These are the days of our lives

OHAIYOOOOOOOOO

2009-04-08T15:58:00.002+08:00

Konnichiwa! Greetings from me to you in the land of the rising sun! I'm so glad to be able to squeeze in some 'Internet Time' right here because the places that I'd be holing myself up in (not literally, of course), seem to be rather dilapidated... Wait, that's not the right word. That word conjures images of horror movie-sque old wooden huts with the wind howling through the grille-less windows and under the rotting termite-ridden doors. The horrors! What I really meant was, it is in the suburban suburb! How is one able to experience almost authentic Guatemalan life by living in some snazzy hotel? That is no way.

Anyway, yes! I've landed after my 7 hour UA flight which felt like only half because I was so excited to be on a plane again. (Plus, I napped maybe 2 hours of it) We were served breakfast of good ol' orange juice, choc muffin, a bowl of cut mixed fruits, and some quasi-meat-loaf thingy all packed in a blue box which read' ENJOY'. You can be so damn right I will! But of course I feel hungry already since I've been up since 4am, so I shall lounge around Narita to pick up some (Japanese, of course) food after I'm done with this post.

I have a mega long journey across the world from Narita to SFO, and I cannot wait for all the airplane meals to come as well as the on-flight entertainment! MOVIES!

Packing yesterday, BTW, was a huge pain in the rear. I lugged out the trusty (and dustry) weighing scale from our storeroom and it was NOT ACCURATE AT ALL. I ended up having to fork out a decent amount of cash for extra baggage - and mind you in my opinion I believe it (baggage) was not a lot! Ahhhhhh! Could really have used that amount of cash for some stash of bunuelos. I've been doing my research on FOOD in the country and cannot wait to try them out. Bunuelos , BTW, is some sort of Guatemalan (Spanish actually), fried dough things - like you can get at OCK and other fried fritter foodie haunt. See? You learn something new everyday. Why, here's a bonus even to spice up your dreary life (whoops) studying for your EXAMS or planning your workload allocation for the week!

Sure looks yummy doesn't it? I can already imagine the taste of the light sugar on my sun-parched lips and my teeth sinking into the soft crisp fried dough and deeper into the fluffy yellowish insides. Mmmmmm....

Why, do you realize the number of exclamations over here in this post alone? I'm bursting to the seams of my cute outfit (sweater + henley + jeans + leggings combo) and I guess I have to go now to fill my stomach with some authentic Japanese food!

Ja mata!!!!!!

Five Freaking Days.

2009-04-03T22:38:00.002+08:00

It is absolutely amazing how I'm able to count the numbers left to my departure from the country into the Americas not on both hands but on my one single hand! Yes, you read right, it is 5 days. Needless to say I've not exactly started packing. My last day of work is Monday so I figure I'd squeeze all my packing into 1 final day - Tuesday, before embarking on the adventure of a latina lifetime. This three months have gone by in such a flash, it really took me by surprise and shock sometimes. Numbers crawled from months to days in a matter of finger-snaps. Life chases you from start to end.

I realized I've planned my short-term life around Guatemala since 2009 started, and I believe that upon my return, I might feel slightly lost and confused for a period of time. Firstly, I'd be jobless (yes Monday is my last day at the company for good) and then I believe I'd be dazed and lost in the carefree, simple lifestyle of the South Americans, and wishing I could build a hut in a corner and live out my days in the Amazonian heat, eating quesadillas and exploring the village, city, town, state, nation, region, psychedelic baja bag slung across, shades on and smiling up at the glorious warm Sun. Perhaps when the travelling comes to an end will I see the light, and obtain some direction as to what will happen after. For now, work I shall, until Wednesday, 5am at the Airport, alone but bursting with all your Guatemalan excitement.

Before I leave, here are my flight information once again, simply FYI:

8 April
07.10 - 15.10 (7h) -- Singapore (SIN) to Narita Airport (NRT)
17.30 -11.11 (9h 41min) -- NRT to LA, California (LAX)
01.45 - 07.25 (4h 40min) -- LAX to GUATEMALA

18 days!

2009-03-20T00:48:00.002+08:00

Oh my goodness, how the days have gone by me in such a mind-warping flash! Loyal readers would know that I have sold my life to the company with the 6 letters dishing out subs to the hungry health-conscious people of the country. I've been scrimping and saving every single cent for my most important trip of the year, and possibly the most expensive considering the plane ticket have easily cost me ALREADY 3k. I actually have some plans to jet around the area (read: Mexico, Peru etc) because I believe since I'm already there, I might as well explore the region. Plus, it wouldn't cost THAT much either with domestic flights within South America.

I'm amazed at how 60-over days have morphed into only 18, and the amount of money I've accumulated through all those extended shifts and over-times clocked. It will all be worth it, I'm absolutely sure of that! I've been having almost zero social-life since 2009 begun, rarely logging on the internet to surf pages of interests like I used to do in the past, even pasting links that I fancied... Being on the net now is more of a luxury, whenever I have gaps in between and the mood to churn lines of text within the dashboard.

