Christmas stuff

So Christmas this year was okay - I managed to take 2 days off from work but couldn't find anyone to work for me on Dec 26 so yeah, I spent Christmas morning eating and the other half driving back to KL. Well, I've learned my lesson so I've got 2 people to work for me for next year's Christmas already. Hah!

Red tree at Bukit Jalil. With twinkling lights 24/7.

Cousin Bee's tree. Loaded as usual.

Underneath Bee's tree. Also loaded as usual.

Food! I had 2 plates of rice and 2 plates of spaghetti. Cuz when I'm hungry I get all pissed as to why I didn't stuff myself more.

Early birthday dinner

Since Christmas this year will be spent driving along the North South highway (and not enjoying it!) I decided for an early celebration at Chili's. Since it was a weekday and Mid Valley's parking lot would be full by lunch time, I'd always start my journey at 11am to park in my usual spot (Garden's Zone B, level P2). Why - because it's a single spot so no irresponsible people would carelessly open their doors too wide and touch mine. Believe me, I've seen it happen when this auntie did in in front of my eyes.

But since I'll be tagging along with K, who overslept, we arrived when all spots were filled up and spent a good half hour finding one. Dang. That is why I prefer going out by my own.

Anyways, I spent the day at my usual hangout spots - bookstore and pet store before dinner. Also did some Christmas tree ornaments shopping in an effort to make my tree look nice for once.

I ordered the usual New York strip, with my fav *half eaten* mashed potatoes with black pepper gravy, garlic bread and fresh vegs! It never ceases to fail me and totally worth my money.

K's lamb shank with mashed potatoes and black beans. He wiped everything clean.

My mango juice.

K's tomato juice. He then opted for a pineapple refill, but the waiter thought he wanted to mix both together which resulted in a "quite good" taste, according to K.

Haunted what?

The marketing skills of Haunted Changi producers worked well, at least with me. There has been a lack of good horror films these days, and the last one I watched made me cry because I forked out 10 bucks for a lousy show with a striking promotional poster. Stupid advertising. Oh, the show? It's called Haunted University. There's 10 bucks I'll never get back.

Haunted Changi is an indie (independent) film made by 4 bravado Singaporeans who venture into the most-haunted-place-in-the-world Old Changi Hospital. The team consists of director Andrew, producer Sheena, camera guy Audi and audio dude Farid. The film is entirely shot by using handheld camera to give the film a documentary feeling and that everything captured is 100% real. Think Cloverfield and REC, but good thing it wasn't that nauseating.

The team conduct interviews with local Singaporeans as well as a seemingly WW2 veteran. They discuss about which photos to use, the process of editing and the extensive research they go through.

First day at the hospital, we see shots of the hospital - graffiti, old wards, torture chambers, an old elevator shaft and a rumored underground tunnel. At times you might be able to catch a shadow running in the background, some weird reflection against the puddle of water and the infamous headless person.

At night, the team start experiencing eerie feelings and get spooked out. Sheena vows to never go back and Farid never appears on film again - apparently ill. Andrew becomes obsessed with a girl named Xiao Juan who lives inside the haunted hospital. The team also meet with a group of Singaporean ghostbusters who go by nicknames but a real name is "accidentally" revealed and they also use a young boy to "sense" paranormal activity (super pissed with the adults. who the hell uses a young kid to sniff out ghosts?!)

After the night exploration, you can't help but to wonder if this is a "documentary" inside a "film", and if the 4 Singaporeans are truly aiming to unleash secrets hidden within the hospital or they're merely actors acting with a script. The final moments of Haunted Changi makes you ponder: Does Xiao Juan really exist? Did Audi's camera captured something real, or was it edited?

Acting wise, I'm not too sure if they're professional actors because they sure don't look like it. Andrew looks disturbingly like one of my housemates which isn't a good thing, really. But them getting spooked isn't convincing me. I can't help feeling the reason they're screaming and running away is because .. they have to scream and run away in horror films. The team is also unethical when conducting interviews - they continue recording despite the WW2 veteran's plea to stop. Also he is promised that his face won't be shown, but I can certainly see enough! But I get a feeling the WW2 guy is just a hired actor.

