Trend Of Thought

Uncertainty is definitely not something that I wish upon anyone. In fact, it puts a damper on one's life. For the most part, uncertainty isn't an issue that I face too often as I am very much a decisive person. Unfortunately there are instances where certain things are largely beyond our control and it is during these times that I feel extremely challenged and in more ways than one, rather stressed. I suppose when faced with such a situation, the only thing that one can do is let fate take its course. Indeed, time will ultimately determine the outcome that fate has in store.

 

I actually wrote that first paragraph a couple of days ago and had it saved as 'draft' whilst I contemplated how to continue. In light of today's disturbing news about MH370, the very idea of what fate has in store comes to the fore. I have come to realise that whilst fate has certain plans for us, we too ought to play in role in charting our own destiny. Throw caution to the wind and live each day as it could be our last. Plan for the future yes but live in the present too. And make those decisions that need to be made!  

Food for thought indeed.


Photo shot at Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam, Thailand.

Making Time

A few industry colleagues recently asked me why I often respond with 'I am not interested' rather than 'I have no time' when approached to either undertake a certain venture or participate in a particular project. They claim that the latter is more of a polite way of turning down a proposal. I tend not to agree.

 

For me, one can always make time if one has interest. The 'I have no time' excuse is not one I readily accept. Whether in work or in my personal life, I always believe in prioritising. Everyone is busy, and everyone has their own time constraints to face. If there is interest, one will find a way to find the time. I certainly do.

 

So, I am honest when I say 'I am not keen', because if I am keen, time is never an issue with me.

 

 

Beautiful view from Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Cousins

I have quite a number of cousins from both sides of the family and since childhood, our elders have instilled in us the value of family ties and kinship. Due to the wide age range, I am closer to some than others. Still, all of us get along well, particularly those who reside in Malaysia as we often get together for family gatherings and celebrations on an almost monthly basis. For those further off - in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, England and the US - we try to keep in touch via Facebook and Whatsapp as often as we can.

 

Going on holiday together is a great way of bonding, especially with cousins who live abroad. Such holidays are never long enough. We spend time reminiscing about our childhood, getting up to speed on the latest in our personal lives, and planning for the next vacation. We chill, we indulge in food, we get up to silly antics. To a certain extent, many of us have remained young at heart, even those who are now parents. That's what makes such trips enjoyable.

 

Here's a photo of Siew Yoong, San, Kiat Ken and I, together with my nephews Tian and Jin. This was taken during our reunion trip in Koh Samui earlier this month. A fab time we had indeed.

 

 

Photo shot at Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam, Thailand.

Jump

My cousin San always encou-rages us to attempt sporting activities no matter how reluctant we may be to do so. He is persistent in that way and more often than not, he succeeds in cajoling us to give it a go.

 

So here we are jumping off the pier at Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam, Kiat Ken and I to be precise, watched on by our nephew Tian. Even the kids joined in and to be fair, we did have a good time. These impromptu experiences are those that stay with us for life, unplanned experiences that we find ourselves partaking in, despite our initial reluctance.

 

And for the record, I jumped not once, but four times!

 

 

Kiat Ken and I almost synchronised in our effort.

One Of 1000 Places To See

I would say that the Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam certainly lives up to its reputation as among the New York Times' bestseller '1000 places one ought to see in their lifetime'. The views are stunning. Whether viewed from a vantage point perched higher up or on the beach itself, one is constantly drawn to the seascape that unfolds before one's eyes at every turn.

 

I was very recently at the resort in Koh Samui, spending a couple of days of quality time with my cousins from Auckland, London and Singapore. Sited on a more private enclave, away from the touristic stretch, it served as the perfect spot for us to catch up on old times. Sure there were some glitches in service every now and then, but the beautiful vistas and ambience more than made up for it.

 

The setting puts one in a relaxed state of mind. It inspires us to appreciate the beauty of natural surrounds, it encourages us to be grateful for the opportunity to be there. Most importantly, it served as a catalyst for all of us to enjoy our time together, re-living our childhood memories, reveling in the present, and looking forward to what the future may hold.

 

 

Photo shot at Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam in Koh Samui, Thailand.