Anonymous Odyssey

Year 2012

2012-01-09T20:54:00.007+08:00

Happy New Year! Heh, comes a little late here.

The welcoming of the new year was a fun and memorable one this time around. Our friends decided to throw a costume party. Anyone without a costume would be fined a 30-second shot of pure liquor. Brrr~!! 3-second shots were a bit too much already, so no, thanks! We managed to custom make our very own last-minute and low-cost costumes...

Greek togas. Haha! I especially enjoyed making the laurel crown - the leafy headpiece.

Here, with some of the other girls and their awesome costumes.

and some of the rest...

It's been 9 days into the year 2012. Am down with a bad sorethroat which leaves me drowsy and nauseous, and tired pretty much from the restless sleep with odd dreams I've been getting.

Heck! I can leave myself feeling helpless and beaten up by that, or I can choose to fight it and cure myself the soonest I can. And I'm going with the latter.

The same goes to alot of things in my life now.

"When life throws you lemons, make lemonade."

I am going to really live up to that saying starting this year onwards. Take each day as it comes and make the fullest out of every day and live it like it is my last...

There are alot of things in my life, be it past or present, which bite me. However, I have come to realize that all these experiences in life are what make us who we are today. With what we already know now, we'd sometimes wish to go back in time and change certain things. I do know this - that the bigger regrets later in life are the things we never did, not those we have done. Everything happens for a reason and that's why some things and people don't make it further into our lives. So, live! Life is too short to be sitting around, fretting or grieving or wondering! :)

Man in the Mirror

2011-12-12T22:59:00.001+08:00

Nothing speaks louder for itself than the title and lyrics of this song from the legendary Michael Jackson.
"I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways, and no message could have been any clearer. If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change..."

I do not know what does it, but I guess this is what it means to have grown up. I am 25 now (Scary, I know when it is already halfway towards the big 3-0 *Gulps*). Then again, age is just a number and yes, I believe that each birthday should be a celebration for the experience and achievements one has accomplished throughout his/her life.
These days, I have come to realize that amidst any bad vibes and stress from the environment, I have managed to not let those negativity get to me too much. I find that I react in better and positive ways. I have learnt to shut myself away from certain petty things or issues which are not worth my time or concern. And the effect of all these, I have noticed that the people around me react and behave in better ways, too - well, at least towards me.
Although I am currently stuck mostly 24/7 with the kids, I find that I manage to find time for myself, doing minor things which I like or which amuse me even for a short little while. Either the newfound bliss from that or the joys I get from seeing my kids grow and accomplish each of their milestone over time, I have actually found my motivation and passion. *Yay*
For one, notice that I have started blogging again?
I am ready to take on new challenges. I have decided. I used to dream. Now my dreams have become plans. And 2012 will be a brand new year for great changes. :)

So, it is true that the way you act and think or feel have an effect on your environment. The Universe has a way of acting upon your thoughts or belief and expectations.

"You must be the change you want to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi

I believe that every obstacle is a blessing in disguise. The bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity that awaits you. You just got to open the right door.

Weyhey!

2011-12-09T00:25:00.001+08:00

*This was supposed to be my first post for the year before 'Shameless', but somehow, it got lost or was never published.*

Whoa! It's been over a year my blog's been abandoned. There have been a lot of changes in this one year. One of 'em, we've welcomed a new member! Nathan's a big brother now to his baby sister, Mikaela! She's 19 weeks old now, by the way.
So, for the past 4 months up till now, my days AND nights pretty much revolve around the two kids. As joyful as our bundles of joys are, child caring is very exhausting! It is like a full time job, round the clock, that is! - entertainer and provider during the day, a comforter and guard and provider at night - waking to their cries of discomfort, for milk or diaper change(s), from nightmare perhaps... and the list goes on. One kid was bearable. Now that I've got two, I've only got my two hands to juggle between them two - loads of multitasking involved. I don't know how people in the olden days with a troop of kids and no maid, did it, but I guess they were Wonder Women! To those single parents out there, give yourselves a pat on your shoulders. You've done great! It gets pretty frustrating at times when you are unappreciated or under-valued for all you've done. For those who think that caring and raising kids are easy jobs, well, F*ck U's! - sorry for being vulgar, but Whew, that sure felt gooood.

Being a mother, our job does not end at giving life and bringing our child(ren) into this world. (Any fertile woman can bear and give birth to a child, but not any woman can be a mother.) It is a lifetime commitment. Unlike our enemies, we cannot ignore or stay away from our children just because they have turned bad, nor can we leave them out on our doorstep just because they give us headaches. What they are or will be is a result of our guidance and the roles we have shown them from young. Even when the children are old and grey, they will always be a mother's babies.
With or without a husband, once a woman is with child(ren), she will never be (or at least feel) single again (at least to me). Like it or not, she will always come in a package. :)

Shameless

2011-12-08T17:25:00.001+08:00

Meet the Gallaghers. Mother, Monica left the family and has gone MIA for the past 21 months; father, Frank (the main character of the show)'s a hopeless drunk; eldest daughter, Fiona is playing Mom to the younger siblings and trying to keep everyone in order; eldest son, Lip (Philip)'s an academic genius and a science whiz who makes a living out of doing assignments for other fellow students or sitting for their SAT exams and giving physics tuitions to a neighborhood girl who's paying him with sexual favors; the third kid, Ian, is in Army ROTC in school and he's gay- which was first discovered by his brother, Lip; youngest daughter, Debbie's got a loving heart and she's also pocketing some of the money from the charity she's collecting year round; younger son, Carl is a rule breaker and likes the thrill in making other kids and animals suffer; and the toddler, Liam, is black and no one knows how.
I've been watching this TV series whenever I can - when the kids are settled or asleep. Pretty interesting. Such a dysfunctional family- 6 kids with a selfish and pathetic excuse of a father who's always claimed he's a proud and devoted single father, but spends his days and nights drunk and passed out on practically anywhere possible; a mother who could abandon her kids when the youngest was only 2 months old; yet it's amazing how the siblings manage to make ends meet every day, of course with Fiona, being the main caretaker and decision-maker who has to work endless dead-end jobs with minimum wages to make sure the bills get paid. It goes to show how affected the kids will be when the parents are screwed up. Nevertheless, I like the strong bonds between the independent siblings and how they stick together through all the good and mostly rough times. It's fun, witty, hilarious, naughty and downright senseless at times, but enjoyable at the same time. It's reality. Hits me on the head as a reminder again and again, that whenever I feel like I'm stuck in sh*thole, there are many out there who has suffered or is suffering more. If the Gallaghers can pull it through, what excuse do I have, really?

I'm watching the US version, based on the original award-winning British one on Channel 4 with the same name.
They say the British version is better (I reckon it must be, judging by the fact that it's an award winner), but I love the actors and actresses in the US version.

Money Matters?

2010-11-06T00:48:00.004+08:00

It was listed on Yahoo! that money is a main problem and the culprit to a broken marriage.

Is it really?

They say the lack of money leads to arguments between the couple, hence the wreakage in the long run.

It is necessary to have a good financial health, whether one is in a marriage or not, no doubt. Having enough money to support a couple's or the family's standard of living is a convenience.
However, I personally think that the major problem and the culprit to any fights or problem in a marriage is not money itself. It is rather, one's perception of money and the financial roles that should be played by each individual in a married life.
Once you have understood or come to terms with each other regarding the responsibilities of the husband and the wife regarding money matters, the lack of money will never be the blame if the marriage should fail. I guess human being human are just too proud or ignorant to admit that it is their own fault. What is the point of marriage counselling then if for every failed marriage, the divorcees simply conclude that it was because of money problem? Perhaps that is why the poll states a high percentage and shows money being the number 1 marriage killer these days.

When you are single and unattached, it is easy spoiling yourself rotten with the money that you have or will earn. You can even spend away till you burn a hole in your pocket, for all you care, and no one ought to care nor bother you if it is your own money (unless you get into debts, then you need not worry about creditors).
So, when one were to get married, this easygoing single's perception ought to be shifted. There will be another person who will and has every right in your life, to care about your finances. When you start a family, your roles shift as well. There will of course, be more responsibilities. Until you understand fully the concept of marriage and are wise enough about money matters in a marriage, then providing financially for the family should never be labelled as 'burden' - sounds familiar?

Money is essential for alot of things, but really, money is not everything.
Money can buy you a house, not a home. Money can get you some of the beautiful women in the world or the hottest young boytoy, but it can never find you true love. Money can buy you all the luxuries that you could ever wished for as a kid, but it can never guarantee you happiness. These tend to sound a bit cliche now, you might think, but they still stay true. I believe they do apply.
So, what do we work for? Money? So what if you were to have billions of dollars under your name? Think again.

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness, however, is the key to success. One has to love the job one is doing and be happy, and everything else shall fall into place.

Boo!

2010-11-06T00:46:00.001+08:00

How sad. I just saw I have only managed 2 posts for 2010 up to date. Boo~!

Living the Moment

2010-07-11T15:22:00.003+08:00

Wow! I just finished browsing through my previous posts on my currently 'neglected' blog. Well, it just looks neglected, but really, I have at several attempts logged in and thought of posting something up, but either stopped halfway 'cause I got stuck, or I simply ended up staring blankly at the screen 'cause I had no idea where and how to start.

Not that I know for sure what I am to write now, but I figured, yeah, it is better to throw in whatever comes to mind. Just write rather than abandon the whole idea. I do miss writing, and certainly do not want this passion to just fizzle out. So, it is time to get the ball rollin' again.

Ah, it is good to be back at hometown, spending time with my family and Nathan. After few days of going out with parents, I now realize my memory has been pretty poor lately! I find I cannot remember or recall things I did or places I visited for the past few years. My memory had always been great, and I can still recall alot of things from my past, before the past current few years, that is. So, what happened in between?

Have I got too busied with life's expectations to remember to stop and live in the moment? Perhaps. Well, no. Most probably, that is the case.

Hmm.. How to live in the moment?

They say hold no expectations and drop all judgement. When u expect, you are not savouring the moment and experience at hand. When you judge, either positively or negatively, you are making a conclusion of how things will turn out already, before anything happens.
So, instead of living in the future - worrying about what tomorrow will be, we should just take a step back and analyse and make use of what is at hand. Enjoy now, today. They call it the 'Present' afterall.
I remember at times before, while driving or walking alone, I would remind myself to stop thinking and just take in my surroundings - the trees, the blue sky, the white puffy clouds, the birds, the sun or the moon and the stars. They are still there, always. And they are beautiful. We have just gotten ourselves too busy to remind ourselves that such wonderful creations are created by God for us. It may seem they serve little purpose, but do you really think so?
Also, after looking back at my previous posts, I realize I wrote the most back in 2008. I guess I lived in the moment at that time. Of course not everyday was happy day. Life is filled with ups and downs. But yeah, I remember I treasured every single day and moment or experience then, whether good or bad. Oh, and I had that intention to write at least every month for the year. So, my year had a purpose.
So, I guess I need to start getting back my life - living in the moment, and finding my purpose.
Cherish the moment. It is the little little things in life that matter most in the end. :)

Set me free

2010-04-30T13:24:00.004+08:00

Right before you close your eyes
to go to bed at night,
Do I still cross your mind?
When you dream in your sleep,
Do you dream or wish to dream of me?
When you open your eyes
to the morning light,
Do I come to mind, ever?
When I am with you,
Are you really there for me
and with me? (not just physically?)
When you are up on top,
in your happiest moments,
Do you remember me?
If you do something,
knowing it will hurt or offend me,
Will you feel for me?

If I say I am happy,
Do you laugh with me?
If I tell you I am sad,
Will you hear me out
and not turn away?
When I dream a dream,
Will you hope and dream
for me?
Or will you put me down?
If I tell you I am dying...
Will you still care
and love me all the same?

I do not ask for your full attention,
As I respect your personal space
and rightful freedom.
I never ask for you to change (for me)
If you do, your nasty ways,
I would want it to be for you.
I do not ask for all your heart,
For I know you have dear family
and friends to care for (& so do I).
I do not want your money,
a big house or fancy cars.
For I believe I can earn
and achieve the same.

