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Tuesday, March 29, 2005

The Chinese in me

I just started listening to Chinese songs again. Mostly thanks to his influence la. These HK singers are actually really good at romantic songs - like a friend put it to me, when you're heartbroken, you listen to Chinese songs and you'll cry all over again. That's how emotionally-charged Chinese songs can get. And I agree.

Or maybe it's the Chinese in me that makes listening to these songs quite pleasurable, although I don't understand like 95% of the songs' lyrics.

Proves that music makes a universal bond.

Monday, March 28, 2005

C-_-m-p-l-_-i-n

Anyone ever tried Jelly Belly Beans before? Their box reads "The original gourmet jelly bean". My best friend in Sydney gave me this some time ago, and it's only now I opened it. I used to have this fetish with Frutips Jelly Beans when they came out - they don't sell this anymore unfortunately. So anyway, the box is separated into compartments with little clusters of jellybeans in different colours. The box cover has the names of all the jelly beans in there e.g. buttered popcorn, margarita, toasted marshmallow, strawberry cheesecake, juicy pear, green apple, bubble gum - amazing! And the most amazing thing of all, they really do taste like what their names say they are! And they give you a lot of sugar rush ...

... something which I need to feel happy. March's salary is in, and the figure hasn't changed! Argh! A number of us are depressed, and it's contagious. However, because it's the end of the month and we've to work our butts off to finish our cases, we didn't have much time to sit around and pull long faces. Boss is away on some golf trip or something, left my lady boss to look after the office, and she's been in a very bad mood ever since. No wonder.

And throwing in the towel's not a choice for me. If I start with a new employer, he definitely won't allow me to take time off to study for exams. So, I'm stuck. How lovely.

Today's complaining day. It's a Monday. He's only going to be back on Thursday. Now in Madrid, waiting to fly to Amsterdam, where he's planning to get high and what-nots. Then, he'll fly back. Can't wait - the only thought that can make me smile today :)

Saturday, March 26, 2005

Of Klang, Sideways and Barcelona

Bak-kut-teh shop-hopping! I always have nice memories of bak kut teh in Klang, because the only time I drive all the way to Klang is to meet friends with the excuse of having bak kut teh ... or more like, have bak kut teh with the excuse of meeting friends ;) This time, we went to 2 shops for bak kut teh, because when we wanted to add on to what we were already having, the 1st shop had run out of "bak" :P

Anyway, this friend in Klang travelled by land all the way back from Estonia! Amazing. The journey lasted about 15 days, from Russia through to China, Cambodia, Vietnam and finally Bangkok before arriving in KL. You know, I think, somewhere in the minds of everyone, they wish they could do something like that. I know I wish that.

Then I went over to another friend's place to hang out and watch a movie - Sideways. Urm, I don't understand why it won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. I think Before Sunset (which was nominated for the same category) was by far better. Honestly, and I repeat, everyone should watch Before Sunset. It's brilliant.

And so thankfully, I had a full Saturday to keep my mind off a non-PS2 weekend - if you know what I mean.

He's in Barcelona now, to start off his extended trip from the group tour. He's got a painful ankle and he's been exerting it so much walking around these few days :(

I think his major plan in Barcelona is to visit La Sagrada Familia. This picture shows how gory it looks, and these pictures give fuller views of this gothic Antonio Gaudi masterpiece. I'd really love to see this place one day.

And now, I shall indulge in my weekly dose of The O.C. 2 and The Apprentice 3.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Onwards to Andalucia - Seville and Granada

Sleeping in a different hotel every night - I've never travelled like that before, wonder what it feels like.

He was in Seville yesterday, and I hear that it's pronounced not as "sae-view-ll", but as something that doesn't sound like what it looks :P

And today, he's in Granada. They're supposed to go watch flamenco tonight. I've always thought flamenco was a sexy swishy kind of dance, apparently it's much more than that. Someone described that the flamenco experience is best when there is "nothing around but the voice, the guitar and the body of a dancer moving in the moonlight".

Granada's also next to the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalucia, Spain (I'm learning so much about Spanish geography just by blogging). Apparently these mountains are covered in snow even in the summer. So I guess he'll probably get to see snow ;) And, I'm not sure if his itinerary includes the Alhambra, but goodness do the photos make this huge fortress castle look impressive.

I could work for the Spanish tourism board :P If work obligation and money weren't issues, I'm sure that the skies would be filled with airplanes transporting loads of people everywhere - travelling's such a delightful way to waste time, isn't it? ;)

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

From Madrid to Toledo to Cordoba

Right now, he's sleeping somewhere in a hotel in Cordoba. And I thought I'd do him a favour to help him track his trip around Spain. I haven't been to all those places, but Google's a wonderful search engine :)

They travelled from Madrid to Toledo and he said it was a beautiful town (he's very trigger-happy and it's lucky he's got a total of 384mb of memory for his digicam). These pics of Toledo that I found will probably give you an idea - especially that Alcazar castle.

