Friday, February 22, 2008
Sleep won't come.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
You don't send me flowers anymore.
So this year, I actually HAVE a date. And as adamant as I am not to give into the hoopla of Valentine's Day, Date Man made a good point saying we didn't get to spend the last one together (thanks to the giant sea that parted us) and although we both agree it's senseless to spend insane amounts of money on one night of commercialism, it would be nice to mark it meaningfully. So we're gonna stand outside expensive restaurants and laugh at all the suckers.
Kidding.
We're actually going to have a nice, quiet dinner somewhere inexpensive yet meaningful (no, not McDonalds ok) and then...spend time together I guess. Which is what V-day is all about. Remembering your loved ones and appreciating them. And I'm not just talking about your boyfriends and girlfriends. Friends and family deserve to be reminded of how 'sayang-ed' they are as well. Last year, I cooked dinner for my parents and brother and we turned to have one of the most memorable V-days.
I have to be honest - I'm stumped when it comes to Valentine gift ideas. Everything else sounds unoriginal: jewelry, a nice shirt, techno gadgets etc. My brother said it would be more meaningful to 'make' something. Yeah I can see it now, "Here you go honey. A sock puppet, complete with sequins." I managed to buy a V-day card though, which was a gagging experience. After going through ten greeting cards, I was ready to poke my eye if I read another line that had the words, 'forever', 'true love' or 'the one for me' in it. I found one that suited my taste - and his lah of course - that didn't promise the moon, stars and all that crapola. Why can't cards just read, "You're fun. I dunno if i'll marry you but going to the movies with you this weekend sounds great."
Pardon the cynicism. This from the girl who admittedly cried watching The Notebook, hah. In the spirit of St. Valentine, may the love be with you on this Hallmark-y day. It's not about how many roses or carats you receive...
... it's making sure the BMW he bought you matches your dress.
Har har. Just have a good one and I cannot stress this enough: Roses should not cost more than a KFC Bucket Meal.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Year of the Drat
I woke up and sprained my neck.
Yes, you read that right. All I did was raise my head from my pillow to check the clock on the wall when I heard a loud and sickening 'crack'. I paused. I could still turn my head left. But when I tried to turn right...Holy mother of pain... Anyway, I freaked out because I couldn't turn my head down or up neither. AND I couldn't get out of bed because somehow whenever I move my left arm, the muscle in my shoulder would cramp up (I don't know the technicalities of the human body so don't ask why). So I wailed like a baby, calling for my mom. I managed to 'roll' out of bed and once I stopped freaking out, I realised it wasn't painful if I stopped moving my head so much.
Long story short, I am now on painkillers, muscle relaxants and migraine pills - somehow the muscle pull triggered migraine attacks, go figure. The migraines are gone (which is why I'm in front of the computer) but I still can't swivel my head around. On a positive note, I have fantastic posture right now as a result of sitting up straight all day because slouching hurts my neck even more.
So if you see me on the street for the next few days, please don't try to be funny and go, "LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!" Because I will eventually get better and hunt you down.
What is it with me these days? I'm having a string of bad luck when it comes to my health. Even when I'm lying in bed I can find a way to injure myself. In retrospective, it IS kinda funny. I just hope the Year of the Rat doesn't have anymore mishaps in store for me.
Ok pill-popping time.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Never forgive. Never forget.
Sweeney Todd. I've been waiting forever to watch the movie and I finally did on Saturday. Never mind I had to endure the flow of smelly pilaks, chattering teenagers and the sticky floors of Centrepoint's Growball Cinema: It was Sweeney Todd or nothing for me. (no, the other cinemas were not screening it. Boo to you Cathay and GSC). Anyway, there were plenty of reasons to be excited to watch this movie. One: JOHNNY DEPP. Two: JOHNNY DEPP. Three: JOHNNY....you get the pic.
Johnny sans eyeliner and crazy hair.Sunday, January 20, 2008
To KL and back.
On the upside, I met up with my old uni and college friends, some whom I have not seen for almost five years. Things have changed over the years but my friends, bless their souls, have stayed the same.
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I've been good, thanks for asking. Just having 'blogger's block' moment. I'm trying to sort out stuff in my life right now. I think I just need some breathing space. Take care peeps. I'll be back.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Happy new year. And then some.
If this is a sign of what 2008 has in store for me, I'm in a lot of trouble.
Happy new year, folks. I'll be back.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Sunday night
Arsenal meets Chelsea.
I'm not a hardcore football fan but i do enjoy the occassional game. For the record, I am an Arsenal supporter, simply because they play beautifully. Ok, Van Persie might have something to do with my interest (it used to be the pink-haired Ljunberg, heh heh).
Go Gunners!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Out of tomorrows.
A couple of days ago, one of them told a story about a woman who always saved her special dress or perfume for a special occassion. She didn't want to 'waste' it by wearing them on a regular day. Well, one day she died and she never got to wear that dress or perfume. And her husband decided her funeral turned out to be that one occassion she was 'saving' all her treasures for.
