US and Japan pals
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Boas-vindas


Da Belleza

Jasmine Ling
25oct1986.
Pretty.Ugly.Flabby.Blurr.Cheerful.
Speed.Travel.Sleep.Eat.Enjoy.
Deep.Fierce.Daring.Loud.Noisy.


Check this out!!!



Lusts 2010

Europe.
New Zealand.
South America.
Mauritius.
Egypt.

US
Maryland-Baltimore.
Washington-Seattle.
Utah.
Pennsylvania-Philadelphia.
Oregon.
Texas-Houston.

Australia
Brisbane.
Cairns.
Christmas Island.
Darwin.
Perth.
Melbourne.
Sydney.
Queensland.
Canberra.

Asia
Maldives.
Korea.
Japan.
Taiwan.
China.
India.
Philippines.
Nikoi Island.
Lombok Gilis.
Bali.
Phuket.

Malaysia
Perhentian.
Sipadan.
Redang.
Langkawi.
Terengganu.
Pulau Rawa.
Pulau Pemanggil.
Sibu Island.
Kota Kinabalu.
---------------

Powered Pleasure Craft Driving License.
Wakeboarding.
DSLR.
Shades.
Facial regimen set.
UV protective face cream.
LV Tambour Diving Lady Watch.
Volkswagen Beetle
Remove all keloids on me.

Royals

Jie²
Amylia
WanPing
Mr Ng
Sandie WeiFen
Lai Yi
Jeremy

Pass it On!
sgtravelcafe
Riverkids Project
ASIAN GEOgraphic
Stanley William Moore
The Bitter Stickgirl

Of Yesterday
Looking back at 2011, Looking forward to 2012
You will always be in our heart
Western Australia Trip (Part 1)
The month of FEB in 2010
Fall in love again...
My 1st Bonus!
2009 Christmas Trip to KL, 2010 New Year Countdown...
Say "Hi" to 2010
7-16 Nov 09 Hong Kong, Macau & Zhu Hai
My Happie 23rd Birthday
---------------
May 2006
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April 2007
May 2007
June 2007
July 2007
August 2007
September 2007
October 2007
November 2007
December 2007
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
February 2009
March 2009
May 2009
July 2009
August 2009
October 2009
November 2009
December 2009
January 2010
March 2010
May 2010
April 2011
January 2012

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Sunday, January 08, 2012

Looking back at 2011, Looking forward to 2012

This is going to be purely personal and nothing to do with the world crisis, Singapore governmental issues or macro/micro economic outlook though I understand how these can greatly affect me. I will just do a simple self reflection on a personal note else this post will be never-ending.

2011 was a very eventful year (I guess it speaks for the world as well), never a dull moment though some down times. I had many 1st-time experiences and still wishing for more. Although I didn't set any resolutions, it will still be a sweet journey to reflect upon the colourful events of the year and make a few resolutions for the new year!

Let's get going...

1) Simon proposed with the girls-will-all-die-for-it-ring contained in that highly overpriced little-turquoise-box. Under much anticipation (everyone is betting that he will propose during Europe trip and true enough he did!) and not much of a surprise (unfortunately as I accidentally picked the little blue box out from his backpack while searching for travelling map, what a lousy place to keep secrets!!!), it was a total flop! I was still happy to be popped the question but fairly disappointed with the way he proposed - no surprise, lack romance, no feeling of "I'm-the-happiest-woman-on-earth" and worst no down-on-the-knees!!! Am I expecting too much because they are fantasies that only exist in fairy tales?

2) We bought our 1st love nest together! A 4-room HDB in Tampines Greenwood at Blk 868B Ave 8, my mum definitely like the 888s. As I have been staying near central region all my life, its almost impossible to uproot me and move me far east/west but I have learnt to make sacrifices in a relationship to make things work. Even writing off the minimum criteria that if a flat is not located centrally, it MUST be within 500m walking distance from an mrt. For that, the husband-to-be has promised that I will be owning my own steering + 4-wheels, we shall see in 2014/15. For now, I am kept busy running through Home & Decor magazines for interior design ideas though it's only going to be ready in 2.5 years, I can't wait to fix-up my 1st nest.

