a sweet solo sojourn..

When I told people that I was going on a solo-trip to Bali, I generally got two types of responses. They either were very surprise and bewildered that why on earth would I want to travel without any company; or some were happily excited for me and admired my courage for doing so.

Having gone and come back.. I could totally relate to what my friend Alex (who has done this herself) said: it is really liberating and something one should try at least once!

So I'm back for five days already but am still in a Bali-state-of-mind... What an experience it was, travelling for the first time on my own to one my favourite places on Earth. And I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Imagine having the liberty to do what you want, go where you wish without having to plan and take into consideration others' preferences..

Being alone and being lonely are two different things.. really, how would you feel lonely when you're in the island paradise of beautiful Bali? I certainly didn't!

I've booked my flight as November last year and started searching and booking the accommodations online in January. Everything was set. I even booked a spa session in Ubud at this quaint and reasonably-priced spa.

So what did I do? Quite a lot, and of course the things I wanted to do! ;) Since I've already visited Bali twice (both in 2007) and already been to all the well known temples and tourist attractions, so I could afford to take it easy.. the highlight I would say was eating, shopping, relaxing and just chilling and enjoying the beautiful places.

I think it's best to let the photos (a small portion of what i've taken!)tell the story..

I arrived on a sunny Saturday afternoon into Kuta. The hotel I've booked is Febri's at Tuban area - nothing luxurious and has two very nice pools! In fact, I was upgraded to its premium room that has a view of a small pool.

The only `drawback' was that the weather was way too hot, I mean scorching HOT. So one thing I didn't plan was ending up buying quite a number of light-weight sleeveless dresses since I felt too warm even in my regular tees and peddle-pushers. Drinking a (small) bottle of local Bintang beer is another favourite of beating the heat!

Balinese are generally very friendly, and many of them curious. Seeing that I went about by myself, I got asked many times whether I was travelling alone. But I guess they have seen many single female travellers before, so it's not really an abnormality.

The main reason I stayed in Kuta was for the sea. Actually I much much prefer Ubud and in hindsight, I should have just stayed in Ubud for the five days.. But since I do love the sea..and did go twice on the beach. I had to walk through the hotel opposite of the road to get to the beach. And on my second visit, got my pedicure and a heel scrub done while lying on the beach chair! ;)

In both Kuta and Ubud, although there were taxis, the easiest way to commute was actually on a motorbike, and there were no short of motorbikers who would offer to take tourists on to earn a few bucks. So yes, I hopped on more motorbikes than I did on taxis - as it's much faster and convenient and also could save a few bucks or rupiah! :p

My first motorbiker was a girl from a salon/coffee-shop. I was too hot and tired and stopped there for a beer.

On the first night, I met up with my friend from KL whose holiday in Bali overlapped with mine. We had dinner at the famous Made Warong and I ordered Nasi Campur/Gado Gado. We also went for a drink at one of the nightspots with live music.

On the second night, I took a cab to Seminyak to catch the famous sunset scene at the famous but overpriced Kudeta restaurant/bar. But stupidly I thought the sun set at about the same time as in Malaysia but in fact it was earlier in Bali. So by the time I reached, it was almost dark. And I just went and took some photos and also talked to some tourists from Australia. Indeed the beach and sunset are lovely there but the place is just too packed!

I had dinner at a cosy and relaxing restaurant in Seminyak Square - sitting outside in a sofa with nice music. Ordered a dish called Nasi Goreng Gila! :D

Really enjoyed myself but after dinner. Was disappointed when I wanted to look at the shops but most of them are closed way too early! So I went back to Kuta and inadvertently got stuck in the commercial areas..

My favourite store in Kuta that I discovered.. and ended up buying a few items..

Of course, the highlight of my trip would be in Ubud, which I took almost 3x as many photos as I did in Kuta. But I could only select a small faction of it here..

The road trip to Ubud was interesting, which saw us passing the the arts and craft wholesalers - stone and wood carving, arts and handicrafts. And of course the sceneries of rice fields and other plantations were nice sights..

I was pleasantly surprised by Puri Garden Hotel, which cost US$20 less for two nights compared to Febri's. It was totally Balinese in style, small, quaint and charming. There were lots of plants everywhere.. and my room even has a four-poster bed!

My room!

So of course, I went about exploring Ubud.. beginning with a lovely field-side restaurant near my hotel and then discovered the streets were longer and further than I remembered! I walked (and shopped) till dark..

Free WiFi was something I looked out for.. ya, somehow it was more fun updating friends back home what I was doing on my holiday in Bali! ;p

The first night, I had the famous Bebek Bengkil (Dirty Duck). It was raining when I arrived but the restaurant had a very nice ambience.. one of the very few times I dined at a nice place by myself, but it's my solo-holiday! I even ordered a glass of red wine but they brought white wine instead!

