Watching Coldplay performing Yellow...LIVE.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!I'll finally see them right before my eyes.
Tears.Of.Joy.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Cut and Paste
Feel a wee bit guilty about abandoning my blog for the past 2 months but I really don't have anything innneresting to say so I've decided to just 'cut and paste'.
Kauthar had given me some Japanese drama series to watch over the next couple of days since I ain't gonna work. Did a marathon of One Litre of Tears last night (cried buckets) and now I'm hooked on the song 'Konayuki'. And possibly the main actor. Maybe.
Some inspirational stuff to keep in mind when you're down?
It's okay if you fall.
You can just get up again.
Why don't you look up at the sky, while you're down there.
The blue sky spreads across above you.
Can you see it smiling at you?
You are alive.
I want to be like the air. The good-hearted person whose kindness overflows and people realize how important she was to them, once she is gone.
I want to be that kind of person.
I wonder where happiness is.
I wonder what happiness is.
Why did the illness choose me?
The word fate isn't a good enough explanation!
I don't have the right to pick my options. I can never go onto the same path as my friends.If I make myself feel better by thinking that I'm going to walk the same paths as my friends, my own path will disappear...
I wanna go somewhere...I wanna hit something really hard, yell and scream like crazy, fall down laughing...
I really don’t want to say things such as “I want to go back as how things were before” . I recognize how I am right now, and I will continue to live on. Just being alive is such a lovely and wonderful thing.
From Kitou Aya's diary
Kauthar had given me some Japanese drama series to watch over the next couple of days since I ain't gonna work. Did a marathon of One Litre of Tears last night (cried buckets) and now I'm hooked on the song 'Konayuki'. And possibly the main actor. Maybe.
Some inspirational stuff to keep in mind when you're down?
It's okay if you fall.
You can just get up again.
Why don't you look up at the sky, while you're down there.
The blue sky spreads across above you.
Can you see it smiling at you?
You are alive.
I want to be like the air. The good-hearted person whose kindness overflows and people realize how important she was to them, once she is gone.
I want to be that kind of person.
I wonder where happiness is.
I wonder what happiness is.
Why did the illness choose me?
The word fate isn't a good enough explanation!
I don't have the right to pick my options. I can never go onto the same path as my friends.If I make myself feel better by thinking that I'm going to walk the same paths as my friends, my own path will disappear...
I wanna go somewhere...I wanna hit something really hard, yell and scream like crazy, fall down laughing...
I really don’t want to say things such as “I want to go back as how things were before” . I recognize how I am right now, and I will continue to live on. Just being alive is such a lovely and wonderful thing.
From Kitou Aya's diary
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Short Entry Part Uno
I plead with all my heart...DO NOT WATCH The day the earth stood still.
Unless you like cringing.
Unless you like cringing.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Raya in Auckland
This year saw a much more festive Aidilfitri celebration for me.
On the eve of Eid, I made some Honey Joys (a success!)while Kak Zaidah cooked up a storm. Lontong, nasi impit, rendang daging, kuah kacang, and sambal udang...Our apartment smelt like a proper malam raya.
Last year, my apartment had smelt of multi-purpose cleaner and bleach. I was living alone, had nothing else to do but to go on a cleaning frenzy.
Back to this year-Right before I went to bed, I realized I hadn't changed my sheets! The horror! This is a ritual of mine. My room HAS to be spick and span for Hari Raya. So even though I was mighty sleepy, I managed to replace the sheets and tidied up the whole room.
Early in the morning Kak Zaidah and I took the bus to Ponsonby Mosque. I managed to get myself a source for my news story. Sweet.
Unfortunately for me though, I had a tutorial at 3. No one else in class knew it was a special day for moi and millions around the world, except for my tutor. Good on him.
Neway, Kak Zaidah's open house was due to start around 6. So we waited for people to come over.
And waited.
And dozed off.
When our very first guests rang the intercom thingy, I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Hahah.
By 8 our apartment was jam packed with people. Having heaps of people around, even though I had no idea who most of them were, certainly made me feel like I was at home. Good food and good company equals great fun. It really did feel like the first day of raya this year in Auckland :)
Reading mokciknab's blog reminded me very much of beraya kat kampung. So I've decided to go down memory's lane.
Every year from when I was 1 til about 17, we would make our way back to Bota Kiri for Eid. The drive there, depending on where we were living at the time, could be very very long indeed. Long and WINDING before PLUS highway was built. Bless you PLUS.
Then petang before raya, nenek would get her api ready. Yup she made her own lemang. Aunty Ayang and Mama would start preparing all the dishes. Usually Mama would work on her laksa Sarawak and rendang while Aunty Ayang would be making her special ketupat.
My siblings and I would be in front of the TV of course. The older I got though, the more I was in charge of cleaning the dining and living room. I was also in charge of filling up the glass jars with biscuits. And ah yes, changing the cushion covers. Then we'd wait patiently for my cousins to arrive from Ipoh.
At night, we would main bunga api and mercun. Man I miss bunga api.
Nenek would crank up her radio to hear takbir raya right about this time.
