Winds of Change

MOVING ELSEWHERE

2006-09-18T07:20:00.000+08:00

I've moved (yes, that seems to be something a lot of poeple are doing lately, so I though I'd join the bandwagon). Click www.charlesjunior.blogspot.com to be redirected.

I know it's still within the blogspot sphere but I just felt like a change. So, see you there.

Plenty of Men to Go Around

2006-08-25T06:15:00.000+08:00

Like many of my Christian girl friends, I used to complain about the seemingly decreasing number in single Christian men. "There just isn't enough of them to go around" and "How am I supposed to get married when it's so hard to find a Christian man?" were my constant cries. Then I'd go through the "what if I never get married" phase (if you know me well and are reading this, I know you're nodding!)

But thanks to a friend (who's equally guilty of 'complaining'), some light has been shed and what I thought was a fact, I now see is a falacy. My faith in the prospects of possibly finding a man has been renewed So, to all you single Christian women/girls who think you'll never be able to find someone, perhaps THIS would be of help. Enjoy:

Day Trips Around Auckland

2006-08-22T13:17:00.000+08:00

Every Sunday for the past few weeks Dad's been taking us around the city for sight-seeing, although there hasn't been very much to see becasue of the crummy weather. Albeit, thankfully spring draws nigh and it just so happen, last Sunday I visited a marina and oh, the view was AMAZING! I saw lots of sailboats, ships, yatchs and everything else that fall under the category of water transportation. I cursed myself for not having my camera that day...argh!!!

But I do plan on asking for a revisitation. In the mean time here are a few things I saw at a park last week (yeah, it's gonna be like a show and tell, except there's not gonna be any telling). Enjoy!

...and finally, ny fist and MUCH needed pair of boots!

I was never much of a shoe person...untill five days ago. I walked into the shoe store that day and now I've decided that I wanna own almost every pair of shoe in that store! Wait till my cash comes in! Till then, all I can do is look at them....sigh.

Learning to Adapt

2006-08-15T20:30:00.000+08:00

Warning: This MIGHT be a long post- seeing as how I've not updated in quite a while

WOW!!! So much has happend in these few days and quite frankly, I'm not sure where to begin. Should I start with the weather (for real!)? Perhaps I should start with the the amazing beaches I've seen so far (which is just the tip of the iceberg!)... Maybe I should whine about the fact that till the very end of leaving Malaysia, I NEVER got to have my last bowl of authentic Penang Char Kway Teow and Bak Kut Teh!

Well, whatever it is, I know I've a lot to be grateful for and I eagerly await the Lord to show me what He has in mind for me and I certainly can't wait to go SHOPPIIIING (as Joel would so nicely say it) in Auckland City. It's funny how I'm not missing home, but I am missing my friends and family very dearly. To all of you who I didn't get to see, I'm so sorry but I promise to come visit first thing upon returning. And to all of you who did spend my last few weeks with me, THANKS FOR MAKING THEM MEMORABLE! (Gosh, why did that soundlike I was already dead?!)

On adapting to this side of the world, I haven't made much progress, but then again it's only been 9 days...

...the weather is dreadfully horrid! Now, I'm not one to talk about the weather like how some people use it as small talk but seriously, this is just argh!!! Because it's winter, it rains, shines, rains again, then like after an hour it shines again and then without warning it rains again and well, you get me. I live a mere 10 minutes away from the beach but I've yet to set foot on one because of this crummy weather. I SO an't wait for summer and since it's been a horrid winter, the residents predict a fantastic one!

...the water is another thing I'm gonna have to get used to. It's hard water so it makes my hair all rough and tangled up. I guess I'm gonna have to et one of those live-in conditioners...and I trully understand the meaning of skincare now. Man, I need like, a hundred different creams so my skin doesn't dry up...it's irritating, I never used to take THIS long to get ready for bed and I can't go out anywhere without putting them on coz I'll come back all dried and get myskin all peeled. Yuck! I wake up every morning with a cold nose and I get cold feet (literally) despite wearing socks and I sure as heck am not used to wearing so many layers of clothes! Did I say I can't wat for summer?!

After all that whinning, I must say that the Auckland weather has its upside: Double rainbows. I saw an absolutely gorgeous one last Sunday on my way home from church (Church here makes me miss YC!). Gosh, it was an amazing sight- two completely different rainbows right next to each other! Iwish I had a camera with me then.

So, now that I can't go to college just yet and I can't get a job I've been pretty much at home, getting in touch with my culinary skills and learning how to make my bed with the help of Martha Stewart (for some reason, NZ telly don't seem to be big on Oprah, thought they have Tyra Banks and Dr. Phil (eek!)). It's not that I've never made my bed before, it's just that the beds here are more complicated...there's more than one layer after the bed sheet- probably due to the weather. You have the protective layer, the fited sheet, then the flat sheet after which comes the duvet (or better known as the comforter) then some fancy-shmancy layer of something and one more thing I frgot. The pillows are a whole different matter!

On another plus side, Mexican cuisine is much easier to get here and for a much affordable budget. Enchillatas (hope I spelt it right) and Fajitas, here I come! Ciao, mates! (haha, how contradicting!)

Goings-On...or is it Going-Ons

2006-08-05T10:21:00.000+08:00

Wow, it's been exactly a week since my last post and gosh, thise whole week has been nothing short of a whirlwind! So many last-minute errands to run- believe you me, selling a house is hard work, despite having lawyers to help you with it! And since the house is sold, we've finally vacated, as of last monday so it's not been the easiest thing to get internet connection. But it's not like I've been homeless since- I've been bunking at one of my aunts place...

Anyways, so much has happened in the last few days and in about less than 48 hours, a lot more is going to happen. I can't say I'm not excited, because I trully am. I'm thrilled at the fact that I'm embarking on a whole new journey at this phase of my life. I think the timing couldn't be anymore impeccable. But the reality of me not being able to spend time with my loved ones is just...well, sad. I'm not gonna be able to pick up the phone and say, "Mickey, I'm bored and I'm coming over to watch a movie" or send out mass text messages saying, "hey girls, lets go to Chillis, I need my fix!" to my gal pals as and when I want.

Like last night, we had a girls' night in and at dear ol' Mickey's and decided we'd make dinner. For once, we were all there together (once you leave school, meeting up on a regular basis is very hard to do, all the more if your friends happen to be halfway across the globe)- the cynical I'm-never-getting-a-boyfriend (but turned out to be the first among us to get one!) one, the mweeble, the fruit basket, the first-day-of-school partner in crime, the cheeky/sassy and sweet all at once one, the I'm-getting-bored-with-work/life one, the kindergarthen teacher- all of us. It reminded me of how much fun we had in school and how crazy it can get when a bunch of 19 year olds (and one almost 18 year old...hehe) got together. I'd forgotten what it was like when we'd get together and pig out and well, you can't exactly do that with just anyone...Serena, i'm sure you know what I mean...

Man, I'm sure as hell gonna miss the whole lot of you...

Then last weekend, I had lunch with another one of my dearest and wisest friends. By wise I mean old...haah! Well, not old exactly, just oldER I guess. But then again, I'm one of those people who has people who are married with a children and people who're at least 7 years older than me as friends. I sometimes find them to be the best of pals simply because they don't always tell you what you want to hear. They'll give you what you NEED to hear and not many people are daring enought to do that. So, to all my oldER friends (those 22 and above), words cannot describe how much I value you and how much I've enjoyed every one of our chats. Thanks for being honest!
So anyway, we got talking and I will always remember what she said about finding the one- it should always be my prayer that God will complete me and find me a man that compliments me...Yeah, it may sound trivial to some but I don't expect everyone to understand that.

Ok, so here goes...I'm off to the land of sheeps tomorrow. Thanks girls for dinner, song and drinks. I love you fellas to bits! It's good to know that you'll be only "Two Steps Behind"

Walk away if you want to.
Its ok, if you need to.
Well, you can run, but you can never hide
From the shadow thats creepin up beside you.
And, theres a magic runnin through your soul,
But you cant have it all.

(whatever you do)Well, Ill be two steps behind you
(wherever you go)And Ill be there to remind you
That it only takes a minute of your precious time
To turn around and Ill be two steps behind.

Yeah, yeah.
Take the time to think about it.
Just walk the line, you know you just cant fight it
And take a look around, youll see what you cant find,
Like the fire thats burnin up inside me.

(by: Def Leppard)

The End of a Beginning

2006-07-29T13:20:00.000+08:00

It is now 1.00p.m on a bright Friday afternoon. I am at my work station putting the finnishing touches to my newest and last article entitled "Procrastination- Where's the Good in That?!" I chose that partly because I was all too familiar to that concept and partly because I wanted to be known for more than just writing movie reviews. I mean, this job was supposed to nurture my writing skills and to do that I had to write more than just reviews. Anyway, when I walk out of the office today, I am never going to be able to come back (partly because my pass will expire as of Monday). This will be my last day working as an intern for the Xfresh content development division as a web journalist (I've been here for about five months now).

So, I figured since I didn't really get to say a proper goodbye to a few people I wanted to, I figured now would be a good time. Plus, it's my way of giving myself a proper closure to it. I've had so much fun working here and I can only hope my first real job (the kind gives me a proper paycheck) will be as fun as this. I never thought of myself as much of a writer, and honestly, I still don't. But at least I now know that I've much room for improvement and that if I'm gonna be a journalist, then I'm just gonna have to start writing more. I believe it can be done...I just need time. And this job has given me a glimpse of what working in the media is like. Truthfully, I like what I've seen...I'm a little more convinced that I'm not in the wrong major.

On that note, I shall begin my thanks you's...
Shaz, thanks for giving me the opportunity to work here. I had nothing short of a blast getting to know how the media works and its people. You have helped me overcome my fear of networking.

Will, thanks for helping me all the way and getting my back when I needed you to. Thanks for all the emergency uploading you did when I was in a rush to get things up but couldn't. Like I've said before, I'm glad to have found a friend in you.

Muiz, it was a pleasure getting to know you. You have shown me what a typical guy is like (that's not a bad thing). I've love how you're always keepin' it real- Kampung Bharu style, man!

Ryan, though I didn't really see much of you, I enjoyed our little group chats and especially that time when the server was down and you were telling us stories about 9/11. Thanks for that letter, boss/sir!

Albert, thanks for all those wonderful selection of songs you had going all day long to keep us company. I'm glad for those songs- I can't always work in silence and you helped break that silence with your music.

My fellow interns- you know who you are- I had fun working with you guys. On the bright side, I will no longer be able to sweep press screenings so ya'll be able to watch more of those without having to worry about competition =)

And the rest of the crew, streetsurfers, web people, thanks for making my five months at Xfresh a memorable one. Through you, I've seen a peak of the real world.

I shall blog about camp another day

It's Here! It's Here!

2006-07-21T13:38:00.000+08:00

COLLEGE CAMP IS FINALLY HERE!!!

Believe it or not, I'm actually looking forward to going away this weekend. I've been curiously waiting for this though I don't expect anyone to understand my excitement. I just am! I am in desperate need of some alone time, what with all the non-stop packing (gosh, you won't know how much jusnk you have stored in your house until you have to pack up and move!) and countless lunch dates (but I'm not complaining about that...hehe) and everything else that's been going on with me.

And so this weekend I'm going to spend some much needed quality time with my Creator...and what better place to do it with all the other wonders He's created!

On a side note, when I get home, I just might be greeted into a half empty house and perhaps an even more empty room! It's hard to detatch-

Three Weeks and Counting (and scared as hell)

2006-07-16T21:55:00.000+08:00

I know, I know...it's been more than a week since my last entry. rest assured, this blog is NOT dead/left in abandonment (hope I spelt that right). I am truly sorry but the only excuse I can offer is that I've been busy packing and that's the whole truth. Okay, so maybe not th WHOLE truth but partly the truth- the truth nonetheless!

Man, this whole packing thing is really getting the better of me; I just can't seem to 'get my head in the game'. I mean, on the one hand packing up confirms the fact that I'm finally going to that blessed city where its livestock outnumber the people (though I STILL haven't wrapped my head around that fact completely- the leaving I mean), all the more with every one of those white with red stripped boxes I pack away. On the other hand, as I've said before, packing is like putting away a number of years and closing those chapters of one's life and admiting that it's time to move on and accept change...which sometimes is a lot more easier said than done.

Change is more often a choice rather than a must- in my situation anyway. Packing up and leaving to settle down in a nother country all together is a choice that should be yours. In my case, it isn't all together mine. I'm not saying that I'd rather not make this move- believe me, no one in my family is as thrilled as I am about this big move. Yes, I've always imagined myself packing up and moving to another land (in this figment, I also imagine myself moving because I have a job that demands that of me ;p)...I guess I just didn't think that day would come this soon. I understand and am fully aware of why this has to happen but I don't feel ready to make the jump just yet. Maybe I'm getting cold feet; Perhaps it's just pre-relocating jitters (if there's such a thing).

Oh, I don't know...I have so many uncertainties and insecurities. I didn't think it'd be THIS hard. I feel so unsure and on some level am afraid of the not so distant future- so near that it's only three weeks away! I'm the kind of person that always know what to expect and I always anticipate what's gonna happen but this time, I've no control. None. Zilch. NOTHING! And I hate not being able to anticipate the possibilities of (my) life.

