Conquering Bkt. Tabur East

I spent my previous weekend hiking up Bkt Tabur East, an activity organised as Raleigh KL's monthly meet.

Dragged myself out of bed at 545 am, hit the roads, drove along MRR II and arrived at Wangsa Maju LRT station (our meeting point) at 7am sharp.

It was a leisurely 2 hour plus hike up, with a few steep terrains along the way, and the part where we had to climb up the peak with assistance of a rope provided some form of 'excitement' to the hike.

Had 3 watermelons and some snacks were passed around when we reached the peak. Had a short meeting and members were updated with news and happenings since the February monthly meet.

Made our way down at 1130am, and Liza and I were the 2nd and 3rd to arrive respectively. Met up with Dennis at the mini lake at the foot of the hill, whilst waiting for the rest.

It took another 2 more hours before the rest of the group showed up, and off home we went!

I didn't pack much except for my trusted bandana and a cap which I didn't use at all during the hike. Needed a clear view to prevent myself from slipping down the hill. Alas, despite being a 'semi-pro' hiker, I forgot two crucial things.

1. I wore shorts. Fine! No big deal, but since I hate hiking in longs, leech socks are a must to prevent unnecessary scratches from the scrubs and bushes. But I forgot them! I went up Mt. K well prepared, anticipating the bushes etc, but I underestimated the shrubs at Tabur. Needless to say, my legs are well-adorned with 'patterns' as a result.

2. I forgot my mosquito repellant. Hope I don't contract Dengue, Chikunkunya, Malaria... *period*

It was in some ways, a refreshing weekend for me taking into account the stressful week that I had...

It was a certainly nice view of KL city...

-LV-

Sleepless...

I hate sleepless nights, as my mind would inevitably run wild and begin pondering over life... Life is like a bowl of tortila chips, it comes in all shapes and sizes, and needs to be talen with a pinch of salt (salsa dip in this case). I enjoy those long philosophical conversations with Dad, and we had one of such recently. It helped clear off some underlying doubts of mine and it definitely did push me towards a more affirmative choice. Its hard to say that I've fallen out of love recently, but it's more of a case justifying a firm and final decision making to end it once and for all, and not mull upon it any further. They say, the first step is always the hardest. This is true... We're often too reluctant to go out of our comfort zone, but once we summon the courage to do it, we'll be more than fine...

Work

The past week had been great for me, in terms of learning experience. Though I did feel stupid at certain times, but I've learnt more than I had in the whole 4 months I've been working.

I had heaps of files chucked straight into my face upon reporting to my new boss. And boy, I've been kept busy with it. I like the idea of being assigned to a Mentor, who will act as a reference point for me. Good, especially for dumb and clueless ones like me.

It's tough and a tedious job going through tonnes and tonnes of documents without a single photograph in the file. And it can be dry at times. But the hardest bit to me is trying to second guess and out-smart the persons in question. At times, I feel that I have a single track mind, and I think I need to be more sly and cunning to win the battle of wits. With experience, I hope to be able to win the battle!

Week 2 starts tomorrow, and I hope it will be a 'smarter week' for me...

Good night and adios!

-LV-

Sudah Jatuh Ditimpa Tangga

My trusty lil' red-phone has pretty much had its run. It's starting to show signs of wear and tear. And I'm leaping with joy at the opportunity to buy a new gadget! :P Considering some options available under the SE label. But it's difficult to make up my mind. I want to get a slider, but at the same time, I'd like to show-off a bit with a gaya-fied Stylus, poking here and there. Can't find a phone with both features on SE. Would love the C905 but it's damn expensive!!!!! Don't think I need to splurge that much on a phone. Haih...

Next up the list is my 6 year old laptop, which has been galavanting around the world with me. Its time has come and the end is near. The keyboard has konged off, and it takes me bloody 15minutes (I'm not kidding) to load MSN and Internet Explorer. Currently eyeing the apple-green coloured lappie by Dell, but it's a bit too big for me... :P Haih again....

We shall see...

25 Facts

This thing has been going round on Facebook recently, where I've been tagged countless times. I had to list down 25 things about myself and then forward the list to a number of people on my friend list.

Anyway, here's my fact list.

1. My name gets 'raped' each and everytime it is to be read or spelt out.

2. The longest I've ever survived without a shower was for 3 days and 2 nights whilst jungle trekking in Sabah.

3. Contrary to popular belief, I'm 5 feet tall (nothing more and nothing less).

4. I would like to go bungee jumping in New Zealand some day.

5. I've reached the peak of Mt. Kinabalu but the beautiful view was hampered by bad weather.

6. I have a short fuse.

7. I had conquered Sg. Kampar and Sg. Kiulu, and am looking forward to go white water rafting in Sg. Padas one day.

8. I aim to get my scuba diving licence by 2010.

9. I love to cook but hate washing up, and yes I make delicious tasting scones.

10. As much as I love Medical Law, I'm dabbling with Criminal Law now.

11. I built a kindergarten in Kg. Keranaan, Ranau (Sabah) with a bunch of 20 odd people in 21 days.

12. I would love (very much) to join a Raleigh IW; but things always seem to get in the way.

13. I'm left-handed when it comes to using a mouse.

14. I love watching Formula 1 and football, but seldom have time for it now.

15. I love sunflowers.

16. I love buying acessories/trinkets (necklaces, bracelets, anklets), but always end up wearing the same old pieces.

17. I love Taekwondo, but am unable to find time for it now.

18. I love taking photographs, but have sucky skills.

19. At times I wish I'm back in Manchester. As much as I love my new-found life here, I miss my old life back there!

20. I was hospitalised for the first time at St. Mary's Hospital (Manchester) in September 2006 for 'malaria'. Duh!!!!

21. I always seem to have a pathway that I'd like to lead in life, but somehow I always seem to lose track of it.

22. I have an innate fear of dogs, but am hopelessly in love with Mika.

23. I would love to go for a beach holiday, with a bunch of friends who are water sport fanatics. Jetski, paragliding, windsurfing....

24. I would love to try sky diving but have the fear of parachute malfunction.

25. I have a fear of blood being drawn from my body.

-LV