[C'EST MOI]
living paradox. individualist with anarchistic tendencies.
eludes eminence but appreciates subtle recognition.
capricious yet dependable. clandestine and unfathomable.
cynical realist who succumbs to the occasional idealism.
[J'AIME]
music. films. feasting & drinking. team sports.
good company; family, friends and those who share similar interests.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
You know when the holidays are over...
... when you go from eating crabs
... to eating crap My humble self-prepared dinner of leftover rice, leftover chicken stew (both of which I didn't cook) and nice butter black pepper mushrooms (which I cooked but so can anyone)
It seemed like ages since I've had a good meal. But it's only been 2 short days. Christmas eve @ Jumbo Seafood Restaurant: We have our own room with a plasma TV... good food and entertainment for the TV addicts. Perfecto.
Do we see fooddd?? Cheers~ Mix 'em well... Looking through the glass
I'm getting hungry just looking at the chilli and pepper crab. Supper anyone?
[Time of Confession] 12:01 AM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Plastering D'light
A brief sigh of relief that a part of the festive holidays is over. A slight bounce back to reality - not feeling as lousy that I don't seem to be getting out what people should this time of the year. You know that feeling like no one really, truly understands you? And even if they did, they are hardly ever making an effort to keep up? Well, what can I say. I'm glad that my bestest friend in the whole universe is not like that.
Only maybe because He's not human and He's about the only constant in my tumultuous life.
I say, I don't know if I can ever allow myself to get close enough to another human. I sometimes look at myself from a third person's view and what I see is this girl who's pushing everyone away almost instinctively, whenever there are telling signs that things are getting too cosy and that it's approaching danger zone or something. Or she just gets uncomfortable with the lack of distance and starts to retreat into her shell. Pretty much like how anti-socials are. Twisted, ain't it.
This lack of work is going to do some serious damage sooner or later.
Anyhow, for temporary relief, there's always some drama escapism to take the mind of things. Like how I've been slow in jumping on fad bandwagons, I've been JUST starting to follow the series, 'Prison Break'.
Whoa ho.
Talk about pain relief when you've got hottie, Wentworth Miller, on the show.
Right, we all have seen cuter guys... but this guy exudes spicy pepper! Look at those intense eyes... !! AND the most important thing of all... he's a smart ass! This lad graduated from PRINCETON with a degree in English Lit. Looks like someone could be quite the poet.
Mmmmm...
It's so much easier to live in virtual reality. That's part of the reason why I like sleeping so much.
[Time of Confession] 3:33 PM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas is supposed to be about spending time with family and friends. But never have I wished so much that I was living somewhere else.
Happy Birthday Jesus. Sorry that I'm such a gloom on your special day.
[Time of Confession] 10:54 PM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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Friday, December 22, 2006
Lunacy
Main Entry: lu·na·cy Pronunciation: 'lü-n&-sE Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural-cies Etymology: lunatic 1 a:Insanity b: intermittent insanity once believed to be related to phases of the moon 2: wild foolishness ; extravagant folly 3: a foolish act Extracted from: Merriam-Webster Onlinee
Act of Lunacy 1: 3 girls, decked in their finest, were spotted taking photos incessantly on the late night of 20th Dec, Wednesday, at the recently opened St. James Power Station. Initially mistaken to be members of the relentless paparazzi eager to capture shots of celebrities partying, they were almost shown the exit by security. However, when it was found out that these girls were merely taking pictures of their pretty selves, they were let off with a stern warning that the flashes of light could be damaging to the eyesight of bystanders. Hoping to avoid getting into trouble again, the girls retreated to the spacious and spotless Ladies to continue their photography.
View from the outside and inside. Right pictures: What the chimney-like tower thing looks like from the inside Imagine, this is probably what Sadako sees all day while she is down that dirty, smelly well.
Waiting outside The photo-taking starts ALREADY. Notice how the walkway looks deceivingly like those at HDB flats.
Proof to show that we, indeed, were at St. James PS Here, signs of lunacy are just about to emerge (especially from our dear Bern)
Possible cause of loss of mental stability and judgement Alcohol... what else?
Seeking solace in the loo We girls continue snapping away... and how wonderful it is to have such lovely, endless mirrors!
Act of Lunacy 2,3,4...... (countless):
The Curse of the Golden Flower
Met up with my uni buddies Von, Grace and Kenny for dinner and a movie yesterday night. As far as dinner was concerned, the food at Pizza Hut was greatly disappointing (the soup sucked, the pizzas sucked... the only thing that was probably up to standards was the Pepsi, which I'm pretty sure they didn't make themselves) but the yakking over the dinner was not. Sometimes I realise that when I'm in good company especially among friends I haven't seen in a while, I start to yak on and on and on... it's like suddenly, I have this vast collection of stories to tell. Sadly, this time, I didn't manage to complete telling Von all my stories; it used to be so much easier when we were in school coz I'd see her everyday for more than 5 hours. I am starting to miss school a little now.