Sometimes late at night, she would put inai on our lil' fingers and we'd hold our hands over burning candles to make it dry faster. But that stopped as soon as I turned 13...I think. Inai is not something I miss to tell you the truth. I find it terribly ugly. On my fingers at least.
On Eid morning, we'd have breakfast/brunch together. Then the usual salam salam stuff, which I dread. Guests would start coming over with pesky lil' kids (only there for the money and fizzy drinks). Later on, we'd make our way to relatives' houses. Pak Din, Pak Lah..and ntah siapa siapa lagi. Most of them were really poor and I remember they'd always say stuff like, "mintak maaf le takde apa nak hidang". And yet they still managed to serve us awesome teas and biscuits.
I would say the thing I miss most is not hari raya itself but malam raya instead. I think the whole atmosphere-mom cooking all night long and frantically decorating the house, Aunty Ayang on the floor still weaving her ketupat,neighbours coming over to see what mom's cooking, crappy Malay movies playing on TV...I miss the whole chaotic air about it.
Being in an actual kampung for Aidilfitri is a unique experience.
I miss it teribly. But now, my kampung dah jadi kampung orang lain. Haha. So I shall not dwell on it any longer.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir dan Batin all the way from Aotearoa.
On the eve of Eid, I made some Honey Joys (a success!)while Kak Zaidah cooked up a storm. Lontong, nasi impit, rendang daging, kuah kacang, and sambal udang...Our apartment smelt like a proper malam raya.
Last year, my apartment had smelt of multi-purpose cleaner and bleach. I was living alone, had nothing else to do but to go on a cleaning frenzy.
Back to this year-Right before I went to bed, I realized I hadn't changed my sheets! The horror! This is a ritual of mine. My room HAS to be spick and span for Hari Raya. So even though I was mighty sleepy, I managed to replace the sheets and tidied up the whole room.
Early in the morning Kak Zaidah and I took the bus to Ponsonby Mosque. I managed to get myself a source for my news story. Sweet.
Unfortunately for me though, I had a tutorial at 3. No one else in class knew it was a special day for moi and millions around the world, except for my tutor. Good on him.
Neway, Kak Zaidah's open house was due to start around 6. So we waited for people to come over.
And waited.
And dozed off.
When our very first guests rang the intercom thingy, I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Hahah.
By 8 our apartment was jam packed with people. Having heaps of people around, even though I had no idea who most of them were, certainly made me feel like I was at home. Good food and good company equals great fun. It really did feel like the first day of raya this year in Auckland :)
Reading mokciknab's blog reminded me very much of beraya kat kampung. So I've decided to go down memory's lane.
Every year from when I was 1 til about 17, we would make our way back to Bota Kiri for Eid. The drive there, depending on where we were living at the time, could be very very long indeed. Long and WINDING before PLUS highway was built. Bless you PLUS.
Then petang before raya, nenek would get her api ready. Yup she made her own lemang. Aunty Ayang and Mama would start preparing all the dishes. Usually Mama would work on her laksa Sarawak and rendang while Aunty Ayang would be making her special ketupat.
My siblings and I would be in front of the TV of course. The older I got though, the more I was in charge of cleaning the dining and living room. I was also in charge of filling up the glass jars with biscuits. And ah yes, changing the cushion covers. Then we'd wait patiently for my cousins to arrive from Ipoh.
At night, we would main bunga api and mercun. Man I miss bunga api.
Nenek would crank up her radio to hear takbir raya right about this time.
Sometimes late at night, she would put inai on our lil' fingers and we'd hold our hands over burning candles to make it dry faster. But that stopped as soon as I turned 13...I think. Inai is not something I miss to tell you the truth. I find it terribly ugly. On my fingers at least.
On Eid morning, we'd have breakfast/brunch together. Then the usual salam salam stuff, which I dread. Guests would start coming over with pesky lil' kids (only there for the money and fizzy drinks). Later on, we'd make our way to relatives' houses. Pak Din, Pak Lah..and ntah siapa siapa lagi. Most of them were really poor and I remember they'd always say stuff like, "mintak maaf le takde apa nak hidang". And yet they still managed to serve us awesome teas and biscuits.
I would say the thing I miss most is not hari raya itself but malam raya instead. I think the whole atmosphere-mom cooking all night long and frantically decorating the house, Aunty Ayang on the floor still weaving her ketupat,neighbours coming over to see what mom's cooking, crappy Malay movies playing on TV...I miss the whole chaotic air about it.
Being in an actual kampung for Aidilfitri is a unique experience.
I miss it teribly. But now, my kampung dah jadi kampung orang lain. Haha. So I shall not dwell on it any longer.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir dan Batin all the way from Aotearoa.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Things I heart
Movies movies movies
I can't explain it. The big screen, the undivided attention, the smell of a cinema, the moment the curtains are raised...By the way I've just got to quote a line from Wanted (All hail Queen Angie. She can do anything!)and some stuff I've seen recently.
From Wanted
Wesley: This is me taking back control of my life. What the f**k have you done lately?
From Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Matthew: I have a question for you real quick. What did you think of my demo? Did you get it?
Aldous Snow: I was gonna listen to that, but then, um, I just carried on living my life.
From Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Gary: Shotguns? What, like guns that fire shot?
Barry the Baptist: Oh, you must be the brains of the operation. Yes, guns that fire shot.
From Atonement
Fiona Maguire: It says in the newspaper the army are making "strategic withdrawals."
Briony - 18 years old: Yes, I saw that. It's a euphemism for "retreat."
Ramadan
I'm dreading life without coffee. Its times like these (really, are there any other times?) that my addiction to coffee is fully realised by others. I think crankiness is an understatement.
That being said however, I've always (secretly) looked forward to Ramadan. Maybe it's the family dinners with Donkey cracking his (lame!) jokes? Maybe it's the cincau? Maybe it's the whole spiritual side to it?
Ramadan al Mubarak :)
Merdeka
I miss the days when I had to go shoot Merdeka parades for my assignments. I miss spending the night on the streets of KL, being chased off by police, haha. I miss my former housemates who are all now either married or in the process of marrying loved ones. Guess it's just me, Mish and Ina now.
Gosh I miss all of 'em.
Selamat Hari Merdeka to all Malaysians and for that matter, anyone who values freedom.
Gossip Girl
Finally I can see what the big fuss was all about and I haven't been let down yet. TVNZ is currently playing the show's first season. A big hurrah for TVNZ!
My 'spotted' section
Spotted on Friday-Samantha Hayes, newspresenter on TV3's Nightline. Oh my list is growing...Can't wait to bump into Jaquie Brown.
Garfield
He passed away last week after being sick for so long. I cried. Bunny cried. I bet Donkey did as well. Hope you're in cat heaven, precious.
Muaks.
I can't explain it. The big screen, the undivided attention, the smell of a cinema, the moment the curtains are raised...By the way I've just got to quote a line from Wanted (All hail Queen Angie. She can do anything!)and some stuff I've seen recently.
From Wanted
Wesley: This is me taking back control of my life. What the f**k have you done lately?
From Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Matthew: I have a question for you real quick. What did you think of my demo? Did you get it?
Aldous Snow: I was gonna listen to that, but then, um, I just carried on living my life.
From Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Gary: Shotguns? What, like guns that fire shot?
Barry the Baptist: Oh, you must be the brains of the operation. Yes, guns that fire shot.
From Atonement
Fiona Maguire: It says in the newspaper the army are making "strategic withdrawals."
Briony - 18 years old: Yes, I saw that. It's a euphemism for "retreat."
Ramadan
I'm dreading life without coffee. Its times like these (really, are there any other times?) that my addiction to coffee is fully realised by others. I think crankiness is an understatement.
That being said however, I've always (secretly) looked forward to Ramadan. Maybe it's the family dinners with Donkey cracking his (lame!) jokes? Maybe it's the cincau? Maybe it's the whole spiritual side to it?
Ramadan al Mubarak :)
Merdeka
I miss the days when I had to go shoot Merdeka parades for my assignments. I miss spending the night on the streets of KL, being chased off by police, haha. I miss my former housemates who are all now either married or in the process of marrying loved ones. Guess it's just me, Mish and Ina now.
Gosh I miss all of 'em.
Selamat Hari Merdeka to all Malaysians and for that matter, anyone who values freedom.
Gossip Girl
Finally I can see what the big fuss was all about and I haven't been let down yet. TVNZ is currently playing the show's first season. A big hurrah for TVNZ!
My 'spotted' section
Spotted on Friday-Samantha Hayes, newspresenter on TV3's Nightline. Oh my list is growing...Can't wait to bump into Jaquie Brown.
Garfield
He passed away last week after being sick for so long. I cried. Bunny cried. I bet Donkey did as well. Hope you're in cat heaven, precious.
Muaks.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Spotted!
1-Last week at Elliott St Food Court.
2-Last Monday, one of New Zealand's top fashion designer, Cybèle Wirren on K'road. Wonder what she was up to?
3-And last not but least, spotted at the zoo.
2-Last Monday, one of New Zealand's top fashion designer, Cybèle Wirren on K'road. Wonder what she was up to?
3-And last not but least, spotted at the zoo.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
No sambal yet but...
Sometime, somewhere I must have done something right in my life because believe it or not, I have found a piece of heaven,
1922
"Well I worked all summer, couldn't save a cent
I gave all of my money to the government
I don't know quite how it got spent
But the banks a'comin' for my deed,boys
The man at the mill can't see,boys
He let me get my feed for free,boys
Ain't that the way it is...
Well I cut out down a gravel road
I traded my stocks for a V8 Ford
That's 4-10 down on the floor boards
And the title loan down to me, boys
That gasoline ain't free, boys
It pushes when all I need, boys
Ain't that the way it is...
Well I met me a woman down in St. Paul
I even met her mother and I met her pa
Her brother told me he'd bust my jaw
If I talked to his sister again, boys
Told me I couldn't win, boys
Now there's blood runnin' down my chin now
But ain't that the way it is...