Next morning, after breakfast, I set off to see the famous rice terrace at Tegal Lalang.. beautiful!

I also thronged the famous Ubud market where the stalls are so packed up but full of good bargains..

After 3-days of Indonesian food, I decided to eat something different.. Casa Luna is quite a well known Italian/Western cafe. Lovely pasta and finally, a proper cup of strong caffe! ;)

I just had to check out this art gallery/shop that's called the `Owl House' which according to my map, was located at a beaten path off Jalan Bisma - a road flanked by vast padi fields and some quaint villas and cafes..

After walking for 10-15 mins or so, I saw the sign!

But too bad the artist wasn't there - he was having an exhibition in Japan! And by then my camera had run out of battery.. suffice to say, the little `art shop' was filled with everything owls! and I quite like the water-colour paintings of owls.. But since they do not take credit cards, I didn't have enough rupiah to buy any.. oh well. But i think i will return next time :)

After that I found myself in the middle of a huge remote padi field whereby the nearest way back to civilisation was easily 20-30 mins walk... I walked and walked without hardly seeing a single soul.. it looked much longer than the map! Finally a kind young motorcyclist gave me a ride back to the main road.. which was near where Karma Spa - the spa I've booked - located..

I spent almost four hours in the spa - so timely as my tired body (and mind) was nicely pampered and rejuvenated.. After a warm shower, I had a full body `Java Lulur' scrub, followed by a flower bath. Then a cream bath for my hair and finally a 90-minute Balinese massage.. Ahh.. heavenly, I almost dose off into dreamland..

I wanted to search for somewhere with free Wifi for dinner.. and chanced upon a new restaurant `Cafe Havana' which has a nice ambience and value-for- money food! I was recommended to try the grilled prawns - six large succulent prawns with rice and mango salsa/salad - at only Rup 550,000 - which is around RM20!! Incredible by KL standard.. and they're really fresh and nice too! And of course, it was matched perfectly with ice cold beer.. :p

Check out the door and old-fashion pad-lock they use for some of the rooms in Puri Garden!

I decided to check out the beautiful hotel opposite mine - Tegal Sari, which is nestle amidst vast green padi fields. I read of it on the Net and tried booking it online but unfortunately it was already full-booked. I could understand why now.. I was taken on a tour around and I must say it is simply gorgeous and breath-taking..! And compared to other hotels/villas of similar kind, this is really quite affordable!

One of the most well known attractions in Ubud is the Monkey Forest reserve.. which I had missed in my last two trips. So this time, I decided I should go in and I must say I really enjoyed myself amidst the tropical rain forest and most of all the many monkeys, and watching their cute and funny antics! Can't believe I took so many photos of them and videos too!

This naughty monkey grabbed my drink!!

I was too tired to walk all the way up Jln Monkey Forest to the main street so I got on my newly discovered favourite vehicle - motorbike!

And had lunch at the famous Babi Guling Ibu Oka! I actually had not tried babi guling before so I thought I must not missed it this time. It's quite nice but to be honest, I think our `siew yoke' is more tasty! I bumped into a group of tourists from Malaysia.. they were quite surprised I came travelling here on my own..

Finally in the afternoon, it was time to check out... My luggage was at least 4-5kg heavier..

My last `itinerary': I have requested for the driver to take me to see the Mango Tree Spa by L'Occitane at Kupubarong. I was mesmerised when I found this spa on the Internet but a look at the prices I decided was better to be a bit more frugal. Nevertheless, I just wanted to see the place... and yes, it was beautiful and truly a class of its own..

Then again.. it's like a once-in-a-life time experience that I should try out.. And I know, this will not be the last time I visit to Bali.

So would I go on a solo trip again? I guess I don't need to give you the answer.. ;)

12-days away!

No, I'm not going away for vacation for 12 days.. that would be nice. It just happens that my schedule has happened in such a way that three events have fallen back-to-back!

In early Nov last year, I have already booked my `coming-of-age' first solo-trip to Bali -the beautiful island i've already visited twice and still longed to go again.. I thought early March would be a good date and after trying to get the cheapest available flights, I would be flying off on March 6 morning and back on March 10 night - 4-nites and 5 full days.. And as of early this year, I have been busy surfing and hunting the Internet for suitable accommodations (ie. nicest within my budget) and was quite pleased with the choices..

