About The Slayer

Adrock's post on his choice of the world's top 10 most beautiful women (Click here to read it...) and his inclusion of SMG led to us having a mini discussion on a shared passion. Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

I've put up with countless sniggers and rolling eyes for the past 8 years, from those who think that BtVS is nothing but a floozy chick series with less substance than a teacup. I almost feel sorry for these heathens, who are probably sadly lacking in the intelligence required to appreciate the subtle nuances and the clever dialogue weaved into each episode. Seriously. When you look beyond the demon-asskicking, you'll find storylines that are cleverly original, well-developed characters that are strangely believeable and utterly funky wardrobes that a girl would die to have. Haha!

Here are, IMHO, the best 5 BtVS episodes that were made. Click on each of the titles to view that episode's synopsis. These are in no order of merit, mainly because I couldn't make up my mind on the sequence they should be listed. So I've arranged them chronologically instead. :P

Becoming, Part 2 (Season 2)
The episode where the angst factor in Buffy's relationship with Angel reached its climax. The final scene between the 2 cuts me up every time I watch it, I don't care how contrived you might find it. I suffered through all the agony that made up the tragedy that was their relationship and I loved every damn minute of it!

Episode Quote:
Buffy: Do you think I chose to be like this? Do you have any idea howlonely it is, how dangerous? I would love to be upstairs watching TV or gossiping about boys or... God, even studying! But I have to save the world... Again.


Becomings

The Wish (Season 3)
The episode featuring an alternate universe that included Vampire Willow and Vampire Xander as minions of The Master. Everything reeked of the "What-if" syndrome, that all of us have suffered from at 1 point or another... Need I say more?

Episode Quote:
Vampire Xander: Gotta get Buffy here. Isn't that what they called the Slayer?
Vampire Willow: Hmm, Buffy. Ooh, scary.
Vampire Xander: Someone has to talk to her people. That name is striking fear in nobody's hearts.


The Wish

Hush (Season 4)
The episode I truly enjoyed in Season 4. HALF the episode took place in UTTER silence. Not a single word transpired, not a single note of scary music and STILL I got freaked. The Gentlemen have to be 1 of the eeriest villians ever to be created in the Buffy verse.

Jeremy's comment on BuffyGuide.com - I too was worried that an episode with over 25 minutes of silence would be impossible to pull off, but Joss has once again made the impossible possible. This is the episode to get a friend or family member hooked on Buffy.


Hush

The Body (Season 5)
The episode where Buffy comes home to find her mother motionless on the couch, eyes open, glazed and staring. 1 of the most powerful and emotional scripts ever written. The lack of any music just added to the sorrow and grief that permeated the scenes.

Soupytwist summed it all up in her review, found on BuffyGuide.com - Too few television writers and directors remember that TV is an audio and visual medium. The lack of a soundtrack and the use of ambient sounds in this episode added to its realism. Life doesn't have a soundtrack telling you when sad and scary things happen.


The Body

Once More, With Feeling (Season 6)
The episode where a mysterious force causes everyone in Sunnydale to reveal all of their innermost thoughts and feelings in song. The most daring and innovative thing Joss Whedon's ever done with the series. Genius... Absolute genius... Oh. And the singing's pretty good too. Fav song from the episode? "Rest In Peace". Of course, since it's Spike who sang it, I'm biased. :P

Listen to snippets of the soundtrack by clicking here.

Episode Quote:
Buffy: Well, I'm not exactly quaking in my stylish, yet affordable boots, but there's definitely something unnatural going on here. And that doesn't usually lead to hugs and puppies.


Once More With Feeling

Credits to The Buffy Cross & Stake, BuffyGuide.com, And You Thought You Were Obsessed With BtVS, Babblefest, Darkness Falls, The Big Moments, Brave New World for the information and images used in this post.

About The Bigger Dilemma

I've been deliberating about buying this particular book for ages.

Why haven't I? Well... I'm afraid that reading it might force me to face up to truths I've been avoiding for far too long, truths I have no desire to deal with right yet.

God, that makes me sound so pathetic, doesn't it? The funny thing is, I've never been 1 to sell myself short. I know what I am. I know what I'm worth. I know that I deserve more than what I've been getting. And yet, here I am, living in a web of self-deception and self-denial that I have no desire to break out of.

Right about now, I'm guessing that the women who're reading this are mentally cursing me to perdition for my lack of spine, discipline and self-respect. After all, any 21st century woman worth her salt would have packed up and moved on a long time ago. So once again... Why haven't I?

Well... He's the 1st in over 2 years that's really made me laugh. He's the 1st ever that's made me nervous just at the thought of seeing him. Hell... He's the 1st since god-knows-when that I actually want to see on a regular basis. He's the 1st... Hmmm... Ok, I'll spare you guys the more explicit details. *impish grin* Let's just say that when we're together, it's all good.

So even though I know it'll probably not end up the way I want it, I don't want to walk away just yet. He's made me no false promises. He's told me no lies. I keep telling myself to live for the moment and so far, I think I've done a pretty good job. I know the time will come when "the moment" won't be enough anymore. I'm just wondering if I should hurry myself along a little and let that time be now.

A few days ago, I asked for suggestions on the perfect birthday present to buy for that special person in my life. (Click here to read that post!) I guess the bigger question is, should I be buying a gift at all?

