another blog post in so long

Its been ages since my last post!

Would have loved to post stuff in the past few months, but alas, busy season at work meant life takes a back seat (as well as sanity, sleep, friends, family :'( )

After busy season, I went skiing with Jon and friends and it was amazing. Having not done it for almost 3 years, its amazing how fast it came back to me. Of course, being in an intermediate class helped...I did my first Red right on my second day and I've not even done a Blue the last time I skied. Needless to say, was shitting myself and my thighs were so tightly tensed - which of course hampered my turns. However, all was not lost and I could confidently do the Reds that Pamparovo could throw my way. But I'll leave the Blacks for now, what with the snow melting at an accelerated pace during my ski week.

Then it was back to London and desperately trying to get some runs in to prepare for the London Marathon, but alas, right before going on the Istanbul trip with Madeleine, I sprained my right knee ligament. Not only did it foil my plans for the London Marathon, but I was hobbling all over Istanbul. Tip - don't run and jump in leather sandals that offer NO foot support AND carrying luggage.

Then it was back to London and OUT again for an away training. It wasn't really tailored to my level in the firm, but nontheless, it was a learning experience. Then back to work, then college and catching the formidable flu. Sigh!

What's a guy under the weather to do, but to go through his uploaded photos and actually start sifting through them and processing the Raw files. Yes, I actually have photos right through from last summer that I've uploaded but not looked at ever since. It was quite fun going through them again, and mildly surprising to come across some shots that I truly like and genuinely forgot about them due to then ongoing commitments.

While things are looking to slow a bit, I feel the work isn't. I've got college and subjects to revise and this time I am well keen to pass on the first sitting! Failing exams are an expensive business and not to worry the amount of added stress on my psyche!

Here's a couple of my snaps.

fast approaching that time of year...

I met up with Nan and Samir for dinner and on the walk from Bond street to Carnaby en route to Cha Cha Moon, I was suddenly greeted by the giant white santas suspended in the air.  I was so enwrapped in my thoughts and to suddenly look up at woosh...it dropped me back into the here and now and I realized for the first time that we're fast approaching that time of year where we should slow down...to reflect, to spend time with loved ones, to curl up under blankets...of woolly socks.

I'm beginning to forgo the tube for the bus...and the bus for the walk home.  Sure, it takes longer, but I find the quiet and the solitary crispness of the air refreshing.  and calming.  In those walks home, I may be outside - but I feel like I'm in a space all my own.  

Jacket potato success!

I haven't had a jacket potato for ages...but once I had it in during the away job at Derby, I realize I'm missing out!

It actually takes over an hour to bake a potato, so I popped it into the oven and went for a run before heading back to a ready potato!

Sadly all my packets of ham has gone off...was hoping for a ham and cheese, but ended with beans and cheese, which is just as delicious.

Lol, okay, not the most interesting of posts, but when you've only been making the same old things for the past 4 years, this is quite THE change.

Passed!

I didn't want to get out of bed earlier today, because I was thinking I've probably failed it. I was so demotivated since knowing I failed FR and the fact that I didn't work as hard as I should have for the electronic papers. I got out of bed because a) I have to get ready and go to work and b) I still have to find out what my marks are and of course, c) LIFE GOES ON regardless, so what gives.

Also, the 'one beer' last night made it just that bit harder to get out of bed...and maybe something about that nippy London autumn morning air that makes it that much more appealing to get out of bed. Why stay under warm covers when you can brave the dreary cold frontier (=tube)?

Anyways, I was just awashed with an immense sense of relief when I passed on the institute site...

Let's hope this warm feeling lingers longer...till the next paper then!

exams in a few hours

Sigh,

as it is with exams, i'm here procrastinating and updating my blog!

Well, i've still got a ways to go, but somehow will have to manage to get the necessary work done by 7.30. That's 3 hours away...

Alright, I've got to really get back to work instead of taking my constant breaks!

Alan's Commissioning Ball

On Friday, the 11th, I took time off from work for a very important day. It was Alan's Commissioning Ball! I wasn't able to attend the parade for his Passing Out from Sandhurst but I sure am not going to miss the ball. The last ball I attended there (a little over a month ago) was any indication of the fun in store, hell ya! Bring it on!

That aside, it just struck me how long I've known Alan and how long I've stayed here. It happened when Alan picked me up near hall where the ball was to be held (Sandhurst Hall? Can't remember...) and we were just catching up and chatting. He was telling me who else was coming...and that I've met some of his friends from home/school before at his 21st. I kept thinking it wasn't that long ago that I went to his house party in Fenham only to realize it was already almost 3 years ago. If I've always felt guilty for always running around doing stuffs (which I now look back to be in vain and rather pointless) instead of staying close to friends, it really hit home. But I've had this chat with Alan before, and I guess what I can do now is to start realizing what's important to me and not to dwell too much on the past.

Busy schedule and all, and I've got no weekends left (or any life for that matter) as its going to be revision to get myself up to speed in time for the revision classses. I've been going on and on about it and its actually beginning to worry me that I started revision then stopped...due to work or anything else, no excuses...I've got a good month to go before the revision classes start, so a good few hours during the weekends and some here and there should do the trick. Probably have to let the manager on my next job know that I can't work too long hours so I can get home and do some revision AND sleep.

Anyways, back to the ball. Needless to say, it was an absolute blast. When everyone 'dispersed' towards the end, I was a bit bored as I was by my lonesome...but when life throws you a lemon...THROW IT AT SOMEONE ELSE! lol, but seriously, I did what anyone would have done...went and grabbed a hotdog...Hey, I was hungry and since my mates were no where to be found (I found out later they passed out at various places) I mind as well get fed.

We had so much alcohol. Free beers at the start was a fatal mistake...Almost a year out of uni, and I'm still attracted to freebies and combine that with beer - enough said! I was so happy for Alan but I couldn't say anything, so I just congratulated him. I think he know how I felt though so that's that.

Then there was the very early morning call and the incessant fire alarm...Sandhurst's very own charming way of saying, great, you're commissioned...now get up, clean up and, pack up and scram! Lol, brunch was the much needed morning after greasy british fry-up. And then it was the long toil back to London...

Sandhurst was so amazing...almost made want to sign up....ALMOST.

;)

You know you love me, XOXO

Dinner with Sham and Toy Watch USA

Went to the Thai place in Soho with the large square tables...somethingamajig Eathai...lol, i still can't remember the name of the place...

Last time Nan wanted to go, she insisted that it's not on Wardour St, so we went round and round Soho, couldn't find it and ended up eating elsewhere...only to find it ON WARDOUR ST on the way back home!

So yeah, went there for dinner. Still remember it was Wui Yi who brought me there first...miss that bitch!

and before that, i went and took the plunge...got myself a ToyWatch! and Mariah was in Selfridges to do promo, but there were so many people I couldn't be bothered to follow the crowd...