Hmm. Strange.

It's a strange week. Work-wise, life-wise, everything-wise. I had days where I didn't see the point in anything. And days where all I could do is work, work, work. All i want to do these days is run (literally run, like in the park) and I wake up automatically at 5am everyday. This morning was a new record: 4:30am. Thing is, I'm not sleepy for the rest of the day.I worked late last night and had a few beers and went home...and still couldn't sleep. The past week I've felt completely dejected and rejected. But maybe God decided to cut me some slack and delivered some good news too...So i can't complain. You ever feel like your life is in shambles but it's also not? Confusing, I know but I don't know how else to explain it. It's like you've fallen down and can't get up but then again, you kinda like lying down on the ground doing nothing. Heh. Bad analogy i know. I was also offered an all-expenses trip to Vietnam (don't ask. It's too long and twisted a story). I'd take it but,er, it comes with all sorts of complications that I don't really want to get into right now.

Okaaaaay. Quiz time.

Your Love Life Secrets Are

Looking back on your life, you will have a few true loves. You've been deeply wounded in the past, and you're still recovering from that hurt. You expect a lot from your lover - you want the full package. You tend to be very picky. In fights, you love to debate and defend yourself. You logic prevails - or at least you'd like to think so. You have a hard time ending relationships, even if the other person says it's over.

Your Love Life Secrets, Revealed

You Should Be a Joke Writer

You're totally hilarious, and you can find the humor in any situation. Whether you're spouting off zingers, comebacks, or jokes about life... You usually can keep a crowd laughing, and you have plenty of material. You have the makings of a great comedian - or comedic writer.

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

You Should Drive a Saturn Sky

You're sleek and smooth, and you need a car to match your hot persona. Besides, sometimes you want your top up - and sometimes you want it down.

What 2007 Car Should You Drive?

Oh yeah, I could DEFINITELY use one of these!

Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF) You are a passionate, caring, and unique person. You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals. You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily. Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings. You seek out other empathetic people to befriend. Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships. In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily. At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career. With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone. As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style. On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.

The Three Question Personality Test

yeah yeah yeah and I'll have a side order of world peace while i'm at it. Ok, I need something lighter:

Your Stripper Song Is

Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard "Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on Livin' like a lover with a radar phone Lookin' like a tramp, like a video vamp Demolition woman, can I be your man?" Break out the baby oil, you rock it old school.

What Song Should You Strip To?

Yeah bay-beh.

Karim Rashid

So there's this designer dude from New York. Karim Rashid, half Egyptian, half English (i hope i got my facts right). I was browsing through his website, getting to know the man and his work. Pretty modern stuff la: brightly coloured chairs that don't look too comfy, distorted mirrors, funky doggy bowls (i liked this) and he also designed the Issey Miyake women's fragrance bottles and limited edition Echo Davidoff. Anyway, what REALLY caught my attention was one of his furniture designs which went on display in the New York Sex Museum (reason #103 to visit the Big Apple). Check this out:

It's called the Karimsutra (no points for guessing how to use it). Talk about getting a conversation piece for your new home. Forget Lego. Now THIS is what i call hours of endless fun! But for comfort sake, I think it should be cushioned with PVC or leather or something. You could get some nasty accidents in the heat of the moment, if you know what I mean. Other cool stuff from Mr. Rashid: The Edra. And it's PINK!
Guest:"That's a cool giant kidney bean you have there..."
Me: "I know. Pick a pod and have a seat."



The Kloudchair. I think it swivels. And if it doesn't, I think it should.

And finally, the Worganic.
"To give your home a Dali look." heh heh. Disturbingly distorted makes these a delight!

There are some things I can't quite grasp though. Consider exhibit A:

This, ladies and gents, is what he calls a Pearl Mask. Perfect way of telling your significant other he/she's hideous:
Him: Here you go, honey. Happy Birthday.
Her: Oh Sugar Puff, you shouldn't have!
Him:Well, you did want pearls this year. Here, let me put it on for you.
Her: How does it look?
Him: Really brings out your eyes.

