Silence is the Perfectest Herald of Joy

First post this year! Short one tho coz im sleepy edy.

The title of this post is actually a quote out of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. I remember it very well coz we staged this play when I was in Form 3, the year we won Best English Drama and Best Props (I was assist Props Leader.. yass). And I guess the influence is obvious coz its my sign off at the end of every post in this blog. 

However the real point I want to make tonight is that, I havent been listening to any music nor the radio on my drives to and from work for the past 1 month (BFM or Traxx usually). Hence no “now playing” to begin this post either. I’ve been driving in silence, not coz i dont like music coz thats just ridiculous especially for me, but i just feel serabut otak u know about stuff (work and people), and the silence is lovely. This happened to me before more than a year ago.. so its nothing new, just another one of my weird phases. Altho its interesting (and dangerous) to note that I now watch netflix while driving. Ohmagerd. It has to be sitcoms tho coz then I dont have to pay attention too much. Pray I dont get into accidents for this. Sometimes I watch the NBA playoffs while driving too. Go Warriors. Im in it for KD but he’s not in the pic anymore sigh. 

The Thrill of It All

Music: Nothing Left For You by Sam Smith

A good friend asked me about a month ago. 

“Has he ever made you cry?”

“Yes, once.” I answered.

“Once is enough. Leave him.”

Wise words, now that I think of it. 

No man is worth any tears.

Every song in this album speaks to me on some level, tunes and lyrics alike. A wonderful companion throughout what I’ve just realized has been an emotional journey for me, this past one year. 

God knows how many times I’ve looped the album.

The Motorcycle Diaries

Music: Zambita by Gustavo Santaolalla

The movie was almost exactly how I imagined it would be, mainly because it stayed true to the book, and probably incorporated a few other happenings of Che Guevara's travel that was not written in this book, but other books instead (Che wrote many books).

I was most awed by the spectacular views of Latin America throughout the movie. It could very well be an unofficial travel promotion for South America. The mountains, snow-capped Andes, the narrow cobbled streets of Cuzco, a relatively empty Machu Picchu (susah ok, everyday thousands of people visit the ancient ruins, they must've closed it during shooting), the rural villages etc.. the cinematography was amazing. In fact, I read somewhere that tour companies in the continent have come up with Che Guevara themed tours, giving tourists a chance to trace his travels. Ada2 je la diorang ni nak buat duit punya pasal. Reminds me of  the Da Vinci Code themed tours in Paris that we've all heard about as well.

Many a time in the movie, situations and consequences were implied. Some I might not even understand if I did not read the book first. I love it that the movie did not include any obvious indications of the person he became or the things he did. In that way, the movie stayed fresh, telling its own story, fresh, without the influences and knowledge of future Che. The final close up shot of a real life Alberto Granado's face and eyes (his travel partner), already old and in his 80s.. summed up the movie perfectly. It gives the movie credibility and authenticity.

And of course, I have to say something about the soundtrack, because it is too good!! It gave me the same feeling when I was one crazy about Into The Wild's soundtrack, all songs written and sung by Eddie Vedder with his slurry lazy yet sexy voice. The music in Motorcycle Diaries were written by Gustavo Santaolalla, an Argentine musician who also won the Oscar twice for his original score in Brokeback Mountain and Babel (wiki info). Listening to the album standalone (I'm listening to it now for almost the 10th time since yesterday), I can only marvel at the way Gustavo managed to capture and express the feelings felt throughout the movie.. the melancholy of leaving a familiar place, the excitement of not knowing what lies ahead, the loneliness of talking to strangers, the despair of travel difficulties, the hopes and dreams that occupies the mind, the frustration of seeing poverty and discrimination all around and unable to do anything about it, the joys of making new friends, the sadness of parting with kind helpers.. music can affect first in weird ways really, this guy is good! Can't praise the album enough.

I'm now downloading Che Part 1 and 2, acted by Benicio del Toro, about the Cuban Revolution and Guerilla War in Bolivia, respectively. 3 hours to finish, can't wait to watch it.

Ernesto Guevara de la Serna. I think all his images smoking cigars are HOT! hahahahhh

Gael Garcia Bernal, the Mexican actor who played Che in the movie. Apparently he was in Babel, but I don't remember him.

As Easy As...

I wish..

Billy Corgan is...

Music: Tom Tom by Smashing Pumpkins

..... a musical geniussssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111

Sanctuary

Music: Nice Dream by Radiohead

I thought this season's last episodes for Gossip Girl and Private Practice was crazy and awesome.
But that was before I watched Grey's Anatomy's 2-hour season finale. It was Mind Blowing!
And I've always thought Mandy Moore couldn't really act, but I'm giving her credit for her guest appearance in GA's finale.
One of the things that makes a tv show or movie great is the soundtrack.
I'm currently listening to How I Met Your Mother's Season 1-4 album.
I've only watched halfway through season 2 of the sitcom and already I'm in love with the music in it.
Like I am head over heels with Henry Cavill (latest addition to my favorite actors of all time - Johnny Depp, Jonathan Rhys Myers and John Cusack).
Watch him in Tudors and you'll be in the same boat as me.
He lost the final screenings to Daniel Craig for James Bond, Brandon Routh for Superman, Robert Pattinson for Cedric Diggory and Edward Cullen, and Christian Bale for Batman.
Voted the unluckiest actor by i don't remember which magazine..
But really, thank god he didn't get the Superman and vampire parts.

