all happening too soon

This shall be my last entry for the year 2005. There will always be lots of thoughts from me especially when the year is ending.

Looking at my last blog was 25 Oct.. which was quite some time ago. I completely forgot about my webblog. There had been too much activities going around since I last blog and too busy to think of anything. And the reason why I can blog this is because I came back to office on a Saturday afternoon to tie up lots of loose ends.

Just to pen some note before I fly off to Durban to join the Uniquely Singapore boat... All's happening too soon and I still can't believe that I will be sailing across the Indian Ocean now. Just a note to friends who follow my blog and my developments in my life. I didn't have a chance to meet up with a lot friends in the last couple of months and I hope to do so when I return in January 2006. I'm sure by then, I will fill you with my adventures and stories of the Indian Ocean.

Till then folks...

take care and have a wonderful Christmas and Happy 2006!!!

walking down the isle... not me

congratulations to my cousin... may she have a blessed marriage and filled with lots of happiness and love...

End of Leg One....

as the boats dock in Salvador now and the crew enjoying a 3-days break. I managed to get hold of some photos of the first leg...


look... that's our uniform... I thought they look really funny especially the guys in red-sarong over that pants....sarong party boy... shhh.... don't think they would like it!!!


This was taken at the end of race 1 at Cascais in Protugal. We came in forth for this race. Not too bad for a start and 10 crew down with seasickness for 36 hours. We climbed up from 10th to 4th.





How can we not have champagne and beer?? sailors pretty much sail and drink their lives away...

This is US sailing away!! Here we go to Salvador across the Atlantic Ocean. Was quite an eventful sail... heard we suffered crew injuries that requires 12 stitches ... argh nasty!!














I heard the sail could heel at an angle of 30 degrees for days... from this photo it looks like a good day and about 20 knots of wind.

The best looking guy in the world

My friend forwarded his photo but no one knows his name....

any one knows?

Leg 1 Race 2 - finishing line

At 2325 GMT (2025 local time - 17/10/05) Westernaustralia Clipper crossed the finish line off the Farol de Barra, Salvador, to take first place in Race 2 of the Clipper 05-06 Round The World Race. Skipper David Pryce and crew maintained a strong position from early on in the race, leading for much of the latter part. Eventually good tactics coupled with fast boat speeds ensured a comfortable win for the Australians who will be the first to sample the legendary hospitality of the Centro Nautico da Bahia.

At 0049 GMT Liverpool crossed just ahead of Cardiff, beating the Welsh boat by just 3 minutes after three and a half thousand miles. Cardiff finished at 0052 GMT. Both boats are now approaching the harbour where fireworks, fruit and Caipirinhas await.

At 0312GMT (0012 local time in salvador), New York Clipper crossed the finish line to take 4th place. Durban was approximately 8 miles behind and so should finish within the next hour.

If we maintain the speed and winds are good... Uniquely Singapore will be 6th and should be coming in later in the day... well done guys. it's been a hard sail.

korean craze

I know for those who know me will probably laugh at this blog. The korean-soapy-drama-madness has been around for few years when the "Autumn in My Heart" hit Singapore few years back. May be there had been other korean dramas shown on our local channels before but at least Autumn in My Heart was the first korean drama that I watched during a repeat telecast in Channel U. I often laughed at the FANs of these korean man who has been on the headlines of late...such as Bae Yong Jun, Won Bin... etc. and now it seems, I am slowly catching on too. I can't say I am a HUGE fan but the number of k-dramas I've watched is still within count of my ten fingers.

Recently I caught on the famous soapy-teary-drama Stairway to Heavan showing on Channel U now... and here is the reason why I WATCHED this super-draggy-teary show... introducing Kwon Sang-Woo -thanks to my colleague Eleen Limfor telling me his name.

Any ways... I've got a mini fan club in my office ..hahah with just Eleen and myself. She's now following the show too and she sent me this photo early in the morning. And that's how both of us started the blogging of our korean - hunks chase. erhmmm I know you guys would say that he's not a hunk... o well, it's just a passing phase for me. I'm sure there will be more cute actors coming along...
p.s actually i love watching japanese dramas too.

drenched and drunk Sunday

yesterday was intended for round pulau ubin sail for the IndoChine Ambassador's Cup 2005 but the whole day's rain forced the committee to postponed the race to next week as we can't possibly risk the international ambassadors getting drenched.... Unfortunately before the committee made the annoucement, I was already completely drenched whilst rigging up the boat with my new found skipper - Jerry who was a shipmaster and sailed around the world for 25 years. It was fun hearing all his stories and good opportunity for me to get tips for my trip too!

the party started earlier than planned.... free flow of drinks just flowed non-stop till 6.30pm and I drank from 2 till bar closed... was good fun and the race will resume this Sunday. There will be food and drinks from Indochine again..hahah

Actually, I will be miserable for this Sunday's race as I have to attend 2 weddings this Saturday, I will start drinking in the afternoon and continue through dinner. hopefully I can still be emcee for the dinner....

