yeah...everybody whined and groaned, complaining they had a lot of work piling up, these kinda things are just a big waste of time bla bla bla....    As for me...I just kept quiet and remained blase' about it....all in a days work eh..

Despite those complaints, I betcha each of us were secretly thrilled. You can see that in their smiles as they posed for the camera, from their chatters as they wait for their turn, and finally, I heard this from the last person I thought would make such a remark, my GM:

"We must engage this make-up artist and photographer again when we have our official launch. I like her makeup!"

hahahah!!!!!  She only human ah... (FYI, our official launch is scheduled on 23rd Nov...I'm sure there will be more interesting story to tell.)

Each of us had some portrait shots done and then some group photos. Surprisingly I did not take long to give 'good' poses. Well that was what the photographer said...hhmmmmm....can you imagine how big my beaming smile was :)

I must say a big thank you to:

• The patient and skillful lady photographer. She may not be Anna Liebowitz, the world famous photographer but she can be the sister, she made me look 'dynamically attractive' (if I must say so myself) in all her shots. Brilliantly fabulous!
• The skillful make up artists (who used all MAC products....I soo like!) she covered all my flaws and facial imperfections and turn me into an Asian Kimura Lee Simmons minus the diva antics. Gorgeously fabulous!
• Kimura Lee Simmons of course for all the photo and posing tips.....I knew it! All those hours spent watching her show and listening to some of her piratical tips on posing for camera really came in handy and it worked! ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!!!

 As you can see, I am shameless Kimura wannabee....Fabulosity!

The Return of Ms Wannabee!!!!

WELL MY FRIENDS!!!!!
I am soooo sorry, I know, I know...I deserve to be shot! I said and promised that I will be more diligent but what happened? Silence from the last 7 months! Shame on me, shame on me....
I am sooo sorry....well my close and dear friends who are here know what's been happening but so sorry (yeah again,sooo very sorry) to my close and dear friends who are not here.

Even Murad! You called all the way from SF and yet...I still did not update my blog. Well....it is not a case of losing interest....there was a bit of writer's block (yeah....maybe I'm over-dramatising it a bit), but really! I did suffer writer's block. I just don't know what to write! And when I knew,,,,,I didn't have the drive to update....

Apart from that...my life have undergone a major change. I finally changed my job...a job that I have held on dearly for the past 10 years, the one that gave me great friends that will hopefully stay my friends until I die and the one friend that I owed allegiance for the next 7 generations....the job that paid for my holidays, the clothes on my body, the shoes that I walked on and the Prada that I carry...the job that gave me the best 2 years of my life in HK plus the 5 to 7 years working hard (and sometimes not so hard) that took me almost everywhere too (except North and South America, Europe, Middle East, Australasia and Pacific, the North Pole and the South Pole). Okay, when listed like that....that doesn't sound really impressive??? Oh well...

Oh well...I finally found the courage to leave and move on to another new direction in my life. I wanted a new challenge, a new environment, a new employer and new new salary (with whole new perks) and I got it! Thank you Lord :)

Anyway, that is the official story and I'm stying with it. The unofficial ones.....hhmmmm let see.....
I wanted to go, NO! I needed to go because I don't think I could move on anymore, what I had in me is not enough....nobody is indispensable...I needed to go because I started losing interest in doing the same things over the years, facing egocentric and idiotic clients and following too many procedures...and so....when the opportunity came, I left.....

And so....on Friday 13 August 2010 (unlucky date? luckily I am not superstitious), after a last trip to China (gosh! Can't remember what city it was).....I bid my farewell to my second home the past 10 years...Goodbye MTM!

