The Bigger Picture

Dear Pipsqueaks,

The following story proves exactly why hiring the right people is crucial in the rise or fall of any business/company...

We had found out earlier this morning - 31 Dec - that our voucher for Peking Duck at Hee Lai Ton Restaurant in Pudu expires today. Unfortunately and fortunately, we've been very busy these couple of weeks - obviously. It's end of the year, so of course hecticness is expected. However, it was ultimately our fault for missing the expiry date. That's why, when I tried to call the restaurant for a last minute booking or extension, I was quite certain the answer would be a no. Though honestly, there was 66.7% of giving me a positive experience out of this. How, you ask?

She could have said one of the following:

1. Hi Miss, I understand your situation, but as I cannot make the decision, please let me check with my superior and I will call you back with an answer. (Whether the answer was a yes or a no, I'm already a satisfied customer that the service was there to help me regardless of the result).
2. Hi Miss, I'm sorry to inform you that the voucher has already expired and we have been informed by our management of such calls. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept the voucher, but hopefully you will still come and try our Peking Duck some time. (Even though the answer was a no, I'm okay with it. Why? Because she was polite and inviting. I'd leave the situation at that and would still look forward to checking out the restaurant in the future).
3. No, expired already. Cannot use. Okay, bye.

[Athens], Be Nice! - Day 3

Dear Pipsqueaks,

A fitting summary of today: Never been hungry. To say, I literally ate from wake till now. That's definitely a record of some sort for me as I don't normally eat so much. Then again, how can one turn down local food when traveling? You can't. So, you eat till you drop. That's what I did anyway.

The morning began with a call to the front desk to order breakfast - Greek Island style - while I brushed up and got dressed. The reason I was slightly rushed was because the meeting point for this Athens Food Tour meets at Panepistimio, the next station from Syntagma Square at 9:15am, and I wasn't too sure how far it really was. It didn't help that the breakfast didn't arrive until just past 8:30am, so I practically gulped down the whole thing. Can't say I was impressed with the breakfast, but I think after the food tour, I understand why.

(A fake Greek breakfast. No wonder I couldn't figure out what I was eating! Next time, I should just stick with the continental breakfast...)

[Athens], Be Nice! - Day 2

Dear Pipsqueaks,

Finally back in my heatless room, it sure felt like a very rewarding day. Despite the weather, I had managed to do so much on my own. Yes, even I surprise myself at times. Suppose I had signed up for the Athens Walking Tour this morning, but as it had been cancelled due to lack of participants, I decided to personalize that walking tour for myself. In a way, that was good and bad. Bad in that I would really have learned more with a tour guide explaining what in the world I'm looking at. Especially, they usually know a little more than what you could read - cool facts, that sort of thing. But, on the other hand, good in that I can choose what I want to see and how much time I want to spend at a place. That was basically how I navigated through my day 2 here in Athens...

The day didn't start off so well though. With the cafe being closed on Sundays, they didn't serve breakfast. So, I decided to head to Syntagma Square and see what I could eat around there before the 'Changing of the Guards' at 11am on my self-drafted schedule of things to see. Problem - it was only 9am when I left the hotel, which means it won't be for another hour and a half before. So what was I suppose to do? It didn't help that nothing seemed to be open except this coffee shop called Mikel right across the post office, which reminded me to grab a few stamps for my must-send post cards. Yes, I do have the habit of sending myself and a few of my loved ones post cards from all the places I travel to. It's a way to tell them that I miss them on my trips.

[Athens], Be Nice! - Day 1

Dear Pipsqueaks,

'A long time' is not enough to describe the MIA of my updates here, but I guess for me, it's more about writing something worthwhile than to just write for the heck of writing. So, here I am. Yes I'll admit, it's partially because it's pitch black out and another part because everything's closed. Hence, I'd rather call it a day, rest early, and wake up early to do my own tour. Actually, I did book the recommended "Athens Walking Tour", but there weren't enough people for a walk tomorrow, so the owner had to cancel. Disappointed, but I understand. You can't expect them to run the tour with only two people. So, I'll be on my own again. Though, now that I'm a bit more comfortable with the city, it doesn't feel as scary I suppose. All thanks to the CitySightseeing Tour Bus...