Well I slept all night on the bar room floor
and woke up this morning my head was sore
Pockets empty but I want some more
The bar man's got my car
Tales worth more by far
As I leave her down at the bar now
Ain't that the way it is
Well I hitched me a ride on the way back home
I got me a job on a family farm
Times are hard here but I can't roll
and I ain't got nothing more
Oh that company store
Gold's looking good for sure though
Ain't that the way it is
Well I worked all summer couldn't save a cent
I gave all my money to the government
I don't know quite how it got spent
but the banks are coming for my deed boys
Man at the mill can't see boys
Let me get my feed for free boys
Ain't that the way it is
Now let's get me some sambal ikan bilis recipes!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
East to West
The 40th Auckland International Film Festival is finally here! One of the few events here in Auckland I eagerly wait for each year. 2008's lineup ain't that bad, here are some that I've seen and what I thought of them.
The Duchess of Langeais
Very very slow paced. And I didn't get some of the things they talked about. And I kinda disliked the ending. So....6/10 from me.
Boy A
Thought about Bailey Jr Kurariki the whole time I was watching this. Excellent movie. 9/10
Flight of the Red Balloon
Yet another slow paced movie, but I was captivated by Song Fang (what and how she does things) and le great Juliette Binoche. Movie's an homage to Lamorisse's Red Balloon. Oh Paris Paris how I love you! 8/10
Lorna's Silence
I am a sucker for movies where the main characters would fall in love AFTER entering into marriage. So, hehe, 9/10 from me.
Let's see, what else have I been up to...
Thursday 3/7/08
Flew down to Christchurch for Shireen and Henry's wedding. I was already bundled up in layers of clothing but as I was about to leave for the airport, I felt like I couldn't breathe and would you believe it, had a full blown panic attack. Peeled some layers off immediately, took a couple of deep breaths to calm myself down and finally left the apartment. Airport bus was late late late.
Kasyah and Ida picked me up in Christchurch and at home I was greeted by Maddox and Shiloh. Meow! Kasyah then had a surprise for me, SAMBAL SOTONG! Double Meow!
Shiloh and Maddox slept in with me every single night I was there. Awwww.
Friday 4/7/08
I had already been to Christchurch before but that was in hot sweaty summer. This is winter and I was very excited to walk around the city in my coat and boots.
Winter+Flat City=Awesomeness.
Oh and I had dinner with Kasyah and her students later that night. We had spicy steamboat to warm us up. Yummm....and sugared bread for dessert, yumm some more.
Saturday 5/7/08
Shireen got lucky- it snowed on her wedding day! Well at first it was just sleet; the snow didn't settle but sure enough around 4 or 5 it started snowing. By this time I was already back at Kasyah and Ida's place and couldn't contain my excitement. When Kasyah announced "It's snowing!" I went round the house like a mad woman, looking for my camera and my jacket and uh beanie. I think I drove Ida insane.
Sunday 6/7/08
Day after the wedding I met up with Kak Zaidah at Addington station. We made our way to the west coast by TranzAlpine train service. Beautiful snow-capped mountains will definately take your breath away. Saw just a handful of houses along the way, with smoke coming out from their chimneys. Wonder what it's like living in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by vast empty whiteness?
Sigh.
I'd highly recommend taking the train instead of driving through Arthur's Pass (our roommates over at Hokitika claimed they witnessed a few road accidents along the way). The thing is though, when you are on the viewing deck, you've gotta find the best spot which can mean pushing someone else away so you can get YOUR best shot.
As soon as we arrived in Greymouth we hopped into our car and made our way to Punakaiki, home of the pancake rocks. Had our lunch overlooking the sea, Subwaylah apa lagi. Left for Franz Josef after about an hour there.
Note:YHA Franz Josef is unbelievably clean. And hey, it's brand new still!
Monday 7/7/08
Freezing start to the day, and I actually loved it. Had to scrape off frost from our windshield. Fox Glacier isn't that far off from Franz Josef but the road leading us there was icy,so slowly and carefully we, well Kak Zaidah anyway, drove.
I was super excited (and worried at the same time) to do the half day glacier walk. Can I really walk for 4 hours? Uphill plak tuh?
Answer: Yes I can. All day walk next time? Maybe.
Sure going uphill through the rainforest with heavy boots was hell, but walking on ice was too cool.
Tooooo cool I say.
We stayed the night in Hokitika. I fell asleep around 9pm.
Couldn't believe it myself.
Tuesday 8/7/08
Kak Zaidah flew back to Auckland, while I took the bus to Greymouth and then the train back to Christchurch. Bus driver gave commentaries along the way.
My recommendations to fellow travellers would be, take the morning train to Greymouth. As it gets dark early in winter you won't have too much photo-ops if you take the late ride. For me there's absolutely no point in taking the train in summer unless you like greeneries. And oh yeah, the blazing sun.
I think we've established the fact that I love winter.
TranzAlpine Christchurch-Greymouth return=$114
Intercity Coachline Hokitika-Greymouth=$14
Wednesday 9/7/08
Woke up super early to grab my scarf from Kasyah. On the way to Cathedral Square where I was supposed to catch the $5 bus to the airport, I just had to drop by Ballentyne's to get me-self a red beret. Last beret, I swear.
Arriving in Auckland, I thought, "Crap. I miss South Island already".
