Blink

Am still streaming 2 of Grey's Anatomy latest episodes. I am so glad they are back.

Was supposed to meet the girlies today but the parents decided to have my "birthday" dinner so...had to postpone the former. You see, the family has not been celebrating my birthday for at least 10 years already and it always upset me till no end on my birthday. No card, no wish, no hug...nada. So when the father asked if I could make it for dinner...I was surprised and said yes.

The sister couldnt make it (work) and so it was just the 3 of us; like I'm the only child. Felt good a little bit. Just a little.

We went to Rex McKenzie at Prinsep Place and just had some crabs, fish, vege and soup.



Crab, glorious chilli crab :)

*quick check*
Ah...still streaming.

Anyway, feeling nostalgic and missing my auntie. So let's just end this with some old pictures taken with her. I discovered these precious gems when all the family and relatives hung out in the evening at the living room after her funeral. I was rummaging through the stacks of albums when I found these. Wow.








Most of the pictures were taken in Perth.
Will go relive the memory next month.
Bring out the tissue paper.


###

I'm outta time

I am squeezing my brain trying to come out with a "thesis" on a film topic. How can I then squander this God-given talent on something like a Masters in Communications?

 

I still insist that course is not for me.

 

But then again...what is?

 

Damn it.

 

And damn The Killers too.

Sam's town

WHAT'S UP WITH THIS????

 

I have already gotten a ticket and e-bayed a tshirt!

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

The Killers Asia Tour Cancelled

22 January 2010, Singapore:

It is with great regret that The Killers have been forced to cancel their upcoming appearances in Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Tokyo and Seoul due to unforeseen circumstances.

The band deeply apologizes to their fans and hopes to reschedule their shows in these cities soon.

In the meantime full refunds will be available from SISTIC via point of purchase.

Refunds will be administered at the SISTIC Box Office from 27 January – 7 February 2010. The refund hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 8pm and Sunday, 1pm to 7pm.

Refunds will be made in full, inclusive of the $3 SISTIC booking fees, through the original mode of payment.

For purchases made through Credit Card, refunds will be automatically credited to the same card.

For purchases made through CASH or NETS, please present the physical tickets and your NRIC/passport/FIN card at the SISTIC Box Office at Singapore Indoor Stadium. SISTIC reserves the right not to process your refund if these two items are not in order.

If you had purchased tickets from SISTIC's overseas Authorised Agents, please contact them directly for further details.

For more information, call the SISTIC Hotline at (65) 6348 5555.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Are we humans or are we dancers? It's because we are freaking dancers, right??

 

Fuck shit!

 

 

###

Boys

Started at the age of 4.
My mother went to the grocery store.
Went sneaking through her bedroom door to find something in a size 4.

Sugar and spice and everything nice wasn't made for only girls.
GI Joe in panty hose is making room for the one and only.

King for a day, princess by dawn.
King for a day in a leather thong.
King for a day, princess by dawn.
Just wait 'til all the guys get a load of me.

My daddy threw me in therapy.
He thinks I'm not a real man.
Who put the drag in the drag queen.
Don't knock it until you tried it.

 

Sugar and spice and everything nice wasn't made for only girls.
GI Joe in panty hose is making room for the one and only.

 

 

 

###

Take me out!

My turning 30 was not grand but it was well-celebrated nevertheless. It started on Monday, 18th January. I met my Da Jies and we went for dinner.






An array of eclectic (some bizarre) gifts from them two, ranging from DVD to calendar to make-up cleanser to a porcelain figurine to Snow White apple perfume(??). Still, thank you a million times.

We watched The Blind Side after that. Though I found it entertaining, I was perplexed by the overwhelming applause Sandra Bullock is receiving for her role. I mean...huh? Any other actress could have done it just as well or better. Plus, the movie wasnt as moving as any other moveable films (very "well-said" Ed..tsk!) so I really did not see the hoo-ha. I've seen better sports films..better developed real stories also. This one, not so much.



Is it because when I turn 30, I expected more out of a ... God forbid... Hollywood flick? Darn!

