MMXI
Saturday, January 01, 2011
372 Posts, last published on Oct 3, 2010
How embarrassing.
3 months of inactivity.
Perhaps this new year shall bring new adventures, new inspirations and new rants.
Sudden burst of excitement, being back to blogging. It feels good.
Even now, it feels as though I have many things to share, yet to find the words for these feelings.. it's like hmm... ah! finding a needle in a haystack. abit exaggerated though.
yes. 2011.
many things to look forward to.
many things to reflect on.
especially the latest trip to London. Yes. many thoughts on that.
I'll end this by wishing myself good luck for keeping up the blogging this year.
Happy New Year Everyone
Labels: holiday, new year, Qatar
Qatar Exxonmobil Open Semi-finals.
Friday, January 08, 2010
It was the dream of many for this pair to enter the Qatar Open 2010 Finals.
But it was not the case.
January 8, 2010
I was filled with anticipation as I woke up - knowing that today, I will be watching the Qatar ExxonMobil Open Semi-finals tennis match live. No, I have never been a tennis fan before. The knowledge of these tennis talents came from none other than the Wong family.
I heard.. Federer. Nadal. Sharapova. The Williams sisters- Venus and Serena.
I watched some matches on tv and learnt of the scoring system, as well as some terms used, such as deuce and advantage.
These things allowed me to watch today's matches with excitement as I'd found them to be really interesting.
Ah.. it's been 10 minutes and I've only written this much. To be honest, I am listening to music very loudly, so I can't concentrate on what I am currently typing >___>
I shall skip forward to the exciting part of today's story then.
Uncle Fung, Brendan, Raymond, Ivy and I left for Khalifa Stadium at around 2pm, early enough to get there to grab the best seats that we could. After all, we had no choice but to buy the upper level seats. (Lower level seats, ie those closer to the court, are really expensive. VIP seats are QR760! >___<)
Indeed, when we reached there, a line of excited fans had already formed in front of the main entrance. We waited in the hot sun for a while and finally... the gates opened.
Just as if we were in the airport, we had to walk through the body scan and got our bags checked.
Before long, we were settled comfortably, high up the stadium, with a lovely view of the tennis court.
Roger Federer came out for a practice hit at around 3pm. This made me an anxious photographer. I was snapping away photos of the gentleman with a peace sign on his white tshirt.
After a long wait, finally we heard the boom of the commentator's voice. He announced that the first match will be between World No. 2 Rafael Nadal and Serbian Viktor Troicki. These tennis stars then walked out of the tunnel, with the crowd cheering them on loudly.
The game was enjoyable to watch - Nadal, in my opinion, was really swift with his movements, and in the end, the door to the finals is open to him~ He beat Troicki 6-1, 6-3.
Nadal with his victory wave
Nadal then threw his tennis ball up to our side. It felt as though everyone was like a tiger ready to pounce on its prey, as our eyes were all focused on the tennis ball and where it was flying to.
Result: It actually flew OVER the seat box (dont know how to describe)... so no one could catch it. "Wow, he is really strong," that thought went through my mind at that time.
I realised that it was already night time and *dun dun dun*.... it was the match we were all waiting for. Who's playing???
Roger Federer.
Knowing how much the Wongs love him, I was ever ready with my camera, so I hardly had any time to clap for him when he entered the court. I cheered him on like the others did though! :)
Roger Federer vs Nikolay Davydenko.
I must say, I was really disappointed. Maybe Roger had an off-day? We were all cheering him on loudly (well, the crowds were... I was cheering him on *a bit more quietly*) and shouts and screams went on and on in between points.
"C'mon Roger!"
"sth sth Roger sth sth" [sth sth refers to words in their own language.]
There was even one... "C'mon Roger, Concentrate!"
A suave serve
We can say that he'd played a good game, but it was still disappointing.
Though I say disappointing, I was gripping my seat for almost the entire duration of the game, clasping my hands on and off and eyes were glued to the court. It was nerve-wrecking and thrilling at the same time. A good experience indeed :)
Nikolay Davydenko beat Federer 6-4,6-4.