Mad I tell you. Practically everyone in this show is a loony. Let me show you how:
1. The palace maids (many young girls): wah, the way they bind their boobs so that they look like they're spilling over the top, that's crazy I tell you. How to breathe? They still need to kneel and bow to the royal family - I'm surprised that they can even bend their backs. All that cleavage is just super distracting throughout the movie. Shouldn't these girls be a bit more modest? I actually thought the maids were concubines.
2. The King (Chow Yun Fatt): I think he's antisocial and cannot stand having people close to him. He killed the mother of this first son (supposedly the love of his life); attempts to drive the Queen to insanity; watch his youngest son kill the Crown Prince, his favourite son, and then proceeds to beat the rebellious son (who, by the way, is just a kid!) to death. Oh man, the way he mangled his own flesh and blood with his shiny gold belt. Bloody. Totally grossed out.
3. The rebellious young prince (some young boy): as mentioned above. Was craving so much to be noticed and for power, he formed his own army (which by the way, was pathetic. I think he had less than 10 soldiers) and killed the Crown Prince, his own brother.
4. The Queen (Gong Li): Not so insane as the rest, if you ask me. At least it wasn't her fault. It was the medicine that the King ordered for her to take that was driving her a bit nuts. She may be having an affair with her own stepson which is kinda demented, but what's worse is, the guy's ugly, wimpy and just a little on the paranoid side.
5. The Crown Prince (some ugly guy): Totally bonkers. Had an affair with his stepmother, then cheated on her with his half-sister.
6. Prince Jai (Jay Chou): Probably the most sane person in this show. Although his deep love for this mother is a bit creepy. Sometimes, when he gazes at his suffering mother, it looks more like he was looking in a romantic way than in a filial way.
The show was pretty intense and exciting, and the performance by Chow Yun Fatt and Gong Li were unsurpassed. Totally convincing. Jay however, probably needs to work a little harder. You know an actor really isn't that good when you start laughing while he's acting in an emotional scene. That's what happened to Von and I when Jay started to cry when he found out that his mother was viciously poisoned day after day by the King. He tried to quiver his lower lip to make the scene more convincing, but that ended up making us want to laugh more.
[Time of Confession] 1:03 PM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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Thursday, December 21, 2006
Impaired Senses
Zonked.
It's been AGES since I last went clubbing cos I thought I've outgrown the deafening music, the achy dancing feet and the toxic drinking.
Now, I can assuredly say that what I thought is so true.
Went to the ravedSt. James Power Stationlast night with my darlings last night. It was a rather eye-opening experience at first, well, given that I haven't been there before. I was so drawn by the music at Movida, a live room featuring world music and with some people dancing salsa and twirling on the dance floor while others sit around and enjoy the music. But unfortunately we didn't stay long enough to enjoy the happening beats. Then we passed the Bellini Roomas we made our way to the Gallery Bar. The Bellini Room is a live music bar playing......
SWING, BIG BAND AND JAZZmusic!!!!
Very unfortunately AGAIN, was coaxed into the R&B club, the Powerhouse, to rub shoulders with minors and be made deaf by the booming music, and by the time I managed to convince the rest to take a break and retreat to the jazz bar, the band had already left. Boohoo...
To be honest, it was a pretty mortifying experience.
For one, I learnt that my threshold for alcohol has dipped drastically and thus ended up puking in the toilet after a few drinks. Two, I REALLY don't like clubbing. Though I enjoyed being with 2 of my best mates, I felt really bummed that I wasn't really enjoying the dancing and R&B music as much as they did. Clubbing with them was so much fun 3 years ago when I actually enjoyed the activity. Three, all I can think about now is how I missed the swing band.
But to be fair, I had my share of fun, ie, the silly photo-taking antics we girls never get enough of. And of course, the socially-enriching experience of people-watching and observing... plus, I must add that the service there tops. Or maybe it's because it helps to have friends who know people who have friends in high places. This really nice waiter took us to the Powerhouse when he heard that we wanted to drop by, and even led us all the way to the dance floor.
The Gallery bar is so cool. This lounge overlooks some of the clubs like Dragonfly and Movida. Think the viewing gallery at the airport. Clear, unobstructed view but fully sound-proof. I liked this place because the music wasn't so loud that I had to shout my conversation to my friends. Oh at Bellini's too. And did I mention the first-class service already?
Dragonfly is this Cantopop club with singers belting out numbers and crooning ballads on stage like a real pop concert. Except that it's not. I thought I saw Sylvester Sim doing his usual 'stylo-milo' actions while on stage but I could be wrong cos I only got a clear view of the back of his head. But I'm pretty sure it's him... I saw the singer do some 'rock-on' sign after he finished his song.