But I do know one thing: My Jesus is gonna help me get through this because He's always jumped through my hurdles and what-nots with me and I know He's gonna get me through this one. He HAS to! :)

So Lord, I am fully relying on You...and this time I mean it!

This Summer's Must Watch-es

2006-07-07T09:19:00.000+08:00

You know, I never did belive my reporter friends when they said "only the best movies come out in the summer"...probably because up untill this summer, I was never much of a movie go-er. Now that the opportunity has come I've been ceasing it as best as I can, watching so many movies, I've lost count which ones. I should keep a tab...

Anyway, here are three movies I think everyone should try and catch this Summer:

1.Superman Returns- I'm not usually the kind who follows up on comic adapted superhero movies. Truth be told I only saw Spiderman2 last week when they aired it on HBO because there wasn't anything better to watch and I've yet to watch Batman (the newest one starring Christian Bael and Katie Holmes). And as for X Men III well, I waited till all the hype died down before I watched it (yeah, it wasn't half bad). But I gotta say Superman Returns is THE superhero movie to beat! This is what I have to say about it.

2. Take The Lead- It's Antonio Banderas. Nuf sed! But seriously, it's waaay better than 'Shall We Dance'...a fresher appeal.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest- If you think you won't be able to watch the other two, MAKE SURE YOU WATCH THIS ONE! You would not want to miss it...a real cliffhanger which can only mean one thing- the third installment will be coming out next year. Will post up the review as soon as my colleague writes it =) By the way, it opens in (Malaysian) cinemas July 13, 2006.

Of Empty Drawers and Teapots

2006-06-29T17:02:00.000+08:00

I know, I know my inconsistency in blogging has struck- yet again. But honestly, I've been a little busy (and a little lazy to blog), what with me pretending to be oh-so-English, having afternoon tea with scones, running errands due to the god-forsaken car accident (yes, it's finally at the mechanics), watching too many movies (though this I've learnt to get used to since my internship) and cleaning my room (well, I try to anyway)...

Here's what I've been up to- in pictures:
Pic#1: the (FINALLY!) empty study table drawer...oh, how my heart broke to see myself rid my nicely stored away "junk"
Pic#2: How much of stuff I had to throw away- one bag full. And this is ONLY the study table!
Pic#3: Some of my prized posessions...this made me miss all the fun I had back in school...

Another New "Toy"

2006-06-26T09:53:00.000+08:00

Behold, the Canon PowerShot A530! Yay! Finally got me a camera. It's not much but it's good enough to take the pictures I want. I shall invest on a better one in a couple of years time...

Oh, and mom bought me a luggage bag on the same day, which means I've to actually start packing soon.

Oh, who am I kidding? I'm never gonna pack until the last possible minute! I just can't get myself to.

I Think I'm Finally Growing Up

2006-06-21T15:22:00.000+08:00

"Apasal lu brek?!"

That was the first thing he asked me as soon as I got down from the car to look at the damage he had done. It (the aformentioned sentence) translates to "why did you hit your brakes?!", for those of you who aren't fluent in Malay (as spoken by a true Malaysian). Okay, so let's back it up a little, shall we?

If you were caught in traffic that was moving at a snail's pace, the natural thing to do would be to drive slowly, always keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you, just in case he hit his brakes. Right? So, that's exactly what I did, only I didn't get so lucky after safely avoiding the car in front of me. Some dude who can't follow this rule of thumb in driving just had to come a little too close and hence not being able to brake on time when push came to shove. The result? He whacked into the back of my car. Well that, followed by another two cars behind his.

Of course the immediate thing to do was panic (well, in my case at least) seeing as how I'm still on probation. The first thing I thought of was "Gosh, why today of all days? I was supposed to watch a movie! This is like my second accident in the last six months". But this time around I was a little braver because it wasn't my fault (no, this is not one of those point-the-finger-at-another moments).

But before I could go into the "why me? Why now?" zone, the adult part of me (as turns out, I happen to have one =p) stopped me and I suddenly remembered the song "Always look on the bright side of life". You know how people always say "what happens, happens"? I realize that it coulda been a lot worse. I didn't get hurt, it wasn't a huge truck that rammed into me, I'm not at fault, and the damage is fixable. No problem, it's nothing I can't handle. I was even straight faced about it when I told mom too (which is quite an achievement to me)!

What did I learn today? These things happen (and today was my turn). I'm just gonna have to take it all in my stride and finally learn to take responsibility for my own actions. Having said that, I'm going to pay for what ever I have to (because this time I can afford to). So much for rewarding myself with a hair-do and a massage with my first company allowance!

So, this is me- taking responsibility for my actions. It's not much in terms of money, but still, I felt proud of myself for standing up to the guy and I came on top. Previously, I was so scared I was crying on the phone when I had to call for help becasue I didn't know what to do then. I'm smarter and braver now...hehe

A Love That Will Last

2006-06-20T20:58:00.000+08:00

I want a little something more

Don't want the middle or the one before

I don't desire a complicated past

I want a love that will last

Say that you love

Say I'm the one

Don't kiss and hug me and then try to run

I don't do drama

My tears don't fall fast

I want a love that will last

I don't want a just a memory

Give me forever

Don't even think about saying good-bye

'Cause I want just one love to be enough

And remain in my heart till I die

So call me romantic

Oh I guess that's so

Theres something more that you oughta know

I'll never leave you

So don't even ask

I want a love that will last

Forever

I want a love that will last

(by: Renee Olstead)

Contentment

2006-06-16T18:15:00.000+08:00

I don't know what's come over me but I found myself smiling inside the whole day-for no apparent reason! Could it be because the morning sun was at it's perfect temperate? It was one of those days where the sun totally got me- it understood exactly how I wanted it to shine (as silly as this may sound). Or maybe because I had such a good workout. Never mind that it rained cats and dogs after that. In fact, if I was brave to risk getting a flu, I would have danced in the rain! I refuse to believe my current state of being has anything to do with it being a Friday today. I was so happy that when I got to work, my boss gave me a funny look.

For once in a long time, I feel genuinely happy. I'm just gonna stay in this place for a while more. It's been so long since I felt this happy (more so for no actual reason), I had almost forgotten how it feels. And I'm not going to bother trying to figure out why I'm so happy either. All I know is that I am.

I LIKE

2006-06-15T21:59:00.000+08:00

To the one I find myself falling in love with all over again,

Thanks so much for showing me yet again that your mercies are new every morning and that your love is unfailing. Thanks so much for bringing me back on the straight and narrow though You may have very well turned your back on me. But You didn't and that's one of the many reasons why I LOVE YOU! I have only very recently come to understand the meaning of your sacrifice and for that, I cannot think You enough! I really am amazed by you and I can never understand the magnitude of your love for me, try as I may...

I like the idea of being able to have all sorts of conversations with You- from deep philosophical ones to plain dumb ones like, "Please let it be green lights all the way" and "I can't find that pair of earrings". I love even more that You know me so well, that you speak what Iwant to say even before I say it. I just wish I had found You sooner than I did.

I'm not very good with words (but you already know that, don't you?) but I've found a perfect song that describes exactly what I feel for you this very moment (bet You knew THAT too). Here goes...

I like the feeling of the sun shinin' on my face

I like just sittin' around on a fine, fine day

I like the way You make me feel inside and

I like the way You love me, just can't hide it

Lord, I like You for more than what You do

I LIKE BEING WITH YOU!

I like the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair

I like just readin' a book in my favorite chair

I like to laugh and sing and tell Your story

I like to live inside Your grace and glory

Lord, more than anything that I could do

With You

I am free to be who I am

'Cause You understand

I don't have to be pretending with You

I am ready to greet the day

Singin' come what may

It will be o.k. with You

(Cheri Keaggy, I Like; 2001)

Love,

Your Naveena

Left Hanging on Purpose

2006-06-13T17:53:00.000+08:00

It’s 7 a.m. on a beautiful Saturday morning- a perfect day to sleep in. In fact it is the one day I actually have the pleasure to indulge in a little more than my usual 6-hours-of-sleep-a-day timetable. I have to say that when my alarm went off at an ungodly hour of the day, I had to fight every muscle in my body that wanted nothing more than to hit it and go back under the covers. I mean seriously, what kind of normal person would want to wake up on a Saturday morning and go to the GYM, off all places?! But, in the name of work I thought would get myself (unwillingly) out of bed and get dressed. Besides, I’ve yet to actually pay The Curve a visit (I’m not much of a mall go-er; more so if it’s not near home). Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by the loud music and some 50 people lifting weights whilst grooving to the sounds of a familiar pop tune.

Ok, so the real reason why I wrote the above paragraph was because I edited it out of my write-up but didn't have the heart to delete it all together... so to know how this post concluded you're gonna have to click here and read further...

Random Thoughts 2

2006-06-12T23:40:00.000+08:00

I was taking a breather after a good one hour of jogging on the threadmil at the gym when I picked up the Star newspaper to catch up with the rest of the world (yes, it's been a while since I read the papers- shame on me). For some reason, I decided to read it from back to front instead of normally looking at the headlines first. Okay, so it wasn't really "for some reason". The real reason was because I was curious to see how the teams were fairing at the ongoing World Cup in Germany, and seeing as how the Sports section starts from the back, I decided to see what's been happening in that side of the world. And I realized something: Virtually ALL news concerning the footie fever was taken from AP (Associated Press), Reuters and AFP! And that got me thinking; why did the Star not send a reporter to Germany to cover the event? I mean, it's only the biggest sporting event of the year! I just found it very peculiar (hope I spelt it right). I honestly hope they're working on sending someone there...or if they're Really short on staff, I'd be more than glad to fill in for them in return for an all expense paid trip there =)

Speaking of wierdness, I just realized how much of a neat freak I've become. And worst of all, I think I take after mom! You know what that means? It means I'm gonna have t find a guy who picks up after himself! That indirectly means it's gonna be a while before I actually find that someone, and by "a while" I mean nothing short of a decade! Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating but really, how many of you guys out there (who're not 25 years old and above, or not mommy's boys) actually pick up after youeselves? Yes, I am of the opinion that almost all guys don't practise good hygiene (unless he's 25 years old and above, or a mommy's boy). Yes, so it's gonna take a while before I find my kind of man. Sigh...

2006-06-10T00:06:00.000+08:00

I AM GOING TO MISS WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE WHEN THE TIME COMES TO LEAVE...Already I'm feeling it while having to pack up some of my things. It's like packing up 19 years of my life and condensing it into one large suitecase. How is that possible?!

Like Father Like Daughter

2006-05-31T10:04:00.000+08:00

I never did believe I was the spitting image of my father until very recently. Whenever my aunts came over for a visit they will never leave without passing a comment how much my dad and I are similar. They say I look, walk, talk, think and do just about everything else like him. Apparently, I even stand like him! Okay, so you get the picture on how alike we are.

Last week, I was playing driver for my mom and a few of my aunts coz of mom's surgery (btw, to those of you who prayed for her, you know who you are, thanks so much! She's doing much better now). So, I've been spending more time with her than I usually do. We got talking about something I don't really remember much about and she asked me what I would do if it happens. I replied. Instantly, she looked right at me and said, "You know Naveena, if your father was here he would have said exactly what you just did!" Then she rolled her eyes and shuddred. My parents are in no way alike and though I know that opposits attract, I really don't know how they ended up together. Nonetheless, I'm eternally grateful that they did =)

And it was then I took a second to pause and think if he really would have said that and ohmygosh, he sooo would! I thought some more and realized that yeah, dad and I have so much in common. It's too bad we don't talk as much though (given the circumstance).

You're probably thinking, "of course you two are alike- you share part of his genes for crying out loud! How can you NOT have similarities?"

But honestly, if you know me and my dad well enough, you'd know that we're like two peas in a pod. I think I only begin to walk, talk, think like him begining these last two years or so becasue as far as I can remember, dad and I use to argue and have a difference in opinion so much that I lost count of the number of times- from mom's cooking to my sister. I still with Daddy and I had a better relationship but I'm glad to say that we're not two total strangers who live under the same roof either. And please do excuse the mushy-ness but I really am missing him. Can't wait for him to come home!

My dad, the Indian cowboy! HAHAHA!!!

How to Deal?

2006-05-26T23:36:00.000+08:00

I was so wrong to think that I could fix everything with just one semester. I wish I had learnt my lesson sooner because frankly, I'm not a good sport when it comes to handling disappointment. I don't accept failure very well. I just can't. How do I deal?

Lord, it 'aint easy. You see when I accept disappointment, it simply means I'm accepting the fact that I've let you down...and I just can't do that! I was never taught to knowingly let you down...

It's very easy for people who look in from the outside to say, "life goes on...take it all in your stride and learn something from it". But really, let me ask you; how do YOU deal with defeat and go on? I bet it's not that simple and in the words of someone else, "easier said than done". Would you really just accpet it and move on that simply? I highly doubt it. So, please, when someone you know is going through a hard time dealing with failure/disappoinment/defeat, don't say "life goes on" and that everything will be alright and take it all in his/her stride coz there's nothing that can be done. Because then, all you're doing is, making it worse. Please don't state the obvious; it doesn't help.

