Winds of Change

Nothing good comes out of Mondays- ever! Today's no exception. Monday's bad enough. Monday morning's (needless to say) worse. To add to it all, my mother just had to pick this morning to fuss about me borrowing her shoes! it's just so ironic coz as soon as she was done fussing, I noticed she was wearing something of mine and like hell she didn't ask me! Argh!!!!! You know the problem with most parents? They pick the most 'impeccable' timing to lecture/scold their children- mine included... Sometimes she just drives me sooo mad! But then again, I can't exactly not communicate with her and no, it's not because I'm still living off her finances. I'm proud to say that my mum is a lot more valuable to me than that. But really, sometimes I just wish she'd grow into the 21st century, if you know what I mean. Mum and I normally share earrings and footwear (those are about the only two things we share) but Lord knows why she decided to fuss about me wearing her trainers t'day. I mean it's not like she's been wearing em! Oh well, parents will never be figured out. Like I said, I love my mom but today is just one of those days I wish she would know what goes on in this head of mine...

On another note, I HATE FEELING SICK!!!!! It just so messes up your entire circadian rhythm and what not. I've been sick since Friday and mum insists that it's because of all the yogurt I had at luch with Mickey and Janice that day ( mango lassi, plain yogurt and a yogurt based dessert). I refuse to go to the doc because he's only gonna give me a strong dossage of antibiotics, cough syrup and vitamin C- all of which I'm already taking. I have to get well soon or else I just might use up 100 tissue boxes and I don't wanna take what's already depleating- trees!

Posted by Naveena at 6:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

I just noticed something about the way I walk- it's always in a rhythm, as if there's always a song playing in my head even when I don't have my discman on. Hmmmm...I guess if you walk alongside me long enough you'll notice it too, not that it's of any importance...oh well, I was never normal anyway- I was born special =)

That was so not the point of today's entry/post.

I went for lunch and then to a movie with Janice and Mickey today (Kimmie and Charm, you guys shoulda really come...miss you guys!!!). So we went to this Indian Restaurant in MidValley called Analakhsmi (for those of you who wanna get the taste of real Indian cuisine, that's the place you wanna go to) and it was worth every cent we paid! The food's real good- like grandma's cooking; we all love our grandmas' cooking don't we? Yeah so then we watched CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY!!! I think Tim Burton and the whole cast (especially Jonny Depp) did the story justice! The only thing I found tacky about the movie were the songs. For some reason, Janice and I couldn't stop laughing whenever a song came on; we might've been the only two looneys who were doing that! Oh, but there was this one song which I found ok, only because I thought the harmony was done well- it was the song the oompa-loompas sang when this really bratty girl (I think her name was Varuka?) didn't listen to Mr. Wonka and as a result got herself (and her father) pushed into the pile of spoilt nuts and trash. Yeah, albeit the laughing out loud, Janice and I both agreed that the harmony was nice and that Willy Wonka was really cute whenever he said the word 'k' (as in 'ok').

Ok, so that's that and now I've got two chapters of Human Communication to read before class tomorrow...sigh... Btw Janice, thanks for the mixed CD you gave me...'Addicted' is swell! and thanks for burning 'This is the Air I Breathe'; I've been looking for it for the longest time! So thanks girl! Oh, and don't worry about being the perfectionist that you are...at least there's someone to learn things from ;)