The crowd at Dragonfly was a rowdy bunch and reminded me vividly of those kind of nightspots in the HK dramas of triads and gangstas. The staff even had to break up a fight between two men in druken stupor who were shouting words to each other I can't make out because the music is too loud and I don't understand dialect.
Will I go to St. James Power Station again? I seriously don't know. Unless the occasion calls for it, I think I'm happy staying home, hanging out at Timbre, Wala or Jazz at Southbridge. Afterall, I do need to think a little for my poor ears. They're still ringing.
[Time of Confession] 1:58 PM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Boredom and then some
This is what went on while the rain deprived me of my going out and having fun taking pictures of the Christmas lights:
I took pictures of myself.
I know... narcissism, a sign of emotional insecurity, whatever.
I also entertained myself by watching 'Girls Out Loud' on youtube.com. The hosts, DJ Roslyn and blogger Wendy aka Xiaxue, are hilarious together. I noticed Wendy getting alot of flak from viewers about her english and more. I don't think she's the perfect angel either, but who is? Give the lass a break lah. At least she does have some sarcastic humour and that does make the show more endearing. Ros is such a darling to watch, I must say. She's classy, poised and eloquent. And the way she handled the blind date? Kudos to her being so sporting and gracious even though her date was far from impressive.
The dreadful rain stopped for a wee while this evening, just as I was going out (such perfect timing!) to meet my darlings Grace and Bern. We've finally settled the payment for our HK trip... soon we'll have to start planning our itinerary! Shopping, eating, scouring famous tourist spots like the Peak, Ocean Park, Disneyland, Madame Tussaud's, and of course, to have a grand and pompous celebratory birthday dinner for my darling Grace!
It's nice even just thinking of getting out of the country.
For dinner, we went to Vivocity AGAIN and had the Jia Xiang Kolo Mee AGAIN (by my personal request, since the girls couldn't decide what to have for dinner). YUMMY. I don't think I will ever get sick of it - maybe if I eat it everyday... but then again, they have so many other variations which I must try the next time I go there AGAIN.
Congratulations to our darling Bern who did so well in her exams - evil Grace and I demanded that she share her joy with us: "We want TREAT, we want TREAT!" And know what, the nice and pretty girl kindly obliged: we had a sweet one atBen&Jerry's!
We good enough to be Ben & Jerry's spokespeople???? C'mon man, give us some free ice-creeeaaaammmmm...
[Time of Confession] 10:36 PM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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Pitter Patter
... more like BRRSHHHHHH actually.
When is the rain EVER going to stop?
I want to go out and do stuff!!!
Caught Wicker Park yesterday while chilling out at home because the rain totally thwarted my evening plans.
The trailer
Wasn't that enticed by the show initially - Josh Hartnett is not my kind of guy and Diane Kruger isn't that gorgeous (I really don't see how her face could have launched a thousand ships in Troy... and really, that head of Maggi Mee hair? Not so good). Okay fine. I'm a superficial movie-goer. But sometimes I do overlook the fact that there are no good-looking people in the movie! It would be a different issue altogether though; the plot, script and direction have to be ALOT more impressive.
Which is why I was surprised.
I didn't think much of this movie but the continuous back and forth transitions in time got me to piece the flow of events as the movie progressed. Either the director's really smart at this, or he copied it from Chris Nolan's 'Memento' (which again, I have yet to watch. Dammit), which was supposedly a masterpiece of this kind.
Anyway, this show was a remake of a French movie, L’Appartement, starring Monica Belluci! I'm so gonna rent this movie. But it probably won't be as interesting since I know what exactly happened in the story already.
[Time of Confession] 1:38 PM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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Monday, December 18, 2006
Why I'm so glad...
... that I've got my Daddy God watching after me.
Coz these days, you really can't depend on helpful passerbys in times of danger.
Even in sunny Singapore.
Read more here.
[Time of Confession] 3:28 PM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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Quiz
[Time of Confession] 12:06 AM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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Sunday, December 17, 2006
Humdrum humdrum
Life feels increasingly boring without work to do. And no, I'm not kidding. Yeah I can sleep all I want, watch all the shows I want, and probably do everything I want (anything that doesn't cost much $$ that is)... but I'm still not quite satisfied.
Maybe it's because a 'certain something' still owes me 'big time'.
Never mind.
Shall blog about happy times!
11th Dec, Monday Met up with my buddies Grace and Bern to watch 'The Holiday' and we girls felt that it was surprisingly good. Well somehow after 'Love Actually', none of the other Christmas movies seemed to be able to match up with the same level of humour and romance (actually, more like none of them were able to knock us into the silly 'Where's my *insert leading actor's name*' dreamy state). So you can imagine how after watching the Holiday, the three of us were left secretly pining for Jude Law's sensitive character ('cept Bern of course, who was openly pining for him hee...).