They also seem to be "hurrying" to give the film more spice in the end - but doesn't seem to make up for the slow beginning. Andrew finds the rumored underground tunnel, and what he discovers fuels more "dude, what the hell?" questions. But I'd give kudos to Andrew, whose determination seem real, but at some point, too much until it becomes annoying. He seems to have forgotten about his hospital documentary to focus more on "interview with Xiao Juan".

Overall, you won't jump off your seat like typical horror films. I think it's a good thing you only see "paranormal" stuff occasionally and not at every corridors and scenes. Makes the "documentary" look more real - because in typical ghost hunter shows you don't really see ghosts. Just the people claiming they see and feel stuff, right?

By the way, the shadows of headless men could well be men bending their heads down. Just a thought. And I think Xiao Juan merely exists in Andrew's head - the spirits must have messed with his head, as well as Audi's.

Although after rewinding the film in your brain several times you feel cheated - depending on what is your initial expectation of the film.

Do I want my money back?
Urm .. 6 bucks maybe. I paid 11.

Farewell Ethan and Khairie

Last Thursday's Amazing Race Asia 4 saw Malaysian boys Ethan and Khairie in last place, and were, wait for it ..

Eliminated.

Yes, the uber funny and personable Ethan ("What? We're in good shape! Round is a shape!") who occasionally converses in typical Malaysian English and the extra cool and slightly quieter Khairie are no longer appearing on TV on Thursday nights. This marks the first time that there won't be a Malaysian team in the Final 3. Bummer.

Teams travelled to Bali, Indonesia where Ethan messed up a little and left one of the Richards fuming. All 3 teams (Ethan and Khairie, the Richards and Claire and Michelle) seem to have an alliance and Ethan wanted all 3 to stick together and ride in the same boat (Boat 2) to the next destination. Unfortunately, he didn't know Boat 1 left 30 mins earlier which resulted in Richard Hardin pissed.

Then Ethan did something which is rare in the Race - he offered to switch places with the Richards. Dude this makes the Race even nicer because let's face it, we support the nice teams right? I keep imagining Chad and Stephanie (Amazing Race 17 US version) doing that - not a friggin chance.

Anyways, in the middle of Bali, Ethan and Khairie went into the detour challenge in 1st place. The Richards screwed up when they violated a law and were 1 1/2 hours behind the Malaysians. But the former chose a longer and confusing detour challenge and were forced to switch, and the Richards caught up to them. >.<"

The rest of Race saw Ethan and Khairie playing catch up with the Richards but were ultimately defeated. I was kinda hoping it was a non-elimination leg but it wasn't. So with the last Malaysian team gone, I'm rooting for the Richards now =)

Paul is dead

The most hated German since Adolf Hitler.

Chances are you've heard of the news - the famous non human oracle, Paul the Octopus has died. And if you're not a footie fan, this is the octopus who correctly predicted the results of all Germany's World Cup matches and the finals between Spain and Netherlands.

He was 2 years old (he is pretty much an old guy in octopus' age).

Paul died of natural causes - one day he was fine, the next day he was gone. You can't help but wonder if some deranged, vengeful World Cup fan was behind his demise =P. Like sneaking a lil something into his tank. After all, he did make a lot of enemies from different countries after "predicting" their football team would lose.

"But it wasn't Paul's fault!"


Well, humans like pointing fingers and play the Blame Game. Like they would point at their national football team.


If there is one thing we shouldn't go up against, is the bond between man and football. C'mone, they believe about wearing lucky jerseys, they scream at the players on TV, my dad insisting we never touch the TV when Manchester United plays - they're probably the most superstitious fans during the World Cup season.

So long Paul.

You Again?!

I'm sure most of you have heard about this film. In one sentence: Marni discovers her brother is marrying her high school nemesis, and her mom is also facing her very own high school rival.



Boy I certainly wouldn't want to return to those few nasty weeks.

There was this particular event which took place over several weeks which involved a guy, classmates and backstabbers. I was in an unfamiliar surrounding, and I needed a buddy, or anyone I could hang out with.

Then came along this girl, whom I knew very vaguely from an event we once were involved in.
I was incredibly grateful for having her as a friend, and we'd tell each other stories, discuss about anything that came into mind and laugh at random stuff.

I was happy. Plain and simple.

Then came this dude. Long story short, I had a crush on him. And of course, like every other guy I liked, he didn't feel the same way. Huge blow to my self esteem (haha!)

