Chivas Cycle

Blast from the past ...

Sometimes the past has a way of coming back and biting you in the arse

Can you believe things have happened already?! It's only the morning after my last post ... and now I'm actually posting constantly! So everyone kind of pushed me into getting this Facebook account. I'm still learning the ropes, etc ... but its a good way of keeping in touch, putting up pictures, etc.

A familiar name dropped into my browsing yesterday, and for the first time in years, I decided to get in touch. Driano was the love of my 15 year old life. I probably stayed mad about him till I was 20 or so. We never actually got together, and till today, I don't know why. We used to speak long hours every night (so many times, we "saw" the break of dawn together!), sneak out to go to stupid things at midnight, hang out every weekend. When he first got his driver's license, I was the first to get a ride. He was another popular jock strap, on the hockey team, but also mixed with a bit of a rough crowd. Innocent, good girl me, was hopelessly attracted.

He was the one that was into hockey, and that's how I got into it, he introduced me to the rest of the boys on the team ... and later, to a young Dr. Dish, who was one of the boys on the team - and later came to the same school as me ... and you know how the rest is history! Driano was the mutual friend that was the very first talking point between Dr. Dish and I.

You see how life is a huge cycle?

Anyway, to make a long story short, when Driano started college, he forgot all about me ... and literally, just cut me out of his life. I was very hurt, but also, had the low self esteem to never confront him. You see, it was the day I always feared would come ... why would the popular high school jock want to hang with me?

Now, almost 10 years later, he's right here. Not in Holland, but London. And he just said he travels all the time to where I live ... and wants to meet up!

This is very very dangerous territory. It took me a long long time to get over him ... and the best thing for me, was really, not to have him in my life. But maybe now that we're both adults, lived the last 10 years apart ... we can be mature about this, surely! Be friends. Surely there's nothing left there?

I'm not sure I can answer that positively. He certainly didn't crush me the way Rex did ... but perhaps maybe that's why I still think of him with a little flutter in my heart.

What can I say, but watch this space! Exciting OR WHAT!!!!

Bacardi Beginings

" Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire; you will what you imagine; and at last you create what you will."

-George Bernard Shaw-

Well, well ... another day, another story. Mine started first thing this morning. Feeling rather chuffed as I breezed past security of the hugely imposing building I now work at, smiling at the once stern guards who used to suspiciously look me up and down. Now that I have my brand new ID badge that identified me as an insider, they smiled rather respectfully instead.

I still feel like a kid playing grown up. I wonder when I'm going to shake off the shackles off my youth and embrace the fact I'm a grown woman approaching her thirties on an amazing career path. I walk onward to the elevator, thinking to myself I should act like I look. I caught sight of myself in the mirror - wearing a posh suit, my hair was coiffered immaculately despite the bitterly cold wind (especially when its supposed to be bloody summer!), pearls and heels -

And almost walk right into the glass door as I caught side of who it was waiting on the other side of it. Waiting for the elevator. The exact same elevator that I would take. Despite the fact I didn't bump my head .. . he looked up, twinkling eyes met my slightly stunned ones. I felt my surprise give way to gleeful delight ... and then the phone rang.

His phone. Instead of saying hello, as he obviously was going to, he turned away from me, and that was the end of that. I know he's leaving the country for a bit - such is the nature of our work, but I really don't know how long for. I think he's only got another week or so left ... so this could be it!

I got into the elevator solo, still marvelling at the fact that I keep bumping into Dimples. How meant to be was this! Thousands of employees in a huge international organisation, and we two keep meeting. Maybe this chapter isn't closed after all.

Adrian joined me for lunch again - looks like its going to be a usual thing now. We bonded some more - we both like football, and he, like most guys, seemed completely stunned that my knowledge went deeper than the length of David Beckham shorts. I think I may have found a friend to go watch the games with. Liverpool is playing in Rotterdam on August 5th. I have to go meet my Crouchy! And I don't fancy my chances with the Dutch football fans on my own. Adrian said it was madness for me to go alone ... and definitely, he'd come to keep me company.

I assure you, I tried to hide the look of triumph from my face!

I saw Grigio, as how I've nicknamed the other French one. I truly apologise for the horrible description (Quasimodo sibling). But you know how some guys just have that certain je ne se quoi ? And no matter how they looked, you're just drawn to them? (I can positively see CJ banging her head on the nearest hard surface. She knows whats coming. She knows me well.) Grigio has a shock of shaggy blonde hair, and a rumpled messy look. Real rough and tumble cowboy lawyer look. The kind that tucks his white school shirt into a pair of jeans and puts on a tie and calls it work attire. Adrian is just so much more my type. Sleek and sophisticated with his trendy suits, tight shirts and such a sweet, lovely nature.

