your muSic shines...it keeps me up all nite...

One last dance, my darling...

2006-07-28T16:47:00.000+08:00

Farewell my Ruud van Nistlerooy.

I condemn those who smiled when they learned that you are going to play at Real Madrid next season. They can say whatever they want. But you, you’re the bomb.

You're done so much in 4 season for Manchester & the Ultimate RVN fan (that's me by the way) than anyone else could.

You make me smile and laugh and blush like a REAL man should. You make me cry and now you've left me heartbroken. My friends think I've lost my marbles. No one in this world has stood up for you the way I have, and still will.

I love you and I understand why you had to leave. THANK GOD for Real. Cause if you'd gone to Munich, I'd be devastated. We-don't-like-Bayern-Munich.

And I think you'd look great in Adidas.

But that's beside the point. The point is, I will follow you wherever you go.

Fergie clipped your wings but I am certain you'll soar as a Galatico.

Yo no puedo esperar Agosto. I can't wait for August.

OLE!!

Twisted Logic

2006-07-12T09:58:00.000+08:00

I must say, it was worth every cent I paid for.

Coldplay sent Shiver(s) down my spine. It was more than awesome. It was more than amazing.

There is no word in the dictionary that would justify the feeling.

Ask Ninie and Len and Su and Mat and my sister and her boyfriend. Them and hundreds of others who turned up at the Indoor Stadium.

I won't be surprised if my sister receives some hate mails. Seeing how she waltzed back to the line, where I, her sister, ME, toiled and cramped my ass, sitting under no shade (thank god for clouds!) queuing since noon.

She strolled her way to the Stadium at 4 and got a really gorgeous picture with The Chris. Raybans and all. She showed us the picture she took with Chris. She was glowing. I clenched my fists.

She better lock her door at night.

Once the gates open, I was filled with (Smirnoff and) anxiousness. Excitement.

Lights. Camera. La la.

Ooo It's a Beautiful World.

PS: Pics coming your way soon.

Ich will ein Stück von Deutschland auch!

2006-06-27T16:42:00.000+08:00

*German for,I want a piece of Germany too!

My colleagues just came back from Germany today. Hmph.

SOooooooo? It’s only the World freakin’ Cup! All expenses paid for. By my company’s supplier. Big deal!

*sniff*

Then come 2nd July, 4 of my bosses will fly to Munich to catch the Semi-finals. Also all expense paid trip by the World Cup sponsers, Philips. You might ask,”Aren’t you envious?” Whatt!? Me???? Envoius??? ENVIOUSSS???

Envious is an understatement.

*cries*

And my dearly beloved brother will leave this Thursday to watch the quarter finals in Frankfurt. Probably Brazil vs Spain. And he’s been flashing this irritating, almost ridiculous, grin all around the house. Oh, oh. All expenses paid. Not only that. He’s spending four days in Frankfurt and hauling his ass around Europe for the next 2 weeks. Jealous?????

*repeats mantra*

Good things always come to those who wait. Good things always come to those who wait. Good things always come to those who wait. Good things always come to those who wait. Good things always come to...

*wails*

Dear God. Rubbing it in a little too much aren’t you?

I’m about to throw a fit!!!

Baaa baaa..

2006-06-21T13:22:00.000+08:00

Okay, I get why a lot of people support Brazil. I do. Reigning champions and a whole bunch of star players that make you drool at the mention of their names. Ronaldinho, Kaka, Casillas, Ronaldo, Ze Roberto. The list goes on.. Newspapers and friends tell you they're good. And like a good sheep, you agree.

But tell me. Why write off a football team if you hardly know what you're talking about?

People ask me, "Why England?"

I retort, "Why the hell not?!They're in Germany aren't they?"

Yeap. I'm an English fan. Of course. I have to believe that this team that I love can make it. I've gotta have faith. That's why I am a fan. And that's what a fan does. When we're down and out, we gotta believe that they came come back.

England's got the quality to put Cup favorites to shame, IF they meet in the later stages. I'm not saying they will beat Brazil, just saying they CAN. Enough players in the England Camp have the skill to win games. The most popular league belongs to England. Now, where's that loyalty? In the English squad we've got the prodigy in Rooney, the power of Gerrard, the brains of Lampard, the height of Crouch, the accuracy of Beckham and the speed of Cole. Dun get me started on the defence. We’ve got a Premiership champion in Terry, FA Cup winner in Ferdinand and of course Champions League winner in Carragher making up England’s defense.

Games for Group B have ended, and England is top of their table. No surprises there. Some of the world's most celebrated players are wearing the England shirt. So why can't England go all the way? Why don't they have a chance this time? Why put them down while putting me off?

Despite being favorites, I dun think Brazil will win it again this time. Ronaldo is firing blanks and Ronaldinho is looking out of sorts. You can't deny Brazil's brand of football of course. 5 time winner and players representing mega clubs Madrid and Barca and Milan. And if they start playing like champions and stop depending on Kaka and the likes of Fred to deliver, maybe they have a shot. Ronaldo is called a prodogiy for a reason. "Little Ronaldo" didn’t with the FIFA Player award for nuts. But with Argentina looking deadly and Spain really showing firepower, Brazil won't have a chance. Plus you cannot write off Germany, as hosts and as a footballing power house.

I'm no footie expert, but I know what I'm talking about. So if you want advice
dude, dun bet on Brazil. Put your money where your mouth is instead.

So come the weekend, the knockout phase begins. And I believe my team will make it to Round 2.

The World Cup Bandwagon

2006-06-14T14:39:00.000+08:00

If you didn't know this yet,KFC is offering late night/early morning deliveries this month only. Even Old Chang Kee is offering deliveries- late night. And Coffee Bean are preparing 'double shot' coffee ice blended all month long.

I haven't had enough, if any, sleep at all this past few days. Owing much of my sleepless nights to Holland and England and Australia and France and Brasil and Paraguay. I'm on my third cup of caffine today. Hey, I could go on a two week holiday with the eye BAGS that I have! But I'm not complaining, really.

So far so good. There haven't been any big disappointments. Except that England and Brazil should have given more umph to their campaign. Brazil, traditional cup faves, managed a measly 1-0 win over brave Croatia. And with all the hype surrounding a 'great' English side, I was a tad disappointed by the one goal win.

But the biggest surprise of all has to be the Australia vs Japan match. That has to be one of the best come back matches in the World Cup in recent times. Down and out at half time, Guus Hiddink's men came back in the last 6 minutes of the game to get a deserving 3-1 win over the Japs. And along the way, Australia scored their first ever goal in Cup history. Everrr.

That's not the only surprise. This morning while getting up for the Brazil game, I found my mother sitting on the sofa already tuned to the match preview! I was in the restroom when I bumped into Eli, my colleague at work. We started chatting and she told me she woke up to accompany her husband watch the game. Veena, my next door neighbour at work, placed her first bet with my betting ring. This is a girl who doesn't know a thing about football.

Even my nephew insists on watching the beautiful game before he falls asleep.

Watching everything come together is awesome. Caucasians waving Togolese flags and an African waving the Swedish flag. A little oriental girl with her face painted in England colors.. It's a great thing, this event. One thing it does is bring people together.But something that bring so much joy can produce a lot of heartache. Weather or not you're in it for the extra shot of coffee or that late night supper. Even if you think it's only 22 men chasing one ball. If you're a die hard Brazil fan. Or even a cowboy.

If you're not already on the bandwagon, getcher ass on it!!

The ties that bind us..

2006-06-07T09:42:00.000+08:00

There is no such thing as a bad friend, is there?

Here’s what I think.

There are two types of friends in the world. One, a friend who loves and supports you, who protects you and stands by your manic decisions of love and life. Two, one who loves you and gives you advice, good or bad.

I’m the former.

For one moment in life, my friend found happiness. True love at long last. It was not hard to decide what to do, really. No two ways about it. Not for one second I considered giving advice. See, you can either cheer them on or put them in their place. I don’t do disappointments. So I took out my pom poms and cheered with all my heart.

And if I am condemned for being that friend, by all means. I dun give two hoots. Not to you anyways. I dun regret my actions. And if my friend needs me again, (read my lips) with-out-a-doubt!

Yes. I would. Over and over and over again.

You are taking away one of the most important person in my life, so don’t look to me for an apology. And if you choose to make my friend miserable forever, good luck to you. You won’t be happy no matter what you try.

Know that I find my satisfaction in knowing that I will forever live in the heart and memory of my friend. No matter how you try, there is no getting rid of me. Cause I am the cool. Oh yes, I am very fucking Cool.

And know that friends are there for a reason, and they last forever.

Oh. And remember. This is your karma. What goes around comes around.

How does it feel?

Bangkok Tour 3D2N- Tristar Electronics

2006-06-03T12:08:00.000+08:00

Finally! After a long day, and awful flight and horrible traffic, we arrived at Baiyoke Sky Hotel.

View from 77th floor - Sky Bar

SawadeeKa!!

Anand and Me.

Veena & Lili

"Uncle" Jeff & Me

One,two, cha cha cha!

Lights Out - Sneaking off to our suite.

This is what happens when you put together a few alcoholics in a hotel room in Bangkok.

Woahh Eye Knee

Bailey's and Chivas for everyone!

Nothing we can't handle.

Off to see the sights.

Gurmeet & Kat

Azman, the youngest in our group.

Floating Market on the River Kwai

Buddha on the River Kwai

Elephant Ground.

The Bed Supper Club

Gala Dinner

Me & Lili - Table 5

After 2 glasses of wine..

After a few more glasses of wine..

Heh..switching to beer.

After a pitcher of Singha..Oh oh. The one on the right is Guddi (The Step mother.)

I didn't win the LCD tv though. Got an MP3 player instead.Everything turned out well in the end.

Got yours??

2006-05-19T19:08:00.000+08:00

Oasis Live feat. Ifrah Ashiblie

2006-05-19T18:12:00.000+08:00

Best. Night. Ever.- 23 Feb 06

c

The sista's Boyfriend. The Sista. The bruva. The star.

Bruva -in his 10 years old tee. He tought me eveything I know about Oasis.

The reason.

The genius

My Generation. Thats me on stage with Oh-Feckin-Asis!

Post Show

The "Ching Ching".

Noel

Liam.

Son of Ringo Star, Zak

Signed. Sealed. Delivered.

Thats us!!

Letter to Neil Humphreys - The TODAY Paper

Dear Mr. Humphreys

When Oasis announced their stopover here back in December my siblings and I were over the moon! When my sister and I were still teenagers, our big brother had drummed it into us that Oasis was the only rock & roll band in the whole world.

After the big let down in 2002 I knew they'd make it this time. They won't let us down again, no matter how self consumed they are. We matter. The fans matter.

The gig was unbelievable, too surreal. I was singing along, in tears, 'cause I just cannot fathom it. Right in front of me. Living, breathing and rocking. Worth every cent I paid for.

I was that tambourine girl that night. Yes, it was me. That experience was priceless to me. It's even better than just meeting them and getting a picture or autograph. How many people can say they jammed with Oasis to a song by The Who on stage in front of 9000 fans? I definitely can. I'm still delirious from it.

And now when I look at Liam's tambourine on my bookshelf, I will forever remember the night Rock & Roll gods shone on me.

When I met them again at the hotel lobby, they called me the 'tambourine girl' on stage.They remembered. Andy, Liam, Noel, Zak & Gem. That was just brilliant.

What more could I want?

Tambourine Girl,
Ifrah

2006-02-08T18:01:00.000+08:00

Day 15 ( 2nd Feb)

Feeling abit rough this morning. Haven't slept at all. Came back from Kevin's (after Woolpack closed the party moved to his place) at about 7. Met Michael (fellow Woolpacker) for a swim in the basement. His ex saw us and kicked up a storm. Nothing happened so I dunno why she made a big fuss. I was even forced to used the back door to the apartment complex because she was going cuckoo out front.

I was supposed to meet Sophie, the French barmaid at the Woolpack, for shopping in town but she cancelled coz she suddenly missed her boyfriend and was having a bad hangover.

I didn't want to waste my last day in Sydney doing nothing. So I hopped on a bus down to The Rocks. Got myself a map and walked all over the place. Had lunch in a nice cafe. Fed some pigeons. Took some pictures. Long long walk under the hot hot sun.

I promised Steve (another Woolpacker) I'd go out with him tonight. Steve's from the UK. He was traveling around Australia about 15 months ago and decided to set up in Sydney. I hear many stories like that. Sophie was holidaying too for about 8 months now, and she still is I guess.

Stevie picked me up and we took a nice downhill walk towards George Street. Now, normally in heels, I would die if I had to walk or kill that someone who made me walk. Steve's great company and the night was nice and cool. It was about 15 minutes walk. He showed me a few bars I haven't been to. We talked a lot, about music and football. See Steve, he's a Spurs fan. So we had a lot to talk about.

So about half past 10 Sophie rang me and told me everyone wanted to see me before I left. They were all waiting at the Woolpack. So Steve and I jumped into the cab and made our way back.

Everyone was in high spirits (no pun intended) singing along to Adam and his band. Naturally, they were happy to see me. Free hugs for all!

Everyone bought me drinks that night. After closing, they insisted I come along for the 'after party' in my honour at Kevin's. So we drank and sang and talked till sunrise. I was happy to be in the company of fun, loving and carefree people. And they were happy I came along. Each had a reason for me to stay back, but I guess they weren't good enough. God knows how I hate to leave.

After receiving a bunch of email addresses and kisses I had to tear away from them. Steve sent me home. We hugged goodbye, it's a waste we didn't get to spend more time together. Steve's a really cool guy. Nice. And funny.

Anyways, I didn't get any chance to sleep coz I got in at almost 9 am! G was up and on the computer. I scrambled to the toilet and tried hard to concentrate on taking my last shower.

Day 16

I learnt the true meaning of the word struggle. Thank god I had the good sense to pack my bags the night before. I have to be at the airport by 11 am the latest. No sleep for the past 48 hours and with Toohey's and Stellas still swirling in my belly, it's a miracle I didn't zonk out instead.

I'm going in and out of rooms, up and down the stairs while trying to have a conversation with James on the phone. It's not easy to be patient with him. Neither it is with me. Told him to call me back. I called home to make sure Mama's flying out today. Everything's fine.

I'm glad I bought the "Thank You" card days ago. I didn't know what to get Ross and Graham. Tom gave me a good idea. So I ran down the hill to the store. Got the gift and ran back. I had a cool 15 mins left before Graham and I set off for the airport.
I regret a little, not spending my last night with the two of the best people in Sydney.

I had so much to do that I didn't realize I was not waking up in Redfern again tomorrow.

James called again. I tried to listen to what he had to say but it's hard when you've got 3 bags to haul down the stairs. (I left Singapore with one bagpack and one carry on. I didn't have space to keep all my shopping so had to borrow another bag from Ross- thanks dude!) James said he'll call me in an hour when I'm settled at the airport.

Tick tick tick! Time running out! I had this heavy feeling. Like a rock sitting at the bottom of my stomach. I wished I never made it there.. but I was extremely grateful that I did. Tsk.

So Graham came with me to the airport.

