there is comfort in the sound

Death Cab For Cutie - Marching Bands of Manhattan


Artist: Death Cab For Cutie
Title: Marching Bands of Manhattan
Album: Plans
Year: 2005

If I could open my arms
and span the length of the isle of Manhattan,
I'd bring it to where you are
making a lake of the East River and Hudson
And if I could open my mouth
wide enough for a marching band to march out of
they would make your name sing
and bend through alleys and bounce off other buildings.

I wish we could open our eyes
to see in all directions at the same time
Oh what a beautiful view
if you were never aware of what was around you
And it is true what you said
that I live like a hermit in my own head
but when the sun shines again
I'll pull the curtains and blinds to let the light in.

Sorrow drips into your heart through a pinhole
Just like a faucet that leaks and there is comfort in the sound
But while you debate half empty or half full
It slowly rises, your love is gonna drown (4x)

Your love is gonna drown (4x)
Your love is gonna...

Download the song.

merry christmas, y'all!!

Waargh! I forgot to post this up to embarrass myself on Christmas. Oh well. There are 12 days to Christmas, isn't there? Haha. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

wishful thinking

Mark was not able to join me for this trip. Wistfully wishing that somehow he would be able to maybe join us later. Aren't I sweet? Well, it doesn't hurt to dream. =) Okay, so it does, but only sometimes. Hehe.

signs of aging

Woke up early yesterday morning to get ready for a facial appointment at 9.30am. The little princess (my little sister), Andy took her time. As usual. She's only 7 and already she takes her time getting ready. We finally managed to leave the house at 9.10am. Drove over to Mark's house to pick him up cos he wanted to accompany me to the facial thing at Dermalogica. No no, he did not for a facial as well. He just sat there, reading a book I lent him. Roald Dahl, btw, and a collection of some of his short stories. And he's loving it too. I'm just so proud.

Anyways, arrived at Dermalogica at about 9.35am. Not too late. Lucky me. Left Mark and Andy outside at the main waiting area while I went back into one of the back rooms where they did the facials. (I'm saying facial so many times I'm shuddering while I'm typing this) When I got into the rooms, one of the ladies that worked there asked, "Is that your husband waiting for you outside?" Whaaaaaaaaaaaat??!!!?! Hahahahahaha! Wait, does that mean I look old??! Anyways, I replied her, "WHAT??!! My husband's outside??! But my boyfriend's outside!!" Wahahaha! Naw, just kidding, kay. I just started laughing really nervously. I was wondering if I actually looked that old, okay?! And said, "Nah, I'm too young to be married."

It would have been fun to see her reaction if I had said what I mentioned earlier instead though. After the facial, walking back towards the car, I told Mark about what happened and we both had a good laugh. He said that I looked good for someone who had bore a child. Mark didn't look that old either. He looks younger than his age, actually. So we came to the conclusion that it wasn't our fault that that lady made the assumption that we were married but that it was all Andy's fault for just being around. Haha.

After that, we all headed to Parkson to have lunch at McDonald's where my parents suprised us by just showing up without warning to join us for lunch. After lunch, my parents headed off for work whilst the rest of us stayed back to try watch The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Yes, try. Try because our last two attempts to try go watch that movie only ended in failure. The first time, we were late to the cinema so we decided not to watch it. The second time, the cinema was totally full so we ended up watching Zatura instead.

Yes, The Chronicles of Narnia may be about a journey, but it itself is a journey. Chewah!! The movie only started at 2pm but we bought our tickets extra early this time just in case. We bought them at 1pm and we just headed to the bookstore to kill time. Found a book on Indian Head Massage. Tried it out on Mark cos Andy is just too ticklish and kept squirming away. Hehehe. Well, he liked it. I guess the book works. Either that or I'm just good. Haha.

So, how was the movie? It was great! Well, from what I saw anyway. Even with those annoying chinese girls that chattered away throughout the entire movie, I enjoyed the movie. Some people really do not have any manners. If you want to talk, why waste money coming into the cinema to chat? Might as well just go to some kopitiam (coffee shop) somewhere and talk there! Cheaper!!! Sure, the seats may not be as comfortable but at least if you made noise there, no one would mind! No one would be cursing and swearing under their breaths at you. Pfft!

Anyways, did you know that Aslan meant Lion in Turkish? Just a random fact about the movie. Sad to say, I never read the books. I'm sure that the books were better though. I'm kinda glad that I have not read the books cos then I was able to enjoy the movie.

