Looking Back

Booooyaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh! Think this is gonna be my very very last entry for 2007. Plainly put 2007 has been quite a ride, with me being at the losing end, mostly. Especially when it comes to the academic department. I do think I've gone from bad-est to worse-test and having to mull over my future and thinking about what I'm gonna do with my life, post A-level, makes it all the more terrifying. That, apart from all the strange pre A-level, during A-level and post A-level nightmares that I kept waking up to. I am a gone case. Wish for the best for all I want, I know what I'm in for. And that ladies and gentlemen, is the one and only way to keep myself sane. Anticipate failure and do not let failure catch you by surprise. Though failure in this context is rather intentional. Very screwed up. Whatever.

Moving on, 2007 had also been difficult for me to deal with coz of my weight increase. Bloody 15kg. I don't know how could I live through the days of this year. When getting off the weighing scale, all bleak and hopeless. Trying as hard as possible to convince myself that I can redeem my lost, knowing that I was able to pull it off before. But high expectations breeds the most unrealistic mind in me. It's a MAJOR RELAPSE. Enough said. I'd hammer myself hard and believe that this is as close to a punishment (or karma or retribution, however spiritual this could get) that I could ever have to face. I got too COMPLACENT and very CRITICAL. Serve me right. And as I try to get myself back on track again, even when my mind was already there, I couldn't work it. My ego's bruised. The point in time I officially flunked NAPFA, I blamed everybodyelse but myself and I went on an endless eating spree (even until today). I am too relentless. NOW, I am trying to clear this mess. I did head over to the stadium a few times. It took me sooo long to finish up five rounds and most of the time I bailed out of the fifth. It's tough and sometimes I wanna give up. But I can't possibly ruin my ego as it is already and totally destroyed. I gotta get back to where I've been all along.

Learning points for 2007, for whenever I plan to ruin something in my life, I must at least, at least have one area as a stronghold. Should I know that I was gonna screw up school stuffz, I should have at least kept my weight in check. But that didn't happen, and I eventually let my emotions got the better of me. To "stressed" trying to get the school stuffz worked out, I stayed away from getting fit. And now, I lost BOTH. Dammit, there's only two measly items on my plate and yet I couldn't deal. Tell my how am I supposed to survive life.

So what makes me? I got inspired to think about this after watching The Nanny Diaries. I cannot figure out yet. I can't even come close to make amends with myself. I reckon 2008 is not gonna be any kinder. But this time, I'll make sure I'm THE ONE who's in control of my life.

HAPPY 2008!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

A few days back my bestfriend asked if I'd wanna have some sorta gift exchange in celebration of our five years of friendship. Then it hit me, like O-M-G to that. Coz it has been quite awhile for us in this friendship and I can't believe I never had the idea to wanna celebrate it, much less realize that it has been FIVE years. Wow.

Come to think of it, we have been through quite a lot, what more, with much differences in our backgrounds, instead of having it drive us apart, we got closer. And it is really the kind of reality she brought into my life that made me look at situations around me differently. I tried to be less judgemental, be more accepting and look at things way beyond superficiality. In one way or another, I have achieved that but I am still learning. Admittedly, I have not totally open up but I'd gladly consider the friendship a stepping stone for me to understand myself and hoping that we can see through the future with each other side by side.

So anyway, luckily she pointed it out and so I agreed to the gift exchange. We'd cap our gift limit to 30 bucks each. So now I am still trying to figure out what would be the best bestfriend gift for her. I am thinking of getting something personalised. Maybe a calendar with our photo on it, a jar of homemade cookies and something else that she can put on her desk at her workplace. I'll try to figure it out soon. Heh.

And on the topic of friendships, it dawned on me too that my frienship with another bestfriend from my primary school has reached its ELEVENTH YEAR. And all the same, I've been rather ignorant of the timeline. How could I ever forget all those silly moments we had back in primary school. Staying behind after supplementary classes only to mess around at the sandy patch on the field, building sandcastles and decorating them with twigs and dry leaves. And what about hanging out at the void deck munching on tons of junkfood whilst talking about random nothings. I could still recall all those moments as though it only happened yesterday.