On Monday, 16 August 2010, I started at my new work place....the Bureau. Goodbye Med Comm, HELLO Tourism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No time to rest or dwell...I was push headlong into endless rounds of meetings with high profile people, trainings and work. Oh back to that 13th August weekend, The customary farewell dinner was given...I received a SUPERBLY PREPARED GIFT OF LOVE FROM HOHUI, ANDREW, JESSICA, SEK HIN, STEFANIE, WAIKIN (who left 2 weeks earlier than me but managed to leave her mark as well) and, HENRY (the new guy). As far as value goes, it was priceless, not even anything from Tiffany or Mont Blanc can rival that lovely gift from my 'ex-colleagues'...feel sooooo akward to address them as my 'ex-colleagues'. And apart from that......I also received a lot of supportive and tearful goodbye messages from my MTM fraternity  ....they all said nice things to me....I feel soo like Mother Teresa :)

Luckily I'm writing these now...after 2 months. Had I wrote these things earlier, I would have cried buckets! Tears of sadness because I am leaving dear colleagues who were like family and tears of joy because everybody had soo many nice things to say about me....(some ppl only get this after they die). hahahah!!!!!

And so I started my new work.....I said I wanted new challenge ...and yup! New challenges it was. I can't complain much, I just hope I will be able to deliver what they expect of me. I should have known that during the interview, I asked for this and that and they (my new employer) only said okay. I should have known the enormity of the job. They really have high expectations from me and I hope I'll survive and can show them that they have chosen the right person indeed.....

And soo...Ms Wannabee is a step to being closer being what she wants to be.....a successful, confident, self-assured, financially independent women of the new millennium plus cheerful, hot and gorgeous (but still cannot fit into her size 10 bikini!).

I'll be back again love!


On

Now and then

A few highlights since my last entry...

A girls' day out at the Energy Spa (not as decadent as the Moon Goddess Therapy at the uber luxurious Mandarin Oriental Spa, but it was close to goodness by KL standard);

Swooning and aahhhing over that Valentine's Day movie (this will be added into my list of favourite movies from now on);

Another late night madness in Wendy's stuffing ourselves and forgetting our diet plans (there's always Bootcamp sessions to burn off those extra calories anyway);

A chance meeting with another college mate whom I have been successfully avoiding for nearly 10 years... (KL is soo small, I keep on bumping into people I DON"T want to meet!);

Stupid, unnessary bickerings with close ones (I don't understand what's happening now, I really don't....);

Unexpected big bonus from parents thanks to higher yield account dividents (especially helpful when you are left with only RM50 in your account, and I was just planning how to ask 'politely');

Painful, arduous, bone-breaking bootcamp sessions (oh yeah...I soo crave the pain in order to look HOT in my size ten bikini);

The Inaugural Family Reunion event - on the paternal side (huh.....uurrgghhhhh...not something I look forward to but turn out to be unexpectly enjoyable and pleasant. I'll write more about it in my next post);

The big holiday plan!!! (with reference to the Lonely after 'borrowing' the atlas at Kinukuniya, we've finally decided on Jeju....or so I hope).

And so it goes.....

Happy Lunar New Year

Happy new year to all my Chinese friends.

I feel quite good this year coz I got a chance to contribute something in exchange for all those oranges and angpows from my neighbours.

The whole day yesterday was spent baking cakes and roasting chicken. From 11am to 4pm, I made 9 cakes and roasted 3 large birds with all the trimmings.

Each cake turn out well, smooth and fluffy and the birds came out beautifully golden and succulent. Well, that was feebbacks received from the 'tasters'. I was quite proud....if I may say so myself :)

Where did it all went to? Sent to close neighbours and close friends. I should have taken the pictures but completely forgotten. Oh well...next time....

Till then....it has been a great, clear blue sunny day today.....

Love is in the air....a tribute to BFF

Yup! Its that time of the year again....lovey-dovey songs being aired endlessly, everything is red, pink and white, cupid posters/figurines/cut-outs appearing here and there, roses everywhere, increased adverts on jewelries and lingeries, holiday destinations for couples, romantic dinners here and there............plus lots more capitalist gains and unnessary consumer spendings. I don't want to sound like a self-righteous bitch but it the truth!

Of course, if there is A significant other to celebrate it with, it would be soooo meaningful and the V Day will be waited with so much more anticipation and excitements. I'm glad I have had some of the best Valentine's gifts and celebrations. 'Been there, done that'....I know how it feels....it was good (while it lasted).

