Cambodia

I went to Cambodia not knowing much about it's history (or it's exact geographical location actually). This is what happens when you go on trips planned in May the year before. Also, apparently 9 months ago me didn't feel like eating nasi lemak when booking the flight. It made me a laugh a little when I realized how my whims change from the past to the current point in time.

Visiting the temples was nice, it was definitely a breathe of fresh air from work and a good kickoff travel season for the year. Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Naga's, Garuda, Brahma/Vishnu/Shiva, Baphuon, Bayon, Pre Rup, Preah Khan, Kulen. Phew, just about forgot all the names. Pub Street was so-so, after walking into Angkor What and realizing it looked like a college frat party we backtracked and went for quiet drinks instead. Slightly exhausted by the end of it all with around an average of 6 hours of sleep over 3 days.

Onto Bangkok/Hua Hin next!

Fear

I often think that we're afraid of finally reaching a destination set out in our minds because of the unknowns that come after, and what it potentially entails. What if you reach a certain set goal and think that once you've reached it life is going to be easier, but it isn't. Nothing fundamentally changes because you got that degree, that promotion, that goal dress size, that medal. It doesn't. Yet we play up getting to a goal as though we'll reach the answer to life if and when we do.

Maybe that's what's stopping you at the end of the day. That as long as you're still working toward that goal-it's ok to settle.

Back to Basics

I've found myself in situations at the start of this year where I've been in the company of plenty of old friends. When I say old, I mean friendships that are now reaching past the first decade already. At the same time there's been a healthy mix of new people that have also become my regular bunch of 'kakis' to the extent that I often find myself dealing with intertwining social groups all at the same place. It's a nice feeling to have that :).

But as soon as one part of life seems to be rocketing off at lightning speed there's yet other areas of life that I've let slip a little, like family, or ambition, or health. I often think it's like trying to balance on a BOSU ball, constantly, constantly trying to find balance. Still sorting it out I guess.

A Letter to 2012

Hi 2012,

Dragon year, 24. The year the world would end supposedly. You started out so nice, a pool-side read with the Hobbit and book-ended with the Hobbit Part 1 movie at the end of the year. You were a year I wanted to seize, to capture and to note down every key event possible. A year for me to never say no, but rather be spontaneous and do things. Things that would look good on film, that would be dug out over and over again as memories of a 'time that used to be'. Whether it be sneaking on creaking balconies ninja-style at 2 am in the morning, weekend sojourns to luxury Bali estates, eating the best Gelato in the world under the shadows of monomental millenia old buildings, diving at temple of the seas'. I went around the world and back and had a great time all around.

I was sad you were leaving me really, at the cusp of the end I didn't know how to set goals anymore, I didn't know 'what next'. I wanted something different for this year, but I realized, hey, why don't I just continue what I've been doing. There really are moments that don't need anything changing, moments that are so spontaneous that all you can do is make sure you create the right circumstances for them to happen again. Like saying yes to almost everything.

Growth. That word would sum you up. Growth and challenges.

Goodbye. I will miss you, however I also know that you were a prototype of sorts. What next, what next indeed.

x

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming 'WOO HOO what a ride!'"
-Hunter S. Thompson 

Now 2012, what shall I do with you?

1) Get promoted
2) Run a half marathon
3) Travel to someplace new
4) Kick bootcamp ass!
5) Keep saving money!  
DONE!

Hello 2013!

Crazy drunken night at GTower with good friends and a bit too much whiskey. Havn't reached that perfect high in sometime, and last night was exceptionally fun. Bit of time warp going on too! Most New Year Eve parties have never lived up to expectation, but this years was definitely good!

But if last night was anything to go by, 2013, you are going to be even better than 2012!