And Another Year Bites the Dust

The year is ended, all go in peace,

God has given us Yong Tau Foo to eat,

Something something, the mass.. I mean, year, is ended,

Erm, never mind.

Some things are best left unfinished. I know that song goes something like, 'The mass is ended, all go in peace... spread love and joy...'. Hmm. But for sure, the line 'God gave us Yong Tau Foo to eat' is NOT part of the lyrics.

*Note: After Sunday mass we made it a point to go eat very good Yong Tau Foo near the Masjid Jamek LRT station. This was a few years back when we are at another church.*

Anyways.

So, another year has bitten the dust and it has kicked the bucket. That's all, folks! 2007? OVER!

I have blogged (pfft) for over 1/2 a year now, sad, but true. I mean, how much nonsense can someone spew?? And for how long?? So, to just round up what happened to me this year... (I try, but my memory is POOR)

JANUARY

Erm. Uni started again after our looooong break. I actually looked forward to it. Three months at home was killing me. Also, a nice kickstart to the year, though I can't seem to remember what... Did I pass my driving test? Oh yeah! I did! *I think*

FEBRUARY

Was nice b'coz of Chinese New Year. Not so nice because now it is a blur to me. I think I received a nice fat cheque too. I think I acquired my Zen Neeon. cost me RM 285. Worth every cent. I think I bought me mom a RM 200 handbag too. Nice cream colored, calf-skin handbag. From Isetan KLCC.

MARCH

My Birthday; to which I received some nice Zen Neeon stickers from MZ, a really pretty necklace from my sis (blue butterfly pendant) and a delicious Mocha cake from Secret recipe. Hmm. School was alright, had mid-terms I think. Oh hey, yeah, I got Journalism 1 midterms on my birthday! The paper was 8 am to boot. Got ophyron smacks from K and Bozu. Thanks boys, remind me to return the favour!

APRIL

Fool. Nah, didn't get any April Fools jokes. Can't remember April much. Must be uneventful.

MAY

New semester! (I think) Year Two Sem One. New classmates! I remember being most puzzled as to where and who our new classmates are. Kept wondering where they are sitting. K kept pointing in some direction; but I betcha he was wild-guessing. He didn't know either. Remember asking who is YN and M. And (sorry J!) I thought J was a girl at first. His name, that is. Then Bozu said three girls one guy so... drew my conclusions. Heh. What's in a name? Remember thinking J was (was coz now I know better :P) quiet, M is pretty, YN is quiet and pretty and ST, well, didn't know who she was till mmmmuuuuch later. Heh.

JUNE

Yawn.

JULY

Erm. You know what, my memory is so poor. But I DO remember having great times with friends. Really got close to people whom I never thought would turn out to be the funnest people I'd ever hang out with.

AUGUST

Sis's birthday, can't remember what I bought for her, Bro's B-day, shared payment for cake, erm, Exams, me thinks. Ewww. How come all I remember is exams???

SEPTEMBER

New semester. Short one. Horrid lecturers. Boring lectures. Went past in a blink of an eye.

OCTOBER

*flash!* Fun, fun, fun!

NOVEMBER

*Zzzzzzzziiiiiipppp!!!!!!!!* More fun!!!!

DECEMBER

The Sun. Industrial Training. Year end. Firecrackers popping.


Sigh. Its official, people!!!!!!!!!!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chipmunks and then Some.

It's quite an event when me and my sis go out for an outing; just the two of us, no watchful Mom (which, unfortunately, also means no credit card) and no disgruntled male counterparts (brother, boyfriend, dad) and no money. Ahem. No la. Mom was feeling generous and handed us some rare-occurence cash. Told us to enjoy ourselves and then (in the same breath) to come home by 5 pm because it's not safe after dark.



I mean, I am an adult and my sis, a 19-year-old.



Sure. We're gonna accept candy from some stranger and follow him home. Uh huh.



So, here goes, a list of WHAT WE DID IN ONE UTAMA TODAY.

Watched Alvin and the Chipmunks

I must admit that environmental factors are often very strong factors. Like, air-conditioning is waaay too cold. Or if the seats are lousy. Maybe even a loud-chewer or a motor-mouth or two. These things add up to an unpleasant movie-experience.

I only had motor-mouths, children (noisy), adults (inconsiderate and stupid) and loud chewers. Quite lucky.