Posted by Naveena at 9:29 PM | Permalink | Comments

27. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you? Yeah I mean, I'm tatally happy the way I turned out to be...most parts anyway.
28. Are you a daredevil? To a certain extent yes, but I don't like go totally insane and make suicidal atempts.
29. Have you ever told a secret you swore not to tell? Nope, those go to the grave with me man..
30. Do looks matter? To me it does, but it's not the only thing that matters. there's also the heart to consider...
31. Where is your second home? Currently, none but I used to go to Mickey's place so often back in school I think that was my second home.
32. What was your favorite toy as a child? It ws one of 'em teether things coz according to my mom, I loved biting stuff so much so dad had to change the furniture later!
33. What class in high school do you think was totally useless? Moral
34. Do you use sarcasm a lot? I believe so, yeah and more so if I'm provoked.
34. Favorite movie? Again, I have a few: A walk to Remember, Love Actually, Pirates of the Carribean, The Interpreter...psychological thrillers
35. What are your nicknames? Most people call me Nav or Navee but while I was in school I was commonly known as Charles coz that's ma dad's name.
36. Would you bungee jump? YEAP! it's one of thise things I don't hv to think twicw about...
37. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No way!
38. Do you think that you are strong? That depends on what kind of strength we're talking about...I guess I am- in a sense.
39. What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Mint Pistachios, Hands Down!
40. What are your favorite colors? Blue and White and Black and Silver
41. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? The fact that I tend to procrastinate- more than I should at times- and also, patience is really not my virtue and that can sometimes be a bad thing.
42. Who do you miss the most? Daddy...
43. What color pants are you wearing? Do shorts count as pants?
44. What are you listening to right now? Addicted by Kelly Clarkson
45. Last thing you ate? Porridge with braised peanuts and fish.
46. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? BLUE!!!!
47. Last person you talked to on the phone? My Driving instructor, bugging the hell outta her to get my probationary license done!
48. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? This may sound really shalow but honestly, it's the hair and then the eyes. Then of course comes the demeanour. But then again, I believe if you actually look into the eyes(not in an impolite way of course), there's no need for the demeanour- yes, I think the eyes can pretty much tell you what you need to know about a person.
49.Favorite Drink? Iced lemon tea
50.Do you wear contacts? Yeah, that or my glasses.
51.Favorite Day of the Year? Christmas and my birthday
52.Scary Movies or Happy Endings? Happy endings only because it reminds me that the world's not all that bad...
53.Summer or winter? Summer!!! can't do much during winter 'cept count snowflakes.
54.Hugs OR Kisses? Definitely hugs; i've never been kissed (not in that first-passionate-kiss kinda way anyway).
55.What Is Your Favorite Dessert? Ice-cream and brownies!!!
56.What Book(s) Are You Reading? The Lovely Bones and She's Come Undone but I'm really not much of a reader.
57.What's On Your Mouse Pad? The computer mouse, duh
58.What Did You Watch Last night on TV? I didn't watch TV last night...no time.
59.Favorite Smells? The beach in the morning
60. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Beatles, hands down baby!!! (another one of those things I don't think twice about)
61. What's the furthest you've been from home? Sadly, only to Kiasuland (Singapore)

Posted by Naveena at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

A few days ago, I received a forwarded email from a friend of mine and in it was a list of open-ended questions asking her about herself. It was one of those getting-to-know-you kinda fowards so since I don't really believe in passing on such forwards because some people find it annoying, I only replied her with my set of answers. It looked like she actually spent time filling it in so I was just being polite and returning the favour.

So, I thought I'd put it up here- the list of questions- with my set of answers. I extracted only the relevant ones... here goes:

1. What time did you get up this morning? 6.30am, though I wish I didn't have to!
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds definitely, and I hope to get it only from the man who proposes to me...someday.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Herbie: Fully Loaded. Let me put it this way; better Lindsay Lohan than Hillary Duff!
4. What's your favorite TV show? I've a few...Chicago Hope, JAG (in reply to its promo add on starworld, yes; I DO like men in uniforms!), The Practise and anything related to the navy, law and med shows
5. What did you have for breakfast? A saussage roll and a blueberry muffin.
6. What's your favorite cuisine? Indian, Mexican/Spanish and Chinese
7. What foods do you dislike? I hate raddishes and I don't eat monkeys/rabbits/deer and the likes
8. What is your favorite chip flavor? SOUR CREAM and ONINONS!
9. What's your favorite CD at the moment? I've been listening mostly to Delta Goodrem and chantal Kreviazuk lately...they're gooooood =)
10. What kind of car do you drive? Currently, my mom's 11 year-old Proton Saga but in my dreams it's usually a BMW...sigh, guess it'll take me about 10 years to get THAT baby.
11. Favorite sandwich? I don't put much though into that. I mean, it's a sandwhich! anything (edible) goes
12. What characteristics do you despise? People who take first impressions ever so seriously and those who're such angels to you but then they bitch behind you. I believe the proper term for the latter would be bloodsucking-backstabbing-bitches? Yeah, something like that.
13. Favorite item of clothing? My black drawstring pants with any top that happens to fall outta my cupboard that day. Like my friend Janice (who sent me this mail), I'm quite a lazy dresser for a girl but i honestly don't care; I dress for comfort.
14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? I've always wanted to go to San Fransisco. Something about that place that makes it so artsy-fartsy and I like places like that. Boy, the media sure plays into you.
15. What color is your bathroom(s)? Dark blue with a lil light blue creases in between
16. Favorite brand of clothing? Currently FOS because thy've got the best casual clothes and since i'm really bad with brands, I usually have to drag a friend along to help me shop! This is sooo not a typical girl's answer? But it's true! and besides, i'm no typical girl.
17. Where would you retire to: beach or wooded retreat? Beach definitely!
18. Favorite time of the day? 6.45am on a beach cuddling up tp a person while watching the sunrise but that only happened sadly so yeah...
19. What was your most memorable birthdays? My birthdays are usually not eventful because most people are still in the new year's spirit but on my 17th b'day, Mickey (my friend who's btw currently bumming coz she's on hols!) came for recess with a slice of pizza and made me blow off a candle she stuck on it while my other friends sang to me. I thought that was sweet. Thanks Mickey
20. Where were you born? In between my mother's legs.
21. Favorite sport to watch? Soccer, Tennis and Basketball
22. What fabric detergent do you use? LEO for machine wash and Trojan for handwash and sometimes a softener
23. Were you named after anyone? Nope, but I know someone who was named after me! haha
24. Do you wish on stars? Once; it never came true so I don't wish upon stars no more.
25. When did you last cry? I don't remember but for the record, it takes a lot to make me cry so I don't know if that's a good thing or not.
26. Do you like your handwriting? Albeit its mesiness, yeah. I think it's quite cool
=)
You know what? I'm gonna have to stop here coz there's just too much to answer. More tmr fellas.

Posted by Naveena at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

Ok, so I guess the weekend wasn't totally horrid. I mean I thought I was gonna have a really boring weekend because I had to go to Penang with mom- my cousin was getting engaged- but it was actually an experience. See, when you are family, you're expected to go for little occasions like these and if you're my age and single, there's only two reasons why you have to go:
1. So your long distance aunts and unknown relatives can take a good long look at you and tell your mom, "wow, the last time I saw her she was this little (while holding up their hands to their tighs)...my she's grown!" or, "how are you (without really meaning it)? you look like you've put on a little more wight since we last met".
2. So you feel a little 'emotional' about still being single when your cousin who's only about 4 years older is almost getting hitched.

But as I said earlier it was an experience because for the first time in about six years I got into one of them Indian outfits. When I was younger, I would wear them just because my mother said so and back eveyone though it was cute for little girls to walk around in Punjabhi suits or 'Lengas' (which by the way is actually a long skirt and a goddy top). When I hit teen age, I told myself I didn't have to wear them anymore coz it's just soooo uncomfortable and poke-y. So I told my mom, she'll just have to settle for a dress or my favorite, just a slacks and a top.

Now, a lil older, I realize the statements you make when you wear such casual clothes to the likes of an indian eagagement. To simply put, if a girl my age walks in with such casual clothes to another family member's special occasion (birthdays not included), this is the statement she makes: "I'm not respecting traditions and I'm really not bothered about this event". And, although I live with the personal opinion that some traditions and cultures practised by us indians are just ridiculous, I can't help but play along sometimes for obvious reasons and so this weekend, I did just that.

