the book of sereneione

And a happy new year...

2011-12-31T19:45:00.000+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

10 hours to the end of the current year and beginning of the new year. Am I excited? Maybe. Do I have things to look forward to? Maybe.

Let's just wait and see what 2012 brings.

My poor, poor legs...

2011-12-26T06:00:00.001+13:00

Currently listening to: Some marching band music

A picture says a thousand words. All I have to do is upload one single picture, and I won't have to say one single word.

Well, I would if I could (upload the picture I mean), but I couldn't, so I'll just have to make do with saying a few words. The few words being...

I hate mosquitoes.

Stupid Jetstar

2011-12-20T04:52:00.000+13:00

Currently listening to: Some Super Junior concert performance

So. It had not been a very pleasant trip, my journey back to Malaysia from New Zealand. Here's a list of the reasons:

I had to lug my heavy luggage up the road to the shuttle because the shuttle couldn't go down the narrow road.
I got car-sick on my way to the airport.
I had to fork out $90 for excess baggage (I was over the allowance by 5kgs).
I had to walk in the rain from the domestic terminal to the international terminal at the Auckland Airport.
I had to fork out another $125 for excess baggage.
I almost couldn't pick-up my duty-free purchase at the duty-free store because they couldn't find my Internet order. They never did, but in the end they gave me what I bought anyway, half an hour before my flight departure.
I had to stay overnight at Singapore because the flight from Auckland was delayed for 2 hours, causing me to miss my flight from Singapore.

In conclusion, I lost a lot of money, a lot of time, and a lot of sleep.

Not a very pleasant trip at all.

Grrrr...

2011-12-12T21:56:00.001+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Checklist: Actioned
Shuttle to airport
Supplements
Travel insurance
Gift

Checklist: To Be Actioned
Gift
Souvenirs
Cash

Scary!

2011-12-04T01:06:00.001+13:00

Currently watching: Forever Grashopper 2006 Concert

The first 3 days of summer had truly been summer-ish. I'm definitely not complaining, although it did get kinda too warm at one point.

I really need to get out of the house tomorrow...

Elections

2011-11-22T20:47:00.001+13:00

Currently listening to: 愛一次便夠 by 草孟

It has been a week since my DVD, CD and book arrived in my mailbox. I've already watched the DVD twice, and am currently listening to the CD. As for the book, it took me a good half hour to read the first page in its entirety, so I can only imagine how long it is going to take for the whole thing.

11th November 2011... past!

2011-11-12T15:04:00.001+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I actually meant to post something yesterday, so that there is a 11/11/11 11.11pm entry on my blog. Obviously, I've not done so, because I had totally forgotten about it. Oh well.

In slightly more than a month I will be travelling again, this time back to Malaysia. Have to start preparing now, as I will be back for more than a month. Perhaps I should write down a list of things that I need to pack, given the state of my memory these days.

Oh, and I am currently waiting for my latest Grasshopper concert DVD, as well as a music CD and a book. Woohoo! Should be getting them by next week.

Zing!

2011-11-06T15:47:00.000+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I'm back. And it's back to work tomorrow. Back to the usual routine. Back to reality.

It's been a good trip to Melbourne. The weather could've been better, but oh well. Plenty of good food, LOTS of walking, very little pictures of myself (as usual). I'd definitely go back for the restaurants and bars and cafes and dark alleyways and hidden lanes. They were absolutely awesome.

So one trip down, two more to go. One and a half months away...

Checkmate

2011-10-26T23:38:00.001+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Flight tickets, checked.
Accommodation, checked.
Melbourne Cup ticket, checked.
Australian visa, checked.
Australian currency, checked.
Travel insurance, checked.
Dress, checked.
Headgear, checked.
Shoes, checked.
Bag, checked.

2 more days to go!

The straw hat

2011-10-22T23:23:00.001+13:00

Currently listening to: 蜘蛛女之吻 by 草蜢

This time next week, I'll be in Melbourne. Woohoo!

10-10

2011-10-15T14:09:00.000+13:00

Currently listening to: Once In A Red Moon by Secret Garden

What are the odds that, exactly 26 years and 5 days after Yul Brynner died, I watched the movie that would make him famous throughout the world. The King And I was a pleasure to watch, not just because it's a musical, but because he was so good in it as King Mongkut of Siam. Highly recommended.

In the past few weeks, I had watched plenty of movies, the list of which went like this:

Sense And Sensibility
Up
Toy Story 3
The Wizard Of Oz
The King And I
Crossing Hennesy (Chinese movie)
The Eagle Shooting Heroes (Chinese movie)
To Live (Chinese movie)

Up and Toy Story 3 were good. Both were funny and touching. The Wizard Of Oz was good too, being a musical and all. Crossing Hennesy was alright. The Eagle Shooting Heroes was funny enough to pass. To Live was good as well, because of the brilliant acting from the lead actor and actress Ge You and Gong Li.

3 other movies which I had also watched but had already mentioned in my previous entries were Gallants, Mr & Mrs Incredible, and The Help.

So that's 11 movies in 4 weeks. Not too bad, considering that I've got a lot more to go through.

S & S

2011-10-09T21:10:00.001+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I am currently reading Jane Austen's Sense And Sensibility, and am about halfway through. I have already watched the movie twice; once yesterday and once today. It is not rare of me to watch a movie more than once, but to watch it twice in a row and so close to each other, now that's rare. And it is all due to Alan Rickman.

I started reading the book two nights ago, and as usual, I looked it up on the Internet for more extra information. I found out that Alan Rickman was cast in the film version, and the very next day, I took a trip to the local DVD rental store and rented it, along with 4 other movies which I have yet to watch (I have 5 more days to do so).

I think I'm going to look up all the movies that he has ever been in and watch most of them, if not every single one.

Apple

2011-10-06T23:24:00.003+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I can't believe I'm writing this because of Steve Jobs, but oh well. He did come up with some great stuff. May he rest in peace knowing that his legacy will live on forever.

And I am still NOT interested in getting an iPhone.

Soaked

2011-10-03T22:52:00.000+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Today I had an appointment with the "chair of torture". Bleh.

I watched The Help yesterday, and I highly recommend it to everyone. It's funny, touching, a bit long, but it's got a good ending so that's a bonus.

My next appointment with the "chair of torture" is exactly 4 months later. I am SO looking forward to it.

NOT!

Pimples!

2011-09-30T23:20:00.000+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

40 minutes to the end of the current month and the start of the new month.

Anyway, I had watched a few Chinese movies last weekend, but I'm too lazy to talk about them now. Maybe tomorrow.

Yeah right.

3 more months

2011-09-18T22:42:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Today, I watched 2 Hong Kong Chinese movies: Gallants and Mr & Mrs Incredible. The former was truly a pleasant surprise. Worth watching. The latter was not as good, but wasn't a waste of time at least.

On another note altogether, Jetstar has changed my flight schedule a total of 3 times, since I bought the tickets in August. I am not due to fly until mid-December, and it is now only September. So let's wait and see what the final tally would be, not that I am wanting more changes of course.

Here's a parting quote:

I would turn into a stone bridge and endure 500 years of wind, 500 years of sunlight, and 500 years of rain. I only ask that you would walk over the bridge...

