Last week's sermon at church made me realise how God had really worked in my life.
I remembered the first time I was really really down. A piece of news was delivered to me which whilst it did not catch me by total surprise, still made me choke. I could not breathe. My stomach hurt in a funny way it had not ached before. I did not know what to think and for lack of knowing what to do, I got my car keys and just drove - just to get out. The next day and following days, I threw myself into work. Despite working 11-hour day 6-7 days a week for the past 10months, I made myself concentrate even more on work. That, I believed, would help me. In a way, perhaps it did, but I now realise how wrong that solution was.
Fast forward a few years later when I was in a similar situation. By then, God had started to work in me. I remember when the initial thought came that the situation was potentially repeating itself, I was in our homegroup retreat and I was staring out at the fields. And instead of feeling the way I did before, I remember how I just prayed days and months that whatever the outcome was, it was what He wanted. Even if it was not the outcome I wanted. I did not get the choking, the breathlessness and the strange stomachache. I did not run out and immerse myself in running, driving or working. I just felt calm. I may be losing something I worked very hard on, but I was not as distressed as I was before. I remember committing it to Him and saying that He should take it if it was meant to, and to help me deal with the consequences in the right way. In the end, God made sure I did not lose it. I trusted in Him. I did lose other things in the process, but I believe that was meant to be - showing me others' true colours despite all that has happened.
I did not realise the differences in my reaction to two very similar situations until the sermon - that it was down to God's work. I had thought before that it was because I became better at handling these things. How self-centred that was! I still wonder about certain things in those two situations. I don't think I will ever know the full picture. When I'm feeling a bit uncertain or down, I think back to the little details and ask myself 'why', 'what did it mean', 'should I have done it differently', etc. And because of that, I will remind myself of the following poem as some of the lines hold true to this current post, and the rest are true to my previous post 'Reflection'. I realise how I used to be able to focus on the positive, and I want to get back there.
Think of the things that make you happy
not of the things that make sad
Think of the fine and true in mankind
not its sordid side and bad
Think of the blessings that surround you
not the ones that are denied
Think of the virtues of your friendships
not the weak and faulty side
Think of the gains you've made
not the losses you've incurred
Think of the days of health and pleasure
not the days of woe and pain
Think of the days alive with sunshine
not the dismal days of rain
Think of the hopes that lie before you
not the waste that lies behind
Think of the treasures you have gathered
not the ones you've failed to find
Think of the service you may render
not of serving self alone
Think of the happiness of others
and in this you will find your own
by Robert Farley
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
It's good to be back blogging
It feels good to start blogging again. Like a release.
And the week looked up too. Hope it is on the way up.
And the week looked up too. Hope it is on the way up.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Reflection
Only one post in 2008. Almost a year ago. I keep meaning to update the blog but for one reason or another, decided not to. Laziness was a factor, but not the only one. It has been a year of changes and a year of settling down. Or at least trying to.
It has been fab being in the same place as B. Being under the same roof, being able to see each other everyday, spending time together... Not forgetting our families and being able to spend a lot more time with them. And being able to meet up regularly with our good friends. In that respect it has been good.
But I still miss what I had previously. I try hard not to compare and reminisce. I try and try not be annoyed at the driving, at the traffic, the incompetence and arrogance of people, the small-mindedness, the tunnel vision, the inefficiencies.... I tell myself that God has a plan for me here. But I am weak. I can't help but compare at times.
I miss my financial independence. Everything I had before had been with my own money. Since starting work, I did not need to take any money from my parents, whether in form of rent, food, holidays, clothes. I was even able to contribute more to them. Now, working in a country where the spending power is abysmal, I find it difficult to attain my financial independence again despite being in an ok job. Buying things, especially those of decent quality, used to be a given before, but now it is a luxury. Lest you think I am a spoilt brat, I am not talking about the Guccis, Pradas, Choos, Ferragamos, Blahniks.... I am talking about decent quality chicken, beef, pork, pasta, salmon, ice-cream.... My grocery bills used to be in lower end of double-digits. Now, if I were to buy the same things here, it is in triple digits. And my salary hasn't increased in that proportion!
