Merahmu bara, semangat waja
Putihmu bersih budi pekerti
Kuning berdaulat payung negara
Biru perpaduan kami semua
Puncak dunia telah kau tawan
Lautan luas telah kau redah
Membawa semangat jiwa merdeka
Semarak jaya kami warganya
Jalur gemilang di bawah naunganmu
Jalur gemilang kami semua bersatu
Perpaduan, ketaatan
Amalan murni rakyat Malaysia
- Jalur Gemilang.
Yep, i sang this today. Not alone of course. Along with a 100 plus or so of the Ministry's officers and department heads. In batik kebayas and shirts. And then our Minister gave us a 'pep' talk, so to speak. I dunno what to make of it. I felt so 'government-y' but it was also nice to hear the minister say pleasant things about us for a change, rather than being screamed at.
It rained cats and dogs this morning and you can imagine how much more difficult that made
waking up at 5:45am. Oh ya, i forgot to mention that our little patriotic singing stint took place at 7am.
Seven am on a rainy friday morning...sigh.
But its ok because Friday lunch breaks are from 11:30 to 2pm, yay! But instead of watching a movie (as we usually do on Friday lunch breaks), we headed to Lintas for some delicious beef kon lau mein. Wah...so sedap i tell you. A bit of promo here: It's located at the driving range place in Lintas, only available during lunch time for RM4.50 a plate. Go get yours today!
It's almost four thirty and i'm all 'written out' at this point. My colleagues have left early (Haw has a dentist's appointment and Zee is not well. Melina took the day off) and here i am, listening to Heather Headley moaning about how she wished she never met you so you couldn't hurt her. On a happier note, IT'S FRIDAY PEOPLE! And the Fridaycat is ready to play. Tonight, Shenanigan's is the place to be. Heard DB8 is back (a band from the Philippines who has quite a following here in KK) and will be interesting to see if they're still as good as they used to be. No heavy drinking today, just good times with good friends.
Ok, maybe just a wee bit of wine...
Say hello to the weekend!
When you have to look away
When you don't have much to say
That's when I love you, I love you just that way
To hear you stumble when you speak
Or see you walk with two left feet
That's when I love you.
-Aslyn, 'That's When I Love You'... Some people are so jaded aren't they? nice song, albeit.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
by Jack Johnson
Well I was sitting, waiting, wishing
You believed in superstitions
Then maybe you'd see the signs
The Lord knows that this world is cruel
I ain't the Lord, I'm just a fool and in love with somebody
don't make them love you
Must I always be waiting, waiting on you
Must I always be playing, playing your fool
I sang your songs, I danced your dance
I gave your friends all a chance
Putting up with them wasn't worth ever having you
Maybe you've been through this before
But it's my first time so please ignore
These next few lines because they're directed at you
I can't always be waiting, waiting on you
I can't always be playing, playing your fool
I keep playing your part
But it's not my scene
Want this plot to twist
I've had enough mystery
Keep building it up
Then shooting me down
But I'm already down
Just wait a minute
Just sitting, waiting
Just wait a minute
Just sitting, waiting
Well if I was in your position
I'd put down all my amuntintion
I'd wonder why it had taken me so long
But the lord knows that I'm not you and if I was
I wouldn't be so cruel cause waitin' on love ain't so easy to do
Must I always be waiting, waiting on you
Must I always be playing, playing your fool
Excellent song. Cool video.
by Jack Johnson
Well I was sitting, waiting, wishing
You believed in superstitions
Then maybe you'd see the signs
The Lord knows that this world is cruel
I ain't the Lord, I'm just a fool and in love with somebody
don't make them love you
Must I always be waiting, waiting on you
Must I always be playing, playing your fool
I sang your songs, I danced your dance
I gave your friends all a chance
Putting up with them wasn't worth ever having you
Maybe you've been through this before
But it's my first time so please ignore
These next few lines because they're directed at you
I can't always be waiting, waiting on you
I can't always be playing, playing your fool
I keep playing your part
But it's not my scene
Want this plot to twist
I've had enough mystery
Keep building it up
Then shooting me down
But I'm already down
Just wait a minute
Just sitting, waiting
Just wait a minute
Just sitting, waiting
Well if I was in your position
I'd put down all my amuntintion
I'd wonder why it had taken me so long
But the lord knows that I'm not you and if I was
I wouldn't be so cruel cause waitin' on love ain't so easy to do
Must I always be waiting, waiting on you
Must I always be playing, playing your fool
Excellent song. Cool video.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Music to my ears...