:)

On Tuesday, 19th Jan, my 2 bridging students surprised me during our Euro Cinema Class. They got me a cake (turned out to be my one and only) with a sole candle and for the life of me, I forgot that one had to blow the candle out before cutting the cake. What can I say...I lack practice.



My colleagues RiffRaff and Shawty also treated me to a sumptuous dinner in the evening and well...I felt bloated blessed. Thank you.

The actual day, 20th Jan, was...honestly...just another day. Apart from reciprocating the well-wishes, it felt like..any other day. Still, I am blessed. I had lunch with RiffRaff again at Hajah Maimunah's down at Bencoolen and after that, since it was my birthday, I took an hour to skive (sshh, dont tell!) and headed to the National Museum to visit the Egyptian exhibition..Quest For Immortality. Another reason I went was that my High Diploma students were there for a class excursion with Abecrombie.

Anyway, with my Mastercard credit card, I just paid $8.50 to get in. Cool.





When I got back to school, some colleagues and students lured me into a classroom. They then showed me a mini presentation. Irda and Abbie were hilarious at their bimbotic best. Career switch, ladies?



Hahahaha. These people...ever so creative. I like! Got a bag from the colleagues and a copy of the crazy vid from the kids.



Oh, Gulag also got me a little something-something. Gee...thanks? Heh.

So yeah...not a shabby one. Ended the day with a little din-din with Meiling down at J8. Lauren was supposed to join but...oh well.

It's almost 0430hrs and I ought to sleep.

A thousand times goodnight, birthday babies.


###

Pants on the ground

TIRED.

 

My birthday has been fantastic, thanks to fantastic people. I cannot imagine living without the good people. Seriously, my life would suck without you. Amen, Kelly Clarkson.

 

I am 30. My demands for making merry has changed. I am fine with that. Things need to evolve anyway, right?

 

However, in this time of joy (depends on how positive you are), I am still miffed that my auntie is not with me to wish me a "happy birthday". I've been getting birthday messages and wishes from her for a few years that it hit me really bad yesterday not to get one this year. I was actually tearing while waiting for dear Meiling at Bishan yesterday. Life is really a beautiful but perplexed ball of enigma.

 

But...I thank you God all the same.

 

Okay..time to go home.

More Pants On The Ground Loving on American Idol!

 

 

 

###

Because you love me

Thank you for all the lovely turning-30 birthday wishes.

 

I know it's a good day and all but I cant help but feel terrified. I know it's baseless because it's going to be okay but still...I'm terrified. Nevertheless, I thank you for being with me...sticking with me through all this while. So, thank you. my friends.

 

For all the wishes you gave, I wish them back to you ten fold.

 

Sniff sniff.

 

 

:)

 

 

P/S: Meiling gave me a range of Snow White stuff. It may sound ridiculous to you all but she's the only one who knows my obsession/fascination with the storybook princess. Hehe. Thank you!!

 

 

###

We are golden

0400hrs.

Golden Globes is starting in a few hours' time and I cant get to see it because I have morning and afternoon classes. Just finished preparing for morning class and man.. I ought to get me some sleep.


BEST MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA
• Avatar
• The Hurt Locker
• Inglourious Basterds
• Precious
• Up in the Air

Ed: Have only seen 2. Cant decide on this. Avatar?


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA
• Emily Blunt, The Young Victoria
• Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
• Helen Mirren, The Last Station
• Carey Mulligan, An Education
• Gabourey Sidibe, Precious

Ed: Sandra Bullock!


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA
• Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
• George Clooney, Up in the Air
• Colin Firth, A Single Man
• Morgan Freeman, Invictus
• Tobey Maguire, Brothers

Ed: Tobey. I heard he gave his life for this.


BEST MOTION PICTURE, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
• (500) Days of Summer
• The Hangover
• It's Complicated
• Julie & Julia
• Nine

Ed: I like It's Complicated but maybe The Hangover will bag this.


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
• Sandra Bullock, The Proposal
• Marion Cotillard, Nine
• Julia Roberts, Duplicity
• Meryl Streep, It's Complicated
• Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

Ed: 2 for Streep? She better wins this.


