Wanderlust, paired with fairy dusts: 2013

People often quipped that city people are busy people, with minimal time to spare. Born and raised in a city, I have unknowingly picked up the traits of a so called "city" person. Always having something on the to-do list, always too occupied. On rare occasions, I remind myself that it is essential to schedule ME-time to reflect, to ponder, and to plan.

Today, I finally had some "me" time. Not intentionally scheduled, but definitely much needed. Had my glorious 8 hour rest - scrolled through pictures left in a folder named "to be sorted" for way too long, reminisce about the good memories captured on pictures - caught up on the latest episodes of Suits - read through some thought provoking articles that got me thinking - and most importantly, reflected on my priorities of late.

Time really flew by way too swiftly this year. One of my goals this year is to write more, in order to trigger my memory (be it good or bad) in future for reflection purposes. My effort to date is totally meh, so my new challenge is to improve the statistics before the year ends. Since inspiration and motivation striked the same note today, gonna write about the wonderful stay I had in Awanmulan on Merdeka's weekend.

Was so caught up with work the last couple of months both Z and I were worn out, literally. After much persistence from my end, we were up, up and away to Awanmulan for a short weekend getaway!

We stayed at Evensong, which has a pleasant jungle view. The room came with a spacious wood deck balcony, where we could just take in the sun while sipping our tea / read / breath in the jungle air / enjoy the scenery. Supposedly this room has the perfect sunset view granted good weather conditions. No sunset for us given that it rained heavily, but I actually enjoyed the rain tremendously.

Gawd it was such an awesome getaway.

Both of us were silly enough to actually lugged our heavy work laptops there, thinking we could get some work done in between relaxation time.. but decided otherwise once we were there.

Awanmulan is a place for total rejuvenation.

We cooked, swam, ate, lounge, read, laze and did all things stress-free.

Kudos to Uncle Teng and family for creating such an cool breakaway space for city folks!

Taking a breather from completing my seemingly impossible work deadlines. Time has been flying a little too fast this year, can't quite adapt to the fact that we're moving into the second half of 2013 already.

2013 has been comfortable so far. I've learned that as much as I detest a routined life, my body appreciates the routine. I now have better sleeping hours, better eating habits, an exercise routine and have massively cut down on binge drinking. Being more selective at what I do, better control of time. I reckon if I were to ask any of my colleagues, they'll prolly agree that my lifestyle has taken a noticeably change, no more labeled the 'party girl'.

I guess in many ways, the younger me would have thought my current lifestyle as boring. But what surprises me the most, is how I'm happier, somewhat contented (yea, I don't believe in being contented in life, because it fuels complacency), and more driven to achieve personal life goals. Perhaps the happy-go-lucky me is letting the goal-getter me take reign for a bit.

Responsibilities aside, I still had lots of fun being young! Not much of a life documenter nowadays, but thanks to social media and smartphones there are snippets here and there. So, here's glimpses of what I've been up to in 2013..

Spent labour day atop a helicopter pad, sipping cocktails watching the sunset. My memories sometimes fail me, and I barely have recollections of special moments, like this one. Got to write these down and count my blessings, to remind myself that I live a blessed life and I should quit ranting / complaining.

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Inevitably, we all have to work.

Like I said, it has been a pretty comfortable 2013, even work wise. Yes, there are bound to be bad days, but at least there are the good days, and two cute company to brighten up my bad days. :p

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Recently spent quite a bit of time playing board games at Meeples. So spoilt for choice when picking a game for the night. The above game is power station, think people in accountancy / finance would find this game entertaining, so much budgeting involved. Tsk. I love Saboteur more! It's much simpler and engaging!

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Simple date night at Ikea.

Gorge down 20 meatballs and a plate of fried chicken wings.

Man, those chicken wings are to-die-for. Very delicious.

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Ee Mey won us free tickets to Sticks, Stones and Broken bones @ PJLA.

It was a one man show, and this guy has brilliant body coordination.

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The ever famous Lau Sa Pao at Jing Xuan Dim Sum.

Nope, I don't eat these lau sa paos, nor do I eat all kinds of pao (with the exception of those stuffed with meat filling) but I would happily pop siew mai and har gaos in my mouth.

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On crappy work days, a good dinner salvages the day.

Gotta love the salmon sashimis from Rakuzen, thick cut, decently fresh.

Bottomless green tea to rant about work day, and make plans for weekends.

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Ahh, and on Fridays, tapas and wine!

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Whipped this up one random Sunday night. Spiral pasta with shrimps, chicken slices, mushrooms and sundried tomatoes. Sprinkled with all herbs found in my kitchen - oregano, basil, rosemary. Stir fried together with lots and lots of garlic.

I reckon I should spend more time in the kitchen. It has a therapeutic effect on me.

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Ever since Z got me hooked on this game, we have been spending too much time on this sunk cost game. My best loot so far from one of the attacks!

#clashofclans

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Caught The Drums live in KL!

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More food! Steamboat on rainy nights.

Friend staying in the vicinity of Old Klang Road recommended Coco steamboat to me, and it was so good I brought the family and the bf on separate occasions to try this. Think what attracted so many patrons is their very delicious milky pork bone soup, plus fresh ingredients to pair.

Must try the stuffed pork balls. SO GOOD.

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Catch up session with colleagues at the newest cafe in Bangsar.

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With the girls at Wei Sern & Jaymee's wedding.

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Short escapade to Krabi!

We spent so much time sleeping / resting, rejuvenating self from the hectic city life.

This is us sunbathing at one of the random islands when island-hopping.

Divine tom yum at random restaurant.

They were so generous with the serving!

Went kayaking at the mangroves too!

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Nerdy weekends with nerdy bf.

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"Abang, bagi teh tarik kaw, kaw, kaw ok?"

"OK."

Haha I was pleasantly surprised when the order came. Proof that he actually take my request into consideration. Had good teh tarik catching up with high school friends in the end. An actuary, three accountants, an engineer and a doctor. All grown up.

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Went for random hikes.

This one was at Apek Hill.

Pine tree trail @ Cameron Highlands

So good to hike in cooling climate!

Can't wait for the day I visit the national parks in US.

Heineken x Zecora at the peak of Bukit Kutu

My crazy friends decided it was cool to enjoy ice cold beer whilst enjoying the spectacular hilltop view, which in theory, sounds perfect. In practise though, it is crazy to carry so much weight for a 8 hour hike. Tsk, still got to salute Peter for being awesome like that.

Look at their happy contented faces!

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Coffee and cake sesh at Artisan Roast. They say your closest friends would always be the ones you make during your student days. These friends are the ones I am always comfortable with.

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More coffee conversations at CSHH, Singapore

When separated geographically with your best friend, catch up sessions are precious time to update each other about what we have been up to.

One of the very few pictures we took in Universal Studios.

Brought out the child in us everytime we visit theme parks.

Was introduced to Bak Chor Mee by the bf. Egg noodles with minced pork, pork ball, pork innards, wan tan and salted fish in vinegar infused sauce. I had mine non spicy and I liked it.