I got on my stationary bicycle for the first time in months (okie, more like 2 years) and boy, was that a killer! It was a pretty pathetic workout session though... I used to be able to cycle an hour straight but today, 10 minutes was all my body could take! Sad huh?
Have also got an immense craving for pizza, which is weird because pizzas aren't exactly my favourite food. Oh, did I mention that today was my first day of dieting? I guess that's the funny thing about dieting. Suddenly EVERYTHING tastes and looks good :P
I picked up a copy of the Malaysian Cleo today when I saw the words "50 Most Eligible Bachelors" on the front. I usually find Cleo super boring so I only buy 2 copies a year - the first one to see who the bachelors are and the second one to see who won. Imagine my surprise today when I flicked to the bachelors' page and saw one of my friends! He really is smart and quite a cutie but will he win? Erm, no I don't think so. I'm not being mean or anything but it's just that year after year, the winner seems to look like a super hunk and my friend is just well, cute.
That makes me wonder how the contestants are judged though. Sometimes I think the name of the contest should be "10 Hunkiest Guys Who Will Get An Award & 40 Average (and sometimes below average) Looking Guys Who Won't Stand A Chance". Why do they even ask the bachelors questions when it is so painfully obvious that the winners are chosen based solely on their looks? I remember this one guy last year who gave the stupidest answers ever but still made it home with an award just because he was goodlooking. The same thing will probably happen this year and then real eligible guys like my friend will get shoved to the bottom and be forever forgotten.
Well, I guess you can't take the Cleo contest too seriously since it is all in good pure fun. It does bum me out a little but then a small part of me has to admit that it sometimes is fun to judge a guy only by his looks. I mean, guys have been doing the same thing to us women so why can't we do the same to them?
Til next time ~Ad~
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Cheer up Ad! I mean at least you've got an excuse, you're still studying!! I have to admit I have been and probably still am stuck in a rut. I mean I've worked for the past few years and I haven't amounted to anything that I had thought I would be at right now at this time in my life.
I have friends too who have made names for themselves, and as you said, some are doctors, lawyers, accountants, you name it and I am sure I have a friend who has achieved that.
But I really think that success is all up to the individual, what you make of it and most importantly, if you're happy. Let's just think about someone like...I don't know, Mother Teresa? I think that she led a really great life, but she wasn't someone who had all the money in the world, big cars, fancy clothes, etc...On the contrary, she was simple but I am sure she was happy and contented.
It's probably a lot easier for me to say it than it is for you to feel it right now, but really, I think you'll amount to a lot more after your graduation and who knows, someone you email in the future could be envying you.
Honestly speaking though (I digress a bit here), I think we've come a long way. Not many people know what we've gone through. We've had more downs than ups, but we've always pulled through. I don't know about you Ad, but I've always been one of the "poorest" among my friends. I had always envied them as well. I remember once, my school had a school trip and I knew it was costly. I didn't even ask mom about it, instead I just told my friends that I was not allowed to go. Many of you may think that was stupid and I should have just asked my mom! But I didn't want her to feel bad or for her to say that she could not afford it.
There was also once this dance party at school. It was a formal do, something like a prom. Everyone was so excited about the dresses they were going to wear and have made. Again, I knew that mom would not be able to afford so rather than have to ask if i could, I decided just to say that I was not allowed to.
Then there were my unbranded clothes and sneakers. I remember all my friends had branded ones like Reebok, Levi's, etc...They would also tell me of their trip to LA, Disneyland, etc...over the summer. I remember I didn't go anywhere, and my shoes were the not-so-branded ones, and jeans? I think we got our bright blue ones from the market!
Even now, if you've read my previous entries, I still seem to be surrounded by those kinds of friends and people. But through it all, I never felt like I had to conform, that I needed to make mom buy any of those things for us.
We never really had those fancy schmancy stuff, but Ad and I have talked about how happy we were and are. I think we've got a great family and we all get along great. That's what counts the most. Then surround yourself with true friends who aren't going to make you feel bad, and you've got it made!
Sometimes I think you just need to find those true friends. I know I have only a handful, well maybe not even. People who are going to accept you as you are and who are not going to be in competition with you. People who are not going to put on fake accents, pretend they are all that, when they are actually striving to be something they are not.
So, I am rambling off and going in all directions, but what I really mean to say is that it's all about happiness! And if you're still sad, hey, think about your sis here who's still stuck in this shit-hole.:)
I have friends too who have made names for themselves, and as you said, some are doctors, lawyers, accountants, you name it and I am sure I have a friend who has achieved that.
But I really think that success is all up to the individual, what you make of it and most importantly, if you're happy. Let's just think about someone like...I don't know, Mother Teresa? I think that she led a really great life, but she wasn't someone who had all the money in the world, big cars, fancy clothes, etc...On the contrary, she was simple but I am sure she was happy and contented.
It's probably a lot easier for me to say it than it is for you to feel it right now, but really, I think you'll amount to a lot more after your graduation and who knows, someone you email in the future could be envying you.
Honestly speaking though (I digress a bit here), I think we've come a long way. Not many people know what we've gone through. We've had more downs than ups, but we've always pulled through. I don't know about you Ad, but I've always been one of the "poorest" among my friends. I had always envied them as well. I remember once, my school had a school trip and I knew it was costly. I didn't even ask mom about it, instead I just told my friends that I was not allowed to go. Many of you may think that was stupid and I should have just asked my mom! But I didn't want her to feel bad or for her to say that she could not afford it.
There was also once this dance party at school. It was a formal do, something like a prom. Everyone was so excited about the dresses they were going to wear and have made. Again, I knew that mom would not be able to afford so rather than have to ask if i could, I decided just to say that I was not allowed to.
Then there were my unbranded clothes and sneakers. I remember all my friends had branded ones like Reebok, Levi's, etc...They would also tell me of their trip to LA, Disneyland, etc...over the summer. I remember I didn't go anywhere, and my shoes were the not-so-branded ones, and jeans? I think we got our bright blue ones from the market!
Even now, if you've read my previous entries, I still seem to be surrounded by those kinds of friends and people. But through it all, I never felt like I had to conform, that I needed to make mom buy any of those things for us.
We never really had those fancy schmancy stuff, but Ad and I have talked about how happy we were and are. I think we've got a great family and we all get along great. That's what counts the most. Then surround yourself with true friends who aren't going to make you feel bad, and you've got it made!
Sometimes I think you just need to find those true friends. I know I have only a handful, well maybe not even. People who are going to accept you as you are and who are not going to be in competition with you. People who are not going to put on fake accents, pretend they are all that, when they are actually striving to be something they are not.
So, I am rambling off and going in all directions, but what I really mean to say is that it's all about happiness! And if you're still sad, hey, think about your sis here who's still stuck in this shit-hole.:)
Monday, March 29, 2004
I received an e-mail from an old friend today and in that e-mail, she was telling me how successful she was in her work and lovelife over in the United States. She was merely informing me on the latest developments in her life and wasn't gloating or anything but I couldn't help but feel a bit depressed after reading that. I am happy for her but miserable for me. Everyone around my age that I know of seems to be doing really well in life and I'm... well, I'm still studying and trying to find myself. 2 old schoolmates are on their way to becoming doctors, another is a lawyer and another one has opened up his own company; a relative is working for a prestigious fashion house in France and a younger cousin has just been accepted to study overseas for free!
I know comparing your life with someone else's is a stupid thing to do but I guess we all do it sometimes, especially when we hear how well other people are doing. At least I hope other people do it, otherwise I might have a serious problem :P I only hope I amount to something after I graduate next year!
********************
I think the ongoing controversy of gay marriages is a sticky subject to deal with. On one hand, you have the law and religious beliefs and on the other, freedom to love whoever you want, regardless of age, race and yes, even gender. I believe in true love... and if two people are lucky enough to experience that with each other and want to get married, there definitely can't be anything wrong in that, even if they are of the same sex, don't you think?
Til next time ~Ad~
I know comparing your life with someone else's is a stupid thing to do but I guess we all do it sometimes, especially when we hear how well other people are doing. At least I hope other people do it, otherwise I might have a serious problem :P I only hope I amount to something after I graduate next year!
I think the ongoing controversy of gay marriages is a sticky subject to deal with. On one hand, you have the law and religious beliefs and on the other, freedom to love whoever you want, regardless of age, race and yes, even gender. I believe in true love... and if two people are lucky enough to experience that with each other and want to get married, there definitely can't be anything wrong in that, even if they are of the same sex, don't you think?
Til next time ~Ad~
Following is a moving letter from singer/actress Bette Midler to Bush, it summons up my (and I am sure many others, as well) sentiments about the marriage of gay couples. I think it's great that gay couples are allowed similar rights as that of any other couple. It's about love and it doesn't harm anyone. It's about two people who love each other and should not concern anyone else.
Dear President Bush,
Today you called upon Congress to move quickly to amend the US Constitution, and set in Federal stone a legal definition of marriage. I would like to know why.
