i am leaving for italy, rome in 3 hours!

but i am kind of sick now…. down with sore throat again and my lips are super chapped. I wonder if i have not drunk enough water since i came over to the netherlands… i keep feeling sick all over my body.

anyway, byyyyyeee holland! see you in 5 days time!

merry christmas to all my friends!

i just came back from paris and i must say PARIS is the city of love…. it is SOOO very beautiful! i am quite disappointed because despite using a new camera with better resolution.. lol, my phototaking skills still sucks. the pictures highly understate the beauty of the city!!

the whole city is covered with victorian/ancient looking buildings.. all their buildings are filled with that victorian look and their lightings even the street ones are victorian style. It felt really good just to walk on streets, holding hands with your lover. Despite that, i didnt take much pictures of us because firstly, it is difficult to self-camwhore because we came in a pair and didnt have anyone to help us take photographs. Secondly, it was awkward. europeans dont really take pictures of themselves, but they do arm themselves with top notch cameras to take pictures of the surroundings. I really felt like a goof everytime i posed for pictures. lol.

i am really proud of myself because i did soooo many things in paris with will :

1. I iceskated in an open park for the first time in front of Hotel De Ville(which looks totally like a castle)

2. I drank starbucks mocha iceblended in a weather under 1 degree

3. I ate escargots ( snails) and foie gras like FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!! FRENCH FRENCH CUSINE

4. Visited the Louvre museum for the first time ( the super world famous one) lol. too much to see

5. Visited the war memorial in France ( it is actually in rembrance of all the jews who died in the war). it was highly nasueating to see how they were tortured under medical experiments, burnt to death, gassed. oh my. the cruelty of humans.

6. kissed my boyfriend on streets in paris. YEAHHH~

7. spent the first christmas eve in paris. saw the christmas lights

8.walked into a LV store for the first time in my life. woah the bags are ultra expensive.

9. had coffee for like 10 sgd  ( small cup , dinner that cost more than 150 sgd everyday consecutively for 3 nights

Some pictures that i took in paris ( of course more to come! ) :

but anyway i still took like 1000 pictures there. LOL i need to sleep now because tomorrow i will be visiting italy!! i have to eat gelato and try all the pastas there in the world!

so i am a very happy girl today because i got to spend my christmas days in 3 countries! Also, i am very happy because i am such a pampered girl. These 3 days in paris, my boyfriend took care of me very well, i had the best dinners, had the best coffees and i had everything i wanted!

i love him!!!!!!!!!!!

G’day everybody! Greetings from sunny, blisteringly hot, Australia!

I had an exciting time on the Big Flying Machine and an even more exciting time when I arrived!

My humans came to the airport to get me and they were very worried about me getting scared when the Freight people had to lift my crate (because I’m such a big doggie and grew so fast, I have hardly ever been lifted in my life)…

…but then when they saw me coming out, being carried by the forklift, I was just lying there languidly with my paws crossed, looking out of my crate, as if I was on a sightseeing tour!

The Dogtainers Pet Travel Consultants had told my humans that I would probably be fine because I am a very placid, laid-back kind of dog and also, I have been socialised lots (and continuously) all my life, so I am quite used to meeting and adapting to new experiences. Of course, I got very excited when I heard my humans’ voices and couldn’t wait to get out of my crate!!

"And here we have the Airport Freight centre to your left..."

Hmm...the views are not bad from here...

Oh! What's that? I HEAR MY HUMANS!!!

Come on! This disembarkation process is just too slow...!

Yay! Freedom!

Can you believe they didn't serve me any inflight meals? You must make a complaint!

So HAPPY to be with my family again!

I was lucky that being a NZ doggie, I didn’t need to spend any time in Quarantine, although I did need to show that I had had all my vaccinations and flea & worming treatments.

Then it was time to head off to my new home! My humans had to rent a van especially to come and pick me up because my travel crate is just too huge to fit in a normal car – even an estate wagon!