Teargarden by Kaleidyscope

Music: Astral Planes by Smashing Pumpkins

And the first EP is now complete!
10 more to go.
Keep the good music coming Billy.
You rock my world!

SP == BC

Music: A Stitch in Time by Smashing Pumpkins

The 3rd song from Teargarden by Kaleidyscope was released a few weeks back, and once again, Billy Corgan doesn't disappoint.
I've been listening to SP non stop, to the point that made me realize I'm actually in love with Corgan.
I told my friend* about SP's 11EPx4songs project and she said, eh bukan tinggal BC je ke dalam SP?
To which I replied, does it even matter?
Okay there may be some die-hard fans out there who do care, but to me:

Billy Corgan is the life and soul of Smashing Pumpkins.

In between the time SP disbanded (and BC founded Zwan) and came back together again albeit with totally new members (BC did ask the original members whether they'd like to come back and all of them declined), it felt like they never left. I've always had a feeling they'd be back. So when SP recently announce they're looking for a new bassist and keyboardist.. its insignificant news to me.

Just to pay homage to this friend* of mine, she was the one who introduced me to SP, but now she's no longer up to date with these kind things. Lets just say once ppl get married and have kids, there are more important things in life to think about and waste time on than keeping up with the going-ons of your favorite band. I don't blame her for shifting her priorities and interests elsewhere. Its probably smart of her to concentrate on what's more important. But given the choice, if it were me in the same situation, I hope I will still be able to indulge in my favorite music at leisure. I can't imagine forgo-ing something as precious as that. Btw, this is the same friend who got me interested in F1. She probably has no idea how much influence she has on me haha.

I actually should be listening to Zee Avi sampai tepu since I'm attending her gig this Saturday.
I realized a few days back that her music resembles one of the genres that I dislike most.
And that is country music, but only in the lyrical sense.
She tells stories.. from A to Z.
Some may not be familiar with country, but that's how the songs are usually, the most current and relevant example I can think of right now is Taylor Swift.
Its only because her songs are more pop than country that I listen to them.
But despite this particular similarity, I still like ZA. or else I won't be spending RM42.50 to go see her (presale 25% discounted price off the cheapest ticket).
But isn't it weird that my favorite song off her first album is First of the Gang To Die.. which is actually a cover song (Morrissey 2004).

New Ventures

I have a new project coming up.
Still a work in progress, a collaboration.
I don't know if its gonna work or not, just giving it a try for now.
If results are good, i'd be totally happy and busy..
But busy is not such a good thing for me coz I plan to do another thing soon that would probably take away more of my already scarce time during weekends due to work..
I hope it all works out.

My Mika phase has been over for a few weeks, but now I'm into another band called The Weepies...
Their latest album Hideaway is awesome!
A mixture of fun and melancholy.
Kinda suits my mood lately coz I've been having a lot of fun but at the back of my mind i can't stop thinking about this particular thing that's been making me sad for a while now.
So yeah, I'm digging The Weepies... but the band name is kinda funny.

After a month of waiting, finally the second song of Smashing Pumpkins's Teargarden by Kaleidyscope was released slight more than a week ago.
SP is doing this project, ok more like Billy Corgan... you must be thinking, what??? SP is still around? well i'm happy to say, yes they are! thankS god. although Corgan is the only remaining original member of the band, but so what. he's the voice and sound and life and soul of SP.
The one that matters.
So back on track, they're doing this project of releasing 44 songs progressively in a span of 3 years, which started end of last year.. all the songs will be free for download...
When all the songs are out, they will be compiled into 11 EPs of 4 songs each.. and the box set will be available for sale..
So far i reallly loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee the first 2 songs, Song for a Son and Widow Wake My Mind.
I can just drown in them.

Ok back to Cappie and friends.

Music: Pick Up Off The Floor by Mika

I've been putting Mika's The Boy Who Knew Too Much on loop for the past 4 days...
What a freakin awesome album!!!!
I don't like only one song..
Must get my hands on his first album.. i only know Grace Kelly from the Life in Cartoon Motion album.
Hmmm I should be listening to Green Day instead!

Salam Awal Muharram to all.

Music: Heaven by Marie Digby (Ayumi Hamasaki cover)

I just found out that Marie Digby released a japanese album doing covers.
Makes me like her more!
Love her version of Luna Sea's Gravity.
Its been a while since I've listened to that song.
And she also has a second album out recently.
Gotta get both albums! Just gotta!!

