So Long, Farewell 2008

Music: Duffy - Serious

I have never been good at handling year-ends. Everything just seems so...final. I mean, it feels like just yesterday I was composing the end-of-the-year speech (uh...blog post) for 2007. Time really does fly, at the speed of sound too, it seems.

So what happened in 2008?

• I finally travelled out of Malaysia this year! It's not exactly Europe or the US of A, but it is somewhere further than 1000km (I assume? I'm not really good with geography lol). Hong Kong; that's the far-off place I visited back in April (my God, it's been 8 months since I went there!). And thanks to that, I've gone to at least ONE Disneyland in this lifetime.
  
• Ah yes, college (or Uni? Uh, I'm not very sure haha =P). Well, life at INTI turned out better than I had expected. I have to admit, initially I was really skeptical about the whole thing (where and what I'll be studying), but in the end it was all right.
  
• Since we're on the subject of education, I swear to myself I'll try my absolute best at everything I do for my second year. The usual goals of excelling in studies, paying more attention in classes, and so forth. Need to be more proactive and serious, and all that. No more slacking! (Hah, as if that'll ever happen lol).
  
• Remember when I blogged about wanting to continue piano lessons and stuff, way back in early 2008? Well, I haven't exactly kickstarted a fabulous music career or anything, but at least I've touched the piano...a little anyway. It's better than nothing right? One small step could lead to something really big in the near future! *wishful thinking*
  ...
  Oh who am I kidding.
  
• 2008 was a good year for music. Most of my favourite (or non-favourite) bands/singers released new albums, and even American Idol was quite promising (my dear David Cook, I hope you're single and available!). Enjoyed most of songs that were playing on and off the radio. Strangely enough, the only thing I couldn't stand was Coldplay's Viva La Vida and Death and All His Friends (the best-selling album of 2008 I believe, and probably also the most anticipated) Even the name of the album's a mouthful. I don't know why, but it was just really dry, couldn't listen to the album without skipping at least 3/4 of it.
  
• TV & Anime stuff: it's been quite a good year for the small screen as well, with the exception of Heroes. Let's face it, the 3rd season kinda sucks. Not that the 2nd season was any better. I gave up watching a few weeks ago. I'm still downloading the remaining episodes, but I'm not sure if I'll actually finish it off...
  Most of the anime released in 2008 was interesting; Gundam 00, Code Geass R2, Tales of the Abyss, Jigoku Shoujo (I am OBSESSED with this show, and I don't even know why), etc. TVB serials too. Moonlight Resonance was an absolute joy to watch. Heartwarming, funny, annoying, frustrating...all rolled into one. Which reminds me,
  somebody please lend me Gem of Life? =P
  
• I hate to say this, but I think I spent too much on books this year. I've bought more than ten books, just in December alone. And guess what, books aren't cheap at all. I must have spent at least RM600 on books throughout the whole year! One crazy bibliophile I am, indeed *pokes wishlist*
  Clicketh for a picture of the books I bought in 2008 XP
  
• I would say something intelligent about the local/world politics and economy, but what the hell. It's just way too much, and way too ridiculous. To sum it all up, 2008 was a year of changes, both positive and negative. Hopefully, those changes will be good for the poor, ailing world and not otherwise.

More resolutions for 2009?

1. Uh......spend less on books lol.
   
2. Right. Get a job, and save up for the NDS! PSP! PS3! Wii! *more wishful thinking*
   
3. Lalalala...*mind goes blank*

Bah, I'm not ambitious enough =P Forget resolutions. I'll just take whatever life throws at me and deal with it as it comes. Hopefully.

Here's a toast to Two Thousand and Eight: cheers to the happy moments, and drown your sorrows for the unhappy ones!

Now move over '08 *kicks*
'09's coming.

-x-

P.S: I was reading last year's new year post and one of my resolutions was to:

- spend more money on books!! (bibliophiling away lol)

Bahahahaha! I succeeded in achieving one of the resolutions at least (not a very good one but what the hell I don't care XD)

Only By The Night

Music: Snow Patrol - Set Down Your Glass

Kings of Leon
Okay, I'm officially in love with this album now =P
Kings of Leon is okay and all but I've never been a fan, wasn't even aware of albums two and three. Their latest album, Only By The Night however, is really good (in my own opinion anyway). Downloaded the album almost three months ago, when they released it back in September but had only really listened to it recently.