Davydenko said in the interview afterwards that beating No. 1 in the world gave him confidence.
Hence, Nadal will be facing Davydenko in the finals. Which, we won't be watching live unfortunately... hahaha :)
Labels: celebrities, Qatar, tennis
Drama-crazed girl with updates
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Delayed enough! I have been lazy to go online for the past 3 days - finally finished watching the drama 'You're Beautiful' starring Jang Geun Seok and Park Shin Hye (and Jung Hwa Yong & Lee Hong Ki).
It was an awesome drama - as good as Shining Inheritance, if not better. Feels really happy when I think of the scenes.
-what's more, when I found out that Jang Geun Seok went to school in NZ, it feels like celebrities are merely normal people like us, so it made watching the drama a whole lot more exciting :)
I wish there's SBS channel here! All the dramas are nice. I am now eyeing the drama 'Temptation of an Angel' which stars Bae Soo Bin, which acted as Park Jun Se in Shining Inheritance. (Teddy's mum is going to be so excited!)
Anyway, on Qatar's National Day, we planned to go to the Doha Zoo. It was only open in the afternoon, so we stopped by the Aspire Park before lunch to check out what's happening. I got
henna done on my right arm - looks pretty cool, I'm changing my opinions about tattoos hehee!
Getting the henna done
Veep and I jumping high with the Aspire Tower behind us
And, as promised, I wanted to blog about the Miri trip, bit by bit. Jumping way forward - the only time we had a proper cousin's gathering - was at Nanotay's house. Ningjie and I went to takeaway 'Shaved Ice' which we enjoyed at the comfort of their living room.
The next morning, we went to fetch Lynna, who couldn't come the night before - and the 7 of us went out for breakfast. Too bad Lynnwei was at work or else it would be "complete" - well, it wont ever be complete without the others still scattered around - Brunei, London, NZ and KL!
Then we all went back to Nanotay's and hung around for a bit - with lots of photo taking! :) After sending Lynthia and Lynna home, Ningjie and I headed to Brunei with Ah Leng Yiyi.
That was a quick write-up! Haha.. Now, I feel like some Criminal Minds - will go watch with MaoMao!
Song to recommend - Without Words by Jang Geun Seok/ 9th Street.
Lovely....... :p
Labels: drama, family, holiday, malaysia, photos, Qatar
WATER! Fight.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
On Thursday afternoon, the few of us kids played water balloon fight outside our house. It took nearly an hour for 4 of us just to fill up about 50 ish balloons, coz the balloons burst really easily. In the end, it turned into a water bucket fight instead. . . . .
it was war.
i was the photographer, so i managed to stay dry till the very end. haha.
Labels: friends, holiday, photos, Qatar
CNY dinner p2 + 3
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Gong Xi Fa Cai, again!
After our first CNY dinner described in the previous post, we went out on CNY eve to Wok of Fame with the two Fung families. As it was a weeknight, we had to go home early.
The food were okay-tasting. I love the squid the most.. and the highlight of the night is the dumpling-eating-competition between Veep and me. No winner was decided in the end. Haha.
Next, part 3, on CNY day 1, the kids still have to go to school, and the dads have to work, so us lot that lounges at home all day gathered and played card games the whole day for fun.
At night, after having mee sua together, us 6 "kids" played with sparklers! Yay!
These photos are captured using Jas' cam, which has the Fireworks setting. Hence, it can capture the sparks from the sparkler over a period of time. If we had stood still, the photos would be so much better!
Hopefully will try again soon!
ergh. tummyache!
Labels: cny, dinner, family, friends, gathering, photos, Qatar
CNY dinner p1
Saturday, January 24, 2009
We haven't had a gathering with many many people since... should be about New Year's eve, so the dinner we had last night for cny was really enjoyable, where everyone gathered to enjoy good food and good company.
Dinner starting!
Playing rummy
We are having another dinner tomorrow night and the day after, I presume. More updates on those a bit later.
Then.. it's time to leave!
Time surely flies.