In your speech, you stated that this Amendment would serve to protect marriage in America, which I must confess confuses me. Like you, I believe in the importance of marriage and I feel that we as a society take the institution far too lightly. In my circle of family, friends and acquaintances, the vast majority have married and divorced - some more than once. Still, I believe in marriage. I believe that there is something fundamental about finding another person on this planet with whom you want to build a life and family, and make a positive contribution to society. I believe that we need more positive role models for successful marriage in this country - something to counteract the images we get bombarded with in popular culture. When we are assaulted with images of celebrities of varying genres, be it actors, sports figures, socialites, or even politicians who shrug marriage on and off like the latest fashion, it is vitally important to the face of our nation, for our children and our future, that we have a balance of commitment and fidelity with which to stave off the negativity. I search for these examples to show my own daughter, so that she can see that marriage is more than a disposable whim, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
As a father, I'm sure you have faced these same concerns and difficulties in raising your own daughters. Therefore I can also imagine that you must understand how thrilled I have been over the past few weeks to come home and turn on the news with my family. To finally have concrete examples of true commitment, honest love, and steadfast fidelity was such a relief and a joy. Instead of speaking in the hypothetical, I was finally able to point to these men and women, standing together for hours in the pouring rain, and tell my child that this is what its all about. Forget Britney. Forget Kobe. Forget Strom. Forget about all the people that we know who have taken so frivolously the pure and simple beauty of love and tarnished it so consistently. Look instead at the joy in the beautiful faces of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon - 51 years together! I mean, honestly Mr. President - how many couples do you know who are together for 51 years? I'm sure you agree that this love story provides a wonderful opportunity to teach our children about the true meaning and value of marriage. On the steps of San Francisco City Hall, rose petals and champagne, suits and veils, horns honking and elation in the streets; a celebration of love the likes of which this society has never seen.
This morning, however, my joy turned to sadness, my relief transformed into outrage, and my peace became anger. This morning, I watched you stand before this nation and belittle these women, the thousands who stood with them, and the countless millions who wish to follow them. How could you do that, Mr. President? How could you take something so beautiful - a clear and defining example of the true nature of commitment - and declare it to be anything less? What is it that validates your marriage which somehow doesn't apply to Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon? By what power, what authority are you so divinely imbued that you can stand before me and this nation and hold their love to a higher standard?
Don't speak to me about homosexuality, Mr. President. Don't tell me that the difference lies in the bedroom. I would never presume to ask you or your wife how it is you choose to physically express your love for one another, and I defy you to stand before Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon and ask them to do the same. It is none of my business, as it is none of yours, and it has nothing to do with the "sanctity of marriage". I'm sure you would agree that marriage is far more than sexual expression, and its high time we all started focusing on all the other aspects of a relationship which hold it together over the course of a lifetime. Therefore, with the mechanics of sex set aside, I ask you again - what makes a marriage? I firmly believe that whatever definition you derive, there are thousands upon thousands of shining examples for you to embrace.
You want to protect marriage. I admire and support that, Mr. President. Together, as a nation, let us find and celebrate examples of what a marriage should be. Together, let us take couples who embody the principles of commitment, fidelity, sacrifice and love, and hold them up before our children as role models for their own futures. Together, let us reinforce the concept that love is about far more than sex, despite what popular culture would like them to believe.
Please, for the sake of our children, for the sake of our society, for the sake of our future, do not take us down this road. Under the guise of protection, do not support divisiveness. Under the guise of unity, do not endorse discrimination. Under the guise of sanctity, do not devalue commitment. Under the guise of democracy, do not encourage this amendment.
Bette Midler
***********************
The Marriage rights battle Timeline (taken from MSNBC research):
1989
Denmark becomes the first nation to legally recognize same-sex unions, offering "the same legal effects as the contracting of marriage." Half a dozen European countries begin moving in the same direction.
1996
A court in Hawaii overrules a previous state ban on gay marriage, sparking a national debate on the subject.
1996
The U.S. House and Senate overwhelmingly pass the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a bill denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages and giving states the right to refuse same-sex marriage licenses from other states and deny benefits associated with marriage. President Bill Clinton signs the bill. Some 38 states have since adopted similar state legislation.
2000
Vermont creates a new legal relationship status called a "civil union," allowing same-sex couples to obtain all of the rights, responsibilities and benefits available through marriage within the state of Vermont, becoming the first state to do so.
April, 2001
Netherlands: Gay and lesbian couples who are Dutch are allowed to marry and adopt with the full privileges enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. The law offers the most sweeping rights to same sex couples in the world. By 2002, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Germany, France and Switzerland have all adopted laws allowing registration of same-sex unions, with most or all of the rights enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.
May, 2003
Rep Marilyn Musgrave, (R-Colo.) and five cosponsors introduce HJ Resolution 56, the Federal Marriage Amendment, a resolution to amend the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman only. The Senate follows suit with its own resolution in November. The amendments state that no state or federal law "shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups."
June 2003
The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down a Texas law prohibiting same-sex sodomy. By removing criminal implications for private consensual sexual acts, the ruling changed the legal landscape for an array issues concerning same-sex couples, including the right to marry.
June-July, 2003
The Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia begin allowing same-sex couples to marry, and obtain full rights of marriage under Canadian law, following a court decision that the law on traditional marriage is unconstitutional.
November, 2003
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules that it is a violation of the state constitution to bar same-sex couples from marriage. The first legal marriages for same-sex couples are due to take place in May.
February, 2004
Massachusetts lawmakers debate amending the state constitution to define marriage as a union only between a man and woman in response to the November court ruling. The amendment fails. At least 20 other states had introduced or were expected to introduce similar state constitutional amendments.
On Feb. 12, 2004, San Francisco's newly elected Mayor Gavin Newsom allows the distribution of marriage licenses to same sex couples, prompting the state attorney general to file a constitutional challenge with the state Supreme Court. Thousands of gay and lesbian couples descend on City Hall for wedding ceremonies.
Dear President Bush,
Today you called upon Congress to move quickly to amend the US Constitution, and set in Federal stone a legal definition of marriage. I would like to know why.
In your speech, you stated that this Amendment would serve to protect marriage in America, which I must confess confuses me. Like you, I believe in the importance of marriage and I feel that we as a society take the institution far too lightly. In my circle of family, friends and acquaintances, the vast majority have married and divorced - some more than once. Still, I believe in marriage. I believe that there is something fundamental about finding another person on this planet with whom you want to build a life and family, and make a positive contribution to society. I believe that we need more positive role models for successful marriage in this country - something to counteract the images we get bombarded with in popular culture. When we are assaulted with images of celebrities of varying genres, be it actors, sports figures, socialites, or even politicians who shrug marriage on and off like the latest fashion, it is vitally important to the face of our nation, for our children and our future, that we have a balance of commitment and fidelity with which to stave off the negativity. I search for these examples to show my own daughter, so that she can see that marriage is more than a disposable whim, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
As a father, I'm sure you have faced these same concerns and difficulties in raising your own daughters. Therefore I can also imagine that you must understand how thrilled I have been over the past few weeks to come home and turn on the news with my family. To finally have concrete examples of true commitment, honest love, and steadfast fidelity was such a relief and a joy. Instead of speaking in the hypothetical, I was finally able to point to these men and women, standing together for hours in the pouring rain, and tell my child that this is what its all about. Forget Britney. Forget Kobe. Forget Strom. Forget about all the people that we know who have taken so frivolously the pure and simple beauty of love and tarnished it so consistently. Look instead at the joy in the beautiful faces of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon - 51 years together! I mean, honestly Mr. President - how many couples do you know who are together for 51 years? I'm sure you agree that this love story provides a wonderful opportunity to teach our children about the true meaning and value of marriage. On the steps of San Francisco City Hall, rose petals and champagne, suits and veils, horns honking and elation in the streets; a celebration of love the likes of which this society has never seen.
This morning, however, my joy turned to sadness, my relief transformed into outrage, and my peace became anger. This morning, I watched you stand before this nation and belittle these women, the thousands who stood with them, and the countless millions who wish to follow them. How could you do that, Mr. President? How could you take something so beautiful - a clear and defining example of the true nature of commitment - and declare it to be anything less? What is it that validates your marriage which somehow doesn't apply to Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon? By what power, what authority are you so divinely imbued that you can stand before me and this nation and hold their love to a higher standard?
Don't speak to me about homosexuality, Mr. President. Don't tell me that the difference lies in the bedroom. I would never presume to ask you or your wife how it is you choose to physically express your love for one another, and I defy you to stand before Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon and ask them to do the same. It is none of my business, as it is none of yours, and it has nothing to do with the "sanctity of marriage". I'm sure you would agree that marriage is far more than sexual expression, and its high time we all started focusing on all the other aspects of a relationship which hold it together over the course of a lifetime. Therefore, with the mechanics of sex set aside, I ask you again - what makes a marriage? I firmly believe that whatever definition you derive, there are thousands upon thousands of shining examples for you to embrace.