But who am I to demand
from you anything?
What right do I have to
make you see and do me right?
No, I do not own you,
Nor do you, me.

When you tell me, "I Love You",
What is the meaning behind it?
What makes you so sure you do?
And what makes me so worthy of your love?

Help me see,
(Oh, I have tried.)
Let me be...
Or, just set me free.

Goodbye, 2009, Welcome, 2010!

2009-12-31T09:32:00.002+08:00

So, once again, another year is coming to an end. I've said this tons of times before, but it's true - Time really flies!

2009 had been a very interesting year. I know I started out slow, and wasn't exactly sure it would turn out good at all. Well, it had been a roller coaster ride, I must say. There were the ups and the downs; the challenges - good and bad; the surprises; loads of changes - new things, new places, new people; and not forgetting, the fun. ;)

I didn't have clear resolutions written down for the year, though. Oh well, what's past is past. Perhaps I should start journaling.

This time around, I'm ready to welcome 2010! I've got my Bucket List already. :) It will be an amazing year, I know it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas is here!:)

2009-12-14T17:35:00.004+08:00

It's December again, and my schedule has been soo packed since come December, no kidd! I'm pretty exhausted as of now, but it's all great!
There were definitely some major changes, and yes, changes may be hectic & difficult, but once you get the hang of things, you'll find they do you more good than sticking to the status quo.
For once and for real this time around, I can say "I'm having fun!" again. *All Smiles*
Some self-discoveries & awareness & improvement along the way. The answers may not be right out there, but I'm trying each & every day to be as present as I can be, and to appreciate life and everything and everyone I have around me.
Thanks to all my great friends for just being in my life, whether you have been here for years or we have just met. You guys are all awesome! There are no accidents, and indeed, Everything does happen for a reason. Praise the Lord!

It has been an amazing last month of the year. And my favorite occasion is just around the corner, too! 'Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la la...

People walk in and out of our lives every day. Some may stay, but some come and go. Regardless, one thing is for sure. Our lives will never be the same again.

Life

2009-11-20T16:37:00.002+08:00

Live life to the fullest. Love like you have never loved before. Do whatever makes you happy.

Yeah, they sure make these sound pretty easy. As if Life is that easy.

I know 'Everything happens for a Reason', but I still can't quite figure out what the reasons are. HAH! Perhaps, in time to come, I'll see, they say. (I hope!)

Life is more meaningful when you have a goal and you work towards achieving it. I do have goals, but I have come to realize that it's not everytime one gets what he/she wants.

What do I really want? People tell me I'm still young. Plenty of chances and a long road ahead. I don't feel young, though I do need to constantly remind myself that I am only 22 (well, coming 23 soon). I haven't felt young since...I forgot when. Perhaps since I became a mother. As much as I love my son, Nathan (he is the joy of my life and means the world to me - the greatest gift from God), I still need to remind myself again and again that I am a mother and he is here to stay. And I will continue to provide the best I can for him.

I really shouldn't complain, should I? Oh, why do they make it seem so easy in the books and movies? Fairytales suck! They're bunch of lies, portraying and depicting false images of what reality really is.

I don't know if it's a phase in life, but right now, I feel suffocated. I need space. I need to breathe. I need a break. A break from Life.

Mixed Feelings

2009-11-15T18:32:00.003+08:00

I guess it is normal to have the ups and then the downs in life. At this very moment, I think I am somewhere on the verge of plunging 'down'...

I guess one can't always be on the Up. I guess it was because I was focusing so much on keeping myself 'up' in the high that I forgot to look back and through and analyze the situations. All the times, I kept telling myself to be strong and be positive (Not that these are bad). I am, indeed glad that I chose to be that way. Look where it has put me now! :)

Then again, I guess I was too busy with making everything else and Life perfect that I forgot to really seize the moment, every ups and downs, especially.

I can't believe that it has just dawned on me... after all these whiles.
What have I been missing? What about me?
Time flies.

The Notebook

2009-10-11T00:27:00.004+08:00

I know this is a 2004 film, but I just watched it, and I have got to say, it has got to be one of the best movies, ever!

Based on the novel by American romance-fiction novelist, Nicholas Sparks (who also wrote A Walk To Remember, which also made it to the big screen), this tearjerker tells of a love story, a love so true between Noah and Allie. Sparks said his wife's grandparents inspired him to write The Notebook. They were married for over sixty years when he met them, hence decided to pen down such true love.

The movie starts with an elderly man reading the story out of a notebook to a female fellow patient suffering from dementia, in a modern-day nursing home. Then it brings us back to the 1940s when 17-year-old local country boy, Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) first laid eyes on the love of his life, a city girl from a 'richer-than-god' family, Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams).

And the rest...Phew! I have never cried so much and so badly watching a movie (apart from The Green Mile), but The Notebook moved me soo much that I am still affected by it.

The chemistry between Ryan and Rachel is just awesome! They are both great actor and actress and both beautiful people.

And they actually ended up together - Gosling claimed their love story is much sweeter than Noah and Allie's. It was like they were destined to be together. Both Gosling and McAdams were born in the same town in Canada, in the same hospital. Talk about coincidence! It is sad, however, that this has become history. They just make the perfect pair!

So, soulmates do exist. A love story is not measured nor judged by the good and sweetest times together, but by the hard and testing times which two persons manage to walk through, and make it the best and sweetest love story ever.

The Notebook is a beautiful movie - a definite must-watch! See for yourself :)

Destiny

2009-09-04T09:45:00.005+08:00

"Destiny is the bridge you build to the one you love."
-from 'My Sassy Girl'

Sweet. And true.

Most people tend to sit and wait for Destiny to come knocking on their doors. They say "If it's meant to be, it will be."
Well, yes. Destiny can come in many forms, and sometimes, they may have come and passed or may have been right in front of you the whole time, but if nothing has been done, and you continue to sit and wait for something to happen, it most probably will never happen.

Let's put it this way. In this context, 'Destiny' applies to everything else besides just love. If you want and long for something so badly, you will be working hard towards getting it. Moreover, if Destiny (or an opportunity) has already presented itself right in front of you and you know that it is right, will you let it slip through your fingers?

I watched the original Korean version of My Sassy Girl before, but did not quite get it. When I watched the American version last night, I thought it was beautiful. It is simply worth watching.

So, it is all a matter of Choice. You either create your own Destiny or just leave it to what we like to call Fate to do the job.

I do believe everything happens for a reason, but I love to choose to create my own Destiny. For that, I am grateful of what life has brought unto me and shaped me into today. :)

As I Mature

2009-04-02T15:05:00.002+08:00

I got this off my girlfriend. It gave me good laughs, but hey, these are facts! (Well, most of them.)

As I Mature

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in.

I've learned that no matter how much I care,
some people are just assholes.

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust,
and it only takes suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.

I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you'd better have a big willy or huge boobs.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others
- they are more screwed up than you think.

I've learned that you can keep vomiting long after you think you're finished.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do,
unless we are celebrities.

I've learned that regardless of how hot or steamy a relationship is at first,
the passion fades, and there had better be a lot of money to take its place!

I've learned that 99% of the time when something isn't working in your house,
one of your kids did it.

I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon
and all the less important ones just never go away.

Okay, for the big willy and huge boobs part, I'd rather have a big heart & good brain.

Also, I don't believe that money works in saving a dying relationship. Of course it makes everything convenient when there is money, but if none is trying or playing his/her part to revive the relationship, it cannot be saved. Period.

Anyways, just for laughs :)

Gloomy

2009-02-06T10:12:00.002+08:00

It's been gloomy lately, raining endlessly.
I certainly don't mind the cool and dark weather... as long as the rain stops and none of the other catastrophic events follows - flash floods, land slides which lead to power outage in certain areas for days. It's depressing.
The weather around the world has apparently gone nuts! What with heavy snowing in the north and extreme heat waves in the south. Again, the nasty effects of global warming. I'm not trying to sound cliche but it feels like Armageddon is near.
So, it's February already. What have I done so far?
I know I haven't exactly written down my resolution(s) for the year 2009, though I've had a few good ones in mind.
I can't help feeling that more unfortunate events will follow during this year - never thought that it's heading anywhere great. Silly, I know. I should be optimistic and looking on the bright side, as I've always implied before.
Alright. I better get back to my work. Take each day as it comes.

Come whatever, let Thy will be done.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-06T16:58:00.002+08:00

So, it's another year and to date, there's 359 days left to go till the next.

2008 had been a great year. It had been awesome! I guess time flies when you're actually enjoying yourself.

Loads had happened and loads are happening and loads more are yet to come...

Heck! I don't know what I'm blogging here.
I haven't got the inspiration, hence the no-updates.

For now, let's just hope 2009 will be a much better year!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Twilight Fever

2008-12-22T17:02:00.005+08:00

"I've never given much thought about how I'd die, but if I were to die in the place of someone I love, I guess that's a good way to go."

I was completely not in the thrill or excitement & I did not even get what the craze was all about, until I agreed to go on a movie date with my girlfriends from work last Friday night.

Since then, I'm hooked...

I've always been fascinated with Vampires, but there's something special which sets this movie apart from any other vampire movies I've watched.

I thought it'd be another soapy, cheesy teenage love story, but somehow, either the casts are good actors and actresses or they really connected, I could actually feel the intensity and chemistry.

Bram Stoke's Count Dracula, where Count died in the arms of a female human he loved, was sweet and all, but it did not touch me as much as this one does.

There was just something about Edward Cullen...(I only like the character)

Sad that such man only appears on the silver screen.
Sadder still is the fact that he isn't even human. *LOL*
Okay, I won't spoil the rest of the movie for those who haven't watched.

I can't wait to have my own collections of all the 4 books! It's sold out, twice!

What Will You Be In Your Next Life?

2008-11-14T11:00:00.002+08:00

Funny.

This crazy topic just popped up during our conversation among colleagues in the office.

Say, if you have the choice (or chance), would you like to remain your original gender or become the other?

All the males opted to stay males, of course - as usual, due the pride and ego in being the more dominating sex, stereotypically, that is. There may be exceptions for special case(s), though.

Most females, including me, chose to stick to our feminine side.

"But, why? Females are the ones who suffer more in life!" we were asked - what with the most famous, monthly cycle thingy; having to bear children and give birth; the limitation in things we can do; and always the victim and preys in gender discrimination, sexual molestations, and the list goes on.

I'll tell you why. Yes, we may be generally and biologically, the weaker sex. Despite all these limitations, we are proud to be able to achieve what we have achieved, as women, throughout the human evolution and revolution - and we're still working hard and achieving more goals which would seem impossible and absurd for women to ever achieve, especially in the olden days.

Why work so hard?

One lecturer said, "Wanna be rich? Easy la. Just marry a rich man and enjoy life."

I said "No. So what if I ever marry a rich man? The wealth isn't mine, and I may not end up happy. I only find self-satisfaction from achieving my goals on my own effort."

He said "Good. I like the way you think."

During my job interview, my General Manager asked,
"So, you're married. Why do you want to work? Bruneians are well-off."

One, correction, not all the Bruneians are rich. They're only lucky they have a rich sultanate and do not have to pay taxes.

Two, (my answer) "I personally, am not the type who sits home and wait for my husband to feed me or the family. I want to work and cater to myself and my family as well."

I got the job I love. *Grin*

It's important for women to be able to stand on their own two feet.

Hell, yeah! We're singin'

"...If I wanted the rock you're wearing, I bought it. The house I live in, I bought it. The car I'm driving, I bought it, 'cause I depend on me..."

Yes, we may have to endure the monthly menstruation and ovulation cycle, but having to have that lets us know that our bodies are actually functioning well, the way we are created and as God intended for us.

Pregnancy and birth? Nauseas, cramps, spider veins, stretch marks... Sound familiar, Mummys?
Well, the wonder in discovering what your body can go through and produce really pays off, and Oh, the joy in holding your baby(ies) in your arms, and watch them grow! - Indescribable in words.

We may seem the weaker ones who suffer from most harms and prone to more danger. So, it's important how we carry and protect ourselves.