With even more packed schedules to wrap up March, who knows my next entry could very well be from Guatemala? (That is, if I manage to obtain Internet access). OH! I could very well be posting from the airport through their lounge services. Perhaps at Narita, you will hear from me. Isn't that exciting?

Well, it's almost 1 and needless to say, I have a long day tomorrow beginning at 11. Take care my loyal readers!

Day by day

2009-03-08T22:36:00.002+08:00

Yesterday everybody seemed to want to order the Veggie Delite -- is this some sign of people wanting to be more health-conscious? Anyway, I know customers are all entitled to add or remove things from their sub, but some people are just strange!

There was this man who ordered a sub (Meatball Marinara I think) and then said, "No vegetables". Which means, he's paying >$5 just to have bread, cheese and meatballs. Oh, and sauce. Isn't that... strange? I know a lot of people are veggie-hating (but there are a lot who love them as well, as evidenced by the 1st line of my entry), but I think it is not very worth it to pay so much to not have the vegetables. Then there was this woman who wanted to add every other thing to the subs -- add salt, pepper, extra mayo and lettuce, extra cheese, extra bacon strip, extra sauce... Speaking of sauce -- this boy asked for 'All sauces please' -- was he carrying out a dare or what? 4 sauces together should have a rather funky taste, you'd think? Then there was this girl who ordered the Philly Cheese Steak and then said, "No vegetables please. And no cheese". So, she is essentially eating only bread and beef and sauce.

Strange people with weird palates and preferences out there. All in a day's work!

Oh maaaaa....

2009-03-07T01:15:00.003+08:00

Wow wow wow... It is 1.15am and I only just got off from another late shift! I'd have reached home sooner had I not spent (or rather, wasted) time waiting for the non-existent LAST BUS. It's rather creepy, really, waiting there at the bus-stop all alone past midnight and having NO idea whether the last bus has already long gone, or would be coming. You'll think to yourself, "Maybe it got slightly delayed, so it should be rolling down the road anytime soon." So you wait and wait. And then. You feel afraid. That some lunatic will pop out of the bushes and slice you to bits. Straight out of a horror movie. Noooooooo.

Anyway, I wanted to blog about the wonderful Sound and the Fury t-shirt that finally reached my doors after some minor complications. You see, I live with my aunts and grandmother, and they, like most aunts and grandmothers do, address me by either 'Girl' or my chinese name. They have no idea that my Christian name exists. So imagine one day that I was out working, and the postman comes knocking, and then you have an aunt saying, 'No such person exists'. Hilarious thing ever! But anyway, thank you so much Fabrikade once again for delivering it to me despite all the trouble back and forth. My brother absolutely loves it and immediately donned it the day I received it, showing off to his friends, who agreed that it was really nice.

Here's a pic!

Such a beauty, isn't it? Love the color and the text. :)

Oh and yes, last but certainly never, ever the least, 31 days!!

Thirty-Seven Hey!

2009-03-01T20:46:00.002+08:00

My heart palpitates to the tune of 'I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane' - (the rock version, of course) every night I do my silent countdown with my head buried in my pillow. And everyday that I am on the public transport, counting down to happy times.

*drum rolls*
The number of days left before Michelle leaves on a jet plane for the sacred city of Guatemala is...

37 days. THIRTY SEVEN. That is 1 month and 6 days. How did that figure dwindle so quickly? Must be the many shifts I have been doing lately. I have been taking up all available shifts on the weekends especially just to finance my trip there, give myself a larger allowance to indulge in the food and culture and et cetera. Slave now, profit later -- my mantra this few days. I have hardly the time to go online. Every night that I return from a night shift, I sleep on the bus home. When I reach home I throw my bag down, shower and prepare a new set of uniform (the sandwiches toast smell gets stuck in all that cotton fibres, trust me), and then throw myself on the bed, falling asleep within seconds. Every other day I feel so hungry I gobble up whatever was left from dinner, or the staff meal allowance. The feeling of being so extremely exhausted that on point of contact between cheek and pillow, your soul departs for the time being. The way I put it is rather scary right. As if I'd be dead. Nah, alive and excited for 37 days to come by.

I don't know when I will be back again to post yet another countdown, but you will be sure I will be back! I have a lot more workshifts lined up for myself, and I feel comforted because there is this security somewhat for the finance situation I'd be in when I'm in Guatemala. Every extra hour worked equates to extra quetzal to spend. YES, you learn something new today by coming by here. Guatemalan currency = quetzal.

1 US Dollar = 8.20798 Guatemalan Quetzal
1 Singapore Dollar = 5.30897 Guatemalan Quetzal

Which means that everything there I can divide by 5 to roughly gauge the pricing of items. So excited!

Till then,
Mich

News!

