Its a HARD drive

No pun intended, but yes--I just gave myself a hard drive for Christmas. Its 120GB of pure 'nothingness', to be politically correct. :) I think my machine just fell for it, like its Christmas morning. (well, howdyaknow! yes--its xmas anyway) Now of course, since mac is plug and play--you dont need the extra hupla that comes with the package. No need to install anything. Hah! 

its official. I may be a geek. Or I just need more space. ('anu bah.)

some random pic: was at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Soc Sci student canteen called the 'The Deck' (renowly renovated, mga lola--me likes it very much), fresh from my book haunt at the library when a sudden downpour occured. So...what should a girl do? Rush through the rain, 'umbrella-less?' Nah. she buys coffee (kopi-o), on a yellow plastic glass which you suspect cant hold a liquid that warm, sits through the rain and takes pictures. hehe. oh, and work that wifi.

We went to 'Singapore's last frontier' (rayyyttt...) on Christmas eve, and celebrated Christmas day there--away from the crowds and all the sad commercialistic tendencies (waw...never thought of it that way. that felt better! hehe). We shot arrows for Christmas eve (will post pics, pramis), joined beer drinking contests, stop dance and...air football (not that enticing, I tell you). 

will post more pics. later.

the small child in me

...wanted a Mr Potato Head for Christmas.

So you can just imagine how happy I felt when Santa dropped by for an early pre-xmas gift

 (with some nudging from me, of course). 

Yay!

Its a Transformers Optimash Prime!

I love it.

(will post pics...not now, I've decided to keep it 'wrapped' for xmas day. teehee)

I so excited. so bery bery mats. :)

zenkyu po.

Awww

Yes, you can bet your 14th month pay-- I believe in Santa Claus!

by the river I sat down..

and made lamon. hehe. With my iPod Shuffle plugged to my ears (didnt like the lounge singer they hired, and I intend to stay pleasant the whole night--so yes, I brought my own music), I walked along the other 'quieter' side of the Singapore River via the Grand Copthorne Waterfront last night. It was a misty, cold night, and with my N95 on hand, I took pictures. The funky bridge's shape was very much appreciated, its reflection glistening on the river surface over a moonless sky. On my way back to the duvets, I started skipping, and swaying. I was wearing this purple dress I scoured from a GAP sale two weeks ago, with (check this out...) my trusty black rubber slippers (hehe). They looked good on each other--like a match made in heaven. Very comfy and laid back--just how I liked it. On my way back home, I reflected on that 'skipping'-ala reckless abandon I just did, and I thought the dress made me do it (aha!). It reminded me of the once simple joy of entertaining oneself with your own 'play time'. And Im glad I did it. Dont you just wish you can get 'your way' sometimes, and do whatever you want?

ohh...did you see the hanging lamps in the picture? Nice, noh? I didnt expect it to turn out that nice-ly. Well, thats what you get from the 11th shot, in experiment of the subject. hehe. But really, things still surprise me, as much as I still surprise myself. (nuninuninu..)

Overdue Pics

Tita Vicky's Birthday Party. hehe.

a.k.a. Becky's Buco Pandan Dream Sequence comes to life

Lex and Zia's Photo Shoot (pics featured were shot by Bex's N95)

Lunch time, Sunday

thank God for babies

Lex: Cutie pie, boys night out memeya. ah, pwede bang suma-- (
Zia: Talk to the hand.