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
• Matt Damon, The Informant!
• Daniel Day-Lewis, Nine
• Robert Downey Jr., Sherlock Holmes
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt, (500) Days of Summer
• Michael Stuhlbarg, A Serious Man

Ed: RDJ's the personal fav here.


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
• Penélope Cruz, Nine
• Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
• Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
• Mo'Nique, Precious
• Julianne Moore, A Single Man

Ed: Penelope Cruz?


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
• Matt Damon, Invictus
• Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
• Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
• Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
• Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Ed: Christoph Waltz, lah!


BEST DIRECTOR
• Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
• James Cameron, Avatar
• Clint Eastwood, Invictus
• Jason Reitman, Up in the Air
• Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds

Ed: Kathryn Bigelow, can?


BEST SCREENPLAY
• Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell, District 9
• Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker
• Nancy Meyers, It's Complicated
• Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, Up in the Air
• Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds

Ed: Personal fav is District 9 here.


And I hope Glee can win something. Click here for more info.


###
###

21st century breakdown

Am feeling so groggy.
Sunday went by in a hazy daze, man.

In the evening, Rae popped by to pass me a nice little early birthday surprise.



Thanks, babe. You shouldnt have. I'll use it for my Perth trip even if it's a walking contradiction on my worn out backpack :)

So yesterday was a very rare Saturday for me. No work and no NPCC. Watched New York I Love You at AMK Hub and even though the story is not deep but its eclecticism is very artistic. Just like New York, I say. For that, I think the movie is successful. The film has many short stories and some don't flow/gel as well as they want to. They are also too short for you to develop deep emotions. Some big name actors appear in very briefly and you wonder why is there a need to cast them also.

But that aside, the film really depicts the confusion, the progression, the chaos and ultimately, the beauty of life in a bustling city. Maybe I am biased because New York is my favourite place on earth...but hey, whatever. Different strokes for different folks, all right?

I want to go New York!




My favourites were the ones with Orlando Bloom, Eli Wallach, Julie Christie+Shia LaBeouf and Robin-Wright . When the latter started to cry and Radiohead's No Surprises came on, I was like ... wow...ButtercupRobin is fantastic. As for Julie Christie, wow. She's phenomenal.

Oh. The various filmmakers were asked to adhere to three guidelines: They had only 24 hours to shoot, a week to edit and needed to give the sense of a particular neighborhood. Cool or what! Let's have Singapore, I Love You.

After that, Lauren and I met up with the soon-to-be-wed ShaFie near my place because they wanted to do some recording of us wishing them stuff for their wedding. It will be quite a hilarious segment if no editing were to be done. Doubt it, though.



Heheh.

And oh, my Killers tshirt came through the mail yesterday. Yay!




###

Longview

I need to get me a ukelele.
Where can I get one?


###

King for a day!

Lil Miss Freckles says:
cheebye man
fucking cheebye
going to sleep now

Juliette says:
cibai..qibai
ok go go..

Lil Miss Freckles says:
fucking cheebye
nite


Just another Ed-Sukii conversation.

...

Anyway, Green Day was A-MAZING!!!! I didnt take many pictures nor videos because I was busy enjoying myself. Was so so so mesmerised by those American idiots, especially Billie Joe. I felt 15 again. Such a wonderful feeling.



Coincidentally Nani and Andrew were also going so I hitched a ride from them from town. We were caught up in traffic and when I reached my seat, the opening act (The Prima Donna) was already halfway into their..err..act. Was just happy that Billie and gang were not up yet. Nani and Andrew had free standing tickets so they were lost in the crowd. I on the other hand, stood regally like a queen overlooking her sea of minions.




At about 2100hrs, lights went dim for a while and then...

(ignore the nonsensical mumbling)






Billie Joe's voice was crystal clear and Tre Cool and Mike Dirnt were so psyched up and damn energetic. There was a lot of audience participation which was very cool. Anyway, they did a lot of songs and here are some highlights (off youtube, thank you) of my favourite songs/performances of the night.

1. Wake Me Up When September Ends / Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)



2. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams



3. Hitchin A Ride



4. Minority



5. Jesus Of Suburbia (favourite!)




Madness!!




