Brief Stopover of Saigon

So I went back to Vietnam. Strictly shopping only. And languishing away.

Actually its more of a shopping trip.. and maybe eating trip. But mind you I didn't eat any of the local dish.. I would love to tho. Me and glorious food. Its a like a great grand ol' love affair. However its pretty hard to find halal food. So mostly its home cooked meals or restaurant that have Malaysian or Singaporean food for me.

Oohhh.. but not forgetting the various breads I had there. Damn it, they have kick ass pastries and breads. I don't know why, probably they used to be a French colonial country (as many explained but macam tak masuk akal cause not all the baker is French eh), but their bread taste so good OK. Even the healthy wholewheat bread, that usually leaves a bad taste in our mouth and soo chewy; tastes great. Sheesshhh... and the croissant. Oh.. the croissannnttt... Even when I burned the croissant in the oven at the hotel dining room ( and with scarlet face I shamefully I scrapped back the burnt croissant from the bread oven) , it still taste magnifique. Now I geddit why the French are so obsessed with bread.

Since the last time I went to Vietnam, there was a whole lot of things I wrote about. Well this time, it didn't differs much. My visit I meant and the places I went. Therefore this post, gonna be much shorter. I think.

I was staying at a different place tho. Norfolk Mansion. Its more like serviced apartmen but have the facilities of a hotel. Free breakfast , pool, and such. Their library is comfy. My niece forget all about her desire to poo when I bring her in there. Haa! Nasib baik tak kena basuh berak. Ehem..

This time my sister and I discover a new shopping place. Well.. not new.. but much much much cheaper. Bin Thanh is overrated and a tad bit overpriced.. Its called ICT Shopping Centre, and you can get the bags there much more cheaper (about half price than the one in Bin Thanh).

However this should not deter you from going to Bin Thanh. This is the place for you to find the abundance of shirts, shoes, bags, ornaments and many more. Didn't went there every day like last time... ( probably because my mom did not follow this time).

The only difference. I ate out a lot more... bought a whole lot thing a lot more.. (but still I didn't feel it was enough. LOL). And this time, I manage to squeeze in a visit to the War Remnants Museum.

This museum, serves as a reminder on how truly cruel war is for all. I still love the Tunnels I went to last year, but this museum its quite ok. Its mostly a photographic museum, with several replicas of the torture instruments, war tanks and planes, pieces of bombs and many remembrances.

Okay. Di mana kah lagi tempat aku melara... Ohhh, I also went to Minh Long.

Don't attempt to ask me the exact location. I am hopeless on things like that. All I know that it is located at the far edge of Ho Chi Minh city. Actually even further than the city since I got headachy from the long bumpy ride and there is sights of village and out of town sceneries. I was expecting some pasar-like building. But I was greeted of a sight of polished looking green building with this teapot fountain at the front. How cute! For a building that is situated in a middle of nowhere, it is surprisingly posh.





I didn't manage to explore much here...since I only went at the back shop there.... blakang wall biru tu. Why ek? Sebab..the only reason I am here pon.. is because of..




Little ceramic miniature thingies stuffs! (Whatisitcalledlaweh?)


Some might go like.. "Huh.." but there's a lot of this these things. And it really kerr-aiii! Rows... and rows.. and rowss.. of them.. I picked myself a lot of miniature food thingies. The love of my life. Then, I also picked up some miniature sheeps and lambs. ehhh... people who knew me best know why..


Ehem.. okay. I think I am out of things to say.. or places of visit to mention.



To finish off this post.. I will recap the things I bought for myself.. arr.. those I can remember ...

1. Those miniature thingies..


2. Baju Vietnam 1


3. Blouse


4. Bag.. erm.. I think 3.. or maybe 4.. or maybe more....


5. Terompah (what? what?)


6. Book ( I left my book at Malaysia. I got so forlorn on the thought that I don't have any book to read that I hunt for bookshops in Ho Chi Minh. The books are really cheap. And yes.. I am a book-a-holic)


7. An embroidered purse.. I just couldn't resist~


8. Another baju.... wait.. make it 2 Baju. Not a blouse, more like a shirt.


9. Embroidered tudung


10. DVDs. Angel and Medium. (All the frickin seasons too for the price of 1 season in Malaysia. )

Tak ingat lagi dah.. herm.. tadek la banyak sgt pon. Most of the things I bought (that are not mentioned above ) are for my friends or my friends ask me to buy for them.

p/s: Ah... shorter post! see!

p/s 2: hoh.. update pong..

p/s 3: those are crappy camera phone quality like pics .. and i won't apologize for it.

That Empty Spot

I was blogging about my trip to Vietnam earlier. But there are some things that are left unfinished. So it is still in draft state. No worries.

Anyway.. I am feeling a tad bit melancholy. And a whole lot of sleepy. Being sleepy can usually make me melancholy. And why should I be melancholy and sleepy..., well.. this is because my big sister, the eldest had just gone to Qatar with her husband and daughter, yesterday morning. Embarking on a new life as expats at a UAE country.

My sister had been a big part of my life these past few years. Backing me off financially (thihihi, eh some part je taw!), travel-wise (gi sana sini ikut akak...) and a bit of emotional support (Gahh.. the callous part in me, hate the word emotion). Not to mention that my niece is usually the source of entertainment when computer games felt bland, TVs are boring and there is nothing to do. (Jentik2 3 year old is fun !).

It's a bit sad to see the empty bedroom, the house isn't littered with toys, and the absence of a shrill little voice. Sigh.. Not to mention I won't be able to borrow my sister's clothes anymore. My clothes amount had diminished! Its gonna take a while to get use to NOT see my sister bustling around the house picking up things and cookings and the mini me careening everywhere with her little stroller and begging me to go and buy 'goreng pisang'.

Oh well.. at least I still have another sister at home. And probably would be able to travel to Egypt very soon with the whole family or at the very least Doha itself. Yeay.. ! (If I am not broke )

p/s: Hoh.. bau nasi goreng kampung dalam ofis.. Ni yg lapa ni wehh...

Convoluted Rants

Ranting post.. so I am not making sense..


I'm weary of jam at the Ukay Perdana in the morning. People there are inconsiderate, the roads are terrible, the traffic light are just for decorative purposes. What a difference 10 minutes later or earlier can make during morning rush hour.


The government suggestion to expand the LRT or those other electric train to a wider part of the suburbs is commendable. But I do hope they would also think about upgrading the carriage (increase the number or at least the damn size la kan.. PUTRA LRT), and their ticketing maching (stupid la if you can enter RM notes only once). There's a lot of people using the LRT, the existing one right now.. This morning I had to wait 3 train to past me by for me to be able to squeeze my not quite thin nor fat frame into the sardine can . Upgrades are needed. Surely after 10 years the money we paid for the LRT rides, does it barely cover the cost of operations?


Sometimes I just hate shoe store sales assistant. I know la.. and I pity them sometimes, if the shoes I want to try on are located in a far end of their store and they have to fetch ladders and tiptoes and such and there's a lot of customers. But if I stuck my bloody foot in there, and don't feel comfortable wearing it or my that particular brand or design is not my usual size... Stop persuading me and saying actually its okay, it will stretch la bla bla. It is definitely not okay. It is me who is putting down my hard earned cash and it is moi who will wear it.


Malaysia tabloid trash are notorious for their obscurity. Datuk X and Actress A and Direktor H littered in the gossip column.. that are supposedly to be some berita about gossip. But I might as well read Brief History of Time in German and I would make sense of it rather than reading our senseless tabloid gossip that I believe only the reporter (if they may call themselves that) themselves know what the heck are writing about. Due to these very vague mention in the tabloids, that I think those spam emails, and forums spreading vicious rumours and condemning local artists/politicians flourish.

Pak Lah nak kawin lagi? Ikut suke die la kan. He was single. Have loads of money... stop saying he is a horny old dude or whatever. The people that "mencemuh", I bet if they are in his shoes, they would take a hot sexy upcoming new artist as their new wife and then quoting "Saye jatuh hati sama A kerana sifat penyayang dan lemah lembut dier.." .Whatever lah. Same as those yang bising2 over Sharifah Amani baldness. Those are the one either wishing they could be her or be with her.


Hoh... panjangnye. Full stop for now. Need to count my tickets. Stupid tickets thingies, have to count one by one.


Laters. Maybe I will continue Convoluted Rant Part II.. heh.

A ring later..

I'm going to Vietnam again. So.. before leaving, I am tacking in some old news.

Yes, as the picture suggested. I am engaged. Most knew it. Some don't. So here.

The engagement was held in KL on the 27th of May 2007.

Hence the reason I am bankrupt a bit.

How was the majlis? Arrr.. The food was great, everything's went on smoothly, many came.

How is it being engaged? Pretty much the same, except I kept on leaving my ring everywhere.

How's me? Honestly, I don't know. I felt... I feel.. Well.. I can't say can't I? :P

Sigh..

Penning Off ...For Now..