Taken from the Chinese movie Reign Of Assassins

Usual

2011-09-08T21:13:00.000+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

8 days into September........................

And nothing much has happened. As usual.

There is the usual "eat-sleep-work-play" routine. The usual "unexpected expenses". The usual "everything".

Yup, life is as per usual.

Whopping

2011-08-30T20:33:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I finally saw the dentist/orthodontist today about getting braces for my teeth. Spent an hour listening to the pros and cons of Invisalign, getting preliminary moulds of my teeth made, as well as some pictures taken, and then I was told that it will cost as much as the traditional braces.

So, how much does it cost?

Between NZD7000 to NZD9000. At least.

SO NOW WHAT?

I want THE tee!

2011-08-23T19:04:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I'm actually feeling quite lazy, but I'll write something anyway. So...

I drove to Hamilton on Saturday, and drove back to Wellington on Sunday.

I watched Mr Popper's Penguins on Saturday. I think it's OK.

I paid a rather costly visit to the podiatrist on Thursday. Now I'm missing a chunk of skin (and meat) from the bottom of my right foot.

I am meant to pay an even more costly visit to the dentist/orthodontist next Tuesday. Not sure if I am actually looking forward to it.

That is all.

SoftHard

2011-08-13T14:39:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Lonely by 草蜢

I was originally planning to wash my car today (not by myself of course), but as it turned out, the rain from yesterday had washed away pretty much all of the dirt on the car. It is now much cleaner than before, with the exception of the stubborn webs still stuck here and there, but otherwise it definitely does not warrant a wash anymore. At least, not now anyway.

For which I am glad, because I need to save as much as I can for my 2 big trips at the end of this year.

Bad fuse

2011-08-05T20:48:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: 紅唇的吻 by 草蜢

For a few weeks now, I've been living in partial darkness. I say partial because there are 2 lights in my room, and one of them blew a few weeks ago. I was going to get a replacement bulb, but never got around to it. And because I still had 1 light in the room I thought that it was still acceptable.

Until a while ago when the 2nd light blew as well.

So I had to drive out to the supermarket almost immediately to get 3 replacement light bulbs in order to replace both lights and to have a spare for if and when one of them blows again in the future. Seriously, there must be something wrong with the wiring of the lights in my room, because I have had to replace both lights, each light twice, in the span of 5 months.

Anyway, I am now living in the light again. Let's hope that it will last a little longer this time.

Still broke

2011-07-31T22:25:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

It's annoying. All of a sudden, everytime I open a RMVB or RM file with Real Media, my anti-virus program will pop-up with a message telling me that there is an infection somewhere. I've tried un-installing and re-installing it, but it's not making the problem go away. So I've resorted to using VLC to play the files instead. Unfortunately, it seems that VLC is still not well-equipped to play files other than the normal ones like AVIs, MPGs and MKVs, because it occasionally crashes, especially if I "fiddle" with the videos while watching them.

It's annoying.

Bwahaha

2011-07-29T22:29:00.005+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

My son saved China. You too, can save.

Buy one dumpling, get one free!

Taken from the movie Kungfu Panda 2

Event Cinema

2011-07-23T23:36:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Within the last 3 weeks, I've watched 3 movies at the cinemas. Within this week alone, I've watched 2.

First was Kungfu Panda 2. I thought it was funny and touching. Worth watching.
Second was Harry Potter 7 Part 2. I felt like crying throughout the whole movie. Seriously.
Third was Transformers 3. Awesome effects, as usual. And funny too.

I don't know if there are any more movies that I look forward to now. Maybe The Hobbit 1 and 2, but that's not going to be around until much later. Hmm.

Wait for me Harry!

2011-07-16T16:17:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Blackbeard from Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

So, what have I done for the past 4 weeks? When I was back in Malaysia for the first 2 weeks, I was out of the house almost every night meeting up with friends, and during the day I was mostly out with either my mother, or my sister, or both. In between the 2 weeks, I was away at Krabi with my family for 4 days, during which I actually managed to get myself sunburnt. I couldn't believe it myself either. I never used to get sunburnt in my high school days, even when I had to spend the entire day marching under the sun with my bandmates. There must be something in New Zealand's air; ever since I came here I noticed that my skin has become more sensitive to the sun. Not pleasant.

Anyway, I then spent the first 4 days of the third week in Hamilton, to "install" my sister who is currently studying at the University of Waikato. In 4 days, I must have gotten her all the things that she would probably need for the next 4 years (minus kitchen appliances, since she is staying at a hall of residence and thus doesn't need them). Took me at least 1-2 years to realise for myself what I needed and get them. Lucky girl.

The last 3 days of the week were spent recuperating. Actually, the whole of Friday was practically spent on the bus travelling from Hamilton to Wellington, so technically it was only 2 days of recuperating, which was good enough really. As my previous post had indicated, by the end of the week I was looking forward to going back to work.

Which was what I did for the past few days. I was back to the normal routine of waking up, going to work, coming home, cooking and eating dinner, going online, and sleeping. Today is my first weekend back in Wellington, and it is also back to the normal routine of sleeping in, waking up, going online/watching something, cooking and eating dinner, going online/watching something, and sleeping. Well, I haven't exactly reached the cooking and eating dinner part yet, but it won't be too long now.

Back

2011-07-10T21:31:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: 又爱又恨 by 草蜢

More than 2 weeks of absence from this blog. That could be a record. I'll have to check.

Anyway, tomorrow it's back to work. Quite looking forward to it actually, believe it or not. Of course, I'm most looking forward to watching the final installment of the Harry Potter movies. Can't wait, can't wait!

2 weeks home

2011-06-24T04:36:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: 情歌 by 草蜢

Yes I am still obssessed with them.

Yes I am on holiday in Malaysia at the moment.

Yes I bought new clothes to bring back to New Zealand.

Yes I bought a new pair of glasses.

Yes I bought a new pair of shoes.

Yes I will be getting my hair done soon.

Yes I have been meeting with friends.

Yes I will be meeting with more friends.

Yes I am still not used to how tricky people can be in Malaysia.

It is very scary.

Ash cloud

2011-06-16T22:07:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I hope that nothing unexpected will happen tomorrow. I hope that everything will go as planned tomorrow. I hope that, without fail, my journey will start tomorrow evening NZ time, and end on Saturday afternoon NZ time.

Please, thank you.

Grasshopper

2011-06-10T20:37:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

My current obssession is the Hong Kong Chinese boy band Grasshopper. Yes, I am talking about the one which has been around since 25 years ago. And yes, they are still going strong.

Watching their old performances makes me laugh, due to the really old-fashioned and outrageous hairstyles and clothes and dance moves. Watching their new performances makes me smile, because honestly, they really are great performers. Just watching their chemistry with each other is enough to keep me entertained.

Another one to add to my concert-wacthing list.

3 months in...

2011-06-02T23:09:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

My Hotmail account has been blocked by Hotmail. If it is because of the email that I had sent to them some time ago about someone using my address to send out spam, then I have to say, they've really taken their own sweet time to do something about it. I mean, that email had been sent more than 2 months ago!