Gosh, I am getting all nostalgic. But it's only appropriate I guess, with the new year coming and all that. And this space is suitable enough to bring forth how I feel. Words can't describe how much I appreciate having friends around me. And I'm not those expressive sort. Nope. I don't usually act on impulse, even giving a hug can be pretty awkward and trying to comfort someone who's going through a tough time make me see thousands of blindspots ahead of me. Only because I'd get a little too uncertain or that I don't wanna say something that could come out all wrong and leave me in remorse afterwards and also the trouble I have in trying to string up words properly for verbal use. That explains why I can "talk" better in my blog, sms and through msn. I dunno...it's inherent somehow. But what I lack in words and expression, I try to make up for it by being there at least. No matter how redundant my presence may be. It's the least I could do.

As quoted from the numerology thingy for myself, "Friends may be few in number, but you are very close to them and once friendships are made, they often last a lifetime". And I'd definitely like to keep it that way. That said, I cherish all my friends a lot. You know who you are. Heh. And part of my resolution for 2008 is to keep ya all as a part of my life for many many more years to come.

Fusion

After making four lengthy posts on those numerology thingy (which was 'cut and paste' by the way), I thought of putting up this picture. Yep, Christmas dinner brought forward. Haaa. More like we can't resist the roasted turkey which was tucked safely in its box that we just gotta have 'em today. Served with cranberry sauce - which would taste good on vanilla ice-cream and the gravy which is too salt-ish. Apart from the birdy for dinner, I'd rolled up some sushis filled with crabstick. Oh, the turkey don't taste that good. I like the chestnut stuffing though but it's a bit too overwhelming that I can't really stuff my face with tons of 'em. So there you have it. And pardon the un-creative pic. Hahz.

Numerology Part 4

LIFE PATH NUMBER: 4

The Life Path 4 produces the most trustworthy, practical, and down-to-earth of individuals; the cornerstone members of society. The goal of this life path is learning to take orders and to carry them out with dedication and perseverance. You always demand as much from yourself as you do from others, and sometimes a lot more. You have the kind of will power that is often mistaken for sheer stubbornness. Once a decision is made, it will be followed through to the conclusion, right, wrong, or indifferent; you are very set in your ways and determined to handle things the way you are so certain that they should be handled. Your tenacity of purpose and ability to get the job done borders on obsession.

Positive Traits: You are an excellent organizer and planner because of your innate ability to view things in a very common sense and practical way. You are a wonderful manager with a great sense of how to get the job done. Loyal and devoted, you make the best of your marriage, and you are a dependable business partner. Friends may be few in number, but you are very close to them and once friendships are made, they often last a lifetime. The number 4 is solidly associated with the element of earth from which it gains it strength and utter sense of reality. You are one of the most dependable people you know. If patience and determination can ever win, you are sure to achieve great success in life.

Negative Traits: The negative side of the 4 can prove dogmatic to excess, narrow-minded, and repressive. A lot of skin-deep people turn you off, and you lack the tact to keep your feelings from being totally clear to all around. Additionally, the negative 4 has a bad tendency to get too caught up in the daily routine of affairs and often misses the big picture and major opportunities that come along once in a while.

Numerology Part 3

EXPRESSION NUMBER: 9

Positive Traits: The number 9 represents the expression that you exhibit. Your talents center in humanistic interests and approaches. You like to help others as you were intended to be the "big brother or big sister" type. You operate best when you follow your feelings and sense of compassion, and allow yourself to be sensitive to the needs of others. You work well with people, and have the potential to inspire. This suggests that you could successfully teach or counsel. Creative ability, imagination and artistic talent (often latent) of the highest order are present in this expression. It's possible that you're not using or developing all of these capabilities at this time. Some of your talents may have been used at an earlier time in your life, and some may still be latent. Be aware of your capabilities, so that you can make use of them at appropriate times. You have a strong awareness of your own feeling as well as those of others. Friendships, affection, and love are extremely important.

