Last night I gave into childish temptation and watched Cinderella under the covers. Despite its obvious misguiding information, like how on Earth could mice talk and wear 'human' clothes, this Disney classic does teach us a thing or two about human behaviour.
For instance, Cindy's fairy godmother granted her wishes and bade her off to the Ball. She made everything perfect, except that she only had until midnight to revel in her splendour. Now, if it were normal young ladies at this day and age, I can bet you a hundred bucks that the first thing out of their mouths would be: "What??!! Only MIDNIGHT?". Then, the whining would ensue. Cinderella on the other hand, said that it was more than she had hoped for and proceeded to float on Cloud 9 all the way to the Palace.
From that example, I deduced that miracles only happen to really good girls who accept and tolerate other people despite their flaws. And also girls who never complain or are not impossibly rude.
Another thing about this movie was that it did not push the idea of love at first sight as something normal or expected. The Duke sarcastically relayed to the King a situation where the Prince might miraculously be attracted to one girl from across the room and fall for her instantly as they dance the night away. However, while he was describing each little move out loud (condescendingly, I might add), the Prince really was acting it all out with Cinderella in the Ballroom below.
How I saw it was, of course we are programmed to think that falling in love at first sight or falling head over heels in a short period of time is impossible. What more wanting to spend the rest of your life with a person you do not know much about. Despite all that, these things actually DO happen in real life too. And the fact that it does, makes it extra special and nothing short of a miracle. After all, Cinderella wasn't your average girl. She deserved some magic in her life after years of child abuse.
Yes, I do realise I've been peppering this post with 'miracle' and 'miraculous'. It was the theme for Cinderella. Or any other Disney movie with Princessess. Anyway, I'll leave you to your normal, adult life now. Toods!
You know sometimes I go off on this ranting tangent in my head where I zoom in on a problem and let out all my anger or hurt at it. Most times it can even get physical up there in my mind.
One thing I picture myself doing is hitting something with a baseball bat or pitching the baseball at something (or someone). Regardless of the fact that I've NEVER played baseball my entire life. Hee.
Another favourite fantasy of mine is running amok with a mosquito racquet. You know what that is? That racquet that holds instead of strings, wires that conduct electricity and are designed to fry flying insects that get caught in it. Don't ask me why. I just like the thought of zapping people who get on my nerves or at least scare them in the process. :D
Sigh. It's one of those gloomy days where you feel like suddenly everything is wrong with you. How come she doesn't love me anymore? Why isn't he talking to me? How come I don't have any real talent? Why don't I have any dreams?
Oh, but I DID watch The Princess and the Frog. YAYYYYY! I cried of course. It would be totally uncharacteristic of me to not cry. Sigh. Disney is still teaching little girls that true love can happen in a day or two. But I suppose when you go through so much catastrophe in that same time, you tend to bond well with the person you're sharing it with. What? I read it somewhere! I've seen it too! :B Sigh.
Oh, and le boyfriend got me the cutest card ever. It had this song in it:
Sigh. Just the man I need. One who understands and supports this weird obsession with being a Disney princess. Hahaha.
I just watched that trailer alone in the room. Twice. Both times I had fresh tears rolling down my cheeks.
Yes. A lot can happen in 12 months. I'm praying to God our feelings never change. I'm praying to God I still have you and that you'll come back to me. I'm sure you're praying I won't leave. I'm praying to God I won't. Because you never know who would say no but I'm keeping our favourite movies as inspiration to stay strong.
At this moment I'm a mess. Physically, emotionally and mentally. My estrogen levels are plummeting rapidly and I just want to sleep. But my anxiety levels keep elevating as each minute passes and my discussion warrants my attention.
Now, if only my mother could come up with a cup of coffee and a nice warm hug. If only she could just look at me and tell me, "Shaheera, just a little bit more sayang. Mummy knows you can do it." Crap. I'm sure you guys know what I'm doing now so off I go to calm myself down.
I watched my sister's keeper last night. MAN, it's so depressing. I kept crying even when I told myself to stop. It's not fair Llama didn't cry at ALL!!! mehhhh..
Ah llama being here is good for ze soul. Apparently I'm more manja when she's around. Coz she's manja with me! Honest! She's just macho in front of strangers!