When I got to my new home, it was very exciting because there were lots of new smells to sniff and corners to explore but – oh! Horror of horrors! The floor in my new home is just like that scary, slippery floor at that disaster Ceroc Party dog-dancing demo, when I was terrified and froze and could not do my dance routine at all! It’s all wooden and shiny and slippery – and my nails make strange clackety-clack noises when I walk on it.

I was really scared at first and just stood there, all hunched up, panting and whining…but my humans just ignored me acting scared – they didn’t comfort me or reassure me or make a big fuss about me being scared of the floor. Instead, they just went about doing their own things and after a bit, I tried to follow them around the house – and then slowly, I realised that walking on that slippery floor wasn’t so scary after all. Yes, it IS slippery and I do still skid and slide sometimes, especially if I try to run, but I’m getting used to it and I’m learning to cope with it!

And you know what? Remember I told you that my humans gave my big beanbag bed away to the doggies at the Auckland SPCA? Well, they made me a new one! Yes, they bought some fabric and got the Tailor Human back in Auckland to make up the covers (outer washable cover and inner for the beans) and then brought those covers with them when they came over first on the Big Flying Machine (Hsin-Yi said they took up half her suitcase!) and then bought lots of new “beans” here and filled it up.

And can you believe it – this bed is even BIGGER bed than my old one! Hsin-Yi thought it would be nice if I had more space to stretch out (and thought this might stop me sleeping with my head hanging off one end…). It is so big and puffy that I can barely climb on by myself – hee! hee! But it is lovely once I’m on it – so soft and cushiony…

….aaaaaahhhh!

I was so exhausted from all the excitement of my trip on the Big Flying Machine and then seeing my humans again and exploring my new home that I jumped on my bed immediately and in 2 minutes, was fast asleep, snoring, with my new stuffie!

I know I haven’t visited any of your blogs for ages – so sorry! My humans have just been so busy with settling in stuff that they haven’t had time to do any of my blog stuff or help me answer my messages…but Hsin-Yi says that now things are “slowing down” a bit, she can start to help me visit my friends again. So I will be catching up on all your blogs in the next few days – it’ll probably take me a while to get around to everybody and my humans are still very busy – so please bear with me!

By the way, I know it’s Christmas today – Merry Christmas! – I did plan a special Christmas post for today but since this one is late (my humans’ fault again!), I will have to do a belated Christmas post in a couple of days time!

The holiday season has a way of bringing about feelings of giving and compassion. Maybe you threw a few coins in the Salvation Army’s pot or bought a cup of coffee for the stranger behind you in line (I’m still waiting for this one to happen to me, damn you $4.00 lattes! I digress…).

Since it’s sometimes hard to spend more than your normal allowance in the holiday spirit (and in this economy), the latest campaign from XEROX lets you give back for free. If you want to make someone smile this holiday, visit www.LetsSayThanks.com and send a card to a soldier currently stationed overseas.

You can choose the design you like (all the cards were created by children across the country) and either write your own message or pick a pre-drafted note that best represents your gratitude. XEROX will then print your card and send it in a care package through the military support organization, Give2TheTroops. One lucky soldier will receive your special card in the mail!

I think this idea is amazing – Let’s Say Thanks is a wonderful way to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who have put their lives on hold to serve our country. Many soldiers won’t be able to see their family and friends during the holidays, and if your note makes them forget that—even for one moment—then the ten seconds it took you to say “thanks” was arguably the best use of your time this season…and beyond.

Posted by Alyssa

* Article *— Young playing in Turkey, excited about upcoming season in Chicago (Star News)

Great article, definitely a good read. Some excerpts…

Young said she is still adjusting to Turkey and knows just a few words. Another adjustment has been the atmosphere inside the arena.

“We have just about a full crowd every home game and they are rowdy,” Young said. “They play drums during the game. It’s louder than here actually.”