I miss my own space. My room, my share of the house, the garden. B's family have been superb in accepting me in the house - don't get me wrong. But I guess I have my own pride and I like my own space. Where I can decorate however I want. Where I can just laze. Just vegging out in front of the tele watching cookery programmes (yes, my social life is that fantastic but hey, I enjoy it!). Having friends over regularly to chat and cook.
I miss my colleagues and my teams. My seniors - whether directors or partners who gave me all the opportunities yet being there at the right time should I need them. All their professionalism. I miss all their focused determination and independence. Met deadlines. How they just got on and do their jobs. Well. Not thinking of excuses. Not using me as an emotional crutch. Wasting time talking about non-business stuff. I can take that - but at lunch or dinner or anywhere outside the office. For me, work is work. And if you need to relate a non-relevant story, relate it just once. Not five times. I can't pretend to be interested each time. I miss not being nagged to. I didn't realise it was possible. To be nagged to when it's not your fault, but because they just need to nag to someone instead of the person who has done wrong. Or perhaps they have, but they still want to nag. I used to try and help out and say 'Happy to discuss'. I stopped that. Because I realised that 'discuss' would include (a lot of) non-relevant stuff. Which takes up precious work time. I never though I would cringe at 'Let's discuss', 'Come, let me give you the background'. Fine if it really is just that, but ultimately it includes far too much history (mostly irrelevant for that time). And I stopped trying to help out in everything. Because I realised that sneakily, those added onto my responsibilities. I hate being punished in that way for trying to be efficient and enthusiastic.
I miss the friends I had. Yes, when I was over there, I missed my friends here. But over here, I miss my friends there too. Guess I just want everything. The regular catch-ups and jewellery making sessions with the crazy girls. The gossips with ex-colleagues. I miss being able to talk to colleagues outside work about non-work stuff. I really can't understand why people always need to talk about work outside work. It is soooooo .....boring! I miss the drives out to try different good restaurants. The weekend trips to take in the scenery and take photos. The butchers, the supermarkets, the high street shops....
I miss decent food and decent service. We are at the same restaurants or cafes every week simply because we have no other choice! To the point where yes, we like the food and the service, but we are bored! And it is a bit embarassing when they know your order even before you sit down!
I don't understand why people have to impart their opinions on your life all the time. What you should eat, which route you should take when you drive somewhere, where you should shop, where you should live, the house you should buy. Usually, people provide suggestions on where they have been which they thought was good. But here, everyone insists that their favourite restaurant is the best, or that this route is the fastest. All these, already subjective discussions, are not aided by the issue that this country is so fickle and disorganised.
I don't like how one has to drop names to get service. And that they are proud of it too! I hate to have to say I'm so-and-so just so I get seated first, or get the better table, or get better rates. I think if one has to do that, it already suggests bad service in my books. Because they can't provide the same efficient and good service to everyone. Names are also dropped to show association. Why? Who cares if you know so-and-so lives in that house, or drives that type of car, or shops there? And these 'names' dropped, are not even big in the global scheme of things.
I miss my church. But I am glad I found one that we have settled in temporarily.
I miss proper driving. I was taught defensive driving and how to drive by assuming others are stupid. But I never thought I'd have to use it. Oh boy, this is one place that those definitely come in handy.
I miss organisation, structure and non-corruption (if there is such a word). Where things are properly laid out. Where you know where the information is written. Not being passed from one to another and at the end, you still don't get the information you are looking for.
How terrible to start off 2009 with a post like this. But these were feelings I had in 2008 which I tried to push away. I hope 2009 will be a better year. I hope we can settle down more. There are things that cannot be changed. But I hope that I can make the most of things.
It has been fab being in the same place as B. Being under the same roof, being able to see each other everyday, spending time together... Not forgetting our families and being able to spend a lot more time with them. And being able to meet up regularly with our good friends. In that respect it has been good.
But I still miss what I had previously. I try hard not to compare and reminisce. I try and try not be annoyed at the driving, at the traffic, the incompetence and arrogance of people, the small-mindedness, the tunnel vision, the inefficiencies.... I tell myself that God has a plan for me here. But I am weak. I can't help but compare at times.