Justifying my actions by being defensive is probably not a good idea.
I think I'm going to have an ice cream/treat truck at my wedding. Ole!
Jeez. I'm getting more boring by the moment. Oh well.
Now if you're feeling depressed, here's something you could look into. It's an article my buddy Zek wrote adressing a charity which aids people with depression. It also contains his two cents worth of what it means to be depressed and how to counter it. We've all been there. I've been there and back again. I'm not fully over my hatred for honours but other things in my life have overrun that bitterness. I'm glad at least that I have a lot of things outside lab that make me happy. It keeps the stress levels in check.
So my dear sweetheart, the one who's still depressed. As you read this, I hope u understand that it all will pass. I know with all my heart that you can finish what you're doing now and excel. We're always there for you. You're stronger and more disciplined than you think. You're smarter too. I wish you could see all those positive words your supervisor has given to you. I wish you could realise that you're way ahead of the thesis game compared to everyone else. I also wish you'd see that you've already got the upper hand with your conference scheduled and a potential publication in your hands. Even if it all doesn't work out or you fall short, just think of all the experience you gained and at least enjoy the fact that you made it through shit and you got to spend an extra year in Sydney with us. :)
It's been a dreadful weekend. Goodbyes were whispered and tears were shed.
One of the best Malaysian directors of all time passed away. Many of my friends had the opportunity to meet her and talk to her about various subjects. Many more idolised her. Al-Fatihah to Yasmin Ahmad, may God bless you in the afterlife as well. You will be dearly missed by fans everywhere.
The grey skies embraced MH122 as it made its way back to home soil, carrying a very special friend of mine. Jams left for good and even though I know I'll be seeing her InsyAllah in December, the fact that I will never get to go up to her room and have long, sweet girly talks with her at night makes my heart ache a little more than it should. I will truly miss being 'manja' with her and having her comfort me when I feel sad. She's been a truly awesome friend and these few months without her would definitely feel different and strange.
I love you Nurul Ili Jamaluddin. :D
Great. Honestly, I can't imagine going back for good. Leaving this wonderful life behind. Cooking and eating with my girls. Sleepovers and movie nights. Adventures to new cafes and suburbs. Plenty of laughs and pictures. I know I'll never get a chance to do all that again because this chapter will have to end to make room for new ones. How disappointing.
You know what? I'll miss you guys the most: Hawa, Fini, May, Erin, Kak Long and of course, Jams Everyone else has come and gone this past 4 years but you 6 girls have been with me from the moment my life started here in Sydney. I love you lots and lots.
Oh and Sabby, you get special mention too. Because you managed to help pull me up from depression this year. For that, I thank you. And of course for everything else. :) Love you too!
(sebab jiwang and pms and mengada and time for a 90s flashback! :D)
Just watched Angles and Demons. Ooh the Geekasms I had while feasting my eyes on fantabulous science and religion conspiracies.
I don't care if you think Dan Brown is overrated or a sham. I believe his books are utterly brilliant and oozing with huge piles of information. Who cares if it's only semi-true, it IS supposed to be fiction after all. The science is in fact, plausible, because he actually took the time to research the things he strings into the storyline.
Yes, argue if you must. I still loved biting my lips at all the informative tidbits he scatters around the book and movie. So catch the movie if you can. Or even better, read the book beforehand. As usual, they changed some parts, but who cares! :) Watch it!
I had a sleep in today and now my head feels like lead. Well, I'm sorry, this week has been hectic and I never got the chance to rid my jet lag or get fully settled in the routine of things here.
Watched Watchmen last night. Probably another reason why my head feels like lead. I never got round to finishing the comic because of the massive theories they imparted and it was too deep for my liking. The movie was pretty good nonetheless. The fight scenes especially the ones involving Rorschach are just badass. You can read a fanboy's review right HERE.
And if you're not into that kind of thing, here's something for all you foodies out there: The History of the McGangBang. It's come to a point where the staff at Maccas don't even flinch when they take your order. There are a few variants too, like using Spicy McDeluxe instead of a McChicken. And of course, you can add on as many patties as you like to create your own McOrgy. (hahahahaha).
Not into that either? “I believe in pink, I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” -Audrey Hepburn- (I believe in miracles...where you from? You sexy thing.....) So stop whining and be happy!