You want to protect marriage. I admire and support that, Mr. President. Together, as a nation, let us find and celebrate examples of what a marriage should be. Together, let us take couples who embody the principles of commitment, fidelity, sacrifice and love, and hold them up before our children as role models for their own futures. Together, let us reinforce the concept that love is about far more than sex, despite what popular culture would like them to believe.
Please, for the sake of our children, for the sake of our society, for the sake of our future, do not take us down this road. Under the guise of protection, do not support divisiveness. Under the guise of unity, do not endorse discrimination. Under the guise of sanctity, do not devalue commitment. Under the guise of democracy, do not encourage this amendment.
Bette Midler
***********************
The Marriage rights battle Timeline (taken from MSNBC research):
1989
Denmark becomes the first nation to legally recognize same-sex unions, offering "the same legal effects as the contracting of marriage." Half a dozen European countries begin moving in the same direction.
1996
A court in Hawaii overrules a previous state ban on gay marriage, sparking a national debate on the subject.
1996
The U.S. House and Senate overwhelmingly pass the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a bill denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages and giving states the right to refuse same-sex marriage licenses from other states and deny benefits associated with marriage. President Bill Clinton signs the bill. Some 38 states have since adopted similar state legislation.
2000
Vermont creates a new legal relationship status called a "civil union," allowing same-sex couples to obtain all of the rights, responsibilities and benefits available through marriage within the state of Vermont, becoming the first state to do so.
April, 2001
Netherlands: Gay and lesbian couples who are Dutch are allowed to marry and adopt with the full privileges enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. The law offers the most sweeping rights to same sex couples in the world. By 2002, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Germany, France and Switzerland have all adopted laws allowing registration of same-sex unions, with most or all of the rights enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.
May, 2003
Rep Marilyn Musgrave, (R-Colo.) and five cosponsors introduce HJ Resolution 56, the Federal Marriage Amendment, a resolution to amend the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman only. The Senate follows suit with its own resolution in November. The amendments state that no state or federal law "shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups."
June 2003
The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down a Texas law prohibiting same-sex sodomy. By removing criminal implications for private consensual sexual acts, the ruling changed the legal landscape for an array issues concerning same-sex couples, including the right to marry.
June-July, 2003
The Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia begin allowing same-sex couples to marry, and obtain full rights of marriage under Canadian law, following a court decision that the law on traditional marriage is unconstitutional.
November, 2003
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules that it is a violation of the state constitution to bar same-sex couples from marriage. The first legal marriages for same-sex couples are due to take place in May.
February, 2004
Massachusetts lawmakers debate amending the state constitution to define marriage as a union only between a man and woman in response to the November court ruling. The amendment fails. At least 20 other states had introduced or were expected to introduce similar state constitutional amendments.
On Feb. 12, 2004, San Francisco's newly elected Mayor Gavin Newsom allows the distribution of marriage licenses to same sex couples, prompting the state attorney general to file a constitutional challenge with the state Supreme Court. Thousands of gay and lesbian couples descend on City Hall for wedding ceremonies.
It's Sunday evening, how the weekend flies! But I guess I've complained before...must not make this a habit!:)
Erhm, I did watch "One Hour Photo" but it was on the plane. Anyone who's travelled with me before on the plane will know that without the need/help of dramamine, I literally conk out upon take off. This means I probably saw about 10 mins of the movie. hehe. From what little I saw, I didn't like. But I might change my mind if I have the chance to watch it again...fully.
I've just had a takeout of some delicious Burmese food! It's one of my favorite restaurants in SF. I had samusa soup and a tea leaf salad. Deeeeeeelicious! I wish I knew how to cook them, and I've surfed the internet for recipes but to no avail.
The samusa soup is made of falafels, lentils, cabbage, onions and of course, samusas. Tea leaf salad is with imported Burmese tea leaves, tomatoes, lettice, dried shrimp, fried garlic, sesame seeds and peanuts. If anyone knows how to make these mouthwatering dishes, shoot me an email!
Erhm, I did watch "One Hour Photo" but it was on the plane. Anyone who's travelled with me before on the plane will know that without the need/help of dramamine, I literally conk out upon take off. This means I probably saw about 10 mins of the movie. hehe. From what little I saw, I didn't like. But I might change my mind if I have the chance to watch it again...fully.
I've just had a takeout of some delicious Burmese food! It's one of my favorite restaurants in SF. I had samusa soup and a tea leaf salad. Deeeeeeelicious! I wish I knew how to cook them, and I've surfed the internet for recipes but to no avail.
The samusa soup is made of falafels, lentils, cabbage, onions and of course, samusas. Tea leaf salad is with imported Burmese tea leaves, tomatoes, lettice, dried shrimp, fried garlic, sesame seeds and peanuts. If anyone knows how to make these mouthwatering dishes, shoot me an email!
"...if these pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it's this: I was here; I existed; I was young, I was happy, and someone cared enough about me in this world to take my picture."
I thought that was one of the best lines in the movie "One Hour Photo". I had seen the movie when it first came out but due to the muffled voices and grainy "greyscaled" picture quality of my erm, not-so-original copy of the movie, I didn't think much of it until I saw it on cable today. What a world of difference colour and sound make!
The storyline or plot may not be the most original but the great dialogue coupled with superb cinematography and set design makes it an above average film for me. The colours in the film are rich and brilliant but that only makes the chameleon-like blending of the character into the background all the more meaningful. And since we're talking about the character, we can't forget Robin Williams' magnificent portrayal of the wacko in the movie... he acts and looks nothing like well, his usual comedic self. Yes, he is that good!
A word of warning though, you might want to skip this if loud suspenseful movies are your thing. If however, you like quiet creepy movies and have an appreciation for some great film-making skills, be sure to watch this!
I know An saw this movie a while back. What did you think of it, sister?
Til next time ~Ad~
I thought that was one of the best lines in the movie "One Hour Photo". I had seen the movie when it first came out but due to the muffled voices and grainy "greyscaled" picture quality of my erm, not-so-original copy of the movie, I didn't think much of it until I saw it on cable today. What a world of difference colour and sound make!
The storyline or plot may not be the most original but the great dialogue coupled with superb cinematography and set design makes it an above average film for me. The colours in the film are rich and brilliant but that only makes the chameleon-like blending of the character into the background all the more meaningful. And since we're talking about the character, we can't forget Robin Williams' magnificent portrayal of the wacko in the movie... he acts and looks nothing like well, his usual comedic self. Yes, he is that good!
A word of warning though, you might want to skip this if loud suspenseful movies are your thing. If however, you like quiet creepy movies and have an appreciation for some great film-making skills, be sure to watch this!
I know An saw this movie a while back. What did you think of it, sister?
Til next time ~Ad~
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Well today I watched a movie of a different kind... a 50-minute homemade video of yours truly captured by my father when I was 2, 3 and 4 years old. My brother was converting the VHS to a VCD so I was forced to watch the whole thing 3 times while he tried to perfect the editing of the itsy-bitsy details. Okay, forced might be too strong a word but the truth is, I hate watching old home movies.
The obvious physical transition from baby cute to adult blahness is one reason. But the tremendous amount of sadness I feel everytime I watch it is probably the main reason. For one, our dad is no longer with us so just hearing his voice on the tape makes me want to bawl my eyes out. And then there's our camera-shy uncle, who tried to hide everytime my dad wanted to capture him on film. He was super close to us when An and I were kids but now that he has his own family, he doesn't bother with us anymore. In fact, it's a burden trying to get him to see us nowadays. And just the fact that everyone in the video (including me!) has aged 20+ years is super depressing!
I probably won't watch the video again unless I'm feeling nostalgic or I have this sudden need to make myself feel depressed. But like my mother said, it's something to show my future grandkids so I'll probably wait until then to watch it again haha!
Til next time ~Ad~
The obvious physical transition from baby cute to adult blahness is one reason. But the tremendous amount of sadness I feel everytime I watch it is probably the main reason. For one, our dad is no longer with us so just hearing his voice on the tape makes me want to bawl my eyes out. And then there's our camera-shy uncle, who tried to hide everytime my dad wanted to capture him on film. He was super close to us when An and I were kids but now that he has his own family, he doesn't bother with us anymore. In fact, it's a burden trying to get him to see us nowadays. And just the fact that everyone in the video (including me!) has aged 20+ years is super depressing!
I probably won't watch the video again unless I'm feeling nostalgic or I have this sudden need to make myself feel depressed. But like my mother said, it's something to show my future grandkids so I'll probably wait until then to watch it again haha!
Til next time ~Ad~
Monday, March 22, 2004
The weekend is almost over! I wish the week would pass as quickly as the weekend.
Let's see, what happened....
Well, for one, it was the anniversary of the Iraqi war. One year ago! There were several anti-war protests around the world, as well as SF. It was mostly peaceful with some minor incidents here in the city. It is believed that as many as 50,000 turned up at the protest.
To date, more than 580 have died since the war began, and more than 3300 have been wounded. And these are just American casualties....how many civilians, innocent people, women, children have died? This was terrible and is terrible, just terrible.