Kate Winslet's performance was stellar. I love how she portrayed the woman who every friend thinks is pathetic because she can't help but keep crawling back to the man who betrayed her AND is about to marry a woman that is not her. Like Grace said, it's something very real - the girl who keeps falling back into that toxic relationship and can't climb out of it because she is constantly drowning in lack of self-worth and sweet lies from the ex/boyfriend. I was practically rejoicing in my seat at the point where she FINALLY realised that her ex was never going to leave his fiancee for her and decided she did not deserve to play second fiddle. Victory, I say! You go girl... but if only every other girl in the same situation can find the same release. Flush these stinking men out of your lives people!
The Pink Tree @ the Cathay
12th Dec, Tuesday I'm a big sua ku cos' it was my FIRST time at VIVOcity!! Fwah so BIG! *10 points!* But so crowded *minus 10 points* This must be my favourite shop of all. It felt like the entire shop was spinning around me when I entered!! Gimme more chocs and candy!
I tried the Kuching-must try Kolo Mee for the first time at Jia Xiang Kuching Restaurant (B2-38) and boy was it good... Mmm... You know, for someone who really loves her mee pok over mee kia (yuk...) it's quite a feat for me to rave about noodles that seem alot like mee kia. It's SO much better. Very QQ! And how much do I love the crunchy and fresh ingredients, topped with fried onions and char siew oil? A whole lot!! *salivating* But be warned, with all the fried onions, better to arm yourselves with a breath mint.
That, by the way, is an impossibly thick chocolate pistachio cake from Cedele Depot, which was described : Chocolate Pistachio This chocolate truffle is layered with almond, pistachio sponge that is made of egg white only, is a great treat for serious chocolate lovers.
Honestly it should be rewritten: for chocolate lovers with a seriously-impaired sense of taste. The cake was so darn sweet!!!! (and I'm not saying it in a good way) See, this is why I don't like chocolate cakes. Chocolate should always taste a little bitter! Cacao beans naturally taste bitter, so if you have chocolate that's 100% sweet, you know all you're eating is sugar.
Bleaghh..
Cakes aside, we had a nice Thai dinner at Thai Express. Thumbs up to the very friendly and service-orientated staff at the Marina Square outlet. They made our dinner so pleasant it felt like we were throwing a birthday dinner in our own home. Mango Salad ...with soft shell crab and some fried tofu thingy Deceivingly harmless Tom Yum Soup... lethal!! Love their green curry... (was too busy digging in when the rest of the food came so that's about it!)
15th Dec, Friday Went for the first interview for a graduate scholarship; am hoping to hear good news soon! (I need to start doing something before I rot away)
16th Dec, Saturday Took Kenny out after 2 long weeks of him being stuck in school with lab work and sucky school food. We went to catch 'Eragon' and it was okay I guess. The plot seemed a bit rushed through and it definitely pales in comparison to the big budget LOTR trilogy. Their monsters aren't even half as scary/ disgusting as the orcs.
The movie trailer
An interesting observation though, is it just me or is Jeremy Irons more appealing than newcomer Ed Speelers? Even Garrett Hedlund seems hotter than the lead actor. And I didn't know this guy acted as Brad Pitt's cousin in Troy! What a difference hair colour makes. Pretty boy look with the blonde hair and bad boy look (a bit like a rock singer/ vampire) with the dark hair. Amazing...
After the show, we headed to Pastamania for lunch.
Aww, look how happy he is with the Marinara pasta!
Me and my fungus, erm I mean, Al Fungi Pasta
Our salmon pizza which was once so good - but after the one at Spageddies, nothing is ever good enough
Look at him go!
I'm beginning to think that this grin looks kinda scary.
We're stuffed. Big time.
After all that, you'd think I would take a break from eating and go run on the treadmill or something, but I didn't.
There was still dinner.
My aunt and I went to this new Japanese restaurant, Nihon Mura, at the Revenue House (which is part of the Suki Sushi chain, I think. Cos their wet paper towels had 'Suki Sushi' on them). There was a special promo going on - with this cut out from some magazine, you could have each plate of sushi for only $0.10 (when you spend above $10)! How cheap is that! Very fresh and smmoooottthhh salmon sashimi (not for 10 cents tho)
For only 10 cents a plate, you can imagine how stuffed I was after dinner. This is very bad.
Food aside, I got this on my way home Project Room Makeover shall commence next week: goodbye powder pink *yikes* furniture!
Tested out the spray paint on my innocent, unfinished IKEA picture frame and the black looks good! (but the smell of the paint is totally yuk)
Will post up pictures of the room when it's done.
[Time of Confession] 12:02 PM 0 Wisecracks for Me
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