Negative Traits: Undeveloped or ignored, the negative side of the 9 expression can be very selfish and self-centered. If you do not actively involve yourself with work that benefits others, you may tend to express just the opposite characteristics. It is your role to be very involved with other people and their needs, but it may be difficult for you achieve this role. Aloofness, lack of involvement, and a lack of sensitivity mark the low road of this expression.

Numerology Part 2

SOUL URGE NUMBER: 7

With a number 7 Soul Urge you are very fond of reading, and retreating to periods of being alone and away from the disruptions of the outer world (yet again, I LOVE being alone).

Positive Traits: You like to dream and develop you idealistic understandings (seriously, I do that a lot), to study and analyze, to gain knowledge and wisdom. You may be too laid back and withdrawn to really succeed in the business world, and you will be much more comfortable in circumstances that are tolerant of your reserve, your analytical approach, and your desire to use your mind rather than your physical being (kind of a life stagnation that I love).

Negative Traits: You are very timid around people that you don't know very well (this happens a lot and I get especially intimidated by guys and malays in general), so much so at times that casual conversation and social situations can be strained. You tend to repress your emotions to the extent that some people have a good bit of difficult understanding you (I think I talk in an alien language sometimes). You tend to be very selective with friends and you don't easily adapt to new environments or to new people very quickly (YEAH).

The negative traits of the 7 include becoming too much the introvert and isolated from others (no Man is an island?)

Numerology Part 1

I found this numerolgy thingy from this particular website which my aunt showed to me yesterday. I gotta admit that the definition or representation of numbers related to me pretty much describes myself to a T. So here goes...


DESTINY NUMBER: 4

You are a stickler for orderliness and discipline. Not for you the flashy personality types who are all hype and no substance (basically, I cannot get along with livewires, party animals, loud megaphone individuals). As a person you are tolerant, gentle, patient in adversity and of grave nature (sometimes in excess that it'll bugged the hell out of me). Your methodical approach and the ability to handle pressure is remarkable (ermmm, I can't quite vouch for this) .You have the wonderful capacity of anticipating the future (oh yeah!). Whatever you estimate and envisage proves true in future (so that means I'll get a Pink Beemer, a huge huge house, win $600,000 and a super successful career?).

Because of your orthodox approach you tend to be rigid (yep, a little bit of truth there). You may lose opportunities for career advancements because of your inherent reluctance to change with time (I totally hate changes). When entrusted with the task of leading others you tend to expect from others the same exactitude with which you carry out your tasks which can lead to disappointments (which is why I tend to shy away from anything leader-ly).

You are ideally suited for peaceful family life (destructive family condition threatens the connectivity of my bloodline). However any discordant note in your personal life can devastate you (like losing people whom I thought I can count on). You are basically a lover of solitude and do not mix much (I love to hang out at rock number one alone, I love to go for a jog on my own, I shopped on my own at times, I love long bus rides ALONE, etc). Hence you may have limited number of friends (yeah, don't trust the list of friends I've got on Friendster). Your tastes are also a few and restricted.

Your health is above average and you are careful about it. Your food is balanced and living simple. Teaching, lectureship, professorship, engineering, writing, etc. are professions that are specially suited for your progress and personality (and all along I kept telling myself I don't wanna become a teacher). If you can become efficient in mixing well with people and constantly keep up an extrovert attitude, you can become more successful (darn, I actually have to put in EFFORT to become an extrovert. Otherwise, bye bye Pink Beemer)

Celebration

Heyho, just thought that I would drop by for a short entry (I MEAN IT. Hah!). Well, today's the eve of Hari Raya Haji and unfortunately for me, I was hauled up into the kitchen to help my mum prepare some festive dishes. It's very much like a typical Hari Raya Puasa food lineup, though at a much smaller scale. I did my fair share of cursing and swearing under my breath (for having to do such chores) as much as chopping up pieces of vegetables. And yeah, I was making tons of chopping noises on the chopping board ala Yan Can Cook. Lol. So it's pretty much over, I mean the preparation and all that and I get to enjoy them yummy cooks just awhile ago. BUT! My mum had to make me get into the kitchen once again after dinner to make this jelly thingy so that we can bring over to my paternal grandmother's and maternal aunt's houses.