What is life all about?

I had this for few years... and occasionally I look at it again. Thought it would be nice to share it with some friends...

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

Sooner or later, everyone you know will disappoint you in some way. They'll say something or fail to say something that will hurt you. And they'll do something or fail to do something that will anger you. It's inevitable.

Unfortunately, you make things worse when you stew over someone's words and deeds. When you dwell on a rude remark or an insensitive action made by another person, you're headed for deeper problems.

In fact, the more you dwell on these things, the more bitter you'll get. You'll find your joy, peace and happiness slipping away. And you'll find your productivity slowing down as you spend more and more time thinking about the slight or telling others about it. Eventually, if you don't stop doing it, you'll even get sick.

So what should you do the next time someone betrays you? TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR FEELINGS. Even though the other person may be at fault, even though the other person wronged you, you are still responsible for your own feelings.

In other words, other people do not "cause" your feelings. You choose them.

For example, two different people could be told that their suggestions made at the staff meeting were "stupid and idiotic." One person may "choose" to feel so hurt that he never speaks up at any other meeting again. The other person may "choose" to feel sorry for the critic, sorry that the critic couldn't see the wisdom and necessity of her
suggestions.

As long as you blame other people for your feelings, as long as you believe other people caused your feelings, you're stuck. You're a helpless victim.

But if you recognize the fact that you choose your feelings and you are responsible for your feelings, there's hope. You can take some time to think about your feelings. And you can decide what is the best thing to say or do.

Then, you've got to learn to WALK AWAY FROM DISAPPOINTMENT. It's difficult to do, but it's possible.

The famous 19th century Scottish historian, Thomas Carlyle, proved that

After working on his multi-volume set of books on "The French Revolution" for six years, Carlyle completed the manuscript and took volume one to his friend John Stuart Mill. He asked Mill to read it.

Five days later, Mill's maid accidentally threw the manuscript into the fire. In agony, Mill went to Carlyle's house to tell him that his work had been destroyed.

Carlyle did not flinch. With a smile, he said, "That's all right, Mill. These things happen. It is a part of life. I will start over. I can remember most of it, I am sure. Don't worry. It's all here in my mind.

Go, my friend! Do not feel bad." As Mill left, Carlyle watched him from the window. Carlyle turned to his wife and said, "I did not want him to see how crushed I am by this misfortune." And with a heavy sigh, he added, "Well the manuscript is gone, so I had better start writing again."

Carlyle finally completed the work, which ranks as one of the great classics of all time. He had learned to walk away from his disappointment. After all, what could Carlyle have done about his burnt manuscript?

Nothing. Nothing would have resurrected the manuscript. All Carlyle could do was to get bitter or get started. And what can you do about anything once it is over? Not much. You can try to correct it if it is possible, or you can walk away from it if it isn't. Those are your only two choices.

Sometimes you've just got to shake it off and step up. It's like the farmer who had an old mule who fell into a deep dry well. As he assessed the situation, he knew it would be difficult, if not impossible, to lift the heavy mule out of the deep well.

So the farmer decided to bury the mule in the well. After all, the mule was old and the well was dry, so he could solve two problems at once. He could put the old mule out of his misery and have his well filled.

The farmer asked his neighbours to help him with the shovelling. To work they went. As they threw shovel-full of dirt after shovel-full of dirt on the mule's back, the mule became frightened.

Then all of a sudden an idea came to the mule. Each time they would throw a shovel-full of dirt on his back, he would shake it off and step up. Shovel-full after shovel-full, the mule would shake it off and step up. In not too long a time, the exhausted and dirty mule stepped over the top of the well and through the crowd.

That's the same approach we all need to take. We need to shake it off and step up.


Finally, you need to FORGIVE. It's difficult, especially when the other person doesn't deserve your forgiveness or doesn't even seek it. It's difficult when the other person is clearly in the wrong.

Part of the difficulty comes from a common misunderstanding of forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn't mean that the other person's behaviour is okay. And forgiveness doesn't mean that the other person is off the hook. He's still responsible for his misbehaviour.

Forgiveness is about letting yourself off the emotional hook. It's about releasing your negative emotions, attitudes, and behaviours. It's about letting go of the past so you can go forward to the future.

Everyone in your life, everyone on and off the job is going to disappoint you. If you know how to respond to those situations, you'll be way ahead of most people. You'll be able to live above and beyond your circumstances.

Action:

Identify two people that have disappointed, hurt, or angered you. If possible, select two people towards whom you still have some bitterness.

Then ask yourself, "How does my bitterness serve me? Am I happier holding on to it? Do I sleep better? Is my life richer, fuller, and better because of my bitterness?"

If you find that your bitterness is hurting you, make a decision. Actually decide to let it go. Walk away from the disappointment -- which means you no longer dwell on
it or talk about it. Period!

Cosmopolitan and Pink lady

Was out with a girl friend.. who refused to be captured in the photo. So I took the martini drinks that we were having... a cosmo and pink lady ... it kind of sympolises us!!! Am i the cosmo and she the pink lady...??? hmmm... that was something to think about.