Oh, for the other few who opted to become males in their next lives, one gave the reason that she's tired of all the sufferings and heartbreaks she as a female, has to go through.
Another said she'd have to be a handsome male in her next life - reason being handsome men get all the chicks. Haha!

Hmm... I'd love to be a handsome man for a while, provided that all the unfaithful and ungrateful playboys become helpless females first. Time to taste your own medicine. *Evil grin*

LOL!

Congratulations, Obama!

2008-11-07T09:11:00.003+08:00

So, the Democrats won! I'm happy. Many people around the world are happy, too. Wee~!
However, I can see great expectations and hope coming from the Americans and the world.

Come on, give it time. I am positive it's all turning out well. I know one aspect has already, but for the time being, that'd be up to time to disclose to the world.

I think people should eliminate whatever racial and negative thoughts and perceptions they have towards this potential leader. The world has changed. Let's give Obama a chance to prove to the world what he can do.

Congratulations, Democrats!

November 4th, 2008

2008-11-04T08:53:00.002+08:00

It's November already! And it's going to be an exciting month.

November 4th, 2008, today, is the date for the scheduled 56th consecutive quadrennial United States presidential election.

I really hope Barack Obama wins. It's high time US have yet another Democrat to cater for their economic needs since the wise Clinton - especially at a time of bad recession (one closest to the 1929 Depression) like this. Hasn't US learnt from their mistake - twice? Besides, from his high spirits and capabilities, I believe that Obama has the sincere will and power to help change the world - for the better. (I am currently on his book, The Audacity of Hope.)I have followed, as much as I could, the debates between Obama and McCain. To be a great leader, and especially a world leader, one requires the ability to stand up front and grasp every one of the audience's attention by merely saying a word - I can tell you that people with such ability are very rare. More importantly, he needs to ensure that his audiences are interested and motivated to continue listening. Apparently, I see all these qualities in Obama.

I like the way Obama stands up for his points made and still respects the opposition when shot back. McCain may be old and experienced, but it disappoints me every time his points are being questioned, he fails to find reasons to, at least, support them. Instead, he changes the topic - all the time! - and tries to 'attack' his opposition again and again. Yes, I've read that you think straight talk is a DO, but, in order to be respected, please respect first.
If Democrat were to win, it'll be the first time in history that an African American - a great and influential one - runs for president.

Likewise, if Republican were to win this election, it'll be historic, for there was never a female who achieved this, but, really, Sarah Heath Palin for vice president? No offense, but, What?!
Seriously, an aging ruler with a fashion mannequin who needs to learn to acquire more tact are a good combination? Not.

Another reason to be excited about the month, November? More friends will be back from their studies oversea. My sis-in-law, one of them.

And...

It's the month of my birthday - all the more reason to love it!

Oh, and it's another month closer to the end of the year - which include my approaching upcoming exams (Yikes!) and Christmas + New Year (Yay!).

Paulo Coelho

2008-10-29T13:18:00.003+08:00

I am, once again, addicted to reading Paulo Coelho's books.

The first I finished 2 years back was The Zahir - interesting reflections on life, love and happiness - before I got too busy with my own life for anymore books.

Was searching for the bestselling 'The Alchemist' - finally found it at a bookstore nearby my current workplace. Finished that. Brilliant. It mentioned and applied 'The Secret', very much alike the one I mentioned in one of my previous posts.

"When you really aspire for something, all the power in the Universe will conspire to help you achieve your Destiny."

Now, I'm on The Witch of Portobello. Beguiling - That's how all Paulo Coelho's books are. You can't wait to read on and know what happens next. The amazing thing about his writings is that he bases them on true life experiences which apply and reflect upon the lives of many others.

I don't know about other readers. Reading Coelho's books always puts me in a position where I start to ponder about my own life. His ability to put almost anything most people would never discover or perhaps have, but never let emanate from their hearts, into words, is just... simply intriguing.

An influential author - in all the good ways.

Oh Gawd! I'm a Movie Freak!

2008-10-10T09:57:00.005+08:00

For a break from everyday work life, Will & I decided to go for a movie date last night . Never expected the movie would turn out that good!

And no, it isn't what you're thinking. No, we didn't watch Butterfly Lovers...-_-"
I know the craze - what Wu Chun, local Brunei-bred artiste - first time starring in an international movie, yada yada yada - it was in the national papers. Yes, I've read.

Count.me.out. They say he's really that good-looking, alright. Not my cup of tea. He's more of a pretty boy to me, and boys like that don't last long in (my) interest, no offense. I prefer men a lil on the rough edge, a lil on the bad side - dark looks - but with brains. Need I say more?

Okay. This might sound cheesy at first, but we watched

THE HOUSE BUNNY

Haha! Yeah, it's good, with Adam Sandler as one of the producers - starring Anna Faris (Scary Movie; Hot Chick; Bestfriend; My Super Ex-Girlfriend), Kat Dennings (Raise Your Voice; Big Momma House 2; The 40-Year-Old Virgin), Katharine McPhee (from one of the previous American Idol).

It's hilarious - with blonde moments, and Anna Faris pulled 'em off nice. It's sexy - Playboy bunnies & geeky girls-turned-hot. It seems Anna Faris worked out for the movie. She's looking so ever H-O-T! So are the rest of the girls. Emma Stone looks great, too. Katharine McPhee's gorgeous, as ever (though pregnant in her character). I've always loved Kat Denning's looks - punk, but sexy.

Toned and curvy are the real sexy!

It's reality-related - sorority campus rivalries. Mean girls - What I'd call the group(s) of 'Plastics' - so-called perfectionists who go for looks, status, popularity.

Typical. I don't see why certain cliques should exist. Why? Everyone should be his/herself. An individual. Anyone can be friends or be part of a group, a society, a community.

Looks may fade in time, but what's inside remains.

Meaningful.

So, we had good laughs and actually enjoyed the movie.

Hmm... what next? Blimey! Movie's one of the very few source of entertainment here!
We need a vacation, a goood getaway, out from this country! I haven't flown anywhere for over a year now!

Help!

Eagle Eye

2008-10-08T16:54:00.004+08:00

AWESOME - In Caps & Bold!

Shia LaBeouf & Michelle Monaghan were fantastic! So was Billy Bob Thornton.

And, (Oh My), has Shia LaBeouf transformed since Transformer!

Yeah, yeah, I'm a sucker for men with dark looks...

*Looking at my husband* (Hmmm...Point proven?)
Ha ha ha! Well, Will thinks LaBeaouf looks great, too! Macho

As usual, I won't be giving the storyline away. So, no spoilers for those who haven't watched the movie.

All I can say is it's absolutely worth the wait. :D

The action, the suspense, the stunts - Double thumbs up!

Monday Blues

2008-09-22T16:56:00.002+08:00

I'm knackered!

Yeah, there went the weekends. Come to think of it, I didn't have the 'weekends'. Won't be having any this coming Saturday and Sunday either.

I was and will be attending Tax classes during the weekends for 14 hrs each! The lecturer's a 'flown-in' and she's great, but I was fighting to keep myself awake halfway through. It's interesting, but I was just exhausted! It's like working for 14 days straight! *Shudders*

Oh, wells, it's for what's best. So, I shall be keen with what I'm doing. I want my ACCA, as fast as I can! I'm glad I passed my last 2 papers, and I'm still amazed I scored the highest in the 1 everyone claims to be the hardest. (But I like Costing & Management!)
Anyhoo, Praise the Lord!

Ah! Another week to endure...

*It's okay. It'll be over before I even know it. I'm good.*

Mama Mia!

2008-09-16T16:34:00.003+08:00

If you are into musical/ theatrical movies, MAMA MIA! is a Must-watch. Totally love the songs - The Best of ABBA which made up the story of the entire movie.

Meryl Streep (Donna) is excellent - as always. Amanda Seyfried (Sophie) - fresh new talent! Also in the cast are the famous Bond (formerly)- Pierce Brosnan (Sam), Colin Firth (Harry), the legendary Julie Walters (Rosie) and Christine Baranski (Tanya).

Beautiful island, brilliant cast, and great music and singing!

*Darn! Should've watched the real theatrical in London*

Next movie - I can't wait till Eagle Eye is out!!!

Updates!

2008-08-12T16:48:00.003+08:00

After soo long!

Loads have happened, and it's all goood. Wait, it hasn't only been good, but it has been AWESOME!

Exam was fine. Result's coming out soon. Very soon.

Career wise, it has never been better! I am actually doing a job I really enjoy, finally! - no toilet-cleaning and all those sh*ts. HAH! And my former Boss told me (when they asked me to stay on with them) :

"There's no way your salary will be increased. Even if you get out there, you won't be able to get such high pay. You're still young, still a student, still inexperienced."
Damn right I've proven you wrong!

I've learned something. Something so simple, yet so effective and real.

Always Think Positive. You can be what you think you ought to be, really.

It's all in the Law of Attraction.

For those who haven't heard of this featured film/ documentary, "The Secret", I highly recommend watching it. Truly inspiring and motivational.

"Happiness does not mean that everything is perfect. It means overseeing the Imperfections and cherishing what you already have."

There IS Justice in the World!

2008-05-22T13:43:00.005+08:00

*Yay!*

Few days back, I have quietly wished for a sign.

"If there is any justice in the world, (Please please please! *Fingers crossed*) David Cook will win American Idol AND Manchester United FC will win against Chelsea in the Champions League."

Guess what.

I got a positive sign!

David Cook is indeed 2008's American Idol! He has won the kiddo, David Archuleta by 12 million votes!!! Yes, TWELVE MILLION! HAH! I hope this is enough to shut those teeny-booper fans of David Archuleta's up! I disliked David Archuleta for being boring, but the fans are wayy too annoying and immature that it made me hate David Archuleta. I do not see why those shallow supporters of his think he would make it far. Do they even know the market and customers' demands worldwide? 12 MILLION more votes only in America is a HUGE number. They have forgotten that David Cook has more fans who do not vote in American Idol, worldwide! And I am one of them. (:

And Yesss, Manchester United FC has proven that they are Champions! Champion in Premier League 2008 & Champion in Champions League 2008 when they beat Chelsea (in both leagues to claim their titles). Nah-uh! Eventhough they won the Champions League through penalty kicks, that is no pure luck. Also, thanks to goalie Edwin van der Sar for saving one of the penalty shootout to give Manchester United a 6-5 win over Chelsea after they tied at a 1-1 draw in the first all-English Champions League final.

CELEBRATE!!!

So, there is Justice in the world, afterall.

WooooHooooooo~!

I hope Justice is on my side for my upcoming exams! :S

Always Be My Baby

2008-05-09T09:30:00.002+08:00

I am in love -

with David Cook's version of Mariah Carey's "Always be my Baby". It keeps playin' in mah head, over & over!

We were as one, Baby

For a moment in time

And it seemed everlasting

That you would always be mine

Now, you wanna be free (yeah)

So, I'm letting you fly

'Cause I know in my heart, Babe

Our love will never die, No...

You'll always be a part of me

I'm part of you indefinitely

Girl, don't you know you can't escape me

Ooh, Darling, 'cause you'll always be my Baby

And we'll linger on

Time can't erase a feeling this strong

No way, you're never gonna shake me

Ooh, Darling, 'cause you'll always be my Baby...

He totally rocked it! Randy said, more than anyone on the show, Cook is ready to make his own album. Simon said it was like sort of coming out of karaoke hell...into a breath of fresh air! Paula said it could be a movie sound track. Well, who knows, it just may be. :)

Well, he has got tons of amazing performances like Happy Together, Eleanor Rigby and the improvised version of Michael Jackson's Billy Jean (reinvented version originally by Chris Cornell, but even Chris Cornell, himself, was flattered by Cook's performance. http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/03/chris-cornell-s.html) - to name a few.

