Special Reserve

So we'll be at Seminyak come August..

2010-04-20T10:26:00.000+08:00

We finally decided on a villa to spend our days in Bali.. Villa D'Suite on Seminyak, Oberoi.

This is what it says on the villa's website:

www.villa-d-suite.com

Standing on a 700 sqm of land area, Villa D Suite comes with 3 air-conditioned bedrooms each with en suite private bathroom, air-conditioned living and dining room, open living room, fully equipped kitchen, large swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, garden, one car parking lot, and 4 house staff.

This villa’s design accomplished in capturing what “Bali Modern” is all about: contemporary design, minimalism, space, and attention to detail. With its urban location on an almost beach front location, it is ideally situated for holiday makers who want to enjoy the best of what the Oberoi area has to offer.

Designed by Australian designer Dean Kempnich, villa d’suite truly refines the word “Bali Modern”. Unmistakable Balinese rooflines mix with modern yet pleasing painting color schemes, combining lush tropical garden surrounding the villa, this is a holiday accommodation like no other.

Centrally located on the hippest area of Bali – Oberoi, this villa sits right next to the famed Oberoi hotel and Kudeta, one of the best culinary establishments to be found anywhere on the island. Other famed restaurants and eateries such as the restaurant at the legian, Toscana, Rumors, Mykonos, hu’u, and La Luciola, are all conveniently located within walking distances. Literally steps away from the golden beaches of Petitinget, the location is the next best thing to staying in a beachfront property.

Upon stepping into this brand new villa, the immediate feeling is one of youthful energy and luxurious comfort. The villa’s designer touches are instantly evident from the very first sight; color combination of the walls and well placed, carefully selected art objects: modern painting and turn of the century Bali photographs on the walls, and primitive wood/stone carvings that sits on polished wood pedestals. Combined with refined designer furniture, and views of tropical greenery all around, the villa permeates the new beat of Bali.

The modern touch continues into the garden and pool area, merging the inside of the house with the outside surroundings. Locally available volcanic stones called “Batu Candi” are used extensively through out the outdoor areas, a perfect example of how the use of natural materials can be adapted into a tropical contemporary design.

The lush tropical garden design takes on an almost geomantic approach, which compliments the contemporary design of the interior. Belonging mostly to the palm and heliconia species, the plants used through out the garden truly reflected the feeling of tropical living. Two “Batu Candi” sundecks rest at either side of the natural stone pool, one exposed to the sunlight, which is perfect for sunbathing, while the other placed under three mature trees, perfectly suited for lying under the shade for some long neglected siestas.

Roofed in traditional Balinese tile roof, this one-storied villa is comprised of three bedrooms; two on either side of the semi-open living area flanked by a 2- tiered pond, and another to the one side of the air-conditioned living room. All three bedrooms have it’s own ensuite bathrooms and all equipped with 33-channeled cable TV.

The living areas of the villa are the best combination of both worlds: indoors and outdoors. The indoor living room is fully air-conditioned and houses the sofa area with audio-visual systems housed in cabinets. Entertainment facilities consist of a cable television, DVD player, and stereo system – also supplied are a selection of DVDs, books and board games. To the other end of this area sits a long, highly polished teak table that enables 8 to sit and dine comfortably. Behind the dinning table is the pantry with mini-bar, refrigerator, and sink.

All around are ceiling to floor windows, which opens up to the semi-out door living area, effectively combines the two into one large living space. Here one finds a six-person round glass top table with comfortable rattan woven dinning chair. To the other side, a 2 piece matching rattan woven sofas is placed. With ceiling fans servicing both areas, this is a perfect place to spend a balmy Balinese afternoon, while listening to the flowing sounds of water coming from the circulating 2-tiered pond and the Jacuzzi further out.

All floors are made of white Terrazzo tiles divided by glass, which again shows the resourcefulness of the designer when it comes to the combination of materials used. The polished Terrazzos continue into the 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, where the feeling of tropical contemporary designs persevered, complete with a split-unit air conditioner, wooden built-in closets, a personal safety box and large windows and doors opening onto the garden or pool. All bedrooms feature ensuite bathrooms, which has separate shower and tub areas, and also uses Terrazzo through out the floor, tub and washbasin. All bedrooms are equipped with a cable television, making a lazy morning even harder to get up to.

This villa’s design accomplished in capturing what “Bali Modern” is all about: contemporary design, minimalism, space, and attention to detail. With its urban location on an almost beach front location, it is ideally situated for holiday makers who want to enjoy the best of what the Oberoi area has to offer.