Then there was the movie. Which started out unbelievably adorable. Three chipmunks on a tree, singing Bad Day. Cute. A pun joke or two. Adorable.

Then they suddenly went to the city. (God, I can't even remember which city!) Then they suddenly move in with this guy called Dave. Enters love interest. Exits love interest. Hello loser who lost his job, hello melodious chipmunks, goodbye movie.

W-w-wait a minute, you say. Why goodbye movie? Losers+chipmunks = totally awesome cuteness man!

Sorry.

Losers-who-act-poorly + chipmunks who should have stolen the show but were exploited by greedy humans + little to no character development + random love interest = BLEARGH.

I don't usually make a point of pointing out acting except if it was fantastic, but I am horrified. The very funny Jason Lee has been reduced to a speck of nothing. He did not connect, he was rather unconvincing, he was in NO way interesting or distinctive and frankly, he just doesn't pull off the 'ALLLVVIIINNNNN!!!' Not a chance.

I am very disappointed, actually. It was fairly amusing, oh, no doubt. The chipmunks were adorable and frankly speaking, better actors than all of the REAL people put together. Also, it had its chuckle-worthy moments and some sweet moments.

But other than that, ZIP. There is nothing else good about this movie. I was losing attention halfway through. It was paced poorly, written for kids (and for patient parents) and for those who want to be kids only. If, like me, you prefer to spend your RM 6 on a movie like I am Legend, or heck, even National Treasure, do so. If no, wait for Sweeney Todd. And if, like me, you prefer something less child-orientated, then give this a miss. At best: C.

Harsh, I know, but since my sister enjoyed it immensely, maybe it was just me being grumpy from lack of sleep due to a Nayang Memorably.

Hah. Speaking of Manyang Memorably, my family have been on an Old Town Kopitiam spree. Eating there waaay too often. But when the food is quite decent and the prices fair and the ambience is good, hey, why not?

Shoe Shopping

Dismal. Despite my best efforts at finding a pair of flats to replace my old brown butterfly ones, the perfect pair remains elusive. Despite trying Vincci, Padini Concept store, Voir Shoez, Nose and even the upper-crust like Eclipse and Salabianca, the pair of flats remain elusive. My sister, however, did find a lovely pair of two-inch black strappy heels with a gold glittery ribbon detail. I found my dream wedges, but unfortunately, they were NOT on sale and I was not hunting for wedges. So I decided to give it a miss, for now.

I will return during Chinese New Year shopping with a vengeance.

Big Apple Donuts

Is better than J-Co. No, really. At least in many ways.

1) The white chocolate+almonds (Alcapone in J-Co) is much better. For one, the almonds tasted like almonds and not bits of nut that dream of becoming almonds. Not so sweet also. Better.

2) Cheaper. Seriously. In JCo you pay according to what type of donut you take, but in Big Apple, its a flat fee of RM 2 each. RM9.50 for a box of 6's and RM 17 for a box of 12's. Not bad.

3) Shorter (marginally!) lines. The lines at JCo are atrociously looooooong.

However, J-Co wins on

1) Better chocolate filling. Big Apples' chocolate filling tastes kind of starchy, and kind of weird. Not like chocolate at all.

2) More variety. Big Apple has only, like, 15 types, J-Co easily 20+ types.

Verdict? Big Apple if you want good donuts but are not exactly swimming in cash and time. J-Co with friends and with time and cash. XD

I end here.

Goodbye all. Keep safe, keep smart, and call me if you need your weekly dosage of Whale-style jokes.

I Am Legend, I Am Tired, I Am Happy, and I Am Hungry.

I Am Legend

24th Dec 2007

Today I went and saw 'I Am Legend'; starring the very leading-man-worthy Will Smith and a dog named Abby.

So the story begins with a now-you-see-her-then-you-don't appearance by Emma Thompson (one of my fav actressess ever since I saw her in Sense and Sensibility and Nanny McPhee) who plays the part of scientist Alice Kripkin, who appearantly have found the cure for cancer using the measles virus. Miracle? NOT!

The 'cure' turns people into stark raving maniacs! Flesh-eating, dark-lurking, pop-upping maniacs! This virus is incurable, and guess what, Will Smith (or Dr. Robert Neville) is immune to it. It's also spread by contact and air so there is NO escape.