2009-02-20T09:43:00.002+08:00

I first heard of Fabrikade when I was happily surfing on Etsy during my free-time on the weekends. I stumbled upon this local shop where the talented girl made loads of pouches in the shape of cameras! Making a really good business she is, and somehow I think her shop had a link to fabrikade and that was where I discovered the vault of artsy items like ipod cases and T-shirts! The t-shirts include brands like Oddica which I think I've heard Justin mentioned of before, he's such a fan of that brand. Fanboy! Anyway, fabrikade (http://fabrikade.sg/) held a giveaway for their first birthday some time ago, and would you believe it, I actually won it! We were supposed to leave a comment wishing them the greetings and I conjured this little thing that is supposed to be a 'rap'. *inserts embarrassed smiley*. The strange (but wonderful!) thing is, they loved it and picked mine to win a shirt! Thank you once again Fabrikade, may you continue on to many birthdays ahead!

On the workfront, yes, I've been working full-shifts most of my times. Today is one of the rare days that I get a half-day. Good thing also, since it is a Friday. TGIF! As for my countdown? Well, sometimes the days trickle by even though I'm so caught up in work. It currently stands at 46 days :)

It is all about work, work work.

2009-02-18T11:19:00.002+08:00

Before I begin, Joel of Lollypins! Have you sent out my buttons? I've yet to receive them! What happened?? :(

I haven't been around because I've been busy working full-timers' shifts. It brings in more dough (great news for my Guatemala fund) but of course, the sleep sacrificed, the energy exerted, the tolerance for people on public transport and pesky short-fuse customers... It will all be worth it, I tell myself.

Everyday is such a routine but I know soon this will be over. I don't have a picture depicting the number of days left, but the figure currently stands at *drum roll + pomp & circumstance* FORTY-EIGHT DAYS.

That equates to a little over 1.5 months before I begin on my trip (of many trips) of my short existence (aka lifetime).

Watch this space! Now off I go to shower to prepare for my afternoon shift at 2.

Feefty-Aidt

2009-02-08T09:32:00.001+08:00

The numbers, they just get smaller... smaller... smaller... It has been 4 days since I clicked Confirm Booking on the UA website. Before I know it, 58 will become 50, will become 40, 32, 26, 21, 18, 5, 1... APRIL 8th. In fact, in exactly TWO months from today! I will be bringing my camera to take pictures of the pyramids and other cultural places and the food, the people I see on the streets doing their laundry, the kids playing on the stone pebbled floors or dusty roads. You won't see me, however, this is after all, a public domain and I'm quite shy to show my face on the web, so... sorry folks! ;-)

Remember I mentioned about the Veggie Delite sub at Subway (where I work) a few days ago? I'm pleased to say that I have recently tried it and can tell you it is absolutely, delicious! I know, but it does not contain any meat! Apparently, there is another veg sub that contains a veg patty, but this is not it. This one contains all lettuces and tomatoes.. the usual condiments. You might be wondering how I'm unawares of the existence of 2 veggie subs despite working there. It is because, it has come to my attention that there are certain outlets that have both, and some only one. Poor veggie sub, must be rather unpopular because people are aversed to trying something that may NOT fill them. Well, except for the vegetarians/vegans. (Apparently there is some difference between the 2).

61

2009-02-06T01:56:00.007+08:00

Over here it is officially Friday (it is almost 2am) so, 61 days it is! Without having to say, I am so very excited with each and every passing day! Whooooosh! 61 days equates to 2 months exactly. 2 months is about roughly 9 weeks. Meaning, next next next next next next next next next week, I'll be at the airport lugging my bags and smiling from ear to ear. I have already planned to have meself a good hearty breakfast at Burger King. Have to get up really early because the flight is 7.10am and I've to check in 2 hrs earlier - 5.10am, meaning I should be at the airport around 4ish. The mere thought makes me excited!

Imagine the sky all dark and the smell of the dew hangs in the air, the sound of the engine of the lone car or 2 roaming the streets... The sky growing brighter by the minute, the birds singing their little etude and then you realize people are getting up as alarm clocks ring across the country in millions of bedrooms... They prepare to leave the house for yet another day of work while there you are, in a cab packed to the brim with all your clothes and necessities for 1 month, waiting to check in and boarding a giant plane bound for Guatemala enroute many other places. That thought is just inexplicably beautiful! Freed temporarily from all the shackles of life... That's where you find the happiest people.

Every night I already start thinking of what they will serve on the plane for me. I love plane food. Packed into nice little compartments, there will always be the bun with butter/jam, the main course with an aluminum foil over it, a small bowl of fruit, a pack of biscuits, a plastic cup containing a transparent packet of mineral water inside, a plastic bag full of the utensils... I especially love it when lunch-time rolls around and you hear the trolleys being carted down the aisles. "Fish or Chicken, ma'am?" Then I'd browsed through the menu tucked in the front of the seat and select my choice.

