1. Tithe
2. Throw my kid a proper birthday party
3. Buy a digital camcorder
4. Buy birthday presents for all the pple I missed in August
5. Eat at Brazil's
6. Pay off all my petty loans (Mum, your $40 is on its way)
7. Bless David and his new Jenny with supper at G7
8. Watch Forbidden City
9. Cut and colour my hair
10. Buy at least one CD and one book for personal enjoyment
Donations are welcome and not tax exempt.
Tuesday, August 29
Friday, August 25
KL #2 - Viva Colombia!
If you do not go to the Westin KL for any other reason (and God knows we can't afford it), then you must go to their Qba to listen to the Salsa band.
They were awesome. 3 percussionists, 1 keyboardist, 4 Singers and 3 dancers were packaged into a 6 piece Colombian Band who played 4 45 min sets of great salsa, bachata and merengue music.
The two babes had the hottest dance moves that they performed in perfect synchronicity, and the men had voices that when they talk like that, will make a woman go mad. (Sorry,Shakira)
Count on being able to nurse a drink for a long long time, because the prices are ridiculous (RM 26 for a G&T - WTH?)But the entertainment in worth it. Between sets the DJ (who I am sure is Indian on account of his caustic tongue)spins R&B, Top 40 and Latin Pop.
Club closes at a decent 3 o'clock, so go check it out if u are in KL. Malaysia Boleh!
KL #1 - Lunch and Tourism
Upon arrival and check in the first thing on the agenda was "Eat at Tarbush"
This restaurant serves the best Lebanese, Muslim Mediterranean food I have ever had. And I know it was the real thing because although it was 3 in the afternoon, every table was full. Most of the diners were also Middle Eastern - fat, bearded men, with black abaya-clad women (who had the most beautiful eyes) and a gaggle of little rascally childen who you wanted to trip when they ran past you, screaming.
We started with freshly made pita bread and a bowl of hummus. The real treat was the lovely green olive oil that they drizzled on it, make every bite an experience!
Then the mains arrived.
The most impressive one of course was Ridwan's lamb sizzler, which was.. well.. sizzling. But the other dishes were great too, chicken briyani, lamb chops and my sambosas. The only one that was not a hit was Ashley's Moussaka, but that'll teach her to come to a Med restaurant and order the only vegetarian dish they have. "slaps head in despair*
Once done with lunch, we headed for the Petronas Towers to do the tourist thing. We took the little monorail system that they have, which is sorta like our LRT, except theirs got driver.
KLCC is alot like City Hall. A lot of big brand shops like Zara and *bleurghs* Charles and Keith, not enough interesting rustic things to see. So while the rest went off to take pics with the Twin Towers, I decided to go to the Petronas Gallery, which gives you a pretty good history lesson, and to have something u can't get in Singapore anymore - A&W rootbeer float and Dunkin Donut.
And then while the rest of them went to Petaling Street to buy pirated (or "local") whatevers, I went back to the nice comfortable room at the Hotel Allson Genesis, strip down to my underwear and... slept.
More later.
If you want to see more pictures, go here.
This restaurant serves the best Lebanese, Muslim Mediterranean food I have ever had. And I know it was the real thing because although it was 3 in the afternoon, every table was full. Most of the diners were also Middle Eastern - fat, bearded men, with black abaya-clad women (who had the most beautiful eyes) and a gaggle of little rascally childen who you wanted to trip when they ran past you, screaming.
We started with freshly made pita bread and a bowl of hummus. The real treat was the lovely green olive oil that they drizzled on it, make every bite an experience!
Then the mains arrived.
The most impressive one of course was Ridwan's lamb sizzler, which was.. well.. sizzling. But the other dishes were great too, chicken briyani, lamb chops and my sambosas. The only one that was not a hit was Ashley's Moussaka, but that'll teach her to come to a Med restaurant and order the only vegetarian dish they have. "slaps head in despair*
Once done with lunch, we headed for the Petronas Towers to do the tourist thing. We took the little monorail system that they have, which is sorta like our LRT, except theirs got driver.
KLCC is alot like City Hall. A lot of big brand shops like Zara and *bleurghs* Charles and Keith, not enough interesting rustic things to see. So while the rest went off to take pics with the Twin Towers, I decided to go to the Petronas Gallery, which gives you a pretty good history lesson, and to have something u can't get in Singapore anymore - A&W rootbeer float and Dunkin Donut.