I miss my financial independence. Everything I had before had been with my own money. Since starting work, I did not need to take any money from my parents, whether in form of rent, food, holidays, clothes. I was even able to contribute more to them. Now, working in a country where the spending power is abysmal, I find it difficult to attain my financial independence again despite being in an ok job. Buying things, especially those of decent quality, used to be a given before, but now it is a luxury. Lest you think I am a spoilt brat, I am not talking about the Guccis, Pradas, Choos, Ferragamos, Blahniks.... I am talking about decent quality chicken, beef, pork, pasta, salmon, ice-cream.... My grocery bills used to be in lower end of double-digits. Now, if I were to buy the same things here, it is in triple digits. And my salary hasn't increased in that proportion!
I miss my own space. My room, my share of the house, the garden. B's family have been superb in accepting me in the house - don't get me wrong. But I guess I have my own pride and I like my own space. Where I can decorate however I want. Where I can just laze. Just vegging out in front of the tele watching cookery programmes (yes, my social life is that fantastic but hey, I enjoy it!). Having friends over regularly to chat and cook.
I miss my colleagues and my teams. My seniors - whether directors or partners who gave me all the opportunities yet being there at the right time should I need them. All their professionalism. I miss all their focused determination and independence. Met deadlines. How they just got on and do their jobs. Well. Not thinking of excuses. Not using me as an emotional crutch. Wasting time talking about non-business stuff. I can take that - but at lunch or dinner or anywhere outside the office. For me, work is work. And if you need to relate a non-relevant story, relate it just once. Not five times. I can't pretend to be interested each time. I miss not being nagged to. I didn't realise it was possible. To be nagged to when it's not your fault, but because they just need to nag to someone instead of the person who has done wrong. Or perhaps they have, but they still want to nag. I used to try and help out and say 'Happy to discuss'. I stopped that. Because I realised that 'discuss' would include (a lot of) non-relevant stuff. Which takes up precious work time. I never though I would cringe at 'Let's discuss', 'Come, let me give you the background'. Fine if it really is just that, but ultimately it includes far too much history (mostly irrelevant for that time). And I stopped trying to help out in everything. Because I realised that sneakily, those added onto my responsibilities. I hate being punished in that way for trying to be efficient and enthusiastic.
I miss the friends I had. Yes, when I was over there, I missed my friends here. But over here, I miss my friends there too. Guess I just want everything. The regular catch-ups and jewellery making sessions with the crazy girls. The gossips with ex-colleagues. I miss being able to talk to colleagues outside work about non-work stuff. I really can't understand why people always need to talk about work outside work. It is soooooo .....boring! I miss the drives out to try different good restaurants. The weekend trips to take in the scenery and take photos. The butchers, the supermarkets, the high street shops....
I miss decent food and decent service. We are at the same restaurants or cafes every week simply because we have no other choice! To the point where yes, we like the food and the service, but we are bored! And it is a bit embarassing when they know your order even before you sit down!
I don't understand why people have to impart their opinions on your life all the time. What you should eat, which route you should take when you drive somewhere, where you should shop, where you should live, the house you should buy. Usually, people provide suggestions on where they have been which they thought was good. But here, everyone insists that their favourite restaurant is the best, or that this route is the fastest. All these, already subjective discussions, are not aided by the issue that this country is so fickle and disorganised.
I don't like how one has to drop names to get service. And that they are proud of it too! I hate to have to say I'm so-and-so just so I get seated first, or get the better table, or get better rates. I think if one has to do that, it already suggests bad service in my books. Because they can't provide the same efficient and good service to everyone. Names are also dropped to show association. Why? Who cares if you know so-and-so lives in that house, or drives that type of car, or shops there? And these 'names' dropped, are not even big in the global scheme of things.
I miss my church. But I am glad I found one that we have settled in temporarily.
I miss proper driving. I was taught defensive driving and how to drive by assuming others are stupid. But I never thought I'd have to use it. Oh boy, this is one place that those definitely come in handy.