The food is not exactly the best - it is frozen and then reheated, so you can't ask for more. But it is the experience I guess. Then after they start clearing and you can get your drinks, wine... I like how the soft drinks all come in those small little cans. 7-up, Pepsi... And of course a host of wines and liquer. And not forgetting dessert - wonderful ice cream. I remember SIA used to have Movenpick ice cream. We could get loads of these - as much as our stomachs could tolerate. On M'sia Airlines it was Crunch fan wafers - simply the tastiest and most wonderful ice cream I've ever eaten on the air. I crave for it every now and then.

Apart from the food is the in-flight entertainment, games like Super Mario 1, 2, 3 (they have so many!), f-Zero racing game, and other trivia games that you can play with other people on the plane. I can still smell the air on the plane... that smell of the seats and the spray they use before the flight, you know? Resting your feet on the little rung underneath the person in front's seat, pulling your table forward towards you with your drink settled comfortably in the groove meant for your cup... and then putting your headphones (that they provide) while watching the movies play. So many different channels across the globe! Every now and then, if you're lucky to sit beside the window, you could peek out at the horizon, the clouds and the blue sky, the plane's wing's flaps opening and shutting every few seconds...

Every now and then there will be an announcement that will interrupt the plane's in-flight entertainment, maybe there is some turbulence, or updates on the flight, or to fasten our seatbelts... And if we get tired of the entertainment, we could switch to the default page where they will show our plane on the world map, heading in the direction of our destination, telling us the temperature outside (it is always FREEZING!), the speed of the plane, the time left to reach our destination, how far we have travelled, the weather and time in our destination and the place we took off from... And the view from the back of the plane through this camera...

Man! As you can tell, I really love being in a plane.

63 = SIXTY THREE

2009-02-04T00:59:00.003+08:00

Every morning I wake up feeling this glee inside! Yes, it is that, "Oh my gosh I will be heading on an adventure of a lifetime in -insert date countdown here-". I run through, in my mind, all the places I will be seeing in my head. Tokyo, Los Angeles, and finally Guatemala! I have never been to LA and I think I would be trying my best to see if I could sightsee for at least 15 minutes (the connecting flight is extremely tight in terms of timing). Or perhaps on the return trip I could get an extension on the transit?

I have been doing up an itinerary for myself on all the must-sees along the journey, and especially all the food that I have to try. Have they done Guatemala on Bizarre Foods? I doubt so. Speaking of food, here is a cool Guatemalan dish I came across while doing my, aahem, INTENSIVE research.

They call it 'mixtas', sort of like your usual hot dog bus except wrapped in tortillas. For some reason, I can already imagine that explosion of sauces and juice upon biting! I'll be sure to look out for these, 'mixtas!'.

As for work, it has been going fine! Making subs all day is my life, not too bad actually. These few days I work with a giant mega-watt smile on my face! Whenever things go bad or when I meet a nasty and impatient customer, I would simply think of the magic 4-syllabus word (Gua-Te-Ma-La!) and tell myself, "It is all fine and good. It's only a short while more to Guatemala!" Is this called 'Motivation'? =D Life looks great at the moment. It is because of the travelling. Is this wanderlust? Yes. I have this insatiable appetite for this wonderful thing called wanderlust. Just a beautiful word. Wannnndeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrlusssssssttttt. Amazing.

My inner heart and soul awakens at the thought of travelling. I think it is my calling, to travel and see and share my experiences. Coming soon, in 63 days, the next chapter of my travels. Watch this space!

63.

65 days --- Exciting News!!!

2009-02-01T21:05:00.006+08:00

Alright so I woke up and decided (on a quasi-whim) that I should book my tickets for April (to Guatemala City) and, guess what, I HAVE DONE THE DEED!

We just hit February and I'm taking in a steady income enough to last me till April. I will definitely be scrimping every single cent I make from now onwards (not like I haven't, already). But, oh, the perks of being single and young!

Here are my flight details, excitement!!!

8 April
07.10 - 15.10 (7h) -- Singapore (SIN) to Narita Airport (NRT) (Tokyo, Japan again!)
17.30 -11.11 (9h 41min) -- NRT to LA, California (LAX)
01.45 - 07.25 (4h 40min) -- LAX to GUATEMALA (FINALLY!)

That's a total of like 22 hours of flying, but oh how I love! I'd have travelled 10969 miles!

I'm taking United Airlines btw, not a lot are offered from where I live to Guatemala City.

I'd be most likely staying at B&Bs here and there to keep costs low and to see the city at its rawest, and guess what, I will only be returning 30 April (or rather, 1st May!), GUA - LAX - SFO - HKG - SIN

What an adventure of a lifetime lies before me! The airfares cost a bomb, as usual, but I think the price (of the air ticket) should never be an excuse for seeing what everywhere has to offer. ;) I'm set back by $3, 448 for the airfare alone but there are so many things out there that money can, and will never buy.

And so, the countdown has begun!!! 65 Days to GUATEMALA CITY!!