You scored as Neither, You think neither like a man nor like a woman. What you are you may decide for yourself. Most people will consider you strange, alien, weird or funny. You are probably quite interesting. Neither 68% Female 57% Either 54% Male 50% Should you be MALE or FEMALE?* created with QuizFarm.com

"You are probably quite interesting". Thehe. This statement tickled me. I don't know why. Probably I imagined that it is being said like a questioning remarks, eyebrows raised, a hint of disbelief in it...

But this is a short post and a short note.

Sorry for the long hiatus. I'll be even more sorrier (if that's even a word), since I know this hiatus would be a lot more longer. So you would probably not be seeing a long post for a while. Maybe I'll try to tack a short note here and there.

I am busy working and will be travelling soon.

Promise to update... arr.. when I am not sleep deprived. (I currently feel I could happily kill anyone to get a bed and sleep without any disruption)

Another thing, those who know Gohan @ Amalia Khairunnisa ( ala.. yang drive QM40 masa kat UTP tu) , one of my really, nicest, goodiest friend, please sedekahkan a prayer to her father, En. Abd Rahim who passed away yesterday morning (2nd June 2007).

I am really sorry for her loss, this good friend of mine, and I hope she and her family would be strong.

Al Fatihah...

Those that smell oh so sweet..

"What about this one?," A tall pretty girl is tapping her feet almost impatiently, calling attention to a bunch of sun kissed roses to her friend.

She whipped around after squinting questioningly and snickering on a card attached to a huge floral arrangements, hideously adorned with multi colored flowers.

"Hurmph. Yellow roses are too blah." The petite girl waved her fingers airily. Her friend looked exasperated.

"Why.. we had been in this shop, not to mention countless other before this for hours..!", she almost wailed. She checked herself and turned her voice into a whine..

"I am dying of hunger. My legs just might buckle down if I don't shove something down my throat soon. I don't care. This shop is just as good as any other. You are choosing your damn flower now. I can't see any difference what it would...." Her impatient tone trailing off and her sentence left unfinished.

The petite girl are fingering a beautiful red rosebud that hint of growing into full blossom. Somehow, she looked almost lost amidst all the loveliness.

Eyes shining, the petite girl says, " Roses always seems to signify to me of the flowers of love"

Her friend smiled. " Then chose this one. You seems to like it.."

The petite girl just continue to caress the flower. " You don't give a guy roses, Rina. Inappropriate." She sniffed as if the very thought offend her. "What's more they won't appreciate it as it should be appreciated.."

Rina laughed. " Some guys.. or should I say gays may not agree with you.."

Her friend laughed. " People used to love flowers for the different interpretation they gave. Red roses always seems to me to signify passion. Pink, are for the hopeful. White, are for the pure, forgotten and forsaken. "

"Black?" , teases Rina.

"Withered out." The girls laughs together but Rina's friend sigh.

She looks around the shops again. Unsatisfied she called the shop owner, requesting if she have a pictures of the shop's flower bouquets. She didn't tell Rina that the real reason she took so long in making up her mind which flower would she pick is because she really have not make up her mind whether it is a good idea to send the flower to him. She prefers gift. A hand picked gifts and things she knew he would love. But the thought of the gift being thrown back at her face is much more than she could bear. Giving out gifts anonymously is the only way and she can only do it with flowers in such a short notice.

"A coward way's out I guess," she whispered to herself.

Surreptitiously stealing a look at Rina, confirmed her feeling that Rina is really not going to stand for her nonsense much more longer. Rina is now salivating at a sushi poster nearby and Rina actually really hates sushi. The thought of raw fish sliding down her throat make her gag she once said.

The shop owner brought a battered looking folder for her to browse. Going from one page to another, her eyes caught on a bouquets brightly yellow flower with a purple wrapping. Not too shabby, she thought. And sunflowers could do no wrong. A strong vibrant looking flower that send out its message loudly.

She pointed this out to the shop owner.

"How much?" She asked. The shop owner gingerly inform of the price.

Rina's friend eyebrow shot up for a moment. "Fine," she replied resignedly and take out her purse.

"Eh.. You had picked out which suited your fancy?" , Rina's jauntily walk back to her friend, giving her a wide smile. "Finally! Dinner time!".

She smiled and gave a nod. After taking her receipt, Rina's friend write a short message on the card given and handed the card with the address attached on a piece of paper.

" Sorry ok, Rina. You had been such a good sport. Dinner my treat," she smiled to her friend.

"Miss! Miss! " Both girls turned around as the dumpy shop owner waved at them to come back. "Miss.. you forgot to sign your name in the card.."

"No. I didn't. Just leave it unnamed." She smiled to the shop owner. Rina slipped her hand into her friend and they walked back toward her car.

Rina looked searchingly at her friend and voices out her thought. "Why? He might like that you know.. It probably is a good thing for him to know from whom the flowers came from.."

The earlier sparkle in her friends eyes seems to had been diminished.

" It doesn't matter. It won't change his mind about me. Just want to wish him all the best "

Rina gives her friend a little pat. "Come on, dinner waits for no man.."

With a little illumination

It's been a month since I seen the Phantom of the Opera. I was waiting for the pictures to be upload. But screwed the pictures. Its not like I am in much of the pictures pon. So.. I'm writing this and just upload whatever pics I can think of.

This procrastination is due to the most part, computer problem at home. My computer is dying. While Effi's one is raring to go and is quite a Spartan if it comes into battle, Lee's are magnet to virus, mine is just silently wishing its owner would end its pathetic life and let it R.I.P. Therefore it is slowly shutting down its functions on me. Oh no. I don't have any money to upgrade or fix my computer. My moolah well is dried up . I believe I have to turn to my backup moolah well to survive this month. I am officially broke for the next 3 months. Therefore any suggestion to "Eh... orang dah keje kan.. belanja la..", would receive a response in a manner of a grunt and dagger-like looks. So I still need to ride my computer as an elderly, sickly, obedient donkey that it is.

While I usually also blogged at office, work is screaming blue bloody murder (I have no idea what it meant. I just put it in.) Well, in plain language. Keje banyak la. There's a whole lots of tickets coming in and I end up coming at home wishing ... well just wishing that there is no such thing as working for money.

Ah well.. introduction di atas pon dah sangat lah panjang kan. Moving on.


As for the Singapore trip, before any of you spouts off questions if had I gone to Sentosa Island, Geyland (wth is in Geyland anyway?), shopping trips, food intake trips. I went to Singapore with one purpose in mind. To watch Phantom of the Opera. Even if it means I have to sleep at the very squeaky clean streets of Singapore. Actually no.. even if it means no decent cheap hotel available, I would fork out money to stay at the 5 Star hotel, just as so I can go see the musical.
I went with Gohan since she shares my interest (though I doubt that she knows the lyrics like me ^_^ (My attempts at emoticon is pathetic..)

I had been in love with the musical since I was 12. Which is weird because,

1. I had never seen the musical.
2. I had never seen the movie
3. I never read its book.

However I had heard the music. Thus I fell in love.

The Esplanade was a disappointment. Outside and lobby-wise I guess. But it have no wasteful space. I meant kinda like you see these big building that have all these beautiful open spaces. Esplanade theater seems to use each of its space effectively. But I am no expert nor fan in architecture design, thus I'm ending my view on this matter.

We went early and when ushered to our seat... I just realized that I actually had purchased the front row seats. (What? I don't realize this before.? I bought the tickets monthssss ago.. You think I remember?) . We sat just right in front of those musician ensembles. While waiting for the show to start, we also take a peek to see those musician prepare themselves. (Not one of them is handsome)

Now the seat. Ohhh... at first I was nervous , if its actually ok. But my friend seems to be delighted. She said we can see all those in life size stature (instead of the tiny mini Tiara Jacqueline we saw at Puteri Gunung Ledang theatre). And goodies isn't she right. I reckon one of the cast spit even came flying at me.

Looking at their costume, make up, set designs that close. I can only say wow.

The show itself?

Fantastic. The. Best. Ever. Musical.

If its in Kuala Lumpur. I believe I would have seen it at least 3 times. At different seating. To see how it look like from a different view.

What I love? How would thee count the way...

First, the music of course. Duh. I use to listen to it daily. Until I lost the CD. Boo. My ultimate favorite was Phantom of the Opera and Think of Me. Now Masquerade and Music of the Night is becoming a great favorite too.

Then the stage design and sets. When you came into the theatre. You see it looks dreary (Let me explain by: the start of the show , as like the movie, it showed the theatre in almost ruins , long past the time of the story, then the story goes back in time telling the story of Phantom and Christine) . The side panel of the theatre are all covered with some cloth that look like organza. Then.. when it came to the Phantom time, its almost like magic seeing the stage transformed. Seeing the drapery being pulled all around the stage is almost like seeing time unraveling before your eyes. Especially since you are at the center front row seat.