And I bring you, the Schmoo (I'm not making up all these names, really...)

"Prepare the spaceship for take-off, Commander."

And just how fashion-conscious is New York? They have DESIGNER manhole covers, people. You try stepping on one of these babies without being mauled by the fashion powh-leese.

"I'm too sexy for my shirt, so sexy, it hurts..."
-Right Said Fred (who fell off the bed and knocked his head when he wrote this song), I'm Too Sexy.

Tuesday's child loves a quiz. Or two.

Who Should Paint You: Gustav Klimt

Sensual and gorgeous, you would inspire an enchanting portrait..With just enough classic appeal to be hung in any museum!

http://www.blogger.com/ What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

Gustav Klimt? Google time.

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion.You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness.You're generally good at balancing work and play.When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have low agreeableness.Your self interest comes first, and others come later, if at all.In general, you feel that people are not to be trusted.And you're skeptical that anyone else really feels differently. Neuroticism: You have medium neuroticism.You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic.Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy.Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is low.You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable.You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea.While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Yeah I really needed a test to affirm that I'm boring.

How You Life Your Life

You seem to be straight forward, but you keep a lot inside.You tend to avoid confrontation and stay away from sticky situations.You tend to have one best friend you hang with, as opposed to many aquaintences.You tend to dream big, but you worry that your dreams aren't attainable.

How Do You Live Your Life?

Point taken. Next:

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

I start and end everyday by looking inward... Really?

YOU ARE A CORONA

You don't drink for the love of beer. You drink to get drunk.You prefer a very light, very smooth beer. A beer that's hardly a beer at all.And while you make not like the taste of beer, you like the feeling of being drunk.You drink early and often. Sometimes with friends. Sometimes alone. All the party needs is you!

What's Your Beer Personality?

Finally! A test that got me right :)

Ups, downs, smiles and frowns.

Saturday afternoon. 3:24pm. Office desk. I know i could be at more exciting locations right now but considering my so-called life, the office is pretty good. Just thought I'd blog before I get some work done. I don't HAVE to be here but since I can't really think of better things to do right now...Well, you get the pic.

Actually, I had a rather busy day. Breakfast with Haw, and then off to the airport to interview the Vice Chancellor of London for the magazine, went shopping for a friend's daughter's gift, gave a goodbye hug to Andrina who's leaving for KL today, another quick round of shopping, lunch and to the office. Phew. And I'm planning to go for a jog. I've started running again and this time, I really would like to stick to my cardio program. Tonight, movie marathon! I bought a few DVDs: Wedding Crashers, North Country and Crash (bought this couple of weeks ago). Plus my parents are gonna be out of the house so...Heh, the Palace is aaaallll mine. For a few hours anyway.

Last night i went to watch 'The Wild'. Which turned out...ok. Not bad, not good but...ok. After that, I had my first beer after the LONGEST time. It tasted like heaven and a half. I wanted a Corona actually Carlsberg would have to do.

Me likey me Corona....

But this was just as good:I had just enough to get me buzzy and all ready for bed. As soon as I got home, I freshened up, hit the sack and dreamt of more beers. I'm not usually a beer person but I guess after you deprive yourself of anything for a long time, it's always refreshing.

The last few days have been filled with ups and downs. The ups: Selina, Carol, James Blunt, Lasagne, Sabrina delivering 3 (or 4?they're still curled up with their mum so I can't be certain) kittens (yay yay!), window shopping with Melina. The downs: "I can't want you right now", a misunderstanding, a fall out, my plans to leave KK in the near future not working out after all...

Yes I am disappointed. But I am also happy. It's the whole yin-yang of life I suppose. I have realised that the end of something only means I can welcome a new beginning. And now, I realise I MUST let go so that I can open my heart to new possibilities. I'm going to keep my head above the water and one day, I'll be able to blog about being so ridiculously happy that you'll be gagging by the time you finish reading. Heh. Watch this space.