I miss organisation, structure and non-corruption (if there is such a word). Where things are properly laid out. Where you know where the information is written. Not being passed from one to another and at the end, you still don't get the information you are looking for.
How terrible to start off 2009 with a post like this. But these were feelings I had in 2008 which I tried to push away. I hope 2009 will be a better year. I hope we can settle down more. There are things that cannot be changed. But I hope that I can make the most of things.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sometimes these things happen...
It is not what we want...
We may not know why it happens...
We may not understand why it should happen...
Timing is wrong...
We look at all sorts of potential reasons - some selfless, some selfish...
But whatever the reason, it happened...
Look ahead
Keep smiling
Keep your chin up
Take comfort in God's plans
We may not know why it happens...
We may not understand why it should happen...
Timing is wrong...
We look at all sorts of potential reasons - some selfless, some selfish...
But whatever the reason, it happened...
Look ahead
Keep smiling
Keep your chin up
Take comfort in God's plans
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
So many decisions, so much uncertainty
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
I'm holding onto this so much and trusting that Lord will guide me to what's right. There is a bit of uncertainty for me at the moment, but I pray that His Hand is over the decision making process. I also pray that I will accept the decision and make the most of it.
We can make it work. With His grace.
I'm holding onto this so much and trusting that Lord will guide me to what's right. There is a bit of uncertainty for me at the moment, but I pray that His Hand is over the decision making process. I also pray that I will accept the decision and make the most of it.
We can make it work. With His grace.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
I wish...
I wish...
... I am a lot of things I am not - in behaviour, attitude, skills and features.
... I am not a lot of things I am - in behaviour, attitude, skills and features.
I am not perfect. No where near. I know that.
But who am I is who God designed. For that I feel blessed. Yes, I have a lot of flaws but slowly and with God's grace, am learning and applying the wisdom in Proverbs. Bear with me.
... I am a lot of things I am not - in behaviour, attitude, skills and features.
... I am not a lot of things I am - in behaviour, attitude, skills and features.
I am not perfect. No where near. I know that.
But who am I is who God designed. For that I feel blessed. Yes, I have a lot of flaws but slowly and with God's grace, am learning and applying the wisdom in Proverbs. Bear with me.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Forever
Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand
and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever
His love endures forever
His love endures forever
His love endures forever
Forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Foerver you are with us
Forever
And ever
Yeah
Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Forever you are with us
Forever
Forever
You are God.....
Forever
And ever and ever ....
- Chris Tomlin
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand
and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever
Forever
His love endures forever
His love endures forever
His love endures forever
Forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Foerver you are with us
Forever
And ever
Yeah
Forever you are faithful
Forever you are strong
Forever you are with us
Forever
Forever
You are God.....
Forever
And ever and ever ....
- Chris Tomlin
Busy Half-Week
Busy busy week at the start, thankfully with non-work stuff!
It was musical night on Monday, with a trip to Lord of the Rings. And yes, it was just as long as the movie. I'm glad I went to watch it but I don't think it's one I'll rave on about. Casting was very very poor. Aragorn didn't portray himself as authoritative, Boromir didn't come across as being very courageous, Legolas wasn't a dainty elf (not even blonde as per movie and book!), Frodo seemed old. The sets were very cleverly done, I must say. I expected more singing and dancing in the spirit of musicals. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing that there weren't more of those.
On Tuesday, met up with Jen and Phong on honeymoon:
And it was Best of the Best 2007 gala on Wednesday. For whatever reason, I wasn't looking forward to it but was very pleased I went in the end. We didn't win the big prize, but cliche-d as it sounds, I guess it was good enough to get a nomination. It was certainly an impressive affair. The photos don't do them justice as I took them when the areas weren't occupied:
It was musical night on Monday, with a trip to Lord of the Rings. And yes, it was just as long as the movie. I'm glad I went to watch it but I don't think it's one I'll rave on about. Casting was very very poor. Aragorn didn't portray himself as authoritative, Boromir didn't come across as being very courageous, Legolas wasn't a dainty elf (not even blonde as per movie and book!), Frodo seemed old. The sets were very cleverly done, I must say. I expected more singing and dancing in the spirit of musicals. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing that there weren't more of those.