I finally watched District 9 a few days back.
And finally, the aliens didn't choose to invade New York hahhahahahhaha. Refreshing. 
But I don't really understand what's the hype.
Probably the symbolism/reference to apartheid, portrayed in the form of speciesism and xenophobia.
The idea of shooting the movie in a documentary-like fashion is interesting, although it couldn't really be done all the way through when Wikus was in fugitive mode.
That was a bummer really. Kinda spoiled it for me.
The cgi is really awesome and real. Very believable.
At first I didn't like the prawns, but after getting to know Christopher and his kid, when these aliens are given characters and emotions, of course I really felt for them, especially since the aliens were given a bipedal form, I think its only natural that humans tend to emphatize creatures that looks like us.
There are talks about a sequel, I'm not sure how I'd like it better, for the aliens to come back and take revenge on whole of humanity, or just the MNUs, or come to save its people at the same time help to change back Wikus to human-form.
All in all, it was just a little more than okay movie.

But Sunshine Cleaning is a really awesome movie!
I've always liked Amy Adams.
It is a simple story about an honest to good girl who works hard for herself and little kid.
It also sends the message about how important family is, to always stick together and help each other.
It hit me harder than I thought, maybe coz this realization came a little late in life for me.
I've never really been super close with my family members, and there are rarely incidents that requires me to be there for the family in times of need.
But better late than never right.
I've been trying to be a better daughter, cousin, sister, niece, aunt, granddaughter for a while now and I think I'm on the right track.
So anyway, the movie's probably just biasa to everyone else but I liked it, cried my eyes out in the end.

What attracted me to The Soloist at first was because it has something to do with a musical prodigy, and its based on a true story.
But I think at the end of the movie, I realized it was more about friendship and helping people and feeling good.. but what happens after that?
Do you just leave? How do u sustain what you've started?
All this while, has it been about you or the person you've helped?
The story was a bit here and there though.
Jamie Foxx was excellent as a musically talented person diagnosed with schizo... coz I have first hand experience and he played the role perfectly.
I like him best among the (current) famous African American actors namely Morgan Freeman, Samuel L Jackson and Denzel Washington.
A really good drama movie to watch.

And The Hangover.. at first I was apprehensive, thought it was gonna be the typical funny movie with lame ass and overdone jokes.
But it was actually not bad!
I love it that there were suprises after surprises scene after scene, and they were good ones too!
And the simplest yet most wonderful surprise at the end of the movie was the best one.
Good thinking!
Very entertaining, a perfect movie to watch to just unwind and chillax and have a good laugh.

Role Models was just okay, and surprsingly, I did not dig Up! at all. I had too high an expectation of the movie coz everyone was telling me how good and funny and sad it was. Hate it when that happens coz I could've actually liked the movie more. Oh well.

1,2,3!

Music: 3 by Britney Spears

I love her new single!!!!!
Usual party song with lets have fun lyrics with a twist.
Simple and catchy.

Peter, Paul & Mary.. LOL!

Music: Want You by Pixie Lott

Its so nice to be home alone for once.

Its easy to get carried away when I'm surfing on Youtube.
I was on fb just checking out Britney's page (hehe), and some youtube vidclips...
And I accidentally found out about eebrahim/eebsofresh (only coz he did a cover on Britney's Oops I did it again) and he's fucking awesome..
I'm downloading his mixtape at the mo, which he has generously made available at his website eebmusic.blogspot.com
And from there, I'm now checking out Melissa Polinar's stuff pulak.. she kinda reminds me of Marie Digby.
Very fair skinned, with the same long black hair, soft/angelic voice, plays the acoustic guitar and piano, sings covers and her own songs, even the way she records her videos are the same as Digby's!
Still, there's too many vids of hers on Youtube and aku tak larat nak tgk semua..
But she's such a talent.

Last week I got me Pixie Lott, Kasabian, Hoobastank and All American Rejects new albums, in anticipation of this week's MTV World Stage at Sunway Lagoon.
The concert's by invitation only, and no I did not get free tickets, nor did I win any.
I entered the contest, slogan and all.. no luck lahh this time.
The rate I'm getting mp3s are much faster than me having the time to actually listen to them.
And already I'm itching to get Mariah Carey's new album.

