1st real Vacation - Day 7

There should be a rule against having this much fun.  I was so worn out last night that Roomie and I had to negotiate for a waking up time. You see, to enjoy our plans for today, we should dedicate the whole day but considering that I was super worn out, I didn’t see how it would be possible to wake up early. Anyway, we agreed to wake up at 10am I think. I woke up with a start at 12noon to see Roomie snoozing. Ah! We’re late babe, get up.

Off we went. Theme park today. Scary rides, wet rides and no food – time of my life. So so amazing. After one of the super scary rides, Roomie refused to speak for a while and I started getting worried. When she did start speaking, I was so relieved that I forgot to ask what happened. Sadly, we missed some of the open air rides and shows because of the weather and the threat of lightning. But hey, we had a good time and that’s what counts. I’ve made BF promise we’ll be back (we better be married then ;)). First meal was a scoop of Ben&Jerry’s on a waffle cone at 5pm. Heavenly. Next and last meal was a bar of hershey’s dark chocolate with almonds. Can’t possibly get any better. That theme park was a perfect end to a perfect, rollercoaster trip.

Now I need to ensure I have enough money to get to the airport tomorrow. Roomie is leaving tonight. I’m home alone *sob* but hey, the loner in me does not quite mind. I’m too tired to be of use to myself so I’ll just go to bed. But before I do, I better check again that I have enough money to get to the airport tomorrow morning *all accounts empty*!!!

1st real Vacation - Day 6

Now for the real story...

Dude1 left this morning. We felt kinda sad to see him go but hey, he has a wife waiting for him back home. You can’t possibly hold a man back from the woman he loves, can you? Lol, we wouldn’t even dream it. It was clear though that roomie and I have a new friend. Cool.

Roomie and I had such a relaxed and lazy day for the first time. We started with an early breakfast laced with loads of gossip (I love gossip as long as it does not involve backbiting or lies). In actual fact, it’s an exchange of stories and discussions. Judge me if you want, no apologies. After breakfast, we went off to sleep – we deserved it after the busy week.

I headed to church in the afternoon after I managed to drag myself off the bed. Afterall, God is at my core. Lovely lovely place, thoroughly enjoyed it. Then I met up with roomie @ China Town to buy some pens at super inflated prices. Waste of money. I so hate it when I pay too much for an item but like a friend once told me, no point crying over spent money, once money leaves your purse, forget about it.

Anyway, I have some acquaintances that live in town to meet up with. Had a good time at their end. They have a baby and I so so love kids but there’s a technique to holding newborns that I haven’t quite mastered. I’ll learn when I have to, won’t have a choice. For now, I can’t be bothered. While I’m with them, roomie informs me she’s found a great place to get some massage. Awesome! Dude1 is going to be dead jealous (he told us he wanted to get one before leaving but he didn’t manage. Sorry Dude1, u got your wife, we got a massage. Life is fair. Hehehehehehe.

Massage was cool. I actually slept off and that’s a big deal for an uptight person like me. I got super relaxed. Afterwards, roomie and I headed out for some more shopping. I was a drag. I hate shopping. My excuse? I’m a tom-boy. We must have spent 4 or more hours in that place. Won’t be going shopping with roomie anytime soon. Hear that clear my dear, I love you so but I don’t love shopping. Well, I did get a couple of items though *covering my eyes*. Lol. The highlight of the shopping experience is that I saw a cross dresser. He/ looked so good. I only recognised him to be a guy through his voice. Amazing stuff.

Did we get to gist after we got back? Honestly, I have no idea. I was worn out.

Thank you for staying tuned in.... Appreciate you loads.

1st real Vacation - Day 5

The saddest (and perhaps most interesting) part of this whole business is that Roomie and I always get back to the room and then sit up for a while to talk about different things (life, men, friendships, culture, etc) and then we do some work. I can’t figure out what the problem is. I can understand staying up late to talk and gist but to work, really? I’ve been accused of been a workaholic but I can’t believe it’s this bad. I actually consider myself to be lazy. Whatever, I’m not maximizing the little sleep time I leave myself anyway.

Despite the fact that I slept so late, I still didn’t sleep well.  Rubbish. Went to the gym and that woke me up. But after taking a bath, I was relaxed and ready to sleep except it was time for the day’s conference.  Aaaaaaarrrrggghhhhhhhhhhhhh. I’m now living on coffee. It’s the only way to stay awake. I’m making it as thick and as black as possible. Dude2 has become my doctor but his prescription is always the same – sip water continuously.

On the bright side though, BF and I are no longer fighting and that’s bliss. Of course, quarrels leave an after taste that takes a while to clear but the bond is strong and the aftertaste will give way to a stronger bond. We’ll work through it.