The Duchess of Langeais
Very very slow paced. And I didn't get some of the things they talked about. And I kinda disliked the ending. So....6/10 from me.
Boy A
Thought about Bailey Jr Kurariki the whole time I was watching this. Excellent movie. 9/10
Flight of the Red Balloon
Yet another slow paced movie, but I was captivated by Song Fang (what and how she does things) and le great Juliette Binoche. Movie's an homage to Lamorisse's Red Balloon. Oh Paris Paris how I love you! 8/10
Lorna's Silence
I am a sucker for movies where the main characters would fall in love AFTER entering into marriage. So, hehe, 9/10 from me.
Let's see, what else have I been up to...
Thursday 3/7/08
Flew down to Christchurch for Shireen and Henry's wedding. I was already bundled up in layers of clothing but as I was about to leave for the airport, I felt like I couldn't breathe and would you believe it, had a full blown panic attack. Peeled some layers off immediately, took a couple of deep breaths to calm myself down and finally left the apartment. Airport bus was late late late.
Kasyah and Ida picked me up in Christchurch and at home I was greeted by Maddox and Shiloh. Meow! Kasyah then had a surprise for me, SAMBAL SOTONG! Double Meow!
Shiloh and Maddox slept in with me every single night I was there. Awwww.
Friday 4/7/08
I had already been to Christchurch before but that was in hot sweaty summer. This is winter and I was very excited to walk around the city in my coat and boots.
Winter+Flat City=Awesomeness.
Oh and I had dinner with Kasyah and her students later that night. We had spicy steamboat to warm us up. Yummm....and sugared bread for dessert, yumm some more.
Saturday 5/7/08
Shireen got lucky- it snowed on her wedding day! Well at first it was just sleet; the snow didn't settle but sure enough around 4 or 5 it started snowing. By this time I was already back at Kasyah and Ida's place and couldn't contain my excitement. When Kasyah announced "It's snowing!" I went round the house like a mad woman, looking for my camera and my jacket and uh beanie. I think I drove Ida insane.
Sunday 6/7/08
Day after the wedding I met up with Kak Zaidah at Addington station. We made our way to the west coast by TranzAlpine train service. Beautiful snow-capped mountains will definately take your breath away. Saw just a handful of houses along the way, with smoke coming out from their chimneys. Wonder what it's like living in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by vast empty whiteness?
Sigh.
I'd highly recommend taking the train instead of driving through Arthur's Pass (our roommates over at Hokitika claimed they witnessed a few road accidents along the way). The thing is though, when you are on the viewing deck, you've gotta find the best spot which can mean pushing someone else away so you can get YOUR best shot.
As soon as we arrived in Greymouth we hopped into our car and made our way to Punakaiki, home of the pancake rocks. Had our lunch overlooking the sea, Subwaylah apa lagi. Left for Franz Josef after about an hour there.
Note:YHA Franz Josef is unbelievably clean. And hey, it's brand new still!
Monday 7/7/08
Freezing start to the day, and I actually loved it. Had to scrape off frost from our windshield. Fox Glacier isn't that far off from Franz Josef but the road leading us there was icy,so slowly and carefully we, well Kak Zaidah anyway, drove.
I was super excited (and worried at the same time) to do the half day glacier walk. Can I really walk for 4 hours? Uphill plak tuh?
Answer: Yes I can. All day walk next time? Maybe.
Sure going uphill through the rainforest with heavy boots was hell, but walking on ice was too cool.
Tooooo cool I say.
We stayed the night in Hokitika. I fell asleep around 9pm.
Couldn't believe it myself.
Tuesday 8/7/08
Kak Zaidah flew back to Auckland, while I took the bus to Greymouth and then the train back to Christchurch. Bus driver gave commentaries along the way.
My recommendations to fellow travellers would be, take the morning train to Greymouth. As it gets dark early in winter you won't have too much photo-ops if you take the late ride. For me there's absolutely no point in taking the train in summer unless you like greeneries. And oh yeah, the blazing sun.
I think we've established the fact that I love winter.
TranzAlpine Christchurch-Greymouth return=$114
Intercity Coachline Hokitika-Greymouth=$14
Wednesday 9/7/08
Woke up super early to grab my scarf from Kasyah. On the way to Cathedral Square where I was supposed to catch the $5 bus to the airport, I just had to drop by Ballentyne's to get me-self a red beret. Last beret, I swear.
Arriving in Auckland, I thought, "Crap. I miss South Island already".
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Viva La Vida
Coldplay's new album just came out today in rainy Auckland.
Headed over to JB-Hifi in between cursing Dreamweaver and getting my coffees.
So now I'm listening to Strawberry Swing and I'm hearting it.
Sure a few songs will need some getting used to, but overall, this one's got Coldplay written all over it.
Me likey.
Headed over to JB-Hifi in between cursing Dreamweaver and getting my coffees.
So now I'm listening to Strawberry Swing and I'm hearting it.
Sure a few songs will need some getting used to, but overall, this one's got Coldplay written all over it.
Me likey.
Friday, May 16, 2008
The miracles of Avomine
I've actually got to research web designs and whatnots but my mind has since wandered off so I guess it's update-your-blog time!
