About Packing Habits

Off to a mini trip tomorrow with the gang. Going to Sekinchan. Not really sure what to expect other than errrmmm paddy field and seafood? The unpredictability is slightly worrying, but kinda exciting as well. Perhaps an opportunity to spice things up.

I wonder if it's common practice to make a list of things before packing. For OCD freaks like me, it's a must. I do it religiously before I go on any kind of trip. I can't imagine packing without some kind of system or organisation. I would just go nuts.

When it comes to packing, I have this constant worry that I might forget something. I know it's no big deal to forget, you can just pick it up at a store or just live a few days without it BUT again it's a mentality that is permanently wired to my brain. I WANT to be able to have everything I might need in my bag.

Back to the list. It's so important. Usually I split the paper into 2 main sections. The left is for clothing and toiletries, and the rest of the stuff goes to the right. All items are listed in some sort of sequence. AND once I have placed the item in my bag, I will cross out the item repeatedly. It gives me peace when I see the items being crossed out. Like a confirmation that I have packed it. Yes, I KNOW I'm neurotic.

And that's not the end. Sometimes even though I know I have crossed out an item, I will still check my bag to make sure it's there. I double, triple, quadruple check things even though I already know for SURE it's there. Strange isn't it? I can't help it. WELL, actually I can. I can force myself to NOT check, but then I know my mind won't be at ease.

This problem used to be more severe... nowadays I consider myself to be much more laid back. If in the past I need to check something 10 times, now I only do it 5 times. Still not 'Normal' in comparison to public standards, but it's an improvement.
Besides I don't mind. I don't see it as an issue I need to address. It's just how I have been all along. Just so you know, in MY standards, most of you non-OCD guys are 'abnormal' for being so carefree hahahahaha.

Will be back Sunday nite. Bye :)

Departure

Yesterday marked the end of my weekly tennis session with the coach, or I should say the beginning of my promise to move on.

It's hard to let go. There is still some part of me that wants to chase that dream. But then the logic kicks in. I really enjoy the challenge and the fight, but deep down I know I'm not good enough. I wish I could explain how I feel in a way that you'll understand better.

Maybe someday I'll be back for more, I don't know when BUT definitely not in the near future. I'm still available for social tennis though. Perhaps now I will learn to enjoy the game more.


I have officially departed from Tennisland.
Next stop? No idea. I'll see where the plane takes me. :)

Tale as Old as Time

Saw this video last night, I hope you will watch it too. Won't take too much of your time, such a heart warming story.
I feel strongly about this, we all have not-so-good moments, but I guess the moral of this tale is that we are not alone no matter how gloomy things seem.

Enjoy :)

What's Glee?

I looked it up.

Glee
-hilarity: great merriment
-gloat: malicious satisfaction
-Joy; merriment; mirth; gayety; particularly, the mirth enjoyed at a feast; Music; minstrelsy; entertainment; An unaccompanied part song for three or more solo voices. It is not necessarily gleesome

More importantly, I'm referring to this definition:
Glee is a musical comedy television series that airs on Fox. It focuses on a high school show choir, also known as a glee club, set within the fictional McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio.

Never seen anything like this on TV. The response is great in the U.S.

Even Kylie loves it. That's a good enough reason for me to watch it. Yes, I'll do whatever she says is good.

The musical arrangements are amazing on Glee. Check out 'Don't Stop Believin' and 'Rehab' on my playlist on the right. Both songs featured on the first episode and I heard many more are coming!

For Malaysians, Glee is on StarWorld, Wednesdays 9pm after American Idol.

Time to cheer for the underdogs! :)

Off My Chest

Just some things I would like to say...

1. Maria crashing out of the Australian Open. She played well in exhibition matches earlier this year, but then this happens. What a pity.
Tennis can promise so much, but at any moment it can also be taken away from you. But I guess this is why the players keep coming back for more. The possibility of achieving greatness, small as it may be, is a good enough driving force for most to keep trying. Maria will bounce back for sure.

2. Kim Clijsters is playing fantastic. Saw her match against Tamarine Tanasugarn today. Not only can Kim hit winners from all corners, her strength lies in her mobility on court. She is an excellent mover, gliding around the court chasing down ball after ball without signs of fatigue. She is my prediction for the women's singles champion.

3. Just found out that Kylie is working with RedOne!! RedOne is the producer responsible for Lady Gaga's Just Dance. This time round Kylie is collaborating with many producers, including Stuart Price who worked on Madonna's Confession on a Dancefloor album. Kylie is taking time on her 11th album, and many already say it's going to be her best yet. Can't wait!!!

Nike 2010 Lookbook

If you're into sports and fashion, the Nike lookbook application will make you drool.

