It's been one lazy weekend. Cramped the whole body by sleeping through the whole daylights out of me. Only early last evening did my Mum asked me accompany her for some light grocery shopping at the NTUC supermarket at Bedok Central. And whoa! What a trip that was. It's one week to Chinese New Year and the whole place was swamped with Chinese doing their shopping; leaving us feeling, "Hey! What the heck are we doing here?" Even the stuffs were priced higher than usual. Hell! In the end, I only grabbed myself 3 lemons, 2 tubs of Ben & Jerry's, a packet of sliced cheese and a carton of pancake mix -- whilst the rest followed my mother's shopping list.

*sighs* Can't wait till I get my next salary, man! I've been on a strict budget for way too long. The fact that I have to continue this same routine for the next three months lapped it up to be just simply fantastic! Never had to strain myself this much before. So it's definitely a first. I just hope that eventually all my restrain will be well paid off.

Well anyway, as I was saying, Chinese New Year is in a week's time. I can only just imagine the many shops being shut down during those periods. It'd be quite hard for us non-Chinese in a way. But look at these. I was on my way home in the cab last week when I noticed this sort of show going on somewhere at Sims Avenue.




Pretty Chinese kiddy characters and beautiful red lanterns hung on the trees. Too bad my iPhone couldn't really capture its prettiness. Honestly, I still prefer my old Sony Ericsson phone's photo quality. But I must say I especially like those lanterns.

By the way, it might refer as old news to some of you fans, but till date I'm still amaze at the fact that Emma Watson is the highest paid actress in the whole wide world. Goodness! And she's what? Only 19 years old. I wonder what those veteran and 'happening' female actors like Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie and Kristen Stewart have to say about it. Sure they might argue that Emma's just lucky to be a part of the extravagant Harry Potter series, but fact is still fact. Emma did beat them out as not only the highest paid actress in 2009, but highest paid in the decade. *chuckles* It's astounding that after all these achievements, this girl just continue on leading a normal life as a University student. I'm actually proud of her. I mean she's not leading her life like those kids; Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez and all. A really intelligent girl, yet pretty.

All these bring to mind how Rupert actually got paid the same amount as her - $30 million... or was it in pounds? Whoa! These kids are really filthy rich, man! No wonder Rupert bought all those stupid stuff like pigs, ice cream van, hovercraft, and etc. I mean, what could he do with all that money? Sleep in it? But I have a hunch that Rupert is still paid a little less than Emma for the last two movies. As unfair as it is, Emma has a bit more star power than him. Unfortunately, his character is seriously looked upon as the 'sidekick', whereas Emma is considered the heroine. Hence, I guess the difference in the paycheck.

Mood: cynical
Song: I Love You O Saiyyoni ~ Himesh Reshammiya

Today is seriously not a good day in the office for me. The air-conditioner was being repaired throughout the whole day; with all the banging, drilling and... smell! And with us getting our month-end work today, it really was very aggravating. Worst of all, the place where I'm seated got a full blast of all those gunk that floated off the machine. They're all bloody slimy and black! So understandably I had to thoroughly wash my hair when I got home earlier.

Till now, I still feel the need to go through an intensive lung scan. I can only imagine all the dirt and germs that I'd inhale all those time in the office. And then of course, to make matters worst, I had the most awful paper cut ever. Bloody papers and I never had a good relationship. They're always taunted to hurt me with their sharp edges.

By the way, for those following the Harry Potter actors on Twitter, Warwick Davis (who incidentally celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday) just tweeted that he's filming as Griphook today. A big hint of which scene they're shooting even though he can't say it out loud. My guess would be the Gringotts scene. I mean, exactly how many scenes did the goblin has in the last book? The Malfoy Manor, Shell Cottage, and of course Gringotts Bank? Seeing that the first two big scenes were already shot, I guess it's the trio and him again; this time trying to break into a wizarding bank. *sniggers* But then again, I guess it'll only be with Daniel and Rupert. Since Hermione will be in the form of Bellatrix Lestrange. In a way, I'm quite glad they didn't take a completely different adult actor to play Ron Weasley for that scene. The poor bloke just had to wear a beard. *giggles* Man! I seriously can't wait for this two-part movie! I sure hope we'll get to see the trio travel and escape away from the bank on a dragon - with Ron holding Hermione protectively. *sighs* Now that would be something.

