"Book It To Phuket"- Thailand 2011- Day 4

Dear pipsqueaks,

Waking up to the sound of someone chanting, I definitely wasn't anywhere near home. Try: a muay thai training camp literally in the middle of no where even the taxi driver gave up coming to pick me up- but that's a story for later tonight. On such a morning- well, actually every morning since I've been on vacation- the first thing that comes to mind was what to have for breakfast. After having to pull the most difficult morning call on my friend because he simply refused to get up n hit the shower, we finally got moving.

It was hilarious because usually, they don't have guests n so when they have girls over, it's to deal with their sausage-fest environment. Actually, the term they use is "boom boom", so my friend explained to me that if I walk out from his room (all the rooms look directly towards the training area so every room's clearly visible), they'll definitely guilt him for skipping the morning training session for "boom boom", except we were obviously so innocently accused that I'm not too sure what to do at this point because their training doesn't finish for another half an hour n I'm starving. So, we decided that the truth's all we need n stepped out for breakfast. Surprisingly, I didn't hear a whisper from any of the guys about "boom boom". Maybe its because I don't look that type in my canucks shirt n caprice, n just to clarify, I AM not that type. Anyways, I got the stares all the way out of the center on the back of his motorbike (yes, I got to ride a motorbike in Phuket! Never thought that scene would ever take place, but there we were cruising down the street with the wind against our faces n the sun beaming on top- it was summer time all over again on an October day in Phuket.

"Book It To Phuket"- Thailand 2011- Day 3

Dear pipsqueaks,

Even with a 6:45am wake-up call, I was surprisingly eager to get up n start the day. But as I had to decide how to pack for today- spending most of the traveling on speedboat- everything had to fit into my newly bought dry bag that I got for a bargain price (or that's what fellow travelers said anyways). No really, there's no need to bring my whole wardrobe out, especially when I'll be out on 3 beaches styling in my- drumroll plz- t-shirt n shorts! Don't ask why I didn't hit the beaches in my bikinis; I just didn't. Maybe its the whole getting wet part, but now that I think about it, I would've dried off within 5minutes on our speedboat anyways. Oh wells, that's what "next time"s are for!

"Book It To Phuket"- Thailand 2011- Day 2

Dear pipsqueaks,

For the oddest reason, having slept at 2am didn't stop me from waking up at 8:45am- possibly due to the fact that I didn't get to shower prior to sleeping so the thought of being dirty unconsciously forced me to get up n take one. Actually, I quite enjoyed the cold shower in the morning, although I never had the habit, prefering to go to bed in a "clean" state. So anyways, after I got cleaned up n ready to go, I headed out to the lobby to book some tours. Since I arrived late early this morning around 12:30ish am, the office was closed already. I didn't realize it was a family-owned hostel. We have tons of these in southern Taiwan, where locals just enjoy living in the outskirts , n with such a big house, they'd decorate it with themes n rent them out decently. I do prefer these kinds of stays because it's just a lot more "homey" than hotels. They've got a common room n computers free for use. Other than the fact that they don't do breakfast, overall, I quite like it here; hence my decision to continue staying for the rest of my trip (except tmw night when I visit my friend in Rawai- most likely will just crash at his place as it might be too late for me to get back to Kata area after). Coincidentally, another girl was just done booking her trip n strongly recommend me to do the same because the weather was nice enough for it today. Seeing that I didn't make it for the Phuket Sightseeing tour that left at 8am n it being the only afternoon tour- without much of a lead- I took their suggestion: Phang Nga's (i'll hv to check the spelling later) Sleeping Budda & "City on Sticks"- as I call it- & James Bond Island.

"Book It To Phuket"- Thailand 2011- Day 1

Dear pipsqueaks,

U could say the day started alright- with the sun peeking through the clouds, it felt like a good day to travel somewhere. As time drew near, I started to pack around 3ish pm for my 8:40pm flight @ LCCT. I realized it was going to be a journey just getting from Bukit Bintang area to KL Sentral, then taking the Skybus to LCCT (whole trip looked about 1hr45mins- before my 1hr15min flight to Phuket). But of course, when I stepped out to make my way to the monorail station, it started to pour- big time. Nothing to be surprised of as I've already come to an understanding myself that the weather's never on my side. U could say I've definitely used my money's worth on the umbrella I got. Another non-shocker as I got fed up with a boy that kept pushing me even before the train pulled into the station, n being a person that believes they just need some guidance, I turned around n said to him, "can u NOT push?"- of course u can count on that being served with a death glare, n no surprise, he backed off. It's situations like these that make me wonder what they actually teach in school. Don't they learn about common sense, such as lining up, respecting personal space, n the usual "how to function in the real world 101"?

