Tan Hao Ming

My favourite Yasmin Ahmad Merdeka tv- ad. Everyone has different ways of showing their love and appreciation towards tanahair, Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan!

I hate normality but sometimes, we all need it.

I like this song.Maybe because it reminds me of an incident that happened a few months ago - a bit personal to write about it here but let's just say that I'm thankful we didn't give up on us.For all it's worth, at least we know we've tried. Enjoy the song:

Girl im in love with you
This ain't the honeymoon
Past the infatuation phase
Right in the thick of love
At times we get sick of love
It seems like we argue everyday


I know i misbehaved
And you made your mistakes
And we both still got room left to grow
And though love sometimes hurts
I still put you first
And we'll make this thing work
But I think we should take it slow


We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cause we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow


This ain't a movie no
No fairy tale conclusion ya'll
It gets more confusing everyday
Sometimes it's heaven sent
Then we head back to hell again
We kiss and we make up on the way


I hang up you call
We rise and we fall
And we feel like just walking away
As our love advances
We take second chances
Though it's not a fantasy
I Still want you to stay


We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cause we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow


Take it slow
Maybe we'll live and learn
Maybe we'll crash and burn
Maybe you'll stay, maybe you'll leave,
maybe you'll return
Maybe another fight
Maybe we won't survive
But maybe we'll grow
We never know baby you and I


We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cause we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cause we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow
This time we'll take it slow

Monday blue?

It's just one of those days where no matter what you try to do,it doesn't seem to get any better.

Why can't I seem to find the silver lining in the cloud of darkness?

I do hope, however, that when I wake up tomorrow,everything will go back to normal.

Good night,everyone.

Explosions in the sky

As most of you know, I'm quite a fan of 'inspirational movies' and somehow good inspirational movies from the US is always based upon football. You have Remember The Titans as the benchmark and then you have Friday Night Lights the movie which was then made into a series which is not doing so good now (but the quality of the series is just as good and I don't see why its lacking behind). Anyway, the movie introduced me to EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY - a post-rock band from Texas.

They don't need words to express things. They just play it. From the moment I heard the 'friday night lights song' over and above The Coach giving out his speech during half time I was hooked(do you realise that sometimes coaches in movies are the best speakers ;p). After listening to some of their songs, I'm totally in love. Their songs are like novels, you can feel like a story is being told and better - you're the narrator. You get to choose how and what you want the song to be like since it's just good music all the way. I would recommend these albums as a must listen to, especially when you're studying and you need music to keep you alive yet not to the extend of distracting you. My favourite song so far would be 'Your Hand in Mine' . My vocab sucks, so I can't really explain to you what the music sounds like but can only explain what it meant to me. Cheers!

Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever

The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place

Things always happen when you least expect it

I wish I could turn back time to last Saturday evening. I wish I could have been given the chance to explain myself when I said those words to you; I didn’t mean it. I never knew that you took it seriously. If you know me well, it was just me being me. The fact that I said those words to you just means that I like you and maybe that’s just my way of showing some sign of acceptance(and of course.. not in a like like way). I wish I could turn back time just to say how I envy you for being so smart and resourceful – that you can get anything you want in life, your future (Azwan just got 4As in his A- Levels). For being one of the kindest person I’ve met to my sister and to a certain extend – my family. You may not know this but I admire you Azwan.

But what I want more than anything right now is that you, Azwan Ariff be able to recover from your accident and the grueling surgery that you just had. I sincerely hope that you’ll recover Azwan and I hope that everyone who reads this post will also pray for Azwan, my friend.

Love is a losing game

For you I was the flame,
Love is a losing game
Five story fire as you came,
Love is losing game

One I wish I never played,
Oh, what a mess we made
And now the final frame,
Love is a losing game

Played out by the band,
Love is a losing hand
More than I could stand,
Love is a losing hand

Tho' I battled blind,
Love is a fate resigned
Memories mar my mind,
Love is a fate resigned

Over futile odds,
And laughed at by the Gods
And now the final frame,
Love is a losing game

Listening to: "I need a miracle" - DJ Skribble

Okay, so here's the deal. About a week ago, upon returning to Melbourne, I made a pact to myself that I am really not going to shop this semester. Of course, not entirely cut on it but to wisely limit my purchases to only necessary items that don't cost too much, you know? In other words, sensible shopping. Anyway, everything seems to be going well - until I randomly decided to check out one of my favorite boutiques, To The Max.