They sure brought the crazy!


###

Are we the waiting?

Main
Song of the Century
21st Century Breakdown
Know Your Enemy
East Jesus Nowhere
The Static Age
Holiday
Are We the Waiting
St. Jimmy
Coming Clean
Brain Stew
Jaded
Burnout
Basket Case
She
Welcome To Paradise
Hitchin' a Ride
Give Me Novocaine
Longview
Highway to Hell @Cover[AC/DC]
When I Come Around
King For A Day
Shout @Cover[The Isley Brothers]
Hey Jude @Cover[The Beatles]
Last Night on Earth
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Minority
Jesus of Suburbia (!!!!)

Encore 1:
American Idiot
21 Guns

Encore 2:
Wake Me Up When September Ends
Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)


---------------------------------------------------------

No Macy's Day Parade but .. oh well, at least there's Hitchin A Ride and When I Come Around.

Anyway, I try to like 21st Century Breakdown (the album), but...darn...I cant seem to bring myself to do it.

Shit.

Tonight, let's rock!


###

Grow old with you

Oh I watched IT'S COMPLICATED yesterday.

 

The film is about a divorced couple who somehow rekindle their romance (after 10 years of living separately) on their son's graduation day. Things get pretty messy because the man has already remarried and has a child. The man's current wife is the one whom he has an affair with while he's still married to the original wife. So...the ex-wife has now become the mistress and the mistress has become the "cheat-ee",

 

It's complicated ... but it is funny. Thanks to John Krasinski, Alec Baldwin and the glorious Meryl Streep.

 

It's waay better than "Have You Seen The Morgans?" (I wish I havent!!) and many other fluffy teenage romance shows out there. On top of that, it's fantastic to see older Hollywood actors/actresses getting the limelight and being able to carry ..ahem..romantic/sexual scenes.

 

Thank you Meryl Streep. You make me feel good about growing old.

 

Now...somebody pass me the ointment for my weak knees.

 

 

###

For your entertainment

Fwd: ETA Grant - Ed[SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

From: <XXXXXXX@dfat.gov.au>
Date: 2010/1/13
Subject: Re: ETA Grant - Ed [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
To: Ed mailto:xxxxx@xxxxxx


Dear Miss Ed,

I refer to your email.

The reason why your ETA did not go through was due to your medical records.

When we received the scan copy of your passport, we refer it back to the
Australian Health Authorities.

They came back to us that it is alright to issue an ETA which was then
granted.

In future your medical records is no longer an issue.

Regards,

XXXXXXXX

ETA Liaison Officer
Department of Immigration and Citizenship(DIAC)
Australian High Commission, Singapore


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My medical record had expired. But it's because I am no longer an Aussie student.

Anyway...HALLELUJAH! Alhamdulillah!

###

I don't wanna know

So I bought a ticket to Aussie on Saurday and to go to the bloody country, I had to get a visa. So a facilitating agency did my visa for me and as Meiling got hers on the spot, mine... as expected, was denied by the Embassy. How did I feel? Pissed, of course. I had the same problem in 2006 and 2007. Each time, I had to go down to the Embassy, being pushed here and there and listened to crappy advice from old Chinese ladies who chided me for not applying my visa online. Bloody women. If I didnt have problems, why would I want to take the day off and rush down to the wretched place because you guys close at 1200hrs>

 

So anyway, I paid close to $100 each time to get my visa via the full-process application. I even had to get medical check-up. Yes, it was as if I was going there to study or for good. I didnt make such a big fuss then (just a short email in 2007) because time was short but this time, I have about one more month to the trip. So, my email got longer and more provocative. But still polite, dont worry.

 

On Monday, I emailed/asked whoever's in-charge that I am not coming down to the embassy am not paying extra to get my visa down. I also wrote asking if my name has anything to do with the application. Well, more specifically my father's name. How else can any other people get visa so easily and for me...rejected outright? I did contribute to your economy once upon a time, okay? Ingrates.

 

But yes, I still want to go.

 

So Tuesday went with no answer. This morning when I checked my email, a Miss Gan replied and said my visa has been granted. STILL WITH NO REASONS. I just want to know why. I'm glad for the approval but ..ARGH!...tell me why.

