This song made me smile tonight

So I had a slight quarrel with Cs tonight. Yes it happens of course. That put a slight damper on my night.

Anyway. Point is, this song made me smile.

Damn! His voice. So smooth, so rich. Can't tell. Sorry but I never really liked him (too old). But this is sexy. Sort of. And I always liked this song.

I'm old at heart, in case you can't tell yet. I like old songs. But also new ones.

I spend my night researching Japan. I'm going end of Nov, which is next month. So soon.

Japan is not as expensive as everyone thinks. Going there isn't hard. Do your research.. Unfortunately, this is the part I sigh. In this aspect, believe it or not, I am super meticulous. The language barrier isn't that bad. You don't have to take a tour too. Plenty (and I mean it) of people plan their own trip. Go to Japan-Guide forum and you'll see.

I plan everything. I write down everything. I plan day 1, day 2, day 3 and so on and so forth. I start when we step off the plane, which train we are going to take, to the hotel, what time check in, and where to go while awaiting check in, the bus to our next destination, and so on and so forth. Can you tell I'm having a huge headache?

The thing is, I make things hard for myself. I don't have to plan everything. Cs is so laid back. That's cos he has me, lucky bastard. Our first trip in April, he helped. But now, he seems to trust me so much that he did nothing. Or maybe he's like me. Two trips in a year just seems too much work, what with everything else going in our lives now.

Tokyo seems way easier to plan, compared with Kyoto. I die die want to find a ski resort. Giving up now. It just doesn't seem feasible. 4 hours by train costing 1k (return) for both of us? Forget it. So I tried to find cheaper alternatives. Nada. So I gave up. Sort of. I booked hotels already but I just can't seem to give up yet. I still search. Like I said, I make things difficult for myself. Cs is telling me: its ok baby. Its still Japan. It would still be fun. Men. What does he know?

Anyway. So I'm still doing my research.



This keeps me going. Photo credits to Ilya Genkin.

Fushimi Inari shrine. I am planning to go around dusk. Damn see what I mean? I even have to plan around what time to go there. I should make things easier for myself. Just go and stop fretting so much.

And this:



Kiyomizudera. Ok this I'm planning to go in the evening. Can tell why obviously. Night time illumination!! Autumn colours. Awesome eh.

Ok bye.

A Day in London

I dreamed that mum and I were in front of some hotel in London. They wouldn't allow us to check in yet. So I said let's go sightseeing. But no.o. She didn't want to. She said: wait for dad. I spotted him and waved him over: dadddeeee. Come here! Let's go kia kia now. Dad: ok. Where do you want to go? Mum: don't want la. (Gives excuses)

Me: fine. I'll go with Winnie.

Winnie: ok. Let's go. Come quick.

Dad: do you guys have money? (Peels off several hundred pounds and hands to us).

Me and Winnie gleefully run off!!

Winnie: Let's go to London Bridge! Tower Bridge! London Eye!

AND I WOKE UP!!!!!

CHEEBYE PLEASE!! LET ME ENJOY MY DREAM MORE!!

I forced myself to go back to sleep after that but couldn't.

At least let me enjoy London sights first! I haven't even been to any of that place yet! I didn't spend money yet! I didn't even buy tube tickets yet!! Argh. I was so mad at myself. Stupid brain got me excited for nothing!

So yeah. I'm ranting now. I think I'll take myself on a tour now.

Over the years, I have been a tour guide to my friends who stay in Sunderland, Newcastle, my friends' friends, my friends family members, and ex-bf's. I took them all to the same places the first time. 

Normally, we start at Piccadilly or Leicester Square, then walk to Trafalgar Square, then walk to Buckingham Palace, past Westminster, the Parliament Houses, Big Ben, London Eye, and take the tube back home. That is a long walk and plenty of sights and photo taking opportunity.

That was what went through my mind in my dream. Where I was going to take Winnie.

As I played tour guide to my friends and their families, how I wished it was my OWN family. One day, my own family could visit me there, and we would be so happy together. Never happened. And by the looks of it, never will. That's why I was so angry at mum. In my dream, I mean. HAHAH. 