Thanks to my previous BFs for those good times (but am also not forgettng the bad times hahah!!).

Not to say that I don't care for such celebration now but I'm being ambivalent towards this. If you have somebody to celebrate it with, then by all means make the most of it but if you are a singleton in this cupid-pairing season...do not despair or get depress. Like I said...its just a phase...any day can be a Valentine's day if you and your partner want it to be so...

But not having a partner does not make you a wallpaper nor should it give you a reason to get depress!

You don't have to cower and hide at home, you can still go out and have fun. But of course use your common-sense. If you are alone, get together with other single friends, choose a jovial and boisterous group, stay away from those whinging and whining group (they'll only get you down) and if you still want to do it alone (trying to prove something maybe?), stay away from those candle-light diner places or romantic-themed movies. It's just one day anyway, you'll get over it :)

I'm not being cynical. I'm just trying to impart some wisdom...gained from having survived several 'relationships'. Not all ended badly...it was just of of those reasons....not the right person, not the right time, not the right family, not the right job, not the right money, not the right height, not the right length (yup, you  guessed right!!).... With Ms Wannabee, there was always something not right...she's a real fussy pot!!!

Being in love is wonderful...especially in the first few months of getting to know somebody, knowing that the attractions are mutual and what I like best are the anticipations and that butterfly flutter that you get in your stomach prior to each date. Everything is wonderfully rosy and sweet during this time....

But it never last long.... or in my case anyway. I'm sure if it lasts longer, I wouldn't be marking 'Single' in my marital status. Everything good comes to an end...the upward graph arrow either moves in a flat line or it goes down. In my case it always goes down. And we are back to square one, SINGLE AND AVAILABLE!

And so it goes on...when the time is right, the right person will appear in our lives...sooner or later.

Or, it doesn't even have to be that way. If you don't want to share your life with anybody, so be it.
Live your life the way you want it to be. We should enjoy our lives no matter what. Rejoice and be thankful in whatever we have...if there is not BF or GF in the near horizon...it's okay, we can still be happy with our lives.

We still have our own circle of friends and these group of people can be our BFF. Relationship with partner or spouse may not lasts forever but with BFF, they are indeed, our BEST FRIENDS FOREVER...

MS WANNABEE WISHES HAPPY VALENTINES TO ALL HER LOVING FRIENDS!

HUGS AND KISSES ALWAYS!!!!

Coulda, shoulda, woulda.....

“As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going.”

I saw those words in one of the blogs, Totally Tracy. I really like those words. It shows that what I've been doing is right all along (despite what some have told me off as my total lack of faith). We cut our losses and move on. No point to keep on asking what, how and why things happened.

Yeah, sometimes it's easier said that done. But don't dwell on these things my dear. Things happened so just deal with it. Don't waste time thinking back and analysing...it could be that this person is going thru a phase.

And so my advise is to just let it pass. Despite the heartaches and sleepless nights...if anything at all, you'll come out with your dignity intact.....so says the ever-positive Ms Wannabee.

Hiking Bukit Tabur

Bukit Tabur Hike

This is quite overdue but last week was very hectic for all of us. Starting with the hike to Bukit Tabur (2 Sundays ago), then last SUnday was spent working at KL Hilton for one of the new drug launch. As usual there were the normal pre-onsite preparations that needs to be dealt with....I should be used to it by now but it is still tiring. However, glad to say that both events (the hiking trip and the launch event) were big successes.

I'm not going to report about the launch event as that is work related but the hiking trip was sooo worth it. The hiking experience that I have done before were mainly in HK (Tai Tam Reservoir, Mc Lahose Trail, Dragon's Back). It was quite easy.....and I have been spoilt by the convenience of hiking facilities provided there. And so this time, I thought it would be easy and managable too but oh God NNNOOOOOO!!! It was tough! Had I not had the physical bootcamp training, I don't think I'll be able to haul myself up...especially on the near vertical climbs.