Last week I was down with the flu (high fever, batuk, selsema and all).
I needed some peace and quiet (can't watch tv or movies/series on the pc or listen to ipod, coz all these sounds will me dizzy), so I opted to read instead.
I had many options since I pretty much buy books every month and never got around to reading them, and the unread books keep on piling up in my room.
I thought it was about time to read the Twilight Saga that I've bought last year when the movie came out.. should be light enough for my sick self.
And a week later (today), I'm on to the the 3rd book and almost finished even.
Despite me already reading eclipse in a week (considering the average number of pages in each book is about 500 pages), I'm not actually obsessed with the saga.
I just can't help wanting to know how it ends..
I'm kinda irritated with them being the melekat 24 hrs kind of couple LOL.
The style of writing is also kinda boring and repetitive.
Meyer tend to repeat the same thing/idea over and over again, just in different words.
Its like, OKAY I GET IT ALREADY!!! Especially when reading New Moon..
I think I would've enjoyed Twilight more if I haven't watched the movie.
Instead of conjuring my own images of the characters, all i could imagine was Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's faces.
I don't mind Kristen at all, but Pattinson's was not right.
Instead of being able to imagine a perfect Greek-God (like Meyer puts it), Pattinson's muka and rambut tak mandi was all I could think of.
And I've only realized that Jasper is played by Jackson Rathbone, who played Nicholas Fiske in Beautiful People, which I followed obsessively masa kat US dulu because of him and him only.
The series wasnt good at all haha (the 3 ladies were irritating).
Patut laaa familar gila muka Jasper masa aku tgk Twilight dulu, and masa tu I did like him best (strictly looks here), and second would be Cam Gigandet who played bad-guy James.
I also could only imagine Alex's Jane Doe when it comes to Esme.
I already know Jacob Black's face from New Moon trailers and posters so my imagination was limited juga when it comes to him.
I was told to read Midnight Sun before I start on New Moon, but I found out that Meyer's gonna publish the book anyway (even after its been leaked) so I think I will just wait for the book to come out.
I'm not a fan of reading 200 pages of words from PDF files on the pc anyway.
(But still, thanks Lana for the information).
I hope to finish Breaking Dawn by end of the week.
Well this is certainly a first, finishing 4 books in less than 2 weeks.
And I also think that Meyer is obsessed with her own characters and creation.
Read the way she writes about the book on her website and you might come to the same conclusion.
I'm not saying its a bad thing though.
But i prefer a little bit of mystery instead of baring it all, even as an obsessed fan (which Im not btw).

Twilight party anyone? LOL

Music: What Am I To You? by Norah Jones

I had my first jamming session in 4 years yesterday at a studio in Hartamas, which apparently was where Faizal Tahir jammed the day before coz he had a performance yesterday (info obtained by Deera while waiting for us late comers LOL). It was a good and fun session (to me at least), although I pretty much sucked at everything I played -bass, guitar, drums. I probably would've sucked at playing the tamborine even. I feel bad for Manluq SalahX and Deera for playing like crap. If you're reading this, I promise next time round (if u guys are willing to invite me again hehheh) I'll clock in some practice before the session. So anyway, we played so many songs, like 10 maybe? Should probably cut it down to only a few and concentrate on those few numbers next time, LOL. The jamming studio was pretty awesome for 45 bucks an hour. The smaller one is 30 bucks.

Also, last night the 4 of us (well, 5 including Salahx's wife) was supposed to attend M.Nasir's concert after jamming. But it was postponed to a new date (yet to be announced). What is it with my luck with concerts these days? Rihanna haritu pun postponed jugak, no thanks to Chris Brown. Why the hell haven't they announced anything? New date? Cancelled? Refunds? Its been 3 months and Rihanna is happily going shopping and vacationing (as reported by E!News), don't you remember you owe us a blardy show? hampasss... it's probably partly because of the organizer too coz I heard Pineapple Concerts have been blacklisted due to the recent fuckups with NERD masa Sunburst dulu. Yada yada yada.. Either put on a show or give me my money back! MTV World Stage is going to be held here soon.. all I know is All American Rejects will be performing, and some other local and international artists (I don't remember who, Estranged kot?). Lady Gaga's gonna perform in Singapore, I think her concert's gonna be great, she sings better live than her recorded songs. Her vocal skill is pretty awesome.

I made 3 bags in 2 days. I'll post the pics after the intended recipients gets them. Well, until ALL the intended recipients gets them (sorang dah dapat, you know who you are..) I still have 5 bags or so to sew.. my imaginations are running wild with various designs and patterns.. I wish I could work with more sturdy cloth.. hmm sturdy?? Kain yg keras and tebal sikit laa.. but I can't coz my (electric) sewing machine is not powerful enough. The needle will probably break.. No, it will definitely break. Sewing machines are expensive okay.. the one I'm using now actually cost RM2K. But my aunt (who bought it) sold it to my mother for 500 bucks.. pretty good deal. Second hand and a bit old, but its good. Kalau tak, I would have to sew using the mechanical sewing machine that we have.. I call it machine gede-gede (pronounce: ge and de as in her), coz thats how it sounds like haha. So many people are telling me to sell them. While it is a tempting thing to do, I don't think I'm ready. Firstly, my sewing is still crooked here and there, to the naked eye its probably unnoticeable unless you look really closely, but I would know about it and it won't feel good to get money out of a bad quality work you know. Secondly, I still sew ikut sedap hati, no specific technics and measurements, more like ikut mood aku and whatever feels right at the time. Because of that, no two bags are the same, let alone three, they may be similar but definitely not identical. But I guess its ok bad coz I'm not going for mass production or anything haha. Thirdly, it takes too much effort, must take pictures and put it on the web at what not. Fourthly, will there be anybody who wanna buy my bags? I find it unbelievable. It would be really amazing kalau ada. I guess kalau ada org yg (strongly) insist to pay.. See what happens then. Lastly, I'd probably have to come up with a brand name. KBags? Just plain Kerr? hahaha. macam poyo je.. So this will remain a hobby for now. Not an expensive one too. But I've never made any bags for myself yet. I don't know why. But I think about some people who loves to cook, great at it even, but don't eat the food (makan la sikit), but they are happy to cook for other people. I guess its something like that.

