to son with love

Received a text from Son the other day, informing me that he was leaving and would like to meet up.

I was like 'what?' Okay... I did know that he was leaving but didn't realised it was so soon. How time flies!!

Son's from Hochimin City (Hanoi) on a government scholarship to complete a masters in Project Management. We (Yen, Tik Kai and I) were quite pleased on his arrival in our second semester as he was a new addition to the asian (or SEAsean) mates since the rest of our classmates were africans. So our 'gang' grew to four.

We had lots of group work together and activities that was supposed to be group work - like being entrusted to do group work but actually playing with snow.

Back to the gathering... we finally meet up with our other friends and have a great meal at Goulash. Have to get pics form Peggy. Its a really lovely restaurant - when we entered the restaurant it was like we were in a totally different country. The food was reasonably priced and the meal was good. The fellowship was even better!

Its a very small and cosy restaurant hidden in an alley. The place was run by one guy - from ordering to serving. His PR was really good. He most likely have a chef in the kitchen.

After the meal, we all dragged ourselves to the cinema to catch 'The Reaping'. I went watching without knowing what to expect and I think it was a really good movie. Am so looking forward to possibly 'The Reaping 2'. hmmm...

We had a great time that night and wish Son all the best in his future undertakings. Everyone is looking forward to a trip to Vietnam one day. And being Malaysians (the rest of our party of six), we wish Son well to become the PM (Prime Minister) of Vietnam and send his leer jet to pick us up with limo and police convoy on ground when we visit him!

Drink log: one third of a bottle of rosé

what is love?

We had one of the longest Rotaract meeting last night. And I remembered telling clearly to James that when I chair the meeting, it will be a short one since I normally try to finish it as soon as possible and not making it a drag. Well, I would say it was a very good meeting and I hope the rest didn't think it was a drag.

Anyways, after the meeting, the guys (Chris R and Emmanuel) and I stayed for a drink (which turned out to a few!) and we had quite an interesting chat. Amongst all that we had chatted, one topic that keep resurfacing was 'love'.

What is love?

To Emmanuel, love was this strong feeling that you have for each other. And he thinks that it does not take one long to know if they are in love or not. Our guy of love-at-first-sight-and-I-know-whether-I-love-you-or-not. I agree with him to a certain degree that you may know whether you love this one person or not in quite an early stage. But then again... it could be just attraction.

Chris believes that you need to spend a considerable time with someone before you know that you love that person. And you know you love that person when you want to spend the rest of your life together forever - not just five years or ten years.

As I listen to the guys debating each of their definition of love, I just can't stop wondering is there a 'right' definition of love? How do you know it is love and not infatuation?

A quick check up on infatuation and love provided some food for thought.

As for me? You can be attracted to someone in a matter of seconds, go through the stages of infatuation and when you accept the good as well as the bad of the person and know that no matter what, you would not want to change anything of that person, knowing that you want to spend the rest of your life together - that is love.

I don't think people are meant to be by themselves. That's why, if you actually find someone you care about it's important to let go of the little things. Even if you can't let go all the way. Because nothing sucks more than feeling all alone no matter how many people are around. ~ J.D. Scrubs 'My T.C.W.'

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

The definition of love would be different for everyone, so what is yours - what is love?

Drink log: 3 pints of Guiness Extra Cold, 1 Irish Car Bomb

hot guyz

The other day we had some bobbies (police) coming to the desk asking to see the security guard for statements. After they left, the following conversation took place...

ennazus: Those guys are not too bad looking
Morvern: They are not good looking at all. (Before ennazus could say anything...) Maybe you think they look good because of their uniforms
ennazus: Yeaaah... I like men in uniform

Yup. I dare admit that I like men in uniform. I always feel that somehow butterfiles just appear in my stomach when I see men in uniform. hmm...

In fact I think guys are hot if they have/are in the following:

1. Men with facial hair: didn't realised I had this soft spot until my sister pointed it out that everytime I think a guy is good looking they have facial hair. My mom thinks 'wu shou lat thaat' (literally: moustache dirty, if my translation serves me right) Major soft spot: stubbles... oooer... Big turn off: thick thick beard and moustache, full face hair... eeeww...

2. Men who smell nice: There's this guy that stays in one of the flats above (I don't know who) but if I have to go to work early in the morning, I can smell 'him' in the hallways. At times I feel that my knees would just buckle there... No intention of finding out who he is. The mind is a powerful tool. Enough said!

3. Men who shave their head bald: I really don't know why but somehow I have this inclination towards it. Am wondering...

#updated 7th May#
4. Men who has a tan/dark guys: possibly due to the saying of tall, dark, handsome? Dark to the extend of tan but not darker than that.
##

But the above are mainly first impression or just physical admiration. Of coruse not every guy that fulfill the above can be considered hot he must have good looks too. But then again, all this are just a matter of preference. And it will definitely differ from one person to another.