He checked me in and told me to wait for him at Starbucks while he went to get Ross at the Station. That was the last time I saw him.Somehow there wasn't enough time and I had to leave for the gate. Managed to speak to Ross on the phone. Poor guy was rushing off from work but didn't manage it on time. James called me again. We talked for a bit. Smses came from my friends in Sydney. From Gary and Steve, Sophie and Micheal.

Then I heard my name being called over the PA system. Last call!! No time for a second smoke.

I'll say goodbye another time. I'll have to suck it up till then.

PS: This was the best thing that happened to me. I hope to share my memories with you soon.

2006-02-02T09:31:00.000+08:00

Day 12

Moday today. Ross is at work. So is Graham.

I could have done something today but didn't feel like doing anything at all. It was such a hot day and so I decided to stay in and watch the telly.

No word still, the asshole.

Day 13

I was determined to have a good day today. You know, make the most of my trip here.

Met Ross for lunch in the city, then walked all the way to Darling Harbour. It's about a 10 min walk from where Ross is working. And just before I set off, Ross printed a City map for me.

Armed and ready, I was off to do my touristy thing.

Caught the Navy Sunset Ceremony rehersal down at Darling Harbour. It's a full on army thing. It was nice. Went into the mall nearby, bought some things. I'm so broke.

There, I walked into the Aboriginal Center and was invited to watch the Digerido performance by a guy called Yamagaramanamagara (or something like that).And I got a hand in it as well. He taught me how to play the didge.

I walked to Chinatown and go to the Next Level Records shop to get Yan the mag (again Yan- sorry dude, but it's expensive!) After that off to Chinatown. Walked around for a bit then up to Surrey Hills to return the DVD i borrowed (The PErfect Catch)I was so tired by the time I got to Surrey coz I have been on my feet all day long. So after dropping off the DVD i stopped by the Norfolk Pub and had a nice cold Tohey's. I was still full of life by the time I got back home.

So, off to the Woolpack after a quick change.

I got invited to join the regulars at thier table. The Woolpack Family. There's Steve and Steve and there's Kev and Sanchez. There's Halena the she-man and then there's sweet Tom. Tom is the biggest meanest looking guy I've seen here. He has a long beard and speaks in a big scarry voice. But he's such a softie! He actually bought me a cactus and told me to look after it. Sweet old man.

Anyways, it was a good day. Had good fun on my own and met amazing people.

Day 14

It's getting closer and closer. I'd hate to leave Sydney. I don't wanna go. And I just realized how little time I had left.

Graham had the day off today and took me out on the ferry to Manly beach. Loves it!!
The ferry ride there is a treat in itself.

Bigger and better than Bondi. And boys! Pretty, pretty Aussie surfer dudes! Graham didn't want to get burnt again so he stayed in the shade while I went for it all! A few guys taught me how to bodysurf and it was so much fun. Well, apart from swollowing gallongs of sea water. All good.

Back home coz we had to change. Graham and Ross are taking me out on the Sydney Showboat. Very very good. It's sit in dinner on a ferry with live entertainment. G introduced me to Rod, his friend who is the host of the whole evening. Rod showed us a few magic trick. Cool guy. It was an amazing experience. With the harbour view and everything.

AFter that, I went to the Columbian alone to meet Gary, the Indian gay (He made it very clear that he's gay.) Had a few drink with him and back home. Well. Not exactly. Met my Woolpack family again next door and basically stayed out till about um, 7am.

Great.

2006-01-30T08:46:00.000+08:00

Day 10

It's Saturday today. I was determined to get over what happened yesterday and have a good time.

We had Harry and Mark over for lunch today. Harry is a flight steward working with, get this, Royal Brunei Airlines. Mark's his boyfrined and works in a casino downtown. They are both really nice people. I also made plans to meet with Harry when I come to Brunei this Friday. We had steamboat for lunch and it was really nice. We made plans to go out for drinks in the evening at the Columbian.

James didn't call me today.

Ross and I set off at 10 and met Harry & Mark and their friends at the Columbian. AFter that we went to the Shift, a popular gay club. I got pretty pissed and started being friendly to a lot of strangers. For egample, there Barbara, a bouncer at the Columbian. And Gary, an Indian gay whom I chatted to in the SHift. There are other people and fortunatly I forgot all of them. The last thing I remembered was Mark being called on stage by some drag queens.

Day 11

I woke up feeling delicate and sore all over. (Ross told me I fell - I got a matching bruise on my left kneww to match the one on my right knee i got from last month.) I went to the toilet and had a real shock coz I had swollen eyes - from crying.) As soon as I came out, James called. Told me he was downstairs and I should let him up.

HE told me he was worried and wanted to see me.I'm not getting into this.

Had lunch with G and Ross at the Woolpack. Then off to Chinatown again. THis time bought a whole lot of things. I'm gonna warn anyone who expects any gifts or souveniers from me - DON'T.

Came back for a now daily traditional nap. Then off to meet Yumi, Harry and Mark for Karaoke in town. I know, I know. But they do have a lot more better songs than in SIngapore. They even have Peter Pan and Siti Nurhaliza and other malay singers, not that I would care. Heh. Had a real good time. Said our goodbyes and G, Ross and I went to the cinema to catch Big Momma's House 2.

All in all, it was a good day. I'm starting to miss home a lot though.

2006-01-28T14:33:00.000+08:00

Day 9

Today was a challenge for me.

If I could I would like to forget it and not put this up on my blog. But.. hey you live, you learn.

James left today. He had some prior commitments to fulfill before I arrived. I didn't want him to go but I gues he had no choice. So did I. We had a long chat and the left about noon. I'll see him soon, I hope.

I was left to myself the whole day today. Which was fine. Only the moping and being miserable wasn't enjoyable. Ross asked me out at night but I didn't feel like doing anything. So today was a thinking and reflection day - post 26th of January. I fell asleep most of the time but I did some laundry and took a hot bath,While wondering what was happening on the other side of the city(NOT fun by the way.).

This is not looking good, but a girl can dream.

PS: Ross and G, you've been amazing. And Len, much love darling. You're something else.

2006-01-27T15:01:00.000+08:00

Day 7

Nothing much is happening today. James took me out for a nice English lunch at Lord Dudleys.Then we came back for a rest then James went out with his ex colleagues while G and Ross took me out that night.

We started out at the Opera House, having a glass of wine at the Opera Bar. That place has amazing views. Then went for a quick bite at MacDonalds (Singapore's much better) then off to Oxford Street for more drinks. We got turned away at a few clubs coz I didn't have any ID on me so we went to Giligan's and had the birthday countdown there. A little after midnight James turned up with his friends Chris and Dallas and introduced them to me. G and Ross left and I stayed on with James.

Day 8

Ross made a carrot cake cupcake for me and lit a candle on it.

Today is the Big Day Out. James and I set off at about 2 and took a train down to the Sydney Olympic Park (Sydney Showground) I loved the train ride down and enjoyed the weather, althoguh it was a tad bit too sunny. We immediately went for The Magic Numbers who were already into their first song. The were f*ucking amazing. Very very good live, even techno-loving James said they were great. It was very easy going, the whole event. Then we had a bite to eat and went off to the main stage for Kings of Leon and then Franz Ferdinand after that. We also saw Living End and some other bands.

AFter all the sun and good music, we plopped ourselves in front of another stage area and just fell asleep on the grass. Woke up and hour later and went for some food and left for home.

We were supposed to go out after going home to change but we were too tired to go out.

2006-01-25T15:23:00.000+08:00

Day 5

Broadway for lunch today. Ross took me out grovery shopping. And I got a pair of boots at K mart. This is begining to worry me, the shopping.

Nothing much today.

That night James took me out again. Went for a few at Columbian and hopped on to a few more bars after that. Then home.

Day 6

Right.In the afternoon James wanted me to come along to see an apartment he wanted to lease. Saw a nice place in the CBD but he wanted to look at more. Had a drink at a cafe and headed back before dinner at Ian's and Mel's , a South African couple -friends of James's. We had sphagetti Bolonaise and chatted for a long time. Ian was having fun taking the piss out of James. I had fun just watching Ian take the piss out of James.

Went to King's Cross later to meet Johnny Tran for drinks. Then went to Columbian again for another and then to Empire (sleazy club - it won't be wierd seeing a local Judge and a prostitute sitting together) Then off to Baron's, a nice place James used to hang out in when he was staying in Sydney. Met this drunk called SHawn and James told him we were married for 4 years and he used to paint my breasts for a living.He can be imaginative at times, James.

2006-01-22T19:26:00.000+08:00

Day 3

Woke up to a beautiful Sydney day today. Ross took me to Chinatown for Dim Sum at lunch. Then off across the street for shopping (again!) at Paddy's Market. A very nice place. Got a piggy bank for Han Jr. He is going to love it. I got him a nice Sydney tee which is cute, and costs nothing. Yet to find baby clothes for little Naddy. Anyways, got few other things and (yet another top!) and Ross bought taugeh. (I know- hilarious)

Note to self : Have to get Ross to stop taking me to shops and malls and markets.

Came back for a tiny nap (couldn't believe it meself but it was too hot i got tired.) when James called. Said he was taking me to a friend's of his for drinks then out into town.

Jumped into a cab to Darlinghust where Johnny Tran ( James's mate) was staying. He took me up to the top floor where the pool is and two of us just sat and admired the amazing view from up there. It was a stunner, really. Overlooked the Bridge and everything else. Beautiful.

So after watching the sun go down, we set off for the Woolloomoolloo Hotel (a wharf converted into a 5 star hotel). Had a drink there coz he wanted to show me the lounge. Then we took a nice (but chilly) stroll through Centennial Park down to Circular Quay (very much like Clarke Quay). Had another drink in the Aqua Bar. Then. Oh ho ho.

Went up top Minus 5 Degrees. Literally. It's a bar made out totally of ice. And it was below freezing point. Paid our way in (A$30 for a cocktail for 30 mins in the bar.) The gave us TWO gloves each and a winter jacket complete with a woolly hood.ANd they had me put on Ugg boots so my feet wouldn't freeze. That was really cool. I could see the vapour coming out of my mouth! James lasted almost 30 minutes while my fingers went after 5! But that was by far the most interesting thing I've done in Sydney so far.

After thet chilly experience, we went to Gilligan's. Yet another cocktail bar. It felt very Phantom of the Opera-esque because of the number of doors in one room and huge mirrows and paintings. There was so many doors, I could have easily lost my way going to the 'powder room'.

Had a long chat with James. This night was a bit confusing for me. I dunno why. Cannot explain it. A bit of a sticky situation. I think this was when I sent a message to Len (all's good Babe - i think i'm strong enough. I know I am.)So i was feeling a bit fuzzy and raw so told James to take me home.

Day 4

Well. I woke up pretty early today. I knew where we were going. Today everyone's taking me out to the beach. Bondi Beach. Graham (the most adorable man you'll meet) showed us a few magic tricks and the 4 of us had a great lunch next door (the Wollpick Pub -next to Ross's) then set off to Bondi.

It was a nice ride in the city bus, saw a lot of place on the way (To self : Flight Center) and got really excited. Once there I was immediately swept away by the beautiful scene in front of me. I cannot describe it. It's was ridiculous. (I have pictures) From up on the hill, you could see a million people on the beach. It was so terribly hot (but nice breeze) and I couldn't wait to get in the water. Set ourselves nicely down the middle of where we were and I coaxed Ross into coming into the water with me (coz I needed to pee as well). The water was freezeing cold! I mean ice cold, coz apparently the currents came from the Antartica and you can see the vapour from the water. I'm not kidding. You have to be here to believe it. I had so much fun, apart from being battered by wave after wave. But it's all in good fun. Thank God for Abah's swimming lessons. Plus we were having a few laughs at people going nude. (Women- hanging tits and all that jazz.)

Came back to Refern (Ross's place) and me and James stopped by the Woolpick for a few. Came back home and had Ross's amazing( but extremely spicy ) Laksa! Nothing like a good home cooked meal. James loved it coz it was just right for him. (He can do PEDAS!)

So here I am in front of the computer waiting to go out into King's Cross with James. He promised to take me to watch the United vs Liverpool game tonight. Come on, you didn't think I would miss it did you? Seriously?

Cawabunga!

2006-01-20T13:23:00.000+08:00

Sydney Day 1

Finally here. FLight was delayed by 7 hours from Brunei so I had to wait for more than 10 hours to fly out to Sydney. Good thing I have family in Brunei. Met my superhero cousin Omar who was with me within 10 mins of calling him. He took me to aunt's place where I rested for a bit ( Royal Brunei gave a complimentary 5 star hotel stay - but nothing beats the home of family, esp when you're all alone).

Flight was at 3 am and I got into Sydney at half past two (i think). So much drama!

Anyways.

Graham and Ross picked me up in the airport. After flying for almost 24 hours I was so desperate to see a familiar face. We had coffee, G left for work and Ross brought me home.

Everything was different here. Even the trees. I was so excited to begin my adventure.

Walking through the gate to Ross's apartment complex, immediately I fell in love with it. 3 storey red bricked building. Soon as we got in, Ross showed me to my room and I couldn't stop with how well he kept his place up. Believe me, I thought he had a housekeeper of some sort. So anyways, we walked down the street to collect my Big Day OUt (www.bigdayout.com) tickets and came back. Then I rang James. When Ross was in Singapore he told me there's a pub next door. He wasan't kidding about that. So met James there and had a few drinks. I had tomoto juice, mind you, and it was horrible!!

So we came back up, I introduced Ross to James and got ready coz James was taking me out on a night in the city. It was a perfect Sydney start. He took me to a revolving restaurant on the 47th floor of a buidling and the view was amazing! We were overlooking The Bridge (not overhead bridge - The Sydney Harbour Bridge) and the Opera House. But we kept revolving so James showed me where he used to work and play.

Then we went to a few more bars and then I got tired. The jetlag had set in. So he sent me home and put me in bed. By then I was crawling up the stairs to my room and struggling to keep me eyes open.

Day 2

Right. Woke up at 10 am feeling absolutely refreshed. Ross made Tau Huay. And he and G took me into city for lunch. It took us a 5 mintue bus ride to get into the city. I had Fish and chips. The meal was HUGE, I mean huge (The kind that would finally, satisfy Mahfudz) As soon and it came I told myself, Ok. You're not gonna finish that.

After lunch Ross took me around Oxford Street for a bit of shopping. I didn't want to shop! That wasn't the idea. But you can't help yourself. Sale. Sale. SALE! screaming in your face! ANyways, i got myself two tops and we went home cause we were supposed to meet a friend of Ross's for drinks in the evening.

When we got home, me and Ross sat down on his balcony and had a few drinks. We got to know each other a bit better. There were laughter and tears. I swear. Ross's friend had to cancel (we decided to go out anyways) and we hung out at home for a bit before James came over for dinner. Ross made homemade meatballs with pasta. Great balls. James wasn't feeling too well so he didn't come with us. Yeay. GIrls night out dancing.

Ross took me to 3 gay clubs and I survived them all! We stayed the longest at the last one because it had the better music. I had so much fun. Chatted people up and danced with some. Plus, I got hit on!! In a gay club! Ross is sore about it, but don't tell him I told you that. Hee hee. We left at about 2. With sore feet. ( Oh i had to wear ROss's boots cause I didn't have covered shoes!)