Heh... Damn... I couldn't even answer the "what to buy" question... *perplexed look*

About Silly Metal Gizmos

My cable connection's been totally screwy for the past few days (The connection speed has been pathetic!) and after a long, ardous phone call with SCV MaxOnline, the problem has been narrowed down to the splitter. For the uninitiated (Like me!), the splitter is that little gadget that allows you to connect up both your cable modem and your SCV box to the same cable point. Ack...

Anyway, what's really annoying is the lengths I hafta go through just to replace the splitter. All the way to some spastic workshop in Ayer Rajah to buy a silly metal gizmo that costs $5!

Alternatively, courtesy of the chappie I spoke to when I called the MaxOnline help desk, I could skip the splitter altogether and connect my modem directly to the cable point. That, however, would mean that I can't watch TV in my room. No "Desperate Housewives", "Amazing Race", "American Idol"...

Uh... Thanks a lot for nothing bud! *rolls eyes*

About Agnosticism

Got this off Princess Liliput's blog. (Side note to PL: Eh babe, same results again! This is moving way beyond freaky...) Anywway, I thought it was pretty accurate, except for the Satanism part. Blood sacrifices and the like have never been my kind thing. :P

Which religion is the right one for you?
(Click above to take the quiz yourself!)
Agnosticism
You are an agnostic. Though it is generally taken that agnostics neither believe nor disbelieve in God, it is possible to be a theist or atheist in addition to an agnostic. Agnostics don't believe it is possible to prove the existence of God (nor lack thereof).

Agnosticism is a philosophy that God's existence cannot be proven. Some say it is possible to be agnostic and follow a religion; however, one cannot be a devout believer if he or she does not truly believe.

Agnosticism -- 96%
Satanism -- 75% --> Somebody must've spotted my "I Love Satan" tattoo.
Atheism -- 63%
Buddhism -- 58%
Judaism -- 50%
Paganism -- 38% --> Darn. Does that mean I can't be a witch?
Islam -- 33%
Christianity -- 21%
Hinduism -- 21%

About The Dilemma

Scenario: Need to buy a birthday present for A.
Problem: Have absolutely no idea what to get.
Solution: Ask fellow bloggers for suggestions. :)

What do you get a 28 year-old guy who:
1) Lives to eat, and eat, and eat, and eat (All types of food!)...
2) Is into a variety of water sports and golf...
3) Has a voracious reading habit (Among the many piles spotted were books from David Eddings and Nick Hornby)...
4) Digs old school comedy, cult hits from the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Futurama, That 70s Show and The Simpsons...
5) Listens to a lot oldies and jazz...

Help? Anybody? *pouts*

About The Courageous

I have a client... Let's call her Nooby... Here's a typical conversation we have when it comes to creative concepts.

Nooby: I don't like the artwork.
Me: Oh? Why not?
Nooby: I don't know. It's not nice laaaah. Why is it not nice? *whines*
Me: Ahmmm... What exactly isn't nice about it?
Nooby: I don't know. It's just not niiiiiiice. Can you change it? *whines somemore*
Me: It'll help if you be a little more specific about what you want changed. *rolls eyes towards ceiling and makes spastic faces at PC monitor*
Nooby: I don't know... Change it to make it nice lorrrrrrr...

Sure. Easy peasy. Piece of cake. Urgh. Somebody save me.


Dedicated To All Clients From Hell...

Then again... I just recalled that this is going to be a short week. Which is why, despite annoying phone calls from clients, I'm in a relatively chirpy frame of mind. Just 1 more day before a glorious long weekend...

About The Lack

Every year I end up, from sheer boredom and a morbid sense of curiousity, watching the Miss Singapore Universe pageant. Every year I swear it couldn't get any worse. Every year I get proven wrong...

Now... I'm not saying that I could do a better job than the girls featured here. I'll be the 1st to admit that I'm nowhere near beauty queen material (Darn!). But c'mon... Where the hell do these chicks crawl out from?! Oh I'm sure they're generally all very nice people but we're talking about an international competition where the participants are ambassadors for their respective countries. And if these 18 are the best Singapore has to offer to personify the country's beauty, grace, charm and intelligence, then I have to say that we're in a very sorry state.

So here's my take on what titles the participants for the upcoming Miss Singapore Universe should be taking home instead and why.

Miss "Let's-Blindfold-A-Chinaman-With-Dental-Floss" Winners:

<<< (2) <<< (15)

#2 Jacqueline Ong, 22, 1.71m, Graduate
Q: Why did you join Miss Singapore Universe?
A: Basically, because it’s the number 1 pageant in the universe.

Ahmmm... No shit Sherlock. Although the contestants vying for the "Miss Ur-anus" crown might beg to differ. *rolls eyes* Where the hell did this chick graduate from anyway?!

#15 Cheryl Tay, 24, 1.70m, Veterinarian
Q: Why did you join Miss Singapore Universe?
A: It is an amazing opportunity to connect with the public, and perhaps find a way to use my profession to help others.

Yeah... I'm sure my Aunt's pet gerbil would find great pride and take great comfort in knowing that its GP was a beauty contest winner.

Miss "Ma-I-Have-A-Funny-Hairline" Winners:

<<< (3) <<< (4)

#3 Crystal Kang, 20, 1.69m, Student
Q: What is your best asset?
A: Well, physically I would say my eyes.

Really? Can somebody tell me when having 1 eye bigger than the other qualified as a physical asset?! I would have said her unusual hairline (Hey, at least it's a unique feature...) but that's just me.

#4 Swyn Teo, 19, 1.70m, Undergraduate
Q: What is your best asset?
A: It would have been my stubbornness.