I went out with my former *sniffles* housemates just now. And of course Wei Hon, Chin Leng, Derek and a bunch of their other friends.
We watched Underworld 3. Trust me, it wasn't by choice. It was mere force. And no, I didn't find it great. But I do have to tell you that I've watched ALL the underworld movies now.
I remember watching Lucien's first change into a Lycan and exclaiming in my head, 'Omigod, macam BIGBY!!!!' And throughout the movie HC and I kept flinching at all the gory scenes. And I kept screaming in my head, 'INFECTIONSSSSS!! Bacteria and Dirt!!!!'.
Yea. That's just me. I'm sorry.
I'll end this one here. I'm not in the mood to write. But I have something to share. Tomorrow. :)
In 14 hours I'll be taking off to home soil. Joy. As usual mixed emotions stir around in my head. But it's ok. I'm going to face Malaysia with a smile and plenty of optimism.
I love immersing myself in geeky things. Yesterday was QC. I think I read half a year's worth of issues.
And today, I spent the day discussing books and comics, watched an indie movie which made Paan jealous (YEEESSS! SCORE!), and laughed like a mad cow on the sidewalk at midnight.
One way to show that I'm not as childish as I seem is the fact that I'd opt out of watching or even reading Twilight. If I was still in high school I'd consume the books but come on, I'm 22. Gaiman and Willingham are reason enough to dip my toes in fantasy.
So kids, please watch Slumdog Millionaire. If it isn't showing in cinemas near you, go check out Benjamin Button instead.
And at this point I mumble incoherently and realise I need to sleep. Nite!
Another installment of 80s movies! Ngee. What can I say, the Brat Pack never fails to make my day. The best bits about this movie? The camaraderie of course and the awesome quotes.
"I'd never thought I'd be so tired at 22," -Jules (at which point I started wishing I had someone to rub my back whenever I end up in a heaping mess of tears)
"Love, love, you know what love is? Love is an illusion created by lawyer types like yourself to perpetuate another illusion called marriage to create the reality of divorce and then the illusionary need for divorce lawyer," -Kevin (who has the most amazing blue eyes I've seen)
There's just too many more to list. I especially love the banter between Kevin and Kerby about love and the sexual revolution. Huh huh huh.
I feel like I have a hangover. Not that I know what hangovers feel like. But I reckon if I had one, this is what it would feel like. My head feels heavy. I can't really think straight. Hmm. In addition to that, I feel bloated and swollen all over. Relax, this is mere exaggeration. But I do feel like an elephant. For some reason I think the insides of my nose is swollen too.
Anyway. My weekend was the shiznit. I had quality time with Hawa and Firza at Paddington. I bought lip gloss and a dress. Woo Hoo! I had lotsa noice food. And I read some comics at night. And yet, even after 6 hours of walking along Oxford Street and staying up til 2am, I still couldn't sleep.
Yup. That's why.
And then the next day, I had the Mfest agm. I got to read Zek's speech so I got my 15 minutes of fame. Muahahaha. People made fun of me coz Afir and I were wearing matching clothes. You either think it's cute or annoying. We all know what I think. I swear we didn't plan it. Haha. Anyway, I'm finally free of responsibilities!! Yayyyy!! Now I can concentrate on those personal issues I have. Hahaha.
Then I spent the rest of the day with the boyfriend. Hee. Happy. Oh and please watch Eagle Eye. It's just mind blastingly superb. And Shia is so hot.
After that, I dropped by Puan Lin's place for her open house and after gorging on satay, laksa, macaroni and cheesecake (crud, I sound like a pig again), we had a few rounds of KARAOKE. Hurr Hurr. By the time I got home it was 2 and by the time I snuggled under the covers it was 3 something. Thankfully I fell asleep quick. But not before singing this a few times:
"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die" "This is true love - you think this happens every day?"
Last night I had a few hundred bullets fired at me in the form of teasing by Afir. It didn't help that the rest of the committee agreed with him. Hahaha. But it was quite fun. So I didn't mind. As long as they don't graduate to insults and mean blows its ok.
Thanks for dinner and entertainment Afir! And thanks for the ride Salina!