But it's Thursday today and it's time for another drinks tonight!!!

totally pissed

I've been swearing a lot lately... or I should say this week. I am still in the office working on the bloody designs with my designer. sometimes I can really vomit blood when it comes to numerous rounds of changes... It's really tiring.

It's almost midnight..and I still stuck here, waiting for the changes to come in...sigh!!

Horrible week

it's only wednesday and I am feeling miserable already.... work is piling so much that I am dreading. Managing the existing events is already killing me and we still have to entertain enquiries for proposal and presenting to potential clients.

I still have 2 more days to weekend...but still my weekends are taken for finishing all the outstanding paper work.

I was suppose to go for drinks with my friend tonight...pretty much doubt this could happen... sigh

and also wondering where's Ken? Havent' seen ya online...where have you disappeared to? In-camp training?

What swollen leg...

oh well... this is how my leg looked like after the second day of insect bite...

Thanks to whatever bit me. I've got an injection to take immediately and a full course of antibiotics to complete to prevent further infection. And all these cost me 80 bucks... damn it!!!

Why seven things?

Seven things I plan to do before I die:
#1. Live in Tokyo, Melbourne and/or San Francisco
#2. Make a lot of money
#3. Own my own house/apartment.
#4. Fall in love
#5. Be Happy
#6. Travel to Central & Eastern Europe and Russia
#7. To sail across one ocean

Seven things I can do now:
#1. Continue learning where my parents lacked in teaching
#2. Plan ahead to achieve things that I want to do before I die
#3. Be thankful & grateful to my parents for my existence
#4. Sail on a 68ft yacht
#5. Drive an auto car
#6. Pay my debts
#7. Blog

Seven things I cannot do:
#1. Touch my nose with the tip of my nose
#2. Eat beef, lobster and crab
#3. Forsee future
#4. Change someone
#5. Own a yacht
#6. Travel around the world
#7. Not be my parents' daughter

Seven things that attract me to the opposite:
#1. His eyes
#2. His intellience
#3. His wit & humour
#4. Confidence, not condescending
#5. His kindness
#6. His gentleness
#7. An European accent

Seven things I say most often:
#1. Great
#2. Crazy
#3. Stupid
#4. Shit
#5. Irritating
#6. Damn it!
#7. What!

Seven celebrities crushes:
#1. Richard Gere in Pretty Woman
#2. Brad Pitt in Meet Joe Black
#3. Johnny Depp
#4. Ewan McGreggor
#5. Ethan Hawk
#6. Tom Cruise
#7. Antonio Banderas in Original Sin

Seven people I would like to do this:
for those who are interested, simply just copy the headers and put it into your blogs.

Blogger problem or is it me?

I've been having problems with blogger in the last few days... wanted to blog a couple of times but I never seem to be able upload successfully. Until today. I had 3 drafts which I didn't make sense to upload anymore so I deleted them. BUT I will blog them later as I made interesting discoveries and some conversations I had with my buddy evoked strong emotions. I will pen them later.

Gosh... what a sudden down pour of rain now!

I'm complaining today. I'm working from home with so much paper work to write... all those roles and duties, admin details, emcee scripts, proposals and presentation. some of them were past the deadlines whilst some of them are for next week. Work has picked three fold in this month... just as I am preparing myself for the race. I should say, I don't have much time to think about a lot of things at the moment. I have a sailing presentation to make tomorrow... and I prepared the slides during the week. I have a cocktail to attend at the British High Commission on Monday - invited by the British High Commissioner to all Uniquely Singapore Crew. I have a meeting with the Clipper on Tuesday. I need to take my travel vaccinations as I am travel to South Africa. I need to collect my gear from the rest of the team mates whom I share with. I have to apply for my Australia visa and get my ticket issued soon... sigh. Oh... not forgetting 2 weddings to attend (a close friend and a cousin) and my grandmother's 91st birthday celebration too. The "to do" list is getting rather long. I have 3 events to manage before I fly off... which means I will not have time to rest before I join the boat.

October is a month of meeting deadlines... I will aim to get all things sorted by October. Can someone give a nudge in case I forget? Also perhaps you should check on me once in a while... may be there isn't much sanity left in me. I need to manage stress from various sources... not forgettng I have a lonely flight to Durban - the most dreaded of all tasks. I may like to travel alone but no way will I be crazy enough to travel in Durban alone. Anything can happen in Durban.... oh well. We'll see if the guys from UK can pick me up from the airport since they are arriving earlier.

Little Joshua - a month old

hello all...

I am Joshua Alexander Schmeja... yesterday was my first month old celebration at my home. My mummy and daddy said I slept most of the celebration.... I really had a good time sleeping away.

p.s Sorry... the photos didn't appear yestersay. Just managed to upload now.

