THE SWEET ESCAPE

....Happy Independence Day....
....let the photos speak again....


1. Globetrotting Are We?

3 Fridays. 3 different destinations.

1st Friday; I was in Bintulu. Riding around in a four-wheel drive in the middle of nowhere.



....sometime in between, train ride to KLIA to catch the flight back to Miri....


2nd Friday; I am in Kuala Lumpur today. Spending the Merdeka.

3rd Friday; I'll be in Phuket!


2. Wednesday and Dinner



....the rainbow....



....the company; KC....



....and T....


Fully loaded.


3. Holiday Begins


....my first stop as I arrived in KL Sentral....

Can you see what's behind the glass? :) Those are what I was there for.



....but where are the taxis?....

On a strike, apparently. The cabbies.

Great.

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THE LOOK

....Cyique, this one's for you :) ....
....I must thank Mr Photographer for taking these shots, the studio photos are not available till the end of the month, but these are far better ;) ....




....I think I was a bit high on caffeine. Yes, I have big teeth :D.....





....alright, here's something a bit more 'proper' (heh!)....

Well?

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THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT

....of cocoa, Part II....


I guess if you wish hard enough, it'll come true.


But I got more than I wished for.


I wished for a nice, long hug after a long, hard day. I got four.


I wished for a hot cup cocoa. We had 3 shared between us.


Jazz played in the background. One of the boys even got to flirt with the lady singer, damnit. 'The Way You Look Tonight" she sang, and added, "In singlets and shorts"....hmmm....


We just sat back on the sofa alright. Having our own quiet time.


How can I not love these people.

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CHOCOLATE

....can't wait to be home....


I'm tired. I'm really, really, tired.

I'm totally drained.

I need a fresh shower, a hot cup of cocoa, a comfy sofa and a bit of jazz.

A warm embrace would also do me good.

...Did I just say home?....

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RIDDLE

....thanks Tracy for the CD....
....of Hob Nobs and Hershey's....


Here I am sitting in my nice cosy hotel room finally making it a point to write.

This space has been neglected again; so here are the reasons why I feel I have to write at this ungodly hour when I have an early morning tomorrow;

a. More than once, friends have pointed out how mysterious my entries have been lately, which I'm not about to deny. How it is hard to decipher what's behind every sentence. Every word. My explanation is simple. They're exactly how I feel, that're channelled down directly to my writings. Why I haven't been more clear cut about it, several reasons as well, number one being I'm still thinking about it myself. I may need time. I may need an answer at the end. But I know right now, it feels just about right. Allow me to take it in....while I still can.

If it hurts, if there's something I shouldn't be saying, I am sorry.

b. I've been occupied. Really occupied. Next thing I know, I miss doing this. Pouring out my thoughts. Pondering on how to make the best of what I'm doing. Of how every entry is a life chapter unfolding; hoping that every twist and turn are ultimately the pathway towards my own happiness.

...........

On a much lighter note, weekend round up (very fast one, this one); the past week has been quite hectic, and so will another week be.

Friday and Saturday were spent mostly on a bus, making the trip to a giant dam and a port. Sunday was almost perfect, and a bit peculiar. A nice big breakfast in the morning and surprise, surprise....this lady actually signed up for a makeover earlier this month. And it was today that I endured sitting in the middle of a mall's concourse, being shifted around for my make-up and hair, and doing funny poses for the camera (I decided that I'm definitely NOT model material, since I was on the verge of laughing my heart out during every take; I guess I'm just not the person for this job. Hey, it's not as easy as you think).

At least now I can strike that out from my 'to-do-at-least-once-in-my-life' list, and get to survive to tell the tale, with proof! I don't think I'll do it again, unless THEY pay me instead.

Thereafter, a plane to catch, puffed up hair and all!

No Photoshop to help me there.

Talk about a supermodel wannabe for a day.

Can somebody help me take off this eye make-up coz I didn't bring my removal kit.

As much as I love my smokey eyes by the way.

HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN

....the pursuit of happiness....


It started when you don't seem to mind having a cuppa at 1 a.m. and share stupid jokes with me.

It started when I still want to sit with you over dinner even after I had my meal.

It started when you still keep listening to my tales, lame and embarassing.

It started when you made me smile more. Laugh more.

It started when we laugh at each other.

It started when the e-mails don't come and I realize I'm becoming restless.

It started just by watching you.


....It's here. It's now.

But one question I have to constantly ask myself, is it really what I think it is?