Like all the other mornings this past week, I've woken up due to hunger. Before 7am. It would be a heck of an awesome alarm clock if I were back at home in the normal working mode. But no, my body doesn't seem to understand I'm on HOLIDAY, and that I don't need to wake up this early. Then again, it may work to my advantage with everything opening around 8:30am and closing at 3:00pm - yes, I had to find out the hard way when I hopped off at the 'Temple of Zeus" station, only to find it closed. Then, I had to wait 20 minutes in the cold for the next bus to come. Note to self: check closing time before jumping off to avoid 'freezing to death by waiting'.

Stranded

Dear Pipsqueaks,

"Oh man. I'm scared."

That moment, throughout the whole event, stood out the most for me. What happened? Well, it all started with a random call for 'Seafood by the Sea' dinner in Klang.

We all met up and took one full van-load of 6 adults + 2 kids. Guided by Google Map, we got lost the first time - it took us to some temple instead- but eventually we made enough loops to take us in the right direction. Honestly,  I don't remember much of dinner as I had to post the final results of our Junior championships that just concluded in Bangkok a couple of hours ago. (Yes, that's the most 'updated' we can be since I work offsite - have to wait for photos and do some research before posting just to give enough background info. People assume it to be an easy job, but let me assure you that it takes a little something more to sound make something sound remotely exciting without actually seeing any of it happening. Thanks to my imagination, I can whip up one or two here and there).

Anyway, so off topic already. As I was saying, dinner went by so quick that by the time I realised what I was eating, we were about done. Since someone had mentioned to drop by i-City when we passed it earlier, we thought why not as it's on our way home. Destination entered and off we went.

It thundered during the first few minutes of our drive. Then joined by droplets, which soon turned into heavy rain. By then, we could only see the distance of maybe about a car or two. Following ever so closely to Google, it led us down a dark and trafficless industrial parkside road. At that exact moment, I remember we were still singing along emotionally to Adele's "Make you feel my love", when all of a sudden, our car was half-deep in water. The co-driver panickally advised the driver to get out of the water before it sinks into the engine, but realising the distance to get out of the water going forward was a long one, she decided to do a u-turn instead. Without having much vision at all, the vehicle actually rammed right up the sidewalk and down, probably forcing more water up the engine. By the time we made a full 180 degrees, the engine died.

Self Therapy

Dear Pipsqueaks,

Maybe I have been slightly bothered by work, or how work has been lately. I don't know, but as usual, writing may be able to help me solidify a few intangible thoughts. At least, that had been a successful way in the past, so here goes nothing.

With every climb, there are bound to be the ups and plateaus. I could very well likely have reached a plateau. I feel work has not been making the most out of me, or what I can do. Not to say that I feel trapped or limited, but more like 'wasted'. Yes, to do more work without an increase in salary isn't what most people will agree to, but I'd rather be DOING something than be wasted. I have come a long way since first stepping into the world of badminton. From a spectator at a highschool match, to a host at the World Juniors, to the head of the tournament desk at local tournaments, to the International Relations at a WSSF, to the Coordinator at the Gala - even I can't believe how far I've come. It's been a very interesting journey thus far, with a few moments I'd wish I could have avoided, but it's all a part of the experience. Agreed. So what now?

Quarter of a Century Plus One

Dear Pipsqueaks,

Another year had passed. About now, I think I'm starting to understand why people don't elaborately celebrate their birthdays anymore. It's like the 26th time, and there're only so many ways you can celebrate your birthday.

Clubbing, dinners, or just cake.

Actually, I asked a friend with the exact same birthday as myself what he'll be doing. He simply told me the name of a club. Really, by the 3rd time we've gone celebrating at a club for my friends' birthdays, I begin to bail after dinners. It's not my kinda thing anymore. Or should I say, "It's for the young ones!"

Then again, I quite enjoy a sit down dinner with a special cake. Not trying to be difficult here, but the cake is about the only factor that can be more easily varied in a birthday celebration. So, of course I'd look forward to it. Unless, one can change the location...

Which was exactly what happened this year.