Free for 2 days

2009-01-30T09:13:00.000+08:00

According to my work schedule, I get today 'Rest' and tomorrow, so I will commence working on Sunday (oh, bloody Sunday... if you know the song). The shift is from 4-10 -late nightish, but Monday I'm off so it is not that bad.

On Wednesday my colleagues were all in the No Mood For Work mood. Including myself. Can't be blamed, don't you think? After 4 days of consecutive holidays, the mere action of returning to the workplace is in itself, an Olympic feat. Good thing I work shifts which are impermanent, they provide this sort of psychological feeling that I'm not a slave like those shackled to their office desks from 8-6.

On the monetary side I'm very pleased to say I've been consciously saving and declining gallivants with friends and colleagues. Pleasure now is not an option because it would seriously hurt me in the long run. Picture this: You're in Guatemala and the ticket to visit the temples cost you XX amount and imagine being unable to afford it just because you had a wild night at a club till the wee hours of the morning and had to take a taxi home. On top of that, you had to pay for your entrance fees and of course, the mandatory drink. Plus dinner. So you see, it is not a very viable and wise decision. If I can cook dinner at home rather than eating at some fancy place outside, then why not? I realize when we go out with friends we often eat at those 'fancy' places that is not the hawker centres. Why is that so?

I am so pleased I have the luxury of typing and musing so much because of my free day. Yes, yes, the money earned is lesser but we all need a little break here and there to keep us going. I shall go and fix brunch now, shall trash the refrigerator to see what's good. Ta!

Back to the same...

2009-01-28T00:27:00.002+08:00

It saddens me that the holidays (CNY) has come and gone just like that. Four glorious days of fun-filled times, laughter, steamboats and red packets, mandarin oranges and 'how-are-yous'... We will have to wait till next year rolls around for that. I will try to make sure my travelling does not clash with this festive period.

Has anyone tried the Veggie Delite from Subway? I work there, of course, but I'm hesitant to try this particular sub. I didn't know it contained a Vegetable Patty until CY pointed out to me. I had thought it was only filled with loads of veges, you know like multiple folds of lettuce. That way it shouldn't cost all that expensive, should it?

I have a shift tomorrow from 1-6, the lunch-time and early-dinner crowd. One more day closer to Guatemala. It's exciting. Happy back to work or school, my readers!

THIS IS SPARTAAAAA!

2009-01-24T00:41:00.000+08:00

No, it isn't. But it is the holidays! HOORAY! I just finished work, it was HECTIC, mind you. Friday night on holiday's eve, whoa. We had a little bonus in our pay as well for working this shift, slightly only, by a few cents. Well, anything goes. Anything to take me one step closer to Gu-a-te-ma-laaaaaaa.

Excitement!

2009-01-23T11:08:00.002+08:00

I really cannot wait for my LOLLYPINS badges to arrive at my home! So excited just thinking about the designs I chose on the metallic circles... If you haven't checked it out, please do! It is at Lollypins.com, or click HERE. Tell em Mich sent ya! ;) Kidding. But seriously, they have new designs up every other day, and last I saw, there was this braces one! Pity I took out mine 4 years ago! Joel, I'm your biggest fan! :D

The mere thought of those little 1-inchers travelling the world from post box to post box brings a smile on my face. We all would want to travel, don't we? Thanks Joel for giving them a chance to travel the world over! International recognition for the artists as well, 2 birds with 1 big stone. :D

One more month.

2009-01-23T10:59:00.002+08:00

I got lucky in this lucky draw I took part eons ago, and won $500, just in time for CNY! Absolutely over the moon, and this is great news because I will be able to jet off earlier than expected. I had to stop myself from picking up the phone to book my tickets in advance. In a month from now, I shall scour and then book myself a ticket on a plane headed to freedom (temporal of course). I was chatting with my colleague over Italian B.M.T. when he mentioned I should try to apply for citizenship some place that I would love to stay in. That was really tempting but truth be told I have not a degree, and my highest education was a Diploma. I could really (!) give it a try though, it should be quite a ride and you always NEVER know!

I'm working the evening shift today, from 5-11, and then have a break for the next 2 days! (Woo-hoo!) Happy Chinese NY you guys.

This song is so nice! (didn't know it was from Twilight)

I was a quick wet boy, diving too deep for coins
All of your street light eyes wide on my plastic toys
Then when the cops closed the fair, I cut my long baby hair
Stole me a dog-eared map and called for you everywhere

Have I found you
Flightless bird, jealous, weeping or lost you, american mouth
Big pill looming

Now I'm a fat house cat
Nursing my sore blunt tongue
Watching the warm poison rats curl through the wide fence cracks
Pissing on magazine photos
Those fishing lures thrown in the cold
And clean blood of Christ mountain stream

Have I found you
Flightless bird, grounded, bleeding or lost you, american mouth
Big pill stuck going down

Things get better

2009-01-21T22:10:00.002+08:00

Work was better today. I made several foot-long ones. I just love the smell of Parmesan Oregano toasting in the oven. Have yet to try the other types of bread though. I worked 8 hours today.