Which brings me to another part of the show that I love. The effect. Earlier there was a sign outside the doors warning that this show have gunshot effect sounds and loud bang sounds ; something like that la. We were puzzled seeing those. The show goes back in time when the auctioneer, showing the infamous chandelier told to light it up... "With a little illumination..". Then with a bang (and a small scream from me. Shock, ok... ) and sparks going around the chandelier, the chandelier swung upwards, (many scream by others...who's also in front.). Revealing what the stage might had look like those many years ago. Words doesn't do it justice. You need to see it. Eik. Now those who hadn't seen it will lose the surprise. Well too bad. Thehe.

The cast. I heard from a snobby looking chick during intermission, saying she thinks the cast is.. well badly cast. Physical wise. Complaining that Carlotta should be pretty and slim . Huh? If you want to see those stick figure pretty little thing, go and see the movie la. Not that I have anything against the movie. Just that, I think the woman cast as Carlotta in this show, is well.. Carlotta. Christine , well I am tad bit disappointed. She looks a bit old, and tired. But when she start singing. The voice is lovely is an understatement. I read the review, where they say that Christine voice in this production, is almost innocence-like. Not as powerful as Carlotta. I tend to disagree, where Carlotta voice brimmed with maturity of age, Christine is just as powerful, but lacking those maturity. But I don't feel her voice is as innocence-like or sweet-like. That, is what Sarah Brightman and there is another person (can't remember the name) the one in the London production, that have those quality and well reverberate it with Christine.

And Raoul. Oh my fluttering heart . Handsome Gila! Even with all those piles of make up and blusher. You can see that. That he is REALLY handsome. If one would have a dream of castle in clouds, white horses with wings. He is the handsome prince that came astride in one of those white horses lording that castle.

Of the musical number, I most love seeing performed was Masquerade. Oh... it was lovely. Just as I would imagine it would be.

I ended up spending a whole lot on the Phantom's merchandise. This is to make up on the loss of merchandise I didn't shop during Disney Beauty and the Beast on Ice show..student trainee salary doesn't afford such luxury . Lemme see. A locket. 2 mugs. 1 Programme Book. The CD. Some fridge thingies for my sister. (Mcm byk lagi je tapi I totally forgot)

Now.. is there any part of the show which I don't like? Well.. the chandelier doesn't go down as dramatically as it went up. But apart from that. I am well satisfied. It is a well spent 300Rm ticket. I'm glad that I catch it. Even though I was watching the show with heavy lidded eyes. I hadn't slept for more than 24 hours! (Curse bloody well lit bus that doesn't make it as comfy for me to sleep after working on night shift)

The cast was talented. (My eardrums throbbed several times during the show whenever the divas are belting out their piece). The stage was beautiful, well design and creatively used. The musical numbers is just as entertaining and beautiful as I expected it to be.

Now. If I can just only buy another of those Phantom CD. It seems my sister want mine.

The Verdict is In

Oh. The computer at home had just recovered from its nervous breakdown. Still loads of things to do. So pics are on hold (Not much pon.... as I keep saying..).

First of all, congratulations to Serias, one of my lovely best friends manage to get a brand new spanking bejeweled ring slipped in by her soon to be mother in law. Congratulations on your engagement.

Eeiii. Big yawn. I am so very sleepy. So this is one way in keeping up but I don't have much mood in posting long post when I am sleepy. It is also VERY cold in the office. I have in mind to buy socks next time and extra shawl. This do not do much to hinder sleeps. In fact. I long to sprawl on the floor of the office and get a good snore. P.S. And yeah. Work are still killing us.

Okay. Let's get ahead with the point of the post.

Already finish reading Candace Bushnell, Sex and the City and Ann Rule, The Stranger Beside Me.

Hurmph. Candace Bushnell. I read 4 Blondes. I read Sex and The City. Both book.. are.. almost unpleasant. The former is ok enough, but kinda sickening and at times almost boring. The latter is more like Sex Guide if you want to date a New Yorker. Maybe because I am not hip and happening and don't rampantly goes from men to men or live in New York, that I don't get it. Maybe. Anyhow, no more Candace Bushnell book for me. Unless anybody can prove me otherwise.

Verdict? Not funny. Dark. Weird at times. Yawner and a page turner (that I meant by I turned the pages rapidly skipping the boring parts)

Then after failed being humored by Sex and the City, I turned my attention to Ann Rule, The Stranger Beside Me. The book is about Ted Bundy. Those who do not know who is Ted Bundy, you can read more on him here at CrimeLibrary.com.

I used to love reading these type of books when I was in high school (which is why I am so pyschotic at times?). So reading on Ann Rule interview and how she have the (dis)advantage of actually personally knowing Ted Bundy as a young man before the world knows him as a sociopathic vicious serial killer, is an interesting perspective.

I didn't expect much since these type of books (True Stories of Serial Killers) are usually kinda bland (Yes, even with all the weird sexual acts, head bashing, gutting of body..). But actually it is... interesting. The book give 3 different views. Ann view and her worlds, Ted Bundy and his victims.

It started as usual with how he grew up, challenges faced.. etc..etc. Then when it came to the murders of the young girls, the story quicken its pace. Reading the book on a comfort of my bed with a hot drink in hand , my heart beats in trepidation on reading uncomfortably on how easy it is for him to pick up his victim. I found myself almost afraid when I read on the rages he unleashed on the girls and shivers before going to sleep thinking of it. In my mind, I can almost imagine him, hand upraised, holding a crowbar, face contorted, just ready to swing it. Yups. That's me and my overimaginative imagination.

Usually, I will read the book until I got too disturbed, and promptly go to sleep. When it came to the trial part, it then trudges on slowly up until the end of his trial verdict.

Verdict? It is an interesting book and Ann Rule shows Bundy as a complex character. Its like you are reading on 2 separate guy. You know he is a monster, but reading the book you can almost see the confusion on the people around him trying to figure out if the man they knew is capable of killing. Chilling at times and an interesting view on a notorious killer.

My computer died. What else is new?

You know. I am feeling so guilty towards my blog for not updating. So sad to see the old date still there... yet no update.

Hah.. Okay. Actually there's plenty of reason of not updating. Before this I was busy and the internet at home is playing hide and seek.

Then.. my computer sucks and it heard I say it sucks so it kinda 'mrajuk' thus refusing to boot up and somehow my harddisk also crash along. I am feeling so sad remembering all the jdorama and series I had. I am feeling somewhat thankful that peoples around me had copied off the series so I can copy back. But some of the jdorama and series such as Veronica Mars Season 2 and Season 3 and Greys Anatomy the current season, I had not yet copied into the dvd. Thus lost forever. Sobs. Unless, downloaded again (ARGH!) or spent hard earned cash on DVDs.. Sobs!

Thus, I lost my mood and appetite to blog for a while. Not until I got my computer back damn it.. Then I can blog about something such as Phantom of the Opera and post the photos you guys wanting to look at (tapi la kan.. the photos not much pon..)

Hahaha.. Eh.

As so currently. I have only my brother laptop to keep me company for a while, which sucks too since only when it feel like it, it would let Streamyx in.

So I get even more depressed and played Sims Theme Hospital. (Yes. Its an old, old game.. I don't care.. I still like it)

So there. But I will update. Promise. Kesian blog. I will ok.. so don't mrajuk2 with me plak ok..

Who knows computer can be so temperamental as a woman.

Thinly veiled fog

"So?"

" I don't know"

*insistently* "What do you think it meant..?"

"I don't know. Its a dream ok."

"Well... in your dream, he is taunting you aight.. Surely you must know what it signify?"

*exasperated* "Listen. I don't know. Half of the time, when he is speaking to me, face to face so earnestly, I think I knew. But then I realized later that I don't know him at all. Much less if he ever meant what he said. If in reality, I never know what to believe, you think I know what he said in my dreams?"

"You can't forget him."

"Oh. You are repeating him now."

"I'm not. Those line. It can be a fact, a statement or a question. In fact I think its all of them."

"Hmmm. That's silly. *sigh* "I just don't want to think about it. Forget it"

" How mature of you."

" I think its a pretty good defense." *shrugs*

*raised eyebrows* "Did he attacked you then ?"

"Quit it. I'm trying to be realistic." *rolls eyes*

" The line of dreams and reality are just a thin veil of fog."

" You should know."

***************************************************************

Eh. The above? Just saje-saje aje.

Will update a more rational post later. Just very tired lately. I can hardly keep my eyes open.

*yawn*

Tornado Rush

Eh.

So many things happened this week. And event upcoming too!

First of all.. jeng jeng jeng. I was selected as one of the lucky contestants for the Mix FM Cash Tornado. I went through the Tornado already on Wednesday. Thank God it was my off days. If not, how am I to get there during workdays huh. And I am just so glad thats its over. Its nerve wracking Okay.

