let's go blogging

You make me smile :)

2012-01-24T17:31:00.001+01:00

You're better than the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your life
Cooler than the flip-side of my pillow (that's right)
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me
Let's me know that it's okay (yea, it's okay)
And the moments when my good times start to fade

[Chorus:]
You make me smile like a sun, Fall outta bed
Sing like a bird, Dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like fool, Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Even when you don't
Somehow you come along just like a flower pokin through the sidewalk crack
And just like that
You steal away the rain
And just like that

[Chorus]

Don't know how I lived without you
'Cuz everytime that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like fool, Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, Buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

[Chorus]

(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh you make me smille
(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh you make me smille

Baby... see you real soon!!!!!!!

I DO...

2012-01-16T13:21:00.001+01:00

It's always been about me myself and I
If all relationships were nothing but a waste of time
I never wanted to be anybody's other half
I was happy to say that our love wouldn't last
That was the only way I knew till I met you

You make we wanna say
I do, I do, I do, do do do do do do doo
Yeah, I do, I do, I do, do do do do do do doo
Cause every time before we spend like
Maybe yes and maybe no
I can live without it, I can let it go
Ooh, I did, I get myself into
You make we wanna say I do, I do, I do, I do, I do, I do,

Tell me is it only me
Do you feel the same?
You know me well enough to know that I'm not playing games
I promise I won't turn around and I won't let you down
You can trust and never feel it now
Baby there's nothing, there's nothing we can't get through

So can we say
I do, I do, I do, do do do do do do doo
Oh baby, I do, I do, I do, do do do do do do doo
Cause every time before we spend like
Maybe yes and maybe no
I won't live without it, I won't let it go
Wooh Can I get myself into
You make we wanna say

Me a family, a house a family
Ooh, can we be a family?
And when I'm old and sit next to you.

And when we remember when we said
I do, I do, I do, do do do do do do doo
Oh baby, I do, I do, I do, do do do do do do doo
Cause every time before we spend like
Maybe yes and maybe no
I won't live without it, I won't let it go
Just look at what we got ourselves into
You make we wanna say I do, I do, I do, I do, I do, I do,
Love you

I EGG U

2012-01-15T03:48:00.001+01:00

Missing baby boo so bad

life...oh life..

2012-01-09T15:59:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I was helping someone to decide whether or not to exchange a Burberry shirt to a smaller size. The price of one shirt is like double the monthly salary of fresh graduate in Indonesia.

Today when I was taking my long hot shower, it actually struck me, "How can a shirt be that expensive? Taking into account the minimum wage in Indonesia, I think most would not be able to afford. Then, how about daily expense..? Can they afford? Don't they have family, kids just like others? How about milk for their babies? Diapers? Do they go out and have fun over the weekends?"

My thoughts didn't go just to anyone, it suddenly went out to the people around me, like...say my (ex) nanny, employees at my dad's office, the driver...those people who used to make my life so comfortable. Do they live their lives comfortably like I do?

If that's the case, I feel so shallow complaining about my life and how hard it can get sometime. Even when 'people' want to cheat on my family, even when they try to take what we are entitled to, what we deserve to get... our lives are still wayyyyy better than average.

Like that... do we still have the right to complain?

Life is unfair though... if we can get a good life, why can't they?

Is God acting like typical Asian parents who always forbid without further explanations?

Is there any reason behind their sufferings?

Wait.. do they suffer at all? Maybe they don't feel lacking, maybe they are happy with their lives.

Life is not unfair, life is full of surprises.

Some of my MOST fave pictures from Turkey

2012-01-06T08:27:00.012+01:00

Best Xmas and New Year Ever

2012-01-06T07:57:00.007+01:00

After a miserable Xmas and New Year in 2010 and 2011; where I had to stay at home and did my report (with no Xmas gifts whatsoever)... This year (read: Xmas 2011 & NY 2012) has been so far the best Xmas ever!

I have been so pampered and grateful for that.

Obviously the new boyfriend was the best gift... :) (not the long distance relationship, though).

And he was so nice (and hopefully will always be...) pampering me with so many xmas presents...(sorry babe, my xmas gift is definitely "out of your league"). He got me a travelling Teddy bear equipped with a tiny suitcase.. we call him Finn.

That mr. Sneaky didn't stop there, he got my a USB stick (he knows I love my job so much that I need another USB stick...). Now that I think about it...maybe this is sarcasm - yes, baby? Is this a way to say, "dont work too hard?"

And..then the last one was the hit.. he got me a cosmetic pouch...*aww you know me so well*

That was a bit overwhelmed..

Career wise, it's been a good year too, the bonus was not too bad and I got early compensation increment this year.. woohoo...let's work towards promotion, now!

That's not it, first day in the office, baby sent a bucket of flowers :) a nice way to start the year...

In the low light, I am now again in a VERY long distance relationship. At least now we both earn decent money and can afford to meet each other at least once every quarter (so freaking sad!).

The bright side is... we will have a holiday once every 4 months...

So exciting, we are planning our next holiday already. Hopefully he also got sent to Indonesia this upcoming month, just before the next holiday.

As a wrap up...here you go, my new year's resolutions (which I always make every year and never revisit);

Losing weight through exercise regularly (at least losing 2 kg).
Eat less, yet at regular pace.
Learn to be patient

Approaching 2012

2011-12-31T22:28:00.002+01:00

It has just turned 11:29PM here in Istanbul when I wrote this.

I just want to remind myself that I have been continuously blessed, though at times I thought that my life was hard.

Looking back, I have done a lot of wonderful things this year, be it working related or personal stuff.

Writing this post in Istanbul was already a blessing, not many had the chance to travel the world.

Having a new relationship just before the end of the year was also one of the amazing stuff that happened to me. I continue to remind myself that life may not alway go according to my plan, but that's life. It is full of surprises. Just enjoy the ride.

So, 2011...thanks so much..you've been great, but 2012 will be greater or larger than life.

Happy New Year!

Note: Baby, I am terribly sorry for being such a pain in the beginning (and now too)...

Sorry for being so clumsy :(

Hello from Turkey

2011-12-28T22:27:00.004+01:00

Yes, I am in Turkey now with the mystery man :)

Now, we are in Cappadocia, a small town in Turkey where you can ride a hot air balloon and sleep in a cave hotel.

So yea.. it's been freezing cold yet lovely couple of days; especially in Cappadocia. It was around -9 degree today....

Anyway...

I will post some pictures once the mystery man has edited the pictures.

See ya back in Singapore!

me to you

2011-12-13T05:00:00.001+01:00

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." — Marilyn Monroe

OST Xmas 2011

2011-12-12T13:43:00.002+01:00

Aye, it's the most beautiful time of the year,
Lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer,
I should be playing in the winter snow,
But Ima be under the mistletoe.

I don't wanna miss out on the holiday,
But I can't stop staring at your face,
I should be playing in the winter snow,
But Ima be under the mistletoe.

With you, shawty with you
With you, shawty with you,
With you, under the mistletoe, yeah.

Everyone's gathering around the fire,
Chestnuts roasting like a hot July,
I should be chillin' with my folks, I know,
But Ima be under the mistletoe.

Word on the streets Santa's coming tonight,
Reindeer flying thru the sky so high,
I should be making a list, I know,
But Ima be under the mistletoe.

With you, shawty with you,
With you, shawty with you,
With you, under the mistletoe,
Yeaaa.

With you, shawty with you,
With you, shawty with you,
With you, under the mistletoe.

Hey love, the Wise Men followed a star,
The way I followed my heart,
And it led me to a miracle.

Aye love, don't you buy me nothing,
'Cause I am feeling one thing,
Your lips on my lips,
That's a Merry Merry Christmas.

It's the most beautiful time of the year,
Lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer,
I should be playing in the winter snow,
But Ima be under the mistletoe.

I don't wanna miss out on the holiday,
But I can't stop staring at your face,
I should be playing in the winter snow,
But Ima be under the mistletoe.

With you, shawty with you,
With you, shawty with you,
With you, under the mistletoe.

With you, shawty with you,
With you, shawty with you,
With you, under the mistletoe, yeah.

Kiss me underneath the mistletoe,
Show me baby that you love me so,
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Kiss me underneath the mistletoe,
Show me baby that you love me so,
i love you shawty

Looking forward to Air Balloon Ride in Exotic Turkey

2011-12-01T13:21:00.006+01:00

I just changed my itinerary - I will be going to Istanbul on 24th Dec! Yes, we're going to spend Xmas in Turkey. How exciting is that?

Because we're going to stay there longer; yes, It is confirmed that we are going to Cappadocia to have the infamous air balloon ride.

So happy :)
I am also looking forward to cruising around Bazaar... maybe I'm going to buy my mum cushion covers. I think she will love it!

By the way, it seems that Xmas is finally here, my office has put up a real Xmas tree... and I always love the smell of it; it's like Xmas back in Europe, except that if you step outside the office; it's freaking hot!

Xmas is indeed the best time of the year.
Unlike last year, I would spend my Xmas this year with someone quite special :)
Yes... I am looking forward to meeting you!

UPDATE: Whoa... apparently, I'm gonna stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia :)

Superb!

