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The Amazing Race International Versions => TAR Asia => Topic started by: georgiapeach on September 29, 2007, 07:52:32 PM

Title: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on September 29, 2007, 07:52:32 PM: We are delighted that Sophie, one of the TARA 2 racers, will be joining us for this upcoming season!

(http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/30526/2001001624412466248_rs.jpg)

She will be sharing some video diaries and comments with us about her experiences and hopes for the future!

From her webpage:

Quote
Taking up cinema studies, filmmaking, screenwriting, Sophie studied and worked in Melbourne and Sydney for several years. Life was jam packed with film screenings, parties, or a good book. Life out of the city, she worked with kids, aboriginal communities, trained in rope courses, bush survival and even extreme sports such as rock-climbing. Travel explorations have also taken her on documentary shoots around the world in 2005 for the Discovery International Network, both as talent and filmmaker. Now living in Hong Kong, Sophie continues to write, host and explore new ideas from new inspirations.

She is from Singapore but will be representing Hong Kong in TARA 2.

Sophie was originally scheduled to race with her friend Allan. But when he was unable to be in the race, Sophie paired up with her former roommate Aurelia.

How did they do? Stay tuned!

Sophie's webpage: http://www.sophieteng.com/
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on September 29, 2007, 07:53:04 PM: Here is the first of Sophie's video diaries:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on September 29, 2007, 07:53:29 PM: And here is her second video diary, which features her audition tape with her planned original partner Allan.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on September 29, 2007, 08:09:40 PM: Please join us in welcoming Sophie to the forum!

:welcome2:

Please understand however, that she will be unable to answer questions regarding the race itself or its outcome until TARA 2 has finished airing.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on September 29, 2007, 10:05:00 PM: Hi everyone

Haahhaah.... I have this idea about doing video diaries of my journey after the show. Someone has even given me the challenge of making my dream come true in 100 days.....hahhahahha.....

Well I don't know about that.....

So I want to ask for all your help to get hits on my video diaries and share them with your friends around the world.
The more hits I can get, perhaps the more chances I'll get to make my dream of becoming a tv presenter come true.

So hopefully you'll all keep up with my diary entries over time!!!

:hearts: :hearts: :hearts: :hearts: :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on September 30, 2007, 12:08:40 AM: Quote from: georgiapeach on September 29, 2007, 07:52:32 PM
We are delighted that Sophie, one of the TARA 2 racers, will be joining us for this upcoming season!

Sophie is on our right:

She will be sharing some video diaries and comments with us about her experiences and hopes for the future!

From her webpage:

Quote
Taking up cinema studies, filmmaking, screenwriting, Sophie studied and worked in Melbourne and Sydney for several years. Life was jam packed with film screenings, parties, or a good book. Life out of the city, she worked with kids, aboriginal communities, trained in rope courses, bush survival and even extreme sports such as rock-climbing. Travel explorations have also taken her on documentary shoots around the world in 2005 for the Discovery International Network, both as talent and filmmaker. Now living in Hong Kong, Sophie continues to write, host and explore new ideas from new inspirations.

She is from Singapore but will be representing Hong Kong in TARA 2.

Sophie was originally scheduled to race with her friend Allan. Please watch the second video diary..... Sophie: This is my acknowledgement and tribute to Allan because he went through a lot for me, for the race.... until he really had no choice but to pull out.

Sophie's webpage: http://www.sophieteng.com/
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on September 30, 2007, 12:22:18 AM: I wanted to post my audition clip with allan here because I really, really miss him and I want to acknowledge the things he did for me, for the race.... until the very end when he really had to pull out.....

;-))

This is my tribute to him..... to our friendship.....
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on September 30, 2007, 10:23:15 AM: It's so strange how people can cross paths ... ... I've met one of my best friends from my first show. If not for that, I would have never met her........
She's a really good filmmaker/ editor, I hope to work with her one day!

This is Olga and her cutiest little boy.... Kenric.... he's 7 months old.....half Russian, half Aussie!!!
They live on the Gold Coast, Australia now. I can't wait to see them when I visit for Christmas... or New Year's.....

Olga is worried about me because I had to quit my job for the race..... so she wants me to get a good job as a Christmas present to her!!! hehehhehehehe
I told her I'm working on it..... but finally I can tell her about the show and she thinks I'm CRAZY to do another reality show... because she won't do it again, I don't think hhahahhhaaa

;=))

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on September 30, 2007, 10:55:09 AM: But here it is first..... it's a couple of my conservation campaigns that I've published in Hong Kong. The SPCA one is a 'reminder' campaign about responsibilities of having a pet because animals are not toys, they are cute when they are small, but they grow up. So the concept uses real animals but retouched with toy parts to look like a toy. It was published almost every week in HK magazine for more than a year from 2005, and sometimes still used even today. It's a real problem especially in HK because the houses are so small, so pets are often abandoned or abused when they get bigger. Then they are caught and sent to the SPCA, who can only do so much to help these animals get adoptedThe one for WWF is an ongoing campaign for marine conservation around the waters of Hong Kong. It was published as poster ads in the MTR stations all around the islands. I love to dive so this campaign is also very close to my heart. And I also got to be the illustrator on this one. I miss drawing..... so I drew the turtle... took me hours. But it was 10 posters in total, so we had to get other illustrators onboard and they did it all for a good cause.

I used to work as an outdoor instructor when I was living in Oz..... I love being with kids. I took groups of kids hiking, canoeing, abseiling and learnt some aboriginal dances, it was one of the best, carefree times of my life!!! Sometimes I'm more patient with kids than I am with adults because they just bring me so much joy!!! They are truthful, they tell you how they feel and they show it when they really like you..... I also loved living in the bush!!! No mobiles, no TV, no internet..... takes you back to the bare basics in life and reminds me of what is most important and precious. The outdoors make me the happiest and most free!!!! And I LOVE extreme sports!!! The more crazy the better!!! Heights, sky-diving.... whatever!!!

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on September 30, 2007, 11:08:24 AM: Hi Sophie! :dancer:

Cutest baby ever!

What can you tell us about your first reality show? Was that the Discovery Channel Reel Race 2? Docu-dramas?

And do you want to tell us about your monkey? ;D

And wow--a woman of many talents! Love the turtle too!

Sounds like the race would hold no fears for you--diving, sky-diving. rock-climbing...

What took you to Hong Kong from Singapore?
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 01, 2007, 10:55:36 PM: Sophie Diaries next.....

Ep 3: A bizarre cab ride in Singapore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-20MXLjrxU
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: puddin on October 02, 2007, 12:14:00 AM: Its no longer there Sophie :'(
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on October 02, 2007, 10:28:21 PM: This is Sophie's third video. Strange cab ride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djLQAgRQ1II

And nice to meet you, Sophie. Best of luck to you. :waves: :waves: :waves: :waves:

Nice website, too. :tup: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 02, 2007, 10:46:52 PM: Hi everyone,

Oh thanks TARasia fan..... I was just about to send the link hahhahaha.....

You beat me to it.... *wink wink

I hope the video quality is better with this compression.....so hard to work within 100MB to upload

;-))

I just came back to Hong Kong late last night ....my mailbox was stuffed and I finally received my official PETA package.

Yyyyyyiiiiiippppppppeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm going to start working with them on upcoming projects being their PETA Asian spokesperson ...........
And I have a t-shirt from them. I've actually fallen very, very ill with fever and cough now from the Singapore heat and eating too much chilli-based local food. So I'll get my act together and take a picture with my lovely PETA t-shirt very soon!!!!

If you don't already know their website, it's www.peta.org
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on October 02, 2007, 10:55:25 PM: I'm fast. And I'm good. Hmmmm. That can be taken many ways...

Anyway, looking forward to seeing more of you down the road.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on October 02, 2007, 11:01:29 PM: Sophie! How funny!

Did the meeting go well? Don't tell me we have to wait for #4 to find out!

And poor baby--take care of yourself!

:lol: at TARAsiaFan!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 11, 2007, 12:04:17 AM: Hi everyone,

So so so so sorry for being MIA. I've been very, very sick and coughing like crazy. I've been through 2 bottles of cough syrup and now finally a third one! So funny, this third bottle is a brand of CHinese cough syrup that an Austrian friend of mine recommended to me when I went over to his place for pasta Tuesday night. It wouldn't have been my first choice to take it but it really works!!! Hmmm, maybe I should have "gone back to my roots" before the third bottle. hahahhaahha....

Anyway, I still have to show everyone the PETA t-shirt I got.

And more video diaries to come.....

;-))
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 11, 2007, 12:15:43 AM: When I was back in Singapore (for TARA 2 Press conference) and clearing up my old room and all my boxes. I found my folder of poems given to me from kids I've met at summer and facilitation camps. We always had one night called "Poetry Night" where the kids express themselves and write poems on the spot.

This is one of my favourite ones.... I'll write the words here in-case you can't read the picture. It was written by a 7 or 8-year-old in 1999. Amazing!

DAYS OF OUR LIFE

A candle is a good example of our life.

Life is short, learn as much as you can before you go.

There are millions of things in life, we must be content with what we have.
Having things are better than not having thing. Time will go forward and will never come back to that ONE and only moment.
Time fly and time & tide waits for no men.
Doing something bad, must be owned up and take ownership of it.
Great people have done good for mankind.

Peace is better than war, with everyone united, we will be strong and difficult to be defeated.
The biggest problem is that some people are not content with what they have.
Like a President of Iraq, he is a president but still wants to take over the earth.
Nobody is perfect to take over the world, only the great one stands tall and watch over all of us.
In this life if you do evil,
someone will do evil to you.

By: Victor Teo Wei Hong
Camp Tomorrow
23/6/99

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 11, 2007, 12:26:05 AM: Here is another incredible poem by a kid we loved - Freddy. He has autism.

This was written in 1996. Freddy can't write so this was written out by his team-leader as he receted it out.

I AM

I am a good boy
I wonder that I understand.

I hear your voice
I see the TV
I want to do homework
I am a clever boy
I pretend to do something else
I feel very tired
I touch the window
I worry myself to go and see the doctor
I cry myself I am very angry

I am sick
I understand myself and I think
I say that I take a rest
I dream to do it immediately

I try to eat
I hope that I am very thirsty
I am a crazy boy.

Freddy
Malaysia 1996

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 11, 2007, 12:44:10 AM: I miss OZ and driving along the coast ........

;-))

I miss my friends and especially my BIG Monkey!!!

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 11, 2007, 12:53:45 AM: Okay this funny, silly poem is dedicated to Monica & Ed, Brett & Kinar ......... I'm SO glad I met them!!!

Who have all renewed my belief in finding true love........ * wink wink
It's kind of cheessy but I love it!!! hahhahhahah

A CHEM LOVE POEM!

I am attracted to you
Like an electron to a proton
Together we form an ionic bond
Though we are opposite charged ions
I am drawn towards you

Our love is unique as an orbital
For only two electrons can fill this space
As my love for you increases
My energy level rises
I am in this excited state

Increasing the tendency to form a chemical bond
I was an element
It took you to make me a compound substance
Falling in love with you is a chemical reaction
Which cause my love for you to grow
Ours is an exothermic love
Each for giving off love not just absorbing it

Sometimes you do something especially nice
Which speeds up the chemical process
Like a catalyst in my increasing love for you

I realise we have our inhibition periods
And sometimes I am selfish enough
To be an endothermic reaction
Only absorbing your love

The feeling I have for you is so intense
It cannot be measured in kilojoules
Often I have to make a qualitative elementary analysis
To understand and love you more

But I don't expect to know your empirical formula
You are too complex a person for that
When you are gone
I am a noble gas
An inert substance
When I am without you
The world seems still
And I am at equilibrium
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 11, 2007, 12:55:39 AM: Sophie Diary Ep 5: Making a movie Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSQRBo6WuoI

p.s. posting Ep 4 very soon.... I didn't forget *wink wink
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 11, 2007, 12:00:43 PM: Thanks for waiting......

Here is Ep 4: The Outcome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDoxiBXEI90

I'm going to start posting more action-type videos soon......it's getting boring just talking away....it's time I get the most out of the hot, sunny days left before Winter comes......
Just going to finish talking about the movies first......

Cheers,
Sophie
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 12, 2007, 08:58:41 AM: Some photos I took at the after-party in Attica, Singapore....... Oh what a night!!!

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 12, 2007, 09:04:41 AM: More ...

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on October 12, 2007, 10:14:44 AM: Thank you so much Sophie! We are all enjoying your updates!

First, do hope you are better now...

And what a lot you have going on!!

Screenwriting! Horror Movies??!! Job Interviews! PETA Spokesperson!! A bright and exciting future for sure!

And what incredible poems/letters from those children. Freddy especially really gives you a glimpse into his world.

And NICE pictures! I think I recognize everyone but the second one down--who are they please?? He looks familiar but...

Thank you again for sharing your life with us!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: puddin on October 12, 2007, 11:33:17 AM: Thank you for sharing Sophie :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 12, 2007, 11:02:58 PM: Ooohhhh Ccccooooolllllll............

Yeah I'm having fun posting things up here..... really great to have this blog. :-*

Peaches, you're too kind. For every single thing I'm getting into, it's many more hours of hard, hard, hard, hard work.....
it's fun to get into projects but in the creative field, you often have to come up with 50 ideas before two or even one works out.....

I'm glad you guys are coming over and taking a peek.....

I'm much better now thanks, but still not 100%..... the coughing has improved but it's still lingering.....

Okay.....the second photo down is Ramon (left), the sponsor from Caltex..... and Greg (right), Vice-President of Ad-Sales, AXN Singapore.....
So they are the big boys who made the show possible!!! heehehehehe..... :yess: :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 12, 2007, 11:11:16 PM: I have no idea why I started sticking out my tongue so much when I'm drunk hahahahhha ......

These are my favourite girls in the whole wide world!!! (okay okay plus some good friends I have in Oz and London.....)

Kinar and Sawaka are the sweetest, happiness gals who really make you so so happy with their sincere smiles and kind hearts.... :angel:

:hearts: :hearts: :hearts: :hearts: :hearts:

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 15, 2007, 06:08:09 AM: Hi everyone,

This weekend was the Lan Kwai Fong Carnival, that's why Soho was especially lively and buzzing more than usual on this side of the planet. :waves:

Here's a peek.... at the carnival.

I'm actually really looking forward to Halloween parties coming up..... I think I got an idea what costume I'm getting heehee..... *wink wink

p.s. Sorry I haven't been able to edit footage as fast because of work etc..... more a little bit laterz.... :jumpy:

:angel:

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on October 15, 2007, 08:55:17 PM: Thanks for sharing Sophie.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 21, 2007, 11:36:06 PM: Sophie Diaries...

Ep 6: Making a movie Part 2

(Coming)

Ep 7: Living the high seas in Hong Kong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDXLQnaQiDc
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 22, 2007, 12:45:04 AM: Sophie Diaries ...

Ep 8: Beach Camping Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkzPsFa4YOk

This was the long weekend holiday in Hong Kong to celebrate Chung Yeung Festival (19 Oct). The last long weekend for the rest of the year. I had to edit this footage first because I had so much fun with my friends hiking on Friday afternoon, then cooking in an open fire and camping overnight on the beach under the stars. Yes it was even one of the rare times I could actually see stars in Hong Kong. Enjoy ;D

Part II is a bit PG.... so gentle caution first hehehee.....
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 22, 2007, 01:36:30 AM: Quote from: georgiapeach on September 29, 2007, 07:53:04 PM
Here is the first of Sophie's video diaries:

From Sophie: Deepest apologies.... I've made this video private for now because I've been asked to edit a little part out of what I said. I'll re-post very soon.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 22, 2007, 04:27:29 AM: Sophie Diaries ...

Ep 9: Beach Camping Part II (PG)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhCLiAVQolc

It's awesome what happens when friends from all over come together.... you not only get a taste of difference cultures, traditions, languages, but also their love of fruity beverages haahhahaaa. It's amazing what we can learn from someone's culture just from what they eat and drink :jam:

:jumpy:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Kiwi Jay on October 22, 2007, 12:52:27 PM: lol this looks cool lol ;D
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 23, 2007, 10:26:42 PM: Hi everyone,

Here is the updated Ep 1: My dream beyond the Amazing Race Asia 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcZKD-d2Hx4
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 23, 2007, 10:35:27 PM: Sophie Diaries Beach Camping Weekend continues....

Ep 10: Beach Camping Part 3 - Rock-climbing!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2pcb1BgOv0

We woke up early on Saturday morning to go rock-climbing at a nearby waterfall a friend had told us about. We walked along the water to find it, but actually found a HUGE bull (with HUGE HUGE horns) happily glazing on grass. It was walking on the same narrow trails that hikers were taking too. So I'm sure it shocked a few people! At the waterfall, the weather was awesome and we climbed all morning. No ropes.... just mind over body! If we slipped off the rock-face, it was a plunge into the pond at the foot of the waterfall. Yippee!!! :tup:

:hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on October 25, 2007, 03:26:24 AM: Hello.... I thought I'll make it a bit easier and recap all the video diaries here.... :hearts:

Ep 1: I Wish... beyond the Amazing Race Asia 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcZKD-d2Hx4

Ep 2: The Partner that wasn't to be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALH7JMTdRLA

Ep 3: A bizarre cab ride in Singapore
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djLQAgRQ1II

Ep 4: The Outcome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDoxiBXEI90

Ep 5: Making a Movie Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSQRBo6WuoI

Ep 6: Making a Movie Part II
(Coming soon)

Ep 7: Living the High Seas in Hong Kong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDXLQnaQiDc

Ep 8: Beach Camping Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkzPsFa4YOk

Ep 9: Beach Camping Part II (PG)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhCLiAVQolc

Ep 10: Beach Camping Part III - Rock-climbing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2pcb1BgOv0
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on October 31, 2007, 10:29:29 PM: Thanks, Sophie. I'll subscribe to your videos. You do a great job.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on November 01, 2007, 08:18:18 AM: BIG DAY, Sophie! We'll be hoping the "Meet the Teams" Show is a huge success! :congrats:

Yay for TARA 2!! :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on November 01, 2007, 10:25:00 AM: The show has already aired in Asia! I hope it's up on *ahem* satellite soon.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 01, 2007, 11:44:37 AM: Hahhaahhahaha :hearts:

Thanks everyone....so so so so SO much for all your kind support

Really appreciate them!!!

:jumpy:

:-[
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 03, 2007, 09:06:54 PM: Hi everyone......

How did you all enjoy Racers Revealed? If you're in Asia....

Hahaahhaha actually I have not watched it myself because I was having dinner with Monica, Ed, and some HK friends on Thursday night. I hope to catch it soon and write some comments here.

So after dinner, we were heading back to our friend's place to chill and we actually caught the last 5 minutes of the show... and I saw in the graphics that I am now officially TEAM SINGAPORE.

I would love to represent Hong Kong as I live and work here now, but I'm Singaporean after all. So I'm super glad at the same time. I guess it was confusing to be both and the producers chose Singapore for me in the end. :yess:

Thanks Producers :kissy: :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on November 03, 2007, 09:15:09 PM: Banzai gave us the promo/commercial but that is all most of us have seen... :'(

Can't wait till we can figure out a way to watch! Hope it was dynamite for you! :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on November 04, 2007, 09:01:59 PM: Quote from: realisophie on November 03, 2007, 09:06:54 PM
Hi everyone......

How did you all enjoy Racers Revealed? If you're in Asia....

Hahaahhaha actually I have not watched it myself because I was having dinner with Monica, Ed, and some HK friends on Thursday night. I hope to catch it soon and write some comments here.

So after dinner, we were heading back to our friend's place to chill and we actually caught the last 5 minutes of the show... and I saw in the graphics that I am now officially TEAM SINGAPORE.

I would love to represent Hong Kong as I live and work here now, but I'm Singaporean after all. So I'm super glad at the same time. I guess it was confusing to be both and the producers chose Singapore for me in the end. :yess:

Thanks Producers :kissy: :hearts:

Hi Sophie! I watched the episode. I gave my impressions in the commentary thread, but overall, I do like the look of many teams. There's an interesting dynamic between you and Aurelia. That's going to be interesting to watch down the road.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 07, 2007, 09:27:12 PM: Thanks to a special guy ;D for giving me awesome tips on making my videos better and more entertaining.... and a very experienced producer.

Oh last night was my friend Claudia's last night in Hong Kong and we partied like there's no tomorrow :jam:

We are all SO SO SO sad that she's heading back home to Austria, Europe.... :'(

I don't like drinking at all actually, perhaps just the occasional wine but I LOVE beer fest because of the atmosphere. I've shot so much footage.... hahaah I'm not really looking forward to logging the footage for the edit.

I'll post some photos very soon :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 19, 2007, 10:30:49 AM: Okay.... didn't have much time yet to sort out my photos because of work and travelling a little bit.... but it's all worth it! I had so much fun at the media preview in Singapore.... watching the first episode with my home boys.... Collin and Adrian. And it was such a wonderful surprise to see Brett there, plus his MUM. He just happened to be in Singapore at the right time.... so he joined the party too. I just had to tell her that she's got the best son ever!!! Brett's mum is calm and cool just like Brett....haahhaha...... sexy Diane also popped by to party.....

I also got to meet Collin's best friends.... Adrian's parents..... they were smiling all night long.... you can see how proud they are of both of the boys just from their faces!!!

Collin, Adrian and Brett.... :kissy: how much hulk can I handle in one night hahahhahaha.... ;)
It was just awesome to be surrounded with such positive energy.... I felt great!

Sharon and Melody/ Team Singapore from Season 1 also joined us for the night... it was simply great to finally meet them! I had such laughs with Melody that night, she is such a happy and funny person in real life....

We heard from the Caltex sponsor that feedback from media was very good and some even commented that the party should have lasted longer :jam:

Here are some photos from the night.... :jumpy:

p.s. I've been shooting more video diaries, but just can't stay awake long enough to edit the footage, but I will get my butt on them very, very soon.... deepest apologies :groan:

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on November 19, 2007, 11:10:14 AM: Thanks for the pics, Sophie. You look very lovely.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on November 21, 2007, 11:50:13 PM: Your big day is finally here! :congrats: :partie:

Just wanted to let you know we would be thinking about you and hoping for great ratings and a fabulous edit!

:kuss: :hugs:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 22, 2007, 01:06:31 AM: Thanks so much Peaches and TARAAsia Fan for your kind words!!!