Addicted

2009-01-20T22:27:00.005+08:00

I'm beginning to be addicted to that sand thing. It gives me a headache later on for staring too long at it though.

Check out the red sky and the sun. Pretty sweet, don't you think? It even looks like a masterpiece, boy. I'm in love with it so much it is my wallpaper.

I felt inspired and decided to try my hand at drawing something on Paint! I don't have all the fancy tools that you graphic designers have, so don't mind me and my very primitive roots. My art is not that fancy as well. I really wished I could draw. =(

That I use when I know that I've been beat.

2009-01-20T15:21:00.000+08:00

Work just keeps getting worse. Today was awful, so so awful! I worked the morning shift today. An impatient man of around 45 hurried in and demanded for wholemeal bread and all sauces and every single item on the relish table extra without wanting to pay more. Some of the premium relishes like bacon, you have got to add a little cash because hello, bacon is NOT CHEAP. I told him he has to add a couple of cents more for it but he started getting angry and saying he has already paid so much for an overpriced sub and just for a tiny strip of extra bacon would cost him even more! Then do not eat at Subway then! I was boiling inside and felt like throwing down my apron and getting on a jet plane to a place far away from here but I knew I did not have the necessary funds! (such a loser).

Oh well. The matter was resolved when I handed the fracas to my manager. People are getting worse.

Remember that sand game I posted back in 2006? I played with it again. (refer to above)

Awful day

2009-01-19T23:08:00.002+08:00

What an awful day at work today. The Chinese New Year is coming really soon, so the streets are packed with people doing last minute shopping for their clothes, red stuff for their homes and foodstuff for guests at their houses. It really is such a rush dishing out sandwiches after sandwiches to the hungry people when they pause to grab a bite amidst all the shopping.

Extremely exhausted, and came online to check my mail. Flooded with so much mail. If this continues, I could slip into depression soon. I am very tired and weak and lacking in determination. Sometimes life is so hard, isn't it? You want to fulfil your heart's desire of travelling and getting to know the world we were born into, yet we cannot due to borders set by humans, limitations... I feel so depressed thinking about work tomorrow, and not to mention some angry, unhappy emails about the things I've done wrong.

I shall head to bed now and dream of another country.

The week begins.

2009-01-18T22:51:00.000+08:00

The weekend is almost over (in an hour and 9 minutes), and it's back to the routine of work, work work, before I can jet set on my next exploration of the world. I work 1-6 tomorrow, if you cannot remember, I work at Subway. My personal favourite would have to be the Cold Cut Trio on Parmesan Oregano, with cheese, extra onions, extra lettuce, no olives, no peppers, no Jalapeno peppers, and with Honey Mustard, toasted. We do get to bring home a sub daily as staff's meal.

I think I shall work a couple more months, till March and then fly off to Guatemala for 2 weeks or so. I'm still scouting for the cheap apartments to rent for my short stay. Hopefully in someplace culturally rich. This will keep me motivated as I trudge through January, February and March serving up sandwiches (and smelling like one even).

Lollypins!

2009-01-17T18:16:00.001+08:00

I haven't posted cool stuff found on the World Wide Web in my recent posts, but this one came along just fine. CY's birthday is coming up and I was thinking of something small to send to her (she lives on the other side of the Causeway) and I came across LOLLYPINS.

You get to design stuff on one inch badges (or button badges they call it) and even sell them for a little cash commission. Not only that you get to choose from this HUGE assortment of designs from all those talented artists, ACROSS THE GLOBE. I think it suits me so much. Imagine the little badges travelling across the globe, just like me, The Modern Nomad...

http://lollypins.com
http://lollypins.com
http://lollypins.com
http://lollypins.com

How I wish I could draw so I can submit my designs. In the meantime I shall go browse the catalog!

A perfect song for The Modern Nomad

2009-01-15T07:28:00.000+08:00

This song’s stuck in my head!

I was totin' my pack along the long dusty Winnemucca road,
When along came a semi with a high an' canvas-covered load.
"If you're goin' to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride."
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside.
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand.
And I said, "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land!"

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

I've been to:
Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota,
Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota,
Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma,
Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma,
Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo,
Tocapillo, Baranquilla, and Perdilla, I'm a killer.

I've been to:
Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana,
Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana,
Monterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa,
Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa,
Tennessee, Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake,
Grand Lake, Devils Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete's sake.

I've been to:
Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika,
Schefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica,
Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport,
Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond du Lac, Davenport,
Idaho, Jellico, Argentina, Diamantina,
Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean-a.

I've been to:
Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelbourg, Colorado,
Ellisburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado,
Larimore, Admore, Haverstraw, Chatanika,
Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika,
Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City,
Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity.