“Once I was all so alone
Unsteady and cold
But your love rained down upon me
Washing away uncertainty
But now I am free.”
Mariah Carey’s ‘I Am Free’ from her Daydream album, before her ‘look-at-my-big-ya-yas’ days. I’ll confess I’m a Mariah fan, especially her earlier stuff. Her first album still remains my favourite. ‘Vision Of Love’ and ‘Someday’ showcased her eight-octave range really well and she wasn’t doing too much of that heavy breathing stuff. And she didn’t have lyrics like “Mariah…You’re on fai-ah (fire)”.
Right now I’m listening to her Daydream album in the office, 8:50 on a Wednesday morning. Still getting my engines running. I’m in a writing mood so I just might get some work done today, yay. Yesterday I hit a writing wall where it took me seven hours to write three paragraphs. I spent most of the time planning an imaginary holiday to Koh Samui. Now if only I had the money…
On another musical note, I’m into John Legend these days. He has a gospel/R&B sound so if you’re looking for something refreshing from the usual radio-friendly songs, tune in. I really like ‘Used to Love You’ and the video is pretty cool – a church, a gospel choir and Kanye West. It’s not something I usually listen to but I admit I’m hooked. And take a listen to ‘Ordinary People’ – the arrangement is simple but it’s the lyrics that got me. It’s nice to listen to songs that make you go hmm. More songs on my playlist these days:
Best of You – Foo Fighters
Don’t Lie – Black Eyed Peas
We Belong Together – Mariah Carey
You Oughta Know – Alanis (acoustic version)
Rest In Pieces – Saliva
Only Happy When It Rains – Garbage
Behind These Hazel Eyes – Kelly Clarkson
Close To You – The Carpenters (don’t ask. There’s something relaxing about an oldie)
Cool – Gwen Stefani
Cadillac Pimpin’ – Youngbloodz (compliments of my brother, Ted, who’s a big rap fan)
There you have it. Sometimes I whip out some really old stuff from the 80s. They’ve got better love songs to be honest. Also, you’d be surprised at how good some movie soundtracks are. I like the sappy ones, heh. I recommend the following:
1.One Fine Day (Natalie Merchant’s version of ‘One Fine Day’ is noteworthy)
2.My Best Friend’s Wedding (great mix, including Amanda Marshall and Tony Bennett)
3.French Kiss (great way to learn some French songs, heh. I like the French version of ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me’)
4.You’ve Got Mail
5.The Wedding Singer (Eighties. Need I say more? And Adam Sandler’s original ‘I Wanna Grow Old With You’ *sigh*)
Last night
Last night I went for happy hours after work. It was a good session with my workmates. Unwinding after a long day, bitching about work and drowning our misery in beer. We were joined by two other friends –a photographer and tour guide (friends of the industry we call them)- and more beer started pouring in. And then Viv and Toi joined us and soon we were one big happy drinking family. We had dinner after drinks and by nine pm it was time to get home. Last night was good. Last night I was happy again. Need to do more of that.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Me want me bed.
They spent Saturday washing the office carpets and eventhough everything smells nice and clean now, the detergent smell is getting a wee bit overpowering. Especially on a Monday morning.
No, I am not going to ramble about the Monday blues and why everyone hates Mondays. I feel like crawling back into bed. In fact, I spent a good part of the morning sitting in my swivel chair and hugging Bobby Jo (my pink stuffed cat, courtesy of Mia) and staring into space. Given my hectic weekend, I think my spacing out was well-deserved.
