Trying

I've been trying to watch what I eat. In part to stay healthy, in part vanity. I have friends who are much more disciplined than I am, others who are less so. I suppose one has to be comfortable with one's own regime, however strict, however slack.

I would admit to not being overly strict with myself. I pay attention most times, but I also reward myself fairly regularly. I just hope that the former outweighs the latter. Swimming, which I do quite regularly, should help.

I would say that for me, it is important to enjoy life, to indulge when the opportunity arises. I have learnt to live in the moment as best I can. Sure I plan for the future but for the most part I try to make the most of today.

A healthy breakfast at The Kala in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Mixed?

I've been asked this question twice in the last few days, 'Are you mixed?' One a client, another a new acquaintance. 'Not that I know of' is my answer. I find this quite funny. This always happens to me too when I visit Bali. The locals always ask if I am Japanese.

The only possible reason that I can think of as to why some may think that I am of mixed parentage is perhaps of my tan. I've been swimming a lot lately in preparation for the Bali triathlon, and I often do so during lunch time under the blazing sun. Similarly when on holiday in Bali, I am usually red as a lobster.

Whatever the case may be, I am Malaysian first, of Chinese origin second.

Photo shot in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam last Christmas.

Preview Of Journeys For Two 2011

I attended a friend's birthday party last night and whilst chatting with some of the other guests was asked about the trend of going abroad for wedding portraits. Indeed this has become increasingly popular, similar to the growth seen in the destination weddings segment of the market where we see more and more couples heading to exotic locales for their wedding. The varied landscapes and diverse cultures of our region make the Asia Pacific a leading contender in the destination wedding stakes.

This is also the time of year where we are busy preparing for the printing of Journeys For Two - Destination Weddings For The Stylish And Chic. The 2010 issue did well and I have high hopes for 2011 too. It is always a challenge working on this title as coordinating with our partners throughout the region can be an arduous task. Having said that, it is immensely satisfying when the publication is completed and hopefully well received.

A number of my friends, some still single, others back single, cannot fathom what the fuss is all about when it comes to weddings. For those so fortunate to have embarked on this journey, and as cliched as it may seem, I believe it is about the commitment and sanctity of love, a faithful embrace of going through the adventure of life as a couple. Admittedly, I share the same sentiments of some of these friends of mine from time to time. However, I'd like to think that I am a strong advocate of fate and the pleasant surprises that it has in store.


Message from Publisher and Editor-In-Chief in Journeys For Two 2011.

Be Content And Happy

So very often we feel discontented and unhappy at what we experience in our lives. I suppose it is human nature to always want more, to always want to be treated better, to always seek more financial success. We somehow feel inadequate and shortchanged. It is this mindset that gets us down.

Realising this negative attitude is the first step towards redemption. Difficult as it may seem, I understand that it is important to remain positive, to see the silver lining, to look at the good and let go of the not so great. Sometimes it pays to just let life work itself out. I am now better at accepting graciously what life sends my way.

Being content and happy is what we all look forward to. Both can be attained through a positive outlook. I came across this last night, pretty inspiring I think.

Photo shot by my sister at the lobby of The Kala in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Brunch And Then Great Evening Out

I had a great evening out with 3 good friends, another belated birthday treat. We started the evening with cakes and chocolate at Levain before heading to Pudu for Hokkien Mee. Although the food was good, it is always the company that I appreciate most.

I am stating the obvious - good friends are those who accept you as you are and who can tell you off point blank when necessary, with no hard feelings harboured. They are also people whom you can bounce ideas off, share one's innermost secrets with and get an honest opinion.

Indulging with friends is always a treat. Come to think of it, I started the day off pretty good too, brunch with a client turned friend. Catching up over Roti Bakar and tea beats doing so on Facebook hands down. All in all a much enjoyable off day.

Photo of cakes at Levain.

Throwing Caution To The Wind

I've been exercising quite regularly of late, a resolution for 2011 which I am still fulfilling. A few swims a week plus a session or two at the gym. The former I do pretty effortlessly since I have been swimming almost all my life, the latter a bit more of a challenge as I am rather not that disciplined when it comes to working out at the gym. Still, a recent medical check-up turned out pretty ok, which means I am doing relatively well.