Nyepi Day 16 March 2010

2010-03-10T12:05:00.000+08:00

If you're a traveler who chooses to visit a place or city by selecting festive dates for cultural experience, Bali has the most unique new year's celebration called Nyepi. It is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that falls on Bali's Lunar New Year. This year it is observed from 6 a.m. Tuesday 16 March 2010, continuing until 6 a.m. Wednesday 17 March 2010. During this time all public facilities outside the hotel will be closed. It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. Be your own judge to select this time of the year to visit Bali or not.

Westerners open the New Year in revelry, however, in contrast, the Balinese open their New Year in silence. This is called Nyepi Day, the Balinese day of Silence, which falls on the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox, and opens a new year of the Saka Hindu era which began in 78 A.D.

Nyepi is a day to make and keep the balance of nature. It is based on the story of when King Kaniska I of India was chosen in 78 A.D. The King was famous for his wisdom and tolerance for the Hinduism and Buddhism societies. In that age, Aji Saka did Dharma Yatra (the missionary tour to promote and spread Hinduism) to Indonesia and introduce the Saka year.

Nyepi (from the word Sepi = silence) is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low) no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali's usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.

Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Tourists are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside the hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets or to go on tours, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth. On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together.

Many starred Bali hotels are said to have offered special Nyepi attractions, where they hope to be able to escort guests around the streets in vehicles, to take in the "atmosphere" of Nyepi.
A government spokesman, Nyoman Puasa Aryana, however says hotels have no dispensations, that only ambulances and fire engines may be allowed to operate on the day. Hotel owners should learn from past mistakes:

"A few years ago a tourist vehicle got attacked by a mob during Nyepi."

Bali Tourism Board head, Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya, said any hotels that encouraged their guests to drive around town were insulting the holiness of the day and the people who observe it.
DOs:
Visitors are advised to stay inside hotels or accommodation compound for the duration of Nyepi Day as these are the only facilities available to any traveler on that day. Visitors are required to minimise noise levels throughout the day.

Visitors will only be allowed to buy foods inside the places they are putting up at.

To keep yourselves occupied, it is recommended that visitors prepare their own entertainment such as books, iPods, portable DVDs and snacks ahead of Nyepi Day.

DON'Ts:
No traveling outside hotel
No noise

Special conditions:
Exceptions are granted only for emergency trips to the hospital.

Wishing you all a very Happy Nyepi Day!

The Quest for Villas

2010-02-12T12:40:00.005+08:00

I'm virtually scouting for villas to accommodate a party of 6 in and around Bali, Indonesia. We'll be there in August so pray no natural and human inflicted disasters will occur pre, during and post to the absolutely beautiful and enchanting island of Bali. The trip is in August but I've already started searching for villas with the best value for money more than a year ago.

There are 8 villas featured on allbalivillas.com at various locations around Bali.

Recommended Bali Villas

The Ulin Villas
Complex of Villas - Seminyak - Price: From US$200
Perfectly situated in the heart of Bali’s ultra stylish Seminyak, The Ulin Villas and Spa is within walking distance to an array of restaurants, nightlife venues and trendy boutiques. The Property is mere minutes from the white sand beaches for which the island of Bali is famed.

Paya-Paya Villa
Individual Villa Compound - Petitenget - Price: From US$200
Created to accommodate up to six adult guests, Paya-Paya Villa is an exotic haven of infinite comfort that does not compromise personal space or privacy. Alternatively, it is the perfect base for a family with teenage children seeking to explore the island of Bali at a relaxed pace.

The Ahimsa Beach
Villas within walking distance to the Beach - Jimbaran - Price: From US$300
The Ahimsa Group redefines luxury accommodation by providing discerning guests with the ultimate boutique villa experience. Contemporary design and traditional Asian architecture coupled with impeccable five star service ensures your stay will be an unforgettable one.

Featured Bali Villas

Villa Sankara
Canggu, Beachfront Villas, From US$1000
Villa Sankara is an exclusive beachfront villa situated on the picturesque Berawa Beach in Canggu well known by the surfers. Within 35 minutes from the Airport, 20 minutes from Nirwana Golf course and only 15 minutes from Seminyak area, the best of Bali is offered just close by.