Zia: alam mo ba kanina sa palengke, sa kumare...nakakayamot
Lex: nuninu ninu (dedma look)

its syesta time! (Janice will sooo kill me. hehe)

photo shoot po, wak maingay

Overdue Pics Part 2

National Museum of Singapore

Sunday after lunch

shoot me baby

the columns are--urm...'columned'? :)

Loved 'em all. the Japanese have done it again.

how far can you go to reach the ceiling? (poetic crap)

its melting (kuno)! 'a day without a tree'

Overdue Pics Part 3

Tea Party with Amb Belen Anota-Fule

Amb Residence, Singapore

Saturday afternoon, 8 Dec

new found friends. hehe. and yes--with special participation of my bag
the Saturday Tea Club were gracious hosts. Picture taken in the 'glassed' patio overlooking the pool. Im seriously thinking about this career Ive long time been considering.
'under the table'-- lovin' the flooring, shadows and glass
With Ambassadress Anota-Fule.
(it should be in feminine form, with dash for maiden name plus surname,
says the empowered woman in me)
I said: 'Ma'm, for future references po'.


Do you that Amb Belen has LOTS of Belens (Nativity Scene) scattered all over her home?
Birthday Girl (celebrates her birthday on the 25th. oha!)

thoughts on asian idol

No, Im not trying to be sarcastic. Nor am I trying to gloat over the fact that Asia’s (or rather, Southeast Asia’s) Best was beaten (ohhh), hands down by the ‘dark horse’ of the competition (or so, says the media). And yes—by SMS votes. The guy himself was not expecting it. And so did everyone else! What fun! I have nothing against Hady Mirza—I think he’s okay—urm, for his league. BUT C’MON…its Asian Idol, my goodness. How do you explain, in the light of Hady’s country of ‘citizenship’ (to be politically correct)—the ever great meritocratic society of Singapura that such ‘upsets’ (in the Indian judge’s own words) can actually occur in naming the Best of the continent? How can you have the courage to face up to your kids in the future, and tell them dark side of mob rule? That the best does not necessarily triumph, and that ‘upsets’ can happen all the time?

Well, Im blaming the voting system. The system calls for two contestants which one has to choose from the six. Logically, since the objective of the game is that the contestants with the most number of points win, and you want your country rep to win…ergo, the next person you vote for should not be your pick’s best contender. Unless of course you’re caring enough to forego your ‘national interest’ for the interest of another contestant—pathetic, of course. Anyway, the only message I can give to those in ‘full praise’ of Hady’s feat (aside from thank you) is—thank the people in the region. For underestimating your rep. For underestimating the support his country might be giving him. In a way, I’m happy for Hady. He’s the most surprising yet ‘somewhat’ pleasant upset for the year. But more seriously--I don’t think his supporters are licensed to gloat. Really, lah.

Pulutan palang, ulam na*

tonight's dinner menu

the sisig--eherm, with egg of course, is brought to you by

yours truly, Junee Bee. :)

now, the kinilaw was brought to you by--urm...some party people. hehe (tapaw po ito. thats Singlish for 'take away'--oh..thats another Singlish)

* sigh..for the sake of those who cant understand tagalog: 'where you can eat your beermatch/ bites for supper' (its supposed to be a funny tagalog figure of speech)

Meet Tarquin. My Deamon

Comics (ka muna)

Child Labour. teehee

Bumabawi

Nah--I refuse to translate my post title to Ingrish. :)

----0----

Beckyism:
there's wisdom in quitting your job over the Yuletide Season.
It creates this sense of relief, making you more relaxed and simple-minded.
More forgiving to yourself, and to others.
I think I just gave myself the best Christmas gift ever.

----0-----

We were having this Christmas lunch at the office (catered, of course!) today and had a few invited guests dropping by. The lady in charge of the estate our office is currently situated in was one of them, and for some obvious reason the topic over turkey, salmon, skewered beef and cheese cake was the 'state' of our 'estate' (tongue twister ba itoh??).

It was quite fun at first, very informative, that it reached a point when we discusses malls, and other public places she 'recommend' we stay away from due to its unhygienic practices and features that are supposedly 'not good for one's health'. She then enumerated a long list. I found it quite surreal and funny because it reminded me of this guy Phoebe dated in FRIENDS--Larry, the health inspector. I told Cheryl about it and we had a hell of a laugh trip over lunch. Im thinking, ‘Gee, good thing she's married with kids’.