Wish I’ve been everywhere. Ha. But it’s okay, I’m getting there. Found this quirky travel page some time back. Doesn’t feature your run-of-the-mill tourist site. How about graveyards for kicks? Not for me though. Spookies scare me.

http://quirkytravel.com/joomla/

BLOGSPOT! A brand new year, a new start

2009-01-04T19:45:00.000+08:00

I got sick of Wordpress and CY recommended Blogger to me, and thankfully I could import my entries (not a lot anyway) successfully over here. Hooray, welcome me Blogger!

I did not go to Beijing as mentioned in the previous post. I had to work another 6 months to save up for 2009's trip. I'm thinking of something ambitious. Someplace far away, like Mexico! Or Guatemala! The rich culture there, the Mayans and... the language! Oh yes. Se habla español? I could pick up a liner or 2 over there, you never know if I may return fluent like the natives. (I wish)

2009, my new year resolutions remained the same. I'm happy and healthy and still travelling at least twice yearly. My job? This January, I've started working at Subway. Making sub sandwiches is something I really enjoy. Plus, I'm really generous with the lettuce and mayo and onions... whatever garnish you'd like! The pay is really terrible though, and I'm already thinking for the sake of satisfying my wanderlust, I should find another job. I love the job though, so it's a difficult situation for me. I go home with the smell of toast all the time though. The travel calendar doesn't look too promising, what with the terrorist attacks here and there and the awful recession. But of course, I shall travel for myself. Like what I promised myself that time in Cottesloe, to live my life away from this rat race and chasing useless paper dreams...

I could be headed to Guatemala sometime in April, and perhaps plan another trip in the lower half of the year, say around... October? To another spot in South American if possible. Argentina or Brazil could be an eye-opener. I really need that especially in this pigeon-hole I'm living in. As usual, thinking about it makes me so excited. Taking off on plane rides and living on a shoe-string budget... It's the thrill I guess?

The Year of Sports

2008-06-22T01:20:00.000+08:00

2008 descends upon us like an avalanche... (if you're in a snowy place). 2007 was lukewarm, but I'm still as happy as ever, travelling like I've set out to do that time at Cottesloe Beach, which feels like such a long, long time ago. Really, how cliche this may sound, but when you're happy and having the time of your life, time zooms past you like a jetplane. (I just had to add that jetplane bit).

My resolutions for this year remains the same as those years gone by, 'Travel, live life to the fullest, be happy'. Easy, run-of-the-mill, but it works for me.

"When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large.

When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life."

So true, don't you think? That has been my mantra. FYI, I quit that disgusting flyer job. It sucked the life out of me literally. I remembered feeling slightly depressed but the thought of leaving early put a smile on my face, every single time. Freedom! How important is it? So, very important! It fills my heart with joy at the mere thought of having to do anything I wanted in the world! (almost!)

This year, 2008 is the Year when Beijing will hold the Summer Olympics. Think it'd be a good idea to soak in the sporting highlights and rich culture during August? Could cost quite a bit, I would suppose? Since everyone'd be flocking over there to see all the ground-breaking architecture like The Water Cube (wow!) and the famous and oft-talked-about Bird Nest Stadium. Ah... we don't get those over here in Sunny Singapore.

It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, no one's going to stop me now.

2007-11-23T23:51:00.000+08:00

http://www.travellerspoint.com/

Just discovered this gem. A pretty good platform to read about all kinds of travelling experiences from all kinds of people about all sorts of places. Even has a travel planner integrated. Reading the entries made me want to go away again.

Maybe not for some time though. Mom’s complaining I’m going away too often. I should share some of my travelling experiences on the site some day.

It’s a beautiful day today, I shall go out for a swim and enjoy the sunshine.

The Nomad disappears

2007-05-10T13:26:00.000+08:00

I've been accustomed to giving myself a nickname, "The Modern Nomad". Imagine myself at an interview. "Name please". "Michelle". "And your job?" "The Modern Nomad". In fact I've been a nomad from the online world for quite some time! My last post was in 2006, and it's as you might already have known, 2007. Time really flies when you're having fun.

I spent the later part of 2006 on my really expensive trip to Oslo. Somehow, the only times that I could travel were the peak periods, but I really wasn't going to let such an opportunity slip through my (gloved) fingers. Truth be told, I wasn't into Oslo so much as I was when I was in Auckland. There was just this something.... this... missing part. I have no idea what was it though.

This year I started a new part-time job as a flyer distributor. I know, BORING, right? Well, I have this list of jobs I should try in my life, and I'm up to the letter 'F', so, Flyer Distributor it is. No, I'm just kidding. There is no such list. I was sick of scooping ice cream so when I saw the ad I went for it. Truth be told, it is terrible! I stood till my feet were so sore. It was okay the first day but when I returned the next day, my feet had a shorter 'standing period' - meaning, I could stand 10 minutes and they'll start hurting. Really badly. At least at the ice cream parlour I could rest and sit whenever the peak period was done. Rest assured, I'm looking for a new job so I can travel once again.

The cutest stuff you'll ever see! (almost!)