But at least, one day, I will bring Cs. I will show him my old school, take him to the same Mcd's I spent so much time in, bring him around that route, eat Chinese food at Chinatown, walk the same streets, and make him fall in love with London like I did. 

Anyway. Enough talk.

Photos.

Let's start at Picadilly Circus. 

Piccadilly Circus is basically a square surrounded by shops. Its between Regent Street and we normally walk to Leicester Square, where Chinatown is. 

Soho is to the side off Piccadilly. Regent Street is a long street that connects to Oxford Circus and Bond Street. Shopping!! High street brands like River Island, H&M, Topshop, Zara, Esprit and everything else can be found here. The more expensive brands, don't ask me. Ask Nifer. I don't shop at Selfridges or Harrods.

The famous billboard sign. Under the signs is a Burger King and Boots. Or it was. I don't know if its still there. Is it Shirley?

From Piccadilly, walk to Leicester Square. Chinatown is located here. 

All your chinese food shopping can be done here. You can do your grocery shopping here where they sell everything from instant noodles, milo, canned and fresh food, to even durians. But frozen lah. I think. I don't eat. I just know they sell them. They have a few bakery shops here selling kuihs and cakes as well.

When you want/need your chinese food fix, you can have your duck rice (the famous Four Seasons), penang assam laksa, mee goreng, and so on and so forth. They have almost everything. Well, besides kolo mee, kam pua and such (sorry shirley), hahah.

Its well known that the staff (in Chinatown) are rude. They mostly speak Cantonese. If there are two of you, and one of you don't eat, you can't sit there. You must order something. Minimum of 8 pounds (this was years ago. I don't know what minimum amount is now). Their rent is crazy expensive, so they force you to order food. As soon as you put down your chopsticks, the bill is put in front of you. They need to turn around the tables very fast for other guests. But we are used to it. Its the only place for Chinese/Malaysian food, so no complaints. 

On the other side of Leicester Square is where all the movie premieres are held. Its where I queued up seven hours to wait for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix premier.

There are several theaters here and lots of pubs/clubs. But then again there are pubs at almost every corner. Just like there are Mcd's at almost every corner.

There is a huge Mcd at Leicester Square. How many cashiers are there? 15 in a row? I remember I liked the toilet. Haha what a thing to remember. Because of its location, its open 24 hours and always seems to be busy no matter what time it is. I remember waiting at Mcd at about 5 am after clubbing waiting for the tube to open so we could go home. And it still wasn't empty. So busy.

There are also many restaurants around this area like Angus Steak House. Ohh and a huge Haagen Daz store. I wonder is it still there. Hmm..should be. I just Googled it. 

From Leicester Square, walk to Trafalgar Square or Covent Garden. Take your pick. But I normally bring people to Trafalgar Square first. Its basically a public square with fountains. Oh and the National Gallery is here too if you're into that sort of things. Free entrance. According to Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl book,  Sadie Lancaster's drawing is here too.

Shirley surrounded by pigeons. Cs saw these photos when we were still friends, and he told me (through msn): can't believe you guys are really in London now. 

This was taken in May I think..so I still needed a coat.

During nice weather in the summer, lots of people will be here, some of them dipping their feet into the fountain. Like Nifer here:

This photo was taken in winter:

Christmas Eve after dinner.

That's the National Gallery in the background. AL when he was in London visiting us.

If you're SPK, can climb up the lions like us. Haha not so easy ok. This was the only time I did it.

From Trafalgar Square, cross the road and look for this entrance:

Go through and walk down the long road passing by St James Park to Buckingham Palace. These photos are taken in St James Park. Its right next to Buckingham Palace. I love it. Really beautiful and peaceful.

Like all parks, it has plenty of birds/pelicans/ducks/squirrels. Yuck to the last one. I'm scared of them. If you have plastic bags with you, the squirrels follow you for food. =.=

If you go early in the morning, you can catch the changing of the guards. Don't know what time, Google yourself. :)

I'm getting lazy to look for more photos already. Everything is so unorganized.