But, you can however, be there for us. Just be there for us...

The Power of Retail Therapy

2006-05-20T23:13:00.000+08:00

Nothing beats retail therapy after a grueling session of tests the whole day. Yes my friends, I (finally!) do believe in the power of retail therapy. Oh and mom treated sister and I to TGIF so yeah, that was an added bonus for sure! Pigged out till I was stuffed with mud pie and fajita nachos.

So what did I get myself? Well since mom was nice enough to foot my bill, I thought I'd go easy on her wallet; got myself three (girly) tops, shoes (which mom and I will eventually end up sharing), a DVD and I almost got a Nikon digital camera. So close!

Going back to what caused the need for that retail therapy in the first place, I had to endure about 4-5 painful hours of my IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Though this four-part test was do-able, it wasn't all that easy either. I was especially weary of the speaking module. I was afraid I'd get all tongue tied and freeze and not be able to think. But, trully by the steadfast grace of God, It went better than I expected. I was also worried I might speak Malaysian English, you know the one with the la's and the wan's. But as soon as I stepped into the room, it's as if that part of my brain automatically shut down and for about 20 minutes or so, I lost those words. I think it's becoz my examiner was a foreigner. Somehow I think it's a psychological thing, in that whenever I speak not a non-Malaysian, I unconsciously loose the Manglish (Malsysian English) words. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. I'm still a little worried about my essays though. But I guess, it's outta my hands now and to paraphrase a quote of a friend, "...only to get into Greater Hands" and "it's in better hands".

And on that trusting note, I think I will leave it in those Greater Hands. After all, He has shown me how real He is, so I hav faith that He'll do it again!

2006 Asian X Games, Sunway Lagoon, Kuala Lumpur

2006-05-16T22:55:00.000+08:00

Alright, here they are- as promissed, pictures of the 2006 X Games Asia. I'll explain as I go along. Feast your eyes, poeple!

First off, the Moto X. These were by far the most intense stunts I've ever seen! Five professional stunt bikers were brought in from Australia to perform these never-to-be-tried-at-home (duh!) stunts. Gosh, they were brilliantly dangerous. Very nicely coreographed. (All pictures courtesy of ESPN. *These were the extras I didn't get to use in my article*)

No, the camera wasn't turned upside down when this picture was shot, neither did the photographer take the picture as per normal and flipped it. It's a backflip.

I'm not sure what this is, but I think it's something like a "superman". I believe the picture is self-explanatory.

This here is a "nothing"- the rider releases both hands and feet from the bike, completely seperating himself from the bike, in mid air mind you!

I think he was trying to do waht they call a double can-can where the rider moves one leg to the other side of the bike and then brings up the other leg to meet it, elevating off the seat.

Speed Climbing and Skateboarding

On the left is the final face off for the men's speed climbing. Competition was neck to neck between these two. Big drama, I tell you! Below is Sandro Dias in action- close up. Will explain more about him in the later pictures (Pictures Credit: ESPN)

In-Line agressinve Skating (Vert)

The first two pictures above are of Eito Yasutoko- only one of the two best in-line skaters in Japan and maybe even in the world! Gosh, that guy is really amazing! He even performed a new trick that he's been working on and apparently, Malaysia was the first place he gave it a go. He calls it "the twister".

The left picture is of Ayumi Kawasaki- the only girl in this particullar competition. And she won fourth place! She was real good too. And lastly, this is Eito's brother, Takeshi Yasutoko- the second fella of the two best in-line skaters. Needless to say, they both bagged the gold and silver medals respectively. Personally, I like his style better and he seems a little more approachable...

(Pictures Credit: ESPN)

X Games Asia Part Two

2006-05-15T22:28:00.000+08:00

Trevor Ward from Australia. This dude is one really good sport. Believe it or not he's a father of two! He must make a very cool dad. I had fun interviewing him becoz he was just so down to earth and well, fatherly- it was more of chat than an interview. And yes, I am incredibly sunburnt. I've yet to go back to looking normal.(Picture Credit: Will)

This is him pretending his skateboard is a guitar. He's rocking to the song "I Was Made For Loving You Baby" (PIcture Credit: Will)

World number in skateboarding Sandro Dias from Brazil giving us the thumbs-up after the interview. Can you believe this guy is 31 years old? Lemme sow you pictures of him in action on the vert. (Picture Credit: Will)

I'm not very sure what is it he did but let me tell you, he did make a smooth landing on both feet. I was amazed at the fact that in his second run, not once did he fall! He won Gold, as anticipated. (PIcture Credit: Will)

The legendary Yasutoko brothers, Eito and Takeshi. Man, you just had to be there to see thier breathtaking stunts! (Picture Credit: Shaz)

...and these are some of the wonderful faces that delight me at my office. Guys, your antics never cease to amaze me! Fromleft to right: Rex, Shaz, Will and well, the shortest of them all is yours truly (Picture Credit: Jack)

on Being Between Colleges

2006-05-14T21:08:00.000+08:00

You know how the politically correct term for jobless people is "between jobs"? Has anyone coined the term "between colleges"? If no one has, I'd like to 'copyright' this term as my own =)
I thought of this term just today when yet another person (probably for the gazzilionth time) asked me what I am doing currently. Seeing as how I'm technically on a long break from college and only resuming in February next year, I think it's only apt to say that my current status (as far as career/education goes) is "between colleges".

Speaking of jobs, it's been a hectic weekend as I had to work on Friday, Saturday and today. But it wasn't like the getting-into-the-office-and-doing-a-nine-to-five kind of work. Actually, I was at the Asian X Games because I had to do an event coverage on it for the webmag I work for (Xfresh.com). While it was simply amazing to watch breathtaking daredevil stunts performed by all those fantastic (and some hot!) people, I was super tired when I got home. It's exhausting, I tell you!

Anyways, the point I was going to make before the above explanation was that when I got home at about 10.30p.m yesterday, my mom picked up on my tiredness and commented, "I don't know why you're working so hard. It's not like they're paying you a single cent. Why can't you just do the minimum that you have to?" Well it was something along those lines, if I didn't get it all down properly. I was just too tired to bother and defend my actions. Besides, trying to explain it to her would just be nothing short of a futile attempt.

This brings me to the question: Why is it that just because I'm not getting paid for what I do, must I be a slacker at work?

I'm an intern. At this juncture of one's "career" it's a huge blessing if one gets paid as an intern. I knew that I wasn't gonna get paid here even before I handed in my resume. Which might pose the question, "Why even take the job in the first place?". EXPOSURE and EXPERIENCE. That is all I want and need for now. What I lack in income is more than made up for by the hands on working experience I gain. Nothing is more valuable than that. On the plus side, due to my nature of job, I get good perks. Really, if I get to sit in for interviews with esteemed personalities(this weekend it was stars of the skateboarding and in-line skating arena) and get to do reviews for movies and music, sharpen my writing skills and and work alongside reporters, does it matter that I don't get paid? Also, in the process, I get to meet many new faces. Now, tell me that doesn't make up for the absence of my salary. Tell me!

I think it's good that I gain working experience while I'm still studying and even before I actually put in both my feet into the working world. What say you? So, the next time you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that when it comes to the working world, anyone can get a job. What seperates one good employee from an average one is his/her prior working experience. That is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to climb up the corporate ladder.

*I will post up pictures of the Asian X Games as soon as I get them sorted out. Look out for that*

Three Months and Counting...

2006-05-10T23:26:00.000+08:00

Auckland, New Zealand

We Know It's Bad, Yet...

2006-05-03T00:17:00.000+08:00

Who was it that said "never put off till tomorrow that which you can do today"? Benjamin Franklin? Well, he probably didn't go to college. Then again, he's so smart he probably didn't need to go to colloge! I mean, he discovered electricity, for crying out loud!

Anyway, my point (and I do have one =p) is that with everything that's going on in my life as a student, it's imposible not to procrastinate. this about it; we students have unending deadlines to meet, continuous pop quizes, mid terms and finals, just too many presentations, and external commitments (well, some of us anyway). If we're expected to try and live life in between these things, procrastination is, the way I see it, our only way out! Time and again I hear of how procrastination is the evil of all evils and how mom's always telling me to "do the laundry now". Heck, even the poets keep telling us to 'carpe diem' and take opportunities that come our way.

With all the constant reminders that we keep getting, one would think that we'd finally find it in us to actually stop this "inborn" talent of ours. Apparently not. I can say for a fact that this many years of procrastinating has never left me in regret (well, not most of the time anyway). Mom even said that I procrastinated comming out into the world a few hours. Haha! Does this mean I can't ever be redeemed from the pit of hopelesness? I can only wonder...

Why am I talking about this in the first place? Because I thought I'd chip in my two cents worth after listening/reading what other people have to say on this subject matter. No, actually what spurred on this was the fact that I had just very recently indulged in the guilty pleasures of procrastinating the last leg of my assignments. It was due earlier today at 5pm and despite the one full week I had to complete it, I had chosen to put it off till the last posible hour, in view of letting loose after my final paper last Wednesday. So, with about 21 hours left before the deadline, I finally dragged my almost lazy body to my faithful DELL INSPIRON 630m and decided to get to work. After a good 5 hours of gathering research material, I thought I'd shower, thrown on some comfy pj's and let the creative juices aflow! So, almost a pot of atrocious black coffee, a bowl of noodles, a ham sandwich, two hours of napping, plus and hour of procrastination in between and about 10 hours later, I finnished it! Though I wasn't too happy with the outcome, and I'm sure that any chance of me getting an A for that course flew right out the window oh-so-freely the moment I handed in my final exam answer sheet to the invigilator...Nevermore, what's done is done. I'm just gonna have to leave it all in His hands now.

But I gotta tell you; all that stress was so worth going through. Because when I handed in those 8 pages of my night's blood, sweat and tears to my lecturer, words cannot beging to describe the sense of relief I felt at that very moment! After that, I headed straight to the gym and worked out all my blus away, so to speak. Gosh, I hadn't been there in two weeks I almost forgot what a good workout feels like. After two great hours of a full workout, I spent a little while in the steam room and oh, what a difference that made! I felt like...like this one time I felt while doing a particullar warm-up at Drama class. 15 silent minutes of total bliss. Aaahhh........

With any luck, I'm hoping that I'd sleep like a log tonight. God knows I need a peaceful sleep after weeks of sleep depravation.

Oh, on a related note, now that I've handed in my last assignment, I should start that personal challenge of mine to not stare at a screen of any kind for two weeks apart form work. So, see ya'll in two weeks, mates!

Mommy and Me

2006-05-02T23:45:00.000+08:00

Finally Launched!

2006-04-27T20:16:00.000+08:00

A definite must-see!. It just kicked into the cinemas today and well, go watch it if you have the time =)
...and this is what I have to say about it.

Happy but Not So

2006-04-26T23:24:00.000+08:00

Woo-HOO! Yay! Finally! It's OVER!
*does the jolly dance, leaps for joy and does two cartwheels!*

Okay, so you get the picture; I'm uncontainably (if that's even a word) happy. My Sociology paper ended today at about 6.20pm and even though the examiner who collected my paper was incredibly annoying and I felt like strangling her for hurrying me for no apparent reason (coz honestly, I don't think she would have been fired if she waited two extra seconds for me to write down my question number on the answer sheet!), I'm still very much relieved that my exam blues are turning another color...but then again, I'm not let off the hook yet- I still have one more aasignment that due in 4 days. If you know anything about me, you'd know that hands down, I'd rather do assignments any time than sit for exams- despite the fact that I whine insessantly afterward. So, untill then, I can't put on my red skirt and go partying...yet. Oh well, I've waited almost a month, what's another few more days?

In these past 4 weeks, I think I've done more damage to my eyes than I have in the past 17 years or so! The hours I've spent starring at the 16inch idiot box (think computer screen) is enough to make up for the loss of assignments I won't have to do in the next few months! Seriously, I think I should take a solemn oath to stay away from the computer for a while.

*pause to think for a few seconds*

Okay, so I think I seriously will take a solemn oath. I shall take on a personal challenge to only use the computer when I'm at work (because it's inevitable) and not stare at a screen of any kind for the next two weeks. I'm being realistic, because unlike a friend of mine who's challenging herself to have at least 6/7 hours of sleep a day (yes, the things we have to do as students), I can never pull off 30 days, given the fact that my job requires me to pretty much stare at that flat-screen monitor the whole day. So, I think 2 weeks is going to be quite the challenge. My only source of entertainment would prolly be the radio since a tele would constitute as looking at a screen...

And this challenge will begin as soon as I've handed in the last leg of my assignments. Oh, this would also mean that I won't be blogging for two weeks. I'll find another way of journaling/keeping an account. I think I shall try the pen-and-paper method; I hear it's quite effective =)

Well then, I'm off to catch up on my sleep time.

...and My List is Complete!