I've digressed.. so why 12 days? It so happened that end of last year, I was contacted by the organiser of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) to be their show newsletter writer. Actually I was supposed to be part of the team last year but couldn't do it due to my involvement with another project. This time, the working date happened to be March 1-5, ending just the day before my schedule Bali trip! As i really do need extra and fast income, this job is ideal BUT although it' based in KL, we are to be put up in a hotel near by the exhibitions for the whole five days.. I heard we will be staying at the Grand Seasons - which is not bad. :)

And then just a few weeks before CNY, i was offered a short-trip assignment by a new magazine I'm contributing to - to Westin Langkawi Resort to review the food and spa. And the date happens to be Feb 27-28 - just one day before my job with MIFF. First i wasn't sure whether I should take it but after meeting with the marketing people and understanding the `light' nature of the assignment - I need to write two short pieces. And I get to enjoy free accommodation, food and spa in a five-star resort. No reasons for turning it down!

So I'll be flying off tomorrow tomorrow morning and would get to stay one night, and then another night back home in between the MIFF stint and my Bali holiday! Well.. at least it will be work first, and holiday later.. and I'm really looking forward to my 4-days escapade in Bali.

In the mean time tho, I am a bit worried about next Mon to Fri - as I have not done a 9am-5pm (well actually it would end later) for eons!! I would have to get up at 7-something each morning -which is really quite a daunting thing for this owl. My normal sleeping time is from 4am-noon...

Oh well... it's good to be out of the comfort zone sometimes.. and after all, I have Bali to look forward to!

So I will be packing in and out of suitcases. Just for the sake of frivolity, here are two photos of the suitcases I plan to bring for the 3 `trips' - and it will be in the order of the smallest to the largest.

And here's Jelly trying to get into the photo! :p

Ban the fireworks and firecrackers!!

Ok, i may sound like a CNY scrooge but i think i am not alone on this..

Even Facebook statuses and comments by friends/relatives indicated many of us in the Klang Valley (and I'm sure in other cities/towns with Chinese populations) were bothered by the incessant and loud fireworks and firecrackers that went on in the last couple of hours!!

Apparently we just ushered in the Hokkiens' BIG day - 拜天公 (Bai Tin Gong) which falls on the 8th day of CNY.. and since I moved to this neighbourhood almost 7 years ago, I have experienced this crazy outburst of `celebration' which was even madder than CNY eve itself!!

But I won't really complain so much if I didn't have Jojo. You see, my dear Goldie is quite a coward dog who is frightened by even an umbrella or even the slightest unusual noises.. You can imagine how freaked out he has been with all these loud noises!! In fact, he was already so disturbed since CNY eve, and had been behaving quite abnormally. He lives outdoor but because of the fireworks/crackers, he had been pounding the doors every night and seeing him so frightened, we let him in.. But he would just dash upstairs into my room and hide himself in his `safety abode' - underneath my bathroom basin. He would refuse to come out and even coaxing him with food and using all kinds of method proved futile..

Two nights ago, even after the fireworks stopped, when I took Jelly out for a walk (which is his favourite actually) he still remained upstairs.. and yes, he would tried to come down but retreated again..

Sometimes we put him in his other safety abode - his house. But when I touched him, I could feel his heart beating so fast so I just had to let him in again..

Tonight, he got so scared that he began chewing things in my room and bathroom, something he usually does when he's nervous.. He also looked so paranoid and pathetic.. when I called him, he normally would come but now he just hid himself.

Just now, mom has to use a `cruel' method to get him out from hiding under my sink - after I tried so many ways to coax him out and fail. Mom took an umbrella and shoved it near him.. and he finally budged.. by that time, the fireworks/crackers had ceased.. thankfully, though once in a while, we could still hear it..

I just don't understand.. that type of grand/loud fireworks do not come cheap! And so many people are willing to throw away so much money just to `celebrate' in such a way.. that contributes to air and noise pollution and even danger!! Why doesn't our government ban it like they once used to? Are they allowing it to woo the Chinese voters or..?

And it's actually early Monday morning - people have to work and schools re-open, yet these crazy `chinamen' (ok i'm stereotyping but chances are they are!) don't give a hoot! Their own merry-making comes before considerations for others. And they probably believe doing that would bring them prosperity?

I'm not a `banana', in fact, i'm Chinese educated and well verse with Chinese tradition and culture. My parents are traditionally and culturally very Chinese but thank goodness that even they do not share that kind of mentality.

At least now at past 2am, it's finally quieten down.. but here's a photo of poor Jojo sitting in my bathroom, under the sink, having chewing up papers and boxes!!

So pitiful.. :(

Mom, being the tolerant one, said it's just once a year and let it be... but I say, those of us who share my sentiment should petition to the government to ban fireworks/firecrackers once and for all!!