David Cook is awesome because he has the ability to turn any less popular and less heard of song into something amazing, likeable, and most importantly, something fresh. Originality & the Courage to take risks. I like the way he makes a classic and extremely pop song rock. For example, this classic Lionel Richie's "Hello"

I so want Cook to win, though *fingers crossed*, sadly, it's expected that David Archuleta would win, instead. Look at the kid's fans! (mostly consisting of little kids as well)

Figure, even if David Cook does not win American Idol, he will make it big. Someone with such talent will break it through, internationally. So what if David Archuleta wins? He will be any temporary craze which will die down soon enough. Preferably, he may resolve to High School Musical or something like that.

David Cook is way too cool for American Idol.

These China Con Ladies Don't Give Up, Do They?

2008-05-07T16:23:00.004+08:00

*Laughs out Loud*

I got a 'Long Distance' call yesterday at work. I picked up to hear a recorded voice message (with perfect English, more to that of a White's):
"This is an automated voice message from Brunei High Court. You have a hearing on the 28th of April at 10am. Your 2nd hearing will be on the 12th of May at 2pm. For more information, please press '9'"

Out of curiosity (since it is to do with something legal from the high court & having heard the word "hearing" which supposingly indicates something serious), I pressed 9, only to be greeted with:

Con : Herlo, May I herlp you?

Me : Yes, I just got an automated voice message saying I have a hearing at the court.
What is it a- (I was interrupted before I even finished my sentence)

Con : Yea yea yea, thiz is the Bruney High Courrd. Can I harve your name, pleas?

Me : *Smug-smilling* (Knowing that it's just another scam) Let me guess, you are from China,
riiight?

Con :*Excited* (She's prolly forgotten about her initial plan) Yea yea yea! Arr you from China?

Me : No, I'm not, (Thank God).

Con : Are you from Sing-gaporh?

Me : No.

Con : Whear are you from?

Me : It doesn't matter. May I know which company you're from and where you're calling
from?

Con : Yea yea. I am from the Bruney High Courrd. May I hav your name & IC numberh?

Me : *Trying to keep calm* Well, I know people from Brunei High Court and they certainly do
not sound like you.

Con : (I can hear she was abit pissed. Haha!) Yea yea yea. I am try-yin to checkh forr you
which message-h you receiv. Can you girv me your name & IC numberh?

Me : My name does not matter. This is a company you're calling.

Con : Owh. This ish your com-pahny phone? Yea yea yea, I am try-yin to herlp you. Can I hav
your name & IC numberh?

Me : My name doesn't matter. Wait, you were the one who sent me the message! I should be
asking who you are!

Con : Yea yea yea. I am try-yin to herlp you to checkh forr you whed-ther the message-h was
sen-t to who. (Shouting already) So, can you se-pell out yourr name one by one?!

Me : (Getting rather pissed, too) Why should I give you my name?! Look, I'm very busy here.
(Constantly being interrupted) Can we just treat it as a wrong message wrongly sent?!

Con : (Yada yada yada) Oh-kay! Bai Bai!

Me : Yes, thank you. BYE! *Slam phone*

What is with this China scam thingy?! It happened soo many times before. It has stopped for a good few months. Now it's back and Eng-gelish-speakin'. Hahaha! Why? Were they spending the quiet few months searching for some China ladies who has goooood Eng-gelish (supposingly)?
This is silly. It's hilarious! And needless to say, it's embarrasing to the Chinese race!

It's enough that you, Chinese escorts have 'monopolised' the hotel business in the country. It's sad and frustrating at the same time. Frustrating because any normal (clean) Asian ladies walking into a typical hotel with their men could easily be mistaken as an escort!
Now, this? They just don't know how to keep a low and respectable profile, huh?

And don't they know the right way to communicate? It's soo rude to keep interrupting!

It's over-the-top annoying! I wish I have the authority to 'throw' 'em out of this country!

Puh-leeese! Using the Brunei High Court's name to target some poor-gullible people? Sorry you came across someone who isn't so gullible nor dumb! Besides, the Brunei High Court consists of locals, and mostly, Malays. Haha!

Now, really, are the cons getting stupid-er of the public getting smarter?

Life!

2008-05-06T14:38:00.004+08:00

Time flies!

It's already May - almost half the year gone!

Is it me or does it seem like this month, the time speeds by?

My little Nathan's turning 1 this 12th. Aww, how fast! It seemed like not long ago he came into this world.

Oh, my exam's coming up, too!

I can't wait to get my ACCA over with. I do not mind the hard work at all. At least I know it's for something worth.

But I certainly loathe being ordered and treated like a slave. I mean, who doesn't?

Arrggghh~! I do not wish to grumble more, but my workload's really getting heavier. I'm expected to do works of like 3 or 4 people. It's fine if I'm paid well, but I am not! And there's shortage in staff.

How smart of these typical bosses. They want to recruit people with good qualification, but they don't want to pay more. Still dare to ask if I have graduate friends to work for 'em. *Laugh out loud* I believe my friends can do better.

American Idol Season 7

2008-04-24T15:11:00.017+08:00

This season's American Idol is, by far, the best, I must say!

I love the way the finalists improvise from their song choices. It just gets better and better each week, overall.

My favourite Americon Idol finalist would have to be DAVID COOK. This guy rocks, literally!

He is what I call pure talent - Jack of all trades (in musical genres). Great vocals. Love the way he could make an extremely classical pop song rock - and his versions always sound goood. Wait, they do not sound good. They sound Great, yes, even when they are not rock.

Simon was right. If this competition is based purely on talent, and not popularity, David Cook could have won the whole thing. *Applaud & Respect*

However, there are some parts of the competition (at this part) which I just do not get. Namely, Jason Castro, Brooke White ; and -I know alotta die-hard fans out there will boo me hard for this one, but I really do not get this - David Archuleta. No, really. These three can sing. Problems are:

Jason Castro - He is nothing more than a pretty face, or so they say. What immediately comes to my mind when I see Jason is, a college guy who is good with his guitar - which he plays alot on in his dorm - and could easily pull off a sweet song to melt some typical college chics' hearts.

Brooke White - I actually think she looks better and better each week. She is more of a singer-songwriter who could play the piano and guitar. She knows her range of vocals and has wisely chosen to stick within that range, which is good. Her performance this week was 'labelled' worst, yet, she stays.

David Archuleta - he is young, very young and charming. Do not get me wrong. This kid has got the vocals, but honestly, if he were to debut an album or single, I will not purchase any. His style stays the same that I lose the thrill of watching him perform whenever he goes on stage - no, really, I do, no offence. His songs are too 'sissy-ly' pop. It gets boring.

This week, Carly Smithson was voted out. I see this coming - she has one of the most powerful vocals among the few, but lacks innovation and 'retro' in the way a Hollywood Superstar should dress and look. The only thing that shocked me was it (Carly's elimination) came too soon (sooner than Jason Castro got voted off), and worst of all, she was in the bottom two, together with Syesha Mercado, when both these girls were the best performers for the week!

Carly was all smiles that I think she was one of the happiest contestants ever for being eliminated. On the contrary, she really needs not worry. As Simon said, she could walk away with her head held high.

Syesha Mercado. She has portrayed interesting personality during her latest performance. Randy called it her best performance to date. Paula said she had brought the house down from the very beginning. Simon thought it was very sexy and it was!

I like this girl. I think she has got the talents and looks to be a star. Despite showing improvement, I really cannot comprehend why she ended up in the 'bottom seat' a number of times. I am glad, though, she stays.

Now it really makes me wonder if those who watch and vote on American Idol are a bunch of super-sissy and shallow people. Either that, or the voters are a bunch of kids - majority, teenage and little girls, perhaps.

Oh well, this is what happens when you get the public to vote for a winner. It is almost always unfair - taking into consideration the fact that most cool fans of musical genres other than pop could not be bothered to watch American Idol; or the fact that some potential 'smart-judging' voters do not have the time to catch the show or vote at all; or the fact that some contestants were initially much more popular, with a larger fan base to begin with, compared to the others.

At this stage, it is rather predictable who the next American Idol will be. I am not surprised at all if it turns out to be David Archuleta.

Even if potential stars like David Cook or Syesha Mercado were to walk away next, they will always be true Hollywood celebrities to me.

Love & Security

2008-04-17T15:29:00.006+08:00

Thanks, Lynn & Anthony, for dropping your thoughtful comments for my previous post.

Will I stay, knowing that I have no love for the person I am with, but only a sense of security?

My answer will have to go with Anthony's, which is, No. I will leave.

It is true. Why should one be selfish enough to just 'make use' of the significant other for security and a sense of belonging?

Put yourself in the other's shoes. Say, would you be happy to find out that your other half only sticks with you because he/she feels secure, not because he/she loves you still? I know I cannot accept that. I would be devastated. I would feel so, so used.

Besides, there is really no point of staying. Would you be happy having to eat, drink, breathe, or perhaps, spend the rest of your life with one you feel no affection nor love for?

There is no doubt one feels great knowing he/she is being loved. I can tell you it feels even greater to know that you love as much as being loved. This is Life. It is not right to only receive, but to give as well.

Lynn did mention about commitment. Now, this is another issue.

Why and when does one commit?

Men, please. Ditch the belief that women are the kind who jump into commitment or get crazeeey about marriage. It is a Myth!

Truth is, women (these days) do fear marriage. Well, not marriage as it is, but a marriage gone wrong i.e. marrying the Wrong One.
Definitely, we do not simply commit to another.

Divorce seems to be a common matter nowadays. Why? Most would go with the popular reason - being "Irreconcilable Differences".
Is it really because these couples were not meant for each other, or that they believe they have fallen out of love with each other?
Is it really possible or probable to fall out of love with someone, at all?

Or is it simply because their marriage has just gone stale? Perhaps, they have not spent enough quality time together or shown enough affection. They need to constantly remind themselves the reason they fell in love with each other in the very first place, and most importantly, the reason they decided to be each others' soulmates and tie the knot.

Unless they married for security instead of love, their marriage could have really ended badly.

It is not unusual for people to mistaken the sense of belonging and security for being with the other, as a sign that he/she is ready to commit to the significant other.

So, how does one know that the one he/she is with is the Right One?

There is really no right or wrong answer to this question. The 'requirements' to be the Right One for oneself may and shall never be similar to another's expectations.

Let's put it this way. You will know when the Right One comes. Only you can tell.

So, marry your Right One, for Love and Security, with Commitment.

Will you stay?

2008-04-14T16:58:00.002+08:00

This is interesting.

I heard on the radio today. The DJ was asking the question:

"Say, knowing that you are no longer in love with the person you are with, would you still stay because you feel secure, or would you leave?"

Much to the surprise of the DJ & myself, most of the callers, male and female, answered "I'll stay", some believing that with security, in time, they'll learn to fall back in love with the person they're with.

How about you?

Me? I'll post my answer later. Please post your comments and answers. Thank you.

As for now, I need to run. I'm off work & I've got a class to attend in less than an hour.

Crappy Connection!

2008-04-04T10:57:00.003+08:00

Soo sorry for the reeeallyyy long-due post.

Was gonna complete it & then publish, but the crappy internet connection wouldn't allow me!

The whole Brunei's internet connection was down for 2 days last week, and it only recovered by the end of the week, which was the weekend.

Anyhoo, I'll put up a new post.

Apologies.

Reminiscence

2008-03-29T11:27:00.023+08:00

I know I say this alot, but I am going to say it again. So, for the umpteenth time, I miss England - Manchester, especially.

Despite the cold freezing winds and unpredictable English weather, I love being able to throw on layers of clothes - I get to mix and match and experiment with different styles without worrying about being a laughing stock. People there dress up!

I love walking the distance without getting tired easily - because of the weather and then running into buildings to hide from the cold. At least, there was reason, or rather, 'excuse' to go dining, shopping or catch a movie. That was literally what we did back in Manchester.

I remember The Printworks. Will and I would often 'hide' there, most of the time ending up at Nando's, Hard Rock Cafe, Yum Yum Buffet or ODEON Cinema. We could watch more than one movie in a day 'cause tickets were cheap. I got student ID, so I got discounts. *Silly Grin* Life was gooood (Not that it's bad now. If I get the chance, I'd love to re-experience it all over again, with my son, Nathan, abroad).