Chillaxing @ No Black Tie

Dear pipsqueaks,

a sign that i'm getting too old for late nights: total break outs n feeling like jello by 2am. it's all good though cos i had such an awesome time with my frenchies (no, that term no longer refers to the quebeckers that we used to meet up with at national tournaments; it now refers to my group of frenchies that would call me when they hang out- just kinda makes me want to brush up on my french, except i'm suppose to be picking up bahasa! un à la fois s'il vous plaît...) anyways, the nite began with a text message asking if i were interested in going to a jazz concert. personally, i'm not a crazy fan of jazz, but i wouldn't mind, especially when it gets me out of my routine. but nothing gets in my way of gym time, so i hit the gym, got ready n headed out to meet them. the weather wasn't that great- i wanted to dress up a little cos it was a place in changkat (club/bar street in Bukit Bintang, aka. expat zone) n people usually put on something a little more fitting than what i ended up wearing, but seeing that it was raining, just totally killed the mood, so i stuck with shorts n flipflops. nonetheless, it was a good choice cos i almost wiped twice on my walk over n it wouldn't hv been pretty if i were in club-suit.

When To Press "Reset"

Dear pipsqueaks,

On the rare occasion that I feel slightly zombie-like, floating through the days, it is really a sign to "reset" myself. Just to clarify, I don't mean to go back to zero n question all the changes n life events that had happened so far up to this point, but rather, readjust to the new position that I've found myself to be in. Think about it this way, even computers need to re-configurate to "clean up" all the files n make sure they're in order of some form that is understandable to them to allow efficient processing n functioning (yes- I know computers don't actually "think" but u know what I mean). As we're commonly compared with these mighty machines, we do come out the superior- being described as the most sophisticated "computers" in the sense that not only do we store n process data, we have the ability to process them with thoughts n feelings (which usually is what it comes down to when it counts). So, of course, once in a while, we may feel "lost" or "confused" because everything has an effect on us one way or another n it requires a certain method- which differs between individuals- to address these "events".

Rise to the Challenge

Dear pipsqueaks,

I'm sure u'll have noticed the change here, n I'm hoping it's a change for the better cos there's no going back! I mean, really, I couldn't even if I wanted to cos for some odd reason, having downloaded the full template as directed, it can't be uploaded properly. So, yes- I can take a hint- n figured it was the occasion to switch the scene. Hope its easier on the eyes :)

Anyways, having gone through the whole pain to customize a totally different template, I realized- when the situation calls for it, somehow, I always manage to stick it through n whip up a decent finish. (Yes, I know, the stupid music box's sticking out n I'm on the case!) So why is it that we have to be put in such a position to "grow" or "excel"? I mean, seriously, if it weren't for this blog thingy, I would NEVER learn or touch "html", "css", "widget", "sidebar-text align:center" blah. It's just not my thing, except, now I don't really have a choice. It's gotta be learned to be done! But then again, it could be a good thing.

The Fight

Dear pipsqueaks,

*spoiler alert: this post will mention the movie "real steel"- if u've already seen it or u don't plan to see it, then read on!*

It may seem like a really predictable movie where the underdog wins in the end, but i'd like to hint u otherwise. Regardless, the ending wasn't the point- it was the "climb" to the top, the "process" to the product, the "dough" to the cookie, the "fight" to the finish. Have u ever done something ur sure to succeed? How did it feel when u've completed it? Hm, I'm gonna bet it was satisfying, but nothing more than that. Reason? Because u already knew u could do it- there was no doubt, so equally, there was no fight. But, on the other hand, beating a challenge brings a totally different feeling when u finally cross the finish line. Whether that came with victory- is a another story. The point, is that u've made it through, however excruciatingly difficult, every step of the way. U fought with all u've got. That's what counts.

Leftie: Get Well Soon!

Dear pipsqueaks,

(forgive me for any spelling error as i had to either type with one hand on my phone, or 2 hands at an arm's distance from the screen...but i'm sure it can't be that far off)

U know how when u think things can't get any worse, n the moment that thought crosses ur mind, something worse happens? Amazing how life works in mysterious ways, doesn't it? Well, maybe the solution to that is, never say never! 'Tis true, after having to brave the random malaysian thunderstorm with my dinky 3-fold umbrella, ending up drenched even in my mini short to reach homebase, n joining a friend reluctantly in the pool- the day wasn't actually as bad as it sounded- at least its was going in the right direction till it made a sudden left-turn...