It seems just like yesterday when Daddy said, "One month left till you and Jas go to NZ."
And now.. it's only 7 full days left.
Packing? Not done. Oops
Reading all those orientation information is giving me goosebumps. Exciting but nerve-racking.
Song to recommend - What Hurts the Most - Rascal Flatts.
I wonder if there is a hidden meaning. Hmm. Or Im thinking too much!
It's definitely better than Cascada's version, due to its mellow beats. Ah. Hm. *thinks to self*
Labels: cny, food, gathering, holiday, Qatar, songs, uni
Krispy Kreme, u say?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Let's see, packing is underway. The photo shows my attempt before daddy helped me.
Messiness!
Much better!
Went out shopping in Villagio with family yesterday - bought two new rings for myself [eek! spending money! tsk!] and a long-sleeved top.
Then, parents treated us to Krispy Kreme, Thank you!!
But Lynnxjie, Krispy Kreme, it's too sweet ah. I had one and I couldn't have another for ages.
The assorted flavours..
My fav would be the Glazed Kruller [macro-nised here]
We had porridge for lunch, yum!
The sunset view behind my room - the sun was VERY red in colour - too bad its essence isn't captured!
Labels: family, food, packing, photos, Qatar
Christmas Floss
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas floss?!
I mean, Candy Floss! Yes, though Christmas was a bit quiet this year, we managed to liven things up by having a few friends over and made some cotton candy, or candy floss - whichever you want to call it.
We tried some green and some pink colours. Didnt work out at first coz of my silliness, bt it was gd fun!
Then, after watching some vids etc, we all played Cheat and Snap.. and towards the night, we played the Name Game as suggested by Jas.
Then.. no more.. hahah
Tumblebugs on level 12-3 now! with 6 lives left AAAAAAAH> gohyie JIE. save me!
till here.
signing out.
Labels: Christmas, food, friends, holiday, photos, Qatar
3rd time at TGI F's
Monday, December 22, 2008
We went to T.G.I. Friday's in Landmark Mall [some DAYS ago] and here are the photos :)
Gold Medallist Smoothie - Strawberry + Banana
each of us with our meal
Been there 3 times so far, and the first two times I have ordered Buffalo Wings - so beg to differ, I ordered and instead of Crushed Ice Drinks, I ordered the Gold Medallist smoothie, even though I didn't know what is in it. Hehe, turns out it was quite nice - kinda like the Vit C tablets. hmm
Then, another dinner outing to The Turkish Central Restaurant..
eager for food
mmmm
even more eager!
the hoodie girls! + outsider! haha jk
Labels: dinner, food, outing, Qatar
The Souq. And. The Beach.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
It's going to be a long post
sorry sorry.
I know I can separate them into two posts but.. aaaaah well. :)
I admit I'm abit 'not-too-bothered' to be blogging right now [oh, what an attitude], but there's been a lot of outings in the past two days, including today, that is. So I thought I should update instead of leaving everything behind schedule.
Yesterday, our family and 3 other families went to the Old Souq, where there is an event, with lots of entertainments and things for sale. We walked around for a bit, saw a man juggling football, and many many statues eg. a girl watering a flower, a jester (yay), a Victorian woman (according to Veep), a sailor.. and best of all 3 TALL birds (not statues!).. most are like the ones we saw in London, except these ones didn't ask for donations.
After buying a few foodstuffs and standing around doing nothing, we embarked on a journey to Venice Restaurant, which serves Middle Eastern Food. [to think.. Venice?!]
Photos as follows:
At the Old Souq
The birds that got a lot of people screaming.
Erm, Victorian lady?
With the jester!
Us girls
The carpets on sale!
Qatar International Cultural Centre a.k.a. The Spiral Building, looks good at night!
Veep and Jas.. "fighting"
Venice Restaurant
Going home with a full stomach, we all agreed to having had a great day.
I woke up this morning at 8.25am, not realising that we were leaving to an outing at 9, what more, to a beach!
