Thursday 31 July 2008

reading.update

My Bump and Me: From Morning Sickness to Motherhood – An Honest Diary of My Pregnancy by Myleene Klass


Right. Before anyone gets any idea, I am not pregnant whatsoever. So don’t you dare start!

I actually read this book quite a few months back, and enjoyed reading it thoroughly, but it took me a while to decide whether or not to blog it.

Anyways, the only reason I picked up this book from the library (this is where I get my supply of books) was because Myleene Klass was on the cover and she wrote the book.

Myleene Klass, in both our (TOH and my) opinion, is hot. And I was curious of her experience. And my favourite reading genre is life experiences (biography, autobiography, etc).

Anywaaays, this book is written with a lot of down-to-earth-ness, none of those I’m-a-celebrity-I’m-writing-this-book-to-cash-in attitude. After all, it is Myleene’s pregnancy diary.

I suppose unless you are some kind of a snob making up stories as you go, you would write your diary as honest as it is. The book details Myleene’s experience and emotions being pregnant. It is very informative - diagrams, explanations, recommendations, and a man’s input as well, in the form of her partner.

Interesting accounts on what expectant mothers can do or go through. The diary is not a medical guide, as it is a diary, like duh.

Great read (and gift) for first time mothers and very addictive to read.


*****

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden


A good novel is something that you don’t want to put down, even when your eyes are heavy and you are waaaaaaay past your bed time.

Memoirs of a Geisha is one of those books. And reading this book back to back with My Bump and Me deprived me of sleep.

I enjoyed reading Memoirs. The first night, I read the first two chapters - 'Translator’s Note’ and ‘Chapter One’. After that I had a quick flipped before going to bed.

However, in the last chapter or ‘Acknowledgements’ it says that 'Although the character of Sayuri and her story are completely invented...', I was like, ‘wait a minute, what is this?’ made me even more curious of this book.

It has been very enjoyable reading Memoirs of a Geisha. I resisted watching the movie until I read the book.

I suppose unknown to many, a lot of people believe that Memoirs of a Geisha is a true memoir.

Actually, it is not. If you have a check on the cover of the book it says ‘fiction’.

Yes, there was the lawsuit, there was the book countering this novel. But why can't a book be a book or a story be a story? It is not the X-Files, where the 'Truth is Out There'.

And honestly, how many things out there are true anyways?!

Reading this book, made me realised how much effort and research Golden has put into writing this piece of work. Whether or not each of the details is true and authentic, Golden’s effort must be commendable.

After all, it is a fictitious piece anyways.


*****

Whatever Makes You Happy by William Sutcliffe


The catchphrase for the book: Three Men, Three Mothers... One Week.

Whatever Makes You Happy is a story of three mother’s love for their thirty something unattached sons. The ladies, three close friends, decide to launch a co-ordinated attack: they will arrive, without warning, and stay with their sons for one week; to find out more about their son’s lives.

Reading this book, I realised how much things a parent can do for their children, especially going out of their comfort zone and being confrontational, etc. Add on a recent conversation I had with GB, it is interesting to know what parent(s) will do for their children.

A lot of times we wonder why parents do what parents do.

A lot of times we never know why because they never tell us. Likewise, a lot of things we do that we never tell our parents or explain why.

A lot of times parents tell others but not their own children.

A lot of things we will never understand until we become a parent ourselves.

I suppose like anything, if we resist accepting and continue to fight without understanding, we will continue to be upset, disappointed and even be miserable. Often we want others to accept us for who we are but have we ever thought of, are we accepting others for who they are or even try to understand?

Whatever Makes You Happy is one of those easy to read novels. It is funny, had a good mix of characters and relationships, and interestingly written very well by a man.

bb9.unbelievable

Unbelievable!!!

This week there were supposed to be nine people up for eviction. NINE you say?!

Luke and Dale were nominated by their housemates. However, the other seven people up for nomination because they broke the fundamental BB rule of discussing nominations and the related issues.

So this week the nine that were supposed to be up for nominations are: Dale, Darnell (which I somehow keep calling him Daryl), Kathreya, Luke, Maysoon, Mohamed, Rachel, Rex and Stuart.