After that, deposited Andy off at home and rushed to campus where I had an interview with my lecturer at 4.30pm. The movie only ended at about 4.05pm. Which didn't leave me with much time. Hahaha. Managed to make it though. Phew!

Hung out at Mark's friend's house till about 6.30pm. And he was so nice as to give me a stack of his Magic the Gathering cards. Cos they're worth nothing to him. No, I don't play. Don't know how to. He just gave them to me cos I liked them plus he had tonnes of them in his house. Everywhere you looked, there would be some more cards! Hehehehe. So nice of him. Anyways, I liked his friends. They're all good fun.

Sent Marky home, then went out for dinner with family to Bavaria. Then home again.

Btw, just wanna apologise for the lack of pictures in my recent posts. So pissed right now cos it feels like I'm on dial up all over again!!! My internet for the past few days have not been behaving very well. I can't upload pictures cos they take too long. Hopefully, this problem would be gone by the time I get back from my holidays.

(Still just blogging to release stress)

Tata.

suspicious conversation

"You'll never believe what your mom did!"

"What what?? What did she do??"

(whispers into ear)

"WHAT?!! You serious?? No way!!"

(nodding profusely) "Yes! Yes way!"

"No no... no.... no no no... my gawd. My mom's devious!! Eeeeeee......"

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" (claps hands together in glee)

"Ish!! No way!!"

"No, she did! She told me! Can't believe she did that!"

"My mom's cheating for you. That's not fair!" (stomps foot)

(Jumping around, giggling)

"Pfft."

------------------------------

A conversation I had with Mark about my mom. We were up in my room at the time. Just hanging out. You can try guess who is who in the conversation. Hahaha. And yeah, my mom cheated for him. Eeeee... not saying in what. Not gonna say what she did. Cos it might cost us dearly. But, fingers crossed. Let's hope it works out. ;)

Well, I'm here to rant. My parents have always been strict about not letting me date. But oddly enough, they've been pretty lenient about me hanging out quite often with Mark. Which is odd. Cos they usually would not even let me hang out with my friends often. Don't know what they think about us though. Cos I never told them outright that we're attached. Heheh.

A few weeks back, my mom and I were in the car going to the airport to fetch my dad. She was just talking to me, I was just listening. Suddenly she came on the topic of relationships. At the time, Mark and I were already together. Anyway, she was saying the usual things she does about not getting married too early, enjoy single life first. But she didn't end the conversation the same way she usually would. What she would usually do is to warn me to stay away from guys. But this time, she said, "If you want to date, can date lah just as long as you don't get too serious and that the guy is not too controlling."

I just sat there silently. Silently shocked. Is she saying that it's alright for me to go out with guys now? Hmmmmmm....... dare not ask if I heard correctly. Haha. So just sat there, and continued listening to the radio.

She's even invited him to my house to learn how to make cupcakes. Yes, he did come by one day and she taught him how to make cupcakes while I just sat there watching the both of them and tasting the end product. She had also invited him several times to join us for dinner. She lets me go out with him. She's helping him out with some stuff. Man! What the heck is going on?

Yeah, well, it's just weird. And I'm just ranting. I'm stressed out.

learning to fly in one week

In one week's time, I shall be flying across the South China Sea, and making my way towards the Lion City. In other words, Singapore. Yay. Finally, I get to get out of Miri! Muahahaha. I don't really have any plans as to what I would do once I get there, but frankly, I don't really care. Cos all I'm concerned about right now is getting out of Miri.

It's not that Miri is such a bad place. It's just that I haven't gone travelling in what feels like forever. And Singapore is like a second home to me. We used to go there every year. Until recently. My mom the other day said it was cos my dad used to love travelling. Then now he doesn't. She says she remembers a time when both my parents were in KL cos my mom had to undergo an operation. Nothing major. Both my brother and I (my sister was not born yet) were left in Miri. But my dad missed us so much that he immediately told my aunt to fly us both over to KL. Heheheh. So my aunt had to accompany us over to KL. Heheheh. I can't even remember how old we were back then. Then my mom went on to say, "Then you guys so bad. You all went out shopping without me while I had to wait at the hospital." .... -_-"

Anyways, I just know that I will try as best I can to go out often, buy xmas presents for people. (If I get any pocket money, that is, which is unlikely) And I will try not to miss people too much. You guys will ruin my whole vacation if I'm not too careful. Heheh. I will walk everywhere! Good exercise. I would be staying at my cousin's place in a condominium. Good thing they live right at the city centre where all the major shopping complexes are. So everything is within walking distance. Muahaha! I will take as many pictures as I can! That's so that I can make you all jealous. Wahaha. Just kidding! I'm not that bad. I think.