Somebody has got to give this girl English lessons. There's a reason why people say stubborness is a mule trait. Unless I'm missing the point and being donkey-like is actually desirable nowadays. Sheesh. What else do you expect from a chick with a name that sounds like it should belong to a male Swedish masseuse?

Miss "I-Have-A-Bird's-Nest-On-My-Head" Winners:

<<< (5) <<< (6)

#5 Yvonne Lim, 21, 1.68m, Undergraduate
Q: What is your greatest achievement?
A: My greatest achievement in life so far is getting my driving license.

Woah. Somebody break out the champagne! Our girl's got some high standards and ambitions in life!

#6 Arwyn Siah, 23, 1.66m, Flight Stewardess
Q: What is your career ambition and what have you been doing to move towards the goal?
A: I want to be Doctor Dolittle and speak on behalf of the animal kingdom which is unable to represent themselves.

Little grammar lesson here honey. Animal kingdom = singular = represent itself. Ah hell. Who cares? You don't need to be able to speak proper English to gibber like a monkey, do you? As for the DoLittle part, with that hair, you're all set to rival Eddie Murphy for the role.

<<< (7) <<< (9)

#7 Linderr Jasni, 18, 1.66m, Student
Q: Why did you join Miss Singapore Universe?
A: I wanted to do something big, bold and different for the year 2005 and the pageant fits right into it.

Big, bold and different, huh? Well darlin', you've achieved that goal twice since your hair fits right into that category as well! Hah!

#9 Jeannie Fong, 19, 1.67m, Student
Q: Why did you join Miss Singapore Universe?
A: It would be a great, yet a very rare opportunity to be able to endorse an as ambassador for Singapore.

Wanna know what else is rare hun? It'll be a rare occurance for you to be an ambassador for anything unless you get your act together and your English up to par.

<<< (14) <<< (17)

#14 Blyss Chin, 22, 1.67m, Undergraduate
Q: What’s your philosophy towards life?
A: It is simply to be happy and ‘blyssful’.

That's a philosophy? Sheesh... Sigmund Freud or Socrates should take a leaf of out this girlie's book. Who needs complicated genetic sexual orientation theories or big world-changing ideas when all 1 needs in life is "blyss"? *rolls eyes*

#17 Ling Lee, 19, 1.73m, Undergraduate
Q: If there’s one thing you want to change about yourself, it would be…
A: I know I cannot change many things in life, take for example the length of my life. But I can control its width and depth. I tend not to think about things I cannot change, but rather, take control of things that depend on me.

Can somebody tell me where in that entire long answer of bullshit did she answer the question? Geez... How did this girl pass the composition exams back in school anyway?

Miss "Mimic-Dad's-Overcomb-And-Failed-Miserably" Winners:

<<< (8) <<< (12)

#8 Jing Mok, 24, 1.65m, Marketer
Q: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
A: I have a very prominent inner child, and I love to get in touch with that child... I think that is one of the reasons why I am such a fan of children.

Heya Jacko! You've got a friend here in sunny Singapore!

Q: What is your best asset?
A: My best asset is my gab.

Uh huh. Maybe she meant the gap where her brain should be. Word of advice missy. Don't quit the day job.

#12 Ivy Lai Chiew Lian, 24, 1.66m, Flight Attendant
Q: What are some interesting or unusual jobs you may have had?
A: Being an ambassador for Singapore as a flight attendant...

Oh yeah. All country ambassadors make an impression with the line, "Hi ma'am... Would you prefer the chicken or the fish?"

<<< (13)

#13 Rebecca No Last Name, 18, 1.66m, Student
Q: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
A: The first impression I give many is that I am a serious and reserved person however; I am actually very outgoing and enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new things.

Wow... That... was... ahmmm... really fascinating and unique. *YAWN*

Miss "Wannabe-Gangster-Feeler-Fringe" Winner:

<<< (11)

#11 May Ng, 26, 1.66m, Banker
Q: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
A: I can't stop myself from reading anything that is printed on anything, they could be shopfront advertisements or menus, anything at all. I read menus to death, even during the meal itself.

Ahmmm... What's so interesting about that?! You're a banker for chrissakes... It's expected!

Miss "Use-To-Be-A-Man-Maybe-They-Won't-Notice" Winners:

<<< (10) <<< (16)

#10 Lorraine Lai, 19, 1.65m, Undergraduate
Q: What is your best asset?
A: My friend says that I 'never fail to surprise', so I’d like to say that it is my charismatic and spontaneous personality!

Sorry to disillusion you darlin, but your friend could also have meant that you're a moody, unpredictable cow. But hey, take it in whatever way you want to. As long as it makes you feel good, eh?

#16 Destiny Ong, 21, 1.69m, Undergraduate
Q: Why did you join Miss Singapore Universe?
A: They all say a woman's prime time starts right from when she's 21 till 30. Joining Ms Singapore Universe is the very first step out to the prime time of my life!

Well Destiny, if your prime is... ahem... destined to start by parading around in a swimsuit and answering profound questions like, "Why did you join Miss Singapore Universe" then by all means...

<<< (18)

#18 Edwina Tan, 21, 1.73m, Undergraduate
Q: What is the greatest achievement?
A: To pass my driving test on my first attempt within 3 months

Hahahaha! Looks like #5 has a friend... And what is up with that hairdo chickie? Crikey...

And here's a little show on how original and varied our contestants' answers are... Such imagination, these young women... Zzz...