"I wanna love, I want a fire, To feel the burn, My desires, I wanna man by my side,
Not a boy who runs and hides, Are you gonna fight for me?
Die for me? Live and breathe for me? Do you care for me?
'Cause if you don't then just leave."
-Kelly Clarkson, Walk Away. You tell 'em, girl.

Rain. Feel it on my fingertips.

It's a wet Thursday, people. Do you know where your umbrellas are? I have been 'internet-less' since Monday hence the disappearance from cyberspace. Didja miss me? Let's see, does Mel have anything interesting to blog about...?

nope.

But I will try to make my somewhat-mundane life sound like a circus nonetheless. This week I am swamped with meeting after meeting after meeting. Work work work. Which is a good thing. I want to go to the circus. I wanna feel like a five-year-old opening presents on Xmas morning. I wanna be so freakin' happy that my heart is gonna burst out of my rib cage, slam against the wall and slowly ooze down to the floor into a bloody mess.

Sorry, a bit carried away there for a moment. Ok, i got this from Yo's page. It's so ridiculous, I had to do it:

The Ultimate Name Game
1. Rock Star Name: (first pet and current street name) Snowy Austral.

2. Movie Star Name: (grandfather/grandmother on your dad's side, your favorite candy) Amadeus Mentos (hahahaha)

3. Fly Guy/Girl Name: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your last name) MLeo.

4. Detective Name: (favorite animal, favorite color) Kitty Pink (yeah that'll scare the criminals)

5. Soap Opera Name: (middle name, city where you were born) Cory (i don't have a middle name, this is my Catholic confirmation name) KK.

6. Philosopher Name: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name) Melomahap (I sound egyptian)

7. Jedi Name: (middle name spelled backwards, your mom's maiden name spelled backwards) Yroc Amoc (wah, i like this one. Sounds like, You Rock Amok!)

8. Porn Star Name: (middle name, street you grew up on) Cory Fortuna

9. Superhero Name: ("The", your favorite color, the model of car you drive) The Pink Wira (literally, the pink hero.Wah, ngam juga)

10. Fashion Designer Name: (first name, favorite scent) Melissa Glow (sometimes i wish i could)

Ok another meeting beckons.

"I'm gonna muster every inch of confidence I have...For you I will."
-Teddy Geiger, For You I Will (Confidence)

The Long Weekend.

Howdy all. A three-day working week, I can't complain. But am I the only one who finds the Tuesday public holiday disrupting? Perhaps so. Coming back to work on Wednesday felt like I was starting my week all over again. That said, quite happy about the look weekend ahead. My colleague are going to Tawau for the Lepa Regatta (a parade of traditional Bajau boats every April) and then island hopping in Kapalai and Mabul (sniff. No, i don't get to go this time). They'll only be back on Tuesday (bawl!). Sigh. I wish I could go but it's only fair to give the others a chance. But there's so much excitement amongst my workmates that I can't help but feel a twinge of envy. Grr. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts.

The Weekend Report
Ladies and gentlemen, this just in: It was one hell of a weekend. Actually I've had crazier weekends but this one was truly an interesting mix. First up, a big fat welcome for Pat who finally managed to find his way to KK. Hope we fed you well! And it was REALLY tough not being able to drink while he and Mia polished beer after beer at the Waterfront. Sigh. And I will never forget the Underworld-Kelly Clarkson-Buddhist chanting experience on Sunday night, haha. For photographic evidence, visit Sel's blog. On Saturday night, went to Blue Note to celebrate a friend's birthday. Good music, good company, good time. But come Monday night, I finally had my first drop of alcohol after 40 days of lent. I didn't indulge because somehow it didn't feel right with Good Friday and Easter coming up (yeah yeah I sound like the Catholic of the year. I wish la.). Anywaaay, Monday night turned out to be 'eventful' for some and all I was thankful for was that I didn't wake up with a hangover.