Anyway, I've recently taken an interest in the Hong Kong Chinese boy band Grasshopper. Quite an interesting group of men (previously boys). The chemistry that they have with each other is very fun and nice to watch. A very good example of a very succesful "Bromance".

Idiots

2011-05-23T20:13:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: My Everything by 98 Degrees

The end of the world has come and gone. I have nothing nice to say about the 89-year-old man and his believers, so I won't say anything more about this matter. Full stop.

Welly weather

2011-05-15T22:47:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

It was raining so heavily the whole of last night and this morning, it felt like the sky was pouring buckets and buckets of water down to earth. And when the rain hit against the window of my room, it sounded like someone was spraying water at my window using a high-powered hose.

I've been in New Zealand for more than 7 years now, and I've never encountered anything like this before. It's OK for it to happen, as long as I'm indoors and have plenty of things to keep me sustained during that time. Having said that, if it doesn't happen, then all the better for me of course.

I really hope that it doesn't happen tomorrow.

Voltaren

2011-05-14T23:03:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Another week into May and my neck's definitely feeling much better. Phew... Makes driving a whole lot easier, being able to turn my neck around easily.

Anyway, I watched He's Just Not That Into You last weekend. Not a bad movie. Quite a few laughs here and there. Quite a few touching moments too. And as usual, the cheating husband ends up alone in the end. Yay.

Oh, and I finally gave my car Snowy a good wash today. Well, I didn't do it myself, but at least I drove it all the way to the carwash place in Porirua to be washed. Gave me the opportunity to have a look around the North City Shopping Centre too.

Medication

2011-05-07T16:04:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

1 week into the month of May, and I've got a really, REALLY sore neck. I don't know how it happened; all I did was wake up last Sunday and the pain was there. Guess I must have slept the wrong way at night.

Anyway, it's still sore now. In fact, it feels worse than ever. I took some painkillers yesterday, thinking that it would help with the soreness, but it didn't work. At least, I thought it didn't work. When I was getting ready for bed, all of a sudden it felt like the pain was almost completely gone. And I remember thinking to myself, "Great. Just as I am about to go to sleep. Tomorrow it's going to be sore again." And I was right.

Should have bought that pack of Voltaren yesterday. I thought Panadol would work just as well, but as it turns out, Panadol only contains paracetamol, which is for mild pain relief, and what I really need is an anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen or aspirin.

Looks like another trip to the pharmacy is in order...

Will and Kate

2011-04-29T20:18:00.003+12:00

Currently watching: The Royal Wedding live on TV1

Yes I am a fan. But in my defense, I'm not a fanatic. So there.

I just saw David and Victoria Beckham, and they looked really handsome and pretty. David was very clean-shaven, and his hair was neatly combed, while Victoria had her haif in a ponytail, with a cute but stand-out fascinator on her head.

No I'm not providing a live commentary on the wedding. It just so happened that they were there while I was writing this.

2 more hours to go...

Zzzzz...

2011-04-22T02:57:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I really should be sleeping right now, but I had to wake up to go to the bathroom, and then I picked up my laptop.

And that was it.

So here I am.

Rainy and sappy

2011-04-16T17:39:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Hymm To The Fallen from Saving Private Ryan

It has been raining THE WHOLE DAY. Like, seriously. It never stopped. Not even once.

And so, I'm confined to the comforts of my home. Not my OWN home, but the home that I'm living in at the moment. Not that I have any complaints about it though; it's a nice home.

Anyway, I watched Valentine's Day earlier, and I thought it was pretty good for a romantic comedy. It's not so much of a comedy actually, but it did have its funny moments, and plenty of romantic ones of course. One in particular actually made me teary, and it's a scene involving an elderly couple married for 51 years.

These days, it's the long-lasting relationships that make me go "Aww...", rather than the puppy or young loves. I also like relationships that blossom from friendships. Because, it's just like how Alphonso puts it, when Reed asked him how Alphonso and his wife got it so right.

"I married my best friend."

So there you go.

Gentle Dental

2011-04-12T17:50:00.004+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

My lower jaw is numb from local anaesthetic. I want to eat, but I can't because I can't feel anything. Bleh.

Can't wait to go back for the upper jaw. And the wisdom tooth extraction.

N.O.T.

Autumn is definitely here

2011-04-07T21:45:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing, but the TV is in front of me and Project Runway is on

I was planning to write earlier, but I forgot about it. As well as a few other things too actually.

I'm telling you, Frontierville is TIME-CONSUMING. But only because it loads SO FREAKING SLOW! I don't know if it's my laptop processing power, or the software, but it's unbelievable, the amount of time it takes to load everything.

And now it's getting late.

1 month in...

2011-03-31T21:47:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Larger Than Life by Backstreet Boys

So it's been a month since I arrived in Wellington. Took me 1 week to find a place to stay, a further 2 weeks to totally unpack, and another week to finally settle down.

Now, life is good.

And I can start focusing on filling up my bank account again.

Villa Costa

2011-03-27T19:04:00.001+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

My room is now PERFECT.

And I'm still dead broke.

Bliss

2011-03-22T22:39:00.004+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I may be dead broke, but I am happy. All I need now is a coat rack, and some black magazine holders, and my room will be PERFECT.

Debra is married!

2011-03-15T22:17:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

It has been a rather busy and tiring weekend. But everything went very well, and overall, it has been really fun and interesting.

There were lots of (high-pitched, loud, and excited) giggling and squealing and screaming and chattering. There were plenty of crying too, from me and another bridesmaid. I honestly didn't think that I was going to cry at all, but when I saw her standing there in all of her bridal glory, it was like someone turned the tap on in my eyes, and it took a lot of effort to stop the tears from coming out and ruining the makeup. Thank goodness for waterproof mascara.

Anyway, I am SERIOUSLY broke at the moment. A lot, and I do mean A LOT, of money had been spent for the past 2 weeks. I keep telling myself to look at them as long-term investments. The bed is definitely one ($658). And the bookshelf ($59.99). And the scotch chest ($200++). And the move from Dunedin to Wellington ($1500++).

I am DEAD BROKE.

Poor but happy

2011-03-07T21:06:00.004+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

As of yesterday, I have an address.

As of today, I have a bed.

As of tomorrow, I can start unpacking.

I may be a few thousand dollars poorer, but I feel happy.

2 in 1 week

2011-03-04T18:50:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I have a HUGE-ASS hole in my pocket at the moment. The consequence of changing jobs and moving cities. And being slightly under-prepared.

I hear the belt tightening...

Johnsonville

2011-03-03T22:44:00.003+13:00

Currently listening to: Be My Guest from Beauty & The Beast

414MB. 1150KB per second. 6 minutes.

349MB. 627KB per second. 9 minutes.

If only it is going to be like this, like, ALWAYS.

Emergency Bucket

2011-02-28T19:19:00.002+13:00

Currently watching: Campbell Live on TV3

So how was my first day at work in Wellington? Interesting enough. As expected, the new stuff is, at the very least, mind-boggling. It is completely different to what I have been doing before, therefore I have to start from scratch. I know that I'll get there in the end; I just hope that I don't take too long.

On another note, the back of my neck and shoulders are actually sore from the massage I had on Sunday. My legs are starting to feel sore from all the walking that I've been doing these couple of days. My dirty clothes are piling up. The things in my car are getting baked.