My friend and financial planner Doris recently treated me to dinner, a belated birthday celebration at La Risata in Ampang Hilir and boy did I indulge. Garlic bread, pizza, spaghetti with lobster and creme brulee all in one sitting. Sometimes, it's good to throw caution to the wind and just go for it. What is life without some indulgence every now and then. I of course had to make up for it the following day with more swimming instead of lunch but hey, there are always consequences to one's actions, good or bad.

Throwing caution to the wind. That's something that I seem to be doing a lot of lately. I notice it in some aspects of my life, I intend to expand it to all areas of life. Embracing what life offers, taking chances. The motto 'no venture, no gain' seems to be a calling.

Photo of part of my meal at La Risata recently.

Mother's Day

Suk Harn and I celebrated Mother's Day last Sunday with Mum with lunch at Reunion at Bangsar Village. I come from a large extended family and whilst big family gatherings to celebrate special occasions are always enjoyable, sometimes, it is nice to have a quiet celebration on a smaller scale.

With Mum's birthday coming up in a few weeks, I decided to do a double take on the celebrations. Unlike last year in Turkey, I did not go on a holiday for my birthday this time round. Instead I am using the funds to take Mum on a trip to Seoul. My mother is a die-hard fan of Korean dramas, so this would be an apt destination for a quick jaunt. Some sightseeing, some food, some shopping, meeting up with a friend or two. An easy-going trip I hope it will be.

Some friends have lamented the fact that I seem to be traveling almost every month this second half of the year. I reply with a response that I learnt from my friends Suan Bee and C Hun ... 'if not now, when?'.

Photo courtesy of my sister, Suk Harn.

Calm

In my line of work, whether publishing at weddings-malaysia or creating attire at That Special Occasion, challenges abound. My friend and financial planner Doris recently told me to stop using the word 'stress' due to its negative connotation, so 'challenge' it shall be.

One important lesson that I've learnt is to 'keep calm and carry on' regardless of the circumstances. I am certainly an advocate of 'the show must go on' no matter what. Sometimes I get my feathers ruffled and I've also learnt to treat it like 'water off a duck's back'. Only then can one move forward, and in fact I tend to get much more motivated when faced with such challenges.

So to those who may from time to time face the same situations in which I find myself in every now and then - 'keep calm and carry on'.

Photo shot at B'Sweet in Hatyai, Thailand.

Birthday 2011

A friend, Celia from Spain, reminded me on Facebook that I was in Turkey last year for my birthday. We met on a tour to Aspendos, near Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. I was supposed to be in Shanghai this time round but plans fell through. I suppose it is a blessing in disguise as I have another plan up my sleeve for next month. It's meant to be a surprise. So we shall wait and see.

I started today doing the morning news at RTM and then headed straight for a swim. Other than training for the swimming leg of the Bali Triathlon relay end of June, I am also working to be fit enough for a project involving my photographer friends Peter and Evelyn. The latter is another one of my self-motivation endeavours which for now shall remain private too. Next up was shopping for our Nepal trip in September with my cousin Lynette. Who would believe we could spend almost two hours just getting the basics. It is good that we are starting early. I gather I will need much preparation for this particular trip. I am not one who usually roughs it out on holiday, so it will certainly be an adventure. A nice dim sum lunch resolved our hunger pangs after the shopping.

A much needed nap later, Mum, Suk Harn and I headed out to Siang Lin's advanced birthday and thanksgiving party. It was great catching up with a number of friends whom I have not seen in quite a while, particularly those from the advertising industry. My birthday and Siang Lin's are only two days apart, and since today is actually my birthday, I got a cake and a song too, despite my telling her earlier that it was not necessary in view of the fact that the event was much more of a thanksgiving party on her behalf. All in all a pretty fab day I would say.

Photo of me enjoying a birthday lunch on a beautiful spring day in Istanbul last year.