In Malaysia, elections were held and I've read that Barisan Nasional has had a massive 2/3 victory! This is great for Malaysian Prime Minister and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as it shows Malaysian voters have given him the mandate for reforms.
-------------------------------------------
On a much lighter note, I met up with some friends. We had dinner in North Beach, sat among the crowd of posh looking people in our sneakers and jeans, T-shirts and moi in my track pants.
It's funny how many people seem to doll up to be seen. I've always been fascinated by it. I mean, not to say that I don't dress up myself every now and again. But definitely to go to the grocer, movies, or just plain shopping you'll find me in my cheapo jeans and sweatshirt, or worst yet, clothes that I wore the day before. Haha. I just find it all a bit silly to have to dress up to go shop for clothes. Okie, I'd probably get better service from the shop attendants but hey, not to be snooty but really, I think I earn a lot more than they do, so who are they to look me up and down just because I don't wiggle around in stilettos, short shorts/skirt and a barely-there top like some of them do, oh yes, and not forgetting a cake of make-up.
Yes, that's me standing over there in my knee-lenth shorts, flat sandals and my t-shirt probably made for two.
This reminds me of what happened on friday. It was casual friday and working where I work, I wore my tracks (yes same one I wore on Saturday, so?), t-shirt and a denim jacket I had bought last year at Nordstrom.
So my oh-so-brand conscious coworker tells me she likes my jacket, it's cute, etc...in her oh-so fake tone of voice. I swear she tells me this all the time and as you have already read, I am no fashion model, stylist queen, etc...
I think she tells me this all the time to find out what brand my clothes are, where i got them, and I can honestly tell you I am a bargain shopper. You will never find me in a gucci store, holding a louis vuitton bag, or prancing around in prada shoes ( i think they make shoes too, don't they?). I actually find it quite fun to go into a store and find a jacket that's 70% off, or that cute pair of shoes for 10 bucks. She, on the otherhand, will pay about 600 bucks for her boots, 1000 over for a jacket, 600 for a wallet, etc. So you can see where I am going here.
Anyway, I tell her it's something I got at Nordstrom ( I didn't tell her on the sale rack, HA!) about a year ago. She says, it's nice. And guess what she did? She bent over to have a look at the buttons to see the brand, and looked at the label on the sleeve. I couldn't believe it!
Of course, being the polite person I was, i didn't say anything. But I just thought that was unbelievable and I can tell you that's not the last of it. I know because with the cheapo shirts I buy to wear to work, I have several. Each time my coworker tells me she likes it, but then she's also told me she doesn't like brands like JCrew cos it's not her thing (and already in my mind that's considered quite $$ for me!), so I find it all just really, I guess the word is... hypocritical???
I say it's not about the clothes, brands, etc... but really who you are that counts.
----------------------------------------------
This past weekend I watched "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "21 grams". Both movies I loved! I have always had a crush on Johnny Depp since his 21 Jump Street Days...yummy. I like it that he's acted in oddball movies instead of the conventional hunky "safe" roles that some actors choose.
As for Sean Penn, I didn't really like him when he was younger, especially when he married Madonna??? But he's matured and has won my respect. He's definitely one of my favorite actors these days. I was glad he won Best Actor for his role in Mystic River, another excellent movie to go watch.
Let's see, what happened....
Well, for one, it was the anniversary of the Iraqi war. One year ago! There were several anti-war protests around the world, as well as SF. It was mostly peaceful with some minor incidents here in the city. It is believed that as many as 50,000 turned up at the protest.
To date, more than 580 have died since the war began, and more than 3300 have been wounded. And these are just American casualties....how many civilians, innocent people, women, children have died? This was terrible and is terrible, just terrible.
In Malaysia, elections were held and I've read that Barisan Nasional has had a massive 2/3 victory! This is great for Malaysian Prime Minister and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as it shows Malaysian voters have given him the mandate for reforms.
-------------------------------------------
On a much lighter note, I met up with some friends. We had dinner in North Beach, sat among the crowd of posh looking people in our sneakers and jeans, T-shirts and moi in my track pants.
It's funny how many people seem to doll up to be seen. I've always been fascinated by it. I mean, not to say that I don't dress up myself every now and again. But definitely to go to the grocer, movies, or just plain shopping you'll find me in my cheapo jeans and sweatshirt, or worst yet, clothes that I wore the day before. Haha. I just find it all a bit silly to have to dress up to go shop for clothes. Okie, I'd probably get better service from the shop attendants but hey, not to be snooty but really, I think I earn a lot more than they do, so who are they to look me up and down just because I don't wiggle around in stilettos, short shorts/skirt and a barely-there top like some of them do, oh yes, and not forgetting a cake of make-up.
Yes, that's me standing over there in my knee-lenth shorts, flat sandals and my t-shirt probably made for two.
This reminds me of what happened on friday. It was casual friday and working where I work, I wore my tracks (yes same one I wore on Saturday, so?), t-shirt and a denim jacket I had bought last year at Nordstrom.
So my oh-so-brand conscious coworker tells me she likes my jacket, it's cute, etc...in her oh-so fake tone of voice. I swear she tells me this all the time and as you have already read, I am no fashion model, stylist queen, etc...
I think she tells me this all the time to find out what brand my clothes are, where i got them, and I can honestly tell you I am a bargain shopper. You will never find me in a gucci store, holding a louis vuitton bag, or prancing around in prada shoes ( i think they make shoes too, don't they?). I actually find it quite fun to go into a store and find a jacket that's 70% off, or that cute pair of shoes for 10 bucks. She, on the otherhand, will pay about 600 bucks for her boots, 1000 over for a jacket, 600 for a wallet, etc. So you can see where I am going here.
Anyway, I tell her it's something I got at Nordstrom ( I didn't tell her on the sale rack, HA!) about a year ago. She says, it's nice. And guess what she did? She bent over to have a look at the buttons to see the brand, and looked at the label on the sleeve. I couldn't believe it!
Of course, being the polite person I was, i didn't say anything. But I just thought that was unbelievable and I can tell you that's not the last of it. I know because with the cheapo shirts I buy to wear to work, I have several. Each time my coworker tells me she likes it, but then she's also told me she doesn't like brands like JCrew cos it's not her thing (and already in my mind that's considered quite $$ for me!), so I find it all just really, I guess the word is... hypocritical???
I say it's not about the clothes, brands, etc... but really who you are that counts.
----------------------------------------------
This past weekend I watched "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "21 grams". Both movies I loved! I have always had a crush on Johnny Depp since his 21 Jump Street Days...yummy. I like it that he's acted in oddball movies instead of the conventional hunky "safe" roles that some actors choose.
As for Sean Penn, I didn't really like him when he was younger, especially when he married Madonna??? But he's matured and has won my respect. He's definitely one of my favorite actors these days. I was glad he won Best Actor for his role in Mystic River, another excellent movie to go watch.
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Thursday, March 18, 2004
The concert was FUCKING amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before I tell you about the concert itself, let me tell you a bit about what I did before it started. I got there about 7p.m and the traffic was a killer! The whole traffic situation was made worse by the many food and drink stalls parked by the side of the roads and the hundreds of people walking and sitting around. My friends arrived late and I couldn't do anything except sit and wait since my friend had my ticket. I got a little panicky when at 7.30pm, my friends still hadn't arrived and my cellphone displayed the annoying "Network Busy" everytime I tried to call out. I started imagining the worst when the crowd started going in and I was still standing outside, friendless and ticketless! I thought that my friends had gone in without seeing me and since they couldn't exactly reach me on my cell, they decided to carry on without me! But silly me, I'd given my friends too much credit by actually thinking that they would arrive on time for once. Anyway, late or not, I was SO relieved when I finally spotted my friends at around 8. All was forgiven since it really wasn't their fault - traffic was at a stand-still and finding a parking space wasn't exactly the easiest of tasks. That, and they bought me beer and cigarettes :P
The two local opening acts, Pop Shuvit and OAG sucked big time, in my opinion. I personally felt embarrassed since there were tons of foreigners around and I was hoping that the guys from Incubus were too busy doing something else to listen. Both bands, especially OAG, spoke broken English while addressing the crowd and they sang out of tune. I think other local bands like Butterfingers, Love Me Butch or Damn Dirty Apes would have rocked harder and given way better performances.
Brandon Boyd, DJ Kilmore, Mike Einziger, Jose Pasillas, and latest addition, Ben Kenney finally came onstage at around 9.45pm and performed Megalomaniac, their first hit single off their latest album. It was an explosive beginning since everyone knew the lyrics and sang along without missing a beat. The band then proceeded to belt out an hour and a half of other hit songs from their previous albums with hardly a pause in between. I was delighted when they sang their third song, Warning! (if you had read my previous post, you'd know that that was my fav Incubus song). Their whole performance was just so brilliantly consistent and it was impossible not to enjoy the whole concert!
Once the concert was over though, everyone headed towards the exit at the same time so it was a push-or-get-shoved situation and I got shoved around like crazy! The smell of stale sweat and B.O. from the other 7,999 people around made it even more unbearable :P But like all the other Incubus fans who attended the concert, I would gladly go through all the pushing and inhaling of deadly erm, odours if I could see Incubus live all over again!!!!