Friday was spent at the Magellan Grand Ballroom, final rehearsals for the Sabah Tourism Awards. Long story short, there was a lot of waiting around and we wrapped everything up by midnight. A bunch of hungry people then staggered to the coffee shop next to The Cottage. They serve the yummiest wo-tehs (deep fried pork dumplings) and delicious sotong bakar. Hunger satiated, I went home and crashed.
Enter Saturday. The big day. We had to be at the ballroom by five pm so I spent the earlier part of the day getting ready. Always the fun part, heh heh. Everyone looked so good dolled up and the guys looked like secret agents in their tuxedos. After the last briefing and a quick dinner, it was showtime. We had around 950 people to keep happy so needless to say, we were on our toes all night. Cue the presenters! Spotlight on table 30! Applause! Keep the wine flowing! And my back was killing me from all the standing around but it’s ok because my shoes were so pretty, haha. The show finally ended close to midnight and all I could think of was taking my shoes off. Job well done, so we all decided to celebrate at Blue Note (bring out the bottles!). Of course, I wasn’t about to party in my flowing skirt so in true party-style, I had a pair of jeans ready in the car. I couldn’t be bothered to find a dressing room so with a bit of dexterous maneuvering, I managed to slip on my party gear while in the passenger seat. Heh, how bout that for skills?
In Blue Note, the party was already in full swing but it only took a couple of glasses to get all of us going (forgot to mention that we already polished a bottle -or two- of wine back in the ballroom). Everyone had a good time, sharing the sentiment of ‘It’s finally over!’ and letting our hair down after weeks –no, months, of hard work. I was careful not to mix my drinks and be a hero again this time. Lots of singing, plenty of laughing and several drunken moments of doing the sumazau (the traditional Kadazan dance, for those not in the know). I got home at four a.m, exhausted but very happy.
Sunday. Major headache. Need. More. Sleep. But it’s daddy’s birthday so we’re off to a grand seafood lunch at Salut. Took almost half an hour to get there and to endure the torturous heat along with my throbbing headache was utter madness. But I pulled through. Dad was happy to see everyone together and that made it all worthwhile. And after a corny joke or two from daddy, I started to forget about my headache. However, on the ride home, I fell asleep in the car within ten minutes. We reached home, I stumbled out of my jeans and into bed and was in la la land for another hour and a half.
So here I am, still bleary eyed and recuperating from my weekend. Gonna take it easy today. Unless someone calls me out la… Heh heh, kidding.
No, I am not going to ramble about the Monday blues and why everyone hates Mondays. I feel like crawling back into bed. In fact, I spent a good part of the morning sitting in my swivel chair and hugging Bobby Jo (my pink stuffed cat, courtesy of Mia) and staring into space. Given my hectic weekend, I think my spacing out was well-deserved.
Friday was spent at the Magellan Grand Ballroom, final rehearsals for the Sabah Tourism Awards. Long story short, there was a lot of waiting around and we wrapped everything up by midnight. A bunch of hungry people then staggered to the coffee shop next to The Cottage. They serve the yummiest wo-tehs (deep fried pork dumplings) and delicious sotong bakar. Hunger satiated, I went home and crashed.
Enter Saturday. The big day. We had to be at the ballroom by five pm so I spent the earlier part of the day getting ready. Always the fun part, heh heh. Everyone looked so good dolled up and the guys looked like secret agents in their tuxedos. After the last briefing and a quick dinner, it was showtime. We had around 950 people to keep happy so needless to say, we were on our toes all night. Cue the presenters! Spotlight on table 30! Applause! Keep the wine flowing! And my back was killing me from all the standing around but it’s ok because my shoes were so pretty, haha. The show finally ended close to midnight and all I could think of was taking my shoes off. Job well done, so we all decided to celebrate at Blue Note (bring out the bottles!). Of course, I wasn’t about to party in my flowing skirt so in true party-style, I had a pair of jeans ready in the car. I couldn’t be bothered to find a dressing room so with a bit of dexterous maneuvering, I managed to slip on my party gear while in the passenger seat. Heh, how bout that for skills?