In memory of Grandma and Grandpa

Time flies.. It's grandma's first year death anniversary today. She passed away shortly after CNY last year from stroke and old age..

It was also grandpa's 16th year death anniversary last month - I couldn't believe it has been 16 years already after `ye ye' succumbed to cancer. He was a heavy smoker and drinker..

Dad placed a `in memory' ad in Sin Chew daily to commemorate their death anniversaries..

In the afternoon, we paid a visit to their resting place.. where their ashes are placed. When grandpa passed away, grandma had herself `booked' a place next to him. The urn was wrapped with red paper until last year.. I always thought it was a bit morbid.. but well..

I think it was uncle who put the liquor and beer there - they were grandpa's favourite sins.. we haven't put anything there for `ah nei'

I know it seems weird to take photos there, but it's kind of like a memory for myself/my blog. I also took one that showed some of their `neighbours'...

恭贺新禧！

Time flies.. the Year of the Tiger has dawned on us!!

As I'm typing this, still with a full stomach after a heavy reunion dinner feast, fire-crackers have been resounding loudly and unceasingly from around the neighbourhood! The Chinese customs and traditions are well alive at least in this part of the Kuala Lumpur suburb..

Maybe I'm getting old and jaded, I don't feel at all excited even no matter how beautiful the fireworks are.. In fact, I hope they will stop soon as I need to sleep real soon to get up early to church - will be leading songs tomorrow, on the 1st day of CNY!

The few days that followed will see quite a lot more feasting.. gosh I must have some restraint and not let myself put on weight after all the hard work! It'll also be a time of fellowship with relatives and friends, but I can't really be taking a proper break as some deadlines are looming!

Well.. here's wishing one and all a happy and blessed lunar new year! May the Year of the Tiger be a roaring good one! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Jojo can't do `up' anymore!! :((

I feel sad...:( My Jojo is an old dog now..!?

I know Jojo is not getting any younger.. he'll be seven-years-old in June. However, I couldn't believe his legs and joints are getting so weak that as of these two days, he could no longer leap up!

For the longest time, every evening when I come home, he would greet me and leap on me on his hind legs. Usually I would gesturel him to the pillar cos instead of scratching my clothes, he could just leap and scratch on the pillar of the porch. Then I would pat and play with him a bit. This has been like his routine..

But last night and tonight, he just greeted me without jumping.. and when I signaled for him to jump at the pillar, he struggled to attempt it but failed! He could just jump very low and immediately back on all fours.. he couldn't do the `up' command anymore!!

:(( I was devastated. I had been giving him expensive joint supplements but on a low dosage - mainly because it's very expensive and also the vet said I could start slow as a `maintenance' supplement since he isn't that senior in age yet..

But now.. I think I need to increase the dosage.. as he obviously showed obvious signs that he is getting weak in his joints.

Oh Jojo.. I can't believe age has taken a toll on you.. I think I really need to bring him for walk even more regularly and take care of him better. I feel so bad.. I think his lifestyle is probably too sedentary and he's getting heavy too...

I really pray his condition will not worsen and can be improved with the help of supplements..

The photos show Jojo, lying outside my study just now. Ya, looking lazy but he still looks so handsome, doesn't he?

a slimming spokesperson ;)

This is a long-waited post. It will begin with the history of my weight-loss battle.

After being overweight for almost all my adult life, I plucked up all determination I didn't know I had to change myself - with some professional help thrown in - last year. And the result was beyond my own imagination!

I have lost more than 15 kg - more precisely, 35 pounds - in about 8 months!

And I won't even go into the inches lost as I honestly have lost count ( you know how they measure all the parts of the body but in total it was 100 plus cm) Suffice to say though, I have gone from a size 14 plus to a size 10 (British size)!!

Of course it has been a lot of hard work. And it's a combination of sacrificing money + time + food! And on top of that, tonnes of discipline and will power!

So what prompted me to take up this drastic measure in the first place? Well, of course I have been unhappy with my body weight and appearance for long. At 5 feet 2, I was quite overweight at more than 60 kg. A year ago exactly, I plummeted to 66kg! Unlike some who have heavy bones, I am actually small-built but what I had was excess FAT! Because I knew what to wear to cover-up, some didn't consider me really fat but my fat content was way high - in the obese category! Believe me, I have enough knowledge to be fooled, plus I have a healthy self-esteem.

The last straw came when I was getting dressed for a concert just after CNY last year. I wanted to wear a pair of pants which I had not worn for a while. I could not fit into it let alone buckle up! I then tried another pair of dressy jeans. The same happened! I ended up trying two or three more bottoms and they were all so tight that I could not wear them! Gosh, I was exasperated!! I was mad at myself for putting on so much weight

So there and then I told myself. I MUST do something about my figure. I just HAD to lose weight.