However, Maysoon decided that it is time to say good bye, so she left the BB house.

And now it is down to eight up for nominations.

That’s staggering, honestly.

Friday night’s eviction should be interesting.

random.thoughts.conversation

What’s wrong with men?

When you are nice to them they think that you are interested in them, you want to go out with them.

And that is how we typically are, just plain nice.

*****

Out on site recently...

PMDebbie: Oh, look at the cows sitting in the field. They must be tired.
ennazus: Tired from what? Eating and walking about?!

*****

Didn’t realise until recently that this huge tree in front of my window is a cherry tree and I just thought it was a blossoming tree during early spring.


ennazus: Did you know that this huge tree is a cherry tree.
TOH: I don’t think the berries are edible.
ennazus: What about those cherry trees in front of the houses in the new estate?
TOH: I don’t think they are edible also.
ennazus: But I was hoping to pluck and eat them when they are bigger.
TOH: I think they are berries for the birds.
ennazus: But I’m a bird. I’m your bird, am I not?
TOH: -__-"

Tuesday 29 July 2008

richard.hammond.do.morrisons

Richard ‘The Hamster’ Hammond, famous being as one-third of Top Gear, who survived a near fatal crash while filming an episode of the show, is one of the most attractive, desirable, man on earth.

Well, I just supposed he is quite cute – the way he talk, his appearance, etc.


He’s already rather sexy. Somehow it is really weird to see him in the latest Morrison’s advertisement.

Check out his put on sexy voice! *melts*

Friday 25 July 2008

zonked

I’m so shattered.

The accumulated lack of sleep and endless thoughts playing in me heid is taking its toll.

What a week it has been and a good consolation is having people around to talk to about. Amazing how helpful it can be.

Interestingly, I don’t really know how to put in on paper or on blog but I need to get it out of the system, else, I know it will drain me. Have to find a way to express it.

Last night, was out with the guys again. Didn’t blog about our previous outing but we went to the Italian Café at the Merchant City again last month. I do like the Italian Café and then we headed off to Scotia for live music.

Yesterday, we went to Ad Lib, located in the Merchant City as well.

I had a quick browse of the website yesterday and the food sounds great. Was very happy that there is an American food restaurant which is not your usual chain, thought I had a glimmer of hope for alternatives.

Alas! The food was only OK. ONLY, because the menu featured really appetising food but the taste was so so. The gang wasn’t impressed and it was a pity, poor Iain who arranged it had a bit bad feedback.

We then headed off to Scotia again to listen to the live band and shared banters.

This outing was kinda a leaving do for Rob and Tibault. They will both be missed.


This week I had missed quite a lot of Big Brother action.

But Daryl, Mo and Bex are up for eviction. I think Daryl will go tonight.

Anyways, I liked this week's 'Test of Time' task. Roomful of so many different clocks! How interesting!!!


As I said, I’m so tired. Am looking forward to getting on the bus and zonk out.

Thursday 24 July 2008

summer.water.fun

The sun's finally out
Warmer days are here
Hope it will stay for a while
If only I have a big garden
I would so love
To have this to cool me down
And let me be a child again
Forgetting life's challenges

Wednesday 23 July 2008

Monday 21 July 2008

birthday

It’s supposed to be my birthday.

But so far nothing interesting has happened. Perhaps it is only 10am.

Had a few birthday wishes - a handful to be exact. Either people have forgotten or it doesn’t really matter.

Does sound like I’m a bit discouraged.

I was saying the other day that I love birthdays and like getting older because I age well. Hehehe. . . [(>.<)]

I suppose it is easy when you accept that it is part of life.

Another year under the belt is often a very reflective time in one’s life.

I’m happy for what I’ve achieved and have, and I learnt from a lot of my experiences, though, I’m not going to profess that I’ve perfected my lessons learnt either.

I supposed to me, birthdays are about celebration. And since I haven’t had a proper celebration in the past few years, I felt as if I’ve not aged at all.

I remember the birthday parties we used to have. The gathering of friends, mainly classmates/schoolmates. And the birthday cake trend we have in the family!