The Kunja
Seminyak, Complex of Villas, From US$300
The Kunja is a boutique hotel offering 18 fully serviced private villas conveniently located in Petitenget Seminyak. Idyllically located on the outskirts of Bali’s trendy Seminyak area, only minutes away from one of the island’s most famous stretch of golden-sand beaches.

Four @ Drupadi
Seminyak, Complex of Villas, From US$300
A property that celebrates the spirit of tropical living, Four @ Drupadi showcases four unique design concepts enveloped within a secluded compound complete with a private pool. Each villa takes on the theme from a different region around the world that is recognised for its strength, character and cultural identity.

Villa Gajah Putih
Canggu, Beachfront Villas, From US$1000
Villa Gajah Putih is located in Canggu, just a twenty-minute drive from the greater Kuta/Seminyak area where the prime dining, shopping, and nightlife in Bali are located. Because of its slightly out of town setting, it has the double attraction of being relatively close to everything one might need.

Villa Mako
Canggu, Individual Villa Compound, From US$400
Villa Mako is a peaceful 3-bedroom retreat, complete with swimming pool, located in a quiet traditional village above a small river valley. The single-storey villa is neo-colonial in style, similar to the Dutch guesthouses of the Javanese and Malay hill stations, characterised by louvre shutters, old teak doors.

They also hv all villas by location:

Canggu Bali Villas (40)

Jimbaran Bali Villas (9)

Kuta Bali Villas (2)

Nusa Dua Bali Villas (6)

Oberoi Area Bali Villas (18)

Petitenget Bali Villas (15)

Saba Bai Bali Villas (7)

Sanur Bali Villas (6)

Seminyak Bali Villas (23)

Tanah Lot Bali Villas (8)

Ubud Bali Villas (12)

Uluwatu Bali Villas (14)

Umalas Bali Villas (8)

This site also lists villas by settings. My favourites are:

Ricefield View Villas; and

Villas within walking distance to the Beach

As you can see, the choices are unlimited! I would definitely appreciate personal recommendations and favourites to good spots to opt for and those to avoid to narrow down our search.

A friend who's an experienced tour guide with Sedunia Travels recommended that we rent a van with a local driver to save cost on moving about the island since we're planning to move around and spend 1 night at each spot.

Sexy Korean Teacher

2010-02-11T15:38:00.000+08:00

"Inspired" by a conversation we had in her car when coming back from lunch today, a colleague shared this link with me..

Youtube Makeup Tutorial: Seductive Vampire

2010-02-11T11:55:00.001+08:00

This tutorial will show you how to look like a haunting vampire. Inspired by Anne Rice's beautiful vampires. They're evocative, bewitching, desirable and haunting. Read Interview With The Vampire..I love Vampires. From anime like Vampire Hunter D, Blood: The Last Vampire and the games Castlevania Symphony of the Nights.

This is her channel on Youtube

Foller.me know more about your twitter followers

2010-02-11T11:39:00.000+08:00

Twitter is huge and everyday it’s becoming more popular in the crowd. Everyday from a geek to a carpenter uses twitter in many different ways to enhance knowledge, relationship and reaching a mass audience which eventually brings passive business. Today I am introducing another twitter tool called Foller.me. Foller.me is a creative and research initiative by one of my great twitter contact @kovshenin. Today is the live date of this product. So lets take a look at his startup.

Click here to read the full article..

Wish you were here..

2010-02-10T11:04:00.003+08:00

... from Helsinki, Finland. Dated 2nd Feb, the postcard really took its time to arrive. Nevertheless! I love postcards! Thanks, Mike! See you soon, indeed.

Addressed to the 2 Olivia's at Integricity, Mike wrote this postcard in the air on an internal flight.Can't wait to hear stories from afar..

Web Wednesday 2010

2010-02-08T10:07:00.001+08:00

I missed this month's digital networking night called Web Wednesday hosted by Malaysian Digital Association to tend to personal matters. To know more about the event or the organising committee, a Google search might be able to provide you with enough info. Or maybe not.

Anyways, thus far the previous gatherings didn't increase my knowledge of the web industry nor did it provide me with any insight of how to change local client mentality over the cost of maintaining an online presence. Most big brands out there just leave the dirty work to media agencies to segregate and rid them of their budgets for the year so that every one looks like they are doing their jobs.

But that would be digressing from the matter at hand.