In HK, the local authorities take care of such 'public parks' and provide hikers with proper trails, ralling and what not (to make it seasier for you) plus toilet facilities along the way. Plus if you go the the websites to learn about a new place that you are going to hike, they are enough information to let you know the distance that you are going to hike, the elevations and the level of difficulties. Which means beginners or amateur hikers like yours truly will be able to know which one to attempt and which one to just leave it to the experts.

And so....we took the climb on early Sunday morning. It was a steeped climb, involving those spiderman type of climbs. WE were told to buy the standard variety of garden gloves which I just could not imagine using it. But my oh my, had we not used those gloves...we would have come back with lots of blisters and cuts on on palms and fingers.

Though exertions was high, finally when reaching the peak....it was worth the pain because the view was just spectacular!!! Who would have thought that there's such views in KL.... Words just fail me, but I'll post the pictures soon so you'll know what I'm talking about.

We even found a small forest of moss field. Maybe to say a 'small forest of moss field' is a bit too much but according to Waikin who has been there earlier, the area was much bigger in her previous visit.
It was beautiful and unreal........add some wild flowers, fruit orchards, soothing background music (that involves a harp), a meandering stream, bring the temperature to 10degrees lower, imagine Ms Wannabee and a group of graceful ladies with flowing long hair (in a beautiful way, not the scary way) in grecian gowns...and it'll be close to Eden....hhmmm....

After that short interlude, it was time to go down. Going down was no joke either. It was about an hour walk, really long walk. By the time we reached our car, i think my knees felt like jelly.
Can't believed that I survived that....It was tough and ardous but it was sooo worth it! I loved it!

Ms Wannabee wants to be the jungle queen...

TGIF, A New Crush, Wild Rumours, Hot & Cold, Reconnection!

Finally!!! I thought today will never arrive. It has been quite a long week, the high from the PvsP still lingers...Today is the last session for the KL Alpha team (that's where I am) and it was sooo intense. I bet by tomorrow I will feel the aches and pain.

New Crush
Meanwhile, am still having a crush with somebody who is clearly not available. Met this fella at a party. Isn't it funny...when you thought it'll be a long and boring do...it turn out to be the opposite! I had an enjoyable time talking to this person the whole night long!!! But tough luck...I finally met an interesting  male and he happens to be someone else's hubby. Sigh.....

And I supposed it worked both ways. I'm still fighting the urge to continue this useless game. But it's sooo hard to meet someone that you can click with...especially in this surrounding.....
What a waste, what a waste...

Oh well.....Ms Wannabee doesn't want to get into any shitty affairs, her common sense tells her to nip it in the bud. Easier said that done...hahah.....But she never wants to be a home-wrecker, therefore.....have to practice that mind-over-matter build a strong-will exercise startng from NOW!
Ohh...temptation,temptation....

Hot & Cold
Things with close ones are never like before...Do I want to confront the whole issue? I'm not sure.....and I don't really want to care about this because it is just not worth it and confrontation might just make it even worse. Somebody is still being hot and cold (just like that Katy Perry's song). Anyway, I'm just moving along with the tide or..to put it more aptly, moving up and down according to the temperature.
No point to dwell when there is no answer.

Wild Rumours
Yours truly have unexpectedly became one of the targets of a wild matchmaking plan. Some pictures which we took for fun were being deliberately misunderstood and people thought that my best friend and I are in a relationship. People, people....why can't they just mind their own business????

Maybe we are too liberal, the public is just not used to seeing a couple posing closely together with no romantic feelings (to us it was nothing but to them it was sooo intimate!!!.) Well hello!!! Had it been really intimate, we wouldn't have put it up in our FB!!! .

Can't help it that Ms Wannabee is soo lovable...people just love her and think that she is a perfect match!!! (Ha ha ha....you can laugh but that's the truth darrrling!!!)

Reconnection
The best thing of all...I've reconnected with a dear, old friend. We haven't met for nearly 17 years but Gosh!!!! That just reminds us how old we are getting...uuurrrghhhh!!!!