OUr night just got a lot better when our cab driver spoke to us in Malay -realizing we were from Singapore! He's from India and has a brother in Singapore abd Malaysia so thats how he could speak it. Ross and I were in hysterics!

I smiled myself to sleep knowing my day couldn't have been better.

2006-01-17T23:38:00.000+08:00

The (Great) Escape

You won't believe the hell i went through for the past few days.

In the space of four days, i'm hospitalized and planning for the vacation of my life.

Yes, hospitalized and yes, vacation of my life.

Last Friday I had a horrible pain in my abdomen, after work I went to see my family doctor. She siad it was bladder infection. The pain got worse when I came home. Mama got increasingly worried about me. So she called my brother and he and my sister, bless her heart, raced me to the A&E at CGH at about 11 pm.

I was put in the observation ward where Belle, my sister, helped me through my painful ordeal. I was in agony, honestly. I was lying in bed like a wounded animal, wincing and crying in pain. Belle held my hand. She even helped me get my urine sample in (alot can be said about that!). I love her more than anything.

So at about 4 am, after the pain killer injection and morphine were of no help, they warded me. (2 hours later Belle went to work - no sleep)And then began my journey to recovery.

Two things I want to make clear here. One - it's NOT cool sitting in a wheelchair. I had to be wheeled in and out (mostly for my nicotine intake) in a wheel chair. And the "uniform" - not much help either. And being warded in a hospital is the most boring, uneventful things to go through (Ask Tre - he's been hospitalized for what? 3 times?)I hated every moment of it. Especially if your bed is next to one who rests a mentally unstable Indonesian.And especially if you have more important things to do - like going on holiday!

Two - nurses do all the work! I dun understand why doctors are paid thousands when they only check you up for 5 mins once every morning, when these dedicated nurses lug out 12 hour shifts on hand and foot. I should start a petition, though i dunno how much they earn. I mean, they should be paid thousands just to wash and clean dozens of wrinkly men and women everyday!

Anywho, by Monday I was getting a bit anxious as to when I would be discharged. I have a flight to catch on WEDNESDAY! So began my quiet secret mission to get myself discharged by Tuesday cause I had heaps of work to be done. I got the okay from my doctor to fly out on wednesday and that was a huge relief.

Next on my worry list - my tourist visa. The Oz High Commission IS known to reject visa applications. And I am very well at risk. If mine got rejected then I would have problems. Huge ones. I couldnt cancel my flight and everything will be messed up.BUT... I went there this morning, and got my visa without incidents. (Except for Han going round saying "Wassap dude!"-got everyone laughing. )

Ahhh, yes. I'm flying out tomorrow. To Sydney. Alone.

I look forward to a holiday long overdue. I wanted to spend my 2*th birthday in quiet reflection. (If i can't avoid being older, at least I can avoid the people who will tease me about it!)

I am looking forward to seeing Ross and Graham again. Both of whom have graciously offered to put a roof over me.

And then, there's James. Poor , sweet James. (Haz I promise this time I'll get a pic of him- I'm armed and ready)I miss you babe!

God, I'm actually rushing through this entry because I fell asleep earlier. And I still haven't done any packing! YIKES!

Gotta get going then.

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes and I'll see you in 3 weeks!

Till then.

2006-01-09T21:49:00.000+08:00

Dreams

Spending all my money on phone calls
waiting for my ship to come in,in from that ocean
come home to this sea harboring in me
I don't believe in four leaf clovers
or the luck they're supposed to bring
I've used all my wild cards
but there's something I can do
to get close to you

I've got dreams of love
and I love you
I know you feel the same way too
I feel your spirit when you're near me and when you're away
Somehow somewhere I'll see you again
but untill then, I've got dreams of loving you

Thinking 'bout every little thing we ever did crazy
sipping on that memory lane,that lane never closes
seven days of the week,I can drive in my sleep

cause I've got dreams of love
and I love you
I know you feel the same way too
I feel your spirit
when you're near me and when you're away
somehow somewhere I'll see you again
but untill then, I've got dreams of loving you

Dreams I will share when I see you again
and I'll see you again pretty soon
I pray, but untill then I've got dreams

I've got dreams of love and I love you
I know you feel the same way too
I feel your spirit
when you're near me and when you're away
somehow somewhere I'll see you again
but untill then I've got dreams of loving you

-Gavin Degraw-

PS :I heart you...x o x o

Thank you Mr. postman

2005-12-28T17:52:00.000+08:00

Thank you Mr. Postman

My birthday present came a month early this time.

It came in the mail yesterday.

Took me just 3 months to get it. Painful for my pocket, but finally.

Here's how I did it;

* Quick feet. Good Brain. Good ears.
* Tre's ever dependable Final Theory Book
* Drive - not literally.
* Faith - especially from pals.
* Total Carnage: SGD1600 (estimate)
* 12 points - 8 points clear of failing. (Could have been 8 pts but the sun got into the tester's eyes I reckon.)
* Test Route 9 - It's as good as it gets.
* Mr Mah - my tester. Girls, doesn't matter how you dress really.
* Mama's kisses - doesn't have to be mine. Yours will do.

This was what I drove 3 hours after acing my test.

Mitshubishi Spacewagon.

Road bully? Definitely not.

Who wants a ride? I'm a qualified driver.

Back from HK

2005-12-20T10:40:00.000+08:00

"Hmmmmm?"

"It's 8.15. You need to get to work babe."

"Mppuhbblammph. 5 minutes."

"Oh no no no.You said that 10 minutes ago."

A bit of tickling under covers.

Phone rings.

"Yeah?"

"You think you're on honeymoon ah?"

"Mmmm, yeah."

"Wake up!"

"Bye Haz."

More tickling.

Phone rings again.

"It's my sis. Shit."

"Are you gonna answer that?"

"Yeah?"

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"Guess lah!"

"It's 8 in the morning!"

"Pleaseee.."

"You're going off to get married to Luis Garcia."

"I wish! Guess."

"The computer came?"

"Not yet. Later. Guess."

"You won the lottery? I dunno. Give up."

"They're coming! 23rd February! Here!"

"Oh yeah? Class! Find out when tickets start selling. We're gonna be the first in line."

"Bye."

"First in line for what, babe?"

"Oasis."

2005-12-15T13:54:00.000+08:00

J.

Thanks for rescuing me from another mistake.

Thanks for sharing your amazing stories and thanks for listening to mine.

You came just in time and thanks for your advice.

You're really growing on me and I'm missing you already.

Can't wait for Monday. Hurry back.

X

Talk tonight

2005-12-12T15:58:00.000+08:00

Talk Tonight…

By Noel Gallagher

Sittin' on my own
Chewin' on a bone
A thousand million
Miles from home
When Something hit me
Somewhere right between the eyes

Sleepin' on a plane
You know you can't complain
You took your last chance
Once again
I landed, stranded
Hardly even knew your name

I wanna talk tonight
Until the mornin' light
'Bout how you saved my life
You and me see how we are
You and me see how we are

All your dreams are made
Of Strawberry lemonade
And you make sure
I eat today
You take me walking
To where you played
When you were young

I'll never say that I
Won't ever make you cry
And this I'll say
I don't know why
I know I'm leavin'
But I'll be back another day

I wanna talk tonight
Until the mornin' light
'Bout how you saved my life
(You saved my life)
I wanna talk tonight
(I wanna talk tonight)
'Bout how you saved my life
(I wanna talk tonight)
'Bout how you saved my life
(I wanna talk tonight)
'Bout how you saved my life
(I wanna talk tonight)
'Bout how you saved my life

I wanna talk tonight

Another one bites the dust...

2005-12-08T15:25:00.000+08:00

Another one bites the dust...

Yet another disappointment. Another lost championship.

This morning was supposed to mean something to all United supporters, especially after the death of the Master Devil himself, Bestie. My heart goes out to the scores of dissappointed supporters at the Stadium of Light.

What a display of nothingness, a spirit so absent it was agonizingly painful to watch the game.

I shall spare you the details. Of how we went ahead and squandered the lead. Of how much chances wasted. Of such talent wasted. Of how classless a certain Portugese winger was. Or how the team forgot their European heritage.

Pointless.

It was in the '68 when the trio of Charlton, Bestie and Law help make Manchester United the first English club to win the championship. I wasn't born then.

But I witnessed the famous Manchester United win against Bayern in May '99. When United won the Champions League with seconds to go! I remembered it like it was yesteryear. It was the last game my late father ever watched with me. It made him over the moon even though he was in pain.

Who knows when I will ever live through something like that. Ever.

Thing is, United has always managed to resurface from the darkness. Somehow.

We won't turn our backs. Not I.

Because this is the one club that tortures me like you won't believe, and then delights me like no other.

RIP Keano

2005-11-19T12:35:00.000+08:00

R.I.P. Captain Keane...

The global population of Man Utd fans came to its knees, yesterday evening.

Manchaster Officials released a statement saying the Roy Keane has left the club by "mutual consent"

I can't help but feel contempt at the United suits and Fergie for this tragedy. Sure, Keane wants to leave too, but screw that old gaffer! I'm hating his guts right now. Lets see how the fans will react to you lot tonight!

They should have at least waited till Keane's contract expires next year. Is this the way to treat a living legend? I feel sick to my stomach!

But I do get where the management is coming from. They have been holding on to that '99 glory days in Keane and the other senior players. Maybe Keane was right, it's time to move on. But least wait till the season is over you daft prick!

Now, the club we all know and love so well would never be the same again.

And so, like Keane, we all have to go on.

As I wiped the tears of sadness, I cannot help ponder the future at United. Who will take over captaincy? Scholes? Maybe Neville. Who will now command the midfield? Smith? Huh. Ballack? Is he joining United? When? How good is he really?

You can only hope to find a replacement almost as good as Keano. There will never ever be another Roy Keane.

I hope and I pray, that one day, Keane will come back to manage a new generation of Red Devils to a glory that ends all glories.

And just like the legends of old, we the fans, will never forget Captain Keane. Just like how we never forgot Best, Law, Charlton and Cantona.

Top 10

2005-11-17T17:22:00.000+08:00

Top 10 Most Gorgeous Men
According to Ifrah Ashiblie

10. *Jason Lewis

– courtesy of Lenn.

To be honest, I forgot how hot this one is. Who can forget those sexy scenes on SATC!

9. Kimi Raikonen

The Flying Fin is the fastest and hottest Formula One driver around. Has won many races for McLaren Mercedes since joining the team 2 seasons ago. Nothing beats a cool dude in a fast car.

8.WilLiam Gallagher

Anyone who can give Robbie Williams a knuckle sandwich is a hero in my books. Bad boy in every sense of the word. And he's even more of a hottie now that he's sober and writing!

7.Ronaldo

Albeit young, but he has the bod any girl would kill to savour. He has quick and nimble feet, and can be a show off at times. But a hunk nonetheless.

6.Ariel

Hails from Indonesia and is lead singer for Peter Pan. I dunno his full name but Ariel Ashiblie sure sounds nice! I'm still kicking myself coz I only just discovered him yesterday! Well, better late than never. Wahduhhh, sungguh hot!

5.Jon Johnson

Now,now ladies. Calm down. We all still remember that last episode where he had to pose nude. A hottie with morals! Oooo, and those buns!

4.Jared Leto

Alexander was a bit of a turn off for me personally, but you can't deny Jared's hot stuff. The most gorgeous eyes, he's got!

3.Ruud van Nistlerooy.

This big Dutchman has no problems swinging his balls 'round the back and scorin'. I dunno why, but there's just something about him that I love but I can't put my finger on. My many many day dreams evolve around him, and him only.

2.Ilhan Mansiz

The Beckham of the East and the pride of Turkish football. Shot to famedom in the 2002 World Cup. Now that Turkey just missed the chance to qualify for 2006, I dunno which country to support.

1.Kaka

This Brazillian is only 24 and plays his football with Italian side AC Milan. Very popular with the girls. I can see why!! Nicknamed "Babyface", sigh. Mmmm.Yummilicious!

Tumble thoughts...

2005-11-11T13:40:00.000+08:00

Tumble thoughts...

A massive pile of paperwork is still lying on my table, desperate for my attention.

I got home from work quite late last night. And when I reached home at about 9-ish, Mama asked me to accompany her to the food joint to pack some food home. I grabbed a jacket and off we went.

There was a slight drizzle and I was still in the clothes I was in from work. The guy took our orders and we sat down while waiting.

Along came this young family, mom, dad and a tiny tot. This baby girl, "1 year and 9 months old", was wearing her tiny baju kurung complete with a tiny headscarf.

She came up to Mama and me and shook our hands. So Mama gave the girl some 'zakat'.

She looked incredibly sweet and adorable. She is fair with humongous eyes. And watching her was really entertaining to say the least.

All the time we were waiting, she was watching me and sometimes she would almost come up to me to tease me.

Finally, she got fed up I think, she came up to me and touched me on my chest!

The first time I thought, oh well, but when she touched me there the second time my mom said to me, "See I told you to change."

I still don't know if this kid likes boobs, or she was trying to tell me something.

I laughed it off but I could help but feel that this big eyed child was on to me.

I sat there, holding my jacket closed for the rest of the wait.

Keano to manage Red Devils...

2005-11-09T15:30:00.000+08:00

Keano to manage Red Devils

Letter to TNP Sport Editor

I have been a Manchester United fan for almost a decade, and I would love it if Roy Keane took over Ferguson as manager at Old Trafford.

As Beckham had suggested, Keane does not only scare his players but he commands respect out of his team. That is what not many players can say about themselves.

We have seen his footballing skills. He goes to war every time he comes on. We’ve seen his passion for the sport game in, game out. When his players get bullied on and off the pitch, he protects them like an eagle protecting its young.

We have seen what he can do for his club on the pitch, and more recently OFF the pitch.

You even named him Player of the Week in your Paper's EPL Report Card, when he is still out injured.

In the season after he took over captaincy from Cantona, United won the Treble. If he can inspire his team mates while being captain, I can only imagine what will happen if he manages the Red Devils.

He led United to more victories in the last decade than you can imagine. Count the trophies in his display cabinet. If you ask me, he's the perfect man for the job. He knows what he's talking about and he doesn't take crap from anyone. He is fearless and that is what a good manager should be.

He knows what to expect from his team. He knows the squad inside and out, like no other. Otherwise he wouldn't have criticized his own team. Plus the fans adore and respect him.

We all know he bleeds the blood of a true Red Devil.

He is what Manchester United stands for, determined and spirited. He truly is an inspiration to all of us. He can, and will steer us back to greatness.

Ifrah Ashiblie

Chel-sunk

2005-11-08T13:35:00.000+08:00

Chel-sunk

Someone had to do it right?

I'm sure glad it was United who did what no other teams managed to do in two seasons.

It was United who ended Arsenal's dominance two years ago, and I have no doubt the Red Devils could do it against Chelsea.

Finally!

After a week of uncertainty and slacking off by the press and particularly, Captain Keane, the boys rose to the occasion. In what was a brave and emotional game, the Old Trafford outfit brought the game to the visitors.

United bled for every ball and were willing to die for this cause. From whistle to whistle, they fought and braved the storm that was Chelsea.