I can't wait to finally move into a permanent place. Can't wait to really settle down, both at work and at a place I can call home.

The start

2011-02-27T19:08:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Of all the transportations in the world, I dislike sea transportations the most. Make me fly whenever. Get me to drive wherever. Just don't even PAY me to sit on a boat.

Not unless the boat is a huge-ass cruise ship like the Queen Mary, or what's that biggest one called? Yeah, one of those.

The finish

2011-02-18T22:58:00.003+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

It is a very sad thing, to lose a friendship because of money. Having said that, if a friendship can be broken because of money, then maybe it was never a friendship to begin with.

Tick-tock-ing

2011-02-13T20:43:00.005+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Been watching some Chinese movies lately. Reign Of Assassins, If You Are The One 1 & 2, Legend Of The Fist: The Return Of Chen Zhen, All About Love, and Detective Dee And The Mystery Of The Phantom Flame.

Reign Of Assasins was alright. Pretty decent acting, and excellent dubbing. If you have not heard Michelle Yeoh's voice before, you would not have known that her lines were actually dubbed by someone else (Kelly Lin).

I really liked the If You Are The One movies. They were amusing enough to entertain, sweet enough to melt, and odd enough to make you go "Huh?" but still want more.

The Return Of Chen Zhen was alright too. Full of realistic fight scenes, not unlike all the other Donnie Yen films. Yes it's got Donnie Yen, so you should know what to expect already.

All About Love was slightly disappointing. Nothing wrong with the actors and actresses; I just find the whole movie somewhat... ridiculous. I didn't think that the story/plot was all that good or even interesting.

Detective Dee And The Mystery Of The Phantom Flame was also alright. At least, the story/plot was much more intriguing than All About Love. Although, it is a little bit unfair to compare both movies like that, since they're from totally different genres.

3 more weeks

2011-02-06T21:06:00.003+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

你见或者不见我我就在那里不悲不喜
It does not matter whether you see me or not, I am standing right there, with no emotion

你念或者不念我情就在那里不来不去
It does not matter if you miss me or not, the feeling is right there, and it is not going anywhere

你爱或者不爱我爱就在那里不增不减
It does not matter if you love me or not, love is right there, and it is not going to change

你跟或者不跟我我的手就在你手里不舍不弃
It does not matter if you are with me or not, my hand is in your hand, and I am not going to let go

来我的怀里或者让我住进你的心里
Let me embrace you, or let me live in your heart to eternity

默然相爱寂静欢喜
Silence, love, calmness, joy

Taken from the Chinese movie If You Are The One

Oh the agony...

2011-01-31T21:54:00.003+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I have totally forgotten just how unpleasant the whole moving-house experience can be. It's been more than 2 years since I last moved. So long that I could not even remember some of the stuff which I currently own. Not funny at all.

I have had to sell some of them, as well as give some way, but I still have so much left! So much for wanting to load everything into my car and moving them all at one go. Now I have to pay some moving company to move them up for me.

Wellington, here I come!

2011-01-26T23:50:00.003+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

The pain and suffering are over at last. Last year dished up what you needed to learn about yourself, but did you get it? For those who learnt their lesson, there will be a clean slate, as everything will go your way at least until June. With any plans you've had on the backburner, it is time for action - but it's vital you surround yourself with a positive support team. Until then, it would be wise to keep your plans to yourself.

Sometimes these horoscope readings really amaze me.

1001st

2011-01-20T23:13:00.006+13:00

Currently listening to: Anything For You by Backstreet Boys

A conversation between Jet Li and Sylvester Stallone:

"It's difficult."

"What?"

"My life is difficult. I need more money. "

"Why is that?"

"I work harder than the rest."

"No you don't."

"Yes, I do! Everything is harder for me. When I'm hurt, the wound is bigger, because I'm smaller. When I travel I need to go farther."

"I know, because you're smaller, right?"

"Yes."

Pause.

"I need more money."

"I know, you told me."

Taken from the movie The Expendables

1000 and counting...

2011-01-18T23:03:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

This is my 1000th post. Hurray!

So apparently, the stars have shifted alignment, and so have our zodiac signs. Before you start panicking, this is not a confirmed, set-in-stone thing. It is just a theory that is currently making its rounds on the Internet. Even if it is true, there is no need to panic. I mean, it's just a zodiac sign. Not the end of the world.

Anyway, according to the change, instead of a Libra, I would be a Virgo. Where my previous qualities are desire for fairness, peace, and harmony (scales, go figure), my new qualities are practicality, sharp mind, and attention to detail.

If you ask me, I think I have ALL of these qualities. Maybe not so much of the sharp mind. But desire for fairness, peace, harmony? Check. Attention to detail? Check. Practicality? Double check.

Personally, I think that most of everyone has not only the qualities of their own signs, but also a bit of the qualities of their neighbouring signs, so really, it shouldn't matter if the signs do change. Like I've said before, it's just a zodiac sign, not the end of the world.

Happy 1000th Post everyone.

Sunflower = Adoration

2011-01-16T21:05:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Tony The Beat by The Sounds

My posts are getting less and less. I can't help it. Nothing much happens, and so I have nothing to write about. I have to wait for stories to happen and then collect them to tell. And, I have to be in the mood as well.

Anyway.

Today, I went to a sunflower farm. It was only by chance that I found the place; I had lunch outside of Oamaru last Sunday, and on my way back to Dunedin I saw it as I drove past. I wasn't exactly planning to visit the place, but today, after having lunch with a friend, her family, and 2 other families at Moeraki, my friend's mother told the others that I will bring them go sight-seeing.

I was a little reluctant at first, because I didn't really know where the farm was. I mean, I know that it was before Oamaru along the State Highway 1, but I didn't know exactly how far away from Moeraki it was. I could be taking them on a wild goose chase, and I didn't want that on my conscience. It's not a big deal, but still.

In the end, since all the aunties were so enthusiastic about going, I had to take the chance. One of the aunties asked for directions from the restaurant, and they gave us some, although, truth be told, I didn't get a single thing they were telling me at the time. Still, off we went, and as I drove I kept hoping for the place to suddenly show up in front me.

Luckily, the directions started to make more sense as we got further, and finally, after much anxiety (on my part), we arrived at our destination, happy and in awe of the sight of fields and fields of sunflowers. It was just too bad that we couldn't actually go into the fields themselves and stand amongst the flowers; that would've made for very pretty pictures. Having said that, we still got some good pictures. And I was very glad that I didn't disappoint anyone.

Old age

2011-01-06T22:17:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: 想和你去吹吹風 by 張學友

6 days into the new year, I give you the first post.

Nothing much to say, except that this past Christmas and New Year, I only bought 2 pairs of short cardigans and 1 pair of heels. Was looking at some flats, but gave up the idea in the end.

Speaking of clothes and shoes, I really should look into cleaning out my closet. It's about to burst at the seams. The key is to chuck out the ones which I have not worn for a year. Because, if I have not worn it for a year, chances are I will not wear it for another year. Might as well throw it out or give it away.

Maybe I can do it this weekend...

Potentially the last

2010-12-30T21:55:00.003+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Someone up there must really love us.