But close friends that we still are (we spoke for nearly 2 hours on the phone), I can't wait for us to meet and exchange the stories of our lives....Unfortunately, both of us are busy with our own lives...the 'reunion' would not happen till about few weeks more....

And so, another week flew by. What an eventful week this has been and that is not the end.
Ms Wannabee is looking forward to the weekend, this time discovering a new adventure in KL, hiking!

Till then....Ms Wannabee is gleefully happy :)

Platoon vs Platoon (3)

Don't worry!!! I'm not going to write anymore...am just going to post a few pictures due to 'fans' requests...heheh...

5.00am....waiting time...

5.30am...got my stripes

8.00'ish am..return to base after the 'hunt', its time for chilled 100Plus (ohh what a bliss...) and sandwiches.

 Sorry, no picture while 'hunting' coz we cannot carry our camera

Happy to be back safe and alive!

Our team leaders accepting the 'Golden Boots'

The group pic. Those in red scarfs/bandanna are KL platoon. This is only 1/3 of the group numbers. The instructers are those in red t-shirts.

 Ms wannabee is among the smiley ones in front

The Platoon vs Platoon (2)

The much anticipated Platoon vs Platoon event took place yesterday and kudos to the organizers for its roaring success. Members got to know each other better as well as fostering new ties. At the same time, it was also an excuse to add more people to your friends’ list in your facebook. I don’t make a habit of adding new names unless I get to know them well and so that was justifiable.

It stated at 5.45 am but our over-eager team members requested everybody to be there as 5.00am! And to make sure you get there on time, they even provided you with a wake-up call at 4.00am and even sent sms reminders!! Apart from that, if you are not sure of directions, they even provide you with a hotline, to call so and so for directions if you get lost.

KL team was the most kiasu team. We had face painting and red bandanna/scarf and even have our own song. The noises we made….oh goodness!!!….The excitement level was at fever pitch and adrenalin was flowing like the Zambeze River. Thanks God we won….if not…it would have been really embarrassing to face the PJ platoon again. With about 50 people per team, there were close to 100 participants for both teams.

We had treasure hunting kind of activity and in between, they threw in the regular items such as the sand bags, bazooka, mock rifles, ropes, the 70kg rubber tyre and even eggs (yeah, 2 person had to carry an egg each in their hand and run through the whole drill and make sure the egg in their hand is not broken). We ran for nearly 5km and miraculously, those eggs stayed intact.

Among the rules were, we have to do everything together as a team and when we move, there should not be a 3 meter gap between each runner. That means those fast runners will have to make sure they don’t run too far ahead. To make sure they don’t get too bored or frustrated, we made them carry the big and heavy items while the slow ones were given task of reading the map or carry lighter stuffs or the egg carrier. Those with the loud voice took it upon themselves to be the drill sergeant, calling everybody to attention, either to speed up, or to stop. It worked….

As tired as it was, it was great fun. It was worth all the efforts waking up early and participated. Ms Wannabee’s greatest fear that her speed which is more of a slow-motion speed rather than a sprinting speed would be a hindrance were totally unfounded. The aching body and loose-knee-joints were worth it when reading the glowingly positive comments from her team leader in her fb wall that afternoon.

Now, apart from feeling 10ft tall, Ms Wannabee feels more powerful and strong than ever! Strong enough that she feels she could attempt a public run that will be held in March. The category that she’s going for? Only 5km………. Hahaha!!!

The Platoon vs Platoon

That's one of the activities planned by our Bootcamp organisors. They will have the BATTLE OF THE PLATOONS, ie KL Team VS the PJ team. It is suppose to foster good ties and all in the names of building up good team spirit and do soemthing for charity.

But from the amount of messages that's been posted on the bootcamp facebook wall (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=59969644666) you'd think that the KL and PJ temas are gearing up for the war of the century!

Even Ms Wannabee who prefers to keep low profile (yeah...true!!!) has been roped in and forced to join. Quite flattering though...that they think slowpokes like your's truly can be an asset.