Drums during the game? Hey, I love the drumline as much as next person, but if they were just beating away at their drums the entire game, I would definitely need to invest in some quality earplugs

She is excited about a full season in Chicago.

“I think I adjusted well in the time that I was there,” Young said. “I was only there three or four weeks and I was kind of thrown right into things.

“It was like I was always playing catch-up, whereas this year I get to start off fresh and be there for training camp so I think it will be a lot better for me.”

I agree that things should be different for Young next year. She fits in really well with what the Sky need at the small forward and things will probably go smoother for her if she is able to participate in a full training camp and preseason with the Sky.

Welcome back to the States, Tamera!

So many people want to get out of taiwan/leaving taiwan for the holidays. Airport super crowded. There are queues everywhere. The shopping at airport also not bad.

Watched gforce on the plane. The ending is quite unexpected. Didn’t expect the mole to be the main opponent.

Boxes rolled off the baggage claim in changi, clearly ppl go taiwan and bring back their shopping in huge boxes.

Highly awesome trip to Taiwan. Better than the japan trip 2yrs ago.

Day 6

Went to so many scenic places, the key one being sun moon lake with its peacock garden. The peacocks are so slack that they refuse to open even though they were fed. The scenery would have been epic if it hadn’t been spoiled by boats zipping across the lake.

Evening was spent at feng jiao night market, trying to figure out what were the items to buy there.

Day  7

Drive to taipei
go to their concert hall
guard changing is kewl
buy loads of foodstuffs from another shop
sis still has problems with veg
imperial museum, beijing one nicer. by a huge amount
went to some jade place, then feng jiao night market
teenage shopping street +1.

Actually tour has effectively ended. Back to the usual now. Of course it was a great experience to see taiwan.

While it is no easy task and requires prior-proper-planning, international exhibiting will better position your company to serve the developing markets of the world (some 86% of the world’s population says Mahajan & Banga, authors of “The 86 Percent Solution: How to Succeed in the Biggest Market Opportunity of the 21st Century“).

• You’ll want to ensure you’re up to date with the latest show information.  Read show books thoroughly as soon as you receive it, and adhere to the deadlines outlined.
• Space sign-up for future shows is often held at the conclusion of the exhibition.  Come prepared and jump on opportunities.
• Labor unions are not as prevalent in foreign countries, so you have much more freedom to do your own installation & dismantling activities should you desire.
• The closer you get to the show, the more expensive and less convenient lodging accomodations will be.  Book your hotels up to a year in advance for major international shows.
• Check into the possibility of obtaining value-added tax  (VAT) refunds for hotels, meals, car rentals, exhibition space, advertising, etc.
• Ensure you have obtained any entry requirements (visas) for the country you plan to visit.
• Photocopy your passport and keep it in separate place.  If your passport is lost or stolen, you can go to the nearest U.S. Embassy or American Consulate to get a replacement.
• Security can be an issue in some countries, both in your booth and from a personal safety standpoint. Obtain information before leaving the US, take common sense precautions to avoid possible hazzards.
• Credit cards are not as widely accepted overseas, so take extra cash or ensure you have an acceptable method of payment.

Everyday promises are made by executives from the last few tour and social companies still in business. The honest companies offering tours and socials to countries like Russia, Ukraine, Philipines, South America and Asia got out of the business well over 5 years ago. The companies who have managed to stay in business, make every attempt to fly well under the radar of federal authorities. That is until last year when the hundreds of complaints made every month caught the eye of investigators. If you have attended a tour or social event from I-Pay Global, AFA, A Foreign Affair, Love-Me.com or any other company that made empty promises, contact authorities at the addresses below.

Internet Crime Complaint Center

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

IC3’s mission is to serve as a vehicle to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local and international level, IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet related crimes. read more >>

Prior to filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), please read the following information regarding terms and conditions. Should you have additional questions prior to filing your complaint, view FAQ for more information on inquiries such as:

• What details will I be asked to include in my complaint?
• What happens after I file a complaint?
• How are complaints resolved?
• Should I retain evidence related to my complaint?

