It's Thursday night. Tomorrow is Friday! It seems like this has been a very long week. Monday seems like ages ago!
Bummed that futsal training was cancelled tonight. Was looking forward to having the run! Instead ended up having dinner with colleagues at Rumahku, which was fun. Been wanting to go to this place for some time, as I read about it in Timeout KL and other food reviews. Was not disappointed; the food was awesome! And the deco and feel was so homely. We were there for about 2 hours, and a lot of 'talking' about work was done ;)
Friday, 29 May 2009
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Go get that dream, Susan Boyle!!
I finally got a chance to look up videos of Susan Boyle's performances on YouTube tonight. I'd heard so much about her audition, they talk about her constantly on the radio, and I've seen a couple of pictures of her in the newspapers. But it wasn't until I saw a snippet of news on her on the telly last night that I actually started to get an inkling about why there was so much media hype about her. And boy, can she sing! I watched the footage of her signing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables for her Britain's Got Talent audition; it gave me shivers!
Then Memories, from Cats, her perfomance in the semi-final that won her a spot in the final. While she was shaky at the very start, she settled into the song quickly and it was breathtaking. I think the best part was when they had a close-up of her about 2/3 of the way into the song, during a musical interlude, and she broke into a huge smile. It was so touching, and it really portrayed that she was at ease and enjoying herself tremedously.
I didn't think though, although it may have been the truth, that Piers should have been so brutally honest by saying after her audition that everyone was laughing at her. It seemed kind of cruel. After her semi-final performance he kept harping on the fact that the whole world was watching her. I'd like for her to go through the show enjoying herself without worrying about things like that. Because the whole popularity thing might just hit her one day, and she'll realise how much people are expecting of her, and she could crumble. Could, I'm not saying she would. But for someone who seems quite untainted by the negativity in the world, she might not know how to deal with it.
There was also an interview where Amanda, another of the judges claims that Susan will “be an instant international superstar — but I don’t think she’ll have longevity.” Ouch. This from someone who looked like she was going to cry when she first heard Susan sing the opening lines of "I dreamed a dream in time gone by..." And especially since, thanks to Susan, Amanda has finally landed a gig in the US, something she's apparently been trying to get for years. The best part: "We move on very fast. But who cares? She won’t. This is more than she ever dreamed of anyway." 'Anyway'???? What's that supposed to mean? That it's acceptable if Susan had her 5 minutes of fame and that's all we expect her to get? For an actress, Amanda was pretty horrible at suppressing her emotions during Susan's audition. Perhaps that's why she needed Susan's fame to help her land a job in the US.
Regardless, I'm proud to say that I am on the Susan Boyle bandwagon, and hope with all my heart that she wins and goes on to have a long successful career. Oh, and I hope she fulfills her dream to perform in front of the Queen!!! =)
P.s. I do love that Simon cupped his chin in the hands towards the end of "I Dreamed a Dream" and had this dreamy smile on his face. Like a little boy with a crush on his teacher! :) Seems like the man is human after all.
Then Memories, from Cats, her perfomance in the semi-final that won her a spot in the final. While she was shaky at the very start, she settled into the song quickly and it was breathtaking. I think the best part was when they had a close-up of her about 2/3 of the way into the song, during a musical interlude, and she broke into a huge smile. It was so touching, and it really portrayed that she was at ease and enjoying herself tremedously.
I didn't think though, although it may have been the truth, that Piers should have been so brutally honest by saying after her audition that everyone was laughing at her. It seemed kind of cruel. After her semi-final performance he kept harping on the fact that the whole world was watching her. I'd like for her to go through the show enjoying herself without worrying about things like that. Because the whole popularity thing might just hit her one day, and she'll realise how much people are expecting of her, and she could crumble. Could, I'm not saying she would. But for someone who seems quite untainted by the negativity in the world, she might not know how to deal with it.