Was surprised on an early cool Tuesday morning by my phone vibrating beside my bed. I thought at first I was dreaming. Picked up the phone and heard my sister asked if I register for the Tornado Cash. I mumbled "Yes". Then she said excitedly and with a lil whoop, my name had been called and to call the radio ASAP. Ehh.. just wake up, fumbling to find specs and pen. Couldn't find a pen, so I just grab a marker and jotted down the radio station number on some random books strayed around the house.

Couldn't go to sleep la after that even though I feel like I really want to. But charged with adrenaline, I am better of by languishing myself in front of the TV and lulled myself with some documentary. Then was surprised by a call from my car dealer thingies asking to go to some luncheon where even more prize goodies goodness is awaiting. Eh. April is such a good month for me? It got to the point where I was thinking, "eh am I dreaming of all these calls ar". Since this is the girl who never even won a tub of cream free. (Even when I buy some expensive product the free gift is not for me. Gile tak fair to the purchasing power!). The most I got is a handful of chewing gums. Eh. Oklah tipu. I used to enter an essay in a magazine that won me a few books. But that's it! I swear!

Well, on Wednesday.. my siblings decide to drop by to the Tornado event which was on Ampang Point. Moral support la kononnye. Eiiii.. got me even more nervous. I don't do well with moral support you know. All those expected expectations make me tremble.

But I went through it ok la. It was hot that day! We had some fun. The Roadrunners are an energetic bunch. And what I walk away with? Not too shabby. Could had been better.. and I was expecting better. But hey.. out of the many who registered .. I got selected ok! And nobody would give that much of a cash! So I'm Oklah. Furthermore, the Tornado will be ending this week! Talk about Lady Luck! And my siblings all went away with some Mix FM goodies giveaway. (My brother in law got complimentary meal at a fine French restaurant). I got some extra extra moolah to spend. *GRIN* Very happy. Dance a lil jig. Can shop a bit in Singapore this weekend. Yeay!

Got some photos to post. (And I was thinking to post a photo of me with DJ Sham together in this post. He's kinda cute and very nice). But really lazy in transferring pics and stuff and uploading. Maybe I will post all of those together went I get back from Singapore.

Ohh. I can't wait to get to Singapore this weekend. But.. I still dreading that I may had not packed everything yet. Phantom of the Opera! Here I come!

p/s: Ah yes. I feel my writing kinda sucks. That happened when there's load of things going on and I get tired. So then my writing get even more sucks-er

The Borderline Lame, The Beautifully Done and Just OK.

Huh. Bole tak? Due to my infinite stupidity, I had closed down IE in a group forgetting that I was typing my blog post. Huh.. huh..hinnss. That's 4 paragraph lost. Tiidaaakkkk!

Man, I am furious at myself. Whatever. Anyway..moving on.

So.. I was wanting before to blog about 3 movies. So I decided to do it in one go. Easier, faster, shorter. Less typing for me , less reading for you. Everyone happy.

Before continuing, I have to say. If there is one thing that can make me go to the movie. Interview. Be it paper or the usual time filler "The Making of ... ". No matter how lame the plot is or crummy the trailers look like. If the actors, actresses, directors, producers ( cancel that, I had yet to find any producer giving out any real interview or good interview for that matter..) are good at giving interviews or very enthusiastic in telling his/her potential audience on their darling pet film, you can betcha that I'll be putting my money at the nearest cinema around. Cool looking director/actor/actress giving interview in impassive face with little smiles, giving short businesslike curt answer......zzzzzzzzzzzz.

Which is why, I now present you with the mediocrity bordering on ludicrous movie, called Primeval.

Now. I don't say its a horrible movie. Its more like hovering between the line of lameness and OK-ness. But it does filled the appetite of the gore and action moviegoers. On the trailer and introduction of the movie, it state : "inspired by the true story of the most prolific serial killer in history.." . Let me right now burst that little bubble of marketing line saying all that is bullshit. A bit amused since there are some people going into the cinema expecting something like Texas Chainsaw Massacre but was actually surprised to find out that a croc instead is the labeled criminal. First rule in enjoying a movie. Before seeing a movie, based on its genre, set your expectation accordingly. Don't expect award winning material (except Razzie) if Paris Hilton were to star in it. And it if it stated "Inspired by true event/story", expect a story which is somewhat far from true.

Getting way ahead of myself here. Summary of the film, long and short of it. One really big croc/alligator (don't know the difference..) like eating fresh juicy human meat for its every meal. The supporting roles. Hunky, bored looking reporter (Tim aka Lincoln!Prison Break!), Tim wisecracking sidekick (Steven), beautiful, upbeat, compassionate animal reporter (Aviva), enthusiastic animal activist ( Matt ), the dark, harsh poacher (Krieg), hopeful village boy (Jojo). All join together in putting away this beast and getting a story. Now.. describing these character.. I think you guys might just easily tell who's gonna live and who's gonna die.

Now.. as I said. Its an action movie. I don't expect anything out of it. And I went out of the wayang feeling.. somewhat.. well.. satisfied. I'm not blown away nor had I left feeling cheated. I came for some scare and thrills and that's what I get. All the actions. The occasional jump from the seat. The crack of the skull and blood spilling around. And of course expect the unexpected. Nah. Not the storyline. But really. This is the only movie I would guess that you can see a crocodile running like a cheetah. When I said running. I meant running. My RM8 had not gone to waste, just for me to see that scene alone.



Then it being cuti and nothing to do. I watched another movie on the same day I watched Primeval. Pan's Labyrinth.

And honestly. I don't know where to start. The movie is beautiful. Achingly so. And its main theme, the lovely lullaby. Oh... I truly understand on why did they do not want to set words to its lullaby theme. It makes it all more mysterious, as if there is a secret behind the songs.

The story is set during Spain Civil War I believe. Around the 1940s. A young girl, Ofelia who love to immerse herself into books and her worlds of fairy tale were brought to live in a country where her new stepfather live. Her stepfather is a sadistic army officer who brought Ofelia and her pregnant mother to live as so he can ensure his heir is safe. Burdened the fighting going around in the forest and her mother difficult pregnancy, Ofelia is delighted to find another world which awaits her return as Princess Moanna.

As I read what previous people thought. Many come into the cinema expecting light, whimsical tale where happy ever after prevail. But this is as what Guillermo del Toro, this filmmaker informed; This is a fairy tale for adult. As so.. we are surprised by the violence, the darkness and the evil it seems to suggest. Even when I heard that it is somewhat gory, I was still surprised and cringed on some of the scene. You may come out with mixed feelings.

But I do want to say... Watch it. It's a beautiful, dark, lovely fairy tale. It left you feeling heavy and happy at the same time. Some might even ponders the ending. It is deserving on its award on I for one, felt its a shame that our 'wayang' quality is not too good. As so , I think I might had missed out on all its vivid colors. Will definitely buy the DVD copy of it. I am also becoming more interested in Guillermo Del Toro work now. I would be looking out if I can find his previous movie El Espinazo del diablo (The Devil Backbone).



Then, I found the time. More like a burning curiosity to watch Chermin. The filmmaker informed she got the idea when reading some news regarding an accident (Correct me if I'm wrong). But my curiosity are stem because I had read a somewhat similar story in True Singapore Ghost Story regarding a girl mesmerized with an antique mirror until it possessed her.

The story is regarding Nasrin who was in an accident which left her face disfigured. Her mother distracted by Nasrin discontentment regarding her face, found an antique mirror which was before gathering dust in her late husband storage room. Oblivious to the fact that the mirror used to have a violent past, Nasrin's mother put the mirror in her room . Her family grew frightened as Nasrin seemed changed and more and more strange phenomena seems to be happening around them.

The movie.. well was OK. I gotten tired of saying that such and such is great effort by a Malaysian filmmaker, since I honestly believe we should stop saying that as NOW. It seems to belittle our filmmaker and our capacity to think too.

In term of plot. Quite predictable and not as scary as expected. (That's of course to BE expected seeing how we are continuously bombarded with Asian ghost stories movies) . The CGI , quite ok. Nothing too spastic. The kampung is lovely. I especially love the kedai runcit, the little hutan belukar when Minah (ye ke.. tak ingat) taking a shortcut to her kampung. But I do have my fault on some of the props or tiny little biths. Overheard when seeing movie. "Ehh.. macam tu ke die nak keluar kat kampung. Seksi gile. Dekat kampung pakai seksi2?". My point exactly.

And Nasrin house.. even though lovely and rustic. It felt much more like a page out of "Melayu Rustic", interior decorating magazine than a homey kampung home. Overall.. well. I can only say OK. I love some of the scenes, not too hot on the whole story though. Khatijah Tan acting was a bit intense and Farid Kamil sometimes I found funny (without him trying or have any intent in being funny.. ). Deanna Yusof is scary at times. But the slang does grate a little especially for an early 20th century period. A bit impressed with Natasha Hudson. For a newcomer, she seems to be doing a fine job. Not the usual kayu actresses *cough* *cough* we see around occasionally decorating our local big screen. Kudos for the newcomer actress and director/filmmaker Zarina Abdullah. We would be waiting for more, and better quality too!