After we spent an hour in the pool, with the chilly weather, both of us couldn't wait for a hot shower. But of course, those that know me, I have very strict rules about my place- especially my washroom n bedroom. So when I couldn't withstand his puppy plea, I agreed to let him shower in my apartment. As I usually don't have guests, I spent the first few minutes putting certain things away n making sure it was comfortably prepared for my guest. Except, the whole time I was prepping, I was also dripping water from my hair, shirt n shorts every step of the way. With tile flooring, it was a nasty combo waiting to happen. As I made a sudden turn to put down the mat, my left foot lost grip n the next thing I knew, I was on the floor...in no pain, or at least not then.

Remember To Give Thanks

Dear pipsqueaks,

Just because I didn't write a post doesn't mean I forgot one of the most important reminding holidays we celebrate: thanksgiving. Although it's not the first time I've spent it away from home, every year that very day, I find myself missing my ma n pa. Now that we're literally half way across the world from each other, it makes me realize even more how much we needed "family sundays"- yes, ever since I had the feeling that I'd be leaving vancouver when I was still figuring out where life is taking me, as a family, we made it clear that sundays were family days. We'd do day trips out of town, yumcha followed by coffee in kerrisdale, or just chillax at the office n go for walks just before sundown...whatever was the flavour of the day, we did it together. That's why right now, as much as I miss them, I'm glad I'm not in a state of regret for not spending more time with them when I had the chance.

I guess what prompted me to write this was watching, for the first time, an episode of "the buried life" where four guys have decided to spend their lives checking items off their bucket list, n every time they do, they help a stranger complete a wish. I'm not sure if that's how it usually ends up, but today, the two were very much related. The item was to help deliver a baby n the wish was of a girl that had lost her mother due to infection during the attacks of hurricane katrina. She never had the chance to visit her mothers grave as all infected were quarintined n shipped off somewhere else far away. The news reached the daughter, but because she didn't have the funds to fly there, for years since her mother's death, she had not been able to pay her a visit. So the guys raised the fund by busting tables n got her a flight to see her mom. I dunno...by the end of the show, I was ballin'...

Degrees of Lies vs. Degrees of Truth

Dear pipsqueaks,

Though I've never been a fan of war/training camps sorta movies, "basic" wasn't that bad at all. I promise there's a point, but I gotta give the gist of the story to make sense. So, apparently, during an out-field training run, a team of six somehow ended up with only one alive n one wounded. As the investigation proceeded, u jump back n forth trying to figure out the "real" story that each person involved only spoke parts of. Then the punch line, "it all depends on degrees of lying". Now, the question is, does not telling the truth constitute as lying?

Well, I'm know there will be a wave of disagreements, but I gotta say, no it doesn't. Think of it this way- let's make this a mock gossip session- u were out with a friend's boyfriend for dinner, n the friend calls to see if u guys were still up for hanging out later. But since things were getting a little bit more interesting, u don't feel like leaving just yet. So u tell her, "I'm actually having dinner right now n I'm not sure when I'll be done. I'll call u when I know." See, that technically wasn't a lie as u were having dinner n its true ur not sure when u'll be done. Really, no part of that conversation was "false"- so to speak. Then, where did all this go wrong?

Out of Love

Dear pipsqueaks,

I'm not too sure where this train of thought caught fire. Maybe the last line of gossip girl tonight- "if you love someone, u will learn to let them go"- might be able to explain it. I believe it would be quite fair to state that the one "leaving" a relationship is usually the "guilty one", hence the assumption that the only person hurting was the one that was left standing there. Except, that's not quite right when there is no guilt involved. It was simply time to face the fork road n decide.

Memories rarely fail me, but when they do, I still got my senses to remind me of how something or someone made me feel. The day was gloomy n slightly chilly as we stood to the side of the road. It was a conversation that was inevitable- I made up my mind that a break up was necessary for the both of us. You see, we've practically grown up together in highschool, sharing the same lockers, eating lunch together everyday, n playing badminton together- in n outside of school. You could say, it was easier to count the days that we didn't meet than the days that we did. But it was a rather puppy-love kind of feel, where everything felt right. I don't think I've ever doubted that he was the one, until things got really difficult. Honestly, we grew up, but apart. We were soon on different pages n fighting about nothing.

Far Beyond Hope

Dear pipsqueaks,

Sometimes, people ask me why I would put myself through all this. U ask, what is "this" that I'm referring to? It's the undying hope that people will realize what they're doing is hurting me n could possibly change for the good. Boy, am I wrong when it comes to this. I mean, yah, I'm definitely an enthusiastic, glass half full, positron person- but, even that has a limit. In every way, life finds balance somehow, so even with so much hope, it will run empty trying to feed the dark blackhole of disappointments.