3) Simon and I set up a joint savings account to prepare for our future expenses together, we are facing reality very soon and it has hit us quite hard right after we casually (mind you ONLY CASUALLY) discussed about the cost of getting hitched and homed.

4) Our 1st time travelling half the world away on a faraway trip to Europe! To France, the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris where the husband proposed and the lovely wedding of Ben & Elsa in Montpelier. To Italy, where the rich Romanian history lies. To Spain, the world famous FC Barcelona team plays. I must admit that this trip wasn't as exciting as I imagined it to be. There were many hiccups that caused us to breakdown many times and almost to the point of breaking up. However, there were many 1st times and happy times during this trip too! We took way too many photos to be uploaded as everything just seem amazing to us and we followed the locals to do little "illegal" stuff such as not paying for metro tickets a couple of times =P But we got scared and didn't do it often haha. Simon bought me my 1st Dior Bag as promised and I rewarded myself my 1st Prada wallet. I remembered almost wanting to buy the whole Dior and Prada boutique when I was there but after using them for a while now, I don't think I will be buying branded goods in the near future. Not that they failed on me, I just didn't feel justified for the price tag. Until I come to terms with paying for brands, my encounters with luxury goods for now would probably stay at ads plastered all over shopping malls, newspapers and magazines.

5) Alright so here comes an expected surprise-no-surprise - 2nd Proposal by Simon in Perhentian. I was requested by him to take a day off work though I only just started on my new job which wasn't the best thing to do and it's presidential election weekend too, bad choice. What's more? The proposal, though sweet, was too expected (why else would you want to go for a trip all of a sudden?) and I accidentally caught him in the act AGAIN! Yes again!!! Seekee once told me "Can you not spoil your own surprises?" To that I can only say "If I could and I would!". Simon collected the ring after it was sent for resetting to the right size and planned a proposal underwater while we were doing safety stop after our dive. Pretty cool but I saw it coming =P Other than the 11-hours one-way-only bus journey, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip a lot as the food was damn good and the accommodation very comfortable!

6) What beats having something exciting to look forward to such as a new job? I got a position at M co. and left P co. with some mixed feelings. Colleagues at P co. are so fantastic, I had a great time working with everyone including the nice bosses but I know I need to do more, hence the decision to move on but I am constantly in touch with those cool chaps I met in P co. so it seemed like I have never left! Joining M co. was a great blessing in many ways and the best one which I cannot emphasize more, is to finally understand the scary financial markets. There is so much to learn that I literally only covered a tiny bit after being here for 5 months but it was sufficient to entice me to find out more and I am enjoying knowing a little more everyday. Right after joining M co., I made my virgin stock investment. How cool is that? They are performing pretty ok in comparison to the volatile south-heading market. I am glad and thankful for a good and understanding mentor. Such pleasure didn't come very easy too! I had to pass 3 gruesome CMFAS licensing exams which nearly made me unable to fulfill my probation terms which equates to losing my job but that is all history. Always wanting to achieve more, I thought of spending some time every weekend to do volunteer work with animals and I ended up with a part-time post instead - Marine Mammal Trainer with D co. The job is exactly what I was looking for as I was always curious to know the real work that goes behind training and caring for animals and upkeeping their enclosures. So far so good, enjoying the days though I must point out that work is physically very demanding till the point that I am always drained after a day at work.

7) One of the saddest event of my life --- Steven's Death. Never have I ever experience the sudden death of friends or someone close to me. 1st time, very painful. Made me realise how vulnerable life can be and how we should not take things for granted. Shan't dwell on it and move on...