Enormous pressure was laid on the young shoulders of the United resistance. And when the going got tough, they kept at it for the full 90 mins of the game.

Unbelievable action left me on the edge of my seat for the whole of the second half. My whole family was up that Sunday night, including my Cousin Han and his new wife. We stomped our feet and groaned and cheered together.

I was chewing on my nails and pulling at my hair during the last 10 mins. And I was almost in tears when the final whistle went. It was the best football I've seen for sometime. And it was exhausting just watching it.

My English giants finally awoke from their slumber.

And you would think that Jose Mourinho can finally put a sock in it!

NOOO!!

Claiming that United were "lucky" and "best team on the pitch didn’t win today."

Oh please. Special One my ass! It is always about him, isn't it?

Some gaffer should teach that Portuguese pimp a thing or two about being gracious in defeat.

Miss Deeds

2005-10-28T13:27:00.000+08:00

Miss Deeds...

Maddness I tell ya! Maddness!

It's freezing in my office. I'm wearing 3 bomber jackets and a pair of gloves. I'm not kidding. Partly because of the rain, but for the most part, I swear it's the sickening air conditioning.

I'm still hungover from the food I had last night. I'm met Ross for the first time and I think I'm in love with him. Really.

After many many gossips and excessive photo whoreing, we parted ways and left for home. It was pouring so bad we couldn't get a cab. So Zurainah dropped me and Ninie at Kallang Station, poor girl, and we waited for a cab there.

There was a Chinese girl waiting before us. Said she'd been waiting for a "long time" but offered to let us go before her. So,I told her could hitch a ride with us till Bedok. I had to take another cab from Bedok Station cause the driver was not going anywhere else but! That, and he was sleepy.

If you are going to start thinking what a good samaritan I am for helping a damsel in distress, halt! The best part is yet to come.

So this "sales-person-selling-dental-products" girl and I were standing by the road, a limo taxi came and SHE said, "Here comes a nice taxi for you."

I asked her if she wanted to go first since she was heading to Pasir Ris.

She went, "Ok sure!" Gave me a flustered wave and disappeared into my nice taxi.

Now, THATS charity.

I waited another 10 minutes before i got my cab.

By then, I was soaking wet.

Mucky Fingers

2005-10-27T11:17:00.000+08:00

Mucky fingers...

Once upon a kingdom, there lived a man called Jose Mourinho. He believed himself to be special, and went about the land bragging to one and all about his abilities. He won many admirers, as well as many critics. (Guess which one I am.)

Every man and his dog has opinion on Mourinho.

He honestly thinks he's God's gift to football, and he doesn't make an effort to hide it or at least be surprised by it. He calls himself "The Special One". He couldn't pick a better name cause Superman's taken. Oh, come on! Who does that?? No shame. Ok. I get that he's great with tactics and all. But you find these things on the internet these days!

When you think Chelsea you think Mourinho. But he doesn't do the work. He doesn't do the running. He doesn't score the goals. Amazingly, he thinks he's the master controlling the strings. You can motivate, you can teach and you can only say so much to your player. In the end their talent is what matters. Not the manager's.

Such an arrogant b******. I'd slap him silly if I got close to him. If he wasn't such a prick, I honestly wouldn't hate the Stamford Bridge outfit so much. Heck two seasons ago, I was rooting for Cheslea. Of course, it was Ranieri then.

I'm not saying Chelsea's no good. They are a multi-million dollar club. Their players are worth millions of dollars. I'm just saying they're not that great.

I can't believe people are already saying, "Chelsea's already won the Cup this season." I hate that people are giving up that easily. I hate it when people say Chelsea are unstoppable. I hate that they think the Premiership's already won. And these aren't even fans of Chelsea's!

It's still early in the season.

Look what happened in the last 5 days? "Unstoppable" Chelsea drew with last-on-the-table Everton 1-1. (Everton is number 20 on league table –Chelsea is currently on number 1.)

Then last night they lost to Charlton and were kicked out of the Carling Cup. And I'm not talking Chelsea's reserve team that lost. Frank Lampard and John Terry, Drogba and Eissen, Huth and Wright- Phillips. Huge names versus the El-Khourkis and Andersons, the Ambrosies and Bents of Charlton.

So come hear ye! All the Gunners and Maggies, all the Reds and Blues and all my Red Devils. Hold on to your seats. I say the title is still up for grabs.

Manchester United vs. Chelsea
6th November

It's going to be the whole world against Chelsea.

Huh. They're just too easy to hate.

I...

2005-10-24T09:51:00.000+08:00

I...

Haz..Ahlan Wa Sahlan!

Crab..it's not that I won't, but I couldn't. I dunno what went wrong, I couldn't tag my own tagboard.

n@t..I miss me too!

Pheeww.

I'm tired man.

It's been almost two weeks since mama came home.Things have gone back to some kind of normalcy.Han has come home too. Finally, everyone's back. The house is a home again.

My Ramadhan this year has been amazing. Alhamdullilah. I hardly held my fast before this year so I am super proud of myself. I've only missed a few days of fasting this time, so now I'm on board bus and going all the way out, Insyallah.

Preperations for Eid this year is somewhat slow, but taking shape nonetheless. Mama got so much done over the weekend - flowers, curtains, bedsheets. Thank god she's home for Eid this year! We had a rough time last Eid when she was in Brunei.

I got an idea of what I'd be wearing this year, but I haven't got it yet. So. We'll see. *I pray my tailor could make it in time!*

One week left. Fast isn't it?

You...

I told you, don't bother. You're wasting my time.

You can say so much, but in the end..nothing will change.

It's too late. You're too late.

Leave me alone.

I got my stapler back.

2005-10-11T11:06:00.000+08:00

I got my stapler back!

It wasn't easy though. I had to move 2 boxes and a cabinet to get to it.

It was many many weeks ago, that I, Queen of Clutz, dropped it in between two large cabinets and behind some boxes while doing some filing.

So for weeks after that, I had to use my colleague's stapler. Not that I'm ungrateful. She uses the other one. You know, the BIG one. The kind that If you staple two sheets of paper together and when you take the staple out the paper rips in two! Yah! That one.

Personally, I prefer the normal one. Yeah, the smaller,NORMAL one. I am deeply attached to my stapler. Really! Aren't you? Well I am. I even LABELED it "Ifra" for fear of losing it. Imagine what would happen if it got into the wrong hands!

Anyways,I was beginning to miss my normal, small stapler.

I have asked one of my colleagues to help me. Well...Let's just say he could write an encyclopedia full of the word "later".

So, I took liberty upon myself and carried not one, but two heavy boxes out of the way. I could see the shine of my stapler. Wait! I couldn't reach it! So I pulled one of the cabinets to one side. Urghhh urghh arghhhhh. I reached in and... voila!

I got my stapler back!

I immediately put it to good use.

I took out an annual leave form, stapled it together with my balance sheet and handed it to my boss.

Tomorrow I will be on leave.

For after many many months, I'm getting my Mama back...

2005-10-04T18:26:00.000+08:00

Star light star bright, First (bollywood) star I see tonight.

Ok. Don't get too excited. This happened last week. I just didn't have the time to pin 'em up.

Oh, and girls, he IS delicious on and OFF camera.

His name is Hritik. Hritik Roshan. (Hope I got the spelling right… qua qua qua)

This is Hritik and Kawal, my colleague.

His long and thick black hair. His unbuttoned shirt. His tanned (not so hairy) chest. His unbelievably hazel eyes.

He's tall (about 6ft 2in) and rather thin. Not what I had expected. But he's as good looking off camera as well as on. Soft spoken and obliging. (He was having lunch when a bunch of my colleagues went up to him to get a picture with him). And his smile, as you will see in the pictures, are lady killers.

I'm incredibly in love with him.

Kidding!

Right then, these are some other pics to entertain you.

My colleagues and I with priyanka Chopra.

Hritik's dad with my colleague Veena. he's the director. Forgot his name.

I managed to get on pic taken with the heroin of the movie, Priyanka Chopra. (God knows who she is.)

Ciao.

2005-09-26T17:58:00.000+08:00

Manchester United 1 Blackburn 2

Tsk tsk tsk. There goes another season.

I won't say anything about the game, because there's just nothing left is there?

I will only say, Fergie started off with the wrong eleven. Stupid old geezer. He's going senile.

The game pretty much sums up my whole weekend.

Very disappointing.

Fifa Street

2005-09-23T15:45:00.000+08:00

Fifa Street Kick Butt!

I can't describe how difficult this is, typing. Especially if you have sore wrists and blistered fingers.

I can barely move my fingers, they're frozen in position, claw-like. It hurts to move my arm, wincing at the pain everytime I move to do anyhing.

I haven't seen the doctor about this but I've heard horrible stories about this disease. It attacks people who are in possession of a peculiar looking device.

First it attacks the hands and fingers, making them less functional. Then it attacks the eyes, because you hardly close your eyes or sleep. It also attacks your appetite, varying from individuals suffering from it. Then you become an almost insomniac, unable to sleep because, even in your sleep this disease haunts you and you are forced to "take care" of it.

It's very dangerous. And I heard it killed one young man here in Singapore. (This is true.)

They don't have a cure for it yet, and I heard it's quite impossible to treat it unless that device is removed altogether. It's like the Aedes mosquito, as long as it's there, it will be harmful to the environment.

They don't even have a proper scientific name for it yet, although word on the street is that it's being called "HAXAHS".

Better known as the "Having-An-Xbox-At-Home-Syndrome."

Please warn your loved ones and friends.

P/S : If you do not relay this message to 10 friends within the next 5 minutes, you will never see the light of day ever again.

If you pass this on to friends in under 2 mins, Bill Gates will award you with US$1M.

If you pass this on to more than 10 people in less than 5 mins, you will live happily ever after.

Heh.

My life is a pain in the ass.

2005-09-14T18:55:00.000+08:00

What a pain in the ass!

I'm so tired.

Work. Parties. Family. Work. Classes. Work and more work.

Honestly, I don't know where I draw my energy from.

I have been incredibly busy with work lately I haven't had enough sleep and rest. Last weekend I decided to go on a long awaited shopping spree and I took my whole family! I might have over spent my holiday money, but heck, I deserved every penny. Mama's coming home soon anyways, so no point in me flying there. I could've saved it, but it's my money and you don't have a say.

And, I think I fried my brain over the last weekend. I'm using what little time I have left on this crap I'm typing. Instead of clearing my work, so I could leave earlier and "rest" at home, I'm choosing to babble into nothingness. I've lost my mind, along with my sense of direction in Jurong Street 61.

It was exhausting, tough I can't understand why cause I wasn't the one behind the wheels, but I had a great time with my whole gang. (Those who don't know, long story, and I'm too tired to tell it.)

Meanwhile in faraway England, my little Devils finally conceded their first and only goal against Man City. To my fellow Devil worshippers, it's okay. It's a dumb goal but its okay, it's alright (Tampines Rover's fight fight fight!!- Ode to Rufus! heh) I say, "Fuck it, love thy neighbor." Then there's the La Liga. And there goes my sleep. I seriously considered disconnecting my cable. After a short battle with my conscience, I have decided to hang on my cable for a while. You see, I was complaining that I am deprived of sleep. Mainly because of the Champions League and La Liga at ungodly hours. If I didn't have cable, then I wouldn't be up at 3 in the morning watching football. But I would probably walk to the coffee shop to see it together with drunkard old men in singlets. Hmmm…drunkard old men, comfort of my own home? Cable or no cable, I'd still find a way. I try, but I can never get sick and tired of it.

I went man hunting last weekend at Momo. With my brother. Yeah I know, sick. Shut up. I didn't give out any numbers or make any of my "legendary" moves, cause there was nothing I saw that I fancied, but I had fun all the same. So to make up for it, I went out to buy myself one.

Behold, the new man in my life.

Yeah, this one's all mine. Mine! Mine!

Now whenever I hear girls going, "Ohhh, my hubby is soo this and sooo that and sooo great in bed ..yada yada" or "my boyfriend's this and that," I won't feel like slapping them or giving them a hard shake. I don't have to recoil or pretend to be interested. I can say, "Mine listens to me, and obeys my every command. He's perfect. We're perfect. Just the thing I need."

You must think I'm pathetic. My friends at work think I'm the perfect girlfriend.

Hey, don't judge me! I'm not the one posting my ex's pictures on my website hoping to embarrass him. Some people.. tsk tsk tsk. They don't listen.

It's gonna be another hectic weekend for me this week. My cousin's getting married. URgh. I love him, but I hate weddings. It's a small wedding, but if you're that close a family, you're expected to do a lot of the running around. Thank god, I got a new pair of sneakers. The bruva's driving the wedding car, a Beamer I think. But I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. Sit, look pretty and take lotsa pictures, I pray. Bloody hell. Nothing to wear! Again! Looks like I have to look for something then.

I hate going to weddings where your whole family is there, and there'll be all these old people whom you remember from the last wedding or the last Eid. They'll go, "Oh Ifrah's not married yet?" Then the inevitable. Gasps and groans all round the table. "Relax," I'd say, and assure them I'm way too young to marry and, besides I have too much going on in my life. Yeah. Right. Then, the cousins will come 'round and ask you for the millionth time, "Where are you working now?" "Oh that same place? Aren’t you gonna go and further your studies or something?"

Dude, I probably earn more than you do in a year!

Then you'd have to wear proper attire, which nowadays, apparently includes jeans and a 'kurta' or a 'kebaya' top. And I hate wearing baju kurungs! What would Hantu Gigi say? "Ifrah, eh ehhhhhhhhhh.." Then she'd shake her head and walk off. I should call her I think. I haven't spoken to her in ages. I won't let last Eid happen again. Nooooo. Not at the wedding. Man! I am so not looking forward to it.

No offence to you people but I wish I was a hermit, and didn't know anyone. I won't get invited to weddings and birthday parties. I sure as hell won't be working my ass off in an office. I'd stay in my little hut in the middle of the rainforest in the middle of Kalimantan. I'd be happy tending to my little garden outside, and my two little pussie cats. I might consider a goat or two. But that's it. That's life. I'd wish for nothing else, I promise.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, that's not gonna be enough. You say you wanna live in a small jungle hut and people laugh at you. What happened to simplicity? There was no Xbox or cable then, but our forefathers managed. What happened to hopscotch and five stones and 'congkak'? How fun can playing congkak on a computer game be?

I guess you gotta live for the moment. But who knew living was so tiring and expensive? I'm hoping being a hermit one day becomes the trend to follow. Then I'll be the first in line for a one way ticket to Kalimantan.

Right now, I just wanna go home, curl up under the sheets and sleep forever. Or at least until the match at 2.30 am tomorrow morning.

(But first, off to Sim Lim to get my "man" some new games!)

Sucky Saturday

2005-08-27T13:01:00.000+08:00

Sucky Saturday...

I was raving mad when I got into the office today.

As soon as I turned on my computer, our receptionist informed me that from now on the director wants us to sign in on Saturdays, and include "time-in" entry. This was because; many employees would come late on Saturdays. 10am, sometimes 10.30am instead of the official 9.30am. From day one, I have always arrived between 10 and 11. And my boss had never really bothered because I'd stay equally late on Saturdays, if not later.