I've already seen Ep 1 TWICE.... once in HK and once in Singapore with Team Singapore, Brett and Diane. It's the latter episodes that I'm shaking under my shell about.... :lol:

This is Melody from Season 1..... She's lovely and very happy. She's actually heading back to New Zealand for 2 weeks to do a travelogue for Channel 5 (Singapore) and the New Zealand Tourism Board. What a lucky girl!!! :hugs:

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 22, 2007, 01:17:59 AM: More news from Singapore... while I was back.... I headed down to Siloso Beach, Sentosa to catch up with some old, old friends.... just kidding.... they are not that old ahhahah :lol:

I worked as an intern with my production friends more than 7 years ago :o Time flies!!!

It was great to catch up with my old friends ANNE (very dedicated producer; anyone is lucky to hire her heehee) and one of, if not THE best MOST professional (hahahhahah) cameraguy in Singapore IKRAM.

Back to the beach party event on Siloso Beach last Saturday 17 Nov.... it was a showcase of local ROCK bands in Singapore and a few from other Asian countries. The party lasted from 12 noon to midnight and was of course sponsored by Nokia. I made a video diary of this and will post it over the coming weekend. It was fun chilling out on the beach, listening to some very interesting original rock songs.... one of my "favourite" had almost the same line "I wanna date a porn star" for the entire song. :lol3:

Have a sneek peak at the party here first :tup:

To listen and support the bands further, please visit nokia-asia.com/iac

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 22, 2007, 11:34:44 AM: Hi everyone,

All hell has broken loose.....

The show begins!!!

First of all, I learnt MANY life lessons from the race and what NOT to ever do again with anyone. **** happens. Since coming back, I had a different perspective on a lot of things and a lot of people I thought were my friends. So now, I'm much closer to a group of friends who bring out the VERY best in me, and my relationships have never been better. I also have to credit Brett & Kinar for their great influence on me, especially my talks with Brett. He's so wise and so clear on what priorities to have in life.

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Alan on November 23, 2007, 10:35:45 AM: Hey, nice to see a TARA2 racer around here! :waves:

Anyway, may I ask whats up with Aurelia and your quote about her during the roadblock? Was it that stressful due to it being hard to eat but at the same time not wanting to be at the back of the pack?

But you guys did great, finishing in 5th place...So congrats on a good start! :tup:

All the best in the edit and thanks in advance!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 28, 2007, 01:52:34 AM: Okay back to the story of Manila......

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on November 28, 2007, 01:58:33 AM: Sophie! Y'all did great! And so far so good on the edit although I can see how they set you up as the fighting-former friends. But I thought y'all did amazingly well! I was a nervous wreck the whole time--there was so much going on!

And just how nasty WERE those eggs??
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 28, 2007, 02:10:17 AM: Going back to reality again....

I was just meeting some girl-friends for a quick drink last Saturday night (24 Nov).... then rush to an Omnimax movie called Deep Sea in TST, and meet up with them again after the movie. BUT I ended up missing my movie to become their official "Banger Sisters" group photographer, handbag caretaker, bar chop checker (we had to get a stamp from each bar after completing the task and drink at all 12 bars in 1.5 hours), runner, cheerleader and direction pointer (the girls got so drunk it's really hard to keep sight of which way the next bar was.... actually I got very confused as well running back and forth on the streets and I wasn't even drinking)......ahhahahaahhahahah.....

I have not laughed so hard till I almost rolled on the floor from weak knees in Wanchai before.... how can running around to 10 pubs be this much fun!!!! it was *(*&^#*@^*($^#($^# awesome ahahhahaha!!!!...... couldn't have had a better sat girls night out!!!!!!

The best comedy of the night Countdown Chart -

10) Sophie running off to find a candle from 7-11 and other bars, but finally got a candle from mes amis to melt 2kg of ice from one of the challenges. But arrived too late and it was already finished

9) Jamie disappearing to 7-11 to get Big Boy condoms so that we could fit 2kg of ice into it..... yah right...

8) Jessie eating crackers for extra energy and gum for fresh breath (you never know hehehehe) as we ran from pub to pub

7) Girls getting stuck with string through their clothes, pulling and tagging and finally taking off their shirts

6) Wendy's rap on stage at the end; Wendy's screaming at the cockroach when she bent over to get the brush to paint the dangling apple

5) Jamie going down on the dildo of whip cream (is this way you're not single anymore after sat night??? ahhaahah)

4) One of the bunnies from the other team (every team got dressed up in different costumes) grabbed Adriane's butt during one of the pub challenge

3) Wendy biting into the condom as she tried to put it on the dildo

2) Everyone puking from eating the smelly tofu and holding their noses at the bar

1) Jessie pulling out a pair of slippers out of nowhere!!!!!....when Jamie's sandles fell apart while racing..... this was PURE comedy!!!!! Jessie had everything in her bag and was super prepared for the race!!! Only she would have thought of extra slippers (just in-case). What a gal!

The girls WON BEST FANCY DRESS for the night because of their original t-shirts ahhahahahah

We're trying to do a rooftop party at my house to drink up that case of Heineken beer we won...Yippee!
More reasons to keep on partying..... :cmas26

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 28, 2007, 02:12:52 AM: More photos... :cmas22

The first bar had this drink you had to choose from 1) some weird concoction with chicken feet not just as decoration on the side of the glass OR 2) chili padi ground up into the spicy drink....

Oh boy!

And then there was another bar, after they had finished drinking their shot... one chosen team member had to use a brush (with no hands) and paint a dangling apple. This was when Wendy bend over to pick up the brush, she screamed so loud everyone on the street heard her and every one jumped because there was a cockroach ... a very very naughty cockroach that was hiding behind the paint can, waiting to fighten the girls. The bar staff and I went to chase the cockroach away. Yes, I'm NOT afraid of them wahahahhaha.......

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 28, 2007, 02:14:04 AM: And more .... :cmas18

hahahahahah

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 28, 2007, 02:15:28 AM: Last ones ..... ahhahhaha :cmas27

Many other funny things happened at the other bars, but this was probably the one that made us LOSE!!!

Have you ever eaten Smelly Tofu???? Oh my!!!! It's like who the hell would invent something like this.... and call it a local delicacy???!!!! (:;) just kidding :cmas19

We all PUKED!!!!...... including me because I tried to help the team eat some of it in the box....

At the last bar stop.... all the teams had to go on-stage to do a rap about all 10 pubs we went to. Gosh, at this stage.... who can even talk properly hahahah.... but of course.... Wendy the trooper went on with Adriane and Jessie .... just a sneak view of their "rap"
(youtube link coming soon)

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on November 28, 2007, 09:29:18 AM: Sophie,

This is great to see. Great recap of your Manila leg. Nice to get some background.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 30, 2007, 08:55:31 PM: :cmas9 30th November marks the 2nd month Anniversary of my blog!!! :cmas9

wow 2 months goes so so so fast!!!

:hearts: Thanks to Peaches and Puddin for making this blog thread for me to post my writings and vdeo diary links onto.

More insights on Ep 2 coming up :cmas22
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 01, 2007, 04:58:54 AM: Hi everyone

I just noticed that there are ADS HIGHLIGHTED with certain KEY WORDS in my blog.....

Emmm... just to let everyone know I DO NOT profit from any of these ads NOR am I computer savvy enough to have added them in..... I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN OR HOW THEY HAVE APPEARED THERE!!!

Any idea Peaches and Puddin??? Or they were put up by you girls????

Everyone, I just write here for fun and to get my video diaries watched on Youtube to be enjoyed..... nickname realisophie.
I'm not into making any money from here, I regard myself fortunate enough to have food on my table and a roof over my head from jobs I get as a mere writer. I work very hard, 14 hours almost everyday. If I did make any money from my "new-found" status, I would say it and donate to charities and green organisations I work with on a regular basis.

Anyway, I'm VERY confused on the appearance of these ads here and just noticed them TODAY, sat 1 Dec. Honestly to have these ads here is also a real turn-off EVEN for me. I hope they will be removed soon, whoever tagged or made links here. I hope you understand.

Just to clear things up.

:cmas5 Sophie
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 01, 2007, 05:07:36 AM: Anyway... the REAL reason I came in today is to wish everyone

WORLD AIDS DAY!

To spread the message of SAFE SEX to our younger Amazing Race fans.... and also to remind others of being faithful and RESPONSIBLE to your partners and not indulge in casual sex just for the "moment". It's hard enough finding that special someone who loves you for who and how you are.

In a city like e.g. Hong Kong, money is everywhere, so I've seen how "easy" it is to be tempted by good-looking guys who will give you ANYTHING you desire to "have" you. But love CANNOT be bought no matter how rich you are.

TRUE LOVE does exist ....... even in lonely cities that are overshadowed by material offerings and temptations.

Life is beautiful and love is the topping that should be sprinkled into everyone's lives.... ahahahaha.... I have to be a romantic..... I'm a writer heeheheehhe.....

Love and respect your partner always!

:hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: puddin on December 01, 2007, 10:47:15 AM: Quote from: realisophie on December 01, 2007, 04:58:54 AM
Hi everyone

I just noticed that there are ADS HIGHLIGHTED with certain KEY WORDS in my blog.....

Emmm... just to let everyone know I DO NOT profit from any of these ads NOR am I computer savvy enough to have added them in..... I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN OR HOW THEY HAVE APPEARED THERE!!!

Any idea Peaches and Puddin??? Or they were put up by you girls????

Everyone, I just write here for fun and to get my video diaries watched on Youtube to be enjoyed..... nickname realisophie.
I'm not into making any money from here, I regard myself fortunate enough to have food on my table and a roof over my head from jobs I get as a mere writer. I work very hard, 14 hours almost everyday. If I did make any money from my "new-found" status, I would say it and donate to charities and green organisations I work with on a regular basis.

Anyway, I'm VERY confused on the appearance of these ads here and just noticed them TODAY, sat 1 Dec. Honestly to have these ads here is also a real turn-off EVEN for me. I hope they will be removed soon, whoever tagged or made links here. I hope you understand.

Just to clear things up.

:cmas5 Sophie

Sophie, I think Rob, the guy who owns the site is trying something new with the ads. The ads are how he makes money to keep the site running, it has nothing and its not just your blog that has them, sorry.

Hey keep on racing girl! I'm loving this season! What a perfect mix of characters, you all make me laugh and cry at the same time. I love it!! :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 01, 2007, 11:30:20 AM: Quote from: puddin on December 01, 2007, 10:47:15 AM
Quote from: realisophie on December 01, 2007, 04:58:54 AM
Hi everyone

I just noticed that there are ADS HIGHLIGHTED with certain KEY WORDS in my blog.....

Emmm... just to let everyone know I DO NOT profit from any of these ads NOR am I computer savvy enough to have added them in..... I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN OR HOW THEY HAVE APPEARED THERE!!!

Any idea Peaches and Puddin??? Or they were put up by you girls????

Everyone, I just write here for fun and to get my video diaries watched on Youtube to be enjoyed..... nickname realisophie.
I'm not into making any money from here, I regard myself fortunate enough to have food on my table and a roof over my head from jobs I get as a mere writer. I work very hard, 14 hours almost everyday. If I did make any money from my "new-found" status, I would say it and donate to charities and green organisations I work with on a regular basis.

Anyway, I'm VERY confused on the appearance of these ads here and just noticed them TODAY, sat 1 Dec. Honestly to have these ads here is also a real turn-off EVEN for me. I hope they will be removed soon, whoever tagged or made links here. I hope you understand.

Just to clear things up.

:cmas5 Sophie

Sophie, I think Rob, the guy who owns the site is trying something new with the ads. The ads are how he makes money to keep the site running, it has nothing and its not just your blog that has them, sorry.

Hey keep on racing girl! I'm loving this season! What a perfect mix of characters, you all make me laugh and cry at the same time. I love it!! :hearts:

Sophie: Well I guess everyone can understand if it helps keep this site up and running...... because I'm sure we all love to discuss in these blog forums!!!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 03, 2007, 07:10:40 AM: Ep 12: I'm so proud of you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzfvFM73nHU

*Music by Sawaka Kawashima, a very warm, talented and wonderful Japanese singer, STAR/ cast of Amazing Race Asia Season 2, and now my very good, loyal friend.

Please visit her website at www.sawaka.com

(To Sawaka, thanks for letting me use your beautiful original soundtrack Mis Cosas Favoritas, which means My Favourite Things in Spanish.)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 03, 2007, 07:11:59 AM: Ep 11: Oktobeerfest - Hong Kong
(Coming Soon)

Ep 13: Support Local Bands! Lime Sonic Bang Singapore
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA3vEC2NHi0

A showcase of local rock bands at a beach party I went to during my trip back to Singapore for the TARA2 Media Preview screening in mid-November. Support local bands in your Asian country.... go to

www.nokia-asia.com/iac

or

www.ripplevox.com/music
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 06, 2007, 08:04:51 AM: Oh no I'm so LATE on updating this blog with insights on Episode 2.... and in a blink it's already Episode 3...

Okay okay don't panick.... I'm trying to recall as much as I can about Episode 2....

Episode 2

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 06, 2007, 09:24:11 AM: Okay Episode 3....

Sorry didn't manage to catch it tonight, I'm still working but need to get some sleep soon....

I made some mistakes there, probably they will show me losing my cool because one of the situations was just the most ridiculous situations I've ever been in. But okay let me watch the episode over the weekend and talk about it later.... to explain.... just in case I was misunderstood.... but of course I will be frank about everything. The crew is my witness ahahahahhaa....

Stay tuned it's just a show......

:xmas146
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on December 06, 2007, 03:13:04 PM: you're doing awesome Sophie! And we are enjoying you both so much...

We are staying spoiler free here till Sat nights to give us all a chance to find it--so take your time! :kisses
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on December 06, 2007, 08:55:41 PM: Quote from: realisophie on December 06, 2007, 09:24:11 AM
Okay Episode 3....

Sorry didn't manage to catch it tonight, I'm still working but need to get some sleep soon....

I made some mistakes there, probably they will show me losing my cool because one of the situations was just the most ridiculous situations I've ever been in. But okay let me watch the episode over the weekend and talk about it later.... to explain.... just in case I was :cmaslol .... but of course I will be frank about everything. The crew is my witness ahahahahhaa....

Stay tuned it's just a show......

:xmas146
I just watched it, Sophie. I'll say you and Aurelia are certainly dysfunctional. :cmaslol :cmaslol
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 06, 2007, 10:37:24 PM: Hi Tarasia Fan

Yes, Brett and Diane were nice enough to call me last night to see if I was okay ahhahaha.... Sawaka watched this episode weeks ago and told me it was looking very bad for me, to help me get mentally prepared for it. Bless Sawaka :cmas17

I will be brave to try catching it over the weekend to see how badly the edit is. But I'll write later more about what really happened ... I have tried SO hard to forget....

I don't think disfunctional is the only word to use..... just completely SELF-DESTRUCTIVE team!!!

Sigh...

I tried my best thats all I can say .... and I will explain more later.

After hours and hours in the car driving with her talking non-stop... I just wanted to drive off the cliff.... I got a little nutty.... no LOTS nutty I admit :pull ahahhahhaha :lol3: Yes I'm laughing it off.... coz I believe in Karma and I'm a better person from that experience!

Thanks for still talking to me hahahahhahah :cmas19
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on December 06, 2007, 10:42:18 PM: Of course, I still talk to you! I know it's a TV show. Besides, I'm still rooting for you. :yess: :yess:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Ralph. on December 06, 2007, 11:10:29 PM: Quote from: realisophie on December 06, 2007, 10:37:24 PM
Hi Tarasia Fan

Yes, Brett and Diane were nice enough to call me last night to see if I was okay ahhahaha.... Sawaka watched this episode weeks ago and told me it was looking very bad for me, to help me get mentally prepared for it. Bless Sawaka :cmas17

I will be brave to try catching it over the weekend to see how badly the edit is. But I'll write later more about what really happened ... I have tried SO hard to forget....

I don't think disfunctional is the only word to use..... just completely SELF-DESTRUCTIVE team!!!

Sigh...

I tried my best thats all I can say .... and I will explain more later.

After hours and hours in the car driving with her talking non-stop... I just wanted to drive off the cliff.... I got a little nutty.... no LOTS nutty I admit :pull ahahhahhaha :lol3: Yes I'm laughing it off.... coz I believe in Karma and I'm a better person from that experience!

Thanks for still talking to me hahahahhahah :cmas19

Hello! I just registered. And just so you know, I'm also rooting for you! :)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 07, 2007, 08:41:04 PM: :cmas22 Hello Ralph!!!

Thanks for coming to join us in this blog. :cmas16 Welcome! Welcome!!
Really appreciate it.

My blogs been getting quite a few visits, I guess most people just come here to read my thoughts. Really really thanks you guys and gals for all your kind ssssuuuurrrrpppppppooooorrrrrrtttttt :kisses

I have to thank a very good friend this week too...when I was feeling swamped with work and then someone left me 2 nasty comments on my video diaries out of hundreds of hits...not both this week but I happened to just notice them on tuesday, so I was quite upset. People can have their own opinions, no worries, but it was taken out of context, it was too specific, petty and on something I think other forumers probably wouldnt even think or know about. Anyway it was my first reaction to just remove them and not read them ever again!!! Feeling more self-reflective, I started to "isolate" myself from the world, feeling sorry for myself.

So my friend came over to my house and surprised me with a little HAPPY snowman (I'll take a photo later)..... to remind me about Christmas and to be happy for all the things I did this year. And to be thankful :cmas9

And I really am thankful because out of all the sacrifices I made, even quitting my job for the race. I really struggled when I came back from the show. That's why I started making the video diaries to motivate myself. So many things could have been a LOT worse!

Did I think I would ever succeed to become a TV presenter from them? Not really. But my friends enjoy my videos, so that's what counts for me, and also the people in this forums who have been here for me..... :cmas27

What a crazy year it's been!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 07, 2007, 08:49:47 PM: Sophie Diaries...

Episode 14: The nightmare I tried to make positive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe0N4YElYdM

just for laughs....
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 07, 2007, 11:16:59 PM: Okay what do I remember about Episode 3.... gosh I've tried so hard to forget it.

IT WAS THE WORSE DAY OF MY LIFE!!! :groan:

(MISSING TEXT)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: mcsr6556 on December 08, 2007, 01:24:48 AM: Hello Sophie

Don't feel bad about episode 3. you did well. considering the hindrances.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: nikita on December 08, 2007, 05:37:19 AM: Hi Sophie! What a cutie pie of a baby!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on December 08, 2007, 10:38:27 AM: :cmas50 :cmas50 :cmas50

This is so funny, Sophie. I love this! Keep us updated on what happens in each leg. You really do write well. :cmaslol :cmaslol :cmaslol :jumpy: :jumpy: :jumpy:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on December 08, 2007, 10:54:33 PM: Go Sophie ! I can't wait for your part II. :yess:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: apskip on December 09, 2007, 05:02:01 AM: Sophie, I know from viewing episode 3 that your part II is going to be a real hum-dinger. Bring it on.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 09, 2007, 08:41:29 PM: Hi everyone....

Wow.... thanks for this forum to help me voice what really happened. After all it was also captured on camera. I guess some of the characters just have to be controversial and my situation started well... you all know the story by now :cmas4

I had an awesome weekend, finally managed to get some Christmas cards and some presents to send out. I had a lovely time with a special someone and surrounded myself with good friends. Life can be simple and good.

I also am looking for a new apartment. We almost FOUND one on sat so it was really exciting but too bad it was a little TOO small to put 2 sets of diving gear and a mountain bike, probably two very soon ehhehehe
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 09, 2007, 09:16:22 PM: Ready for Part II....??? :yess:

(MISSING TEXT)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on December 09, 2007, 10:12:09 PM: So is there a Part III? :hearts: :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 09, 2007, 10:36:54 PM: Part III

(MISSING TEXT)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: bobeep on December 10, 2007, 04:00:38 AM: Hi Sophie! Just wanted to say not to take the negative criticisms too bad. Look on the bright side, some teams have more negative comments than you do. So just ignore those people cause everyone's bound to have haters. It's interesting reading your side of the story, if I were you I would have been so annoyed at Aurelia. She sounds like one of those genuinely annoying people haha...Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the race. I wanted to ask how Marc & Rovi and Pam & Van were? Were you close to them? Which teams were close to each other? I know you and Sawaka were close, how about Daichi? Sorry about the many questions haha..
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Alan on December 10, 2007, 09:25:27 AM: Its ok man! :cmas16

I think it makes a good team....One cheerful and bubbly while the other is focused and strong on the tasks.

I'm sure those comments were taking out of context and the editing is just to make it more of an entertainment.

Sometimes under the stress of the race and the fear of not wanting to get eliminated just take its toll on people and I think Terri( and Henry) is probably worst.

I am sure you guys are still friends at the end of the day so it should matter the most?
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Ralph. on December 12, 2007, 12:55:31 AM: I actually laughed out loud when I read your interesting and insightful bits about Episode 3. I already publicised this thing on a myspace forum, so i think more people will come and read this.
Do you have a myspace/facebook/friendster whatever? That's cool.
I think that it's actually the editing that made you look bad. I sympathise with you, having to deal with so much pressure.
Was the counting of money hard?
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 12, 2007, 08:10:42 AM: Hi everyone

MILLIONS of hugs.... THANKS for all YOUR support!!!!!!!

Thanks so much for reading my blog.....

I'm SO SO SO SO SO sorry for not finishing Part IV.... the truth is out there..... everything will come to light and everything I write here.... there's footage to go with it sitting in their office.

All will be answered and revealed very soon I promise...........

Oh and I'm so sorry I don't have time to finish this blog.... means so much to me that people are bothering to read what really happened..... I'm running back and forth filming in China as well as finishing up on existing writing jobs.... and MONICA is back in HK for Christmas. She just called me today, we have lots to catch up!!! Love Monica :cmas17 She's just awesome!!!

Quick answer to one of the questions I saw before in earlier posts.... I'm VERY close to Sawaka, Monica and Kinar out of the girls and my main man MONEY BANKS.... hahahahh Brett calls me by my last name so my nick for him is "MONEY BANKS"!!! I'll explain more later!!!!

:cmas22
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 12, 2007, 09:26:56 AM: Part IV... the best bit to come!

(MISSING TEXT)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on December 12, 2007, 11:38:39 AM: Go on Sophie......Pls tell us when you got lost to the vineyard, is TRACY still around ? :dick
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Ralph. on December 12, 2007, 11:02:03 PM: Interesting! So exactly how far were you from the other teams? And how long?
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on December 12, 2007, 11:07:11 PM: :welcome2: to the forum, snap-on and ralphchow! :waves:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 12, 2007, 11:16:13 PM: Quote from: ralphchow on December 12, 2007, 11:02:03 PM
Interesting! So exactly how far were you from the other teams? And how long?