I can imagine myself having a career like hers, plus my overly prissy attitude..saya non! (okay, in Meng's translate it! campaign: what joy!)

date: lets go here
me: no. its aircon vents are not cleaned everyday
date: oh. how abt this mall?
me: sure! oh...uh-oh--its water features are tubed, recycled water
date: oh. this one?
me: too small
date: this?
me: its got no Zara in it

ahaha. Some random pictures (er...i can't, in the mighty name of becky--categorise them anywhere else)

How..um...creative! : Vivocity in Harbourfront (to those whose been here light years ago (last year), its beside the Harbourfront Mall--going to Sentosa) need to get new retail decor designers. For a mall boasting to be one of Asia's biggest, the decors did not make it to the yearly budget.

andyan ka lang pala! (there you are!) Mr Ver is fond of yam, thus his colour.

eh, no frost pala eh! : this is actually a very long story.

Henewey, you do know I've got nut case 'family' (as in husband and wife plus kid) friends who call themselves 'The Frosts', right? :) they're being summoned by another 'family' friend for a match on 'keso-ness'-- the 'Mamu Tribe'. Note to myself: imbide the anti-keso-ness values to my kids, in case they ask me why we can't be the 'Morrisons', or the 'Familia Concordia'.

p.s. keso-ness, by the way, means 'cheesiness' in english. In gay linggo, its similar to 'chenes' .wahaha.

Pictureless me

Will post pics from last week. and the jumpacked weekend. (duh. if thats how you describe a tea party with the Philippine Ambassadress and another one with babies and buco pandan). Huweyt lang po!

On Real Time

I was walking to the office this drizzly morning when I got stuck at the traffic light. What seemed to be an everyday episode was bizarrely different today, becuase there actually is a long queue at the stop. A small road construction was going on, so with limited space to stand, our 'queue' occupied the entire stretch of the intersection. It was quiet amusing--the sight of almost twenty people dressed to the nines and dark clothes, with colourful umbrellas, trying to cross the street in hordes. Then I imagined it to be a very beautiful day.

And then--the funky song strikes in. For some reason which Im completely unaware of, this soundtrack popped in. On cue. My, my...what a weird way to start your day.


Running just as fast as we can
Holdin on to one anothers hand
Tryin to get away into the nightAnd then you put your arms around me
And we tumble to the ground
And then you say
I think were alone now
There doesnt seem to be anyone around
I think were alone now
The beating of our hearts is the only sound


Of course it's a Tiffany song. So bite me.

Year End Lunch with Prof Koh@Garuda Cairnhill

Taken last 7 December by Lin's christened official (cam phone) photographer.

eherm.

Me loves that 5 megapixel Bathilda.

Yes, I named my n95 Bathilda.

Pft

the seemingly 'always happy and cheery' one is alone tonight

with tears rolling down her cheeks

she calls upon good friends, people whom she know are occupied 

on Friday nights like her--as she's always been.

she asks the mighty one to at least give her a break.

its a Friday night--can't he just make her sleep very early,

or get someone to talk to her on a seemingly wonderful timing?

I think he said no--so she's just there.

hating herself,

hating the world and everyone else

she's homesick as hell, tired and bent

wishing...wishing

you heed her call for help.

for she needs you badly.

please--dont let her feel she's been let down.

again.

Enough

too bland, too salty

too sweet, too good

too much

not much

too bad

not at all

 

and all i ever wanted was to be yours

yet i guess i'll never be

enough

for you

 

and me.

Mental Note to myself

Once in Manila--Stop by 7o's Bistro.
Check their website first--you dont want a Julia Clarete episode.
My favourite dig. Hay--I miss going here.
...and I miss my soul. :)

p.s. try to bring my brother along (yes--make him break his dorm's curfew)

Happy Together (a.k.a. you and me against the world)

Tawirang Batman and Robin lang po.

(in plain, english english...Crossing only for the dynamic duo)

They didn't happen to be gay, right?