The Uniquely Singapore site

After many months of waiting and procrastination, our very own web blog for the Uniquely Singapore is finally up. Yes, it was up only after the race started and even then.... our site is not actively blogged by our own crew. It's so different from Victoria's Blog... in fact, I get most of the interesting life experiences onboard from their blog. I hope by the time they reach their first port at Cascais, Portugal our diary person will be able to update our very own blog.

So for those who are following our race, you can visit those my race dailies sites on my blog...

as the days pass

I've been wanted to blog for a few days to update on our boats positions but have been pretty tied up with other matters. I'm not exactly that busy but just never got round to blog.

We haven't really been doing very well ... we've been hovering around 7th-10th positions. The boats are expected to arrive Portugal today... But based on the positions we might come in say 12-20 hours behind the leader... Durban.

As days passed, I am actually getting jittery as I read about the team onboard US. Most seem to be suffering from seasickness. I'm probably one of those who will suffer big time ....argh...

Here's what our skipper wrote in our diary on day 4...


Dear Diary,

Today is Wednesday (or as we like to think of it aboard Uniquely Singapore day 4).The dawn broke with a lovely colour scheme this morning but most were too busy too notice as we were occupied with a change down from #2 yankee as the wind built in intensity for 15 minutes. As quickly as the gust had arrived it departed and we were back up to our #2 with staysail and double reefed main.

Since the start we have carried out something like 15 sail changes. Some of those with as few as 3 people as the majority of crew were disabled by seasickness for 36 hours. The weather abated yesterday and we had a lovely days sail averaging 3 to 7 kts whilst many boats around us fell into wind holes.

That allowed us to move from 10th to 7th place over a 12 hr period but alas a brief lapse in concentration overnight has seen us slip back to either 9th or 10th. However, as we like to say on Singapore "the race isn't over until the umpa loompas dock"!

Morale improved markedly once the majority of the crew stopped throwing up. Yesterday was like watching a feeding frenzy at the zoo as we all tried to replace the lost calories from the previous 36 hrs.

To date we have been fortunate with no injuries or breakages and hope that this will continue. Earlier problems with the generator have been resolved after a sterling effort by our two engineers over a 3hour period yesterday.

Fingers crossed for some better luck today as we see whether our gamble to place ourselves well west of the rest of the fleet pays off.

Cheers,

Richard Falk - Skipper
Uniquely Singapore
22

Another new birth

Introducing baby Tashiro Remi.... who was born on 6 September 2005 in Yokohama. Looks like year 2005 is a year for not just marriage but also birth. It's forth baby popping out in the last 2 months.

Well, it gives me more reasons for me to visit Japan again.... I was very lucky to be able to spend some time with my friend and her hubby in Yokohama last year when I was there for work cum holidays.

Remi-chan... welcome to the beautiful world!

isnt she kawai-ne?

Race started yesterday....

The day is finally here.... the Clipper 05/06 Round the World Yachting race has started at 1200hrs GMT+1 on 18 September 2005.

The excitement was all taking place in Liverpool and we received no news of the start at all. No one sent news or updates to us in Singapore...how sad! I could only look at the time and wondered how they crossed the start line and sailed out of English channels...




















After the first hour of racing in the 05-06 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, Liverpool 08 was leading the fleet towards the Irish Sea for the first race towards Cascais, Portugal.

Liverpool 08 rounded Brazil Gate in the Mersey at 1301 BST, with Jersey Clipper, Durban, New York and Cardiff all less than five minutes behind at the start of the 1000-mile race. Jersey Clipper passed the start for the second time in the lead just ahead of Liverpool 08. But Liverpool 08, sponsored by the host port and buoyed by the local support, managed to pull away into the lead as she cleared Brazil Gate.

After crossing the start line in the lead at noon, Qingdao was overhauled by the leading five boats, pushing her into the bottom half of the fleet as she passed the final control gate before the fleet leave the Mersey. Danny Watson and his crew on the Clipper 68 sponsored by Qingdao, the host of the sailing at the 2008 Olympics, reached Brazil Gate at 1307 just six minutes behind Liverpool 08.

Glasgow, Uniquely Singapore, westernaustralia.com and Victoria, Canada brought up the rear at Brazil Gate, but with less than 13 minutes separating the fleet it is very close racing for the 10-strong fleet as they prepare to head south towards the Bay of Biscay.

Fluky, light winds left the fleet to tack around the marks in front of the crowds of spectators lining the banks of the Mersey, as the aerobatic display team flew overhead.

Race Director Tim Hedges said: “The crews will be glad to get out of the Mersey and settle into the watch system as they head towards the Irish Sea. After all the excitement of the start they will be keen to get on with the race and it looks like a very close and exciting race at the moment.”

Fleet positions at Brazil Gate (All times BST)

Liverpool 08 1301
Jersey Clipper 1304
Durban 1305:20
New York 1305:48
Cardiff 1306
Qingdao 1307
Glasgow 1309:22
Uniquely Singapore 1309:40
Western Australia 1311
Victoria, Canada 1314

Virtual friends...