Track Listing:

1. Closer
2. Crawl
3. Sex on Fire
4. Use Somebody
5. Manhattan
6. Revelry
7. 17
8. Notion
9. I Want You
10. Be Somebody
11. Cold Desert

Recommended - Crawl, Revelry, 17, I Want You, Be Somebody. (9.0/10)

Definitely my favourite album released this year. I don't think anyone really expected them to do this well (since they're not exactly household names unlike the over-rated Coldplay), but they did anyway. So congrats, you've found a new fan in me! Lol. ♥

A Hundred Million Suns - Snow Patrol



Track Listing:

1. If There's a Rocket Tie Me to It
2. Crack the Shutters
3. Take Back the City
4. Lifeboats
5. The Golden Floor
6. Please Just Take These Photos from My Hands
7. Set Down Your Glass
8. The Planets Bend Between Us
9. Engines
10. Disaster Button
11. The Lightning Strike -
{What If This Storm Ends?}
{Sunlight Through the Flags}
{Daybreak}

Recommended - Lifeboats, The Golden Floor, Set Down Your Glass, Engines. (7.0/10)

I'm not really a Snow Patrol fan either, but I thought I'd give this album a try. Um, what can I say, I think their songs are okay in general but...everything sounds almost exactly the same. There's hardly any variety. I guess only Snow Patrol fans will appreciate this? But you know what, I think this is better than Viva La Vida anyway, so...yeah. ♣

KL Update 3

Was suppose to post this a few days ago but sigh, I got really lazy =P

Anyway, here are some pictures I took in KL (only a few, it takes ages to upload even one picture!):


In Lot 10, I think.


Colmar Village, Bukit Tinggi


Mum and I, in Colmar Village




Swans in Colmar. Don't they look lovely


Pavillion


The decoration at 1 Utama.

(I just realized that I have forgotten to take pictures with people I met in KL lol =P)

There's more in my phone, will upload that later.

~.~

Becky darling, thank you for Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories! Saves me the trouble from playing the Japanese one (which I couldn't understand at all).

It's a bit pesky to play, and quite tough (t's bad enough on Standard mode, let alone Proud!). Them stupid cards. Oh well, I hope I have the...stamina to finish off the game (I wanna play as Riku!!!).

Also, if anyone's interested, check out episodes 11 and 12 of Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae. The whole season has been pretty odd and hilariuos, but those two episodes are actually really good O.o

Ho Ho Ho!

MERRY
CHRISTMAS
EVERYONE!

KL Update 2

I'm gonna split this into several posts so it won't be that much of a pain to read.

Day 3
Initially, we had planned to go to 1U or something but my other uncle (earlier one was Uncle H, this one is Uncle R =P) surprised us in the morning; he came over with my aunt, Auntie R (yes, their names begin with the letter R! How sweet right! =D) and took us to Berjaya Hills instead.

Clickity Click

Berjaya Hills is this resort in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. Really awesome place. For more info click on that link! There's a French village called Colmar Tropicale (based on the real thing in France) and a Japanese Garden with a tea house and spa. The scenery there is absolutely amazing, so if you've never been there before please take some time off and just go XD It's all scenery, and even if you don't like that kind of stuff... well you should still check it out anyway XD

Went back to KL after a whole day of travelling up and down the hills, and had dinner at The Ship again. Lol. I know, kinda stupid but it was raining quite heavily and we wanted to avoid Jalan Alor at all costs @_@ Wanted to go to Pavillion after dinner but the rain was just terrible. Spent all night in the hotel instead, and I ended up watching football (Liverpool vs Arsenal). Bahahaha I'm the only football freak in my family, and we don't have the sports channel at home, so that one night wasn't ruined =P (for me anyway)

Day 4
Morning: Pavillion
Afternoon: 1 Utama

Went to Pavillion in the morning. Nice place, but the stuff there is just...wow @_@ Even so, my mum managed to get some clothes from Parkson. It was actually cheaper than the stuff in the Parkson in Gurney Plaza. I got some books at Times too, more 3 for 2 thingys. Sigh, Times and MPH. Copycats of Borders. Can't you come up with your own marketing strategies?? Lol.

And of all people, guess who I ran into there....Haan-Ming! I didn't even know that she was in KL, so that was one freakishly amazing coincidence. Just amazing.