When the "attendance book" made its round to me, my recep called to let me know I "HAVE to put my time-in and sign."

I was furious when I saw the record book. Only my name and the recep's (She's malay) had times written next to our names!! Deliberately, only two of us were instructed to do so.

What the funk?!?

I picked up my phone and went about my investigations. I learnt that many had arrived around 10 am, (I came at 10.07-hence it was written so) but none of my other colleagues had any times written next to their names. I also learnt two of my colleagues came later than me. What were they trying to prove?

That I am guilty of a petty "crime"?

Things like these frequently happened in my "organization". I wonder why. With almost 30 employees, only 4 of us are Muslims, two being Indian-Muslims and my Malay recep. The minority of us on the receiving end of various injustices.

Don't even get me started on Ramadhan.

What about all these times, I had stepped into office at 9.30 in the morning then left at 9.30 at night or even later? Or the Saturdays when I came to finish my work even though it was my Saturday off? Should I now, keep record of my "working hours" and one day lay it out in front of him, then? Countless times, I had not said anything, I had not asked for any raise whatsoever, I had never dared to consider asking for over-time or transport money even if I left at 11 at night!

Many people are without jobs, yes, and here I am ranting and raving about the petty little things and of how me and some of my colleagues are being treated.
But, in truth and at times, it's utterly ridiculous and hurtful to me, especially being an Arab-Muslim, to whom injustices have been done unto for decades all around the world.

What can you say? Accuse my company of Racism? And then what? Threaten to sue them and risk being counter-sued for defamation?

No thanks. I'm not like some people we know who just loves to threaten people with lawsuits and private investigators. (Not gonna mention any names. *brouffmmJIHANuhukhukkptuiiii* - must be the prata this morning).

Plus, I have enough responsibilities on my plate and cannot, in anyway jeopardize them.

Enough!

Too many of our brothers and sisters around the globe are being harassed and discriminated against. Freedom of speech and all that jazz? Here? Hah! What can I do? Make like a Singaporean and complain? To whom? And risk losing my job? Risking being even more discriminated against? It's tough for a Singaporean alone, much less for a non-citizen as me.

True, I was late. But my boss (Director's brother) didn't mind. He knew I was more than capable to execute my job well and on time. He understood my work ethics very well and accepted my ways.

I am a woman. I am a Muslim. I am single. I am colored. I don't go to universities. I am a professional.

But above all, I am human. With feelings.

(I heard later that my boss actually told my director to leave me be. Ifrah Ashiblie 1 Employers 0.)

2005-08-23T13:39:00.000+08:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson

"Ruud's season last season was fragmented and it was partly our fault in bringing him back too early.
"His fitness has been fantastic in pre-season and we are getting the benefit of that.
"There are goals here - I can smell them. We had some chances and their (Aston Villa) defence and keeper were fantastic."

2005-08-19T16:02:00.000+08:00

This land is my land...

I was glued to my tele for the past few nights.

History was unfolding on BBC.

This dude called Ariel Sharon decided to take from his people what he gave them almost 4 decades ago.

A piece of land they call Gaza.

During the Arab-Israeli war in the late '40s, thousands and thousands of Palestinian refuges were left homeless. Driven out by the Israelis, they fled, to Jordan, Lebanon & Syria. Their land, were then taken over by the Israelis.

And while the Palestinians were allowed to return to Gaza years later, they were forced to live in cramp and dangerous conditions. Daily raids and fighting between Palestinian groups and Israeli forces killed many people over years.

Enter the Arafat.

The late PLO leader fought for most of his life, for an independent Palestinian state and his people might soon see his dreams come true. A move which will probably WON'T lead to a peaceful middle east. But hey, you gotta start somewhere right?

Scores of hundreds and thousands of Israeli settlers in Gaza were evacuated and relocated in the past few weeks. And in the past two days, the world saw dozens of protestors being forcefully dragged out of synagogues.

It was ironic to see, Israeli evicting Israeli, considering the colorful history of the Jews in Europe. And it felt weird too, because I felt sad for the wailing women and their babies. Grown men crying and trying to find reason in it. Young boys, screaming and crying as they were carried one by one.

You have to be moved in your heart. Even though it's foreign to you. Even if you've been ignorant of this complex problem that is the Middle East. Even when you know with these Jews out, finally, your Palestinian brothers and sisters will have a chance for peace.

I can only hope this will do something to quell the turmoil in that area. It remains to be seen. For now, there's hope.

After 38 long years, the Palestinians will be getting back what once belonged to them.

See. There's always hope.

2005-08-18T16:10:00.000+08:00

10 reasons why I think my nephew is so hot!!
Part I

1. Zs.
I sleep with him almost every other night. Well, at least every night when he's home. And he sleeps like a man! Legs astray and perky little buns propped up. Not that I know anything bout sleeping next to a man.

2. Silent Night.
He doesn't snore. There is nothing sexier than a male who doesn't snore. Even my neighbor's male cat snores. The only time he snores is while doing an impression of me.

3. Charmed One.
He's quite the charmer this Alhan Ashiblie. It will break your heart to hear him say "Please?" & "Sorry".

4. Alpha Male
Although my brother will never admit it, Alhan is the real man of the house. Everyone listens to him (or tries to) and we'd do possibly anything to make him happy. This morning he said to me, "Latti dodok!" Sleepily I opened the door and carried him on his Abah's bike so he could "brrrrrroomm brrrooommm" for a while.

5. Oi Einstein.
Most of the things he says are intelligible right now, but he's learning fast. His favorites are."Oh S***!", "Go Shop", "Miinahhh" & "Eat,eat,eat!!!!" This morning he took my sis's phone, pointed the camera into his face and he said,"Smy!!"

6. Say please.
My brother & sis in law thought him to never take things that don't belong to him. So if he wants something that's not his, he'll take your hand and make you get it for him.

7. "Abah!!"
The only four letter word he is afraid of. No matter what stunt he's trying to pull, just say the magic work and he'll stop. And I swear. He tried to make ME scared of it too. The other day I was lying on the couch and I dropped the remote. Guess what he did? That's right. He went, "Aaaabaahhh, see see see!"

8. Don Han de Marco
He woke me up this morning with a head splitting rendition of "London Bridge" on his keyboard. Sometimes when I open my eyes, he's there staring into my face. Then he greets me with a cheeky, "Hieeeeee".

9. Alhan Mansiz?
Nothing turns me on more than balls. He's got thousands of them. "Big ball." He calls them. And he got some fire power in his kicks too!

10. Poster Boy
Can you deny it? He's the most gorgeous looking thing!! His pictures are on GROWN WOMEN'S websites! Need I say more? Think not.

*Disclaimer: I'm no pedophile, I'm his aunt.*

Hidden Talent

2005-08-16T13:41:00.000+08:00

2005-08-15T17:27:00.000+08:00

Fly Devils Fly...

Wah.

$30 richer. Thanks to that 0-2 United win on Saturday.

We were still at Lenn's place, celebrating Aida Day when the game came on. Or rather, when I put the game on.

I would have gone to enjoy it at home, but there were things to be done and a (very yummy) cake to eat. It was a bit to noisy for my preference but, what do you do? It was enjoyable, nonetheless.

On to the game. Tsk.

Emotions running high for both teams, the game started out really fast paced and packed with flying tackles and silly challenges.

It was very sad for me seeing Phil Neville honing a blue shirt after a 12 year long service to United. He played a big part in United's Treble in '99. I know I won't be the only one missing him.

Anyway, my darling "kencing manis" is back! *does a little jig on a swivel chair* He was all over the middle of the park, missing a first half free kick by inches. Scoring a fabulous first goal of the new season in the last few minutes of the first half. I'll admit he could have gone and scored 2 more goals at least, but who are you to say? He's gonna be the one that will save United this season. Just you watch.

As soon as the whistle blew for the second half to start United lauched a quick attack. 30 seconds later, Wayne Roony scored an easy goal. Everton were the architect of their own downfall, when Yobo rolled the ball across his penalty area only for the 19-year-old England International to pounce on.

I must say, Ronaldo's presence wasn't missed in that game, Park Ji Sung played admirably well. In fact, I was surprised. He was good. Skillful. Quick on his feet. Evasive.

It's looking good. Looking very good indeed, especially with Chelsea displaying a lackluster performance, only scoring one goal on 92 mins against newly promoted Wigan. Poor Wigan, they bravely fought the champions only for Crespo to score in the dying seconds. That must've been heart break for them.

Anywhos, 3 points in the bag for my champions. And $30 in my bag for me! I ain't gonna complain. Any more.

I just realized one thing. Mama's still in Brunei and I won't be able to watch football with her. She's a big United fan and she's fun to be with on game day. So...tsk.

I miss you la.

2005-08-11T18:19:00.000+08:00

One for my baybeh!

Whoa.

So much mess. Break ups and make ups. Hits and misses. A bomb here, another there. Birthdays and weddings. And of course, much more recently, that psycho-bitch Drama Queen's saga.

I am so incredibly ready to put all my miseries of the past few months, FINALLY, to rest.

Someone blow the trumpet, quick! 'Tis a SEASON to be jolly.

Football is back!! For the next 9 months, at least. I'm alive again! There was zero sports entertainment in the last few months that I actually resorted to the Tour de France and wrestling!!

No more uneventful weekends. No more restless Saturdays. Woo. Hoo.

After so much commotion and drama about who's going and who's staying, I can look forward to a power packed season!

Among those joining United's star studded ranks are keeper Edwin van Sar and Korean Park Ji Sung. Both showing their capabilities during pre-season friendlies. I'm excited to see how the first few matches play out for the team. Fuh.

Amidst high profile contract disputes and dressing room mayhems, United had a rough start in the run up to the Champions League qualifiers and the new Premier League season. But they kicked ass in their first round of qualifiers. Look out Blues, Reds, Pinks and whatnots. We're coming to getcha!

This Saturday, United travel to Liverpool to meet with Everton in the first match of the season. United have much to prove after a tasteless last season and so does Everton, who lost their first leg meeting of the Champions League qualifiers at Villareal. Rooney has yet to score against his former club and it would be interesting to see how Manchester United's former long serving player Phil Neville would react to playing against United for the first time in his career.

So at 7.40pm on 13th August, I'll be cheering them Red Devils on.

Come on baby. We've got Ruud, Rooney & Ronaldo. Keane's there and Rio's staying. This is our time.

With that said, I just wanna let my compadres know I am looking forward to another fruitful season. And I am also looking forward to many late nights with you and your monies. Heh.

I'm stoked.

Dude.

2005-08-04T10:12:00.000+08:00

Ohhh ho ho...it's fuckin' personal now...

They might forgive you, or they won't.

People say, God is forgiving of your sins.

I'm not God now am I?

I read your pathetic last entry on your blog. It's ultimately up to Sari, but it doesn't seem sincere to me.

You went too far with me. So, you know what? Fuck you.

From : Ifrah ASHIBLIE

Jihan. You are the epitome of what "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" means.

Yes I have a bloody messed up vocab. What's it to you? They don't teach you vulgarities in Slut University is it? You should sign up, I'm sure they have courses for amateurs as yourself.

What are you trying to say? Only arabs are descendants of our dear Prophet Muhammed (P.B.U.H)? So since you're not arab, you're not Islam? Who the fuck tought you that? And you dun have to be defensive.Don't deny that you dun pray to God at night, so your ex will be disabled. You pray so he'll not have a happy life. And you dare preach about how good you are? You're not right up there.

Just one four letter word. ARAB, I said. You're rakin' up this whole ideology of the Arabs. No one thought it was about religion or race. Only a demented person like you would think so. Ross WAS right. You are fucked in your fuckin' head.

You're glad you're not closely related to me? Hah! That's a fuckin' joke. You're something else you know. You say all this bull about not being arab and not being "closely fuckin related". And somehow, just somehow, you manage to rope in my dead gramma and your dead gramma into this whole picture by saying they're friends. You piece of cheap waste!

And what is it with you and dead people. I know you've been suicidal before, but this obsession with dead people is pushing it a bit too far. NOW, IT'S FUCKIN' PERSONAL. You check your fuckin' recs. I said anything bout your dad? Dead or alive? Now, you must seriously think you're some freakin' messenger of God to know why my dad left this earth? Just because he was an Ashiblie, he has to suffer the consequence of your obsession? You dun even spare him in death. You sly cunt! That is a cheap shot from a cheap slut. Eh you've got nothing on me la Jihan. You're just saying that to provoke me. *clap clap* you did. But in the sleaziest, cheapest manner.

And this talk about me being a wild girl. Hell yeah! But let me ask you this million dollar fuckin' question. IF I'M SO FUCKIN' WILD, WHY WOULD A FUCKING CHEAP "SAINT" LIKE YOU WANNA BE "FRIENDS" WITH ME??

Tsk tsk tsk. Jihan Jihan. Lies, lies and more lies. You are wrapped up in this whole universe of lies. And it seems to me, that you're oblivious to it.

First you reached me on Friendster . You didn't get me then. After that you tried RASHID (Coincidentally, is Arab. Surprise surprise.) You probably got to know the wild side of me through him. I am only an acquaintance to Rashid. He never had my number, even in the earlier days. And you shamelessly asked for my number from him. Said you need to call my uncle. You didn't get it there. How you figured out how he knows me is beyond me. You must have had help from Tok Wan or something. But, kudos to you, you never stopped trying. You asked Sari for my number. Out of the blue. Huh. You never thought once to ask how she was doing, but went directly for the kill. You said you don't want to get me involved in your drama. You got Sari involved in your drama didn't you? And your excuse for wanting my number?? To contact my aunt who was nameless in the beginning. "Call me at this number. Urgent. I need your relative's number. Your Aunt." Who? What? Who is this girl who wants to contact my aunt? First uncle then aunt. You want my whole family tree!? I wasn't having any of that either. In the end, miraculously, without my help (but probably your PI's Help) you got her number. You claimed to have it anyway. Because you knew your jig was up.

You expect anyone to believe your bullshit? Come on la Jihan! You underestimate yourself. What you could have done was, "Need your aunty Salmah's number please Ifrah , your highness." Simple. You think I dunno how crazy heart broken women work ah? You're laughable sial.

You need a little more BBC & CNN Jihan. Not all terrorists are Arabs. Some Pakis some Russians & Africans. A National Univerity of Slut student would know that right? Can't believe I'm stooping to your level of low. I'll leave you and your delusional self to your "Arab world". And I'm not even going to where you and your ex were. You're someone who would cause sleepless nights to your family. Hah. And what makes YOU THINK I'm a fuckin' nightmare my dad can't live for?? You're a fuckin' joke Jihan. A fuckin' fucked up joke. I'm tired of your sob story, really. You should go to Hollywood try sell you story.

TOUCHSTONES PICTURES PRESENTS.. "The Snake has Two Faces" or "Jihan : The slut who shagged me" You would like to meet arab with money right? Dun need, Go make your own fortune.

And Jihan, I think you do not understand the whole blogging concept. Once you're online. Everyone knows what you're doing. Your friends might tell their friends. And if you click "Next" enough times, you might just happen to come across your defunct blog. If you want a private fuckin' blog, go to Popular and buy a fuckin' diary. Keep your unwanted thoughts and opinions to your fucking self. Go fuck yourself with it you 50 cent whore.