And so...due to the high demand and to please the masses...(yeah....go ahead and throw-up if you have to, but that's the truth..hahahaha!!!!!!) Ms Wannabee has signed up to be up and ready at 5.30 am, yeah...that's right....it's 5.30 AM on Sunday morning to add her puny strengths to the KL team and fight for her platoon....

Let's pray and hope she comes back in one piece............(and can fit into that size 10 bikini!)

Till Sunday!

Bring a friend day at Bootcamp

There is a general excitement in the air whenever they have this "Bring a friend" day at Bootcamp. This time Stefanie is keen to participate but waking up at 5.00am is the moot point. I am trying to get other people in the office to join in too but again, that early morning session is the biggest hurdles.

I supposed everybody close to me are quite sick of me going on and on about bootcamp. But I can't help it! In the absence of other interesting events in my present life...this is the most interesting thing I've ever embarked on. I am surprised with myself for staying on this long....you know..I've never committed to a long-term exercise regime before and guess what...i'm in my 3rd month in the 'camp' now! And guess what again....I've been elevated to the Seals team! In the ranks of the bootcampers, you start as Rangers, then Seals and finally, the fit of the fittest...the DELTA teams.

And how the trainers assessed which team you are going to be is based on your monthly assessments. Even though I'm still among the lasts....at least I'm a little bit fitter (and dare I say stronger?) compared to 3 months ago.

I'm very thrill to be made a SEAL but at the same time am dreading the extra effort required. At least when you are in the Rangers...you are still considered the baby and the most unfit. At least the pressure is not so much on you....

here goes...let's see who will turn up this FRiday.....

Bigots and fanatics.

What have my country come to????? It is soo sad and dissapointing to hear about the arson cases today. It is not Ms Wannabee's style to comment about political or religious issues but in this case, I think I'll give my 5 cents worth of opinion.

Living in multi-racial and muti-religious country we have to understand and respect each other. Only FANATICS and BIGOTS Would do such a cowardly acts. No holy books be it Quran or Bible asked us to kill people or burn the place of worship of other religion. To go to such an extent (of burning the church) in the name of upholding our religion is just not the right way. This is not the way to gain respect at all.

I have always been a minority whereever I go, ever since I started school. Yeah...there were some minor prejudices along the way....but we live through it and don't make a big issue out of it. Most often, this is caused by IGNORANCE rather than any other reasons. Perhaps our government have to look at our education system again. We should be tought to UNDERSTAND different religions not merely to tolerate those other religions around us (without proper understanding). What we have done all this time is just tolerating but obviously, from what have happend the past few years.... that is not enough.

I know it is easier said than done. I'm quite liberal minded, it is easy for me to accept other things with open mind. But if people around you are very conservative, other cultures would always be treated with caution and suspicion...and full of negative connotations.

Well...that is just my 5cents worth of thoughts. Again I know it is easier said than done...but for the life of me...I just don;t understand what do you get from burning building or chopping cow's head??????????????

Ms Wannabee prays for world peace.....

Back at work

It's Thursday today and it is my first day at work.

I planned to be up and early, had the alarm set at 6.00am.
It rang at 6.00, then 6.30, then 7.00, then 7.30, then 7.45 and I finally woke up at 8.00. So much for planning....
Reached the office at 9.30....

Back in the office...everything is the same. There are new deadlines (but of course!).

My excitement level is flat...

Happy New Year! Looking back and moving forward

Happy New Year!!!!! 2010..…I wonder what lies in store for me???? Too many questionS, I wish I have all the answers.
Oh well….that’s how it’s gonna be. Wait and see…life won’t be much fun if you have all the answers.

To reflect the past year…after 2 years of living on my own and enjoying my immerse freedom of not answering to anybody, I came back to the lively (and chaotic, and sometimes claustrophobic and quite frustrating ) bosoms of my beloved family.