After the virus wipes out the entire city of New York, he becomes the only man left on Earth... or is he? With his trusty dog Samantha, he tries to find the cure to the virus and oh yes, try not to get EATEN while he is at it. Very nice.

This movie proves several things:

1) You don't mess with what God made and fiddle around with it in attempt to mess about with something else God has made.

2) Dogs are the bestest friends a man can have. They will sacrifice their lives for you.

3) Wear a jacket when you go to the movies, cause it's cold. D'oh.

Verdict? A-. The tension, the action, the monsters popping up at all times sesuka hati macam bapak punya Bumi and the very impressive performance by Will Smith. After all, he had proven himself as a really serious, good actor in The Pursuit of Happyness. The best part of the movie? The dog, Sam. And I liked how he was a real character, because for me, movies are nothing without it's characters. I hate homogeneity and I like character-driven movies like Little Ms. Sunshine, Meet the Parents/Fockers, and other such movies with unique and individual characters. Good writing, decent soundtrack, very fast-paced, intense plot.

Oh, yes, I thought the ending was, like J said, abrupt, yet fitting. I damn well nearly cried when the dog -never mind. Wait. The only people who read my blog already watched. (spoiler warning!!!!!!!!) The dog died. Damn. I nearly cried right there in the cinema next to an elderly couple who would'nt keep quiet throughout the movie. Luckily I remembered my reputation as 'a cool guy with boobs' was at stake and decided to tough it out. Ahem.

I Am Tired

25th Dec 2007

I went to Mass yesterday and didn't get back till, like, 1 in the morning. Midnight mass. The priest was more elaborate than usual, saying two words instead of one and singing every line he's got at every chance. There was also a re-enactment of the Nativity and a very nice performace by the choir. At least they were singing in tune; we have had previous choirs who have been absolute rubbish.

The Mass, surprisingly, was a meaningful one for me. I felt that joy (just a little bit, I mean, I dunno, it could have been leftover vestiges of the movie) of Christ's birth. Sounds holy, I know. Don't get used to it ;P

All in all, a good Xmas Eve, and today I intend to spend a lazy Xmas!

I Am Happy

Unusual, I know. How often do you find me happy? I remember vaguely K telling Bozu waaay back in first year that to approach me all he had to do was be as miserable as me. Well, oddly enough, I am no longer miserable. Never was, actually. I just liked sad songs and miserable-sounding music. Heh. But yeah, life is good at most times. It's just up to you to stop and let it get to our head that it is. You get downs and you get ups, but more importantly, remember the ups.

I Am Hungry

I am hungry for JCo and Takoyaki. Damn. Suddenly I gots the craving for that delicious Belgian Chocolate donut. Gar. Hmm. I ate at Yoshinoya yesterday for the first time; it was quite good, actually. Can eat full for 20 bucks. But anyway, I was SO hungry anything would have been good, hahaha.

Hmm.

Long post. I end now. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen for enduring my drivel.

Its back.

I am chastened and contrite.

Yet it was not my fault.

It was just bad luck.

Sigh.

No gaming for me.

Yesterday I was knocked down by a car in a hit-and-run.

The driver was a sadistic man who is a lecturer at our Uni. He decided to use his Proton to run me over and then took off like a lightning rod. He did not call the cops, the ambulance nor the paramedics; he left me there in for 1 hour and 40 minutes to freeze to death and suffer greatly.

I am serious.

I tried to get up, call for help, but I was stopped by multiple reasons, one of which was imminent death.

Yes, my friends.

I lie bruised, battered and gravely injured on my bed now.

Broken leg.

Permanent head damage.

The driver: Mr. Moral Paper.

The make of the car: Proton Suffering.

Plate number: MPW 2153.

(If by now you all want to throw potatoes at me, wait ah, lemme get a basket. I like potatoes. Can make stew.)

This is where I grin like an idiot and you all groan at my lameness.

Hahahahahaha.

But.

I am serious. I may actually flunk this paper. This will make the FIRST time in all my 14 years of education I have failed a major exam paper. I am in pain.

The paper of was a mish mash of confusing sentences and confusing choices of answers and confusing everything. Not to mench my BM has gone straight down the drain.

I sigh.