In Blue Note, the party was already in full swing but it only took a couple of glasses to get all of us going (forgot to mention that we already polished a bottle -or two- of wine back in the ballroom). Everyone had a good time, sharing the sentiment of ‘It’s finally over!’ and letting our hair down after weeks –no, months, of hard work. I was careful not to mix my drinks and be a hero again this time. Lots of singing, plenty of laughing and several drunken moments of doing the sumazau (the traditional Kadazan dance, for those not in the know). I got home at four a.m, exhausted but very happy.
Sunday. Major headache. Need. More. Sleep. But it’s daddy’s birthday so we’re off to a grand seafood lunch at Salut. Took almost half an hour to get there and to endure the torturous heat along with my throbbing headache was utter madness. But I pulled through. Dad was happy to see everyone together and that made it all worthwhile. And after a corny joke or two from daddy, I started to forget about my headache. However, on the ride home, I fell asleep in the car within ten minutes. We reached home, I stumbled out of my jeans and into bed and was in la la land for another hour and a half.
So here I am, still bleary eyed and recuperating from my weekend. Gonna take it easy today. Unless someone calls me out la… Heh heh, kidding.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Will Ferrell makes me happy.
Will Ferrell makes me happy, yes he does. I watched 'Anchorman' last night and i haven't laughed so much in a while. I loved Will Ferrell in 'A Night at the Roxbury' and he just keeps getting better! He's one of those actors where I just have to look at his face and it makes me laugh (refer to left to see what i'm talking about). I also love Ben Stiller. They're so insanely ridiculous that you have to love them!
Anyway, 'Anchorman' is about the legendary news anchor Ron Burgundy. It's set in the 70s where women still aren't see on TV delivering the news as lead anchors. Burgundy comes with a messed-up team: The crude and lewd sportscaster, the self-loving reporter who thinks he's God's gift to women and the weatherman with an IQ of 48 (really, he has an IQ of 48). Still, they're the number one news crew in the whole of San Diego but when Christina Applegate's character, Veronica Corningstone, joins the station, things become interesting. She's definitely smarter than all four wackos combined but because she's a woman, she gets assignments that involve pet fashion shows and the like. Long story short, Veronica tries to prove her talent while dodging sexist retards in her station -namely Ferrell and co.-and she succeeds. Well, kinda. There's always a feel-good ending where everyone learns their lesson. I dunno about you but although I was rooting for Veronica's character most of the time, there's something lovable about Burgundy and loser buddies too. There are so many ROFL moments for me, so i can't exactly pinpoint which is my favourite. However, here are the most noteworthy scenes:
1. Five TV stations news crews meet in a back alley to 'fight it out', gangster style. Someone's arm actually gets cut off and all he says is, "I did NOT see that coming."
"My hair does NOT look bad!"
2. Roy Burgundy tries to impress Veronica Corningstone with the history of San Diego: "The name San Diego is actually German for 'whale's vagina'."
3. After exchanging insults, Veronica pauses for dramatic effect and says the 'ultimate' insult to Ron: "You have bad hair." Everyone gasps. Ron says in a quivering voice ,"That...was uncalled for."
4. Ron throws a burrito out of his moving vehicle, hits a biker, who skids off the road and ruins his precious bike. Really pissed off, he tells Ron that he's ruined the one thing he loves the most. He asks Ron what he loves most. "Well, I love poetry. And i love my dog here, Baxter." Upon which the biker picks up the dog and punts him off the bridge.
5. Burgundy playing the jazz flute at a bar. You have to watch it to see what I mean.
The movie has such ridiculous moments when you least expect it. Watch it if you're in need of a pick up on a gloomy day. Brad Pitt is hot but Will Ferrell is DA MAN!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
The Cave.