Life has to change its course again and I have to grin and bear it. Though I have to admit that if not for the endless patience and understanding of my close buddies, I would have turn and fled. Thanks for listening to my constant winging and whining, moaning and groaning (not the sexual type mind you!).

Looking back.....

2009 and Friends
Friends came and gone. You don’t realize how dependant you are on that daily chats, phone calls and messages and when the daily contacts ceased…..when it is not there anymore….you have to accept that you are not central in the other person’s life anymore. It is time to learn to let go and move on. In that letting go process, one can’t help but go through that psycho-analyses cycles of what went wrong, how, why? Why? Why????? But enough is enough…. why put yourself through this misery. We can’t control the changes around us just as we can’t control evolution. What we can control though….are our reactions and emotions…(wow! I sound just like one of those motivational speakers, don't I?)

And so…the practical side of Ms Wannabee took over, she cuts her loses and move on. No point to dwell on such things when you don’t have the answers. No one is blameless, we are all selfish in the sense that we want it all to fit every corners in our lives. Unfortunately, we can’t have it all, and we can’t have it the way we want it to be. We may hurt some people in the process but that can’t be help.

Coming back to friendship, as long as you are sincere, I’ll be there as your friend. I’ll try to play that true friend bit…listen, accept, understand and be there when needed. If I can’t accept it, I’ll be there …..that’s the least I can do. As friends, we will be honest and open with each other, even if the truth hurts…don’t punish your friends for being honest and truthful….at least they are not hypocrites. To accept or not…that’s your prerogative but don’t take your friends for granted. They may just decide to move on….without you.

2009 and Career
I’m at a crossroad in my career life. As much as I would like to take control and decide which way to take, it is not my decision…yet. Have to wait for the powers that be to decide…it’s frustrating isn’t it…when you are dependent on other forces to shape your life. Such is the world we live in….. If you don’t want to depend and answer to other people…take the courageous road and be your own boss. Unfortunately, the Ms Wannabee in me does not have such gumption. It is much easier to be employed and let these organizations take care of the paper trails and payroll matters.

Back to that crossroad, I can’t go into details now but wish me luck. If it is indeed meant to be, we will soon know about it. If not….I’m still happy being where I am (ha.ha.ha.)

2009 and Luuvvvvv
????? Bring forward to 2010. Ditto.

2009 and Finance
Just like the stock market…it was down, marginally up and down again. Mostly down for most part of the year due to excessive and lavish personal indulgences that were deemed to be necessary at such times. The rational was that, it was too good a bargain to pass and yes! It was so much so. What a treat and what great bargains they were (dreamy sigh…..).

No long term regret in this matter. Overall speculation, I’m still a liability to my future wealth rather than an asset.

2009 and Fitness
Bootcamp. Yeah…if anything, I would say that this is the the most significant part of my life now. It changed my life forever!

I’m still far from my quest for size 10 bikini but that doesn’t matter. At least I know I’m doing something right with my personal fitness (and health) now. HOO YAH!!!

Best bits of 2009
- This pink viao, of course;
- The beautiful days spent in HK (Mui wo, Discovery Bay, Big Wave Bay, Stanley, Robinson Road)....with much joy and bantering with my close buddies...I LOVEEEEEE YOU GUYS!!!!!!;
- Post-raya trip in Penang with Bard and Karen…the food and the luxuries that came with it and most importantly, the great company!!! ……


Moving forward 2010
Let’s hope this New Year will bring new changes in our lives. Changes can’t be avoided, its how we adapt to it that matters. Be it good or bad, we’ll deal with it. New career….. new house….new car….new friends….. new love?????? Who knows?
We shall wait and will see….

Ms Wannabee wishes everybody a Happy and Successful New Year!!!

PS: Had a wonderful new year in HK although I was still sick and caughing like mad at that time. Also managed to catch up with all the significant people in my life who are in HK (except for Bard) and truly enjoyed the girls' time-out in Stanley on new year day. Thanks for that Karen.

Missed you Bard, Happy Birthday! Hope everything will go well in your life again. Take care....