But since yesterday technically makes the last time we in JR will see each other (all in the same class) together for the next 4 months or so... its a tad nostalgic.

Ahhh.

How I remember.

The first day I arrived at the first semester of first year was memorable. I met Bozu and K for the first time thanks to MZ, and was also intro-ed to IS and The Blob. I remember my first impression of Bozu. I thought he was a cute little boy. Hahahaha. And I thought K was dark. Couldn't tell if he was Chinese or Chindian or whatever, it wasn't until slightly later I discovered he was part-alien, part-human. (No la, hahaha.)

I also remember how I blatantly forced everyone to introduce themselves as we sat in the classroom (the room next to PC105). I remember Mr.Y sitting at the back of our class, silent and wise. I remember how I told everyone I am really tall (d'oh) and I remember Bra-man trying to compare heights only to discover that I AM indeed taller than him. Hahahaha. I didn't know Bra-man too well back then; I knew he was funny, but now I also know he is a genuinely good guy. HS, ahh, well, he was a mystery and still is. The Blob I was warned was loud, but now I know other stuff too. K, I thought, was prickly (he started off the wrong foot with a LOT of people), and now I know he just a dumbass, but he be a truly good dumbass. (:P). Bozu... well. I pinched his cheeks, thought he was corny and cheesy and pretty much still do. He remains, I think, a good friend (at least on my part). So, Bozu my boy, no matter what, just remember you are who you are ok?

Ahhh.

Then I made friends, lost one for a while, found her back, made a strangely good new old one, met new ones, made good new ones and now remain in a small but cosy little group of close friends. Which is nice.

I never had such great times as I have now. Hanging out, telling stupid jokes and having friends who see me for who I am and actually accept it. It's a goood feeling.

So as we all step into the new phase of Industrial Training, we will learn new things, hopefully build contacts and carve a path for our future once we leave Uni.

Dinner calls, so I end here.

Goodbye all.

Alcapone, Takoyaki, I No Study.

These are the best parts about having friends; good ones.

1) They make you forget that your computer is busted and that you are on a tentative diet.

2) They make your day much better even though you are having a bad one; and have been
having bad ones for days. (Due to aforementioned busted computer)

3) They never fail to cheer you up with funny remarks.

Today I went to eat donuts and Takoyaki. For those who do not know what takoyaki is... wait. The only few people who read my blog DO know what takoyaki is. So never mind. But seriously.

Takoyaki is a delicious little Japanese treat. It's made up of Tako and Yaki.

Tako: Octopus, Yaki: Err, ball of flour?

It comes in a little ball; topped with a tasty BBQ-ish, sweetish and tangy sauce and fish flakes. And some other stuff I don't know but I will eat anyway. Its served piping hot (umm, yes, J should know all about piping hot ;p) and fresh off the pan. Eat with a stick and a wide open mouth.

Dee-lishous. It is a little salty/sweetish with a real zing. It's gooood. Much better than the ones in MidValley. Pretty pricey though; RM4 for three small little balls. (Why do I suddenly sound like a horny old lady paying for a gigolo with a mutated -----???? Everyone say "Ewwwwwww")

Hmmm.

My separation from Christian is taking it's toll. I miss him, I do, but he's currently indisposed. There is something wrong with his, erm, bits.

(OMG there I go again.)

Hmmmm. It's time I took a gooooood hard look at my life.

Anyway.

Sunway Pyramid is a cool hangout; nice buncha affordable stuff, some cool food shops, and lotsa things to look at.

Oh, and J-Co.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. *drools over keyboard and gets electrocuted*

I ate the Alcapone (pronounced Al-Ke-Po-Nee, me thinks), the Oreo one, the Belgian Chocolate one, heck, I ate heckuva a lot and we were passing around the different types of donuts. We were messier than the buncha kids next to us; the way the smooth creamy fillings were oooooozing out and the way each bite was pure pleasure. We passed around the donuts, sticky fingers and all.

Deeeeeeeeeeelicious.

Food was a highlight today; yes, it was.

=) Very nice.

Altogether, good day, good friends, good food, and no studying. Muahahahahahahahaha. Me flunking the Moral paper.

I am Deprived.

I am in Grief.

I am in Mourning.

My life as I know it is Over.

I am wrecked with Sorrow.

Goodbye, Christian.