....I guess at the end, if this is not going to be, then it's never meant to be.

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FOOLS LIKE ME

....a long short weekend and a lazy Sunday....




It just comes knocking at my door.

An uninvited guest.

I'll continue sitting here, waiting, refusing to open.

I have to 'til I can't hear a whisper no more.

For I know the danger that is on the other side.

The moment I surrender.


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COLLIDE

....I've been missing....


Because I've been busy.

Taking chances.

Seizing the moment.

Already knowing how it's going to be.



The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You're barely waking
And I'm tangled up in you

I'm open
You're closed
Where I follow
You'll go

I worry I won't see your face
Light up again

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find
You and I collide

I'm quiet you know
You make a first impression
I've found I'm scared to know
I'm always on your mind

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I somehow find
You and I collide

Don't stop here
I lost my place
I'm close behind

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find
You and I collide

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NO RAIN

....congratulations Farrah on her recent engagement....


Countless unbearable hot and humid days, today it just poured....

Big fat drops of rain that wash the dreariness away.


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WHY NOT SMILE


Still a pile of boxes for me to open and unravel its almost forgotten content. My everyday stuff, my memories, little trinkets from the last 10 years or so.

So that’s what I did today. Armed with a small blade, I carefully cut along the sealing tapes and took out the neatly wrapped pieces inside. I wanted to get over it fast. Since my move, the boxes have been taking up space for two months now and I’ve been procrastinating.

My packing was previously done in haste. Some I just put aside until the movers did the job for me. Which I reckon was done quite satisfactorily.

So when a piece or two were finally revealed, they became somewhat mysteries from the past. I didn’t have any recollection whatsoever on how they came to my possession. Either my memory failed me once again, or I purposely brushed it aside as unimportant.

And then there were the notable ones.

Snail mails meticulously tied into a few bunch with brown ribbons.

A book.

Nothing much significant written in that book, except for two.

One is a list of things I want to do and achieve in my life.

The other was a journal entry, the only one, ....more of a letter that never got to the person it was addressed to. It was penned a few years back, detailing my frustration on that particular person, about trust, about how I couldn’t understand what was going on at that time. Trying to decide the best thing to do. After I’d written that and reading it that time, I remember telling myself how ridiculous I'd reacted; the only reason why the letter never got to see the light of day. That I should just forget about the incident, that it’s no big deal. I closed the book and put it aside, until today.

I was rendered speechless.

I realized that I knew it was destined to head for doom a long time ago. Should I decided to take action differently, sooner, things would never have been the same. I can imagine a hundred other good things that could otherwise be part of my life. And a hundred more of the bad.

But everything happens for a reason, people say. They’re unfortunate (or fortunate) events and lessons you must encounter to get to who you are today. Stronger maybe? But will I ever be?

As I’m driving today, I keep on thinking back about that little book. And it dawned on me.

Despite the consequences, I have no regrets. Finally, I have not a drop of anger in me anymore (I can bitch about it still, but that’s a different story).

I think I’m ready to move on.

Less expectation, more zest.

I hope I'm putting things in the right perspective.

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7 SECONDS

....better catch up on some reading....


I beat you to it today....Hah! :D

Better luck next time.



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KIWI

....go green!!!!!....
....and hello to Didi in Italy! It was really nice talking to you. Haven't really done that since school days eh? :) You made my day, even from a continent miles away and I won't forget that....


Let the pictures do the talking.

So this is what I've been craving since yesterday....

....a fresh, yummy bowl of salad....

....oh, how I love to get my hands on a hot cup of Zen right now....



And this? Well, my Sis has just got herself one of this. So, here I am, a big giant green-eyed monster waiting for the world to do some justice.



Yup, I purposely blew up the picture to remind myself to test my Sis' brand new gadget in Phuket! :D break

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Hmmm....I strongly suspect that something is amiss because Dad is one of those who'll just touch a price tag and say "Why so expensive??!!!" without even looking. Ah well, people change....or don't they?
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GOODNIGHT GOODNIGHT

....when is it going to rain?....


Between 1800 - 1930 hrs today: -

1. Retail Theraphy
Where: Music Store
Accomplishment: 1 CD
Approximate Time Spent: 13 minutes

2. Food Theraphy
Where: McDonald's
Accomplishment: 1 McChicken. 1 Apple Pie (Takeaway)
Approximate Time Spent: 8 minutes

3. Body Theraphy
Where: Bintang Plaza
Accomplishment: 21 minutes of walking
Approximate Time Spent: 21 minutes

4. Mind Theraphy (Not)
Where: Miri Road
Accomplishment: 33 minutes of driving. Finally accepting the fact that people doing 60 km/h will never learn to use the slow lane.
Approximate Time Spent: Forever

That's tonight.

