13 Things That Annoy The Crap Outta Me

In no particular order,

1. The food in my company canteen - they're ridiculously overpriced for the crap they obviously are.
2. Lizards which doesn't cling onto the ceiling properly and suddenly decide to drop on your freshly washed hair after a shower.
3. Malaysian drivers. Enough said.
4. Sudoku. All right, I can't figure out the damn game, but at least make it fun enough to last at least 5 minutes!
5. Scratched DVDs - this is absolutely shit especially when you're watching the last episode of the last season of Sex and the City, and the DVD decides to die on you when you have about 20 minutes of the show to go.
6. Roadkill - can't even look at 'em.
7. Apologising for something which I didn't do wrong.
8. PMS. Argh.
9. Malaysian heat and humidity. Makes my hair frizzy, makes me cranky ... I shouldn't even be here.
10. Those annoying insects which suddenly appear after a heavy rain. They fly into your soup, into your clothes, and the mean ones bite! I mean, where the hell do they go when the weather's fine?
11. Going to Japan. How many times do I have to repeat, it's work, damnit.
12. Walking on wet roads with only flip-flops on - my calves get wet from the sloshing water. Who knows where the water came from?! Ugh.
13. Baked beans. Never liked 'em, never will.

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I.AM.FAT

Okay, for some bloodyass reason, my post about the previous weekend disappeared. I definitely did NOT delete it, and it was certainly in the blog for a couple of days, before it disappeared! I mean, WTF?! Did someone just pull a Xiaxue on me?! @#$%!!

Argh.

Anyways.

I've been feeling really sluggish lately. Most likely it's because of the great lack of exercise. I keep putting my yoga off, which is not good, considering the fact that the gym's only a 3-minute drive from my house. Plus I had a wakeup call from a colleague today, who commented about my putting on weight (a male colleague, goddamnit!). Something MUST be done, people!

Anyways, I've taken to doing quite a bit of walking in the evenings. After work, I'd walk 5 rounds around my neighbourhood. It's not just flat ground I'm walking on; there's quite a bit of a slope going on there too. And after dinner, I continue with some sit-ups and butt clenches *grin*. I need to look fabulous for my friend's wedding in September. Three months of hopefully what I'd call a diet, and exercise, should do the trick.

Fingers crossed, I'd lose that bloody weight in three months. If not ... oh what the hell, there's always the muumuu.

Pseudo Purity Test

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How To Fit Everything Into Your Handbag

This is for the girls.

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A girl's handbag is her own private sanctuary and only the very priviledged, loved or trusted are ever invited in.

It is preferable to have two bags - a Mary Poppins-style bag that can carry everything you will need in it, and within that, the decoy, a dainty frivolous number that you can carry into dinner. Only an elite few can cope with a no bag entrance, and then either their companion's suit is crammed with lipsticks, they have a driver outside, or they are truly fabulous.

Until you reach this status it's best to be prepared for anything.

Things you absolutely need in your handbag and/or day bag include:

1. Mobile phone

2. Wallet and money
You will always need a few coins for cloakrooms and dire emergencies. Don't worry about enough for a taxi; any damsel in distress knows that can be figured out once you are safely away from the scene of the crime.

3. Notebook
Inspiration can strike anywhere.

4. Pens or pencils
You never know whose number you might need to scribble down and lipstick has never been that reliable. But, remember: pens MUST have lids, if not they are liable to ruin the lining of a bag; do you have a pencil case?

5. Lipstick
For (1) lips and (2) (a cheaper one) any signatures, or number swapping (no point wasting a good Chanel on a rebuff).

6. Lip-gloss
Adds shine and shimmer to a sexy pout, and very user-friendly to apply sans mirror.

7. Perfume
The sample bottles from the make-up counters are the perfect travel size.

8. Keys
Door keys and car keys. Even if you lose everything else you want to concentrate really hard on not misplacing these. Always consider where to hide a spare, or who to give a spare to, but they must be the kind of person who appreciates a call at three in the morning.

9. Safety pins
No need to cry over spilt milk - buttons do pop at the most inappropriate moments, so come prepared. The complimentary sewing kits you get in hotels are perfect for this kind of emergency.

10. Compact
If you leave the house without your powder or mirror, go back. There's nothing worse than a shiny face, or having no mirror in which to check discreetly all is where it should be. Also, "I'm just going to powder my nose" is an excellent code for 'I need to escape' so you need to have your alibi with you.