I miss walking the streets of Manchester and London, even alone (I did that alot). Love the convenience in using the public transportation offered. On a typical day in London, with not much tasks at hand, I would take the underground tube to places as far as in Zone 3. I remember taking the Central Line to Bond Street and exploring Selfridges, or the Piccadilly Line to Knightsbridge and paying a 'visit' to Harrods. I still remember the one glass of ice-cream which cost us a good 15 quid - Yes, $terling pounds! We took a photo of it, but dang, we lost it.

Summer in London was great! (Why London? 'Cause it's much warmer for a longer period of time compared to other places in the UK). Who could blame us for craving the sun and warmth after being in the freezing cold for at most, 10 months a year? I know we get sun in Southeast Asia, but here, it is humid and leaves you sticky-icky and awfully sunburnt by the end of the day. There, you get warmth (or heat during heatwaves), but dry and constant cool breeze.

I miss 'playing tourists' in London with friends.
On the double-decker London Tour Bus during Summer 2006.

Experiencing the World Cup 2006 Fever.

I remember the streets of London, especially Leicester Square, when Italy won the World Cup. I swear it felt like we were in Italy, not England. Italians and Italian fans were everywhere, jumping with joy, parading with their flags and those driving, were sounding their car horns.

Tired from the summer heat and long-day tour, but happily contented.

London is perfect for tour and holidays and shopping only if you are loaded - with $Money$, of course!

I miss Manchester more. I miss Aunt Bibi. She is a cool aunt who cooks great curry and makes great salad, and is a great shopping companion and a friend you can talk your problems out with, like a peer buddy.

I miss going to Trafford Centre. Awesome shopping and dining place with beautiful cruiseship-like interior design.

I miss matches at Old Trafford - the place, the atmosphere (What a blast!) and the bonus part - getting to meet Manchester United players!

Park Ji Sung!

Alan Smith! (Oh my! Notice how round I was!)

I miss chilling out and going for drinks with friends. Love the varieties of drinks available for selection. (Here in Brunei, alcoholic drinks can only be consumed in the privacy of one's home. Public places are forbidden from selling and allowing the comsumption of alcohol. Extrreeeemme! Tsk Tsk Tsk)

I miss life as a university student abroad - the huge lecture halls where students (and even non-students) of different age groups attend; the libraries and IT facilities; Student Union; the parties we had at student accommodation. All we had to worry about were assignments and exams.

Look at the pretty birthday cake a friend baked for my 18th! Gee, how time flies! I feel old.

Treated like a 'princess' on my 18th. An advantage for being the youngest in group, huh?

This may sound absurd, but I do miss working in England - at Vina Noodle Bar & Karaoke & with REED Employment, UK. There were RIGHTS and pay was goood.

I miss GREGGS. I miss SUBWAY. I miss PRET A MANGER. I miss Frankie & Benny's. Ooh! I learnt that KRISPY KREME Doughnuts has arrived in the UK. Dammit! I missed that!

I miss hitting the gym at LA Fitness - the indoor pool, the steam and sauna rooms after workout.

Ah! I need a vacation, or better, a re-location!

Reality bites

2008-03-26T12:53:00.003+08:00

Sorry, Peeps. Blog's rather out-dated. Hadn't been able to put up new posts. Have been rather caught up with work & studies, and not forgetting, Motherhood.

Speaking about work, my workloads are getting heavier these days. There are more upcoming projects, meaning more things for me and my colleague to handle, more sales to do, more things to put up in our advertisement (I design them), more customers (existing & new ones) to come. For being a developing & management company, I would say we are expected to do works of a contractor office. Dammit! What is wrong with management?!

It sucks, purely. With this, I am referring to most typical traditional-thinking Asian bosses' management. Question is, do they really know how to manage, the right way? I hate the fact that they like to deal with business and things through relations. I despise the fact that they think older employees with (what They call) better & more experience deserve higher pays and better benefits for being older, (so-called wiser) and experienced. Look, the world is changing.
It makes me wonder what we, the younger generation, are studying so much for, if we are only being underestimated by these typical older bosses who claim 'Young People' (Hau Se Kias) know nothing.
Man, I seriously feel underpaid. Wait, I am underpaid. I am expected to do the same works done by the manager, only more. Tell me if I'm cursed. Why is it that most jobs I've done include me having to be the one cleaning the toilets? *Screeeamming already* I am expected to keep the toilets clean and vacuum the office. Hold on, what do I do again? As far as I'm concerned, I'm the one dealing with sales, answering calls and greeting walk-in customers. I do most of the paperworks, because for obvious reasons, Good English matters here. (Not that I want to brag, but I seriously find adequate knowledge, if not full education; Good English; Computer literacy & knowledge; & the right management skills do matter, especially in today's businesses, period.)

A friend asked, "Just out of curiosity, what is your actual 'designation' (in the company)?"

Oh! *Laughs out Loud* Non-existent. I came in with no specified title. It's a small-scaled company, no doubt. Was told I shall help around, as an assistant. It was fine, at first. Pay was acceptable for the little workloads. However, as months pass, what do i get? I haven't even had my first paid annual leave. There was little increment in salary, I'm grateful. Come to think of it, the starting pay should not have been acceptable when I'm expected to do the jobs of 'bulls and horses' (Juo Niu, Juo Ma/ Cho Gu, Cho Be).

Reality is, it has become a norm among private companies and firms in Southeast Asia, especially. Wages and salaries have been lowered and made acceptable to most good qualifications and skills, which should really deserve and by law, entitled to higher pay.

Another thing - Delegation. Having studied and fallen in love with Management, I shall safely say, most existing management I see are...Piles of Sh*t! Just because you have become your own boss (by whatever means) does not give you the right to throw all the burdens and workloads and blames (regardless of whether it was the bosses' mistakes in the first place or not) to your fellow subordinates and employees mainly because they work under you. Work delegation happens only when you have already mastered and know pretty well everything that is going on from the operating core level up to your management level and would like to enrich your own job specification. So, you leave the job you already know to your trusted subordinates.

It's sad that what really happens is, without knowing a thing about how the most basic operations work, these bosses leave all the work and responsibilities to you, expecting you to produce them what they want, with no further instructions. You shall not ask questions to do with obtaining additional relevant information because according to them, it is now your task and responsibility to acquire them from sources which shall be looked up by you as well. And when things go wrong or missing, even if it was the bosses' fault, we, as employees, shall 'be honoured' to receive all blames and accusations, again, because they're the Boss(es) and they say so.

Another thing I'm truly against is 'Black Market'. I know it is common among Asian to do illegal business. To them, it may not matter how they climb up to the top of the 'Get Rich ladder', as long as they get up there. To me, I find it foolish and pointless. Why? Even if and when you do get rich, are you at par with other world class' businessmen or tycoons? Will you find the honour to call and label yourself successful? How will you respond in interviews or just any social gathering or meeting with any other true successful businessmen or entrepreneurs when asked about your secret and strategy to 'success'? Name me which famous and world-ranked billionaires achieve what they have achieved through illegal activities. Such shall not even be called 'Famous'. Let me introduce you to a word called 'Notorious'.

I can give you an endless list of complaints and dissatisfying facts, but I guess these shall be enough to make you see why I wish to get out of here ASAP!

Rights

2008-03-14T12:44:00.005+08:00

Just another day at work. Spending my lunch break of an hour and a half in the office, as usual.

The office phone can't stop ringing and it's pissing me off! It's not the first time this happens. Don't Bruneians (or perhaps, most Southeast Asians) know of the "Lunch Break Hour(s)"? It's fine if it has just slipped your mind that the clock reads 12pm++ OR you're trying your luck just in case our office is open whole day.
Come on! Any sensible person will think "Oh, between 12 to 1 pm, if no one answers after my first or second call, they must be out for lunch." I know I do, but Noooo, hell NO for Bruneians. They won't give up. They'll keep calling and let your phones ring till it's going to explode! It's worse if you use your personal mobile phone to SMS some existing customers because they don't answer after NUMEROUS calls (for some reasons, either they're super busy to give a damn about answering their phones or they just don't know the purpose of having a mobile phone), there goes your weekends and off days. SERIOUS!
Some of these customers (I shall not specify nor name which 'group' or race, but you should have guessed or known better) will keep calling you up in the early mornings on your weekends and off days or SMS you a long-due reply in the wee hours at night.
Customers, I understand you are fellow consumers in this commmunity. So am I. You are fellow employees/employers. So am I. We work. We have our rights to have our lunch breaks when it is time for lunch break. We have rights to have off days because we need these time off from work and enjoy other things that life can offer.
So, please. Don't give me shits like "Oh, but we only have free time during your lunch break. How arh?" *Screeammming inside* I tell you, just because I'm partly doing sales and answering your calls, I (try to) keep my cool.

Let me share with you of a Mr. Bastard. He called on a typical work day, but it was off office hour by half-an-hour, but I was in the office, and I answered his call.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Me : A* Property, Good afternoon.

Mr. Bastard : Hello. Are you the boss or the worker?

Me : I work here.

Mr. Bastard : Oh, you work here. Who's your boss? What's your boss' name?

Me : My boss? You want her full name? Well, she's known as Anne*.

Mr. Bastard : Ok, I'm looking for a piece of property at Gadong. I need to ask your boss.

Me : Gadong? You mean a piece of land?

Mr. Bastard : No, a piece of property. Terrace at Gadong.I want to ask your boss if you have.

Me : We do have terrace at Gadong. 3-storey.

Mr. Bastard : Oh, you do? How much is it?

Me : Uhm, Corner plots are sold at B$###K & the Intermediate ones r B$###K each.

Mr. Bastard : Oh. Are you Philippino or Chinese?

Me : I'm... Chinese. Why?

Mr. Bastard : The way you speak... you speak verryyy sloowww.. & u like to drag your words.
You sound very arrogant. Is this the way you speak normally?

Me : What?? Arrogant? No, I don't normally speak this way.
(Was gonna tell him I had flu & was sick, but he interrupted)

Mr. Bastard : Yeah, you speak slow..like you're going to sleep & u like to drag your words.
You sound arrogant. And you speak with a slang.

Me : What slang? I wasn't 'slang-ing'!

Mr. Bastard : Yea, you slang all the while.

Me : This is how I speak. I mean the English. How else do you want me to speak?!

Mr. Bastard : (I swear he was smilling. I could hear frm his tone & voice) Ok, I'll get back to
you.

Me :*Slams phone*

Look. I haven't charged him extra for attending his call after office hour! (Yes, we charge! Kidding.) Then, I was already taken aback by his ill-mannered question "Are you the boss or the worker?" Even if I am the boss, u don't ask like that! Worker?!
And then he underestimated me, thought I didn't know which property we have. Sir, I am trained to remember all our available properties and know how and what to answer when anonymous customers call! I have 'em all listed in my head that my boss has to ask me sometimes.
And I was working with the AUTOCAD (an architectural & design program) on the computer & of course I had to think of precisely which property you were asking & give u the correct answer. Sorry if I sounded like I dragged my words, and pardon the flu. If you had asked properly for an explanation, you could have gotten a good apology, instead of the name "Mr. Bastard" now! Now, my boss knows of you & it pissed her off, too. She thinks you're just another jealous broker/developer calling to pick on us. (It's a country without much existing rights. So, yes, we do get these alot. Even plagerism of building plans!)

Slang? Which slang, please specify 'cause as far as I'm concerned, you spoke with a slang, too, a typical old-chinese-busybody-kopitiam-uncle-Slang. I don't speak with a 'slang'. People who 'slang' usually try hard. I wasn't even trying & OK, I admit, was half-paying attention since I was working on another thing at the same time. If you consider this slang, I don't know how else to speak normal. It's called PRO-NOUN-CI-A-TION, Misterrr.

I'm anticipating your call, Mr. Bastard. We have your number (Thank Goodness for Caller ID). I won't scream at you, but I could taste that vengeance will be sweet. =)

Touch My Body

2008-03-06T17:01:00.005+08:00

NOT my body!

Have you guys checked out Mariah Carey's new video? Yes, that's the title of the song.

It's funny. Credits, especially to the NERD. He's a great actor! LOL.

Check it out.