Walk past Westminster, where Westminster Abbey is (Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding), and House of Parliaments.

London Eye at night. You can't miss it. Walk on from Big Ben to London Eye. To take the ride, it costs about 30 pounds? And there's normally a queue..

Love this photo. Not taken by me though. Boo. Just found it in my folders..must be taken by one of the guys. My camera was shit that time. And I didn't take photos of everything yet so I don't have much to choose from.

Its much better to go the London Eye at night so you get views like this.

After that, either call it a day or take the tube to London Bridge and walk towards Tower Bridge.

Took this photo cos its not everyday you see the bridge open. This is Tower Bridge btw. Not London Bridge.

London Bridge is just normal looking.

I think this is the only photo I have on London Bridge. Zzz..its cos its just a normal bridge. Nothing special.

That morning, Shirley and I were supposed to go to school. But it was closed. Bank holiday or something. So we walked to London bridge instead. It was very close by.

Ohh found this. Mehh. 

OK la. That's enough for now.

Writing this post made me feel a bit better about the dream. Imma go search for air tickets now.

Bye.

La di da

I wrote this half way last night but didn't finish. I'll try to finish it now.

***

Time flies. Its another Thursday night. Cs is at badminton. I'm at home trying to watch old Hong Kong drama series but the internet is toying with me. Grr.

I love old HK drama series ok. Kevin and I are alike here. Well Kevin is a movie/series/games junkie so its not really counted. He's the type who can remember what one character said to the other word-for-word. And not just new movies. Even old old movies. And not even in English. In Cantonese some more. Yeah that's him.

Anyway, here are some photos of life these days. We have been frequenting 21 bistro (old Soho) quite often these days. Brought the family there and dad likes it too. So he brought Uncle Johnny them too. Quite pleased that they like it too. :)

Winnie enjoying her food. If you ever go there, order the fried calamari (RM 20) and pig out. :) Oh and a 1664 draught for me please. I miss. Hmm maybe I should drag Cs back there on Sat night again. 

I'm wearing Winnie's birthday present to me --->Boots she bought from Switzerland, I think. Or was it Paris?

Top from Krabi. Jeans from H&M. Bought my first ever pair of skinny jeans. I know I don't have nice legs. So these are my first pair. So comfy. I bought them for the shoes. Hahaha. And this photo looks ok only cos of the angle.

Cherrie is afraid we would steal her snack. Naughty girl. When she sees someone coming close to her, she would run back to her snack to protect it. Haih. Dogs. Eli sometimes answer her: tidak mau makan lu punya la. Tak sedap. Hahahha. It means nobody wants your food ok. 

I have found my "most frequently ordered food" in Sakae. Cs and I ordered 4 plates of this the last time we were there. Chef must be thinking: siao one. Try some other food please. 

Last Friday night, we went out with old college mates. Birthday party at K-11. Karaoke. It was the first time ever that there was nonstop singing. None throughout the whole 4 hours we were there?

They were all guys some more! The girls (only me and another girl) didn't touch the mic at all. Salute. And not easy songs eh. They were screeching singing to Katy Perry's Firework too. Like I said, salute.

Cs' badminton team have their own club t-shirts. Actually they have a lot. Men are vain too. Hahaha joke. Anyway on Saturday night, it was their captain's birthday so they surprised him by saying there was a match that night. So everyone dressed up in their badminton t-shirts to go for dinner and surprised him. It was good fun.

Later that night, we all went to a pub owned by his badminton mate too. Its Las Vegas at Travillion. 

Very bad pic. Don't know if you can see clearly or not.

We had two flaming's that night. One for the birthday boy and another for everyone else. 

They brought out these pens and this happened:

Their faces got a lot worse after that. Lucky I had on make up. Lucky they don't know me so well la. So nobody drew on my face. Cs not so stupid to draw on my face. HAHA. Bitch. Me, I mean. 

This is mum's very cute pair of slippers from Amsterdam. See the windmills? 