In The Shower

Dear Pipsqueaks,

Just as multi-billion dollar contracts can be negotiated or even signed over a lounge table, many things can happen during that shower of yours. What? Apart from the obvious- cleaning yourself- I'm sure most people are half-heartly doing something else. (I'm hoping you're at least half-heartedly showering or else you'll be in there for a looooong time more when you realise you've been shampoolessly smooshing your hair). So what else could you be doing?

Some sing. It's the most bizarre thing- or possibly some complex scientific reasoning- but your vocals just sound that much better with the running water. Or when it's neutralised while cruising through the steam. Or how it bounces off the damp walls. I could make random guesses until the cows come home, but just believe me- if you want to boost your confidence in singing, start in the shower.

Some go into zombie-mode, meaning routinely executing what you always do. Shampoo, rinse, conditioner, face wash, rinse all, body, then final rinse. It happens everyday that you can do it automatically without realizing it. Sometimes, I can walk out of the shower wondering whether I conditioned my hair or not. Then, being me, I'd go back in just to condition my hair. Such a hassle when that happens! Though, it can be a good thing when I'm too lazy to do anything- I can be done with shower feeling as if I didn't have to do a thing. Yes, don't judge.

When You're The One Who Loves More

Dear pipsqueaks,

Let's face it: no relationship begins with equal love. What is equal love, you ask? It's when both feel the importance of each other just the same. There will always be one who cares more, gives patience more, and sacrifices more - without expecting more or if any. Now, it's not an impossible state to reach. It just takes all the right ingredients - time, place, event, and person. But, if it were only that easy...

So where is everyone else if they weren't at that state? Well, anywhere on the scale except the middle. For those on the shorter end of the stick, it's so much more difficult to find balance - which is probably why you try harder. You would move mountains and swim seas just to make sure they are happy. You suddenly become the bravest and most determined self you've ever been. You become invincible because that is what is called for if you want to keep them. Then, why so willing to go through all this? Because the love you have for them outweighs the love in return. Because you love that much more. As for why that is, it's another jar of who-knows-what.

What To Do With Exes

Dear pipsqueaks,

Not until recently have I met a few people who have got me thinking about exes again. No, not that kind of thinking. Not the lovey-dovey, reminiscing thinking, but rather, the "how come we're not even friends anymore" thinking. Actually, now that I wander back, I have not been able to keep any one of them. Not even one. Okay, maybe the last one but he's a different case.

Why is it that they all run from me? Why can't we still be friends? Isn't it such a waste of a relationship to go from everything to nothing? Do they honestly hate me that much not to want any kind of connection to me other than being in each other's memories?

This phenomenon used to baffle me to the point where even I get mad for their "child-like" reactions. The "if she's going, I'm not" or the "silent treatment". Honestly, does it have to be this all or nothing ultimatum? It didn't work out. Isn't that bad enough we couldn't make it work? Why go a step further to isolate yourself from me than to go through it together? You aren't alone. If anything, I'd be the person to understand exactly how you feel. Don't you think?

Best Way to Wake Up

Dear pipsqueaks,

Just wanted to share a song that I kinda feel into a loop listening to. The first time I heard it was on the gym radio, and for the life of me, I couldn't find the song! But now, it's readily available on my phone to accompany me anytime anywhere. Not sure how, but I've grown into the habit of playing music first thing waking up. Just to "light up" the place, I suppose. With sunlight slightly beaming through the curtains, it's not a bad way to wake up for the day. 

Side note: can't believe how jolly I sound on a Monday!

Love Is...

Dear pipsqueaks,

When approached with this question, I always find myself stumbling to find the right answer. Then, I remember my poster in my old Vancouver bedroom. I've never been a religious person, but that doesn't mean I don't reflect on the teachings of the different "teachers". So, this one seemed to answer the question quite well - for me anyway...

"What is love?"

1 Corinthians 13:4-7Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

What is love for you?

Side note: I need to find this poster...time to dig into all my boxes!

Wedding Bells & Hardcore Fans - Jakarta 2013

Dear pipsqueaks,

It's been so hectic that I couldn't find the time to write, and I feel disappointed that I haven't. No worries though. I'm super determined to recap my trip to Jakarta just last week for Vivian姊姊's wedding and Indonesia Open. Briefly thinking back, so much had happened within the 4-day trip. Going to do justice to this trip, I'll do a proper write up some time tomorrow. Can't wait! Why? Somehow, it only feels official when it's written. Black and white. Seriously, look what work has done to me! Anyway, update at the soonest :)

Jessy, outs!