Man, I'd say Mariah's still HOT HOTT HOTTT for her age!

Some Things That Most People Don't Know

2008-03-01T10:46:00.012+08:00

Okay, let's start with some which have gotten the attention of most people already.

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. (I think it meant the eyeballs, to be precise)

Hmm...Let's see & compare...

Okay...Proven.

It is physically impossible for you to lick your own elbow.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men. (Now, now, we ain't fluttering at you, 'kay?)

And here are some I have discovered along the way...

Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient in keeping you awake. (Try it! Especially Green Apples. I used to always bite one when doing revision or reading at nights.)

The number '98,765,432' multiplied by '9' gives you '888,888,888'.

And here are some listed, but haven't gotten to my attention before.

King of Hearts is the only king without a moustache. (Card 'pros' should have known or noticed this, ey?)

A snail can sleep for 3 years. (Oh my! Imagine being squashed while sleeping!)

An ant can survive for up to 2 weeks underwater. (No wonder this pest keeps appearing even after you (think) you've washed 'em away. Arrghh!)

A duck's quack does not echo and no one knows why.

Now, English, English, People!

The only word in English with all the vowels in reverse is 'Subcontinental'.

'Dreamt' is the only word in English that ends with '-mt'.

Words that don't ryhme in the English language are the popular 3 colours: 'Orange, Purple & Silver'; and the word 'Month'.

And the Bonus(es)...

Try this. When you see a friend hiccups, ask him/her if he has already eaten. The person must answer "Yes, I'm full." without thinking about anything else. Before you know it, hiccups are gone. (Don't give me that look. I can't explain why either.My husband did this to me once before and ever since then, it has worked wonders.)

And...

Most of you reading this would have tried licking your elbow.

Oops!

Tell Me What YOU think

2008-02-26T11:42:00.005+08:00

" If you cannot fight rape, better lay down and enjoy it."

If you haven't heard, these are quoted words from the mouth of Kota Kinabalu UMNO pro tem head, Haji Roselan Johar Mohamed.

Source: Bornet Post & Women in Politics, May 2004

http://www.onlinewomeninpolitics.org/archives/04_0524_my_vaw.htm

It disgusts me!

Oh, wasn't he born off a woman?! How 'bout his wife or daughter(s)?! Does he not have any respect or care?!

Roselan did later apologise.

"Please accept my humblest apology. My best intention had been misconstructed and misinterepreted," he said in a statement, as reported.

He later explained that the particular phrase was a proverb he took from Confucius.

Look, we don't give a damn about what-blardy Confucius proverb. Well-intended or ill-intended, he should have known better or perhaps, tried rephrasing it so it meant well.

Okay, so he mentioned his best intention had been misconstructed and misinterpreted. Exactly, what 'best intention', if I shall ask?

I won't deny I haven't heard or read of such tactic in order to save yourself from being murdered later by lunatic rapists con serial killer, one shall boldly pretend and act accordingly in the 'play'. Should Roselan had meant what he said this way, I think he should go for effective communication and presentation courses. Will do him good in his future public speech and presentation.

So many elections going on this year.

Heck, politics. It's a whole lotta covered-up 'mess'. When do you see politicians do a great big deal of good deeds? Especially when the elections are comin' up. Exactly.

What can I say? Be alert! ...and vote wisely.

Cons and Scams

2008-02-21T16:13:00.004+08:00

Are the cons these days getting stupider or it's just the public getting smarter?

I got an sms coupla weeks ago.

TAHNIAH. Simcard Anda Memenangi hadiah Cek Tunai BND$9000 Dari KONTES DANGDUT TPI (KDI) Sila hub:

006285215453999

Terimakasih.

Translation:

CONGRATULATIONS. Your Sim Card has won a cash cheque of BND$9000 from the TPI DANGDUT CONTEST. Pls contact:

006285215453999

Thank You.

Scams like this are RIDICULOUS! Nontheless, annoying, VERY.

This Indonesian scam has been going on for months or perhaps years in Brunei and had only come to the public attention recently.

Here's the catch. You contact them at the number given and you'll be asked to send an amount of money first to their account in Indonesia in order to obtain the gift money.Exactly, which fool would fall for that? Sadly, there were many. Remittance have even warned these poor victims of the notorious con account. Some believed and thanked them whilst some greedy ones still hoped for the better and insisted on sending their money, which obviously 'disappeared' with no fruitful return.

The case appeared in the Borneo Bulletion, however, with one of the victims reportedly claiming that it was the remittance company who took their money.

How pathetic!

I immediately replied to the SMS:

Gila! Sejak bila aku suka dangdut? Nak tipu pun tak pandai guna otak! Apakan? Ku perlu kirim uang dulu baru dapat hadiah, ya? Nanti. Ku lapor polisi dulu,k?

Then there's this other scam from China. These cons obviously work in teams and they've hacked into the telecommunication systems. Our company had just registered for two new numbers, yet, before anyone was informed, we got LONG DISTANCE calls (Our phones have Caller ID).

Oh, man! I tell you. You should listen to these China girls with their high-pitched and squeeky 'cartoony' voice. I feel like putting my hands through the handset (if only I could) and give 'em a good slap on the face or just choke 'em dead! Hehe...DON'T mess with me.

And they'd start asking for your name, your particulars, and tell you all sorts of rubbish. There was one claiming they're calling from Singapore, then another from Kuala Lumpur and claimed that they were going to open a hotel in Brunei and need our support and names yada yada yada... My brother-in-law got some calls on his mobile phone telling him that he'd won a cash prize of hundreds of thousands, but he'd need to send an amount of money first in order to get it.

Dang! It's even annoying when you tell them you're busy and they go

"Ok, it'll only take 3 minutes of your time."

"No, I'm sorry. I'm really busy"

"Ok, how bout 2 minutes."

And when I said "I'm sorry. I'm not so fluent in Mandarin", they went

"It's alright. I'll speak slowww-ly."

---____---"

First of all, if they don't know you, WHY did they call in the first place?! Don't they have any respect for one's privacy?! Besides, if they could hack into the system, they should have already gotten the details and particulars of the specific person/company registered with the telephone numbers.

ARRGGHHH!! I tell you. RACISM happens not simply mainly because of people's shallow minds and arrogance, but because of what the discriminated race does which triggers such hatred and discrimination.

My China friend in UK, who truly loves and would be honoured to serve his country for life said this.

"The Westerns are racist especially towards the Chinese because of what the Chinese themselves do."

It's true. Chinese do black markets; they enter and stay in other people's country without valid visas; they issue fake ceritificates; and note this: Where there are Chinese, there are gangsterism.

Period.

Food For Thought

2008-02-20T11:34:00.000+08:00

Check this out.

It's written on the wall of one of our office washrooms, right in front of you when you sit on the toilet seat, doing your business. Haha! Yeah, like a Reminder, but I find it interesting. And it's written by the Boss...I know 'cause below was drawn a cartoon guy who resembles him.

Watch your Thoughts

They become Words

Watch your Words

They become Actions

Watch your Actions

They become Habits

Watch your Habits

They become Attitude

Watch your Attitude

It becomes your Destiny...

Watch Out! Be Aware...

Happy 2008!

2007-12-31T14:11:00.000+08:00

Another year has come to an end.

Seems like the world is welcoming the new year, 2008 with wide open arms.

It's said to be a good year (We hope).

Well, we'll see.

For now, *Cheers* to everybody!

Here's a toast to 2008!

Jamie Lynn Spears Pregnant

2007-12-22T09:58:00.000+08:00

Okay, I see comments and critics out there claiming how stupid she is and that she's going to ruin her life, her career and her future because of the one 'mistake' she's done.

This is soo absurd! Whatever makes anyone of you think one who has a baby's had her future down the drain? I KNOW, and I can safely say, "Life still goes on, nonetheless." If any of you claim that having a baby, especially at a young age is the end for the mother, whatever difference does it make to women who have babies even at a later age. Yes, you may have succeeded and have better securities and all, but still, having a child isn't that easy. Shall I say I feel sorry for your parents for having you since you think having kids means throwing one's future and career away? Successful and secured or not, a mother still has to do what a mother has to do.

Yes, Jamie Lynn may be underaged, only 16. Yes, it was a 'mistake' and she's shocked and scared herself. Hey, the baby itself isn't a mistake. Besides, we shall applaud the girl for her courage and responsibility to hold accountable of her own 'mistake'. At least, she doesn't continue making mistakes or committing bigger sin by going for an abortion, which certainly isn't the best or last resort.

Think it this way. The baby may be a blessing. He/She's a Life, a Gift from Above.

My son, Nathan has brought us soo much joy. I am young (not THAT young though, HAHA!)
I tell you, it is NOT easy looking after a baby. Yes, I get tired at times, but the joy and happiness you feel from holding your baby and seeing him smile and laugh at you, words can never describe. One needs to be a mum (a good one, at least) to know what I meant.

I get people who think Aww...what a pity. What a waste. Why didn't you have an abortion? You're so young.

Look, this is MY Life. MY choice. And I'm glad all these happen.
It makes me appreciate Life itself more and strive for the better.
I still do what I do. I'm working during the day. I have classes on some evenings and weekends. I passed all my papers. At night, I look after Nathan and that includes waking to his cries for milk or nappy change or even slight discomfort.

Have I actually thrown myself and my future away?

*Smiles*

I've Got My Eyes On YOU!

2007-12-12T17:04:00.000+08:00

YES, YOU!!!

I meant the Apple iPhone 8GB Cell Phone.

My current celly frustrates me! I think it's been trying to tell me its 'Time' is coming. -_-"

Its battery life can barely stay 'alive' for the next 24 hrs. Imagine how troublesome it is to fumble around for the charger during an important call, and it's not everytime and everywhere I get to find a powerpoint to do that. It keeps shutting itself on me! Grr~!

Heh... Not many cell phone actually really attracts me. So far, for now, I've got my eyes on you, iPhone!

Figures, if I really need one, I might as well get one which will be long-lasting.

Besides, it's so chic and slick! Just look at tis' Beauty!

Tis the Season to be Jolly...

2007-12-12T16:31:00.000+08:00

"Fa La La La La La La La La....."
Aaarrrggghhh~! It seems as though I'm the only one 'floating' in the midst of Christmas mood!
Christmas has always been my favourite festive season out of all, since young, though there were no real White Christmases till 3 years ago, or a huge & beautifully decorated Christmas tree complete with surprise pressies underneath for me.
I don't know. I guess it's just the pleasant and warm Christmas feeling I get everytime December comes. I have always loved the fact of gathering together with my family for dinner and perhaps, a Christmas film, then awaiting the time to go for Midnight Mass. Oh, the carols & candle lights!
O wells, I'll just carol away with my Lil Nate! He gets excited just by listening to Christmas songs! Awww~

Marital Bliss

2007-08-31T16:03:00.000+08:00

Life is not always perfect. In fact, it never is. So is a marriage. It is how you handle it and try to make it as perfect as it can be in your own world.

I have always admired my parents. Been married for over 22 years, still as sweet and loving as the first day they met. They would still call each other out for lunch during breaks from work, have long chats on the phone like any young and fresh couple whenever one's away, have every anniversary day reserved especially for the both of them- us, kids stay home. Dad never fails to give Mom praises and compliments and surprises. He always tells us, "Your Mummy's the most beautiful woman to me, even when she's old and grey." Now, Mom's undergoing Chemotherapy and Dad is going to accompany her to every single session.

Till this day, I can never recall seeing or hearing any fight or quarrel between my parents. What exactly is the secret of keeping a blissful marriage?
I have read a couple of articles that, in times of disagreement and fights, we should always bear in mind and remind ourselves the reason we fell in love with the person we are with, in the very first place. Impressive. And it is.

My husband? Well, Will made me laugh alot and I was always a happy person near him or just at the thought of him. He still makes me laugh and happy. I get to be completely myself with him and he has always been himself since we were just friends - yes, with all the flaws and few bad habits. LOL! I thought he was a nutcase for not caring if he would make a fool out of himself, but hey, that was what amused me. Yes, it is true, Guys. Girls would prefer you being your true self. So, don't try to be someone you are not. If she loves you, she should accept you for who you really are.