I'll be going to the Dewa concert tonight. I shared a bus ride with my NDN yesterday and we waited for the bus together. Hee Hee. Oh and I of course had my mandatory Sate Padang. :D
And now, I can hear Sindy yelling and moaning (its not what you think) downstairs as she watches the Olympics. Hmph.
I just finished watching Lars and the Real Girl. It's such a bittersweet story. I cried countless times sporadically during the movie. It's a must watch for those with hearts made of putty.
It's sad but heartwarming. It made my heart ache to think that there are people out there who create little delusions and escape to them whenever they want to. It also made my heart swell to see how much everyone loves him by just playing along with his fantasy.
It truly is a great movie, showing how people really work. Displaying the kindness of humans and the intricate situations our minds weave.
Now, imagine me talking to some non-existent person and being oblivious that noone else sees him. Okay, so my mom has seen this when I was a kid. But just imagine Prince Garuda making a comeback, Mummy. I bet he's really good looking now. ;)
Yes, I am back. My room's a mess but it sure feels good to be home and sleep in my own bed. :D
NZ was a blast. As you can see from the previous posts, I had quite an awesome time. In addition to the awesome activities, I enjoyed the company of the friends I met. Thanks Azmir for cooking! And thanks Tomen n Supep for entertaining us. :D
And of course, thank you to my Sayang Liyana. For Everything. Spending time with you wrapped up my winter break pretty nicely. Love you lots and lots. :D
Oh, I had a nice walk one chilly morning in Queenstown. And I wrote some stuff on a little notepad. I'll put it up one day. Haha.
Ah yes, I watched The Dark Knight last night. Holy Cow! If you haven't watched it, go forth and secure those tickets now! Believe every word all the good reviews present. Like thisone.
There's this one line that Harvey Dent recites, 'You either die a hero, or live long enough to watch yourself turn into a villain'. The same can be said for an artist, you either die at the peak of your career like James Dean and Kurt Cobain or you live long enough to watch yourself star in Blockbuster flops and straight to video movies like a handful of Hollywood Has Beens. And from here, we conclude that Heath Ledger went out with the biggest bang of all as the Joker.
Now, which one shall I pick?
Tough decision. But I think I'm banking on the one with the burger. Scruffy, offbeat dork as opposed to the pretty prince. Yea. Gasp all you want. I think its the facial hair.
Two down and Three to go! Yes, I'm halfway through my eggzams. Whoopeedoo!
I watched the second installment of Narnia last night. He he he. I actually cried at the end. No, don't get me wrong, it isn't a sad movie or was that awful. I just cried because I wish that really happened to me. And because I'm pms-ing and was really tired. :P I also spent most of the time drooling over the boys. Yes, all three of them, even Skandar aka Edmund who looks like Firamir. Ha Ha Ha. No, Zek, I'm not a paedophile!
It definitely is better than the first one, with more fight scenes and bigger personal themes presented. It's funny how the older kids are the ones with the inner conflicts and who have to learn how to behave in time of need and how the younger kids, who are full of faith, end up being more mature and having the upper hand in certain situations. I personally interpret this movie as one that emphasises the destruction humans and civilisation make on the rest of the world. And how a tyrant does not maketh a king. And the importance of having faith.
SPOILER: Oh and of course, there was a slight addition to the movie where Susan has a thing with Caspian. It wasn't much, considering it's a kid movie, so don't expect romance because that isn't what it is. Just think of a summer fling where you flirt and leave with good memories without any strings attached. :P I swear to God, she was living my teenage fantasy. I mean, you enter another realm, save the world and get the boy. Who wouldn't want that? I'd let Caspian whisk me up to another land anytime.
Anyway, I've got real stuff to do now. I'm wondering if I'll ever grow up one day and if I don't, it would be deemed as a bad thing. I know someone who used to not be able to love me because I was immature. That was two/three years ago. Hmm.
ps: Aunty Azua, I'll put up my pic in the next post okay? :D
A word of warning to those who intend to watch Indiana Jones. Throw all your knowledge about science and logic out the window. Why? Because nothing you see here will be concurrent with what you know or learn. Okay? So that's out of the way.