Anyways, I do have my theory about good looking guys though:
A. They are single but not available ...or...
B. They are married ...or...
C. They are married with children ...or...
D. They are gay ...or...
E. They are dead

Speaking of which, I met this very good looking guy at church two weeks ago. *Siren wailing: eye candy!!!* but as my theory above, he is married to a beautiful woman with two really adorable sons. I met the family at work this week and Chic Chick thinks that they are too good to be true - perfect looking family.

Of course at the end of the day, I think that hot guys are only but eye candy and I'll just enjoy the scenery then... ;P

p.s.: My SH is hot! At least to me... hehehe...

drama princess

Today I realised that I could be a drama queen: I make a big deal out of nothing. I make a mountain out of a molehill.

So anyway, a quick check around and a quick test done, I am actually just a drama princess. I didn't think I would qualify as a drama queen anyways.

Wiktionary defines a drama queen as 'an exaggeratedly dramatic person'. Oooh.. guess that's why I am sooooooo expressive, huh?!

You Are a Drama Princess!!!

You're not over the top dramatic, but you have your moments. You know how to steal the spotlight... And how to act out to get your way. People around you know that you're good for a laugh. But at times, your drama gets a bit too much for everyone. Tone it down a tad, and you'll still be the center of attention.

Are You a Drama Queen (or King)?

Seriously! I think I need to control myself and not dramatise everything. It can be so unnecessarily stressful you know!

a good rest

Last night I stayed up late to watch one of Film 4's Films to See Before You Die - they were showing 'Kung Fu Hustle', even knowing that I have to wake up early to go to work.

Half way through the movie, I was like 'Huh? This is a film to see before you die?!'

Maybe it was the slapstick comedy. Maybe it was the morbid violence. Maybe it was the exaggeration. But somehow, the film didn't appeal to me.

Right, so not all movies are made for everyone. Overall it was ok. I might need to watch it a second time to appreciate it. At the moment its at borderline.

Working early mornings always give me this anxiety of waking up late to go to work. So I usually hardly have a good sleep the night before. I think if I have to wake up early everyday and it has become a routine, it may not be that bad after all.

Wait a minute... but then again, I remember having the radio alarm switched on an hour early, got Su-Anne to come and switch on the room light and if all else fails and I'm still stuck in bed, I get her to tell me that we are late. That always help: I will definitely jump out of bed. You say that why didn't I just get SA to say that we are late in the first instance? Well, for one she is too nice to do that, secondly, I will nag her to no end about it - telling me we're late when we are not. So it is really an achievement that I can wake up and be at work on time on my own accord. Wow!

Okay... so I still need at least an hour's notice for the first alarm to remind me to get up, I need my bed rolling time! Another 20 to 30 minutes to get ready (this considered as a very good allowance) and depending on where I am going, a certain time allocated for travelling.

The question of whether the place of sleep: be it the bed or my new place of sleep the couch, should it be a comfortable resting place or a not so comfortable one? My love of snuggling under the duvet on a cold morning does not help at the process of getting up let alone getting off the bed. Beds (including any place of sleep) should be comfortable enough to sleep and rest but uncomfortable enough to get off in the morning. I wonder how is this ever going to work?

In a total random thing. I heard a girl telling her guy friend that she was so surprised (in a good way) that her bf came over her place one night and presented her with a bottle of champers and box of chocolates because it was exactly a year since they met. She didn't even realised and remembered it. Aawwww...

She said, and I agree, that this kind of things normally remembered by the female party and not the male. I'm so happy for her.

Guys *hint* *hint*. I wonder if SH is reading this.. hehehee.. ;P

sober

So much for trying to stay off alcohol. After last week's almost neverending drinking, I was hoping to stay off alcohol for as long as I could.

Last week's drinking log:
Sunday - half bottle of sauvignon blanc (can't remember what was the name)
Monday - the remainder half bottle
Tuesday - pint of Extra Cold Guiness after Rotaract meeting
Wednesday (staff party) - G&T, 2 glasses of medium dry cava, 3-4 bottles of Magners
Thursday - sober
Friday (Paddy's leaving do) - 1 and half bottle of rosé, 2 G&T

The staff party was a good one. Overall it was a good week, a great week actually! I spent on my shopping but I gained £85 through winning stuff. Bliss! Now, awaiting for the incriminating evidence from the staff party. Can't complaint much thought, it was truly a good night.

After Friday I stayed sober, up until Tuesday night. The Shrink was back. And I would never miss our 'sessions' where possible. These 'sessions' normally consists of good conversations over drinks and sometimes some grub. (The Shrink must be laughing when he read this, me calling him 'The Shrink')

Anyways... it was a good night as usual. I often look back and thank God that I have friends like The Shrink who keep me sane. I am also thankful for others which I will speak about them more in future.