Last Friday, we were blessed with great sunny weather as we drove up to Christchurch, and then the next day to Nelson. On Sunday, we were again blessed with great warm weather as we loitered around Nelson. We encountered rain during our drive back to Christchurch on Monday, but once there we had yet another round of great warm weather. On Tuesday, we had rain the whole time, but it didn't matter because we were indoors shopping. We even managed to escape the flooding at the Rakaia Bridge and arrived home in one piece. Well, we didn't really escape it; we had to queue on the road for a bit and then drive on through the water, but apparently, the bridge was closed not long after we had gone, so yeah.

Oh, and there was another earthquake in Christchurch on Sunday, a smaller one, but an earthquake nonetheless.

See what I mean when I said that someone up there must love us very much?

Good night

2010-12-24T00:15:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

This time tomorrow, I will be in Christchurch. Over the Christmas weekend (4 days in total), I will be travelling to Nelson and back. I hope for the best weather possible, so that I can wear my long-forgotten shorts.

That is all.

Phew...

2010-12-19T22:30:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

It has been a rather busy week.

Last Saturday, I was at a friend's graduation, then spent the rest of the day in town, followed by dinner and back-to-back movie-watching at a friend's place. We watched the first 2 installments of the Rush Hour movies. This led to a prolonged sleep-in on Sunday, which then led to a sleepless night, and, needless to say, a seemingly long Monday.

On Tuesday, I went to a friend's birthday dinner and after-dinner drinks. On Thursday, I went to a team Christmas lunch, then to another friend's birthday dinner, followed by an after-dinner karaoke session. On Friday, I went to a friend's pre-graduation dinner. On Saturday, I attended the same friend's graduation from start to end.

Today, I stayed at home, and tomorrow will be the start of a brand new week.

Doctors

2010-12-12T22:29:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Last weekend had been an OK weekend. The weather was good, and I met up with some friends whom I had not seen in a while, and would probably not see for a very long time. Here, I would like to congratulate them and wish them all the best in their future undertakings. I hope that, when we do meet again, it would be over food and drinks, and not medical records.

Shame on you Pos Malaysia and NZ Post!

2010-12-06T23:07:00.004+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

So, I received the documents back on Thursday last week, and immediately called up DHL to arrange for a pick-up. It got picked up on Friday afternoon, and was sent to Christchurch at night. It arrived in Christchurch on Saturday morning, and was sent to Auckland in the afternoon. It left Auckland in the evening, and was received in Singapore in the wee hours of Monday morning. It left Singapore that same morning, and arrived in Malaysia just before noon. My mother signed it off a little over three hours later.

Using DHL has set me back by more than a hundred bucks, but they did provide me with excellent service by getting the documents there in 2 working days.

DHL here I come!

2010-11-30T21:09:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Bad Romance from Glee

So, I was sent some S&P agreements by my Mum to be signed and then sent back to Malaysia. I received the documents on the 28th of October, a Thursday. I went searching for a Notary Public on Friday the 29th of October, and made an appointment for Monday the 1st of November. I paid $70 for the lawyer to watch me sign the documents, and then sign, stamp, and seal them himself.

On Tuesday the 2nd of November, I paid $30 to send the documents by courier, able to be tracked and traced, and needing to be signed off upon delivery. I was advised that it would arrive at its destination between 2-6 working days. On Friday the 12th of November, my Dad asked me about the documents, telling me that they have yet to arrive. When I tracked them down on the website, I saw that delivery was attempted on Thursday the 11th of November but was unsuccessful. It did not say why.

On Saturday the 13th of November, I lodged a call asking about the delivery failure, and was told that the documents are on the plane, on its way back to New Zealand. Apparently it was turned away by the Malaysian Customs citing 'insufficient address'.

Insufficient, MY ASS! I put everything there is to put on the address, including my Dad's full name, his company's full name, the street number, the street name, the town, the state, the postcode, and the country. What did I miss out? The longitude and latitude points? Freaking idiots!

Anyway, I was advised that someone would be in touch with me by Wednesday the latest to update me on the documents' progress. The documents arrived back in New Zealand on Sunday the 14th of November. On Wednesday the 17th of November, no one called me, so I called them. I was advised that I would need to pay a fee before I can get the documents back, and that a letter for that purpose would be sent to me shortly.

By Monday the 22nd of November, I still have not received any letter whatsoever, so I called them again, and even they couldn't explain why the documents were still being held at the International Mail depot. On Tuesday the 23rd of November, I received a call from my case manager who advised that she is trying to get them to email her the letter so that she can email it to me directly.

On Thursday the 25th of November, I received another call from the case manager advising that she is still trying to get them to email her the letter. On Saturday the 27th of November, I finally received the letter by mail. The letter was dated Friday the 26th of November. On Monday the 29th of November, I paid off the fee at a local post office. On Tuesday the 30th of November (which is today), I received the letter again by email from the case manager.

Now, the reason I am writing this entry is because I just tracked the documents on the website, and I saw that they were released for delivery earlier today. Prior to that, on Friday the 26th of November, they were being held for clearance. Between the 14th and the 26th, there was nothing. 2 weeks of NOTHING.

As if it's not bad enough that the Malaysian Customs had sent the documents back to me for no good reason, the New Zealand Customs had to hold them for clearance for 2 weeks, also for no good reason, before sending me a letter to pay for their release.

I.D.I.O.T.S.

Lazy update

2010-11-29T21:22:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I'm so lazy these days I don't even want to update my blog anymore. Not. Good.

Anyway, within the span of 3 days, I watched Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows twice. In the cinema. I wouldn't have minded watching it for the third time, but the chance never came, so oh well.

Did another movie marathon last weekend, or, to be exact, a half-marathon. This time it is for the Lord Of The Ring movies. Watched the first one on Saturday night, then took a sleep-and-lunch break before continuing with the next 2 installments on late Sunday afternoon.

This coming weekend we might be doing another movie marathon for the Pirates Of The Caribbean movies. They should be much, MUCH easier to handle than Harry Potter or Lord Of The Rings.

More HP7

2010-11-18T20:12:00.002+13:00

Currently watching: The same thing as before

I forgot to mention, last weekend, I went on a Harry Potter marathon, watching the first movie up to the sixth movie, all in one sitting. I've watched the first 5 movies at least three times each, but the sixth movie, I was watching it only for the second time. It was definitely much darker and slower than the first 5, but I enjoyed it all the same.

HP7

2010-11-18T20:04:00.002+13:00

Currently watching: Additional scenes from Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Today, at approximately 15 minutes past 12 midnight, I was one of the thousands of Kiwis who watched Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1 for the first time ever.

I. LOVED. IT.

I would really like to watch it again. In the cinema. Or wherever. I think they made the movie right. Of course, not everything from the book is in the movie, but you can't help these things. Not unless you want to sit through a really, really long movie.

Anyway, I think that not only did they make the movie right, the actors and actresses themselves were brilliant. They have definitely improved a lot throughout the years.