11. Roadmap/A-Z
Optional if getting cabs, but essential if driving, as, unless you are a black cab (Edit - those big black taxis which you see A LOT in London), there will always be diversions that appear simply to bamboozle you. If offering a lift to passengers, get them to sign a backseat driver's rights agreement. You drive - you decide. They are (preferably) silent and grateful.

12. Big bag address book
With all the numbers of those you would call in an emergency, for work, for pleasure, for romance, for practical assistance. If trying to save on space, these could be written into your notebook, but really essential ones should be commited to memory, or on speed dial in your mobile.

13. Diary
For all your important meetings and future dates.

14. Business cards
A good way to give out your details without appearing too forward/desperate.

15. Spare pair of shoes and plasters
This is clearly bag-size permitting, and plastic carrier bags (especially the supermarket brands) are to be avoided at all costs. But, sacrilegious as it sounds, something comfortable to accommodate any brushes with public transport or prolonged periods of walking, which ideally will have been discussed in advance, are a good idea. A new pair of shoes will always produce a blister somewhere. So think ahead.
An evening bag can accommodate a fraction of the all-purpose, so go with the three essentials: lipstick, mobile and keys.

16. Comb
17. Tissues
18. Aspirin
19. Mints

Extracted from How To Walk In High Heels: A Girl's Guide to Everything by Camilla Morton

How To Walk In High Heels

I recently bought this book:

This is my new, very tongue-in-cheek bible *grin*. It's got everything. How to be stylish. How to deal with unpleasant situations. How to understand politics. How to climb the career ladder. How to have good table manners. And, of course, how to walk in high heels.

I'll post the bits which I find interesting and useful soon. For those who are not cheapos-who'd-prefer-to-read-it-here, do check it out at your local bookstores.

In Light Of My Birth Month

Your Birth Month is June

Peaceful and harmonious, you seek the gentle side of life. Your warmth and consideration touches many. Your soul reflects: Friendship, love, and beauty Your gemstone: Pearl Your flower: Rose Your colors: Light blue, white, and cream

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

Even The Church Of Springfield Agrees

Will be going to Bangkok with Bea next month. In dire need of a holiday. Shopping, spas, the works.

Can't wait!

Fourplay

Nicked this meme from the many blogs I've seen this in. It's one step closer to knowing more about yours truly.

And also because I'm bored.

FOUR MOVIES YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER:
1. Bridget Jones' Diary - Short of smoking like a chimney and drinking like a fish, I've become more and more like ol' Bridge. A love pariah and in dire need of a diet. Bugger.
2. Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion - this reminds me of all my high school reunions, which, contrary to the movie, are always great.
3. Clueless - Like, don't you just, like, love the way they, like, talk? No? Whatever.
4. The Importance of Being Ernest - Two words. Colin Firth. Sigh. And why oh why ... MUST RUPERT EVERETT BE GAY?!

FOUR PLACES YOU'VE LIVED:
1. Penang, Malaysia (all my life)
2. Dundee, UK (3 years)
3. Takasaki, Japan (1+ years)
4. Nope, that's it

FOUR TV SHOWS YOU LOVE TO WATCH:
1. FRIENDS
2. CSI
3. Sex and the City
4. My Family

FOUR PLACES YOU'VE BEEN ON HOLIDAY:
1. UK
2. China
3. Japan
4. USA

FOUR WEBSITES YOU VISIT DAILY:
1. Yahoo Mail, obviously
2. My Yahoo, a window to all the news I can find in ONE page
3. Pink Is The New Blog, cos I need my daily dose of nosy tabloids
4. I talk too much - these bitches are good!

FOUR OF YOUR FAVOURITE FOODS:
1. Dim sum
2. Chocolate anything
3. Chicken rice
4. Nasi goreng

FOUR PLACES YOU'D RATHER BE:
1. Paris (like I haven't stressed that enough)
2. Dundee, UK (I miss my friends)
3. Bangkok (upcoming holiday with Bea!)
4. Home (that's where the heart is)

Not tagging anyone. Feel free to nick this for your own.

I'm Sick

It's Thursday, and I'm stuck at home cos I'm sick. Ugh. I attended a 2-hour department meeting yesterday, and came out with a throbbing headache, which lasted till this morning (I almost fell asleep while driving home). Bugger.

I was reading my usual daily blogs yesterday, and I stumbled upon something so horrendous, so pukingly horrible, that I'm shocked that people such as these existed in the blogosphere. Now normally, I have no qualms against gay blogs; I mean, most of the gay blogs I read are really funny and witty, with just a hint of bitchiness, which I absolutely adore. But this one really does take the biscuit.