Christine Perri - Jar of Heart

2011-11-16T16:39:00.002+01:00

I know I can't take one more step towards you
Cause all that's waiting is regret
And don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore?
You lost the love I loved the most

I learned to live, half-alive
And now you want me one more time

And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are?

I hear you're asking all around
If I am anywhere to be found
I have grown too strong
To ever fall back in your arms

I've learned to live, half-alive
Now you want me one more time

Who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Who do you think you are?

Dear, it took so long
Just to feel alright
Remember how to put back
The light in my eyes

I wish I had missed
The first time that we kissed
'Cause you broke all your promises
And now you're back you don't get to get me back

Who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So don't come back for me
Don't come back at all

And who do you think you are?
Runnin' 'round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of hearts
And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
Don't come back for me
Don't come back at all

Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?
Who do you think you are?

Colbie Caillat Falling For You

2011-11-03T16:21:00.002+01:00

I don’t know but I think I maybe
Fallin’ for you, dropping so quickly
Maybe I should keep this to myself, waiting ’til I know you better
I am trying not to tell you
But I want to I’m scared of what you’ll say So I’m hiding what I’m feeling
But I’m tired of holding this inside my head
I’ve been spending all my time
Just thinking about ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’ve been waiting all my life
And now I found ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’m fallin’ for you
As I’m standing here and you hold my hand, pull me towards you
And we start to dance, all around us
I see nobody
Here in silence
It’s just you and me
I’m trying
Not to tell you

But I want to, I’m scared of what you’ll say
So I’m hiding what I’m feeling
But I’m tired of holding this inside my head
I’ve been spending all my time
Just thinking about ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’ve been waiting all my life
And now I found ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’m fallin’ for you
Oh I just can’t take it, my heart is racing
The emotions keep spinning out
I’ve been spending all my time, just thinking about ya
I don’t know what to do, I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’ve been waiting all my life and now I found ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’m fallin’ for you
I can’t stop thinking about it, I want you all around me
And now I just can’t hide it
I think I’m fallin’ for you

Travelling List

2011-10-23T09:21:00.003+02:00

Hiya...

I just compiled a to-visit list (instead of a to-do list) hahaha..

Basically these are some places that I dream of visiting...

Earlier this year, I have been travelling to quite a number of places; I have been to a lot of places in China including Shang Hai, Beijing, Guillin, Hang Zhou, Su Zhou and Xi An; followed by Hong Kong, and then I was in Bangkok, Thailand; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for a short, sweet business trip. Next month, I will be going again to China for an incentive trip with the whole company to Hainan and I will wrap up this year by going to Istambul, Turkey.

So... for the year 2012... this is my list (A bit too ambitious, but may carry the list forward to the year after... oh yeah!)

Male, Maldives

Kathmandu, Nepal

Raja Ampat, Papua, Indonesia

Santorini, Greece

Dubai, UAE

NYC, US

Even more mixed...

2011-10-12T17:39:00.002+02:00

So this evening, it was just me and her - the junior consultant who's soon leaving.

I confronted her casually, "Why are you leaving us...?"

Then she was like, "I was about to tell you... yea, I am leaving..."

She started to weep and spill out all her problems out of her chest.

My heart broke and I tried my best to comfort her. I felt so pity because she really felt defeated.

After talking to her, I understand that she likes being a consultant..she really like analysis and research design... but it's just too hard for her and she felt that she was such a slow learner and doer.

She was feeling suffocated everyday...

Then I know right there and then, this is not for her.

There is only so much I can do, really. And I have done my best.

I asked her if she wants to do anything else in the company, like doing project management and stuff, but she knows she will not like it either.

I feel so helpless and I just tried to share some of my horror stories in the past - to show that she is not alone. Everybody in the company got through this.

Ah well... the only one who knows whether she can cope with all these or not; whether it's worth it or not... it's her!

So, I leave it up to her and I am just going to be happy with what she decide in the end.

I will still be her friend outside work and I will still be in contact with her after all.

It's not a good bye, it's just... we are not colleagues anymore! We are friends! Yiayy...

Mixed Feelings

2011-10-11T16:08:00.003+02:00

Who said working in market research is easy? Well, it ain't easy, babe!

Just yesterday, I got informed that one of the junior consultants has resigned...I am not so surprise as she has broken down and cried over work a couple of times, but I guess I was all along pretending that she is okay and she is going to get over the hard times and be a good consultant in the end. I have so much faith in her.

Besides, outside work she is a friend of mine.

I went out with her a couple of times and she is a good person, very fun to be with.

Though she might be immature, nothing is wrong about it...she just turned 23 years old, like a couple weeks ago.

So, her leaving definitely gives me a mixed feeling.

As her colleague, I did have complain about her work before and I honestly feel that retaining her will not do both sides any good. She will still be depressed and I guess it will be unfair for the rest of the consultants.

That said, I will be the first one to die when she left the company, because I have two major projects with her... losing a junior consultant will mean that I have to do all the ground work myself!!

As a friend, I am sad that she is gonna leave; it means that I will not see her as often anymore.

And I am concerned with her condition, she can be unstable at times and she always sighs at work - which is no good, right? She never talk and she is very quiet, while she actually is not.

I feel like she is losing herself, swamped and drowned in piles of work...

I guess it really is not a good sign.

Well... I guess, there is a difference between capability, stability and maturity.

And in a stressful working environment like market research - if you don't have all those three; you just cannot last.

Holiday plan 2011-2012

2011-10-10T15:46:00.000+02:00

Turkey?

Europe?

MUST SAVEEEEEEE

Happy Saturday

2011-10-01T07:49:00.002+02:00

OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND LET THE SUNSHINE IN

Hello from Bangkok

2011-09-22T08:07:00.006+02:00

UPDATED: PICTURES TAKEN BY ME - BANGKOK BUSINESS/LEISURE TRIP

No pictures from Saigon - as it was purely business...

So I have left Saigon..now I am in Bangkok until Sunday.

My Indo trip got cancelled though... it's okay, it means I have more time to rest now :)

See ya!

My parents' wedding

2011-09-15T16:04:00.003+02:00

Yes, my parents are "getting married" again... as in, they are going to renew their wedding vows in church and I am not going :(

How sad...I didn't plan on coming home, until this evening on my way back home from office; I thought that I should witness their vows and go back. I will have 2 focus groups this upcoming Saturday and the wedding is on Sunday. I tried to find a flight back on Saturday night and then come back to Singapore Sunday evening or early Monday morning, but there is no flight with that schedule..even to the closest city to my hometown...

So when my dad pinged me on BB, he was like,"You will not come home from my wedding? My daughter will not come?"

I said,"No, I am sorry Pop but I really cannot make it. I have 2 groups on Saturday and then I will have to travel like mad on the week after that...Plus, how come you got married twice already; while I haven't even gotten once chance at all..."

He was like,"Don't you worry, your time will come...God's time. The problem is, you never really ask God for the right one to come, don't you?"

"Yea... ok. I pray hard tonight, ok? But you have to pray for me too...I think I am alone, not enough, huh? Hahaha..."

He replied, "Of course I will pray for the best for my beloved daughter..."

Seriously, I melted. As soon as I heard him saying that, I know that everything is going to be just fine.

In real life, my dad has never been the romantic type. Well, he will say things jokingly and he is awkward with the whole lovey dovey thing.... but with the power of Blackberry messenger, I think he's working on it.

I am really really happy and proud that both of my parents agreed to renew their married vow in church. I just feel that this could possibly be having a good impact in their married life onwards.

Well... I wish them luck and lots of love...hopefully both live happily ever after.

My (hair) "Evolution"

2011-09-14T16:13:00.011+02:00

Circa 2006 - Lafayette, Paris; sporting my brown, mahogany coloured hair

2007 - Bachelor graduation, Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam; back to black!

2008 - Summer Dinner in Den Haag...getting fringe!

2009 - Cinema Cafe, Rotterdam; still sporting some fringe

(early) 2010 - Lunch in Rotterdam; boyish hair cut...the shortest I have ever been!

Still...early 2010 - Summer Dinner in Rotterdam

March 2010 - Delifrance Blaak, Rotterdam...just before moving to Singapore; getting some highlight

Around July 2010 - Getting my hair extension v.1 ! Posing in Clarke Quay, Singapore

Sept 2010 - Chopping off and putting more layers in the hair extension

December 2010 - Post hair extension

July 2011 - Eating Nasi lemak with cousin in law - sporting new hair from HK

September 2011 - living in Singapore for 1.5 years already... :) sporting messy hair!

We're going to Hainan!!!

2011-08-25T16:24:00.005+02:00

Yes..you may have heard of Hainan chicken rice, right?

In November, our company is going there!

Yes, after Johor Bahru, Malaysia (went there by bus) and the infamous Bintan Island (went there by ferry and it is considered famous by Singaporeans only - tee hee!!); we finally go somewhere far that we need to go on a plane (though we are going budget this time! We're flying Tiger Airways - boo!!).

Well, at least we got 2 or 3 days off and all expenses (excluding the shopping expenditure of course!) are paid by the company!! woohooo...!!!