6 days ago I found out that a friend of mine baru di-merisik.. While its normal to hear news of friends getting engaged or married, but this time round its different. You see, this particular friend is someone that I've always viewed as the epitome of a successful, single, independent women (amongst people that I personally know). She's pretty, confident, have a good job, travels a lot, speaks her mind, strong and willful, compassionate, funny, knows how to have fun. So when I heard the news, I was obviously very happy for her (still am and will always be), but at the same time, I have this hollow feeling. Like a member of a group has left to move on to greener pastures. Not like there's a group or anything, its just hypothetical. When asked to impart words of wisdom if any.. all she said to me was, Have Faith. Will do that, my friend. I've long left behind the pressure I've gotten from various people (mostly older people, and they do not include my parents) on the "bila lagi?" question. It doesn't get to me anymore. Hey if my own parents tak pernah bising kat aku, why the hell should anybody else bother? What's with the obsession to know anyway? Even if my parents do say anything, its fine coz they have the right to do so. But nobody else does. But I can't really tell these people to shut it, can I? The only thing my mom ever said to me regarding the matter was.. "when you wanna get married, just tell me". And that was a year ago. Gila cool lah.. My father lagi best, tak pernah tanya not even once hahahaha. Never even mentioned the m word ever. And for all that happens or doesn't happen, its all a part of God's plan and only He knows what's truly best for each and everyone of us. So anyway, my advice is, just wait for the card. Whether it comes or not. Just zip it and wait quietly , ok? LOL.

Before I go waste my time on other stuff, a special shout out to a friend who have selflessly fought for his fellow office colleagues for what is rightfully ours. Thank you very much.. if you're reading this, you know who you are.. :)

Music: Ok It's Alright With Me by Eric Hutchinson

Found out about this Boston native yesterday after Body Step. I've always liked this particular wind down song used by Teoh at the end of his classes and finally inquired about it yesterday. It's called Oh! by a guy called Eric Hutchinson. I've been scouring his myspace pages and websites and some vids on youtube, and right now I'm downloading his Sounds Like This album. His music has a Jason Mraz + Jack Johnson feel to it (fusion with his own touch and style of course) which is my kind of stuff. And he can play the piano too! Haven't I said enough about how desirable these guys can be? LOL. and this guy is takde lah good looking pun. haha.

The cars that I drive are usually equipped with cassette players, which therefore increases my need of a good radio station to listen to to a tenfold. Even now that I have 2 cars at my disposal which, surprise surprise, have cd players, i haven't got the chance to burn a cd of fav songs (more like malas). I may have found a radio station that I'm gonna stick to for a while. I don't really like the ones that plays 2 songs and then 10 minutes of adverts, and some of the djs are irritating and just plain noisy. And after those 10 excruciating minutes, chances are next song played is some stupid hip hop song or overplayed pop song. At first I tuned in to RedFM coz the song choices are good and they only have 10 minutes of advert in every 50 minutes, but they repeat the same songs over and over again, and it kinda got old and repetitive. Some time ago I accidentally bumped into BFM (Business FM) and they were playing some Weezer and GNR and other cool rock music and stuff. I've tuned it ever since and it turns out they play rock and only rock songs.. from Elvis to Coldplay, from Steve Miller Band to Soundgarden, from The Clash to Lifehouse. Its fucking awesome. So far its close to the ultimate Rock Music Station that I've always dreamed of. There was one that I listened to in US. Its weird that a Business radio station would be the one that finally fulfills to an almost perfect extent, of my radio station needs (barring the business talk that is).. But of course I still need to get my few times a week dose of Gotcha Calls.

With this, my quest for a good radio station will stop now as long as BFM can hold my attention.

Off to work in 90 minutes, its shower time.

Still Umich sick.
I want my room in Baits/Northwood!
And crab cheese.
Yesterday I kinda fucked up at work and rectified the situation rather late but better than never right but still its a sucky feeling coz the 'solution' is pretty obvious but i was in a daze the whole yesterday god knows what i was thinking.