Ain, Zab, Kak Zaidah and I went up to Northland about a week back and this time around I decided to give motion-sickness pills a try.
They worked.
I took one tablet every night before I hit the snooze button and whenever I felt a lil' bit quesy during the trip itself, I popped one in.
Result-A very satisfied (and quite possibly slightly sedated) traveller.
Day One
We were supposed to wake up at 7 but only Kak Zaidah managed to crawl out of bed that early and headed down to Beach Road to get our car. The rest of us slept in till Kak Zaidah's -Is everybody ready?-text woke me up. We left Auckland around 11am. On the way to Paihia we stopped over at Whangarei.
This is where I discovered Captain Cook pies. Yum.
After checking into our motel in Paihia, we headed out to Russell by ferry. Found the oldest church in NZ. It was already getting dark so we couldn't do any of the tracks. We were too hungry anyway, so off we went to the local Fish n Chips.
Day One ended with heavy discussions about the state of Malaysia's education system, etc. Lost interest within 10 minutes. Kahkahkah. Sorry guys, I tried to listen but you lost me past the story about kids trying to go to the loo.
Day Two
I saw dolphins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I didn't get seasick at all! Zab did though and I felt really bad for her but at least she managed to get some awesome dolphin photos for the rest of us. On the way to Kaitaia I saw persimmons. Thousands of persimmons....ooooooo..........yummmmm...Just had to stop and get 'em. A big bag of about 15 cost as little as $5.
Unbelievable.
Day Three
Started off as a very beautiful day indeed.
We made our journey to Cape Reinga early in the morning. Well, early by our standard. We decided to take up the advice of the guy who rented us the surfboard-"instead of driving straight to the cape, go sandsurfing first". Rain was expected to arrive around noon.
Sandsurfing was way fun. Wonder if there's any sand dunes near Auckie....
And the guy was right- as soon as we arrived in Cape Reinga, it poured. I could actually see rain coming in from the sea which I think is amazingly beautiful, coz hey, we all know how much I love the rain. It cleared up though as we made our way back to the car from the lighthouse. *Positive thoughts*
I was drained by the time we left Watiki Landings (I think) and just had to doze off. But at one point, I could sense we were moving way to fast, so I tried my best to stay up to remind Kak Zaidah to please slow down weh...
We wanted to drop by and see Tane Mahuta but it was already beyond dark, so maybe next time eh big guy?
Can't wait for my next trip on Avomine.
Enjoy the photos.
p.s-Photobucket, I heart you.
Ain, Zab, Kak Zaidah and I went up to Northland about a week back and this time around I decided to give motion-sickness pills a try.
They worked.
I took one tablet every night before I hit the snooze button and whenever I felt a lil' bit quesy during the trip itself, I popped one in.
Result-A very satisfied (and quite possibly slightly sedated) traveller.
Day One
We were supposed to wake up at 7 but only Kak Zaidah managed to crawl out of bed that early and headed down to Beach Road to get our car. The rest of us slept in till Kak Zaidah's -Is everybody ready?-text woke me up. We left Auckland around 11am. On the way to Paihia we stopped over at Whangarei.
This is where I discovered Captain Cook pies. Yum.
After checking into our motel in Paihia, we headed out to Russell by ferry. Found the oldest church in NZ. It was already getting dark so we couldn't do any of the tracks. We were too hungry anyway, so off we went to the local Fish n Chips.
Day One ended with heavy discussions about the state of Malaysia's education system, etc. Lost interest within 10 minutes. Kahkahkah. Sorry guys, I tried to listen but you lost me past the story about kids trying to go to the loo.
Day Two
I saw dolphins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I didn't get seasick at all! Zab did though and I felt really bad for her but at least she managed to get some awesome dolphin photos for the rest of us. On the way to Kaitaia I saw persimmons. Thousands of persimmons....ooooooo..........yummmmm...Just had to stop and get 'em. A big bag of about 15 cost as little as $5.
Unbelievable.
Day Three
Started off as a very beautiful day indeed.
We made our journey to Cape Reinga early in the morning. Well, early by our standard. We decided to take up the advice of the guy who rented us the surfboard-"instead of driving straight to the cape, go sandsurfing first". Rain was expected to arrive around noon.
Sandsurfing was way fun. Wonder if there's any sand dunes near Auckie....
And the guy was right- as soon as we arrived in Cape Reinga, it poured. I could actually see rain coming in from the sea which I think is amazingly beautiful, coz hey, we all know how much I love the rain. It cleared up though as we made our way back to the car from the lighthouse. *Positive thoughts*
I was drained by the time we left Watiki Landings (I think) and just had to doze off. But at one point, I could sense we were moving way to fast, so I tried my best to stay up to remind Kak Zaidah to please slow down weh...
We wanted to drop by and see Tane Mahuta but it was already beyond dark, so maybe next time eh big guy?
Can't wait for my next trip on Avomine.
Enjoy the photos.
p.s-Photobucket, I heart you.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Wednesday will come...
and Barça will have to fight fight fight!
Sigh.
But if I know the devil that is Cristiano Ronaldo...
Sigh.