After lunch, Uncle H took us to 1 Utama. Met up with Chris there, FINALLY. Was actually suppose to meet her on the first day, but because of the change of plans, we had to reschedule (darn that sounds too business-like haha). Spent all day at 1U with Chris, and once again I didn't buy anything cos I just couldn't make up my mind @_@

Had this wonderful dinner in a seafood restaurant with Uncle H and my aunt. It was really delicious, and quite cheap too. Much better than the awful expensive stuff in Jalan Alor.

Was too tired to do anything after that, so we just went back to my uncle's house and stayed there for the night.

Day 5 (which is today)
Back to Penang!!!!!

~.~

I'll try to upload the pictures tomorrow, if I'm not too lazy.
Until then, good night all.
(I'm ready for bed now @_@)

KL Update 1

Right, I'm too lazy to upload pictures for now, so just bear with this pictureless post first =P

Anyway;

Day One
Arrived in KL on Friday afternoon, was suppose to stay at my uncle's house that night but unfortunately he was busy with some Christmas thingy. So, we ended up in this hotel at Jalan Dang Wangi (is that right?) instead. Not much there, just Sogo and some weird mall called Maju Junction.

Spent Friday night at Sogo and had dinner at The Ship (which is available in Penang btw).

Day Two
Moved to Royale Bintang KL from the Dang Wangi area, took a taxi there. Thank God. Was nearly dying of boredom. We had the whole day to ourselves (busy uncles. Yes, uncleS) so we decided to to go KLCC. Mum was reluctant at first, fearing jams and lack of time. Luckily she changed her mind, I was dying to go to THE Kinokuniya XD

Met up with Trix and her aunt there, and had lunch together. After that it was off to Kinokuniya *inserts skipping onion emoticon* Damn that bookstore's huge @_@ it was my first time there so...yeah. Found this book I've been searching for years, but I didn't get it cos it was quite pricey. We also found those Archie's holiday pack thingies. RM9.90 for one double digest (Usual price: RM11.90) and one single (RM7.90). Really worth it right? We just HAD to have it (haven't been avalaible in Penang for YEARS).

Met up with Nigel (from MT =P) in Kinokuniya too. Stood at the Japanese section for a while, but I didn't buy anything cos:

1. I had no idea what I wanted.
2. The PRICES!!!
3. Saw this FFXIII magazine thingy, wanted it but it costs RM199 or something like that @_@

Sooooooooooooo....I went all the way to Kinokuniya and only bought Remember Me? (30% discount!) by Sophie Kinsella. Mum was pretty ticked off cos she had expected me to buy a bunch of stuff lol.

Left KLCC around 5 something, had dinner at this stupid restaurant at Jalan Alor; a bowl of soup, a plate of vegetables and an astonishing RM35 for a plate of mediocre roast chicken, duck and pork. Total: RM90 X_X Sigh. RM2.50 for a bowl of rice too. Needless to say, my dad was absolutely pissed off. I guess we'll never go back to that place. EVER. Lol. Wandered around Bukit Bintang for the rest of the night.

Yarrr

I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

Wave Goodbye, Wish Me Well

Music: The Killers - A Dustland Fairytale

Ran out of titles (cos my brain ain't functioning anymore), so I decided to use a line from the song Human by The Killers. I'm waving goodbye, and you'll be wishing me well right? =P

Anyway, as I've mentioned before, I'm going to KL tomorrow. Won't be updating my blog till Tuesday, unless if I can find some random place to go online. Somehow. Somewhere.

....That ain't gonna happen lol.

~.~

Went to a play at the Penang Christian Centre earlier today, to support Haan-Ming who was in it. And guess what she really rocked lol, she was probably the...spiciest thing in the play, if you get what I mean =P But dear God, stage makeup is freaky, no offense XD I just couldn't look at the leading males, the makeup made them look positively scary!

Sharyl couldn't make it today, so I dragged Becky darling along (I think she really enjoyed watching you btw Haan-Ming =P) instead. Anyway, I really enjoyed the play, have fun playing the bitch for one more night tomorrow hahaha =P

Alrighty then, that's all for now, need to continue packing for tomorrow. (SIGH)

Till next time, good night and good luck!

I am done! I am finally done with it!

I finally finished Blood+ after letting it rot for two years! TWO YEARS!