Tap the Sap

In response to a very limited readers of my blog. Ok. I'll blog. Hahaha.. terharu.. seh..terharu.

Today is kinda a bad day. The LRT gone haywire causing me to be late at work for almost 2 hours. Yes. I was that late. I am also almost tempted to vent my frustration by being more late and carrying my fat ass to McDonald. But I hate being unfashionably late (also I do not want to add more burden to my fat ass) so I ditched the idea. I reached the office completely wiped out. Felt like I am more ready to fling myself on the bed than doing work. But works have different idea though and it bringeth in our way lots and lots of tickets (that's mean work to us dudes).

So now..my partner and I are breathing a little relief, she went out on her very much deservedly lunch break while I lulled in idleness.

I am currently seriously thinking of pursuing an even higher education. A Master. I used to say that I don't have much uses on Master unless you want to be a lecturer or the company you are working is sending you. Well.. I have my own reason now which I chose not to disclose to mere mortals for now. Some people knew the reason.. actually its not that mysterious at all.. it just I don't wish to explain it all now.. in here. This idea is still a youngling. It needed much progression and thoughts and planning and researched on. Maybe nothing might come out of it. If something did come out of it. Then I'll have a master. I can't be master of the universe, I might as well be master of something.

Eh.. I was wanting to do a tiny lil thoughts (review as you may call it) on Primeval and Pan's Labyrinth. I had a marathon wayang day earlier this week. Maybe I will do a lil post on it later on, but honestly my energy had been sapped this morning. *yawn*

The book currently I'm reading is pretty good. What book? The Memory Keeper's Daughter. You know.. the one I put on the right side of this blog. I cheated and read the ending first. Heh.. I know I know. Its bad. And it causes dire consequences to me too since I am not at all eager to finish the book now. Herm. It was spoiled to me by me. Geddit? Hihi.

Sigh. But the book is interesting enough .. and as I read the book, I found it engaging. I like a book that describe the time and fashion and its surrounding vividly. Not much fashion, more like the environment. The environment is as important as the character. Without it, we can't imagine what our character might be doing. This book smells of life. But I found the character a bit lacking. It is shown the main character, David Henry as a detached person who looks at everybody ; even his family, as if a glass is screening his view. When I am reading these characters, I felt I read of them; including David Henry, with a glass screening my view on them too. I felt detached, without sympathy, just far-away curiosity looking into these life.

But my view may change.. since I got a quarter of the book to go through.

Well. Yawning now.. I may blog later again soon.

Happy Weekends. Noris Wedding this Sunday. Kewlness. Another one of the gang getting hitched.

Not Ready to Make Proper Post

Hurmph. Work was hectic..to say the least. Daylight saving had been implemented, as so servers are being patched....in the hundreds. Gahh. Then we have to take on new critical (translated as very fussy ) customer on hand. Count the lil mercy that our lead somehow thought that this would a bit too much for our nerves so they lessened the burden a bit.. (yet I still somehow manage to find the time to blog tonight.. hah).

Eh. I had not been reading the news lately. My sisters accused me of being out of touch with the world. Eh not. I know that Angelina Jolie should be able to take his newly adopted son from Vietnam as soon as next week. I am just out of touch with Malaysia news thats all. I sometimes found them dreary and a test to my patience on how idiotic some politicians can be. The hype regarding the SPM results are somewhat now died down. And the achievements of the over achievers trying to get 16As and 18As are now forgotten. Kewlness.. those are dead depressing.

Heard 1 minister is ranting on how female bloggers are spreading lies and most of them are unemployed. Huh? I bet the minister don't know what a blog is. Probably he only went to the Internet in search of porn. Wait... then probably he would be right in saying female bloggers are liar. Haha. But 'probably' is the key word here. As so no lies are spread due to his ignorance, only further "ngumpat-ngumpat" on the Internet blogosphere would be rampant for a few days.

Finally heard the complete song Not Ready to Make Nice by Dixie Chicks. Heard only parts and littles of the song before and I used to wonder why this song won the Grammy. Now I realized that the song probably is deserving of the award. "They say time heals everything,But I'm still waiting". Too true. I am still waiting and ... damnation to time I say. Find own way to heal.

I am so sleepyyyy.. Walk around office and make a cuppa of tea. Too bad that I work on night shifts and I can't drink coffee...

p/s: Short post. Too sleepy yet busy.

TV Laugh of the Past

*Enter really sad violin piece in the background* There you have it.. I am in a really mellow mood. Not sad. Not whatever.. At work now, so I put in the online radio station that played soundtrack. I loved soundtrack. Soundtrack provide vivid picture on the emotions they want to portrayed. So mellow piece, mellow mood.

Eh.. but introduction of the post, I had already digressed. You know, I'm missing Buffy. Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The dialogue was funny. Deadpanned are frequent and often nailed right on. The characters are all so quirk-lovely. Dramas nowadays are getting serious. The lines are wittier yes. Brilliant even, I should say. But the storyline.. there's something missing in em. Not the overall storyline, the each per episode. The story in the episode. The moments they put in these episodes. I hailed Friends and Sex and the City as the series that have funny , quick moments. As of Buffy too (the episode on the tiny Fear Demon.. ain't it just hilarious) ... especially Buffy on the first, second, third and fourth season. Before the long enveloping season long arc (some the whole damn 9 seasons arc too) is becoming all too frequent in all series nowadays.

Moments. Thats what we watched for. The thing that make us laugh or go "Auuuuu" by the end of the scene after getting back from a hard day at work or after finishing gruelling exam or project. There is moment in the series which you can always remember. One of the thing I liked after watching or reading any really funny series or book, my sister and I would recount the little funny details.

In Friends, up to today if I recount the scene where Joey signed his name as "Baby Kangaroo Tribbiani", we would cracked up laughing. Or who can forget the heartbreaking look by Ross on the episode where they shows the forgotten video of Monica and Rachel waiting for their prom date. In my olden unievrsity days, I always loved to rewatch Friends in between waiting for class or before cracking the books.

Sex and the City famous, quick lines on their sexual anecdote also would stay in your mind. Funky spunk anyone? And how they look and digest their date and woohoo from every angle. Currently I am rewatching Sex and the City (I still haven't finished Buffy, as much as I heart the show.. I found Season 7 dead depressing ), I found that the series actually do not have any plot or storyline. What they depend on is moments and they make every scene work. I love the scene in the taxi, where they talked about up-the-butt decision. It showed the effortless interaction between all the cast beautifully.

Granted the storyline is ridiculous (even the per episode storyline at time), but I found that what I was waiting for is for these type of scenes. The dialogue that cracked me up. The banter between the 4 friends. This makes watching it again... almost re-refreshing.

All these 3 series, can be considered as chick flick TV feel good series. I don't really care. Since you see.. I am a big fan of chick flick. I don't really like watching 24, Lost. Really, would you rewatch those complicated series again? All the above, are great TV series for you to unwind, laughed and tossed that worrisome line at your face away. And these type are now is a dying breed too...

That are nice and not so nice

Okay. I had just make my reservation for the hotel room in Singapore, for my big theatre trip next month. Oooohh.. Totally excited on this.

Anyway.. quick update.

Monday..
Gone a lil shopping spree. I was wanting to purchase a big bag for work so I can put almost everything in it..you know, some make-up, story book, organizer, le ombrelle, handphone, wallet, perfume, various cards and access cards.

First I was tempted to buy a fabulous big bag on Elle. Then thinking I would seret it sana sini and the color would then changed, so its much more sensible to just buy a cheap one ok. In the end, I bought a suede big green bag, a relatively cheap blue comfy leather shoes which sometimes turn my feet blue too (I decide to forego first the expensive comfy footwear until next time) and another collection to my L.M Montgomery book. Haha.

Tueday..
Decide to finally watch the Shark episodes I had been downloading. It was a particularly engaging episode with a serial killer involved. (I always have such a morbid fascination with serial killer..whutevs), then I was interrupted with by a phone call. By some girl name Siti who wanting to promote me with a privilege card. I said I was busy and asked her to call later. Then.. not another 10 minute gone by, I got another phone call by a guy who want to promote me another privilege / promo card which the conversation I was unable to cut short.

"Hi Cik Dila. Saya dari. would like to bla bla bla.."

I immediately said I am not interested and not free. He obviously am good at his job when...

"Skejab je Cik Dila.. mende ni untuk kebaikan Cik Dila.. bla bla bla"

I cut in and said.."Tapi saye kena bayar kan?"

He replied, "Tak kena bayar.. tak ade ape2 pon. Saya nak bagitaw pasal kad ni saje dan Cik Dila boleh dapat kad ni dan benefit die sekali"

I was nodding and sighing to myself. Obviously peace and left alone time seems unattainable at the moment . "Okay," I replied sullenly.. Better somehow to get this over with.

He then went on and on about the goodness of the card and said that I had been chosen since I am active credit card user (I suddenly thought does all credit card holder face this abuse?). I just replied non comittaly, waiting for a pause to say I am not interested. Ever. Which then he came to this point..