However, I decided not to wear a saree (i've never worn one, EVER ), instead I opted for a peach colored Punjabhi Suite (a plain pair of pants and a below-knee-length dress-like top with a really high slit at both sides-hence the pants!). Prompted by my cousin, i decided to add in a lil make-up (the last time I did that was about a year ago for my high school play) and finnished of with an orange pottu (not the kind married indian women wear). The looks on my aunts' faces were priceless and they vowed to get me into a saree before I leave for New Zealand! haha... I've even got pictures but they're no uploaded yet. Rest assured, I will post em up here soon.

Some weekend that was...I never thought I'd say this but it was kinda fun playing dress up!

Posted by Naveena at 8:33 PM | Permalink | Comments

All my life- well, technically since the day I could tell right from wrong- I've always been proud of the fact that no matter what, I'd always, always held on strong to my principals in life. I never compromised with anyone or anything who went against those principals and everyone who knew me well knew that. So, I was always of strong character in that sense...until today, that is. Today I compromised the one thing I so scornfully mock and took the easy way out. Although I did achieve my goal in the end, I felt like crap after that knowing I chose that easy way out. The thing is, I had to re-take something I flunked about two weeks ago and though I had my reasons for doing what I did, it doesn't and prolly never will justify the act. For those of you who know me, don't bother quessing what is it that I did. Know this, taking the easy way out and the shortcuts is just not the way to do things. I'm certainly not proud of what I did and I swear never to do it again. Moral of the story (for those of you with a conscience)? Try do the right thing, not the easier thing.

Posted by Naveena at 6:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

So, I've got a few things to say. Firstly, allow me to make myself clear about my previous entry dated August 2, 2005, titled 'Where Are You?' People ask me why I ask God such a question just because I didn't do well in my exams and that I should not say things like that just because of one instance. Truth is, I've actually been feeling this way for a while now, a few other things have happened along the way and I've been questioning His presence since then. So, it didn't JUST happen...When it comes to God, I normally don't give up that easily and you should know that if I do, it's because something really big happened or many little things that kept adding up- not one incident.

Secondly, I return to college for a new semester tomorrow and I have mixed feelings of going back to my books and lecturers. On one hand I'm actually glad to be going back because I've had enough of just staying at home and not doing anything (the second thing I hate besides waiting is doing nothing). I've had a very unsatisfying holiday because I didn't get to do half the things I wanted albeit the free time I had. On the other hand, I don't want to go back because that would mean me getting back to my mundane routined life and having to face blue monday mornings (third thinng I hate is having a routined lifestyle). But, I think I'm more happy than unhappy to start my fall semester, so off I go...

Next up: I was going through some pictures on my mom's phone and I came across this picture of my one year old niece, Cassendra Veena so i decided to mess around with it a little and this is what happened-

Not much really as you can see. I blured the background with a glass-like effect so she could be seen beter. Her cheeks look a little puffy because she was chewing on a french fry I gave her. I inserted that quote (although now that I think about it, it's not so suitable) because I just found it interesting but I believe Don Herold left the quote unfinnished. Maybe because his kids turned out swell! lolz...

Fourthly, I've been listening to Chantal Kreviazuk's songs a lot lately. She's a singer (like, duh!) and I think she's also a pianist. I don't know how many people have actually heard of her but if you haven't I strongly think you should. Some of my favorite songs by her are I Want You to Know, Time, Love is All, Weight of the World, Hands (no, it's not a remake of Jewel's), This Year, These Days and This Life.

Lastly, It's really weird how often I've been hearing Daniel Powter's Bad Day. It's like every time I flip to MTV or Channel [V], somehow, as if on cue, that song comes on. Maybe it's a sign that I should stop feeling bummed about how badly I did and- in the words of Sher Reen- Take it all in my stride =) For what it's worth, I really like the video clip. It's one of the best I've seen despite its simplicity. It's a real creative piece of work! Here are the lyrics of the song:

Bad Day- Daniel Powter
Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oh.. Holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong

Posted by Naveena at 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

I feel a little better today but I'm still bummed nonetheless. I think I just might see my lecturer about my psychology paper. I just wanna say thanks to all who tried comforting me- Trev, Mil and Mickey- it meant a lot.