(MISSING TEXT)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Ralph. on December 12, 2007, 11:21:45 PM: Wow, it was that long? I hope that everyone's on the same flight the next leg, so that you guys can catch up.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 12, 2007, 11:22:15 PM: Quote from: snap-on on December 12, 2007, 11:38:39 AM
Go on Sophie......Pls tell us when you got lost to the vineyard, is TRACY still around ? :dick

(MISSING TEXT)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 13, 2007, 06:26:41 AM: I'm on the road again....

So tired but very happy.

I just finished watching Ep 3, a friend downloaded it for me and left me a copy for my mac.

Actually I'm not as upset as I thought I was going to be.

It was such a horrible day.... starting from HK. So.... you guys know the truth.... that's all I need.

The funniest part for me was the cut when I said, It's really hard to be objective with her... then it cuts to her not knowing even what Hazard lights were. How can you drive without knowing where or what hazard lights are??? Come on, she can't blame it on her "English" yet again. She's been speaking English for at least more than 4 years constantly in Asia. That was SO funny!! That was just a taste of how ridiculous things were for me. Before she started driving, she even asked me if P was DRIVE on the automatic stick! I knew that was not caught on tape. So I was really surprised to see this footage, I thought she got away with a lot of her stupidity moments. It's just not normal being with Aurelia.

Come on give me a break.... I'm only human.

Anyway, I think it was fair they showed the part I told her she couldn't climb. You know the reasons why I pushed her so hard. We had no chance of making it unless we were one of the middle teams, we had a penalty waiting for us.

The part I said, "I would rather give up the race than to trust you again".... I was not talking about her not being able to climb, it was her DRIVING skills. I was driving most of the time, and I knew I was done by then. I was totally gone but I was so frustrated from getting lost. We both were.

When we finally got to the vineyard, I thought that was it. That's why I rushed to open the clue. I was left with no more emotions. At spookers, at first I was just playing around, looking scared for the camera because it was the ONLY emotion left in me, but they were SO good, these actors, they just did a great job. They were so good at popping out of nowhere!!! So at some points, I did jump quite a bit. But more so..... I just wanted to SCREAM MY LUNGS OUT..... FOR THE HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS AND HOURS..... I COULD NOT SCREAM IN THE CAR..... out of frustration of the day.... ouT of being eliminated. Even if we were 8th that day, it wouldn't have mattered.

And plus I think I'm quite intuitive to these spirituality. You know when you walk into a place, say a new apartment you can feel the vibes of a place. I'm very good with that! If only this transcended with people for me. What a skill I would have. Spookers I can tell you, is not a "clean" place for sure! It used to be a mental hospital and many died there.

Anyway, the place WAS HUGE! I was so tired, just wanted it to end. The house also had the strangest stench ever, it's like you can't breathe. I think it's from all the makeup and fabrics they used to decorate the place. You guys can't see it, but it's SO well done. I was really impressed. It had huge ballrooms, jails, surgery rooms, bodies hanging from the ceilings, butcher knives everywhere. Ghosts grabbing you and screaming so loudly in your ear.

Plus they all must have been so tired by then. We made them wait so so so long!!!! We felt really bad about it. Everyone was so so so tired. Even the crew was so "glad" to finally see us.

After shooting this last scene, we made our way back to the car. They made us hide, but I popped my head out to see how Brett & Kinar were. My heart sank. With how bad I felt that night, I can't imagine how horrible they must have felt. We still didn't know what happened to them. I popped my head up and just to check that no harm had come to them, they were both walking fine, hand in hand as always.

The whole time the next day, they were in my thoughts. I just kept wondering and wishing. I PROMISE AT THAT TIME, I WOULD HAVE GIVEN UP 8TH PLACE TO THEM BECAUSE I THOUGHT THEY DESERVED IT MORE THAN US AND THEY WOULD HAVE MADE BETTER USE OF THE 2ND CHANCE. I felt it in them.... even though I didn't know them too well then.

Brett and I recalled that night many times, wondering what really happened. This was the beginning of our friendship.

Brett is an AMAZING person, he's just the coolest guy one can ever meet or befriend. When I met his mum at the Singapore preview screening in mid-Nov, I told her what a great son she has. And I told him that if I ever am lucky enough to have a son like Brett, it would be such a blessing to be a mum. Kinar and I have quite the same quick reaction at times, so she relates to me very well. She's very lucky to have Brett, someone with a cool and calm character to be her balance. This was a BIG thing I learnt from watching and knowing them. It's a character that I see and realised in a few of my close friends and I appreciate them for being the way they are with me even more (after my race experience).
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Ralph. on December 13, 2007, 08:07:38 AM: I'm so sorry that you guys got eliminated this week. I was hoping that the husband-wife team got the boot. They quarrel so much and give out so much negative energy.
The part about the car petrol opening was funny. I couldn't imagine Aurelia not knowing how to park the car! I really sympathise with you during the race. It must be hard to race with Aurelia. But hey, at least you get some comic relief. :)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on December 13, 2007, 01:17:16 PM: I'm very sad :cmas4 that you got eliminated on Ep4 (even not surprised).........but how come in this earth, a team can catch up if they started 7 hrs behind :crazy:

Aurelia was a FUNNY and PRETTY gal :flirt: (GOOD for the show :tup:), but she's definitely can't match your pace :duno:

What's the reasons you replaced your original partner with Aurelia ? Not with one of your outdoor friends :idgit IMHO.......with a strong partner (like pam) you could end up with THE BIG THREE :yess:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on December 13, 2007, 01:21:24 PM: AURELIA -----> :ele:

SOPHIE ------> :ride:

:ythat:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 13, 2007, 08:13:06 PM: Quote from: Ralph. on December 13, 2007, 08:07:38 AM
I'm so sorry that you guys got eliminated this week. I was hoping that the husband-wife team got the boot. They quarrel so much and give out so much negative energy.
The part about the car petrol opening was funny. I couldn't imagine Aurelia not knowing how to park the car! I really sympathise with you during the race. It must be hard to race with Aurelia. But hey, at least you get some comic relief. :)

It's easy to laugh it off now when you're watching the show. But for my part, it was NO FUN.

I couldn't be myself. It was not the ideal race situation to be condusive. Monica and I have a very similar sense of humour, we can look at each other and know what the other person is thinking about and immediately laugh. Brett also thinks I have a killer humour because he and I get each other, I have a dry sense of humour sometimes from my days in Oz and Brett is half-Australian.

I made too many sacrifices for the race, even quitting my job. So it's not something that I could take lightly about. After all it's the Amazing Race and a one-in-a-lifetime chance.

But all in all, everything happens for a reason, I learnt a lot and exchanged a failing friendship for a few more lifelong ones for sure!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 13, 2007, 08:16:04 PM: Quote from: snap-on on December 13, 2007, 01:21:24 PM
AURELIA -----> :ele:

SOPHIE ------> :ride:

:ythat:

Thanks snap-on.

It's a race.... not a beauty contest where you have time to look pretty. Especially on almost no sleep at all, with a snoring teammate in the next bed. And no place to use your leg money compromising and getting your teammate makeup remover (in HK) when you're only racing 2-3 days.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 13, 2007, 08:22:05 PM: Quote from: snap-on on December 13, 2007, 01:17:16 PM
I'm very sad :cmas4 that you got eliminated on Ep4 (even not surprised).........but how come in this earth, a team can catch up if they started 7 hrs behind :crazy:

Aurelia was a FUNNY and PRETTY gal :flirt: (GOOD for the show :tup:), but she's definitely can't match your pace :duno:

What's the reasons you replaced your original partner with Aurelia ? Not with one of your outdoor friends :idgit IMHO.......with a strong partner (like pam) you could end up with THE BIG THREE :yess:

From Sophie:

I would have loved a partner like Pam! She's awesome! A real go-getter. I would have been very supportive like Vanessa. Yes the sisters impressed me a lot. Even at Start City I knew they were tough girls. Actually they came up to me and told me I looked tough too, but I laughed it off saying I have such lean arms compared to their toned biceps.

There's not even 0.000001% chance to be weak against these strong teams. It's a race!

About my outdoor friends, well, I really didn't plan that my original partner would have pulled out. It was unexpected. Plus in HK (well in other countries too I suppose; depending on your industry), it's a different pace of working life and not many people can take a whole month off without even telling why (a big clause in the contract we had to sign), not have even mobile or Internet connection. You just disappear from the "face of the Earth". For 1 month you belong to the show, they don't even let you tell your family except for one emergency contact in-case...

Aurelia doesn't work or have any real commitments in life to anyone but herself.

I just had no choice. Either I race or not. That was the ultimatum. I always want to see the good side of my friends, so I tried to make the best of everything. I was very positive until I realise being 24/7 with her and actually doing the tasks that she's not the "brightest pea in the pot". I don't think I have ever thought any of my friends to be "challenged" that way.

My friends watched the show and asked me "how could you not have known? you lived with her"
To that it was the proof to them that I was really patient and So positive that in the end I did myself in. When Aurelia and I lived together, I really took care of everything in the house etc. I even nailed and installed her wardrobe for her.

Very sad about the race. But it's okay, life goes on and I'm a very happy person now. My friends helped me a lot and they are everything to me.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 13, 2007, 08:23:38 PM: Thanks for all your support and making time to understand what really happened and get to know me along the way.... the Real me....

:cmas22

I will write more later .....
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 13, 2007, 10:54:14 PM: Now that it's all over, I'm glad in a way.

You see, out of everything I sacrificed to do the race, I had so much personal things on the line too. Things could have been so much worse for me when I came back. Luckily, my true friends came to my aid. I aligned all my priorities the way it really should be, and now I'm a better and happier person.

I'm SO SO SO lucky! I truly am grateful and thankful for all the things that happened in 2007 :xmas146

Like I said in the audition clip, I wanted to learn about life, about myself things I probably would not have learnt in 5 years, if not for the race. One of the MAJOR things was who I can trust and the qualities in a person I deem suitable to be a good influence and supportive friend in my life.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Ralph. on December 13, 2007, 11:53:29 PM: I'm so sorry that you quit your job and got eliminated 3rd. :cmas4
It's alright. Everyone understands that Aurelia can be a pain in the neck sometimes. I laughed when I heard from you that she bought makeup remover even though it was only 3 days into the race. Lol.
Yup, the race definitely brings together more friendship bonds and ties.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: serendipity on December 15, 2007, 09:44:05 AM: Hi Sophie, I just know that you posted on this site! (Haha, I always read the TAR spolier thread, but seldom read this one) :-[

I am so sad to see your team eliminated this week coz I root for your team for obvious reason (I am from HK too!) Anyway, it's good to have a chance to get on the race though, I applied with my friend too but didn't get selected, probably because you stole my spot. :snicker:

Honestly, when I first watched your team on the race, I didn't like you very much. But once I read all your background story here, I really feel sorry for you. I could feel the frustration you had when you got paired up with a teammate like Aurelia. I am surprised that she wasted her time and money in HK that way?! You must be embarassed when she insisted to go to the club.

Also when I watched the show, I didn't understand why you two were last even in HK, but your post here explained everything. Is counting money really that hard? I can't believe all teams spent 2hrs+ on that task!

Do you think this time the producers cast too many models on the show? I think more than half of the teams consist of model or celebrity. They should cast more competent people.

What do you think about Edwin and Monica? Do you know why they wasted so much time even at the starting point which made them not able to catch up in the end? I think this is very pathetic, have they even prepared for the race?
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on December 25, 2007, 02:38:15 AM: :cmastree :cmastree :cmastree :cmastree :cmastree :cmastree :cmastree :cmastree :cmastree :cmastree :cmastree

:MC: S O P H I E !!! :HH:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on January 04, 2008, 02:46:28 AM: HO HO HO...... and

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!! :girly

What a great time I had and great way to end the year.... could not have asked for more. I was surrounded with much love and the company of great, great friends! I have so much to be thankful for, after what a rollercoaster ride I've had in 2007. :keeta:

Thanks so much to Kinar and Brett for flying all the way to Hong Kong to spend Christmas with me and Monica! I love them to bits!!! ahahhahahaha..........

I will update everyone very very shortly.......

I just came back to Hong Kong from a diving trip 1am this morning..... diving with Sharks!

A video diary is coming up!!!

Happy holidays and may all your goals and dreams come true in 2008!!!! :jumpy:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on January 04, 2008, 12:19:38 PM: Hi Sophie!

Glad to hear from you. :waves: :waves:

I hope your holidays went well. And a very Happy New Year to you! :luvya: :luvya:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on January 04, 2008, 12:34:22 PM: Hi Sophie,

is there any plan for TARA2 gatherings in Asia this year ?
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on January 04, 2008, 08:44:21 PM: Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your well wishes!!!

I had a great Christmas week with Brett & Kinar ......it was their first time in Hong Kong! Well, sort of second, but this time they got to see a lot more of Hong Kong compared to the day-stop we did during the race. And I got to introduce them to my good friends here too.

About official TARA2 gatherings...... I've heard some news but nothing is confirmed yet. Some of the racers are having internal gatherings. I'll be travelling again very soon, so will miss out on some fun, but will meet up with Brett and Kinar very soon to go surfing and sightseeing with them again.

So glad it's a New Year!!! I'm very excited! :jumpy:

:-*
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on January 07, 2008, 10:28:11 AM: Wowo..... bad news......I'm upset, I just had dinner with a friend from Singapore tonight..... who passed me a copy of 8 days magazine, a weekly media news in Singapore.

The truth is out there.... and sooner or later, I hope all Aurelia fans will see the light......

How a girl so desperate to take advantage of her friends, goes to the extend of spreading lies.... and now even heads one-on-one with forumers to slam me just so to "redeem" whatever ways she can "look good" after all.....
I have NEVER called Aurelia any names..... in all the interviews, I have merely stated what really happened..... that's it.

It's really sad it's come down to this.

Okay, I wrote this posting then decided there's still hope to be civil, but now after reading that article, I really really think Aurelia was SENT from the devil into my life. And now the show has finally gotten her completely out of my life. It took a show to make me see what I couldnt in real life.

Have you ever met a person who

1) Goes around lying about her AGE and even her RACE!!!!! Her RACE!!!!!!! She gives interviews saying she's half Chinese and French. Emm, maybe the reporter should have dug a bit deeper and ask her 'Chinese' from where???? The reason she lies she's Chinese is because there are 2 top models in HK who are really half Chinese, half French.

2) Lies about her Supermodel status in Hong Kong, when now Monica just told me that Aurelia sits at the front door of a new nightclub called Beijing Club, in Lan Kwai Fong.

3) Goes to another level of degradation by calling a former friend (me) unbelievable names in the article, despite I helped her more times than she can count, because she was feeling scared and panicky about how bimbo-like she became in the show. I mean, how could I have made that part of her character come across so if she really isn't like that on her own? Makes no sense.... okay but I guess in trying to defend herself, she again did herself in. Last papagraph of the article reads:
Q: Aurelia are you really as bimbotic as you appeared on TV? A: I wouldn't say I'm a bimbo. I like to dress up but I'm not the type who bares her tummy and have blond hair. (Laughs) I'm French - I wear lingerie and high heels instead! Anyway, Sophie is so tough, anyone would look like a bimbo next to her."

Honestly, I really never saw her as being so dumb because she was my friend. I know she isn't very alert at times, but once you're with her 24/7, oh my gosh..... you would think Jessica Simpson is a genius!

Come on.... During the race.........She only thinks of herself even when I was fixing the bike in Manila fo 45 mins while she drank water all by herself (not offering me a drop), they were handing out winter jackets in NZ, uses leg money for cocktails and MAKEUP REMOVER only after racing for 2 days...... can anyone honestly say to themselves..... wow I want to race with Aurelia??!!!!!

I know Aurelia.... she is TERRIFIED of being seen as a stupid girl. So it was all in self-defence.... I'm rising above it all and after I write this, I will not allow her to make me mad. She has done enough harm to me for her own actions she blamed me for and her "fame", more than any other human being I've ever come into contact with! I've never regretted anything so much in my life, than the day I let her move in with me and saw her as a good person.

I really learnt so much about people and friendships last year!

It really amazes me how my past deeds from giving Aurelia a place to stay, helping her move her stuff when her boyfriend broke up with her, bailing her from clubs to making her chinese healing teas, motivating her to start doing other things besides modelling ... All in return for this.... it's truly unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I'm really someone who has lived and learnt. No one will do this to me again. Sigh....

Choose your friends carefully............
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on January 07, 2008, 01:21:17 PM: :duno: :duno:

Sorry about that Sophie.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on January 08, 2008, 08:02:31 AM: Quote from: realisophie on January 04, 2008, 08:44:21 PM
, but will meet up with Brett and Kinar very soon to go surfing and sightseeing with them again.

looks like you enjoying ur life very well...... :swim :diver:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on January 08, 2008, 08:13:03 AM: any link to the article Sophie ? :puter:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on January 08, 2008, 10:07:36 AM: Oh wow.... where did you find those animatics???? Very cool.....

:wohoo:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on January 08, 2008, 10:21:42 AM: Hi Sophie! Happy New Year!

So glad life is going well for you and so sorry for more trouble with Aurelia. Your time with Brett and Kinar sounds wonderful--any pics?

The emoticons are all here:

when you do a post >>click on MORE under the smilies (next to whoohoo) and you get another whole page of cute options.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Alan on January 08, 2008, 01:47:11 PM: Quote from: snap-on on January 08, 2008, 08:13:03 AM
any link to the article Sophie ? :puter:

Hey, I have that article and I'll see if I can scan it into the computer or else I'll have to type it in....Its a pretty short article
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on January 08, 2008, 01:48:09 PM: That would be great, jonnal! Thanks.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Alan on January 08, 2008, 01:55:19 PM: Ok...I have to remove the links due to Sophie's request.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on January 08, 2008, 10:51:24 PM: :ignore:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on January 10, 2008, 01:40:37 AM: Thanks everyone!!!

For your kind words.... so you see.... I have NOTHING to hide.... you know the background and you see the proof of it all!!!! Which other teammate would do such a thing!!! Goes down to another level of disgusting namecalling tactics!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe she thinks this makes her look good. The real production people know what she's like, but of course AXN is having a ball exploiting all possible "cat fight" situations to their advantage to "make news". This is TV!!! She has so much time on her hands to go one-on-one to other forumers to slam me and on top of this write disturbing emails to me before about being friends again.... and how it was my fault I refused to accept her friendship!!!! ....I'm not a pretender and of course..it's the first time I have ever turned away a friendship. And she even wrote to me that she goes around defending me to other fans that hate me because of the bad edit. I would be SO lucky if she STOPS creating drama to cause more heat for me behind my back!!! She has even twisted facts to her advantage!....wow.... amazing.... some fans have even contacted me to ask me these stuff, that's how I found out. Bull**** about defending me! First of all, I don't need her to defend me. There have been traces of her using her own nickname and other lias to slam me on the AXN website TO OTHER FANS because they were all from the same IP address!!!! It's all black and white! All so that she looks like the innocent one, by making me the big bad wolf!!! If I was so mean like her, I have so so so much more dirt on her, believe me! I didn't think she would go SO Far!!!

I'm glad I have NOT gone down to her level no matter what she has done to me. Life is just TOO short! I have kept everything real and just spoke of my race experience. So thanks for listening too.....

Anyway..... if it's okay.... please REMOVE the article from the blog.... no use to show it again. I was just so so so sad and mad!!! I needed to talk to someone about it. I'm so thankful I didn't find out about it before the holidays because I had such an awesome time with the closest people I love.

Hopefully no more tabloid magazines and bad reporters will continue to exploit our crazy race experience.

So everyone.... the moral of the story is to FORGIVE.....and move on..... let's all talk about happy things :girly only on my blog......

It's 2008 and time to move on!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on January 10, 2008, 09:03:39 PM: Hi everyone,

Thanks Jonnal for removing the article from here. And thanks to everyone for listening to me.

If you noticed earlier blogs.... I have had to remove my writeups about each episode and made any video diaries that even said the word race in it private because they have been getting too many hits.

This morning, I checked my email and got an attachment with the reminder of our confidentiality agreement from the network. Everyone got the same email. I can't talk about race events that wasn't aired.

Oh well better to be safe than sorry..... in this case..... it's just not worth it.

The truth lives on though!

Thank-you for all your kind wishes and support! ;)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on January 15, 2008, 09:23:36 PM: Here are some of the fabulous photos from my PERFECT CHRISTMAS WEEK!!!

Thanks to Brett and Kinar for a wonderful time.......we also got to catch up with Monica....... and I was so happy to spend some nice quiet times with them in REAL LIFE.....

They are my best rewards from my race experience! :jumpy:

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on January 16, 2008, 01:49:56 AM: You and Kinar look so lovely! :luvya: :luvya: :luvya: :luvya: :luvya: :luvu: :luvu: :luvu:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Jetgabriel on January 16, 2008, 04:06:19 AM: Looks like you had a great time! Kinar looks very different on the first picture.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on January 16, 2008, 07:46:39 AM: Thanks for sharing, Sophie! Great pictures!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Ralph. on January 19, 2008, 08:16:46 AM: Great pictures.
Sorry about the Sophie-Aurelia breakup though. :'(
:meow:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on January 28, 2008, 02:44:25 AM: Well I've 'won' so much more beyond this bad friendship at the end of the day.....

But enough about her. She's out of my life for good and everything's been so much better, actually since the day she left my house last year. Things only got worse again when I had to contact and do the race with her. I used to pinch myself in disappointment after my original partner pulled out. Oh well, life brings you bizarre turn of events.

I've learnt a lot about the media and the meaning of "fame". I guess I sort of had a little taste of what some celebrities go through in daily life. Every little thing you do wrong is blown out of proportion, no matter how much good you did before.

I also learnt a lot about trusting my guts, NOT putting myself in situations and with people that are a PURE bad influence in my life. How to say no... and then let go by moving on in a more positive manner.

The rewards show for themselves, I've made great friends (great friends I mean we are really close not just mere race acquaintances or for putting up a front for the show or fans) in Sawaka, Monica, Brett and Kinar and this race experience will surely bond us for life!!! Looking back, we really had a great time together in Bintan even though we disliked being couped up during that period. It's such a bizarre memory, but one that I cherish a lot. I think my REAL race experience began in Bintan with them hahahhahahahahhha....

;D
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on January 28, 2008, 02:56:36 AM: A new video diary is coming up...