Before I get lost, here's a pic of a pretty pretty log cake that my aunt gave us just now. Yeah, I know, it's suppose too be Hari Raya Haji tomorrow. But who can resist the log cake ayy? The deco is a little too elaborate that it suits more for a festive decoration rather than food that ought to be eaten. Anyway, I did eventually cut one end of the cake without disrupting the decorations. So there.

Selamat Hari Raya Haji ya all!

Undisputed

Pairing up Malaysian idol and Singapore idol on stage together must have been a cleverly orchestrated stunt by the Asian Idol's producers in their attempt to reconcile the two countries' love-hate relationship. Or it's purely coincidental that the two idols are slotted to perform together, maybe coz they would look good on telly together or something. But I'd rather believe my first theory.

It has to be the most remarkable performance in contrast to Saturday's lacklustre performance by both singers, in my opinion that is. And as I'm typing this, I am actually ignoring all the other performances by the other countries because I don't quite care other than that of Hady Mirza's. So anyway, it is funny when one of the host remarked "Singapore and Malaysia singing in harmony..." after the performance from both Hady and Jac because on subjects pertaining to "reality issues", Singapore and Malaysia hasn't been able to "sing in harmony". Haa.

As much as I wanna support Hady alone, I find myself rooting for Mike also after hearing him sing. He sound a lot like my two favourite singers, Glenn Fredly and Marcell. Well, oopsie but Hady still gets my vote nevertheless. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter who wins coz all of them are good. I'm not gonna end up much of a die-hard fanatical fan coz all this craze tend to wear off in a very short while for me anyway.

Idol competion aside, I had another huge feasting session today. This time it's my dad's treat for my relatives at Han River. There were eleven of us so we totally cornered three bbq tables at the very last row (the exact same spot during Imah's bday celebration). As usual I had my help of everything plain as I don't quite like having my stuffz with its marinate as it tend to get a bit overwhelming. Plus I totally piled up on the squids for my first round and that must have been a fortunate move coz as I got up for my subsequent rounds to get more squids, they actually ran out of supply and that it had been replaced with some cockles thingy. Bleah.




* OMG! HADY WON ASIAN IDOL!!! THIS IS HIGLY UNBELIEVEABLE. LOL!*

Okay back to my story for today (lol), after the grand food feasting, my cousin decided to treat me and my other two cousins and my brother to watch Alvin and The Chipmunks. We only managed to get the movie slot for 6:20 despite reaching there about two hours earlier as the earlier slot was fully booked. So we killed time by heading to the library first before going on a window shopping session.

I had my eyes on this Adidas fragrance gift package and I thought I'd get it only if it cost like ten bucks. Haha, I know, I'm sucha cheapskate. Lol. But it was selling at 25 bucks and I wasn't sure if I'd have much of a use for them considering I've bottles of fragrances at home, so I thought it would be a waste to buy it. Anyhow, my cousin decided to get it as treat. So he paid for two of them, one for me and the other for my other she-cousin. Ahakz.

The movie was superb by the way. I had a great laugh at the introduction of the movie when the chipmunks sang Bad Day. It was hilarious and undoubtedly cute! And I didn't realize that the main character, Dave, was actually the same guy from My Name Is Earl. He look so different without a moustache. The way he speaks and the way he arch his eyebrow eventually made me realize that is was really Earl.

Popcorn

I have been avoiding this place only because I've been contemplating a permanent blog shutdown. More like shut this space and open up yet another new one. But then I never reached a final decision. I guess the fact that I'm back typing out an entry here means...NOPE, I'm not closing shop as yet.

I survived yesterday's water supply cut. Thanks to the pipe works that has been going in in my housing area for quite some times now. So I had no supply of water from 9am - 5pm. At first it was quite a-ok, but come mid day, things got a little bit uncomfortable. Well my mum did fill up several buckets and bottles with water for our use but it was really too...ermmm, unhygienic? I don't know...maybe my imagination was running too wild. Whatever, it was just luck that my cousin called up telling us to join him and some other of his family members for a little bit of feasting at a Thai restaurant near the interchange. So at least I get to divert my attention elsewhere and not bother much about not having water. Hah!

