Mid-Year Resolution Review

One of my resolutions this year was to get my finances order, specifically:

1. paying off all debt
2. cash savings for a rainy day
3. investing in some local insurance / forced savings scheme

I thought 1 & 2 could be done concurrently, after which I could focus on 3. But after re-looking at my budget as well as the events lined up for this year, it looks like number 1 is number 2's rainy day. 

In order for me to meet my goals, I've had to rework my budget so I only spend about 15% of my income on day to day operations, while the rest is funneled to bills and pre-planned big expenses. 

Easy to work out on excel but has proven to be quite challenging to do in real life. Lots of things and experiences I'd like to spend on which I've had to be especially choosy with. I find myself spending a lot of time at home as the minute I step out of the flat, money can't help but pour out. I think its the ban on traveling which has been especially hard as I love love love to explore and travel. Because I've been quite fortunate to do this frequently over the last few years, not having taken a trip after 6 month is making me a little crazy. Every time I've had to turn down an invitation to travel with people, I want to strangle myself just a little. 

The good news is, after June (which will be my tightest month yet), I would've sorted 75% of my number 1 goal, which I'm quite quite excited about! Nothing makes your heart do a little cartwheel like seeing zero balance on a statement!

The discipline and hard work is far from over though, so wish me financial luck as I dive into the second have of the year. 

As for my OTHER new year's resolutions... well, that's another story. How are your new year's resolutions going? 

A Lofty Farewell

Bidding an unexpected farewell to my lovely loft. Will definitely miss the bright natural sunlight that streams in during the daytime, the cozy and quiet weekends, the beautiful parquet flooring, the airy high ceilings, the 4 solid walls of the bathroom, my very lived-in living room and all the little touches I've added here and there to make it  home. 

But as they say, with endings comes new beginnings. So looking forward to making a home with my new roomie (who celebrates her 22nd bday today!); to the sharing of comfortable silences and what will surely be many crazy moments, to learning together and from each other.

Forward ho! 

Thailand Sites: Ayutthaya

Day trip out of Bangkok care of my kind hearted and overly generous Tito. We checked out the Royal Summer Palace, and a number of key sites in the historic city of Ayutthaya- the heart of the Siam kingdom between 1350 - 1767 before it was destroyed by the Burmese.

The eclectic mix of buildings at the Summer Palace was nothing fantastic for me. The baby elephants (and of the belief that these little dudes are well taken care of!!) were amazing. What struck me the most though in a quiet, almost eerie way were the ruins at Wat Phra Mahathat. While the star attraction of UNESCO world heritage site was the Buddha head engulfed by figs, I enjoyed the quiet walk around the deserted ruins. It's was mind boggling to think that this place used to be a grand seat of power, bustling with life and activity. The world as they knew it no longer exists. 

I've seen a number of historical landmarks, many of civilizations that no longer exist. I've never had such a quiet connection with them as I did with this one. Perhaps because this place isn't crawling with tourists and not as glamorized as many other historical landmarks? Who knows. Makes you wonder about the hundreds of other societies that no longer exist, some perhaps disappearing unnoticed? It also got me thinking deeper about globalization, where a world once so different is slowly becoming more and more alike. 

But I digress! Ayutthaya? A trip definitely making should you ever find yourself in Bangkok.

Summer Palace

Summer Palace

The Von Trapp family's crazy Asian cousin ;) 

Summer Palace

Put up especially for the Von Trapp family's crazy Asian family. lol 

Summer Palace

This tree by the temple had little things hiding in its crevices! 

Manong Guard and his lotus offerings

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

Bird lady

<3

<3

Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat 

Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat

Another giant reclining Buddha! 

Home Additions

While still trying to keep the clutter at a minimum, made a few more additions to the home: some of my photos up on the wall, and 2 new chairs.

One chair I added to my kitchen table so I am not at the mercy of the floor / coffee table or a stool when I want to get some proper work done.

With the other chair, I created a new little space in my studio - a reading nook! It's in between the fridge, washing machine and bathroom so admittedly, it is in a strange place, but I personally don't mind.  I wanted to make the most of the natural light and thus, wanted to create a space around the largest window in my room. It tends to get a little dark by the other window deeper in my room; I wind up using artificial light when it starts to get dark which I feel is rather silly if the other end of my room is still bright! Oh, and it finally gave me an excuse to buy the chair I was obsessed about years ago!

These were "impulse" purchases. Impulse in the sense that I made a last minute decision to run to IKEA at 9pm one evening to buy and lug these home, "impulse" in the sense that I really have been sitting on this idea for quite some time now.

A lot of people wait until they own their home before making an effort to make it.. homey. To be fair, I was, and in some regard, still am of the same mind frame. Why make an effort to invest in a place that isn't yours? At the same time though - who knows what the future holds for any of us? I still have no idea where I want to make a permanent home for myself, or if I even want to ever own my own home. I know it's rather cliche but all we can be certain of IS today right? So while I'm making the most of my present, I may as well make the most of where I'm living too.

On another note, I just signed for another year in my little home. My my my - how fast a year can fly by!

Checking In

My vacay in Thailand felt like eons ago when in reality it was only about 2 weeks ago. 