This new season is called

PLANET DIARY

:-*
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on January 28, 2008, 12:07:37 PM: do you watch the remaining episode ?
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on February 17, 2008, 10:10:53 AM: This is a video message from Europe.....

I've been on the road shooting. I'm sorry I could not make it to Singapore for the finale party and to celebrate with the winners!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_Fm0bGXjhk

Thanks for all your support for TARA2..... :js:

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on February 28, 2008, 07:57:16 AM: Hi everyone,

Deepest apologies.... :duno:

I have NO idea why Youtube has blocked my latest video greetings from Italy... ... :ascared

I did not mention names or even the word 'race'...... it was more a hello message

Oh well .... to explain.... yes I did not attend the show finale because I was still shooting in Europe and then went on holiday to snowboard in the Dolomites. It was a blast! I will post some photos next...

:-*
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on February 28, 2008, 10:39:51 PM: Miss you Sophie!

Sounds like you are having fun though! We'll look forward to the pics! :hugs: :kuss: :hugs:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on March 02, 2008, 09:30:34 PM: Some photos from Europe....

More coming up....

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on March 02, 2008, 09:33:53 PM: GREAT NEWS this week....

I just got an email from Sawaka because we have been too busy lately to go online....

Sawaka is doing awesome and tells me she has gotten her songs out on itunes and part of an album release in Japan!!!!

I'm SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSoOooooooooooooooo Happy and proud of her...

Here are the details...from Sawaka..... enjoy :-*

The good news is
A song of mine is in itunes now!!!
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F%252Fax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fid%253D274171170%2526s%253D143462

And I am also singing one song in an album by Flat Three which will be released on March 19th.
http://www.amazon.co.jp/Limit-Flat-Three-Calyn-arvin/dp/B0013NXCSK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1204441307&sr=8-4
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Jetgabriel on March 04, 2008, 06:02:29 AM: Congrats to Sawaka! I'm proud of her. :jumpy: I can't wait to hear it. The song she sang at the episode they got eliminated, was very good and touching.
Title: WWF Ocean Summit - First time in Hong Kong
Post by: realisophie on March 18, 2008, 03:37:00 AM: Some updates …. from events I've been involved in recently....

Did you know that only 3% of the world’s oceans are left untouched?
And remember it’s a 7:3 ratio for ocean is to land mass.

On 8 March, the first WWF Ocean Summit was held for the first time in Hong Kong.

A roomful of sea lovers and professionals from all walks of life came in to discuss and give insights on how to improve the waters around Hong Kong. From a diver’s point of view, the reefs surrounding Hong Kong have a very unique geological position, with warm currents coming in from the Philippines.

Warm currents = coral reefs and fish

Therefore, not many people realize this, not even the locals, but there is a diverse range of marine life that SHOULD thrive in these waters (but sadly don’t), so diverse that Hong Kong has the potential to be a marine park or diving spot like the Great Barrier Reef! I kid you not!

You see, even with a few statutory laws imposed in Hong Kong, like many other countries, there is overfishing. There is NO law currently governing the amount or size of fish you can catch, which means once you’re in the water, you can literally fish out anything you like! Trawling is also still allowed and as catch get smaller, so do the size of the holes in the nets. This act results in more juvenile fish in the markets and when these run out, where will the fish come from then?

There is also NO law restricting the proximity of fishing boats to the coastline. Once a friend of mine really thought the rock he threw from the jetty actually landed on a ship! And until today, there is no fine and regulations for ocean violations for any shipping company or boat that pollutes the waters around Hong Kong. Come to think of it, we even litter our own sewage right into the ocean, kind of like having your backyard for a toilet ;-((

So some of these reasons and a dozen more put in-placed, we have poor visibility and marine life is unable to survive in most parts of these waters. Yes there is a marine park, but even indigenous fishermen can apply for special passes to fish and … hmmm I really wonder how many of them actually throw the “smaller” fish back into the sea?

One of the speakers at the summit gave a very interesting view of how local government officials treat environmental issues. Sometimes you feel like the various departments don’t talk to each other to verify problems. Okay from the personal experience of this speaker, he said that an official once commented to him that, “People continue to wash harmful soap chemicals into Stanley beach because it’s impossible to buy biodegradable soap in Hong Kong.” In response to that comment, the speaker said to the official, “Oh yeah, like when the transport department said the reason electric cars are not popular or recommended in Hong Kong is because they are TOO quiet. Therefore they are dangerous and can easily cause accidents!”

Some other reasons for the extinction of certain marine species in our waters are due to local culture. Years ago, the Chinese Bahaba, Sawfish and Horseshoe Crab used to thrive here. But now, you’ll only see the “saw” of the Sawfish hanging in Chinese temples, and the other two is almost unheard of or seen in this case. The Yellow Croaker, a very well-loved local fish, also disappeared 20 years ago in Hong Kong and the East China Sea.

If you checked the IUCN Red List, it’s not common to find commercial fish on this list. But the Hong Kong Grouper and Mud Grouper are on it. Wow! That’s putting Hong Kong on the map!

Talking about extinction, Hong Kong also used to have sharks in Tai O, Cheung Chau, Lamma, Junk and Tungling islands. Imagine that! And yes you guessed it, the sharks were fished to make ‘Sharks Fin soup’!!!

By this time, you’re thinking fish farms are the way to go. Well, yes and no. More commercial fisheries actually fish for smaller fish from the ocean, take it back to the fisheries to feed the bigger commercially sold fish. So the chain just continues in a tragic Catch 22. To help these fisheries even more, there is tax relief on fuel to the fishing community, resulting in too many people “chasing” over a small catch.

Instead of spending HKD100 million on artificial reefs and “restocking” on marine species, people should learn to let nature take its course. But with help along the way would be great! If only there would be complete restrictions on certain coastlines, reefs can grow and fish can finally have a haven to replenish. Regulations and compliance with FAO Code of Conduct for responsible Fisheries should be more heavily implied too. Something as simple as enforcing heavy penalties could do the trick!

Take it from me- I grew up in Singapore, where chewing gum is banned and even not flushing the toilet is a SGD500 fine. Result = clean, green, healthy city

The local authorities are often afraid of the local fishermen protesting about losing their livelihood. But if things don’t change anytime soon, ocean resources are not imperishable.

There are many things in life that can look great on the surface, like the sparkling blue waters of the ocean. But under the surface, it can be completely dead. Dig deeper and help your community today!

Support the activities of your local organizations like WWF!

P.S. all the ideas to ‘Save Our Seas’ generated from the day-long Ocean Summit is getting complied by WWF Hong Kong and soon submitted to the government. WWF will email the report to all attendees, so I’ll post up some of the ideas very soon. You can try to implement them if you have a similar problem affecting the waters where you live.

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on March 18, 2008, 03:43:55 AM: Don't forget Sawaka's song comes out TOMORROW!!! 19 March

Here are the other titles in the album

1. Sunset Of Flames In Copacabana feat. arvin homa aya
2. I Just Wanted To Fall In Love feat.Sawaka Kawashima
3. Sesso Brillante feat.Misa Sugiyama
4. Vernal Growth
5. My Passion For Sandra feat.Hiromitsu Ohbuchi
6. Holon On The Seashore
7. Silhouette feat.Misa Sugiyama
8. Acima da linha feat.Lopez
9. Barcelona feat.Calyn Tsukishima
10. The Angel Wears MM
11. Wine - scarlet
12. Sky Is The Limit feat.Misa Sugiyama

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Title: Urban Nomad - Underground film festival from Taiwan
Post by: realisophie on March 18, 2008, 03:50:07 AM: 8 March was a busy day.... after the WWF Ocean Summit, I went to support a friend's friend's film festival. Having organised one myself last year in Europe..... I KNOW the growing pains of the business.

Urban Nomad has been running for 6 years now, low budget, but still bringing in the crowds of film-lovers all over.

This year, it's their first time in Hong Kong.

I was very lucky to meet up with one of the organisers, my friend's friend Dave Franzier. Very interesting guy with just a common love for the cinema like I do. We had a great chat a couple of days after before he went back to Taipei. I can't wait to see more of what's coming out of the local scenes there.

Back to the film screening that night.

Okay Yes the festival is based in Taiwan.... but also features works from other Asian countries. The film I watched on Sat night was made in NORTH KOREA... yes NORTH KOREA..... on a subject you wouldn't even imagine existed! It was about 4 American who defected to North Korea more than 40 years ago during the Cold War. Two are still alive.

The only reason the producer/ director was able to make this extraordinary documentary was because he also ran a travel company that runs tours in the country. The documentary is called 'Crossing the Line' and was shown to mass approvals at Sundance last year. It's a British documentary about a US Army defector James Dresnok currently living in North Korea after having defected during the 60s.

Here is the synopsis ....

Captured by the North Koreans, Dresnok became one of several American GI's to "defect" to the communist North and went on to be enormous propaganda tools to the regime of the time. This film looks back on the life of Dresnok in North Korea and his importance within that regime.

It is hard to deny that this film will have limited appeal as one does have to wonder how well known the Dresnok defection is outside of those from the US who were at a certain age in the early 1960's. I certainly knew nothing of him but was drawn to the film by the chance of learning more about the mostly inward and secretive North Korea. As such the film is quite interesting because it does give an insider's view while also having that insider being a westerner. However the film does not just use Dresnok as the way in to the country but he is the focus of the film and this is both a strength and a weakness.

More details about URBAN NOMAD can be found at

http:urbannomadfilmfest.blogspot.com

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Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on March 18, 2008, 04:14:42 AM: On a more personal note.... I've been meeting very interesting people lately who have somewhat fueled my depleting creative drive in the last few months. To that, Im most grateful.

Until you live in a city like Hong Kong, you can never imagine how hard it is to keep up with things you love versus chasing after the dollar to pay your bills.

I choose to live in the middle. But it's a struggle for constant balance.

This month, I'm so glad it's the HK International Film Festival and I will watch films from around the world. Since I was a little girl and I'm sure it's the same for you too.... films are windows to the world unexperienced, unexplained and unexplored.... except when you can shut out your world.... and indulge in the one unravelling before you.....
Title: A shocking modern dance
Post by: realisophie on March 31, 2008, 12:04:34 AM: Okay another back entry….. Nevertheless an interesting one.

On 14 March, as part of the HK Arts Festival, I went to a dance performance called Ode to Joy L.I.V.E. Orpheus and Eurydice staged by a Canadian-based dance group called Compagnie Marie Chouinard.

If you ever get the chance to watch any one of their choreographed dance performances, buy a cheap ticket and have an opened mind about what you’re about to experience.

Well, I got the cheapest ticket, but not by choice as almost all the tickets were sold out except for the first and second highest prices. I reckoned since it was more of a dance performance, a balcony seat could actually turn out to be a good bird’s eye view. And it was.

Except, well how can I put it in a truthful manner without being too critical of someone else’s art? The show was such a radical modern interpretation of what they termed “a dance performance that questions the birth of language”, it was quite hard to “swallow”.

Sounds interesting right? So I thought. How can one actually show this physically?

This info is taken from their promotional brochure.

Orpheus is the original poet. The Greek myth explores such notions as creation, loss, conscience and eternity.

A dance performance
that asks questions about the birth of language
The powers of language
Language and the scream and their links to the body
the links between language and death and how the body arises in part from its tongue
with moments of blinding illumination on the present/ past
(different times that clash), but always justly so, as a matter of course)
concrete images, as if lived in the present,
from a kind of primitive imagination,
A plunge into our human origins,
into the forces beneath language,
with tension, emotion
and very real evidence broken by flashes of humour.

By now you’re like cool! Wished I could see this. Okay first of all, I have to tell you that after the show while I was waiting for a cab to go home, some people behind me in the line started to ask one another what they thought of the performance. The one definite response was, “I hated it and it was too long!”

Yes I felt it was rather long at some parts as well, but this was not the main point. The show was actually SO good at being quite bad. Or maybe another way to put it is that it was so different, even if it’s bad, you just want to know how it ends, like with a bad movie.

Unfortunately, not many locals stayed throughout the performance, I’ll explain why in a moment. Even foreigners walked out in the middle of it or during the interval. I doubt anyone really stayed back for the question-and-answer session too.

Why was it SO bad? Well, actually it was so good in being so bad that it was good to experience it. If you know what I mean ahhahhhahaa....

The stage was pure white, very minimalist, and whatever stage props they used from time to time, I thought it was chosen with tastefulness.

The show began with the sounding of a Swiss horn, held by a male dancer who blew on it, and a female dancer on the other end who helped hold the extremely long instrument. It took me quite a few minutes before I realised this, but she was half-naked. Yes! Just a golden coloured sticker on both her nipples. At first I thought she was wearing a nude coloured tube top, but no….. nothing at all. For her bottom, it was a loose fitted navy blue cargo pants.

As many of the other dancers came on stage, the show started with a lot of screaming! Tonnes of it!

Screaming from one person, from the entire group, with the music, or with the fast erratic dance movements….. and after a hard week, it was actually very stress-relieving to witness that. I guess from how I was feeling that Friday, I could have easily joined them in voice and spirit.

At this point, I was beginning to get very curious, but it was too dark to read the program brochure. I thought to myself, “how could they get this nudity act cleared even in a country like Hong Kong”??

Remember Samantha’s sexy blond boyfriend from Sex in the City, who went full monty in his theatre scene…….. and his performance started getting audiences travelling all the way to Brooklyn? Well, this was quite the opposite. As more time passed, I think some people kind of got a little more settled to not have their eyes focused on the breasts of the half-naked women bouncing around. But for many others, the explicit sexually charged dance movements and sexual positions proved too much to comprehend. And for other really unusual costume choices on the men, they wore SUPER and I do mean SUPER platform high heels with skin-tight black shorts. The men of course all had perfect well-toned bodies, but the heels made them have hot legs too! I don’t think most women would have been able to even walk in those heels, let alone dance in them. But they created a very unusual visual sensation that’s truly hard to describe.

I have to say, some of the choreography with fast beat music was very exhilarating! From afar, I really enjoyed a few scenes that were really well choreographed. The timing was quite perfect with each of the 10 dancers. But after the interval, which gave me some time to read the backgrounds of the dancers and the woman who founded the dance group, almost half the audience seated at the balcony where I was, didn’t come back!

However in justice to the show, I thought the music was superb, it was very unusual and somehow as bizarre as the modern dance movements were, it was a good fit.

So the music started again, and the people who stayed on, I suppose either were just curious to see how it ends, got used to the nudity, or just naughty men. I was still not so comfortable with the nudity because I just couldn’t see the point in it, and even for me it’s very distracting….. but I always watch everything to the end.

Second half, three dancers came out, one of them female. They had a change of costumes and now she is wearing even less, but a golden bikini bottom, furry white leggings and a “snake-like” prop in her mouth. I think this was to represent and mimic movements of the tongue. This was even more errotic than the first costume!!! In the first half of the show, the naked women didn’t really go too close to the edge of the stage, towards the audiences, but now this female dancer actually jumped into the audience and crossed a few rows center front to the back by walking on arm rests in-between occupied seats!!!

I think at this point, the audience (close to her), didn’t really know whether or not to look at her/ the show anymore. It was very bizarre and caused quite a stir.

I’m not sure what the nudity brought to the overall meaning of the performance, but all the dancers have at least 10 years of experience in the field, having performed from circuses to dance theatres around the world. Perhaps the nudity was their way of breaking free from the human form and its restrictions.

So anyway, if I had another chance to attend the troupe’s other dance choreographies, I would go again just for the shock factor. I’m sure to be surprised! I think it was very brave the Hong Kong arts organization didn’t censor the show and I appreciated that very much.
Title: Happy April Fools' Day!!!
Post by: realisophie on April 01, 2008, 03:17:12 AM: Happy belated Easter everyone and April Fools' Day!!! :jumpy:

I think a day that celebrates playing pranks on one another is a great idea!

Just a day to remind you not to take life too seriously and always to have fun :neener:

In Hong Kong, the coming of spring's perfect weather was short-lived and now the raining season starts again. Plus the wind and the cold and the rain and the cloudy atmosphere. Everyone goes around in slow motion (well sort of) and sleepy ahahahahha..... :zzz

Write in to me if you've played a really good prank.... ahahhaha would love to hear some creativity....
Title: Re: Best picture from Asian Film Awards
Post by: realisophie on April 16, 2008, 02:21:18 AM: The HKIFF is now over.

I have to tell you about the best film I watched, which also won Best Picture at the Asian Film Awards. It's incredible well coordinated, especially when you're dealing with child actors. I have no idea how the director managed to coax the lead actress who is just a few years old to act so brilliantly. Or perhaps she wasn't quite acting but it's her real life. But I still think this would have taken lots of patience.

It's called Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame

Here is a synopsis of this amazing film....

The beauty and grief of present-day Afghanistan receives epic, poetic treatment from Hana Makhmalbaf, the youngest member of master director Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s remarkable family. Set in Bamian, the actual town where the Taliban’s destruction of cultural treasures sickened the world, Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame is an exotic and frightening journey into the minds of the children who live in that desolate area – and children affected by violence everywhere.

Like many Iranian filmmakers, Makhmalbaf chooses a little girl as her narrative engine. When we meet this extraordinary young creature, Baktay (Nikbakht Noruz), all she wants to do is go to the school for girls that has opened up across the river. But she must overcome Herculean obstacles to attend, starting with her family’s extreme poverty and her mother’s indifference. In one incredible sequence, she has to negotiate the purchase of the requisite pen and paper through a complex transaction involving stolen eggs. She must also traverse a no man’s land populated by a band of wild boys who delight in war games. She is “captured” by them going both ways – once as an American spy, then as a Taliban spy – and these scenes encapsulate Makhmalbaf’s thesis about how violent “liberation” refracts in a child’s mind.

The film feels extremely authentic, largely due to the stripped-down neo-realist style of the Makhmalbaf family’s projects and the fact that they cast local non-professional actors for all the roles. But this is not a documentary. The film sneakily reveals all sorts of narrative surprises and political critiques despite its simple exterior. And, as custom dictates in this kind of film, the little girl is almost too cute for words, evoking gushes of sympathy toward her numerous trials.

The film’s title comes from Hana’s father. According to her, Mohsen meant that “even a statue can be ashamed of witnessing all this violence and harshness happening to these innocent people and, therefore, collapse.” Shots of the looming emptiness in the Bamian cliff faces that once housed these serene Buddhas are indeed among the film’s most devastating moments.

The director:
Noah Cowan

Hana Makhmalbaf was born in Tehran. She has been studying cinema at her family’s Makhmalbaf Film School since she left elementary school in the second grade. She was a script supervisor and still photographer on several of her family’s films before she directed her first short, The Day My Aunt Was Ill (97). She then directed a documentary called Joy of Madness (03) about her sister Samira Makhmalbaf directing At Five in the Afternoon (03). She published a book of poetry, Visa for One Moment, in 2003. Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame (07) is her first feature film.
Title: Re: Art Auction for WWF Hong Kong
Post by: realisophie on April 16, 2008, 02:25:31 AM: Earth Day is coming and I've been wanting to put a clip together but I havent had much rest lately.

I wish to contribute something for Earth Day

So how's this idea if people out there will support me????

I did an illustration for a marine conservation ad I published for WWF Hong Kong in 2005. It's a sea turtle with a gas mask on, symbolising protection against pollution.

This was drawn in pencil. I will figure out how it'll work on ebay, but I'll put it there for auction and the proceed of the final sale will ALL go to WWF Hong Kong's marine conservation programme.

If someone really gets this drawing, it will be framed, and the presentation of the proceed to WWF HK, will also be filmed and uploaded to Youtube as usual.

Let's see what happens.....

Here its is.... The drawing is just the turtle in the center, against a WHITE background :js:

LATEST Updates: I'm still having troubles figuring out posting and Paypal system on ebay.... so let me ask a friend for urgent help.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on April 22, 2008, 09:18:51 PM: Happy Earth Day everyone!!!! :-*

I will figure out the ebay link today for the auction if you're interested.

Pardon me.... I was previously up for more than 24 hours for work, non-stop writing etc.
Title: Re: Happy Earth Day! ........... Where will you be on May 10?
Post by: realisophie on April 22, 2008, 09:34:22 PM: Here's another quick note to explain why I havent done any video diaries lately.
Lack of time has been a huge factor in my life, as well as trying to get some perspective on schedules with my personal life aka the boyfriend. But most of all, I've been all over the place trying to maintain upcoming projects, maybe I'm organising the Asian film festival for the second year later this year, trying to get some underwater filmmaking happen through a very, very tough budget line etc.

But I have a few things I've made a note to myself to write once I sorted myself out better. This blog does not come in second place, but I've been needing chopsticks to hold up my eyelids lately.

I have more to tell you about Earth day, films I've watched lately and people I've met.

I have a really great photography book on East Timor I have to recommend and I'll also take a picture of the cover for you...... the author and photographer is a friend of my boyfriend's so I recently met up with him and discussed the prospects of getting on his next project. You will be overwhelmed too with awe and excitement when I tell you more.

Back to the unity of huge global projects to change the world....

You have to check out this website for Pangea Day

www.pangeaday.org

I'm so impressed :tup:

This is a note from the team.....from one of their up-to-date newsletters

Dear Pangea Day Friend,

Pangea Day is less than one month away, and the entire world is helping to make this day a grand success. In the last month we've heard from the Royal film commission in Jordan, architects in the USA, and journalists in Italy who are going to bring Pangea Day to their communities. There is room for everyone to be involved on May 10th, whether you are attending a live Pangea Day broadcast or watching Pangea Day in your living room.

Read more to learn about how you can join our community.

All the best,

The Pangea Day Team

Attend a Live Broadcast of Pangea Day!

All around the world, people will gather together for this historic event. Will you be in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, or Rio de Janeiro on May 10th?

Here's the list of the beautiful locations Pangea Day will be broadcast live from:

Cairo, Egypt
The Pyramids

Kigali, Rwanda
Jali Gardens

London, United Kingdom
Somerset House

Los Angeles, USA
Sony Pictures Studios

Mumbai, India
National Center for Performing Arts

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Morro da Urca

New Ways to Watch!

Broadcasters all over the world have signed on to carry the Pangea Day program on TV.

Canal +/Planete - France
City TV - Colombia

Current TV - USA
DigiTurk - Turkey

Globosat - Brazil
KW Networks - Mexico
Mediacorp - Singapore

Metro TV - Indonesia
MGM Networks Latin America - Latin America
TVNZ - New Zealand
OnceTV - Mexico

Rwanda TV - Rwanda
Sky Indie - UK
Star TV - 60 countries in Asia
Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation - Tanzania
TVR Televiziunea Româna - Romania
V-Me TV - US Hispanic
More broadcasters and full details will be on our website. Check back frequently for updates!