"Cik Dila ni guna kredit card dari bank mana.."

"Maybank".

"Oh.. satu bank je ye.." (Actually I do have another one at HSBC but I never uses it and thinking off canceling it.. but that don't really matter eh..). "Bagus betul la Cik Dila ni. Setia orangnye. Untung sape dapat dia" He said smarmily and I got the sudden urge to beat up this man to a pulp.

" Saya nak Cik Dila ambil kad Cik Dila. Lepas tu beritahu saya expiry no. die,"

Hah. Tak kena charge konon. " Well, saya tak comfortable la bagi details kredit kad saya pada orang over the phone.."

"Saya paham Cik Dila. Tapi ini adalah untuk verification purposes (Yeah, right) untuk kami pastikan kami beri pada orang yang betul.."

Kalau nak bagi, bagi je la kan. Ever heard radio station asking credit card details or car number or radio registration when giving out prizes?

"Jangan risau. Company kami ade affilliation dengan bank bank di negara ini dan ini adalah cara kami untuk verify"

"Well.. I am not too sure about that. Saya pernah call Maybank dulu asking about this and die orang bagitahu that they don't give out credit card details to anyone and they encourage us to not give out any of our credit card details to anyone. ," Hah. Amik.

He was silent for a moment. Then changed topic to inform me yet again why they want to give me this card.

I am feeling pissed and I really want to get back to Shark.

"I'm sorry but I am really,really not interested. So to not waste your time and my time, you can just hang up the phone.."

"Saya ganggu Cik Dila ye."

"Ye" I replied shortly

"CIk Dila tadi tengah buat ape ye"

"Tengok TV," Haha. Gerenti rase terhina.. tapi ye lakan. That's accounted as busy also whut.

I pitied the guy somewhat, since I think he was dumbfounded to get this reply since he was silent for a while. I informed, " I worked at different hours and you are interrupting my time to watch my TV. So since I am not interested in whatever you are giving, free or not and doubtful that I will use it too.. this is clearly a waste of time."

The guy the changed his stratagem to be arse and a jerk instead of smarmy and yucky.." Cik Dila ni orang KL ye. Saye tak tahu la pulak orang KL ni cakap omputih. Orang KL memang camtuh ye.."

Big mistake.

" Am I hearing correctly. You are being sarcastic to ME??? YOU called me offering me some thing (which he replied saying he did not offers anything, but I am not interested in whatever he is saying especially after that remark he just spouted off..) and I tried to tell you I am not interested. Then you made a sarcastic comment to me (which he denied ..) YES. You did. I don't appreciate getting this call. And I certainly don't appreciate you being all sarcastic. So you better not call me again. Thank you."

I hang up. Damn I was pissed. On second thoughts since he grated on my nerves so much, I should had called the manager which would then get him into trouble and I would be so pleased. But whatever.. I don't want to waste my time on this. He certainly didn't call me again. And he better not.

Gah.. just writing this again make my blood boils.

So anyway.. today I manage to persuade my mom to buy "The Memory Keeper's Daughter." Hahaha.. Don't know if it's interesting or not. The review was rave and what I read of it seems interesting. Trying this book on, to see if it fits I guess. She wants to buy another book badly. Felt a bit guilty that I persuade her to buy a book which I want . Bah. Next time I will bought that book lor.

Read, I Can. Literate, I'm ....

It had been quite a while since I amuse myself with memes, and I found this meme particularly interesting while reading some of my friends blogroll. This meme I took from TulisJe.

Bold the ones you’ve read, italicise the ones you want to read, cross out the ones you won’t touch with a 10 foot pole, put a cross (+) in front of the ones on your book shelf, and asterisk (*) the ones you’ve never heard of.

1. + The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. + Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell) ( I seen the movie and fell asleep not even halfway.. can't imagine what I do if I read this..)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. + Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery) (Favorite.Book.Ever)
9. * Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. * A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. + Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. + Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. + Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. * A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. + Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. + Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. * Fall on Your Knees(Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. * The Stand (Stephen King)
19. + Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling)
20. + Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien) ( I know, I know.. Tolkien fans would like.. enraged at me. But I am really not interested in reading stories of little people ok)
22. +The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger) ( I was feeling particularly literary at that time. Ok. Not. It was the only damn book in the apartment at that time )
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. * The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. * Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte) ( I myself am bewildered that I haven't read this yet..)
28. + The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis) (Birthday present.. whee~ Got the whole set.. which is now scatters among my siblings)
29. * East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie(Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. * Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. * 1984 (Orwell)
35. * The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. * The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. * The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. * I Know This Much is True(Wally Lamb)
39. * The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. * The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. * The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible
46. +Anna Karenina (Tolstoy) ( I read half of it ok.. kira laa. I will read it again.. arr.. later)
47. + The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas) (Wanting to read, but the book is damn heavy to tot around in my bag)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. * She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. * The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. + A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens) (Same as Anna Karenina.. read half of it. Got other interesting book.. I will finish it soon. Promise!)
53. * Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. * The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. + Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. * The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. * The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. * The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy) (I like to read this.. once.. when I am retired..)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. * Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. * One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. * Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. * The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. * Shogun (James Clavell)
74. * The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje) (Eh.. I know the movie.. didn't know it was a book)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. *The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. * A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. * The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. * The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. * Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. * Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. * Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. * Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. + Emma (Jane Austen)
86. * Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. * Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. * The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. * Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer) (I don't like Jeffrey Archer. Except for that one book. But that because it is quite a slim book. Other Archer books.. don't think so..)
91. * In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. * The Good Earth(Pearl S. Buck)
94. * The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. * The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum) (Same as English Patient, was a book first meh?)
96. * The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. * White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. * A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. * The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. * Ulysses (James Joyce)

The one that is unmark is heard of book, but not really sure if I want to read it or not.

Herm. Definitely not literary. 24 books only read or halfway read..? Pitiful. Haha. But I believe I can only count 1 Asian writer in there. Haruki Murakami, Ha Jin, Chitra Divakaruni and the likes are not there... Oh well..

Oh yeah.. I almost finish the Patricia Cromwell Scarpetta series book, Blow Fly. Herm.. the book is quite.. dissapointing? I seems to found many irrelevant things in the book. I think I may have lost my interest in Scarpetta altogether. But probably will continue to read for the heck of it.

Haven't yet started on 4 blondes. I think I will only opt to rent book now. I don't have the space nor money to keep on buying new one. Maybe on some books which I wish to collect I guess. Or a really good bargain 2nd hand book. Hahaha..

p/s: Eh.. maybe I'll take En Kunci previous suggestions on looking up IMDB list of top 100 movies and pasting it here to really see which movie I know of, seen or never heard of.

Theehee.

Zing

Yeah.. I always have problem coming up with witty blog title. So let's get on with this week post eh.. which is .. zilch. Nothing I can come up with. What to do.. so its time for some ramblings.. yeay!

Datuk Abu Hassan Din Al-Hafiz (our tokoh agama as what Utusan hailed him as) had recently made a suggestion on women wearing chastity belts. Huh. Issues on what women should be wearing which had been debated; I should say over centuries in our distinguished Dewan by our fellow educated men of our country calling themselves politician, is really getting quite tiring really. And this chastity belts business is ludicrous. He is now saying his statement is a joke. Probably.. then he should polish and prepare on his speech more before making a public statement as that. Chastity belt should never be taken into consideration despite what argument you want to throw in.

RTM wanting to ban fast food advertisement on TV now. No fears.. I guess. If all TVs station wanting to take up this approach, I am sure their market will then goes to Cinema next. Cinema is where all banned advertisement are. But TVs station depends heavily on advertisement to pay off their staffs. You gotta admit, you will sell McDs without guilt to school kids if it will make you a millionaire.

Britney had now checked herself again into rehab for the 3rd time. Thiihee. The rehab is like a resort where the room with beach view, masseuse and delicious food. I don't call that rehab. I call it vacation time. So yeah.. maybe you spend like 2 hours talking on how your mom, dad, uncles abuse you and the world is out to get you. But the rest suntanning, getting massage, beaching.. Nope. Rehab sound even better than vacation. In vacation you are expected to be happy and plastered a smile even though you feel like crap. Rehab is nicer where you can be bitchy to everybody and everybody accept it as part of the healing process and you get all this vacation resort activities going on as well. I say kewlness and wonders why they don't prolong it to a year instead of just a month..

Shonda Rimes is on the work to create a spin off from Greys Anatomy starring Kate Walsh and Taye Diggs. I heart Kate Walsh. I have my doubts on Taye Diggs since everything he starred in seems to crash and burn. Wonder on how they would make it work.. Does it involve Kate Walsh going back to New York and heading the gynae department? Taye Diggs is the man feeling sore since he should be getting it but have to have woman and newcomer? Will it involved Kate Walsh and Taye Diggs getting all lovey dovey.. (somehow.. it doesn't seems to look chemistry aplomb). Will they bring existing casts into that show; Eric Dane (Ooohh lets lets..), Isaiah Washington..( hermmm.. he's good on the show, but they seems to be much animosity from other cast towards him regarding the 'f' word). Another new series to download watch! If it makes it through the pilot.