It turned out that "a little bit of feasting" was quite and understatement. There were only six of us but the amount of food ordered was fit for twice the amount of people. But it was all good anyway coz it has been quite a long while since I last had a huge feasting session with the relatives. Pretty much reminded me of 'those days'. Lets not elaborate ayy. So I stuffed my face with fried wonton, tomyum soup, sweet and sour grouper, fried rice, mango salad, hotplate dried chilli beef, squids, oatmeal prawns, pineapple rice, etc, etc. And I woke up from my sleep at about 4am coz I had a bad case of stomachache. Thanks to the "motley crew" of food. Lol.

At this point in time, I've yet to get myself a job. Damn. I realize that jobs does not magically come to you. But whatever, I don't think that I wanna find one. Not till January perhaps. Or never never at all. Besides, my extortion strategy seems to be working quite well. Though its not quite a walk in the park either. I mean there gotta be some sorta repercussion, one way or another. Haa.

I figured out how to tame my eating habits. It is working to a very small extent coz I tend to wreck my momentary resolution in...well, just a moment. Yeah. Haha! It does not help that I've a newfound addiction towards this cheapskate popcorn which can usually be found at void deck provision shops. I can't help it, I'm HOOKED! And now, I wanna look for those tubs of caramel popcorn which I had bought for quite a few times during this time of the year, back then. I saw them caramel popcorns, but it's no longer in those small tubs. Now it's sold in this huge-ass bottle and cost a little above eleven bucks. I can't possibly get them...I'd end up devouring the whole huge bottle and feeling guilty about it for the rest of my life. Maybe I should stake out other supermarkets to see if they have them in the small tubs.

Turning a bookworm post A-levels? I tried but I gave up eventually. Somehow, it's a little more fun watching things on screen than reading them up. Maybe I've been deprived of the television for a very long time. So, the buildup must have worked its way like a raging wildfire. So I have been going on an endless video-watching spree. But I will try to pick up my reading habits once again. Soon ok. Or maybe I'll make it my new year's resolution.

And so...it's raining now. Darn. Can you believe that I've NOT stepped on ROCK NUMBER ONE even when the exam's so over? Damn damn damn. I had been looking forward to it but the weather has been super unpredictable. Even my jogging sessions has been brought to a halt. Yet again. Yet again. Yet again.

Oh I finally completed watching all three seasons of Veronica Mars. Unfortunately the ending was somewhat left hanging in mid air. Or maybe that's how it's supposed to be. And I felt that as VM gets on to college, the storyline edges towards the like of CSI and Criminal Minds. It was getting so much more interesting but her character lacked conviction. It would be more fun if her character was likened to Gaia Moore from the book series, Fearless. And I do wonder if the producers of VM actually got the idea of the storyline from Fearless. There are a whole bunch of similarities ayyy. As for Gossip Girl, episode 9 and 10 must have been the sappiest ones among all the others but it was really sweet somehow.

Finally, I actually got about to logging into my Facebook account. It was a HUGE MESS. I don't understand all those additional applications and on how it enhances connection as a whole. Like pillow fights and the cars thingy whatever plus the super poke and blah blah blah. I logged in and I saw a whole long list of requests for those stuffz. It was waaaayyyyy too cluttered. I shall stay safe with Friendster and try to figure out Facebook soon.

Outing

Before I get too engrossed editing and updating photos for friendster, I better make a quick entry here. Coz it sure seems like I do not have any materials to update in this space. Which is entirely not true, really. Somehow it's more fun updating photos on my frienster account. For what thrill that may entails, only god knows. Hah.

As usual I went out with the same freaking person today, Imah a.k.a. Pink Phirana a.k.a Baby Pink a.k.a Bapok Dangdut (and we shall come up with more nicknames for her), for so many times! Haha!