Update

2010-11-11T22:52:00.003+13:00

Currently watching: Super Trio Game Master

Last weekend:

I took a random drive on Sunday, and has once again proven that all roads in Dunedin are connected to each other.
As part of the random drive, I revisited Signal Hill and Mount Cargill. I had to rely on a map to remind myself of their locations, but otherwise I got to both places without too much difficulty.
On my way back into town from Mount Cargill, I encountered a car of 4 boys (they are obviously boys, even if they are much bigger-sized than I am) who asked for directions to the Octagon. I am almost sure that they were pulling my leg, what with all their crap about coming from Christchurch and someone telling them to drive up the hill to get to the Octagon. No one in Dunedin would have told anyone that the Octagon is up the hill.
I discovered that I am actually not suited for caffeine. Too much of it actually makes me dizzy and slightly nauseated. Therefore, I now have another reason for not drinking coffee.

Happy Guy Fawkes Day!

2010-11-05T21:40:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: 胆小鬼 by 梁咏琪

Today is Friday. I went to work thinking that it was Thursday. I even wore proper work attire. I did not realise that it was Friday until half the day was gone. And for the first half of the day, I kept wondering why everyone was talking as if tomorrow is going to be a weekend.

It's going to be an unexpected long weekend for me, because on Monday I am going on strike. Again. This time it is for a whole day. Which means I won't get paid for a day. Not good, but oh well.

Halloween much?

2010-10-31T15:19:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: 花海 by 周杰倫

Yesterday, I had to climb through a window to help my friends retrieve their house key from inside the house. The window was big enough for my top half of the body to go through, but it was the part where I had to fold my right leg completely to enable my whole body to get through that really sealed the deal. Finally, my tall and thin frame has been put to good use.

Goodbye pills!

2010-10-29T19:48:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: 一千個傷心的理由 by 張學友

Yesterday, I discovered this miracle gadget which gets rid of "peels" from clothes. I'm sure a lot of you will know what I am talking about. They are a nuisance, and make even the prettiest of clothes look old and worn out. The old-fashioned way is to use strips of cellotape and try to stick them out. The keyword being try. It's as impossible as using them to stick out pimples on your face.

Anyway, I just looked it up on the good ol' Internet, and apparently, this condition is called fabric pilling. According to WiseGeek.com, fabric pilling occurs either due to the natural tendency of fibers to migrate to the surface of a woven fabric or as a result of friction on the fabric surface, which loosens fibers and tangles them. Examples of fabric with the natural tendency factor are poor quality cotton and angora, while the friction factor may be a result of normal wear and tear or improper laudering techniques.

Well, now that I know what it is called, I am going to get myself one of those gadgets. I just need to find out where to get them.

Happy early birthday to Daddy!

2010-10-27T20:58:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Finally, the uncertainty is over. I'm glad that the Hobbit is being made in New Zealand, but at the same time, I also think that it would've been a great lesson for New Zealand if it moved to be made somewhere else. Oh well.

Last weekend I was in Queenstown. Again. Actually, I went to Te Anau first, before going to Queenstown. My friend and I wanted to go the Mavora Lakes, to search for the spots where the Rohirrim burned the dead Uruk-Hai, where Merry, Pippin and Frodo hid themselves from the Uruk-Hai, and where the Fellowship finally went their separate ways at the end of the first film. It was Labour Day on Monday, so it was a long weekend. Plus, the weather was forecasted to be great, so off we went on a roadtrip to Mavora Lakes, Te Anau, and Queenstown.

We had a very relaxing time at Te Anau, thanks to the good accommodation (awesome room at an awesome price), good food (nice spaghetti, plenty of ice-cream, good pies, and great Teza tea), and good weather (sunny and warm enough). We even hired a quadcycle (I think that's what they called it) and went round the block. Not easy, considering that I do not exercise. At all.

At Queenstown, the highlight was the dinner, which we had at this place called Gantleys. I highly recommend it for their service, atmosphere/ambience, and food; my friend absolutely loved the parfait (chicken liver pate), while the rack of lamb I had lived up to its reputation. The wine list was extensive, to say the least, but I am no wine enthusiast so besides that I cannot say anything more. This was, by far, the most expensive dinner I have ever had in New Zealand, not counting the dinners where I paid for everyone's bill.

Overall, it was a satisfying long weekend. No complaints whatsoever. Can't wait for the next one to come along. It doesn't necessarily have to be a long one, but a good one would suffice. Something tells me that the weekend of November the 21st would be it.

The Hobbit

2010-10-21T20:53:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Yeah keep it in New Zealand. Otherwise, it may or may not work out. I'm not saying that it's definitely going to work out in New Zealand, but at least, there is a higher percentage of it working out over here than elsewhere.

At the end of the day, I guess, I believe in Sir Peter Jackson. So here's hoping that everything is going to work out. I await the good news.

Shutter

2010-10-15T20:52:00.004+13:00

Currently listening to: I Believe by 신승훈

My posts are getting less and less. It can't be helped; it's not like my life is so interesting that I have something to write about every day, or even every other day.

Anyway.

Number 7 and Number 8 is no more, so it's back to Square 1. I washed my car, so it's now much cleaner than before. I didn't stock up on extra bottles of 42 Below Manuka Honey vodka; I didn't even finish the current bottle. I am still drooling after the Arrowtown Bakery pies. And, I have been able to, in a very small way, save some money.

Tomorrow, I'm off to Oamaru to have some comfort food. I already had some yesterday, in the form of Lisburn House. Again. I will never get tired of the place; it is simply amazing. Highly recommended.

Now, here's hoping that this weekend will be a good one.

Chirp chirp

2010-10-05T20:03:00.002+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Number 7 and Number 8. Add oil! Add oil!

I need to wash the car soon. Stupid birds.

I wonder if I should stock up on a few more bottles of 42 Below Manuka Honey Vodka, just in case it goes out of sale again.

Arrowtown Bakery pies... *drool*

Must. Save. Money.

The end.

Fitting

2010-09-30T22:59:00.004+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

There was thunder today. In Dunedin. Whoa...

Seriously, in all of my 7 years in Dunedin, I can count, on just 1 hand, the number of times that I've heard it. The thunder I mean. It's so rare that people actually get awed by it. Me included.

Funny how I was watching the first episode of the new season of CSI when I heard it. While the episode started with a bang, the day ended with one.

Smelly feet

2010-09-27T20:12:00.005+13:00

Currently watching: 45th Golden Horse Awards

感觉最美的十件事:
10 things that give you the best feelings:

一次投机的谈话
Having a good conversation
为心里的趣事而发笑
Laughing out loud at something which your heart thinks is funny
一觉醒来发现还能睡几小时
Waking up to realise that you still have a few more hours of sleep
发现心仪的东西半价出售
Finding out that the item which you really like is on a half-price sale
躺在床上听窗外的雨声
Listening to the sound of the rain outside the window while lying in bed
偶然听到久违的最喜欢的歌
Occasionally coming across a favourite song which you have not heard in a long time
在几年前的旧衣里找到百元钱
Finding a hundred dollars in the pocket of an old clothing item from a few years back
与很在乎的那人牵手
Holding hands with the person you care about
看到某人打开你的礼物时的快乐表情
Seeing the look of happiness on the face of someone who is opening your present
纯属偶然听到别人夸自己
Unintentionally overhearing someone praising yourself

Woah...