What else shall I do.... oh yes, mom said Mark can tag along with us if he wants to. So if he does come, I shall show him around the city! Yup yups. If he doesn't, I'm gonna miss him heaps. So, if things go according to plan, my mom, sister, Mark, and I would be flying off to Singapore on the 16th. But we shall be going up to KL sometime before Christmas because we are all planning to celebrate it there. I have an aunt living in Seremban with a gorgeous house so we will all be crashing at her place.

One bad thing about that place though is that it's far from shopping complexes and all that. In other words, civilisation. So, I will be stuck at home more often while I am there. Public transportation is scarce. Unlike Singapore. From what I hear, they are planning to teach us kids to cook. Creepy. Then I shall be coming home to Miri on the 29th. I would probably be missing Miri like nuts by that time. So it's all good. =) What's there to miss? My computer. Hahaha! And if Mark doesn't get to come along, him too. Heheh. Oh! As well as you guys, of course! Haha. I made you all sound like an afterthought, didn't I?

Anyways, if I'm lucky enough to have enough privacy while I'm out west, I shall blog. ;) So fear not if I suddenly vanish into thin air from the 16th to the 29th of December.

So, what would you guys like for Christmas?

we will miss you all

Isn't it funny that when you read in the papers about people, people you don't know personally, passing away from horrible accidents that you don't feel a thing? Well, maybe you do, but it's not a feeling that would last for long. But when it's people you do know, it comes as such a shock. There's that feeling of disbelief, that you don't believe it is real.

And your heart aches cos you can't believe not ever seeing them ever again when not too long ago, they were alive, breathing, laughing, talking, joking around, being happy. You're in denial cos it's all just too sudden. Too soon. They were too young to have something like this happen to them. Then maybe there's a tinge of regret for not getting to know them better or treating them with more care.

Them being people you do know, you imagine what their last moments of life must have been like. How horrible it must be to die the way they did. How unfair it was that their lives had to be taken away so prematurely. Just when they barely got to step out into the world. But who knows, it may just be a blessing in disguise that God chose to bring them back so early. That He was protecting them from this world we know, and we all know how messed up the world is.

What goes through a parent's mind, when their hopes and dreams have been shattered, to have to bury their child when it should be the other way around. How much hurt must they have felt to have lost someone they love. Someone whom they have watched growing up since they were just a little baby. Going through all sorts of obstacles to raise a child that would be fit for society.

What does a friend feel, going to class and noticing that there is an extra seat in the class, knowing who used to sit there. Feeling the loss of a friend whom they used to share secrets with, joke around with, and maybe cried with.

How does a sibling feel, losing a brother or a sister. Whom they may have bullied, or may have been bullied by and then wished that he or she was dead, and then now to have it happen, how much they must blame themselves and wished they had taken back those words.

These are all just senarios that come from my mind. One that thinks too much.

It's disheartening seeing people who cared so much about them cry..

There's still a part of me that doesn't believe that these people are gone. But the matter of the fact is that they are. Although I'm not that close to them, I still think of them as friends, and it still saddens me deeply to see them go. They were beautiful and talented people with so much to offer the world. It was a shame for them to have to go. But God called to them, and who is to argue with Him? I know they are in a better place now. I just hope they know how much everyone here misses them.

I will still pray for them and their families. May God give them the strength they need to go on.


Rest in peace.

did you notice?

As you all should be able to tell by now, I changed my blog template! Finally eh? Heheheh.. after using the same old template for such a long long time. This one was made in honour of Christmas. =)

I find it a tiny bit too sterile cos everything's just too white. But that's okay! I'm just dreaming about a White Christmas. Heheheh. I'm so corny I crack myself up. Anyways! So, I'm gonna try make another one soon and hopefully I'll have it up in time for the New Year.

See yuh.

we're not fading

Acceptance - Seeing Is Believing


Artist: Acceptance
Title: Seeing Is Believing
Album: Black Lines To Battlefield
Year: 2003

Time winds down as you stretch upward to heaven
His blood resounds as it's not over precursor
They'll paint them red, those things you said
They'll paint them red, what you said

I miss you
I miss you
and I miss you
I need you
I need you
and I need you more
Can I see you
Can I see you
Can I see you now?