2006-06-25T15:19:00.000+08:00

We all need some cute in our lives. Chanced upon this website with the lovliest things. Even if cute is not your thing, trust me you’ll squeal (even if it’s just a little one). A little picture from their site. (optional!)

http://english.aranziaronzo.com/

The website and shops are run by a Japanese couple. Figures doesn’t it? The Japanese have a way with the adorable. A pity I wasn’t near when I was in Tokyo. Just as well, I have to save for that trip to Oslo (yes Norway, wait up!)

Meanwhile, I have to be satisfied with feasting my eyes.

Sand Storm!

2006-03-03T13:24:00.000+08:00

Oh my, RK sent me this link for this sand 'game' (I'm not quite sure if it can be called a game)

http://chir.ag/stuff/sand/

It's amazingly addictive (although the graphics could be improved). I was mindlessly fiddling around with it when I realized it was talking to me somewhat philosophically. If you get too much of one thing, it will overflow and pour and then you OD. Too much of a good thing can be bad for you. Take a look at mine! I had to mix them up to see how they mesh together! (refer to above)

We're already into 2006... 3 months in fact. And well, life for me as a 'Modern Nomad' is transient to say the least. I went to Auckland, New Zealand last year for Christmas and a bit of New Years', and it was such a release for me. I could feel every sinew of my being somehow... loosening up. I smiled even more every day that I was there, met some amazing, wonderful people like Jack and Morris and Susan (the family at the B&B)... They are indeed the kindest and most big-hearted people you'll ever meet. I was really reluctant to bid goodbye to them, and they said I was welcome anytime to visit and stay with them again. It was quite a tearful farewell. How strange is it that you feel more attached to someone you've barely known for 2 weeks more than others in your life?

Planning for Auckland

2005-11-15T08:31:00.000+08:00

It's the end of the year and the weather here is scorching hot, as usual. I'd like to go on a short trip elsewhere, somewhere cooler and wintry. Especially during the holiday season! I remember last year on a short vacay to Tokyo, the weather was cold and I had my hands in gloves inside my pockets and my thick coat with the hood on, and oh, boots! It felt so good with no 'responsibilities', no more scooping of ice cream (I worked in an ice cream parlour) that kept falling out of cones, or dealing with the very frequent nasty customer who wanted larger scoops for the lowest price they paid... Or those kids who buy the triple-cone with their friends and have no idea how much they're costing their parents!

I'm planning for a trip down to Auckland, New Zealand in around early-December... perhaps for 2 weeks? I intend to stay at a B&B, crossing my fingers I get a wonderful host who'll let me experience Christmas in a warm fireplace-enabled home, digging into fruit cake or other food stuff they have over there. Ahh, the mere thought makes me so happy. And excited... Maybe I could go snowboarding as well.

Ah well, I shall check up on the airfares, I currently have enough money to travel for these 2 weeks. I wish I could stay longer, but alas, you can't always get what you want, and I should really be thankful for the opportunity to go for 2 weeks.

Edgar Allan Poe

2005-08-21T06:21:00.000+08:00

http://www.mcphee.com/

I came upon this site, Archie McPhee which sells the strangest items you think you might never need! It's like going into those stores that sell all sorts of items like magnets, paper flags, wooden airplanes and cockroach traps and then emerging an hour later with a bag full of... junk. Yes, things that make you go, "Wow, cute!", but eventually chuck into the storeroom days later.

I especially like the Edgar Allan Poe figurines - such a necessity, especially for those literary geeks, don't you think? It'd be extra cool if Mr. Poe could spout out a paragraph (or 2) from The Raven. I'd get that one for sure. I wonder if they have a Virginia Woolf version somewhere...

1st Entry

2005-07-09T13:43:00.000+08:00

Hello! I set up this blog to jot down my travels - both on the web and in the real world. Meaning, when I travel to places, I jot them down here. AND when I travel to great sites of interest on the World Wide Web, I jot them down here as well.

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years

This was a quote I heard from The Wonder Years, such an old show but the quote still rings true! I was sitting on Cottesloe Beach in 2001 and then realized how we should stop chasing paper dreams and running the proverbial rat race. I worked a few years after that from 2001 to mid-2004 to live my life just the way I wanted - free of life's pressures and expectations. I travelled as much as my budget allowed me, and then when I ran out of cash I'll work a couple of jobs here and there and then travel again. Unless I strike the lottery, my lifestyle would unfortunately be confined like that. But the most important thing is, I'm happy. Indeed I am. I don't have to be chained to an office desk, churning out reports and spreadsheets, handing them up to my superiors and getting myself involved in all those politics. Part-time jobs have their share of politics, but it's different when you know your future there is not long-term. You can quit as and when you like. I like that.

Now I'm 22 this year and jet-setting every opportunity that I get, learning the globe one sneaker at a time. I pay my own bills, (I still live with my parents but I help with the bills), and still have a little left over for transport when overseas like the Eurail, etc. I know my sort of life is not too conventional, in fact, it feels like a modern gypsy, but as I mentioned before, I'm happy. And am so thankful.