They seemed to be enjoying each other's company an awful lot.

So this is what's keeping our boys busy. :P

Da Becky, M.D.

Nah, Im not.
Im an M.A. (to be precise, M.Soc Sci—tandaan mo yan, Lando. At magiging Duktor din ako baling araw. Doctor of Philosophy, gedemet)
I have two cousins who are, by the way (‘single and willing to mingle’ daw--ikaw na ang mag punchline).
Going back to my M.D. 'thing'--i seem to create this impression (yes, aside from my goody-two-shoes-ness) that Im a medical practitioner, or probably a student of the biological sciences. Thanks to my family history of different illnesses ‘all in the family’, and my very wide and weird reading scope, I ‘seem’ to have picked up a couple of general if not oddly specific information that has continuously kept me in dreamy states on long bus rides.

Case #1: When I was 11, I had to accompany my baby brother to the loo (to make number 2). He was 2 years old that time, and sometimes I think he can’t seem to do it. What I usually did was open the faucet a bit, and just let the water fill the bucket. It creates this rhythm which ‘Ive read’ eases the tension and stress incontinence creates. My mom noticed this one time and asked me why. After explaining to her, she gave me this very funny look, similar to when I told her the other time that ‘during’ blackouts, and my brother is crankier than ever, its better to get the baby inside in the car. Not only because its air-conditioned (and I dont need to fan him using the abaniko—tamad!), but because an enclosed automobile with its engines on simulates the womb. Its very comforting, ‘kaya nga po madali tayo makatulog pag nasa kotse’. Well, she followed suit, so I think I am a credible source.

Now, where’d I get that? There was this very glossy, sophisticated looking ‘everyday biology’ book at National Bookstore that time. The page opened to...eherm—the reproductive system (c’mon! I was 10 that time) I think I got it from there.

Case#2: Eons ago, we were in the car with my friend’s cousin (who’s like eons older than me—hehe), when all of a sudden the cousin blurted out that she can’t take string beans and tofu. I said ‘Uric Acid? Do you have gout?’ What followed was a barrage of further questions—from whether I might want to consider going to medical school instead…blah blah blah…where the heck I knew of such (I think what amazes them more is the fact that ‘at this age, you’re not even supposed to know about such—er, illnesses). Oh man—the look in her face almost convinced me to take up medicine.

Information I got from: someone who complains we’re trying to kill him every time we serve ‘pata sa munggo’, ‘ginisang munggo, toge sa tokwa, kadyos and sinigang with sitaw’ –my dad, of course. The lecture can go on for days, its like getting a specialisation seminar on rheumatology.

Case#3: A month ago, I was talking to two colleagues about this news scoop on the woman who seem to have lost it, and is suing the church over an alleged ‘exorcism gone bad’. I didn’t know of the details, so they had to take turns filling me up on every detail. Being Singaporeans (hehe), they ask you the proverbial question in the end: ‘So, what do you think?’

I said ‘mental incapacity. She’s obviously bipolar.’

They looked at each other and chorused ‘You knew lah’.
Me: Oh, they’ve done some tests already?
Colleague 1: No results yet, but that’s what the Psychiatrist in the interview said.
Colleague 2: You a shrink? Not fair, you’ve heard about it

Wtf? I don’t think so. Now…where’d I get that? Was watching Law and Order SVU the other day. And what are the odds?

Malambing na pusa

I know of a person who can never add the word ‘malambing’ in her list of upheld virtues.
(Is malambing even a virtue?)
If translated in English, the closest word will have to be ‘sweet’—debatable, of course,
but it fits more likely than, say, ‘thoughtful’ which in Tagalog is ‘maalalahanin’.

So this girl I know of is not one. Really.
Or so people say.
By survey and statistical analysis, there are actually two adjectives that wont fit her bill—the former and another one: ‘graceful’.
She gags at the sight of sweetness; she thinks it’s too much for her to take.
No hard feelings per se—she’s just wary of it.
She hates sugary pitched voices (her voice is classified alto 2), and thoughts of weak damsels in distress.
There’s this lingering feeling of manipulation and disguise—she can’t shake it off.