Booster Upper!

Dear Pipsqueaks,

It's been a super dry day for me processing stuff on the computer, but luckily, I still had my music to keep me going. Just a song from my playlist that I found rather inspiring - even the music pumps me up! In case you need it too...

"因為堅持 所以我們越要相信"

"Because of insistence, we must believe."

玻璃球裡的世界

下著雪花的場景
我一人等待著
搓著冰冷的雙手
試圖取些溫暖
終於 好像有些動靜
急忙著 我趴了上去
玻璃卻像鐵了心的門神
把我擋在外
認輸 我也只能在此卻步了

看著 兩人燭光晚餐
有說有笑享受著對方的陪伴
雖然聽不到什麼
但也能從表情看得出
以心交心的感動
經典的幸福畫面
多麼讓人羨慕

In Lyrics

When You're Ready

Dear Pipsqueaks,

The pride in being able to drill out any secret has, in many ways, been how my "Drama Queen" self functioned. Though, it isn't always about gossip - mind you, it's only because I cared enough to ask.

However, it's about time to set that personality aside. Why? Is it not true that if one never asks, there will never be an answer? And if one must know, one must ask?

Yet, I fail to remember that as human beings, we are naturally programmed to bond and to crave for social interactions. How does that relate to this whole "asking questions" you're thinking to yourself? Well, look at it this way. Do you always wait until your best friend asks you a question before you tell her things? Do you hold on to information, so to share it only when someone asks? No, you don't. As social beings, we can't wait to tell someone before it burst out! At least, to tell someone that matters.

10/11 Days Done

Dear pipsqueaks,

What a hectic ten days it had been! Certainly not getting used to being back at the normal pace of things. Right now, it's only the tournament left to cover, and we're back in office as of Monday. I will most likely dread being in front of the computer, typing away like some automated machine. Suppose half the staff will be on leave next week too! Great, on phone duty :P Actually, it's not as if it's any different when they're in anyway. Don't mind me - just whining about a small complaint. Okay, over it.

Can't believe I'll be moving out of my home of two years in less than six days! Everything back at square one - deciding where to put my things, how to organize laundry, what groceries to buy for the week (finally, a kitchen to cook in!). I guess I am a little lost with change. Not that I dislike change - some changes are for the better and a necessity- maybe I just haven't gotten my head around how to make it all happen yet. To think I came to Malaysia with four large luggage, and now I'll probably need six! Not to mention the fact that I don't like putting my clean clothes with anything else, so I'll have to make sure they are bagged before entering luggage. Sometimes, I do wish I weren't so particular about cleanliness- or OCD as some may call it. Though, I do have to say, I'm not as worried because I know I won't have to face this change alone. It's a good thing :)

Living in Work

Dear pipsqueaks,

This is long overdue.

Can't remember the last time I had this slot of time to just get lost in my thoughts, not that I have been thinking much anyway. Last week had been one of the most hectic meeting sessions since I've taken up this post. Mind you, a big chunk of stress didn't come from meetings though. Actually, the Awards night had been a random meatball that dropped onto my desks a few months ago, and only a couple of weeks ago I had been designated the coordinator. It wasn't as if I couldn't handle it, but it was certainly a challenge on top of the stuff I already have on my plate. Let's just say, my appetite was 'forcedly' enlarged.

The night wasn't exactly how I planned it to go in terms of flow - a few hiccups with timing of the videos and bringing up the awardees - but getting a "Well done today. Many happy people" from my boss made it all worthwhile. Luckily - or not- due to the mistake of rushing the script, we had enough time to fit in my section of "Best Dressed"! Good thing, because that was the first to be cut should we have ran short of time. Though, I think I've proven my point that it was the most entertaining part of the program for everyone.

Handling Stress

Dear pipsqueaks,

The past few weeks have certainly been a challenge, and in a good way, forced me to deal with things that I've dreaded to face. Nonetheless, just picturing what is ahead for me this month, I don't think I can afford to lose any more focus or control. You could say, I'm not setting myself up to fail or, worse, disappoint.