Q: Who has been an important influence/inspiration in your life?
A: #2 - Without doubt, my parents!
A: #3 - The most important person in my life is my mother.
A: #4 - Very frankly, that would have to be my boyfriend. >>> Wah! Different answer! *applause*
A: #5 - My mum.
A: #6 - My mother.
A: #7 - It would definitely be my mum.
A: #8 - My mother has been the most important, but also most underrated, influence in my life.
A: #9 - Mom.
A: #10 - Both my parents are inspirations to me.
A: #11 - Besides my parents...
A: #12 - It will have to be my mother.
A: #13 - My brother has been a great influence in my life. >>> Wah! Another different answer! *applause again*
A: #14 - That person would be my dearest dad without a doubt.
A: #15 - My father.
A: #16 - This may sound cliche, it is definitely my dad.
A: #17 - It has got to be my parents!
A: #18 - My aunty (my godmother) who has looked after me since young. >>> Different answer. Bad English. Boring answer. Yawn. *semi-comatose applause*

Our best bet, in my opinion?

#1 Natasha Riard, 20, 1.76m, Undergraduate
{Click here to read Natasha's full profile}



If you're a sucker for punishment and want to read more, click here for the pageant's official website.

About Chick Flicks

This is me, making a mental note to myself, to buy the following DVDs when I find the time this week. I've got a sudden yearning to watch these feel-good chick flicks. Must be the damn PMS...



Anyone wanna head down to HMV with me during lunch? ;)

About Memory D

I was sifting through a box full of old photographs today and I found some pictures of D and me. We were standing by this lake along Great Ocean Road, and we were smiling like a couple of loons... Even though I seem to remember that we were freezing. (Yeah, trust us to decide to visit the 12 Apostles on a rainy Saturday in September.) Of course, I was bundled up in my funky leather jacket and D - always the macho man - only sported a thin, short-sleeve shirt. Then there was the 1 of us decked out in jester hats, carrying huge inflatable hammers and boxing gloves as we clowned around the Royal Melbourne Show.

I don't know how long I sat, thinking back on all the good times the 2 of us shared. You can pack a lot into 6 years so it must've been quite awhile. I wasn't surprised to find my cheeks wet when I came out of my reverie. I was surprised, however, to find myself smiling at the same time.

It's funny how I've moved on without even noticing it... The initial sear of pain faded after a while but for the longest time, there was a niggling ache inside me that refused to go away. I lived with it, ignored it, and even managed at times, to forget about it. But it was always there.

Tonight... I realize... Although it still hurts when I think back on everything D and I shared, the ache I feel exists for different reasons. I'm done mourning the love I had.

Why the wistfulness then? Well...
I wish D was still in my life.
I wish our friendship could go back to being like it was.
I wish he was still cracking me up with his lame jokes.
I wish he was still pissing me off with his annoying personality.
I wish we still agreed to disagree.
I wish we still had long conversations about obscure 80s music.
I wish I could still give him crap about his love for Cocopops.
I wish I could still count on him to be my rock.

So, yes, the ache's still there. But I don't mind it anymore. The smiles I get from memories of the times with D more than make up for it.

D... If you ever read this babe, I hope that you've found everything you were looking for and that your life is full of joy. I don't know if I've ever said this but thank you for being a part of my life. Know that I understand why things have to be this way between us. Know that I'll think of you once in a while. And though I might sniffle a little, I'm chuckling on the inside from all the happiness our friendship has given me. This song has always made me think about you. I hope that the memories you have of me also translate into something beautiful.

Time, sometimes the time just slips away,
And you're left with yesterday, left with the memories.
I, I'll always think of you and smile,
And be happy for the time,
I had you with me.

Though we go our separate ways,
I won't forget, so don't forget the memories we made.

Please remember, please remember,
I was there for you and you were there for me.
Please remember, our time together,
The time was yours and mine, and we were wild and free.

Please remember, please remember me...

Goodbye, there's just no sadder word to say,
And it's sad to walk away with just the memories.
Who's to know what might have been,
We leave behind a life and time I'll never know again.

Please remember, please remember,
I was there for you and you were there for me.

And remember, please remember me...

Please remember, please remember,
I was there for you and you were there for me,
Please remember, our time together,
The time was yours and mine, and we were wild and free.

Then remember, please remember me...

And how we laughed and how we smiled,
And how this heart was yours and mine,
And now the dream is out of reach,
I stood by you, you stood by me,
We took each day and made it shine,
We wrote our names across the sky,
We ran so fast, we ran so free,
Cause I had you and you had me.

Please remember, please remember...
-- LeAnn Rimes
-- "Please Remember"

About Mofo

Hahahaha... I found the hamster I want. If it doesn't do this, it's not my Mofo! *cackles* And by the way, I think Mofo is a much cooler name than Hamham and Hamhamham. *grin*


Every hamster was kungfu fighting!

About Hamham & Hamhamham

Some years back, a girlfriend of mine shared how her hallmate in Uni kept 2 pet hamsters and how she named them... Yep... Hamham and Hamhamham. Every time her hallmate spoke to the little critters, she'd start off her sentence with "Hamham, Hamhamham..."

I found it hysterically funny.

C'mon... You've gotta applaud the chick's imagination, or her lack of intelligence, depending how you look at the situation. *chuckles*

I've toyed with the idea of getting a little hammie of my own... Even got a named all picked out. Think if it. My own little furry friend named Mofo. Hahahahaha! However...
1) I spend so much time at the office, the poor bastard'll probably die from malnutrition or malaria because I couldn't spare the time to look after him...
2) Hamsters kinda freak me out cos they're so tiny and fragile. What if I squish it or mangle its leg when I try to clean its cage?! Don't think they make wheelchairs for rodents, do they?