One time when she was still in school, she won an interpretative dance competition,
And not because she dances well, but because of her ‘creativity’—one the judges said.
She recounted how funny it felt that the judges had to come up with another award of sort
(probably to compensate)—‘one that recognizes grace’ they announced. Of course she didn’t get it.
She didn’t really want to win anything anyway--joining the competition was a requirement.
Dancing is not even her cup of tea.

Ah, sweetness and grace.
Very feminine,
Very un-her.

She’d rather be seen as a person who can take on anything—a free spirit.
Walking in the woods does not require grace,
Neither does writing a story, or a poem.
It does not call for her to do swift, flowing gestures with her hands.
Or flattery, or small voices, or soft lips and pleading eyes.
She joked one time of killing herself if she turns ‘to the dark side’.

She was okay.
And then the boy came.
And more boys came.
And no one, it turns out—not one of them wants her as she is—
accomplished, ambitious and raw.
It makes them uneasy.
Can she at least be more graceful and sweet?

The sight of sights came upon me one day when I saw her
Walking nearby.
Ruffled up, dolled and high heeled.
She does look sweet and graceful.
I was convinced that she made it,
Until she smiled—then I saw something,
that spark in her eyes I used to see more of, that grin that can mean lots of things.
For a moment there I thought I saw the good ‘ol her.

‘and how are you?’ I asked.
The sweetness in her voice sounded sincere. ‘Im great.’
‘Used to it?’ I joked.
And she just laughed.
Her man walks from behind, and takes her away, bidding me goodbye.
He starts talking about getting a maid or assistant to accompany her, as he has to always work late and travel.
I overhear ‘But I can handle everything’
‘Really? Including me?’ was the playful retort
‘Of course, my love’. Very sweetly.

Hands at her back, I see her flick a middle finger.

Cheesy songs and flights o' fancy

Sunday was chorale practice (yes, bad habits never die). After two weeks of absence (conferences, long over due meetings), and missing the 'group photo op', it felt weird that Im still keen to go on, and join them. Its as if there's no such thing as momentum for me when it comes to this 'interest' that is chorale singing--thus Ive realised I really like what Im doing. Wah. Finally. Surprises of suprises, diba? Gee, I bet Miro will 'tambling' forever. The group's atmosphere was pretty much similar to chor-al's --the chorale ensemble I used to be part of--hmm...now using the term 'used to' sounds weird! (awwww...miss ko na sila)

Henewey, now that Im in Singapore (for almost four years! where'd that go?) and after several trial and error with different chorale/music ministries, Ive decided to settle (i think!). Psalmi's structure is a bit complicated, as it is loosely connected with the FX Choir at St Ignatius. Its not really problematic, but lets just say, hmmm..Im with Psalmi. Its not your regular church choir, but is a choir. firyud. Like the Mads, like the UST Singers (not that we're at par, okay? hehe).

We're nomads (aren't we all?), hence the different practice venues. Last Sunday was at Kiko's at Casa Sophia. Where? Up there o! ------------> yeah, and a couple more walks. Excuse my french, but wadapak?? talaga naman. When I reached Kiko's, my heart was beating to the milliseconds. Cardio ba itoh? I heard its 140 steps. Steep steps. No, I ddin't count, and Im not planning to confirm it by doing it again. After four hours of practice we had to face the sad realisation that its Monday the next day. Packing our things, Manny said 'sa stairs tayo dumaan' (lets hit the stairs). Everyone: 'Tara'
(Lets go). Joy, knowing how my plight went, looked at me and said ' O, eh baket parang hindi ka masaya?' (and how come you dont look happy?). Me: away nalang tayo, ano? (NB: no english translation for this, sounds sooo better in Tagalog. hehe)

Turns out that walking down (of course) those flight of stairs is better done when you're with a group of rowdy individuals happily chatting away. Before you know it, you're almost there.