Wow. It was just a lightbulb moment for me. How many times have we put something off or taken something for granted because there's always tomorrow? Or we're always waiting for the 'right time' to tell someone something or to do something meaningful. Why can't we give flowers just because or tell our parents we love them for no reason at all?
It's a scary thought, to die tomorrow and go, "Oh crap, I shoulda woulda coulda..." I'm not being fatalistic here but we rest on the thought that we've got a good 50 years on earth. Praise the Lord if that's the case but don't get too cocky I say. I could walk out of my office building and a signboard could fall on me and I'd die on the spot, none the wiser. And then what? Have I told the people I love how I feel about them? Have I said sorry to the people I owe apologies too? Have I forgiven people who have hurt me? Have I finished editing the magazine for the January issue? I still have a black dress hanging in the closet with its price tag on and I'm saving it for a fancy party or important event. What if that 'event' never comes around?
It scares me. The thought of dying now. I may bitch about work and the weather and life in general...But nothing is so horrible that life is worth ending. I still have things to do, places to see and people to meet. It's so easy to take everything for granted. If I had to make a New Year's resolution, it would be to not wait for tomorrows when I can do it today. In fact, I'm not even going to wait for the New Year - I could be dead by then. Ok enough morbid thoughts. So if I start hugging you on the street for no apparent reason, kindly ignore my crazy outburst - I'm just having a 'c'est la vie' moment.
Don't live in yesterdays and don't count on tomorrows. You have today.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Four.
o much to learn and do that sometimes I felt it was such an uphill battle I would never win.

Fuji-yoshida, Japan in 2005.
Sure it hasn't always been easy. Gomantong cave and its roaches will be forever etched as the most terrifying moment for me! Wences, not helping.
Sometimes stress takes its toll but with the right equipment and right people in the office, there are remedies as you can see:
My favourite event each year, the Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon. I'm gonna miss the 4am wake up calls!
The Sabah Tourism Women's Futsal Team.
Every year, not a single birthday goes by without a thoughtful gesture from my colleagues.
Welcoming 2007 with the most fun-loving and hardworking people I know. They taught me the art of working hard and playing harder!

Happy anniversary, Job.
Friday, November 30, 2007
A change will do you good.
I don't cope well with change. My idea of being different is ordering milo kosong instead of lemon teh ping at the coffee shop. That's as daring as I can get most of the time. But I also realise life cannot and IS NOT static. Change is inevitable and whether we like it or not, it's going to happen. I suppose I relish the security of predictability and routine. I like waking up at the same time everyday and knowing my route to work at the back of my hand. I like knowing the best chicken rice can be found in Lido and so help me God, if the stall moves, my life will be in shambles.
But as sweaty as palms get when I think about it, change will happen. Bad news, good news, lightbulb moments that make me go, "Wow, how could I have missed that?" Yesterday we received bad news about 'change' in the office and today, my colleague (who has been working here for 7 years) is saying au revoir to us all. Just seeing her empty desk gets me all choked up. And being at the brink of change myself freaks the hell out of me. Some of you may know that I'll be leaving my job in less than a month *don't ask why/where/what/how/who, all will be revealed in good time* and as the days pass, I'm entering panic mode. Things are CHANGING as we speak. I start to doubt myself, my decisions, my direction. Anxiety mixed with excitement can be quite a nauseating experience, let me tell you that.
Will I survive the 'big bad world' outside my safety bubble? Am I packing my bags for the right reasons? Will I be happier or at least as happy as I am now? Fact is, I realise, I won't know the answers unless I get off my scaredy-pants ass and do it. It could be one huge disastrous mistake but on the flip side, it could be the best thing I've done in my 28 years of existence. Worst-case scenario, I'll move back in with my family and spend weekends talking about the meaning of life with my cats. Hey, life could be worse...
The best comment I've heard so far is, "Think about it Mel...You plan to be the editor for the next 10 years?" Ok, fair enough. There's got to be something else out there - it could be better, it could be worse but one thing for sure, it'll be different.
I guess I'm just learning that change isn't necessarily a bad thing - but it's definitely necessary.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Here and there.
And then I was kept busy preparing for this over the weekend...Time to doll up!
I love how boys get dressed up once a year (or in this case, every 2 years). Look Ma, a TUX! Left to right, Zachary, Charlie, moi and Walter, taking a breather while everyone else is doing work, heh heh.
Of course, the fun only truly begins at the after-party. Roland and me at Blue Note. Intoxicated just fine. And no, I don't know how that bow tie got there.
When the Powers of Three combine...You better shut your bars. No worries, Dann was the designated driver of the night. I may drink but I'm a responsible drinker, ehem.
Finally, in other updates, Alicia Keys rocks my world. I bought her latest CD (hey original ok, not those scratchy RM10 ones...) and although her single, No One, is much-talked about, I unexpectedly fell in love with track no. 6, "Lesson Learned", which she collaborated on with John Mayer.

"Yes I was burned but I call it a lesson learned..."
You tell 'em Miss Keys.
Monday, November 19, 2007
I need a drink.