Went to SBP (Sekolah Berasrama Penuh) Wind Orchestra Finale last Saturday at PICC.
Managed to book 4 seats under the OGA's quota.
And our school won for the first time ever! Yeay!
I was sooooooooo full of semangat college singing the school song with all the other tkcians in the hall when they announce second place (which was when we knew we got first la).
And met Sleh after 10 years and was surprised that he still remembered me, full name and all!
After all these years, he's still teaching in tkc.
Well, who wouldnt want to when you're surrounded by teenage girls in an all girl school who actually likes you (as a teacher of course).
I remember Sleh bribing me with a nasi pattaya from canteen (considered a luxury) after he did a prank on me and aku merajuk after that. ahahahahhaha.
Anyway, back to topic, the highest ever position we've ever gotten prior to this year is third (3 times).
One of it was during my time in 1997 (the first ever orchestra competition), and of course yours truly participated.
Being a semi hardcore band member, I would not hesitate to join every competition and shows and anything band related performances eventhough PMR or SPM is the next day!
(Semi hardcore because there are other ppl yg wayyyyy more hardcore than me).
Somehow the comp was halted in the subsequent years and resumed in 2000.
But no matter.
Looking at the progress after 10 and 12 years since I left school and the first inception of the competition, respectively, it sure has gone a long long way.
10 years ago, we were noobs with very little exposure compared to the likes of ssp, stf and sas.
12 years ago, the competition was not yet a glorified event among SBPs and cluster schools.
And now, I am very proud of the level of skills that these girls (from tkc) have attained.
On Saturday they played a Disney medley which is a Level 6 composition.
The highest I've ever played was Level 5 (Nights in White Satin) and itu pun took like a month for the band to master.
Another score I remember well is Aventura by James Swearingen which is only Level 3.
All the new instruments yg dulu takde.. and not to mention they are all berkilat and shining and bling bling.
I remember my alto-sax was dull and berkulat (ok not actually kulat but there were black spots here and there).
We did by a few new ones during my time, but they were cheap skates and low quality ones that I didn't mind letting the juniors use it (eventhough they were very very very shiny like cermin).
Now, funds for the band (we are talking hundreds of thousands here) is abundant.
Dulu, susah gila nak cari sponsor and suppport.
Got to know that recently the school orchestra got a pretty huge donation from our PM (thanks to u-know-who).
I'm happy that things has progressed for the better and the importance of musical competency and development is slowly being accepted seriously in Malaysia.
Schools like sdar and koleq have really really come a long way since the last time I've seen them perform.

sas was the first school that performed and i thought their performance was phenomenal, with their elaborate percussion set (their percussion has always been the best to me and they've managed to maintain that), their dynamics and balance has always been perfect and whole, I simply could not believe they did not get top 3 last saturday. I really thought that they set the bar quite high for the rest of the schools being the opener. this is what i feel i guess. maybe the fault was at the choice of song. size does not matter really coz their band consisted of only 60+ ppl compared to 110 ppl in tkc's orchestra. i still got goosebumps listening to them, and other bands too like ssp, koleq, sdar and smsah, albeit at different degrees lol. the number of times i get goosebumps and the duration a goosebump is sustained is the easiest way to measure how good the band is hahahaah. seriously, its natural.
u can't force goosebumps to happen, can you?

anyway, mckk and sas deserved to get top 3 at least.
but not that i care coz we got first!! after 12 years lol.
its also good to know that the band have a dedicated instructor and not share him/her with other schools like during our time.

the only thing i regret is the fact that there's no more marching band in tkc.
i kinda envy the girls now coz they have the opportunity to atttain such a high level of musical technical know hows and exposure at such a young age, compared to during my time when we were just starting out and learning the basic skills. but our time has passed and all i can do is watch and support. but looking back and looking at now, its comforting to know that our efforts 12 years ago were not in vain. im glad to be a part of history (omg i sound so freakin old).

Music: Beautiful by Eminem

It sucks when your (big) bosses are more interested in discussing about the non-existent pots and plants and the aesthetics of your office rather than in the well being of their own workers/subordinates.

Its demoralizing, which in turn sucks the life out of the joy I used to have doing what I do (which I really like). Since when did I go from being sincere to half-hearted at my job, I didn't even notice the transition. I'm not asking for much, just for these superiors to give a fucking damn, not just think of yourself. That's all. That's all I want.

So a "somebody" is coming for a visit to my workplace, so these BBs came to check out lah I suppose before the big visit.
And amongst the issues they discussed:

"Hey... a pot of plant here (while pointing to the area beside my working desk) would look good don't you think?"

"I think the people working here should have their own uniforms, so when they come to the office looking good, they'll do their job better coz they feel good"

If anybody can think of a way how the plants and uniform can help me perform better at my job, do enlighten me. I'd be very interested to know.
And please, I think I don't need a uniform to "feel good".

I've heard many stories from my friends (from other companies) who look up to their bosses, who sing praises and respect, not only because these so called bosses are smart and good at their jobs, but in addition to that, they inspire, they care.
I mean, they actually have good things to say about their superiors.

If I become a boss someday, I hope I will become a good one.