2006-04-24T12:27:00.000+08:00

Great! Just what I need- the sore throat and flu. Now my list of pre-examination stress is complete. Why does this ALWAYS happen? For as long as I can remember, every time I have a major examination to prepare for, Mr and Mrs Bacteria will deligently pay me a visit bringing along the useless offspring of theirs. When I was going through my UPSR, it was the cold. When PMR came a'calling, Flu barged in through my nose the day I had my Math paper. I didn't get spared during the final most crucial college determining season of my life- SPM; Fever added itself to my already sleep-deprived body. And now when I have to sit through the final paper of my last sememster here in HELP University-College, I get the freaking sore throat and flu!!! Why me? Why now?!

Lord, please remind me to take my vitamins everyday so I can laugh at all these mean-lean-tiny beaings and get rid of them all!

Trust me, you'd think that having only one final paper means I get to relax a little as compared to some of my collegemates who have three, so me four papers. But on the contrary, the preassure can come from the reverse direction too- Just because I have one paper, there's no excuse not to do well in it. I mean, technically I've a little more time and so theoretically, I SHOULD do well in this course; the operative word being SHOULD. I think I'm toast...with tuna and mayo as the filling...

In Between Presentations and Studying

2006-04-22T00:12:00.000+08:00

A must-see for those of you who need a night off from your stressfull week. This play is about a dysfunctional family with slightly larger than life characters playing the game of life with brilliant humor (NO slapstick, I assure you).

Click here for more details.

2006-04-20T23:00:00.000+08:00

To everyone who reads this blog on a regular basis,

I'm sorry for not updating for the past week or so. I've been swamped with killer assignments and my finals are just a couple of DAYS away. I will try and put short posts. Thanks for being patient and please bear with me as I get through the grueling last days of my final semester (before I transfer later this Summer).

Oh, but for today I'm gonna say this: I think all cab drivers are out to get you. If there's ANYTHING they can do to squeeze even TWO extra bucks from you, they will!

Reaching the brink of insanity and about to crack,
Navee

More Wishes

2006-04-18T21:55:00.000+08:00

SIEW KIM, HAPPY (slightly belated) 19th BIRTHDAY DEARIE!!!
It's been six (going on 7) wunnerful years of nothing but pure joy having you as a my friend and you never cease to amaze me with your own brand of antics. Thanks for your amazing support and friendship- you have no idea how much of a blessing you have been to me, more so now than years ago! I love you! God Bless!

Birthday Wish

2006-04-18T21:44:00.000+08:00

HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY, UNCLE JACK!!

Your work and sacrifices towards PCCG is very much appreaciated, if you don't already know...=) Welcome to the club, you officially reached the peak of you teen ages. May God continue to shower His richest blessings upon you as you continue to discover more of Him!
*sorry I couldn't wish you in person. So to make up for it, I thought I'd do this....*
*picture courtesy of ShazDaKid*

To Juliana, with love...

2006-04-11T00:39:00.000+08:00

Now I know why I wanted to go out with my friends so badly last Saturday night- I felt so guilty about forgetting Ju's birthday so I told myself that I'd make it up to her when I saw her that weekend. But When I did, I totally forgot about it untill yesterday.

Ju I'm really sorry about not wishing you...and so this is the only way I can think of making it up to you:

HAPPY (very) BELATED 19th BIRTHDAY, JU! You rock all the way, girl!!
Boys, she's single, she sings and play the drums and is a brilliant architect in the making so if you're interested...*winks*=)

Yay, Me!

2006-04-09T19:02:00.000+08:00

This week's achievements:

Getting a haircut. Yeah, after three weeks of procrastinating, I finally drove myself to my hairdresser of 9 faithful years and got my "bush tamed" (in the words of a former school mate of mine). Well, I didn't ACTUALLY procrastinate... I mean, it's just that more important things had to take precedence in those weeks, so I had no choice but to put it off until a later time. Ok, so by definition, I guess I did sorta procrastinate; but like I said, it's not as if I had a choice. And so, that is why I consider it a personal achievement becoz I forced myself to take time off to get this done!
Doing Pilates. After a week-long absence, I made time get myself to the gym and go for the class. That was my second class and now the bigger challenge will be finding time to consistently go for this class on Wednesday mornings. I hope to be able to go regularly becoz it totally energizes me throughout the day.
Dinner with my girl friends. The last time we get together for a girls' night out was four months ago and when we met then, we made a pact to meet on a monthly basis but as usual, college assignments and "devouring time" got the best of us. There were only three of us though as the rest were either abroad or tied down with something or another.

I shall let the pictures do the talking of last night's dinner:

Siew Kim, me and Ju (at the back)Siew Kim's Dinner- Salmon something something

Ju's Dinner- Fish and Chips something something

My Dinner- World Famous Burger something someting
This is by far the BEST drink ever!! The ULTIMATE MUDSLIDE
First, came this:
...and then this is what became of it:

hehe...

This is Ju's nice long arm picking the brochollis from Siew Kim's plate

I don't remember what we were laughing about I remember it was someting about school

Ju and I

Now that I've got my fix of girly time and pigging out, I'm all charged up to face the week ahead. Bring on the coffee...I know I'll need it.

My First Article

2006-04-04T16:36:00.000+08:00

So, now that I dare to say out loud that I'm a part time web journalist, let me tell you about my first article:

The first time I wrote the article, it got lost in the server and never came back. Then after re-writing it, I couldn't upload it right after becoz the server was down...

To cut the long story short, it took me almost TWO weeks to get this article published here. Please do read it, if you have the time and as this is my first article, I anticipate a lot of kutukan. I've a lot to learn so say what you will, tell me how I could've spiced it up a lil more and I shall work on it in my next article. =)

Today's post is super slip-shod but taht's only because that's the way I feel right now....bleagh!

FINALLY!

2006-04-03T22:48:00.000+08:00

...got my Astro tag. Now I can actually say I have a part time job and a credible one at that!

And speaking of final things...I'm SOOO relieved that I'll never have to worry about another Drama quiz again, EVER!

By the way, for those of you wondering, yes, that is Jousha Foong at the back; he works here too.

Phew.....

2006-04-01T13:25:00.000+08:00

Hours left before the end of the week: approximately 34.5 hours

Sleep: Usual number of hours a week: about 48 hours
Hours of sleep THIS week: 24 hours

Coffee consumption: Usual ammount a week: none
Ammount THIS week: at least 2 cups a day

Work Pending: Study for Drama Quiz (about 6 hours of lecture time)
Sociology experiment and discussion
Prepare Public Speaking informative and persuasive speeches
Start preparing for finals
Read Julius Caesar
Memorize Sonnet 104
8 pages of graphic design assignment

Conclusion: I'm gonna have to solely depend on the abounding grace of God as I have been this week and keep repeating "Be still and know HE is God". Thank you, God for sustaining me through the week! I Love You!!!

The One That Kept Me Awake

2006-03-27T20:57:00.000+08:00

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...

2006-03-27T20:55:00.000+08:00

And so, with that one mug of black coffe with just the tiniest bit of sugar and an incredibly awake mind, this was the result:
Behold, my Design 101 assignment of a mock school website

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

STREEEETCH! = PAAAAAAIN!

2006-03-22T20:44:00.000+08:00

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*

Medical Jargons (or so I think)

2006-03-20T23:41:00.000+08:00

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!]:

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!

2006-03-16T23:19:00.000+08:00

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??!!

Is It Just Me?

2006-03-15T23:06:00.000+08:00

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??

my Initiation

2006-03-14T23:47:00.000+08:00

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".

Watch Out for Us Little People

2006-03-09T15:09:00.000+08:00

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!

My Current Wishlist

2006-03-07T09:15:00.000+08:00

Sneakers
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!*
A digital camera (I think this could very well be within my grasp- if I play my cards right...hehe)
That my flu will be GONE, so I don't have to add to the already polluted ecosystem
That my dirty laundry will wash itself
That my sociology lecturer will be merciful and give me an easy paper tomorrow.
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!)

Untitled

2006-03-06T17:45:00.001+08:00

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...

Trusting and Thrusting

2006-03-02T20:28:00.000+08:00

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!

What Makes a Bad Day

2006-02-27T22:54:00.000+08:00

...a heavy dose of mom's early morning lecture...a bad breakfast...an even worse lunch...a headache that keeps acting up every two hours the entire day...a stomach that feels like there are several over-blown balloons in it...a really horrid history-like quiz (and it wasn't even a history class to begin with!)...a bad case of rash that keeps coming and going...not being able to stay alert...dozzing off on the table when you were suppposed to be preparing for a quiz...A POP QUIZ!...having to stay unusually silent during a car ride because you were in no mood to talk (for more reasons than one)...feeling agitated by the morning traffic...the feeling of not being able to do ANYTHING except wanting to jump right back into bed...having more assignments than you can handle...blatantly telling someone you thought he was cute (without thinking first! and then banging yourself for doing that)

The remedy?
ICE-CREAM or a chunky consumption of chocolates. Or, if you're the kind that don't feel sick after having chocolates AND ice-cream, then have 'em both I say! Well, that and catcing up on TV series that you didn't get to watch in real time (ah, the power of downloading). It's a good close to such a god-forsaken day. It is if you're a girl like me anyway...

Sekian, Selamat Malam semua!

...of Flip-Flops and Remembering...

2006-02-23T00:44:00.000+08:00

It's been a really tiring week- and it's about to get worse, what, with me having to hand in three assignments this friday (which is just about less than 48 hours away!).

So, because I was so lazy and tired today and had to go to college just for one miserable class at 4pm and crawl home in the after-work traffic, I couldn't care less how I went to college and what I wore...to the extent that I actually wore this to college- I looked like I was going to the beach and honnestly, if given the choice, I'd have picked the beach without a doubt!:

While I was driving home today I heard Steven Curtis Chapman's song- Remembering you. Untill today, I never really had the chance and time to listen to the words of this song. When I finally listenend to what he was saying (because I literally couldn't move my car for about 5 minutes due to crazy traffic), the words really got to me. I can't say for sure why, but I do know that it has since become one of my personal favorites. So, here it is:

Remembering You

I found You in the most unlikely way
But really it was You who found me
And I found myself in the gifts that You gave
You gave me so much and I

I wish You could stay
but I'll, I'll wait for the day

Chorus
And I watch as the cold winter melts into spring
And I'll be remembering You
Oh and I'll smell the flowers and hear the birds sing
and I'll be remembering You, I'll be remembering You

From the first moment when I heard Your name
Something in my heart came alive
You showed me love and no words could explain
A love with the power to
Open the door
To a world I was made for

The dark night, the hard fight
The long climb up the hill knowing the cost
The brave death, the last breathe
The silence whispering all hope was lost
The thunder, the wonder
A power that brings the dead back to life

I wish You could stay
But I'll wait for the day
And though You've gone away
You come back and

And I'll watch as the sun fills a sky that was dark
And I'll be remembering You
And I'll think of the way that You fill up my heart
And I'll be remembering You

by: Steven Curtis Chapman

*I know I've not posted in almost a week, and I'm sorry. Please be patient. I want to update regularly; I really do. Just that, some things (as well as some other people) have taken precedence in my life at this point in time. =)

Summer

2006-02-16T21:49:00.000+08:00

I was at drama class this morning and we did this excercise where we got into pairs and softly read a piece of prose we picked out. Oh, but before that, we had to lie on our backs and whisper it to ourselves. I like the piece I picked out and the whole time I was saying it to myself, I was thinking of a friend of mine, a childhood friend really. As I was "breathing in the prose, line by line" (in the words of my lectutrer) I was reminded of the simplicity of life back when I was a child. How, everyhing was so unambiguous, so explicit, so...assured. I was reminded of how much fun we use to have literally scrambling hills and returning home with dirt all over us and bruised knees (Yeah, there was a tiny hill at the back of his house and if you walked far enough, it would lead you to a train station- out of no where). We'd play football and use our slippers as goal posts, ride our bikes around the neighbourhood. Sigh...I miss those days where childhood fantasies were not too hard to reach becoz they were not too much to ask. But I guess that's why they're called childhood fantasies, huh? When you're all grown up, fantasies become virtually inaccessible because the 'R' word kicks in- Responsibility. If you're the older sibling in the family and have been constantly scrutinized under the watchful eyes of your parents and the people who surround them, you'll be able to relate.

But, just because I know that I will always be a child at heart, I've got my girl friends to help bring out the "free spirit" in me. I may be 19, but really, I have the sould of a 4 year old (I still love that year of my life...untill today). I believe it's always good to let loose and let the kid in you come out every now and then. To me, that's the only way to stay sane. Well, that and fully relying on God...

But anyway, yeah, I really do miss the time I spent together. We've not seen each other in about 10 months and prior to that, our last encounter was NINE year ago! So, you can imagine the expressions on our faces when we saw each other for the firt time in nine years! I mean, we were two little people who were always playing video games (too bad his playstation only arrived long after I moved), jumping into those little kiddie pools that you could fold up and put away when not in use, and we'd strum our little badminton raquets and pretend they were guitars...lolz....It's amazing what puberty can do to a person! Just thinking about it makes me wish I was five again. Oh well, we gotta grow up some time.