Grigio nodded at me coolly from a distance as our eyes met. He was scouring the room for a familiar face, and when he saw me, he started in my direction. I was seated with Adrian, who so obviously is just going to end up a mate now (and if anyone ever saw a picture of either, I'll never hear the end of it!). I indicated to the empty seat infront of me. But Grigio got sidetracked (by a bunch of girls, of course! I'm not the only one who thinks he's an attractive), and shurgged at me as he sat at their table instead.

I nodded, thinking that was that.

But it was not! For all his confidence, the way he later joined us was incredibly endearing. I know he didn't need the coffee. But as he came to get it, after lunch no less. The coffee machine was conveniently situated near my table ... he hesitantly approached us, and almost arrogantly demanded if he could sit down before me.

Most of the people around me today spoke French - really funny, because yesterday I was with Spanish speakers. Adrian speaks both fluently, and I understand both, so I didn't really have a problem. French goes down much better though. I still found it sweet when Grigio, after catching himself realising that everyone else was speaking except me, asked me gruffly, "You understand or not?"

A bit patronising, and abrupt, but he is French, is he not! And why would a little Asian girl all the way from Malaysia speak French, really. Besides, I think it stemmed from an honest concern, and it was his way of being polite. Once he said that, everyone swapped to English. I just love the way he's so strong and sure of himself.

I know, I know - Je sais! There's one absolute sweetheart, who looks good, and is lovely and good with me. Spoils me even. Then there's the one who treats me with a dismissive, almost rude attitude. And who's not even cute for goodness sake!

So which one am I thinking of? You guys know me enough to know I'd never choose the one thats right for me. I'm more attracted to Grigio, God only knows why!

Later this evening, Adrian came up to my desk to say goodbye. To my surprise, he shyly left a piece of notebook paper with his phone number on it. He gestured nervously, muttering, "So we can keep in touch, no?". What a sweetie! He lives by the beach, where a few hotspots are, and we've arranged to meet up tomorrow. It's not a date, the other girls are coming too.

We all are in the first stages of getting to know one another. We've come from all over the world,with completely different backgrounds, but a very similar interest and desire to do good. We all could have glittering careers that earned the big bucks, but we were slogging away for not very much in financial remuneration, but huge gain in personal satisfaction. We were cut from the same cloth, but this cloth has been to many different ports in the world.

I don't know either of the boys from Adam. They could both have girlfriends, or be gay or married even. I don't take any of this too seriously at this point in time. It's just wonderful to enjoy this whole experience ... C'est etonnant! It definitely is one in a million, and I'm one very lucky chica.

Pimm's Parade

Choices, choices!

"So many men - so little time!"

VV

I can so see how I'm going to need a new blog. Things are happening on a daily basis! And this so saves me from writing novel-length emails to the whole world consisting of my nearest and dearest.

So, even if I attempted a summary, I won't believe it myself, let alone you guys! I'll start from this morning - I found out Kiwi has a girlfriend. Am strangely relieved as this means I won't have to go out with him, and CJ can't blame my fickleness or fatal attraction to the bad boys.

By the way, I met the said girlfriend, and she's not a nice at all. It still completely amazes me how the nicest guys go out with total ... well, not very nice women!

And now I bring you to lunchtime. As I was leaving the room, I walked by the Adrian Grenier lookalike. Being polite, I said, "Aren't you going for lunch?" and he looks at me, smiles in a charmingly shy manner, and says, in that sexy French accent, "Yes, we can go to lunch.". I was on my way to meet another group of girls, but it looks like he thought we were lunching together.

Who was I to say no to such dreamy eyes? Girls, smirls, they can lunch without me! He was so charming, right down to the way he offered me half of his sandwhich. Last I checked we weren't in high school anymore, but it was still endearing.

Once I drew him out of his shell, I found out more and more about him. For one, he's come from an amazingly international background. He's French, but he's lived all over the world. Most recently, he's been living in Madrid. He speaks French, English and Spanish ever so naturally, its wonderful to hear. We exchanged stories about our passion for travelling and our area of work ... but what got both of us was our love for Africa. He'd spent some time in Kenya too, and you all know it's a place very close to my heart.

The possibilities are really endless!

AND THEN! The piece de resistance of the day was when I got hurriedly ushered into my first meeting. Everyone got settled in, and then the last person rushes through the door - late in a typical high school jock-esque "aw shucks, ma'am, tweren't my fault I'm just so damned pretty" kind of way. My jaw almost hits the floor. Can you guess?

It was Dimples! HE FOUND ME!!! What are the odds, huh? I thought I'd have to scour this huge organisation for the rest of my time here before I could find him - but now I know everything there is to know about him!

We didn't meet - not officially - but he has definitely noticed me - more so than just in the crowds in the cafeteria.

Unfortunately, he turns out to be American. Like totally American. He looks like he had that popular All-American background, i.e was a quarterback in highschool, the class president, dated the blonde perky head cheerleader, etc, etc. Now to my mind, American's are a close second to Singaporeans. I don't detest them so much as I find them too loud. But I have a few American friends who I love very much. Besides, I spent the first years of my life in the Land of Oppurtunity, so I can't really protest too much!