I received yet another email from a long lost friend. This is the forth in the last 7 days. I have not seen them for many years too. In fact, in this new technology world, we probably have more virtual friends than "physical" friends. Which is better...virtual friends or friends whom you meet? In my context, virtual friends are seen in your radar probably once in 2-3 months if you are lucky. If not, their names would probably appear in your mailbox once in 6 months to a year.

Handphone short messaging is fast replacing emails. I wonder if this would be the "mobile friends" era.

This weekend had been a weekend of losing all my contacts in my SIM card. Silly me.. tried to fiddle with my SIM card security password and I ended up having SIM card lock twice. The first time, I managed to save all my records but on the second time, I am not so lucky. My SIM card is damaged. Thankfully I had a free replacement by M1 but... all my contacts in my SIM card are all lost - may be not so thankful after all. I have not backups, no records whatsoever now ... sigh..now, I have to wait for my friends to contact me...

so friends...drop me an sms so that I can have your numbers again.

I've got a new phone....

I finally changed my phone... I've faithfully used this nokia 6100 for 2 years. Actually I could have missed this opportunity. M1 sent me a voucher of either buying Samsung Z500 at $359 or a $150 discount off any phones....and I only opened that mail last night.. the expiry date was today. *phew* luckily I didn't waste this voucher.

any ways... here's my new phone... still a nokia user. Other phones didn't catch my interest all...
















Photos: courtesy of Nokia and Eleen Lim

8 days to race start....

It's getting closer.... the latest news announced is that the last boat is sponsored by "Cardiff, The capital of Wales"... I wonder what happened to Ireland though, they were supposed to come in as the last city boat.

Well, at least all ten boats are now commissioned and the boats are all ready to compete...

Introducing the ten boats - missing Qingdao and New York cities logos though....

Whimsically

It's been three weeks and I am still coughing like mad. I'm not exactly working very hard, work schedules are not as crazy as before...and I have been faithfully going home after work every day since last Friday and eating soupy non-fried non-oily food. I'm beginning to miss my fried hokkien mee and fried oysters... I think I'm losing my taste buds for such delicious food already... sigh

Like I told Ken... strange things happened yesterday. It all started from a conversation that I had with my colleague in the afternoon. I've passed the initial 'shock' and it's accepting the fact now.

In the last one week, 3 guy-friends whom I have lost touch for few months to 2 plus years are back on my radar again.... losing them in my radar seem very often partly because of their jobs. Any how, it's still nice to have surprises in life once in a while...

Race starting on 18th September

THE DAY is approaching... as I look at my calendar, counting down to race starts ... 9 days!!!! I am excited but yet getting a little jittery. Perhaps I still can't believe that it's all happening ... Announcement of crew in Feb... training in July ... and now race is starting...

I picked up some latest news on Clipper website...

"Seven of the ten yachts are now moored in the Albert dock and the final three will arrive on Friday, 9th September. The most striking difference of the new yachts is the mix of international cities that are represented in the Clipper 05-06 race. First to make an impression on the river was the Chinese entry from the port of Qingdao where the 2008 Sailing Olympics will be held."

Nothing was mentioned about Uniquely Singapore but I managed to pull out a good picture of her flying our flag proudly sailing into Liverpool.




















and finally here's a picture of the Team Singapore...

Little Joshua

Here's cute little Josh ... It's a pity I won't be able to meet him when he comes to Singapore in December. By then I would be sailing on Indian Ocean on my way to Fremantle. In any case, if all goes well, I should see the Schmeja family in Jan in Melbourne!! I can't wait to meet this gorgeous-looking boy.

You can get what you want

not always... but good things do happen.

last night (should be this early morning) I receive the best surprise of the year... or rather the only surprise in many years. Non of my friends have successfully given me a surprise like what M did last night. Here goes the story...

It was the usual girlie night out at our usual place for drinks and party... and C received an sms from M who is studying in Melbourne. We were pleasantly surprise to hear from her... knowing our dearest science geek, she hardly ever maintains correspondence during the semester. As the night progress, in the midst of all the drinking and merrying, M suddenly appeared and she shouted to us... I FINALLY MADE IT!!!

K, C and myself took a few seconds to react to her presence...and we screamed till our voices cracked.... we hugged and jumped for joy... we knew what she meant. It's definitely a piece of good news. When we finally calmed down... news of her presence settled into our heads... K said to M that it's 7th month now to give us such surprises in a pub.. where lightings create other visuals... erhmmm.... The crazy gal only arrived an hour ago from Melbourne and she could not wait to break the news to us. It's also undeniably the best timing too - in the presence of 3 of us - in a party ambience

At 25 she decided to go back to school and it's not even to do her masters but she is going to Medical school. After doing bachelor of science for 2.5 years on building her science foundation, she finally made it to Med school. And also one of the prestigious med school in Dublin. Now at 28, she's going to med school... and by the time she graduates she's gonna be 33. It will take her another 1-2 years before she becomes full-flege doctor...

M... I simply have to salute to you!

well... she's also another classic case of working very hard to get what you want.... and it's true that you can get what you want.