The next day, I called up My Dream Beauty, a new spa/wellness/slimming centre which I had written their brochure for them not long ago. Through speaking to the manager, I knew they had a comprehensive slimming program and some latest machines. The manager, Stephanie, has extensive know-how on slimming methods/treatments. As it's a very competitive market, I also knew their pricing was less than the other slimming chains.

To back-track a bit, I must now confess that in my life, I've joined 4 slimming centres before. The first was when I just started out working. I was overweight after my university years in the U.K. but since I had limited budget, I chose a cheaper one called Professional Slimming Centre which is now defunct. I couldn't believe they only gave diet advise. And the diet, in hindsight, was quite ridiculous! You only could eat steam/grilled food of limited choices and you had to measure the quantity! It was truly miserable. I followed for a while and lost a few pounds but I could not go on.

My second foray into slimming was in 1999. The motivation being that I was to be a bridesmaid for my good friend's wedding. I decided to take the plunge for what I thought was the `best' and most popular - Marie France, and had to endure the torturing cold wrap, not mentioning forking out an exorbitant sum of more than RM15K in total!! I spent about 10 months with them - having to top up more treatments cos I was told I needed them. Yes,there was result - I lost about 10kg.

Of course I could not afford to go on with them after a while. I did look quite trim but the problem was I was too deprived of food - yes, they emphasised on diet too! So gradually over the next year, I piled back the weight and fat, and it's back to square one!

My 3rd and 4th slimming quests were with Unisense and Slimming Sanctuary. I joined Unisense as they were more affordable. But they only concentrated on one type of slimming treatment - ultrasound, which turned out to be quite slow in making me lose weight. I only lost a few pounds in a few months.

Then a couple of years later, I came across Slimming Sanctuary through work. Maybe I'm a sucker for advertising, but after attending one of their media event, I was quite impressed by the accolades they claimed and since they gave me some discount as media, I signed up. But soon, I was quite disappointed as result was slow. Or maybe I wasn't very determined thus not following the diet closely. My weight loss was hardly noticeable :(

I told myself, that was the last time I would ever joined a slimming centre. It was not worth the money and time. And I could do it myself. But the last slimming endeavour I embarked on was trying out Herbalife. I bought a pack of products from a friend and I ate that for a month. I lost a little bit of weight, but I just could not bear having the sweet `shakes' for meals all the time! On top of that, they ain't cheap either. Again, I gave up...

And then, I seemed to have given up altogether. I succumbed to my innate glutton nature. In that year that followed (ie 2008) I just let loose myself eating. I binged all the time, I ate anything, anytime, anywhere, any how I liked. For instance, in between heavy lunch and dinner, I would buy a big slice of cheesecake and gobbled all up myself. Since I was (and still am) a night owl, I would cook a packet of instant noodle at 3am and ate every strand of the mee. Else, I would dig into my kitchen shelves for cookies or chocolates or anything tasty - and fattening!

No wonder I piled on.. till the awakening after CNY 2009. I reached my heaviest at 66kg!

Till now I still wonder whether it was my successful diet or the effective treatments that had me lose weight at My Dream. I believe it's a combination of both - but more so the diet. And they were really clever in the `diet prescription' in that unlike the previous slimming centres I joined, My Dream advocates the kinds of food to take, but does not limit the quantity. Their diet advice makes lots of sense too.

While I had gone carbs-free before, this time however, it's not so unbearable. True, no carbs were allowed for the first couple of weeks. But I could eat any amount of fish, vegetables, bean products, eggs and oats. Of course, I sometimes craved for rice or noodles or bread but I guess I was so determine to do it that I had accustomed my taste bud to even the yucky oats (that replaced rice and noodles). I like fish and since I am into cooking, I tried various ways to prepare different fish. And I could eat Sashimi!:) And guess what, I had become a fan of salads! There are just so many types of salads you can make.. and thank goodness for low-fat salad dressings.

So ya, with my new diet plus the treatments - a combination of machine, massages and wraps, I saw my weight and figure gradually reduced. I had in the beginning told Stephanie that I did not want drastic and rapid weight loss but gradual loss so that I could maintain it. And that was what happened..

Granted, 15kg seemed a lot. But I did NOT lose that overnight. I started in mid February last year and finally achieved my target weight after 8 months. And from September onwards, my weight has remained between 50-51kg. Yes, I have managed to maintain for 4 months. My treatments had completed in early October.