Goodnight goodnight.

MY HERO


Coming back from work today, I remembered that there was nobody doing today's laundry. Mom and Lil Sis have gone to Bintulu for the week and I was left with my little brother. (I have been a pampered brat since moving back to Miri, I'll admit to that)

I was ready to assume my role as the big sister once again, quickly changing into my regular clothes and went to the pantry.

I was taken aback when I saw my working attire and a few other shirts neatly hanged on the wire. No dirty laundry in sight. Only a pair of socks in the washing machine. Clean.

I hung those.

That easily is the most adorable thing I encountered this week.

My kid brother did all that, without being asked to.

I'm such a proud sister.


....Unless of course, my Sis actually warned him that I'm totally useless.... ;P

THE LONG DAY IS OVER


Faraway Friend: Good morning dear...! Brand new week and a brand new experience.

Faraway Me: Hey you! Good to hear from you. You have a good week too. Was wondering whether we're now reduced to good mornings and goodnights only.

Faraway Friend: I was thinking the exact same thing. Let's not make it that way, okay? (Let's) Try harder.

Faraway Me: Uhuh. It scares me a bit. I don't want it to turn into just another obligation as a friend for me. So, yes. MUST. TRY. HARDER.

Faraway Friend: It'll never be an obligation.



....amongst the precious pebbles and stones....


When you find a rare gem, first, be thankful.

Keep the gem close to you.

When the time comes for that inevitable quest to explore the other side of the fence, leaving your gem behind, do not fret. Do not be afraid.

Because you are truly blessed if your the gem continues emitting its glow from a distance, all you need to do is follow the glimmer of light to find your way back and you, no matter how tattered and tired, or charged up and full of stories to tell, will feel its warmth once again.

Who knows, along the way, you might even find more gems than one.

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THAT I WOULD BE GOOD

....tranquil Sunday and sleep deprived....


....that I would be good even if I did nothing
....that I would be good even if I got the thumbs down
....that I would be good if I got and stayed sick
....that I would be good even if I gained ten pounds

....that I would be fine even if I went bankrupt
....that I would be good if I lost my hair and my youth
....that I would be great if I was no longer queen
....that I would be grand if I was not all knowing

....that I would be loved even when I numb myself
....that I would be good even when I am overwhelmed
....that I would be loved even when I was fuming
....that I would be good even if I was clingy

....that I would be good even if I lost sanity
....that I would be good
....whether with or without you

PARKLIFE


Plonking myself on the yellow sofa....


Me: Haaahhh....this is so nice....

Mom: Eh? What's nice?

Me: Me, today's paper, a book and a cup of tea.


Silence.

Without uttering another single word, Mom then goes right back to her sewing.

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POP SONG FOR US REJECTS


I had a sudden flashback.

This big, tall, heavily-tattoed Englishman sitting at the airport terminal the other day; wearing a dark cap, bermuda shorts, those tourist-looking (very) faded printed shirt and a pair of Crocs. If the other two fellas chatting away beside him were his buddies (I was assuming since they looked equally scary; size and fashion wise), they sure were oblivious of him.

And he just sat there, hard as a rock.

I wondered if this guy’s even breathing.

(Being the busybody I am) I bent over a little, trying to get a closer look (and maybe poke him a bit).

There in his hands:

-Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows-

:)

He smiled at me and I smiled back.

He's alive!

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ALL GOOD THINGS (COME TO AN END)

:)


....the weekend....

SAY IT RIGHT

....now this one's for the man at the desert heartland, big fan of Spongebob and his best friend Patrick....warm smiles from Miri! ;)


Okay folks, to make this work, you have to say each line out loud, slowly, and if you know how to, with your best Kelantan accent.

Hope this brightens up your sandy day....



...."Epot Klate"....

WAYS AND MEANS

....another desperate attempt....


I've been trying to find this album FOREVER.

I have not resorted to buying it online YET.

In case any one of you get LUCKY.

And be kind enough to hold on to it for me :)

I am a shameless chick when it comes to my MUSIC. If you're tempted to be amused by my victory chant and dance, here comes your best bet.



....released December 2004 (Dual Disc) or
....released February 2004 (Album) will also do