Anyway, this is the prose that rekindled those sweet memories. I took it off Fiction Press (yeah, I don't have a knack for writing):

SUMMER

We were summer children, you and I. It was our element. We would climb hills together, feeling the wind through hair that was never brushed. Scrambling up trees with dirty nails that I bit and you let grow like claws. Jumping into the ocean on sunny days with tattered jeans on, not caring about the mess. Hoarding money and then spending it on ice-cream at some tiny store, laughing as we shared a cone, sweat and cream and roses dripping off our faces. We were the wild horses that could never, would never, be tamed.

-SaturnOolaa, Summer-

...of Weddings, Sarees and Errands

2006-02-14T09:03:00.000+08:00

It's about 9a.m. and here I am, sipping my morning cup of Ovaltine (because I'm not a coffee person) and checking my mails...
Gosh, it's been one heck of a tirng weekend, or rather weekendS! It's supposed to be the best time of the year to get married for the Hindus, I'm not sure why. But I'm just gonna take a wild guess and say it's got something to do with the allignment of the stars, moon and planets. Anyway, in this past weeks alone there have been about 4 couples tying the knot and two of those nuptuals were by my twin cousins- to two other people, of course =)- which explains the infrequency of my blogging. I've been busy traveling from Penang and back, all because they decided to have the wedding there (also the result of culture and tradition).

It's been very strenuous, but very exciting and 'wunnerful' nonetheless. I mean, for one, it's the first (and probably the only) wedding where it was a double celebration and secondly, it's cause it was my first attempt at wearing a saree at an event. But really, the wedding itself was very intriguing and... beautiful. Yeah, that's the word- beautiful. The idea of two people vowing to have and to hold each other from that day forward, in sickness and in health, and everything else they promise to do till death do 'em part. Sometimes I wonder why people put themselves through such commitment. Don't get me wrong, I'm a strong believer in the santity of the institution of marriage and hope to someday tie the knot myself, but I can't help but wonder how some people actually still try and make it work even through the toughest of times, when there seems to be no way out of the problem. I guess that's the wonder/beauty of a marriage with God and love at the center of it huh? You know one of the things I really love to see are old couples still together and still very much in love after so many years. My parents celebrated their 20th anniversary just recently. Well, it wasn't much of a celebration with daddy working abroad and all, but I often find myself asking what is it that makes it work for them...Their answer? Well, all I usually get is a sigh and then followed by a half-smile (or sometimes no reaction whatsoever). Whatever that means!

Oh, and in the spirit of all you fellas getting all valentine-y, I just wanna say that... I loathe this day, simply because of how commercial it has become. I don't see why people like to 'shower' their boyfriend/girlfriend with just too many chocolates and red roses, all because they think that if they don't their significant other will think less of them. And how about the singletons? Some of them get all depressed and emotional cause there isn't this significant other to spend the day with, no one to take them out to a fancy dinner and play footsie under the table with. I came across this funny nick on one of my friend's MSN. It said, "St. Valentine got his head chopped off for his struggle for justice, so stop being self-absorbed about being single, you losers!" So, to all the single people who get a little more depressed whenever you see a couple being affectionate, GET OVER YOURSELVES! Take it from me, one single person to another, there are plenty of things that you can do, and you don't have to be romantically involved with someone in order to do those things. That said, go out and have some fun and celebrate being single! Maybe you're just not ready for a relationship =) There, my two cents worth =)

Now, I've gotta go run my errands for the week; since I don't have class on Tuesdays, I've declared this day as a day to run my errands and do the things I don't get to usually do on weekdays. So, if you're thinking of having brnch/lunch/dinner dates with me, Tuesdays would be fantastic day, not that I think of spending time with my loved ones as an errand. Just that, on Tuesdays, I'm liberated from the many hours of boring classes, bad traffic and never being able to sit down and just have lunch with a couple of buddies without having to do something else simultaneoulsy. In other words, I'm free ;)

With that, I'm off to do the first two things on my list- cleanning up my room and the car! It's a mess!!! In the mean time, tell me what you think about this- it's an assignment I just handed in; it's a new and improved version of one of my high school magazine covers.

Kleenex- My New Best Friend...

2006-02-08T01:21:00.000+08:00

...in the most unwanted way!

I've caught the flu, or rather IT has caught me- the kind that comes along with festive packages; the result of effortlessly downing too many oranges and too much cold drinks. Sadly for me, I didn't get any ang pows to make this worth the while...and so now I am, in the words of someone who's always saying this whenever she falls ill (or something along these lines): "I'm a threat to the ecosystem" due to my very heavy consumption of Kleenex. I hate this flu bug! I hope it does not escelate (or however you spell it) to its horrible other best friends- the cough, the cold and the sore throat. If it does, then I shall be in big, BIG trouble. When I'm down with those horrid "friends" I don't sleep much (apart from my already deprived beauty sleep); When that happens, I don't think straight, I can't see straight, I can't walk straight and this ultimately leads to me not speaking straight (if the condition is severe enough). An that, as we all know it, is not good. As proof, I've been sitting at my computer for the last few hours trying to look for a prose and I STILL can't find one! IT has clouded my thoughts, I tell you- totally blurred my mind!

I was flipping channels (becoz I really couldn't do anything else besides plonk myslef on the couch next to good 'ol Kleenex) when I came across this soap on MTV- Laguna Beach (I'm not an avid MTV watcher). I don't know if it's the frustration of not being able to do anything else, but I think that show totally KILLS and corrupts the English language! I mean really, They like, speak using the word "like" in like, every sentence practically after like, every other, like, word! Like, how irritating is that?! I believe I've made my point: the word "like" has lost its meaning. Obviously, that show only caught my attention for about two minutes...

Six Months and Counting...

2006-02-02T22:35:00.000+08:00

-A view of Auckland City-

Random-ness

2006-02-02T17:59:00.000+08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I started out these two entries but didn't quite come around writing an end for them. No, it wasn't the result of my procrastination or laziness (well, not this time anyway); I left them hanging because I didn't know waht else to say- and I still don't! But I shall publish them nonetheless, so here goes...

1. ...of Shoe-Shopping and Frustration...
I wish there was a guide to buying footwear- a guide that has dips on where to get the kind of footwear I want and like! I came here with the intention of totally dissing foot wear companies in this country due to my immense frustration of not being able to find a pair of heels that I like. But hours of walking in the mall, bruising my feet and several second opinions later (from my cousin who came a long), I finally ( after what really seemed like eternity-please excuse the chiche) got myself something that satisfied me- the kind that was worth paying for. I was like, “Yes, there IS a shoe god!” And that somewhat calmed me down...

For those of you who know me well enough, you'll know that shopping? That 'aint my thing. And you'll also know that shoe-shopping? That really 'aint my thing! I hardly wear heels, as it is; I only have one pair of off-white heels which I can call my own. So, what's a girl like me doing shopping for shoes anyway? Well see, the thing is, I needed to get something to go along with this saree I have to wear to a wedding (which by the way, is my fist attempt and so not me!) and I decided that the old pair had to go...it was waaaay too old and tattered.

2. "Thank You"
What exactly does this phrase mean to you? Is it merely a way of showing gratitude when someone does something for you? Or do you think there's more to it than that?

Like when the guy at the toll-gate collects your fare; do you go the extra mile and say "thank you" because you think he must be bored to death just sitting there watching his life past by just like the cars he sees so you fell the least you can do is thank him for being there? Or like the bus/cab driver who takes you to wherever it is you want to go; do you thank him because he got you there in one place? Despite the fact you might have paid for the ride? How about the lecturers we thank for various reasons (like postponing a deadline) Or like when you get your allowance? Or like when someone sent you a text message via SMS and that totally made your day? Or the more obvious ones like when sombody helped you carry something...or when a dear friend stuck around trying to comfort you when you lost your car keys and didn't know what else to do but cry because you got the shelling of your life from mom...or when you get a hug and in politeness, you thank them. Ok yeah, I agree, the hugging thing may be a bit weird but people do that.

Just recently, I think I finally realize the emormity of the phrase; how it can really make someone's day...or sometimes even upset people. I know what your thinking- how can you upset someone by saying "thank you"? Well, I found out that you can, but I won't elaborate how. But yeah, I now realize that I should perhaps be a little more careful when I use that phrase.

So, for taking the time to read my nonsensical ramblings, I "Thank You" =)*no pun intended, I promise*

My New Treasured "Toy"...

2006-01-26T21:12:00.000+08:00

The new INSPIRON 630tm.

Life's Simple Pleasures

2006-01-10T21:56:00.000+08:00

...waking up to see a cup of hot chocolate (with marshmellows) already waiting for me at the breakfast table.
...being blessed with yet another day to live.
...watching an incredibly admirable sunrise with a loved one.
...being able to watch my favorite TV program with no interrupting phone calls or mom calling out to "take out the garbage" or "do the laundry".
...having a friend tell you how she met with an accident that caused her to fork out 2000 buckeroos, just to make you feel better about loosing your car keys.
...coming home to an apple-scented room and plopping myself on the bed after a long day.
...walking into class with friends.
...being in good company while driving in the massive peak-hour K.L traffic.
...staying up late just to read a particular book I can't take my eyes off.
...surprising someone with a phone call, when I know they'll least expect it.
...getting a call/message from someone I least expect to hear from.
...finding time albeit my hectic schedule to thank God for anything and everything He's done.
...the earthy smell of old books when I open them.
...getting together with my girl friends for a good session of laughs.
...having a nice hot shower with Micheal Buble's CD in the player as background music.
...having an 'a-ha' moment when I'm in a pickle.
...digging into the scrumptious Chocholate Molten Cake at Chilli's.
...the sense of freedom I get while driving down a clear (as in, with no other cars except mine) hill.
...getting a green "go" light at every trafic-light stop, especially when I'm running late for a class/an appointment.

*I can't seem to think of anything else at the moment; will add more when I do*

Back to Work!

2006-01-09T22:11:00.000+08:00

After about four months of having the luxury and pleasure of being able to drive to college, I've begun to realize how cumbersome it is to take the public transport-givent the choice, of course. But as it turns out, I didn't have much of a choice simply because my (mom's) car is still in the workshop and untill Friday, I shall have to suck it in and take the bus. Yes, the smell of 'heavenly' fumes of carbon monoxide and a 'potpouri' of other odours, the sight of too many people who have no regard whatsoever for personal space, the seemingly unending waiting periods (for buses/taxis) was like a slap back to the real world- one with scarce holidays and plentifull assignments (that will start to kick in in about two weeks).

But that thought faded away as soon as I steped into college. It was the first day of my 4th semester and despite be being usually cold and uninviting toward Mondays, today was oddly nice and I had a good day. Perhaps it was the excitement of going back to college after such and long, much deserved and refreshing break. No I am not geek- I look forward to going back especially this year because I'm waiting in anticipation for the things that are yet to come. I know for sure this is going to be yet another year of many changes for me. I am excited about what God has in store for me and I enter into the year expecting much more of Him! I'm digressing-let's get back to first day in college and why I like it. It's absolutely wonderful to be reunited with peers and meet new people at the same time. Oh and this may sound silly and childish but another reason why I liked going back to college today was because I could look and the freshies and say to myself, "Haah! I'm no more a freshie!" -the feeling of uncertainty, the fact that I was once as lost as they are- not a bother anymore. But, as I always tell some of my juniors who ask how I got through my Freshman year, "I had amazing friends who made sure I didn't feel so lost and uncomfortable. It's always a bonus to have high school seniors who happen to be studying in the same college as you- they really are a huge help!"

As far as subjects go, I'm still a little wishy-washy on that. I've got to seriously sit down and make my final decision tomorrow- good thing it's a public holiday. I just wish there were more options!

I'm now off to make one of the many birthday cards I've got to get done. January is the best month as well as the worst, I tell you! It's the best because of the many birthdays of my friends and family but it's the worst because my wallet thins faster than usual because of all the gifts I have to get them and because I'm the kind of person who insists on making my own cards and putting much thought into what to get them, time is another investment. Nonetheless, I enjoy doing it because I love them! This day has an hour left and I intend not to waste it so, Cheerios!

2005- A Reminiscence...

2005-12-31T23:09:00.000+08:00

I figured that since the year draws to a close in less than an hour, this would be apt- to reflect on what's happened these past twelve months. Also because I'm not in favour of spending this hour in a crowded place counting down to usher in the new year, craning my neck to see past the tall people to see what's going on on some stage somewhere in town and feeling all stuffy. I just want a nice quiet evening tonight. So, be warned:it might be a long post so you might want to take a few pauses now and then if you need to. Okay, so here goes...

I remember thinking in very early in the year about how I was gonna fit into a completely different environment as it wasn't gonna be good 'ol high school no more- a place where I felt so comfortable in my own skin, being around the people I care about and doing the things I loved, with much freedom; without having to worry too much about life other than my grades-which I eventually stopped worring about =). But then, as time took its toll, I realized that college is not going to be that easy and that making friends somehow just didn't come as naturally as it used to. I'd made a few frinds sure, but they weren't like the ones I had back in high school and I suddenly found myself yearning to go back- silly of me, I know. However, time also made me realize that life in general is never that simple and if I'd just give time a chance, everything will eventually come together and turn out for the best. So, with help I managed to come thus far and get through my freshmen year of college.