2010-09-26T19:40:00.003+13:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Haven't been listening to much music these days...

Anyway, it was quite obvious that her mood had changed, so when we were left alone in the room, I took the opportunity to ask her what was wrong. I was thinking that, perhaps, it was another one of those flatmate problems.

And then, she told me what was wrong. It was just 3 words, and for the purpose of explanation, let's put the the 3 words as "A B C".

I don't remember now, exactly how I reacted to those words, but I vaguely remember that, the first time she said them, I blinked once, and then said, "What B C?" She repeated those 3 words, and this time, I blinked twice, and then said, "I don't understand." She repeated those 3 words again, and finally, as the meaning of those words sank in, I blinked once, and then said, "Oh."

What a way to bring in a new round of Daylight Savings. And the weather today was great too...

Goods and Services Tax

2010-09-23T22:58:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

The weather these days have been downright horrible. Of course, it hasn't been as horrible as further down south, or further up north, but still. Absolutely horrible.

Everything is going to increase in price starting in October, because the GST rate is increasing by 2.5%. Which means that, something which costs NZD11.25 now is going to cost NZD11.50 then.

Maybe I should move the decimal point and rephrase. Something which costs NZD112.50 now is going to cost NZD115.00 then. Yeah that sounds slightly better.

I have to remember to renew my car registration before the 1st of October...

Slow...

2010-09-16T21:28:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

These days, life is so... normal... that I have nothing to write about. Hence the long periods of absence.

Pampered my hair yesterday with a $109 cut-and-treatment at Zaibatsu.
Having a nice dinner tomorrow at Lisburn House.
May be watching a movie the day after at Hoyts.

And I'm another week closer to the end of another year...

Aftershock

2010-09-08T20:21:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

You don't really know how scary it is to be caught in an earthquake until you are actually caught in one. But watching the video-recordings of people panicking when everything around them are moving and falling kinda makes you understand, even if just a little bit.

My thoughts are with you, Christchurch. Get well soon.

Not a dream

2010-09-04T21:35:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

First post of the month, I dedicate to the 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Christchurch. I was actually woken up by the tremors, and I live in Dunedin, 4-5 hours away. I could hear the tremors, and I could definitely feel my bed shaking. I even heard something fall to the floor.

For about 2 seconds, I wondered if I should go stand under the door frame. After the 2 seconds, I promptly went back to sleep.

Last day of the month

2010-08-31T18:59:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Last Saturday, I had the "privilege" of witnesssing people getting drunk, one after another. It has truly been a while, and luckily (or not), I've encountered much worse drunken scenarios, so last Saturday was alright. At least I didn't have to be anybody's driver.

The night before that, I watched Salt at the cinema with a couple of friends.

I have nothing to say about the movie.

Bad start

2010-08-21T14:57:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

What a scare. I thought it was going to be a crappy weekend. But, so far so good. Hopefully it will stay that way.

5 rejections in 5 months. Time to do things a little differently. Starting with a review of my CV.

To buy, or not to buy? I need to save as much money as possible while I still can, in case of a rainy day (ie unemployment), but the temptation is great. Will I stand firm, or will I succumb? Stay tuned.

Fishy weekend

2010-08-15T20:27:00.005+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

It takes a hell of a movie to get my heart pumping that quickly, and One Nite In Mongkok is definitely that. My heart was beating so crazily at the climax of the movie, I could practically feel it trying to jump out of my chest.

I don't feel bad for the kid though; I felt that he had brought it upon himself. Too hot-blooded. Always rushing into things without thinking. I know that I should be more sympathetic, since he's young and all, but throughout the whole movie, his seniors were always there to give him advice, guide him, and try to slow him down. And did he listen? Well, obviously, given his end, he didn't.

Clash Of The Titans was so-so. I didn't think that it was anything spectacular.

The Blind Side was alright. It has its touching and funny moments.

Sherlock Holmes was, of course, excellent. Understood it a whole lot better, now that I've watched it with subtitles.

I need good food

2010-08-12T22:01:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Rejected for the 4th time in 5 months. Bleh. Sucks to be me at the moment.

Oh well. Try, try again. Because I don't have any other choice.

Damn that Dooney & Bourke Disney bag is so pretty. And expensive. The shipping cost itself is a third of the price of the bag. Bleh.

Central Otago

2010-08-08T16:58:00.004+12:00

Currently listening to: A Watchful Guardian from The Dark Knight

It was the scariest drive ever. It was pretty at first. We were surrounded by snow, and snow was continuously falling from the sky. But it grew heavier, and the sky grew darker. Soon, the roads were completely covered in snow, and I was driving. Without snow chains.

Boy, was I worried as hell that we'd get stranded in the middle of nowhere with no means of getting help. I was nowhere near as worried when we were faced with the possibility of getting stuck in the mud while attempting to get to Poolburn Dam. Maybe it was because there was still daylight at the time. But to be fair, we would've had no means of getting help then too.

Anyway, never again will I ever do something like that. Once is enough to last me a lifetime. A few lifetimes even.

That's not to say that I won't travel to Central Otago ever again. But next time, I will make sure that I only go during the summer. And if I do go during the colder seasons, I will make sure that I have snow chains. And a shovel. And plenty of food and drink and warm items in the car.

Speaking of the car, I just want to say again how much I love my car Snowy. She truly is the best car EVER. Don't worry Snowy. I won't sell you off when I go to Wellington; you are definitely coming with me. So yeah, I guess you're stuck with me.

FarmVille

2010-08-05T22:28:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

It is very easy to tell if I have been having enough sleep at night. Just take a good look at my face. If you see any breakouts, then the answer is no. It really is quite simple. And accurate too. Seriously.

Which is why it has become a must for me to sleep in during the weekends, so that I can catch up on any lost sleep. I know that sleeping in doesn't cancel off sleep debts immediately, but I always say, every little bit helps.

Now. Time for bed.

Hoar frost

2010-07-29T19:19:00.005+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I've applied for my 4th job in 5 months. Not a hell of a lot, I know, but still.

On a totally different matter altogether, for every 100 searches using this search engine, a tree is planted. I've started using it. You should too.

Enchanted Island

2010-07-25T14:30:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

The Live File System method of writing to discs using the UDF format turns out to be a pretty useful thing. It took me a while to figure out what it is really about, but it is definitely working in my favour.

Now I just need to find out a way to label the discs nicely. Apparently I can print on them, but I don't have the specific printer needed.

Guess it's back to the good old-fashioned way of hand-writing.

Baku

2010-07-17T00:29:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Yumekui Kenbun is a pretty complicated manga. I have had to read it a few times over to really understand what was going on. Nevertheless, it's been an interesting read. I thought the ending sucked (too abrupt, and not happy), but oh well.

More JapFlap

2010-07-15T23:25:00.004+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

Whoa... something's gone wonderfully wrong with the Internet connection. I downloaded 3 episodes of Be My Guest, at 250MB per episode, in less than 10 minutes each. That's more than 800KB per second.

I like!

JapFlap

2010-07-14T22:11:00.005+12:00

Currently listening to: 你是我心内的一首歌 by 王力宏

Here's a quote from Naruto which I found to be rather amusing:

"Kakuzu, bring me my head will ya?"