After all that's been said and done, "le bf" will no longer bring reference to anyone in particular anymore. It wasn't so much about being miles apart physically, but miles apart on the inside. I can't quite explain why at the moment, but it will be a subject for further pondering later on. At this moment, I cannot give anymore attention to this with everything else that's happening. Like I always say, if I can't do my best, I'd rather not do it at all.

So what else is happening? Well, work for one. Moving for two.

Words

Dear pipsqueaks,

I admit I haven't had the time to write recently due to my brains being totally preoccupied with work that I simply don't want to think or question "life and its splendors" like I used to in this blog. Nevertheless, tonight is the night I decide to write it out...

Why? Because words have such magical powers. What kind of powers are we talking about? Well, they can define all the what, where, when, why, and how into something more solid - more tangible. Thoughts taking on another form allows it to become less bundled. Truth be told, that's probably the only reason I write. Just to be able to pour the heart out of all things that can become overwhelming, stressing or painful. Of course, happy thoughts are penciled down too. Actually, whatever floats around in my mind is better written than to be drifting. Hence, the pen and journal all prepared by my bedside - and this sanctuary of a blog.

Mostly, it's to allow me to empty out the whole scenario, then to read it as a bystander. Certainly, I can shock myself sometimes in the kind of things that takes more prominence than others. What I cared. What I noticed.  What I wouldn't.  What I didn't. All those become ever so apparent. The choice of words, the emphasis on ideas, and the whole thought process drawn down in blue-print fashion. I couldn't be more understanding of myself upon reading it once more.

Actually, that's how I've come to learn about myself these years of writing. There should be no one in the world that takes the business of understanding oneself more seriously than the person himself/herself. I'd take it to shame if someone else knew me better than I do! So, I write for the sake of keeping myself up to date about me.

To sum it all up, one must write. A post, a tweet, a status update, a blog, an email, or whatever you fancy - just write. You would be surprised how therapeutic it can be...or addictive for that matter! I, for one, write somewhere about something all the time. It's not an official prescription, but it's free. So, why not?

The Last

Dear pipsqueaks,

No matter how many times I look at this, it still touches my heart. So, I thought to share it.
By WongFu Productions, definitely one of the best scripts written...

Life's Surprises

Dear pipsqueaks,

Just this Friday as the clock turned 11:57pm, the almost never-rung doorbell of my home ding-donged. I remember brushing it off as next door's ring, but felt I should at least go take a look in case anything happens. It's just abnormal at this hour for anyone to be visiting. So I sneaked quietly to the door, trying to take a peek through the hole to see who it could be at this hour, only to find the hole blocked. If I were home alone, I would probably have freaked out by then, but luckily, I wasn't.

Then, all of a sudden, light came through. I could make out a face hiding behind a white camera. Could this be...?!

Nothing Like Us

Dear pipsqueaks,

Just a song that struck a cord. Not mine, but a close one.

The Ones Before You

Dear pipsqueaks,

A mystery tempting to discover, another's past can sure take one through hoops of emotions. Sometimes, it is better not to know. But as no one prefer treading in the dark, we all dig for answers - even if we do know it will not be kind to the ear, or the heart.

Then why do we do such things to ourselves? Why be like silly movie characters who go in search where the creepy noises are coming from? As if trouble is hard to find, I would have ran the other way. Yet, it aches not knowing. Whether it aches more than knowing, that's for one to judge.  Either way, as pain is inevitable,  I prefer to find out.

So, I asked.

More Than Just [Lausanne]- Day 4

Dear pipsqueaks,

So began my "holiday" in Lausanne. Except, after these couple of days, I realized there weren't many things to see or do here. Especially the IOC Museum which I so looked forward to visiting - closed until the end of 2013. Not to mention the "temporary" exhibition on the docked boat isn't going to be ready until the end of March. Just my luck, eh? Nonetheless, I intended to make the most of my stay here one way or another.