Spiritually on the other hand, I can now honestly say (after taking a stroll along the 'other side') that there is no greater pleasure than being able to serve God with what you have. I finally understand what the Donut Man said when he once sang "life without Jesus is like a Donut, 'cos there's a hole in the middle of your heart!" Perhaps it's because I was brought up in this way of life, what with my parents serving in church for as long as I can remember- untill about two years ago (another story all together). And, so after a few months of just going to church on a once-a-week basis, I decided that there's no greater joy than being able to serve God with everything He has blessed me with! It's a joy that I can't explain with words but if you're anything like me, you'll understand the feeling. I'd like to thank those who helped me get back this joy- you know who you are.

Truly, this year has been like previous ones, pleasantly acceptable with spanking great times along with its horrific counterpart of depressing hardships. But know what? Some of these hardships helped me understand that God is ever loving and I marvel at the fact that His faithfulness endures forever indeed no matter the situation. There were times where I felt like giving up because I thought God was not around anymore but "lo and behold", He was and always has been around; I just never looked for Him! For that I'm grateful to my Lord and Savior! Everyday I get to wake up is another day I get to thank Him!

Now, right this very moment, as I usher in the new year (in my personal way) that's coming my way in about 10 minutes, I'm hopeful for a better year. Though I've totally given up making resolutions simply because I never learn to keep them, I do want to become a little less agnostic about life and recognize the "brighter side of life" (please excuse the cliche). That, and I want to savor every possible moment, enjoying the life and times of my blissful 19th year here in the world!

So, here's to embracing life and everything that comes along with it- the good and bad. Have a Happy New Year everyone! Cheers!

My Grown-up Christmas List

2005-12-24T11:30:00.000+08:00

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies

Well I'm all grown-up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown-up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
Everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth

by: Amy Grant
(c) 1992 Air Bear Music / Linda's Boys Music / Warner
-Tamerlane Pub. Corp. (BMI).

...of Smiles and Skirts

2005-12-22T22:19:00.000+08:00

I finally got to start on some of the things I've been putting off on my do-to list: the ones concerning the Yultide Season. I started and completed my first Christmas card, though I didn't think it looked christmas-sy...oh well, I'm sure I'll get it right the second time =). Then I did a little shopping and I've been walking around with a huge smile plastered on my face ever since. Why? Because I FINALLY managed to get skirts that I could FIT INTO! Last Christmas I got so depressed thinking I would never ever be able to fit into skirts becoz I couldn't, for the life of me, find a SINGLE ONE! I was never really a skirt person till last year but unfortunately, I couldn't get any....until this year, that is so yay! I'm happy =) Look out world, Navee's getting her skirts on! Oh and the conversation between Daddy and me on the way to the mall went something like this:
Dad: So, how much did you spend on shopping last year?
Me: Oh, about 500 bucks. but ONLY because I needed new clothes for college...*sheepish grin*
Dad: *shakes his head* So, what you planning to but this year?
Me: Oh I was just thinking of getting a skirt and maybe some t-shirts.
Dad: Skirts? I haven't seen you in one of those in a really long time.
Me: Yeah, neither have I!
*Then everyone else in the car started laughing*

And that, just prooves how much of a skirt person I'm not. Now, I'm off to make a fresh batch of chocolate brownies for tomorrow's dinner at a friend's. Hope it turns out ok. *crosses fingers and toes*

My Monday

2005-12-19T18:15:00.000+08:00

I was at the police station today- not because I was arrested or anything like that, mind you. I am, contrary to popular belief, a law abiding citizen. No, actually I was there because I was in a freak accident- some nutcase lorry driver decided to rub taillights with my little car. And so, we (my family and I) had to go to the nearest police station (which actually happened in another state- about four hours' drive away from here- because the accident occured there) to logde a report. Man, I NEVER want to go to a police station again. EVER! It's a little too personal to say it out in print, so ask me if you really must know. But I will tell you that it was very frustrating and the damage was bad like I said, I NEVER want to have to go there again. On a related note, I thought loosing my car keys was bad (which by the way, I am ready to laugh about, Serena), but this really was something else!

So, then while "cruising" along the highway a thought struck me. This was actually the second accident I was involved in and ironically both times, the four of us were seated in exactly the same way in the car-Dad was the driver, I sat next to him, Mom was behind me and my sister was seated behind Daddy. Hmmmm...

Anyway, on another happier note, the play I last blogged about was simply amazing! In all honesty, I was debating with myself for the first time whether to pay more attention to the choir or the onstage performers! Well, yeah there was like one or two minor glitches at the begining but the show was in no way less entertaining and impactful. My only regret is that I didn't attend YC sooner so I could be able to part-take such an event and sadly for me, I doubt that theere's gonna be a "next time".
Sigh...
Good job guys...I can't describe the feeling I had upon leaving the show =)
If you get the chance, go watch it! Ti's so good you won't regret going! For more information about the play click

here

Thanks, God

2005-12-18T00:36:00.000+08:00

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for making the play a big success. I was in a sense as nervous as the people performing it though I only went to watch! So, thanks, that there were no major glitches throughout the whole musical. I'm glad that people were receptive towards it =). Please Lord, let the remaining shows be this great, if not better and please energize the cast and crew so they would perform with all they have...albeit the stress and the lack of sleep. For we both know how hard they worked- all the blood, sweat and tears. So God, let this be the best play ever! Thanks again, Jesus.
Amen.
*Will blog more about this after the second show- when I get home from Johor Bharu.*

This Time, It's Different

2005-12-08T21:44:00.000+08:00

Mom pointed out something yesterday but the reality of it sunk in only just now. She said that as of tomorrow (because I just finnished my last paper today), I'd have completed my freshman year in college! Time sure flies...and as I was driving home after that final paper for the semester (which was a totally horrible paper, by the way), I was thinking about all that has happened throughout my time in college as well as what a dear friend of mine wrote in my 18th Birthday card earlier this year. It read, "Do enjoy your teenage years and be willing to be stretched like never before". Looking back, I can honestly say that I have indeed been stretched like never before, more so in this semester and I know it's about to get only worse over the course of time, but I can also honestly say that it was a little fun to be stretched that way. I'm the kind of person that gets a thrill out of doing more than I can handle...I just love the intensity of rushing to meet deadlines and preparing presentations all in the same week...call me weird, I don't care. Yeah, looking back on my year in college, this year was really a year of change in more ways than one but albeit all the intensity, change, blood, sweat and tears I had a ball of a time in college and wouldn't trade it to be anywhere else- it sure as heck beats working!haha.

As I embrace Christmas with wide open arms this year, somehow I know that it's going to be different this year. I just do. But I don't know why. Perhaps it's because I'm just really looking forward to this much deserved holiday after all the "stretching" I've been put through. Maybe it's because I'm looking forward to meeting-up with all my friends after such a long time becoz they're back for the season. Or maybe it's the christmas play that's going to be held in my church this year. Perhaps it's becoz of daddy's homecoming. Even while putting on the lights for my christmas tree was somehow...different; more joyful in a sense. Christmas is the only season that I most anticipate this year. On another note, it's Christmas is also that time of the year that I do my once-a-year extravagant shopping and my to-buy list (for me and a few other people) is already populated and has become longer (it started filling in two weeks ago!) but unfortunately, my wallet is not thick enough to purchase all that I want/need to. Oh well, maybe daddy will give me some extra cash =)

Plus, though this is a holiday, I still have plenty of things to do and hence my to-do list has also elongated. But what's diferent about this list is that I'm gonna enjoy doing every single thing on that list becoz I want to do them, not becoz I have to. It's always a lot more fun to do things and run errands becoz you want to, rather than becoz ou have to....isn't it? What's more is that daddy's coming back and I sooo look forward to spending time with him after many months of him being abroad. But then again, there are "side effects" to this homecoming- curfews and ground rules. I'm being hopeful...that he'll cut me some slack becoz he hasn't seen me in so long and because I'm a year older than the last time we saw each other =)

Naveena's Exam Timetable

2005-11-30T09:14:00.000+08:00

December 2, 2005- Freshman English II
December 3, 2005- Computer and Their Applications
December 7, 2005- Human Communication
December 8, 2005- Communication in the Workplace

...now, if I can just hang in there till then...
I'm so numb that I've to pretty much force myself to hit the books! I think I'm experiencing a burnout...but on the other hand, I really need to ace these papaers; my CGPA depends on them!

Oh, Lord, please help me get through this!

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

2005-11-28T11:13:00.000+08:00

There's nothing better to close a dreadfully horrid week than having dinner with a jovial bunch of guys you once went to school with! Though we didn't have dinner in like some huge renown stakehouse or gourmet restaurant, good company more than made up for it. In fact dinner was just pizza and although I was, uh, fashionably late, once I sat down at the far end of the table, there was no stopping us! There was too much to catch up on since I was 'shipped off' to an all-girl high school (and I'm every bit thankful for it, don't get me wrong); I so totally missed them all!

It was supposed to be a Year 6 reunion dinner but sadly, only a few of us turned up. And as dinners like this go, the questions of the night were "So, whatca up to now?" "College" and the ultimate end- "So, got boyfriend or not?" And for most of the other girls who came, the answer to the last question was a shy "got-lah". I was probably the only one who's not attached and for some reason, they found it surprising that I was still single...wonder why.

But I would have to say the highlight of the evening was spending time with 'my boys'. Wait, before your minds wonder off to the unthinkable, let me explain. See, when I was in primary school, I was what many would term a 'tomboy'. While all the other girls in class were into clothes, Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys and Sweet Valley, I was climbing trees, playing pro-yo (it was the in-thing for boys then and very few girls took interest in it) and playing "Tanker". And so, I always hung around these bunch of guys who could totally relate to me. I guess I was a 'late-bloomer'...haha. I eventually grew to like clothes and Sweet Valley and The Backstreet Boys, and most of the other girly things. Nothing much has changed, I assure you but it's not all together exactly the same either- I'm sure you know what it's like (unless of course, you're still not, uh...'bloomed'- lolz.
I'm digressing, so let's get back to the point- 'my boys'.

So yeah, it was the highlight of my night because I was so myself. Sometimes, I'm not too confortable in my own skin, being around boys- SOMETIMES- but that night, I was nothing but comfortable. Sigh, me and 'my boys'; I think we were the greatest bunch in school...and I still am the most boisterous and enrgetic girl in our class...hehe. I still remember the look on one of my friends' face when I walked into the eatery. He gave me that You're-so-different-I-can-hardly-recognize-you look and he was so stunned to see me, it was hillarious. Must've been wondering what happend to the short-haired loudmouth wild 12 year old girl I once knew 5 years ago. Well, boy, I'm still here, except I'm not 12 anymore and I no longer have short hair no more =) It's amazing what puberty can do to you huh? =)

So, thanks guys for such a wonderful night out. You have no idea how much I was looking forward to this; I was having such a bad week. Thanks Kelvin and Mei Chen for organizing this. We should do this again some time soon. Too bad Brian and Yew Mun couldn't make it.

Pictures from that night

2005-11-28T11:11:00.000+08:00

This is what 5 years does to us- the lot of us who came

Part of them...

*insert you own caption =)*

Me and a few of 'my boys' and specifically, the fella at the extreme left- the computer wizzard of the group and the Clown is on the right in white;

Brainy and me..

The Jock and me

Almost Like Being in Love

2005-11-27T00:56:00.000+08:00

What a day this has been
What a rare mood I'm in
Why, it's almost like being in love

There's a smile on my face
For the whole human race
Why, it's almost like being in love

All the music of life seems to be
Like a bell that is ringing for me
And from the way that I feel
When that bell starts to peal
I would swear I was falling
I could swear I was falling
Why, it's almost like being in love!
-from the 1934 Broadway musical, Brigadoon-

*keyword: Almost; so not quite, just almost =)*

2005-11-26T10:31:00.000+08:00

Your Career Type: Artistic

You are expressive, original, and independent.
Your talents lie in your artistic abilities: creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art.

You would make an excellent:

Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor
Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer
Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer
Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor

The worst career options for your are conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary.

What's Your Ideal Career?

-To agree or disagree; that is the question-

In The Rain

2005-11-19T22:52:00.000+08:00

When I was younger, I just absolutely hated to have anything to do with the rain- walking, skipping and even getting a tad bit wet from runnig to get to a sheltered place. I never did understand why this girt on TV sang a song out of it (think the 1952 musical Singing In The Rain). I mean really, what's so cool about "singing in the rain"? Was it really a "glorious feeling"? Did it really make you "happy again"?!

Now, years later, I actually ENJOY the feeling of getting wet in the rain. I don't know if the perception has changed because I'm a little older now and well, somehow water isn't just water anymore (think advertisements- the kind that portray people walking in the rain and enjoying it).

I was on my way to church when it was raining cats and dogs. The church basement carpark was full and so I had to park my car at quite a distance (you'd feel it's a distance too if it was raining THAT heavily) and walk. Perhaps it was a good thing I decided not to wear sneakers that day. My sandals were getting slippery and so I had no choice but to remove it and walk barefooted. So, there I was, my brown handbag strapped to my left shoulder, my trusty bible and sandals in one hand and the umbrella in the other, and jeans folded up to my knees. and I ACTUALLY didn't mind getting a little wet and in fact, loved walking barefoot! I was "happy again" and I thik I even found myself humming a tune. I think I finally understand what a friend was talking about when she said what a joy it is to walk in the rain.