For a while I kept it to myself. Then while hanging out with the girl one day and her friend, I figured if I told them my problem they could lend a hand. So I opened up to them and let out every single detail, the things I did to get his attention, the jealousy that rose inside when he was paying more attention to other girls and the one time I cried, all because I heard rumours about a potential gf (go ahead, laugh)

So she gave me tips on how to get that guy. Be more confident, speak to him like how I speak to other guys and just be cool. Oh, and change the way I dressed =.="

Well I took some of the advice but things weren't changing.

It wasn't until a Monday morning when I was heading home when a classmate came up to me. He was silent for a while, then he dropped the bomb:

"You like that guy is it?"

?!!!

I was super sure I didn't let my guard off in class. I didn't think it was obvious because I'd only spoke to him about homework about once or twice, and the rest of the time I was with other friends. I didn't secretly peek at him, or sit next to him or anything strange (that would have raised some questions).

So the obvious next question was, "who said lah?"

But he was adamant about the guy, so I lied (in an effort to close the subject). And at the same time I thought I knew the answer already, who else could have announced it to the entire class if it wasn't for that girl?

Backstabber backstabber *^%$^%^^#@@! Still, I kept my mouth shut.

Couple of days later I ran into the girl's friend (from a different school, different clique and my gut told me she's a very nice person. We're still friends today). We went for tea together, and in the middle of a conversation she said, "I hope you've realized by now she likes that guy too".

.... Backstabber backstabber backstabber *&^%#!#^(%%^!

So over the next few weeks I could totally make out how the backstabber was acting around in class, it was so obvious I just didn't put two and two together. They were in the same group, they hung out together and God knows what else she has been saying about me.

Several times I planned to confront her, but then I realize it was no good. She was too "powerful" with her gang members around her and I was afraid of her. No point in defending myself cuz they could have told everyone about the dumb stuff I did to get that guy to like me. I have already lost too much face, so no point in losing more. Should focus on how to win my face back lol.

Well, that was years ago. I have already forgiven her but I don't want to see her again. Honestly, I am still afraid of her and the "power" she has to convince people about the losers around (me, for instance).

The last time I saw her was at McDonalds at the front counter. I was super paranoid about what she'd do with my food so I went to another McDonalds.

hitz.fm Boys parody

Hitz.fm's parody of Katy Perry's California Gurls. Super creative and I tend to memorize their version more instead of Katy's. Wah like making her album lose sales hah!

Thought of writing down the lyrics but since they said they'll post the lyrics real soon I'll back off *nyeh*.

Check out their version of Jason Derulo's Whatcha Say and Beyonce's If I Were A Boy. How to remember the original version after listening to JJ and Ean's lah?!

P/S - I see them at work a lot *gloats* *gloats*

I see a Puget! I see a Puget!

2 reasons to stay away from movies and lepaking - The Amazing Races! Both the Asian and US version are currently underway and I oh so love AXN. (Thank you God for including this channel in the compulsory Family Package).

5 reasons why you should watch:

Funny people. The most memorable vocabulary mistake was by the Indian cousins, Sahil & Manas who became over excited upon seeing other teams' Peugeot cars parked alongside the Penang Peranakan Mansion, and screams "I see a Puget! I see a Puget!". Hilarious. Expect Malaysians Ethan & Khairie to lighten up the Race too.

Pretty chicks & Girl power. Could another all-female team win?, cuz not many of us expected Zabrina & Joe Jer from Season 1 to take it all home. Expect more from party girls Jess & Lani (Jess seems more toned), Claire & Michelle (they claim they're street smart), Yani and her bud, Nadine, Miss Indonesia Earth 2009 (I have a special spot for beauty queens) and Indian actresses Dimple & Sunaina (athletic looking).

Good ol' families. Natasha and her doting dad Hussein comes to mind first, they were already running behind all teams and still managed to keep their heads together to check in (second last). Maybe this is the season we won't see parents yelling at their kids because well, they're the parent. And then there's Hungarian university lecturer Ivan and his Malaysian researcher wife Hilda - which 100% reminded me and my mom of Terri, the screeching and fit throwing machine from Season 2. Terri sulked, yelled and threw her tantrum all over Asia and half of Europe. Hilda cried all the way up to Batu Caves (not sure how many times she had to climb up and down 272 stairs) then cut to her guessing every number for the Indian priest, cried more, sprained her ankle and that was the end of Terri it. But she's still cute, I'll give her that.