8) Went on too many holidays last year with Simon, Family & Friends.
Simon: Guilin was a random trip as we needed a getaway to a nature place. It was very affordable and the place is really nice for relaxation, looking at the scenic mountains and cycling around the padi fields. Yes and to Hong Kong again as Simon was posted there for work and I went there for a weekend to explore new places with him. Anyway I had unused mileages which were going to expire that year end so why not? Year-end trip to Malapascua was the BEST TRIP to round up the hectic year, I guess we both enjoyed it a lot as there was so much time to slack and swim freely in the private beach. Seeing the thresher shark leap out of water is one of the best moments!

WAT babes: Hanoi was really sucky. After I visited Guilin, I don't quite understand why Halong Bay is a UNESCO site seriously well nevertheless, I enjoyed watching "How I met your mother" with the girls in our hotel suite. Luckily we were smart enough to know that we are a bunch of slackers who will enjoy posturepedic mattresses and cable tv more than walking along honking streets of Hanoi!

SWA girls: Taiwan is always the best place to be with friends, GIRL friends to be specific! 6D5N fully-packed with food, shopping, more food and more shopping. I bought myself 10pairs of pumps and heels only because they were screaming out to me that they were way too cheap to be ignored. Bought a bag of clothes too, noticed that I used "a bag"? I didn't really count the number of pieces that I bought and haven't worn any since I came back... What can I say? At least Chinese New Year clothes are settled =)

Kota Kinabalu was suppose to be a business trip but I sneakily turned it to a half leisure trip =P Flew on Silkair (1st time taking silkair) with Lester and Arnold for seminar, they are the main stars while I'm only a free-riders. Main highlight of the trip is scaling Mount KK with Arnold. It was an extremely-cold-at-night, tiring, 3-hr-sleep-only, physically-demanding 2-day experience but I am glad we survived it. Great to discover from this trip that Arnold is quite caring too. If you ask me whether I will scale another mountain again, I would have answered a big "N""O" in CAPs while I was still catching my breath and fighting off my fever, trying very hard to complete the route. However, looking back at what I have conquered, I might be a bit tempted when Benny told me how magnificent the Himalayas was... time to start preparation/training?

Family trip to Batam: As you have already guessed, it was just a leisure trip over the weekends which was easy to plan and affordable through buying online deals. Really nothing to shout about and more of a family bonding experience.

9) Adding on to travel, this is somehow related. I was kind of tired of working and decided to apply for Working Holiday visa to New Zealand together with Stacy. Seem like now this has to take a back seat as I got a new job opportunity which I would like to work hard on. Shall see how my new job work out and I always have a choice until 13 May 2012.

10) Fitness was one of my achievements for the year as I picked up Tennis from Arnold and made a fairly good investment by signing up for Willow Stream gym spa membership. The price was so attractive (only $750 per annum and includes fitness classes + 2-hr parking each visit) that I couldn't resist! What's more? I began learning yoga and am loving it! At first I thought yoga was just some easy feat for the lazy peeps but it proved to work very well for core strength training and muscle flexibility! Unfortunately, I "neglected" Tennis after a few months as I was too caught up with my weekend commitment. Hopefully I will get some practice by organizing tennis sessions soon!

11) I guess this is going to be one of the best gift I have given myself, where I will continue to enjoy at least for the next quarter of my life? The world is so clear now after the amzing technology --- LASIK. I think the last time I was free of any spects or contacts on was at a tender age of 8? Woah! 17 years of needy friendship on visiual aids! My sudden declaration of independence is as good as China opening up their market to the world, what a wise choice =)

12) The year ended for me torn between my family chalet and the bimbos JB hotel suite. Luckily it ended well as I was able to spend time with both. Hopefully the Bims can countdown in Boracay next year!



Now that I am done reflecting the whole of last year, let me set some targets for this year!