As I first step foot, I realized that most of the stocks were cleared out (I'm guessing whilst I was away for my 3-week holiday) and to make things worse/better (depending how you look at it), the new collection's completely unappealing to me. Good on you, Nabila, I thought to myself. I decided to take a 360-degree look at each rack, trying to find at least something nice around that justifies my 500-metre-walk from my place on a rainy day.

All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I saw them standing nicely on the rack, almost too nicely.Yes, what stood there was a simple piece of short black-and-white-striped dress with metallic zip that runs from the top to bottom of the dress. Oh shit, that's very similar to the one I've seen in a fashion blog during the Milan Fashion Week, only it's navy blue with a different cutting, of course:



And next to it was an oversized 80's-inspired three-quarter top with a small zebra print.

What started out to be an innocent gesture developed into something undoubtedly more serious. I was having second thoughts though - the price would have to be at least $100 for the dress alone, right? I mean, most of their dresses are above $200 and up to $700!

Wrong. I couldn't believe what I saw. Ok, I knew it wasn't going to be THAT expensive since it was a simple summer dress yet $59? I smiled in rejoice!

The next battle was to try it on. Please god please let it fit me. After a slight 'technical' problem, I decided that those two were just perfect for me and how can you defy something like that?

You just don't.

So, I did what any average person in my (by the way, size-9) shoes would've done and got them - well, I truly believe that was sensible shopping - when I take the time and effort to try things on and think it through before buying it, and debating whether the price was reasonable and whether or not they're versatile enough - something I normally don't do all too well.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

After I paid and spoke to the sales girl (somehow she's always around when I buy my stuffs there), I opened my umbrella and headed outside to face the harsh winter rain. The weather sucks, I'm hungry and my flats were completely soaked in water. Amidst all that, I played the chicken dance in my head (something I habitually do when I'm happy) while placing my right hand on the umbrella and the other on the bag.

It's not so bad, after all.

It doesn't happen everyday.

Had a night out with my friends a few nights ago for Mar's birthday and I must say it was so refreshing to be around them after sooooo long :)

And yes, the food was good (I especially like the Cajun claypot and the fantastic garlic king prawn with the panini bread) and I was so thankful to have worn my blue wool winter coat cause it was cold despite being indoor.Always can count on it in the cruelest winter days :)

I wish I had more of those kind of days...

It didn't rain today

Don't trust the weather report especially when you're in Melbourne.

Mr. Weatherman, please give me a sunny week in Melbourne, thank you.

Mainstream

Not that there's anything wrong with being mainstream.Most inevitably succumb to it to a certain extent and I'm no exception.

I guess over-exposures just taint my interest, that's all.

Like Johnny Depp - especially after Pirates of The Caribbean.

Like Balmain in Paris or Longchamp errrr...practically everywhere? (especially after Kate Moss' ad)

Or coffee. Yes, Starbucks and all that.

Maybe that's why I like Benicio del toro instead of Johnny Depp and hot chocolate/tea over coffee/fraps.

Am I the only one who doesn't like Michelle Obama?

Just started blogging on my old xanga blog again: www.purpleeyedmonster.xanga.com, after I completely abandoned it for almost 2 years!

Excuse the old posts that had a lot to do with what happened years back during my college days LOL.Nice memories though!

As of now, I'll be blogging back and forth but I suppose I'll crap more about my indulgences or fashion fantasies in my xanga one just to keep a reputable image of my buddy Afifah by not turning this blog into a fashion frenzy,for example,"things Nabila want but know she will never get".LOL.I suppose blaming the economic crisis for sticking back to my old blog is NOT a better excuse so there you go =P

Oh,and I do hope everyone's still alive and kicking.

Here's to new beginnings and abandoned blogs! Cheers!

Terima Kasih

To these people, thank you for making my 3 weeks holiday (most probably the last holiday I'll have before I graduate) a blast! Just in case you're not in any of the pics, it means that I've forgotten to take a pic with you. Now it's back to a new academic year, with new books and new resolutions.

Suatu petang yang teramat panas (cubaan pertama)

Makcik 1 : Tak pernah nampak pun kamu semua makan cendol kat sini. 1st time eh?