On Tuesday, met up with Jen and Phong on honeymoon:
And it was Best of the Best 2007 gala on Wednesday. For whatever reason, I wasn't looking forward to it but was very pleased I went in the end. We didn't win the big prize, but cliche-d as it sounds, I guess it was good enough to get a nomination. It was certainly an impressive affair. The photos don't do them justice as I took them when the areas weren't occupied:
Group of 8 drummers starting the event
One of the after-dinner areas in Alice-in-Wonderland style
Main hall after the event
Saturday, September 08, 2007
The weekend!!!!
Yippee....it's the weekend! I've been looking forward to this since....well, Tuesday morning. Not that I've got anything special planned this weekend. Just being able to relax and not think about work, evolving deadlines and different priorities.... I still can't place my finger on why I wasn't motivated or enthusiastic at all this week. Nothing bad happened. Just the normal routine and challenges of work. Something I used to be quite enthused about but this week, I just wanted it to go away....
Whatever it was, I'm so glad it's the weekend! Regardless of whatever week I had, B had a worse week. 6-7 hours sleep over 48 hours as he prepared all his cases for exam presentation next week. I felt bad that I was asleep before he was, given it was midnite where I am and he is 7 hours ahead. Oh well, I think he's even more pleased it's the weekend, and will be even happier when the exam presentation's over on Tuesday. Praying hard for him!
Whatever it was, I'm so glad it's the weekend! Regardless of whatever week I had, B had a worse week. 6-7 hours sleep over 48 hours as he prepared all his cases for exam presentation next week. I felt bad that I was asleep before he was, given it was midnite where I am and he is 7 hours ahead. Oh well, I think he's even more pleased it's the weekend, and will be even happier when the exam presentation's over on Tuesday. Praying hard for him!
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Photo Upload
My desktop's finally up and running after the house move. So photos have now been uploaded!
Camping in Wales
Sailing Challenge 2007
Cork
Spoon by Alain Ducasse
Mirabelle
Livea
Camping in Wales
Sailing Challenge 2007
Cork
Spoon by Alain Ducasse
Mirabelle
Livea
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Getting the gift of the gab
If only it was as easy as kissing the Blarney stone at Blarney Castle! I certainly don't feel blessed with any eloquence since......!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
It's different now
I withdrew from the Leadership Programme. The leadership journey started fantastically well. Learnt so much. Was invested in tremendously. Was honoured to meet inspirational people and not just from the corporate world either. Sharing the journey with my peers who are so different yet with the same ambition in mind, who encouraged and motivated me along the way. They showed me the different flavours of leadership and a peek into what leadership in the future looks like.
So why this decision? Selfish as it sounds, I think I have grown as much as I can from this journey. As much as I enjoyed it, I found that the opportunities I have been given were because of me. Not because of the Leadership Programme badge. The things I enjoyed about the programme can be enjoyed regardless of whether I'm on the programme. Various other factors which I won't go into here. In the various unsettlements, I also felt I was not able to contribute as much to the leadership program. Importantly though, I looked at my priorities in life and decided it was the right thing to do now.
It's different now. Career was and in a way, still is important to me. But I realise it shouldn't occupy the huge chunk in my life that it used to. (Actually still does, but I'm working on it...!) Most times, I am my own worst enemy but I am happy that in the past few years, I have proved to myself that I am able to achieve this if I want to. At this point in time, it's not my number one priority.
I still want to do an excellent job. I will continue this journey in my own time and my own way with the continued support of others. The Leadership Programme is one way but not necessarily the only way. With changing priorities, the end goal may not be the same as when I first started out on the journey, but it's ok. I won't be stressed about that anymore.
I realise that there's nothing wrong with just doing your job well. Like my Partner said a few months ago when I voiced my unsettlement, it's ok not to reach for the stars all the time.
It took me nine months to come to this decision. The umming and arring right even when I voiced my decision flew out the window with the great swoosh of relief I felt when I got agreement. There are more decisions to make, on a larger scale....if this took nine months, I wonder how long those would take???