As planned we headed to FEP for some japanese food of which was a plan that had been delayed for quite some times. The first two pics above? Yeah, we are trying to get in the mood of the japanese culture by doing the infamous peace sign that the japs would always do when they pose for pictures. Lol. Anyways, I had the chicken katsu don whereby the chicken was served on a kind of laddle or whatever alongside a bowl of rice and miso soup. Imah on the other hand, had a supremely spicy dry tomyum ramen with chicken. For once I passed on the super spicy ramen which is really the one and only dish I'd order whenever I head over to Ramen Ten. Honestly, I should have ordered super spicy ramen instead. It has more kick as compared to the dish I ordered today. But it was worth the try. The downside being, 17% worth of extra charges imposed, was NO BLOODY JOKE. So head over to RT whenever you have more than enough cash to spare.

After our meal, we were somewhat stuck in FEP coz it was pouring heavily outdoors. So we browsed around for clothes at This Fashion hoping that the rain would stop by the time we are done browsing. Unfortunately it was still pouring a reservoir, so we just had to kill time roaming around inside FEP and browse for more stuffs. We tried to enquire for mannequins but it didn't quite happen. Yeah, like who in the right mind would be browsing around in a shopping centre looking for a mannequin right? Haha!

After we are done at FEP we headed over to our next pit stop, Isetan on Scotts. Well nothing much there. Imah then needed a break coz her shoes was killing her so we took a seat outside Isetan. And from the first picture above, she don't seem to need a break uhhh. Just busy talking on the phone, closing some deals with some clients. She's started a business ya know, selling products good enough to kill RATS. Uhhmmm...yeahhh.

When she was done we took the usual kinda pose of us. Ahakz.

I finally got myself the top from M&S which I've contemplated to buy for about three weeks or so. That done and we really had nowhere else to go coz we have covered all the relevant places at town (or orchard?) from our previous trips there. We decidedly headed over to Marina Square for our next pit stop.

Guess who we met at Marina? Barney and Friends! Whahahaha! Actually Baby Bob was there too but it was impossible to take a complete picture of all the three coz first off, they were dancing on the stage and secondly, A LOT of people were crowding near the stage. So this is what we or rather, Imah, managed to snap. Oh, before we saw Barney, we were browsing for stuffz at Diva. As per usual. And I managed to get a couple of stuffz. So there.

Yet another pit stop coz Imah need to rest her feet. We came across this fountain thingy near Topshop which has some fairy-like mannequins encircling the fountain.

Imah is rather mesmerized with that particular mannequin. Just look at the way she's looking at the lifeless thingy. Like whatever.

I was more intrested to look at "what-lies-beneath". Ok, so it wasn't really polite of me to do that but there was't anything much to ogle at. Kekeke.

Another picture of us...
Yet another one...and that's about it. Heh.

So this holz have been really aimless and mindless. But it has been tons of fun. And I'm looking forward to a proper picnic coz the last one that we had was sorta last minute and messed up and there wasn't really any food to begin with. We did had a blast taking tons of photos with the tree, by the shore, gaping at super old apek who was flirting with some china woman prostitute etc etc. Not forgetting all those dates with Imah. I guess we took pains to "travel the world". Sometimes. LOL!

That aside, I have not been able to stick to my jogging plan. Thanks to the unpredictable weather and sometimes (most of the times actually) my lack of initiative. Tomorrow perhaps.

Comic Strip

Randoms

The wind might as well kick off a royal rumble showdown with my bedroom windows. Coz it has been this way ever since the monsoon season caught on with the wind blowing at crazy speed. And I have been up to no good. I totally ditched all my plans (except for the part on commencing my food festival). Instead I ended up downloading Veronica Mars and as of now I've completed watching season two. It was kinda dumb. Apparently the major villain is so retarded and seeking for major revenge for all of the dumb reasons. Well at least the climatic elements were pretty convincing. And there was one part which reminded me so much of a scene from one of Sidney Sheldon's novels. The plane explosion...when I read the novel, what I saw on VM was exactly what I'd pictured in my head...surreal... Anyhow, I managed to bake a batch of BOTCHED brownies. Bleah. I totally forgot to stir up the mixture properly, so the brownie ended up a cross between cakey and chewy-brownie. Saved for the fact that I made use of Betty Crocker's premix, the outcome does not really compromise on the taste. So it's a-ok. Hah.