And when I finally made my way into the church building, I didn't care taht my hair was all icky, or that my t-shirt sleeve was drenched, or that my feet were dirty from walking in the mud (at some spots); and I know God didn't mind either =)...
I was feeling a lot happier that when I was driving. While driving, I was telling God how much I hate the getting wet in the rain- the whole journey and was askingHim to make it stop.

So now, I don't mind the rain. At times I love it!

2005-11-17T21:08:00.000+08:00

I'm just a kid and life is a nightmare!
Yes, that is the sentence that's been running through my head all day. It's that Simple Plan song-lah.
Yes, I'm STILL a kid and I've never been shy to admit it, so sue me! =)
Today has been as absolutely horrid day...wish I had Ben & Jerry to help cheer me up.
But instead, I get Frederick Taylor, Henri Fayol, Max Weber and Karl Marx; men who came up with stupid workplace managemet structure theories SIX decades ago, that so don't apply in today's working world!...and they were probably bald and not handsome.
I don't wish to explain waht I've just said, just know that I've had better days.

I Am

2005-11-15T18:28:00.000+08:00

...IN NEED OF AN A-HA MOMENT!
...IN NEED OF A BREAKTHROUGH IN MY ASSIGNMENT! ARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!

Amazing Grace

2005-11-13T23:18:00.000+08:00

I was just reading a friend's blog while waiting for one of my assignments to be printed out (yes! one down, two more to go...) and I thought I'd write a sort-of response to it because amazingly enough, she seems to be echoing my sentiments for the past few days with her last few blog entries. Or maybe it is I who am actually echoing her sentiments...well, whatever it is, I take comfort in the fact that I'm not the only one who feels the way I feel and have been feeling in the last week.

I truly understand what she means when she said how good it feels to come back home. Honestly, with all the craziness of assignments, presentations and preparing for a soon to come quiz, I trully felt so good inside when I came home from church today. In fact, I am glad I made the choice to go to church today because I really needed to hear these words: "Come back home my daughter" (or something along that line) from my heavenly father. I may not have HEARD God say that in his loud thunderous voice (well, thanks to Moses- the guy who parted the Red Sea with His help- I still think that God has got this really loud deep voice...though I know He's got that still small one as well...and...oh dear, please STOP me!) but I felt His presence and I can't tell how lovely that was...words definitely aren't enough to describe.

It's funny how I've always questioned God where He was when I needed Him. I mean, I'm talking frustrated-can't get through another assignment-why did I get such bad grades kind of 'shouting' at God at the fact that I thought He wasn't there. The reality is that I never really took the time to LOOK for him after asking Him that. Today, I found out that He was ALWAYS there...I just didn't see Him coz I was probably too busy wallowing in self-pity. Today, I was reminded that He still loves me, as messy/wrecked as I am and that no one forgives like Him.

So, Lord, here I am- back Home...YOUR home... where I actually belong and oh, how I've missed it. It really and amazingly good to be back! So yeah, I DO understand what it feels like to return home and to ahve someone who's ALWAYS loving you, no matter the cause and cost! And what I feel this moment is very aptly put in the lyrics of this song because I'm very much lost in his love and arms of grace and compassion:

Amazing grace that touched my heart
Anointing me to worship
Amazing grace that causes me
To stand in awe and sing

I reach out to You
Your hand of love, it conquers me
Calling to You
To the glory of Your name

I am falling for You
Run into Your presence
Falling into the arms of grace
I will call up on heaven
Just to see Your face
I’m lost in Your love
Amazing Grace
(Planet Shakers; I don't know who wrote the song;()

of assignments and coffee (bad, bad, bad!)

2005-11-09T19:23:00.000+08:00

It's been so long since I last came here (and neither did a lot of other people, I realize). It's definitely time for an entry! Although I went away during the festive break, I really didn't get much of a holiday (that day will only come after my finals) but instead, I had to work on assignments. Nonetheless, I was relieved not to go for classes. Sometimes, just waking up to attend classes is enough to tire me so the thought of not having to go just turns my mood. Plus, I save so much time on traveling!

This has been one really hectic week and those of you who study with me will have to agree with me just because our program has this wretched system of making us hand in all our assignments and do our presentations around the same time. So at the momment, these are the few things that are keeping me going:
~about 4 hours of sleep a day
~the fact that I don't have to take the public transport to college
~Cafe 21- thanks to Serena. (you were right girl. It tastes soooo much better than black coffee. I can see why you're addicted =))
~my mixed CDs
~wunnerful times I spend in quiet talking/singing to God; just being with Him, knowing he's around me, keeping me awake =)
~the peacefullnes of the wee hours of the morning
~and right now, this very second, the big baggy t-shirt and favorite pair of shorts I'm wearing. comfy, Comfy, COMFY!!

Alrighty then, now I'm off to get started on my assignment.
*rubs hands together, blows on fingertips and 'dives' fingers onto the keyboard*

In Good Company

2005-10-23T15:45:00.000+08:00

Over these past few days, I've had the blessing to meet some of my closest friends after such a long time. Some of them had come back for a short break, some I just haven't seen in ages and others I see everyday but on a Hi-how-are-you-sorry-have-to-get-to-class basis. Even asking 'How are you' has become we ask just because we have to. I mean really, most of us don't even mean it when we ask how the other is doing. We're all just hoping that that other person will reply with a 'Good' or a 'Fine' or any of those one sylable answer and run along because we're just so caught up in our own lives that we don't have time for others. I myself am guilty of doing that sometimes even though sometimes I wish so much that I could just really talk to them; I can't because I'm usually rushing to get to class/an appointment/some place or meet some one. Sigh...and more so now because of the crazy workload that's been given to me (well, this is partly my own doing- the result of procrastination- but that's another story all together)

Anyway, back to what I really wanna say, so I've had these little co-incidences of meeting with some friends of mine and it was really great to be able to catch up with them though the situations in which we met were just so unexpected. it was truly an act of serendipity (haah! I finally found the perfect opportunity to use this word =P)- a fortunate accident. And in a way I'm glad to have met them in such situations because it kinda made it all the more memorable. Like the first person you gave a lift to, or the first public bus you took (this was way back when I was 14), or even something as lame as stopping a stranger to ask him for the time just because you wanted to make conversation with a cute stranger (and then later saw your friend standing 5 steps away!)

You know, sometimes, it really doesn't matter where you meet your friends or what you were doing at that time. As long as you're in good company, the fact that you're stuck in traffic because the whole KL population decided to go to the same mall that day/ been waiting for the bus for an hour/ at your usual mamak but somehow the food is not as good today/ you're just plain angry at someone and all you wanna do is lash out, it suddenly becomes ok and it's not such a bother anymore. Suddenly, you begin to actually thank God for waiting/going to the mamak/feeling frustrated that day, that time. It's really amazing what a good companion can do and even how much they can brighten up your day. And if it weren't for those little accidents I may not have been able to catch up with some of my close and treasured friends. If only more 'accidents' like these happen...

The Brain That Didn't Listen to the Body

2005-10-17T19:05:00.000+08:00

Ever had one of those nights where your eyes totally gave up on you but your brain was hyperactive? I had a bad case of it last night and it totally distrupted day. I woke up this morning with terms like communication competency, haptics (which basically means communication through touch) and oculesis (which is a 'profound' way of saying eye contact)- none of which, by the way, got tested in my Human Comm test earlier this morning! Essentially, sleep is divided into 5 stages-just in case you're wondering- and actual sleep is supposed to take place in stage two (yes Trina, you are a good tutor) but I honestly don't think I even got past the first stage! So, needless to say, my morning was messed up more than usual...

Now I'm just so sore with the bus conductor who collected my fair on the ride home today. Why? Becoz he claimed I only gave him two bucks when I clearly saw three one ringgit notes in his hand! (the fair was RM2.50) Did I look so vulnarable that he decided to pick on me and pau an extra buck?! Maybe it was becoz I was just so tired to argue and proove my point, and he picked up on that. I did however, give him that liar-liar-pants-on-fire-and-I-hope-a-big-rock-falls-on-your-head look =). What did I ever do to deserve this? Plus, he was just so rude! I think people like him should take a crash course on customer service from my mom and the people who work in her department! He might just learn a thing or two about the phrase 'social atiquette'.

On a little lighter note,

I've got a five-minute speech to prepare that might be due this Thursday. It's a free topic but has to be one of persuasion and I really can't think of any topic. maybe I can talk about how bad coffee is to people...but then again, I just might be shot dead as soon as I walk out the classroom by members of The Coffe Addicts Association of HELP, or worse, be brutally down-graded By my lecturer becoz she herself is a I-can't-survive-without-coffe-kinda person! Guess, i'll jsut have to come up with another topic-soon

Now excuse while I panic over the sudden crashing of my printer. I've got a presentation tomorrow for Comm in the Workplace and I printer has died on me and so I can't print out my presentation! Damn you Canon Pixma iP1000!!!!
*whacks the printer hard*

of Thai Food and catch-up

2005-10-16T21:34:00.000+08:00

I had the best lunch ever! Not because it was free (although it was) but it was becoz it was a long awaited date that was finally materialized. We had made lunch plans a month ago but kept putting it off becoz of a gazzilion other equally important appointments that kept cropping up (ok, so maybe I'm exaggerating about the gazzilion bit, but it's only for emphasis!). So, Thai food it was, and it was good! But more importantly, my time spent with this prson was great becoz we caught-up with each others' lives...after about a whole year of not seeing each other.

So, once we broke the ice during the car ride, we just didn't stop talking. I can't remember having such a good time in...well, a really long time. I like to think that God cleared all other appointments just so we could have this time together on this blessed day. So, there we were with our Tom Yam Soups and deep fried prawns and egg-plants and beef (yeah, I'm not as good as describing food as I am eating it...sigh), lost in a world of our own. My, my, it was really a blast of a time. I love little catching-up sessions like this coz it reminds me how much I truly am blessed to have such wonderful people in my life; people I can look up to; people who echo some of my sentiments; people whom I can proudly say make a difference in my life. It's even more charasmatic to have people who are so passionate for God yet still so down to earth. I never was bored for even a second.
Sometimes I wish I had more time to have dates like this with all the wonderful people in my life, but sadly we're all busy with round-a-bout lives of our own. Personal goal: to meet up with at least 10 of my friends by the end of this year.

Thank God for such an amazingly extraordinary person in my life!

I Have Got To Stop

2005-10-14T22:16:00.000+08:00

...being so compulsive! lately, I've become such a compulsive freak that I think I irritated someone when I corrected this person, saying that HSBC (as in the bank) is pronounced 'Aich as bee see' and not 'Haich as bee see'. if you happen to read this, i'm sorry. The thing is, when I said it, it didn't seem like such a big deal but hours later I felt really bad for doing that...maybe I shoulda been a lil more polite. Know what's worse? When I was at the supermarket today, I saw a bottle of shampoo for sale that was not closed properly and so after someone put it back on the shelf after checking it out, I took the bottle and closed it properly!

I need to so something about this compulsion of mine before it becomes a disorder!
Uh...help? =)

"You've Got A Friend"

2005-10-13T20:36:00.000+08:00

When you're down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You've got a friend

If the sky above you
Should turn dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud, yeah
Soon I'll be knocking upon your door

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running, oh yes I will
To see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh yeah, but don't you let them

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yes I will.

You've got a friend

I'm not sure who wrote this song but it's the same guy who wrote Bridge Over Troubled Waters. What's his name?

You're Not Moving...

2005-10-11T21:38:00.000+08:00

...Until you finnish writing your story Naveena!!! Not an inch! Well, maybe except to get water, but THAT'S IT!!! NOW GET TO WORK!

Yeah, I sometimes need to talk to myself to get psyched up...

2005-10-05T22:10:00.000+08:00

YAY!!!! the deadline for my Communication in the Workplace assignment has been extended for another week. Woo-Hoo!!! This is so good coz then I've got the whole of the Raya/Dewali break to work on it.

Lalala...oh, and this was just too good an offer to pass up at a time like this so now i'm happily nibling off this:

I need to feel happy so I need my body to release endorphins so I need to have this bar of chocolate. Hehe...

*Does the jolly dance*- I've got an extension on my assgnment and God heard me venting out my frustration

...10 minutes later when there's no more cadbury crunchie bar...

*Sighs heavily*- I've got my english mid-term test tomorrow at 8 a.m meaning I've to wake up earlier than usual so I don't get caught in the terrible K.L morning traffic.

*Walks away*

2005-10-03T19:52:00.000+08:00

I Hate October 2005!!! arggggghhhhhh!!!!