Anyway. Its another Friday!! Tonight, my plans involve watching old HK drama again. If the internet doesn't screw up la. Cs is working tonight boo sama dia. So unless I drag him out at 9pm, I'm staying home tonight. Or hmm..unless I drag other girls out tonight. We shall see.

I feel as if this week went on forever. This morning I came in to the office with a scowl on my face. No idea why. Actually, I do. I woke up with back pain. Hate it. I used to have pain in my lower back few years back and it went away. I went for cupping. These recent months, it came back. Sometimes worse like this morning. I don't want to go cupping again. I just stick to the massage chair now. I blame sitting for wayy too many hours a week. I can feel my butt expanding. This is bad.

Speaking of bad, I sprained my jaw. No shit. No idea how it happened. I went to a chinese sensei first. Didn't work. Went to the doctor. I was feeling quite bemused actually. I mean, come on. Who sprains their jaw?? It hurts when I stick out my tongue or move my tongue around inside my mouth. I cannot eat a banana, sushi or a full spoonful of food. FU please. It has been about a month now. It doesn't hurt so much now. I have almost got used to it. I'm now wondering will I have to go through my entire life like this? Doctor said I have inflammation so gave me pills and muscle relaxants. The pills just gave me gastric pains (very bad) so I didn't finish them. Now what?

Moving on from that depressing topic. 

Its Friday. TGIF. Time to pamper self. I can still drink beer. Yay for that. Haha. Alcoholic indeed. 

OK la. Enough update for now. Bye.

Continuation of KL trip

I love panini's and hate that Kuching don't sell them much. The only place I know that has them is Bing. Its ok. They have lamb, vegetarian, ham and tuna if I'm not mistaken.

This was breakfast in Genting. Damn its expensive though. Think it was RM 21 for this. But its holiday so oh wells. Don't think about it. Earn back the $$ after holiday. This trip was with parents anyway so it was nice to not have to pay for anything besides my own shopping. How nice.

Dad even insisted on buying me stuff in H&M. Lucky me. He led the way into the store and said: I want to buy you something. Choose! :))) How often does this happen? 

Love sitting out there in the morning. Cool breeze and slight fog. Its nice to people watch and also to watch the clouds go by. Literally.

We checked out and went to KL quite early. We reached Melia Hotel by 12 pm but our rooms were not ready. So impatient dad agreed to upgrade the rooms so we were on the "level" floor (weird name level), which means we could have free cocktail hour. Nice. We didn't know that when we upgraded. We just wanted 2 beds cos its 3 of us.

Anyway. Long story short. That was why we got free food and drinks. Mum and me took advantage of course. 

I'm a guy at heart. I always have beer or whiskey. I don't like drinks with cute little umbrellas on them. Mum had wine and champagne. I tried it..not bad. Look at their salmon..quite generous eh. I err ate the salmon without the bread. Soi kuan. Means umm..you know, bad behavior.

We walked into a random saloon and got a hair wash. I love this guy la. One of the best ever.

This is me in the fitting room in H&M. Mum and dad went back to the hotel to rest up, while I shopped by myself. 

I walked to Times Square to Matsuda to buy Cs' clothes. Whatsapped him the photo but no reply. He was sleeping at home. So I took matters into my own hands and bought him 3 shirts. Easy. Like how I chose his jeans and pants and working clothes too. And brought him to facial and dyed his hair. And chose his shoes, undies etc etc. Hahahha this is normal right? And chose facial wash, moisturizer, and this goes on and on and on. Hahhaa tell me you girls do the same too. Ahem.

Dad has been raving about this place for so long and finally I got to try it too. He even tapau-ed the pork leg back to Kuching once. Lihai eh. I didn't get a good photo but yeah can definitely see why its so good and so popular. Good stuff for pork lovers and meat lovers.

Every table has a basket of bread. Love it. Every restaurant/cafe should have this. Fresh bread basket. I love bread and carbs. Woe is me. 

We ordered this only. One main dish. The basket of bread was complementary. They give a side dish with potato gratin (I think), salad, and something else. Not bad. Just right for 3 of us.  