But if I know the devil that is Cristiano Ronaldo...
Friday, March 7, 2008
One helluva ride
T'was summer: working inside a store without an a/c running at the front made me all sticky and irritated at the end of the day. Toss in 30 rude, 10 drunk and 20 plain dumbass customers per shift, you get an incredibly moody Zara.
Summer was looking wayyy tooo long to my liking.
Fortunately, our trip to Christchurch was lurking nearer and nearer as each day passed by and surprise surprise, before I knew it, it was already the 21st of February!
So I bid farewell (at least temporarily) to donuts and smoothies (yuk) and set off on a (truly) unforgettable journey down south.
First stop: Christchurch. Much to my wallet's delight Kak Zaidah and I bumped into Lynda and co. at the airport and they gave us a ride to the city centre. The city itself is small but delightfully charming, with sidewalk cafes and specialty boutiques housed in old buildings. And c'mon, they've got trams and punts! How cute is that?
After settling down at the New Exelsior Backpackers we headed out for Cathedral Square then jumped on a tram to the Botanical Garden. The garden is huge and round and round we went searching for the rose garden and perhaps more importantly (to moi), the rock garden. We never did find the latter but the rose garden was certainly pretty enough to make up for it. My mom would have loved it.
We then raced to the Christchurch Gondola about 20 minutes away from the city. Oh dear me, I wouldn't have paid for the tickets if I knew it was going to be quite a high ride up! I just about managed to stay calm (bet I was deathly pale) throughout the ride. Unfortunately for us it was already late: the restaurant was closed (much to my stomach's dismay)and any photo-op I'd dreamt of couldn't be realized. It was too dark and I didn't have the right camera for the job.
But yes, simply fab view.
Kaikoura, here I come! Oh the excitement at just the thought of seeing whales! The day didn't start out as planned, sadly. We were going to pick up the rental car so we got on a bus but unfortunately we missed the stop for Sir William (something) Drive, so we had to pull our luggages along Memorial Ave, walking towards the airport, and mind you, I hadn't had my coffee yet. The horror! "Steve" finally picked us up, brought us to the rental company, and off we drove to Kaikoura (well I didn't drive). Yipeee! I was going to see whales :)
Let's cut the story short-I got seasick. Not even minor seasickness. A major one. 10 minutes into the boat ride I was already feeling like shit. Pening, nak muntah, and my body was burning up. I closed my eyes and if I could stuff my ears I would. Everything around me was making me feel nauseous-everything I saw, every sound, every movement...OMG...Nothing worked (Not the balm not the kulit limau not the taking off of my sweater) and before I knew it, I was grabbing the barf bags in front of me.
Then I thought, "Hey I've thrown up, surely I'll feel better rite?"
No. Not right at ALL.
They then spotted a whale. I gathered all my strengths and left my seat. Fresh air felt sooooo gooooddddd. And there it was- we could only see the spout first. Then as the whale dived in, we could finally see its tail. Photo-op! So that's that and it's back inside to chase after another whale.
Shame they didn't allow us to stay on the deck while in transit: I think I would have felt way better, but nevermind that. At this stage thoughts of swimming back to shore kept playing in my mind. I didn't bother leaving my seat after that; rushing in and out everytime they THINK they've spotted one made me feel even worse than before.
So throughout the ride, I stayed in and tried as hard as I could to sleep (but I couldn't). As soon as we landed, I wanted to kiss the very ground I stood on.
Barf bags count: 4.
So that's that. I'd have to say though, Kaikoura is unbelievably beautiful. Oh and I got to see seals! Up close and personal in their natural habitat :)
Then it was back to Christchurch- met up with Kasyah and Ida for dinner and I got to meet HRH Maddox and Shiloh. Yey!
Sunday we headed out to Lyttelton and Akaroa. The drive to Akaroa was simply amazing. Past the long winding road (which left me feeling yes, sick again), are some of the most incredible sights you just can't afford to miss. Just vast empty lands dotted with a couple of (hundreds of) sheeps...Roll down the windows and go "ahhhh"...
Man, I wanna live there in the middle of nowhere...Sigh.
Sadly, the damage's been done. The fact that I was so sick on the boat and that I didn't take enough time to rest (also, winding road to every destination, I kid you not) made me feel nauseous almost all of the time. I finally felt better on Monday, but hey, guess what? That's our last day in South Island. 'Tis very sad indeed.
Next trip?
The West Coast! Choo-choo!!!!
G'nite folks :)
Summer was looking wayyy tooo long to my liking.
Fortunately, our trip to Christchurch was lurking nearer and nearer as each day passed by and surprise surprise, before I knew it, it was already the 21st of February!
So I bid farewell (at least temporarily) to donuts and smoothies (yuk) and set off on a (truly) unforgettable journey down south.
First stop: Christchurch. Much to my wallet's delight Kak Zaidah and I bumped into Lynda and co. at the airport and they gave us a ride to the city centre. The city itself is small but delightfully charming, with sidewalk cafes and specialty boutiques housed in old buildings. And c'mon, they've got trams and punts! How cute is that?