So on Tuesday, the company had a group of people doing an internal video. There was a small team of people directing and filming in store. It was about Plan A, the company's commitment to change. I was quite surprised to be pulled in to give my views on it. I was briefed roughly about the questions to be asked and then had this HUGE camera pointing at my face (from the side).

Mr. Director: What do you think of Plan A?
ennazus: Erm, I think Plan A is a good plan. (dooosh! wtf?! Obviously it is a good plan! Gawd!)

At one point, Mr. Director had to point out that I was sneeking a peek at the camera, and I should be looking between his eyes or over his shoulders, anywhere but the camera. Well, I didn't realised I was doing it actually.

Goodness! All the memories of my primary school english storytelling competition started flooding back. Me on the stage telling my story (which I can't remember what was it about now) and then my concentration started to wonder. Somehow it had me ended up staring at the mic because there was an ant scurrying around it. It was all mumble after that. It was so embarassing!

I don't know how much of my opinion will be kept for the video. Won't be surprise that it will not be used at all.

Got me thinking, am I that bad during a spontanous interview? Hmm... Maybe I was just not prepared. I mean: I love public speaking, I love presentations, and I know I do it quite well. But not on this ocassion. Must have been hard for those people who appear on the news being interviewed on the streets.

in the distance

Last night just before I switched off the computer, news on Virginia Tech shootings were highlighted on MSN.

It was disturbing to know yet another education establishment in the States has made the headlines, through bad news.

What is becoming of this world?!

My thoughts went out to the people I know who are living across the pacific as well as those who have made plans to go there. And to think that I could have been at St. Louis studying. (I know its quite a distance but thats not the point...)

Guns seem so real compared to when we were playing with them as a child. We pretend to be police and theives - sticking out our fingers imitating a gun; cowboys and indians; etc. Then there were slingshots as well as rubber band slingshots. Guns in theme parks: you shoot something down or you shoot the target to move something.

During those times, it was more like target practice. Innocent childsplay. Fun.

As we grow older, we learn the reality of guns. Not that there were no gun crimes in the past but cases like high school shooting; shooting of school children on the streets; gang shootings; sniping; etc seemed just another day's news.

When news such as shootings in other country we seemed to just brush it off... 'oh, its them not us'. We only raise panic alarms when it happens in our own backyard. Still what can we do? What can the government do? What can the country do? Is there anyone to blame?

Whatever that seems to be the solution, there will still always be a 'hole' where someone will bypass the system.

Will we ever be safe again?

post easter reflection

Trust tv channels to come with programs befitting the occasions. Last night they showed 'The Passion of the Christ' on the idiot box.

Its my first time watching that movie althought I know its a few years old now. I think its quite a nice movie, especially good without big hollywood names, other than Mel Gibson.

The movie touched quite a few issues. Its not easy being a Christian. You are often judged for every move and decision you make. It is not easy and I know so myself.

It has been a glorious weekend and I would described yesterday (Easter Sunday) as a perfect day. Its not too hot or too cold and its great that the good weather is continuing.

Found out today that I've won the Easter weekend sales competition and got the São Tomé dark chocolate egg that I've been eyeing on ever since it hit the shelves as well as £20 gift voucher (to add on to my pile of vouchers to be splurge on later!). Am so chuffed!! Will share the choccies with SH when he comes over.

Since it was my off day I thought why not treat myself to some retail therapy. Of course as usual after all the dilly dallying I have less than four hours to shop which was not enough since I had to spend a bit of time at work to take some pics of my mugshot as the competition winner.

~ Mugshot too ugly to post here. Can't believed it has been put up for public ~

Bought myself quite a bit of stuff. Since I'm off tomorrow, I'm going to hit the stores again! Going back to some of the shops to look at the stuff I wasn't too sure about today and to those shops that I didn't have enough time to go to. More shopping!!!!

Some of the clothes I bought today

*updated*

More clothes I bought the next day!

easter

Its Easter weekend - Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday (and in England, Easter Monday).

A recent survey by supermarket chain Somerfield found that youngsters did not know the significant of Good Friday or Easter Sunday. It is really disheartening to know that.

In England, its long holiday weekend so most people go away on short breaks within and outside of the country. However, according to someone Easter is a disastorous time: people feeding their pets chocolates, DIYs and not buying enough insurance for their holidays as well as time away.

Anyways, Easter is so chocolates - chocolate eggs, bunnies, characters, etc; having a big meal - turkey, roast, almost like Christmas; cakes; and probably flowers. Kinda weird. Is that what all Easter is about?

Easter weekend holds a significant way to me. Although I won't be celebrating it big this year, I will look back at the many times how Easter has been special to me.