You can't always get what you want

I know my life has never been smooth and very often I fought and work very hard for the things I want. I know I can't have the best of both worlds... I just hope that at least one of them will happen way I want it.

Guess I should not have such high expectations... or at least I should be prepared for both worst scenarios...ie back up plan.

i'm still waiting for the outcome....sigh

Joshua Alexander Schmeja is born

Yeah!!!.... finally after nine months of waiting.... the little Schmeja has decided to pop out to see the world on 25 August 2005 at 3.05pm australia time. A day earlier than I expected ... cos it's his mummy's birthday tomorrow... I actually guess that mummy would want baby to have same birth date as her...well, it's close enough to celebrate both birthdays together in future... and more reasons for me to visit Melbourne in August.

our dearest Mrs Schmeja refused to tell us whether the baby was boy or girl.... and she has successfully kept mum about the sex of the baby from her family and friends for 4-5 months. Not even close buddies knew. No matter how I coaxed and cajoled... she simply refused.

in her recent photos updating us on her pregnancy, my guess (hmmm....i observed her tummy through photos) is that it's gonna be a boy... and true enough

and strangely... 2 or 3 days ago, an old friend sms me saying that she gave birth to a girl too... and her name is Isabel Desiree Sivanesan.

earlier this month, my uni hostel neighbour sms me too... anouncing her son Aden Lee's birth too.

in all coincidence, I receive all news via sms... it's amazing how short messaging over mobile phones has evolved to deliver all kinds of messages... simply fantastic technology ever invented...

STOP spam sms

I can't believe spam mails have reached sms... I actually received a strange chinese sms from a China mobile number this morning.

and it goes like this in English...

dear user,
congratulations to your mobile number! You've won the China Yuan Zhong Corp's second prize of USD190K. Please contact us at this number 008613860739652 to claim your prizes.

it sounded really nice if that's REAL.. USD190K is approximately SGD323K....hmmm what can I do with this amount?...thinking of my wish list...

I know all of you will probably say...quit dreaming, stupid!

but this spamming is so getting out of hand that it's really annoying.

can someone do anything to stop this...?

the funny moments

I know I'm sharing my sailing training in bits... but I can't help it since I also received photos of the training in bits too.

To add to my blogs... here's the first one.


Here's what we do in part B - we drink and chill onboard at the end of every day's sail.

And there were lots of massagings too...











And there were dreadful moments of long waits too... as a result of organisers' logistical screwed up.









The most recent ones that I received from my team mates are the funny ones... they were totally hilarious but I'm too embarrassed to show them all.

but here's one that my team mate caught me in action...


yes...that's me nursing a hangover in laundry shop.













dun laugh.... and thankfully they didn't put me into that large washing machine!!


















At the parties in Jersey, where we had the most drinks and fun...



first... it was the snake dance















second was the sexy dancers...















erhmmm... that's it for now!!

non-sailing moments

I was not thinking of blogging today but I was just looking at the calendar and realised that the round the worlders have left Singapore for their last training and also pre-race preparation. On 18 September in Liverpool, all the boats will be flagged off for the race. It's all happening too soon. It just daunted on me that 6 months had flown by just like this. Memories of the first press conference announcing the 21 STB sponsored crew were still fresh in my mind.

Mike's call on Friday and looking at the latest photo album shared by Shin Shin also brought back my memories of training too. He brought back latest gossips for us too. He did the 3 part trainings in 3 separate occasions unlike myself and group that I went with. We did the crazy 3-weeks back-to-back at one go. Mike was in my part B training and he was the one who brought the Singapore's Yeo's can curry and rendang for us. After one week of training, we missed our food so badly. All thanks to him that we had some local flavours to our English meals.

Where food is closest to our heart in our culture... it's tough to eat eggs, bacon, sausages, sandwiches and pasta all the time. The 'ang mos' probably thought the bunch of Singaporeans are mad when we are always talking about food. They probably didn't realise the food culture here. Well... being singapore ambassadors, our job is to promote Singapore and we started with food. In the last part of our training, we were the only boat that had the most interesting meals. In this training, all the Singaporeans and 'Uniquely Singapore' international based crew were sailing and living together for one week. We had lots of fun cooking our meals. Too many creations to remember but the best that we ever had was mediterranean rice with vege curry and naan. This was the last meal that we cooked at the end of training.

Besides the food, we've probably created a reputation of being party animals and a crazy bunch of crew. The funny things is we never really joined the rest of the other crew in pubs to drink bt we still had that reputation... What I can is that... we drank quite a lot amongst ourselves. We gossiped a lot, chatted and massaged.

In fact, we probably had lots of reputation already... one being the only Asian boat; two being small in size compared to the big ang mos; three being a team that comprised of more females than the other boats (I'm not sure of the exact ratio of genders in the other boats but it does look like Singapore have more females onboard at least for some legs)... and more reputations to be created as we sail...who knows???!!!

