Goodbye 2011, and hello 2012!

So here it is, the last day of 2011. Has it been a good year for you? Or do you wish it could've been better? Whatever the case, I do hope you've learned from it, and will be bringing the best with you into the new year! Leave behind the bad, as it's only motivation for you to do even better tomorrow! =)

Today marks the end of a roller-coaster year for me. There's been good, there's been bad, there's been moments when all you can think is "huh?".. There's been the exciting moments, the boring moments, the just nice and cosy moments.. But what it really brings, is the end of an adventure.

I've had a great time these 2 years, living in Kuala Lumpur. I've met amazing people, built up friendships that I hope will last a lifetime, had some fabulous experiences, and learnt so, so much. But I guess there comes a time when you must return home, and returning to KK will be a new beginning for me in 2012. I have no plans as of just yet, but I hope that 2012, the year of the dragon, will be a year for advancement in life, of happiness, of decision-making and of more travelling! (That travel bug just wont quit biting! ;p)

I'm not one to make resolutions, but I guess my resolution for 2012 would have to be to find my path, and not be here, there and everywhere.. As I'll be 25 in about 2 weeks, I guess it's time to find some direction! ;p

Do you make resolutions every year? How many do you achieve? What's your resolution this year? Do drop me a comment, would love to know! =)

Happy New Year 2012 everyone.. Have a blast bringing it in, but remember, always party safe!
xxxxx

It's Christmas eve! How's everyone doing? Shopping all done? Turkey defrosted? Invitations sent out? Presents all wrapped? =)

I foresee a good Christmas this year! Having two friends over for Christmas dinner with my family, we have a turkey, a pile of presents, and enough time for extra plans to be made! =) How about you? What are your plans?

I gotta run now though, gotta go squish with the rest of the last minute shoppers in KL!! Wish me luck guys!!
xxxxx

...To Christmas!!Omg, Christmas is in 4 days!! I foresee a very hectic week ahead, seeing as NOTHING is done yet!! =O

Spring cleaning to be done before the 'rents get here.. In 2 days!! Not to mention all the X'mas shopping that has to be done! *nail-biting*

Although we wont be having a tree this year,I know Santa will still be coming to townWith pressies galore for me and my loved ones!And after so many years, we'll be having Turkey!! =D
Too bad no roast potatoes though.. =( Although - latest news! - Adrian might be doing something about that!! =D=D=D)

I havent even planned the places we want to go after the 25th.. Hmm.. A few nearer-to-home places we've never been before? Or a road trip? Decisions decisions!!

How are your plans looking? Ready for a very merry Christmas everyone? =) Drop me a note, I'd love to know! And if you have any suggestions on where I should take the family, I'd LOVE the help! =D

'Tis the season to be jolly!xxxxx

Credits to Fame Cherry and Marcus Low for the awesome Santarina photos!

Whether it's a gift or a curse, this has yet to be decided.

The announcement of North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-il death (by heart attack, aged 69) was met with joy, fear and uncertainty. To the North Koreans, if we are to trust the short video clips that were released, the sudden death of their "dear leader" was met with grief and anguish.What happens next, is anybody's guess. How will the unofficial successor in the form of youngest son Kim Jong-un decide to rule? Or will he even have the military support to become the "Great Successor", as he has been named? At only a rumoured 28 years old, will the powers-that-be give him any room to have his say? This is one of the main reasons the world (in particular, South Korea, the US and Japan) is on tenter hooks - for fear that the young and "untested" successor will feel the need to show military strength to help establish his position. An optimistic hope is that he will begin to lead the hermit nation to peace with the world, and in turn, help his starving people.

Kim Jong-il was known for his secrecy, unpredictability and harsh rule. He was ranked 31st in Forbes Magazine's List of the World's Most Powerful People in 2010, and is in the news often, mostly for threats of nuclear testing or attacks on South Korea.

North Koreans lead a surprisingly normal life, though famine is one of the main problems faced by the self-sufficient state. The state is also said to have one of the worst human rights records in the world. All media and telecommunications are controlled by the military, and phones and the internet are not available for the public. Even so, many North Koreans now illegally wear clothes listen to music and watch videos of South Korean origin. The majority of North Koreans are atheist, as freedom of religion does not really exist (though it is always "said" to). Despite the border separation between North and South Korea, the two still share the same language (though dialects may differ), and traditional culture.

Contrary to popular belief, tourism does exist in the state, though it is controlled. Every group or individual visitor will be permanently accompanied by a "guide", who usually speaks the mother tongue of the tourist. Getting a visa for South Koreans, however, is virtually impossible. Judging from photos that can be found on the internet, North Korea (also known as Democratic People's Republic of Korea) does seem like a beautiful place though. Take a look for yourself!
Baitou Mountain, TianchiLake Samilpo Pyongyang CityRyugyong HotelTomb of King Dongmyeong

And that was your little lesson for the day! ;p On a lighter note, let me leave you with an article that was sent to me. I personally find this hilarious, so read on, and tell me what YOU think of the man who was globally condemned for most of his reign..

xxxxx

Pretty? This is the latest underwear ad for Dutch intimate apparel brand, Hema.