Our Sheperd wore a crown of thorns so that we can wear the crown of life!
'...They will enter Zion with signing: everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them.' ISAIAH 35:10
-Taken from Dayspring.com

HAPPY EASTER!

simplicity

...and people wonder why I'm complicated?!

criticism

We are all critics - whether we confess or not.

It is so easy to criticise. All too easy. People make mistakes - so auld news. Bah!

We pick at: art, books, cars, designs, ethics, fashion, gadgets, human, ideas, jewellery, knick-knacks, life-ours and others, movies, news, opinions, postings, quirkiness, religion, songs, thoughts, unknown, vulnerability, weather, xpectations, yesterday and last but not least zilch!

Heck, we find fault at anything! Everything!

But just what makes us a critic?

What makes us think that we are better off to say something about something, someone or some situation?

Guess it just boils down to opinions. Everyone is entitled to one. And no one can really stop what one wants to say, do or think. Its a hive of activities to set tongues wagging and arms waving... oh why not?!

I ain't no saint - I want to be more vocal about things, stand up for myself but I will try my best not to say things to hurt others. Its not easy. Its too easy to judge. And its amazing how some who just don't judge (or slow to judge) - my salutation to you!

Got me thinking about last week. SH was being really nice and sweet since we haven't been spending much time together but I just have opinions about everything. I just have something to say about everything. And he went like 'there's no pleasing you!' in a joking, playful way. Actually I like to tease him and I love our banters. He knows very well that I like to pick a fight (over nothing) with him just because I love the making up after that. We are so lucky sometimes me thinks.

Bless him! Bless us!

So here I am posting this and they are showing 'Return to Paradise' on the idiot box. A story about two friends who must choose whether to give up three years of their life or the life of a friend who was arrested in Malaysia for drugs possession. Its the grown up version of 'Brokedown Palace'.

Its weird when Hollywood uses a country that you know of. Yes, I do understand that Malaysia has very harsh system on drugs possession - its good that they highlight this. Its not fair but that's how the judicial system is. Probably because of this (the fact that you are hung to death for drugs possession) it just seems like a good story. Its a way good to highlight Malaysia - sort of. Me thinks that people will still don't know where Malaysia is whether they watch this movie or not.

Funny points::

1. The hanging takes place in the centre court of the prison and not in a room with a clothed bag over the prosecuted. Seemed like medieval times - without the crowd.

2. Patrick Teoh who is one of the better english newsreader in Malaysia stuttering in Malay. Hmm.. I think almost anyone who speaks Malay in the movie was stuttering. I wonder why? Too nervous to be in a 'big' movie? The only word they don't stutter was 'cepat' (fast), which was repeated incessantly when the guard escorting Vince Vaughn's character to Joaquin Phoenix's character's cell. And why does Deanna Yusoff speaks with a spanish accent in Malaysia? Weird.

3. Why do they depict Penang with seedy go-go bars and brothels? It was filmed partly in Thailand of course! No offence to the Thais but it is by fact that it was one of the locations they shot the movie in. Penang is depicted as so old-ish... like a very ulu (jungle, backward) place.

4. Not forgetting that Malaysian prison guards have big belly and only says 'masuk' (go in/enter) and 'cepat' (fast).

I am a critic. So what?! At least I know it.

I think its time for me to sleep too...

advertisement

I cannot imagine life without advertisements.

I love advertisements. As a self confessed tv addict it is easy to say ' I will go to this or that during the advertisements'. But because my love for ads it is not easy to do as say.

Some ads by certain brands/companies are rather distinctive. Of course this depends on their chosen ad agency, continuing ad storyline, their marketing plans, and many many more ad terms that I'm not familiar with.

The length of an ad, what time it is broadcasts and the quality of the ad tells a lot of a company - how much they are willing to spend and how much they had spent.

The first thing that capture my attention in an ad is the music/jingle. I love ads that leave a lasting impression or one that has a good first impression. I think it is important that an ad has a good jingle but not one with an annoying jingle that sticks to your mind and couldn't be shaken off no matter what.



The next is a good storyline. I love ads that make me laugh. I think it is important that an ad makes sense. If it doesn't the company has wasted their time and money, and probably the ad agency is laughing all the way to their bank.



I presumed it won't be easy working in an ad agency. One must have constant flow of creative juices, knowing how to satisfy their clients, and making sure that the ad makes sense and cents. No one wants to spend all those money and does not bring in any money for the company.

Thanks to certain websites and ad critic programs, we get to see more ads from around the world. Some ads that may not make sense to some, means a lot to others.

I'm not sure how am I going to end this posting but I hope that those creative minds behind all those ads out there - whether good or bad, don't stop producing ads. There are people who actually watch it!