I know this may sound `boastful' but the thing is, since around September last year till today, so many people - from friends, relatives to acquaintances and even the vegetable seller I see only once a while - had noticed and commented on my weight loss. I would understand if they hadn't see me for a while but even those who saw me quite frequently still could see the marked difference! I was quite flattered at first but now, repeating the same story to everyone became a bit tiring! But maybe it's good practice for my new `role'... :p

Some months back, Stephanie asked me whether I wanted to be their spokesperson. I didn't hesitate because I would be given a period of free maintenance treatments! In return, I would be photographed and the photos would be used for their publicity/advertising purposes. Occasionally, I will be required to appear in their events.

Since My Dream is still a newish centre with not a bit budget, they have not advertised at all, but they may have plans in the future. So to start with, my photos as spokesperson will be used in-house for their potential clients only. Maybe later for press advertisements. But what's good is I'm not required to wear revealing outfits such as bikinis or even swim wear. So I see it as a win-win situation because my wish is to maintain my current weight/figure, and as their spokesperson, my weight can't fluctuate more than 3kg. My monthly free maintenance treatment should help a bit too!

I went for a two-week intensive treatments to make sure I look svelte enough! And as I had to wear a v-neck and cleavage-showing gown, I had my first ever bust-firming treatment! And also a few sessions of Depressology - a toning treatment that is a bit painful!

For the shoot, I put on both casual wear and evening gowns, the latter provided by the bridal house that did the shoot. Everything - from the photographer to the make-up aritst cum hair-stylist to the gowns, were all from Taipei! Aptly named `Very Taipei', it's a new outlet in KL. I marvelled at the speed of which they worked. Compared to the local make-up artists/hair stylists and photographers that I have worked with, I would say these people were very efficient and professional.

It was a tiring day for me.. although what I had to do was basically `just' fit the clothes, get my make-up and hair done, and pose for shoots for five different images. The most tiring was the shoot! I mean this was not the first time for me as I had photo shoots done for make-over int he past. But since this was for slimming `ads' , i had to pose in some rather sexy and perculiar positions to accentuate and emphasise on certain body parts and curves. And of course the photographer knew what he's doing as he managed to capture me real slim!!

All in, it took almost 5 hours! But it was expected as the photographer and makeup artist had to do three more spokespersons as well. Overall, it was a pretty memorable day!

I `curi-curi' (actually it's in the open) used my own camera to capture the behind-the-scene shots, as well as just a few shots after the real professional ones were taken.

Stealing some shots by my camera in the studio

My own dress - now

Same dress - then!

Here are more photos of how I used to look like - yup, I know there's a marked difference!

If after reading this you're inspired to slim down, let me tell you if I can, so can you!! What you need are two Ds and a P - Determination, discipline (which should follow) AND professional help!!

Honestly I couldn't have done it without My Dream - and i'm not playing the role of a spokesperson but a blogger here! :)

my tribute to Robert..

As I write this post, our dear brother Robert Lam has been laid to rest.

He was called home to be with the Lord early morning on Saturday, having battled with cancer for many months.

I have delayed writing this post. For when I went with my cell group to visit him in hospital in new year's day and was so encouraged and moved by his unwavering faith and spirit and he shared with us, I even asked Robert if I could use his real name in my blog to which he smilingly gave his affirmative answer.

Now, I ended up writing a obituary of sort.. but not quite. I am just compelled to share as I saw how much his life has touched so many people, and in death he has left a legacy.

Of course most of us knew of him as a former newscaster, and the man with that deep golden voice. It was only in the last few years that I got to know him because of church ministries such as ISM and worship. I learned that he was truly someone who is really passionate for God's work and for people. He was 64 but had the enthusiasm and zeal of a 46 year-old.

When I knew that he was diagnosed with skin cancer some time last year, I wanted to join my friends to visit him at home. Somehow it got delayed and I subsequently saw him a couple of times in church and got to talk a little with him. And then his health condition took a bad turn end of last year, when cancer cells had spread to all the important organs. But all the while he remained optimistic, faithful and hopeful. To the very last day, he had never once complained or moaned about his pain and infirmity.

I visited him twice in the hospital - first on new year's day when he was fully alert but his strong deep voice had been reduced to half. And he was still very hopeful that God would heal him and give him 10 more years to live not that he's afraid to die but he wanted to serve God more on earth. That's what some of us have been pleading to God as well.

Then last Tuesday afternoon, as I was driving to hospital, I received an sms saying that Dr had given him 3 more days, my heart was heavy but I know I couldn't give up and even then Robert was fully alert. He called out my name when I walked towards his bed. His family was around and he struggled to want to introduce me to his children and siblings. Not wanting to make him talk, I just spent some time praying for/with him and I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in our midst. Robert responded to my prayer with `Amens' intermittently, i could feel he was totally in God's hands. Although with a heavy heart, I felt peace and comfort because I knew God's peace and comfort was with him..