I want to defend
as I hold you so closely
to me
You speak of peace
How can that be?
Surround me

I can't believe
that pain received
and I can't believe
what you said

I miss you
I miss you
and I miss you
I need you
I need you
and I need you more
Can I see you
Can I see you
Can I see you now?

I felt it
You're not fading
I felt it
I'm not fading
I felt it
You're not fading
I felt it
I felt it

Download the song.

longhouse visit – 9th November 2005

Barely slept the night before cos it was either I was too excited about our trip to the longhouse or I was too stupid and lost track of time again and ended up barely sleeping. Muahaha. At least it made sure that I was able to wake up on time. Unlike some people….. *cough cough* Azie *cough cough* Jimmy. Heheheh.


Running out of the house, wet hair and all.

Wani came round at 7.30am to pick me up from my house first. Then we went over to Azie's place to pick her up. And guess what. She just woke up. Aduh aduh. But it's okay. =) So we waited for her. When she was done, we all made our way to campus.

We all went to campus to check out the bus number plates since we won't be following the bus to the place. The place being Rumah Panjang Entulang. Why not you ask? Well, cos the rest of them would be staying over and well, my mom would not let me stay overnight. =( As for Azie and Wani, it's cos it was puasa month so they weren't comfortable having to stay overnight. As for Jimmy, he was just a sissy. Heh heh.


Camera whores. Me, Azie, Wani.

Anyways, saw the other people there wearing the new CV! t-shirt. Started panicking. Like, how come we don't have those t-shirts too?? Are we really a part of the group going to the longhouse?? Before, Mr Abel said that we're not allowed to go unless we stay overnight. Wani, Azie, and I had already given up on the idea of going after we heard him saying that. But Jimmy was just too persistant in us going. No idea why? Heh. Anyways, later on Jimmy said that they're allowing us to come along. So, okay.. go only lor.

Anyways, Azie, Wani, and I then went to find Tiang to pay him for the trip. Since we won't be staying overnight, we didn't have to pay the full price. After that, we left campus to go pick Jimmy up. Went all the way to Taman Tunku where his house was. Stopped by the nearby Servay to pick up some junk food (which we all ended up not taking) for the trip over.


We saw a lot of trees on the way over.

Then we drove down to LAKU where we waited for the buses. We did not have to wait for long. Good for us. Heheh. So followed them from behind. Finally, we arrived at the place, we turned into this dirt road where there was a sign saying that further in is Rumah Panjang Entulang. However, we had to wait by the main road because our CV! President, Daryll How got a flat tyre. While waiting, we also changed into the new CV! shirts which we all got eventually.


Where's our president??

Eventually he came along. While waiting for him I went up to Tiang and talked to him. Asked him what Mr Abel thought of us tagging along eventhough we were not gonna stay overnight. And he said, "Actually, Mr Abel doesn't really care about you guys." ....... so kejam... Ouch. That hurt.

Have to tebalkan muka more now. Now that I know we are not welcomed. So we went along the dirt road which seemed to stretch forever. I guess it's cos we all just couldn't wait to get to the place. We got there soon enough. Before we all died from excitement. I've never been to a real longhouse before you see. Plus, I love exploring new places. So yeah, I couldn't wait to get there!


We're finally here!!

We then proceeded to the longhouse where they had a welcoming ceremony just for us. I'm not gonna go into the details cos I didn't get to witness the welcoming ceremony properly. Was just too far back to see anything. =( For a more detailed version, go to Zack Tiang's page.


Kak Deb is getting impatient. (Sabar is translated as patience)


Welcoming ceremony with the village elders.


Tuak, Ask For More.

I got my first taste of tuak, which is also known as rice wine, there. And it wasn't so bad. The first one I had anyway. Cos it was just so nice and sweet. The one I had after that was not as sweet but it was not so bad either. They just kept offering us glass after glass of tuak. *shakes head*

We then headed into the house for a 2nd welcoming ceremony. Heheh.


The loooooooooong corridor.


One of the little boys that lives at the longhouse. I took this pic, okie? Not Wani. Tsk tsk. She's just trying to claim the glory.


The second welcoming ceremony.


I think Tiang called it a Miring session.

After that, we all walked over to the village school to have lunch which they had prepared for us. Yum yum! But before that, we took some group pictures! After that, it was off to work. I volunteered to help out with the mural painting.


The school's arch.


Paintings from students past.