Mum and dad didn't want to take photos (their loss) so I syok sendiri lah. I Googled syok sendiri - full of themselves. Sheet. No. It doesn't mean full of themselves (maybe a bit). It means indulging in oneself's own pleasure. How's that? :)

This was at breakfast the next day. Only 2 people get free breakfast per room but they have awesome service really. The girl said its ok for today. But tomorrow you have to pay. Hahha. Thanks anyway.

Dad acting like its his own private room.

This was the next day. Tuesday. The real reason we went to KL was cos we had to go to the hospital. Meeting a doctor. 

OOTD with mum. I never posted stuff like that. Start once for the heck of it.

Dress from FOS. Cardigan from HK. Sandals from Cotton On. Bag from F21 Tokyo. Hey that sounds cooler than it really is. Is that why people do this? Heh.

Breakfast! Love this kinda breakfast. Incidentally the only time I eat coco crunch is in hotels when on vacation. Funnily enough after I came back from the trip, I went to Choice and bought myself the kids pack. Think I'll have them for lunch tomorrow. Together with muesli that Winnie bought but didn't want anymore. 

The next day awaiting check out. Are you sick of photos of me yet? Sorry but mum and dad don't take photos as much as me. 

Phone case (new!) from Sg Wang. Top from Krabi. Jeans from ROMP.

On the MAS flight back, they have tv's for all of us and earphones. Cool. Watched SATC again. Meh..the last trip with Cs, I watched SATC again too. 

Roti canai for the meal back. I thought it was not bad.

I'll update more on life next time. 

Bye.

More memes

I should seriously create a label for all my memes. Feel free to steal. :)

Have you ever said you would never love again?

Yes. Who hasn't? No, I mean seriously. People who have had their heart broken always say that right? Haha I didn't specifically say I would never love again. But I do remember hating "happy couples". Bitter indeed.

Have you heard a song today that reminds you of somebody?
Duh. So many songs remind me of different people, different instances, and different meanings, at different times of my life.

Do you apologize first?
If I'm wrong, yes.

Has someone made a promise to you and broke it?
I'm sure there has been, but I just cannot think of one now.

Have you ever won a lot of money in a slot machine? How much?
Nope. But I remembered a story about my dad (or was it my aunt) who did. The machine rang as in an alarm sounded. Apparently that is what happens so they notify the manager (or who dunno) that you won a large amount of money. Dad initially thought he spoiled the machine by accident. Hehe. Would have been fun to watch. Wish it happened to me. Oh ya. That was dad. My aunt leaped up and called the waiter for champagne immediately. Hahaha..good choice. And yeah, we're family eh?

Do you watch sport on TV even though you aren’t a sporty person yourself?
I watch badminton. Grudgingly. I watched football while in London too cos my ex was a football fanatic, and also you're in London man. Watch football please. That's all the guys talk about. Haha. No la but I do actually prefer football to badminton. Just that Cs isn't so much a football fan. So I have no reason to watch it now. No time for it now too..

Do you eat / drink at your computer?
Always. My computer at home is clean enough though. Not at clean as Winnie's but still cleaner than Kev. At work, well I eat in during lunch almost everyday too.

How much do you overeat at special occasions? (Birthdays, Christmas, etc)
100% to 110%. Its a special occasion what. Eat first, exercise later. I think this is why I am still 2 kg heavier. Hahah. That's if the food is good la. Which it normally is. :)

Do you require glasses / contacts to see properly? If so, which do you use?
Yes. Both. Glasses (mostly) at work cos my eyes can't take it. And contacts elsewhere.

When you hear your voice back on a recording, do you think it sounds awful?
Yes. I sound exactly like Winnie btw. When we sing together, we can't tell our voices apart. Which is kinda cool and yet kinda suck cos yeah we do sound kinda awful.

When was the last time you got the hiccups?
Saturday night. I always get the hiccups when I drink. Boo. Anyone know why?

If you had to, which record would you go into Guinness World Records for?
Hmm..most likely to say "i'm bored" in 24 hours. Actually, I say that less now. That was last time. Now, no time to be bored. 