In the weeks that led to his home-coming, Robert had no short of visitors. And many church friends also had a chance to see him last at an appreciation evening that was organised specially for him - just less than 2 weeks before his real farewell. It shows how much he was loved and respected and although some may see the service as slight `morbid', Robert himself was really excited over it and although he could hardly speak much and had to be wheeled into the church with drips, his spirit was high..

And then, there's the wake service last night. As I entered into my church foyer, I saw colourful balloons, and then the auditorium itself was decorated with more balloons - including heart-shaped ones. Though unusual, I thought it was really refreshing and it would be something Robert would love to see. And true enough, I heard from another church friend that Robert had expressed his wish that his sending off would be a celebration! Indeed even the worship part was exuberant, our church choir singing along side a band of musicians (piano, guitar, bass, drums, violin and bongo) - it was the `loudest' wake service worship I've ever attended - true to the celebration spirit that Robert would have wanted.

I think many more people would have wanted to give their eulogy but the time ran out no thanks to an old friend of Robert whose long speech took up half an hour at least! Maybe it's hard to blame him for he does have many fond memories of his close friend of more than 20 years plus the fact that he is a public speaker who like Robert, could hog the mike with their commanding voice presence for a long time! :p

Personally, besides missing Robert as a friend and brother, I would miss his beautiful deep voice God has blessed him with. When the choir sang `You Raise Me Up', I was brought back to not that long ago, Robert was standing on that same stage as part of the worship team and sang the song. And on that stage, his trademark long yet commanding announcement to urge people to join and support the International Student Ministry which he was so much a part of.

The turnout at the wake service was enormous - the whole auditorium was almost filled to the brink. There were friends and relatives from all over - those who know him professionally, many from other churches, from The Giddeons (where he used to serve) etc.. From the few sharing we heard that gave a different side and perspective of Robert, one thing was sure. That Robert has indeed impacted many people, many lives in ways even beyond his own imagination. He has truly left a legacy.

As I walked past his casket to pay my last respect and bid farewell, I tried to hold back my tears. I was saddened.. but inside I thank and praise God that He loved Robert so much that now Robert is no longer suffering or in pain living in this corrupted world. His soul is in a far far better place with our Lord. And one day, when everything has come to an end, I know I will see him and other brothers and sisters in that place..

My tribute for Robert Lam is summed up in these scripture verses which Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:6-8

⁶For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Farewell my brother. You'll be missed.

Good Riddance to Facebook Games.

Half a month into the new year.. and I think I didn't do too badly for my ONE resolution.. Though I must confess I have not been doing the devotion everyday.. but I would catch up with it and tonite if I read for two days, I am already up to date.. And in a way I do feel spiritually closer to God.. :)

Then Yesterday (Thurs) I made a `drastic' decision - or you could count it as my 2nd resolution for the new year.

I was in the steam room for my detox treatment and since I had to be stuck in there for 1/2 hour, I used the time to pray and commune with the Lord. And I was committing my work to Him, and also confessing how bad I've been in term of wasting time playing on FB games.. and causing myself to sleep extremely late..

Then, the Lord spoke (ok, not literally but He instilled this idea into my head). It's plain and simple: I should just stop playing ALL the games with immediate effect.

It's not exactly very hard to do right, you would say.. Games are games.. but for someone like me who really enjoyed playing them, and yes, got addicted in the process, it is kinda a `drastic' decision. But I welcome it and I told God and myself that I WILL do it.

So it's set. When I got home in the evening, I went to Facebook as usual. First, I put up a status message to announce this decision - a self-tactic to make my decision more firm. Then I just took away all the bookmarks of the applications of the games.. I didn't go and delete the applications for various reasons.. First, it takes too long and I might soften.. and I have too many applications anyway. Secondly, I have kids friends who may want things from my games which I think I can give to them.. to think of it, for Pets Society especially, it's hard for me to just delete my whole account after I had invested so many months and built up a beautiful `home' with so many furniture and stuff in it. At least now even if I don't play at all, I know it's still somewhere in cyberspace..

Actually the one game that I was resisting last night was `Cafe World', cause I was in the midst of cooking a few dishes.. and then I have so many friends who are active playing this game, who without fail have been sending me gifts (dishes) daily. To show my resoluteness, I even deleted all the gifts that they sent so far since last night..