And then while the rest of them went to Petaling Street to buy pirated (or "local") whatevers, I went back to the nice comfortable room at the Hotel Allson Genesis, strip down to my underwear and... slept.
More later.
If you want to see more pictures, go here.
Friday, August 18
Rants and Reviews
Just a few experiences that I had recently. This should keep you occupied while I am in KL this weekend.
1. Union Square
Touted as the premium salsa club in Singapore, this small-ish NTUC- run club tucked away on the second floor of Amara Shopping Centre is one crowded joint on Fridays. While I was happy to see so many geeky Singaporeans transform into suave hunks on the dance floor, the place really does need more floor space. They should get rid of the sleazy lounge with the even sleazier Filipina duo in the back, and open the place up for more dance space. Salsa isn't much fun when you are constantly conscious of banging into someone or turning around and finding that you have changed partners without meaning to.
Quick Facts.
Staring incidents: None
Throwing up Ah Lians: None
Pool Table: One
Fat balding ang mohs ogling women: one. He looked lonely
Ability to make gin and tonic: Good! Decent shot of gin, acceptable amount of ice.
Decor: internally lit tables and discreet uplights were a nice touch. The horrid National Day bunting looked like they stole it from a govt building in the dark of the night though. But NTUC club lah.. what you expect? Have to be patriotic.
Babes and hunks: plenteous! Definitely a people watcher's paradise. Especially if you like the Latin type.
Ladies Night: Fridays till1:30
Live band: Salsa band on weekends, sleazy duo every night in lounge area.
1. Union Square
Touted as the premium salsa club in Singapore, this small-ish NTUC- run club tucked away on the second floor of Amara Shopping Centre is one crowded joint on Fridays. While I was happy to see so many geeky Singaporeans transform into suave hunks on the dance floor, the place really does need more floor space. They should get rid of the sleazy lounge with the even sleazier Filipina duo in the back, and open the place up for more dance space. Salsa isn't much fun when you are constantly conscious of banging into someone or turning around and finding that you have changed partners without meaning to.
Quick Facts.
Staring incidents: None
Throwing up Ah Lians: None
Pool Table: One
Fat balding ang mohs ogling women: one. He looked lonely
Ability to make gin and tonic: Good! Decent shot of gin, acceptable amount of ice.
Decor: internally lit tables and discreet uplights were a nice touch. The horrid National Day bunting looked like they stole it from a govt building in the dark of the night though. But NTUC club lah.. what you expect? Have to be patriotic.
Babes and hunks: plenteous! Definitely a people watcher's paradise. Especially if you like the Latin type.
Ladies Night: Fridays till1:30
Live band: Salsa band on weekends, sleazy duo every night in lounge area.
***
READ THIS BOOK!
The thing I loved most about this book, is that it is deeply spiritual without being "churchy". Which interestingly enough, is why alot of "churchy" reviewers did not like it at all.
It portrays God as a Person with danger in His being, adventure in His heart and romance inHis soul. And as beings made in his image, we are just like that too. Especially men. This book tells men its ok to not be the "nice guy", the guy who plays safe, does not take risks, and fears criticism.
It also addresses something that I have been thinking about for a long time - that we have all been wounded by the men in our pasts, who have had to deal with their own wounds. The key is to find a way out of that self condemning circle
Eldrege is a deeply committed Christian, and he writes this book from a Christian perspective. But he is also very aware that God speaks to us from other media besides the bible as well. He quotes largely and freely from secular authors, books, movies, songs and poetry. Some examples: BraveHeart, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Galdiator.... all the movies that women today shirk from and try and prevent the men in their life from seeing.
Ladies, men need "man movies". They need their violent video games, their barbecues, their fishing, hunting. They need to be seen by their women as dangerous heroes, knights, warriors and kings. Danger IS their middle name. Whether its your sons, brothers, husbands or fathers, don't hold them back. Let them go be men, and they will love you for it, and come back to you to be let go again
Men, women are not the answer. We don't even understand the question. Don't depend on us for your validation. But as deep as you desire to cherish us, we want to be cherished. To be desired, loved, fought for and won. Fight for us. Fight against the cheap dates, the porn, the distraction called "work". We will make it worth your while. And when we see you in your strength, you can see us in our beauty. Take your strength away and our beauty will fade too.