Outside the Box

Dear pipsqueaks,

Oh man, I haven't had such an awesome time eating for a while! I guess that's why a personal preference's hard to change. See, I never like eating by myself, so usually I'd stick to my special diet of cereal or mixed rice. It's just easier that way so I don't get weird glares eating out alone. It's just kinda funny how this babe of mine that I'm having dinner with is the complete opposite. She's a tough cookie- used to being alone n actually prefer to be alone most of the time, while I'm still training myself to be less conscious of the idea of sitting by myself, ordering, waiting, n eating in silence (but it's not too bad cos I got my blackberry or itouch to play with). Actually, now I think about it, I'm probably more concerned with making others uncomfortable cos u do tend to look around more or be staring into space (in a direction where it looks like ur stuck in a gaze- creepy much!- at someone). But as I was saying, it's a learning process, but nonetheless, I do have a very good role model n support. So, as scheduled, tonight was our night out n "plan b" was our plan.

Steve Jobs: iMourn

Dear pipsqueaks,

(written yesterday...)
Today, the world mourned in sync for the death of Steve Jobs: the genius behind the Apple empire. It's odd cos I didn't really intend to write about him, but after watching the news n a special tribute, it just didn't feel right to miss it. I should probably explain that- though I do own an itouch- I've never been an Apple person or a person that's always chasing after the next i-blah. It's probably not Steve's fault anyways- I'm just not a tech-addict in general. Regardless, they're right...whether or not ur an Apple user, u cannot deny the fact that it had changed the world, from the way we communicate, entertain, n, well, function.

You vs. You

Dear pipsqueaks,

It shouldn't come as a total shock when u hear "life is unfair". No one said it would be n really, it's not meant to be, or else we'd all be super smart, super successful, super whatever-u-can-think-of, but in a sense, we'd also all be "equally super", which means technically, no one's really "super" anything anymore. Right? Anyways, what was I saying? Oh right, so life is unfair. Yah, u can stand there n sulk, complain, yell, cry, curse, throw tantrums all u want as long as u want, except, that's not gonna change a thing. The world will just keep spinning n everyone will have moved onward leaving u there to "have ur alone time n figure things out", n when u finally do, u can catch up with the rest of us. That's when u realize, even with the unfair cards u've been dealt with, u can still play the game that we call "life".

Weekend in Little Paris

Dear pipsqueaks,

What a random weekend! It felt a little "Yes Man" for me cos I don't usually just accept invites to gatherings with people that I'm not familiar with, let alone with a group of friends flying in FOP from France of a guy I met in the gym! Okay, maybe he's not that random cos we've at least been apartment-building-gym mates for a month. But the funny thing is, we've never actually planned to hangout or do anything until he's moved out! So now, instead of a 2min distance, it's more like a 15min walk. See how life just works out that way? I also found out he's entirely different from my profiling of him when we used to just be gym mates. With his friends, he's soooooo hilarious! (but no gossip here cos he's not my type- he's more of the silly one in the crowd, surprisingly entertaining but not my bf material) On the other hand, one of his friend from France is, well lol, quite interesting indeed...

Let It Be

Dear pipsqueaks,

Last week was one of those horrendous periods in my life where i felt everything that could go wrong, went wrong, including losing my favourite headphones that my friends got for me for one of my birthdays. it wasn't anything expensive or worth stealing or whatever, but it meant alot to me. I guess that's the thing with presents, or at least how i think of them. it should be given from the heart (okay, not saying that u can't BUY something that holds some importance in ur or their heart, but i tend to prefer hand-crafting the gifts i give cos it's just worth that much more "heart points"). but back to what i was saying, it was one of those things that, when lost, could potentially upset me for days. it's always when u lose it that u realize how much "importance credit" u've apparently forgotten. of course, i'm a very organized person in the first place, so to misplace things, just wasn't my style. yet, i had to bite my tongue cos just this morning, when i put on my pink nike pants, as my hands slipped into the pockets to flatten them, i felt something stringy. *OH MY~ COULD THIS BE?! AHHH!! OMG I FOUND THEM!!!!* was exactly what i screamed out while jumping up n down in my apartment. it was such an crazy moment for me cos it reminded me of a very famous n true saying...

What Should Matter

Dear pipsqueaks,

An incident this week reminded me of a fact that I had to force onto myself a few years back. I won't go into the details of what happened this time (but if ur a smart cookie, u'd figure it out with all my underlining clues as to what had prompt me to write this). Once upon a time, when we were all young n stupid- aka highschool times- I had made a very personal goal: to make sure everyone liked me. Now that I think back, it was just a very immature, naïve way of thinking cos in every situation, there is bound to be opposition. That's "just the way the cookie crumbles!"