No group plans today but roomie, Dude1 and I have a plan. Off we go, by cable car, to a nearby island for some indoor sky-diving. Really cool. Dunno which is cooler – the cable car ride or the sky-diving. Can’t tell. Cable car is fantastic and it was my first time in one. I don’t know how to swim so being above water always feels a little scary but I think I managed this one well. We went over a cruise ship - life definitely is good when you have money and take time to enjoy it. I’ll get there someday. For now, I have to settle for flying.

Didn’t know indoor sky diving took so much. Actually, self-flight is a more appropriate description since you don’t actually dive. All you do is propel yourself gently into a stream of fast moving air and spread your body in a way that lends itself to floating. We had to get trained before the actual flight and then we watched other people take a go at it. Waiting was annoying but the actual flight was cool. I got to fly a bit high. I guess I managed to relax. Progress.

Afterwards, we had dinner with Dude1’s friend and then we all hung out. I learnt a very important lesson from Dude1 that night; if I want to have a good life and a good marriage, then it is important that my partner and I understand what is core to each of us and then create an environment that supports that core. Simple but profound.  I think I learnt a lot more but if you want to know what else, contact dude1 directly or ask me. If you ask me, you have to pay though. I’m not giving it out free *tongue sticking out*.

Oh and by the way, you should see this. If something similar happens to you, it could be me. Hehehehe. Love it!

Let's digress...

I just read this post about Google Glass and it got me so excited. It sounds like the coolest product ever and as somebody who has always worn glasses, I don't quite share the authors misgivings about people wanting to wear it in public. I personally think it would be cool, so so cool to have it.

My concerns are slightly different and is geared more towards use. I understand that the device is voice controlled and I can't help but wonder how different languages will be accommodated. Maybe language is taking it too far, the different accents for English speakers. I want to assume that is being considered already but I just had to express my curiosity.

Just thought to share with you.

1st real Vacation - Day 4

Before I start, I have a message for Dude1 from the friend I had him hooked up with in my head. Dude1, if per chance you are real, here’s something for you to work on. So her reaction went something like “Oh Cutie, now you’ve got my attention... Dude1 sounds like a perfect guy... I’m in love... What? He’s married?... Noooooooo! He’s wife is such a lucky woman...Does  he have friends like him?” So please Dude1, tell us if you have good friends like you that are interested in meeting a lovely girl. My friend is real cute too.

Back to my story.

I’m on coffee now. I need to explain why that is such a big deal. I hardly ever drink coffee because it makes me nervous and if I have caffeine in the afternoon, it keeps me awake at night. But I had to drink coffee, it was the only way to keep my eyes open. I still didn’t sleep well you know. How long does jet lag last? I thought it was supposed to clear in about three days. I don’t understand my body. Dude2 advised me to keep sipping water as I drank coffee to keep my hands from shaking. I think that helped a bit but I had a massive heart burn. Small price to pay for being active in the session.

There was an interesting occurrence during the session today. Usually, the facilitator tries to answer all questions raised during discussions but whenever the questioning session went on too long or the person who raised the question was not satisfied, he invited him/her to discuss it at the end of the day so the session could move on. Now, there was this guy who had been a pain in the back side of all those who got to work with him. My group particularly found him troublesome, arrogant and the epitome of assholism.  However, we tried to manage him without losing our cool. Kudos to us ‘cause that was no mean feat.  Anyway, he chose to display his arrogance and hard-headedness to the facilitator who is known not to suffer fools gladly. The facilitator did try to manage him and explained that they would have to continue the conversation later so the session could move on but when Mr. Hard-head would not listen, the facilitator burst out saying “f*^k you”! I had to stop myself from bursting out into laughter. I was happy because somebody finally had the guts to be politically incorrect and tell the arse-swipe to f*^k off. *yay*.

By the end of the day, I’m tired (naturally) and melancholy too thanks to the never ending fight with BF and the verbal abuse I’m getting (at least that’s how it’s hitting me). I feel like screaming “Dude, you’re not the only one who’s angry!”. All this fighting is going to keep me awake at night now. I so hate fighting with him. Maybe that's why food stinks too. Shucks. Let's just kiss and make up. 

Group is going to a huge tourist attraction in town. Really nice place. Next time I visit, I must spend at least 1 night there. It’s such a beautiful place I promise you. Reminds me of Venice and the fact that I’m yet to go there (let’s add that to the list, shall we?). Nice shopping mall with water running in-between some of the shops. Lovely sight. As usual, we girls resumed window shopping. Sometimes though, window shopping when I don’t have money feels like torture. Why stare at beautiful things when you don’t have money for them? I guess I don’t get the concept of window shopping *shrug*. I managed to look around Victoria’s Secret and Swarovski with pleasure though and that’s ‘cause I love lingerie and gems. BF, take note *wink*.  Roomie did get a couple of things and I got to sample and choose for her. Dude1 dumped us for a little while which was fine. I also got to steal some me time and dumped roomie at some point.