 

Grrr.

 

 

 

###

Bad medicine

I am so tired and am still with a bloody 2-day old headache.

 

Fell asleep at 0130hrs while doing some work/surfing. Woke up with a jolt at almost 0500hrs...in abject misery. Had a horribly blocked nose and a left ear. On top of the recurring headache, my throat was in so much pain, it felt like Hell was having a campfire.

 

Paced around the house trying to find something to unblock my ear. It was painful and of course, uncomfortable. Sinus...flu...all roll into one.

 

Anyway, today, I dont feel like dressing up and so, I'm just wearing my 'Revenge of the Nerds' tshirt and my slouchy pants. I am more worried about my headaches which are getting too frequent than..let's say..what to wear, okay. But, haha, it's just for today.

 

 

P/S: Today's the first day of European Cinema Studies (new module). Though without a doubt I love the subject, I doubt the students will.

 

 

###

We've only just begun

The period of long days and even longer nights have dawned upon me.

 

Classes ... it's only the beginning.

 

 

Argh!!

 

 

3 more days to Green Day!!!!

 

 

###

11 Januari

I just finished about 2.5 hours of DJ Hero

:)

Anyway, do you know what day is it today? It's 11 Januar(y) and I am reminded of Gigi, the Indonesian band and their hit song.



Sebelas Januari bertemu (Met on January 11th)
Menjalani kisah cinta ini (Embarking on a love story)
Naluri berkata engkaulah milikku (Instincts tell me you're mine)
Bahagia selalu dimiliki (Bliss that I'm owned (huh?))
Bertahun menjalani bersamamu (Years of journey with you)
Kunyatakan bahwa engkaulah jiwaku (Let me tell you that you're my soul)

Akulah penjagamu (I am your guardian)
Akulah pelindungmu (I am your protector)
Akulah pendampingmu (I am your companion)
Di setiap langkah-langkahmu (With your every step)

Pernahku menyakiti hatimu (I have caused you pain)
Pernah kau melupakan janji ini (You have forgotten this promise)
Semua Karena kita ini manusia (All because we are humans)

Akulah penjagamu (I am your guardian)
Akulah pelindungmu (I am your protector)
Akulah pendampingmu (I am your guardian)
Di setiap langkah-langkahmu (With your every step)

Kau bawa diriku (You brought me)
Kedalam hidupmu (Into your life)
Kau basuh diriku (You wash me)
Dengan rasa sayang (With your loving feelings)
Senyummu juga sedihmu adalah hidupku (Your smile and sadness are my life)
Kau sentuh cintaku dengan lembut (You touch my love tenderly)
Dengan sejuta warna (With a million colours)



###

I can see clearly now

Red and yellow and
Pink and Green
Purple and orange and blue

I can sing a rainbow
Sing a rainbow
Sing a rainbow too

Listen with your eyes
Listen with your ears
And sing everything you see

I can sing a rainbow
Sing a rainbow
Sing along with me

 

 

:)

 

 

###

Telephone

Move over, Bad Romance. I am so obsessed with Lady Gaga+Beyonce's gem, Telephone.



Hello, hello, baby;
You called, I can't hear a thing.
I have got no service in the club, you see, see
Wha-Wha-What did you say?
Oh, you're breaking up on me
Sorry, I cannot hear you,
I'm kinda busy.

K-kinda busy
K-kinda busy
Sorry, I cannot hear you
I'm kinda busy.

Just a second,it's my favorite song
They're gonna play
And I cannot text you with
A drink in my hand, eh
You shoulda made some plans with me,
You knew that I was free.
And now you won't stop calling me;
I'm kinda busy.

Stop callin', stop callin',
I don't wanna think anymore!
I left my head and my heart on the dance floor.
Stop callin', stop callin',
I don't wanna talk anymore!
I left my head and my heart on the dance floor.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin' me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I'm busy!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin' me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

Can call all you want,
But there's no one home,
And you're not gonna reach my telephone!
Out in the club,
And I'm sippin' that bub,
And you're not gonna reach my telephone!