And in less than 3 weeks too, bahahahaha!

A huge, HUGE accomplishment for me.

Also, I bought Macross Frontier. Came with the OST too, only for RM27.50, quite cheap right? Looks nice, I watched the first two episodes online and was hooked =P

Next up, Macross Frontier and Kyo Kara Maoh Season 2.
Guess I'll start on that after my KL trip? =P

(Going to KL on Friday morning, until Tuesday. Wish me luck in getting a Mokona plushie!)

Day & Age

Music: The Killers - The World We Live In

I've been listening to a lot of weird music lately, randomly downloading songs I find in the UK and US charts. Like Taylor Swift for example. I have never been a fan of her, but somehow I downloaded a few of her songs? It's not that bad actually.

I have never been a fan of The Killers either, but you know what I kinda like their new album, Day & Age.



Track Listing:

1. Losing Touch
2. Human
3. Spaceman
4. Joy Ride
5. A Dustland Fairytale
6. This Is Your Life
7. I Can't Stay
8. Neon Tiger
9. The World We Live In
10. Goodnight, Travel Well


I used to really hate 'Somebody Told Me' and 'Mr. Brightside', so I'm surprised I'm actually enjoying this.

Ratings: 8/10

Recommended: All? =P Well most of it is okay. Take a listen if you like dancey stuff.

The Things I Do When I'm Bored...

Music: May'n - Diamond Crevasse

It's been a while since I took pictures of anything at all, so I took a bunch of them today.

Had lunch in New World Park today:








Random pics of the Christmas decorations there.

Had dinner at a restaurant called 'Everyday Supreme' at this hotel called 'Red Rock Hotel' (mum's company dinner thingy lol), and I took pics of all the dishes cos I was bored (was not the only person who did that though =P):
















8 dishes, not bad actually


...and the only picture of myself (and my mum) I remembered to snap =P There's more, but it wasn't taken by me...I'll have to wait lol.

OMG BISHIE ALERT

Music: Chiaki Ishikawa - Prototype

OMGWTF probably the best bishie scene ever!

Only works if you're a fan of a certain purple-haired megane bishie from Gundam 00, and if you have an open mind I guess.

Gateway to Temptation

Random Tag - I Don't Feel Like Dancing?

Tag from Mandy's blog, doing this cos I'm so bored.

If you have your iPod/mp3/mp4 player/iTunes/whatever music player you have, put them on shuffle mode and write down the song title as the answer for each question.

1. If someone says "I hate you", you say?
Gothic Pink - Tommy Heavenly6 (...uh...well...lol)

2. How would you describe yourself?
Daylight - Coldplay (I'm daylight! Whee...*hides under a shade*)

3. What do you like in a guy/girl?
Playing Along - Keane (His playboy-ness?? O.O OMG! LOL)

4. How do you feel today?
Sunshine - Keane (...what's with me and the sun today? O.o)

5. What's the first thing you see in a guy/girl?
Ai Oboete Imasu ka (Do You Remember Love?) - Megumi Nakajima (If he'd remember my love for him and vice versa =P)

6. What is your life's purpose?
Flowers in the Window - Travis (To plant flowers everywhere...beautify the ailing Earth)

7. What is your motto?
Nothing in My Way - Keane (I won't let nothing get in my way! Yeah!)

8. What do your friends think of you?
Eyes Wide Open - Travis (O.O me? The sleepyhead?? Bahahaha!)

9. What do you think of your parents?
That's Not My Name - The Ting Tings (...oh crap lol. Talk about ironic O.o)

10. Whats the first thing you notice in a person?
Beautiful World - Utada Hikaru (How beautiful he/she is in this world...)

11. What do you think about very often?
Style - Kana Nishino (I think about style often...I guess haha)

12. What do you think of your pet?
Delayed Devotion - Duffy (My devotion towards my pet is delayed?)

13. What do you think of the person you like?
Time to Go - Keane (...I wanna break up with that person??)

14. What is your life story?
Just Dance - Lady Gaga (Lol. I can't even dance!)

15. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Pray - Tommy Heavenly6 (I guess I'm destined to be a nun lolz)

16.What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Stepping Stone - Duffy (...okay that's really bitchy)

17. What will you dance to at your wedding?
You Haven't Told Me Anything - Keane (Funky song to dance to but wow, talk about subtle...NOT)

18. What will they play at your funeral?
Viva La Vida (which basically means 'long live life') - Coldplay (Haha quite suitable)

19. What is your hobby/interest?
The Lovers are Losing - Keane (...I'm a bitch, apparently)

20. If you were a phrase, what would it be?
You Don't See Me - Keane (That's sad...)

1. What is your biggest fear?
Time is Running Out - Muse (So true!)

22. When you find out you have 6 months to live what do you say?
42 - Coldplay (It's the answer to life! ...anyone here watched Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?)