We headed out with the Fung, Hii and Wee (?) family to Sealine Beach. The temperature wasn't even that hot [approx 23deg] yet it was quite scorching hot due to the sun. We went up the little sand dunes, took many photos, envied as people rode buggys, watched a man fish in the sea, ate titbits and rode on camels.
Ah, this last bit had to be the best part. More on that later. We got lost several times, so we drove around for quite a long time, but in the end, wherever our next destination was, we didn't get to go. Instead, we went to KFC for lunch, and then back home to routine.
Scenery at the Sealine Beach
Going up the baby sand dunes (they were't too steep, hence baby)
the sky without clouds... tiq, veep would say - This is Qatar. haha
Pretending to ride the buggy, or quad bike
Some of our group, watching the buggys showing off. hmph.
playing with the sand
relaxing.. in the heat!
Everyone having titbits and just chatting
The unofficial fisherman
and his final product, it was quite a spectacle for many people
POLLUTION!
I think that was some squid and a used rusty old penknife. See, more pollution!
The camel ride, I have to say, was really really enjoyable, even though it lasted for less than 2 minutes?! The thrill, of course, does not come close to the adrenaline of theme parks, but it was still memorable enough. Jas and Veep were so frightened that I started to sing 'Low' just to calm them down, would have been funny if the camel had sat down because of it.
[agh. blogger uploads are so so so slow. now i feel the full effect of needing sleep. has been sleepy and out of energy since we came back from the outing, and now im forcing myself up late for a few photos to be uploaded. aaah myan. hahaha, time for some babbling whilst the photos get uploaded. i know, i could do this tmrw instead, why must I do it now? hmm, i guess because now that im into it, i dont wana do it halfway, too alang-alang la! gona make noodles tmrw, make some choco cornflake cookies too and gota edit the photo slideshows. seems like a lot to be done tho, cringe.]Song of the day - Hot N Cold=Katy Perry
Labels: family, friends, outing, photos, Qatar
I realised that it was already night time and *dun dun dun*.... it was the match we were all waiting for. Who's playing???
Getting the henna done
Veep and I jumping high with the Aspire Tower behind us
Then we all went back to Nanotay's and hung around for a bit - with lots of photo taking! :) After sending Lynthia and Lynna home, Ningjie and I headed to Brunei with Ah Leng Yiyi.
The food were okay-tasting. I love the squid the most.. and the highlight of the night is the dumpling-eating-competition between Veep and me. No winner was decided in the end. Haha.
These photos are captured using Jas' cam, which has the Fireworks setting. Hence, it can capture the sparks from the sparkler over a period of time. If we had stood still, the photos would be so much better!
Dinner starting!
Playing rummy
Messiness!
Much better!
The assorted flavours..
We had porridge for lunch, yum!
The sunset view behind my room - the sun was VERY red in colour - too bad its essence isn't captured!
Christmas floss?!
Gold Medallist Smoothie - Strawberry + Banana
each of us with our meal
eager for food
mmmm
even more eager!
the hoodie girls! + outsider! haha jk
At the Old Souq
The birds that got a lot of people screaming.
Erm, Victorian lady?
With the jester!
Us girls
The carpets on sale!
Qatar International Cultural Centre a.k.a. The Spiral Building, looks good at night!
Veep and Jas.. "fighting"
Venice Restaurant
Scenery at the Sealine Beach
Going up the baby sand dunes (they were't too steep, hence baby)
the sky without clouds... tiq, veep would say - This is Qatar. haha
Pretending to ride the buggy, or quad bike
Some of our group, watching the buggys showing off. hmph.
playing with the sand
relaxing.. in the heat!
Everyone having titbits and just chatting
The unofficial fisherman
and his final product, it was quite a spectacle for many people
POLLUTION!
I think that was some squid and a used rusty old penknife. See, more pollution!
The camel ride, I have to say, was really really enjoyable, even though it lasted for less than 2 minutes?! The thrill, of course, does not come close to the adrenaline of theme parks, but it was still memorable enough. Jas and Veep were so frightened that I started to sing 'Low' just to calm them down, would have been funny if the camel had sat down because of it.