The hottest gossip now is that we have a couple within the team now....yes, so it's kindda become SDU too... and it's probably the first and the last... or have I spoke to soon?

cross roads

yet again... I've come to a junction of cross roads....

shall I turn right or right... go straight or stay put??

Hopefully the verdict will be out next week. It'll either have another change in my life or I'll just continue to live with what I have.

the comfort now and the fear of uncertainties of future.... whatever it is...a decision has to be made and live with that decision.

Quick Updates...

I was only away for one month and when I came back... here's the news I received so far:

One friend is posted to Bangladesh to work for one year and option of indefinite time... a promotion for him and with overseas opportunities... not that Bangla is best of a choice but still overseas gives wider exposure..

Another friend managed to secure a job that brings him to San Francisco for 1.5 years... damn!!!.. it's San Frans you know... I wish I had this opportunity too. I sincerely wish him all the best and hope that he can find his niche in silicon valley. On another note... gives me a reason to visit San Francisco now.

Yet another friend was posted to Philadelphia to work for 2 years... arghh... why's everyone getting the overseas jobs??? I am so jealous!!

And another is in Hong Kong for one month for a short stint.. still better than nothing!

and while I was in London, my friend told me that he's going to Shanghai for 6 months and perhaps longer as his wife found a teaching job in an international school in Shanghai.

Ok enough of the overseas jobs.... next is usual wedding and births.

One friend has given birth to a boy... and my close buddy in melbourne just informed me that she will be going for induction next friday and probably be giving birth by end of next week... Gosh...I'll be godma finally!

When I came back from UK, my mum told me that my cousin from JB is getting married in September. Another cousin who's younger than me is getting married in October and another cousin in December.

and a uni friend..... who called a couple of days ago telling me that his wedding is in October and I have no excuse for not attending as my race starts in November. Even when I told him that it's the same day as my cousin's, he said that I have to attend cos everyone will be attending. It's gonna be a uni-hostel gathering for us...geez.

lastly... my dearest friend in Paris is also getting married next year... looks like I have to save up to go to Paris... I liked the idea tho...and I hope it's a wedding ceremony/party in a chateau.

ooohhhhh... it's too much for me to take....

Life onboard

In cockpit... waiting for action otherwise it's sitting in the cold, chatting, eating and looking out for sailing vessels...

That's the bunks that we live in. I'm only staying there for 3 weeks plus... can't imagine living in here for 11 months for round the world....urghh

















View from top of the mast... that was not me. But I was left up there on the mast for half an hour by my team mates...whilst I try to fix the radar deflector.

And... this is "Uniquely Singapore" in action....

that's all folks... more later!

Ocean sailing is tough

It's been a long time since I last blog... it was all the work and sailing that took away all my time. Yeh yeh...It's a lie.

Well, I have been sailing almost every weekend since I met the Uniquely Singapore Clipper crew and I've just returned one month of training in UK. My verdict.... ocean sailing is very tough and I made it. I'm pretty proud of myself for surviving the tough training.

Why tough? It's physically tiring and mentally challenging. The hard work of sailing - changing sails that weigh 5-6 times more than me whether in the day or night, grinding those loaded winches, getting drenched while on the deck, moving swiftly on deck with the boat heeling to an angle; the challenge of living together with 17 crew and our skipper within a confined space - all that snoring which can be extremely melodious, those smelly socks/shoes that are lying every where, all that differences in living habits, temperaments and personalities and diet habits; the dreadful wind chill and cold of ocean - cold beyond description until you personally experience it; the torture of seasickness and not being able to sit in the cabin to rest. The worst of all is overcoming seasickness in cold... you are torn between sitting on deck for fresh air for seasickness and the need to keep warm in the cabin. Let's just say that I had seasick and had to be on deck and yet it was so cold that I wanted to stay in the cabin. Naturally the best cure for seasickness is sleeping. Unfortunately I don't have the luxury to do that otherwise it won't be fair to my team mates. I can't possibly be sleeping throughout the whole sail when your team members are doing all the hard work and suffering in the cold.

26 days flew by very quickly. The actual race will yet be another test for my determination and perserverance. Now that I'm back in Singapore and sitting at my desk in office, I miss the days of sailing. Being away from reality is always welcoming and tempting... and being back in office and home is dreading. After 3 weeks, I still can't adapt to the normal life.

On hindsight, what I miss most.... is both sailing and living together with the crew. The Singaporean and international crew were a fantastic bunch of people. It is the team work and togetherness that helped me to survive the trainings and I believe this team spirit will help us all survive the race. The CREW, the jokes, the nonsence, the drink parties, the dances, the cheers, the funny things that happened during sails etc formed the fond memories and these are all that I remembered.

Look out for more updates and photos of my sails...

Post birthday blues

For some strange reasons, I could not sleep last night. I was pretty much awake most of the night and perhaps caught a wink at dawn. My brain juices were rather active and keeping me awake. Lots of things came to my mind... there bits on sailing like on the strategies that I could get more sponsorship, the challenges onboard for that 2 months, the inter-personal challenges onboard especially under duress; there were bits on work; and there were bits on my birthday.