"What's so special about it?", you may ask. Well, this pretty "lady", is not actually a female model.

Andrej Pejic is an Australian androgynous male model of Serbian and Croatian parentage. The 20 year old model is represented by Storm Model Management. He is said to have been scouted when he was just 17, and has appeared in both male and female fashion shows, most recently for Jean Paul Gaultier, and Jeremy Scott.

His latest gig advertising this push-up bra that is said to enhance cleavage and make breasts appear 2 times bigger is causing controversy galore.
His biggest campaign to date seems to be the Spring/Summer 2011 Jean Paul Gaultier:And he's appeared on magazine covers such as L'Officiel UkraineAnd FollowAndrej has had editorial spreads in Vogue Paris, Italia, and Turkey, not to mention numerous more high fashion magazines every female model would kill to be featured in. Not only that, he is ranked #18 on a list of Top 50 male models, and was also ranked #98 on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women In The World 2011, and caused quite a commotion when a transphobic blurb was attached to his entry HERE.

A few more amazing photos:

So. The question is, dear readers, do YOU find that a man modelling women's initmates has perhaps crossed the line? Or do you think we should wholly embrace the gender-bending trend? Let me know! =)
xxxxx

No words are needed to describe this photo. *swoon*

New single to his upcoming album "Trespassing" will be released next Tuesday! =D It's been way too long.. Just heard a snippet, and 30 seconds is all I need to know that "Better Than I Know Myself" is gonna be on repeat for days! xxx

Saw this on one of the walls in Sunway Pyramid.. Yummy!! ;p

A long mutant is in town!! =O

But the weather outside is frightening.. O wait. Not in South East Asia it's not! ;p

And the countdown begins! Rush, rush, rush to get all the Christmas shopping done, plans for the holidays, sometimes I dont even know where to begin! =D But 'tis the season to be jolly, and that, my dears, I will be! =D

What's on YOUR Christmas lists this year? Do share! =) One of the things on mine is a new hand phone.. Cz mine is way too close to being thrown at a wall! Lol..
xxxxx

Trying to get to One Rochester in Singapore.. Hmm..

So I bought one of the local fashion mags last month, the November 2011 issue of Cleo, and it came with a little booklet, the new catalogue from local shoe brand Vincci. Now, as you all know I'm kind of a shoe freak, so I immediately grabbed it and flipped through..

Unfortunately, it wasnt the shoes that caught my eye. Much to my surprise, good photos were ruined by a small detail that none of the editing team seemed to notice: unsightly wrinkles in the skin-coloured tights of the model!

Some were not so bad, like this one is barely anything:But then it gets worse:And the worst one is definitely this one:Out of the 9 images that featured the model (excluding the covers), 4 were crinkled! As an ad campaign, I would've thought small details like this would be important, it's not hard to smoothen out such a minor but distracting thing using photoshop! Not impressed Vincci, not impressed at all..

What do you think? Do you think it's a big deal? Should it have been dealt with before going into print? Or do you think it's fine to leave the wrinkles on the finished photo? Let me know! =)

xxxxx

Is it me? Or is this just not a very good photo to even take, let alone publish?This was taken in the cinema washroom at e@Curve.. There's a couple of different images, all pasted on the cubicle doors, and the entrance.. A guy version is on the men's room.. Hmmmmmmm... Lol..

I guess I should really introduce the team properly before I go on with the Phnom Penh posts huh? =) Just realised I havent mentioned them properly.. Haha.. So here they are! Ready for fame guys? Lol.. Please say hi to -

Katherine - The reason I went to Cambodia in the 1st place! =)





















Random fact: Kat is a fussy eater just like me!

Daryl - The team leader; Totally random!





















Random fact: Daryl can come up with the random-est rhymes on cue!

Eddie - The psycho. 'Nuff said.

















Random fact: Eddie writes as well!

Espie - The big-hearted grandma who overcame the odds; Hilariously funny!
















Random fact: Espie's real name is Esperanza!


Jeannie - The doctor; Always up for a song!





















Random fact: Jeannie is originally from Penang!

And our Cambodian hosts -

Kimmy - The translator; Heaps of fun!





















Random fact: Kimmy LOVES ice blended coffee!

and her brother Singly - The tour guide; Never a dull moment!
















Random fact: Singly likes K-Pop! (Yes, K-Pop is big in Cambodia too!)