For many years we had Black Forest Cake, which is still my all time favourite! And then for many years after that we had Blueberry Cake.

The buzz of the preparations and having so many people around for a birthday party was great. I won’t deny that I love being surrounded by my friends and all the generous presents received.

One year, I think it was my 16th birthday party, mom cooked curry chicken as one of the dishes for my birthday party. Unfortunately she over-provided the amount and after the party we still had a lot left. We had curry chicken almost everyday for a week!

Looking back, it was a really funny incident.

Pastor Tony once said that ‘once you reached 21 years of age all the (physical) aches and pains will appear’. True to word, I won’t deny I haven’t had my fair share of those aches and pains.

Old age? I guess not!

As we grow older and as many of us end up scattered around the world, busy with our own life, birthdays sadly, seems to be just another day. I guess it is enjoy it while you can.

I don’t know what the future (or the future of birthdays) is going to be, but in the meantime I’ll just enjoy it as it comes.

So, this is my reflection on birthdays. Another year older and I can only hope for good health and lots of happiness.

I had a great time with TOH over the weekend. We had dinner at Sarti and I received presents from him.

My favourite part of the weekend was rolling down a hill! It was silly but I had so much fun!! And I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this for all these years!!! I was very tempted to do it again but I was wearing sleeveless and was afraid of allergic reaction from the grass, which I did had a little (not sure if it was psychological or not).

Anyways, a great thank you to you who remembered and sent me birthday wishes and cards. Your kind gesture has brightened up my day!!

My life is brilliant
My life is full

Friday 18 July 2008

love


Love is the continual act of
unconditionally putting
the needs of others
before your own.

Wikihow

raging

Been on a wild goose chase earlier during lunchtime trying to bank in some money into HSBC.

Was raging trying to find the bank.

I admit it was my own fault that I didn’t have a good check of the place before I went, poor planning, and Google Maps on the mobile didn’t gave me the right info either.

The mobile internet provided wrong/un-updated info. Only saving grace was that I managed to call the branch and not their International Call Centre in Malaysia!

I supposed it is no fault of HSBC but I think enough is enough.

I’ve managed to avoid any increase in blood pressure banking with them. But for ‘The World’s Local Bank’ they are not the most convenience so to say.

I’m thankful that there has been at least one branch in every city. And I’m glad that their internet banking is sufficiently reasonable.

But beyond that, it is a hassle trying to find a branch and do a face to face banking.

I suppose in this day and age of internet banking, you can do everything online: setting up direct debit/standing order, payment, transfer, loans, etc etc.

If you want to know want to speak to someone, you have to call their call centre. That, would be another rant altogether.

Other than that, trying to bank in cash or cheque would be a hassle locating a branch.

Besides the brand, I don’t see any point of me staying them anymore.

I’ve been proud of the brand in the past as HSBC exudes prestige. I WAS proud to have been associated with the brand and was silly to be happy when I managed to open an Advantage account with them in KL and then an International Student account with them in the UK.

Other than that, not like they have the best rates around, because they don’t.

My initial plans of opening a HSBC account was I thought that it would make inter-bank transfer easier, believing that you can link up all your account worldwide and just do an internet transfer. But I was wrong.

Not only you can’t link them up whatsoever, bank transfer is more expensive than others available.

As one part of The Big Five (banks), they are reputable to have the highest charges and least consumer trust as well, or perhaps maybe not HSBC.

Banking is about what the bank can give you. And so far it seems only me that has been giving them my money to invest. I honestly can't see what's the point of me continuing banking with them.

But the time has come and enough is enough. I’m not going to give them anymore of my business/money. Not here not anywhere. I’m going to close my accounts and move on.

I’m fed up banking with HSBC.

fluffy.soles

UGG Fluffie



I tried the chocolate/metallic gold one.

THEY.ARE.OH.SO.DIVINE!

But honestly, as luxurious as they are, sadly not very practical. Unless... I buy them to wear at home!

Then it will be a very expensive pair of indoor slippers (sandals to the rest >.<).

Thursday 17 July 2008

bb9.5th.eviction

Big Brother Big Brother Big Brother.

My patience and concentration is waning.