Yes, this is officially the worst month yet! I've got plenty of deadlines, presentations, tests, research papers with tedious formats that MUST be adhered to and everything you could possibly load on a student. I guess compared to working, I'd rather be a student at any given time. I'm just complaining because it's the RIGHT thing and JUST thing to do ;p

This is what lies ahead for me in throughout the month:
-Human Communication research paper (due in three weeks)-and research has yet to be done, mind you;
-Communication In The Workplace research Paper (also due in three weeks and on the same God forsaken day as the prior paper!)- Reseach for this is getting me no where at the moment;
-English short story-by short, i mean abt 20 pages long- (this is due in three weeks as well) and I finally have inspiration to write this peice
-English research paper analyzing literature and relevent information pertaining to it (this is only due in a month's time so it's not too bad and it's a group of seven people)
-Human Communication presetation
-Communication In the Workplace Case study presentation in two weeks...eeek!
-English presentation (i've to do a persuasive speech for this one)- no work has been started on that
...and last but certainly not the least because it requires studying and remembering which ultimately means more time consuming, are my tests which as I said before I have to study for...

To sum, October=late nights+lack of sleep+plenty of coffee+droopy eyes+the workload itself!

And with that I'm off to write my short story. Or perhaps I should continue doing research for my Communication in the W/place assignment...feeling frazzle.

Promissed Pictures- Cameron Highlands

2005-09-30T23:17:00.000+08:00

Don't you just feel like hugging her??! I wish she never grows up and goes to Neverneverland...

The wonky hotel

These were good. Too bad the ones I bought back didn't taste the same. I think it was a psychological thing...sigh

Dinner...mmhmm

Cameron TEA...

Communication Breakdown

2005-09-29T19:28:00.000+08:00

I need help! I'm having problems pitching my ideas and communicating with a certain team mate of mine and it's not because this person can't speak English. It's the intercultural barriers of communication that I face in talking to this person. I can be pretty rude sometimes and I know that but it's only because I'm trying to make a point and even though my verbal and non-verbal signals are pointing towards the same direction of the message, I fear this person still doesn't get my point and so we're constantly finding ourselves stagnent.

Dear God, please hear my cry of frustration!!!

More Of My favorite Things

2005-09-28T23:18:00.000+08:00

I don't know what is it about them, but I just like white T-shirts!

My weakness...as in I can't walk in them (I think these are Prada)

...but I am learning how to; slowly but surely. (This, if I'm not mistaken is by Vera Wang...or smtg like that)

In the mean time though, these are the best! Especially since I'm always on the run, both literally and metaphorically. (Good 'ol Reebok!)

A Few of My Favorite Things...

2005-09-28T22:49:00.000+08:00

I hope to own one of my one someday...or if I'm lucky enough, my dad'll give me his!

Don't be mistaken; it's the fact that they're old yet still in love- that's my favorite thing. Hope to see my parents this way 20 years from now...

Choc-chip mint from Baskin Robbins...mmmm

Serena reminded me of this...a while ago (This I borrowed- without permission =)- from her blog.

It doesn't get better than this...

...actually, i guess it can get better =)

I wanna work and live here someday.

Procrastination

2005-09-27T19:50:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I said that I was having trouble doing the one thing I needed to do. today. I saw a one-hour stand up comedy about it...well sorta. If you get the chance to watch this stand up comedy, please do: It's by Elen DeGeneres. The topic was procrastination and needless to say, she spoke about everyhing else under the sun except procrastination- the irony. What's even more ironic was that her comedy was titled "Here and Now". But I must say it was very Here And Now and practical. So if you can

GO WATCH IT NOW!!!

Her parting words, and I quote: Procrastinate NOW! Don't put it off!

And so with that, I'm gonna find something to do, other than what I'm actually s'pose to do. =)

Cannot-lah

2005-09-26T23:52:00.000+08:00

Why is it so easy to do all the other things I can possibly think of EXCEPT the one thing I have to do? Ever found yourself in a similar situation?

My excuse? I don't have inspiration.

Trust Issues

2005-09-20T22:26:00.000+08:00

A funny thing happened to me on the way to college today- I got into a cab with three total strangers because I was about to be late for class. I never just get into a cab with anyone so this was my first time, out of desperation. One was a working young lady, another was a girl from my communication calss (ok, so she was not a total stranger but still, I didn't even know her name!...and i still don't), and yet another was a guy form college but another department so I had not seen him before. I say it's funny because it was ironic that I had trusted total strangers (putiing aside the fact that they were all nice-looking people because daddy always said never to trust strangers no matter how good or nice they looked) but right now find it hard to trust some of the really close people in my life.

It really is a strong word, isn't it, this word TRUST. What does it mean to you?

Trust to me means being able to say to another person, "hey, I know I can depend on you and I know that you'll come through for me no matter the cost so thanks buddy" and to have hope and faith in that person. I remember when I was in primary school we had this game we'd play called "trust". I'm sure you would've played in some time in your life. The idea of the game is to fall from a high place (we would stack up tables and chairs to get the desired height) and have people waiting to catch your fall at the bottom. I used to metaphorically name These People family (because I really didn't have that many friends I could trust back then) but now, I'm not that sure if Those People are still under the Family category anymore...Sometimes, or rather lately, it's been a lot more easier to trust people I don't know very well, people whom I've just met about a couple of weeks ago and that is scary- not being able to trust family no more.

But, with all that's been said and done if there's someone that you KNOW will ALWAYS have your back no matter the cost, you KNOW that that person is Jesus. I have seen the realism of that trust once and I know I will see it agian. I am not be the most pias person (I'd like to meet the person who claims to be though=) ) in the world but I know how real and how dependable he can be. There's this song that I just love singing because I feel a sense of assurance that He is always around and dependable.

Through It All
by Hillsong
album: Blessed (2002)

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness

And I look to You
And I wait on You

I'll sing to You Lord
A hymn of Love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

But then again, being as human as I am, there are times I wish there is that physical person that I can see to trust and like I said before, Family just doesn't seem to be one of 'em anymore, which really isn't a very good thing.

I'm contradicting myself, aren't I?

Overwhelmed

2005-09-13T22:20:00.000+08:00

I'm right now in this state where I'm just so overwhelmed with so much work and don't know where to begin. Well, actually sratch that; I DO know where to begin- my two very long and very boring chapters of Communication In the Workplace because of its upcoming test. Somehow though, I just can't seem to study and the reason why I'm here blogging is because I just couldn't concerntrate! But that aside, I've three other major assignments to complete in like a month, all of which are due on the same week by the way, and they require a whole lot of research- I'm sure fellow students can relate. And then there's this whole problem I have right now with my finance management. I need more money. Why? Simple really- so I can stop living of my mom's because she's always irritating me by saying "I can't be paying for everything!"(and lately, it's ALL she ever argues about at the mention of money-related discussions!)

Nothing has been going my way ever since I got home from college today. My job application was turned down, I couldn't fit into my favorite pair of jeans, I qurraled with mom (yet again, this time because she didn't take me to the optician when she PROMISSED to, giving the same excuse she has been for the past whole week- "'ve got a headache"), I'm practically going blind in one eye and mom doesn't believe me AND I'm broke. Could this day GET any worse? Honestly, I feel like crying right now...man I just wish I could call someone up and talk to 'em(because I always feel better after talking to someone- dosen't have to be about the problem- I just need to talk) but I can't do that because everyone else is probably studying/doing assignments/sleeping/busy...

So, I think I'll just go soak my pillow and blast happy music. Then hopefully I'll feel a lil better and I can finnish at least two chapters of what I have to study. Please excuse me...

The Valour of My Tongue

2005-09-12T23:02:00.000+08:00

Why is it that we tend to assume that good character traits go together with other good ones? We assume that just because this person is really good and kind at heart, he/she would never be capable of saying anything bad. If you ask a mass comm student (i say student because most theories don't apply when you're actually working hands-on in that field), he/she would say that we practise the Implicit Personality Theory meaning you subconciously group a set of characteristics based on what you see. So, if you see the good in a person, you assume he/she is all good. I myself am guilty of doing just that- today. I guess I forgot that this person is after all, a mere human being... It's nothing super-huge, it's just that I never really thought that this person would ever bruise another with the 'valour of his/her tongue'. Like I said, I finally saw the mortal in that person.

'Valour of my tongue'. Shakespeare used that phrase in reference to the power of Lady Macbeth's words in leading her husband on to take the throne based on a prophecy in his play Macbeth. IT was to show how mere words can make a man so driven to achieve his dreams and over-throw his king and replace him. Boyzone (I can't remember the original singer) did a re-make on the song 'It's Only Words' saying that all they have are words to sweep a woman off her feet and to 'take (her) heart away'. Such is the power of words and should you not use them wisely, regret is bound to be felt. As they say in the principals of human communication, 'communication is inevitable, ireverseable and unrepeatable. So, because we can't un-communicate what we say, it's best to think before we talk. But really, it's a lot easier said than done (yeah, I see those heads nodding) ain't it people?

Yes, I've said some things, done some not very nice things but does that alter people's perception of me? Do they now think I'm not really the good girl I was perceived to be? Have I hurt poeple so dear to me in doing this? Have I made people feel small? Have I whacked them so hard with my words that they're afraid to come near me? Have I lost precious friendships this way? In all honesty, I'm not sure if I can say yes to all these questions but i'm sure it's true. Do I feel regret? Witout a doubt. What have I done about it? Sadly, nothing much because in the words of a friend, "Once said (hurtful words), they can't be retrieved and a mere sorry sure wouldn't suffice" (In, 2005). All I can do is say sorry but 'sorry' won't fix it. 'Sorry' is not gonna make the pain go away and 'sorry' sure as heck isn't gonna allow that other person to look at you the same way again.

So, here I am asking, what can you do to mend something like this? It's not as simple to move on as it is to pour chocolate syrup on your waffels...is it?

When A Bad Day Turns Around

2005-09-09T21:58:00.000+08:00

I normally look forward to Fridays (like many others) because it's a day closer to the weekend. This morning was fine until about 10.30a.m.. See, I only have one class on Fridays and that ends at 11.30a.m but today my lecturer let us off early but told us to stay back for this communication-related event that was to happen at noon. So there I was, feeling a lil frustrated because I was just sitting there doing practically nothing (I was trying to kill time by looking at my textbook for research material, but it was so not working) and I hate doing nothing. That's just me- I can't even sit/stand still for 5 minutes let alone two blessed hours! I'm always doing something; I don't normally just watch tv either- I'll always be doing something else. Now, I rest my case about the whole I-can't-sit-still-thing; I think you get the idea =)

So anyways, then I thought since I was gonna be around college for a while I may as well do something I like and so I did. I went for lunch with a friend...hehe. But it's not like I like eating lucnch with someone per-say, it's more like just being able to get together with a friend and doing something and, because people often assiociate get-togethers with food, that's what we did. It was really funny at first because we were deciding on waht to have so it started off with 'mamak' but there was nothing nice coz we went after the lunch hour so we decided to get something at the mall since we were both heading in that direction. Ok, so still deciding on what to eat, and then somehow the conversation just went to I-like-bread. Yeap, after all that head-cracking and fancy 'mamak' stall plans there we were at a bakery, both very contended with our peanut butter roll and custard ring and both enjoying the company. It's interesting how everytime we talk I find yet another thing that we both have in common...

I do have a point in this story about my lunch date...somewhere =) To me, it's always a joy to be able to have little meet-ups like this simply because I love having one-on-one talks. I get very excited whenever I meet up with small groups of poeple more so if I haven't seen them in a long time. I can't really find the words right now to describe the feeling but if you're anything at all like me, you'd understand =) It's one of the best feeling in the world- besides immersing yourself in a great time of singing songs to God... So, thanks Serena for that wonderfull time of fellowship...hope you did your 10 minutes...lolz

Oh, btw, these are more pictures from dinner last month with Tasha (pics courtesy of Mickey):

Mickey and I...she's gone back to the U.K now...missing you already babes...

From the left: Mickey, Dashi and me

Tasha and I...she's not around too...man...all these people are leaving. Will I?

I'm still waiting for the engagement pictures to me mailed to me so patience yah? =)

2005-09-06T22:17:00.000+08:00

What I saw on Monday morning was, to me, a sight to behold! I actually saw people queing up for a taxi! It was at the Bangsar LRT station. I say it's a sight to behold because I've never seen Malaysians do such a thing. It made me wonder if Malaysians have actually learnt to be civil or was it because the line for the Putra bus was untill the stairs. Either way, believe it or not, it kinda made my day- I hate Monday mornings remember?- knowing that not all KLians are ruthless.

I had quite a weekend. I spent it at Cameron Highlands with my aunt, her family (my cousins) and my family.
Cameron Highlands= wonky hotel+ awesome view+ great tea with scones (that was so English man...)+ strawberries and cream+ foosball+ pool

Then came the part that totally ruined the holiday. I'll spare you the details but I'll tell you this: My mom, sis, cousin and I ended up taking a taxi home from Tapah because our car died on us. It's got major engine problems and so now it's in Taiping in the custody of one of my uncles, and the car is getting a by-pass. So much for finally getting my driver's license in hand huh? Sad really.

I'll post up pictures soon...till the next post, ciao.

Still Hating Mondays...

2005-08-29T18:19:00.000+08:00

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!

Charlie and Willy Wonka's Perfect Set of Teeth

2005-08-25T21:29:00.000+08:00

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 ;)

Part Two

2005-08-24T16:30:00.000+08:00

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)

About Me (jeez, that sounded so self-absorbed)

2005-08-23T23:24:00.000+08:00

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.

The Whole 8 1/2 Yards

2005-08-22T20:33:00.000+08:00

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!