On our way back, Dude1 sees some reverse bungee place and stops the cab. Off we go again. I was coerced into joining the “fun”. The experience of being shot into the air at 200km/hr, spun around and then dropped is a priceless one. Roomie is fearless (or she’s a good con), she said she wasn’t scared. Can’t say the same for myself. I think I got to learn what it feels like to get an adrenaline rush that night. Maybe someday, I’ll become an adrenaline junkie. That would be cool. Dude1’s legs are shaking afterwards and I like that. Girlfriend, this line is for you, Dude1 is not perfect, nobody is. Dude1, sorry, I just had to slip that in, forgive me.

Afterwards, we sat down and talked again. I think we like talking. I certainly do. Twas real cool and this time, we didn’t go in till 2am. Gets worse by the day.

Sweet dreams folks. I wonder if I snore. Roomie, do I snore?

1st real Vacation - Day 3

Still didn’t get much sleep. What is it with this horrible jet-lag? Oh and BTW, Dude1 was headed for a party after dropping me off at 11pm and he’s @ the conference looking bright and refreshed. Life is so unfair. The group decided to visit China town in the evening. Why not? Roomie, Dude1 and I decide to walk down instead of taking a cab. We get there and start to look around. End up not buying anything which Dude1 is not particularly finding funny although he’s  a good sport and jokes about it. Oh, btw, I found out Dude1 is super spoken for today – married with kids. I remember the look roomie and I shared when we realised it. I’ll always cherish the way we women communicate with our eyes. Lucky gal dat’s got him hooked. Too bad for the friend I had him hooked up with in my head. Infact, I had got her to get off the bed with the news of a fine boy I met who I thought would make a good “friend” for her. Amazing what a fine boy (or the thought of one) can do to a girl. Lol. Again I digress.

Back to china town. We want to get something to eat so Dude1 calls a friend who lives in town to get recommendations. Happens there’s a nice Chinese restaurant somewhere else in town so off we go. Dude1’s friend is there and we had a splendid time. Dude1’s friend is such a, how do I describe him, smart ass without being annoying. He actually threw a few jabs that I didn’t have a comeback to. That’s rare.  Laughs, stories, friendly insults and general fun – awesome time. I believe we got back home at 1am this time. For someone who hadn’t slept well in days, I bet you’ld agree with me that I was pushing things far.

I don’t feel bad however, and to crown it all, the night ended on such a lively note. I happened to be saying something to Dude1 and I had repeated it a couple of times without getting a response. Then I realised he was staring at two lovely “ladies” in some guy’s arms. What da *!&`? For me, it’s unacceptable for a married man to stare that uncontrollably. It’s ok to “admire God’s handiwork”  (BF and I do that together sometimes) but to ogle, no way! I walk up to Dude1’s friend to “report” the situation and get the same reaction: he just ignores me and stares. Hey! Hello! What’s happening here? The three walk past us and then Dude1 goes, do you know those “ladies” are men? What the *!&`? Stop making me swear guys. No way! But apparently, it’s true. Now I understand why they were staring. Had nothing to do with ogling. Sorry for judging guys.

There’s something to be said here for Dude1. He’s obviously a very respectable person. Nice enough to be down to earth but aloof enough so it does not occur to you to get ideas. Exudes a sense of security that assures you he means no ill, and has no interest in you apart from friendship (no strings attached). It’s refreshing to meet people like that. As a hard-core tom-boy, I got to hang around with loads of guys and they treated me like I was just another guy but as we grew older and I got more girlish, I got the stares and advances. I’m so used to getting it now that I usually put up a huge wall. I cherish the experience of meeting somebody who’s just being friends; I cherish the experience of meeting a respectable married man. This paragraph is a toast to Dude1. God bless him and God bless his family. To all Dude1-like guys out there, we cherish you. Thank you!

And just before I go to bed, I wonder if the guy knew the "ladies" in his arms are not quite - well - ladies. I tried listening out for a scream but I didn't hear one. It's a large hotel anyway. Whatever. Have a good night (or day - whichever is relevant to you).

1st real Vacation - Day 2

Jet lag is a bitch, I still didn’t get much sleep. Thought I would go to bed early but group decides to go on a safari after class. Who am I to say no to fun? So after class, off we went. I’m terrified of animals so even in the cart taking us around, I was freaking out. Btw, I got into a fight with BF. That always messes me up without fail. What made it worse is that the fight was so unnecessary, could have been avoided. I love him more than hershey's special dark chocolate with almonds; and that's a big deal if you know me. Anyway, that’s gist for another day. What I learnt from the experience is that I still have a lot to learn about managing my relationship. I digress.