But can I live with that accent? Even with its pretty packaging? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, I forgot to mention how one of the first people I met was the spitting image of Dr. Derek McDreamy Shepherd. I'm so not kidding! Thankfully, I didn't nickname Dr. Dish McDreamy. Obviously, the powers that be knew I will find me own in due time. If Dimples the Jockstrap doesn't work out ... I know the Patrick Dempsey lookalike could fill in his shoes, no problem! I haven't worked out his nationality yet, but with those dreamy eyes, and all knowing smile ... you can't go wrong, really! (Well, he's definitely not Singaporean, so that's gotta be good, right!)

My evening ended with a night out at the bar with some more new friends. None of which included any of the above, but more players in the parade of mine. Oh, which one will win the crown? I'm so curious, but I'm happy to take my time to explore the possibilities.

For they are endless!

Cosmopolitan Chica

"O, mistress mine, where are you roaming?

O, stay and hear; your true love's coming,

That can sing both high and low:

Trip no further, pretty sweeting;

Journeys end in lovers meeting

Every wise man's son doth know"

- William Shakespeare-

I woke up my first morning in Holland with a complete stranger.

Ha ha - that got your attentions, didn't it?! Mind out of the gutter, people! He was the passenger next to me! And no, we weren't - not together, at least, members of the mile high club. (Even the business class toilets aren't big enough!). Yes, the powers that be were incredibly generous with flying me out on business. What truly was the start to my new life was the pretty boy trolly dolley asking me ("Madam"!) "Would you care for champagne?"

Would I! Hah, a new start, is it not? Try all things new (not pot or porn, I don't do either, nor will I bring back with me either, so consider all those requests rejected.). I toasted to my new life, and sat back for my new adventure.

I cannot put down in words (yes, even me!) how amazing this whole experience has been - right down to Il Divo performing by the beach on a FREE concert my first weekend here. Those who know where to find it, I've posted the pictures up, and for once, I need to let something else do the talking for me.

I simply cannot do the boys justice. And to think, barely 6 months ago, I was devastated at not being able to see them in concert, although I had the luck of meeting them in person. While Seb didn't look as good as I remembered, Urs stunned me into speechlessness.

And that's really saying something!

My first week so far has been eventful to say the least - but I think the perfection is over with my brand new laptop screen being broken. I don't know how or why, but I hope they fix it. I write this through literally, a cracked glass, so be kind to typos - I can't exactly spell check!

I have a huge meeting tomorrow, with the main man of where I currently work, and since I don't talk about work anyway, I'll just give you the run down of my new (male) colleagues. First, there's this Kiwi guy who I've spent most of my time with - he's very sweet, overly obliging, and has been there every step of the way for me. Either he's the kind who jumps up at the new girl, or he's just that genuinely kind.

I think its the latter, though it could also be because I'm taking over his portfolio so he may just have to as its his job! Now he's not the kind of guy I'd really be attracted to in the first place. Very much like Mr. Perfect, the pure goodness bores me to the quick.

We already get on like a house on fire, and I can see us being really good friends. Someone I can turn to in times of trouble, a shoulder to cry on when the Bad Boy I inevitably fall for inevitably breaks my heart. I know its a vicious cycle, just like I also know its in my power to change it.

I made CJ a promise before I left KL, and I want to give it a try. I never make promises I don't keep. I promised her I'd give the good guys a try. Kiwi, by anyone's definition,is, a good guy. And he's not at all bad looking - though shorter than my usual type, he's got blond-ish almost golden ginger hair and unusual amber-coloured eyes. I think its safe to say my sister and my girl cousins would approve.

I thought of CJ, I thought of missed chances with Mr. Perfect and Mr. Darcy, all for the likes of obviously not good for me men like Rex and Dr. Dish. As I sat across from Kiwi, who was stressing a point in enthusiasm, I thought to myself - if he asks me out, I'd say yes.

Then within my eye-line walked by this stunning tanned creature - also shorter than my usual types, but with devastatingly big twinkling eyes, a cheeky smile and Dimples. God, he was tanned in that rosy kind of way that just makes a girls heart melt.

And before you could say Kiwi who, this girl was sunk.

Kiwi and I are still mates, but the quest is to hunt Dimples down and bag him.

There are a few other players in this new life of mine. Two frenchmen - one sweet quiet one who looks like Adrian Grenier (same dreamy eyes, kissable lips, just totally shy in a frustrating way) who I share an office with, and a more confident Gallic one, who unfortunately, looks like Quasimodo's better looking older brother.

But he's got a personality that makes up for it, so watch this space too!

And that, so far, has been my last 48 hours! The place is crawling with head turners and people I'd only ever read about or seen in the news or papers, so I'm still very much overwhelmed by it all.

Will have more for you soon. Hope you're well, and not missing me too much :P