Hurmph. On other non related to any other thing news. My head hurts. Gahh. So I am gonna end this pointless entry much... whee~~ its the weekends people!! Time to party. Be jolly. And those going to Muse concert.. no thanks. I don't want to hear the aftermath of the sound fest. Sobs. Have fun~ I will spend mine contemplating ways on world domination. After I finish spreading seeds of destruction around the world... which will end around 8.30pm tonight.

Amelie

So.. after so many years I, finally watch the greatly raved about French film.

A story regarding a lil waitress name Amelie.

Hermmm...

As per usual laziness invaded.. so I couldn't be bothered to give my version of the film summary. Cilok from IMDB,

Amélie is a shy waitress in a Montmartre café. After returning a long-lost childhood treasure to a former occupant of her apartment, and seeing the effect it has on him, she decides to set out on a mission to make others happy and in the meantime pursues a quirky guy who collects discarded photo booth pictures.

During the first half an hour I was yawning away.. but it quickly turn to delight when she started to interfere with others life. I especially like it when she wants to return the bag of photo album to whoever that guy is. (Nino is it?) . How very exasperating for him to follow all those clues and saw the girl he was dying to meet is at the place he just left. Thehehe..

Audrey Toutou is such an expressive actress. I never realized she is that good an actress. In the much hyped Da Vinci Code, where her talent is just wasted there.

It is a sweet film and kinda hit a poignant note with me towards the end. Thinking back, I now realized why so many people like the movie. The movie is about dreamers.. the dreamers who when tired, like to live in a multicolored world where everything is beautiful, colorful, vibrant and happy. I mean only dreamers can really fall in love with a guy who goes on all four collecting discarded photos and work in a porno goodies shop. No, make it fictional dreamers. I, the self proclaimed dreamer, would not dream of dating a guy working in a porno shop.

And of course.. the soundtrack. Ohhh.. the music in this film.. is magnifique. Its simply beautiful.. It reminds me of circus, music box, fair, the gilded horses on merry go round. This is a movie where it depends very much on its music to get the audience to understand the mood. And it does such a great job on it... I just have to say again.. I simply, simply love all the music.

Maybe I will try A Very Long Engagement next..

The way to a girl heart is through her stomach

Happy post V-day. Hahaha.. Ugh.

Nothing exceptional happened today. Except due to my boredom, I decide to put the disc of Season 1 House in my computer and watched unwatch episodes or the forgettable episodes. Then went to work with bloody shadow underneath eyes.

Uhh.. So I casually surf through blog I knew or interested are reading and find out that there are so many anti valentine out there. Hurmph... then I wonder why does so many girls coming out of the office with bouquet of flowers yesterday if so many moan and bitches about the day.

Me.. I am a neutral. Got nothing to gain and nothing to lose. Hah. Actually I did gain something. Thehehe..I got a book on the newest book from Sophie Kinsella, Shopaholic & Baby. Haaa.. take that you girls with dozens of roses you.. Nothing I say beat a book. A good book (Ok..its a frivolous book, but a oh so yummy light hearted book that are like a small slice of those fluffy creamy cake). A book of this blogger preference. Thehehe. Oooohh.. thank you.

Maybe I should start a wishlist.. you know it seems like to be a trend nowadays. People putting up wishlist when nearing Christmas or birthday as so people would know what to get her/him. It does seems tempting, if you really do not want to get stuck with another picture frame. But kinda like.. well.. not as sweet as people who would notice what your preference are or hear and remembered when you lament that you wish you can get that. Its moment like that that makes the present oh so great.

With Valentine on everybody mind, there's also article everywhere on the Net and the newspaper on how to have a great date, what make a great flower and what makes a great present..etc etc. I kinda like skimming through this, since this does make a good tip. Not for Valentine... but basically what you can implement in everyday life la kan. Like.. asking people opinion or the girl friends opinion on which restaurant you need to go to on a date. Restaurant is not something to be trifle with on a first date or second or third date. Very important..especially to girls who love food. Not all girls like celery and carrot stick. Don't have to be necessarily fancy or expensive, but just make sure its what she would have in mind and dressed for.

Many girls would strangle a guy if they happen to wear an old frumpy looking shirt and the guy suddenly appears to whisk them out not giving chance to change to a really fancy restaurant where everybody dress to the 9. And of course if she is dress to the 9, you can't possibly bring her to the dilapidated shack of gerai mamak next to smelly big ol drain eh?

I used to date this guy who once ignored my plea when I said I was ravenously hungry. He brought me instead to this gerai that sells only roti canai and roti prata.. that sorta thing! Sob! The torture my stomach endure~ When I got back (which is on 2 am), I almost tearfully dig through my friend's fridge for any leftover nasi and sambal... My friend was beside herself..spluttering quite angrily. She knows how much I ate. (hahaha) He was branded by all my friends as the guy who only bought me 'capati' for our full day date and was looked upon disfavourably afterwards. See see.. how important food plays in a date.

Almost 5.30 am. 3 hours more to get home and fall facedown onto bed...

Unwelcome

Its time again to blog! I suddenly am arrested with all these free time at work. Hahaha. Actually... there's not much to do unless some servers somewhere in America decided to throw a hissy fit to torment the life out of us.

Okay. Let's story ok. What to say.. what to say. Ah yes. In regards to Dueng earlier comment regarding dating random guys to take your mind off the pain and hopefully find joy in flirting.

Sigh. Well.. the thing is.. as I had said earlier long ago in some post , I don't find such joy in it now especially after starting working. Its nice dating when in UTP when guys are in abundance and you know exactly where your type are at the campus. Of course those MiRC UTP network things helped considerably.

When you are plonked to the real world, where guys are REALLY expected to pay for their date (and no excuses on scholar tak masuk lagi ok..), it seems like to my eyes, the male species had somehow are in the brink of extinction.

Tell me exactly where the guys are? Office? I don't fancy office romance and seeing the same face for 12 hours 15 days a month surely just bring me icky feeling if anyone started to flirt. Macam flirt with your closest cousin. Thats how icky it felt. Gym? Those hunky guys are only interested in seeing how their biceps grow. Also Leotard and Leggings don't exactly bring me out in the best light. Anywhere else which is not awkward???

Which we would then focus our attention to any random guys we see scattered across KL or JB. I remembered there was this short warty bald guy smiling at me (dress like a guy who's preparing to enter a dangdut club) and inching towards me closer when I was hearing some jazz performance at a shopping complex. Horrified and terrified, I fled to a safe corner somewhere on earth when he began to open his mouth to speak to me. Ahh.. not to mention the lovely phone number slipped by children aged 10 or 8 or 6 saying " Abang tu suh saye kasik kat akak. Abang tu haa, yang kaver muka dengan kertas tu.". Yeah, that guy who look like a stick figure poster type for mat rempit.

Sigh again. I don't exactly attracted attention of the confident tall, dark and handsome type of lad.

And let's not forget the winner of all weird come-on encounter that I had, (weird, I think I had already told on the most freakiest and desperate).

Happened a year ago kut.. tak ingat sangat la the timing. But it was during the fasting month. I was due to go back to JB that day and take a half day off work. So before heading toward the bus stop, I went window shopping in KLCC since I saw that there is aplenty of time to burn. Who knows if I would be lucky enough to get a great bargain for Hari Raya Shopping aight?

Few steps toward Vincci, I was stopped by a guy looking like here just stepped from an Ali Setan costume party.

(Most conversation would be translated to English.. real conversation was in mix Malay and English)

"Hai.. sorry la ye. But I want to ask you something". I stopped dead in my track and glanced at his 80s hairdo and horrible print shirt, several buttons were un-did to create that glamorous John Travolta look, which only were sensational when he was in his 20s and girls have Farah Fawcett hair.

I nodded slightly and he continued.

" May I know if you are the sister of (random dude name I obviously don't care to hear since I don't have an elder brother)?. Your name is (whatever name la kan he concocted) kan?"

I replied while smiling "Erm no. I don't have an elder brother. You've got the wrong person. Sorry ,"
Okay. I was being polite and answering nicely and smiled and hoped he would get out my sight. That's not to be..

"Oh ok. Its just that you look just like her," Trying not to roll my eyes in hearing those overly familiar words on how I look like someone friends/sister/cousin/teacher/ex gf/fiancee, I smiled again, albeit tightly. Probably he thinks its his cue to continue.

" I was wanting to get to know her you know.. I had went to his home several time and noticed his sister. Her brother and I were in good friends but we somehow lost contact with each other...." He droned on and on.

" I also asked you regarding him since I need to contact him soon, regarding some... (he drones again.......), you see I am a pilot trainee with MAS and we have a function here at KLCC tonight... (why is he telling me this.... and why I am being so polite to hear this crap out..)... so I would really like to meet with him.,"

Huh. Didn't he heard me earlier saying I am not that dude sister.