It also addresses something that I have been thinking about for a long time - that we have all been wounded by the men in our pasts, who have had to deal with their own wounds. The key is to find a way out of that self condemning circle
Eldrege is a deeply committed Christian, and he writes this book from a Christian perspective. But he is also very aware that God speaks to us from other media besides the bible as well. He quotes largely and freely from secular authors, books, movies, songs and poetry. Some examples: BraveHeart, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Galdiator.... all the movies that women today shirk from and try and prevent the men in their life from seeing.
Ladies, men need "man movies". They need their violent video games, their barbecues, their fishing, hunting. They need to be seen by their women as dangerous heroes, knights, warriors and kings. Danger IS their middle name. Whether its your sons, brothers, husbands or fathers, don't hold them back. Let them go be men, and they will love you for it, and come back to you to be let go again
Men, women are not the answer. We don't even understand the question. Don't depend on us for your validation. But as deep as you desire to cherish us, we want to be cherished. To be desired, loved, fought for and won. Fight for us. Fight against the cheap dates, the porn, the distraction called "work". We will make it worth your while. And when we see you in your strength, you can see us in our beauty. Take your strength away and our beauty will fade too.
***
3. Breakfast joints
Breakfast pickings at Jurong East are few and far between, and every morning I am faced with the "what to eat?" dilemma. Here is a short list of some that I have tried.
Long John Silver's Inch Thick Toast
Now this is simply awesome. Inch thick toast, buttered on both sides, crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. With your choice of bacon, egg, cheese and sausage. It fills u up waaay past lunch time and it incredibly delicious. I usually wash it down with iced lemon tea. Heavenly! On the downside, it is a bit pricey - $5.00 for breakfast breaks the budget quite a bit. But if you have to skip lunch for any reason, then this is the perfect breakfast.
$1.90 Nasi Lemak
Tucked away in a corner of the food court behind the CPF building is the $1.90 Nasi Lemak stall. Fluffy coconut flavoured rice that is not dyed puke green, hot and crispy accompaniments and the right kind of chili makes for a filling albeit fattening breakfast. My personal favourites are the luncheon meat (fried till crispy). sambal long beans and cruncy ikan bilis (anchovies). Downside of this breakfast - the aromatic and pungent flavours tend to stay on your breath for a while, so if you have any important meetings in the morning, give it a miss, or bring enough for everyone. But for the price, its good value for money.
Ah Hock Kaya Toast
A new kid on the block, Ah Hock still has is congratulatory flower arrangements outside its doors. It serves the same classic fare as most kaya toast places - half boiled eggs, paper thin toast with pats of butter and kaya and the ubiquitous gut-corroding cup of coffee. Basic stuff, nothing to write home about. The bread was cold when it arrived at my table, warm would have been nice. And they didn't provide serviettes, so you were obliged to wear crumbs from breakfast till you went outside and shook it all off, like a dog.
Verdict - only if you really REALLY want kaya toast. If not, save the experience for Ya Kun.
Tuesday, August 15
I need a new Hobby
Now that I am done with my salsa lessons, I need another hobby to make my life more exciting. You know, other than work, work and ... oh yeah. Work.
Here are a few options that I am considering. Maybe you, my dear readers, (yes, both of you), can tell which one fits my persona better.
1) Papier Mache
You remember this from Primary school right? All done with newspaper, homemade glue and a lot of mess. At the end of the day, you should have a lopsided bowl, or a vase with no opening or something similarly useless.
I am kinda hoping that age and a longer concentration span will help me to make this effort more promising than it was when I was 8. And it's something I can do with Hanan.
Cheap and good! Right up my alley.
2) Golf
I have always wanted to do this so that I can marry gorgeous blonde women. No, but seriously, it always looked like a good thing to learn, not to mention the obvious networking benefits. Besides my father-in-law is apparently a pro at golf, so it will be nice to play it with him when I go visit. (Score points lah!)
But since I am such a miser, I will probably go for the golfkaki thing by NTUC first before I spend serious moolah on this. Sekali I suck big time how?