Oh I'm yet another year older.... not dreadful cos it's just a number but it's how I spent my life. Nothing beats having a fantastic bunch of friends with me and definitely am very happy that my close buddies are still spending the day/weekend before with me.

.... and I just wish my birthday wish will come true...

Work is piling

ARGhHhhh....Help!..... my work is piling and my head is just hurting... today had been really a bad day at work.

So I decided to blog to rest my brain and not to think about all the solutions needed for the current issues ....... sigh...

Give me a break man!!!!!!!

A step before dreams come true

it's good news... to sail and become Singapore ambassador...

So it looks like I have to find ways to get that 16K just to sail one-leg.

dear mama and papa... how am I going to raise this amount?

To sail or not to sail

I just attended the STB grant interview last Saturday. I can't say whether I can pass the interview and be offered the STB grant. There were over 80 applicants fighting for 21 places. Even if I am offered one place I still have to consider whether I can afford to fork out another 16K... this amount to cover air fare to Liverpool twice, air fare to joining port, accommodation, part of the training cost, clothing, insurance and other miscellaneous expenses. That's a lot of money...

Looks like I have to find a sponsor. So the whole trip will all depends if I can find a sponsor or best of all... strike lottery during this Lunar New Year...

who knows what will happen.... I think of the money matters when the STB list is announced. just keep my fingers crossed.

Roses

A really nice poem to share with all my friends...

The Roses
Each year he sent her roses,
and the note would always say,
I love you even more this year,
than last year on this day.
My love for you will always grow,
with every passing year."
She knew this was the last time
that the roses would appear.
She thought, he ordered roses
in advance before this day.
Her loving husband did not know,
that he would pass away.
He always liked to do things early, way before the
time. Then, if he got too busy,
everything would work out fine.

She trimmed the stems and
placed them in a very special vase.
Then, sat the vase beside
the portrait of his smiling face.
She would sit for hours,
While staring at his picture,
and the roses sitting there.
A year went by, and it was
With loneliness and solitude,
that had become her fate.

Then, the very hour,
The doorbell rang, and there
were roses sitting by her door.
She brought the roses in,
and then just looked at them in shock.
Then, went to get the telephone,
to call the florist shop.
The owner answered, and she asked him, if he would
explain, Why would someone do this to her,
causing her such pain?
"I know your husband passed away,
The owner said,
"I knew you'd call, and you would want to know.
The flowers you received today,
were paid for in advance.

Your husband always planned ahead,
he left nothing to chance.
There is a standing order,
that I have on file down here,
And he has paid, well in advance,
you'll get them every year.
that I think you should know,
He wrote a special little card...he did this
years ago. Then, should ever I find out
that he's no longer here,
that's the card that should be sent to you
the following year." She thanked him and
hung up the phone, her tears now
flowing hard. Her fingers shaking,
as she slowly reached to get the card.
Inside the card, she saw that he had written her a
note. Then, as she stared in total silence,
this is what he wrote... "Hello my love,
I know it's been a year since I've
been gone. I hope it hasn't been too hard
for you to overcome. I know it must be lonely,
and the pain is very real.

For if it was the other way,
I know how I would feel.
The love we shared made everything
so beautiful in life. I loved you more
than words can say, you were the perfect
you fulfilled my every need. I know
it's only been a year,
but please try not to grieve.

I want you to be happy,
even when you shed your tears.
That is why the roses will be sent to you for years.
When you get these roses,
think of all the happiness that we had together, and
how both of us were blessed.
I have always loved you and
I know I always will.
But, my love, you must go on,
you have some living still.
Please...try to find happiness,
while living out your days.
I know it is not easy,
but I hope you find some ways.
The roses will come every year,
and they will only stop,
When your door's not answered,
when the florist stops to knock.
He will come five times that day,
in case you have gone out.
But after his last visit,
he will know without a doubt!
To take the roses to the place,
and place the roses where we are,
together once again.
Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;
Someone who changes
Someone who makes you laugh
until you can't stop;
Someone who makes you believe
that there really is good in the world.
Someone who convinces you
you to open it.

Saying "I Do"

Seems like this is the "in" thing now... in the last 2 years, I have attended quite a few friends' wedding. Well for those who know me, you know that I will only attend very close friends weddings.... it's not about saving the 'ang bao' money but the significance of attending...

I just attended a close friend's wedding few days ago and her wedding left me with some deep thoughts. No..it's not about "when's my turn" but it's the strong emotions that surfaced when I attended the wedding... Lots of history came back to my mind.... all good and bad! I don't think it's about feeling nostalgic having met so many ex-classmates and schoolmates at the dinner. It's all mixed of strange feelings - can't really decipher.

Any ways I'm very happy for the bride and groom... and I like the idea of meeting some old friends. And of course, had to see those that I have no wish of seeing... I am still the same... dreading to meet some people and I made no effort to be chatting up with them.

So why do you marry the guy or the gal? What is marriage all about?