Well all in all, it was a pretty amazing night for me. I made new friends and saw old ones, I got to see one of my favourite bands perform live and my friends bought me beer and cigarettes... friends, music, alcohol and ciggies, what more could I have asked for?
My only regrets? Not having my camera with me and being born short. It was tiring trying to look in between and above the sea of higher heads!
Til next time ~Ad~ (I Love Incubus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Before I tell you about the concert itself, let me tell you a bit about what I did before it started. I got there about 7p.m and the traffic was a killer! The whole traffic situation was made worse by the many food and drink stalls parked by the side of the roads and the hundreds of people walking and sitting around. My friends arrived late and I couldn't do anything except sit and wait since my friend had my ticket. I got a little panicky when at 7.30pm, my friends still hadn't arrived and my cellphone displayed the annoying "Network Busy" everytime I tried to call out. I started imagining the worst when the crowd started going in and I was still standing outside, friendless and ticketless! I thought that my friends had gone in without seeing me and since they couldn't exactly reach me on my cell, they decided to carry on without me! But silly me, I'd given my friends too much credit by actually thinking that they would arrive on time for once. Anyway, late or not, I was SO relieved when I finally spotted my friends at around 8. All was forgiven since it really wasn't their fault - traffic was at a stand-still and finding a parking space wasn't exactly the easiest of tasks. That, and they bought me beer and cigarettes :P
The two local opening acts, Pop Shuvit and OAG sucked big time, in my opinion. I personally felt embarrassed since there were tons of foreigners around and I was hoping that the guys from Incubus were too busy doing something else to listen. Both bands, especially OAG, spoke broken English while addressing the crowd and they sang out of tune. I think other local bands like Butterfingers, Love Me Butch or Damn Dirty Apes would have rocked harder and given way better performances.
Brandon Boyd, DJ Kilmore, Mike Einziger, Jose Pasillas, and latest addition, Ben Kenney finally came onstage at around 9.45pm and performed Megalomaniac, their first hit single off their latest album. It was an explosive beginning since everyone knew the lyrics and sang along without missing a beat. The band then proceeded to belt out an hour and a half of other hit songs from their previous albums with hardly a pause in between. I was delighted when they sang their third song, Warning! (if you had read my previous post, you'd know that that was my fav Incubus song). Their whole performance was just so brilliantly consistent and it was impossible not to enjoy the whole concert!
Once the concert was over though, everyone headed towards the exit at the same time so it was a push-or-get-shoved situation and I got shoved around like crazy! The smell of stale sweat and B.O. from the other 7,999 people around made it even more unbearable :P But like all the other Incubus fans who attended the concert, I would gladly go through all the pushing and inhaling of deadly erm, odours if I could see Incubus live all over again!!!!
Well all in all, it was a pretty amazing night for me. I made new friends and saw old ones, I got to see one of my favourite bands perform live and my friends bought me beer and cigarettes... friends, music, alcohol and ciggies, what more could I have asked for?
My only regrets? Not having my camera with me and being born short. It was tiring trying to look in between and above the sea of higher heads!
Til next time ~Ad~ (I Love Incubus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
It's 5 something in the morning now and I'm wide awake! When I'm terribly excited about something, I find it hard to sleep so it's likely I won't be getting much zzzzzs tonight. So what's the reason for the excitement? In about 16 hours, Incubus will be performing at the Mont Kiara Equestrian Club and I'm going!!!! I could have kicked myself for missing the Linkin Park concert last year so I definitely made sure I got my ticket this time. Sigh, I'll finally get to see Brandon and his prefect abs in person!
Here is my personal tribute to Incubus... a list of my favourite Top 10 Incubus songs! Now, I love ALL songs by Incubus so having to pick a handful is not as easy as you might think. So let's start at number 10 and work our way up to my all-time favourite Incubus song:
10. Battlestar Scralatchtica
9. Pardon Me
8. Drive
7. Circles
6. Privilege
5. Stellar
4. Are You In?
3. I Miss You
2. Aqueous Transmission
And my number 1 all-time favourite Incubus song is...... (DRUMROLL)
1. Warning !!!!!!!!!
Okay, just compiling that list has gotten me all excited so here's hoping that everyone (including me) will have a marvelous time at the concert today!!!!!!!!!
Til next time ~Ad~
Here is my personal tribute to Incubus... a list of my favourite Top 10 Incubus songs! Now, I love ALL songs by Incubus so having to pick a handful is not as easy as you might think. So let's start at number 10 and work our way up to my all-time favourite Incubus song:
10. Battlestar Scralatchtica
9. Pardon Me
8. Drive
7. Circles
6. Privilege
5. Stellar
4. Are You In?
3. I Miss You
2. Aqueous Transmission
And my number 1 all-time favourite Incubus song is...... (DRUMROLL)
1. Warning !!!!!!!!!
Okay, just compiling that list has gotten me all excited so here's hoping that everyone (including me) will have a marvelous time at the concert today!!!!!!!!!
Til next time ~Ad~
Saturday, March 13, 2004
On this day, March 13th, I share the same birthday as:
1615 Innocent XII [Antonio Pignatelli] Pope (1691-1700)
1764 Charles Earl Grey (Whig), British Prime Minister (1830-34)
1779 Oliver Shaw composer
1950 William H Macy Miami FL, actor
1960 Adam Clayton Oxfordshire, rock bassist (U2-I Will Follow)
1971 Tracy Wells actress (Heather-Mr Belvedere)
Also on this day, the following events occurred...
0483 St Felix III begins his reign as Catholic Pope
1781 Sir William Herschel sees "comet" (really discovered Uranus)
1852 Uncle Sam cartoon figure made its debut in the New York Lantern weekly
1884 US adopts Standard Time
1887 Chester Greenwood of Maine patents earmuffs
1963 Indonesia & Netherlands recover diplomatic relations
1968 Beatles release "Lady Madonna" in the UK
1969 Apollo 9 returns to Earth
1973 Syria adopts constitution
1991 Exxon pays $1-billion dollars in fines & cleanup of Valdez oil spill (Prince William Sound, Alaska)
1992 570 die in a Turkish earthquake
And of course, not forgetting that I was born!!:)
Yes, today is my birthday!
I feel a bit better than yesterday, although still a little sad that someone could be so cold-hearted and unfeeling and mean! Oh well.
I started out my day by watching the movie "Sylvia." Hehe, probably not a movie I should be watching considering I was depressed. Anyway, it's about one of my favorite poets, Sylvia Plath and her marriage to Ted Hughes, another fav poet of mine. I recommend it only if you're prepared for a rather gloom and doom kind of movie, cos well, if you didn't already know, Sylvia committed suicide by sticking her head in an unlit oven (Ted was having an affair).
But back to what happened to me today...My mom called me today and as Ad had previously said in her blogs, she's definitely one of the sweetest people I know, if not the only. She serenaded me the birthday song and we talked for about an hour. I love my mom dearly. We used to argue a lot but as I have grown older, I have learned to appreciate her more and I think she's the coolest ever!
I mean everyone's going to say their mom's the best mom ever, but really, if there was an award for Best Mom in the world, OUR mom would win hands down.:) She's beenn through a WHOLE lot, sacrificed a lot of us, always puts us first, never been well off but yet she's always made sure we were never deprived of anything. I could go on writing a whole library about our mother!
It's quite dangerous to mention what I like to my mom though cos she'll make sure that I have it, within reason of course. Like prior to my departure for SF, I had just casually stated that I would like a certain book....And didn't my mom make sure that I HAVE that book! I had also said I liked a pair of sandals earlier on during my vacation at home...on the day I left, the pair of sandals was sitting on my bed waiting to be packed! Wait, there's more...well, too much more, but I think you get the idea. My mother has said before that as a child she did not always get everything but that she would make sure we would. Oh god, I better not think or write too much, I am going to start sobbing!!! By the way, don't think that I had mentioned things to my mom just to get them, it was all just casual conversation. That's why I said it's dangerous to mention anything...!!!
Anyway, it was great to hear her voice today. I told her what happened and she comforted me, which was great. I have to admit, I couldn't help but sob a cup or so of tears, cos seriously, I was hurt yesterday.
Oh well, life goes on I guess.
But today, I say fuck everyone who's going to treat me like shit. Fuck everyone who's going to say something nice to me and not mean it. Fuck everyone who's not going to appreciate me for who I am.
I have to realise and remind myself constantly that there ARE people who care about me and who would willingly give an arm or leg or even both, to make sure that I was happy. My family (which of course includes Ad!), baby buns Ro, and true true friends...I know who you are and I am sure you know too...!
Thanks to everyone's phone calls, bday cards/ecards, greetings, presents. I really appreciate them!