3) Study HR
Human resources has always been a secret interest, mainly because I am quite kaypoh, and like to poke my nose into other people's business and tell them how to improve their lives. I am thinking of doing the basic cert in HR offered by SHRI, and then concentrate on the training aspect. It will combine my two most inert skills - talking and kaypoh-ing. What could be better than that?
Truth be told, I am getting a bit sick of marketing. A lof of fluff and flamboyance, just to peddle some product. What's the point, I say? Noone appreciates what you do, except maybe other marketeers, but who cares what they think anyway. Bunch of fluffers.
So, the polls are open! Option 1, 2 or 3. Your vote counts!
Here are a few options that I am considering. Maybe you, my dear readers, (yes, both of you), can tell which one fits my persona better.
1) Papier MacheYou remember this from Primary school right? All done with newspaper, homemade glue and a lot of mess. At the end of the day, you should have a lopsided bowl, or a vase with no opening or something similarly useless.
I am kinda hoping that age and a longer concentration span will help me to make this effort more promising than it was when I was 8. And it's something I can do with Hanan.
Cheap and good! Right up my alley.
2) Golf
I have always wanted to do this so that I can marry gorgeous blonde women. No, but seriously, it always looked like a good thing to learn, not to mention the obvious networking benefits. Besides my father-in-law is apparently a pro at golf, so it will be nice to play it with him when I go visit. (Score points lah!)
But since I am such a miser, I will probably go for the golfkaki thing by NTUC first before I spend serious moolah on this. Sekali I suck big time how?
3) Study HR
Human resources has always been a secret interest, mainly because I am quite kaypoh, and like to poke my nose into other people's business and tell them how to improve their lives. I am thinking of doing the basic cert in HR offered by SHRI, and then concentrate on the training aspect. It will combine my two most inert skills - talking and kaypoh-ing. What could be better than that?
Truth be told, I am getting a bit sick of marketing. A lof of fluff and flamboyance, just to peddle some product. What's the point, I say? Noone appreciates what you do, except maybe other marketeers, but who cares what they think anyway. Bunch of fluffers.
So, the polls are open! Option 1, 2 or 3. Your vote counts!
Monday, August 14
The Indignity of an Accident Victim
I have seen dead bodies before.
People who have lived long and fuitful lives and at their death bed are surrounded by loved ones and family who bear their departure with sadness and lots of fond memories.
People who have had their bodies ravaged by sickness, and disease, who want to live, but whose bodies betray them and refuse to sustain the life that still burns brightly. Their death beds are surrounded by people who grieve at their early passing, but are slightly relieved that the pain has ended.
People who die suddenly, in their sleep, on their friend's shoulder, in their homes, with no sign of struggle, and a beatific smile on their faces.
And then there are the suicides and accident victims. Their faces twisted in a grimace of pain, their limbs thrown haphazardly around them, barely covered with a plastic white sheet while gawkers stand arouns and stare at them with curiousity and barely disguised disgust.
I saw my first accident victim today. At 7:45 in the morning, at the junction of Ave 7 and Ave 4 - a junction that we use at least 4 times a week, if not more. He looked like a common man, dressed in Tshirt and grey pants, likely a labourer or night shifter, going home after work.
Noone knows what accounted for his lack of judgement in crossing the road at that point. But the car that hit him did not seem to be around. Would it have been different if they stopped and called for help? Did they in fact stop, and I missed them? I don't know. My senses were already overloaded by the man on the road. His life's blood trickling away towards the rain gutter, his status as human being forever defiled by his twisted body and that glaringly white sheet.
Makes you think (well, makes me think).
On and on the rain must fall
Like tears from the stars
Like tears from the stars
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are
How fragile we are
- Sting,
People who have lived long and fuitful lives and at their death bed are surrounded by loved ones and family who bear their departure with sadness and lots of fond memories.
People who have had their bodies ravaged by sickness, and disease, who want to live, but whose bodies betray them and refuse to sustain the life that still burns brightly. Their death beds are surrounded by people who grieve at their early passing, but are slightly relieved that the pain has ended.
People who die suddenly, in their sleep, on their friend's shoulder, in their homes, with no sign of struggle, and a beatific smile on their faces.
And then there are the suicides and accident victims. Their faces twisted in a grimace of pain, their limbs thrown haphazardly around them, barely covered with a plastic white sheet while gawkers stand arouns and stare at them with curiousity and barely disguised disgust.