*Kakuzu picks up Hidan's head*

"Damn it Kakuzu! My body! I said bring me my body!"

"Your head is lighter."

Charles & Keith

2010-07-11T02:53:00.004+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I guess, if 2 completely unrelated people, at 2 completely different times, tell you the same thing, there must be some truth to it.

I am thinking that it could be the skincare products. It can't be my eating habits; as far as I'm concerned they haven't changed. And it can't be my sleeping habits either; I've been sleeping like this for more than 2 years.

How interesting.

Eat no chicken when you're out

2010-07-07T21:29:00.004+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

It was almost like a food trip, my weekend trip to Christchurch. First, we drove an hour to Fleur's Place, Moeraki, where we had lunch and I was served a piece of salmon big enough to last me a long, LONG time. Then, we drove a further 3-and-a-half hours to Christchurch, where we had dinner and I was served a rather satisfying piece of pork belly.

Right after dinner, we watched Swan Lake On Ice, which was enjoyable for me because it was my first time seeing it, and because I love the music. I wish that they wouldn't have so many things happening on stage at the same time though, because I kept missing out on certain things while I was focused on something else.

Anyway, we walked back to our accommodation after the show; a short 10-minutes walk, but it was so cold that halfway there my ears started to hurt. Luckily, I was prepared and had a pair of earmuffs in my bag, which I promptly put on. Didn't help much, unfortunately, but at least now I can say that I've used the earmuffs. 2 years after I bought them.

Due to the fact that we were to drive back to Dunedin the very next day, we had a rather early night, and even skipped the football match between Germany and Argentina just so that we could get enough rest to handle the long drive home. The next day, we woke up at 9 in the morning, and by 10 o'clock we were wondering around the weekend market at the Christchurch Arts Centre, which was directly opposite our accommodation. It was a pity that we were scheduled to meet some friends for Yum Cha at 11, because otherwise, we would have indulged ourselves in all the food items that was being sold.

Having said that, Yum Cha wasn't bad either. We left Christchurch at 1pm, and on the way, stopped at Cookie Time so that my friend can buy cheap "broken cookies". After that, it was 4 hours before we finally reached Dunedin, and I had approximately 1 hour plus before I was to go over to a friend's place for dinner. The menu? Abalone.

So, it was a little tiring, since we actually spent more hours on the road than anything else (10 hours on the road, 9 hours sleeping, 8 hours in Christchurch), but it was a good trip nonetheless. Thanks to all the food. And a good show. And good company.

Public Servants Association

2010-07-01T19:05:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: 够不够 by 方大同

I was wrong. We don't get paid. Period. I mean, we don't even get to make up the time. So yeah, in the short run, it is definitely not to my benefit. At all.

Anyway, I'm going to watch Swan Lake On Ice this weekend in Christchurch. Can't wait.

And if you need further proof that my life is really as still and calm and unchanging as a glass of water, look at the number of blog entries for the previous month.

Banoffie pie

2010-06-25T18:37:00.004+12:00

Currently watching: The 6 o'clock News

So today I participated in my first ever strike, by leaving work 2 hours and 20 minutes earlier than I should have. Unfortunately, it's not to my benefit, not in the short term anyway, because I have to make up the time next week, or not get paid for it. However, if the strike goes on to cause my wages to be raised, then, in the long run, it's all worth it.

Anyway, well done to the All Whites, and to the Japanese team as well. Oh, and well done to John Isner too, for winning the 11-hour long match with Nicolas Mahut. I found out, while watching the news, that he's a lumbering 6 feet 9 inches tall. That's 2.06 metres.

Kushina was a Jinchuuriki too?

2010-06-21T00:23:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: 玻璃鞋 by 鄭秀文

This Naruto manga-ka is really something. The manga is already quite long, and yet he still has so many twists up his sleeve. I'm not complaining, of course. Just bring them on!

Act fast

2010-06-17T19:06:00.002+12:00

Currently listening to: 你最珍貴 by 張學友 and 高慧君

Seriously, what can I not find on the Internet? Things which I had thought were no longer available, are actually still available. So available, in fact, that they have now been upgraded from "Incomplete" to "Complete".

I have to be quick though. Things are happening so fast it's crazy. One night it's there, the next night it isn't. And it's already happened twice. I have to be quick!

Precious

2010-06-11T23:08:00.004+12:00

Currently listening to: 断点 by 张敬轩

I was reading this Japanese manga yesterday (Ludwig Kakumei by Kaori Yuki), and because it was based on fairy tales, I was reminded of some of the fairy tales which I had read as a child.

Tales like The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Goose Girl, Snow White and Rose Red, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, The Fisherman and His Wife, Puss In Boots, The Wild Swans, and The Red Shoes.

It was so long ago since I'd read these stories that I had actually forgotten about them, but the truth is, you don't really forget about things. They only get pushed to the back of your mind; given the right trigger, they will come rushing back out to the front. And a talking horse named Falada is definitely the right trigger. All of sudden, I remember the story of The Goose Girl, and of course, one thing led to another, and I found myself reading up on more and more fairy tales.

The ones which I have listed above, I can definitely remember reading them. It's just the matter of whether I remember them vividly or vaguely.

I can, very vividly, remember seeing pictures of the shoemaker laying out the leather on the table, the elves making shoes, the little clothes that the shoemaker's wife made for the elves, and the elves dancing happily in their new clothing.

I can, very vividly, remember seeing pictures of the princess dropping the hankerchief with her mother's blood droplets on it into the river, talking to the talking horse Falada's head, combing her golden hair while herding the geese, and Curdken running after his cap that was being blown away by the wind.

I can, very vividly, remember seeing pictures of Snow White and Rose Red with their mother and the lamb and the dove in front of the fireplace, the bear, the dwarf, and the 2 rose bushes.

I can, rather vaguely, remember seeing pictures of the princesses, the silver twig, the golden twig, the diamond twig, and the twelve boats.

I can, rather vaguely, remember seeing pictures of the fish, the small cottage, the big house, and the king's palace.

I can, somewhat vividly, remember seeing pictures of the cat trapping rabbits and birds to present to the king, the youngest son bathing in the river while the king and his daughter rode past in their carriage, the ogre turning into a lion and then a rat, and the cat catching the rat and eating it.

I can, somewhat vividly, remember seeing pictures of the sister gathering nettles from the graveyard at night, knitting shirts for her brothers even as she was being imprisoned to be executed, and throwing out the finished shirts to her brothers as they flew down from the sky as swans, turning back into men.

I can, somewhat vividly, remember seeing pictures of the girl buying the red shoes, dancing non-stop in them, begging the man to cut off her legs, and kneeling down on her fake wooden legs to pray.

I wish that my mother hadn't given the books away to my younger cousins, and I was back home in Malaysia, so that I could look for these books and go through them again.

Time-filler post

2010-06-04T17:27:00.003+12:00

Currently listening to: Nothing

I'm off to Christchurch for the long weekend. I should be leaving in about... um... 5-30 minutes. Hmm.

I watched Iron Man 2 last Sunday. I thought it was alright. Worth watching. Robert Downey Jr was great, as usual. I love his comedic performances; I thought he was awesome in Tropic Thunder and Sherlock Holmes.