Quite exciting right? I can't imagine how empty the office will be without the perm staff.

I think the temp staff will not have much things to do anyway...

Na ja...for now, let's focus on business travel first! I am going to Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok and Jakarta next month...

Hopefully I have enough time for sightseeing!

Yiayy

Disappointed

2011-08-14T17:50:00.005+02:00

I have been thinking long and deep about what I want to achieve in the near future...

Today I went out with my colleague who's also a best friend to me...

We both are wondering about how our life will be in a few years if we still work in the same company; we are thinking that maybe start thinking seriously about having a business on our own...

It's not an easy decision to make, especially for a serious stuff like doing something related to market research...well again, I have so many ideas of being an entrepreneur; so many industries I want to be in... none of them are realised up to now... and I am so disappointed with myself...

Well...I have to admit that I am a person who easily to get bored; I don't always follow through on all things that I initially thought I would... easy example, photography, ukulele...

All just went out of the window so easily...

I am really disappointed with myself, I feel like I could have done so much better that I am now... If I spare time to just do once a week photography practice; I am sure I would have been done some good stuff.

Anyway, I am going to start following through things that I have started;

I should really do some photography with a camera I bought for almost 2K.
I should really start taking ukulele lesson.
Then, I should really consider taking some certified baking lessons; for the sake of continuing my parent's business (I can't denny, I think I will have to be back to my home country whether I like it or not...)

Btw, this is a song that I used to hate it when I first listened... but I have to admit, it's kinda catchy that it grew into me..

Again, it's from Joseph Vincent - he is very talented and such a 'lekker ding' hoor!

I told my bestie,"Physically, he is my ideal type!"

Tapi kata my bestie, "semampleng banget deh Dit.." (semampleng = minta di kampleng..)

Then another bestie said, "if you ever date a guy with a look like this... I hope you dont bring him around me.."

hahaha...sorry, I cannot help it, he is good!

How to love - Lil Wayne

2011-08-14T17:47:00.001+02:00

Happy Birthday, Singapore! (A follow up)

2011-08-09T17:39:00.002+02:00

I actually got quite annoyed about this...

Given where I live now (25th floor facing the beautiful downtown scenery); I have the privilege to see the firework from my bedroom window; but seriously do you have to rehearse like multiple times (like more than once) just to ensure the firework is spectacular enough...

The citizens probably don't mind, as today is their country birthday; but isn't it wiser to spend the money somewhere else, like to those needy people...

I don't usually care of others, but this time...I somehow got so annoyed.

I am superficial but I know the limit.

Happy Birthday, Singapore!

2011-08-09T07:54:00.005+02:00

Yeap..today is Singapore's national day.. this is the second time, I celebrate Singapore's birthday with work! Hahaha... yes, the work has been mounting again lately; it's not surprising, we are reaching the end of the year (damn fast, huh?) and in the research world the end of the year tends to be the busiest period.

So here I am giving my blog a random update about my life recently!

Talking about update, my sprained ankle is still not fully recovered so I am being refrained from wearing high heels.

To please myself I was doing a little window shopping online and searching for pretty flats and flip-flops!

I also cannot go to the gym...so I'd better watch my diet.

I should probably swim more often (yes, I did go swimming twice!)

Another thing.... oh..go back to work; I am gonna travel a lot after the Ied holiday; I am going to Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand for groups. Ah well.. as usual, I am sure it will be tiring.

Never mind... I haven't been to the last two countries, hopefully I can sneak out and do some walk around the city.

OK.. I am gonna go now, oh yea.. now so many familiar faces from NL moved to Singapore! I am so happy, we (my friends and I) are so going to arrange pot luck for ex NL residents who now live in SG!

So.. ciaooo

Singlish 101 - part 1

2011-07-26T14:35:00.005+02:00

English: "You can't just do whatever..."

Singlish: "You cannot anyhow do one.."

English: "...oh ic..."

Singlish: "..orh.."

English: "...whatever it is, we must finish this by today"

Singlish: "..die die must finish by today lor..."

English conversation:

A: "What if we can't finish by today?"

B: "No choice, we have to!"

Singlish conversation:

A: "What if we can't finish by today?"

B: "no choice la, must can!"

English: "Oh my Gosh..."

Singlish: "...walau..." (more for negative connotation)

English: "Can I not do the report?"

Singlish: "Can I don't do the report?"

English: "I am sure he will get lost!"

Singlish: "...confirmed, he will get lost!"

English: "I cannot stand it anymore..."

Snglish: "...cannot tahan already..."

English: "When are you going to Bali?"

Singlish: "When are you going Bali?"

English: "I told you already, didn't I?"

Singlish: "I told you already, what?!"

....to be continued!

The Van Jets - Teevee

2011-07-21T14:04:00.000+02:00

Forever I recall the moment
The phone rang in anger, oh no
You went away for a weekend trip
Never came back home again
I'm so afraid
Look what you've done
Wanna kiss you in the rain
Stuck in a sleep
Without a dream
Wanna kiss you in the rain
Drop an eye on the nurses
They brush your teeth in the middle of the night
You're the boney king now
Locked up in your paradise
I'm so afraid
Look what you've done
Wanna kiss you in the rain
Stuck in a sleep
Without a dream
Wanna kiss you in the rain
Forever I recall the moment
White sheets, there was nothing left to say
Black suits, but you're on a ship
A passenger on the river Styx
Don't be afraid
Of things to come
Wanna kiss you in the rain
Don't be afraid
Of things to come
Wanna kiss you in the rain
Gone is your mind
Left us behind
Gonna kiss you in the rain
Out on a trip
On the river Styx
Gonna kiss you in the rain
La la la la la la

Neck Pain and Sprained Ankle Week

2011-07-21T07:23:00.002+02:00

How lucky I am... I got sprained ankle and chronic neck pain, all at the same time, same week!

I got no idea why I got the neck pain, but it's been there but never really get to the point where I couldn't sleep or irritated...

So I went to see a doc today, and he said I may need to do a test to see the root of my neck pain problem, it could be the bone, the muscle or the nerves...

Anyway, I am hoping it's nothing serious.

But yea..I am waiting for August to come to see a specialist.

Hopefully things go smoothly!

Take care!

Attached Man Strikes Back...

2011-07-12T17:37:00.004+02:00

I still don't understand why males, particularly those who are attached, are still trying to approach single girls...

And I don't understand the answer, "kinda..." for the question, "Are you attached?".

Isn't it supposed to be a yes or no kind of answer?

I am a firm believer of what you reap is what you sow...

So yes, one step at a time, boy!

And please note, even by the time you are single, what you did in the past has told a lot about you. It is not applicable for everyone, but as a risk-averse; I "kinda" believe, "Once a cheater, always (read: can potentially be) a cheater.

You all may disagree with me...

Outfit of That Day

2011-07-12T17:31:00.003+02:00

Something I was wearing for my Saturday lunch at the Dempsey Hill...

Almost all from the Spanish brand, Stradivarius, except my black sling bag is from Mango and the tank top is from Bershka...

Loving my yellow toe nails!

Post-trippin' - China and HK

2011-07-04T08:50:00.002+02:00

Yes, I just came back from my holiday to China and Hongkong...I was there for almost a half month.

I visited Beijing, Shanghai, Hang Zhuo, Su Zhuo, Gui Lin, Yang Shuo and of course Hong Kong.

Hong Kong was the highlight of my just passed holiday, though I love Hang Zhuo and Shang Hai too... but I will definitely come back to HK.

I made new friends, I had my hair cut in HK, did a lot of shopping there... besides, night life was so much fun too...

highly recommended.

I am so tired that I slept at 10:00 PM and only woke up at 11:00 AM the next day... gee..

Anyway..still very lazy to transfer all the photos.

Tomorrow I'll start working again...

Ciao!

Slowly shape my life and try to be back on track

2011-06-19T07:40:00.003+02:00

Work has been pretty crazy but now that I got the hang of it... I am ready to be back on track...

some goals I have before the end of this year:

Be on my ideal weight again and have my body toned - yes I signed up for a year gym membership. In fact, I am going zumba later this afternoon.
I am going to subscribe for a ukulele lesson after my little break to China. Yes, I can do this!
Pretty vain, but my stressful working life has contributed to "pimple-y" face and clogged pores... so yes, I am going facial once a month.

..and some things need to be done after the holiday:

Get a DBS saving account - someone needs to start saving!
Apply for SG credit card... - someone also needs to have an access for online shopping xD

...

2011-06-15T17:31:00.002+02:00

I have 101 slides to be presented tomorrow... and I havent even touched it yet... oh gosh...

I'd better keep my mouth shut!

2011-06-07T18:40:00.002+02:00

Sometimes I can't take it and just want to blurt it out that...

"Hey, it's all lies...don't be ridiculous! Nothing is free in this world..."

Early Bday Lunch

2011-06-02T18:41:00.002+02:00

I am so touched today, my colleagues asked me if it was okay to celebrate my birthday early, since my birthday is going to be on Sunday...so they asked me what I wanted to eat and I chose to eat Thai food in Shaw building.

So I was surprised that quite a lot of my colleagues, I think almost all joined the birthday lunch...