Well, seeing that we're still on the Harry Potter topic, anyone of you seen the Barbie doll made for JK Rowling? Wow! She actually does have the resemblance. Most of the dolls made of celebrities failed at that, but I think this one does. It only reminds me of my old childhood collection of Barbie dolls I still keep in a box deep inside my storeroom. I have about 9 Barbies (2 of which are Disney princesses - Ariel & Jasmine) and a single Ken. Yeah! Deal with that. One man for nine different women. I used to 'stock' him up regularly. *cackles* Nah, kidding! Given the chance, I can just take them out and start playing with them again to relive the inner girly child in me. I used to have all the complete set - the car, the swimming pool and slides, the pizza parlour, the dressing mirror, and many more other stuff I can't remember. Most of them have been thrown away by my mother as I "grew up". Loads of money spent on those, mind you. I remember each doll at that point of time cost about $20-$40 each; depending on their features.

But coming back to the JKR's doll, it amused me how many ardent Twilight fans argued that they should make Stephenie Meyer's doll instead. I guess these dunderheads will never get the fact that JK Rowling is leagues ahead of their beloved author.

Any of you visiting the Harry Potter themepark once it's open this Spring? Or Summer at least? Goodness! I'm so intrigue with all that's happening around the whole thing. Wish I could I go soon. The video trailer that went along with Superbowl yesterday was quite exciting; especially having Daniel Radcliffe involved in it. Universal Orlando even also updated their website that was dedicated to this themepark, and whoa! What a site! It's like a sneak 3D tour to the whole place. Wow! I just wonder how much everything sold there are cost - like the butterbeer, pumpkin juice, candies, the joke toys at Zonkos and all. Bloody hell! They even sell Pygmypuffs! I want those so bad!! One of the main things I wonder is how those scientists who were hired to make real snow for this park work. It's all so... magical!

It's so unfair that it's located in Florida. Goodness! Like someone said, why must America have everything? *huffs* But apparently I heard that the May opening date was just a hoax. The official date apparently will be somewhere in April.

Well anyhow, I'll be off to read my daily dose of fanfictions. Toodles!

Mood: thoughtful
Song: Zara Zara ~ Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein

I just felt like writing today. But since I couldn't decide where to put my literary importunity onto, I thought, "What the heck? Why just not blog?" Haha! I'm on two-days medical leave today, by the way. I've been miserably suffering from nauseousness ever since I ate dinner last night. Ever since then, my digestive system had a full-out combat with the hordes working in my head. Headaches - extreme headaches. Ever since I got off the clinic this morning, I think I slept through the whole afternoon. Really knocked-out. Not sure how I'm going to spend the rest of the day off tomorrow. Read more fanfictions, I guess.

In a way, I'm pretty grateful I got to hang out with my best bud on Saturday instead of yesterday. Merlin knows how many times we've been postponing the meet-up. Yeah, I went out to town for the first time this year. I actually took a picture of a Burberry poster at Wisma Atria starring Emma Watson and her brother, Alex - only to realise in the taxi back home that I'd forgotten to save the bloody shot. Damn! Unfortunately for me, the zoomable camera application I'd downloaded for my iPhone wasn't set to auto-save, hence the lost. Now that I've learnt my lesson, I've set every camera application I have on the phone to auto-save. Save the trouble for me to click on the save button every now and then. It seriously has been a long time since I last stepped at Orchard Road. So understandably, I was quite entranced by the many new malls that had opened since the last time I went there. Even as a local Singaporean, I can't help feeling like a lone tourist whenever I'm wandering around the town area. I guess it's most probably because of the many 'real' tourists that contributed to the crowd there. Also the fact that it's the first time I actually saw my idol Aishwarya Rai live in action, shooting her first Bollywood film there in her lime green tight pants back in 1996. *chuckles* Memorable memories... Oh! That's a shot of me outside ION Orchard. Humongous mall that is. Don't ask me what I'd shop, because I didn't buy a single thing; except lunch. Still struggling to save money. Time is seriously of the essence right now for me.

By the way, we went to watch the movie, 'Legion' that Saturday. Fortunately for me, it wasn't that a horrific movie for me to suffer nightmares from. I had actually prepared myself for weeks and weeks of sleepless nights. But aside from seeing steel-winged angels using guns to shoot people, and old women climbing off walls barring their sharp teeth, the movie is not that terrifying. The movie kept droning on only to have a cliff hanger as an ending; which I guess was the big drawback of the film. Although now that I see it, whenever I pass by cars zooming off pass me, I kept checking whether the driver's head is vigorously buzzing and vibrating like in the movie or not. *cackles* Which is weird!