If you've never heard of this event and only now from me..... it's not too late. I'm trying to get a few friends involved too....

Host a Pangea Day Event!

There's still time

More than a thousand people around the world have signed up to host Friends of Pangea Day events on May 10, creating what Goldie Hawn has described as a "web of compassion." Join them. No event is too small to make a difference. Learn more and register on the Pangea Day website .

Extend your reach

Make your Pangea Day gathering an occasion to learn about and support positive change in the world. An event in Costa Mesa, California, for example, is aligned with Invisible Children, a charitable organization that provides education and economic opportunities to children affected by the war in Northern Uganda. Pangea Day is an opportunity to make change and engage people.

Show us where you'll be on Pangea Day!

Make a video of where you'll be on May 10 -- a park, piazza, theater, or house. In your own language, invite others to join you, ending your video message with, "May 10th, Pangea Day. I'll be there." Check out this great video from Road Trip Nation. Upload your video to the Pangea Day channel on Nokia's OviShare with a short description. Sign up for Ovi and view all Pangea Day media .

:-*
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on May 02, 2008, 04:20:50 AM: Happy Labour Day everyone!!! :js:

I had a great, relaxing holiday. And I hope you had or are having one too!!!

Just a quick recap.... topics that I will update on this blog will be highlighted in BLUE so that it's more obvious when I do update entries I said I would ;)

Thanks for catching up and keep reading!

p.s. about the drawing auction, it's still ON, but I have to set up an account for eBay US-version instead... because I found out I'm not the only one who's had problems with the HK site. Stay tuned! Thanks! Cheers...
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on May 14, 2008, 02:40:10 AM: Quick note to apskip.... thanks for your kind reminder that Labor Day is in September in the US.

Fine by me to celebrate it twice

:js:
Title: Re: Experience the Olympics Spirit
Post by: realisophie on May 14, 2008, 03:08:53 AM: Hi everyone

Thanks for checking in on this blog over the last few months! Every time I log in, I'm amazed to see the increase of number count.

So what's been happening? Lots!
The city of Hong Kong has been buzzing since the torch relay in early May. Roads were shut down and nervous police put up extra precautions determined to make the event a smooth journey to the end. Crowds and crowds and crowds of people lined the streets in an attempt to catch just one glimpse of their favourite runner and then probably the torch too. You'll see what I mean by reading on.

I love the Olympics! It's one of the most powerful global events where you can witness individuals, teams all fighting for the same goal - to bring glory to their country. It's the biggest pride in the life of an athlete. My brother is a national runner and after watching him grow up in competitions, I truly admire the sportsmanship of athletes derived from years of discipline and ultimate perseverance.

In mentioning this, the torch relay is one of the most significant events of courage and acknowledgment for chosen athletes. It's the nation's time to shine. To me, it was most confusing in the light of Hong Kong's interpretation of the meaning of this event. I can't think (in my lifetime) of other Olympic years where the torch relay had SO many rich businessmen, popular Cantopop (a type of music genre in Chinese) singers, politicians, and did I mention rich businessmen? Okay one more time.... rich businessmen to emphasize my point. Well, the concept of this was said to represent the diversity of the people of Hong Kong. Hmm, and if so, where is the old lady who collects cardboard boxes for recycling, the store owner who sells the famous spicy meatballs, the Dai Pa Dong noodle seller and others... of which Hong Kong would not have its distinctive and multi-faceted favours.

This just shows to me more than ever, "______ rules the world"
I think you can fill in the blank.

Whatever it is, I’m so excited! This is the second time I'm in an Olympic country, the first was Australia.

To start the ball rolling, I had tickets to a Youth Olympic Concert on 5 May.... and took some short video clips of it. I'll see if it's possible to upload them on Youtube without any copyright issues. It's a free concert after all. The reason I'm posting this is because even though I'm living in Asia, I'm often amazed by the cultural distinctions within each city, even within the same country. Its people, fashion, culture, music are all very unique. So I want to share this with you.

Here are some photos of the concert.

"Speak" in a while....

Updated.... here is the video link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN_e2BJWMaI
Title: Re: Hong Kong Red Cross China Relief Fund
Post by: realisophie on May 15, 2008, 01:47:43 AM: Hi everyone

On a sad note.... Monday was a public holiday in Hong Kong.... The Buddha's Birthday. Unfortunately, there was not much mercy on the people in the Sichuan province. Just a few days ago (12 May 2008), an earthquake registering 7.9 on the Richter scale was measured in Sichuan, China. In just a few seconds, thousands of people were perished and the livelihood of many others in jeopardy. Please help.

If you are in Hong Kong over the Summer, or you live here. Please see below for directions on donations to the Hong Kong Red Cross to help relief efforts in China.

Thanks

香港紅十字會中國賑災金
Hong Kong Red Cross China Relief Fund

全港各7．11 便利店 (7-eleven stores in Hong Kong) *每次最低捐款為 (Minimum Donation) HK$100
可到全港830間7．11 便利店，以現金捐款。捐款時請註明捐予"香港紅十字會"。
Donate with cash through 7-eleven stores. You just simply indicate “Hong Kong Red Cross” as beneficiary organization.

網上捐款 Online Donation
閣下可登入此處，透過伺服器電子證書，以信用卡作即時網上捐款。該電子證書可提供較高加密通訊協定(SSL128-bit)及認證本會網上捐款網頁之真確性。
Please click here and make online donation by credit card with e-certificate, which will provide encryption protections (SSL 128 bits) to all transactions and identify our online donation page authenticity.

https://www.redcross.org.hk/donation/user_donation.asp?langId=2

直接存入銀行賬戶 Bank-in to "Hong Kong Red Cross" Account
市民可將捐款直接存入下列「香港紅十字會中國賑災金」戶口。
You could donate directly through the following bank accounts of our “Hong Kong Red Cross China Relief Fund”:

滙豐銀行 HSBC （004）-567-650155-016
恒生銀行 Heng Sang Bank （024）-267-175123-001
中國銀行 Bank of China （012）-806-0-000161-7
東亞銀行 Bank of East Asia （015）-514-40-39966-3

劃線支票 Crossed Cheque
請將劃線支票及捐款表格一併寄回本會, 支票抬頭「香港紅十字會中國賑災金」寄回香港夏慤道33 號香港紅十字會國際及賑災服務部。
Or send a crossed cheque to us together with the completed donation form to the International & Relief Service Department, Hong Kong Red Cross at 33 Harcout Road, Hong Kong.
The payee name “Hong Kong Red Cross China Relief Fund”

信用咭 Credit Card
請郵寄捐款表格回本會或傳真至2802 0017
Please return the completed donation form to us by fax at 2802 0017 or by mail.

繳費靈 Payment by Phone Service
透過電話或網上使用繳費靈服務捐款，可選擇商戶編號：9167(香港紅十字會) ，請致電2802 0016/ 2802 0021向本會索取捐款人編號。
For payment by phone or on-line service, please select our Merchant code at 9167 (Hong Kong Red Cross). Please contact us at 2802 0016/ 2802 0021 for a Donor ID.

捐款總額HK$100或以上可申請扣減稅項。
Donations of HK$100 or above are tax deductible.

如有查詢，請致電與本會職員聯絡。謝謝！
Please feel free to contact us for any enquiry. Thank you!

地址 : 香港夏慤道三十三號香港紅十字會總部　
Address : Hong Kong Red Cross Headquarters, 33 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong

電話 Tel : 2802 0016/ 2802 0021
傳真 Fax : 2802 0017
電郵 Email : crd@redcross.org.hk

查詢熱線 Donation Hotline: 2802-0021
Title: Re: World watches on ... on Pangea Day
Post by: realisophie on May 15, 2008, 05:43:06 AM: May 10 was a very significant event for global humane efforts and also for filmmaking.

A live broadcast (almost) around the world, with thousands of viewing events held in its name, I personally was most pleased that the founder of Pangea Day is a woman. On the show, she spoke most eloquently on her reasons for producing and organising Pangea Day since 2 years ago, and also showed films she made over the years.

One of the most interesting segments of the live telecast program was the feature on Laughter Clubs around the world, started by Dr. Padan Kataria some years ago. To date, there are 1 million Laughter Clubs around the world and growing, formed in the empowered vision that laughter not only is the best medicine but simply brings people together.

It was also most heartening to get glimpses of filmmakers who were flown from around the world, into Los Angeles specially for the event. Unfortunately due to time restrictions, we just saw each filmmaker smiling as the announcer pronounced hard names and then went straight to view the selected film.

This is one of my favourite films. A simple depiction of desire and mastery of dance.

Dancing Queen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev0lib5b9CQ&feature=user

To view segments of the live telecast, please go to
http://www.pangeaday.org/program.php

What Will Happen After Pangea Day
People inspired by Pangea Day will have the opportunity to participate in community-building activities around the world. Through the live program, the Pangea Day web site, and self-organized local events, everyday people will be connected with extraordinary activists and organizations.
Many of the films and performances seen on Pangea Day will be made available on the Web and via mobile phone, alongside open forums for discussion and ideas for how to take social action.
A Pangea Day documentary will be created to catalyze future activities, and dozens of talented filmmakers will make strides in their careers.

History
In 2006, filmmaker Jehane Noujaim won the TED Prize, an annual award granted at the TED Conference. She was granted $100,000, and more important, a wish to change the world. Her wish was to create a day in which the world came together through film. Pangea Day grew out of that wish. Watch Jehane Noujaim’s 2006 acceptance speech now.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on May 15, 2008, 09:40:27 PM: That's an awesome film Sophie--thanks for sharing that!

And we are all shocked and saddened by the China earthquake news.

In case any of our posters in the US or Canada or elsewhere in the world are still looking for a way to make a contribution to the disaster relief efforts, this link has many organizations around the world that could use a helping hand.

It is being updated constantly, so just refresh for the latest.

http://cnreviews.com/uncategorized/china_earthquake_relief_and_donation_guide_-_will_update_20080514.html

Thanks so much for giving everyone a way to help, Sophie! :kuss:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: chealsea on May 16, 2008, 01:56:50 AM: it's really awful news to hear about what happened in China. i hope things will be just fine. do you think this will affect the beijing olympics?
Title: Re: What the world??!!?
Post by: realisophie on May 20, 2008, 08:03:25 AM: Hi everyone,

Big thanks to those who have contributed to the relief help. I've also mailed out my cheque a few days ago to the Hong Kong Red Cross.

On the question by cookies23.... well, think about it this way, did the Katrina disaster stop the White House from functioning? So in short, China is a big country and of course not as developed as many big nations, but as they always say, the show must go on!

On another angry note, it was written in the papers just on Sunday that rescue teams from Scotland and as far as Canada were turned away from entering Sichuan, China. Each team had spent thousands of dollars to bring with them state-of-the-art equipment to engage in rescue work.

Who could have known this? BUT the rescue teams were turned away from entering China from Hong Kong because the Chinese government wouldn’t issue China Visas to the teams. The reasons given were, it’s not possible to issue a visa when the applicant does not 1) have a return air ticket issued 2) have proof of a hotel booked during the stay.

At this point, anyone should explode into the face of those officials! Foreign teams were on-hand to give the Chinese in-need a huge aid boost and the government prevents them??!!!! $%&*$%&$#%$*%$*%&$(*% *%#&%()@#*%()%#$%@%

Regulations aside, when do people get so rigid to apply rules in such silly manners when peoples’ lives were at stake. Didn’t they watch the news that there was an EARTHQUAKE we all know didn’t spare any hotels in the area!!!! ??

What is the world coming to… …
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on May 20, 2008, 02:54:32 PM: Same thing is going on in Myanmar, Sophie, but what the Burmese government is doing is on a larger scale than China. Relief aid workers who know how to reach the most affected are not being allowed into the country because the government mistrusts outsiders, but the people suffer the most.
Title: Re: Relief help
Post by: realisophie on May 21, 2008, 12:04:18 AM: Yes it's terrible what's happening over there too. I guess with what's happening in Sichuan, many news reports in Hong Kong are focusing on China because of its proximity, the fact that they are hosting the Olympics and supposed to be a modern city.

On some levels, on the scale of government, it's quite difficult to compare the both. And with the advances of Hong Kong, you would think there had to be another way, someone who could "see the light".

Sigh.

Another weird "trend" that I've noticed happening is the "No. 1" attitudes of conglomerates in Hong Kong and Asia to beat the crowds, to a pretty much very, very unhealthy level. For instance when a bad disaster happens, a mad frenzy breaks out on who will be the first to give aid. That's why I avoid to give donations to organisations other than reputable ones like the Red Cross whose core duties are to give aid ALL-YEAR round. Companies, banks, beauty chains, bars, music bands all have been hosting events to raise funds for the people of Sichuan. One musician associate I know added me to an email chain thanking everyone who came to his fund-raising music gig. What surprised me was the way he ended the message, if not I would not have thought otherwise about him that the disaster was like the theme of the night because of its "right" timing. He asked his fans if anyone knew the best way to give the money raised to the people in Sichuan. Note: He's based in Guangzhou. I kind of thought the right procedure was to contact a charity organisation, pick the venue, costs of ticket sales, do actual gig, send raised money to XXX. So I sent him a personal email reply on who to contact in China. Haven't had a reply back yet, and usually he's quite on the ball with these things. So I sincerely hope ... ... anyway... as long as people spread the message to help.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: nikita on May 21, 2008, 06:17:41 AM: Hi Sophie. I was in Hong Kong when the quake happened and in Cambodia when Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar. Sad reality is old paranoia is hard to break hence people suffer more especially in Myanmar. Let's just hope and pray hard hearts soften in the face of suffering.
Title: Re: Relief Help
Post by: realisophie on May 22, 2008, 05:21:20 AM: Agreed! Truly hope so.

I think reminding people to help is the first step. When the economy does well, people live in luxury and forget the little things that really matter to others in need.

For instance I took the money I usually spend on foot massage sessions and being out with friends and donated it to the Red Cross relief fund. Helping people doesnt mean you always have to sacrifice big, but many small actions goes a long long way!

I'm also involved in some pro-bono work for the Olympic youth committee and for example, I'm helping the committee to write a letter to mail out to the public about donating medical aid and tents for their relief efforts. A simple tent is enough at the moment to give a family a "roof" over their heads.
Title: Greetings!!!
Post by: realisophie on July 09, 2008, 10:27:22 PM: Hi everyone

I'm back in Hong Kong and it's raining and raining.....

Happy 4th of July..... sorry it's belated.... I've had no internet connection in the Australian bush for ages.....

More updates and photos coming up

:js:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on July 09, 2008, 10:47:53 PM: Oh I am glad you are home safely! Dying to hear all about your trip! :hugs:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on July 09, 2008, 11:59:44 PM: Hi Sophie!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Title: My little bundle of joy....
Post by: realisophie on July 13, 2008, 10:44:49 PM: Hi everyone,

Oh sorry for the long wait....

Introducing the new man in my life!!!

This is Kenric, and he's just the most perfect, happy little baby boy..... I finally got to meet him and I adore him so much! I'm so lucky to be his auntie... it was so great to catch up with my best friend after not seeing her for 2 years. Both mummy and baby are doing awesome and they love their new home on the Gold Coast.

Kenric is so friendly and he makes friends so easily (with adults and other babies) ...

It was weird for me at first, but I got much much better at feeding, bathing, dressing him up everyday..... having a baby is just so wonderful but your time is "controlled" and consumed by the baby. It was wonderful to wake up (even at 630am) by his little voice playing in his baby cot, his favourite word is 'car'... and he loves to play his harmonica. The agenda everyday was play, play and more play. I could not kiss and hug him enough....

Before meeting him I was actually afraid he wouldn't like me. My fears were unfounded. He was so excited to have a visitor! Soon every morning, he'll come into the bedroom with his toys and ask me for a play date! He also does such funny things all the time, and he's incredibly smart. One instance I started (in the morning) to blow on his neck and belly making a "farting" sound while dressing him. He thought it was really funny. Then by the evening, he came up to me and his mum making the same "farting" sound but by covering his mouth with his hand and blowing on it. He figured out on his own how to produce the same sound effects. So this was his indication to me that I should chase and tickle him!!!

I have to go back soon so I don't miss out too much on his growing years...
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on July 13, 2008, 10:47:23 PM: he's gorgeous Sophie!! Thanks for sharing!

And being an auntie is the BEST! :hearts:
Title: Re: hello
Post by: realisophie on July 13, 2008, 10:59:04 PM: Hey Peach!!!!

Long time how have you been??

Hope all is well.....glad to be back!!!

:hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on July 13, 2008, 11:14:53 PM: Sophie!

He is so cute. Congratulations on being an auntie.
Title: What a weekend
Post by: realisophie on July 23, 2008, 04:27:09 AM: My weekends have been hectic. But this past one was special because it was the first time I've seen Sawaka since the premier party last year!

Yes she came in June, but as you know I was away being an auntie.... so there was a clash and I missed her. Sawaka stopped by again on her way from Singapore and we had a short but fruitful time catching up on our lives. We used to talk almost everyday, but she's been travelling a lot as well and doing fabulous on the job and singing front, so we have both been busy and missing out a little.

This weekend I had a barbecue and then a birthday party so it was running from one thing to the next.

And Sawaka's coming back to Hong Kong again to visit me hurray! I hope to let her try my home-cooked meals and she's promised to make some Japanese for me ... its one of my favourite cuisines!!! ;)
Title: My Joy
Post by: realisophie on July 23, 2008, 04:32:58 AM: When I have a hard time writing and feel frustrated, I surround myself with his smiles....

I can't believe how much I love him, and when he was in my arms, I guard him with my life, it's amazing!
Title: Re: Downhill
Post by: realisophie on August 01, 2008, 03:23:34 AM: Im sorry I haven't been writing...it's been hard. I've been feeling very down and many things have not been going right, down to the bare ridiculous notion of just coincidential bad luck like I'm cursed. Its hard to have friends in HK you can trust and rely on to have the time to pull you out of the odds. But funny enough, I've been praised for doing just that for some other people. I'm wondering where they are when it's now reversed. No where.
My mac was damaged a few months ago when some books fell on it thats why I've had no videos edited or uploaded etc for a long time. Its been hard to work too.
The weather has been typhoon season and now its terribly hot, makes you sick and tired and I get up in the mornings feeling down and depressed with nothing much to look forward to.

I started designing a fashion line and thought I found the right manufacturer in China, but they are just talking and not doing anything. I've always wanted to set my own business.

I'm feeling like a loser.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on August 01, 2008, 03:44:51 AM: O sweetie! You are not cursed..this might just be the calm before the good luck storm coming your way! You have been working really hard to get your life on target and there are good things waiting for you around the corner!

Go call that baby and get some auntie love and you'll feel better fast! :kuss: :hugs: :kuss:
Title: Re: oh tomorrow is a new day
Post by: realisophie on August 01, 2008, 05:26:20 AM: Thanks very much Peach...

Actually thats what I was going to do tomorrow.... I get to talk to them tomorrow...

Olga tells me Kenric's new word is 'light' and so his favourite words are 'light' and 'car'.

Isn't it weird that the people you feel like family to you are miles away but you feel closer to them than the actual persons next to you? I can only talk to Olga like no other of my gal-friends. We are kindred souls.

An example of my cursed circumstances is when I applied to go back to school part-time. I've been feeling emotionally and creatively 'drained out' in recent months. Academic services left my applications unattended for more than a month, even after I called them every week while I was away. So now my application is in jeopardy because it is late and was not received by the actual faculty for reveal and processing. No matter whose fault it was, it's rather late. The worse part is other applications were handed in after 2 rounds of collection and mine had to be the one that was forgotten.

Then somehow in the confusion, I lost my academic transcript too which is totally ridiculous, and when I got my overseas university to mail it to me via express, with my luck, of course they mailed me the wrong transcripts of another past student with a student number and name not even remotely similar to mine! What the *!

Things at home have been rough and I'm moving out. I really really dread packing! Arh! This was my home and my garden and my plants will suffer the most. Thank goodness I didn't get a dog yet. I was even supposed to have a nice big Summer barbecue party TOMORROW evening! Just when things get bad, everything you build up falls apart too. There's nothing I can do to savage any situation but wait my fate.... and verdict. When the situation calls for things out of my control, I get naked down to basics and do a ritual dance of mercy to the Gods.... just kidding....

I just need some sleep now and some good news next week.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on August 01, 2008, 09:19:15 AM: Sophie,

Just remember you have friends here and you get back to us when you can. :waves: :waves: :waves:
Title: Happiness
Post by: realisophie on August 04, 2008, 05:24:52 AM: Thanks a lot TARAsia Fan!!!!

I did have some good quiet time this weekend, I feel better after hanging out with a wise friend saturday night and just listened to wise words. Ha! It was also the first time in weeks, I read my book again and just ate, slept and did whatever I wanted to. It was awesome!

I’ve been feeling empty, knowledge-wise for a long time, like information has been “sucked out” of me at a much faster pace than I have been able to “put back in”.

For many of the other racers, like Sawaka, Collin, Adrian, they are still consumed by race experiences. I’m not one to judge or say if it’s good or bad. Monica talks about it when someone asks how we all met when we have dinner together. She’s like a tape recorder repeating everything she said about a year ago. Everyone has their own interpretations of what happened during the race here and there. I guess it’s also to relive her life with Ed because she misses him so. Brett talks about it when he dishes out gossip on the other racers, to other racers and what they are doing. But I’ve made him stop telling me because I don’t want and don’t care about gossip.

A year later, my race experience has been like a dream, and for many months, I have been glad to stop talking or thinking about it. Yes it was quite a nightmare at some points, but mostly it’s because I’ve had to draw my energy and attention to so many other things that I fondly look forward and get excited about. Even if I had the best birthday party of my life, I’m not one who talks about it constantly for an ENTIRE year, if you know what I mean. I think I need space to make room for new dreams, so that new things can happen or perhaps it’s because I get bored easily.

I love the notion of creating a dream, making it reality, and move on to the next bigger task. Because my life has been changing or evolving every week, I have been growing up and I’ve been very happy. But everything has its time and pace and it’s my time to slow down and rethink my routes.

I think people often mislead themselves to think that happiness is a feeling. I consider it a state of being, that’s why you always have to work hard at it.