But those dwarf hamsters sure are cute. *sappy grin*

Anyone have any hammie experiences they care to share? I just might change my mind... Heh.

About Blog Add-Ons

I've been blog surfing and I realise that there're a lot of funky features 1 can have on 1's little corner of the web. And they're all free! (Hah! Being the typical Singaporean here... Always looking for a handout! :P)

Them cough meds are kicking in and I'm getting a little woozy so I'll explore them in more detail another time. Just thought you blog addicts might wanna know about them too. :)

ClockLink.com - Add a funky digital or analog ticker to your blog's sidebar... Thumbs up for their new "The Dog" analog clockface!

HaloScan.com - A free commenting and trackback service that's just chock-full of snazzy features.

NerdsOnSite.com - Provides tagboards, hit counters and my personal favorite, a countdown timer for your blog... Your friends will never forget your birthday again! (Haha... I know mine shouldn't... *nudge*)

PollHost.com - Free and completely customizable polls for your blog... Screw, marry, murder anyone? Heh... If you've never played that game, you and your friends have evidently never been as bored as people in my social circle have...

TrueFresco.org - Allows you to track all of your blog's referring websites. Now you can actually know who's been reading your entries and how they found you...

About Advertising

I graduated in July 2001, came back to Singapore in August, started working in September.

Doing the math, I've been in advertising for 3½ years. 42 months.

I wonder... How long more before I...
1) Totally lose my mind, turn semi-schizophrenic and get carted off, kicking and screaming, to a nice padded cell at the local mental health facility.
2) Totally lose my mind, gun my clients down where they sit in their pathetic little cubbyholes and get carted off, frothing and spitting, to a nice dank cell at the local prison facility.
3) Totally lose my mind, quit my job, change my name, shave my head and cart myself off to a corner of Siberia where nobody's even heard of the word "advertising".

On a lighter note...

{Adrock2xander Advertises for Absolutely April!}

Haaaaaaaa... How many times can you say that without tying your tongue up in knots and drooling down your chin? *grin* Anyway, I just figured I'd brag a little about how my mindless babblings warranted a mention. ;)

Posted on Adrock's blog... March 15, 6.30pm
Around the time i flew off to Melbourne...i started gettin lotsa hits from a mystery lady...April's site started to appear as a direct link a fair bit...somehow she's used Bee as a vessel to pay me homage...and i cant say ive been disappointed...you see...anyone who paints a pretty picture of adrock2xander has a guaranteed parkin space in my blog...if only i had a penny for every salute ive gotten from her...id have been rich!

This week April blogs bout Joe Cartoon (ehm...wtf is Joe Cartoon?)...her thoughts on Aussies and racists experiences in Melbourne (after readin my tram inspector post)...and the soundtrack to the Will Smith vehicle Hitch...

And seeing that Adrock's got pretty stringent criteria on who he links his blog to... (Hahaha... Yeap, still bragging here.) Excerpt below taken from the Adrock FAQ. He's relaxed a little since this was written I think...

Q: Will you please link to my site?
A: If you speak bad English...no...if you speak English with a Chinese accent...no...if ya Chinese...no...if you support People's Action Party (PAP)...no...if you would like to spend your whole life payin the Communist political party mentioned previously...no...dontt take it personally if i say no...even if you beg... actually...dont even start beggin...that pisses me off even more....

About The Retrospect

Retrospect (As defined on http://www.dictionary.com)
n.
1) A review, survey, or contemplation of things in the past.
v.
2) To contemplate the past.
3) To refer back.
4) To look back on or contemplate (things past).

My blog contained nothing about the horror of the Asian tsunamis. (Well... Not till now anyway.) Why? I could say that it's cos I only started blogging well after the disaster occured, but that wouldn't be the whole truth...

In a nutshell? I avoided the topic because I couldn't deal.

The deaths and the destruction, everything translated into almost overwhelming feelings of sorrow and anger within me. I couldn't find the strength to handle those emotions... So it was easier, albeit cowardly, to make my donations and then avoid as much of the media coverage of the catastrophe and it's terrible aftermath as possible.

So why bring it up now?

Dad might have to take on a job for a UN relief agency handling an Acheh restoration project. He's 57 years old. I cried when he told me. He showed me photos of what had to be done if he got the job. I cried even more.

Over 125,000 dead and 450,000 displaced in Indonesia alone. More than double that number when you pool figures from the other countries. 3 months after that dark, dark day and we're still nowhere close to repairing the damage that's been done.

If all that's happened isn't an indication that God doesn't exist, I don't know what is.

About Gerbils & Flies

For those of you who have never heard of Joe Cartoon, what planet have you been moseying along on? *grin*

Ahhh... It's been almost 5 years since I was introduced to Joe's warped sense of humour (I never thought I'd say this but thank you Derrick! Heh...) and I must say, it's not only grown on me, it's given me a great many laughs when I've needed them most.

Here're some of my favorites... I can't link directly to the site so you'll have to go to http://www.joecartoon.com, click on the {CARTOONS} button, followed by the {ALL TOONS} button and look for the respective titles yourself. :)

Watch em' in the sequence I've listed them. Oh... If you're at home, turn the speaker volume UP. If you're at work, turn em DOWN so you don't scare your boss.