1615 Innocent XII [Antonio Pignatelli] Pope (1691-1700)
1764 Charles Earl Grey (Whig), British Prime Minister (1830-34)
1779 Oliver Shaw composer
1950 William H Macy Miami FL, actor
1960 Adam Clayton Oxfordshire, rock bassist (U2-I Will Follow)
1971 Tracy Wells actress (Heather-Mr Belvedere)
Also on this day, the following events occurred...
0483 St Felix III begins his reign as Catholic Pope
1781 Sir William Herschel sees "comet" (really discovered Uranus)
1852 Uncle Sam cartoon figure made its debut in the New York Lantern weekly
1884 US adopts Standard Time
1887 Chester Greenwood of Maine patents earmuffs
1963 Indonesia & Netherlands recover diplomatic relations
1968 Beatles release "Lady Madonna" in the UK
1969 Apollo 9 returns to Earth
1973 Syria adopts constitution
1991 Exxon pays $1-billion dollars in fines & cleanup of Valdez oil spill (Prince William Sound, Alaska)
1992 570 die in a Turkish earthquake
And of course, not forgetting that I was born!!:)
Yes, today is my birthday!
I feel a bit better than yesterday, although still a little sad that someone could be so cold-hearted and unfeeling and mean! Oh well.
I started out my day by watching the movie "Sylvia." Hehe, probably not a movie I should be watching considering I was depressed. Anyway, it's about one of my favorite poets, Sylvia Plath and her marriage to Ted Hughes, another fav poet of mine. I recommend it only if you're prepared for a rather gloom and doom kind of movie, cos well, if you didn't already know, Sylvia committed suicide by sticking her head in an unlit oven (Ted was having an affair).
But back to what happened to me today...My mom called me today and as Ad had previously said in her blogs, she's definitely one of the sweetest people I know, if not the only. She serenaded me the birthday song and we talked for about an hour. I love my mom dearly. We used to argue a lot but as I have grown older, I have learned to appreciate her more and I think she's the coolest ever!
I mean everyone's going to say their mom's the best mom ever, but really, if there was an award for Best Mom in the world, OUR mom would win hands down.:) She's beenn through a WHOLE lot, sacrificed a lot of us, always puts us first, never been well off but yet she's always made sure we were never deprived of anything. I could go on writing a whole library about our mother!
It's quite dangerous to mention what I like to my mom though cos she'll make sure that I have it, within reason of course. Like prior to my departure for SF, I had just casually stated that I would like a certain book....And didn't my mom make sure that I HAVE that book! I had also said I liked a pair of sandals earlier on during my vacation at home...on the day I left, the pair of sandals was sitting on my bed waiting to be packed! Wait, there's more...well, too much more, but I think you get the idea. My mother has said before that as a child she did not always get everything but that she would make sure we would. Oh god, I better not think or write too much, I am going to start sobbing!!! By the way, don't think that I had mentioned things to my mom just to get them, it was all just casual conversation. That's why I said it's dangerous to mention anything...!!!
Anyway, it was great to hear her voice today. I told her what happened and she comforted me, which was great. I have to admit, I couldn't help but sob a cup or so of tears, cos seriously, I was hurt yesterday.
Oh well, life goes on I guess.
But today, I say fuck everyone who's going to treat me like shit. Fuck everyone who's going to say something nice to me and not mean it. Fuck everyone who's not going to appreciate me for who I am.
I have to realise and remind myself constantly that there ARE people who care about me and who would willingly give an arm or leg or even both, to make sure that I was happy. My family (which of course includes Ad!), baby buns Ro, and true true friends...I know who you are and I am sure you know too...!
Thanks to everyone's phone calls, bday cards/ecards, greetings, presents. I really appreciate them!
Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again. --Menachem Mendel Schneerson
HAPPY xxth BIRTHDAY, SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't let your boss bring you down on your birthday ok? I hope that you'll enjoy the rest of your day!!!!!
PS I know you hate work so here's a little stupid poem to cheer you up:
I love my Job, I love the Pay!
I love it more and more each day.
I love my Boss; he's the best!
I love his boss and all the rest.
I love my Office and its location
I hate to have to go on vacation.
I love my furniture, drab and gray,
And the paper that piles up every day!
I love my chair in my padded Cell!
There's nothing else I love so well.
I love to work among my Peers -
I love their leers and jeers and sneers.
I love my Computer and all its Software;
I hug it often though it doesn't care...
I love each Program and every File,
I try to understand once in a while!
I'm happy to be here, I am I am;
I'm the happiest Slave of my uncle Sam.
I love this Work: I love these Chores.
I love the Meetings with deadly Bores.
I love my Job - I'll say it again -
I even love these friendly Men -
These men who've come to visit today
In lovely white coats to take me away!
Happy Birthday once again, sister. Love you lots :-)
I liked "Twin Falls Idaho" when I saw it last year. If you liked this, I recommend "Chang and Eng." The book is great although it's quite sad. And if I am not mistaken, it's loosely based on true life conjoined twins.
And about those migraines, oooooooh yeah, i totally feel your pain Ad! I wonder if it's hereditary! *wink*
Here's what I thought was kind of fun (and childish too, but who cares?:))...writing your name in hieroglyphics!
And about those migraines, oooooooh yeah, i totally feel your pain Ad! I wonder if it's hereditary! *wink*
Here's what I thought was kind of fun (and childish too, but who cares?:))...writing your name in hieroglyphics!
Have any of you watched "Friends" or "Sex and the City" or even "Seinfeld? What have all of these got in common? Something I don't really have - a group of real, true friends. Yeah.
I don't want to sound like I am kissing my sister's ass or anything, but Ad's got to be one of my best friends, if the only. She doesn't judge me for what I am but for who I am. I have friends, but how many actually really truly care for me, have no strings attached, really want to help me and all that? How many are truly the way they are, no masks, no put ons.
I am writing this, well, because tomorrow (tomorrow for me, but it's today Malaysian time) is my birthday. I am sad, because no one really cares about it. My boss and I went out to lunch today but I felt like it was more of an obligation than something she truly wanted to do. We went out to lunch, she paid and guess what? She said, "Let's go choose your cake. I wanted it to be a surprise, but while you're here, let's go get it so I don't have to come out again." I mean, whoa.
What I hate most is, that she further went on to apologise, then she said, "Oh, I feel so bad! It's supposed to be a surprise, but I just thought since we were here...I spoiled it for you didn't I?" What did she think?
What did she want me to say??? Of course, I said it was fine, it didn't matter, I didn't want any cake. This is what she said, "Well everyone's expecting it..." Fuck it, i wanted to say. Oops, sorry, I didn't mean to write that. What I really meant to say was "Fuck it, you bitch. If you really didn't mean it, you shouldn't have done anything. I would have preferred if it you pretended you forgot."
But no. I just said it was fine. I laughed it off. But you know what? I was deeply hurt. All I got was a measly card too.
For her birthday, with my measly pay, I still took the time to get her a necklace, a picture and I even took the trouble to take the bus to get her a cake. I was even going to buy her lunch too but she had plans with her friend. She probably earns double what I earn. So go figure.
This has really put a damper on my spirits. But I am happy that at least I have a few friends who made my day. I got a gift card, and after work, I went with my coworker for some Patron shots. Yesterday, I also had dinner with my coworker and excoworkers.
You know, it's not so much that I didn't get a present from my boss. It's just that I think it was pretty lame and heartless to make me choose my cake. Okie, even that's not so bad. It's the fact that she pretended that she felt bad and she pretended that she cared about me. That's what bugs me the most.
If it's one thing that I hate, it's superficiality.
Back to what I was saying, I really wish I had a group of true friends. People I could relate to, no put ons and we could just hang out, no judgements about me, how I dress, what I look like. Friends who are always there for me. With the exception of Ad, I am still looking...so much for a Happy Birthday eh? Looks like, Ad and I have both had miserable days!
I don't want to sound like I am kissing my sister's ass or anything, but Ad's got to be one of my best friends, if the only. She doesn't judge me for what I am but for who I am. I have friends, but how many actually really truly care for me, have no strings attached, really want to help me and all that? How many are truly the way they are, no masks, no put ons.
I am writing this, well, because tomorrow (tomorrow for me, but it's today Malaysian time) is my birthday. I am sad, because no one really cares about it. My boss and I went out to lunch today but I felt like it was more of an obligation than something she truly wanted to do. We went out to lunch, she paid and guess what? She said, "Let's go choose your cake. I wanted it to be a surprise, but while you're here, let's go get it so I don't have to come out again." I mean, whoa.
What I hate most is, that she further went on to apologise, then she said, "Oh, I feel so bad! It's supposed to be a surprise, but I just thought since we were here...I spoiled it for you didn't I?" What did she think?
What did she want me to say??? Of course, I said it was fine, it didn't matter, I didn't want any cake. This is what she said, "Well everyone's expecting it..." Fuck it, i wanted to say. Oops, sorry, I didn't mean to write that. What I really meant to say was "Fuck it, you bitch. If you really didn't mean it, you shouldn't have done anything. I would have preferred if it you pretended you forgot."
But no. I just said it was fine. I laughed it off. But you know what? I was deeply hurt. All I got was a measly card too.