The information I’ve provided on this form is correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false information could make me subject to fine, imprisonment, or both. (Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1001)

The IC3 is co-sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Complaints filed via this website are processed and may be referred to federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation. I understand any investigation opened on any complaint I file on this website is initiated at the discretion of the law enforcement and/or regulatory agency receiving the complaint information.

Filing a complaint with IC3 in no way serves as notification to my credit card company that I am disputing unauthorized charges placed on my card or that my credit card number may have been compromised. I should contact my credit card company directly to notify them of my specific concerns.

Go to http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx to learn more about how to file a complaint with authorities.

Here’s the info (from FIBAEurope.com)…

FIBA Europe announces the opening of the public voting for the EuroLeague Women All-Star Game 2010, to take place on 9th March in Gdynia, Poland.

Taking place on the day after International Women’s Day, the All-Star Game 2010 will feature a match-up between Europe and The Rest of the World with fans selecting the starting five for each team.

Public voting for the EuroLeague Women All-Star Game will run until 31st January with the starting five announced by FIBA Europe later that day. On 9th February FIBA Europe will announce the remainder of the roster as well as the coaching staff.

Here’s the link to vote: Euroleague All-Star 2010 Ballot

There are lots of big names on the ballot, so vote early and often, Sky fans!

FYI: In order to submit the ballot, you have to fill it out completely. This means, not only do you have to choose five “Rest of the World” players, but you also have to choose five Europeans as well. Don’t worry though, there are lots of familiar names on the European side of the ballot as well.

I remember a couple year ago the Euroleague All-Star game was broadcast here in the States on NBA-TV so this may be an opportunity for us to see our favorite Sky players play ball out-of-season.

Sky in 2010!

Went to a theme park on a hill today. However theme parks are probably best in summer and it was very empty. There were no queues for almost all the rides. The 2 high powered roller coasters have so few riders that they have to wait for the cars to fill up before letting the roller coaster go.

Just walked around the park and played some of those carnival style games. If you are a thrill seeker you would love the park. No queue for so many rides (especially the very high thrill type). Maybe due to the earthquake ytd, many locals decided to give the park a miss over the weekend.

The show after dinner was good. It was by some unknown troupe. So if i found that good, alegria must have been awesome except i was too young to remember it properly. Firework was a good opportunity to practice using a camera to take multiple shots in quick succession.

I made a mistake of eating coffee sweets at 11+. So i’m wide awake now. Time for some stuff abt my tour grp, the ppl with whom i go and visit tourist attractions with (aside frm my family).

The easiest way for me to remember who is in my tour grp is by the families. So here it goes.

• 2 boys + parents
• 2 girls + parents + grandfather
• 2 girls + parents
• small boy in front of me + parents
• small boy behind me + parents
• small boy + sister + parents –> sister + mom left handed
• RANDOM? There are supposed to be 8 – 1 grps to list.

The social interaction between people of my age is failing completely. Given the large amount of ppl around my age, im surprised that at the end of day 5, theres no interaction at all. The 3 small boys good friends already though. They have some game in common on the PSP so they are playing (behind me zmg).

I don’t think interaction is completely impossible. Its just that no one is willing to start. I am too slack to start it anyway. I rather stick to gaming on my ipod and set new highscores for tap tap. There seems to be a lack of common ground.

Actually the need to communicate might stem frm necessity. Seeing as how ive been sitting next to the same ppl (2 girls) for the past 5 days on the bus, there has been zero comm. Surprising right? Even on the first day of sec school i had more conversation with the person next to me.

I remember when i was younger it was so much easier to communicate. More innocent i guess. Of course, at this point in time it would be stupid to try. Seeing as how theres only 3 (2 effective) days left.

Maybe it would have been easier if there were 2 guys across instead of 2 girls. (and i really think thats the key issue here anyway)