Gerbil Series
1) Micro Gerbil
2) Joe Fish
3) Gerbil in a Light Socket --> Funniest shit I've seen to date!

Fly Series
1) Stoned Flies (Part 1) --> Ti-En, I've a feeling you'll like this 1. Haha!
2) Stoned Flies (Part 2)
3) Super Fly 1
4) Super Fly 2 --> The 1 that started me off...

Other Toons
1) The Boss --> Jaime, for next time the big guys piss us off...
2) Lump The No-Legged Dog
3) Look At My Monkey

By the way... Jac... Dahling... Guess what you're getting for your birthday this year? :P


Joe's Gerbil... Jac's Present...

*grabs Jac and dances around*

"Baby baby baaaaaaaaby... I got so much luuuuuuuurrrrve in me... Yeah... Baby baby baaaaaaaaaby... I'm going to heaaaaaaaaven... I'm going to heaaaaaaaaaaven... And you suckkkkkkkk... Cos you got nothing... See you laaaaaaaaaater... Big f%$#@!ing loserrrrrrrrrr..."

About Monday Blues

You know what's worse than coming back to work on Monday?

It's coming back to work when...
1) You've been sick for the past 48 hours, i.e. You've wasted your whole weekend being ill in bed.
2) You're still not 100% well. Your head's heavy. Your nose is stuffy. Your eyes are watering. Ick.
3) Your boss returns after 2 weeks leave. You get use to taking things easy for 14 days and all of a sudden, it's back to the grind.
4) You have an idiotic colleague who just loooooooves to talk about how she spent her weekend purging in the toilet.
5) Said colleague just doesn't know when the fuck to shut up because she thinks everyone's just dying to listen to her yap about her insipid, boring, pathetic life.

I could probably think of a lot more if I put my mind to it. But my head's heavy, my nose's stuffy and my eyes are watering. I just wanna head downstairs for a nice visit with friendly Dr. George, get a damn MC and head home. *miserable sniffle*

About The AAA

Inspired by Adrock's latest post on his run-in with an Aussie tram conductor...

I could never stomach the belief that the lack of pigmentation in a person's skin also translated into a superior level of intelligence, a higher degree of sophistication and a loftier position in life. "Hey pussface! Just because I'm freaking Asian doesn't mean that I'm some backward fuckwit from Hicksville!"

Thinking back, I realise that I was quite lucky. I met the occasional AAA - "Absolute Aussie Asshole" - but my stint as a student in Melbourne was generally unmarred by the ugly stain of racism. Just as well, since the few brushes I had with racial prejudice were enough to set my blood boiling for days on end.

*frowns as she thinks back*

[AAA CASE FILE #1]...

At a bookstore along Swanston Street. A well-dressed Aussie woman caught my attention, hardly surprising since she was bitching at the top of her voice about how Melbourne was becoming overrun by "undesirables". Wanting to see whom she was referring to, I glanced around, before I realized that her eyes were trained directly on me! Honestly, I was so surprised, I had absolutely no idea how to react. God knows how long I stood there, eyes wide, and stared at her. She continued to spit venom, till the snippets I managed to register snapped me out of my daze.

I remember walking up to her on legs that weren't quite stable. There was this strange buzzing in my ears and I was so angry I could barely see straight. However, I'm proud to say that when I spoke, my voice was cold, controlled and cutting.
Her: These Vietnamese especially. They come... Gangs and fights... Uncouth, violent louts... No heritage or culture...
Me: I just thought I'd let you know that I'm Chinese. Having yellow skin doesn't automatically make me Vietnamese, just like you being Australian doesn't automatically stop you from being a stupid, racist bitch.
Her: *stunned silence*
Me: Oh. 1 more thing. While I can't lay claim to a rich and glorious heritage, at least I don't trace my ancestry back to fucking bunch of British convicts! *smirks, spins around and stalks off*

As I sailed out of the shop, I felt like a queen. Ok... A queen who was fuming mad. (If that'd been Alice in Wonderland, I'd have been screaming "Off with their heaaaaaaaaads! And aaaaall important appendages!" at the top of my voice.) Later, however, when the red haze had diminished some, I found myself semi-amused at the look on the cow's face. She probably assumed that I wouldn't understand a word she was saying... She sure as hell wasn't expecting a rebuttal. Fucking priceless. *grin*

[AAA CASE FILE #2]...

1st week of my Uni term... I was the only newbie in my PR tute. (It's not my fault that I had a diploma in Mass Communications and was therefore eligible to go straight into final year...) Anyway, being the only stranger, lil ol' me had to stand up and give a short spiel on where I was from, what kind of person I was, blah blah blah...

Me: Hi, my name is April and I'm from Singapore.
Fat Chick: Sing what? Huh? Where's that?
Me: *attempting a good-natured grin* Oh, it's a little island that's just south of Malaysia.
Pimply Dude: Really? *blinks owlishly* I thought it was somewhere in China...
Me: I... Errr... Well, it's not... It's... Errr... *mentally rolling eyes* A little island that's just south of Malaysia.
Pimply Dude: *shrugs* The name sounds like it's somewhere in China...
Hair Lip Chick: I think China would be a fascinating place to visit. *looks at me* Is it?
Me: Ahmmm... I'm afraid I wouldn't know. I've never been to China.
Hair Lip Chick: Oh. *bites lip* I thought that you would have, since you're, you know, Asian and all...
Me: *smile starts turning mildly forced* Well, I haven't.
Pimply Dude: *looks at the hairy one and sneers* Why would anybody want to visit China?!