There was also an interview where Amanda, another of the judges claims that Susan will “be an instant international superstar — but I don’t think she’ll have longevity.” Ouch. This from someone who looked like she was going to cry when she first heard Susan sing the opening lines of "I dreamed a dream in time gone by..." And especially since, thanks to Susan, Amanda has finally landed a gig in the US, something she's apparently been trying to get for years. The best part: "We move on very fast. But who cares? She won’t. This is more than she ever dreamed of anyway." 'Anyway'???? What's that supposed to mean? That it's acceptable if Susan had her 5 minutes of fame and that's all we expect her to get? For an actress, Amanda was pretty horrible at suppressing her emotions during Susan's audition. Perhaps that's why she needed Susan's fame to help her land a job in the US.
Regardless, I'm proud to say that I am on the Susan Boyle bandwagon, and hope with all my heart that she wins and goes on to have a long successful career. Oh, and I hope she fulfills her dream to perform in front of the Queen!!! =)
P.s. I do love that Simon cupped his chin in the hands towards the end of "I Dreamed a Dream" and had this dreamy smile on his face. Like a little boy with a crush on his teacher! :) Seems like the man is human after all.
Clear eyes...
Sometimes you don't want to believe something, but then someone provides information that supports your hunch and then you are in disbelief.
My hair is falling out, I'm saying it's due to stress!
I need to work harder, faster, better. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose (focus)!
My hair is falling out, I'm saying it's due to stress!
I need to work harder, faster, better. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose (focus)!
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Addiction
I've always been cautious in my consumption of coffee. As much as I love the taste, and the caffeine hit of a good espresso-based coffee. Whilst on holiday in Turkey last Christmas, I had to restrict myself to just one a day, otherwise I would have a) gotten addicted to it, and b) not been able to sleep at night. :) Otherwise, I try to only drink coffee if I need the caffeine, or if I want to treat myself to a store-bought one (as opposed to instant coffee powder and granules).
Recently, however, the requirement to work some crazy hours (including being 'on-call' on a Sunday) has played cruel jokes on my body clock, so I've been relying more and more on coffee to get me through the day and keep me awake. This is compounded by the fact that the client's office where we are stationed, has a nescafe coffee machine, so you get lattes and cappucinos at the touch of a button, FOC! I decided last week to reduce the amount of coffee I consume from that machine (things that cause creamer to artificially foam cannot be good for your body) but I think the seeds of an addiction to coffee have been planted.
I had a headache for quite a while last weekend, and again yesterday. but I've yet to establish for certain whether it's caffeine-related.
Recently, however, the requirement to work some crazy hours (including being 'on-call' on a Sunday) has played cruel jokes on my body clock, so I've been relying more and more on coffee to get me through the day and keep me awake. This is compounded by the fact that the client's office where we are stationed, has a nescafe coffee machine, so you get lattes and cappucinos at the touch of a button, FOC! I decided last week to reduce the amount of coffee I consume from that machine (things that cause creamer to artificially foam cannot be good for your body) but I think the seeds of an addiction to coffee have been planted.
I had a headache for quite a while last weekend, and again yesterday. but I've yet to establish for certain whether it's caffeine-related.
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Favourite music?
Every once in a while, I get asked what type of music/which singers or bands I like. And my answer is always the same.
I don't have a particular favourite singer/band/genre. Granted I was brought up in a mainstream culture, therefore my likes and dislikes tend to bend in that direction. But I have in the past liked some pretty off-beat stuff when I hear (of) it. At the end of the day, it all depends on the song itself, how I'm feeling and what I'm in the mood for.
Sometimes, if I'm not having a great day, a song that I usually like may just annoy me and other songs may work a treat as a pick-me-up. On other days, the opposite could be true of these same songs.
Lyrics are so important. Often, they are what enable to me to relate to a particular song. So while 'Hey There Delilah' by the Plain White T's had a catchy tune, I'm loving this song more: 1234. It also has a great tune.
Then there's Miley Cyrus' The Climb. It's hard to imagine that someone that young has such a mature voice (but if my dad were Billy Ray Cyrus I'd expect pretty good music genes!). The song itself is o-k, and I don't think the video's great either, but I like the lyrics - a message that I have to keep in mind. Enjoy! :)
I don't have a particular favourite singer/band/genre. Granted I was brought up in a mainstream culture, therefore my likes and dislikes tend to bend in that direction. But I have in the past liked some pretty off-beat stuff when I hear (of) it. At the end of the day, it all depends on the song itself, how I'm feeling and what I'm in the mood for.