Tuesday was a public holiday and I spent it slow and easy, just the way I like it. Woke up, went out for brekkie and headed to town to get DVDs for my movie marathon session. I was atually looking for 'Grease' (i really really really want the DVD so if anyone knows where I can grab it...) but to no avail. Finally bought Brokeback Mountain, The Family Stone, Crash. My friend bought Nightmare Before Christmas, which i haven't seen and can't wait to! I like Tim Burton's morbid taste. We watched Brokeback Mountain. In.ter.est.ing. In a nutshell, I have to be honest and say it didn't blow me away as i hoped it would. Ang Lee is still a great director in my eyes but I think this movie would have been borderline mediocre if it weren't for the unconventional theme of two guys falling in love and not your run-of-the-mill tragic love story of boy meets girl etc etc.
I am NOT homophobic, let me spell this out. However I would be lying if i said the movie didn't make me feel awkward. Not because the leading men are gay but more because of the way Ang Lee had a no-holds-barred attitude when it came to displays of affection. Basically, he wanted to show that, hey here are two human beings -irrespective of gender- who had a pure friendship and love but had to deal with societal expectations or suffer the conseuqences. Love conquers all? The movie leaves you thinking. Something very few movies do these days and it's refreshing. I wouldn't watch it again (2 hours 20 minutes, enough said) but I'm glad I did. Word of caution: Do not watch this with your parents/anyone under the age of 18/homophobics. It's pretty graphic and it'll be difficult to explain to your 8 year old niece why that nice young man is 'riding his friend like a horsey with his pants down'.

I wanted to watch something light-hearted after that so we put on 'The Family Stone'. I guess you can't go wrong with a cast made up of Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Claire Danes and the like. Basically, it's a story of boy brings uptight city girl back to meet family for Christmas. A comedy of errors and a lesson in how the unexpected can be the best thing that could happen to you. And it's a fuzzy-feeling Christmas movie. Hugs all around!

Anywaaaay, I have two articles to write and I really should get down to it. Till the next entry, this is Fridaycat signing off.

"Guess mine is not the first heart broken, my eyes are not the first to cry..."
-Olivia Newton-John, 'Hopelessly Devoted To You' from my all time-favourite musical 'Grease'.

Hollow

Goodbye My Lover - James Blunt

Did I disappoint you or let you down?
Should I be feeling guilty or let the judges frown?'
Cause I saw the end before we'd begun,
Yes I saw you were blinded and I knew I had won.
So I took what's mine by eternal right.
Took your soul out into the night.
It may be over but it won't stop there,
I am here for you if you'd only care.
You touched my heart you touched my soul.
You changed my life and all my goals.
And love is blind and that I knew when,
My heart was blinded by you.

I've kissed your lips and held your head.
Shared your dreams and shared your bed.
I know you well, I know your smell.
I've been addicted to you.

Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

I am a dreamer but when I wake,
You can't break my spirit - it's my dreams you take.
And as you move on, remember me,
Remember us and all we used to be
I've seen you cry, I've seen you smile.
I've watched you sleeping for a while.
I'd be the father of your child.
I'd spend a lifetime with you.

I know your fears and you know mine.
We've had our doubts but now we're fine,
And I love you, I swear that's true.
I cannot live without you.

Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

And I still hold your hand in mine.
In mine when I'm asleep.
And I will bare my soul in time,
When I'm kneeling at your feet.

Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.
I'm so hollow, baby, I'm so hollow.
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so hollow.
I'm so hollow, baby, I'm so hollow.
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so hollow.

Hollow is the word of the day.I always dreaded the day I'd finally relate to this song.Sniff. Ok, ok wallowing moment over.

F-F-Friday!

It's Friday people. And Fridaycat is on the prowl! Sans alcohol that is. One more week to go before Lent ends. I've been doing well so far and I must say, I am so proud of myself for not touching a single drop (ah, but I've had a few close shaves).

I haven't blogged for the sake of blogging these days, so here I am, just spewing random thoughts from my head. Today we had another assembly with the Minister and heads of department. Usual stuff: wake up at 6, slip on the red kebaya, sing the national anthem while trying to ignore the rumbling tummy screaming,"Feed me, feed me." I'm in the office, trying to write my Mataking island piece but my muse is taking a coffee break I suppose. Maybe blogging will do the unclogging. Heh, rhymes. I'm so clever sometimes.