So, some friends were tagged in a photo album on Facebook during the event and I browsed the photos. Not only did the organising committee bribed attendees with free beer and even dinner, they had a mascot of some sort of weird/freak attraction you would normally pay a circus to go see. I couldn't believe my eyes when almost every other picture captured this person with its head full of short strands dyed in a cheap light red hue. It started to look like some kind of badly planned branding stunt, associating the Night with this persona. It was appalling to say the least. I do plan to attend a Web Wed Night some time soon but if it is going to turn into some kind of feature freak show then I would have to maybe start my own networking night else where.

Now, I could post up a photo to show you how the "freak mascot" looks but I have myself to debate with over if it would be right to expose the freak's identity even though she was a cold hearted bitch to me when in the last SMCKL (social media club kl) all I said to her was "Wow, high security. Isn't it quite a hassle for you?", only to get a hard stare and some stiff words forced out of her thin lips. Bet her fist was mighty clenched too. Anyways, indirectly I made her fetch me a mug of water when my peers asked if there was any water served. She rolled her eyes and went to get 2 mugs for the 5 thirsty people. Total number of attendees that night was 15, give or take. Might be a long time until the next one.

Long story short, she's one mean bitch and a big time shoe polisher.

I didn't know..

2010-02-03T09:10:00.001+08:00

Due to a certain request, this blog post has been edited to omit its original content.
It was a short entry of my own conclusion of my boyfriend when an issue at hand wasn't clarified when I brought it up in search of certainty. All I got was a short and curt answer without much else. There was even a photo of that person in his phone camera album after he went out with her on a one on one outing which some would call a date. So wouldn't that just spark something off? So now in exchange of editing or deleting the post, I was given 3 points as the only explanation of the relationship of my boyfriend and that person.

Oh well, back to the drawing board for me.

45 Brilliant Examples of Photo Manipulation Art

2010-01-29T17:31:00.001+08:00

The Zebrafrog from oilcorner.deviantart.com

And 44 more at Noupe.com

Isn't these so nice..?

2010-01-29T16:48:00.001+08:00

Ice Snail from the 2008 World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks Alaska found on simonsonjh's photostream on Flick

A compilation of various works here 40 Insane Ice Sculptures

Simply amazing!

Another new joint on Changkat BB

2010-01-29T14:44:00.011+08:00

Pretty cool design this landing page, click on it to view the website to get the full texture effect.

ickle and Lardee's latest adventure..

2010-01-29T12:32:00.002+08:00

Awesome handwork and well taken pics. More castles in the skies stories at My Milk Toof

What's the buzz all about over some kinda pad??!

2010-01-29T11:05:00.002+08:00

The office was buzzing with jokes of the latest tech buzz, something called the iPad. Not really bothered with hyped up products (until I find them useful at some later time) I didn't get involved in the conversations and left it to my own finding out later when I had time to. A buddy posted on Facebook his take on the iPad on his Posterous page and it had summed it up for me.

The All New Apple iPad

And today on CNN.com Tech Edition reads about the reactions over the name and stating that some female bloggers wrote that Apple seemed not to have any women on its marketing team over the insensitive naming of a product with this article iPad name draws feminine hygiene jokes

And to cap it off, here are 19 Rejected Names for the Apple iPad on Techland.

Naturally, iPad is a trending topic on Twitter so lots of reading to pick through..

2010-01-29T10:15:00.003+08:00

While snoozing and waiting for the next alarm to go off, I was wishing for a text message from a particular someone.. it hadn't developed into a habit but there were the rare times when I was greeted with one in the morning. The need for one was persistent this morning but as usual it was filed under 'It's OK'. Good thing is I didn't forget to bring my phone with me for the day.

Extended

2008-08-06T23:53:00.007+08:00

Guess what?! The Nuffnang Gift Ideas Contest has been extended til the 19th! And there's unlimited times to partake in it with hopes of earning those evouchers! Could almost consider them as freebies since there's nothing to it! Just pick an item off the RealMart site and blog away! And since they are evouchers, you pick your prize! Not win something you already have or is useless to you.. I think that's just awesome. If you've not heard of this contest then it's not too late. Jez click on the banner to know more..

7%

2008-08-06T22:21:00.001+08:00

A friend replied an email I forwarded her with the poem below and I thought it's well done so just to share it with you, she wrote..

May we be blessed with:

Comfort on difficult days
Smiles when sadness intrudes
Laughter to kiss our lips
Rainbows to follow the clouds
Hugs when spirits sag
Sunsets to warm our hearts
Friendship to brighten our being
Beauty for our eyes to see
Faith so that we believe
Confidence for when we doubt
Courage to know ourselves
Patience to accept the truth
And love to complete life.