Call when you want,
But there's no one home,
And you're not gonna reach my telephone!
And I'm sippin' that bub,
And you're not gonna reach my telephone!

Boy, the way you blowin' up my phone
Won't make me leave no faster.
Put my coat on faster,
Leave my girls no faster.
I shoulda left my phone at home,
'Cause this is a disaster!
Callin' like a collector -
Sorry, I cannot answer!

Not that I don't like you,
I'm just at a party.
And I am sick and tired
of my phone r-ringing.
Sometimes I feel like
I live in Grand Central Station.
Tonight I'm not takin' no calls,
'Cause I'll be dancin'.

'Cause I'll be dancin'
'Cause I'll be dancin'
Tonight I'm not takin' no calls,
'Cause I'll be dancin'!

Stop callin', stop callin',
I don't wanna think anymore!
I left my head and my heart on the dance floor.
Stop callin', stop callin',
I don't wanna talk anymore!
I left my head and my heart on the dance floor.

Stop callin', stop callin',
I don't wanna think anymore!
I left my head and my heart on the dance floor.
Stop callin', stop callin',
I don't wanna talk anymore!
I left my head and my heart on the dance floor.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin' me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
I'm busy!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh
Stop telephonin' me!
Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

Can call all you want,
But there's no one home,
You're not gonna reach my telephone!
'Cause I'm out in the club,
And I'm sippin' that bub,
And you're not gonna reach my telephone!

Call when you want,
But there's no one home,
And you're not gonna reach my telephone!
'Cause I'm out in the club,
And I'm sippin' that bub,
And you're not gonna reach my telephone!

My telephone!
M-m-my telephone!
'Cause I'm out in the club,
And I'm sippin' that bub,
And you're not gonna reach my telephone!

My telephone!
M-m-my telephone!
'Cause I'm out in the club,
And I'm sippin' that bub,
And you're not gonna reach my telephone!

Wooooooo. What can I say? Sometimes, my choice of music can be this gay :)

Anyway, yeah it's 12 days to my turning 30 and honestly, it's a sucky feeling. 30..sheesh. I've never imagined living past 27 because..you know..live fast die young kind of concept. I guess I havent gone fast enough. The auntie's passing and the tsunami of work didnt help things either. I am just trying not to drown in the shrouding misery.

So yeah, to combat all this sick-in-the-gut feeling of turning old, I've been showering myself with little (and some not so little) gifts here and there.

Heh.
1. Martoni shoes from Mustafa (remember seeing brand on Euro fashion blog..suckers)
2. make-up



3. another pair of shoes from Marks n Spencer
4. book on analysing the holy verse of Yasin



5. The Killers concert ticket
6. under clothings (trying to be very generic here)
7. Green Day concert ticket
8. Paramore concert ticket



9. La Boheme ticket (havent got it yet but soon)
10. A trip to Perth to visit the alma mater (yay!!)



11. Beatles' Yellow Submarine tshirt
12. DJ Hero!!





Hope there'll be more.
Hah.

Anyway, school term has already started and things at the office seem to be like getting out of hand. Admin work is taking quite a toll on all of us. Havent really got a break from the craziness of last semester and now...what..the holidays have ended?

Damn it.


P/S: Watched Did You Hear About The Morgans and well...it was not impressive and the formula was very tiresome. Thank God the movie was free...


###

Ride with me

The colleague just came back from his holidays and said that Nepal was a no-go. He wanted to go to Kathmandu but he said the political condition wasnt really very good and he went to Sikkim instead.

 

Yay. At least I dont have to feel bad about not being able to go to Nepal.

 

You see, Meiling and I planned to go to Hanoi during the CNY week but my Viet friends said it would be a bad time to go cause the city would be quiet as everyone would have gone back to hometown. Then our alternative destination was Nepal cause Meiling wanted to go to a cold place (and she just came back from Denmark/Norway. Sheesh!) and I wanted to say hello to Mt Everest. However, after her Scandinavian escapade, our dear friend got broke and we had to scrap my Sherpa dream. So right now...we are deliberating between Chiangmai/Chiangrai and ..ah...good old Perth.