For her birthday, with my measly pay, I still took the time to get her a necklace, a picture and I even took the trouble to take the bus to get her a cake. I was even going to buy her lunch too but she had plans with her friend. She probably earns double what I earn. So go figure.
This has really put a damper on my spirits. But I am happy that at least I have a few friends who made my day. I got a gift card, and after work, I went with my coworker for some Patron shots. Yesterday, I also had dinner with my coworker and excoworkers.
You know, it's not so much that I didn't get a present from my boss. It's just that I think it was pretty lame and heartless to make me choose my cake. Okie, even that's not so bad. It's the fact that she pretended that she felt bad and she pretended that she cared about me. That's what bugs me the most.
If it's one thing that I hate, it's superficiality.
Back to what I was saying, I really wish I had a group of true friends. People I could relate to, no put ons and we could just hang out, no judgements about me, how I dress, what I look like. Friends who are always there for me. With the exception of Ad, I am still looking...so much for a Happy Birthday eh? Looks like, Ad and I have both had miserable days!
I had a miserable day today. It was really hot this evening so yours truly developed a terrible migraine and couldn't do anything but nurse it with a shot of vodka... AHA! Just testing to see if you were paying attention :P Okay, lame comments aside. If anyone has ever suffered from a migraine, he or she would know that there was absolutely nothing you could do except take a pill, close your eyes and wait for the pain to subside, which, if you're unlucky like me, can take up to 5 hours. Well, I'm feeling a lot better now but I'll be going off to bed a little earlier tonight to sleep it off.
Before I go off though, I would like to thank everyone who sent An and me e-mails. We've had a few these past few days and some were lovely compliments while the others were invitations to view your blogs. You can be sure that An and I will do so when we have some free time! We're deeply honoured that you thought of us though! Please keep those e-mails coming in or post a comment at the link below each post.
Til next time ~Ad~
Before I go off though, I would like to thank everyone who sent An and me e-mails. We've had a few these past few days and some were lovely compliments while the others were invitations to view your blogs. You can be sure that An and I will do so when we have some free time! We're deeply honoured that you thought of us though! Please keep those e-mails coming in or post a comment at the link below each post.
Til next time ~Ad~
Friday, March 12, 2004
Today has been a pretty uneventful day for me with nothing much happening. I went to the mall with my mum today to pay up some bills and also to stock up on groceries and that was pretty much the highlight of my day :) I don't mean that in a bad way or anything since I love shopping with my mum but our weekly trip to the mall has become somewhat of a ritual. We do the same things every week in the same order - we park the car as close to the entrance as possible, ride up the escalator to the stores, go to the Post Office to pay our bills, have a fruit shake at one of the delis, proceed to the supermarket to do our shopping, walk back to the other end of the mall to buy dinner, ride the escalator down to the carpark and then drive home. Sounds like a quick shopping trip right? Wrong. It's a bit of a mystery but somehow my mother and I shop for an average of 4 hours at the mall every week! And heaven forbid, if we have a little more stuff to buy, 8 hours would fly by before making our way home :P
I really don't think it's the shopping I like so much though... sure, the occasional new pair of shoes or bag doesn't hurt but it's more of spending quality time with my mother. I would hate for this to come out like a Mothers' Day contest slogan but my mum is just the cutest, funniest and coolest person on the face of this earth and I'm sure An would agree. She laughs a lot, makes stupid jokes like An and I do and even swears on occasion :P How could you not want to spend 4 or 8 hours at a shopping mall with someone like that? So weekly ritual or not, I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world!
Well, I'm in the mood for a movie now so I'm off to watch Twin Falls Idaho. Tell you more about the movie tomorrow!
Til next time ~Ad~
I really don't think it's the shopping I like so much though... sure, the occasional new pair of shoes or bag doesn't hurt but it's more of spending quality time with my mother. I would hate for this to come out like a Mothers' Day contest slogan but my mum is just the cutest, funniest and coolest person on the face of this earth and I'm sure An would agree. She laughs a lot, makes stupid jokes like An and I do and even swears on occasion :P How could you not want to spend 4 or 8 hours at a shopping mall with someone like that? So weekly ritual or not, I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world!
Well, I'm in the mood for a movie now so I'm off to watch Twin Falls Idaho. Tell you more about the movie tomorrow!
Til next time ~Ad~
Thursday, March 11, 2004
I admit I was one of those who laughed when William Hung auditioned on American Idol. But I thought there were several others who were as laughable. They sang out of tune, stripped, dressed funny, had weird routines, etc...
But I stopped laughing the minute William was all over the airwaves, talk shows, etc. He was and is everywhere ( he's even scheduled to appear on Jay Leno on April 8th). I stopped laughing because I actually find it a little sad and somewhat disconcerting. I mean single out a Chinese accented guy with buck teeth, wears flowery short-sleeved shirts, and you've got yourself...well, I don't know what you've got there....What I do know, is that it probably wouldn't have been so funny if William had a six-pack, looked like Brad Pitt or just had a plain ol' American accent, and couldn't sing.
You're right Ad, when you say he's probably having the last laugh. After all, how many American Idol rejects get a record deal, or his extended 15 minutes of fame? And we all know he's not dumb either, how many of us can get into an engineering program at UC Berkeley!
But still, why do we have to single those out who are different, is it really entertainment? Has anyone seen "The Littlest Groom"?
All this just reminds me of traveling sideshows, except it's now on tv.
Call me a fuddy dud, but I just don't think it's funny or entertaining. As someone said, people are laughing AT William, not WITH him.
Sad, sad, sad.
But I stopped laughing the minute William was all over the airwaves, talk shows, etc. He was and is everywhere ( he's even scheduled to appear on Jay Leno on April 8th). I stopped laughing because I actually find it a little sad and somewhat disconcerting. I mean single out a Chinese accented guy with buck teeth, wears flowery short-sleeved shirts, and you've got yourself...well, I don't know what you've got there....What I do know, is that it probably wouldn't have been so funny if William had a six-pack, looked like Brad Pitt or just had a plain ol' American accent, and couldn't sing.
You're right Ad, when you say he's probably having the last laugh. After all, how many American Idol rejects get a record deal, or his extended 15 minutes of fame? And we all know he's not dumb either, how many of us can get into an engineering program at UC Berkeley!
But still, why do we have to single those out who are different, is it really entertainment? Has anyone seen "The Littlest Groom"?
All this just reminds me of traveling sideshows, except it's now on tv.
Call me a fuddy dud, but I just don't think it's funny or entertaining. As someone said, people are laughing AT William, not WITH him.
Sad, sad, sad.
"She bangs... she bangs! Oh baby!...."
That may sound like something right out of a cheesy porno flick but no, that's not what I'm here to talk about. If like me, you've been glued to Astro's Channel 70 (Malaysian cable TV) every Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm, you would know that that was the song American Idol reject, William Hung sang at the auditions. Sure I laughed at his-cute-yet-oh-so-painful rendition of Ricky Martin's hit song, as did the millions of viewers worldwide... but guess who's having the last laugh now? Get ready world, for the Asian "Licky Martin" with the toothy grin and his trusty yellow backpack has an album coming out on April the 6th! That's 15 more "She Bangs" for ya. :P I honestly wonder how much sales his album will rack up though... it certainly would be interesting if it went double or triple platinum, wouldn't it? I mean, a triple platinum album by somebody who can sing is nothing these days but a platinum album by somebody who CAN'T sing? Now that I would like to see. In all honesty though, I think that this will probably be his first and last album (although anything is possible these days - Britney Spears is proof) so his 15 minutes of fame could be over even before you say American Idol 4. But that's probably 15 minutes more than you or I will ever have :P So would I go out and buy this album? Well, let's just say that anyone who knows me, knows I absolutely love music but erm, I think I'll pass on this one. :P
I have to agree with An on the movie Pieces Of April. I saw it a few weeks ago and I loved it, which is not an easy thing to say when you don't like the lead actress very much! Katie Holmes= Dawson's Creek= *CRINGE FACTOR*. I liked Patricia Clarkson in this movie though and I think she's a fantastic actress! If you liked her performance in Pieces of April as much as I did, you should see her other movie, The Station Agent. I saw this with An a few months back and I think it's safe to say we both loved it! I won't say much about the movie since I wouldn't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet but try to watch both movies if you can!
Til next time ~Ad~
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Pieces of April
Starring: Katie Holmes, Patricia Clarkson, Derek Luke, Oliver Platt, Sean Hayes
Director: Peter Hedges
April's family is coming to her apartment in New York's Lower East Side for a Thanksgiving dinner, what may be her mother's last. The film revolves around April as she tries to cook dinner, but of course she runs out of luck...her oven doesn't work! So she runs around her apartment building seeking the help of her neighbours.
Sean Hayes, one of my favorite actors and of "Will and Grace" fame, plays a creepy neighbour who helps her, or so she thinks...!
I thought this was a wonderful movie, tugs at the heart strings. Derek Luke, who plays Bobby, April's boyfriend is a total cutie!