I saw my first accident victim today. At 7:45 in the morning, at the junction of Ave 7 and Ave 4 - a junction that we use at least 4 times a week, if not more. He looked like a common man, dressed in Tshirt and grey pants, likely a labourer or night shifter, going home after work.
Noone knows what accounted for his lack of judgement in crossing the road at that point. But the car that hit him did not seem to be around. Would it have been different if they stopped and called for help? Did they in fact stop, and I missed them? I don't know. My senses were already overloaded by the man on the road. His life's blood trickling away towards the rain gutter, his status as human being forever defiled by his twisted body and that glaringly white sheet.
Makes you think (well, makes me think).
On and on the rain must fall
Like tears from the stars
Like tears from the stars
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are
How fragile we are
- Sting,
Friday, August 11
Tuesday, August 8
Living it up!
Ah this is the life.
I am writing this after a glorious weekend mini break at the Intercontinental Hotel, Singapore. For those of who have never experienced a hotel getaway weekend within our fair shores, I highly recommend it. It's truly a getaway, but without the hassles of airport transfers, customs, strange food, weird smells etc. And the rude locals you encounter are your own people, so how to get angry with them?
I capitalised on one of my gift certificates that I bought from the hotel in April and got a really good deal on the room. It was one of those spur of the moment buys (like signing up for credit card to get a free coffee maker), but this is one that I have actually gotten more out of than I spent on it.
We checked in on Saturday afternoon at 2, me and my boy. Otrie said he would be right behind us, but in true CPT fashion, arrived at 6. Hanan and I used that time to do other fun things like get ice cream and hit the pool.
Now, I don't want to hear any "You think you ang moh , issit?" comments over the next paragraph. I sat on one of those cool deck chairs in the sun and read my book while Hanan frolicked in the pool. Everytime I got too hot, I jumped into the pool, then back out again for more sun warming. If you have not done this, don't knock it. Its actually very relaxing - a true sense of doing absolutely bugger all.
At about 8 we mosied down to the esplanade to catch the fireworks festival. Unfortunately about 100,000 other pple had the same idea. The only way to get a nice seat was to eat at one of the restaurants there, and the only restaurant with room was 2Hot Halal Cafe. And soon it was evident why. The sandwich was stone cold. The rendang was good, but took an hour to get there. (Maybe they made it fresh for us. Yeah right.) The satay was ok, biasa, but seriously overpriced.
Verdict: Dont eat there unless there is an astounding fireworks deisplay going on.
The fireworks were really good. The crowd pleasers were the big white fire works than ending in colored balls at the end. They were cool. Found out some of my colleagues were just 50m away from me, but we never saw them. The crowds were enormous. In 15 short minutes it was all over. An hour later, it was like nothing happened at all - unless u look the ground and see the massive mess left by the "No Littering Campaign" Singaporeans. Sigh.
So go catch rounds 3 and 4 this Friday and Saturday if u can. Starts at 9. For free entertainment, it quite good lah.
After a good nights sleep on linen sheets and feather pillows, we went to whack the buffet breakfast. Awesome lah. U name it, they had it.
Bacon and eggs? Have.
Cereal and Fruit? Have.
Teochew Porridge with the works? Have.
Dim Sum and Miso Soup? ALLL Have!
Very good. More time at the pool, then we checked out at 2 to go to church (500m away!)
I am so thankful for little sanity trips like these. Mental note: must do more often!
I am writing this after a glorious weekend mini break at the Intercontinental Hotel, Singapore. For those of who have never experienced a hotel getaway weekend within our fair shores, I highly recommend it. It's truly a getaway, but without the hassles of airport transfers, customs, strange food, weird smells etc. And the rude locals you encounter are your own people, so how to get angry with them?
I capitalised on one of my gift certificates that I bought from the hotel in April and got a really good deal on the room. It was one of those spur of the moment buys (like signing up for credit card to get a free coffee maker), but this is one that I have actually gotten more out of than I spent on it.
We checked in on Saturday afternoon at 2, me and my boy. Otrie said he would be right behind us, but in true CPT fashion, arrived at 6. Hanan and I used that time to do other fun things like get ice cream and hit the pool.