Next to the Thai restaurant, there is a very famous home made ice cream called the Tom's palette with very funny ice cream flavours like crackling candy, salty new york cheese cake, egg yolk, green apple, etc... so the end of the lunch, they all came to my table (because my lunch ended up with 20 people, we had to get three separate tables...and brought me a cup of coffee and crackling candy ice cream and candle... they sang happy birthday to me...and yes, I am so touched...

After that we all got separated..some got back to the office, some bought coffee in Starbucks, some got coffee in another coffee place (we have the privilege to have long lunch break.. we decide ourselves!)...I was about to get coffee, but since I was very full I didn't buy anything in the end...

When I got back at the office, a colleague came up to me and gave me a grande latte from Starbucks...I am so so touched again, I didn't even ask her to buy for me, I think she knows I only drink latte, without sugar and must be the hot one! So I thank everyone for treating me yummy Thai food, ice cream and latte...

I am truly blessed to have such a good working environment, good colleagues (yes...no office politics...AT ALL!)...

On Sunday, I will be having dinner with my close friends...

On a separate note, my bestie in NL during uni days moved to Shang Hai to work.. oh Gosh, so happy for him..now come to think of it, if I knew he will be in China, I would probably have chose the multi entry, one year visa!

Na ja... though turning 26 may not always feel pleasant; I thank God for what I have been receiving in my life thus far...

I have great family, who always..always support me in everything I do...

As far as I can remember, my life has been always good...I can have whatever I want, I even can live in a city where I always wished to live in...

I have a great job, a good pay, great colleagues, caring friends...

what else can I ask?

Hmm...a nespresso pixie will be a good addition in my life!

Crazy about the Office

2011-05-28T18:52:00.002+02:00

Yes... now I am crazy about the Office, an American TV series that have been going on for a while...I know I am totally late on jumping the bandwagon but after the first season, I just went all mad about it... I am totally unstoppable.

Not only it has a lot of what I'd like to call "dry jokes", it also has a very interesting way of capturing the scene, like the talking head interview...how the actors talk to the camera or give "that" look to the camera every now and then...

The series obviously received a lot of awards and... I am honestly quite amazed with how much people rated the series as excellent in IMDB. It got 9.2 out of 10...

Ah well..maybe I am just a bit too late on this, hence the over excitement.

OK..back to watch :D

working update

2011-05-25T17:58:00.003+02:00

work has been getting busier again.. it's always like this, especially if I am about to take days off, somehow..

This Friday, I will have to be a facilitator for a workshop; then early June I will have to travel to Jakarta and Surabaya for two projects...

One about IT stuff, I may need to do ethnography in depth interview and another one will be moderating discussions about cheese...

well.. the last one can be exciting.. well, the first one can also be exciting! I never do home visit interview in indo... I wonder how the houses of averaged Indonesian consumers would look like..

Anyway.. I hope I won't get sick..June is gonna be a busy month! I think I may not be in Singapore or I think I will only be in Singapore for about a week..coz right after all the projects in Indo, I am off to China till July....

Ciao!

Every girl's dream can be a nightmare...

2011-05-25T15:48:00.004+02:00

I just got some news from back home, my cousin who used to live with me, who is younger than me, whom I always consider as my own younger sister... IS GETTING MARRIED NEXT YEAR!

Wow... she is getting married..I still can't believe it.

I am so happy and so proud of her... finally she makes it!

And a few weeks before this good news, I heard bad news about a friend who is filing her divorce. In this one year alone, I witnessed 2 friends getting their divorce processed.

It got me thinking... most women (or men too?) plan for the wedding, but not the marriage.

When I attend a wedding party, the first thing that used to come to my mind was like..."Oh, if I get married, I think I will not choose that flowers for my wedding...or I will use that colour, that dress, etc." I got so excited just by having thoughts of it...

But, not a single thing about what will come after the party is over pops up. Well, maybe it does... like thinking of getting kids, getting pregnant for 9 months, raising kids, sharing wardrobe with a husband, getting mortgage, budgetting...Oh man... those things are horrifying.

Then I start to think about how girls have been blafed all along, in fact since we were kids, by all those stupid Disney movies, Korean dramas, etc. where the princess will live happily ever after...

Are you sure they live happily ever after??? Is there any continuation on what happens after the marriage? Such as...whether Snow White can still hang out with those 7 dwarfs? Regardless whether they are freaking midgets or not..they are still guys right? Or whether Cinderella can get more pairs of expensive high heels...?

Anyway, I am sure (not really actually), my cousin and her fiancee have thought of all of the above mentioned details in advance...

If not, then hopefully nothing is on the way so they can live happily ever after. My prayer goes to you...

My ten cents...

2011-05-20T17:50:00.002+02:00

While the rest are excited about Pirate of Caribbean... or Harry Potter...

Pirate of Caribbean has been so overrated and Keira is no longer there.. so yea...
HarPot is never my cup of tea... I think it's for the kids (please refer to the title if you disagree!)

I am more excited about X-Men First Class...

So, please Marvell, don't disappoint me!

Minor surgery

2011-05-17T17:32:00.001+02:00

Yesterday I went through a minor surgical procedure...

nothing major really... just want to document it here... anyway, I'll tell about it when it is all good.

Best scene of Blue Valentine - Letting it Go

2011-05-17T16:58:00.006+02:00

I think I am being a total emo... but this movie is really good..

A good friend of mine is currently in a process of getting divorce and for once, I am so happy being single and not married.

Regardless how much I miss being "us" or being with you...

Regardless how painful it is when I go through stuff...

I need to learn to let it go...

Life is fluid, life is chasing what you are dreaming of...

2011-05-13T18:52:00.004+02:00

With the power of social media, I got to know that my ex colleague in Holland, who is Japanese by decent, finally decided to move back to Japan, to her home town and chased her dream - opening up a healthy catering using organic raw ingredients like vegetables and such...

Another ex colleague has moved on to another chapter ...being a very proud mother of a two years old baby boy...

Another one is currently living his dream by working in NYC...

And still have another one... who's currently back to school to pursue her dream to become a psychologist..

It got me thinking... yes, life is so fluid, nothing is certain except one thing and one thing only and change that is!

Living in a Fast Pace Country

2011-05-10T13:17:00.002+02:00

... somehow, I have successfully adapted myself with the surroundings...

I am so happy for what I have achieved and where I am now :)

Today our company did a seminar... met a lot of people and I saw a promising future ahead of me.

The day after tomorrow, I have a presentation coming up and guess what... I have another job interview...

Oh Gosh..I love my "dynamic" life :D

Wish me luck!

High Fidelity

2011-05-09T16:05:00.001+02:00

Yea...I think all boys should watch this movie... if you're a man and you act like a boy... this movie is for you, particularly!

strange

2011-05-08T08:46:00.002+02:00

Is it even possible to think of someone whom you just met for like 20 minutes with only 5 minute length of conversation every single day?

You don't even know the person...

You can't barely recall the face inch by inch...

How impressive can that person be?

2011-05-08T08:41:00.000+02:00

— Marilyn Monroe

....bored

2011-05-03T13:30:00.003+02:00

Seriously..I am almost losing my patience...

Move your ass and be a man!

Life without limits - if you can't get miracles, become one

2011-05-01T18:01:00.005+02:00

I have heard about this guy a while back, I watched his video and how he has been spreading the words of God and his life that is truly inspiring...but I bumped into his book two days ago, when I was browsing around book stores next to the National Library.

I normally don't read a biography like this, but somehow I wanted to and I felt the urge to buy his book...I was really curious to know how this guy who has no limbs can survive and be happy in life.

I read through the first chapter and I was all teary already. His life is uneasy, at least compared to mine, mine is way easier.

There is a few passages that struck me the most that I feel the need to share with you all who read this.

"For the longest time, I thought that if my body were more 'normal' my life would be a breeze. What I didn't realise was that I didn't have to be normal, I just had to be me, my Father's child, carrying out God's plan. At first, I was not willing to confront that what was really wrong with me wasn't my body, it was the limits I put on myself and my limited vision of the possibilities for my life.

If you aren't where you want to be or you haven't achieved all you hope to achieve, the reason most likely resides not around you, but within you. Take responsibilities and then take action. First though, you must believe in yourself and your value. You can't wait for others to discover your hiding place. You can't wait for that miracles or 'just the right opportunity'. You should consider yourself the stick and the world your pot of stew. Stir it up!

...

The fact is that as mere mortals, you and I have limited vision. We can't possible see what lies ahead. That's both the bad news and good news. My encouragement to you is that what lies ahead may be far better than anything you ever thought possible. But it's up to you to get over it, get up and show up!

Whether your life is good and you want to make it better, or whether it's so bad you just want to stay in bed, the fact is that what happens from this very moment is up to you and your Maker. True, you can't control everything. Too often, bad stuff happens to people no matter how good they are. It may not be fair that you weren't born into a life of ease, but if that is your reality, you have to work with it.

...

If you are still searching the path in life, know that it's okay to feel a little frustration. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Your yearning for more meaning is a sign that you are growing, moving beyond limitations and developing your talents..."