He sounded as if he'd rather take a 1-way trip down the nearest toilet sewage system. I thought he already had, judging from the monster eruptions he had on that wart plantation he called a face.

I later found out that this walking zit had never even been out of Australia. His idea of taking a long trip from home was probably limited to hopping on a Qantas domestic flight and zipping from WA to NSW, so what the fuck does he know about the rest of the world?! Pfffft...

Thankfully, at this point of the conversation, the lecturer stepped in, thanked me for my introduction (What fucking introduction?! I'd barely said 3 words about myself!), and moved the topic to our semester's syllabus.

*grumpy face* And with those happy memories in my head, I'm going downstairs for a cigarette. Woe behold any Aussie who ends up in the same lift.

About Blogging

Heh... I've changed my Blog skin again. Another Widowpoison Creation... Like it? :) Yes, I know it's similar to the previous layout, minus the cutesy icons and faces. I got bored of the whole kiddy-widdy look and tried to do something that's a lil more feminine, but still cheery and fun. :P

Hahaha... Apparently, Ti-En's a believer of the "Whine-Long-Enough-And-You'll-Get-Your-Way" train of thought.

Posted on Ti-En's blog... March 10, 9.14pm
April... how? offer back rub not enough ah.. wah.

I would say that highly depends on the quality of the backrub. Hahaha...

Posted on Ti-En's blog... March 10, 10.16pm
Anyways. Go check out marc dass's blog for a couple of laughs. www.higherlevels.blogspot.com.. DAMNIT another blogspot. APRIL!!!!!

What, what?! *runs off, hides in a corner and covers her eyes* I am not here... You cannot see me... I am invisible... :P

By the way, MY GODDAMN TAGBOARD HASN'T BEEN WORKING FOR OVER A WEEK! What the @!#$%^&* are the folks at http://www.tag-board.com doing?! I am getting seriously annoyed. Grrrrrrr...

Before I head off to shower and get ready for work, would you believe that I'm not sure how happy I am it's Friday?! On 1 hand, I'm so ready for the weekend cos work's been a total drag these past few days. On the other, it being the end of the week means that our "freedom" in the office has come to an end. Yep, the "garment" will be back next week and we'll all actually have to work again. (Heh... I mean, c'mon, why the hell do we actually have to do stuff just because they're paying us, right? :P)

About Ti-En

Hahaha... Ti-En totally managed to get my Thursday off to a good start. Was reading his blog, and his latest post about his fiasco with a cab driver had me choking on my morning cigarette because I was laughing so hard. (Side note to Ti-En: Priceless lah babe... Utterly priceless. :P)

Oh... And apparently, he's finally realised how crappy Diaryland is. *grin*

Posted on Ti-En's blog... March 8, 12.11am
Damnit i want to switch to blogspot. stupid jac and april. i mean compare our blogs! it's like .... comparing the city center of rwanda and union square in SF. irritating.

Hey... Not my fault you signed up with a blog that doesn't even allow for comments to be posted on your entries. I like your analogy though. *beams*

Posted on Ti-En's blog... March 10, 12.10am
Ok. I really think i shd go onto blogspot. April, Jac, you guys have converted me. Note to april: can you help me do up a nice nice page to get me started? PLEASE? I'll... er... give you a back rub. Confirm cure your sore back.

I swear I should start charging. $50 a template or something like that. Although the backrub bit does sound tempting. *sighs wistfully and grimaces as she massages her aching back* Heh... Ti-En, get your butt onto Blogger first while I think about it. ;)

Oh... And like I said, sweet talking ain't gonna get you no skin darlin'. I gotta do 1 for Jaime 1st. And I've been thinking of revamping mine. Getting bored with the whole "Dear Diary" template... :P

About Getting Hitched

Jaime, Jules and me. After numerous slipups, the 3 of us finally got hitched last night at Orchard Cineleisure. Yep. And Will Smith rocked. I won't spoil if for those of you who haven't seen "the movie" but I think we definitely have another winner here folks. :)

Oh... And it's got a funky soundtrack. Click here to listen to some of my favorites from the album. Hahaha... I swear that damn Heavy D song's gonna be bugging the @#$%^&* out of me for the rest of the week. *mutters*
- Don't You Worry About A Thing - John Legend
- Ooh Wee - Mark Ronson
- Now That We Found Love - Heavy D & The Boyz

*grabs Jaime and does a little wiggly dance*

"Uhhhhh... Now that we found love... What are we gonna doooooooooo... With iiiiiiiiiiiiit..."


Will Smith, Hitch

About A Wench

Another quiz I thought I'd try out from http://www.sparknotes.com. Heh... Sorry... Couldn't resist trying to find out if I'm a wench.

Wench (As defined on http://www.dictionary.com)
n.
1. A young woman or girl, especially a peasant girl.
2. A woman servant.
3. A wanton woman.

Phooey. I still prefer the word "slut". Somehow, screaming "You bloody, filthy wench!" at some crappy, old cow doesn't have the same ring to it. Hahaha...

Anyway... Here's a quick introduction to the wench test...

Lords and Ladies of the Court! For the past two weeks, the SparkNotes computer engineers have been working dilligently to develop the biggest Internet breakthrough on earth. We have finally completed our research! Using a complicated system of ropes and ponies, we have succeeded in creating the holy grail of natural science: a simple test to determine, with 100% accuracy, if someone is a dirty wench. See, in Shakespeare's time, people beat around the bush with fancy words. But we'll be more direct. Chances are you're at least 10% wanton hussy. With SparkNotes' patented Wenchalyzer™ technology, we can tell you what everyone else has been saying about you for years.