And then there was Sorority Life - a silly girlie game that actually promotes (if anything) vanity and accumulate material things!! But can you believe I have two characters there and even took the trouble to add many strangers just to be come `sisters' (and then deleted them from FB friends cos they're total strangers) And I reached level 109 or 110? in one.. that's A LOT of hours or days or even weeks of time.... sigh

So am I having withdrawal syndrome from FB games? maybe.. I don't know. I know myself too well. If I didn't take such a drastic measure to stop altogether, I could never have the discipline and self control to play just sparingly. Because I have an addictive streak, and from past experiences I have learned the lesson of how addicted I get with things like computer-related games..

A friend actually commented on my status message: `see how long it lasts'!! Hmm but I am really determined to make it last until I have no more interest whatsoever with these games anymore!!

So, good riddance to Sorority Life, Cafe World, Petville, Restaurant City, Pet Society, and Word Twist (though basically I have only one opponent but I can get carried away) All of you have given me fun and good time but at the same time got me wasted hundreds of hours .. so like what the song sings.. it's `Time to say Goodbye..'!

update 17-1-10:
I DID IT!! I just deleted all my FB games applications except Pet Society (for reasons above) and Word Twist (maybe once a while just to play it as it's non continual..).

Just ONE specific resolution but but there are some plans and wishes

Since I promised at my `year in review' post that I'll talk a bit about my aspirations and resolutions for 2010, so here I am although I don't feel so inspired to write about it as I did for that post!

You know, I always believe in setting resolutions for a new year.. although I always wrestle with them as well. And so in the last four years that I blogged, I have dedicated a `resolution post' marking a new year here, here, here and here. However for 2009 I realised I didn't really write much about any resolution.. could it be because of that I have not really achieved anything significant - albeit it was an eventful year! ?

And if you read these year-end/beginning post on resolutions, you'd realise there were some similar patterns.. I could easily take the resolutions for 2008 and `rehash' them for 2010.. because honestly I haven't achieved almost all of them saved the `diet and slimming' bit. And really they are all important too.

But today after chatting online with a friend, I was inspired to not be `greedy' and focus on just ONE resolution that I really feel is vital for me to want to fulfill. And somehow I believe if I could realise this resolution, my other sub-resolutions from years back could gradually fall into place..

And I'm dedicating and committing this resolution to God Himself.. for I know if I do it, He would be pleased and my Christian walk would be even more fulfilling. Actually it's a basic prerequisite of living a Christian life which I have failed so badly all the time especially in the last year!

So my one only resolution which I am putting down in black&white to remind myself is:

To have my daily devotion with the Lord - i.e. setting apart 15 mins or so (can be more) to read and meditate on Scripture, to pray and to listen upon the Lord.

Only 15 mins a day, and you would wonder how difficult that could be?! Sigh. because of my lack of discipline and self-control, I'm always being distracted by other things esp. the Internet! And doing my Q.T. (quiet time) has sadly been neglected and even forgotten at some stage!

If you're not a Christian, let me explain why doing our devotion is important.. It's basically an intimate time you spend alone with your God. If you're devoted to your spouse/parents/children/bf or gf you would want to spend some quality time communicating with them daily. It's the same with God. I know I could call on Him anytime if I need to but I believe He would be more pleased if I set aside time to have an `appointment' with him daily.. reading what He wants to tell me and conversing with Him through prayers..

And doing devotion regularly actually benefit us not God.. we are the one who need guidance and constant teaching and surely our spiritual life will feel dry if we do not have this relationship with our God through our personal devotion..

Of course, I have other wishes and plans.. one of which is to travel to the U.S. - which I have longed to do so for more than 3 years now. I really really want to visit NYC but I probably will go look for my friend in SF and we can go together to the Big Apple. I know the trip will cost a bomb - and I would need to `eat into' some of my non-cash savings.. But this is the desire of my heart and I know God is faithful if He feels I deserve this journey, I know I will get to go.. if really not this year then soon..

Work wise, I have made a decision on NY eve. I'll register my own enterprise under sole proprietor ship next week, and also to reprint my card and set up a work blog. I even thought of the name already but will disclose a bit later. The reason being I feel I want to treat my freelancing writing career more seriously. Especially since now I've diversified to other forms of non-editorial writing. There is a market as long as I work harder to expand my network and try to clinch more jobs. I know God has been providing and there are doors opening already. So yes, lets pray and hope 2010 will be a even better year, or even a turning-point for this freelancer.

Other plans and wishes? There are of course but I feel I don't really need to list them here. Maybe one of them is that I should blog again more regularly. This would also spur on my inspiration and flair for writing. Facebooking and getting addicted to FB games doesn't really help!

So, I hope that at the end of 2010 when I review this post, I can truly say that yes, I've managed finally to have achieved my new year resolution.