If you stomach two gay 17-year olds boys professing their love for each other like girls, then check it out here *grin*. Homophobes beware, lest you throw up your own guts.

Damn, I Need To Go On A Diet

Oh gosh I feel like such a heifer. I've been eating so much these days, it's scary. It's far different from what I used to it in Japan. My dinners in Japan consisted mainly of tofu, mostly steamed (I was too lazy to cook anything fancy). I think I lost weight then, but I gained the kilos back, and now, I'm feeling absolutely wretched. Bea dahlink, I SO understand how you feel. I now have the tendency to have a bit of chocolate after every meal. This is bad.

I desperately need to go on a diet! I've got weddings to attend, and an upcoming holiday, and I need to be trim. Perseverance is such a bitch.

That's it. Starting tomorrow, no more greasy breakfast, lunch or dinner, smaller portions of food, no more chocolate, and EXERCISE. People around me, you've GOT to help.

Sigh.

My Second Football Game (Yeah, I Could Go On And On)

I just discovered that I *gasp* don't hate football all that much after all.

I actually sat through yesterday's Australia vs. Japan match without complaints. In fact, I thought the match was bloody good! Sure, Australia won, blah blah blah (hey, it's only because the Japs were tired, k?! Okay, no prizes for guessing which team I was supporting), but still, the three goals by Australia at the last 10 minutes of the game was brilliant. Nothing fancy, of course; it's only because it was a hell lot more interesting than the very-dull English game.

Oh man! France and Brazil will be playing after midnight; I definitely won't be able to catch those matches. Hey, nothing, I repeat, NOTHING stands in the way of my sleep. Well, unless I get something VERY good in return for the lack of sleep *winketty wink*.

Alrighty then, next match - South Korea vs. Togo. This had better be worth my two hours.

My First Football Game (And It Was Crap)

Surely those of you who know me, know that I do NOT like football. To risk being smacked upside down by my footie-crazy fans, I just don't get the game. The last time I played the game was in the UK, and we girls were just being invited to play because there just weren't enough people (also not forgetting the time I kicked the ball to my friend's face when she was a goalie during P.E back in secondary school, but that's another story). Anyways, suffice to say, I don't like the game.

So anyways, I decided to watch my very FIRST football match on Saturday, which was the England vs. Paraguay match. Hey, join the herd, right? I missed the first 10 minutes of the game because I just can't seem to figure Astro out (yeah, it's sad, but I haven't watched anything on Astro for almost a year now). And during that time, England decided to score. Well, it was an own-goal thing, but yeah, I missed it. So I figured, England's sure to whoop those Paraguay-ian's (is that what you call it? Oh what the heck) arses, right?

Two hours, and only one measly goal.

It turned out to be the most boring match I have ever had to spend two bloody hours on. Thank goodness Michael Owen was an eye candy or else I'll probably switch the telly off. Beckham? Oh, so last season, my dah-links! *grin*

Anyways, the Australia vs. Japan match starts in 45 minutes. I'm still contemplating on whether to waste another 2 hours on it. Hmm ...

Here Comes The World Cup!

Goodbye sleep, hello endless cups of coffee, raccooned-eyes and pumped-up adrenaline, cos the World Cup begins today!

I'm not talking about me, of course, since I'm obviously not a football fan. Heck, 22 grown men, all sweaty and stinky, chasing after a ball? Er, no thanks!

The opening match is at 11.45pm later, and I'm still contemplating on whether to watch the game. Normally, I wouldn't, but it IS the opening game (Germany vs. Costa Rica) after all. Hmm ... Ah heck, if I missed it, I'll just catch the scores on the news tomorrow *grin*. Then I'd still be able to join in the footie conversations ... well, a tiny part of it anyway. It's like saying "oh yeah, I've read Henry V" when all I did was read the synopsis at the back of the book *cheeky grin*.

The weekend has started. Yay!

Recommended Blog - XiaoDouDou

While doing my usual daily blog-surfing today, I stumbled upon a blog which I would like to share with you - XiaoDouDou.

This blog was written by a 27-year-old girl who lived in Singapore. I used the past tense because she started the blog to record her struggles with stage-3 cancer, and she passed away last month.

I read all her entries, from the day she started her journal, to the last days, when her girlfriend (she was gay) wrote on her behalf when she was too weak to do so. Even though I never knew her, I admired her strength and resilience, and even more, the love and support she received from her family and friends during her tough period.

Do check it out.