" I am sorry, but I don't know him," I said again and walked a few steps toward the escalator. My mood for Vincci had obviously been killed.

He catches up and said,

" Yes. Sorry. But you see.. I err.. Can I get to know you then and be your friend? " . I was momentarily struck dumb at the moment at this unwelcome question, and racking my brain to see a way out in a nicest possible way.

Which then I realized that he is now standing beside me.. prattling about ..whatever... (this guy surely can talk), obviously wanting to follow me around.

He then offered, " It would be nice if you could accompany me in KLCC today since seeing I am with no one and you are with no one, so we can get to know each other...". Arghh. This is not happening. I refused weakly, but he continue to persuade us to be all nice, friendly together-together walking around KLCC and showed him around as if he had known me for years.

I then wildly come up with an idea.. saying, "Sorry. I don't think so I have the energy to show you around KLCC. I just want to grab a couple of things before catching my bus to go back to my hometown. ," I began to walk away.

The guy can really think fast and quickly he is by my side again., " Then don't worry. I can just accompany you to the shops and then I will accompany you to your bus too," What? Can't he see that blatant hint I gave him about us not spending time together.

I refused again and I can see him looking wildly around and seeing Dome, he then asked,

" Erm.. what about if we sit there and we can have a conversation, you know getting to know each other,"

I slowly said, "Well... I don't think so Dome would allow us to just sit there and talked. Usually people would need to do order at least a drink,"

He looked confused for a moment and said.."But.. surely they would not mind if we just sat there to talk. I meant its not like we are doing anything wrong and it is located outside facing the park."

Sighed. This is like explaining ABC. " I am not sure if they would chased out people. However, if people just sat there to talk and not ordering anything, surely they would not be pleased in renting out those space outside. So I don't think so we can just sit there,"

Flustered for a moment, he tried on another reason seeing I am about to walk away, " Wait.. erm.. well then we can come in and then I'll buy something like burger or sandwich to go. You can then eat it as berbuka puasa nanti . Don't worry, I'll pay," Argh... why arr. I hate it when guys said "I'll pay". What? Is it such a big deal that you pay haa.

I take a deep breath. This called for some blunt truth.

"I am sorry. But the thing is, I don't feel the need of a company. And what I really want at this time is some alone time since I quite enjoyed walking around alone.". There! Its not so hard to be blunt.Ape la Dila kan..

He looked crestfallen for a moment. Then he apologized profusely and says something like..

" I understand that you must had feel not comfortable. In order for me to show you that I do not meant any harm, you will just stay here and you should be able to see me goes away. I swear that you would not bumped into me during your time in KLCC today. I would stay away from you..."

What can I say to that? "........."

So down he went the escalator and I was rooted to the spot thinking on the idiocy of this situation.

Now... eh.. tadek konklusi. So what do we learn from the above? Either remotely normal guys are not attracted to me or I am a freak magnet. And meeting other new guys (not touching on the subject of dating lagi pon), is a pain.

A bookworm who is a shopaholic

Yawn. My 4 day holiday was interrupted with a request for OT which I did.. Nothing biggie there. A bit tired though. I am constantly rase mengantuk. Hurmph.

Sorry.. a bit distracted now. I am currently hearing Greys Anatomy podcast. Haha. I kinda like reading the writers blog and the podcast. Many people are interested on why does this character do this. So a glimpse into the writers mind, its really cool and I am one of those Grey's fan who just can't get enough. Oooohhh... I heard the next episode is gonna be big! (Must not read spoiler... must not read spoiler/ episode review before watching the show)

Went to KLCC ..just for fun? Heh. Yeah.. Shopping and ooohh.. also to eat at Yoshinoya. But I didn't buy the shoes.. or did my hair. Argh.. why why.. I don't know. Had a wonderful idea of just window shopping which of course.. turn to shopping when I went to Kinokuniya.

My first stop is always at the junior reader. Heh. I collect those L.M Montgomery books. So I am always in a lookout if they had stock a new one. And they did! The price tag had been ripped off though, so I spent considerable amount of time at the counter before the cashier are able to locate the price.

So... I thought.. Why end my journey now? Might as well goes to my favorite sections which featured all those new books. Then I saw it... Sophie Kinsella spanking brand new release book. Shopaholic and Baby. OMG. I really got to have that. Turn the book around and saw : RM69.90. You gotta be kidding me.

I was in a really dilemma... I only spent a fortune for Harry Potter books (which is because I do not like people spoiling the story for me). I usually hesitate to spend more than Rm40 for any books, always preferring to purchase 2nd hand book. Even with the discount 20% (the LM Montgomery book entitled me to get the discount) , it still cost more than RM50. I even called several people and walk up and down the aisle, to slow my beating heart and think clearly. Hahah.

But then my eyes caught on another title of a book which I had been looking for which are Catherine Alliott, The Old Girl Network. Which have 20% offer and its price are much much cheaper than the usual batch of book in Kinokuniya. So I grabbed the book and paid. Hah!

See, I can huff and puff and torture myself on one thing. Then I can quickly make up my mind and take that other options instead. Hehe.. I guess I just have to wait until they release a smaller version of the Shopaholic and Baby as so I can purchase the book with a reasonable price.

So I am a proud owner of 2 books and my tower of books are currently trembling due to its ever increasing height. I am seriously in need of a bookcase or.. I need to sell my other boring never want to see again books to some places.

p/s: I found that I preferred UK authors compared to US authors. UK authors.. are more fun. My sister agreed and said that they paint the pictures as close to reality as possible.

Sign up for this

Before this.. in my mind, I had write and rewrote again and again on what I want to say. How hurt I had been for the past few years. How dissapointment is only what I felt (okay.. that is not totally his fault). How foolish I had acted. What an idiot I had been. How all these are oblivious to... whomever.

But really la.. I just couldn't pour my heart out here again. But ooopss.. I think I just did. Haha. Whatevs. My bloggie.

Thinking hard about this while feeling like a moron, I just.. well to be honest, I can't do this anymore. So I am just gonna write crap. Bear with me, or you can just skip this and click on all those nice links I posted on the left.

Like Bridget Jones who manage to give up Daniel due to her ever supportive slightly mad friends (and of course Mark Darcy.. but he doesnt count.. I am not gonna include him), you know what.. those who are feeling like shit because they are in/out of love should have somewhat like that.Kinda like Alcoholic Anonymous, but more like Men Basher? Love Sucks Anonymous? Not everyone have supportive friends. (Ok.. my friends are supportive.. but everyone.. come, agree. You can't tell everything to your friends.)So those who have supportive friends or chose not to divulge their problems, should have something and have a solid support system.

Okay. Its not much of logo. Do I look like someone who gives a crap and will pore over this lovingly?

We should have Rules... for ourselves

The Rules

Rule no. 1. Thou shalt not call him... sms/leave voicemail. (Missed call also kira ok)

Rule no. 2. If thou feel like thou should, hurl phone (for the rich) or hide phone away. Run/dance/spring clean room for 2 hours. Then take phone again.

Rule no. 3. If thou are very much so tempted to call or sms him. Tape a sticky note ala Bridget Jones " Do not call (put jerk name down). If you do, you are a MORON"

Rule no. 4. No sappy movies. Ever. For 3 years minimum.

Rule no. 5. Thou shalt have fun and go out with friends.

Rule no. 6. Thou shant go out on dates. They tend to end horribly and thou felt by the end of the day of going back to that person. For minimum.... rest of your life? Kidding.


We should have support system...

Pillar of Support

1. Mantra like: " I am a beautiful successful businesswoman" Ops. Wrong motivation. "Aloof. Unavailable. Ice Queen". "Aloof. Unavailable. Ice Queen". Chant this until you feel like you're lonely, lonely person that even your pet don't love you.

2. Chatroom/group meeting strictly for bashing. People tend to want to pour out their own problems and not hear others problems. Another set of rules. 1 meeting/1 night or 1 hour, 1 bashing allowed. Other support. Your turn will come.

3. No self destructive behavior is allowed. So group activities need to turn to other things. Constructive things like physical exercises. Preferably kickboxing or archery where your ex photo or portrait can be pinned in the middle to be abuse at.

4. Those who manage to be in love must pulled out of group quickly as so not to bring more devastation to other group members when you came to your meeting with eyes aglow, head in clouds telling all of your wonderful dates. This is also for safety reason since insane group members may pelt you with eggs.

5. Progression should be noted. As what many drug, gambling, and alcohol abusers have this thing. "I had been sober for 3 days". (you know what.. I kinda like sober.. its the thing.. its sobering. Not love. Sensible. No foolishness).
"I had not called (put whose name or any profanities you wish) for 10 days." From call, we would proceed to IM, then we would proceed to thoughts.

Its a highly complex system ok.. this need more thinking out. Hurmph.