Whether it’s to maintain the happiness you’re in, or the pursuit of it. I don’t care how wise those people who tell you, “You have to go through the hard times to know what the good times are!” That sucks because this is the explanation of happiness clouded by people who get greedy and take things for granted. If you know you’re lucky, you know to appreciate it. I think the difference is how much you appreciate, will depend on how hard you’re tried to attain it.

My favourite author Liz Gilbert wrote this about her guru’s teachings of happiness in my favourite novel of hers,

“… people universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you’re fortunate enough. But that’s not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don’t, you will leak away your innate contentment.”

Want to hear my version?

“So happiness is a state of being.... it's a constant experimentation of different recipes at each time..... and the tricky part is finding the right recipe for the time of life you're at.... not someone else's. Only when the other person likes the taste of YOUR 'recipe' (and vice versa), then it will work and you start making new recipes together, but not the other way round.”

Ha! My weak attempt not as beautiful as the first one, but it’s what I’ve learnt so far.
Title: Miracles can happen to me!
Post by: realisophie on August 11, 2008, 11:19:17 PM: Last Wednesday, the heavens decided to wash away all that was bad and cleanse Hong Kong in one big whop! It was the first time all these years I’d ever experienced Signal 8 (Typhoon warning) hoisted for an entire day. So everyone had a nice day off in bed and for me, it was time for Gossip Girl. I have never watched it before, so I thought I should find out what all the fuss was about. I love the clothes!!! Gosh!!!

The next morning, the storm made everything clearer and actually fresh.

I had gotten up early to rush to the University to hand in more supporting documents, and an environmental article I got published in 2006. I don’t know what would help savage my chances at that point, but I pulled up all the “guns”. I sat in the hospital-like hallway waiting for about 20 minutes, before checking at the reception again if the staff in-charge had arrived at work. She was late. My documents were then taken and passed on to her.

About 5 minutes later, she finally emerged from a room full of office cubicles to give me back my envelope and GOOD HEAVENS….. she gave me my offer letter!!! I did not see this coming. I thought it was going to be at least another week of agony before I find out.

I was SO shocked, I know how it feels to strike lottery now! It felt like the first triumph among all my battles for quite some time.

So after a heavy storm, I finally get to bask in some of the silver lining and perhaps a rainbow soon.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on August 11, 2008, 11:33:43 PM: Oh sophie! :congrats:

I am so happy for you! When will you start?

Things are looking up!! :hearts:
Title: Happy Labour Day ;-))
Post by: realisophie on September 01, 2008, 03:35:12 AM: Happy Labour Day!!! :jumpy:

Besides this nice break, I’m sure you are all excited about TARA3 being revealed this week on 4 Sept and premieres 11 Sept. But I'm sure you all already know this. Has it really been a year already? Wow! Enjoy the suspense…

:yess: TARA 3!!!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on September 01, 2008, 03:40:08 AM: Thanks Peach!!!

I start my Masters this week!!!

I'm really excited! I'm finally putting knowledge into my head! Ha! I was notified last minute but managed to attend orientation last Saturday and I think Ive already met my lecture "girlie groupie" to hang out with...my classmates are really cool. Some more nerdy, lots from different backgrounds but all so smart. Yikes. It's back to school for me!

And this week is really important too because I start selling from my "side" organic business, more on this in awhile...
Title: Re: A Marked Day 9/11
Post by: realisophie on September 11, 2008, 09:44:06 PM: What a day.... first it's the first episode of TARA3 (Im sure you all enjoyed that in Asia).... and also the memorial day of 9/11.....

I was in Sydney when it happened.... one of my closest classmates was from San Francisco and he had family and friends living in NYC. I remember the huge TV screens in the student lounges, bar, cafeteria, canteen.... everywhere you turn you could see the news and these frightful images. The both of us sat there in shock for hours of what was happening. We skipped a few classes that week... but when we did go to class... we couldn't stop thinking about it. I will never forget those moments for the rest of my life. There was huge moaning for the Australians who lost their lives....

Last night I had dinner at a friend's place. They are from New Jersey and some other friends from the west coast. It was a nice get-together... and we talked about if time really does heal. What about the effects of the war in the Middle East? Was 9/11 just another excuse to buy more weapons and prolong the War for Oil??

There is a scientific “blur” surrounding the collapse... I was thinking if I should write about it.... but after all it’s a scientific/ engineering fact…
Title: The Unhidden Truth of Science
Post by: realisophie on September 11, 2008, 10:03:58 PM: I won’t go into too many details….first of all, when a skyscraper is constructed…. There is an inner-core that is (in layman’s terms) so strong it would take a HUGE HUGE HUGE amount of force to completely destroy it. On top of the layers of supporting structures “covering” this inner-core. To explain more, this inner-core is built in sections with kind of like slot gaps at an angle in-between them. So it’s not one complete piece from ground to rooftop.

Technically when the top part of the building was hit, there was no reason the bottom part of the building would collapse like it did. The only way to have destroyed the inner-core (and make the building collapse straight down) was to have explosives….and we are talking tonnes and tonnes of explosives…. On each section of the inner-core… especially on the slot gaps. Plus the way to have made the building go down straight…and so completely VERTICAL…… a huge object (airplane) had to ignite the first explosives on the top layer of the building and then the explosives on the consequent sections would have to go off one after the other at a very precise timing, from top to bottom.

This from an engineering point of view would be the way to take down a building vertically and not affect other surrounding structures. Only demolition experts with decades of experience have the knowledge to do the mathematical calculations needed and it would take months and months and months of preparation.
Title: 53,000 babies in counting
Post by: realisophie on September 25, 2008, 04:13:53 AM: The recent milk scandal in China has been escalating and further demonstrates a society gone ‘mad’ in the hot pursuit of monetary gains. What price can you put on a life? Especially when millions more are starving in the rural regions?

First of all, I’m a believer in second chances and reform, after all who are we to judge other human beings if we are said to have been created “equal”. I still believe in a higher power above whom everyone will have to face on judgement day. But to ‘poison’ innocent lives on purpose, is a crime so ghastly, is there even a soul inside those involved in the first place?

The milk scandal is not limited to just milk products, but any dairy ingredient in creamers, chocolates, ice-cream, biscuits, milk shakes, candy bars, sweets etc.

The contamination has gone beyond borders from China to even Taiwan. Where’s next?

After the death of a dozen babies, 53,000 more are ill and facing kidney or other related problems. If you were one of these parents, could you face your own child, knowing that you had been indirectly poisoning your own flesh and blood? Who can the parents blame? Not just one man who was sacked off China’s equivalent of a food quality committee. Incidentally, the death penalty is actually legal in China. Should we fear those in high powers? What’s next?

What else do we need to test or be aware of?

Now plastic chairs made from China are in the news in Europe. People have been breaking out in a body rash after sitting on these ‘toxic’ chairs, imported by a European furniture company.

So we are dying slow deaths from what we may have eaten or will eat, all the way to what we have contact with, from objects to the clothes on our skin. In serious cases, it’s as straight forward as getting skin cancer by touch!

Check your wardrobe… if you have used/ old clothes that are still losing its ‘colour’ after each wash, this means the dye was not of good quality, which traces back to bad chemicals. Throw that top or pants in the bin!

Take care of your family and the environmental… both are the only ones you’ve got!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on September 25, 2008, 08:18:19 AM: We've been keeping an eye on what's going on in Communist China, Sophie. Earlier this year, it was pet food and many dogs here died. Then fish that had bleach was a problem. And now it's milk.

I've been warning many people here about products in China.
Title: China Products
Post by: realisophie on October 02, 2008, 01:03:19 AM: Hi everyone,

It's good to be careful but not panick over the situation. NOT everything from China is bad.

I have to also add that in the 1950s, melamine was also used as fillers in cattle feed in USA.

So basically, same purpose (as what happened in China), to increase the nitrogen levels in order to disguise the high levels of protein. You see, when the departments test food products, the basic tests just show up the chemical breakdowns of each item and how much there is. So nitrogen (protein level) is nitrogen in whatever form, but how you get that nitrogen is the question and up to the "honesty" of the manufacturers. It would take more sophiscated tests to trace back to the origins of the nitrogen, of which often it takes time and often hard to do.

It's very very sad when greed takes over. China by far is the biggest production of melamine, the chemical used mostly in PV7 rating plastics. Ironically, the higher the number on the rating, the more expensive plastics are. For example, the plastic plates that look like ceramics with designs on them are PV 7 versus the common plastic bottles which are PV1 or PV 3 rating*. But compared to the nitrogen protein that should be added to food proteins, melamine is 7-8 times less costly. Thus money takes over human decency and trust.

* usually you can check the rating marked at the bottom of the objects etc.

They have also found kidney stones in baby chimps in some zoos in the region who have used affliated brands. In humans, babies with kidney stones will most probably have kidney problems for the rest of their lives ;-((
Title: Quiet times for me
Post by: realisophie on November 04, 2008, 11:20:18 PM: Hi everyone....

I've been running around too much and sorting my life out....

It's been nuts!!!!

School is going great, but assignments are due every week and exams in December....

My mac has arrived so I will be making videos very soon......

More updates... but if I get too quiet, it's only temporary ha!

Hopefully more peaceful times are coming for all....
Title: CHANGE is here...
Post by: realisophie on November 04, 2008, 11:23:03 PM: :yess:

Need I say more?!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!!!!!

Im so happy and hopeful with his win.......

Congratulations to America.... thanks for heading out to vote....
:jumpy:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on November 04, 2008, 11:31:01 PM: Hi Sophie!! We missed you! :waves:

Fill us in on all your doings when you can!
Title: Happiness for the lucky few
Post by: realisophie on November 19, 2008, 12:13:02 AM: Hi Peach and everyone

Life has been tough lately... with work and school... I feel myself slipping away sometimes in a good way, sometimes not.

The few classmates I hang out with, have been really great and it's been such a pleasure going through the hard bits together. A Masters program, on part-time, is really tough on every aspect of balance.

I did finally move out. Got my own apartment, it's actually not bad. But the personal life has been a huge learning curve and things have settled down. Actually it's ridiculous, more like I have to manage 2 homes now.

I suppose I have not really watched too much TV lately, but a few weeks ago, I realised that the TV network I auditioned for in May this year, just hired a new VJ in September. Her name is Lisa, yes she's a very famous model in HK.

This was my biggest audition yet and I think I did try my best.

But to begin with, Im not a model or even ever aspired to be one. Yes every girl likes to dress up every now and then, but I don't want to be a clothes rack.

It seems in HK (I guess it happens everywhere too but it's more in-your-face here), yet more examples of opportunities calling out to these girls. Plus, Lisa has a very very famous bf, an actor. So she's got it all, looks, the perfect man, and they live together in his mansion.

This is a side of Asia, I feel totally trapped in. In western countries, even big hollywood stars from Brad Pitt to Bruce Willis have had their modest days. Someone from a small town, like Carrie Underwood can follow her dreams and triump as a reality show star. You can even try to find yourself an agent, but in Asia, there's no such thing. You mostly get called into auditions through your modelling agency.

So in all...... I failed BIG twice, I actually got 2 host gigs with contract and all, one to host a wildlife show, the other as an anchor for a Chinese TV Cable network....but bad luck happened at the last minute. Finally a talent on a film documentary contest a few years back. Then the first failed attempt in TARA1 in 2006 (because I could not take off for a mth), followed by the disastrous ending of my first partner dropping out of TARA2 in 2007, the rest you know.... .... and I think this is the biggest slap in my face after my screentest for this Asian TV network.

My dream is dead

I just really want to be a great travel wildlife host like Ian Wright, David Attenborough

Sorry for venting.... writing helps me release.....

Thanks I feel better ;-))
Title: Time for a joke
Post by: realisophie on November 21, 2008, 09:55:13 PM: My friend told me a joke that really illustrates how funny fate is!!!!

THIS IS A TRUE story!!!

We have a friend, she's originally from Cambodia. When she was a baby, her family was on the run from the war. They were picked up by UN forces and given the option to be housed by guest families in various countries.

So one UN staff asked my friend Anna's father, "where would you like to go?"

Anna's father said "Australia"

But the UN staff, whose English was not too great, heard it as "Austria"

So Anna, her sister and her parents turned up in freezing Winter at Vienna airport, Austria in t-shirts and shorts, with nothing on their backs. It was then that her father realised the mistake. Luckily they were taken in by a very rich retired man who has a vineyard on the outskirts of Austria. Anna and her sister grew up there and later they managed to start life afresh after her father got a job.

So this is how Anna has a very unique heritage and can speak fluent German. She's now a banker, and happily married to an American stockbroker. They moved to Singapore last year.

When I heard this story.... I was rolling on the floor .... life is so funny sometimes!!!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on November 21, 2008, 11:19:24 PM: Love you Sophie!

And you never know when a door will open...you will have your Master's and that will give you new opportunities as well.

So no dead dreams--only new ones! :kuss: New starts, new dreams, new chances...it is all going to happen for you.

We are glad to see you though--love the story about your friend!

What did you think of TARA 3? ???
Title: Re: TARA3 pics
Post by: realisophie on November 25, 2008, 11:39:23 PM: Hey Peaches

:lol:

Yeah I've been quiet about TARA3 coz I thought it was really really obvious that the boys were going to win....

Yeah.... sigh.... Team HK did so well in season 1 and 3 except in 2.... maybe in my next lifetime... :-[ :jam:

Congrats to them ahahhhaaa

some pics i got forwarded from Facebook
Title: Look up
Post by: realisophie on November 26, 2008, 01:24:00 AM: :angel: This puts a new twist to 'LOVE IS IN THE AIR'!!!!
Title: Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!
Post by: realisophie on November 26, 2008, 01:25:36 AM: :jumpy:

For once Im early with my well wishes

Happy Thanksgiving :-*

Have a nice weekend....
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: snap-on on November 26, 2008, 01:39:26 AM: Sophie, I didn't see u at the Finale party pics :duno:
Title: Mumbai terror attack
Post by: realisophie on November 26, 2008, 11:10:03 PM: What a start to the holidays... :ascared

Its so sad to see Anti-Western fresh attacks again in Mumbai last night, coinciding with Thanksgiving holiday.

Mumbai is a great city.....India's financial capital...... one of the most beautiful, luxurious and oldest hotels in the world, Taj Mahal hotel was set ablazed among the buildings and venues that were attacked. Even a police station was attacked!

101 foreigners have been killed.....

When has travelling become a life threatening event???!!!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Kiwi Jay on November 26, 2008, 11:19:42 PM: THIS ANGERS ME. Saw it around 10 mins ago, How disgusting!
Title: Sir Roger Moore
Post by: realisophie on November 28, 2008, 09:20:31 AM: I met SIR Roger Moore this afternoon at a book signing session.

To see him was first of all incredible, and I even leaned over and touched his jacket for a snap shot. It was like touching a piece of history. Too bad my friend’s camera messed up and the good shot came out blurry. I was SO upset. Still am. But I have two signed copies, one for me, one for my mum who is a huge fan.

My greatest fear in life is getting older and not having anything proud to look back on. I mean someone who has had such a colourful life, extended family, divorced 3 times and even at 81 he has a beautiful blond by his side every step of the way. Watching them leave hand-in-hand after the session, I thought to myself ‘this is what life is about’. Doing what you do best, and having someone to share it with. It’s so simple! But sometimes it seems so impossible.

Whether you’re a big movie star, concerto genius, famous painter, well-known director, great scholar, doctor, social worker, humanitarian, engineer, school teacher…. It doesn’t matter, as long as you will or have left behind a legacy. Not just for future generations to admire, but that you contributed something to the world.

I always thought I could do whatever I wanted as long as I worked hard enough for it. But as the years go by, I learnt that it’s about acceptance. I still can’t do this, which is probably why I question a lot and get so restless SO easily. Do you work towards your goals and dreams, or do you just accept what life gives you and this is the “version” of ‘appreciating the little things in life’, or ‘be grateful for what you have’. Is that supposed to make us feel better? I want answers.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on November 28, 2008, 09:26:53 AM: Quote from: snap-on on November 26, 2008, 01:39:26 AM
Sophie, I didn't see u at the Finale party pics :duno:

OH I can't cope with life in HK very well at the moment until after my exams when I can breathe a little more.... I cant wait for Christmas break when I can finally have a few days to rest.... finish 1 more written assignment and then I have to begin preparing for a huge project. This will be awesome if I eventually get to do it. It will be a big tick on my 'life's to do' list and also for school.

Plus I think it's more about TARA3 than anyone from TARA2... if I really wanted to party and get together with the TARA3 gang, it wouldn't be at any public affair. I heard Vince also lost his job when he came back to HK, but lucky for him, he has 50,000USD to fall back on ahhahaaa......
Title: Lost in Middle East
Post by: realisophie on December 01, 2008, 02:33:03 AM: The last time I spoke to my boyfriend last week was while he was waiting for his flight to Iran. We had a huge fight.

Hours later I got an email when he arrived in Dubai… then for days, NOTHING. I don’t even quite know if he’s alright. I sent him some angry messages that I know for sure would “kill” him not to reply me, but still nothing.

I hate it when he’s here and I’m very busy because he’s always in my face even when I just return home to shower and sleep. When he’s away, my home is not my home without him. Sometimes I miss being single, the possibilities, the surprises, the anticipation of meeting someone new. Other times, I loathe the whole ‘dating game’, such a waste of precious time. I have better things to do.

I LOVE 30-min sitcoms! I think they were the best invention from the TV era.

When I watch my usual ‘suspects’ whether it’s Everybody loves Raymond, 70s Show, Friends, Seinfeld, every couple fights about small things everyday. I hate it.

So when he’s away and I don’t have to pick up every single stain of hair on the bathroom floor after every shower, it’s kind of quite liberating. So I stop doing it. Then on the third day, I start doing it anyway because I can’t stand the mess either. But the point is, I don’t want my partner to get on my back over such small things everyday!

Don’t wash the white towels with anything else! Even when it’s a small cream coloured hand towel.

Why don’t you change the water in the vase? When maybe I would have done it in the evening when I water all the other plants.

There’s always something. He's a good house-man though.

He hasn’t been away for a few months now, but the few times he did, it’s always places that are quite complicated. Travel agents in HK first of all, don’t see or think beyond destinations they can 1) Spell 2) see on their daily itinerary 3) know which continent it is e.g. Asia Pacific

So at the end of the day, he never gets what he wants and even when he tells them exactly which flight to book, you can expect that something always goes wrong.

I had 1 travel agent, Holock whom I used for 2 years before my bf came along. He always gave me the best prices, the best flight schedules, even at the last minute and holds my reservations till the last hour based on my ‘word of honour’. Last year when my bf went to pick up some vacation tickets I booked, the next day Holock called me to ask if this new character was indeed my “guy”. I was quite surprised and I don’t know why but I denied it at first. Yes Holock has booked me on many relaxing 1-person vacations and he knows what I like to do such as diving trips etc. But this was the start of the end. Holock doesn’t give me the best prices anymore. He still books me on the flights I need, but it’s not the same.

Then I found William early this year. This guy gives me the best prices and schedules I need. I know this because I used to call up many agents to counter-check the prices before I began to trust William. So now I TRUST William! But I made the mistake to give dear William to my bf too.

Both travel agents used to get back to me on the same day with prices and schedules. They know I like email best, or sometimes they call when they don’t get a reply fast enough as usual.

William apparently didn’t book my bf on the flights he wanted because he didn’t confirm in-time or there was some misunderstanding. Plus it's the middle east. I tried to understand the whole situation when he was complaining. The conclusion was, the return flight was overbooked. First of all, my bf’s trips are always rushed. And at the end of the day, he doesn’t pay for it, the company does. So after complaining endlessly about the travel agents we have (mainly mine), he booked himself onto first class. Problem solved. Yes sometimes, it’s really frustrating, sometimes if you want to get things done your way, you need to do them yourself. End of discussion. But sometimes… hmmm…

I love familiarity in my daily life. I mean, I go to eat at a certain restaurant for a certain dish, so much so that they know what I’m going to order when I step into the joint. Same thing happens with my meat-seller, vegetable store lady, fruit store man, flower store woman, even in Australia or HK. They say almost the same thing to me every time or every week. This makes me feel wonderful when I run my errands, knowing that everything is where and what it should be. Plus I love not having to explain. Does this turn me into a bore? ha!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: christianpoetoe on December 03, 2008, 02:04:47 AM: Hei... Sophie...
wow.... i have no clue that there is a forum for TARA fans n one of the racers are the member of it :)
well , i am new here..
so let me introduce me self...
i am chris , from bali ,Indonesia..
Big fans of TAra , especially tara2 , especially again... pamela n vanessa :)
i think ur doin great sophie , but that "francefakes" really slow u down... :groan:
i really want to hear some news from the other racers , are u still in contact with them ?
Title: Welcome!!!
Post by: realisophie on December 04, 2008, 10:45:24 PM: Hi Christian

Thanks for your note! And welcome :waves:

Yes Im very lucky to have this blog that Peaches and Puddin created for me.... this blog is more than a year old already and it's where I write my personal thoughts, talk about life, interesting news and sometimes whatever that comes up ....

Pamela n Vanessa are doing great, they were at TARA3 finale party

I just saw Sawaka twice this year, the last time in August... we are awesome pals.... she's one of my closest friends...

Monica has moved back to HK, so we try to catch up

Last Christmas Brett and Kinar came to visit and stayed over at my place. We had a wonderful Christmas together. I love Bali... was supposed to meet brett and Kinar there in March for Kinar's birthday, but something came up. I will make plans to visit them early next year. They are awesome. Kinar is also doing a movie soon in HK, and Brett has just set up his dream sports clinic so things have been very hectic for them both....

That's all for now... I have to get back to studying for my exams...

Speak soon Christian....
Title: Happy Holidays everyone
Post by: realisophie on December 04, 2008, 10:46:39 PM: This year has been nothing but strange and Im really looking forward to it ending

Even with uncertainties in the New Year....

This time of year is great for self-evaluating accomplishments, goals or why you are not doing what you should be doing!

The important thing is, and I've learnt this the hard way, never sell yourself short or think you deserve anything less.

Pamper yourself... surround yourself with laughter and remember, a huge HA can banish all fears. Never stop laughing, I know it can be hard, but even if you don't have anything to laugh or smile about, just laugh for 1 minute. Okay maybe in your bedroom if you are afraid someone will think you have gone nuts, but just try laughing for 1 minute and then get out that door and be the best you can be!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: christianpoetoe on December 09, 2008, 11:40:33 AM: Thx for replying sophie..
nice to meet u :)

it's good to hear news from the other tara2 racer , especially vanessa :)
i checked previous post , but it seems all pics wont open..
could u post more pic , sophie ??
yeah.... u should come to bali , take a walk at kuta beach shore , go shopping (for ladies ) , etc..
u will love bali , especially kuta... hehe...

btw , how r u ? where do u live now ?
oww.. u'r on exam right now ?
well , good luck for ur exam .... :cmas16
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 18, 2008, 11:04:09 PM: Hi Christian,

Thanks for your note, I just read it.