As an overview, I'd say it was a pretty feel good movie. Very classic and nostalgic. Very predictable and transparent. But hey, not everyone goes to a movie to have a slice of reality pie. They want legends teamed with paranormal activities. Of stories filled with adventure and hope and lame jokes. Of geek inducing light bulb moments. Of wishing all uni lecturers were like Indy.
People who want movies that require thinking need not apply. People who want to just relax, watch gorgeous lighting in magnificent backdrops, and who thoroughly enjoyed the other Indiana Jones movies, can step in line at the nearest cinema.
I for one enjoyed it. I mean, besides the fact that some things don't make sense. But like I said, its supposed to be illogical because its a movie. An Indiana Jones movie. Duh. And since I have a deep passion for myths, legends, the paranormal, adventure and Shia LaBeouf, this movie is right up my alley. I'm also looking forward to the next Mummy movie. That's those thingys wrapped and preserved. Not the maternal presence in your life.
Did I tell you about the 13 real crystal skulls? I did didn't I? Cool. :D
Get yourself to the butterfly lounge, find yourself a big lady
Har Har I watched Iron Man and Im feeling happy! :D
Do you know how it feels to be FREE? Even if it was just for an afternoon, it felt good.
I was reading wiki about Twilight. This novel turned movie about a romance between a vampire and a girl. Goddamit. If I was 14, I'd rave about it and dream about it and make references about it in my everday life. But I'm 21. And I think vampires finding their 'True Love' are very funny. Makes you squint and go, right...
A tiny voice inside me says 'I wish I was in love'
Oh! I got to taste Kataifi for the first time today! Hmm. It has nuts in it and its superbly sweet but I prefer Baklava. Man, I wish I had more money on me just now. I could've had more Greek Sweets. :D
Well I'm runnin down the road, tryin to loosen my load
I feel happy(er) today. I mean now. I managed to push aside the pain and laugh at 'Dan in Real Life'. Not in a mean way. Its very bittersweet you see. He's all depressed, screwing up his life and family but yet he found someone he really loves. Classic I tell you. His parents said that he should do something for himself but when he finally did, everything else got screwed up. But I guess like all movies, which force feeds us lies, eventually everyone got their happy ending. Except maybe Mitch, but then again he got Renovated Pigface to bed. So I'm sure that worked out fine.
I swear I keep replaying the part where his daughter Kara runs after her bf and screams at her dad, 'YOU are a MURDERER of LOVE!!!'. My god, I was laughing like shit. So the drama. Naive angsty teenage girl. I love it. :D And falling in love in three days? Pfft. Kids, its a MOVIE. Its all LIES.
Oh and I wished I could do the whole weekend getaway with my whole family. Its SO cute how they even get up for morning aerobics together. That made me miss home a little more. How when you wake up you can see your granma feeding your cousin. Or your auntie putting a fresh batch of pancakes on the table. Or another auntie surprising you with your favourite rendang even though its far from Raya. I now feel like having scrambled eggs with cheese, just like how Oma used to make them for me in the mornings. Sigh.
Oh and I happened to Google, Wiki and Googlism my nickname, Sheera. Pretty interesting results. My fave from Googlism: ' sheera is so intimidated by humans that she is kept in an enclosure away from everyone in order to protect her privacy'. Ahahahahaha. Oh and apparently there's ANOTHER cartoon character by the name Sheera. We all know He-man's sister She-Ra of sword wielding, horse riding fame. But there's also a Sheera in Moby Dick and Mighty Mightorwho is the village chief's daughter. Yes, I amself absorbed. So are you.
Okay, I think those scrambled eggs are coming up. Toodles.
A dash of Disney, a sprinkle of pop punk, lashings of sweet treats, a pinch of superheroes, bundles of laughter and a tinge of crankyness.
All wrapped up in a pretty package that resembles the Cookie Monster.
Also self proclaimed Princess of Le Cupcake Kingdom
People I love. Music. Sweet treats. Singing animals. Movies. Princes. Books. Fables. Hindustan Heroes.
Sinks my Ship
Rude people working in hospitality and sales. Long queues. Idiots CUTTING long queues. People who Patronise.
Wishlist
To finally figure out what I'm meant to do. To travel the world. To eat anything without gaining ungodly amounts of weight. To get my happily ever after. :)
Subscribe in a reader