(That's the boat to hold the temporary exhibit - though I must say it's seriously a horrendous timing! While it's suppose to serve as a substitute, it doesn't open until the END of March)

More Than Just [Lausanne]- Day 2&3

Dear pipsqueaks,

Trying really hard to remember what happened yesterday, all I could remember was almost dying of hunger 3ish mid-afternoon with nothing to eat. Okay, so I must have been at least somewhat productive because my Inbox is all cleared out at that moment, and the questionnaire requested by my boss done too. Oh right, it's coming back to me. Waking up about 7ish, I hopped to breakfast with my boss only to leave the table quarter past 10am. The rest of the morning till afternoon was spent in my room drafting emails while multi-tasking. At some point, the tummy started to become too demanding that I couldn't tahan it anymore and set out to find food. But lucky me, there weren't that many restaurants around to begin with, and since it was between meal time, kitchens were closed! Then finally, I found a cafe serving lasagna. No seconds wasted, I grabbed a seat and enjoyed away while people-watched.

(This spinach lasagna was surprisingly pretty good - even with hot chocolate combo!)

More Than Just [Lausanne]- Day 1

Dear pipsqueaks,

Having just woken up from my much-needed 1.5hr nap - yes, anything that's not overnight is a nap in my book - I'm starting to function properly again. The whole day has been a blur so far. The last thing I remember was having dim sum with JQ at KLIA, and then landing in Amsterdam. Autopilot took over after that. Now, I'm comfortably sitting at my work desk in my hotel room for the next couple of days clearing out emails. How scary that we can function without much thought...

Not sure how long it'll take before I break one of these fist-pumping-in-the-air declaration that I won't be flying any time soon. Honestly just sick of flying, or at least the long hauls. No matter how many times I get up to stretch, the back and bum pain just returns. It didn't help that I had a pair of super adorable baby twins in my cabin from KL to Amsterdam. To be fair, they weren't as horrible as I was about to make them, but as always, when one cried, the other one followed. But they are very social babies! One even waved at me while I walked over to stretch by the emergency exit. Babies - they can get away with anything just because they're cute. How dangerous!

Amsterdam to Geneva was a doable 1hour-ish flight, and feeling the sunlight beaming into the cabin really helped with my sanity. Possibly, I function just as Superman does - solar-powered! Upon arrival,  I hopped on the next train to Lausanne to be greeted by a friend. It's always nice to be received, especially being semi-clustered for the last don't-know how many hours. A cup of hot coco - funny how the milk does taste slightly different here after he had mentioned it. It's possibly a bit sweet on it's own before I stirred in the coco powder. Yes, that's how they drink hot chocolate here apparently. Nonetheless, it was just what I needed. Following that, we popped by a falafel/kebab joint for a quick lunch, and boy was this place delicious! It reminds me of that Donair shop up at SFU where le sister and I used to drop by after class or exams. Time really slipped by, and soon we were on our way to the hotel to drop me off so he could make another round to the airport. Just to say, I haven't been hungry since I landed in Lausanne, all thanks to my friend :)

(Nice and fluffy hot coco to warm up my frozen fingers!)

Soulmate[s]

He once asked me, "Do you believe in soulmates?"

I remember thinking long and hard before I came to an answer myself. Here's what I said...

So Far into 2013

Dear pipsqueaks,

It's been a long while since my last update, but I assure you, I'm ALIVE! The days have been filled with catching up at work and with friends since my return from CNY in Taiwan. Honestly feels like time has been doing laps around me. All of a sudden, we're coming to March! No sooner had I unpacked my luggage, I will be packing for Lausanne...

Those who sourly congratulate me for work traveling, you don't know half the story. From contemplating what to pack, to actually packing, to lacking sleep due to over-thinking, to waking up early for final packing, to rushing breakfast, to hopping on a 1hr taxi to the airport hoping there's no traffic, to successfully checking in my luggage without over-weighing, to trying to catch some zZz on the flight, to landing and finding my luggage on the belt, to organizing transportation to the hotel, and finally checking into my room without any glitch. Then, the REAL work begins.

Singing Our Way to [Genting]

Dear pipsqueaks,

Blessed by a wave of holidays during the first couple of months in the Malaysian calendar, trips were just too tempting to turn down. I haven't had the chance to recap our trip to Langkawi at the end of January, but certainly that'll come after this recap on Genting Highlands.

Genting Highlands- I had heard so much about it previously, but never pulled through on the plans and such within the last 1.5 years here in Malaysia to make it happen. Then by chance, a best friend of mine- who shall now forthwith be referred to as JQ- had suggested that we head up on "KL Day" Friday. Two possibilities: one, complete madness with traffic that we will be in total regret for attempting to go up on a KL Public Holiday; two, absolute freedom while ascending into the nice and breezy weather. Actually, it was over Tuesday lunch that a coworker had shared her nightmare experience up at Genting where they only moved about a few km in 1.5hrs or something. That would be just horrendous.