It was in response to this email I sent her which was received from Sim.

A Holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said,

'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

The Lord led the holy man to two doors.

He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.
The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The holy man said, 'I don't understand.'

It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'

It's estimated 7% will share this.
Remember that I will always share my spoon with you..

It kinda reminds me of that spelling game where everyone in a circle would each have a letter held up on their foreheads and the group will have to figure out what the letters would make up and help each other to finally come up with the word. heh..

V.S.O.P

2008-08-06T19:46:00.001+08:00

As we were winding down from the day at the office, Baharin and I spied the box of Prince Hubert de Polignac standing on Vincent's table. Since he missed our last company function, he was given the bottle as a token. As I remembered from that night, there wasn't much left in it. So, of course we took it and had a chat over it and remove the bottle from the box only to find an inch left. Suspicion.. has Vincent been conveniently sneaking swigs during working hours? Baharin suggested we polish whatever's left and we did, half half. Well, not half half la. Baharin scrunched up his face just as the liquid touched his lips so I took it from him and tilt the bottle into the air. Damn! Not enough ler..

I got acquainted with this very premium cognac at the event. Not particularly knowing the stuff, it was the best choice out of what was clustered on the 2 long tables that night. Chivas don't appeal to me (unless it's Royal Salut) and beer just sedates me and so when a colleague asked what my poison was I pointed to the bottle of V.S.O.P

Sweet to the lips, I didn't want to interfere its taste with ice. Very Superior indeed! Very Superior Old Pale is a grade of cognac where the youngest brandy is stored at least four years in cask. I'm not sure how popular this brand of cognac is in the world but it definitely is choiced over any blended whiskey and vodka. It is also referred to as Fine Champagne which is a blend of eaux-de-vie issued from the two best growths, the Grande Champagne and the Petite Champagne, with a minimum of 50% of Grande Champagne.. which is according to the site.

There's this one thing about VSOP called the Angels' Share which is a poetic name and it happens in the ageing process when the eau-de-vie or brandy, evaporates through the oak barrel while ageing in dark and damp cellars. So does it mean there are angels taking care of the barrels and barrels of cognac ageing underground? Unless they refer to cellar masters as angels..

Nuffnang Gift Idea Contest!

2008-08-05T12:26:00.000+08:00

I got a sneak preview of the new Nuffnang office and it's really cheery and breezy! Jez like the team! Incidentally it's the same colour as Blogspot's logo. Come to think of it, our company logo is also in orange!

From the pictures of the office, I can just imagine how bright it can get in there from the glaring sun blazing in thru the full length windows, specially these days when it's always so hOt and sunny!

A quick drop in to RealMart and i found the perfect "office" warming gift to the Nuffnang team!

TAG sunnies! They are ultra light weight and a comfortable fit that Timothy can have them on thru the day, in and out of the office. It's so trendy it reminds me of an astonishing man, the Cyclops who shoots rays thru his!

I suppose we can't have all the Nuffnang guys wearing exact same shades and walking around like it's a uniform. Individuality comes into play and different pairs to suit each character.. So, for Robb I think this will bring out the best of him!

Very metrosexual! Not too dark yet cuts off the glare! He can even wear it out regardless of day or night and people watch to check out some hunks without being too obvious about it! ;D (but I think Robb would love to be known that he's eyeing someone!)

I even found one that I thought will add the extra edge to Nicholas Chay. He'd look quite glam if he had worn this to the Artistry event.
And then, there's this for Yee Hou!

Becoz he's goes:
(what's with the chair?! lol!!)

I know there's so much more on RealMart that I think could be useful to the team and their new office.

And all this browsing on RealMart really got to me! Gonna register online now and get my Real Rewards membership number to really start purchasing online! For myself! hehe
Damn petrol price hike is really infringing into my budget for material things! ;D

of mountains and the sea

2008-08-05T01:24:00.000+08:00

when i got news that a particular crew is spending this new year's on ko lipe, i immediately said yes, count me in when they asked! not only are they like an ideal bunch to chill out with, ko lipe is a place you want to properly know in whatever time you have and in good company. which is why i have a feeling this new year's gonna be just perfect! escaping KL on its own is already a relief.

in anticipation of seeing lipe, i googled it and found this site
i have this thing for mountains and the sea meeting each other. it's such a romantic sight and i can be quite idealistic! i hv a snap shot in my mind of massive mount santubong ending into the south china sea on my right view while i dig my toes deeper into the sand on damai beach and watch friends frolic.