Yeap. Two shots of my new green neighbourhood I've been prattling about on my previous entry. Taken last Thursday evening when I got home with my Mum from some grocery shopping. Pretty green. All of us might as well turn out as environmentalists with the way they set up our neighbourhood.

Oh! Talking of 'greenery', I only just realised that Alex Watson also modelled along with his sister for the 'People Tree' collection. Wow! Initially at first brief glance, I'd thought the tall thin guy was him, only to realise it's another male model. Too bad there's only one picture of Alex so far of the shoot. Even then, we couldn't exactly see him upfront. He's the one wearing the striped white and blue shirt on the left picture. Can't wait to see pictures of him for this brand with Emma, especially. I don't know. I think I'm beginning to love the chemistry they share as brother and sister. They're just too gorgeous together.


Can't believe Emma actually designed all those clothes the models and her were wearing. They're actually nice, and very British.

Moving on to something tech-y, what's everyone's take on the new Apple's iPad? It is said to be a 3-in-one gadget -- an iMac, an iPhone and an iPod altogether. Well, the stuff is still not released yet here in Singapore. But as far as I can see, I thank the Al Mighty for not making me at all titillated into planning on purchasing it. Sure I won't deny that the thing is bloody excellent, but I just can't see myself having any use for it. I mean, I already have my Wacom Cintiq which works practically the same as a touchable screen, my iPhone and my beloved laptop. So... *shrugs* I guess my opinion on the iPad is that it's just for those extreme tech-geeks or those fanatical Apple fans. Although I have to share with you the parody picture of iPad I got off Twitter. Really had me in a laughing fit the first time I saw. What a diversion! The best thing is that it almost looked like PSP!

Well anyway, I'd like to think that I've improved with my 'Chess' lessons. Most of my games have ended up in a draw - stalemate. So I'd take that as I've met my match in the opponent that resides in my computer. *chortles* Although I still have a lot to learn. I still don't know how to play it on a physical board itself as I'm still not very sure whether or not I'm making a legal move when I'm in check. So yeah, the only way I'm learning is through playing against the computer. At least there, they can show me which piece I can move or simply which move I can make. I'm still really confused on the 'Check' part. It's like whenever I'm in check, I'm shouting to myself, "Damn! Why can't I move this bloody thing?!"

Mood: nerdy
Song: Teri Kurti Sexy ~ Vaada

For the past week I've submitted myself to learning chess - the board game. I've always been curious about it. Thus, finally on the weekends I downloaded an eBook onto my iPhone and read through the facts and tactics during my free time. And honestly speaking, I've not gotten far. The whole game is so confusing. I mean, you actually can checkmate and win the whole game without even finishing off the many other pieces. How the hell do you do that?! I want to know! So many terms like Stalemate, Check, Pawn Storm, Queenside Castle... Goodness! Didn't know such a small board with random stuff on it can be so bloody complicated. So far, below is the list that I can gather at this point of time:

• Knights can only move in an 'L' shape


• Rooks can move horizontally and vertically for as many spaces as they like


• the King who is actually pretty pathetic (can only move within 1 space) Others actually risk their lives just to save this git.


• whilst the Queen is actually the main hero. She can move in any direction for unlimited spaces. Yeah! Girl power!


• Pawns - the pitiful blokes; they're always being 'pawned'


• Bishops are pretty useful as they can move diagonally with any number of spaces.

Yeah, so basically what I can grasp right now is just how each of the pieces move. Oh well, still a lot to learn. How I wish a chess champion like Ronald Weasley can come sit by to teach me.

By the way, any of you folks using FourSquare? *laughs* I'm practically addicted to this application. I just started using it last Friday. Now I tend to hold my phone everywhere I go to check-in to every single place I land my feet on. The more places you cover, the more badges you win. It's fun! I'm now a mayor of my own apartment block, workplace and its cafeteria. *cackles* Need to conquer more mayorships! Oh! And speaking of apartments...


Yeah, for those who remembered, my neighbourhood is still under upgrading works for as long as I can remember. Started in 2007 I think. It's nearing completion now. And only yesterday did the protective coverings of the elevators were taken out. Our apartment lifts now look so brand new and clean! I give it a week to see all the dirty foot marks, football prints and all. Stupid neighbours here just do not know how to keep our lifts minty clean. And yeah, it's green. Now my whole neighbourhood is covered with different shades of the colour - the blocks, the pillars, the grass, the trees, the railings, the seats and etc. I feel like a Slytherin coming to the underwater dungeons whenever I get home... Well... it used to be pink. *snorts* So I guess I can't complain much.