Do yourself a favour. Quit school. You'd be better off selling your cheap ass excuse for a cunt in Geylang.

NLB

2005-07-27T18:34:00.000+08:00

Perpustakaan Negara

Eh kawan kawan.

Tadi saya pergi ke national Library untok meminjami sebuku buku.

Tempatnya besar dan enak. Teramat lah sejuk sekali angin bagaikan di dalam ais bok,.

APabila saya memasuki bangunan itu, saya terlihat lukisan lukiasan yang menarik hati dan meusuk kalbu. Saya pasti itu adalah buatan kawan seperjuang saya, Sufian. Sungguh menakjubkaN kawan kawan! Saya terperanjat apabila melihat pandangan yang susuh chantik! Saya merasakan "pride" di dalam hati.

Tempatnya tinggi dah bersih. Saya terpaksa menaiki tangga berjalan ker tingkat 8 tetapi buku yang saya mencarik adalah di basement satu. Membuat saya penat dah haus sahaja. Macam orang kata, "haus siak!" begitu lah perasaan saya.

Sebelum itu, saya pergi ke mesen untuk mencheck kad saya, dan mendapati saya tiada hutang dengan perpustakaan tersebut. Sungguh gembira rasa di hati!

Tetapi oleh kerana itu, saya terpaksa membayar $10.50 untuk "register" menjadi member. Akan tetapi! Saya tidak tau berapa lama kah membership nya.

Oleh kerana saya tiada masa, Kerana masa diambil untok memanjat tangga bergerak, saya hanya mempunyai 5 minit untuk mencari buku yang hendak di pinjam. Tetapi buku yang dikehendaki tidak dapat saya cari kerana masa berjalan dengan sunnguh lajunya!

Tak dapat yang saya benar benar nak, jumpa yang saya benar benar tak nak."

Oleh itu, saya ingin beritahu kamu semua boleh pergi ke perpustakaan tersebut kerana gerek.

Sekian. Terima Kasih.

The Long Walk To Justice

2005-07-04T18:26:00.000+08:00

The Long Walk to Justice...

I'm sure by now, you know that the biggest concert in history was held over the weekend. If you missed it, you must have had something important to do. That or, you went karaoke-ing.

A harmony of International Artists took time off for this musical marathon on Saturday. Music from Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Snow Patrol, Pete Doherty, Elton John, Razorlight, Youssour N'Dour, Bjork, Greenday, Brian Adams, Good Charlotte, Rita & Steve Marley and original Live Aid performers Sir Bob Geldolf,U2, Paul McCartney, Anne Lennox , Madonna & more than 100 bands entertained more than 2 million people at 10 different venues across 4 different continents and more than 2 billion people watching on TV. Former South African president Nelson Mandela and UN Secretary Kofi Anan made appearances. Brad Pitt, Will Smith and Tim Robbins.

During the concert, images of severely ill children spashed across the many projection tv's around.

Stories too heartbreaking and futures dissappering.

I was struck by an image of an African boy, no more than 5 or 6, crying because he has had nothing to eat. Another of a lone child, dying, looking out the window because there were no medicines to cure him. A homeless mother and her baby, pointing to "home", a cardboard box under a bridge because there was no work.

I didn't feel obligated to join the list. I was inspired.

It's just your name they want.

If enough people show their support, these 8 arseholes might just see that this is serious. Go ahead.

Join the Live 8 List

I have.

"Mahatma Gandhi freed a continent, Martin Luther King freed a people, Nelson Mandela freed a country. It does work. They will listen." - Sir Bob Geldof

2005-07-01T13:39:00.000+08:00

Father's Day

2005-06-20T13:11:00.000+08:00

Happy Father's Day.

"Wake him up, please!!!!!"

I couldn't recognize my own voice as it was laced with panic and fear as I tried to convince the doctor he made a mistake.

I felt a hand gripping my arm. I turn to face my teary Auntie Mek, who looked down on me, telling me with her hardened eyes to get a grip.

I left Abah's side and searched for Mama. She sat on the floor by his door, exhausted by grief, defeated. My eldest aunt, Halati Salmah, was next to her, comforting her. I saw my younger sister, kneeling by the main door of Ward 36B, all alone. Her small body racking with sobs. I watched her cry for a bit, while trying to comfort myself. My brother was talking to the doctors. His face emotionless and tired, as he watched his family fall apart around him.

That night was 29th May 1999. The night my father passed.

~~

In loving memory.
Abu Bakar Ashiblie
1941-1999

Abah met Mama in Brunei in '76. They got married and a year later opened "Rampai Sari", a restaurant in a recreational complex in Seria. They had their first child in June 1979. The second in January of '81. Their third bundle of joy arrived late in December 1984.

Mohamed Ashiblie was named after Abah's elder brother who died in a motor accident the year before.
Ifrah Ashiblie was derived from the Arabic word,"Afrah" which means happiness.
And in the year that Nabila Ashiblie was born, a royal Saudi ship anchored off the coast of Brunei. The ship was called "Nabila".

The three of us grew up in a quiet seaside village, Kampong Sungei Tali. Our house was a two storey kampong house surrounded by coconut trees and dense brushes. That was our playground.

I remember how Abah used to walk with me and my brother to the beach, just a little over 2 minutes from our backyard. Although I was probably too young to swim in the ocean, my brother wasn't. Abah would throw him in the sea and my brother would be forced to swim.

Me and Mohamed and his err.. *bleep* by the beach.

He would allow us rides on the Village Chief's cow, when they came to graze on the grass behind the house. He taught us how to climb palm trees right at our doorstep. Made us wash his Nissan Sunny after school. Let us sit on his lap and steer his car (into a ditch once).

Oh, how proud of us he was.

He hung huge portraits of us in his restaurant. Bragged about how adorable we were. He took us practically everywhere he went. Once, he took us to this bar, where he joined this Darts competition. Me and my brother were the only kids there. That's my Abah, always wanted us to experience and learn new things.

Me and Mohamed at "Rampai Sari"

We left Brunei when I was 6. It was bitter sweet, having to leave family and friends behind. It would be a whole new life, a whole new experience in this place he called "back home". Singapore.

~~

"Remember, just pay attention and listen to your teacher." Abah kissed the top of my head and waved.

"Ok." I said, a little unsure. Turning around, I felt ready to begin my first day at school.

He was always protective of his girls. In my first few months at the new school, he would send me off and picked me up when school ended.

In the evenings, he let us watch tv him. "Mind your language" was his favorite show, where he'll infect us with laughter. He also liked Matlock and Murder She Wrote. And news. He made us sit for half and hour every night to watch the news.

At night, my sister and I would lie in our bed while he brushes our hair. A hundred times each. Every night.
He never allowed us to cut our hair. He always said, "Don't ever cut your hair."

I used to love our weekends very much.

My father coached soccer to youths at a nearby community centre on Saturdays and Sundays.The wives of the coaches, officials and sponsors would sit under shady trees, knitting and chatting. The sons of these wives were busy chasing the ball on the field, while the daughters played zero point under a void deck nearby.

Me?

I was busy watching my father. Running, kicking and yelling. Every time he calls for a break, the boys would run over to me where I handed out drinks. I was always on hand to help pick up stray foot balls, hand out drinks and clean my brother's boots once he was done.

My father was a strict disciplinarian. I was always afraid of his temper. Everyday he made sure we did our homework and help Mama with the chores. One night, when I was 15 he slapped me six times for coming home at 10 at night. I cried myself to sleep that night. Not so much for the pain (believe me-it hurt), but it was more for the gravity of what I'd done that led to my father hitting me. The next morning, he bought me a pint of my favorite milk and made me breakfast.

That was Abah. He was a tough man with a huge heart.

That was why he had so many friends. From old bosses from the U.K. who still wrote to him, to the Mee Rebus vendor at our school. He never hesitated to lend a hand to anyone who asked. His friends were important to him as are mine to me.

~~

6 years on and it still isn't easy. Today, it's inevitable. I still need my father. I need him to say things like, "What were you thinking??" or "I told you, but you never listen" and maybe kick the butts of all the boys who broke my heart. And no matter how bad I messed up, he would always love me all the same.

He taught me the value of life. It's not money or material things. He said "As long as we've got each other, food in our bellies and joy in our hearts."

At 24 I am a more independent person now, a far cry from the reckless teenager I once was. I have bigger responsibilities now. I have more important things to worry about than what to wear on a Saturday night or how many pairs of shoes I have. I am who I am today because of the lessons learnt from my father and the discipline instilled by him.

I would give up everything I own just so he could be around a little while longer. But sadly, it's not how the cookie crumbles. But I think we're doing ok. My bruva's doing a fine job of keeping things bearable.

I just miss having him around.

~~
This is entry is based on real life accounts. Stories from when I was too young to remember was retold by my mother.

Ma, miss you. Come home soon.

2005-06-18T09:49:00.000+08:00

Come on in...

2005-06-13T12:08:00.000+08:00

Come on in...
A short, short story (if, you may) by Ifrah Ashiblie.

I was surprised, it was late.
You looked very good in red.
We got suddenly emotional.
It was so lovely.

I was for the first time so nervous.
You were sheepishly grinning.
We fell into a confortable silence.
It wasn't awkward, I swear!

It was fiercely explosive.
We laid exhausted from the battle we faught.
You reached up for the lamp.
I was still trying to catch my breath.

It was simply beautiful.
We lit our ciggarettes & leaned against each other.
You held my hand and I?
I was flying.

*Disclaimer*
Person(s) featured in this short story may or may not be fictional.

Don't Believe The Truth...

2005-06-04T10:48:00.000+08:00

Don't believe the truth...

Out in Machester, England, two boys would start a band that would eventually spark a sudden rise in the Brit Rock scene. Inspired by The Beatles, Noel Gallagher roped in his baby brother Liam, and started a revolution. When Oasis played together for the fist time, they promised that they would be the best band ever and that they'd never settle for mediocrity. Their first album, "Definately Maybe" was the fastest selling debut in British history, entering the charts, unsurprisingly, at number one, going way past triple platinum and perhaps more impressively has sold well over one million copies outside the UK. (source: Oasisnet.net)

I first started listening to Oasis when I was about 15 or 16. My big brother had drummed it into me that Oasis meant more than any other band. And they do mean a lot to me. All those nights, just me and the bruvva, sitting, chatting, always accompanied by Oasis. He has all the books about them, interviews, live concerts, posters... It was always about Oasis with him. Fans were compelled to adopt that swagger as they walked down the street. The hair. The clothes.

Oasis made albums that would truly changed the musical landscape. Razorlight,Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand and Travis, just to name a few, have said that they were inspired by Oasis. Coldplay did covers.

When once drugs and alcohol ruled thier lives, Oasis have matured much since the late '90s. Penning songs about love & life. About God. About forgiveness.Now, I can say with tremendous relief, they're once again, madferrit!

In their 6th studio album, Noel is writing songs about queueing too long to buy a pint of milk in a supermarket while Liam is going about with a passion never rivalled by any rock & roll star in history. Liam wrote 3 songs in this album, which includes "Guess God thinks I am Abel" which is rumoured to be an apology to his bruvva Noel.

It's the same Oasis that blew me away & the new Oasis I've never seen before.

"Don't believe the truth" - 11 tracks written by all band memebers, is hailed as the best album from Oasis since "What's the story (Morning Glory)?". It's less electronic and more acoustic. But it is faintly predictable of Oasis. It's charming and modern without losing anything that adheres to the sound that is disctinctly, Oasis.

With the addition of new drummer- oh, the poetry of it all, Ringgo Star's son, Zac Starky, Oasis is set to begin another revolution. After a few average albums in between, Oasis are on their way back to greatness after a decade of making records vastly more average than they really have any right to be.

"Don't Believe The Truth"? - Believe me.

Turkish Delight

2005-05-27T14:32:00.000+08:00

Turkish Delight...

Outragous.

That was how the Champions league went down for me. Simply outragous.

45 mins was all it took for Milan to almost win the competition. But it only took 6 miniutes of English brilliance for Liverpool to survive.

As expected, Milan proved to be the side with more experience and class. Wildly dominating in the first half. And in that 45 mins, they went 3 goals up. No one in the world thought Milan were going to lose, let alone dream of Liverpool scoring any goals.

Milan were brilliant. Like all Italian clubs, they played well defensively. Very very tight at the back. Defending is, afterall, 50% of the game. How many times have we seen Italian teams concede 3 goals in one game? We don't see that. Certainly not I. They might not have the flair of the Spaniards or flamboyance of the English, but they certainly are effective.

There was no way Liverpool was coming back into the game after the first minute stunner by Paulo Maldini. Very scrappy defending. I guess they had too much kebabs before the game cause there wasn't any hunger to score. And Djimmi Traore must have thought it was Chrismas already cause he was giving too many balls away.

When the half time whistle went, I thought, Oh dear, it would be an impossible mountain to climb for Liverpool.

To be honest I was sure Milan was taking this one. Even before the game. But I was secretly wishing for Liverpool to win it.

Who knows what happened in the dressing room at half time? Who knows what Rafa said to his boys? And no one in the right mind would have wanted to be there to find out.

Immediately following the restart, Liverpool launched their campaign revival. And it was stunning.

A few half chances in the first few minutes prevented me from switching off the telly and going to bed.

And in the space of 6 mintues, Liverpool completed a truly unbelievable comeback. Nothing like you've seen in modern football. The footballing Gods must have given the Red Army a lot of strength cause I've never seen any team fight so hard.

The magnitute of the moment was too surreal. I was beyond shocked! Speechless. That just doesn't happen. Even Dida was flabergasted.

What a turn around. Suddenly, Liverpool was back on level terms.

Amid high drama , liverpool managed to hold on and to take the game into extra time and were resilient enough to force the penalty shoot out. Oh boy. Drama, drama, drama..

We all know what happened that night. It was splashed across newspapers yesterday.

All seemed lost on Liverpool, but their fighting spirit saw them through. I said it before and i'll say it again, they deserved to win.

I feel sad for Kaka and his boys. Milan gave a tough fight. But in the end, the English fought harder. There is no shame for losing a penalty shootout. Just like my Red Devils at the FA Cup.

It just wasn't meant to be.

This one’s for curly II

2005-05-18T18:07:00.000+08:00

This one's for curly II

Hey you,

I've never met you. I've only seen beautiful pictures of you. Don't know what's your favorite color, your favorite band, your favorite movie.

I don't know how many brothers you have. If you even have sisters.

Never heard you laugh. Never seen you cry.

You're nothing but a stranger in virtual reality who happened my way.

I don't know if it's called "a special kinda bond".

But you are My Special Kinda Something.

I saw a little of me in a little of you. And it made me feel like I've known you forever. Maybe it's just me, being sentimental.

I'm thousands of miles away. I can't do much for you. I can't offer you my shoulders, should you need to break. I can't offer you my back, should you need the support.

I can't offer you much really, but my prayers and my friendship.

But I wish I could do more than that.

You have shown me a lot of strength. You'll be alright. I know you will.

If you think it's gonna get easier, babe, it's not. If someone told you the pain will heal, babe, it won't. I know this, coz I've been there.