Thank you, Nick. You are truly inspiring.

Wherever you are, though you have no arms to hug me, you have no hands to pat my back...you successfully speak to my heart, possibly to millions hearts...

Often, we look down to ourselves, we think that we have no hopes and we are trapped in a bad situation... it is us who makes it that way...

I will try to wake up every morning, thank God for what he has given me, thank for the blessings I receive every single day and share them with others as I go.

...

2011-04-29T19:09:00.002+02:00

I have been thinking for quite sometime recently, but still... I couldn't find the answer within me...

Honestly, I am afraid to say no, coz I am scared that I might have let go of you but I am afraid to say yes, because I am not sure about what I feel and about how all these are going to work out...

I still have no reasons to say yes...

but I also have no reasons to say no...

so what do you want me to do?

:S

2011-04-25T13:40:00.001+02:00

To be or not to be...

The Tourist

2011-04-24T15:53:00.001+02:00

Oh my Gosh...

who said that The Tourist is a bad movie..? Even more stupid is that I believed it in the first place and I almost refused to watch...

Gee... actually it was really good!

Well done, Mr. Depp.... your acting as a moron from the States did work!

It is a really good movie...!

Script Fever

2011-04-23T17:35:00.005+02:00

Other fave songs from the Script... the more I listen, the more I like these guys...

If you ever come back.

Breakeven

If you see Kay

Lame joke

2011-04-22T15:03:00.003+02:00

This week, the whole company had to go through a fire hazard prevention training, basically every two years the company conducted this training for all employees.

The trainer asked around, "Which one is more dangerous... fire or smoke?"

A colleague answered, "...smoke..!"

The trainer replied,"Correct! Do you know why? You Sir?" while he pointed his hand to another colleague, my neighbour...

My colleague answered,"Because...smoking kills"

......

2011-04-17T17:56:00.003+02:00

Dear God,

I may not be the most diligent follower of yours...

I may not always bend my knees and pray...

but tonight,

I pray for my dearest best friend and her family for the love of God that You have taken back her dad to come and sit by Your side in heaven...

Give her and her family the so much needed strength and courage...

Bless them, all the family members..

Dian, I pray for you and tonight I shed my tears for you...

Be strong, I know you can!

I am sure, you have made your dad proud.

He is now a truly happy man.

nobody's perfect

2011-04-17T03:38:00.002+02:00

Scenario 1:

good looking
stubborn
doesn't have the same mission, vision and belief
unstable/ immature but older
Quite reliable

Scenario 2:

NOT good looking
kind hearted
doesn't have the same belief, same mission and vision though
stable and reliable
very mature and older

Scenario 3:

good looking
not coming from the same level of education
younger
stable
unknown family background

Scenario 4:

OK looking
younger but mature
have same belief - unknown mission and vision
stable and i think quite reliable
good family background

Scenario 4:

OK looking
immature
doesnt have the same mission, vision and belief
I think quite reliable
unknown family background

sighh...

relationship pattern

2011-04-13T15:51:00.002+02:00

stranger meeting stranger

you become my life

you become stranger again...

so true right..

BLUE VALENTINE

2011-04-09T13:06:00.003+02:00

It's been so long since I watched a real good drama movie...

Ryan Gosling is always the one who moved my heart the most... no, I am not talking about how handsome he is..but he is a real good actor and I could totally feel Dean..

This movie is for those who claim that there is 'forever love' out there...

Well, I don't believe there is one... there is only a commitment, you can't always 'fall' in love.. that's why it's called 'fall' because once you fell, you would always go back up... so it's not gonna be over a long period ..there is no such a thing called forever love...

if you are a couple who think there is...that you have been in a long term relationship and you are still pretty much in love with each other...well, of course I am so happy for you! Good for you!

But seriously... I believe in hard work and commitment more than anything else...

I am not gonna lie, once I fell for another person, while I was still in a relationship...

I was about to leave the relationship and pursue another journey with another person..till I thought about it thoroughly and I told myself, another occurrence of me falling for another person or him falling to another girl might happen again in the future... even if I leave my boyfriend then... it does not mean that I would be forever in love with the guy I should not have falled in love with...

I know the right thing to do, once I tied myself in a relationship, I would try to make it work (well..both parties should make it work)...I would be committed to it and do my best to stay in a relationship...

Well..back to the movie...what I am trying to say is that... this movie is just a simple movie that tells us all what really happens in real life...

It's like a wake up call for us all, that love is not just a feeling...it is a hard work...

THE SCRIPT - THE MAN WHO CANT BE MOVED

2011-04-03T17:41:00.001+02:00

Going Back to the corner where I first saw you
Gonna camp in my sleeping bag I'm not gonna move
Got some words on cardboard, got your picture in my hand
Saying, "If you see this girl can you tell her where I am?"

Some try to hand me money, they don't understand
I'm not broke I'm just a broken hearted man
I know it makes no sense but what else can I do
How can I move on when I'm still in love with you

'cause if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be
Thinkin maybe you'll come back here to the place that we'd meet
And you'll see me waiting for you on the corner of the street
So I'm not moving, I'm not moving

Policeman says, "Son you can't stay here"
I said, "There's someone I'm waiting for if it's a day, a month, a year"
Gotta stand my ground even if it rains or snows
If she changes her mind this is the first place she will go

[Chorus:]
'cause If one day you wake up and find that you're missing me
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be
Thinking maybe you'll come back here to the place that we'd meet
And you'll see me waiting for you on our corner of the street
So I'm not moving, I'm not moving,
I'm not moving, I'm not moving

People talk about the guy that's waiting on a girl
There are no holes in his shoes but a big hole in his world

Maybe I'll get famous as the man who can't be moved
Maybe you wont mean to but you'll see me on the news
And you'll come running to the corner
'cause you'll know it's just for you
I'm the man who can't be moved

[Chorus 2x]

Going back to the corner where I first saw you
Gonna camp in my sleeping bag, I'm not gonna move

Finding a soulmate is...

2011-04-03T17:13:00.005+02:00

...finding someone that doesn't need to ask for anything, but you are willing to give everything..

"Carilah orang yang ngga perlu meminta apa-apa, tapi kamu mau memberikan segala-galanya..."

-- Perahu Kertas, Dee

outfit of the day

2011-04-01T16:00:00.006+02:00

White top - H&M, Belt - Mango, Necklace - Six, Pants - Mango, Bag - LV, Shoes I wore that day are from Every Little Things She Needs

Make up: Face: Mac mineralised skin finish, Mac Stereo Rose MSF, Lipstick: Revlon Coral

Black top - Uniqlo, Harem pants - Warehouse, Shoes - Pretty Fit, Vest - H&M,Bag - LV

Make up: Face - Mac Minersalized Skin Finish, Benefit Coralista, Lipstick: Sephora red lipstick

2011-04-01T15:55:00.002+02:00

I AM 50 KILOS.....

*ALAMAAAKKKK....

I need to eat more fruits and veggies...

drink more water...

and stop snacking...

29.03.11

2011-03-29T18:39:00.003+02:00

I got promoted...!!!

As per 29 March 2011, I am a senior research consultant; after a year and a week working in Singapore.. I am proud of myself.

The good part is that I got a salary increment of 40%

Thank God. It is not me alone, definitely...

feeling-less

2011-03-27T17:51:00.002+02:00

I watched this movie just now and surprisingly, shockingly...I broke into tears...

I just felt that, in a relationship...regardless how much you love each other, there will always be obstacles and temptations.

In the end, it will go down to how much you both are committed and willing to work it out.

I honestly... am damn scared to start a relationship...the last one has been very traumatic and I guess has some similarities with the movie...

A marriage of 3 years can possible be ruined with just one night. How scary can that be?

How feeling is the most fragile and stable thing that human has...

Anyway... I dont want to get super low and talk about rubbish... I lately have been super focused with work..

Finally.. I am getting salary increment, which I have been waiting for! I think I deserve it...

Jazz Rap

2011-03-19T17:57:00.002+01:00

OMG... for the first time in my life in Singapore, I finally watched a concert and I danced!!!

You have to understand how passive Singaporean audience is... it is like they will get fined if they dance... (Singapore is a city of 'fine').

Anyhoo..... I am so in love with this new music genre called Jazz rap (well, at least it's new to me).

Today I went to Mosaic Music Festival and I am totally in love with this Aussie band called True Live from Melbourne. So, if you live in Melbourne, try to catch their live show!!!!!!! They are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

The keyboardist and the vocalist are my fave!! They are the best... well, but the drummer and the double bass player and violinist are also awesome... okay I can't make up my mind... They are truly talented and just love music so much, you can feel the passion if you watch them live.

Na ja...

There you go...my fave song from them.

TV - True Live

Something to Be - True Live

Random update

2011-03-18T17:46:00.003+01:00

Two of my colleagues are planning to leave the companies. Both are very close to me. I wonder maybe it's time for me to move too? Well, I still have to send my CV to my client. I have to do that this weekend!

I am scared if we, my close colleagues and I, can never be as close as we are now, if all of us do not work for the same company anymore...But life goes on, doesn't it?

It is scary how life can be, in just one snap everything changes so quick.