Makcik 1 : Saya anak ada 7 orang, 4 simpan, 3 tengah belajar. Yang pertama tu baru habis kolej, yang kedua tu suami saya baru hantar pergi tusyen, yang terakhir tu baru 14 tahun. Bila tak sibuk cuti sekolah ni, semua tolong saya jaga gerai ni.

Afifah : (dalam hati) Simpan tu apa? Jangan tanya, malu nanti.

Makcik 1 lalu menuding jari ke arah Makcik 2

Makcik 1 : Ini madu saya.

Afifah : (dalam hati) Lorh, ingat tu anak yang terakhir! Nak respon apa kat Makcik 1 ni?

Makcik 2 buat tak tahu lalu sambung makan cendol, gaya junior time orientation week - tunduk je.

Afifah rasa ganjal dengan situasi Makcik 1 terlalu peramah dan 'vibe' yang sangat happening antara Makcik 1 dan Makcik 2 lalu makan cepat-cepat dan ikut Abah dan Azfar naik kereta balik rumah. Cepat sangat sampai Abah terlupa nak bayar. Tapi Abah cover cakap cendol sedap sangat sebab tu sampai semua lupa ingatkan dia suruh bayar! Nampaknya, besok kena pergi balik gerai cendol tu bayar RM 4. 50 dekat Makcik 1. Mesti dia dah kutuk-kutuk orang tak bayar, penat je dia kerja ; nampak je muka baik tapi perangai satu keluarga tak senonoh.

Pengajarannya :

1. Cendol tepi jalan memang sedap, lebih-lebih lagi bila tengah panas. Kalah Pak Li di Seksyen 7

2. Afifah perlu memperbaiki skil sosialnya, nanti senang dapat diskaun dan buat kawan

3. Sifat peramah yang didemonstrasikan oleh Makcik 1 patut menjadi contoh kepada semua Rakyat Malaysia!

4. Bila makan, jangan lupa bayar!

MENU OF THE DAY

Breakfast: scrambled eggs with goat cheese and apple juice
Lunch: a plate full of rice with lamb curry, fish ball and mixed vege
Tea: Chocolates
Dinner: Rice with beef rendang and mixed vege
Supper: FLEMINGTON KEBAB (lamb kebab with mustard and garlic sauce) *yums*

I've been eating nonstop.This is what exams do to you.

Hoping it's the dog's day.

For a person who has gone through exam stress for at least 7 years repeatedly (excluding primary school, of course), what's another exam, right?

Wrong.

Well, one would think that it gets better with time, but really, it doesn't.

Apart from the typical pre-exam habits like binge eating on comfort food and being sleep-deprived, and the occasional pre-exam zits and hideous eye bags that could probably scare little kids away - it's not exactly the same.

Not when your future job interviews (which is pretty much your future.period.) depend on this upcoming exam, to a large extent. And especially not when you have to compete with not only your fellow colleagues, but with possibly thousands of other locals here who all probably have more or less the same results on job applications.

You see, it's no longer about cruising through your uni life, or letting yourself get away with not scoring in your exams. This time, it's game on. And you sure as hell hope that at this rate, you're playing the cards right.

After all, you don't get lucky every day.

Sexy boys

Listening to: 'Sexy Boy' by Air









Sexy boy, sexy boy ...

Où sont tes héros aux corps d'athlètes
Où sont tes idoles mal rasées, bien habillées

Sexy boy, sexy boy ...

Dans leurs yeux des dollars
Dans leurs sourires des diamants
Moi aussi un jour je serai beau comme un Dieu

Sexy boy, sexy boy ...

Apollon deux mille zéro défaut vingt et un ans
C'est l'homme ideal charme au masculin

Sexy boy, sexy boy ...

Mon temps

The biggest loser (American version) is on air again! Yipee dee doo daa :)

Hopefully that will help boost my gym spirit and kick it up a notch.What happened to *ehem* getting a hot bod by summer,hmmm Nabila?

I missed those moments when I worked my ass off with the cardio machines and then feel great and healthy after.A lot of the contestants hate Gillian but I'd love to have her as my trainer.There's nothing like having a number one bitch screaming at you whilst having her watch you sweat your ass off! - if anything,it'll only motivate me more, especially when you strive to shed the kilos off and hope to have a body like hers.It's as close as you can get to materializing your dream.

