The Bucket List

i am not about to die. Well, not that i know of. But i thought that it would be fun to do a Bucket List. In fact, everyone SHOULD have a bucket list.Bucket List = A list of things to do before you die. Comes from the term “kicked the bucket“.

This list will be updated from time to time

 

#1 Watch a Live Tennis Match

 

I’m talking about the Grand Slam kind of match. Such as the Australia Open, French Open, Wimbledon.
I am not really a “die hard” tennis fan., but i can name the players and their ranking. It does not necessary have to be my favorite player’s (ie: Rafael Nadal) match because i reckon that the ticket to watch him play must be very x2 expensive.

 

#2 Learn How To Surf

 

I was so close to cross this out when i was in Bali. But cold feet got the better of me!

 

#3 Learn To Ski

 

#4 Get a Tatoo

 

#5 Bake a Birthday Cake

 

#6 Have a Holiday in USA

2 months and 5 days

You know that the year is coming to an end when it has been raining 4 out of 7 days.

December is coming fast and furious and i have no way of stopping time.

 

the only time that you will probably find time crawling is when you are at work. Uh huh. Don’t look at me like that, you have that moment too.

 

Now, what was i talking about again? Oh the weather. These days, i have been falling asleep with the blanket up to my neck, and the cold wind in my face. This is the perfect combination to having a good night sleep.

You can only imagine how difficult it is to get up every morning. 

 

The end of the year wasn’t so exciting for me because of something that happened in the middle of the year.

Funny that i am saying “suming everything up” when we are still 2 months away. i am not hanging around in the “miracle department”, waiting for “something magical to happen”. i’m done waiting. it took me 25 years to figured that out. a part of me can’t wait to close this chapter and move on to the next book call 2012.

On the first day of new year, people will probably be asking you “How has 2011 been like for you?”  and i will reply “oh, it’s a lousy year for me”.

I had the dialogs ready at the back of my head.

It’s like running a 800m relay and you are almost breathless at the last 100m. What can you do?

 

Close your eyes and make a dash.

 

 finish what you start.

A season, A reason or A lifetime?

People come into your life for a season, a reason, or a lifetime.

Have you ever met someone – became best friends - and the next minute, they were gone - walked out of your life?

I have. And sad to say, it happened not just once, nor twice and i’ve stopped counting already.

Remember your best friend of 6 years from Primary School? If you can still remember his/her name (without referring to Facebook), kudos to you. 

You had spent every school holiday together, you were inseparable in school, she is like the sister you never had. You promised to be best friends forever and going to a different Secondary School will not come between the friendship. During the first month, you stayed in contact and update each other about your new school and classmates. You promised to meet up soon. 6 months down the road, this person is just a memory. Who would have thought, that it takes 2 hands to clap.

And do you remember that guy whom you went on a first date with? There was even a second and third date to prove that your intuition was right. Then one day, he disappears. He stopped contacting you and you were left hanging wondering why. He did not even have the courtesy to say goodbye.

i have came across a few people who entered my life and exited before i knew it. No reasons or whatsoever. Just walked right through that Exit door. The only connection you have got is through Facebook. You can tell that he/she is doing well, you know what he/she has for dinner, you know where he/she has checked into.

But you just don’t know them on a personal level anymore.

Relationships are so fragile and It’s not the matter of “how long you have knew someone”.  I tell you, it can happen to anyone and you can never be prepared for it.

I read the following from somewhere and i thought that it’s really good and i am sharing with you here.

Reason

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it may be they have come to assist you through a difficulty, or to provide you with guidance. They may be in your life to support you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

One day, seemingly without any reason, the relationship may come to an end. This may happen over time as you drift apart, or more suddenly. It may be a positive experience such as someone getting married or moving to another city to take a job offer. Or, the relationship may end through negative circumstances that force you to take a stand on an issue.

What we must realize is that a need has been met – for you and for them. Perhaps it was an unknown need, or maybe it was an answer to a prayer. If the relationship has ended, then reflect, give thanks, consider what you learned, think about what you could/would do better next time (even if you felt the relationship was a good one), forgive if needed, hope/wish/pray the best for that person, and then move on in your journey.

Season

Some people come into your life for a SEASON — an extended period of time. Just as there are seasons for planting, growing, and harvesting; in your  life, there are seasons when you are prepared to learn, grow, or produce. There are other times in your life when you’re not prepared to grow, learn, or even listen. So, when someone comes into your life at a certain season, it is (hopefully) because the timing is right for what they can offer you.

This person may bring you an experience of great peace, joy, or happiness. They may empower you to do something you have never done before. They may you assurance and strengthen your self-confidence. Accept this, and embrace it. It is real. Yet, maybe for only for a season.

Lifetime

Some people are in your life for a LIFETIME. These people are, perhaps, the greatest blessing because they stick with you through the Reasons, Seasons, and through your entire lifetime. Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons. These are often qualities, skills, and aspects of your character you must build upon in order to have a solid foundation for yourself and in service to others. Be sure to acknowledge, value, be thankful for, and love the people who are in your life for a lifetime. Apply what you have learned. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Melbourne, the best city to live in!