Now, I don't want to hear any "You think you ang moh , issit?" comments over the next paragraph. I sat on one of those cool deck chairs in the sun and read my book while Hanan frolicked in the pool. Everytime I got too hot, I jumped into the pool, then back out again for more sun warming. If you have not done this, don't knock it. Its actually very relaxing - a true sense of doing absolutely bugger all.
At about 8 we mosied down to the esplanade to catch the fireworks festival. Unfortunately about 100,000 other pple had the same idea. The only way to get a nice seat was to eat at one of the restaurants there, and the only restaurant with room was 2Hot Halal Cafe. And soon it was evident why. The sandwich was stone cold. The rendang was good, but took an hour to get there. (Maybe they made it fresh for us. Yeah right.) The satay was ok, biasa, but seriously overpriced.
Verdict: Dont eat there unless there is an astounding fireworks deisplay going on.
The fireworks were really good. The crowd pleasers were the big white fire works than ending in colored balls at the end. They were cool. Found out some of my colleagues were just 50m away from me, but we never saw them. The crowds were enormous. In 15 short minutes it was all over. An hour later, it was like nothing happened at all - unless u look the ground and see the massive mess left by the "No Littering Campaign" Singaporeans. Sigh.
So go catch rounds 3 and 4 this Friday and Saturday if u can. Starts at 9. For free entertainment, it quite good lah.
After a good nights sleep on linen sheets and feather pillows, we went to whack the buffet breakfast. Awesome lah. U name it, they had it.
Bacon and eggs? Have.
Cereal and Fruit? Have.
Teochew Porridge with the works? Have.
Dim Sum and Miso Soup? ALLL Have!
Very good. More time at the pool, then we checked out at 2 to go to church (500m away!)
I am so thankful for little sanity trips like these. Mental note: must do more often!
Friday, August 4
Tonight we dance!
Its been a great social experiment, coming home early all week, and seeing how the household reacts to my presence on a daily basis.
Feelings were mixed.
Some were genuinely happy to seeing, running pell mell to the door, with stars in the eyes, and a big four-limb hug (thats when kids take a running start, jump up, and hug you with arms around your neck and legs around your torso. Its like wearing a 45 pound necklace).
Some pretend that they didn't really notice you there because it may betray some deep macho part of their demeanour that is told to feel nothing and react to nothing (thanks, John Wayne, for perpetuating THAT myth.)
The good things that have come out of this come home early experiment are:
1) I have spent less money this week.
2) My son is actually prepared for his English and Tamil spelling tests waaay ahead of schedule.
3) I got to watch "Judging Amy", "Boston Legal", "Trick it Out" and a variety of other good stuff.
4) Am getting to eat my husband's wonderful cooking while I can.
But tonight is different. I get to do my two most favourite things - bible study and dance! Yes, this is the night where all the salseros gather at a humble dance studio in Carpenter St and wow each other with slick moves, passion and a whole lot of sweat.
The best thing about these impromptu salsa gatherings is that you get to practise without anyone looking down their nose at you. The next to best thing is that you get to watch the pros dance. And they make it look sooo good, so easy. I tend to develop this look of pained concentration when I dance, but they are laughing and whooping. One day, I will be like that too- once I find dance shoes that accomodate my flat feet.
And of course there is no cigerette smoke or drunk Romeos to contend with, unlike in clubs. (We do our drinking after the dancing!)
So come join me and let's baile!
Feelings were mixed.
Some were genuinely happy to seeing, running pell mell to the door, with stars in the eyes, and a big four-limb hug (thats when kids take a running start, jump up, and hug you with arms around your neck and legs around your torso. Its like wearing a 45 pound necklace).
Some pretend that they didn't really notice you there because it may betray some deep macho part of their demeanour that is told to feel nothing and react to nothing (thanks, John Wayne, for perpetuating THAT myth.)
The good things that have come out of this come home early experiment are:
1) I have spent less money this week.
2) My son is actually prepared for his English and Tamil spelling tests waaay ahead of schedule.
3) I got to watch "Judging Amy", "Boston Legal", "Trick it Out" and a variety of other good stuff.
4) Am getting to eat my husband's wonderful cooking while I can.
But tonight is different. I get to do my two most favourite things - bible study and dance! Yes, this is the night where all the salseros gather at a humble dance studio in Carpenter St and wow each other with slick moves, passion and a whole lot of sweat.