Now, for that cheesy song, as my title suggests...its called 'Love is the Answer' . Its the most keso-ful thing on the face of the earth, but hell--the arrangement is full of movements--dynamics and blending. I heard its a regular church song/wedding song although I've never encountered it before (maybe becuase chor-al was never a church song-fixture? hehe) . Some of the lyrics may put you off, but its a love song, so its a given (heehee). Here's my favourite (first part!):

Morning comes and I must go

dawn is breaking yonder

after all those places I have been

now im going home

Now if only I get a remedy for sore legs and knees. Can love account for that? (you cheesy little twit!)

Tagged

It's from Da Menggay:

5 Things Found In My Bag:

-my wallet (is this a given?) if yes, then theres my celphone

-EZlink card

-small bottle of rubbing alcohol (uh oh, OC)

-house keys

-AT...whiteflower (its your lola's kikay kit)

5 Things Found In My Wallet:

- cards, lotsa cards (atm, credit cards, Permanent Resident IC, biz cards)

- the 'holy octave of consecration' medallion given by my college professor

- receipts! ack! dami!

- a 'lucky' dollar nickel I found in our hotel room in Tokyo (souvenir! nyahaha)

- coins

5 Things Found In My Room

- a white sofa

-my mac

-my 'unsused' TV

-my bedroom furniture? :) (bed, cabinet, etc)

-my playmates--kermit the frog, shiela, dolor, kermit jr, noni, spike 

5 Things I’ve Always Wanted To Do

-travel the world 

-get a dog

-have mini versions of myself (hehe)

-do something noble--dev work in the Phils? (naks)

-get a house with a backyard big enough for a gazebo, a trampoline and a mini pool (get the picture? :) )

5 Things I’m Currently Into:

-obviously, blogging

-my work as a ^)*%%^_ (oooh)

-dreaming waayy ahead for my birthday plans (okay, not that detailed yet...but...)

-plan for my Cambodia trip this Feb

-scrimp on moolah to make way for: a)christmas b)the cambodia trip c)my birthday treat

the lucky five!

-tinay

-goriah

-patty

-iceeh

-shella

Hormones?

I dont know why Ive been super bitchy today and yesterday, practically the whole week.

and Im sorry.

Its just that I dont feel--ewan.

whatever.

there i go again.

i know its not really your fault,

and i keep on unloading all these negativity.

I'd love to speak my mind,

and im sorry to say--it felt better everytime.

Not that I dont think Im right all the time,

But becuase i just have something to say--

yes, some things matter to me more.

and one of them involves me being treated fair and treated right.

and includes being reassured, and getting me 'feel' it.

Mahirap ba yon?

So, sorry--okay?

Im saying sorry to myself.

So I thank God for them (and Fridays, of course)

its christmas time in the office! yay!

(opo, against the light po ang kuha. take note, nde kuhang photographer yan, photo-taker lang,

so please spare me--tehee...bitchy)

(Becky Fact#1: I soo love Christmas time. It keeps me sane, warm and 'reminded')

oh mah gawd...may buwan. (followedby bellowing echo: May buwan sa Singapore!) A view of Holland V from Block 12

(Becky fact#2: I soooo love the skies at night time. I love seeing stars. Reminds me of were I came from (nah, not the stars..)--and since this is Singapore, the land of the glittering articial nightlights and sounds, Im very much happy to settle for the moon for the meantime.)
p.s. Awww..that sounded sad. NOT! okay? :)

healthy things kuno.

Becky fact#3: Pakwan is not really a favourite. I only eat it in very teeny quantities. The one I crave for in this set is the..(gasp) orange. Opo--parang bata. :) Im just eating everything to spite this friend of mine who likes watermelons--minus the 'damo'. Pang-asar lang.

walang tao. My workplace hallway. This is the the left wing from the lift. No more comments.