Birthday Shoutout

From being in the same hospital where we were both born (I was too eager to come out first :p); to the same primary and secondary schools; to the same classes in school and tuition; to the same college; to now ... here's wishing a very happy birthday to the a very old (metaphorically, of course) and dear friend, May.

May your years continue to be just as fantastic as always!

06.06.06

Revelation 13:16-18:

Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell who does not have the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom: let anyone with the understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a person. Its number is six hundred and sixty-six.

Yep, today marks the freaky date 06.06.06. The remake of the movie, The Omen, opens today, taking advantage of the significance of the date itself. Nope, I'm not going to watch the movie (heck, The Exorcism of Emily Rose scared the living daylights out of me, do you think I'm THAT crazy to watch The Omen? I still need to pee at night!). But to "celebrate" the day, I bought the book "True Singapore Ghost Stories Book 13" (oooh, number 13). Yeah, I know, pretty lame, but hey, I gotta join the herd *grin*.

By the way, the fear of the number 666 is called hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia. Yeah, try saying that 5 times.

26th Birthday

I'm officially 26 today. Yeps, happy birthday to me *grin*.

Dinner with friends yesterday was fabulous. Had a great time. Actually gotten some pressies too (thanks guys!). Went to the famous German restaurant, but I have to say, the service SUCKs big time. The waiter actually raised his voice at my friend when she thought he brought her the wrong food! I was like, WTF? The staff obviously reserve their better service for the foreigners *roll eyes*. If it's not for the good food, I'd definitely not be going back.

So anyhoos, after that, we went out for drinks. As the *ahem* birthday girl, the first round of drinks was on me. Man, the drinks were bloody expensive. And they weren't even that good. My Long Island Iced Tea (one of my favourite drinks, by the way) was totally watered down. Anyways, I should have told the rest it's a two-drinks minimum night much earlier, cos man, only a few of us drank at least twice. Well, it's a good thing, I guess, cos the drinks weren't good anyway. Stayed till 12 something, then headed home.

Ooooh, my housekeeper of 19 years made me breakfast AND two red eggs for birthday today (had an angpow from her too, hehe). I don't know the significance of the red eggs (the red inky stains are still on my fingers as I type this), but it's supposed to be good wishes or good luck or something. Mum got me some Estee Lauder loose powder, which is VERY useful.

Had lunch with some girlfriends (we go way back from secondary school!) today, and then did some shopping. Too bad we couldn't hang out together for long cos my stomach started acting up, and it got really uncomfortable walking around the mall. Can't figure how the pain started though, cos I don't think I ate anything bad, and it's definitely not that time of the month. Oh well.

Going out for dinner with my family later. Mum said that I could choose my choice of restaurant since it's my birthday. I suggested the kopitiam near my house. Let's just say she wasn't amused *grin*. In future, I'm just going to ask her "Mum, it's my birthday. Where do YOU wanna eat?" So far, it's been a great weekend. So cheers to me, and to all of you, for your warm wishes.

Till my next birthday, may my year of 26 continue to be great *wink*.

It's Been A While

Apologies for the lack of updates. Haven't really been in the mood to write much, given the turn of events and things which happened the past couple of weeks. But hey, I'm back, so let's see ...

Well, I'm back home now. For the first time, after all these trips to Japan, I kinda wish I'm not. I guess being away, I can still pretend and live in a world where I don't have to be smacked with reality every single day. But hey, that's not how it works. Maybe it's just Someone Up There's way of saying "hey, this is life, deal with it". I'm not one who give up easily. I didn't give up so easily then (even though in the end, I had no choice but to do so, but goddamnit, I sure fought tooth and nail for it), and given how things are now, I sure as hell ain't gonna give up on myself. I'm no quitter.

Still, there ARE some things which are perhaps starting to look up for me, but I'm not going to jinx it, so for now, I'm keeping mum.

Anyhoos, enough of all those. Haven't been up to much since I came back. Can't seem to get off my lazy arse to do anything. Finally watched The Da Vinci Code yesterday. Hmm, quite disappointing. Felt kinda bad dragging my pals to watch the movie, when it wasn't even that good. I guess that's why there were mixed reviews about the movie; some like it hot, some like it not. Well, I thought it just lacked the 'oomph' I felt in the book. Either that, or I've read the book so many times, the movie just didn't cut it for me.

On a much brighter note, if you call it one, my birthday's coming up in two days! Yes yes, I'll officially be over-the-hill 26 by then. I was kinda moaning about growing another year older, that I've finally hit the "over 25" slot, but hey, I'm still young, still oh-so-fabulous *grin*. Having a dinner and drinks thingy with some friends tomorrow. Can't wait!