Our Last Summer

I caught Mamma Mia in the cinema almost 2 years ago. Since then I've watched it a number of times either on DVD or on Astro. I happened to chance upon it again this evening, at that particular juncture where one of my favourite parts of the movie came on.

It's the part where Sophie goes sailing with her 3 potential fathers, and where they sing along to Our Last Summer. It's a song about the good times of years past. About reminiscing to a certain extent, melancholy even.

Parts of the lyrics ... the age of no regret ... we took a chance like we were dancing our last dance. Wise words to live by.

Photo of Harry and Sophie sailing in Greece in the movie Mamma Mia.

Meaningful Experience

My friends Bunny and Nabil recently cycled from London to Paris as part of a convoy to raise funds for charity. Being cycling enthusiasts, it seemed the perfect vehicle for them to make a difference whilst enjoying a sport and pastime that they loved.

Such meaningful experiences are what some of us look for in life. Something that ignites a spark, inspires us, that lends meaning to the sometimes mundane lives that we lead.

I had lunch with Bunny upon her return from Europe. She's already planning for next year. An even more adventurous but extremely arduous challenge. Surely something to look forward to.

Photo courtesy of Leon Lin.

Radio News

A lot of people ask me why I bother getting up so early in the morning to present the news on radio, Traxx FM on RTM to be exact. I mainly do it out of interest. I call it 'money for little treats', some extra pocket money to spend on myself.

When I first started back in 2003, I was doing as many as 5 blocks a week. A block back then consisted of presenting 2 news bulletins within a 3-hour time frame. It has since evolved into 5 consecutive bulletins on the hour per block, which is why I have decided to do only 2 blocks per week; out of interest as I say.

Still, it is relatively rewarding. I enjoy it. It keeps me abreast of what's happening around the world and in the country. I have made some friends. There are laughs every once in a while.

Photo of Angkasapuri where Wisma Radio is located, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Eclipse

Went to Eclipse last night, the first day of the movie being released in Malaysia. Just had to be part of pop culture, the Twilight phenomenon that is sweeping the world.

I go to movies mainly for entertainment and enjoyment and therefore do not often have any critical views to share. What's there not to like about the movie? Good looking talent, beautiful landscapes, love, romance, heartache, angst, conflict, compromise, action.

The part where the vampires a.k.a. Team Edward and the werewolves a.k.a. Team Jacob combine to fight the enemy as one? Well, I think there's something to be learnt there.

I believe this was the poster at GSC Tropicana City, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Beautiful Location

I was invited last week to visit a venue which could potentially be great for pre-wedding shoots and smaller, more intimate weddings. A romantic weekend or honeymoon even. So often we think of foreign locations to celebrate special occasions when in fact, we do have some wonderful options locally too.

I am not at liberty to say where this venue is yet. That would have to be announced by The Olive Branch who invited me to tag along to view the place. Suffice to say, who knew we had such a beautiful location just about an hour and a half's drive from KL.

I guess it goes to show that if one has the passion, love for nature and the environment, and funds of course, a breathtaking property can be designed and built to realise one's dream.

I can just imagine myself on this balcony.

Travel

Travel is such a luxury. I don't mean staying at high end hotels and eating at posh restaurants. The ability to take time off work and go on a trip is luxury enough in itself. As cliched as it may sound, travel really broadens one's horizon.

I am fortunate to have travelled a fair bit since a young age and the travel bug has not abated. There are still many corners of the world to visit, and still much, much more to experience.

My mum is a great ally when it comes to holidays. She is the perfect person to leave all the research to when we plan family trips. She's already working on one for the end of the year. My cousin Lynette has also invited me on a trip to mark a milestone next year. A milestone for her, an enlightening sojourn for me. Time to save up!

Photo of mum with our trusted Lonely Planet guide at the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Que Sera Sera

A good friend of mine was working on a project on my behalf for the better part of half a year. It was a very nice gesture as there are moments every now and then when I feel relatively jaded and uninspired to pursue some of my aspirations. We all face challenges in life, some obstacles larger than others, some mountains seemingly too high to climb. Nevertheless, it's wonderful to have friends who are willing to lend a hand, no matter how arduous the task at hand may be.

I have come to realise that sometimes, certain challenges are best left to work themselves out. We may have tried too hard, or perhaps we may not have tried hard enough. Maybe the timing wasn't right. There are a host of reasons that can wear us down if we analyse it too much. My friend thinks that the project was a dismal failure. I think not. I appreciate the effort and enthusiasm.

So I shall say this ... que sera sera, whatever will be, will be. And when all else fails, we rely on faith and hope. That I think I still have in abundance.

Photo of me at Cafe Mesale in Istanbul, Turkey.