"Is it wet in here or is it just me?"
So, i went to watch The Cave on Sunday. And no it wasn't about giant cockroaches. Long story short, a group of cave explorers (ok there's a correct terminology here but I can't seem to remember) who have been summoned to explore a 'virgin' cave. Together with three other scientists, they delve into the cave -yes, it's 'mysterious' and 'creepy'- and as the story goes, all hell breaks loose and they can't find their way out. That's the least of their problems because Big Bad Monsters are on the loose and they're vewwy vewwy angwy (or hungry actually). So out of nine people, (spoilers ahead people) three survive and for once, the black dude lives! The Asian guy doesn't by the way but you can't have 'em all. There are a few hotties to look out for. For the girls:
Eddie Cibrian. Gorgeous dimples. Brings a whole new meaning to 'wetsuit'. And for the guys:
"That's one huge-ass cockroach..."
Piper Perabo. Trades her bar-dancing days from Coyote Ugly for a high-powered torchlight and rock-climbing skills. The tough chick of the movie. Spoiler: Don't get too attached to her character, ehem.
Anyway, when the remaining three finally see the light of day, there's still a tiny twist at the end of the movie but even that wasn't enough to convince me that the movie was worth my seven bucks. It's worth three bucks maybe. But not seven. Still, it was alright but I'd recommend that you guys wait for Astro to air it on HBO. I like horror movies, for sure, but I'm more picky with monster flicks. (This from the woman who's seen Anaconda three times).
Ok guys, Happy Merdeka. I'm actually planning a quiet evening with more DVDs. Remember: Malaysia Boleh!
"Every now we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
So don't worry. Be happy."
Sunday, August 28, 2005
One week.
Well, i've pulled through a week. It's a long story but to keep it simple, let's just say I'm trying to make the best of my 'indefinite single status'. I've got loads of free time but i'm proud of how i've been trying to fill it up. I watch more DVDs and movies and i'm playing the piano again. Also, I find comfort in writing and i've discovered how wonderful my friends can be. I don't want to dwell on what's happened. There is nothing more than can be done and i can talk about it to death but the situation will remain the same. For those who have heard me out time and time again, thanks. I couldn't ask for more. For now, I'll just have to wait and see if anything can be salvaged. If not, that's life.
Ok enough of that. I watched 'Pirates of the Carribean' on Astro today and I always enjoy the scene where the pirates turn into skeletons under the moonlight. Way cool. And Johnny Depp still looks good in black eyeliner, haha. I went to watch 'The Maid' last Monday. It's a Singaporean horror show and -my reputation for watching crappy B grade horror flicks notwithstanding- i recommend this movie. One, it gave me a better insight on the Hungry Ghosts festival and secondly, it had a proper storyline (so we're not talking about a bunch of lame ass spooks making appearances for no reason). Just go watch la but if you're anything like me, bring a friend you can cling on to. The scary parts were definitely commendable. Oh, and last night i also watched 'The Mask' again (hey i told you i've been watching movies these days...). Jim Carrey is too skinny and Cameron Diaz reminds me of a blonde Jessica Rabbit. Check out the dance sequence in the club...I thought that was cool. But you know what i kept wondering the whole time? For someone who has a green face and large teeth, Stanley Ipkiss' alter-ego sure blends in well with the public. I mean, nobody even flinches at the sight of a green faced freak in their presence. But yeah, then again even the city it's set in is fictional so i suppose it's meant to be cartoony.
So i'm gonna watch 'The Cave' tonight. I dunno what to expect but I think that's a good thing. I find that the less expectations I have of a movie, the less disappointed I'm gonna be. Watch this space for my two cents on the movie.
Until then, have a good week ahead. I know i will.