The last sweet thing you ate: What was it?
Chocolates.

Do you have a middle name?
Nope. My name is too short. No like.

Do you find it embarrassing?
Nope.

Let Me Give Your Heart A Break Meme

Do you prefer a lot of ice in your drinks or just a little bit of ice?
Little bit or none.

Which condiment (ketchup, mustard, etc.) do you use the most of?
Ketchup. Or as we call it here in Kuching/Malaysia: tomato! I once met this guy in London who asked for tomato and chili when I was working at Mcd. I knew at once he's from Malaysia. 

Does war scare you?
Yes.

Do you know any songs that are older than you are?
Yes. I like oldies.

Are you comfortable sharing drinks with your friends?
Depends who. But mostly yes.

What season were you born in?
Summer. Aug.

Have you ever spent over $100.00 on an article of clothing? What was it?
The first thing to come to mind is my Zara dress. Short, black and tight.

Do you think you’re too hard on yourself sometimes?
Nope.

What pizza place do you usually order from?
Pizza Hut. If Restaurant Beccari delivers, I would order that too. Bella Italia, not bad too. Toms Pizza at Kings center, nice too but overrated. If I would rate, Merdeka first, then Bella Italia. Pizza Hut not counted cos its different. Never had Junk pizza or Toms at Padungan. I should go try soon. 

Honestly, have you ever mooned or flashed somebody?
I would only flash someone I'm interested in. Not cheap ok.

Do you have a least favorite color?
Orange? Green? Mustard yellow? Depends on what items.

Honestly, have you ever written something on a bathroom stall?
Nope. Who brings pens into a bathroom stall? Muti tasking issit? Besides scribbling can use your pen for something else issit? Ahaha. #ifyouknowwhatImeanwtf.

Who do you consider to be the king of pop?
MJ.

Do you know all of the words to any childrens song? 
Yup.

Can you name 3 purple foods?
Aubergine, egg plant and brinjal, which are all one and the same. Heheh. Cheat one.

When was the last time you made a pinky promise?
Just now with Cs. :) Made him promise me something.

What celebrity do you wish would have a big comeback?
MJ.

Do you think your parents know things about you that you don’t want them to?
Not really. I don't have any secrets now. But parents know best. They will always know even if you try to hide it.

Have you ever walked into a spider web?
Yes. Eww. Not full face on. But in my hair.

What grocery store do you usually get your food from?
Whichever I happen to pass by.

What would be your happily ever after?
To no need to work and still have a comfortable income enough for me to travel. To have my loved ones healthy, happy and safe. Such simple things.

When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people?
Don't remember.

Who is the worst driver you know?
Myself?

How about the best driver?
Cs.

Are you shorter or taller than most of your friends?
Taller. I would rather be average so I can wear high heels. The pretty heels are all too high. 

Do you know anybody who was born on a holiday?
Nope.

What is one thing you really don’t like sharing?
Secrets. Cs. Money. Honestly, erm..the stuffed crust part on my pizza. Hahah. Does that count?

Have you ever been hit on through text message?
Don't remember la. That would require a lot of texting back and forth and I never have patience for that. 

What was the last junk food you ate?
Keropok

Do you prefer sweet or sour candy?
Sweet.

What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed?
Beer.

Currently waiting on something/someone?
Nope. Just time to pass.

What was the last thing you watched on television?
Some discovery channel last night.

How old will you be in 12 months?
3-0. Boo.

Do you sleep naked?
Sometimes. I'm married ok.

Have you ever held hands with someone in a car?
Of course. I feel ancient answering these type of questions.

Could you go the rest of your life without smoking a cigarette?
Yes.

What do you say during awkward silences?
Something stupid no doubt. Haha. Its what always happens in movies.

When will you next see the last person you texted?
Shirley Liew. Don't know. When I go to London or when she comes back to Kuching. I just asked her if she's working today. She said no. Wanna go out together? Haih. I WISH ANAKLIEW!!!

Honestly, when is the last time you have been to Texas?
Never..not even in my dreams.