2012 Resolution


1) Establish better relationships with my loved ones i.e. Simon, family & friends

Simon: I am glad I didn't give up on us although there were too many times of exasperation. I am very convinced that you are the one, I don't know how I realise it, maybe just wake up one day knowing it. Reflecting back on our relationship, I truly know how much you mean to me and I hope we can walk our life journey and travel the world together hand-in-hand =)

Family: Unfortunately the most taken for granted and neglected but most depended group of people, I hope for harmony within the family and to bring my mummy for an overseas trip this year, maybe Beijing? The last time we travelled far was in Oct 2010 to Korea. I am glad we managed to at least visit Batam in 2011 together with my brother and his family.

Friends: Mixed feelings due to different priorities and maybe it's just the introvert-loner-me at play again. Sometimes I just don't feel like hanging out with anyone at all and want to be left alone which is impossible if you have an ongoing friendship to maintain. Time is needed to nurture a good friendship though activities like meeting up and b*tching about life. I hope that I can manage my time and emotions better to accommodate all my friends so that no one feels that I don't treasure them or don't give them priority.


2) Grow my wealth by 2x from now through investments and savings

Investments: With the current job, I am in the best position to learn about financial markets and investments. I hope to take the opportunity to make wise and well-planned investments to aid my wealth growth target.

Savings: The most obvious but often overlooked way to accumulate wealth. I ought to cut down on unnecessary indulgences such as
a) massages - I did at least 1 massage (sometimes even 3 or 4 times) per month last year. Way too much! Budget this year: Any kind of massage, once every 2 months only!
b) mani & pedi - Due to working with marine mammals, I am not allowed to wear nail polish. Great rule for me!
c) eye wear - I bought 5 pairs of spectacles in the last 18 months. Time to enjoy my investment in LASIK and stop spending a single cent on any visual aids!
d) apparels - My wardrobe consist of 2 cupboards with 4 doors which cannot close properly due to contents in it spilling out, 1 large travel luggage and a huge plastic box. ENOUGH!
e) footwear - I bought 10 pairs of heels and pumps during the Taiwan trip in July last year and had only worn one pair. My 2011 x'mas gift from Simon was a pair of black Aldo heels. NO MORE for 2012!
f) alcohol - It is expensive and doesn't do good to human body but I still love it! Guess I will have to shop more at DFS =P
g) expensive meals (defined as more than $50 per pax) - Will be good to limit to just special occasions and not more than twice a month


3) Better health and stronger body - Exercise at least 3 times a week (does not include yoga classes), drink a cup of milk and eat fruits everyday, make vegetables my best friend during meals, reduce munching on snacks


4) Take on more task at work
M co.: Hope to start producing and presenting research reports and learn to do equity sales.
My long term goal: Be a featured star analyst on the hottest financial magazine, take on fund manager role and be a sought-after banker =) Sounds good!
D co.: Hope to be a good presenter for shows and start handling dolphins


5) Be more knowledgeable
I realised just how much I don't know... so!!! in order to be in the know, I will need to further my studies! Lazy as I am (I thought that passing CMFAS was an achievement, how myopic can I get?), I definitely need to look beyond my current educational level and maybe purse Masters or CFA? This shall be one of my 2012 resolution to make a planned decision (work out finances and timeline) of what I really want to achieve. Hopefully I can then get down to doing it by 2013!


6) See more of the world
Do a 10km/half marathon in a foreign land to experience and see the country in a different light. Hopefully find a place with great dive sites too! Probable destinations: Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Lombok
I hope to visit one of this legendary land - Sipadan for diving heaven, Seychelles for the nature and marine life, Christmas Island for animal migration


7) Gadget Desires
(*not important at all) I haven't set my heart or eyes on any yet but I wish to e a proud owner of a new camera with underwater photography ability (or separate device is fine)
Definitely going to get a new phone, just torn between waiting for the in-hard-labour Iphone 5 or get the current 4S or try something different with the Samsung Galaxy Note


Cliché as it may sound, I shall end here with a short note for myself "Life is an adventure, a gift that you should truly enjoy"