So why this decision? Selfish as it sounds, I think I have grown as much as I can from this journey. As much as I enjoyed it, I found that the opportunities I have been given were because of me. Not because of the Leadership Programme badge. The things I enjoyed about the programme can be enjoyed regardless of whether I'm on the programme. Various other factors which I won't go into here. In the various unsettlements, I also felt I was not able to contribute as much to the leadership program. Importantly though, I looked at my priorities in life and decided it was the right thing to do now.
It's different now. Career was and in a way, still is important to me. But I realise it shouldn't occupy the huge chunk in my life that it used to. (Actually still does, but I'm working on it...!) Most times, I am my own worst enemy but I am happy that in the past few years, I have proved to myself that I am able to achieve this if I want to. At this point in time, it's not my number one priority.
I still want to do an excellent job. I will continue this journey in my own time and my own way with the continued support of others. The Leadership Programme is one way but not necessarily the only way. With changing priorities, the end goal may not be the same as when I first started out on the journey, but it's ok. I won't be stressed about that anymore.
I realise that there's nothing wrong with just doing your job well. Like my Partner said a few months ago when I voiced my unsettlement, it's ok not to reach for the stars all the time.
It took me nine months to come to this decision. The umming and arring right even when I voiced my decision flew out the window with the great swoosh of relief I felt when I got agreement. There are more decisions to make, on a larger scale....if this took nine months, I wonder how long those would take???
Monday, July 09, 2007
Taking to the seas
So year after year, I intended to join our firm's Sailing Challenge. And year after year, I thought-about-joining-then-forgot-to-join. Until this year. And what fun it was! I knew and still know zilch about sailing but thanks to a great team and fantastic skipper, we still placed 10th in the race. Despite messing up on the first race with the wrong strategy. (Something about staying closer to the shore to take advantage of the tide? Beats me!).
Anyway, I had a go at the helm in safer waters (and not during the race or we would have been placed in the 30s!). Otherwise, my tiny contributions were clambering over side to side during tacks (and I have 12 bruises on my knees to show for it), gybes, bear-aways and heels. Oh, and I got to help with the hoist spinnaker during the Fun Race. Big drama there when the spinnaker got caught and twisted (strangely enough, it was not my fault). In the process of 'untwisting' it, a team member was nearly thrown overboard as the wind decided to pick up at that very point (when frustratingly, it was light wind all the way till then!). That was definitely the biggest panic moment. Coming a close second was the unexpected gybe a few mins before when I was underneath the main sail! Never before have I reacted so quickly in my life! So we lost 2nd position to drop out of the race altogether whilst the spinnaker was untangled.
Cramped living quarters for 2 nights... But the sailing experience... Also, just having leisurely breakfasts and drinks onboard whilst basking in the sun (with major SPF30 slapped on before and sunnies perpetually on!) was oh-so-lovely! Such is the life.....
Docking at the pontoon on the first night
Sail up and ready for the race!
Team getting ready for the regatta dinner on the second day
Regatta dinner
Continuing drinks onboard after Regatta dinner
The other Brizzle boat during Fun Race on third day
Anyway, I had a go at the helm in safer waters (and not during the race or we would have been placed in the 30s!). Otherwise, my tiny contributions were clambering over side to side during tacks (and I have 12 bruises on my knees to show for it), gybes, bear-aways and heels. Oh, and I got to help with the hoist spinnaker during the Fun Race. Big drama there when the spinnaker got caught and twisted (strangely enough, it was not my fault). In the process of 'untwisting' it, a team member was nearly thrown overboard as the wind decided to pick up at that very point (when frustratingly, it was light wind all the way till then!). That was definitely the biggest panic moment. Coming a close second was the unexpected gybe a few mins before when I was underneath the main sail! Never before have I reacted so quickly in my life! So we lost 2nd position to drop out of the race altogether whilst the spinnaker was untangled.
Cramped living quarters for 2 nights... But the sailing experience... Also, just having leisurely breakfasts and drinks onboard whilst basking in the sun (with major SPF30 slapped on before and sunnies perpetually on!) was oh-so-lovely! Such is the life.....