------------
I listened to Eminem's Relapse album last night.
Let me say it feels like a long forgotten love affair is being rekindled.
One word to describe the album = playful.
No doubt the lyrics are vulgar and nasty as usual, but i'm referring to the way he sings. Its slight different than in previous albums.
Not all songs though. I dunno, just listen to it.

And I was watching Private Practice's Season2 Finale and Zee Avi's Monte was playing in the background. Awesome gila.
She's a Malaysian singer currently touring in the US to promote her first album's release some 2 weeks ago kot.
Found out about her from AZ. Go check her out. I think she's much better than Yunalis.
Ok Yuna's good too but Zee Avi is way better.

Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3d6SFcDys

Yeahhhh this is what I'm listening to right now, this friggin awesome video on youtube can also be found at viral video chart website, thanks to amadZ for showing this to me.. tq tq!!

an instrumental piece comprising of 3 instruments played live by 2 people and other pre-recorded instruments (at least it sounded like that, unless ada hantu tgh main) covering taylor swift's love story (which i really2 despise) medley with coldplay's viva la vida (which i really2 like).

now i am forced to like taylor swift's love story, dammit!

just go checkout jon schmidt ok?

guys who knows how to play the piano mmg hot lah, im not referring to physical attributes here, although of course its a plus, hehe. the first time i realized this was during Muse's concert i went in 2006 (or was it 2007?), when matt bellamy played the piano he was so into it and passionate and singing at the same time omg its a whole different experience/sensation watching something so beautiful live. i think i would die, go to heaven and come back if i get to see chris martin in action omg why laaa i found out about coldplay's con in singapore only after the tickets are sold out? f hell.. the concert review i read in star two paper by michael cheang was like the most awesome piece of article i've ever read about a concert. kudos to the writer coz he knows his stuff (kalau tak pun he researched well), comparing it to coldplay's previous con also in singapore. the way he described the atmosphere in sistic with the fans all hyped up and singing along and standing and shouting the woaaaaa wooooo calling back coldplay for an encore... going through the night's set list and describing each song's performance and the reactions of the con-goers... as corny as this may sound, i felt like i was virtually there, i read the article the again this time armed with my ipod and listening to the songs in the same order as the set list and imagined the situation in sistic through his writing.. and after that, i went through it again with michael cheangs words already engraved in my head.. and again... and again... aku pun tak tau laa nak describe camne lagi.. coldplay's latest album, vivalavidaordeathandallhisfriends (VLVODAAHF for short, hahahahaha) is one of the best albums i've ever heard in a such a long time. of course there's duffy's rockferry and britney's circus and alicia key's as i am and incubus' light grenandes are some of the few albums yg awesome yg aku suka gila that have been released throughout the past 3 years or so . but VLVODAAHF is in a league of its own. whenever i listen to it, its like im transported to a place out of this world where there's no boundaries, you strive, you fall, you fight again, its okay everything will be fine, melancholy at times, yes you can wallow in your sadness and selfpity for a while but then you come back and try again..try harder.. and if you persevere you'll succeed in the end and the feeling is fucking grand and absolute and of extra terrestrial proportions and you are the king no one else can bring you down or say otherwise. did that make sense to you? even the arrangement of the songs in the album is done in such a way that it kinda flows like its telling you a story, and the above is my interpretation of the album, it could be different to others. it could also mean nothing to others. either way, to me, they rule the world alright.

actually ive been wanting to talk about this album for quite a while. but it has always slipped my mind. and not to mention i have to be in the right mood and state of mind to talk about something like this.. i think that the feelings and thoughts invoked by music are strongest when triggered by something that is equally strong and meaningful to that person, usually intense emotions, but in this case, this wonderful instrumental piece of music! coincedentally covering a coldplay song pulak tuh! so it was a correct decision for me to wait for the right moment. delayed gratification in play, yet again.

im no fan of quotations or poems and such, but here are two (dapat from Muna, yeah Moon u know where from) that i can really relate to and straightforward enough for me to understand coz im a bimbo at deciphering hidden meanings.

Words make you think a thought
Music makes you feel a feeling
A song makes you feel a thought
- EY Harburg

Music expresses that which can not be said
and on which it is impossible to be silent
- Victor Hugo


on a different note, i'm now addicted to bags. the ones that looks sew-able lah. i bought one bag on impulse from one of the small stalls at the jejantas from depan low yat to berjaya megamall tuh just coz it looks like something i can sew hahaha. just found out about a line called flowerdrum bags which i found out through fb coz a friend invited me to an event.. the designs are awesome and hip and cool and i love it. i'm starting to have some ideas here and there and im itching to sew but i'd have to buy the kain first and that costs money... are there no hobbies that costs zero dollars????? ive been on a spending spree for like a month already its crazy.

uh oh i just saw the owner of this laptop bawak masuk drums for guitar heroooooooooooooooooooo
he asked me to buy before but its too expensive and i dont play ps3..
hmm hmmm now i just might i just hope its still around after i come back from my trips.
(in case dia pinjam from member maybe. who knows? gotta ask gotta ask gotta ask)

Music: The Day That Never Comes by Metallica

Kerja malam.
One of Metallica's song off their yet to be released album Death Magnetic.
I loike very much!
Boleh dilayan di youtube.
Some have links to file-sharing websites where you can dl the mp3.