So... seize the day!

Meanwhile... anyone has any tips on how to lose a guy in no time? hahaha... I have this annoying friend/ client who messages me all the time... I am really fed up.

Untitled - Part 1

2011-03-10T17:02:00.000+01:00

Intro
I just took a glance outside and saw the bulbs attached in the ferris wheel across the road just changed colour. The movement is slow that I always think the ferris wheel is just static. It is dark outside and I am all by myself in my room. I have been so stressed out and feeling so miserable that sometimes I feel like smoking. Why smoking? Because that is what people do when they say they are depressed, isn’t it?
I asked myself to stop thinking of him and move on; rationally that is what I have been trying but I just cannot lie to myself that the feeling is just there. Yes, I know… I have been telling myself that if a guy doesn’t choose you, he is just not the one… or whatever other wise statements I read everyday to remind myself how stupid I am for not moving forward.
I don’t remember that having a broken heart is taking such a long time to recover. I thought it was quite fast when I was way younger.

My Life…Now.
I say to everyone who is left in the office, ‘I want to leave…I think I am leaving now…” Mandy is like, ‘Go away…’ Somehow, I actually don’t feel like leaving. Somehow I know that even when I am home, I will not have many things to do to kill my time anyway, so I might as well stay in the office and finish up my work. Like work can ever be finished.
Then on, I know something is wrong with me. I am not naturally workaholic and I know myself too well that I would rather go hanging out with friends and socializing. I love my job but to certain extent. I suddenly remember a conversation I had back then with my friend Bob. I was saying to him that I was not looking for a relationship at the moment and his comment was, ‘You…career woman, get a life…’ I was thinking to myself, ‘No, I wasn’t’.
Scared, I quickly packed my bag and left the office. It is showering outside but I don’t care too much. I open my red cheap umbrella from the local convenient store and start walking back home. I just walk and walk and do not think too much.

Then…
‘Okay, I am meeting you in the city center. Where do you want to eat? Okay…okay…call me when you are there, I am on my way. My bus is here…’ I hang up the phone and get on the bus. I am meeting my friend, June. Her work place is closer to the city centrum while mine takes quite sometime. Not too long but it is further. After about three stops I get off the bus and run towards the train station. I am hoping my train is either coming soon or is not yet leaving. Oh yes… it’s here, damn I have to run faster.
Yes! I am in. Another three stops and I will be in the city. I look the person next to me listening to music from his grey iPod and I suddenly remember that I can sort of waste my travelling time listening to my iPod too. So I take my iPod out of my purse and in a few second I am indulged by my current favourite song called Love You More.

...to be continued

Home...

2011-03-10T16:00:00.003+01:00

So yea, yesterday I went to see Mr Buble in Singapore indoor stadium... the concert was pretty disappointed..no no..his voice is amazing and he was very engaging and sweet, but the concert was just not giving me a spectacular feeling... I guess the very passive Singapore audience did part take in my judgment.

Anyway...I am going home this saturday, as I have groups in Indonesia...

Well I am so happy because I am going to see my friends back home and also my parents.

I need a break from my job..

The ever talented "lekker ding" Joseph Vincent

2011-03-10T15:53:00.002+01:00

some photography thingie...

2011-03-05T15:21:00.007+01:00

Action Photography (Frozen Movement) - East Coast Park (non edited)

Action Photography (Frozen Movement) - East Coast Park

Action Photography, Panning - East Coast Park (non edited)

Action Photography, (Some more) Panning - East Coast Park, Singapore (non edited)

Portray Photography - My friend (non edited)

Stil Image - Shoes (edited)

Joseph Vincent - If You Stay

2011-03-05T15:06:00.003+01:00

Norak banget ngga sih...

when I first watched this video... I told myself, this guy is so hot!! hahaha

photo hunting

2011-03-04T16:01:00.004+01:00

I feel like I am about to repeat the same mistake again...

An (ex) client asked me out for photo hunting...

alamakkk

and I said okay..since I have been postponing again and again until I am standing in the corner and got nowhere to go...

so I said yes.

The IP monster presentation is done well!

2011-03-03T11:33:00.002+01:00

OK..note to myself....

Actually doing a presentation is kinda fun, if you are well-prepared..

after being done with the first slide, actually I kind of enjoy talking...

I guess I just love talking in general... hahahaha...

I guess actually market research is sort of the perfect job for me.. but I need to be on top of every project, and be very good and careful with project management as I am handling more than 1 project..in fact I am having 9!!!!

Well, four done... five more to go! :)

Next week, I am flying to Indo again for another three groups all by myself...

I am going back home as well! Yeaaaaaa!!

My mommy is so funny...

2011-03-02T15:27:00.002+01:00

Nampaknya si mami uda bingung kenapa anaknya yang satu ini belon dapet pacar juga...

Kemaren abis ditawarin kerja ama si client, aku curhat ama nyokap.

Aku:"Mum, aku ditawarin kerja ama clientku...dia kayanya suka ama aku jadi terus ditawarin kerjaan ini..." (Suka disini maksudku suka ama hasil kerjaku...bukan suka ama aku personally)

Mami:"Oh... orang mana? Umur berapa? Ada fotonya ngga?"

Aku: -___-"

Sebelon ini dia pernah bilang gini...

Mami: "Kamu makanya ga usa kerja macem-macem...yang penting cari yang jam kerjanya ga sampe malem-malem; biar ada waktu bersosialisasi... kalau kamu terlalu tinggi karir nya nanti ga dapet-dapet pacar loh..."

Me: -___-"

Jadi mikir-mikir kalo mau pulang...

nanti dijodohin kaya kapan hariiiiiiiiiii.....

Damn you IP Monster

2011-03-02T15:13:00.004+01:00

I hateeeeeeeeeeeeee doing telco projects..and tomorrow I have a presentation about it...Gee, somehow I couldn't even talk right about this freaking telco service! I have to memorise every single line...

And what amazed me is that I could talk like non stop about make up and other superficial stuff...

No wonder my client was damn impressed... I was talking non stop, leading three discussions back to back about make up, from 11 AM till 10:00 PM... And still felt happy; while the client was almost collapsed already... hahaha... :P

Amazing!

So..my advise, find things that you love doing and the day will pass before you even know it.

Another thing that I love and I just realised it...I love talking to elderly.

Recently, I have this project about elderly and their medical treatment and condition.

Yesterday, I went to this lady's house to interview her...she was so nice and she even asked me to stay back for dinner... I was so touched...I truly enjoyed the interview. I feel like they need someone to talk to, someone that appreciates them regardless of their age and their weak physical condition.

Back then, I ever had a dream of setting up a nursing home for the elderly with all the facilities like hair salon, studio for them to do some exercise, etc.... I feel like I should try to realise that in the future...

Anyway... back to the IP monster now..... this project is really a torture.. it was started Dec 22, 2010 and until now it's still on going... blehhhhhh...

Do we really need TV? I don't watch TV anymore, you know...

2011-03-01T14:55:00.002+01:00

My client, the one who's working in the cosmetics industry, the one whose project I was handling the last time, was really impressed with me I would say.

Today, in the meeting, he asked me if I am interested in working for them...

I was trying to be as composed as possible...hahaha deep down, I was like..yeahhh!!

I want..I want...I want...

Well, I keep my fingers crossed, because I am not sure how this is going to work out.

But I am impressed how God works out His plan. I did not get shortlisted for another job and I got another offer. Hopefully this one works out fine. If not, again... I am still happy, it means He has another bigger plan for me.

All the hard work paid off!

Wake up call from the up above

2011-02-28T11:06:00.003+01:00

Today, I feel like I got a wake-up call from the boss above, I got my back pain worse, I literally had a headache and these past few weeks, I had to take panadol to reduce the headache.

I know I got the headache due to the back pain, and I know I always have the back pain when I am too stressed and too tensed.

I love my job but actually I know that this is not what I want for the rest of my life and I sort of have the obligation to go back and take over my dad's business which got ignored because nobody has the time to actually take care of it.

I wasted my time and energy to work for others... for what? Only to feed my ego and prove to myself that I can actually be independent. What do I get? back pain, unhappy life, loneliness.

Is this really what I want? No.

So I am thinking of tender my job and take a few months off for photography lesson, baking lesson and setting up my own business in addition to my dad's one.

Eventually, I prefer to go back and be with my loved ones.

It does not matter where you stay, it does not matter who you are; as long as you are with your loved ones, your life is thousands times better.

Trust me. I learnt everything the hard way.

sigh..

2011-02-26T16:43:00.001+01:00

Even after almost 8 months, actually I can't lie that I still have the burden in my shoulder...

Random update

2011-02-21T15:47:00.003+01:00

Hi all,

unfortunately I did not get shortlisted for the job opportunity that I applied the other day.

Sad? Kind of, but not really because I am too busy to think about it. Tomorrow morning at 7:40 AM, I will be flying to Indo on my own for another business trip.

I am very excited, because finally for the first time, I will be conducting group discussions on my own... three groups on my own...it's a big responsibility for sure, but I am very happy and I really hope everything goes smoothly according to plans.