Lousy group picture.


Oh, the embarrassment. At the expense of you guys. L to R: Tiang, Me, Azie.


First you eat.


Then you poop. (Translated: "Teacher, may I go to the toilet?)


Here's the mural, before we ruined it.


Ruining it.


Stop staring at my ass. Hahahahahaha.


One of the cikgu (teachers) had to close his eyes to avoid temptation. Hiak hiak hiak. Nolah, he was just pretending to be shy. Cuteeeeeeee!


This baby was cute too! And I'm putting this pic up just cos I can. And cos I can't resist babies. She and Iqbal were both making faces at one another.


While we painted, some slept. This is just one of them. Vijay.


The sleeping live their lives on the edge! Btw, Iqbal was just dancing and tried to step on Vijay's head but missed.


Other sleepyheads. Left: Mr Benet Leong, our Student Council president. Middle: Jimmy, sissy. Heheheh. Right: Hiro, our Japanese friend.

And well, we didn't finish the painting. Cos we all just either got bored or tired. Heheh.. plus, it was hard painting that thing.... everyone else got distracted and one by one went off to either play soccer or basketball leaving a small handful of us to finish up the painting. Which we didn't do either. Heheheh. The small handful of us are Alan, Wani, Azie, Tiang, and I.

After that it was dinner time. We went back to the longhouse to freshen up and then it was back to the school kitchen for dinner. The food was fab. Yum. After that, it was time to go back home. Heheheh.. it was already about 7-8pm by the time we left. Hung out at Jimmy's place for a bit cos Wani was in dire need of a toilet. *shakes head* Btw, Alan followed us back cos he saw that all of us were not going to stay overnight so he decided he did not want to stay back either. Haih.

While we were there, I used Jimmy's pc whilst the rest of them had a few rounds of UNO. Was actually in a hurry to get back so that I can call Mark to tell him that I was home. But he called first. While I was still at Jimmy's house.

Anyways, right before we were to leave, I found this dead cicak or gecko on Jimmy's rattan mat in his living room. Then Azie picked it up and started waving it about in my face!! Ewwwwwwww..... I screamed!! Or at least.. as close to a scream as I could get cos I can't really scream. It's not that I'm afraid of geckos.. they're just so disgusting.. ew ew ew. With their brown soft bodies... and tails that can come off... and their icky heads. Yucks. But nooooooooooo..... Azie didn't just stop there. I took off running and she chased me with that stupid cicak still in her hand!!!!!! How can she TOUCH that thing?! What's worse, I was wearing socks, so there were a couple of times where I slipped and almost killed myself but noooooooo.... that was not enough for Azie. No, oh no, oh no. At one time, while I was regaining my balance from another slip, she decides to fling that stupid cicak at me! And I ducked like it was a matter or life and death. I swear I almost cried. I was terrified!!! Yes, I'm terrified of geckos, alright? I have a phobia with geckos. =(

Went home after that.. with Azie who kept trying to touch me with that hand which held the stupid cicak. Stupid cicak!! Stupid Azie. =(

Reached home after 11pm. Close to midnight. The end.

--------------------

Other people who wrote about the Longhouse Visit:

Wani - Longhouse Visit

The Hybrid - Memories back at the longhouse

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my world just got smaller

After I had my shower this morning, I turned on the radio in my room. My radio is set to Capital FM. Instead of hearing the usual tunes they would be playing, they were playing some weird ass songs!! Something that sounded like it came from Naruto. I just assumed that it was either some kinda commercial or maybe there was a competition going on. The song finally (it was a long song) finished playing and then there was a voice with a local accent that came on the radio saying, "Please be informed that all previous services on this channel has been discontinued." Huh?? What?? What's going on?? But maybe it was some kinda mistake.. have faith.. have faith..

Later that afternoon, on my way to campus, I switched my radio to Capital FM, same thing. Oh no, oh no. Then I switched my car radio to Capital Gold. And it was playing the same thing that was on Capital FM. Oh sobs..

Why are they discontinueing Capital Radio? I'm heartbroken. Heh heh. (Laughing it off cos I'm trying not to overreact. Have faith, have faith.)

Not like I have anything against local radio, okay? It's just that I prefer listening to London radio. Maybe cos when compared, the difference is too great.

Anyways, just wanted to know, what's going on??

Please bring back our Capital Radio... please please please. I still want to be able to brag to my non-mirian friends how we get London Radio and they don't. Don't let this poor young girl's dreams die.