But what do you know? Jessy does get quite lucky when she travels- it's too late to jinx myself as the story of ant army invasion had already taken place (will be covered in the Langkawi post)- no traffic whatsoever. On top of that, the weather couldn't have been more agreeable. A solid 18.5 degrees with a slight breeze, we couldn't have asked for better.

Post-Malaysia Open 2013

Dear pipsqueaks,

Many things were learnt over the last week, among which was one of my new tasks at work to engage the audience. My formula goes as such: to involve those who are there and to entice those who aren't. So how do I go about to do that?

One thing was a must, my phone. Sitting in the stands, I started to look for these unusual off-beat scenes. It's actually difficult to explain what I'm looking for, hence I can completely understand why our photographers are quite blurblur themselves. See, I want flash moments of happenings that are off-court, non-action, and not the norm. Walking on to the court, walking off the court, stretching, chatting- these are all off-beat, but considered normal by now. I want something different. I want something people can talk about. Like that photo of a player's bag dangles, or two players from different countries chatting, or kicking a racquet into the stands. It's really hard to say because it's one of those "when you see it, you'll know" sort of thing.

Anyway, no need to guess, I got nothing. I was blank. Maybe that's it. When we look to find something, we don't find it, and when we aren't looking, it hits us in the face. How nice. Never mind hitting a wall on the first day, the next few weren't easy either. Until I stopped thinking so much, it started to come back to me- that inspiration. I felt in sync again...even if I can't really explain in sync to what. As my Barbadosian co-worker likes to say, "clued in". Something like that.

So, I did eventually make it through the week and another full day of meetings on Monday. Survival! Not to mention a boost of encouragement when my friend had shared with me positive feedback on my "public work" so far. It's a good feeling when people appreciate. Thanks, just when I need it.

(Back in the old days...yet, I still like this authentic feeling)

Now, back to work for another two days, and I'm off to Langkawi! Beach, sunshine and carrot juice...that's the life :)

Only Day 10 of 2013

Dear pipsqueaks,

Honestly can't believe it's only been ten days because everyday seemed to be so jam-packed with events. First, the shower floods out, then the faucet broke, then the air con jumps the electricity of the whole unit. Not to mention the heater element spoiling very soon. All of sudden, my apartment had become the source of many frets. Then again, all the more reason to move out.

That's also something to start taking shape, looking for another suitable unit with an actual kitchen and laundry. It's really quite funny the joy it brings me to think that I could FINALLY have them. To be leaving work slightly earlier just to cook myself a random recipe, or to test something out during the weekend. To not have to hand wash all my delicates. Wow, dream come true! Now, the challenge is to satisfy all this criteria AND be close to the office. Let the hunting begin...

AFTER these two weeks. Odd how tournament weeks never meant much to me, or at least since I started working here. Then, a change of job description sent me on chasing around for all the latest news and happenings. Somehow, it brought a little bit of what I originally felt when I first took on an event. That passion lighted my way here, and I had somehow forgotten it along the way. Despite having more on my plate, I'm starting to feel that tingle again. Excitement.

Next week's event will be right here in town, so definitely easier to be "on top" of things.
Can't wait to be doing what I love to do :)

Back in Town KL

Dear pipsqueaks,

First post of 2013! Don't worry, I haven't been lost but definitely over-flighted. I don't think I will be flying anywhere any time soon until March. Not to mention my horrendous luck of getting one of the worst seats on the plane RIGHT NEXT to the toilets at plane tail. At some point, I did wonder whether I would make it through the flight with that dreading smell, but thanks to a little light bulb that still worked during the holidays, I suffered only slightly. What did I do? Aircon. Despite being under what felt like 10 degrees of air the whole time, I didn't have to die of that stench. Yay me.

It had been a dreamy holiday and so very much filled with all the joys of Christmas & New Year. Definitely will do a full update when I get a chance over the weekend. As always, it involved food, and lots of it.

Stay tooned!
Good to be back in the warmth.