I had a drink with Wil last night, one of my good friends. We always manage to have a good laugh. Actually, for the last week or so, hanging out with my friends have been very therapeutic (given the current situation, which I will not delve into right now). Even chatting with Yo and Pu (who are in absentia at the moment) online about teachers with hairy armpits and "pigi manaaaa dong?" have been the highlight of my week. Near or far, my friends have been da bomb and more than 10 years later...They still da bomb, heh heh. Mia had a good point when she said that through all the ups and downs, and even with people walking in and out of our lives over the years, it's still your best friends who have your back. Sniff. So twue.

I'm in a very awkward place in my life right now. Part of me understands the whole mantra of "everything happens for a reason bla bla bla". But the other part of me is in such an emotional turmoil. On one hand, life's equations are SO simple. Boy meets girl, girl meets boy, they like each other....You know the rest. But noooooo, we have to make things complicated. We have to make excuses. It's like God handed you your life and said, "Sign here. By the way, please read the fine print for rules and regulations."

Ok enough of that. Tonight I will be at Blue Note to celebrate a friend's birthday. Too bad I can't get smashed and drink the night away. Heh. For the weekend, yours truly will be one step closer to down under. Cryptic, no? Watch this space for more updates on that.

"I'm so sick of love songs...So why can't I turn off the radio?"
-Ne-Yo, So Sick. oh yes i am...

Of burnt bums and sand in my pants.

I was in Mataking Island couple of weeks ago. Yes, for work. No leeches this time, only blue waters as far as the eye can see. My only lament is that the sun decided to go into hiding during our first two days. In fact, it rained the minute we arrived but in the afternoon, the sun made a brief appearance. Only to rain again the next morning (tease!). Our photo shoots were hampered by the weather but we tried to get the best shots we could. The skies were FINALLY blue on the day we left, how annoying. That said, I still managed to get my ass burnt during my snorkelling rendezvous. I saw turtles, gorgeous corals, an eel, clownfish (y'know, those Nemo babies) and a blue whale! OK maybe not a blue whale but wouldn't that have been cool? The food -as on all my island hopping trips- was excellente! Our rooms were really nice but I was annoyed with all the sand I kept bringing back with me. I had sand in my bed, in the tub and in my pants. Nice. Hopefully my next island trip will have more sunshine.
Wilkommen to Mataking Island! They even had a little song to welcome us. I felt so touristy, heh. A shot with the Resort Manager and Japanese guide (yeah a Japanese guiding the locals, go figure), Yoshiko (in orange)
Coconut crab...looking for coconuts i suppose. Feisty creatures.
Wilson Philips rejects. Walking along the sandbank at low tide to get to Pulau Mataking Kecil, about half an hour from the resort.

Dinner time! mmm fresh crabs. I know we shouldn't play with our food but i couldn't resist.
Yoshiko snorkelling. Oh forgot to mention, this was where I got a dose of jellyfish stings. Fun.
Here fishy fishy! Feeding time at the jetty. Happy Mel outside my lodge- none the wiser of the injuries to come.
Seriously, would my trip be complete without ANY injury? Me whining like a baby after scarping my knee on a coral. Damn low tides.

So pretty kan? The resort la, not me....Ok la, if you insist, I'm pretty too *flutter eyelashes*

Happiness

A Lea Salonga song i've always loved but couldn't remember the lyrics! Dedicated to my happiness-loving friends who make me happy during the unhappiest of times:

Happiness is two kinds of ice cream
Finding your skate key, telling the time
Happiness is learning to whistle
Tying your shoe for the very first time
Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band
And happiness is walking hand in hand

Happiness is five different crayons
Knowing a secret, climbing a tree
Happiness is finding a nickel
Catching a firefly, setting him free
Happiness is being alone every now and then
And happiness is coming home again

Happiness is morning and evening
Daytime and nighttime, too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That’s loved by you

Happiness is having a sister
Sharing a sandwich
Getting along
Happiness is singing together when day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you