I set out watching BB9 with the aim to follow as much as the programme as possible. The first night left me with the thought ‘this year’s BB is going to be good because there is an interesting mix of people’.

Knowing that the foursome had failed the first week’s task, I was looking forward for Luke to go. Prolly is the gossiper in him. Prolly he is such a back stabber. The only thing I like is that he is very animated in the diary room. It would be good for him to stay a little longer. But not to win.

Then the incessant shouting, argument and bullying started.

*Sigh*

People watch these programmes to be entertained. If we want arguments we would have go and done it ourselves and not vegetate in front of the telly.

So housemates all come, one by one go – through eviction and removal, more housemate come, more housemates go, and even more housemates come.

This series must be the series with the most removed housemates.

Tomorrow night the fifth person will be evicted. It is a battle between Belinda Belinda Belinda and Rex-who-is-so-happy-to-be-nominated-again.


I supposed he genuinely wants to get out of there.

It is kinda hard to decide and I’m still not too sure.

If Rex doesn’t get voted out this week, I think the sequence for who I want out would be Rex, Bex, Daryl, Mo and Sara.

Wednesday 16 July 2008

a.man


Today I met a man
Who lost most part of his both hands
I feel sad and sorry for the man
But am inspired that his hands
Has not stop him from being the man
He wants to be



Tuesday 15 July 2008

Friday 11 July 2008

BB9.4th.eviction

Lorna Cooper wrote an article on 'Why BB9 is the Nastiest Ever'.

It has indeed been quite a roller coaster of emotions, bickering, bitching, arguing, more arguing and constant arguing ride in the BB House.

I haven’t been in a good mood lately so I missed my two pence worth last week.

I finally caught up watching the episode where and why Dennis got removed.

The dude (or not really dude) is quite a character. Like he can’t really speak properly to people so he repeats himself, many times and normally people just ignore him and then he just explodes.

On his last day there he was repeating the word 'creep' again and again and everyone else around him just ignore. It’s the same as once he said to
Mo to 'leave me alone'. Yes, he said that phrase again and again and again AND again. But Mo just continued talking to him above his broken record repetitions.

Last week it Jen and Rex was up for nominations.

I did say before that
I wanted Rex and Dennis up for nomination. But Dennis was removed and I wasn’t so sure any more if I wanted Rex to go.

During her last week, Jen had been quite a pain in the you know where.

And I think partly of Dennis’ outburst unacceptable behaviour was due to Jen playing up making a big fuss about her painting was smudged by Rex.

He apologised for his stupidity silliness but she went on and on and on and on about the issue for what seemed like forever.

In the end, as much as I don’t really like Rex, I’m glad Jen went.


Then the BB people brought in three new housemates – Belinda, Maysoon and Sara.

I was and still kinda iffy about them.

So far Belinda has also been quite a character I’m not surprise she will be up for nomination next week. Seems like a nice lady but OMG her snoring is just beyond this world!!!


Now. This week Mario is up for nomination again. As much as he has been quite a pain and I think he is getting bored with the Housemates and the politics involved, I’m not surprise he can’t wait to get out of the House or call it quits.


But between Mario and
Bex who is up for eviction, I honestly prefer Bex to go.

Yes, yes, I know she and Luke kissed and that would prolly be a really good reason not for her to be evicted because people want to see more of the blossoming relationship.

Bex can be a fun person but I think the House and Housemates is getting to her. At times she seemed like a bully.

Unless Mario and Lisa come up with something really exciting before the voting lines close tonight, I have a very strong feeling that it would be byebye Mario.

Monday 7 July 2008

unfallible


You know it's getting bad when the unfallible evil called Starbucks is closing underperforming outlets and laying off thousands.

Read all about it on Starbucks Gossip.

Should we all dash out to get a Starbucks merchandise, just in case...?

Wednesday 2 July 2008

worms


Have you ever opened a can of worms
and the worms just kept coming out...
and coming out... and coming out...
and coming out...
from the bottomless can?

action.girly.g(b)ore

Wanted


Last weekend TOH and I went to catch Wanted at Vue.

It was a fantastic movie. To sum it up, the movie lived up to the trailer and beyond. So you can imagine how impressed I am with it.