The sweetest thing my husband has ever done for me? Sweetest, ay? I would say Two. One, the wait and company home from my work till the wee hours every night when in the UK (not a single complaint, ever, and he even helped me clean up the workplace, making him my manager's favourite) and the piggybacks he insisted on giving me from the frontwalk, into the house and up the stairs, though I declined them- he did give them, still, anyway. Two, for staying beside me in Labour Room though he had a whole night without sleep and then guiding me in breathing and pushing properly during delivery. He almost cried when our son was born!

Communication. Good communication is vital in any relationship. Any dissatisfaction and worry, or even a happy issue, should always be shared. I have come to an agreement with Will that we should share and voice out anything that concerns one or the both of us. Said, I want to be able to talk to him openly and clear any doubt and problems calmly and I want him to feel that he could talk to me about anything as well. It has worked brilliance, indeed, ever since. If you are not a good comforter, at least be a good listener and then try your best, in your own way to make things right. It makes a heck loads of difference than choosing to shut yourself out.

Keep in contact. This does not mean that we should track down our significant other's every move. At least, say, if you are out with friends or at work and should be home late, give a call. A short one will do. It saves the other who is waiting for you at home from pointless worries. Why not try this? Surprise the other once in a blue moon with messages or short call telling he/she that he/she is in your thoughts. It will certainly make one's day. I know it does.

Most marriages these days seem far from the picture of a happy ending like most marriages back then. Perhaps this is why most people fear the 'I do's. I always remember my Dad saying that he disrespects people who commit infidelity in marriage. It is a shame for they have not only broken the promise they made to their spouse on their wedding day, but the promise they made before God. So, remember this, men and women alike.

I may have just been with my man for over 3 years and we are still 'Just Married', but I believe I have found my own marital bliss.:) I will keep this going.

Thank you, Babe, for remembering every anniversary and your effort for making the best out of each and every of our days.

I can still see the clear pictures in my mind, of old English couples we saw, hunched and on walking sticks, holding hands, and the sweetest and most touching one of all, an old husband gently pushing his old and crippled wife in a wheelchair, out and about town.

Why shouldn't every marriage last this way?

Women: Revolutionised

2007-08-06T12:23:00.000+08:00

Understanding women.
Guys, do you ever bother to?
Personally, I've only known a couple of great male friends who actually do and have taken the heart and initiative to try and understand this so-called complicated and fragile species.
You claim that we are the weaker species. Well, generally speaking, strength-wise, we are still the weaker ones (NOT counting some *ahem* softy SHEmales tho...) So, guys who take out on their girls or wives, SHAME ON YOU!Where the hell are your balls?! Pick on someone your own size and strength!
Chivalry's DEAD. If you can find me 2 out of 10 perfect gentlemen who still sincerely care for and respect a woman and her worth, I'd LOVE to meet those two!Preeetty PLEEEASE!:D
So, what do women want?
YOU say it's a headache understanding us. How hard is it to understand the one species who likes talking things out and tries solving any problems and queries that bother them? At least we don't find connection through rounds of drinking, talking craps or football shows and games, whatever else I've left out, you name them. We COMMUNICATE. How is it possible that any problems get solved when one refuses to communicate and opts to run away from anything that bothers him until he finds his own peace and then assumes that the problems are gone. HEY, problems don't just disappear! If you run away from them, they'd only collect and build up into a huge pile of junks waiting to explode BIG TIME someday later. And when that happens, who do you blame? ALWAYS US, Females! Say we're the problem. We bug you, we bother you...yada yada yada. How fair's that?! Have you ever looked deep into yourselves and think how selfish you really are??
Okay, here's another I just don't get. A guy can have many girls and he's the man. He can even give her sweet talks and sex her off. Yet a girl can do the same and she's a whore. No doubt it's a stupid and disrespectful game of cheating, whether it's a man or a woman doing it. The table's turned. It's simple. You started it, and now it's a fair game we'd like to join in just to get even. :)
Oh no...We've long waved goodbye to being household 'pet' you keep at home to make your beds and living area clean and cozy or preparing you sumptuous meals ready on the dining table when you open the door and then serve you whenever you need us. Well, we can still do those, only that we ain't that stupid anymore. Relationship and life are about giving and taking. Yes, you say it well and enough. Try applying it then:) Thank You. Oh, in case you haven't noticed, we enjoy working our asses off, upgrading ourselves, physically, educationally and emotionally. We CAN, in fact, stand on our own two feet if one day you've decided that you've gotten bored with the one female you already have and want to stray. Go ahead. We ain't gonna suffer or threathen to kill ourselves and die. That's the most ridiculous thing to do!
You admit you're the dumber species who don't take hints. You want us to be straightforward but you can't seem to take every comment or straightforward queries we throw at you. Why? Then try to be a little more sensitive. Picture yourselves in a woman's shoes. How would you feel if we overlook your feelings. If we forget your happy and important ocassions? If we ever make you feel unappreciated or kept in the dark? How's that?
Life's never fair, they say. Most of the time, we tend to take more than we give. There needs to be a balance if there should be peace.
This piece of article's on generally gender issue. No offence on specific guys who are exceptions, or so you think. Heh:P So, guys, give a shout out about what is actually going on in your mind and heart! We think you're the complicated and hard-to-figure-out species!

20, Clueless...Not!

2007-07-08T11:19:00.000+08:00

Okay, will be 21 this November.
For many in the old days, 20's a big number. They'd gone through alot in their lives, learnt more (about life) than we'll ever learn these days; some may had well already been married and parents to several number of children, no kidd!; work experience- well, look around and count the number of experienced businessman and tycoon you see today who were actually highly-educated then.
I'm 20, a student, and I've gone through alot in my past 1 year, especially. There were, of course, the tough times and the good ones, but it's all greaaat now!Really! Ah, well... it ain't stopping me from doing what I do and achieving my dreams, like most people would question. Why? Life still goes on and I am certainly glad that it happens:)

I Miss Manchester!!

2007-01-24T14:35:00.000+08:00

Yesh, I DO! HEAPS!! I miss Aunt Bibi, though she's nw in the US for work. I miss all the peeps there, those all the way frm Sunderland when I first went over to the UK, peeps whom I've met n worked with at Vina, (Howie, Kim, esp!) n yeah, MUNCH..n REED, n a few from London. I miss goin' to Arndale n Trafford Centre. Owh, n matches at The Old Trafford. I miss goin to Printwork for movies at ODEON. Call me crazy, I miss the weather, too! Heard that it just snowed few days back. Argh! I missed it! I knw most of yous bck there would envy me for being in a place where it's summer 24/7. Given a choice, I'd say No, thanks!
Top of it all, I miss Will! *Sniffles* Yeah, Babe. I knw ya'll be back soon. (YA BETTER!) Hee hee :P
Am currently in Sunway doing ACCA. Nah, NOT Interior Design. Figured, our choices in edu these days depend well on the future promises n...Ahem..Income. Heh. So, I'm stickin onto sth which I KNOW of n which is in great demand n would bring me Somewhere when I graduate..
Aight, tht's all for nw. Sorry, Peeps, for 'abandoning' mah blog soo long.
I gotta run! Just finished today's lectures. Man, I have about 25 hours a week! *Drops*

Oh Lord, Let there be Light!

2006-10-05T05:20:00.000+08:00

Grump. Grunt. Tsk tsk... Wht is my problem?!
I've been bad. Real bad. I'm short-tempered. N get upset n mad at the slightest annoyance. Where is Patience? Wherever is The Smile? The Laughter? Even Babe's commenting on my lack of laughter n smile these days. One, I ain't well. Yesh, it's been a looong time n it's getting on my nerves now! I wish this discomfort would just go away! Was sick, down with cough n flu bout a month ago. When those were gone, I started having upset tummy. I've lost appetite n taste for food. Food I used to enjoy, now, they make me sick at the thought of 'em! Everytime after I eat, I feel like puking n well, most times, I literally do. Wait. I ain't bullimic! Or am I?!
Another thing. London. It makes me sick! I miss life in Manchester! =( At least there, I lived in a Home. And a Big n Beautiful one I shared with friends. N it was quite cheap! Here, it sucks! U can barely find an affordable n beautiful yet comfortable place! My rental's a killer! N it doesn't feel like home! N working in London sucks! Why do I always get 'shitty' jobs n stingy bosses?!? Am I cursed? Owh.. Here I go again..Complaining. Grumpy Ol' Me. Perhaps it's a Punishment for being bad.
N just before I quitted my last lousy job, I got into a 'fight' with the annoying common British Yobs. Shocker? Believe it. I'd never been soo pissed in my life! My screams n shouts attracted staffs from the kebab shop across the street. *Shrugs* Like I care! Those stupid hooligans came into our restaurant, drunk, looking all pathetic n literally begged for two quids! What is wrong with these people?! N tht was NOT the first encounter. They ain't beggars but act worse than one n they're f*cking annoying! (Mind my language, but I've had enough with these common no-brainers)! They're practically loafers who create havocs n troubles. Kids who skip schools n wears tracksuits ALL seasons n hang around outside any neighbourhoods, creating soo much annoyance n noise like they own the place! N just a few days ago in the papers, one normal English citizen was STABBED to death by these Yobs (Common british youngsters) for asking them not to make so much noise as it was the wee hours n the neighbours are all tryin to sleep. WTH! N they ARE dayym proud to be the Common Hooligans they are! The upper-class n more educated people hate them. The police hate them cause they give 'em headaches. Vandalism. Drugs. N I Despise them!
Okay, so this drunk common GIRL came in with a friend, acting all sympathetic (she looks more pathetic to me) asking for two pounds for the bus. N she kept asking us to hold her bag, I don't know wht for! The manager said No. N we kindly told them No. Man, but she kept on asking me to hold her bag n begging 'Puh-leese'. Tht was it! First, It's Bullshit! Look at her! She had the money to get herself drunk n in her bag, she had a whole pack of ciggarette! N there she was, claiming she did not have any change for a bus ride?! N who was she kidding?! A bus fare is a pound fifty! N she later tried to make a mess in the restaurant. Even the English customer, eating got pissed!
So, she went out n came back seconds later with loads of change in her hands. She walked in n came up close to me, asked me "Wht do u do?" (She's not even making sense!) to which I replied sternly "It's NONE of your business!" N she said "Yes, It is" n tried to flip all the dishes on the buffet table. Tht was all it needed to spark things up. The manager got mad n pushed her out n closed the door. The customer walked up n pushed her outside. She kept kicking on the glass door n tried to get back in. She kept pushing back n kicking n her other useless friend spat on the angry customer who ended up kicking her! (Serves her right!) I was wayy too mad to remember wht I shouted then.
N tht was when her sissy common boyfriend came to the scene. All the time he used only his mouth, which I don't even know wht he's muttering! N the stupid girl broke the glass door.. Tht ended in police case for vandalism n causing troubles during people's business hours N for drinking and smoking when she's underage. Plus, the friend said she was pregnant! (This is another thing. These common lazy arseholes, they get emselves pregnant young, end up being single parent n they get money from the government. So, the more kids they bear, the more money they get. N other hardworking people who work their asses off in the country get taxed horribly..for wht? To feed these common lazy people n give em places to stay once they turn 16 n if their parents don't want em!) N in one night, I sat in a police car n an Undercover officers' car - to help find n identify the culprit who hurried away when she saw the police. CHICKENS! Where were the brave n screaming hooligans back at the scene?!? HAH! She was handcuffed and was crying, begging the police officer to let her go n tht she did nothing wrong. N the sissy boyfriend kept eyeing me n muttering god-knws-wht. Argh!
Oh Dear God, I shall not have so much hatred and anger in me. Such people exist, I know. N I shall learn to forgive n forget. (That girl slapped me! I didn't lay a single finger on her. Cause If i did, even if she started it, I'd be in trouble...because she's British n under 16. -_-" Man, I really don't like how some British laws go.)
I know it's hard to love our enemies, but I knw I'm such a sinner n yet, You love us all the same.
Show me The Light, Lord.
Okay.. I hope these kids are fine n tht they'll see The Light as well.
*Sigh* ..N I feel a little better now.
Praise be to God!
=)

Movin', Moving, Moving On...