The topic? Makeup and skin care!!!!!!! How excited is that?

Okay, I am too happy now... because I get to try all the products and the client asked me if I want to keep some of the products myself... hahaha.... :D

Anyway... I will come back on Friday and possibly go to Indo again for another three groups in Jogja in early March. I am planning to go home for a weekend by then.

So... yeah I am super excited and yet...nervous at the same time.

Wish me luck!

The Sweetest Thing

2011-02-11T12:38:00.002+01:00

The sweetest thing I got for this year's valentine's day was actually coming from someone unexpected.

I just realised that I often take all my beloved friends from granted. I had been blinded with all other stuff, but today, this evening, my best friend told me this and I am so touched.

D,

I just read your post about Valentine's, very well-written. I wish you were here. On the Valentine's day itself, I am taking leave and April is going to come and we will bake kaastengels and cook ox-tail soup (I just bought a pressure cooker from Germany), and we will eat a lot!

How I wish you were here. It must be fun, we will talk, chit-chat, cook, bake...MISS YOUUUUU!!

I don't imagine...all things that were used to be common for us, not has become a luxury.

And there you go... I feel like I want to break into tears...

I am so happy that my bestie, even though we are miles apart, still remember about me, still miss me very much.

From there I realised... besides family, best friends are the ones who stand behind your back, no matter how you are doing, what you are feeling.

Sometimes, we think that boyfriends are the ones...but I guess I was wrong.

So... do celebrate the day of love with you friends too... they should not be taken for granted!

Tata, I miss you too. So much.

Happy Valentine's dear!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-09T13:54:00.003+01:00

Well, the song from Plain White T's is my life sound-track for this year's Valentine's day, which I didn't realise until a colleague of mine said to another one, "Why did you schedule a focus group discussion on Valentine's day?"

I was saying to myself,"What? Valentine's? What date is it today...."

Apparently, even though I have deadlines on Monday, 14 Feb...it didn't get me to even think of it.

Ah boy... it's just commercialised crap, even when I had a boyfriend, I don't think we celebrate it. Well, maybe the first year...couldn't even remember...

Come to think of it, it's almost a year that I am single! Yiayy for that... hahaha....

Well, I have no excuse for still being single...but but but... You, single ladies... you can choose to be miserable and keep thinking why and why we are still single...or you can note what Oprah told us, "The smarter girls are, the more difficult it is for them to find boyfriends..."

Anyway, just bear in mind, when you still can't accept yourself being single, when you still feel the bitterness in your heart, when you still keep questioning why your ex broke up with you....it means that you are still not ready to have a relationship.

Because at that stage, unconsciously, you do not love yourself, you feel you are rejected and you sort of deny that. If you do not love yourself, how can others love you then?

I mean... I do not mean to preach, but my experience speaks for itself...

I was quite miserable and I was full of anger both to myself and to my ex... but now I gladly declare that I passed that stage.

I am genuinely happy for what I am now, regardless my current status.

I am also truly happy for him for having a new relationship and moving on.

Again...come to think of it, if I didn't bravely break up with him, I wouldn't be in where I am standing now.

And girls... there is always a reason why someone does not make it to our future.. so don't push it, the more you push it, the more you actually push a better one away from you...

Anyway... Happy valentine's day, if you celebrate it.

xxx

Rhythm of Love - Plain White T's

2011-02-09T13:50:00.001+01:00

My head is stuck in the clouds
She begs me to come down
Says "Boy quit foolin' around"
I told her "I love the view from up here

The warm sun and wind in my ear
We'll watch the world from above
As it turns to the rhythm of love"
We may only have tonight
But till the morning sun you're mine all mine
Play the Music low and sway to the rhythm of love

My heart beats like a drum
A guitar string to the strum
A beautiful song to be sung
She's got blue eyes deep like the sea
That roll back when she's laughing at me

She rises up like the tide
The moment her lips meet mine
We may only have tonight
But till the morning sun you're mine all mine
Play the Music low and sway to the rhythm of love

When the moon is low
We can dance in slow motion
And all your tears will subside
All your tears will dry
And long after I've gone
You'll still be humming along
And I will keep you in my mind
The way you make love so fine
We may only have tonight
But till the morning sun you're mine all mine
Play the music low and sway to the rhythm of love

Small World

2011-02-09T13:10:00.002+01:00

It's really funny and scary at the same time when I received a text message from my client, who works for a giant Dutch corporation two evenings ago,

"Hey, I met your friend, X, and surprisingly another lady who overheard our conversation asked me,"is the girl you were talking about Dxxx Sxxx (which is my full-name)?' It seems that I met your whole entire class here..."

My client was having an annual meeting in Spain and that's why it was scary, because he didn't even go to the Netherlands and still managed to meet my friends... and not just one, but two!

He texted me again,

"The world is not small, but it seems that yours is everywhere I go...I am gonna ask your friends how you are at school..."

I am like..what??? That was the scary part. He came to my little world in the form of a client, then he met my friends in Spain and what will happen later?

The funny thing was...he texted me again,

"Your lady friend asked me whether you worked in Google, she was pretty certain..."

I am like... what???!

Well, I indeed attended for Google's presentation back in school, but that was it... well, dont know where she got the idea of me working for Google...

But I must say, pretty good personal branding....

I dont understand guys...

2011-02-04T17:20:00.004+01:00

I just had this conversation with my bestie about her friend whose boyfriend asked for a break-up, after ten freaking years of a relationship...

For what reasons?

What else? Of course, another girl, who's hotter (and sluttier...).

Well, the other girl is literally sluttier, as she used to be a mistress of some Datuk or what...

From there, I asked my friend... how is it even possible?

The girl, aka my bestie's friend, is probably not as pretty as the 'mistress' but she is above average looking and career-wise, she is way ahead as compared to the mistress.

FYI, all of them are working in an advertising industry. The used-to-be couple are art directors.

While, the mistress, however, is only a brain-less account executive...

At this point, I told my bestie that I really dont understand guys...

Literally this guy that we were talking about was dumping a mature woman with a good career..they even have bought a house together and everything...then he dumped her for a girl, who's obviously materialistic....(otherwise she won't be a mistress in the first place, no? or am I judging her now?)

Anyway... whether she is materialistic or not, dating another girl's boyfriend or any guys who are attached is just wrong! It actually shows how insecure she is...

And the guy is even more stupid for having 'persuaded' by her... -__-"

And according to my bestie, after a while the guy realised his mistake and asked the ex girlfriend to get back together... *Duhhh...*

Bottom line, I dont understand guys... can they be a tad bit more mature than us, for once?

Another Window Opportunity

2011-01-30T09:14:00.002+01:00

I feel very blessed, truly...

An HR manager from a MNC emailed me asking whether I am interested in applying for a position there, with the salary, doubled from what I currently earn...more days off, more benefits...

I am really tempting...

Not that I hate my current job, but if I can move to a better environment, more international exposure, more money... who doesn't want?

So, I am applying for the position.
Crossing my fingers..hopefully it will go well.

Even if it's not, I am still happy because I still have my current job.

Meaning that God wants me to stay and continue what I am doing now.

Hi there.. :D

2011-01-15T04:03:00.003+01:00

Hi..so today my dad is coming and he is kind enough to treat me a new macbook pro :D

I am so darn happy, after blowing almost 2K for a frigging camera... I am so signing myself up for a photography lesson..

Since I have a camera, actually I am thinking of starting "outfit of the day"...yes yes, it's actually cam-whoring, and all bloggers do that... but well...

By the way, girls.. if you HAVE to choose...

which one do you choose:

a good looking guy, not so smart, (maybe) career-less, less supportive towards you
a non-good looking guy, smart, amazing career, knows you very well

hahaha..dont you feel that the world is so unfair..well, or maybe it is quite fair..

...

2011-01-08T15:53:00.002+01:00

RT - for a guy....

"If a girl is stupid enough to love you after you broke her heart, I guarantee you, she is the one..."

for the girl...

"He is not the one... look he broke you heart!"

today is the day..

2011-01-08T15:39:00.003+01:00

so today I bought myself a canon EOS 550D kit with a lens 18-55 mm...

2011 is just a few hours away...

2010-12-31T15:11:00.002+01:00

Have no time to create different posts for different list, so I will combine my wish list and my new year's resolution...

Do some sports...
Take a photography lesson
Start my own business
Drink more water
Move on to a new relationship :)
Start socialising more
Work more effectively
Shop responsibly
Going to church regularly
Texting my mum more

What's yours?

Happy new year from Singapore... :D

First Bonus...

2010-12-19T12:41:00.005+01:00

My first bonus will most likely go to either one of the following...

The end is near...

2010-12-18T16:36:00.003+01:00

Time flies... so fast! *in every post, I think I started with this sentence*

But seriously, it's almost the end of the year and it really seemed to me that 2010 was just started.

I still remember so vividly, I was in Berlin last year around this time and my best friend, Jo and her cousin was coming for a visit.

It was a cold and snowy winter, just like what I heard it is this year.

This year.. I am in a hot, tropical country celebrating Christmas with a bunch of reports.

Looking back, it really got me thinking, that my previous relationship was indeed too childish.