The results are in... I am...

46% wench!


The Wench Test

Of the 10,904,824 test takers so far...
- 54% can use a gun.
- 48% have been in a catfight.
- 44% have cheated in a relationship.
- 52% forget birthdays.
- 49% blamed a friend for farting.
- 26% gnawed while making nice.
- 18% wear lots of hairspray.
- 23% stomped on someone with high heels.

Fact! Women who like the taste of beer are MORE likely to cheat on their boyfriends.
Fact! Canadian women are MORE likely to consider themselves successful.
Fact! Girls with tattoos DON'T LIKE authority.
Fact! Girls who sleep with married men are MORE likely to forget their friends' birthdays.

About Dangerous

Brandon mentioned that he found an old CD today that we all loved back in secondary school. Heh... Sneer all you want but I'll freely admit that I was a huge fan of Michael Jackson as a kid. I had every single album he made as a solo artist, right up to "Dangerous", which I thought was the last work of genius he released before he morphed into a true Whacko Jacko.


Michael Jackson - Dangerous

Here're the lyrics to a track I never get sick of listening to. It's so damn sensual! :) I can still remember the music video, which featured Naomi Campbell looking unbelievably sexy as she slithered around an arid desert. Damn... What wouldn't I give to look like that. :P

(Woman) There's something I have to say to you,
If you promise you'll understand,
I cannot contain myself when in your presence,
I'm so humble,
Don't hide our love, woman to man...

(Michael) She's just a lover, who's doing me by,
It's worth the giving, it's worth the try,
You cannot cleave it, or put it in the furnace,
You cannot wet it, you cannot burn it.

She wants to give it (She wants to give it, oh she wants to give it),
Dare me (She wants to give it, oh she wants to give it),
She wants to give it (Oh she wants to give it),
She wants to give it (She wants to give it, oh she wants to give it),
She wants to give it (Oh she wants to give it)...

It's just a feeling, you want to soothe it,
You can't neglect it, you can't abuse it,
It's just desire, you cannot waste it,
Then, if you want it, then, won't you taste it.

She wants to give it (She wants to give it, oh she wants to give it),
Dare me (She wants to give it, oh she wants to give it),
She wants to give it (Oh she wants to give it),
She wants to give it (She wants to give it, oh she wants to give it),
She wants to give it (Oh she wants to give it)...

(Woman) 1 thing in life you must understand,
The truth of lust, woman to man,
So open the door and you will see,
There are no secrets,
Make your move, set me free...

(Michael) There's something about you baby,
That makes me want to give it to you,
I swear there's something about you baby...

Just promise me whatever we say or do to each other,
For now we'll just make a vow to just
Keep it in the closet.

If you can get it, it's worth a try,
I really want it, I can't deny,
It's just desire, I really love it,

(Woman) Cause if it's aching, you have to rub it...

(Michael) She wants to give it (She wants to give it, oh she wants to give it),
Dare me (She wants to give it, oh she wants to give it),
She wants to give it (Oh she wants to give it),
She wants to give it (She wants to give it, oh she wants to give it),
She wants to give it (Oh she wants to give it)...

(Woman) Just open the door and you will see,
This passion burns inside of me,
Don't say to me you'll never tell,
Touch me there, make the move, cast the spell...

(Michael) There's something about you baby,
That makes me want to give it to you,
I swear there's something about you baby...

Just promise me whatever we say or do to each other,
For now we'll just make a vow to just,
Keep it in the closet.
-- Michael Jackson
-- "In The Closet"

About The Quiz

Have jumped on the bandwagon and created a quiz that's all about me. Heh... Click here to take the quiz or here to view the score board.

The last time I did something like this, only Jac got a perfect 10/10. Heh... Let's see what happens now that 4 years have passed. *winks* Hahaha... ;)

About My Top 10

Once again, an attempt to occupy myself during a draggy day at work. I decided to compile a little top 10 list. Here are, in my humble opinion, the most gorgeous men to walk this earth today. *grin*

#10 - Johnny Depp
Anyone who was a fan of 21 Jump Street won't deny that he's only gotten better with age.


#9 - Takeshi Kaneshiro
Another star who's improved with age. Who could resist that perfect profile with its intense, angst-filled gaze? Sigh...


#8 - Matthew McConaughey
That body. That face. That wonderfully sexy Southern drawl. Hoochie mama! :)


#7 - Antonio Sabato Jr.
From underwear by Calvin Klein to social escort services in Ally McBeal... There's almost nothing this man couldn't sell me... As long as he came with it. ;)


#6 - James Marsters
Better known as the vampire "Spike" from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". The typical bad boy with a soft gooey centre. Bite me baby! Literally!


#5 - Mark McGrath
The lead singer from Sugaray can rock my world any time he wants to...


#4 - Jon Bon Jovi
Although I wouldn't mind Jon's husky vocals singing me to sleep... (Oh! And I'll show him my tattoos if he shows me his. Hehehe!)


#3 - Jay Chou
Or Jie Lun crooning in my ear throughout the night either... We'll see if he's really... Incomparable, eh? ;)


#2 - Jason Lewis
SaTC's absolute hunk is... He's so... Oh for god's sake, somebody just remove that damn bottle of vodka!!!


#1 - Hugh Jackman
What can I say? I've been a goner since I watched him strap on a skinsuit in X-Men.