Highly recommended movie!

However, it was a bit on the gory side. At one point I must be so relaxed (or otherwise) that I let out a squeal.

Yup, it was me! If you were in Aberdeen Vue for last Saturday evening show, apologies for that wee high-pitched-out-of-place-attention-distraction-squeal.

*OMG slap own forehead moment*

I honestly can’t remember which part that I had everyone’s attention. It could have been a gory part or a part that I got a bit of a scare/shock.

As embarrassing as it was, it was indeed a fantastic movie, even though there are some goof bits that just don’t make sense or not developed fully.

Aaand... Morgan Freeman should never ever ever never ever swear. So so WRONG!!!


Sex and The City


Since my initial fail attempt to watch it completely, I had to go back to watch it again, about four weeks back.

Only a SATC fan will know why it is important to watch it more than once, especially what had happened at the initial attempt.

Definitely a girly lovey movie with lots of laughs and some tear shed, quite an unexpected ending for one of the girls.

I heart it!

I just need to get the movie on DVD. Too bad I still haven’t got the complete series in a shoebox and now it is not on sale anymore!

T_T

Who can blame the retailers now that the movie is out, it would be more profitable to sell the series in individual seasons.

Just have to get it off eBay then.


Teeth


I have a kind of thirst for watching art film. And since it was premiered at the Sundance festival (and many other film festivals) and has been raved about, I thought why not have a watch at it.

However, throughout majority of the movie, I’m thinking to myself ‘me and my stupid art films’.

If you haven’t heard or watch Teeth, it is about a girl who has vagina dentata.

Genre? Sexual horror.

Verdict? Weird (it was art film after all!!!), slow, kinda boring, some stupidly funny bits, and some laughable bits. And since it is a sexual horror, obviously there are parts that provided the horrific element.

Score points for art film but probably a bit of a waste of time. Still at least it was an experience.

Definitely not a date movie.

*****

In a bid to justify (and satisfy) why I need to subscribe to Unlimited, I caught 'Teeth' two weeks back.

I’ve decided that I can catch a movie on the Fridays while waiting for TOH to come into Glasgow. After all, there is this huge 16 screen Cineworld right opposite Buchanan Street Bus Station. And if I’m hard up enough, I can also catch a movie after seeing TOH off on Sundays. That means that I can catch four movies in a month if I really want to whether repeats or not.

Since there are quite a number of good movies coming up this summer and hopefully in future, I think I will subscribe to Unlimited. Two full price tickets a month are all it takes to satisfy the subscription. So much for trying to save money.

Will be trying to catch Kung Fu Panda, Mama Mia! The Movie, The Edge of Love, Hancock...

Tuesday 1 July 2008

rudeness.dreams.dread

RUDENESS

Emailed the PIC (person in charge) yesterday regarding an upcoming event.

ennazus: Hi, can you please put so-and-so and myself down for this-particular-event on this-particular-date, please?
PIC (in her close to exact words): Who told you about the particular-event on the-particular-date, as this hasn’t been confirmed yet, when all the details are sorted and we advertised this, can you please send me your name again please.
ennazus: OK, just saw them on the intranet that’s all.

Honestly, I should have attached the flyer to her. Still, 'who told you...?', when it was already posted on the intranet.

Whoever had put it on the intranet, I wonder was it intended for people to read and take action?

How can the respective PICs not know about it?

*sigh*


DREAMS

Never ever lie back down and start dreaming...

It is good.

Only thing is that more often than not you will over sleep.

Too bad you were not there with me...


DREAD

Late to work early to leave. What a life some people have.

Not looking forward to two events this evening.

Dentist. Driving lessons.

I believe I have two or is it three fillings on my left to do today(?).

Imagine numbed on the left side of my face. I think it would be from the jaw line up to just below my eye socket. Eeeww... just thinking about it sends a weird shiver down my spine.

I love driving and I think I’m a relatively good driver but my first lesson didn’t leave me with a good taste in my mouth.

It won’t be that bad tonight. I can only but hope.

At least I’m looking forward to hanging out with TS for one of our ‘overanalysing’ sessions.