Anyway,I wonder if any of the tv producers would consider doing a show on,instead of losing weight and all that, about dealing with the procrastinator in you? I swear I'd be fit to join that!But I guess I'm not as bad as I used to be, credits for that.And it wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for my everyday organizer.Seriously,who knew planning your day could be so much fun? ;) Sheesh, I'm starting to sound all goody-goody.

While I'm at it, reminds me that I've got heaps to do for tomorrow:

1) Attend investment consultation
2) Doctor's appointment @ 3pm
3) French revision for test the next day
4) Go to the bank

And yes,you guessed right...gym! That is,if I get to squeeze it in between all that.

Adios people.

Long live organizers!

A short vent

My guilty conscience is ringing a bell in my head, telling me that blogging at this time (1.30am Melbourne time) is a no-no, especially when you have exams in about 2 weeks and have plenty to study still.

Clearly, it's not working.

Anyway,I just feel like venting - about how I wished I had focus more in investment lectures or went for the tutes.Urghh.Now I have to multiply my effort by a hundred times.I'm revising this topic on bond pricing and I find yield to maturity and zero rates quite confusing especially when you have 80 slides in ONE lecture =/ God help me please.

Other than that,I am perfectly aware of how unsettled my life is right now.I should start simplifying things and get more organized.And it should start with doing the laundry (cause I'm slowly running out of clothes to wear and I hate rotating my clothes all too often) and grocery shopping since I've got zilch food in my fridge, which causes frustration and unnecessary stress like now by yours truly.

And you thought I would've learned my lesson by now....

Goodbye autumn!

The wind is sweeping the autumn leaves away, dropping hints that winter is just another few 15'C-days away.

And I am, admittedly, one of those happy people. Yes, it's my favorite time of the year in Melbourne.

I appreciate the time where people would ditch their Havaianas in favor of their winter boots, leather shoes or newly-bought sneakers. I love to see the occasional splashes of bright colors amongst the mass of black,grey and beige winter coats, and how smartly dressed people are in winter - the knits, the skinny jeans, the woolen tights and leggings, the leather jacket (although this is getting too overrated, mind you), the scarves and hats, cardigans and so forth.I smile at the idea of putting pieces together. I love all that.

And for now, I am IN LOVE with this look:



Something utterly right about the way she puts the pieces together: the pants are nicely understated yet so appropriate for winter. And the shoes and the oversized-scarf paired with the baggy jacket just make me want to beg her to sell those pieces to me on e-Bay! Simple, comfortable yet so classy. I love it.

All I need is a cup of hot chocolate, a book and a comfortable blanket with my socks and favorite pjs on. Nothing beats that.

Now I have a reason not to go out : )

C'est la vie!

I've been meaning to write but haven't had that much chance with assignments that never cease.

And to think that I've exams in less than a month is just plain scary. I haven't had the chance to actually start studying cause my life is really all about assignments atm and the amount of workload I have is too overwhelming sometimes.

Buy hey, it's my final year...no one said it was easy so i suppose I just have to suck it all in =/

I'm envious of my friends who have finished their exams since my head is kinda elsewhere amidst all the bullcrap workload that I have...that's cause I truly miss home. (Hah! - there, I've said and meant it!) I can't wait to go back this July (even though it's for less than 2 weeks) - I feel like there's a lot to look forward to this time. I can't wait to see my uncle who's recovering from chemo right now, to hang out with my cousins who are back for their summer break from the UK, to spend time with my darling sister (who's gonna start college soon!!!), the road trip, the family gatherings, to shop in Zara with my mom and sister (yes people, they don't have Zara here in Australia), to get my new kittens, eat all my favorite food and just be around all the things I missed having around me.

t's as if you picture yourself close to the finishing line and so you might as well just give it your all. I guess it makes everything easier just thinking of it. Makes missing Daniel who's in freaking Bangkok bearable. Makes the thoughts of exam acceptable, you know?

On a lighter note, I'm very very tempted to watch Gomorrah (it's a mafia movie directed by SCORSESE baby!) which will be out here tomorrow. It's a blessing in disguise that I'm flat broke - at least I won't be spending money on movies. But seriously, I just wanna get it out of my system, you know? Well, I'll probably end up watching it as soon as I'm financially sound LOL.

Anyway, I'm gonna get back to studying french, have a 20% oral test tomorrow. Wish me luck!

A bientot, tout le monde!