23. What is your biggest secret?
White Shadows - Coldplay (...yes, my shadow's white instead of black)

24. What do you think of your ex?
Never Miss A Beat - Kaiser Chiefs (He never misses a beat?)

25. What would people describe you as?
Thin Air - Keane (God am I depressing or what??)

26. What do you do on your spare time?
Sing - Travis (Lol, I ain't no Ranka Lee)

27. What do you sing while walking down the street?
A Stray Child - Yuki Kajiura (...)

28. What is the worst thing ever?
Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon (HAHAHAHAHAHA!)

29. If you could take back anything what would it be?
Chinese Blues - Travis (...well)

30. If you could say something to your ex right now, what would it be?
Spiralling - Keane (You're spiiiiiiraling...)

31. What will you post this as?
I Don't Feel Like Dancing - Scissor Sisters (...nice one)

Tagging: Open to everyone!

P.S: Just in case if you have noticed something ...well, about 2/5 of the songs in my MP3 player is from Keane =P

Twilight

Music: Paramore - Decode

Okay guys, I'm done with Twilight by Stephenie Meyer.



To those who have no idea what I'm talking about...where have you been for the past year or so? Sleeping in a coffin? *cough* =P

Anyway, Twilight's all the rage now; it's a romance novel with a twist. Basically, the whole story is about a somewhat awkward girl who finds love in a small, gloomy town. But there's a twist there somewhere...read the book to find out, or if you hate reading, just watch the movie.

Even after reading the book, I still don't get the hype about it. I mean, it's an okay book, miles better than let's say, Shadowmancer or Eragon, but it's nowhere near phenomenal. The best thing about the book is Edward Cullen, no doubt. The adjectives used to describe him is just...wow. It'll make every female who reads the book swoon and hyperventilate, including me *blushes*

(No way I approve of Robert Pattinson as Edward in the movie! He's just not pretty/handsome/manly enough...)

Although I did enjoy the book, I still have about a million and one complaints about it.

Number 1: The heroine, Bella Swan. Good grief, she's just so...I don't know, silly somehow. I don't really dislike her or anything, but I'm definitely not a fan. Come on Edward, you can do so much better lol.

Number 2: The pace of the book. Spent way too much time describing Bella's daily life. I get it, she sucks at sports. It's completely unnecessary to guide me through her lack of aptitude for volleyball, badminton, baseball, and God knows what else!

Number 3: Bella's attitude towards her peers. If I were to behave like her in real life...I guess sooner or later someone will slap me lol. As opposed to everyone asking me out to a dance or something *rolls eyes* Unbelievable.

Number 4: The 'action' happens only in the last 50 pages or so. The rest of it is used to describe Bella's mundane life O.o Sigh. Still, it's not as bad as Eragon's journey through somewhere I can't remember...lasted for 3/4 of that book I think @_@

There's more, but I'm too lazy to construct proper sentences for my thoughts...

Now working on New Moon, the second book in the series. So far so...dull. You're right Mandy, it's a bit boring and I'm only in the second chapter!

I wiki-ed the last two books, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn for a brief summary because I have absolutely no intention to read them. I must say, the ending for the whole thing is just...lame. Could have been so much better, you know? For Breaking Dawn, the book is divided into three parts, which reminds me a little of the way the 'Night Watch' series by Sergei Lukyanenko is presented. Three intertwining stories in one book...the plot somehow reminds me of the plot for 'The Twilight Watch' too...hmmmmm.

If you have not read those two books, feel free to wiki it too.

Also, Stephenie Meyer was working on another book for the series, Midnight Sun, which is basically the retelling of Twilight in Edward's point of view instead, but something happened so she had to put it on hold. If you were to ask my opinion...just leave it alone Miss Meyer O.O Twilight's a pretty good novel by itself, so...