And there they are! The small but larger-than-life group I had the honour of spending a week with.. A week that was over way too fast! =) Will be writing more about our adventures soon, so watch this space! ;p xxxxx

To start off my trip with the team, we woke up on Day 3 to visit an NGO called Transform Cambodia.In the tuk-tuk on the way to Transform Cambodia with the Smiths - Jim, Karla, Katherine, and the twins Jamie and Joanna!
Transform Cambodia works to transform the country through education. There are 11 Transform Cambodia Centres, and at least 3 more coming up soon in different districts. In every centre, there are around 100 children enrolled, who otherwise would have no means of getting any education at all. But no child could ever concentrate on learning, even if it were free, if they were still going without food right? Transform Cambodia not only pays all their fees and costs of going to school, they also distribute meals and nutritional supplements when the kids are at the centre, and compensate the family with food, because the kids are unable to work and help the family.There are 10 staff members in each centre, and they are all Khmer nationals, although the founders are actually from a church in Australia. The classes are taught in English, to help the children have a better opportunity with international companies and sectors when they come out to work. So how does Transform Cambodia sustain itself? Well, sponsors are appointed for each child, and these sponsors help finance the operation, and encourage the children through letters and email. the unique part of this foundation, however, is that ALL the money given goes directly to the children and their needs, and not a cent is taken for any kind of administrative fees etc.

It was really heartbreaking to actually get to the centre, as it really is in one of the poorest parts of Phnom Penh. We were passing by dirt roads, stalls selling meat on the roadside, covered in flies, street kids running around without clothes on.. =( The amount of help the country needs is tremendous, and Transform Cambodia is helping from the root.
Ready for a short tour? =)The classrooms are spacious, bright and cool, and each one has a bathroom attached. There were about 4 classrooms if I'm not mistaken, and the whole ground floor is used for prayers, and meals. There's a kitchen where the staff cook all the meals, and also an office there too.

All the class rooms and hallways had pretty pictures on the walls, like these! Kat likes Kittys.. ;pCute right? =DA few of the kids who came out to bid us adieu!

To balance up our emotions, we set out for a hearty lunch at a restaurant called Bopha Phnom Penh at Sisowath Quay, right on the bank of the Mekong river. The Mekong river is the 10th longest in the world, and runs through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It was a really nice restaurant, and it was also a 'farewell' lunch, as The Smiths (minus Kat, as she was staying on to heal the world with her MA in Human Rights for another 6 weeks!) were leaving for Malaysia straight after.The food was amazing! Kat and I especially loved this beef rendang-y thing.. *sighs happily* Wish I knew what is was called!!!! Lol.. We didnt, on the other hand, like this beef loclac.. =/ I think it tasted and felt a bit too raw for my liking, even tho it wasnt..After sending my adopted family off (yes, I adopted myself as a Smith long ago, questions? ;p), I checked into the hotel that the team has been staying at, the Royal Palace. It was really comfy! And cheap too! My kinda place! Lol.. (Value for money, ka-ching! ;p) Then the boys wanted to check out the Adidas store, so off we went in 2 tuk-tuks, and promptly got caught in a sudden heavy downpour practically as soon as we stepped out of the store. Lol. Sheltering in a gas station, Daryl taught us this game called "Bom Chi Chi", or "Tongka Tongka", whichever you fancy. This turned out to be a game that confused us all, and was deemed unfit for the dorm visits we were going on that night. Hahaha! (Sorry, the excitement on Daryl's face every time he went "Tongka Tongka Tongka!!" was just hilarious.. ;p)

Anyhoo. As I just mentioned, we went on dorm visits that night. Now, I dont know whether or not I have my facts mixed up, but these dorms are provided by the New Life Foundation to about 40 men who come from different provinces, but work in Phnom Penh. They cant travel back and forth each day, so they stay in these dorms for free, and in return help out at the Foundation. The "car park" of the dorm also doubles up as a "classroom" for those who want night classes for English. This is where we dropped in to pay a visit and get to know some of the Cambodians. =)

We waited until their class ended, then got to know each other through a couple of games which left us all in stitches! Then we split into groups of guys and gals, and got to talk to each other a little more. There werent many girls, I think there was only about 8 of us, so after we had talked for a while, we got some of the snacks and drinks that we brought ready to pass around.It was like a big party! So much fun! And it was really great to just talk to them all, and learn more about their lives, hardships, and dreams. They're such a friendly group of people! And for me, it was also a time to get better acquainted with the team. Talk about a time for bonding! =)Ahaha!! Pastor Sothea's face!! ;p
By the time we left the dorm and went on our way to dinner, I felt I knew them a lot better than I had before! Which made dinner a much enjoyed experience. We went to a riverbank-view restaurant called Camory, which served a lot of western food. Unfortunately, Jeannie couldnt join us as she had to be up early the next morning for her medical mission (did I mention Jeannie's a doctor? Hmm.. I think I did, but anyway, she worked mostly with another team, all medical experts.. =)), but we filled ourselves up with all the yummy food.. Ngom ngom ngom.. Then it was off to bed for us as well, as we had a busy day ahead!