Ok enough of that. I watched 'Pirates of the Carribean' on Astro today and I always enjoy the scene where the pirates turn into skeletons under the moonlight. Way cool. And Johnny Depp still looks good in black eyeliner, haha. I went to watch 'The Maid' last Monday. It's a Singaporean horror show and -my reputation for watching crappy B grade horror flicks notwithstanding- i recommend this movie. One, it gave me a better insight on the Hungry Ghosts festival and secondly, it had a proper storyline (so we're not talking about a bunch of lame ass spooks making appearances for no reason). Just go watch la but if you're anything like me, bring a friend you can cling on to. The scary parts were definitely commendable. Oh, and last night i also watched 'The Mask' again (hey i told you i've been watching movies these days...). Jim Carrey is too skinny and Cameron Diaz reminds me of a blonde Jessica Rabbit. Check out the dance sequence in the club...I thought that was cool. But you know what i kept wondering the whole time? For someone who has a green face and large teeth, Stanley Ipkiss' alter-ego sure blends in well with the public. I mean, nobody even flinches at the sight of a green faced freak in their presence. But yeah, then again even the city it's set in is fictional so i suppose it's meant to be cartoony.
So i'm gonna watch 'The Cave' tonight. I dunno what to expect but I think that's a good thing. I find that the less expectations I have of a movie, the less disappointed I'm gonna be. Watch this space for my two cents on the movie.
Until then, have a good week ahead. I know i will.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Lousy freaky bloody Friday.
It’s a lousy Friday. And I’ll tell you why. First of all, my lips are swollen due to some allergic reaction to God knows what – and it’s been two days. My skin is also breaking out. At ten a.m there’s an emergency meeting at the office. The Powers That Be are pissed at my department and after a long lecture, all we can do is bow our heads and go ‘I’m sorry’ (…although I’m tempted to add ‘….that I work for such indecisive and annoying half-wits’). We’re then told that we have to come into the office tomorrow (to clean up a mess that isn’t really our fault) AFTER we attend some stupid Orchid Show event in the morning. F**k*n Orchid show on a Saturday morning. My lunch mood is officially ruined by then so after a quick bite, it’s back to office and I have to head to our printer and designer’s office to get the magazine done.
When I get there, my designer tells me we’re going to be delayed and there’s not much I can edit at this point. So whoopee, I came all the way out to be told ‘Hey don’t bother’. And then my phone rings. It’s the office. They want me back to type out some stupid list eventhough I already told them that I can only type the list TOMORROW, upon which my boss says ‘Ok Ok no problem’ but obviously she was not paying attention. It turns out she wants it RIGHT NOW. So, as I am still fuming at my designer, I drive back to the office. What is supposed to be a ten-minute drive turns out into a 45-minute nightmare on the road. And when I get to the office, there’s NO PARKING SPACE so I spend another fifteen minutes circling the bleeping block. So I get to my desk and my colleague is already halfway typing my stupid list (It was nice of her). I finish typing what’s left of the list within 3 minutes and so here I am. Fuming. And annoyed that my schedule has been messed around by inconsiderate people.
And my lips are still swollen.
I’m going drinking tonight. Screw the beers. I want my tequila shots.
When I get there, my designer tells me we’re going to be delayed and there’s not much I can edit at this point. So whoopee, I came all the way out to be told ‘Hey don’t bother’. And then my phone rings. It’s the office. They want me back to type out some stupid list eventhough I already told them that I can only type the list TOMORROW, upon which my boss says ‘Ok Ok no problem’ but obviously she was not paying attention. It turns out she wants it RIGHT NOW. So, as I am still fuming at my designer, I drive back to the office. What is supposed to be a ten-minute drive turns out into a 45-minute nightmare on the road. And when I get to the office, there’s NO PARKING SPACE so I spend another fifteen minutes circling the bleeping block. So I get to my desk and my colleague is already halfway typing my stupid list (It was nice of her). I finish typing what’s left of the list within 3 minutes and so here I am. Fuming. And annoyed that my schedule has been messed around by inconsiderate people.
And my lips are still swollen.
I’m going drinking tonight. Screw the beers. I want my tequila shots.
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