This Slytherin topic may as well remind me of this website I discovered through Twitter - TheParselmouth.com. Initially I was impressed, thinking it was a pretty nifty application. But once I tried to hear how the thing translates, 'Open', I realised it's just some random blubbers that's being executed. It doesn't at all sound like how Harry sounded it in the movies or the books even.

I still prefer this old one website that works like a Tom Riddle's diary back in the year 2005. Unfortunately the site has been taken down. Now that was some ingenious programming.

Mood: curious
Song: Banke Tera Jogi ~ Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani

I don't know what to do with my Facebook account. I almost wanted to terminate my membership seeing that I've lost a total interest in it. But then again, I don't think I have the heart to do that to my old YoVille mates who still need me in their neighbours' count. *chuckles* Hate myself sometimes for being so considerate for something so trivial. I'm contemplating whether I should implement my Twitter account onto it since apparently I tweet quite frequently.

Hmm... Should I? Shouldn't I? I just don't like Facebook because of the 'overly-exposed' feeling I have every time I update. I mean, in contrary to Twitter, the public can't exactly see first hand on other people's comments on my shoutouts, which I feel most comfortable with. *sighs* I guess I'll just stick to that 'Selective Tweet's application I've recently implemented on my Facebook. At least I can choose which tweets I want to appear on Facebook.

Anyway, it seems that the Harry Potter Wizarding World themepark at Universal Studios Orlando is still rushing on the due date for it to open to the public later in the year. Makes me wonder whether or not they will succeed in meeting the Spring dateline. However it seems some fans from Feltbeats got to tour it beforehand and said a lot of the places have completed, except for some finishing touches. Quite ironic seeing most of the latest construction pictures I've seen seemed pretty much half done; like the buildings and all. I must add though, upon seeing the Hogwarts construction pictures, it seems to me that visitors won't actually be able to explore the building like the classrooms and all. Since it seems it's only like a fake gigantic castle for display. It'd be good if they made it like Hogwarts the school itself for people to get to walk around and get lost. Even wicked if they have every ticket holders get a digital-like gadget in the form of a Marauders' Map. Now that'd be cool! Hmm... if only I can go there once it's open. *frowns*

This brings to mind Singapore's very own upcoming Universal Studios Singapore at Sentosa Island. I have a hunch that both ours and the HP themepark will open simultaneously at the same time. It's been such a long time since I last stepped onto the island. Even then, I remember the last time I did last year, we only strolled around the Merlion area; which was quite pathetic. Both my Mum and I didn't get to explore much as she was starting to complain on her leg cramps; hence the surrender. This time round though, with the whole island being upgraded with new and better stuff and places, I have a feeling that I can only go there end of the year. You have no idea how expensive stuff on that island are. Even the tickets for Universal Studios there I read were above $100+ each. Merlin's beard! I would have thought they'd give special discounts for Singaporeans. *laughs* But hell no!

Such exciting places, and so little time for me to save money. Goodness! If only there's a miracle of me getting thousands of cash for free! I'd be so thankful to the Al Mighty. So let's just pray hope tomorrow I'll get to stumble on a lost 3-inch (at least) stack of $100 notes. I swear I will become the next Mother Theresa - Muslim version.

Ah! That's me talking crap again. Sorry.

Anyway, back to Harry Potter, Tom Felton recently tweeted that he'd just finished doing a photoshoot for 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. Wicked! That means the other actors might have too. The Phelp twins too have been tweeting on being in and out of the Leavesden Studios. Can't wait for more Deathly Hallows pictures, man! When can we see them? 10 more months till the release of the first part of the movie. Such a long way to go. Bloody hell. Can't wait to see all the actors geared up onto the promotion mode. Love it always whenever I see them get around the globe with each other as company. By which time, they've long finished the filming... Still can't believe it'll be the end of Harry Potter by July 2011. Will be a sad, sad day.

Phew! It's been a really hectic week for me; especially in the office. It's like there's no space for me to breath. Honestly! So many calls to take, so many things to dig/file and copy. Goodness! Save me, my Lord! Oh well, seeing that now I'm at home. I guess once I finished having my daily dose of Harry Potter fanfictions, I'll go watch 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'.

Mood: hyper
Song: Jashn-e-Baharaa (Instrumental) ~ Jodhaa Akbar

Had a day off today... Felt like it's been eons since I last took one. I've been telling myself to save my leaves for this year, but nah! I guess no matter what, you can't be that conservative. Anyway, the main reason I had to bunk off work is the need for me to go to the LG Electronics' customer service centre which is located far off at Alexandra Road. Goodness! You have no idea how much time I had to recover from the long journey. The headache was terrible. The nausea of motion sickness always gets to me when I'm travelling for a long period on road. I blame my Mum for it. I got it from her. She has it worst though. She could just easily throw up once the car stops.