Ai, doesn't sound so good once I see that in writing after all.
But no, I don't need professional help and I know some of you are concerned. I just like my drinks - especially coupled with good company and reliable drivers, ehem. An ex-boyfriend once told me, "This too shall pass" (as he did, haha) and it's a good reminder whenever things get tough in life. So in the meantime.... Cheers!
If only happiness really came in a box...
Friday, November 16, 2007
Judgy McJudgypants
We all do questionable things in our life. Things good girls shouldn't do. Things that are not morally acceptable. Things that are just, well, not right. Sometimes it's intentional, other times it really is an innocent mistake. I like to call it a 'learning curve'. It's like that old cliche: If you don't make mistakes, you'll never learn. Or sometimes you just need colour in your life, heh(A friend said I just enjoy having drama in my life. Yeah ok, I just love the sleepless nights).
I can count the number of people who have been there for me through my most 'questionable times' on one hand. Actually, on two -maybe three- fingers. Thank you for being there through my turbulent moments and for accepting me even when I make bad decisions. Thank you for hearing me out even when I say absolutely nothing. Thank you for 'layaning' my emotional roller coaster. Thank you for saying things I need to hear eventhough half the time, we both know I already know it. Thank you for being there for me no matter what a shit friend I can be at times.
Most of all, thank you for not being a Judgy McJudgypants.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Quickie Friday.
Updates:
1. Sabah Tourism Awards coming up! It's crunch time, lots to finish up. And my dress isn't quite ready.
2. Deadlines. What else is new.
3. Went to watch 30 Days of Night. Boley la. I just remember feeling cold throughout the movie.
4. Waiting for Beowulf to open.
5. Blanket is doing much better but I keep him caged up because he's starting his wandering ways again! He just doesn't learn.
6. I'm stressed out about moving, leaving and turning a new chapter.
7. I find comfort in a quick drink or two with friends.
8. I can't wait for Christmas!
9. I'm going for a Swedish massage today. I'll let u know if I survive.
10. I like the Jordin Sparks song, Tattoo.
There you go. Ten things in my life right now. Be right back!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
BOO!

The Silence of the Lambs series is the bestest ever. "Quid pro quo..." said Hannibal Lecter. In my opinion, he is the SCARIEST villain ever simply because he's the kind of gentleman you'd invite over for dinner. Then again, he'd probably be having YOU for dinner. Check out the other parts of the story: Hannibal Rising, Red Dragon and Hannibal.
My ex-boyfriend (boo!) introduced this to me and I loved it (yay!) . I also fell in love with Cillian Murphy here. The storytelling is great and I've never been fond of zombie movies but this is definitely my favourite undead film.
If you don't know Pinhead, you don't know what you're missing. The first Hellraiser is still the best. I'm looking for the DVD so if anyone sees it in KK, let me know! The movie gets pretty gory but lovely to watch on a stormy night and minimal lights.
It's a love-hate relationship with this one. The sight of Linda Blair still gives me the heebie jeebies. And now...I bring you...
Friday, October 26, 2007
Torn.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Blanket.
But he'll be fine.
He's at the vet for now, under observation and drip, cuz he can't eat or drink. I've been visiting him everyday, as much as I can. Everytime I see him, I start to cry. I'm sorry I didn't put you in the cage earlier that night but I thought you were in the living room. I'm sorry I decided to feed you late that night, or else you'd be home safe already. I love you so much and I dunno what I would do if I lost you. I can't sleep at night until I know you're home with me. I promise not to leave your side till you're up and running again. And I'm going to buy you a new 'home' to sleep in instead of that ratty old cage. Get well soon!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Mel goes fishing!
Our boat was called Magic Moments and we departed from the Sutera Harbour Marina at around 8:45am. Bad news: It looked like rain *but* Good news: It wasn't scorching hot. Win some, lose some.
Here we are, leaving the jetty. The sea still nice and calm. Our 'sifu' for the day, briefing us on the itinerary and what to expect. "Ok, siapa mau muntah, just lean over the railing..."
I popped in a motion sickness pill (instruction says to take it half hour before we hit the sea) jusssst in case. Our journey was Mengalum, a fishing spot some two hours from the jetty. So what do you do to kill time? Take a picturegraph! Me and David, trying not to turn into the various shades of green as seen on his shirt.
The clouds looming ahead did not look promising. In fact, the ride got bumpier and the waves were definitely getting bigger. I could almost hear everyone's stomach churning and I was gripping my seat so tight, my knuckles turned white. Mr. Boatman advised that it wasn't a good idea to head to Mengalum (thank God, I couldn't imagine going through that ride for another hour and a half!) so we detoured.
Once there (don't ask me where, we didn't have exactly have signboards to show the way...) , Sifu showed us the what, when and hows of deep sea fishing. "This is a fishing rod. If you 'champion' like me, you can use one hand only to hold...see?" heh heh. Once the boat stopped, it starts swaying and bobbing around even more so let's just say the fish in the sea had plenty of .... regurgitated food to eat that day.