Weekend after I arrived, my family came to visit so hosting duties doubled by franctic work me knocked the wind out of me. 

One last push this week with work looking to peak (ie: one man team at work!!! but new team mate joining the week after) and R flying back home. After that, I'm looking forward to a month of no major schedule commitments; my wallet and sanity are crying out for calm routine! For those that know me, you know I go a little crazy if I don't get regular time alone time to chill and re-energize!

With many commitments planned late last year, I knew this quarter and a half were going to be mad. Weddings, trips, family and friends visiting - I was excited for the longest time for all of them to happen and couldn't wait for them to happen! With all that anticipation, it's strange to think that it's all over.

Years ago, I could only daydream about what would be coming up next. I don't know if it's the age or the independence, but it's nice to be able map out my life. And when I say map, I mean planning it knowing that it can actually happen, as opposed to day dreaming and hoping it will come true. 

R is out for the afternoon which means I not only have my computer back, but have about half a day to do my favorite thing in the world - roll around and putter at home by myself. Reading, sorting photos, catching up with answering email, blogging, cleaning - can't wait!!!

Due to frequent use, these babies have been living downstairs and out of hiding
over the last few months. Happy to have finally put them away last week,
at least until the next trip in July!

Itchy (Career) Feet

My ready and recent declaration to anyone who asked, was that I was sticking to this career path until I was sure I wanted to do something else.

Why you ask?

Well...

1. It's a good company; I enjoy the people and the environment
2. I like the work ENOUGH; it's challenging and I can see how I could grow in my field 
3. Admittedly, I feel I need to build knowledge and skills in an industry

I've spent enough time faffing about in a business which I know I want nothing to do with anymore. This industry that I'm in... has potential. The current focus of this particular company? Definitely not something for me in the long run (famous last words?), but yes, perhaps something in the industry. 

Maybe it's my upbringing, a mix of personality and school environment growing up. Heck, it could also be seasonal. But, I've been having one of those "out-of-body-I-want-world-peace" moments when I ask myself "what am I doing with my life /career to make this world a better place?". 

Yes yes, very Ms. Universe of me - but seriously, it's a question thats always simmering at the back of my mind. For sure the "right" answer hits me at different scales of grandness. One day I'm content thinking that being the best "sister/daughter/friend/"insert current career role" " is enough. Other days I feel it's not - that I need to be extending myself beyond my current circles of influence and making a bigger dent in this world. 

Given my current career climb plus the practical need to finally earn decently and fulfill financial obligations I've personally committed too - what the heck do I do with myself now?!

I know I know, I JUST got here. But life's too short right? For all I know, I'll stay put where I am. But hey, just thought I'd throw it out there.

In the meantime, sharing a photo taken downtown 2 weeks ago. The area was flooded with kids in blue and yellow handing out flower for "World Kindness Day". It was lovely seeing these flowers eagerly being passed out. Almost as lovely as seeing smiley happy people walking around with these yellow blooms sticking out from their bags, hands.. or even behind the ears.

Odd that sometimes the most obvious of things need to be commemorated. But hey, who am I kidding. I am all about celebrating the simplest of joys. 

Hotel Heaven

I love everything about hotels: the sheets, the room service, the bathrooms, the breakfast buffet.. I think I could go on and on.

When I'm not day dreaming about marrying royalty (you KNOW you were moved the same way I was when watching Princess Diaries!!), I daydream about marrying someone who will buy me a hotel. None of this becoming a powerful woman and building my own hotel empire - i mean, BUY ME A HOTEL. Yup - found in the same sack of day dreams about  becoming a lady of leisure :)

I was lucky enough in October to have stayed in 4 different hotels - all for different reasons. Thought I'd just immortalize it in a blog post.

One of these days I really will indulge in a stay-cation and spend it lolling about a hotel.

Summer '11: (back to) Paris

10 years later.. I FINALLY come to the end of my blog posts about my summer spend in Europe.

We train-ed back to Paris from Amsterdam - hanging out for 2 days before hopping back on a plan towards reality.

The 2 days was just enough time to finish up whatever errands (ie: shopping) wasn't accomplished first time around, and spend a day at Versailles.

The last time (and first time) I was at Versailles was in 2001with the ACGC. The Chateau unfortunately was closed at the time, so we spent the day exploring it's massive massive MASSIVE grounds. Picnic-ing, watching the others doe-a-deer-ing while biking up and down garden paths, and being dragged around by L while searching for Marie Antoinette's secret garden are a few of many memories I treasure till this day.

Thank you Tita Nanu for this photo. Several pounds gained and
upgrades in cameras later  - but do you recognize any of us? 

10 years later for D & myself

A 10-year reunion with a few of the people I first saw it was a great way to see it again. I finally got to see inside of the Chateau and daydream about the history that was made in its opulent halls, and seeing the gardens again with older eyes was awesome as well.

Our return to Paris also marked the end of our 2-week summer adventures. I think about it now and am still amazed that I not only afforded it all on my own, but that it happened even with the unexpected move threatening my chances of going. This summer trip was EPIC to prepare for!

What a blessing it is to travel - what more, to travel for and with people you love. So happy I put my mind to making this happen and as always, looking forward to my next big trip :)