2006-09-09T21:40:00.000+08:00

Just moved into new place for 'bout a week now. Well, I'm lovin' it:)
It's this lil' 'paradise' called Camden Town - a Punk's heaven, with exotic punks & unique beings who could never care less of how others might view or think of them. -which is Cool!
Plus I always think this place has got it all. Guess tht's why it's named a town of its own. It's got markets selling every little exotic pieces, from jewelleries to clothes, and food- Italian, Mexican, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Moroccon, Javanese, African.. may be more. It's got convenient tranport links, 24-hour buses, other open-till-late clubs, takeaways, internet cafes, and grocery stores. It's made to be a tourist town. You'll never get bored..
Alrighty. Enough with Camden. I know I love it. That's good enough.
Hmm.. Wht's new? Ooh! Jacky introduced a new movie, The Covenant (Thanks! NICE!). The preview's AWESOME! I wanna watch it! It's out already, but not here. SUCKS! Movies n music always come out slowER in the UK. How pathetic!

The Truth: 9/11 Reloaded

2006-08-20T10:48:00.000+08:00

September 11, 2001. 5 years on.
5 years back, I remember watching the TV, interrupted by the Breaking News: The World Trade Centre was hit and brought down by what was reported "2 planes hijacked by terrorists".
Now, the movie, "World Trade Center" is out.
There are still videos, pictures and news going around on this catastrophic event. And there are members still investigating on the incident.
On the Zogby Pole, 49% believe it was an Inside Job planned by the VIPs. 66% want the 9/11 investigation reopened.
5 years on, people are beginning to see for themselves and think. I know it does not take one to be a scientist or professional to comprehend. It is pure common sense.
Scientists claim that NO metal building is destroyed in a fire, but in the debris, they found melted metals and no remaining of any plane parts. Besides, it was claimed that the planes were almost out of fuel when they reached the towers. The Meridian Plaza burned for 19 hours without collapsing. Now, how could two towers as tall and as strongly-built as WTC collapse completely in like, an hour for one & 2 hours, the other? And why was the rubble destroyed right after?
Another question. Why did WTC 7 collapse? Only possible answer is it might be hit by the rubbles from the collapsing tower and exploded then collapse. BUT it was a 47-story, steel-framed building. If you see the way it collapsed, it looked more like a controlled demolition.
Also, the Boeing 757 which was claimed to hit the Pentagon in Washington was never there. They found the hole, (a hole so neat and impossible to fit a Boeing 757, plus its impact when hit) but no plane. What actually happened?

"Buildings don't eat planes. That plane, it just vanished. There should have been parts on the ground...Where are the parts?"

-Skarlet

How is it possible when Norad had succesfully intercepted on suspected hijacked planes 67 times during the year prior to 9-11, but not on the very day? Incoincidence, you say? Then how could it be possible that the hijackers got into the cockpit if throughout the chaos, someone at the terminals should have received news and sent help following the transponder, but nothing happened at all?

So many 'IFs'. More research to be done and reports and proof to be found. Until then, should the world or nation put blames on unlawful terrorist acts? Or should we say, even if terrorism followed, it was purely a cause of influence and 'trigger' from one of the world leaders, himself?

*Shrugs*

Freee~! Weee~!!

2006-08-20T02:42:00.000+08:00

Quitted my job! Hated it. Well, it was fine. The manager's great, the staff who make good and humourous companions are great. It was the long hours and the wayyy low pay and that stingy and fussy boss I despised! What's worse? The boss' wife, complaining and acting like she rules the place when she knew nothing on the menu! Argh! Anyway, I'm free free freee! Weeee~! No more working OVER 12 hours a day straight, 6 outta 7 days a week! No more less than 8-hour sleep every night, or wait, I never slept at all. I fainted! Seriously. LOL!
Hmm... What's next? I ain't sure. I need some time off for myself. Will be looking for a much better part-time job soon. Oh, University's starting soon. Can't wait! Haha! I sound like a N-E-R-D, but Hey, Uni's FUN!=D

Heh... Here's parts of a building at my campus. =) Okay, the campus I WILL be studying my course at.

And here's a Sneak Peek into the things Imma need to work with/on in my course:

Fascinating, isn't it? Interior Architecture and Design. It's all about Space, Lighting, Shapes and Structure. May be more to it. I wouldn't know now. So, I'll find out =)

Ooh, Summer's left for good, I guess. The leaves are turning yellow and withering. Yeah, Autumn's here. This means Bonfire Night and Halloween are coming! Owh, and I WANT a trendy or perhaps a classy Autumn trench coat! X)

*GRINS*

Drama Outside Workplace

2006-08-18T02:49:00.000+08:00

Remember how fake and overly-exaggerated we think those action or police movies are on TV?
Man, I tell you those many numbers of police vehicles rushing in from all directions, followed by armed policemen rushing out of these vehicles once they stop, are for real!
Daym! I wish I had a video camera ready! It was near closing time at the restaurant I worked at, last night. The staff were all happily chatting away while feeding ourselves on our supper after a long hard day's work when we heard loud sirens from afar.
I was told earlier before there was a suspect of bomber or terrorist somewhere near. Gawd! Imagine how I reacted when EIGHT police cars from both directions on a one-way street stopped right in front of the restaurant and numbers of policemen and women rushed out. I went weak right away, not knowing where to run to. My first thought: "Oh My God! What if there is a terrorist or bomb just right there?!"
All I saw when we got outside were policemen holding down a man. I did not even get to see how the man looks like or how he was handcuffed and brought into one of the police vehicles. Too many police on one! LOL! I was told though, by a street patrol officer that the man arrested may be a terrorist.
Phew! What a Drama! Still more to come, I guess, since that failed bomb attack at London Heathrow Airport.
Tsk tsk tsk
What's becoming of the world? It does not even feel safe roaming the streets or anywhere else anymore. What exactly is the purpose of this unlawful terrorism?
Although, I must say, The London Metropolitan Police are really good and fast.

SeXy: Skinny Or Curvy?

2006-08-05T01:09:00.000+08:00

OR

When is this gonna end?
Is it me or is it that every page I turn in today's Women's magazines, I feel even more inferior of the way I look? I bet I ain't alone here. So, peeps out there (esp. girls) who feel the same, Shout Out Loud with Me!! =)
Whew! Since God knows when, everyone is super conscious of their body and the way they look. Now now, don't any of you go telling me there is never a point in your life when you actually feel your lowest because of the way you are even though you might have gotten over it and learnt to love yourselves. 'Cause I won't believe you. Yesh, it is important, vital, perhaps, to look good. When you look good, you feel great. Or so it seems.
Years ago, celebrities and everyone else were aiming for the perfect Size 10 then. Now, it seems like they want to be tinier! Look at Nicole Richie! If you remember how healthy and curvy she was. Sometimes I wonder how on earth did she manage to lose so much weight?! Yeah, I find myself envying those lucky lasses who need not worry as they always look tip-to-toe gorgeous! Not that I find Lollipop Nicole Richie ideally shaped. Haha! I mean, look at girls like Giselle Bundchen (D'oh! She's a top model!) or Angelina Jolie or, or Jessica Alba!!(Oooh, Mamamiaa!)
I am aware, though, that these celebrities do work out and watch their diets to keep themselves in shape. AND I am equally aware of how much it takes to be so high-mantainent. Personally, I always think that when one's rich, he/she always looks much better. How fair's that?

Now, whatever happens to being curvy to be sexy? Whatever happens to celebrities like JLo, Beyonce, Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan who were once the 'alive' curvy celebs who claimed they were proud and fine with their curves? Although, JLo and Beyonce still keep their curves (Dang! It must be hard and odd to lose those bums! Y'Ouch!), they, too, were found going on diet and workout to shed some weight. Poor Hilary now looks like she needs to hang onto a lamp post when the wind blows! No offence.

Don't anyone remember how beautiful the legendary Marilyn Monroe was, being the curvy woman she was? Well, I do. Although I must admit, it does feel alot better (or at least, to me) to lose that tummy or the lovehandles. I admit I feel better lighter without all the fats and bumps clinging onto whatever clothes I throw onto myself or the sight of lumps and tummy falling out when you sit. Ugh! I think being sexy is being fleshy (NOT to the extent of those ugly lumps I mentioned before. Keep yourself toned.), NOT being stick-thin! You've gotta have curves! Most importantly, it is about feeling sexy. Confidence. A guy friend once told me,

"Girls who are confident are always
sexier."

Talking about curves...For a lady, it means D' Ass & D' Busts. Haha! How many of you wish you were blessed with these two perfect assets? Hands Up! I know my hands are. LOL! Seriously, I don't consider myself one of the lucky and perfectly Blossomed ones. Ooh, Not the Ass! I meant the *ahem* front. Now, being in a country where most women own huuuge assets so does not help. I know most of them opt for the most popular resort here: Breast Enlargement...as in Breast Implants. No worries. I am so not going under the knives! Uh-uh! Until any proven natural remedy comes to aid, I guess, one way or another, I'd have to learn to love my own Jewels. =)
If you wanna be FINE, it is about eating healthy, not starving oneself; (I may be weight-conscious at most times, but I DON'T believe in eating less to lose weight. I believe in eating enough when you want to in order to keep your metabolism UP! A ShoutOut to You-know-who-you-are, I am NOT skinny nor bulimic!-_-") staying active; (you've got to lose the calories and keep yourself fit and healthy) and above all, learning to love yourself and feel good about the way you are. I know I may not have fully applied these principles to myself, but I am trying! I'm only Human, afterall.

PS: Tired of finding the right diet? When I say Diet, I don't mean only to lose weight. It's about keeping oneself healthy. I don't know what you'll think, but I find that this Blood Type Diet makes sense. I do follow it at most times when I can and I think it works, for me!;) I've added the link where you can check out the whole table & see your diet according to your Blood type.
Click Me! http://www.drlam.com/blood_type_diet/index.cfm

Am New 'Ere!

2006-08-04T00:14:00.000+08:00

Well, another blog.
It always sucks, trying to figure out what is best as an Entry.
Let's see... My first blog, I started out with a Poem. The second, a pointless account of life phases I went through.
Right. This time I think I will start with what I think is a Craze for most people these days. Or at least, for me. It has been going around since 'Internet' has been introduced. Yes, the Internet is such a vast and unlimited source of information, latest gigs, gossips, downloads...AND Income. Profits. Wonder how some people earn Loads without having to do much? People with total financial security and freedom without having to endure routine 9-to-5 jobs, bossy bosses, 'meaningless' life because they work too hard to pay their bills that they barely have time to enjoy themselves? I have read stories, REAL life accounts of people with such luxury in their lives. Lucky Bastards, you say? I thought so, too!
While these Successful Dudes try to convince people who want these luxuries in their lives as well that we too, CAN be like them, I have been trying all means I could find to prove that it CAN happen. Why, you ask? Yes, I AM sick of the idea of having to work my ass off under someone else pointlessly just to pay all the bills and I shudder at the thought of having to go on with a life like this forever.
However, I hate how most Guides which prove that they could help us change our lives, always lead to us having to purchase or pay an amount first for their products and when we do, they leave you on your own, not knowing what to do next. It frustrated me to the point that I almost gave up hope.
Then I came across this article. And I tell you, it is the most genuine and useful one by far! Plus, the author actually helps you after that, too! I was even more inspired having found out the author is only a young dude who has written his own e-books and is earning so much! Bless him!
Interested? Go check out his articles. He has one on how to make profits from Clickbank. Yes, clickbank has loads of products to buy, sell and promote as an affiliate.

http://www.clickbankprofitmachine.com

Right. I started out with Google Adwords, promoting products from Clickbank. Argh! It seems it costs me more and I earn Zero.
Now, Thanks to a friend of mine, Lynn. I am setting off with Google Adsense.
Okay, we will see where it takes me.
Guess I better not bore all you readers. I promise to make my next article more interesting. X
Till then! Adios! N Thanks for reading;)