Docking at the pontoon on the first night
Sail up and ready for the race!
Team getting ready for the regatta dinner on the second day
Regatta dinner
Continuing drinks onboard after Regatta dinner
The other Brizzle boat during Fun Race on third daySpinnaker up! A few minutes before it twisted and panic began!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Some pics from Berlin
Protected 'graffiti' on East Side Gallery
Berliner Dom at night
In the middle of the Jewish Memorial
Trying an artsy shot in the apartment building
Berliner Dom at night
In the middle of the Jewish Memorial
Trying an artsy shot in the apartment building
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Guten Tag
Well, not really... I must have brought the British weather over with me to Berlin. Sightseeing has been ruined on more than one day because of the rain. Not too bad for me, I guess, as I've been to Berlin before and so the rain's been a good excuse for me to stay in the flat and relax (and update blog!).
As I write, it has just stopped raining so I will take my chance and venture out umbrella-less for another attempt at photo taking!
Berliner Dom
Brandenburg Tor
As I write, it has just stopped raining so I will take my chance and venture out umbrella-less for another attempt at photo taking!
Berliner Dom
Brandenburg Tor
Friday, June 22, 2007
Still here...
Ok, time for excuses for the long absence. The house move has been exciting but has also meant no Internet connection till now and my needing to lend what lil bit I can to stripping wall paper/painting/moving stuff etc. I'm still trying to find my feet in the current project I'm in, whilst making sure it's not so obvious to others! And in a fit of proactiveness, I also volunteered for all sorts - leading training, managing other engagements, camping etc which has not helped at all!
Anyway, you probably didn't buy any of the excuses, so here are some pics to divert your attention for now... :)
Some pics of the house move:
Idris and Bri moving the sofa....
Our make-shift storage room.
Idris and Bri in front of the dodgy-rollercoaster-type van. Highly recommended to lend some much needed excitement and nail-biting experience to any move.
And here are some pics from my two-day camping trip with Debbie and Helen in mid-Wales.
Setting out our camps before going for our walk.
The sheepdogs here have it easy - they get their own chauffeur! (Who was the first person we saw in 3 hours since starting the walk!)
Our sleeping quarters for the night. Surprisingly, the first 8-hour sleep I had in a month!
Part 1 of our two-course breakfast
Anyway, you probably didn't buy any of the excuses, so here are some pics to divert your attention for now... :)
Some pics of the house move:
Idris and Bri moving the sofa....
Our make-shift storage room.
Idris and Bri in front of the dodgy-rollercoaster-type van. Highly recommended to lend some much needed excitement and nail-biting experience to any move.
And here are some pics from my two-day camping trip with Debbie and Helen in mid-Wales.
Setting out our camps before going for our walk.
The sheepdogs here have it easy - they get their own chauffeur! (Who was the first person we saw in 3 hours since starting the walk!)
Our sleeping quarters for the night. Surprisingly, the first 8-hour sleep I had in a month!
Part 1 of our two-course breakfast
Monday, May 28, 2007
Bye bye Ted
After a week of uncertainty about whether we were going to move, we've finally moved abode!! A rather dramatic week of will we or won't we. It would have fitted nicely into Location, Location or Property Chain with all the stress, changes in decision etc! Needed to return from London to pack and then head off back to London the next day. A real late night of packing. 2 hours of sleep. But it's now done. Woo-hoo!
So the Ted is no more (well for us anyway). Moved into HRW which is in all sorts of states at the moment. Boxes everywhere - some packed some unpacked. Wallpaper being stripped. A miniature walk-in wardrobe since we're waiting for proper wardrobes. It's great! Hard work (mainly by Bri - haha - I lend moral support now and then) but we'll get there!
Look out for pictures here soon!
So the Ted is no more (well for us anyway). Moved into HRW which is in all sorts of states at the moment. Boxes everywhere - some packed some unpacked. Wallpaper being stripped. A miniature walk-in wardrobe since we're waiting for proper wardrobes. It's great! Hard work (mainly by Bri - haha - I lend moral support now and then) but we'll get there!
Look out for pictures here soon!
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