The safari was fantastic. There’s something thrilling about seeing animals in their “natural habitat”. And since it was at night, most of them were active. Cool stuff. The highlight of the night however was a performance by yours-truly. Saw an animal show involving live animals and a python or some snake equally big was going to be brought out of a hole in front of the row I was seated on. What the heck?!!!!!!!!!! Poor woman sitting beside me almost had her hand pulled off. I also hear I was screaming – I have no recollection of that though.

Safari done and I can’t find roomie. I had no local currency on me. Big shoot! Luckily, Dude1 is going my way and decides it’s fine if I can’t split the cab fare. My BF is not the only good guy in the world after all. Lol. God bless good people.

1st real Vacation - Day 1

Roommate arrives early in the morning. Poor babe didn’t get much sleep either so I ask her to take a nap and she dozes off. Conference starts at 9 and it’s 10mins walk from the hotel but we don’t know the way. Anyway, since I can’t sleep, I decide to hit the gym for the 1^st time in my life. I look sexy in my gym wear, even if I say so myself. Nothing was hanging out believe me, I just looked good.  There’s no instructor, but hey, using a treadmill isn’t rocket science is it? And I’m pretty smart.

Back from gym, I decide to take a bath and cut roomie some slack. I can’t bring myself to wake her. 8:20am and I wake her anyway. Of course, we ended up being 10mins late and the facilitator was mad but I think we got by all right.

Nothing much happened but of course, I got to meet the other participants, two of whom are really cute. I’m a sucker for fine boys. Used to be that I see a fine boy and I crush him instantly. But hey I’m spoken for and nobody takes BF’s cute space. I unconsciously start to match them with my gal friends.

Nothing much to do in the evening except get something that is actually palatable. Did I tell you conference lunch sucks? Luckily, I didn’t pay for that. On the bright side, maybe I’ll get to shed some weight.

1st real vacation - day 0

Actually, it was not supposed to be a vacation, more like a week-long business conference but since I was paying, I decided to place fun on the front burner and business on the back burner. Don’t judge, you should be proud of me. I’m the kind of person who is always tensed up. You know, the kind who you have to constantly tell to calm down. Granted, I’ve met people worse than me but hey, that’s no excuse.

Anyway, I made the decision at the airport. I was uncharacteristically super early and instead of worrying about the better things I could be doing with my life, I decided to enjoy the experience. So I walked around the airport looking at the lovely things on sale and dreaming of when I’ll have enough money to splurge. Well for now, window shopping would have to do I thought. To be honest, I ended up buying some make-up, but hey, I’m a girl, alright!

Flight went well, took about 17hours with a stop-over at a super sexy airport. Love it. Of course, I enjoyed the view but could not explore much since I didn’t know where the departure gates were. I’m on my way back now and I’ll explore some more. I’ve cleaned out my accounts so I’ll have to settle for window shopping again. Whatever, I don’t care. I digress, again!

At the destination airport, I decided to go to my hotel via public transportation. Mehn, I caught some stares. Still don’t know why, though it could have been due to my height (I was taller than just about everybody there) or my complexion (darker) or my dressing (I was the most covered). Whatever! When I alighted, I asked for directions to the hotel (I was told at the airport that it’s walking distance) but nobody knew how to get there. The only person who had a vague idea told me it was some way away. Ended up taking a taxi. So much for saving money.

Hotel – cool place with a small gym and swimming pool but after 14hours in the air without much sleep (I find it hard to sleep on board, don’t ask me why), all I wanted to do was sleep. Of course, I didn’t get much of that thanks to the 8 hour time difference between home and destination. Spoke some with BF and family. And day 0 came to an end.

Let's try to get some rest.

Introduction

I refuse to start this introduction by swearing. So the simple 29goingon30 url is gone. Apparently, there are a lot of people who decide to document that year. I'm not alone, Cutie, be encouraged.

I have a great life. I’m 29 going on 30 (obviously, duh!!!!). A girly tom-boy with a great figure, I know I have a great figure, but I’m still surprised when men stare). Soft on the inside, hard on the outside (a lot of people only see the hard). Lovely guy as best friend and lover. Lot’s of friends (male and female) and family (relatives and acquired).

I have an ever evolving and super dynamic list of things to do before I’m 30 (7 months to go) and I’ll share my adventures with you on this page. Come join the fun. Feel free to post suggestions but puleeeese, I plan to have fun not kill myself. So if your suggestion is to jump from the top of a 50-floor-high building without a parachute (is that high enough for one?) or safety net, then, note that we won't be considering it at all.

To manage your expectations, I’m not a great writer but you’ll understand what I’m writing I promise. Welcome.