Apart from work and never-ending courses that I have to attend during my off days.
Don't really have time to do much of anything else.
Whatever free time I have are spent resting at home and being all domestic, watching the olympics (channel lain tak pandang langsung), a coupla J-dramas, re-watching Full House (ngehahahahaaaa best siot), re-reading some Judith McNaughts (super light + speed reading, thanks to the fact that I know most of the storylines by heart!!), sleeping, attending weddings..

Is it just me or mmg this year's Olympics agak happening?
With Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt and Chong Wei topping the hap meter.. I loike!
Can't seem to watch anything else.
Don't think I'll be able to watch tmrw's European GP @ Valencia coz org kat rumah sure nak tgk the closing ceremony.

Cheapest Avril tickets = rm98. Kalau Stadium Negara aku sanggup lagi.. but Stadium Merdeka?
What a turn off.

Looking forward to bulan puasa.
It'll be slow days at work (hopefully) and no more courses to attend.
Therefore I can rest rest rest and be all domestic and get ready for my long awaited vacation!
Maybe just busy going to buka puasa gatherings.. and I'm gonna avoid attending the ones at hotels this time round.

2hrs++ to go.
lets finish off those Shippuuden episodes!

Music: Love Song by Sara Bareilles

At home.
Insomniac attack.. at least till 3am (usually).
Made me a cup of hot milo.
Figured I'd drop by here and talk crap.

I've been looping this song for the past 30 minutes.
Whenever I think of JT's and Madonna's collabo.. Britney comes to mind.
To be exact, aaaaa JT tiruuuu sebokkkk je. Britney dah buat dulu. wahahaha
but of course its not actually like that lah kan i think its awesome that artists join forces and produce songs together, but only when it turns out to be good.
I think its a smart move by Madonna as well, for her career and longevity, she did say she wanted to conquer the world, many years ago..
I also looveee Fallout Boys' and John Mayer's cover of Beat It. Would it be as awesome if John Mayer had no involvement whatsoever? Maybe. Well, I don't really feel like giving Fallout Boy that much credit coz they're not that great a band. I guess its Maybe Not then.

Anyway, I do have something un-crappy to say.
Today (yesterday), went to an RPM session.
As usual, the first thing to do is choose the right location.
Do not ride next to people that can potentially emit pungent bodily antics.
However mean that may sound, its for your own good!
Usually you are able to kinda guess who might have B.O..
And I've identified faces of people who do.. through experience, unfortunately.

Sometimes you come in early and choose a bike and everything is set you're warming up while waiting for the instructor to start the class and the bike next to you is still empty and just as the class is about to commence and you think you're safe suddenly some smelly-ass comes in at the last minute (at this point u still don't know that fact, unless its someone you've pre-identified through experience like i said before) and i being the lucky one that s-ass chooses the empty bike next to me when there's 20 other empty bikes in the room and it so happens that this s-ass is the very definition of what i've been tactifully(?) trying to avoid, and its not like the s-ass has even started perspiring and can you imagine when he/she actually does oh no please somebody save me!

That's just one scenario.

Anyway, moving on, today the class wasn't full and i chose my favorite spot plus the person next to my favorite bike looked clean and harmless lol.
As I was adjusting my bike and stuff..
Only later did I properly looked at my neighbor.. i properly looked at her belly to be exact..
She was freakin pregnant!
Her belly was huugeee..
From the looks of it, I'd guess she was about 7 to 8 months preggers (wahahha macam E! plak)..
And she's in the freakin RPM class!
Which is a hardcore class that burns 500-700kcals in a 50-minute session (depending on how much effort you put in, in terms of the load/gear, and course, you can't cheat).
And the first person that came to mind is of course lah sapa lagi kalau bukan.. Elly!! hehehe
so now we know its not impossible..
but of course i have to say that this lady did not rpm secara hard core lah.. she kinda took it easy with low gears and did not do standing hill climb, power training and top speed.
even the instructor (who called her mama) told her to ride at her own pace.
But nevertheless.. i was totally awed.

And let me take this opportunity to say, rpm classes have the best workout songs ever!
The kind of songs that pumps you up whenever you listen to them.
And rpm songs are really fast, like 140-160bpm.
And I like it better when (some) instructors choose awesome cool down songs, the kind that can describe the feeling of satisfaction after a grueling workout, melancholy at the same time, with a hint of grandeur (imagine epic war movies and you've just won a battle of cosmic proportions).

(After all this, why am i still the same size? oh yeah.. coz i eat A LOT)