so anyways, the pictures on the site reminded me of the place lyn, nick and i stayed at on ko phi phi months ago. it was just a simple wooden hut at the end of the row of well spaced out bungalow huts on stilts on a very high cliff overlooking the sea surrounding the island.. totally breathtaking. we were blessed with serenity. no noise from passing tourist, no peddlers, no traffic (of coz), no buzz from electronics, coz we were on top of a secluded hill which you had to climb like 200 steps up and stroll inwards thru a mini kampung to get "home" - how quaint!! it was almost full moon that night and when we came back from dinner and a hike up and in to our hut, it completely had no electricity! it was quite a walk back to the reception so i opted to stay on the patio while nick and lyn went to get mr fix it. i had the moon to keep things in perspective and the wind on a cliff on a full moon night is something else. it kinda got a bit freaky after a bit coz the trees and bushes were rustling in the wind which had no general direction. but it was just nature. chilling inside the hut would've been more freaky! well soon nick and lyn brought help and with just a single flick of dunno-which-switch, we had light. and when we said our thank yous and took turns to shower, nick went on a cockroach-smashing spree! haha

we were awoken by a band of cicadas tho! it was so well orchestrated (and loud) that i could image all of them counting down and with gusto say "all together now! chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!" nevertheless, it was a well worth shock from sleep as i caught the first ray of light from an orange sun rising in the horizon in the cool morning. nice.. but need more sleep. much to do later! not to mention the amount of walking required. no complains tho. ah, i just want to get away again and i'm so looking forward to getting onto another island! just blissful..

sim and i are planning to leave kl on the 27th and arrive langkawi in the evening, settle in to whichever most convenient place to stay at, stock up on booze, hv dinner and catch the boat to ko lipe at 9am. a rough itinerary is already planned out by the crew and camping is on the list. it will be my first camping experience! *shy* i know i know i can also be quite jakun! as long as we camp on proper grounds and not be swept away when the tide comes in in the morning! ;D if not we would need to sleep in our bikinis!

so, yeah. i hope i get to see another mountain continue into the sea..

august

2008-08-05T00:42:00.000+08:00

it's my birthday month so i splurged and gave myself a prezzy and a protection plan.

the prezzy is 13 sessions complete with hot stone massages and eye treatments at CN beauty, plus a tube (in original size, none of that tester/travel size) of cleanser and moisturiser. did the 1st session right after i paid and only came out of the dim and temperature controlled room 2 hours later! what a perfect way to hibernate away from a hot sunny sunday afternoon! so anyways, now i don't have to wonder where to go and get a facial anymore.

the ladies at the centre were friendly and served me 2 cups of ginger tea while christine explained the package which most suited me in detail and even threw in some extras (or i would like to think that they are really extras which others don't get but i suspect realistically it's already built in to the plan and that's exactly what they want you to think coz they know we all love to hear 'Free!' and think we're getting value for $). it worked out to be fairly reasonably inexpensive per session. we'll see if this is moolah well spent! good thing they don't impose an expiry date and they recommend going in only once a month. that will last me til next august!

the other thing i got meself is a commitment. so that i don't wonder where all my moo$ah go to every month. most basic and lowest monthly plan was what i signed up for. i trust my mom's cousin to know that what he recommended me suits me best. not too much coverage, not too little. could always increase the coverage in near future. next up will be to meet brian and to hear him tell me a story about what he thinks is a great investment plan. hey, if i want to get out of this house, i would have to "buy" my way out and what better way than to get my own place! but alas, that's all very idealistic! by the time i make enough from the plan to afford a house, i'd be.. *shivers* i don't want to think what i might become! anywho, it's good to have a plan for myself, and let it be a long termed one.

makes me wonder

2008-08-05T00:22:00.000+08:00

i couldn't sleep last night. as i was tossing and turning in bed, i crossed out possibilities of the inability to get to slumberland as i had to be at the office in 6 hours. one of the many things checked off the list was an afternoon nap (which i attempted but also failed) and mr brown making random noises every few minutes outside my room to get my attention or to punish me for kicking him out. i dug in recent memory if i had any tea or coffee in the course of the day, came out Nil. how about a can of coke? didn't have any either. eventually i must have mentally tired myself out and altho not remembering falling asleep, (maybe it was half sleep) i awoke and then remembered, i kissed someone who just had coffee then! now that i didn't mind losing sleep over! ;D