Tagline "Ride of a Lifetime". The Race has never disappointed me (except for one season in US) so expect more brutal and hard hitting challenges in the upcoming legs.

Brains, brawn or luck. Season 1 had Sandy & Francesca and Andrew & Syeon, Season 2 had Marc & Rovilson (It's still hard to forgive them for losing!), Season 3 had a few consistent teams but Season 4 will keep us guessing. The only team that stands out are Richard & Richard.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris! Unfortunately I had a sore throat from yelling and talking too much the night before so it was really bugging me. And plus, after screaming too much during the roller coaster rides it became super annoying.

Entrance to Disneyland Paris.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Just went around it and came back haha.

Entrance to Disneyland Park where all the train rides, roller coasters etc are located.

First ride - Big Thunder Mountain. I was mentally prepared so I could still open my eyes throughout the ride.

Pirates of the Carribean boat ride. Good thing the camera's flash worked.

Space Mountain roller coaster ride. This was getting somewhat freaky so had to keep my head down, scream and close the eyes to avoid looking like a nuthead in the pictures the stationed camera takes during the ride.

Entrance to Walt Disney Studios.

One whole bunch of Asian people walking around in identical T-shirts haha.

While waiting for the Tram Tour of Walt Disney Studios.

Joyce and me =)

On the tram.

One of the special effects we came across. Flood water literally came down splashing at us!

Before the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride. Awesome but still had to keep my head down and grip the seat handle really hard.

Lining up for The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. It's a kid's ride but just went on it for the sake of experiencing something.

Hugs!

Kids.

Pluto, Chip and Dale. And since this is my blog, I'll continue on bragging I got kissed by either Chip or Dale on the hand =D

Green soldiers from Toy Story.

Beauty and the Beast.

Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
After the parade most of us had already went off in different directions. I went with some of the girls into shops on Main Street and bought a Christmas decor and watched the tour manager purchase some crystal figurines. Somehow I bumped into JR and we went for 2 more rides - Indiana Jones (roller coaster!) and Phantom Manor (a ride around a haunted house). It was almost time to leave and I was still lining up to buy dinner so we practically ran to the car park.

Other places we went throughout the day:
Honey, I Shrunk The Audience (closed in May 2010) - 3D cinema
Moteurs - car stunt
Armageddon - special effects

We had dinner together at our apartment. The guys bought their remaining cup noodles and soup from Liverpool. Sore throat was still there, and my back was a lil swollen from all the roller coaster rides.

I love these guys.

Thank you Residhome Appart Hotel Carrières La Défense for the 2 nights stay! It's a brand new aparthotel about 30 mins from downtown Paris.

View from the living room. One of the couches can be converted to a bed.

The dining area.
And we head back to London the following day. Of course, I had the cold and it was sniffs the entire day :/

Downtown Paris

Our last city as part of our Europe excursion - Paris. Kinda unfortunate we stayed in the outskirts of Paris so visiting the city at night wasn't a good idea. There was hardly any public transportation where we were staying too, so the nights were spent watching TV and utilizing the free Wifi connection =)

Arc de Triomphe. There was a time limit for our tour bus to stop at the roadside so we had like, 5 mins to run to this place, take pics and then run back.

Parisian architecture on the banks of River Seine.

Si Yuan and me pretending to be koalas.

Group shot with Eiffel Tower in the background.

With Lawrence.

Us.

Kai Siang, myself and Joyce.

Obelisk of Luxor at Place de la Concorde. Funny pic cuz you'd guessed Lawrence was pulling the car.

Tuileries Garden.

Lunch. The bad part about this tour is we have more Chinese food than local delicacies.

This is Sam, our tour guide originally from Singapore.

This is Boon Kit, I might have been holding on him too tight.

As close I could get to the Lourve Pyramid. Nope, didn't have the time to visit The Mona Lisa.

And that was it. We went to Galeries Lafayette, and I spent some time looking for a I Love Paris t-shirt (finally got one at 10 euros) at a roadside stall. Went for dinner and gossiped a lot. Some got a lil drunk from the wine. We also celebrated birthdays for those born in September (Happy birthday Ah Foo!!) and then went back to the hotel and watched TV.

We had 2 plasma TVs in our suite!