It's interactive and gives you a peek at what Roger, Rafa, Serena & Maria will be wearing exclusively at the 2010 Australian Open which starts on Monday!
Check it out at:
http://ozlookbook.nikemedia.com/#

This year Maria is working with Nike to launch the Maria Sharapova Collection, a line of high performance tennis dresses and 2 piece outfits that will be available for all women.

I have always been a supporter of Nike. It's not just the brand, Nike sportswear truly is a pioneer at incorporating style & technology. Their products support performance while looking absolutely cool.

My personal experience is with tennis shoes. Other brands (ahem) tend to be tight around the mid section, but Nike has come out with a perfect cut to give a good, comfortable fit. Not to mention Nike is way ahead in trends and design. And somehow all my favourite athletes are sponsored by Nike.

I have mentioned 'Nike' so many times here. I think you get the picture ;)

I Ate Smiley

Bought this from LaBoheme at 1U and didn't realize how much it resembled a smiley until I was about to eat it.

If memory serves me correctly, it's called Blueberry Crumble

And instead of giving it a kiss on the cheek, I bit it off :)

Then...

And the rest is history.

Do I feel bad for eating smiley? Muahahahaha not at all coz it was yummy!

And yes this is how I spend my excessively looooooooooong holiday.

The Break Up

*beware: EMO post*

Every relationship has its time, as much as I hate to admit it, mine has.

I have decided to break up with Tennis. You might think it's funny, but it's truly a low moment for me.

The Reason?
Well, I think it's time to move on. If you love something (or someone) enough you will know when it's time to let go. You just know. This relationship is heading to a dead end so I don't want to cling on any longer to see things go sour.

Tennis was my first love. I don't think I have cared about anything so whole heartedly. Throughout the 4 years we spent together, tennis has given me more hope and ambition than any men on Earth possibly could. Tennis has helped me develop my character, taught me about self belief, how to walk with my head held high.

Unfortunately I can no longer commit to Tennis. I apologize.
Tennis deserves better. I believe Tennis will continue to touch the hearts of many others.

I always have and always will LOVE tennis, only a little differently from now on....... as a friend.


* * * * *
I hope you get the metaphor. I have always wanted something more in playing tennis, not just for social/fun purposes... But now I realized that dream is just a dream. From now on, I'm just a "social player".

Perhaps it's time to look for a new love......

My resolutions

After much thought, here is the list for 2010.

1. Stay Healthy
Last year this was item no.3, now it's top priority. I'll try hard to prevent a GERD relapse, even if that means NO tea and chocolate. And hopefully it's bye bye to H.pylori

2. Gain Weight
This was also on last year's list, but instead of gaining I lost weight. If I stay healthy, then I can eat normally. This is tough. My target is 5 kilos.

3. Reduce Priority on Playing Tennis
I think it's time to move on. The reason is long, so I'll save it for another post.

4. Expand Creativity
I need something that's artistically challenging. Maybe more Yhart, or even get into writing. Anything that pushes my boundaries.

5. Focus on Independence
With the maid gone, there's a lot that a 20 year old like me SHOULD know how to do.
Also, I don't want to think about relationships. Steer away from romance in 2010. Don't ask why.

6. Be More Outgoing, Less Anti-Social
Something that I failed to do in 2009. It's just hard for me to open up to the ppl in Uni.


That's about it. If anything else comes up, I'll add it in.
This year I just want to use my energy on repairing myself, slow down for a change. I no longer have big ambitions like playing in tournaments. Surprisingly, acquiring great academic results is also NOT on my mind.

I really have changed in some ways...

So Hard

I'm absolutely loving the new Rihanna. Totally digging the new sound and style.
Military edge.
Her outfits in this video seem to be inspired by Gaga :)

Back Home :)

Arrived exhausted late last night, but it's been an awesome 3 days, spanned across 2 years hehe ;)

First time counting down to a new year at the beach, even got to see fireworks display up close!

A trip is really fun when driving on our own, it's more adventurous & there is freedom to go anywhere anytime. Of course it wouldn't be possible without the gallant effort from our 2 dedicated drivers! They did a fantastic job in keeping all of us in one piece :)

It's funny we didn't do any beach-sea related activities going to P.D... This was more like an eating-talking-card game playing- bonding relaxing trip. Yeah, that about sums it up! Even though the planning was last minute, we still pulled it off quite well.


I'm glad 2010 is here.
The beginning of a year marks the start of another tennis season. With the Australian Open just 2 weeks away, I'm anticipating great matches. This season I predict the great comeback of Nadal, and the women's game should be more competitive with the full force return of Henin, Clijsters and Maria.

I'm still thinking of resolutions for the year. I know some don't believe in this whole making a list thing, but it's essential to me. Kinda like setting a direction for the next 360 days.

Time to put my thinking cap on...