Anyway, I had to visit the service centre due to my Blu-Ray player's remote control being corroded by an old AAA battery. The alkaline in it leaked, causing the whole bloody thing to be dysfunctional. I tried cleaning it up as much as I could and tested it with a new battery yesterday. But alas, it was a confirmed goner. Hence, I called up the brand and they told me that I could only get a new replacement remote at their service centre for $20.41.

It maddens me how I always forget to detach batteries from whichever gadgets that I know I won't be using for a period of time. I recall a couple of my stuff ending up with the same obliteration. There was once I lost my video game which cost $40+. Then there's my discman, my mp3 player... goodness! How I HATE alkaline batteries!! Whoever invented them must be mindless!


Yeah, I took that from inside the cab I was riding in on my way back home on a highway's flyover. It's befuddling how they say Singapore is a developed country. Every where I go, I spot road blocks, cranes and other construction equipments. It's like we never stop 'developing'. It might sound impressive for some, but for me I always find it annoying. It makes the country looks so messy with all these shit being seen around the island. I mean, when will they ever stop? Leave some plot of land, man! With the way they used up every inch of exposed land on this miniscule country, the whole island might just sink into the bottom depth of the sea one day! It seems the government is far more focussed on spending the people's money on these sorts of things. And here we are, hoping against hope to get raises and bonuses off our pitiful hard work. Disgusting!

Anyhow, there's been quite a lack of 'Deathly Hallows' news, is there? I confessed I was quite upbeat when I first read there was a new 'extended' trailer for Part I. But of course, eventually I learnt that it's still the same old trailer that we all got from HBP's blu-ray. Big swell!

By the way, recently I downloaded this new photo editing application for my iPhone called, PhotoFunia and has been playing with it ever since. But only today did I realise it has its own website. Hence naturally, I tried more pictures with it. Below are some of the ones I tried.



Earlier this morning, I uploaded two of Tom/Emma ones via my phone on Twitter. *giggles* So fun! Sure I've done my own fair share of manips before, but when there's a supercool application that do it in one step, you just have to admit it's the bomb!

Mood: pessimistic
Song: Vande Mataram ~ Vande Mataram

It's been quite a pathetic week for me. I've been caught by the cough bug. Restraining myself from coughing out loud in the office can be quite health hazardous! There were many times where I realised I've been holding my breath because of it. *chuckles* Goodness! Well let's just hope I'll get well soon. I can't be spending any more bucks on something as trivial as a bottle of cough syrup. NEED . TO . SAVE . MONEY!!


By the way, I find myself having a crush on that blue-eyed boy who modelled with Emma in that Burberry Spring/Summer campaign. You know, the one who's lucky enough to get to hold the girl in almost all of the shots. *sniggers* Initially I landed on his Twitter account, but unfortunately now that I've cleared my browser's history, I've totally forgotten his account name. I can't even recall his name. Apparently he's a musician. He has this English deep, dark yet lazy look which attracts me. *shrugs* I'd be happy enough if Emma was to date him. At least he's young. Jay is like 7 years older than her for fuck's sake!

But then again, I do like the Sirius Black and Hermione Granger pairing, so I can't complain much. *guffaws* Although to my defence, Sirius is drop dead gorgeous for an old guy; so there's a big difference!

Emma's brother seemed to get along pretty fine with the rest of the boys at the photoshoot. I seriously like to see him laughing along like that with Emma's male Potter co-stars. That'd be nice. I don't recall any pictures or videos of him with either of the HP actors; only seen him standing close with his sister at premieres is all. Seriously, I envy the Watsons. Even Emma's little step-brothers and step-sisters are modelling for some kids' fashion. They're like a breed of models there.

Coming back to Sirius/Hermione again, it only reminds me how long I've abandoned my fansite. It's been months! Sure there're still random fans who joined the fanlisting, but the main site itself hasn't been updated for so long. Gah! I'm just so lazy to gear into the webmaster mode nowadays. I used to be so devoted during my academic years, but now... Merlin! I'm turning into a cow. Even my Ash/Arjun/Hrithik website hasn't been updated. I thank the developer of the Enthusiast script mostly. Without her brilliant programming, I don't think my other fanlistings would have been updated frequently. All I need to do is login and approve members.

Mood: rejuvenated
Song: Saanwali Si Ek Ladki ~ Mujhse Dosti Karoge