Happy holidays and I hope to make it to Bali very soon!!!

:cmas27
Title: Its NO laughing matter....'Tis the season to rejoice....
Post by: realisophie on December 21, 2008, 03:29:38 AM: Hi everyone

Here's an ecard I did with some friends, the idea was by Norman whom I really really respect and going to miss very very much, and yes since Im an environmentalist now, even my cards have to be eco-friendly.....

Just to remind you to laugh..... and rejoice in what you have now and what you have done this year... and what you will do in the coming year

please click on the link below, play a short interactive game.... by using your laughter (connect your microphone to your PC or use the keyboard space bar), start laughing your socks off to hit and eliminate the monsters...

http://web.me.com/normanying/hahahamas_ecard/hahahamas.html

p.s. if you like the card... feel free to forward to friends....

:cmas9
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: christianpoetoe on December 23, 2008, 07:18:07 PM: Hehe , nice work sofie....
Merry Christmas n Happy new year...
hope u have a wonderful time... :xmas110
Title: Happy New Year!!!
Post by: realisophie on January 08, 2009, 10:02:18 PM: Happy New Year!!! :jumpy:

To be honest, I don't really feel like it's a new year! What does it really mean anyway? Perhaps a time-check to meet deadlines, set up new goals and resolutions?? Or just a date on the calendar to clean out old stuff around the house and buy new clothes?

Whatever it is, I like it for the bare fact that I think people are nicer to each other during the holidays and they play cheerful music from malls, train stations to mobile ringtones. And it's a time for me to get a new calendar book, mark out new dates, get organised, have some time to ponder and set new goals!!! (I'm very much like Monica from 'Friends')

One of the new goals I've set is walking/ jogging 2-3 times a week and to see how my fitness level is at by the end of Feb, (plus the economic situation).... because my university is organising a trip to the base camp in Everest!!!! Yes Everest!!!! And I really want to do it. Walking in winter clothes in Hong Kong is one thing, but when you get loaded up with more gear and attire hiking up the mountain with thin air, I doubt my body will be nice to me.

Anyway.... at least it's making me walk a wonderful trail I recently discovered! All green and almost forest-like, right behind where I live, almost like a wonderland backyard I had not bothered to uncover tragically for 1 year. I even started bouldering again in a gym this week. Yes all because of the new year and new resolutions to get fit and healthy and positive, positive, positive.

On another note, here is a great video clip I chanced upon during my normal morning global surf on the information highway... it's a clip of a WHOLE Year's seasons in 40 seconds. There's another 2 min version, but I think this 40sec one is already fabulous!!! Check it out

http://eirikso.com/2008/12/27/one-year-worth-of-images-give-some-amazing-videos/
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: booboobooboo on January 24, 2009, 07:38:17 PM: Quote from: georgiapeach on September 29, 2007, 07:52:32 PM
We are delighted that Sophie, one of the TARA 2 racers, will be joining us for this upcoming season!

(http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/30526/2001001624412466248_rs.jpg)

She will be sharing some video diaries and comments with us about her experiences and hopes for the future!

From her webpage:

Quote
Taking up cinema studies, filmmaking, screenwriting, Sophie studied and worked in Melbourne and Sydney for several years. Life was jam packed with film screenings, parties, or a good book. Life out of the city, she worked with kids, aboriginal communities, trained in rope courses, bush survival and even extreme sports such as rock-climbing. Travel explorations have also taken her on documentary shoots around the world in 2005 for the Discovery International Network, both as talent and filmmaker. Now living in Hong Kong, Sophie continues to write, host and explore new ideas from new inspirations.

She is from Singapore but will be representing Hong Kong in TARA 2.

Sophie was originally scheduled to race with her friend Allan. But when he was unable to be in the race, Sophie paired up with her former roommate Aurelia.

How did they do? Stay tuned!

Sophie's webpage: http://www.sophieteng.com/

wow
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: booboobooboo on January 24, 2009, 07:38:37 PM: Quote from: realisophie on September 29, 2007, 10:05:00 PM
Hi everyone

Haahhaah.... I have this idea about doing video diaries of my journey after the show. Someone has even given me the challenge of making my dream come true in 100 days.....hahhahahha.....

Well I don't know about that.....

So I want to ask for all your help to get hits on my video diaries and share them with your friends around the world.
The more hits I can get, perhaps the more chances I'll get to make my dream of becoming a tv presenter come true.

So hopefully you'll all keep up with my diary entries over time!!!

:hearts: :hearts: :hearts: :hearts: :hearts:

neat
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on January 24, 2009, 07:43:30 PM: It gets better, :lol:
Title: Oh gosh
Post by: realisophie on February 02, 2009, 01:53:52 AM: Hi Boo(x4)....

Why do you call yourself that? ahhahahaa.... interesting....

welcome to my blog...... I'm not sure why you have reinserted previous blog entries.... are you trying to remind about the videos??? hehehehehee....

anyway.... Welcome!!! :hearts:
Title: Happy Chinese New Year
Post by: realisophie on February 02, 2009, 01:57:51 AM: Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
Gosh 1 month is already gone, where did the time go???

Sorry I’ve been MIA due to some intestinal indigestion and tummy problems that has been preventing me from really enjoying the festive food. But I’m much, much better today. I even managed to walk 3km yesterday up slope and back down in record time. There's no time to get sick again, and waste precious Everest training sessions!

Life is getting very tough in Asia, as everyone starts to panic or embrace themselves over what’s going to happen in the next few months and next year.

The bad economy has also been a very good time for many to negotiate new terms e.g. talk to your landlord about lowering rent or for your employer to make you take on 2-3 (more) persons job duties in-exchange for keeping yours. There’s an excuse for everything and the lines drawn of a ‘tough life’ has been exaggerated by management so that they too can keep their jobs at the cost of everyone ‘below’.

I think that businesses in years to come will shift to self-employment or small businesses rather than to be dominated by huge corporations. Many of the good conditions I had from my previous boss is gone with his departure recently too. He has migrated back to the States. As he makes his way and fulfills his dream of taking his family to start a new life, I can’t help myself too. My dream is to get away on sea voyages and save the dolphins or do research in the name of conservation. Well, that is the hope and the reason I have gone back to school.

I had the best advice lately from a friend I met up with, just before Chinese New Year. I told him what’s been happening at work, and he also filled me in with what’s happening with other friend’s friends etc. The best advice he told me was to “not complain”. It made me realise I was pushing myself into a corner of helplessness by being consumed in all the bitterness of a handful of people who make my working life horrible, in the midst of a creative team whom I love. There's just such a fine line between paying bills and being able to do creative work.

So new, new year resolution – Stop complaining. Be proactive and change what I want changed. I’ll probably find it tough to keep this up once I start losing sleep again. When I told this new goal to my creative partner, he said “I’ll give you a week!” Have I really been complaining that much? I guess everyone in the team has. Even our designer is leaving, although his first resignation letter was rejected.

I can’t wait to start a new beginning!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on February 02, 2009, 09:03:51 PM: Happy Lunar New Year, Sophie!
Title: Good news!!!
Post by: realisophie on February 19, 2009, 10:33:09 AM: Hi everyone

Sorry I've been quiet. I've been in battle.
Fighting the corporate structure, a wicked new boss and a cunning MD. But it's over now, I turned (most) of the table run back on them so their scheme would then free me of my slavery work contract as of end of February!
:jumpy:

I have to say it's been crazy dealing with all this **** :jam: but my team really watched my back

It's going to be so weird not seeing them everyday anymore.... :'(

But its time to move on
Title: Day 3: Countdown to Hell Ending
Post by: realisophie on February 24, 2009, 08:10:56 PM: It's almost all over.... the real-life nightmare that is.

I can't wait.

It's not a good time to be out of work...... but I'm so excited!!! This is one of my biggest turning points in my life. It's strange but this time, I have been preparing for it, unlike previous experiences. There are so many things I want to do, and now I will soon have slightly more time to try to achieve them. First thing(s) on the agenda, SLEEP, organize my home, my wardrobe, interior decorating, gardening...... try out new recipe books for my guy who's returning from work in the middle east next week.

It's so great to be positive and looking forward to the future again! :tup:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on February 25, 2009, 09:26:44 PM: Hi Sophie!

Always glad to hear from you. Hope all is going well. :hearts: :hearts: :hearts: :hearts: :hearts:
Title: All's well that starts well
Post by: realisophie on March 03, 2009, 10:19:36 AM: Hi TARAsia Fan! ;D

Thanks for thinking about me. It's only been days since I've walked away from corporate life. But life seems somewhat strangely new. To be my own boss again, set my own schedules, be able to plan my day or meet up with friends and not be late as usual or have to cancel because of last minute work.

It feels great! (I won't deny that I'm terrified too because I don't know what the future holds. But if things stayed the same, the result would be the same - I don't know what the future holds. Of course I don't have to change my lifestyle, but then again who needs so much stuff anyway.)

As I'm doing my homework for this week's Economics class and doing a cost-benefit analysis, the question that keeps on popping up is, what value do you place on a human life? From survivor all the way to an hour you work overtime is an hour you have less with your loved ones.

From the images you get from Slumdog Millionaire.... to your own friends and family who have worked years of their life away for that extra buck to afford the next new gadget, car, house, vacation...... how do you place a value on 'quality of life'?
The biggest question for me is how to attain it. Quality with a capital Q. Is it okay to earn less so as to be happier and healthier? I strongly believe so, although who isn't tempted to do better?!!! I know I am.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Jobby on March 03, 2009, 10:44:40 AM: Hey sophie, just wonderin' if you caught the latest edition of TAR 14.. it's really good! Hope you did and share your views! :hearts:
Title: TV
Post by: realisophie on March 09, 2009, 12:08:37 AM: Hi Joab & everyone

Yes I'm watching TARA14... cool season....
You know it's strange for me to watch TARA after taking part in the show, coz you realise a lot more of what's going on or might be going on... and I can't comment on them publicly if you can understand ;-))

Meanwhile, I've been watching American Idol.... some amazing competition there... I like Megan, Scott, Adam, Alexis and Anoop. I hope one of them wins...

The verdict was in last week... much to my disappointment, the trip to Everest this April is overbooked, so I can't join them anymore. I'll have to wait till Summer for the trip to Tibet, and embark from that side of the mountain. Very sad! But I will continue my training, this way there will be more time. There's a lot more things to get done in the meantime, more updates soon.
Title: The Sea of Plastics + Earth Hour
Post by: realisophie on March 09, 2009, 12:11:55 AM: The problem we will all be inheriting... let's talk trash....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7K-nq0xkWY

Don't forget this 28 March 2009 (sat) is Earth Hour. Please turn off your lights at 830pm (wherever or whatever time zone you are in) for 1 hour.

Thanks :hearts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CRs-7lRlPo
Title: Re: TV
Post by: Jobby on March 11, 2009, 06:19:34 AM: Quote from: realisophie on March 09, 2009, 12:08:37 AM
Hi Joab & everyone

Yes I'm watching TARA14... cool season....
You know it's strange for me to watch TARA after taking part in the show, coz you realise a lot more of what's going on or might be going on... and I can't comment on them publicly if you can understand ;-))

Meanwhile, I've been watching American Idol.... some amazing competition there... I like Megan, Scott, Adam, Alexis and Anoop. I hope one of them wins...

The verdict was in last week... much to my disappointment, the trip to Everest this April is overbooked, so I can't join them anymore. I'll have to wait till Summer for the trip to Tibet, and embark from that side of the mountain. Very sad! But I will continue my training, this way there will be more time. There's a lot more things to get done in the meantime, more updates soon.

:tup: Sophie, i forgot to mention.. fellow singaporean here! It sure does feels weird to be a singaporean representing Hong Kong while you were in TARA2 huh? :lol:
Title: Re: TV
Post by: Jobby on March 11, 2009, 06:23:08 AM: Quote from: realisophie on March 09, 2009, 12:08:37 AM
Meanwhile, I've been watching American Idol.... some amazing competition there... I like Megan, Scott, Adam, Alexis and Anoop. I hope one of them wins...

Add in Allison and we're rooting for the same people! Who's your favourite TAR 14 team for now? :)
Title: Blue Planet Expeditions
Post by: realisophie on March 20, 2009, 05:06:19 AM: Hi everyone

Just a short note because I'm uploading from my mobile phone.

I have to spread the word on Alexandra Cousteau's latest expedition to 5 continents in 100 days, to tell the story of our most precious resource - water. One of my film friends is on her expedition team, what a privilege!

Please go to http://www.alexandracousteau.com/

p.s. Alexandra is the great grand-daughter of famous French ocean explorer/ scientist Jacques Cousteau

***Videos are being uploaded to Youtube and Facebook. Please do search for Blue Planet Expeditions or Blue Legacy or Alexandra Cousteau
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realshowfan on March 20, 2009, 06:06:10 AM: Hey Sophie (Hong Konger here). I have a question that just came out of my mind: What differences were there, being in TARA2, what changes were there ever since? Thanks and great to see you!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on March 24, 2009, 10:15:02 PM: Hi Realshowfan

How are you? Thanks for your post. Can I please clarify what you mean? Changes to the show or..??

It's very nice to meet you!
;D
Title: Solving the Plastic Vortex
Post by: realisophie on March 24, 2009, 10:26:13 PM: Hi everyone!

The weather was just getting warmer but it's cold again in HK. My seedlings were growing quite well, but most of them have drowned in the pouring overnight rains. The weather is becoming more and more unpredictable.

Remember the video link I posted a few weeks ago about our plastic problem. I'm very proud to say that a team from both HK and SF (San Francisco) will be embarking on Project Kaisei this June to August. Their mission is to find a way to capture the growing remains of plastics we dump into the oceans, and recycle the waste into diesel fuel.

I know these are challenging times, but if you can spare a few dollars, please make a donation for the expedition because we need to find the solution FAST.

From the results of this 70 day expedition this summer, if successful, the team will carry out an 18-month plan to clean up the plastic vortex of 4 million tons of plastic, about 1,000 times the size of Hong Kong!!!!

Or this handy weblink from Nat Geographic on how to live greener lives http://www.thegreenguide.com/strangedays

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOsmUJABdWw

The Mission
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realshowfan on March 25, 2009, 03:25:59 AM: To your life and relationship with Aurelia. :D

Oh yeah, the weather here is so unpredictable. There are more foggy days now, and temperatures change each day. -_-

Oh and one more question! :)

When did you realize you were so far away from the other teams? And do you feel shocked when going to the Okere Falls in Rotorua, just to find youselves eliminated?
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on March 26, 2009, 12:26:59 AM: Hi Realshowfan

Well lots have changed in my life... perhaps you are new to this blog.

Just to put things into perspective, TARA2 was almost 2 years ago for me.

Have a nice day! Fingers crossed that Spring and nicer weather will be here soon! Take care.

p.s. Quick answer. I can't say much about the show. But it was a terrible feeling to drive towards your elimination. No, I had already known having calculated the odds that there was no chance. No one else will ever know this feeling until you are on a reality show.
Title: EARTH HOUR 28 March 8:30-9:30pm wherever you are!
Post by: realisophie on March 26, 2009, 10:46:01 PM: Hi everyone,

Please don't forget! Switch off your lights from 8:30-9:30pm this Sat, 28 March!!!

The target is 1 billion votes from around the world to send a strong message to world leaders!

Globals votes against climate change will be shared with world leaders at C.O.Ps in Copenhagen this Dec 09. This is the most crucial meeting that will decide what happens after the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol which ends in 2012.

It doesn't matter where or who you are, you light switch is your vote. We cannot afford NOT to vote! :tup:

2848 cities and towns in 84 countries are joining Earth Hour 2009!

Tomorrow is Earth Hour, and we now have 2848 cities and towns in 84 countries committed! From the Chatham Islands to the Arctic Sea, people from all corners of the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour to show their concern on climate change – the first global vote for the planet!

In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong airport will switch off the non-essential lighting at HKIA Tower and Airport World Trade Centre for one hour to show their support. More than 500 companies and organizations, more than 1700 buildings are participating across Hong Kong.

Committed Supporters
Government Agencies 35
District Councils 18
Political Parties 3
Companies 451
Organizations 100
Schools 149
Buildings 1719

(As at 2009/03/26)

Lastly, set your clock/watches and do not miss the important moment (8:30pm local time on 28 Mar Sat)!

Let's black out Hong Kong skyline for a brighter future. With all your support, we shall see hope in darkness!

www.earthhour.org/about/
Title: The miracle of life ... ...
Post by: realisophie on May 19, 2009, 12:31:13 PM: Hi Everyone

Sorry it's been TOO long... :-[

I've had a crazy time writing paper after paper, studying for exams, writing TV commercial scripts etc etc.
Time just flies.... I wish it would slow down because I just can't get enough done, even if I didn't need sleep!

I feel somewhat confident about my school papers and exams, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed! All I know is I’ve tried my best and worked harder than I can remember I did back in University.

I finally finished my last 2 papers, handed in on Friday 15 May. There’s a whole list of things to do for the coming weeks and months I have not really started on, but I think I deserve a little rewarding ‘me’ time.

All these months, I’ve been tossing around the idea of a “planned” life versus just not knowing what the future holds. I think I’ve learnt my lesson that in life, expect the unexpected. The only thing I can expect is to have changes all the time. Instead to wish things were better, I’m just going to do my best with what I have and work towards what I wish to accomplish. Then I think I would be able to live everyday happier and healthier.

I went for a routine check-up with my dive doctor just yesterday. Things don’t look so great for my lungs, which haven’t quite healed from the terrible flu I had for 3 weeks in March. My lung capacity is not in top shape, so it’s really given me a “wake up” call to exercise and also get rid of my baby-fat. As you all know, it’s just hard. I must admit I have been in the “lucky zone” being thin my whole life because of an "abnormal" metabolism rate. I love putting on the extra pounds (in some areas), which I didn't have and actually desperately needed for the race. Ironically it was hanging out with my fellow racers in Bintan eating and sleeping and playing all day long that started my “fatter phrase” ahhahahaaa…. which has continued since then...

Anyway, I wake up everyday happier and more optimistic than I can remember in a long time.
There is time now to appreciate the little things in life.

Like, at the beginning of May, I notice one of the bulbuls (a type of bird) started nesting in my tree in my little garden. So we’re been waiting for the eggs to hatch and by 14 May, they did. Now I check to see that the chicks survive the night first thing every morning when I wake up. It’s rather nerve wrecking. But the two chicks have great parents who are never too far away for too long. Watching the chicks grow up every day, it's a very special feeling. Almost like the realisation of what it means to be alive!

Today I noticed the chicks have finally opened their eyes. Here are some shots of them I took in mid-May.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on May 19, 2009, 03:24:25 PM: Thanks for sharing that, Sophie! :tup:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on May 19, 2009, 07:14:16 PM: Hi Sophie! So glad to hear you are happy and doing well!! Are you off for the summer now??

What exactly will your new degree be in though? ???
Title: Summer break!!!!
Post by: realisophie on May 21, 2009, 09:07:37 PM: Hi TaraAsia and Peach

I miss ya all!!!!
Thanks for your patience..... ;D I'll be updating more often I promise....

Yes I'm off for the summer.... finally get to do more writing ahhahha.... have to work on my thesis etc. but no more classes....
I'm studying environmental science...

:hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: slayton on May 23, 2009, 03:38:13 PM: Hi, Sophie.

If you were able to watch all of TAR 14, what did you think about the season and the winners?

Thanks.
Title: HAPPY 4th July!!!
Post by: realisophie on July 03, 2009, 08:47:33 PM: Hi everyone

Just wanted to wish ya all

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

I hope that under President Obama's leadership, the country and the world can regain some peace.

:hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on July 04, 2009, 10:01:17 PM: Hi Sophie!!!!

Glad to see you. I hope all is well!!! :waves: :waves: :waves:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on July 04, 2009, 11:45:09 PM: Thanks Sophie! Always great to hear from you!
Title: Re: Gorillas Murdered
Post by: realisophie on July 13, 2009, 05:42:09 AM: Hi everyone

I've been working on a United Nations Convention campaign for Persons with Disabilities in Hong Kong. It made me think a lot about human rights and how we treat people who are "different".

And a friend just posted this link to me on Facebook ...... on the murders of a long-time protected Gorilla family of 6. It was not poaching or a hunt for food, but a purely brutal execution of these animals to make a statement. Very often the park rangers risk their own lives (and at very little salary) to protect these animals from poachers.
My heart goes out to the rangers......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twiSBP6SHJw
Title: Dolphins in Hong Kong waters
Post by: realisophie on July 13, 2009, 07:34:31 AM: Here's a short clip of dolphins in the summer time... enjoy.... :hearts:

YYYYEEESSSS.... there are dolphins in Hong Kong, even the locals don't know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrktQv84qtA
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: redskevin88 on July 22, 2009, 11:58:41 PM: Sophie, do you still keep in touch with your other racers... and please tell me terri and henry are still married.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on July 23, 2009, 03:19:35 AM: Quote from: realisophie on July 13, 2009, 07:34:31 AM
Here's a short clip of dolphins in the summer time... enjoy.... :hearts:

YYYYEEESSSS.... there are dolphins in Hong Kong, even the locals don't know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrktQv84qtA

Thanks Sophie!! Love it!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Jobby on July 31, 2009, 06:01:25 AM: How are you Sophie?? :hearts:
Title: Long time...
Post by: realisophie on October 13, 2009, 09:58:35 AM: Hi everyone!!! :jumpy:

Gosh is it really October already???

Time has been running.... I'm so so so sorry I disappeared.

After I completed my dolphin research over the first half of the year..... I've been away travelling.....

First excuse, I've been living in the Australia bush with some old mates I used to work with.... so it's life to a minimal.... no phone reception, television.... just rivers, trees and campers here and there.

I had some great R&R though and time to catch up with old friends I have not seen in 7 years.... some things don't change and it's great to know I always have a home with them to go back to...

If you're in Asia and can get a copy of the adventure magazine called Action Asia.... I have a published article in there on Dolphin-watching in Hong Kong in this September issue.
Very controversial at some points.... but overall the comments have been great!! It's been a while since I got to publish a magazine article, so the 4 page spread feels really great!