Everyone need to have that spiritual solo trip every once in a while. For me, it’s once every year.
i never thought that i was going to say this, but going on a solo trip is kind of addictive. Trust me, i had my fair share of fears for the unknown. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone and trusting your basic instinct
i love Australia. For a whole lot of reasons. It doesn’t take long for me to decide to go to Melbourne. I’ve heard so much awesome things about this place and i know that i must see for myself.
Well, truth is, the trip had a meaning behind it … let’s just say that i am not about to get all depressed right now so we will talk about that the next time.
the cost
As usual - after doing the intensive research, I booked my flights with EMIRATES which is offering the best deal – Return tickets from Singapore to Melbourne cost S$735 and booked my hotel – CITIGATE MELBOURNE with Zuji.com.sg and paid about S$130/night.
Initially, i had wanted to book the budget Hotel FORMULE 1. Maybe it’s a sign… on the day that i was supposed to make the reservation, the room rates suddenly increased by AUD$30.  With that, it’s actually not “budget” anymore. So i decided to go with Citigate which has much more decent reviews on Tripadvisor.
OMG. best decision made. The hotel is awesomeee. Very good room size for a single traveller and hotel is situated at a perfect location (opposite from Flinders Station).

Address

270 Flinders Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia

  

i took gazillon amount of photos on this trip. Bought a new camera and it is finally being put to good use. hehe. Here, allow me to let the pictures do the talking.

 

Koko black @ Bourke St

St Paul’s Cathedral It’s located right infront of the Free tourist shuttle bus stop @ Federation Sq. I came here almost every day

Great Ocean Road and we met a rainbow!

Ancient Rainforest walk in Otways National Park

Twelve Apostles ! As you can see, a thunderstorm is not too far away

The best part of this day trip is that i saw a full rainbow bridge!

After this shot, the rain started pouring. The rainbow only lasted for 10 secs.

Loch and Gorge

Part of Loch and Gorge

Fresh flowers in Queens Market. If i am a boy and i live in Australia, i will send my girl flowers every now and then! It’s so cheap and pretty!!

The famous Flinders Station

Flinder Station is a photographer’s dream

Babushkas colorful window display

This has got nothing to do with anything. The biggest con of travelling alone is that you will look like an idoit whenever you take your own photo

Worth going to !

 

Bruntti , good selection of cakes, macroons + Hot Choco which is my fav

I’m a alfresco kind of girl

La Citta, this Italian rest is located right beside the lane of my hotel. That’s the leek and potato croquette and Rose wine.

Melbourne is known as the city with 4 seasons. As i was tweeting “Great weather today!” and before i could finish my sentence, it started to drizzle and i have to find a shelter. When i found a shelter, the rain stopped. It makes me wonder if that was indeed rain.

Drop me a message if you have questions. Happy to help! (if i can)

 

Oh and you know what, they said that Melbourne is the world’s best city

3 more months…and a few days

Hey guys,

How’s your week going? Oh yea.  it’s only Tuesday.

Anyway, in case you haven’t noticed it yet - September is coming to an END and October is FAST approaching.

I freak out whenever someone start telling me about their Christmas plans. Today, someone really went over the limit by sharing with me their  Chinese New Year plans. 

Dah, you shiver at that thought didn’t you? I mean it’s not about ”getting older” or things like that. Ok, so maybe it WAS about fear of getting older but that’s not what we are talking about today.  Truth is, i’ve got 2 Pre-Christmas dinner  plans and 0 Christmas plan.  That is, a zero by the way.

Ok i mean seriously.

Ask yourself, how is this year different from last year?  You made that list begining of the year, the list that says ”Resolutions”… how many items are being striked off the list? You know what i’m talking about don’t you. Gee, Do remember that list ?

The list that consists of:

The weight that you are supposed to lose. The exercise routine that you are supposed to follow. The countries that you are supposed to go. The friendship that you are supposed to maintain. The promises that you are supposed to keep. etc.

This is what i am scared about. Time is running out and i am left with only 2 months…and some days to make a difference.

so i am back to where i begin

Ok, i gotta admit this.

I tried to make a stargetic move (or so i thought) to another blog site but it was a ultimate failure. I was bascially talking to the wall this whole time. I never felt this lonely before.

Readers are still flooding to this site instead. Which makes me think that maybe…just maybe i should move back here.

So here i am, doing a bit of revamp and importing - knocking a few things down and posting a few things up.

So pleaseeee… start reading again yea? : )

that’s melbourne

if you have not heard it before, let me tell you this- melbourne is aweeeesome

it was late winter and  freezing cold (about 7 – 13 degree). They say that you can experience 4 seasons in a day of Melbourne. True enough, as i was texting Sherline, “the weather is shaping up! feeling warm now” and before i could even finish my sentence, it starts to drizzle and everyone on the street disperse like ants. Haha..

Then as i found myself under the shelter, the rain stopped. it makes me wonder if that was rain earlier on.

there is a lot going on in the city. take the picture above for example, there is a complex and simplicity about it i love photography and took a zillion good shots there. Probably half of it are of Flinders Station.

I am Lucky that the AFL and Ruby World Cup are going on while i’m there, The Aussies really support their team (and game)! they will all wear the team’s merchandise to show their support and hang in the bars to catch the match. very good spirit.

The hotel that i stayed in Citigate Melbourne – is awesome max.
Trust me on this one, i def know what is a good and bad hotel. It might be exaggerated to say that i’ve got one of my best sleep in this hotel.

Lot’s of quirky restaurants that i want to recommend.

the only damn thing is that that i gained an extra inch around that waist.