Now, if you click the title of today's entry, it'll take you to a short story writen by a friend of mine. It actually started out as a colloge assignment, but she said she liked it so much, she decided to edit and lengthen it. It's about 10 chapters long and it won't take you very long to read it all. In honor of her, I'm doing a review on it:
For Trina-
To me, a good story is all about the choice of words. It doesn't take much to please me in this sense. When I read, I (and I like to think most people do this as weel) like to imagine myself in that place and time- the setting. Since I have a vivid imagination, this really works to my advantage. And this author friend of mine has done just that. She really has a flair for detailed description and so she really helped with the imagination. Oh, and by the way, romance is one of its main theme so be warned (should you not like romance novels/ stories). I actually liked the romantic side of this story because most contemporary writers give you the usual love scenes and it's rather rare to see in-depth relationships. I mean, when I read this, I could tell alomost instantly there was more to this romantic relationship then just the usual surface level ones. So yeah, props to the writer for that.
There were a few gramatical errors in the novel and I can't help but notice them because I'm a little bit compulsive in that sense... I've got this rude habbit o even subtly correcting people whenever they make gramatical errors...so, Trina, you might like to proof-read your future stories. I also thought the story could be a litle more longer because then you would be able to develope the characters more. There was not much internal conflict in some of the characters particularly Corina (but seeing as how this was an assignment, I'm saying no more =))
On another note, maybe you could work on putting in more dialogues in your future stories. Other than that, I think she did a fab job and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Having said this, if any of you have the time to read this please read. Btw, the reason why this review is general is because I don't want to give away too much by accident.

Posted by Naveena at 8:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

I start my third semester in college this Monday. 3 days ago, I actually couldn't wait to get back to college because I was so bored at home doing nothing much. MY results were released today and after scrolling through it online (fingers crossed and all), I suddenly don't feel like going back. Reason being...well, the obvious really: I didn't do too well and I'm right now in the why-me-Lord stage. I mean, this wasn't suppose to happen so early in the course. I knew I was gonna have a few rotten grades on my transcript but I was not prepared to see them in my second semester for god's sake! It's waaaaay too early to be getting bad grades. But then again, shit happens...right? I still think I didn't deserve it and the ONE paper I was counting on to up my grade point average, let me down. So all the more I'm bummed. the funny/frustrating thing is, I can't seem to figure out what went wrong!

If you've done your best and as the saying goes- left the rest to God, you're suppose to do well right? He's suppose to help you get through it right? So why can't I help but feel a wee bit guilty and why did He not help? I read blogs that testify His goodness and His enduring promisses but somehow, I feel as if I'm not getting any of it no more. Yes, there was a time where I could stand up and say of His blessings but it's been a while since I saw those blessings; and I'm not saying this just because I didn't do well in my finals. I just feel generally, He's not being...can I say fair (or is that being hypocritical?). Where are you, Lord? You said you'd always be there. So, where'd you go?