After settling down at the New Exelsior Backpackers we headed out for Cathedral Square then jumped on a tram to the Botanical Garden. The garden is huge and round and round we went searching for the rose garden and perhaps more importantly (to moi), the rock garden. We never did find the latter but the rose garden was certainly pretty enough to make up for it. My mom would have loved it.
We then raced to the Christchurch Gondola about 20 minutes away from the city. Oh dear me, I wouldn't have paid for the tickets if I knew it was going to be quite a high ride up! I just about managed to stay calm (bet I was deathly pale) throughout the ride. Unfortunately for us it was already late: the restaurant was closed (much to my stomach's dismay)and any photo-op I'd dreamt of couldn't be realized. It was too dark and I didn't have the right camera for the job.
But yes, simply fab view.
Kaikoura, here I come! Oh the excitement at just the thought of seeing whales! The day didn't start out as planned, sadly. We were going to pick up the rental car so we got on a bus but unfortunately we missed the stop for Sir William (something) Drive, so we had to pull our luggages along Memorial Ave, walking towards the airport, and mind you, I hadn't had my coffee yet. The horror! "Steve" finally picked us up, brought us to the rental company, and off we drove to Kaikoura (well I didn't drive). Yipeee! I was going to see whales :)
Let's cut the story short-I got seasick. Not even minor seasickness. A major one. 10 minutes into the boat ride I was already feeling like shit. Pening, nak muntah, and my body was burning up. I closed my eyes and if I could stuff my ears I would. Everything around me was making me feel nauseous-everything I saw, every sound, every movement...OMG...Nothing worked (Not the balm not the kulit limau not the taking off of my sweater) and before I knew it, I was grabbing the barf bags in front of me.
Then I thought, "Hey I've thrown up, surely I'll feel better rite?"
No. Not right at ALL.
They then spotted a whale. I gathered all my strengths and left my seat. Fresh air felt sooooo gooooddddd. And there it was- we could only see the spout first. Then as the whale dived in, we could finally see its tail. Photo-op! So that's that and it's back inside to chase after another whale.
Shame they didn't allow us to stay on the deck while in transit: I think I would have felt way better, but nevermind that. At this stage thoughts of swimming back to shore kept playing in my mind. I didn't bother leaving my seat after that; rushing in and out everytime they THINK they've spotted one made me feel even worse than before.
So throughout the ride, I stayed in and tried as hard as I could to sleep (but I couldn't). As soon as we landed, I wanted to kiss the very ground I stood on.
Barf bags count: 4.
So that's that. I'd have to say though, Kaikoura is unbelievably beautiful. Oh and I got to see seals! Up close and personal in their natural habitat :)
Then it was back to Christchurch- met up with Kasyah and Ida for dinner and I got to meet HRH Maddox and Shiloh. Yey!
Sunday we headed out to Lyttelton and Akaroa. The drive to Akaroa was simply amazing. Past the long winding road (which left me feeling yes, sick again), are some of the most incredible sights you just can't afford to miss. Just vast empty lands dotted with a couple of (hundreds of) sheeps...Roll down the windows and go "ahhhh"...
Man, I wanna live there in the middle of nowhere...Sigh.
Sadly, the damage's been done. The fact that I was so sick on the boat and that I didn't take enough time to rest (also, winding road to every destination, I kid you not) made me feel nauseous almost all of the time. I finally felt better on Monday, but hey, guess what? That's our last day in South Island. 'Tis very sad indeed.
Next trip?
The West Coast! Choo-choo!!!!
G'nite folks :)
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Old man take a look at my life
What's the meaning of my name, Zara?
I am not wild, but yes, I am crazy. My kind of trouble is a lot fun? Don't think so, no. As stated above, most people can't handle me (cue robyn's song), or is it I can't handle other people? Hmmmm.....
Have a great weekend!
What Zara Means |
 You are incredibly wise and perceptive. You have a lot of life experience. You are a natural peacemaker, and you are especially good at helping others get along. But keeping the peace in your own life is not easy. You see things very differently, and it's hard to get you to budge. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. |
I am not wild, but yes, I am crazy. My kind of trouble is a lot fun? Don't think so, no. As stated above, most people can't handle me (cue robyn's song), or is it I can't handle other people? Hmmmm.....
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
And it's only January...
My oh my, 2008 is looking quite bleak indeed...for the world of cinema.
Yet another shocking passing.
Yet another shocking passing.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Just Because...
(Video courtesy of BradRenfro.org)
I hate it that when you google "Brad Renfro", you'll be greeted either by the words 'died' or 'July 25, 1982 – January 15, 2008'.
Just hate it.
On a much lighter note...
I have since found an actor worthy of my ob-ses-sion.
And.......Let's all wish Skeet a very Happy Birthday!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Brad has left the building
I am utterly shocked to hear about the death of Brad Renfro. One of my fave actors, you could always rely on Renfro to flawlessly handle a complicated character, just like River.
I guess the good ones die young.
RIP
I guess the good ones die young.
RIP
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Only in China?
Warning, this article may cause you to cry yourself to sleep at night.
I wonder, what makes these people sooo...barbaric?
Communism?
I wonder, what makes these people sooo...barbaric?
Communism?
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