It really just comprised of baby talks, more baby talks and more baby talks... maybe he realised it earlier than I do, but we don't really talk about things, because things we like are different... he is definitely not into business, city life, ambitions...He is more into social, engineering stuff, documentary....our worlds are differed by a lot.

I mean..it's not like I am gonna find someone similar to me, after this... but none of us was willing to make a compromise or at least pay attentions to each other's interest.

Anyway, I guess that was the biggest lesson I learnt this year. Just a few days ago, I talked to my friend that I didn't feel like I achieved something this year... I guess, again, I was wrong. I have achieved quite some...

I learnt how to love in a more mature way...even though I had to learn this the hard way, I think I am grateful for this...

I learnt how to heal myself from a heartbroken... for all the ladies in the world, heartbroken is really not a big deal, in three-month time you will look back and regret why you had to cry...

I learnt to not grab other's possession... I dated a guy who's attached... he sort of checked all things in my check list, undeniably, I almost fell for him...until now, when I think about it, I felt that it's so unfair for me... he liked me (or he was pushing his luck??) and I think I quite liked him as well, but how can't we be together? Well... he is attached! There is always a reason why a person can't make it to our future, right? He is not the right guy!

I learnt to step out of my comfort zone... Holland is my second home, until now, it's still hard for me to accept that I don't live there anymore...

Even harder when I realised that there are a few people who might potentially have a chance to make my life brighter... hahaha...

I learnt to start everything from zero... work in Singapore is hectic and the stake is high...

I am not 100% enjoying it, as I hate working in the weekend, but this shall pass and surely do me good in the long term (I am not planning to work like a dog for the rest of my life, okay...)

Yes.. I am truly happy now....

Regardless how miserable my life seems sometimes, I am still very thankful...

My ego does the talking not me

2010-11-28T16:02:00.003+01:00

I think my ego is talking at the moment...so pardon me

I feel slightly defeated by the fact that the you-know-who has started a new page, while I haven't....

I mean, I certainly have no intention to make a come back or whatsoever,

Again..I just feel defeated and slightly betrayed...

If I may say, "The car driver has changed the tire when it's still in a good condition (plus, it's not even winter season yet...) without warning..."

I just knew that from the bits and pieces I sort of came across lately. But it's okay, what goes around comes around, aight?

Anyway, I am really tired of working over time...working during weekend doesnt seem work as effective as before... my head is just full of craps...

Need some refreshment, I am serious!

random rambling on friday night

2010-11-26T17:06:00.005+01:00

this time, I seriously want to open my own business.... I just found someone whom I can partner with and I am so happy thinking how I can realise my (other) dreams..

I think I have too many dreams....

But I won't talk much about it, until I finally can make it happen :D

Anyway... since I have too many dreams...this afternoon, I managed to browse around for a job in the client side... so I browse around the web of Dutch giant electronic company and I actually found an appropriate job vacancy for me in Amsterdam... *sigh*

I don't know if I should give it a try, sometimes I do think of going back to Europe..just to prove to myself that I could actually get back and live there if I want to...

And note...not because of anybody! Even though that will be a plus point :P

At this point, being a very realistic person that I am... (and I think he is as well), we don't see how this relationship between us can improve to another level... He won't move to Singapore, he has 3 jobs... I won't move to the Netherlands either, unless I have a real good job offer....

I am quite sick of skype dating and a long distance relationship, which never seem working out for me...

He is not the easiest person to talk to, he is very quiet, very feeling-less; even though can be sweet (it's not that sweet either, it's more because he never seem to be a sweet person, so when he is sweet, I am pleasantly surprise already)

Hmm..so actually I am not so sure whether I am verliefd or not... coz I think I know both of us have the same feelings... unsure about the whole thing and how this thing will work out, it's actually even worst than my previous relationship..this doesnt seem to have a solution at all, unless I am the one who moves there, which I definitely can't decide..how can I decide?!?! I don't even have a solid foundation with him...

So, I'll just do whatever I can do best at this point..

it's really frustrating, our chats are just around

"Hi.."

"I am gonna sleep..."

"Good night.."

The next morning...

"Good morning..."

"Morning...you don't sleep?"

"Going to..."

"OK, I am taking a shower.."

Almost everyday it's just like that... I dont know till when I can keep this thing up.

Fiuhhh

2010-11-19T07:27:00.001+01:00

I think "ik ben verliefd.."

*blushed*

Update on my life

2010-11-17T13:58:00.003+01:00

Life at work has been SUPERRR hectic... I don't know if I can stand this, but this will pass for sure and when this has passed I am sure I will look back and think to myself, "How I could even do that in the first place..."

Last week, I was moderating two groups for the first time. I was still doing it with my director, but at least I didn't co-moderate anymore. I could do it and it was quite fun. Actually, I guess it depends pretty much on the topic of discussion as well. It was for a cooking appliance and you know I love cooking.... :D

Another thing...weird things keep happening in my life, somehow... maybe what someone has said it's true "weird things attract each other..." Maybe I am weird, hence attract another weird creature/ occurance...

Happening again...

2010-11-10T18:20:00.003+01:00

I cant believe that this is happening again for the third time!!!

Half of My Heart - John Mayer

2010-11-06T01:29:00.002+01:00

I was born in the arms of imaginary friends
Free to roam, made a home out of everywhere I've been
Then you come crashing in, like the realest thing
Trying my best to understand all that your love can bring

Oh half of my heart's got a grip on the situation
Half of my heart takes time
Half of my heart's got a right mind to tell you
That I can't keep loving you
Oh, with half of my heart

I was made to believe i'd never love somebody else
I made a plan, stay the man who can only love himself
Lonely was the song I sang, 'til the day you came
Showing me a better way and all that my love can bring

Oh half of my heart's got a grip on the situation
Half of my heart takes time
Half of my heart's got a right mind to tell you
That I can't keep loving you
Oh, with half of my heart
With half of my heart

Your faith is strong
But I can only fall short for so long
Time will hold, later on
You will hate that I never gave more to you than half of my heart
But I can't stop loving you
But I can't stop loving you
But I can't stop loving you with half of my...

Half of my heart
Half of my heart

Half of my heart's got a real good imagination
Half of my heart's got you
Half of my heart's got a right mind to tell you
That half of my heart won't do

Half of my heart is a shotgun wedding to a bride with a paper ring
And half of my heart is the part of a man who's never really loved anything

Half of my heart
Half of my heart
Half of my heart
Half of my heart
Half of my heart
Half of my heart

I have a date... skype date.. sigh

2010-11-06T01:23:00.002+01:00

S: "I need to sleep soon, tomorrow I have a date with this beautiful girl.."

M: "Who?"

S: "This Asian girl..."

M: "Ow..."

S: "You? Don't you have a date?"

M: "Yes, I have a date with a report and two proposals..."

S: "Just that?"

M: "I think so.."

S: "Sigh..."

M: "He?"

S: "We have a date tomorrow...Nerdo!"

M: "Asian girl is me?"

D: "Duh..."

Sometimes I really don't understand this guy.. Ain't I supposed to be the one who's complex?

Taking a leap of faith is the 'IT' phrase recently

2010-11-05T13:34:00.005+01:00

Since the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" has been shown in the cinema, I have been coming across all articles about how people now in a sudden decided to leave their jobs, their lives behind and go somewhere far with the mission to find the meaning of life... to discover themselves...

First I thought it was a sign for me that maybe I should also take a leap of faith, but then I asked my best friend whether that's really a sign for me or that's just a trend.
Well, just for a sanity check. Indeed, it is a trend.

But looking back, I did take a leap of faith by moving here. I left my life behind in the Netherlands to 'pursue' my dream, I put my long-term relationship in a risk (at least that was what I thought, regardless what really happened). So here I am, I should be enjoying my life, I should keep my faith and stay positive.

Many people don't get the chance to get what they want...I did get what I want, but there is a trade off in anything. Maybe losing someone I used to love is one of them.

Today, I took my time doing grocery and I decided to buy a cup of Ben and Jerry, just because I remember back in the days, we used to love going out at 10pm in the cold Berlin weather, just to buy a pint of Ben and Jerry.

Well, the memories will probably never completely fade, even though the heart is slowly healed. I just feel that I have been so unlucky in love...

The guy I had been with for the longest relationship I have ever been sort of dumped me for the undefined reasons and now is dating 19 yo girl...

Recently the guy I thought will have a potential is telling me that he is actually attached *ouch*

And another guy is miles away and totally cold as ice...

Haha... never been so open before, but I guess that's the truth. Quite interesting life I have...

And I am so grateful for that, because otherwise I would always be the naive girl, who thinks that life will always have a happy ending.

no interesting update

2010-11-04T15:41:00.002+01:00

Work has been crazy... really hectic and even long weekend couldn't cut it... :(

I have two proposals, two discussion guides and two reports due on Monday...

and plus other tasks, whose deadlines are unknown but still need to be done!

Meanwhile, still waiting so patiently for packages from friends in the Netherlands... feels like Father Christmas is coming to Singapore sooner...haha.. Thanks for sending me things, I will be surprise you guys back :D Just wait and see!