Posted by Naveena at 11:54 PM | Permalink | Comments

It's really interesting that for some strange reson, I seem to be (on some unexplainable level) adicted to cooking shows! this can only mean one thing: I need to get out of the house and interact with the outside world! See, since i've been on a one-month holiday, I've had very less contact with anyone beyond the four corners of my home, 'cept for church and the occasional bumming at Mickey's. But back to the cooking thing. I'm particullarly intrigued by Jamie Oliver and what the media terms her, the domestic goddest- Nigela Lawson. Maybe it's the accents they have (yes, I have a facination for thick english accent- not sure why though)...hmmm...Anyways, so like, watching such shows have, I think, inspired me to start exploring my culinary skills =) So far, I've tried (and very seldom succeeded) a few sauces and today, I made tom yam for lunch. I think it turned out o.k. Not perfect, but o.k. Perhaps tomorrow I shall try bread and butter pudding or apple strudel. I reckon that if one whats to try one's hand at cooking, one should start with the basics and simple dishes, so that's exactly what I'm doing. My tastebuds and I have a loooong way to go and hopefully I'll be a good enough cook by the time I get married because it's an unspoken rule that 'all Indian women must know how to cook...especially for thier husbands' so, since I'm not planning to end up in spinster-hood, I might as well start learning how to cook now. Besides, it's not cheap nor healthy to get take-outs all the time.

On another totally unrelated topic, I did a personal review on the movie Kill Bill Volumes one and two, but my screwed computer kinda...well, screwed it up so I'm not gonna bother rewiting it. Perhaps another time when I have ample time...but I will say this: I'm prolly one of the last people to see this movie but it has got to be the bloodiest movie I've ever seen! I mean, I literally saw fountains of blood!

Posted by Naveena at 12:04 AM | Permalink | Comments

Last Friday a bunch of us from school met up for dinner coz a friend of mine, Tasha was going off to Kiasuland to study. For those of you who aren't Malaysians, Kiasuland is what we call Singapore (long story). She's probablly unpacking right now in her room. So anyways, I was really glad to see those who came, it sure has been a long time. The thing is, no matter how much I remind myself that it's been a little over eight months since the lot of us graduated from high school (and grade school altogether), it just seems like yesterday I was running through the coridoor of my classroom rushing down those flights of stairs trying to get to the hall or feild for something or other. Yeah, gone are my 'glory days'...haha...and so now a new chapter begins in the story of my life. As much as I love the fact that i'm no longer in school, I am scared of what's out there in the real world and from what I've seen in the past couple of months, it really is a crazy place we live in! But I've finally (just yesterday actually) accepted that I've got to leave and let go. So bring it on, world!

Going for dinner that day, reality really whacked me hard in on the head- everybody's leaving!!! Soon, I will be too...it's sad but it has to happen I guess. Hopefully, we'll all meet someday in this great big party in my honour because I've just had my first number one box-office movie in movie charts all over the world! Either that, or it'll be because of my first chart-topping hit song=) Those will prolly take about 25 years to happen=) Untill then, I guess I'm just gonna have t rely on good old memories of all these friends who have really been a huge blessing to me.

Btw, here are some pics taken at the dinner (courtesy of Sher Reen) and this other dinner I had at my place about two weeks ago (courtesy of Nisa).

Sher Reen and I

Mama Bear Mickey (in the middle), Dashi and I at the ends

left to right: Jac, Mickey, me, Nisa, Ju and SKY. The missing people who chose to be the photgraphers (though they really didn't have to) are Milan and Auntie G

Posted by Naveena at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments

WOW! I didn't realize how long it's been since i last blogged, hard to believe i actually did that since I was so gung-ho about the whole blogging idea-about a month ago...Maybe it's because there really hads been no progress in life-mine at least! Seriously! Other than the extra pound or two that i've managed to put on and the fact that I flunked my driving test (well, part of it), nothing else that's mention-worthy has happened. This has got to be the WORST holiday by far!!! Here's what I've been doing-watching more TV, eating more and sleeping more: all of which I haven't done since I was 15! One would probably say that it's a good thing to rest up and all but really, those of you who know me well enough will know that I am a very restless person and that I cannot sit still for very long and that I HAVE TO BE always doing something. I can't go out because i can't drive and public transport is out of the question (I'll spare you the details) and most of my friends are either away (lodr knows where!) or are busy with college. So, in other words, this sitting-around-and-doing-nothing illness is well...eating me alive. Care to prescribe an antidote??

I think I shall come back later tonight when I have something to write about=)

Posted by Naveena at 7:27 PM | Permalink | Comments