Winds of Change

What a night! The adrenaline rush, the total alertness of the mind, body and soul, the amazing company, the comfortable ambiance... what an amazing fella!

Yeap, all thanks to this fella, I was up all night...DOING MY DESIGN ASSIGNMENT, of course. What else did you think it was? =) So, before you go getting ideas you shouldn't, let me introduce you to this fella: the name is Classic Medium Roast Instant Coffee- Nice and Easy and IT looks like this:

One mug was all it took and after that, there was no stopping me; I didn't sleep a wink- there wasn't a need to. I worked round the clock for almost six hours straight and for the first time, I didn't leave my seat to go get a drink or something to eat, didn't have to stop halfway and get inspiration and I didn't even listen to music. Surprised you? Surprised me even more! In fact, I was so awake, that when the sun was up and it was time for everyone else at home to wake up, I practically waltzed into the room and my unusual Monday morning perkiness woke mom up in an instant! And what's even more unusual was the fact that I was very alert the entire day and I didn't fall asleep in any of my classes. Still, it makes me wonder if the coffee genuinely serves its purpose or is just a mere case of a new broom sweeps well- I think that's how it goes; something like that...

What's the term they use when someone is so very alert although she didn't get her night's sleep? It's because I didn't sleep when I was supposed to, I passed that sleeping time so I wasn't sleepy no more. I think I had one of those days. My psych-major friends, do tell- I'm sure you've learnt about it =) I don't remember if I learnt it in General Psychology =)

Now that I've finally found a coffee that is bearable while allowing me to stay awake for as long as I need to; Assignments? Quizzes? The-night-before cramming? Bring it on, I say! hehe...

Posted by Naveena at 8:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

Not as pleased with it but for all those hours, I think I did a pretty good job, of I do say so myself.

Posted by Naveena at 8:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

Aches. Pang. Soreness. Anguish. Suffering. Throb.

Call it whatever you wish to but it all ultimately leads to the same meaning- PAIN!!!

I entered the gym studio today with high hopes of getting a good stretch since I have not been doing much of it (with the exception of Drama class and the three-times-a-week cardio and machine workouts I do). Little did I know what was in store for me. It was stretching that I wanted and STREEEEETCHED, I did get!

While waiting for the instructor to come, I did some light stretching- because I got guilted (if there's such a word) into doing it by the others around me. Finally, Ginny, my Pilates instructor dashed in through the door appologizing for the 5 minute delay and within a heartbeat she went, "okay, everyone stand to your feet and lets begin. Feet together, toes rolled up..."

I thought, "cool! This is sure gonna be loads of fun". It was fun, don't get me wrong, because I was not as flexible as the others, I was having some problems keeping up with her pace. Halfway through the session, my embarassment was at its peak. Why? I felt so darn incompetent next to the AUNTIES and MOTHERS around me who were as flexible as rubberbands (for lack of a better simillie)!!!

I'm so in pain now, I can't even think of how to continue this post. So, hopefully, when I've gathered my thoughts I'll write more- perhaps after my next class =)
By the way, this was my first pilates class so that oughta explain the aches.

I will say this though: It's a good class to go for, more so if you're a singer/actor/someone of that part of the performing arts. I just hope I've not pass my age to train my body to become more flexible...now I wish my parents sent me for gymnastics or ballet when I was younger!
Now, I'm in pain almost all over- from shoulders to ankles and so I hope I can get through tmorrow.

Dear Lord, please let me get through drama class and be able to do whatever it is I have to (in terms of warm-ups) and more importantly, PLEEEASE let me nail my public speaking presentation despite the horrid pain I'll wake up to.

*i'm off to rub deep heat on my aches*

Posted by Naveena at 8:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

There're two words that's been bugging the life out of me for the past few days so I decided to find out the difference between one and the other once and for all to help get me good sleep (without having to fall asleep trying too hard to think what it means) tonight, so here goes [wow, that was a mouthfull!]:

1. Prognosis: (prg-nss)n. pl. prog·no·ses (-sz)

• A prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease.
• The likelihood of recovery from a disease.

2. Diagnosis: (dg-nss)n. pl. di·ag·no·ses (-sz)

• The act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or injury through evaluation of patient history, examination, and review of laboratory data.
• The opinion derived from such an evaluation.

(information obtained from www.dictionary.com)

There, all better. With that, I shall retire to bed. Goodnight, world!

Posted by Naveena at 11:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

Yeap, I DEFINITLY don't understand people!

ARRRGGHHHH!!!!!

WHY ARE PEOPLE SO FICKLE MINDED??!!

WHY DO THEY BLATANTLY LIE TO YOUR FACE?!

WHY CAN'T THEY BE HONEST AND COME CLEAN?!!