The Cordoba pics look very Spanish (like, duh), just like how I'd imagined it. Me, where the only Spanish influence I've had in my life are the Andalusia apartments in Pantai Hillpark :P

And did you know that both Toledo and Cordoba are among the World Heritage Cities of Spain? The pictures look really beautiful - can't wait for him to get back and see real pictures :)

And now, I've got to get to work, starting off a bit late today. Don't really relish traipsing around Klang Valley in the cloud of haze that's enveloping KL now. I dunno which is worse, the horrible scorching sun that feels like it's killing every skin cell on you, or the asthma-inducing haze which makes me feel like rubbing my contacts to get a clearer view of the road.

Sunday, March 20, 2005

Baby steps

I've completed - well, browsed through, more like - my compulsory readings of notes before I attempt my first Development Appraisal & Funding assignment. And I'm actually quite proud of myself. I haven't exactly read my study notes thoroughly at all ever since the first semester - and this is the 4th semester! :P Exaggerated a bit I know (I have managed miraculously to pass my subjects so far - I'm still crossing my fingers for the previous semester's). But, with the studying done, tomorrow night I can proceed to decipher my assignment.

I'm actually kinda looking forward to this assignment actually. Development Appraisal & Funding's a subject that I'm interested in - for once. You know how everything you study in your degrees don't really apply in your job? Well, this subject does for me. And this first assignment needs me to put on my developer's consultant thinking cap and assess viabilities of possible projects for redevelopment. Hah, too many nouns leh? Anyway, in short, I can pretend to be a property developer - a theoretically sound one :)

I've put off quite a lot of things recently. Like redeeming a discount coupon I was offered, the deadline for redemption having passed a week ago. Thankfully they still accepted my redemption - because I've been such a loyal customer :) I've also just re-indulged in reading once again. My newest reading list obtained just this evening from my regular rental store - My Book Place, 2nd Floor, Amcorp Mall:

1. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory - I've read her earlier book "The Queen's Fool" and it was really truly an absorbing book. Could hardly put it down. If you like books about England's scandalous monarchy during Henry V's reign, give these 2 books a try. It's fiction, of course, but the writer makes it seem like very believable fiction. Can't wait to start on this book.

2. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho - Heard praises about it. Read the first chapter while killing time in MPH Jusco Ipoh a couple of months back. Another one of those inspirational books that gets you thinking, I guess.

3. The Fabulous Girl's Guide to Grace Under Pressure by Kim Izzo & Ceri Marsh - Ooh, this book has an expensive rental deposit : RM60/-!! But, I was quite taken by the candid and straightforward writing. Not fiction, more like a how-to guide. If I don't learn something from it, at least I'll have had a good laugh.

4. The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes - The book to fill my regular dose of chick lit. Chick lit does seem to be trendy these days in the bookstores, doesn't it? I can understand why, actually, because they're easy to read, fun, light, totally fictional, transports the girl in you to fairyland for that few minutes before bedtime, and requires zero brainpower. I haven't read Marian Keyes before, but have also heard that she's good.

And I should think these 4 books should be able to last me for another 2 months. Or, at least, they'll keep me company while my darling's traipsing around in Spain for the next 2 weeks. 'Course, got my job, studies and log book to keep me occupied. And yes, it shall be baby steps towards achieving everything I need to achieve this year. But, now's a good time to start, since the dear's not in the way - not like he ever is (I do so need to explain). But, by the end of 2 weeks, or more like 11 days, we shall see a newer, more accomplished me. Definitely. The countdown has begun - 11 days to go ...

Saturday, March 19, 2005

Unwritten - defined my way

Sorry to subject you to nonsense ramblings once again. It's trendy nowadays :P

She's not exactly "unwritten" - some thoughts of hers are blogged out for the world. But, there are lots, of course, left unspoken and unwritten. The fact that every day is a new day, is an inspiring thought. But how far has she made it a new day? Not very much, actually. So far, she's led it day by day, doing the same old things at work, and trying hard to cook up enough motivation to finish my notes reading in order to start her Masters assignment, and of course, trying hard to fight procrastinating on her valuer's log book. See? The same old complaints, the same old thing, day in day out.

But it's got to be a new day, starting tomorrow. The "dirty window" has to be thrown open and a new her soaking up the new day's optimism.

She has her goals that need to be achieved by a certain time. And she's working towards them in a way she's right now not very enthusiastic about - the path to her goals are becoming painstakingly boring. But, she's starting to think of more creative ways to lead her life, without sacrificing other things just because she has goals.