 

I do like the mountains, eco-tourism and all but ...it's Perth.

And I want to visit Mt Lawley and the university.

 

 

###

The ghost of you

So much backlog but ah...it doesn't matter.

 

...

...

...

 

Saturday was a day spent at the beach with 3 friends - Ginny, Win and Riza. I was the only one who brought extra swimming stuff. Managed to coax Win into swimming and she ..well...carpe diem. Ginny was an enigma, going to the beach with sweat pants and no shorts. Riza, well, she found more joy laying down. But it was fun. Thanks, girls and see you soon.

 

My female cousin (I had gazillions of them) called me up yesterday asking if I had gone to the late auntie's place to commemorate the 7 days of passing. Told her I didnt and that I just prayed and read 'Yaasin' at home. She called to also ask if I had smelled/sensed anything funny over the weekend. She mentioned that her whole house was engulfed by a powerful floral scent and that her daughter dreamed of the late aunt. Her daughter also mentioned that 'Nek Busu' (my late auntie) was around to visit. She also mentioned that she dreamed of the late aunt sleeping beside her mother and when she wanted to go to her mother, the late aunt kicked her.

 

Funny.

My late aunt would have never done that.

 

So yeah, the cousin sounded a bit shaken. I told her dont worry and dont get sucked into all this bull crap. I felt a bit sad cause I didnt get this "experience" but after 5 minutes of such feeling, I told myself...it's not the presence of the aunt. It could be the presence of other spirits or worse, satans.

 

When a person dies, his/her soul departs the body. Though the body may be rotting in the grave, in Islam we believed that the soul will go to a place where it will rest/sleep until Judgement Day. The dead will never come into physical contact with the living (they can come in dreams, I think), nor can they hear or receive things which are presented to them after their death. This is because a wall will be erected when you die. This wall separates the dead from the living and this wall is non-penetrable. This wall is known as 'Barzakh'. There will always be the wall surrounding the soul until the day when the soul is awakened. That day is Judgement Day.

 

Barzakh is not the same as the post-death intermediate step of the Catholic's Purgatory. It is not a ritual or a process. Barzakh is a period where soul sleeps until it is awaken for Judgement Day.

 

So yeah, I told my cousin not to believe in all these. The auntie has passed on and her soul is no longer on earth. She shouldnt be here and we shouldnt see/feel her. We should just pray to God straight to allow him to spare our loved ones from torture and stuff like that. Told the cousin not to be shaken by the works of other spirits who like to prey on the weak and depressed. You see, children have weak soul (because they are young) and that's why they are more susceptible to disturbance and can feel all the evil surrounding them. That could explain why the cousin's daughter felt the uneasiness in the house.

Oh well. Just a friendly reminder, be you a Muslim or not, do not let sadness or depression overcome you. Cause when you do, evil forces will easily target you as prey. This is also another reason as to why intoxication (alcohol or drugs) is bad. It's because when you have no control over your mind, something else will control it for you. But yes, we are humans and we make mistakes. But I think it's good to know all these. Keep us grounded, I think.

So yeah...quit your moping, Ed. Life is wonderful.

...

Anyway, I received my first birthday gift (from someone other than myself) just now from an ex-student. It's just a little box of cookies from Mrs Fields but still...a gift! I am blessed. Thank you very much, Z.

 

Oh well.

Back to work.

 

 

 

P/S: The above is from the Islamic point-of-view and it doesnt mean that I disrespect the values of other religions. It's just my belief.

 

 

 

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Respect yourself

 

I am feeling kind of morose right now, a chronic-by-the-day melancholy.

 

So excuse me if I don't feel like mingling.

 

It's not you, it's just me.

 

 

 

And please....don't trouble yourself.

 

Really.

 

Don't bother.

 

 

 

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Deeper and deeper

Happy New Year's day to you all.


Remember the previous entry? The one I mentioned about Kris Allen's No Boundaries? I know it's of poor quality (cause I dont have the original and this is off Facebook) but hah, here's the version where the green wall has been replaced by letter boxes and lifts. We're just playing out this technique. Our knowledge will get better.

Enjoy.

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