Why? WHY?! WHY??!!

Posted by Naveena at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

Is it just me, or is Simon Cowel really becoming a nicer person on American Idol?

Is it just me or are the people around me really changing? I mean you think you know someone and just when you thought you got this person all figured out, something happens and you're back to square one. People are just so unpredictable...

Is it just me, or is procrastination really getting the better of me? I've got elevently million things to do but for some reason, I just can't get my butt off this sofa and get to work!

Is it just me, or am I really putting on weight? I seem to have outgrown some of my t-shirts...

Is it just me, or are the days really getting shorter and the nights longer?

Is it just me, or is it really raining outside now?

Is it just me, or is tomorrow really coming my way in about an hour?

Is it just me, or is it just me?

Is it? IS IT?

I feel a huge change coming my way but I don't exactly know what is it that is about to chage, or WHO'S gonna change for that matter. Change is good right?

Right. It's good. Change is good. Change IS good. Right? I guess so. Yeah, change is not always
bad. It's good. It's good...

...is it?

What am I saying??

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

It's almost 11a.m. and I put on my most confident smile and brave myself to walk up to the hotel lobby to the person at the help desk and say, "Hi, good morning. I'm here for a press conference but I'm not quite sure how to get there. I was told that it was being held here". After a phone call, she says, "oh, just take the second lift over there and get up to the 15th floor. Then turn left and look for Business Room 4". With a little more confidence I say "thanks so much", flash her a wide smile and make my way to the elevator, adding just a little more courage with every quick step I took. 10 seconds later the door opens up at the 15th floor and there it is- the sign that read: 'Asian X-Games Press Conference' in bold letters and an arrow pointing in the left direction. You have NO IDEA how scared I was. All that was running through my mind while I was walking up to the registeration counter was this: Some kind of innitiation this is! Hmph! How am I gonna get in without a press pass??! And what if they don't lemme in becoz I don't have a pass and I don't even LOOK like a "reporter"? Seriously, I thought I was gonna make a complete and utter idiot of myself in front of total strangers- a place where there were cameras ALL OVER THE PLACE! Trust me, there is nothing worse that messing up and getting caught in the act for it. Seriously, I woke up this morning wondering if this conference was for real or was it some kinda scam to see how dedicated I am at working. Not that I doubted my boss (Ryan, I don't know how else to address you); I just had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, that's all.

But to my surprise, I found myself going through the motions as if I'd done it eleventy million times, when in fact I have never attended a press conference in my entire life, much less register for one! So, put my name down, which media I was representing, my contact number and my mailing address, took my press kit/goodie bag and off I sauntered into the room. The bright and elegant room was almost full with all the different media representatives but I managed to find a seat at the front. Wow, this is really happening. In less than five minutes, the guests of honor arrived and the very cute master of ceremony (MC) started off the conference. And there I was, listening away to all the boring speeches that I personally thought we could do without. But hey, I'm not the organizer, so I don't get to call the shots...I listened nonetheless because it was part of the reson for my being there.

What happened after that, I won't say. Let me spare you the boring details =) but I will say that all in all I had a pretty good time. Met a few people, ate good hotel food and got a few neat things. Now all that's left to do is one thing- research; because seriously, if I'm going to write about this form of extreme sports that many people adore, I'm gonna have to do a heck of a lot of reading. On a scale of 1 to 10 on how much I know about this sport, I'm sitting uncomfortably on a 2, hence good grammar and acceptable vocabulary alone is not going to get me through this.

Yes, I survived this self-declared initiation and in the words of Lisa Loeb, "today has been ok".

Posted by Naveena at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments

How you drive reflects greatly on the type of person you are.

I claim to be an observant driver and as such, I've seen many things throughout my past six months or so. They say that if you want to get to know a person, get into his/her car (by invitation, of course) and watch 'em drive. But sometimes, the view from outside his/her car is just as good =). From the super busy ones to the total slackers, I've probably (but not surely) seen them all. First there are those who have thier morning coffee while driving (for various reasons). Then there are those who refuse to let the frustration of the morning/evening traffic get to them (represented by the people who sing or tap on the steering wheels to the beat of the music on their stereos). Still, there are those who get cheap thrills out of scaring new drivers on the road into thinking that they're not road worthy (a.k.a the road bullies). And what about those who lead such busy lives that they have to practically live in the car (look out for drivers eating breakfast/lunch while driving and clothes hanging in the back seat)? I bet if you opened their trunks, you will pretty much see the whole wardrobe! Ok, so maybe I might be exagerating a lil, but you get the picture right?Then of course you have those who couldn't give two hoots about fellow road users and drive like they don't plan to see daylight ever again? These are just a fraction of the many facets I see daily. Oh, and who can not notice the guy next to you who picks his nose? I'm in no way a sexist but I've yet to see a woman pick her nose in public =)

I wonder, why do people not know how to use the built-in functions of the sticks, pedals and knobs in the car (despite being bombarded with just too many radio commercials WHILE DRIVING)? And some people think that just because they drive a big car, they need not pay attention to us little people? Seriously, so much for us Malaysians being courteous people! I wish drivers learn to USE thier indicators and have WORKING break-lights. I wish drivers will learn to be better road users. I wish I don't have to keep wishing for these things to happen and that they would actually materialize...