Sometimes, if I'm not having a great day, a song that I usually like may just annoy me and other songs may work a treat as a pick-me-up. On other days, the opposite could be true of these same songs.
Lyrics are so important. Often, they are what enable to me to relate to a particular song. So while 'Hey There Delilah' by the Plain White T's had a catchy tune, I'm loving this song more: 1234. It also has a great tune.
Then there's Miley Cyrus' The Climb. It's hard to imagine that someone that young has such a mature voice (but if my dad were Billy Ray Cyrus I'd expect pretty good music genes!). The song itself is o-k, and I don't think the video's great either, but I like the lyrics - a message that I have to keep in mind. Enjoy! :)
Long long work hours
I don't mind the work that I'm doing now, but it is the cause of my lack of a social life. Heck, I hardly see the sun anymore, except through the tinted windows of the client's office on the 26th floor!
We have been finishing work between 9 and 11 pm, sometimes 12 and beyond, consistently. We worked yesterday, and will do so again today. It's insane and I doubt that the solution of taking turns at going home at 5.30pm during weekdays (only to work at home) is going to do us much good.
I hope I get remunerated well for this!! :)
In the meantime, I console myself in other ways. Last night, I managed to get off 9.30pm, in time to join some friends for dessert. I decided on melted chocolate cake (as in, chocolate lava cake). It wasn't great - not hot enough so the chocolate with thick rather than liquidy, but it was chocolate nonetheless! Not the best for my heart and waistline, but who goes to the gym on a Saturday night, hmmm?
We have been finishing work between 9 and 11 pm, sometimes 12 and beyond, consistently. We worked yesterday, and will do so again today. It's insane and I doubt that the solution of taking turns at going home at 5.30pm during weekdays (only to work at home) is going to do us much good.
I hope I get remunerated well for this!! :)
In the meantime, I console myself in other ways. Last night, I managed to get off 9.30pm, in time to join some friends for dessert. I decided on melted chocolate cake (as in, chocolate lava cake). It wasn't great - not hot enough so the chocolate with thick rather than liquidy, but it was chocolate nonetheless! Not the best for my heart and waistline, but who goes to the gym on a Saturday night, hmmm?
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
so damn sure
I have been called many things in my life. 'Cock sure' of myself is definitely not one of them. Til today.
I am willing to bet that if I were a case study in psychology, I would be classified as the furthest specimen you can obtain from 'cock sure'. I give you 2 inches, you first take 6, then proceed to walk all over me.
I don't feel confident of myself, and such references have been made before. I think the way I am is partly a result of the lack of confidence. I could only rely on myself for a while, so I tried to build up some self-confidence intrinsically, only to have you shoot me down time & again.
I am willing to bet that if I were a case study in psychology, I would be classified as the furthest specimen you can obtain from 'cock sure'. I give you 2 inches, you first take 6, then proceed to walk all over me.
I don't feel confident of myself, and such references have been made before. I think the way I am is partly a result of the lack of confidence. I could only rely on myself for a while, so I tried to build up some self-confidence intrinsically, only to have you shoot me down time & again.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
My Favourite Things
I was in a feeling of great despair tonight. Then I saw someone post this link, and I have to share it. Because when I thought that I couldn't take anymore, this managed to make me smile, laugh, sing. I hope you enjoy it.
p.s. feel free to share the link/this post to make someone else smile too. They will be very grateful to you for it
p.s. feel free to share the link/this post to make someone else smile too. They will be very grateful to you for it
Monday, 4 May 2009
Mark Bittan / Food bag
Just quickly, some articles from The Star today:
Article on Mark Bittan: Food matters to Mark Bittan
Will have to keep following his blog!
Also, making dishes out of random ingredients, kind of a more friendly version of the Iron Chef, I suppose!
What's in your bag?
And this is not directly related to cooking, but it is definitely food-related! :) Cupcakes, anyone?
Article on Mark Bittan: Food matters to Mark Bittan
Will have to keep following his blog!
Also, making dishes out of random ingredients, kind of a more friendly version of the Iron Chef, I suppose!
What's in your bag?
And this is not directly related to cooking, but it is definitely food-related! :) Cupcakes, anyone?
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