It will get so tough, you won't be able to breathe. You will miss her so much, you'll forget how it used to be. You will cry so hard, you will feel like dying.

But know one thing. Your mama is in a better place. No more pain. No more suffering. No more tears.

Find your peace in that.

Love,
curLy I

PS : R.I.P. Grace Chong

Anfield Alight

2005-05-04T15:44:00.000+08:00

Anfield alight...

I can't believe I set my clock at 2.35 am to watch Liverpool play. I can't believe I was prepared to sacrifice my sleep for Liverpool.

Early this morning, I woke up to a heart wrenching rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone".

I turned to my bedside clock. 2.25am.

I was very determined to watch the second leg of the semis, that I left my Telly on in my room. Just in case. And I had my sister to wake me. Just in case.

So I stumbled out of my bed, almost knocking over my bin, reached for my door and somehow managed to walk to the kitchen to wash my face.I realised my sister and her friend was watching some foreign language film on dvd. I fixed myself an iced milo and settled myself confortably in my room.

I was very sure all the Liverpool fans of the world would die to be at Anfield this morning. The atmosphere was electric. I have never seen such a sight. The sang the Anfield anthem like there was no tomorrow. They even drowned out the commentators. You can see passion in their eyes. The hunger to beat Chelsea. I can feel tears of my own form at the back of my eyes. I can feel a strange sense of pride at the pit of my stomach.

Now, before you start calling me a traitor, I just wanna set things straight to my reader and fellow Mancs. I am in not anyway switching loyalties or anything. I'm just giving my thoughts. Thats all. You would understand if you woke up at 2.30 this morning.

If you asked, no one would expect Liverpool to score so early on. If you would call that a goal. It was debateable, but I'll tell you what. Liverpool deserved that goal. For coming this far. For thrashing Juve. For holding out Chelsea last week. Goal or no goal, they deserve that scoreline.

Milan Baros beat Petr Cech to the ball and somehow Luis Garcia slipped it past the Goalkeeper of the year, only for the ball to be cleared dramatically by blue shirts. It wa a little to late. Boo hoo hoo for Chelsea. The referee raised his arms indicating a restart. It was a goal! I couldn't believe it. Just couldn't. Immediately after the goal, Anfield erupted like a volcano, bursting with energy and waiting to explode. It was deafening, even for me.

I came out of my room to call on my sister. She probably missed it. True enough, she was watching some guy with a hideous moustache go, "La venir mon chéri.."

She looked at me and I smiled and said, " 1-0."

If it was 10.30 at night, she would have leapt up and screamed.

86 mins left. It had to feel like the longest game in the world for the 11 men in red on the pitch and more than 40 thousand nail biting fans at Anfield. Not to mention one Red Devil sipping her iced milo. (Hey, anything is better than Chelsea right? - Even if it's your sworn enemy..) At full time, officials decided to let the game play on for another 6 minutes. Bollocks!

That was when Chelsea's true color came shining through. I guess they not good at losing. And they were trying too hard. Desperate. Rude. Rough.

But the Red army held on as long as could, and that was it. They just held on. Strong. Determined.

As soon as the whistle went, Anfield broke into another "You'll never walk alone." This time it wasn't sad. This time it was filled with so much pride and joyous tears, even I could not help myself.

Long after the game ended, I found myself sitting on my bed, starring in deisbelief at the telly. Huh. They really did it. Rafa's men really did it.

Congratulations. I salute you.

This once.

Charlton Massacre...

2005-05-02T10:29:00.000+08:00

Charlton Massacre...

0-4.

What does the final score imply?

To the unfamiliar, it would seem as though the score is albeit too harsh.

To me? It's only Man United.

Even without Van Nistlerooy, Ronaldo, Neville and Heinze, one would expect the game to be a walk in the park for the Devils.

Back in goal, Carrol had nothing much to worry about. Although there were glimpses of scrappy defending by United, Carrol performed admirably to keep a clean sheet for his side.

Having rested Ronaldo this week, Fletcher was given a chance to shine in the starting line up. And shine he did. The young Scot capped a performance nothing short of brilliant. Surging forward at every opportunity, and scoring a sublime goal.

You would say that it was a one sided game. Hell yeah! No doubt about that. United paraded a well balanced game; flawless midlfield, rock solid defence and swift counter attacks in typical United fashion.

If not for an impressive debut from Charlton's young goalkeeper, United could have two or three more goals.Rooney being the most threatening.Displaying instinctive reactions,remarkable athleticism and great reflexes, Stephan Andersen should be proud of his performance despite his team's paper thin defence.

I had absolutely no doubt that we would win the game yesterday, that was why I placed my five dollars on a 3-0 United win.

But as it turned out, the result was better than I had predeicted.

My brother won the pool. As for me, I didn't care that I didn't win the money. It never mattered to me really. All I wanted was, entertainment. Pure, unadulterated entertainment. And it was delivered to my living room in the form of Carrol, Ferdinand, Brown, Silvestre, O'Shea, Gigs, Keane, Scholes, Fletcher, Roony, Smith and yes, gum-machine Alex Ferguson. (Scholes, Fletcher, Smith and Rooney came in ribbons.)

(Sir, A.F., in the unlikely event that you are reading this, thanks for answering my call for reform.)

Then there was three. Three more games left. United will face WBA at home next weekend. And will have a go at Chelsea 3 days later. They will round off against Southampton at St. Mary's in two weeks. And then there's the F.A. Cup Final in less than 20 days.There's so much football going round this month, its frightening to think what'll happen when the season ends.

WBA should be a piece of cake.I've got no qualms about placing another fiver for another big win. I might go for 3-0 win.

Just a teeny bit worried 'bout the Chelsea game. They had a dream weekend. With 3 games in hand, they've already popped the champagne bottles and celebrated their first Premiership title in fifty years. I hope they will still be hungover when they face Liverpool tonight in the champion's league.

Come 10th May, Chelsea will face United at Old Trafford. My English giants will want to win this game. In spite of their recent form, we only know too well that United can, and will, perform on big matches. It doesn't get any bigger than that.

But then again, football is, most of the time, unpredictable. That's what makes it so beautiful. And that's what makes Manchester United one of the most loved clubs in the world.

Unpredictability.

Well I'll be damned...

2005-04-25T09:29:00.000+08:00

Dear Sir A.F.

Now thats more like it.

For now, loyalty intact.

Ifrah.

PS: It wasn't a good game Ferge, and your tactics are still messed up. Why did you not field "Kencing Manis"? He needs to play more games!Don't be complacent.Next up. Charlton.

2005-04-21T13:24:00.000+08:00

Dear Sir A.F.,

Would you care to explain, dear Sir, what in the world happened last night? And I can assure it's a disaster but I am certain that it's no tsunami.

What a game huh? What's the excuse then? The 11 men had a whole 45 mins to come back level. And what happened?

I'd be happy to tell me for me.

One lousy goal conceded in the 55th min. Then, one of your boys decided to throw in the towel and tried to play footie with an Everton fan. United came off the park after 90 mins with 9 men. Ok, shit happens, but not TWICE! 9 men and United are supposed to be good enough to at least bring home a point. I can definitely understand why the ref had to send off Scholes, (silly tackle with seconds to go!) but what Gary Neville did was unforgivable! My friend, Mr. Cantona-Wanna-Be, what in the world were you trying to do? You might as well have used your boots for all I care!

You said it won't be a problem, tonight's game. "We're back." you said, after what was a classy United performance against Newcastle last weekend. No problem.

NO PROBLEMM????? Tell that to the millions who stayed up watching last night's game.

Every time you lose, I tell myself this is the last United game I'm watching. But still, I can't help myself!! But if this low keeps up, sorry man, I'd have to take my loyalty elsewhere. It'll be next to impossible, but hey, I can't keep on loving you and beat myself down in the process now can I? The hurt is too deep. It's beyond repair. (Unless of course, your boys beat Arsenal in the Finals and keep Giggs & Ferdinand - only then, maybe, just maybe...)

Now, of course I know "It's only a game"! Of course!! You win some you lose some. But aren't you boys proud to be playing for United? You've got great pedigree. Your predecessors made sure you have a grand heritage. Tsk tsk. Boys, boys, it's unacceptable. Truly! You're not supposed to lose!

The season is almost drawing to a close. 5 more games left. After that we'll go 5 months without any football. 5 bloody months!!!! What am I going to do for 5 long months!!! No World Cup, No Euro's to supplement the craving. This is your goodbye gift to your fans? The fans who cheered so loud and proud when you win. The same fans who defended you when you lost. The same fans who stayed up till 5 am to watch you crash out of the champion's league. The same people who were beyond thrilled for the semi's win. You've given us hope only to let us down time and time again. Shame on you!!!

We deserve better. So much better.

Gimme a good game for me to talk about in that 5 long, insufferable months. Wake up and smell the bloody coffee. Or English tea for that matter!!

Right now, I am beyond disappointed. I'm disgusted.

Your almost No. 1 fan,
Ifrah Ashiblie

Salvation army...

2005-04-18T11:30:00.000+08:00

Salvation army...

So it shall be. Manchester United vs. Arsenal. FA Cup Finals. 21st May 2005. Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Buh-Lee-dat!!

This is the only chance United have to salvage what was, a lost season. A difficult season. And, our only hope for silverware this season. But after an almost perfect performance against a lackluster Magpies last night, I don't see why we can't actually win this thing.

My living room was packed for the first time since... God knows when. There was, literally, hardly any where for me to park my arse. But it was a great atmosphere. I'd say better than Simpang. I couldn't, err how do I say this, express myself like I'd wanted to if we watched it there. Poor Han cried everytime we cheered. Grandtabulous.

Returning to top form was, Ruud van Nistlerooy. Van My Man, or "kencing manis" as Tre prefers to call him, whom I never lost faith, performed like the man he was. I don't care what you say Tre, He IS the best out there and he's my hero. No!! 2 grand goals after going 5 months without finding the net. I'd say he's OUR hero. Oh, so maybe he's a little slow to bounce from injury, but so what? I thought he was amazing last night. Nistlerooy was unlucky to lose the ball a few times but I have got to say that he worked his nice tushy off and was always a handful for the Newcastle defence. And he could have gotten his hat trick.

Ronaldo was of course, as fluid as ever. Causing plenty of problems in the wings. He owned the flanks, threatening every time he moves forward. His goal sealed off United's victory with s-t-y-l-e. Nistlerooy found Ronaldo unmarked in the box and UNSELFISHLY laid off the ball for the Protugese to hit home. Kencing manis. My foot.

United's midfield stronghold was well manned by Captain Keane and his merry men, allowing few if not any Newcastle balls in. They commanded the middle of the park like devils possessed. Dominant in the air, vibrant and solid on the ground.

It was a very very good and stylish performance overall, considering the embarrassment last weekend. We're ready. Game on, Arses!

People say the FA cup is not as prestigious as it was. It's the oldest competition in the world. And nobody wants to win it anymore. But, since both United and Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League and are miles behind Premiership leaders Chelsea, so this is their salvation. This is their last hope for any bling blings this season. This is the ONLY cup in the world to win right now. THIS, is the one they want.

I am looking forward to the finals. I'd like to see United cream Arsenal for the third time this season. And United are looking to retain the FA Cup. Pride is on the line for both sides.

And I have a strange feeling we might just outplay them buffoons of Anfield.

So come 21st May, send your kids to the in-laws', tell your grandparents to go for a night out on you coz this game, is not for the faint hearted.

2005-04-01T16:12:00.000+08:00

Still not getting any...

There was only one word to describe the concert that Wednesday night.Gerek.

Apek, Jules, Tre and me. Gerek.

I have to agree with Juli, that it sucked at the beginning when we were in the holding area. Too many eager, yes, and screaming young girls and young boys. Too many false alarms. We had to stand, and then sit. And stand again. I simply lost count how many times the crowd was told to behave.

"If you sit, we'll let you go in. So behave!"

Someone should shoot that guy. Really. Liar liar pants on fire.

Anyways, we grown ups we patiently queuing, waiting for our turn to pass through the door to enter the concert hall. We could already hear the sound check next door. Suddenly all hell broke lose. Seriously. The officials could no longer hold back the crowd and everyone rushed out of the holding area to the concert hall. Everyone was pushing and shoving, screaming and swearing. I almost went splat against the door and my bag was stuck in between two people. Finally I pulled it free and caught up with Tre. We lost Jules and Apek for a few but then they caught up with us at the front.

Right. Pug Jelly opened. Not too excited. I upped my standards, although they were quite good. We stood really close to the stage. But that made it so difficult to move coz everyone's up against you. I could feel breaths on my neck, smelt peoples hair and hears people's conversation. I actually turned to one guy and said," Dude,could you move back? I can feel your crotch." School kid. No more than 15. Wanker.

When SP came on, Tre said to me, "You know what to do right?"

Hell yeah.

Too bad they opened with "Shut up."We were expecting that song to be last! And we were unfortunate to have been surrounded with sissies. God!! Stupid kids.

I was sooo in the mood! I was bathed in my own sweat and, God knows, with someone else's.
I was jumping, screaming and singing along. Felt damn good. Damn. Good. I'm just bummed that we didn't get any ball rolling this time. And I didn't see anyone body surf. But it was alright. Apek and Jules wimped out after 2 or three songs. And I stayed with Tre. I enjoyed myself enormously. So half way through we got out of the mob and went to the back, where, the stage was so much clearer. And we just hung out. Clapping along. And nursing our sore backs.

SP was so good. I thought the sound was good. Music was great. And I thought the band connected well with their audience (half of whom are sissies!!! Urghhh!!).

"Promise" was the climax and it was sooo nice. Armed with my lighter, I sang my heartout, enjoying every last moment. They finished their set and for their encore, they did The Darkness' "I believe in a thing called love." You can only imagine my delight.

So I said goodbye to Simple Plan (to Pierre, in particular) and we walked out of the hall and into the street.

We left Suntec, bodies aching and our ears almost deaf, in a VOLVO. Lagi Gerek.

Dear Mr. Gill

2005-03-25T02:44:00.000+08:00

Dear Mr. David Gill,

Noo!! Please, No!

I almost,almost broke down in tears when I heard United great, Ryan Giggs, is "probably going to leave Old Trafford beacuse of his contract issues".

You know how tabloids speculate the lives of celebrities. The papers always "suspect" & "allege" that things are going to happen but they never do! But in the E.P.L., it always almost does. So I am just preparing for the worst. Yeah, the worst.

The worst thing that United will probably ever do is let go of the mighty Giggs. Seriously. Come on. United has been the only club Ryan has ever played for.In. His. Life! In his biography, Giggs said that he was once recruited to train with Manchester CITY when he was a boy. But he despised the club so much so, that he wore a United jersey to the training ground,everyday, to show just how much.Now, we all know just how much hatred these two long time rivals can muster. So scouts from the United camp heard about this "rebel" from the blue side of Manchester and decided to sign him up. Greatest move. Ever.

United has always had this rule. If a player is above the age of 30, they only sign contracts per season basis. They're having the same issues with Mr. Skipper. But to lose Giggsy, at his peak by the way, is a total shame.