With that, I hope the next time you wanna zoom past a little car with no prior indication whatsoever, just remember: we don't have eyes at the back of our heads and the rearview morror doesn't count!

Posted by Naveena at 3:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

1. Sneakers
2. Good coffee (because I've finally learnt that Nescafe tastes absolutely revolting to me, and no, I'm NOT exaggerating; I had the WORST mug of coffee yesterday. If it weren't for the expresso I had prior to that, I seriously doubt I woulda lasted through my assignment.) *Rach, thanks for the expresso, dear!*
3. A digital camera (I think this could very well be within my grasp- if I play my cards right...hehe)
4. That my flu will be GONE, so I don't have to add to the already polluted ecosystem
5. That my dirty laundry will wash itself
6. That my sociology lecturer will be merciful and give me an easy paper tomorrow.
7. That I can ikat perut and save enough money to go play paintball this weekend (Lord, help me stay strong and not get easily swayed into spending!)

Posted by Naveena at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments

Today, I arrived in college with the feeling of wanting to wrangle the neck of the guy who was walking a few feet behind me. Why? Allow me to elaborate: I was driving when 10 minutes into reaching college, this guy comes along and starts to tail me- he was practically kisssing the butt of my little red car!- hoping that I'd move over and let him overtake me. Out of irritation I didn't budge at first. Besides, it was an uphill climb and there was a really sharp curve that followed suit. How fast was I expected to go?! Anyway, I finally moved over (because the last thing I needed was to jam the breaks and get into yet another accident- though obviously I wouldn't have been at fault at all, I just didn't want to ruin my already-not-so-good- Monday). Then, guess what? I ended up right behind him- the whole time untill I parked at the college parking lot! It's bad ehough that he already irritated me with the tail-gating, but to tag behind him the entire time? How frustrating is that?! I'm sure you can relate if you've been in a similar situaton.

Oh, the horror!!! I just found out I'm allergic to brinjals (or eggplants if you want)! How? When? WHY?! I can never eat the brinjal yong-tau-foo any more...and that is my favourite piece! Darn, I soooo love brinjals but I'm gonna be deprived of it here on end. I suppose you can't always get what you want.

Nevermore, there're six hours more before Monday closes in and I'm feeling optimistic that I WILL finnish the work that I've set out to do. All I have to do is pray that I don't get distracted by a million other things (and people) untill then. That should be fairly easy...I hope. Lord, help keep me focused.

Oh yeah, I've got this play that I have to go watch and do a review on and I need company. Any takers? Roe? Flo? You two are about the only ones I can think of who would enjoy drama/theatre...

Posted by Naveena at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments

It's amazing what drama class can do to a person, I tell you. That, and miracles. I trully believe what happened today to my drama presentation was a God-give miracle. I've always believed in miracles, untill this very day and today my faith was fortified. It wasn't the best morning of my life and all the courage and strength that I was mustering up before my drama presentation were crushed by the hurtful words of someone. And so, I had about 30 minutes to get myself together and and do the presentation- which was about SUMMER, when how I really felt was MID-WINTER! Nonetheless, when I walked into class, I just felt this sense of calmness overwhelmed me [well, part of the credit would hae to go to a certain person I just love to look at because this person just exudes warmth and sincerity with JUST a smile =)] and I suddenly felt so at home. Came my turn to recite the prose peice, I had absolute fun! No preassure, no feelings of being upset, no performance anxiety (this is just a fancy term they coined for people who are afraid of public performances), no nervousness, nothing! Just... euphoria. I felt the 5 year old in me come out again. That was great because it was the intended effect. A friend of mine even said that she felt like having ice-cream after I was done with it...hehe.

And as God would have it, my day totally turned around and it was one of the best days of the week. I told Him to take care of my presentation, just went for it and it all worked out. I guess I'm finally learning to surrender myself to him- little by little, begining with the small things. Or, should I say in the words of last week's sermon in church, I'm finally learning to 'trust God and thrust myself'... into the aventures of the great unknown...lol!

Oh, and on a totally unrelated note, I think Heath Ledger looked brilliantly yummy in Casanova!

Posted by Naveena at 8:28 PM | Permalink | Comments