Then I came back to Hong Kong and was dealing with a business take-over....hahahaha not too serious.... well my company is basically 'me'.... so I was offered a new partnership because I didn't want to sell off my business or me. So i'm still my own boss, kind of, just with a board to answer to now. It's been tough getting new clients, but I think we are off to a good start and many new breaking ideas are coming up.

This new direction has put a halt on some of my previous plans, but as they say, when in HK, go with the business flow.

School has started again too and very intense every week. I'm struggling a little and often very exhausted by the weekend..... which I need to also use for writing papers and my thesis. What can I say, it's just non-stop and I'm already looking forward to Christmas plans. But before that..... let me post some photos in the next few days... no more delays....I promise
:groan:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TARAsia Fan on October 13, 2009, 03:41:07 PM: Hi Sophie,

Glad to hear you're doing well. :waves: :waves:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on October 13, 2009, 11:02:12 PM: Thanks for the update Sophie! Dolphins, the Bush, school......you are busy!!
Send us a pic or two when you can!! :kuss:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realshowfan on October 14, 2009, 05:50:10 AM: Glad to hear from you again Sophie! :hearts: Good luck with your business(es)!

Have you had time to watch TAR15? If you did, what do you think of it as of now?
Title: Re: Beaches.... writing on the road..... and recently Tokyo !!!
Post by: realisophie on November 03, 2009, 12:15:50 AM: Hi everyone

I'm sorry haven't had any good TV for some time now.... I'm been travelling a lot. I'm worried about missing a couple of classes already and I have papers due.

I have SO many travel photos.... but need some time to photoshop some of them because I took them on high res on my Canon 50D.
But here is a shot of one of the beaches I've been hanging out a few weeks ago....
I was hanging out with some common bottlenose dolphins near some of these beaches.... I will try to sort out the photos and post them soon. We were canoeing right next to the dolphins.

I've tried to come online a couple of times.... but the internet on the road has been difficult to load photos or get good connection.

Just came back from Tokyo a few days ago and the weather in Hong Kong is changing. Sawaka is mad I didn't have time to call/ see her when I was in Tokyo and Sat was her birthday.... I feel very bad, but have sent over a nice gift.

We talked about going backpacking in Europe some time back.... I love Japan! So we will try to make it happen by travelling in Japan early 2010. It's one of those fantastic countries that even the locals can spend their whole life exploring it. I love the people, the food, the language, everything!

Here is also a photo of me at a very famous temple at Asakusa in Tokyo.
I got a pretty promising fortune slip at the temple, so it really made my day! I was shocked like 80% of the fortune note read was SO close to what's been happening in the last year or more..... and the other 20% was predicted a VERY hopeful future.

Exams are round the corner and I'll fill in with more updates soon.
Title: Merry Christmas ;-)) xoxox
Post by: realisophie on December 14, 2009, 10:12:02 AM: Hi everyone

This evening was my last exam for the year! Cannot believe it! I can breathe again and I'm almost done with my degree!

I'm off to Sweden for pre-Christmas celebrations with some long-time friends and then to London for New Years.

Merry Christmas everyone! Will start to blog more often.

It's the time of the year again you look back on what's happened and try to make some refreshed commitments for next year. To try to be a better person hahaha... I've had quite a year. Ups and downs, new business, a decision to make whether or not to get married. But I'm just not ready.
There's more roads to explore next year, more friends to meet, more mistakes to make ahahhahaa.....
But in the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the rest of the year, and know that somehow things will just fall into place.

Thanks
Sophie
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on December 14, 2009, 12:43:24 PM: Always great to hear from you Sophie!!

Congrats on your degree!!

Have a wondeful Holiday!!

:cmastree :MC: :cmastree
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 21, 2009, 11:52:31 AM: Merry Christmas to you Peaches.... you're the best
:cmas22
Title: Happy (Western & Lunar) New Year
Post by: realisophie on February 22, 2010, 12:39:52 PM: Hi everyone!!!

Gosh is January gone and February really almost over? Can't believe it!

I've been smack busy since my last exam, Christmas, New Year, and now even Lunar New Year has passed.
Wishing all Chinese friends KUNG HEI FAT CHOY!!!

I'm so exhausted..... I have been working all this time, tiny breaks here and there.... Chinese New Year in Singapore.... which was FANTASTIC... the last time I was back there for a few days was after the race. I had such a great time and I miss the food already!

I HAVE NEWS! I have been selected to head on an educational/ scientific expedition to Antarctica! Yes the South Pole!
I can't believe it. So the madness has began, preparation and oh all that glorious paperwork! But it's Antarctica!!!
Someone pinch me, or when I'm finally there... someone give me a warm hug!

More updates coming soon.....
I will also post before I leave (hopefully)...... the address of the blog where you can follow my icy journeys.

xoxo Sophie
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on February 22, 2010, 01:04:34 PM: ANTARCTICA!!??

Take ME!!! :luvu:

Congrats Sophie!! :jumpy:
Title: Antarctica
Post by: realisophie on May 11, 2010, 09:04:49 AM: Hi everyone

It's been a speed train since I've been back from Antarctica!

Between that and my exams, I had been to Micronesia for underwater filmmaking and a little celebration.

I will come back with more updates early June from my trips. I haven't had any time to sort out all my photos yet, but in the meantime, here is a little taste of ice ice baby.....

p.s. Thanks to North Face for sponsoring my clothes and gear!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Cocoa on May 11, 2010, 09:37:35 AM: OMG! ANTARTICA! :wohoo:

Thanks for sharing your expedition, Sophie! I LOVE IT! :waves:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: David on May 11, 2010, 06:20:44 PM: This is GREAT!! Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on May 11, 2010, 07:20:01 PM: More, more, more Antarctica, please!! Sounds and looks like a wonderful experience!

Thanks Sophie! Always wonderful to hear how you are. :waves:
Title: Antarctica
Post by: realisophie on May 11, 2010, 08:35:00 PM: THANKS everyone :hearts:

Yes it was beyond wonderful and a lifetime dream come true! I hope I'll get to go back soon.
It has changed a lot of how I look at the environment and I have a lot of questions I need to ask myself about what I'm going to do next.
I will post more photos soon..... have a few weeks more to struggle for school before summer. It's even more intensive now because I was away for so many months. But life is good.

Speak soon! :tup:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Snooky on May 11, 2010, 08:53:32 PM: Thanks for showing us Sophie! :hearts:
Title: Re: Antarctic Experience published in Local HK Paper
Post by: realisophie on July 15, 2010, 09:06:57 AM: Hi everyone

I was interviewed a month ago and my Antarctic experience has been published in the local HK paper this week. You can check it out at

Thanks
Sophie
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on July 15, 2010, 11:31:34 AM: Oh how WONDERFUL Sophie!! That is awesome and you are truly making a difference!! :jumpy:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: TexasLady on July 16, 2010, 07:35:12 AM: Quote from: realisophie on July 15, 2010, 09:06:57 AM
Hi everyone

I was interviewed a month ago and my Antarctic experience has been published in the local HK paper this week. You can check it out at

http://www.yp.scmp.com/home/website/article.aspx?id=2131&section=Hong+Kong+News

Please help spread the word on a scientific network to be launched soon at www.greenerworks.org

Thanks
Sophie

What a wonderful opportunity! Congratulations Sophie!
Title: Re: Antarctica
Post by: realisophie on July 27, 2010, 06:49:37 AM: Thanks everyone :hearts:

I'm in the midst of tonnes of research, paperwork, applications and planning for some school visits.

During the school visits I will talk about my experience in Antarctica, but I will not be "promoting" people to go there because this will be counteracting our message of preserving the last wilderness on Earth. Instead I will use my expedition as an example of reaching for your dreams, with an environmental twist of course :lol:

More soon when I get more details sorted ;)
Title: Re: What a year!!!
Post by: realisophie on December 06, 2010, 08:23:54 PM: Hi everyone

What a year!
Today is the first day I'm officially free from any events, any deadlines..... since Feb! Can you believe that?!

I can't believe it's almost Christmas and my tree arrived a few days ago.... the best tree we've had in years because we decided to buy from a local nursery instead of the usual Ikea convenience.

I also can't believe how much I've gotten done these few months…. I had my first expedition to Antarctica…. Finally finished School, exams, research projects, conference, events….. more exams… launched the starting framework of an educational network…. all in less than a year. However, I still look around at my accomplished friends and they strive me to do better!

It's the end of the year and that time to reflect on 2010 and make resolutions for 2011. One of the things I just cannot stop to think about how I need to move forward in my life…… is when you see your friends get married and have babies. BUT I’m in no hurry to get married (just a piece of paper anyway), even though I feel like I have been these few years.

One of my friends from high school who lives in Canada now, has beautiful twin babies (perfect one boy one girl), I can’t stop looking at their photos and videos on Facebook. You know, some babies look extra extra happy, you’ll know what I’m talking about if you have seen extra happy bubbling babies, and they have the biggest smiles ever! Another friend I’ve been trying to visit in the last decade, YES decade, lives in Stockholm. I can’t believe she also has a beautiful baby girl, named Una. It’s my first New Year resolution to visit them in Sweden in the first half of 2011. When I saw Una’s photo, I was overwhelmed! What a gorgeous name too! Reminds me of Uma Thurman. And then over the weekend, our Paula Taylor from TARA got married!!! She had a short engagement coz I haven’t even gotten over the fact that she was engaged, and then the next thing you know, she’s married. Congrats to her! She looked like the perfect image of a fairytale princess… and so so happy. It’s wonderful to see all your gal-friends happy and contented with life.

As for me, I’m working on making my dream job in 2011 work out, if everything works out, I will start doing a blog on my website, (and also this one)…. Perhaps I will finally figure out what on earth is Twittering about…. Although I really don’t like to get on my mobile very much.

Okay so if I start enjoying my freedom too much and don’t get online until next year…. Please know that I’m wishing everyone happiness, peace, freedom and wonderful family vacations this holiday!!!

Xoxo Sophie :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on December 06, 2010, 08:43:00 PM: Love you Sophie!!

It is always wonderful to hear your news!

Congratulations to you, and wishing you much joy on your next adventure!
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 07, 2010, 03:45:01 AM: THanks Peaches!!! :jumpy:

More updates soon.....
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: LoveRocked on December 07, 2010, 03:49:29 AM: Hi, Sophie! It's great good hear your news!!
Congrats!! Wishing your taking your journey on your next adventure!!
:jumpy: :jumpy: :jumpy:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on December 12, 2010, 09:20:44 AM: A lot of hard work ahead..... Thanks so much
:xmas146
Title: Re: Earth Day 2011
Post by: realisophie on May 14, 2011, 07:57:38 PM: Hi everyone

Is it already mid May!!!!
Oh my gosh...... how time flies.......

I have just gotten home after 3 weeks in Thailand and Cambodia....

In thailand I had to do some guest presentations for students..... doing a live presentation is almost like being a 1-hit wonder.... and unlike previous gigs, this was the first time I would have to return to the same school and do a couple more times to a different age group, so every time had to be good.

Everyone was really nice, met people I would never have crossed paths with either-wise and it was definitely a great learning experience for me. Each live show was like another and another chance to get better and better.... and more confident and prepared for any changes or questions that may be thrown to me.
Title: Re: Supporting Charity
Post by: realisophie on May 14, 2011, 08:01:34 PM: I'm very proud to announce the first charity to be added to my network....

It's very important to me that I physically know the people behind the charity and have seen their facilities for myself.

My first charity is the Rainbow House in Thailand, which rehabilitates disabled children from poor families for over 20 years.
It's a family run business and they depend a lot on volunteers.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on May 14, 2011, 08:22:57 PM: Thanks for all the updates Sophie!!

Always wonderful to hear about your latest adventures!!

:ihrtu
Title: Re: My travel blog
Post by: realisophie on May 19, 2011, 08:57:22 PM: Thanks Peaches......

More stories taken from my travel blog

Hi everyone

Is May seriously coming to a close?! How times flies. Alas, I meant to put in this entry much earlier.

I have just gotten home after 3 weeks in Thailand and Cambodia. What a great road trip!

In Thailand I felt very privileged to have been invited to do some guest presentations for students from grade 5 to senior high school, leading up to Earth Day 2011. Doing a live presentation is like being a 1-hit wonder every single time!

Everyone was really nice, I met people I would never have crossed paths with either wise and it was definitely a great learning experience for me. I’m usually very, very concentrated before I’m on, but once I'm up on that stage, I'm just doing what I love to do and talking about matters I'm passionate about. So all my nerves melt away and I'm just living in that moment. I suppose it’s also that excitement and intensity I experience days before each event that keeps my adrenalin going and I love every minute of it!

More details about Earth Day 2011:

What goes around, comes around

I'm very proud to announce the first charity to be added into the greenerworks network- Rainbow House in Bangkok, Thailand. A few more charities will be included in the list as time goes by. The reason we are taking some time to choose our charities very closely is because we want to physically visit each location, view their facilities and get to know how they work.

It's very important to me that I physically know the people behind the charities and have seen their facilities for myself. This makes more sense to me when I’m helping to raise awareness for their causes during my upcoming expeditions and fundraising activities.

Our first charity is the Rainbow House/ CCD, which has been rehabilitating disabled children from poor families for over 20 years. It's a family run business. The Chairman is Kun Wasan Saenwian, with his wife Kun Chariya Saenwian, daughter Charika (Tarn) Saenwian and groups of local and foreign volunteers they depend very much on. With over 500 kids, some visit the Rainbow Centre, many others still live in slums on the outskirts of the city, I really have no idea how they manage with only 5 physiotherapists most of them on a volunteer basis.

I was fortunate enough to meet some of the amazing people who work at the Rainbow House after giving a simple presentation because it’s important that these kids get to learn and experience life the same as any other student. I’m really glad when I found out Kun Wasan shared this same view as me. At first I have to admit that I wasn't sure if the kids really understood what was going on especially since what I was saying needed to be translated into Thai for them. But when they suddenly got up on their feet and mimicked each other to walk like a penguin, I was very relieved and grabbed my little camera on the table to capture the brief moment.

When I was brought to the office by Kun Wasan and Kim (in the photo), the bubbly cute girl who put a red nose on me, Kun Chariya showed me a picture of the first boy who was adopted from the centre out of 38. His name is Pracha Sikhiow. Not only has he claimed the title of being the first adoptee but he has also become the first to graduate from college. He still lives with his adoptive Thai mum and American dad in Phuket, Thailand. Everyone was brimming with pride as they passed around the photo of Pracha standing in his graduation gown, with mum and dad by his side.

After my tour of the facilities, which included Kim showing me her classrooms and trying to bake something for me, I came to understand how the centre uses play-time, sensory methods and technology into their rehabilitation program. For a beautiful child like Kim, who has been getting treatment for her arm, the future is as bright as any child's. She is one of the lucky ones. Using programs like Skype has allowed her to interact with her future Irish parents. For a normal school, there is usually one curriculum that everyone has to go by, but here, it’s like every kid has to have a customised curriculum. During the Skype sessions, they show her where her new bedroom is, the toys just waiting for her to play with, and to create more opportunities for her to speak and learn English. Although I think Irish English is on a whole different level ha!

Next, we visit the boys making cloth mats and I get to see some of the amazing pictures of them from one of their magic performances pinned up on a notice board. On a normal workweek, they are in the workshop making mats for sale. And every Saturday, carrying their rice cooker to make lunch, they venture into the city centre to work at a tropical fish company packing fishes for export. Kun Wasan got them this job so that they would learn how to be independent, such as buying food from the market, cooking and travelling back and forth from the city centre.

Leaving the workshop, I was surprised to see a very lush green garden, perfectly maintained, with a rather new playground installed. Kun Wasan explained this was the favourite place of many of the kids especially when they felt sad or frustrated. He then told me a very inspiring story. Some time back, there was a young 18-year old British girl who volunteered at the centre for a few months. Upon returning home, she went on the game show ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ and actually won the top prize. So when the British media asked her what she was going to do with the money, she explained that she had just returned from Thailand and had a wonderful time at the Rainbow House. Shortly after, she contacted Kun Wasan and asked how she could continue to help. He asked her to help them acquire land to build the garden and that’s what she did. So they named it – Lydia’s Garden.

Lydia George is also the founder of 'FOR LIFE', the branch of CCD in the UK. www.4lifethailand.org
For Life, UK was established in 2004 to support CCD. This charity raises funds, awareness of the plight of the disabled children and sends volunteer workers from the UK to Thailand.

If this story wasn’t enough to poke at my heartstrings, the next one really added to my heightened emotions. During lunch, while enjoying my home cooked egg omelette and beef stew, I was introduced to a very special Thai lady, Chaluay Potter. Like Pracha, she was very fortunate to have been adopted by loving Aussie parents and grew up in Perth with a perfect Aussie accent. The downside was she couldn’t speak Thai anymore but had started taking lessons. I couldn’t resist and asked her how the locals react to her not being able to speak Thai. She smiled and said it wasn’t too awkward, they get very confused that’s all. Having recently moved back to Bangkok with her Aussie fiancée, they are now both teachers at an international school. Once they get settled down, they will start to volunteer at the Rainbow House with plans to adopt a child after they are married. I'm guessing Chaluay must be in her early 20s, she looks very young, but her maturity is definitely beyond her years. I happened to meet her because she had to go back to the centre to seek help obtaining a replacement Thai ID, which was lost when her bag got stolen the week before. Besides being a little flustered about getting her ID back, she is a very spirited, enthusiastic and happy young woman. One of the many 'happy endings' the centre has created over the years.

When my cab came, I shook Kun Wasan’s hand covering his with both my hands and I told him I was truly honoured to have met him and his family at Rainbow House.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Cocoa on May 19, 2011, 09:31:52 PM: :hearts: Great read! Thanks for sharing it! :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on May 19, 2011, 10:02:36 PM: Thanks Sophie!!

Where can we see your photos??
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on May 20, 2011, 09:06:02 PM: Here are some pics and updated news from our first charity.....
:hearts:

Great news! I'm so happy to have found out today that Kim's adoptive parents have arrived in Thailand and are staying at the Rainbow House with her. Some very moving pictures from their long-awaited arrival. Very soon Kim's adoption procedure will be complete and she can start her new life in Ireland. (the family is in the last pic)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on May 20, 2011, 09:06:35 PM: THanks Cocoa :hearts:
Title: HELP us on FB - 1,000 new LIKES in 10 Days (until 10 June)
Post by: realisophie on May 29, 2011, 11:31:10 PM: B:)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on May 30, 2011, 12:23:37 AM: Thanks for sharing Sophie!! I LIKED LIKED LIKED the FB page.

As an adoptive auntie myself, I can so feel that joy...and the look of bliss on Kim's face is so touching...she belongs in those arms.

You are doing a great thing here, and I am so proud to know you and share vicariously in your efforts.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on May 30, 2011, 01:27:00 AM: Thanks Peaches :<3

Quote from: georgiapeach on May 30, 2011, 12:23:37 AM
Thanks for sharing Sophie!! I LIKED LIKED LIKED the FB page.

As an adoptive auntie myself, I can so feel that joy...and the look of bliss on Kim's face is so touching...she belongs in those arms.

You are doing a great thing here, and I am so proud to know you and share vicariously in your efforts.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Jobby on May 30, 2011, 09:06:08 PM: I :tup: it. Nothing deserves more likes than a good cause. :)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on June 03, 2011, 12:57:05 AM: Quote from: Ms Whatevia on May 30, 2011, 09:06:08 PM
I :tup: it. Nothing deserves more likes than a good cause. :)

Thanks so much :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on June 03, 2011, 01:01:56 AM: Special personal thanks to Peaches and Ms Whatevia...... for taking the time to 'Like' my work...

I suppose I'll take time off from this blog .... for now....

All the best to you all.... Have a wonderful, delightful and great summer.... :<3
:hearts:

Quote from: realisophie on May 30, 2011, 01:27:00 AM
Thanks Peaches :<3

come on everyone..... 1 down.... 999 more to go .... Where is the love? Where is the love? (Black Eye Peas) sing ya with me....

Quote from: georgiapeach on May 30, 2011, 12:23:37 AM
Thanks for sharing Sophie!! I LIKED LIKED LIKED the FB page.

As an adoptive auntie myself, I can so feel that joy...and the look of bliss on Kim's face is so touching...she belongs in those arms.

You are doing a great thing here, and I am so proud to know you and share vicariously in your efforts.
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on June 03, 2011, 11:55:23 AM: Not everyone who reads here Sophie has access to FB or is registered there. I would not assume that no FB likes correlates with the interest we have here at all! Hope you'll continue to keep us updated! :kuss:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on June 25, 2011, 11:47:14 PM: :hearts:
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on June 26, 2011, 12:05:29 AM: Thanks a lot Joab :js:

Quote from: Joab on May 30, 2011, 09:06:08 PM
I :tup: it. Nothing deserves more likes than a good cause. :)
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: Jobby on June 28, 2011, 02:26:05 AM: Sophie i'm reading through alot of things you/your workmates posted on facebook by your group.. very amazing work... helping other people! I hope I can help one day! I'm a Singaporean too Sophie!

Just a random question.. are you still friends/on speaking term with Aurelia??
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: redskevin88 on June 28, 2011, 11:09:33 PM: if you weren't so mean to Aurelia, maybe your team would have lasted longer...
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on June 28, 2011, 11:12:17 PM: Let's just say it was a two way street and leave it at that? :lol:

Any team may have conflicts...editing can make us "see" anything, but does not always reflect the reality...
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on June 02, 2013, 09:52:59 AM: Hi Peaches,

What a crazy long time it's been! Just read the last mean post by redskevin88.
I don't think I was ever mean to anyone in my life who didn't do something wrong to me. I believe in standing up for myself and pushing through hard times. And not caving in to bad circumstances because I'm being judged by others.

Peaches, thanks for being so nice to me as always!

Thanks
Sophie
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: realisophie on June 02, 2013, 09:56:07 AM: :hello2:Peaches

I'm just shocked at the number of views my blog section has gotten.
Hope you have been very well and living life the last 2 years! I've achieved a few of my life goals especially last year but it took a long time, and I'm still pursuing my dreams...

Thanks
Sophie
Title: Re: It is Realisophie! TARA 2 Racer
Post by: georgiapeach on June 02, 2013, 08:57:54 PM: Sophie!!! I was thinking about you the other day and wondered where you were and what you were up to!! We would love an update if you have time, life goals and dreams are big news!! :kuss: