Of course, I did enjoy myself very much in Bintan, and I can’t wait to share photos with everyone.

Excuse me while I attack the work on my plate. Meantime, rock on with this tune from Jennifer Lopez. Have a good start to this work week!

Nicole

I’m heading there for a work / company retreat. Shall take this opportunity to also snap a few more photographs for keepsake. It is my first trip there and I am very much looking forward to it… Hehe. And very much looking forward to the activities that are planned in my itinerary.

By the time you are reading this, I would have been well on my way to Bintan.

See you!

its no mystery to what has happened, just that the severity was quite unexpected. but i hope it will be a thing of the past soon… and so, this post will mark the start of a proper recovery.

as i slowly get back to writing gradually, i will also take time to indulge in more things that i want to do. its a good way to destress i reckon.

nicole

What’s unknown, is the lush mangroves and the marine life that is thriving in this fragile ecosystem. I was there, along with some others, on a trip to Pulau Semakau as part of Project Driftnet, to remove the abandoned driftnets and fish traps.

You can read about the findings the other teams had here

A beautiful sunrise greeted us as we set afoot on the island, making our way to the designated spots to start out checks.

Photo courtesy of Marcus

The long walk into the mangroves were very much worth it, considering the view that accompanied.

Photo courtesy of Marcus

Along the way, whilst passing through a patch of seagrasses… it’s a yellow sea horse amidst the green patch.

Photo courtesy of Marcus

I managed to walk upwards against the flowing water towards the inner creek, enjoying the cold waters, watching out for marine life, and driftnets. Loads of mudskippers, and little fishes swimming about actively. And spotted the first driftnet in that area.

Photo courtesy of Marcus

As it was a relatively old net with loads of holes, it was left there and that there no marine life trapped in it. Its possibly done by fishermen during high tide, as these nets would trap fish heading towards these mangroves trees for shelter.

Making our way into open waters, we chanced upon another driftnet, this time, all bundled and tangled up on the shore, with 2 different meshes inside the net.

Photo courtesy of Marcus

It was brittle and easy to break apart, and besides, there were encouraging signs of encrustation flourishing in these old nets that it won’t make any sense to destroy a habitat, so these were left alone too, after taking down some measurements for documentation purposes.

Last but not least… what looks like an abandoned rig from kelongs were actually found on the shore bed during low tide.

Photo courtesy of Marcus

They were much too heavy to move and thus the need to alert the relevant personnel to take action.

All in all, I enjoyed my first trip to Pulau Semakau, and the scenic view is so tranquil, surrounded by lush green plants, beautiful natural mangroves alongside replanted mangroves, giving this island a scenic view that brings about a tranquil setting over the area.

This is one part of Semakau explored, I’m looking forward to explore other parts of the island when the opportunity arises.

Nicole

Bought them from SHUP(G), and I pretty much fell for most of their accessories, as they feature quirky and fun looking stuff into necklaces, bracelets, brooches.

Do check them out! Of course, the accessory in this photo isn’t for myself, its for the sister…

And this beauty was made possible thanks to the customization that Dawne from Earring Addict made for me.

By now, you would have realize that I love camera shaped pendants, and this addition is no surprise.

Nicole

If the hero, never comes to you
If you need someone, you’re feeling blue
If you wait for love, and you’re alone
If you call your friends, nobody’s home
You can run away, but you can’t hide
Through a storm and through a lonely night
Then I’ll show you there’s a destiny
The best things in life, they are free

It’s a Sunday, and for once, I’ve some time to myself to get down to speed with my own stuff. In this hot weather, chillaxing at home is probably the next best thing than getting sunburnt outdoors

Loads of adventures outdoors for me lately, and I can’t wait to share them all with you!

Nicole

Lyrics after the jump!

This song has been on my repeat playlist for 2 days in a row. I don’t know if its the infectious rhythm that got me hooked to it, or that I simply love the energy and vibe from the music video. Which ever it is, as long as it puts me in groovy mood, it’s awesome!

Lyrics: (taken from DirectLyrics)
J-LO!

It’s a new generation
Of party people

Darling get on the floor
Darling get on the floor

Let me introduce you to my party people
In the club…

[Pitbull]
I’m loose
And everybody knows I get off the train
Baby it’s the truth
I’m like inception I play with your brain
So I don’t sleep I snooze
I don’t play no games so don’t get it confused no
Cos you will lose yeah
Now pump it up
And back it up like a Tonka truck

[Jennifer Lopez]
If you go hard you gotta get on the floor
If you’re a party freak then step on the floor
If your an animal then tear up the floor
Break a sweat on the floor
Yeah we work on the floor
Don’t stop keep it moving
Put your drinks up
Pick your body up and drop it on the floor
Let the rhythm change your world on the floor
You know we’re running sh*t tonight on the floor
Brazil Morocco
London to Ibiza
Straight to LA, New York
Vegas to Africa

[Chorus]
Dance the night away
Live your life ,and stay young on the floor
Dance the night away
Grab somebody drink a little more
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Tonight we gon’ be it on the floor

Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Tonight we gon’ be it on the floor

[Verse 2]
I know you got it clap your hands on the floor
And keep on rockin’, rock it up on the floor
If you’re a criminal kill it on the floor
Steal it quick on the floor, on the floor
Don’t stop keep it moving
Put your drinks up
Its getting ill it’s getting sick on the floor
We never quit, we never rest on the floor
If I ain’t wrong we’ll probably die on the floor
Brazil Morocco
London to Ibiza
Straight to LA, New York
Vegas to Africa

[Chorus]
Dance the night away
Live your life, and stay young on the floor
Dance the night way
Grab somebody drink a little more
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Tonight we gon’ be it on the floor
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Tonight we gon’ be it on the floor

[Pibull]
That badonka donk is like a trunk full of bass on an old school Chevy
All I need is some vodka and some… coke
And watch… get donkey konged
… if you’re ready for things to get heavy
I get on the floor and act a fool if you let me
Don’t believe me just vet me
My name ain’t Keath but I see why you Sweat me
L.A. Miami New York
Say no more get on the floor

Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Tonight we gon’ be it on the floor
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Tonight we gon’ be it on the floor
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Tonight we gon’ be it on the floor

The weekends came and went… marking the end of one week and the start of another. What seems mundane of just 2 rest days amidst 5 hard grinding days of work is marked with sheer emotions from an end of a spectrum to the other. It’s as if the raging hormones (for a lack of a better word) never cease to work its wonders.

I also learnt new things about myself, its scary yet liberating at the same time, perhaps there is more I must do for myself. In the meantime, life goes on as per normal as it always does, and may it pave a route for recovery.

Nicole

I’m glad to put the troubled month of February behind me. Triple whammy of sorts hit me, severely throwing me off balance.

Took a while to find my two feet and get back on. Making plans is not easy, but execution won’t be easy either. Either way, I’ve bitten the bullet.

I shall not elaborate too much at this point, lest its jinxed by unwanted factors.

Would much rather focus on healing one step at a time and be a happier, stronger person.

I may have been killed, but I am clawing my way up bit by biy.

Nicole

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

A new work week has arrived. Some would say the new work week for the lunar year… and indeed… after 4 long days of break, it’s a bit difficult to kick start the engine.

Now excuse me while I douse myself with coffee.

Have a lovely day!

Nicole

PS: Shall write more when time permits

Funnily, coming May 2011, would mark about 6 years of blogging. That’s quite some period of time, in my opinion, considering how I first started out with Blogspot. Its funny how I now cringe at the writings of my own in the past, when I read my archives from time to time. They serve as memory banks, evoking the emotions of the then events and happenings.

Suffice to say, my blog has seen me through my best and worse times of life. Its something that I could turn to, to seek solace even if I am troubled, and the best part is being able to write them all down, though not necessarily publishing those entries. Kind of a venting outlet.

So, from now on, onwards to mix haphazardness of the content that I will be writing about. If you have any in particular, just drop me a note via email!

Nicole

Time passes quickly when one is engrossed in doing things one enjoys. I am glad to have a long break from 31st December 2010 till 4th January 2011. I didn’t manage to travel out of Singapore, but nonetheless, am able to catch some much needed rest and getting a brief respite from everyday mundaneness.

You may be wondering what did I do, given that I had a nasty viral infection that left me scrambling to the doctor on 30th December 2010, after finishing work. Given a bunch of medicines meant not being able to party on NYE. Bummer, but the consolation was I manage to recover fast this time around, thanks to some awesome tender loving care and loads of fresh air. Manage to get out to Changi Village to enjoy the fresh air and sea breeze along its boardwalk.

Slept straight into the new year, and awoke to a day of leisure shopping and indulgences… tea, cakes, in Cedele amidst the heavy rain that poured upon Orchard, not a bad start at all. Dashed to attend first service of the year, at 8 am, totally ungodly, but its all worth it. After which, brunch was in order before going home to pack my room, and I am awfully glad I threw out so much junk that even my mum was beaming after she saw the before and after state of my room.

And yesterday, I went on my first shore trip for this year, observing and learning more about our local shores ( more coming up in another post), and it will be more or less of my personal project for the year.

Fast forward to today, which is the last day of my break, and yet I am feeling alright, though a little sad that its over, but I guess, as long as I’m happy, thats all it matters. Taking it real easy today, reading, blogging and of course, being phoneless is a good choice now (well, I left my phone battery at home, and didn’t thought that the plan would be switched and activated so quickly!)

Have yourself a very lovely Tuesday too!

Nicole

Year 2011 has arrived, and cheers to another awesome 12 months.

I ain’t sure what each day will bring, but I savor every moment that I have, be it with myself, family, friends, and my various hobbies. I want to lead a fulfilled life, and one with confidence. I expect 2011 to be a good year, and a blessed year to everyone of you as well.

As for myself, I hope to write even more, and show you my glimpses and moments of life as often as I can.

Shall keep this post short and sweet, as I rest, to recover my strength and health.

This post has been scheduled to publish on 01.01.2011 at 0101 hrs (Done for fun)

Nicole

As a first timer, I found it quite a challenge to keep my balance whilst walking on the shore and to avoid trampling of the corals (which I am pleased to say, none of the corals are harmed – and it will be kept that way). As learning to adapt was my top priority, I didn’t manage to capture many other forms of marine life. But anyways, here they are:

This Red Egg Crab was a pretty shy little fella, as it paused just long enough for me to get a nice shot, it then scurried away quickly into the safety of the rocks.

Brittle Stars – and yes, they are brittle. Not to be confused with Star Fish, though related, but not the same.

Mushroom Coral – these are full grown corals, and tends to be found in clusters but still separated.

Spider Conch

Ivan spotted the Spider Conch, and its quite a beauty, for its my first sighting of a Conch shell.

Perhaps the favorite picture of the lot from this trip would be the Floral Egg Crab.

Floral Egg Crab – A deep brown crab with a beautiful pattern on its shell.

Another picture of the Floral Egg Crab

Head-stripe goby – pretty elusive, I had a hard time spotting them

Maze hexa favid coral

Favid hard corals – This family of corals is commonly encountered on the shores

Blue-spined swimming crab

Tropical Silversides – sighted quite a number of them, and they sure look flashy in the night

The Tropical Silversides are commonly found in the waters, and they usually are near the surface at night. Quite easy to capture a photo of them if you remain still.

Interestingly, spotted a pair of Octopus mating.

This is the male octopus. Note that half of his body is pale, and the other half is of another color. Well, he has a healthy reason to have sporting such colors, as he is afraid that the female will bite.

The female Octopus.

The False clown anemonefish, swimming near the anemone…

A land hermit crab feeding on the seed from the surrounding trees.

Another land hermit crab, curled up in its shell probably too small for itself.

The land hermits were probably the last things I saw before heading back to the jetty where the fast craft was awaiting to take us back to mainland Singapore. I left, feeling humbled at the variety of marine life that can be found living in our waters. I am looking forward to exploring other shores, but first, I will have to do more reading up

Nicole

*mild panic mode* I’ve presents to make, cards to write and some last minute shopping to do, and gatherings to attend. All in the name of the festive cheer. It ain’t that bad, save for a lack of time to rest, work to rush as the end of the year looms ahead.

after a few conversations with people closer to me, it dawned upon me the need to just keep moving. i know i am in and out of emotional roller coaster rides this year, but at the very least i am still being true to myself. like everyone else, i struggle with emotions, trying to keep myself, reality in check. there are many a times i wish i could just run away or do something stupid, which was really just not worth it in the end. looking around me, there are matters which are more pressing and an urgent need that’s to be done in such a short span of life.

2010 is a beautifully imperfect year. I can’t ask for more, and i am glad that events that are happening in my life might pave way for something better… we will see how it goes… at the very least, there is a reason for every thing that happens.

perhaps the takeaway memory of the year, is realizing that one’s life is short, and truly unpredictable. its a good wake up call, at least to me. values, beliefs were shaken, and i never felt the raw edge of emotions so strong that it scares me still. time for a good ol’ quiet reflection and planning for the coming year.

Nicole