Becky fact#4: Just in case I breach another rule, and end up in trouble. Again. :)

Batang kyut.

Becky fact#5: I am so naming my kid Mitsurugi Wins! (or...Talim Wins!) yes--take note...two names, with exclamation mark

Some things never change. EVER

whadahell? (refugees at the LOOF elevator)

your favourite striploin steak on the haus!

my roommate for the conference, from batch #$%%--wahaha

(Indonesians, Thais, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Laotian, Pinoys) After four years of makeovers, graduate school, failed and miserable love lives plus stories to tell-- they're now reckless, underpaid, all-star professionals (underpaid, except for Alwin...hmmm)

after double booking conferences, barely making it to dinner, a killer headache and frozen limbs and shoulders, migraine girl whips up her non existent 'look very focused' smile. this turned out to be her best 'clueless' pose.

Yeah, our Malaysian, Burmese (obviously), Cambodian and Bruniean friends couldnt make it. well, there's always next time.

*will post pictures taken four years ago, and you'll definitely get what i mean

SIF ASEAN Alumni Conference

Presenting...batch 2003

first night: night cap, teh tarik and kopi-o, of course.

ours was well represented

CHIJMES. We sneaked in. We tried.

sinong matapang?? :)

caged-blues @ LOOF (oh...sounds familiar)

and we're back!

P.S. Photo credit to the best Thai photographer/hobbyist and entreprenuer I've ever known--Gideon! (uh-oh...lets hope Trong is not doing anything pretty much similar. He'll kill me!)

Dearest Jan

Aside from my sister (okay, fine--and my nine other 'roommates' in my V Concepcion dormitory 'Tierra Purra' in UST), the only person whom I've shared my room with is Patamawadee Jongruk, aka Jan -slash- Ms Jalan Kelabu Asap (Im Ms Taman Warna). It was my first night in Singapore, and we were sharing a landed property (hoy, fyi--mahal yan dito, sosyal (for Jan's sake it translates: which is very expensive here, so imagine the poshness. Oh my Jan--why didn't I teach you Tagalog that time??) with eight other people from different countries across Southeast Asia.


It didn't occur to me at first that she's actually a blessing--this girl who introduced herself as Jan (because, she explains, 'my birthday is in January'), and showed me her 'Thai National Costume' that first night we stayed in one room, beds to the opposite sides. She's very 'un-stereotypical'-- will definitely surprise you. Sweet, yet tough, looks fragile, but can eat a cow (uh -oh...did I beat around the cultural sensitivity thing again? ), very motherly--but hey, she's a bitch (arent we all? hehe) when provoked. Most of all--she thought me how looks can be decieving--and that you dont need to try very hard to make everyone think you're strong and brave (and the list goes one). If you're a natural, then things dont have to be too hard.

I remember one time when I was just too tired, I talked to her in Tagalog. We were laughing all night about it. Or that time we had to accomplish a challenge which involved very hot sulfuric water and barefeet. For some reason, I felt so proud of my roommate--whoa! the only person who can stand that much heat for the longest time! I know...she's a man. :)

Or that one time I was sleeping too soundly, I cant hear her knocking on the door. They had to resort to 'extreme' measures to get me to wake up (Trong had to climb from the back of the house). Oh my, it was embarassing. funny, but gee!

It was a lot of fun, those five months. Today, Jan is doing very well, thank you very much. She's pursuing her Doctoral degree in Governance at the University of Manchester in the UK. When will we get to shop for those Wacoal Brassiers in Bangkok? Hopefully soon. If not Bangkok, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh will be just fine (hah!). I love this Jan--not only becuase we're both pretty (nyaaah), but becuase she's the best Thai roommate of all time (thats called overkill).

Take care always, Naja. Dont go 'round make those Machester boys cry. Behave! :)

Btw: pictures I nicked from Jan's blog (its in Thai!). ehehe.