She can continue to be inexpressive, or lack animated conversational skills, but she can learn to revel in day to day life, in her own way.

She's got goals that aren't a priority right now, but goals she's undoubtedly more excited about than the ones she's pursuing right now. Now there's a dilemma, huh?

But ...

Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

And it shall be something written my way, the way I would like it to be.

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Unwritten

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your innovations
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Oh, oh, oh
I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines
We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inner visions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

by Natasha Bedingfield

Saturday, March 12, 2005

The evil spirit in my car

A summons (which I haven't paid for yet). Air-cond coil costing me RM750/-. Now, to add to all that, my car got broken in to just now.

It was parked at Paramount LRT station at about 11 am. I took the LRT with my mum to MATTA fair at PWTC. When we got back at 4 pm, from far off we heard my car alarm. When I neared the car, I saw that my "baseball bat" steering lock wasn't there anymore. When I reached the car, I saw my car doors weren't locked. When I opened the door, I saw this note on the driver's seat that read something like "Kereta anda cuba dipecah masuk. Sila lapor ke balai polis SEA Park." It was written at 12.05 pm.

What fun.

I had to switch off the car alarm which had been ringing for about 4 hours (disturbing the residents nearby). Naturally my car battery was dead so I couldn't start the car. My steering wheel casing had also been taken off, I presume so that the thief could start my car and drive it off. Nothing else was taken. My windows weren't even broken. Not a single scratch on my car. And for these, I am thankful.

It's quite a miracle my car was still there. If not because of my car alarm, which stalls the car if the alarm isn't deactivated, I'm sure I'll be car-less now. Luckily my knight in a shining red car saved me by getting a mechanic to come and install a new car battery.

Expensive lessons learnt : Don't park at Paramount LRT station. Buy a better steering lock (maybe Stoploc costing RM200++ is a good idea now). Fix my car door alarm (which will cost me another few hundred).

An entire month's salary, literally, spent in one month, literally, just on this car, literally. My car needs a feng shui master.

20 questions

1. Why do we take for granted anything we have in abundance, and value things we cannot have?

You think it everyday. Your friend has got better pay and a better job. Her family's cooler than yours. That couple looks like they're more exciting than you and yours. Your friend's car seems to need less maintenance than yours. Her boyfriend showers more attention to her than yours does. Everyone else's life is more fun than your own.

2. Why do we put our trust in something as unmeasurable as the love of another?

I don't know. Would that be why there are often conflicts within couples? One feels he / she loves more than the other. How can such a supposedly simple everyday matter not have a solution?

Shall stop at 2 questions for today. Another 18 to come, when the time's right.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

My hair!

I just have to be trivial and fluffy-brained for awhile.

I found some split-ends! Argh! And, I've many many more white hairs now (as compared to the occasional white hair every few months). First thing I thought, call my hairdresser and make an appointment. But his colleague says he's on leave for 3 weeks! Another argh! And no, I can't see someone else because I'm snobbish and I only want him to do my hair :P

My google results say I need to get a hair trim and a treatment to restore health and replenish moisture to my hair ends - to deal with the split ends. About my white hair, aiyoh, don't get me started. I'm heartbroken. Maybe I should keep those white hairs I cut out and show them to my boss so he knows how stressed out I am. (Like he'll care.)

I read some survey somewhere that says women's most prized assets are their hair, face and breasts. And it's true, I guess, because women spend the most on their hair and face, which also explains why hair and beauty saloons are doing so darn well.

I'm holding my breath - is my hair gonna be able to wait another 3 weeks?

Monday, March 07, 2005

Serendipity

I'm going thru a nostalgic phase - remembering all things that made me feel good a very long time ago.

And, I've got a copy of my all-time favourite movie - Serendipity!

If you haven't watched it yet, get a copy from me. It's too brilliant a movie to miss. It's one of the best romantic movies ever - on the same rank as Before Sunset (Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy). This one has John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale with her ever-so-lovable-British-accent.

When you can't have conversation, you can pretend that you're characters in a movie - movies like those I've just mentioned. Then you can have pretend conversations.

I'm becoming schizophrenic, aren't I?

I'm having a horrible day. My car air-cond coil just broke down. It will cost me a cool RM700+ to get a new Denso coil. I don't know the exact price yet because I'm supposed to pay tomorrow morning. I had a headache that lasted the entire day and has just subsided. I'm getting irritated with every single thing and I accomplished nothing in the office today. And I haven't yet paid my summons because of stupid police procedures. Can you believe they only open their counters for appeal cases on Thursday for 2 hours? Every single week, they only have 2 hours for appeal cases - like hellloooo!!!

It's not a good day. I should just climb into bed early.