The best thing about these impromptu salsa gatherings is that you get to practise without anyone looking down their nose at you. The next to best thing is that you get to watch the pros dance. And they make it look sooo good, so easy. I tend to develop this look of pained concentration when I dance, but they are laughing and whooping. One day, I will be like that too- once I find dance shoes that accomodate my flat feet.
And of course there is no cigerette smoke or drunk Romeos to contend with, unlike in clubs. (We do our drinking after the dancing!)
So come join me and let's baile!
Tuesday, August 1
Movie Review - The Lake House (with spoiler)
It's strange how the minute I tell people, "Go watch The Lake House!", the first thing they say to me is - "ghost story right?"
wtf?
Let the record show I don't watch ghost stories. I don't watch the trailers of ghost stories. I don't endorse ghost stories (paying good money to give yourself nights of sleepless insecurity - pppffbbt) and I definitely do not recommend ghost stories.
Now having said that, go watch The Lake House. It is as beautifully cathartic as a love story can get, with the perfect balance of fantasy and reality to make it as close to falling in love as you can possibly get.
If you don't know what I am talking about, then you obviously have never been in love. That sense of "is this really happening?" coupled with "Am I really that blessed?" with a hint of "What if I screw this up? Oh please God, don't let me screw this up!"
I am not going to give you a synopsis of the story because I think we all already know what it's about. And no, nothing about the movie is very un-formulaic, or mind blowing. It's a fairly simple boy meets girl, boy finds out girl is not attainable, boy fights all odds to attain girl story.
Except for the time difference. Of 2 years. And the painfully slow and torturous snail mail communication.
So this movie is actually about the wait. By the end of the movie, he would have waited 4 years for this woman. And 2 years with no contact at all.
Like I said, this movie is cathartic. It purges you of every frustration you ever felt waiting for someone, or even, waiting for someone to change. Sometimes with no communication from that person as to his feelings towards you. But you wait because you cannot imagine losing that part of your life by moving on.
Sandra Bullock moved on in the movie, not because she wanted to, but because she did the stupid thing. She decided to settle. Settle for what she could see, feel and tangibly hold. And she did it, like most of us do - without realising that what she couldn't see what far superior to what she could. She lost faith in faith, and it almost destroys her.
She was lucky she was the heroine of a movie, and the writers could fix her life for her, but most of us aren't that blessed. We muddle along the best we can, regretting the mistakes, but using distractions to forget about the self made mess. And keeping the faith in the other things that matter.
wtf?
Let the record show I don't watch ghost stories. I don't watch the trailers of ghost stories. I don't endorse ghost stories (paying good money to give yourself nights of sleepless insecurity - pppffbbt) and I definitely do not recommend ghost stories.
Now having said that, go watch The Lake House. It is as beautifully cathartic as a love story can get, with the perfect balance of fantasy and reality to make it as close to falling in love as you can possibly get.
If you don't know what I am talking about, then you obviously have never been in love. That sense of "is this really happening?" coupled with "Am I really that blessed?" with a hint of "What if I screw this up? Oh please God, don't let me screw this up!"
I am not going to give you a synopsis of the story because I think we all already know what it's about. And no, nothing about the movie is very un-formulaic, or mind blowing. It's a fairly simple boy meets girl, boy finds out girl is not attainable, boy fights all odds to attain girl story.
Except for the time difference. Of 2 years. And the painfully slow and torturous snail mail communication.
So this movie is actually about the wait. By the end of the movie, he would have waited 4 years for this woman. And 2 years with no contact at all.
Like I said, this movie is cathartic. It purges you of every frustration you ever felt waiting for someone, or even, waiting for someone to change. Sometimes with no communication from that person as to his feelings towards you. But you wait because you cannot imagine losing that part of your life by moving on.
Sandra Bullock moved on in the movie, not because she wanted to, but because she did the stupid thing. She decided to settle. Settle for what she could see, feel and tangibly hold. And she did it, like most of us do - without realising that what she couldn't see what far superior to what she could. She lost faith in faith, and it almost destroys her.
She was lucky she was the heroine of a movie, and the writers could fix her life for her, but most of us aren't that blessed. We muddle along the best we can, regretting the mistakes, but using distractions to forget about the self made mess. And keeping the faith in the other things that matter.
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