Apparently, Director Peter Hedges had heard about a group of friends who were in the same predicament as April and her turkey. But he didn't pursue his writing, only picking it up again when he learned his mother had cancer. She encouraged him, but unfortunately, 15 months later, she died. Although Peter said this movie was not about his mother, he did say that it was a tribute to her. Touching.
This movie is great and moving, it makes me think about the relationships I have with people. I loved the diversity at the end of the movie, the feeling of family not just among family members, but with people around you.
I am thankful I didn't watch this during Thanksgiving. Although we don't celebrate it in Malaysia, it sure sucks to be reminded of not having family and loved ones around the holidays.
I highly recommend this movie!
Starring: Katie Holmes, Patricia Clarkson, Derek Luke, Oliver Platt, Sean Hayes
Director: Peter Hedges
April's family is coming to her apartment in New York's Lower East Side for a Thanksgiving dinner, what may be her mother's last. The film revolves around April as she tries to cook dinner, but of course she runs out of luck...her oven doesn't work! So she runs around her apartment building seeking the help of her neighbours.
Sean Hayes, one of my favorite actors and of "Will and Grace" fame, plays a creepy neighbour who helps her, or so she thinks...!
I thought this was a wonderful movie, tugs at the heart strings. Derek Luke, who plays Bobby, April's boyfriend is a total cutie!
Apparently, Director Peter Hedges had heard about a group of friends who were in the same predicament as April and her turkey. But he didn't pursue his writing, only picking it up again when he learned his mother had cancer. She encouraged him, but unfortunately, 15 months later, she died. Although Peter said this movie was not about his mother, he did say that it was a tribute to her. Touching.
This movie is great and moving, it makes me think about the relationships I have with people. I loved the diversity at the end of the movie, the feeling of family not just among family members, but with people around you.
I am thankful I didn't watch this during Thanksgiving. Although we don't celebrate it in Malaysia, it sure sucks to be reminded of not having family and loved ones around the holidays.
I highly recommend this movie!
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
The weather today was gorgeous! Temperatures in the 80's and just this time last week, I was carrying my umbrella, winds were blowing, etc...What a difference!
Went to lunch at a Burmese restaurant, one of my favorites. Food was great and somehow it always tastes better when you know someone else is going to pay. HA! We had tea leaf salad, noodle salad, country chicken, coconut rice and samosas. Yummy, am salivating just writing about it...
I love food. I don't eat any weird stuff like monkey's brains or squirrels or what not, but then what IS deemed as weird. I had a conversation with a friend of mine the other day and she grew up with a dad who hunted, skinned and cooked rabbits, squirrels, etc...What i thought was/is weird, she thought of as normal.
Back to what I was saying. I love food. I just love trying all sorts of different cuisines. This past Sunday, i had crepes and last Wednesday, Cambodian food. Told ya, I love food didn't I?:)
Went to lunch at a Burmese restaurant, one of my favorites. Food was great and somehow it always tastes better when you know someone else is going to pay. HA! We had tea leaf salad, noodle salad, country chicken, coconut rice and samosas. Yummy, am salivating just writing about it...
I love food. I don't eat any weird stuff like monkey's brains or squirrels or what not, but then what IS deemed as weird. I had a conversation with a friend of mine the other day and she grew up with a dad who hunted, skinned and cooked rabbits, squirrels, etc...What i thought was/is weird, she thought of as normal.
Back to what I was saying. I love food. I just love trying all sorts of different cuisines. This past Sunday, i had crepes and last Wednesday, Cambodian food. Told ya, I love food didn't I?:)
Monday, March 08, 2004
GUILTY! As many of you already know, Martha Stewart (not MJ) is guilty of the following: conspiracy, obstruction of justice and two counts of making false statements to federal investigators.
Each charge carries a maximum charge of five years of jail time, which means homemaker Martha could be put in jail for as many as 20 years!
Today, I heard on the news that her syndicated "Martha Stewart Living" will be pulled from CBS's New York affiliate, and it is likely that other stations will follow suit. Poor Martha!
I have to admit, I have a soft spot for this self-made woman. Coming from a large middle-classed family, she literally built her own empire and became rich and successful through her intelligence and hard work. I think THAT is amazing.
Here's my tribute to Martha, a recipe I watched her cook on the Food Network station last week. I tried it too, pretty good...!
Braised Fennel with Chestnuts and Shallots
(c)2003 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 small shallots, peeled stem ends left intact
8 ounces chestnuts, peeled (available at specialty stores)
2 tablespoons sugar
3 large fennel bulbs (about 5 pounds), trimmed and cut lengthwise into sixths, fronds reserved for garnish
2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
In a large straight-sided skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shallots and chestnuts. Sprinkle with sugar and cook, stirring until beginning to brown, and the sugar caramelizes in bottom of pan, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add fennel and stock. Bring stock to a boil scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of pan. Add salt and pepper. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook until fennel is tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 30 minutes. Uncover and return to a boil. Cook until liquid is reduced and syrupy, about 5 minutes.
Each charge carries a maximum charge of five years of jail time, which means homemaker Martha could be put in jail for as many as 20 years!
Today, I heard on the news that her syndicated "Martha Stewart Living" will be pulled from CBS's New York affiliate, and it is likely that other stations will follow suit. Poor Martha!
I have to admit, I have a soft spot for this self-made woman. Coming from a large middle-classed family, she literally built her own empire and became rich and successful through her intelligence and hard work. I think THAT is amazing.
Here's my tribute to Martha, a recipe I watched her cook on the Food Network station last week. I tried it too, pretty good...!
Braised Fennel with Chestnuts and Shallots
(c)2003 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 small shallots, peeled stem ends left intact
8 ounces chestnuts, peeled (available at specialty stores)
2 tablespoons sugar
3 large fennel bulbs (about 5 pounds), trimmed and cut lengthwise into sixths, fronds reserved for garnish
2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
In a large straight-sided skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shallots and chestnuts. Sprinkle with sugar and cook, stirring until beginning to brown, and the sugar caramelizes in bottom of pan, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add fennel and stock. Bring stock to a boil scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of pan. Add salt and pepper. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook until fennel is tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 30 minutes. Uncover and return to a boil. Cook until liquid is reduced and syrupy, about 5 minutes.
Sometime in the year 2001, my sister An and I had a dream - we wanted to create and write in our very own online magazine. It was to have been one with a concept so unique, it would have attracted millions of readers worldwide and put millions of dollars into our pockets. Well, three years down the road, the dream remains just that, which goes to show just how focused, motivated and ambitious the two of us are :) I would like to think, however, that this blog accomplishes at least half of what we set out to do, and that is to write together.
I would really love to take all the credit for the design and layout of our blog but since the template was freely given by Blogger and An gave me lots of good suggestions and ideas, I didn't really have to do much! (I think in time, you'll learn that An is the more creative one so she does most of the work really). Well, regardless of who did what, I really am proud of our blog and I think it looks pretty good for our first attempt at bloggin'!
I guess I don't have to tell you what our blog is about since An did such a wonderful job in the description and in her post above. I do have this to say though, I look forward to disagreeing with you, An! :)
Please feel free to send us an e-mail or have a chat with us in the tagboard. You can even submit comments in the link provided below each entry. We look forward to hearing from you!
Let the blogging begin!!!
I would really love to take all the credit for the design and layout of our blog but since the template was freely given by Blogger and An gave me lots of good suggestions and ideas, I didn't really have to do much! (I think in time, you'll learn that An is the more creative one so she does most of the work really). Well, regardless of who did what, I really am proud of our blog and I think it looks pretty good for our first attempt at bloggin'!
I guess I don't have to tell you what our blog is about since An did such a wonderful job in the description and in her post above. I do have this to say though, I look forward to disagreeing with you, An! :)
Please feel free to send us an e-mail or have a chat with us in the tagboard. You can even submit comments in the link provided below each entry. We look forward to hearing from you!
Let the blogging begin!!!
Sunday, March 07, 2004
After more than two hours of brainstorming, tossing out names like "Sisterlicious" and "A Malaysian Blog", we've finally got our blog up and running....yeah!
I figured one of us had to be the first to officially post something and break the champagne bottle, as our blog begins its maiden voyage into many-a-reader's favorites list!
As our description says, we're two sisters who agree and disagree...we just thought we'd take our sibling rivalry online! So, check in with us regularly to see if we're hugging each other lovingly or scratching the other's eyeballs out...
So...Welcome and Selamat Datang!
PS: Thanks Ad, for being the brains behind the layout of this blog!!! Love ya! And tag, you're it!
I figured one of us had to be the first to officially post something and break the champagne bottle, as our blog begins its maiden voyage into many-a-reader's favorites list!
As our description says, we're two sisters who agree and disagree...we just thought we'd take our sibling rivalry online! So, check in with us regularly to see if we're hugging each other lovingly or scratching the other's eyeballs out...
So...Welcome and Selamat Datang!
PS: Thanks Ad, for being the brains behind the layout of this blog!!! Love ya! And tag, you're it!
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