"I just want some one to say to me
I'll always be there when you wake
Ya know I'd like to keep my cheeks dry today
So stay with me and I'll have it made"
- No Rain by Blind Melon

Saturday, March 05, 2005

No Rain

Right now I'm listening to "No Rain" by Blind Melon. Brilliant song. It's really really old ... the last time I'd heard it I was in secondary school! And now I'm hearing it in the opening scene of Episode 14 of The O.C. It gave me a very good feeling about this episode.

And yes, The O.C. Season 2 has finally had its best episode as yet! Frankly, Season 2 has been quite really a letdown - till now. Everyone is back where they belong - and no I won't bore you with a blow-by-blow account of possibly the best tv show on earth :)

But I like the fact that The O.C. emphasises a lot on new artistes and contemplative indie music - which really sounds good and has introduced me to a whole new world in music.

And now, at the risk of sounding like some fluffy-brained teenager, I shall now go and re-watch this brilliant episode again. It's got all the great one-liners, the characters are back being the lovable characters they were in the mind-blowing first season, and Summer and Seth get back together again :)

Friday, March 04, 2005

Friday night ramblings

It's nice when you have time for yourself, with no obligations to do something or someone expecting you to be somewhere. Of course, that never happens, because you just always have something that needs to be done, or somewhere you need to go, or just some chore that needs to be completed.

Well, I've got that valuer's log book sitting at my desk, still waiting patiently for me to fill it up. (I think it's getting impatient, actually, or I'm getting impatient with myself because I'm way past my self-imposed deadline to hand that book in!).

My 4th semester for my MSc has also just begun, as of Feb 28. But I haven't yet opened my books. Some sort of vicious cycle thing because I've told myself to get started on my valuer's log book first, before I should start the semester, and starting the semester is something urgent because if I don't start the semester, I won't be able to read my notes finish in time to hand up my first assignments. And since I haven't started the log book, nothing has been started yet. Yay for contemplation! :P

Damn it's tiring to run on deadlines!

There's a few weeks every few months when I can concentrate solely on work, without worrying about going home to study or work on an assignment. This week was one of them. And so, I focused on work - and happily, got quite a lot of things done. There's still a lot on my workdesk (who doesn't have a full workdesk?), but it really is quite refreshing sometimes to just be an employee and have to worry about nothing at the end of the day.

My boss just assigned me the task of arranging the company trip - where, when, how much, who, etc. The weekend's been decided - May 22nd's weekend, which is Wesak Day. But I'm still researching prices for Bangkok, Bali and Sabah resorts. All 3 seem pretty interesting.

But, why am I telling you this? Because the company trip is going to be one tricky issue to handle. I've just finished a marathon session of 4 episodes of The Apprentice Season 2, and goodness, are those Apex girls really catty and pathetic. Anyway, I'm having trouble with the company staff - the girls, actually - because they have this clique-y kinda thing (which company doesn't?) and they're pretty much going to refuse to go for the trip, for one reason or another. And, this branch I work for is really rather small, 13 of us in total. We've got 6 females in the office - 3 of them form one clique, the other's my lady boss, another's this freelancer single mum who rarely comes in and then there's me. There's going to be serious complications in accommodation if the clique and the single mum doesn't go for the trip. It'll be a heckuva lotta fun bunking in with my lady boss, who's married to my other boss :P Of course, it won't work that way lah, but the underlying reason behind why the clique won't go is simply because we don't click. Aha! Don't you just hate catty girls?? Urgh! If I had long fingernails ...

But, the bright side - I've got the guys to play with :)

Nah :P I'm trying to see if Bangkok's feasible, because that way we won't be stuck in a resort with nothing to do and I can busy myself just going on tours and shopping.

It's been ages since I've rambled, hasn't it?

Haven't had much time to actually just sit and gather myself. It may just be me, but these days, it seems rather difficult to find someone whom you can sit with and just let yourself talk, someone you can have a good conversation with. That's important, isn't it, good conversation?

I mean, I went out with some uni friends the other day. Was very good to catch up after not seeing them for quite some time. Was quite happily surprised to find that we could still speed-talk and laugh loudly with no awkward silent moments in between. I mean, these are people I don't see often - they say a lack of communication causes ties to sour - but in this case, no. It was really a nice outing. And it left me craving more, actually.

But different people supply you with different kinds of conversation which gives you a different kind of energy. I don't know if you're getting me here, but let me just ramble. Cleo magazine often has articles about how different friends suit different occasions and different moods. And it's true! You've got friends you joke crazily with, talk seriously to, just purely hang out with, borrow stuff from, all kinds. But, the one kind of friend who really satisfies, is one who lets you spout your thoughts, express yourself freely, and gives you the kind of emotional and spiritual satisfaction - your soulmate! Yes, that's the word I was looking for :)

See, talking is important - at least it keeps your language skills sharp, if not more.