As a young winger, Giggs soared to great heights. And as he matured, he gained experience and respect from his team mates and fans all over the globe. Today, he's 31. And he is more loved than ever. Players grow old and lose steam. But not Giggsy. It'll be a sad, sad day in the history of the EPL if he has to end his career NOT playing in Old Trafford. The man is a legend, loved by many many footie crazed maniacs like me.

It's not that I do not have faith in the likes of Ronaldo, Fortune, O'Shea or Fletcher (who will be a great player one day), but can you ever, ever replace a Ryan Giggs? Aged as he may be, I reckon he's still got a lot of drive in him.

So why don't you take your silly rule and shove it up your behind? That'll be grreat! You and Mr. Whatshisface Glazer. Tell him to take his money, and stick it where the sun don't shine. United is foiiine. Don't need his Benjamins, no we don't! Yeah, we made losses last year,but so bloody what? History is on our side, thank you very much.

The lad has a few years left in him. So let him play, why don't you. Ok. So maybe we had a rough start this season. But there is no way in denying the next one. Let the man play!

If you let him go, I swear, I'ma go down there personally, drag you out of your nice little office and give you a mighty Wu-Tang boobie bitch slap.

Dun play play.

Yours affectionately,

Ifrah Ashiblie.

onward, I march

2005-03-21T21:28:00.000+08:00

onward, I march...

So. Last night i had my "first big date".It wasn't the first time we met, but I have to admit it felt kinda alien to me. I haven't dated, anyone new, in a long while. I got dressed two hours before the date and spent almost 30 mintues in the shower, which I never do on normal days. But, it felt special. So, special attention was in order. He cleaned up quite well too, if I may say so. Decked in a polo tee, dark jeans and boots. "New shirt." he said.

So, on that cool Sunday evening, two of us sat, talked, laughed and ate. It was a beautiful place, Merah Saga. Quaint little restaurants lined the quiet little street, and while the little lights in the little houses went off, one little heart was taking a big leap of faith.

On the way there, I sat quietly in the cab, thinking why am I taking him there. The Maharajah. If this is a new start, why the hell didn't I pick a new place? Why didn't i suggest somewhere else,somewhere we've never been before. It was our old hangout, me and the B. Ok, the food is undeniable, but heck, there were other outlets, right Ifi? Shhhhht.

There were questions that needed answers.

"How do you pick up the pieces of an old life? There are some things that time cannot mend, some hurts that go too deep. How do you go on when in your heart you begin to understand that there is no going back?"

I guess you don't. But you are forever tied to that one experience, that one moment, that one person.. and you've got to be better for it. If you dwell, then you won't have anything to look forward to. Like taking a 30 mintue shower, or watching someone other than Micheal Schumacher win a race. It's oh so refreshing.

I enjoyed my company, now more than ever, coz I'm so ready. For that new start. I don't know where this will go, or if something will happen. It's okay if it doesn't, really, coz I passed that dreadful patch of rough and I'm armed and ready to fight another war.

It's kick off time in the Republic of Curly.

hitch...

2005-03-09T00:07:00.000+08:00

hitch...

I just caught the movie earlier with a bunch of friends. I thought Kevin James was hilarious in it. And Eva Mendes, was just super sexy. The story was achingly sweet. Don't you just wish there are Alex Hitchinses around? Will Smith was so suave, I couldn't help but long for a man like him. *sigh* A girl can dream.

Anyways, I just discovered something amazing today. I found out that I am psychic. Heh. Realizing this "gift" wasn't as glorious as the news that came with it. I'm not gonna tell..neh neh neh neh neh! haha. No! I'm so excited and happy and estatic. Did I mention that I was happy?!

Oh. I. Am. Just. So. Goood. Aren't I papi? Heh.

Ok. Sleep time. Gotta wake up at 3.30 am.

*repeat mantra*
We can do it. We can do it. We can do it. We can do it. We can do it.

just moi...

2005-03-05T04:03:00.000+08:00

just moi...

I am me.

Just me.

I am neither beautiful, graceful nor elegant,
I am clumsy, I am forgetful, I am charmless,
I am overweight, I have pimples and I have ugly nails,
I snore, I am untidy and I am lazy.

But that's just me.

I may be un-funny, I maybe reckless and I may be dramatic,
Sometimes I say things I dun want and sometimes I say things I mean.
I hurt, but I live, and I dun want to be left alone,
My fears scare me, and sometimes I cry alone.

But, again, that's just me.

I can love you, with all my heart,
But I can hurt, as much as you do,
I can see beauty, in all our imperfections,
I can see you, holding my hand in yours.

But, in reality, it's the same 'ol me.

I miss you, as much as you miss me,
But I dun want to suffer, being abandoned.
I don't want to wait, till you regain your senses,
For now, my heart, is alone to wander off somewhere,
I hope it's a place far away, a place you can't reach.

There's nothing,really, that I can offer... just me.

things I love about you...

2005-03-03T21:53:00.000+08:00

things i love about you..

the simplicity of your style. the flamboyance of your youth. the pride you have for your heritage. the simple, yet honest conversations. the seriousness in your eyes. the sincerity of your touch. the laugher of all laughters. still singing in my ears. your gogeous eyes, twinkling with excitement. your infectious sense of humour. your take on life, love and friendships. you're laid back everything.

take me away.soon.

yours,

xoxo

rebirth...

2005-03-01T16:42:00.000+08:00

rebirth...

Finally. I think it goes with my mood right now. I feel like inflicting injuries on someone right now. Maybe stick my fingers in their eye socket. Or twisting thier arm till they scream my name.

I think only the song is betraying the anger I feel right now. Snow Patrol is so heart breaking. But I love Run. Can't help it.

Let's hope this is just temporary. Let's see how I feel in a few days. Maybe I'll change the skin agian. I wish I could change mine.

10 things I hate about my job.

2005-02-17T23:35:00.000+08:00

10 things I hate about my job...

1. The old farts. Everyone's like 50 years old. Well, most of them. But these ancient beings never act their age. There's this old geezer who's 60, and thinks he's Don Juan Demarco, who talks really loud. Whenever he speaks to girls on the phone, he'll act all hunky dory. Oh, yes, he still flirts. And it ain't pretty.

2. Talk shop. Mine's a trading company of about 30 staff. But you would think you're working for a newpaper. Everyday, you'll hear a whole lot of crap. New crap. Old crab. Crab crap.Even the PANTRY lady knows more that she should!

3. Never-ending butt kissing. > Some I can handle, the others are unbearable! Are these guys so retarded? They make it look so abnormal, but sometimes it makes you wonder if they were born butt lickers.

4. Scream-fest.I think everyone in my office can't stand each other. I truly believe that they stay employed because they earn shit loads of money. Every single day you'll hear someone yelling at anotoher. It gets really ugly, if you're caught in the middle of it. Literally. This guy who sits behind me argues constantly with the lady in front of me. Most of the time, I try to ignore it, but sometimes you just can't. Walk away.

5. 9-6? I can never leave my office on time. There's this one time I left my office at 10.30pm!! My clients are in Africa. So time difference is like 8 hours. They'll wake up by 4pm local time, and gime me alot of shit to do. I mean shit. So, really, I start work at 4.Why the hell my company opens so early is beyond me.

6. Step Mom. This woman who is in my team. She must have the cleanest hands in the whole universe. For she, just loves to dump her work on me. She earns 3 times more than me! She is part of the reason why I always have shitty days at work. Today was one of 'em. Plus, she has a motor mouth.Her hobby is complaining. But no one listens to her anyway, coz watever she says, it's all crap. Everyone knows it. Dunno why she bothers. Loves to take credit for all the bullshit i did. You're welcome by the way.

7. Customers. If they'd so much desire for you to move a mountain, you'd better get cracking. They expect the world to move on their word. Sheesh. I'm only human with two hands. And I'm not a computer that understands 100 different languages. If you don't speak English, learn! My boss sent me to French for Beginers only. Twat!

8. OK Computer. Not! My computer at work has been acting up. Viruses going 'round. Made it so slow, today I waited 10 mins to send an email attachment to my boss. Crash. Boom. Bang. We're dealing with electronics. Get me a new one, dammit!!

9. Pervs. Dealing with perverts comes with the territory. I knew I was a "negro magnet" but Indians? Well, I never!! From customers to colleagues, I swear, it's my first day at work everyday! They'd look for a good 30 secs maybe. This guy, even "kisses the air" when he sees me. Sue the bugger!!

10. Plastics. No, not credit cards. They say that the world is a stage, and we're all actors. My colleagues are really good. They should be Bollywood/Kollywood people. You bunch of fucked-up, fucking back stabbers. Act like you like someone and fuck them up behind them. Urghh. I can go mad.

The above are not listed in any particular order. Although, it must be said, that I do like most of my work. Some of my customers aren't all that bad. One gave me a new year's card. The best thing that came with this job is it's pay. I look forward to the last day of the month EVERYDAY!

grazed knee...

2005-02-12T16:55:00.000+08:00

grazed knee...

I couldn't sleep last night. So I laid in bed listening to Snow Patrol.

How to be dead.

Please don't go crazy, if I tell you the truth
No you don't know what happened
And you never will if
You don't listen to me while I talk to the wall
This blanket is freezing, it's been out in the hall
Where you've had me for hours
Till I'm sure what I want
But darling I want the same thing that I wanted before
So sweetheart tell me what's up I won't stop no way

Please keep your hands down
And stop raising your voice
It's hardly what I'd be doing if you gave me a choice
It's a simple suggestion can you give me sometime
So just say yes or no
Why can't you shoulder the blame
Coz both my shoulders are heavy
From the weight of us both
You're a big boy now so let's not talk about growth
You've not heard a single word I have said...
Oh, my God

Please take it easy it can't all be my fault
I haven't made half the mistakes
That you've listed so far
Oh baby let me explain something
It's all down to drugs
At least I remember taking the and not a lot else
It seems I've stepped over lines
You've drawn again and again
But if the ecstacy's in the wit is definitely out
Dr. Jekyll is wrestling Hyde for my pride

I just broke. And cried. I can't exactly say why.It was the hardest I've cried in a long long time. I called the Bodo. He answered. But I couldn't speak. I just listened.And held my breath. He kept quiet too. I think he knew it was me.

Click.

I called my best bud, Rafi. I hadn't spoken to him in a while so he didn't know what was going on. So, in between sobs, I told him my story. First thing he said, "Fah, he doesn't deserve you."

I know Fi, no one does.

Rafi has always managed to soothe me when things get shitty. I think I'm at a stage where I'm supposed to grieve at my loss. No. His loss. Yeah. That's what Rafi told me to tell myself. I think.

I finally gave up crying coz I was too tired. Lying in bed, my body still racking with sobs, I thought to myself, "What am I going to do?" Do I call and give him a peice of my mind? Or do I call him and make up? Then he'll turn the tables round on me. I can't take that. I'm back to thinking if this is all worth it. I know it's not going anywhere. But I know I might get really hurt if I let go. Hmmm.. Me or me?

I think i fell asleep before deciding. Urghh. Today I had been sad. And moody. I dunno if it's just me or the PMS. Either way, I was a million meters below sea level.

Just say you love me now
And forget this whole row
Just save your energy
For making up with me

life's a beach!

2005-02-10T23:06:00.000+08:00

life's a beach...

urgh. my whole body is in pain!

Yesterday was Haz's birthday celebration. The whole gang went to Sentosa for a picnic. It was so fun! There were so many people there. Didn't expect that kinda turn out. But it was a public holiday after all.

We played captain's ball and dog and bone. Ha ha. I got really bruised. I sprained my ankle. But I still had an excellent time. Everything was well done according to plan. Well, almost. We had a few bloopers and blunders. But none too bad. 'Cept the one Len & I made! Heh.

We had to change the venue for the treasure hunts a couple of times coz Sentosa is up for some serious remodelling. It was really packed with people. Especially 'foreigners'. You know, foreign workers. They were having quite a trip!! They were not only taking pictures of themselves and the scenery but also of me!!! Yep. I was wearing a bikini and when I wasn't looking, they tried to take snaps of me. Luckily, my friends saw them. One of my buds almost punched a guy. But I know better. Shahreel, you're a lover , not a fighter. Heh. So, if you happen to be surfing on the internet and happened on a picture of me in the nude, there's a very high possibilty that it's not me.

Anywho. It didn't really bothered me as much as it bothered my friends i think. I mean, I know they were looking out for me, but I was kinda inviting the attention by wear a bikini anyways, right? But I did lash out on one man, coz i think he was looking for too long! Haha. Anyways,we all pretty much enjoyed ourselves.

I woke up today, aching all over. And I spent the whole day on my back. I couldn't walk. I couldn't sit. It was bad. I dunno how I'm gonna get up for work tomorrow morning. I still had tonnes to do at work. And I got up at 3pm today, so I dunno if i could actually sleep.

Ok. I just had a happy moment. All these weeks and days I had a feeling that life couldn't get better for me. 2 seconds ago I had a high. I can't explain it. Sometimes, you just sit, and smile to yourself. I was thinking of a conversation i had and hour ago. He just makes me laugh. Happy story, sad story or no story. Everytime we talk. I'll go and practice my "hellos" later.

You! Yeah you, you wanna go and puke now??? Huh.

Sometimes, people just can't sit by and be happy. For you. But they'd expect nothing less from you. Urgh. Give me a break. I'm sick of people going, "Oh my life is so gooood." Ok. I geddit. New whatever. I dun care.Have a grrrreat life.

For me, I just wished the tide was high yesterday.

republic of manchuria

2005-02-03T22:01:00.000+08:00

the great republic of MANchUnia...

Well worth the lack of sleep. Amazing game. Amazing spirit.

Everyone said Arse-anal was gonna win! NEWFLASH. The lost 4 consecutive games against united. Still "invincible"? NOT!!

I placed a bet with F.H. Said he's favouring Arse to win. "If United lose I will get a meal but if Arse-anal flops, the meal will be on you.." Witty little "monkey" ...urghh!!! I was assuming, when he said, " If United lose I will get a meal", that he will get as in BUY me the meal. How can you trick me like that!!?? Anywho... 4-2 in favour of United. Where would you like to have dinner, my dear?

So I went to work the day after, what would prove to be a historic win at Highbury, feeling dreadfully sleepy. I had 2 cups of iced coffee. But it didn't help. I had a million things to do as usual. My team recorded a whopping 32 number of containers loading this week! Phew. I've been leaving my office late the whole week. I wished I worked shifts so I can have off days in the middle of the week. Some poeple are just lucky. Now I've got to get cracking and start my research on our party. Busy busy busy.

I'm enjoying my iPod mini. Heh. So much so, that I didn't realise I left my phone at home till 3 in the afternoon today! I have a grand total of 170 songs in it! I wish I had the time to download more songs, but it's almost the weekend and we need to get started for next week's party.

Guys. Just a thought. Wouldn't it be cool to have our own "club house". I know for a fact, Tre is waiting for the "company" car. Heh. Tre, wait long long ah..

I'm so glad it's almost the weekend. And I'm lucky it's my Saturday off. I feel like going for a swim.

Anybody?

OUt of the frying pan and into the fire...

2005-02-02T01:04:00.000+08:00

Out of the frying pan and into the fire...

Wow. I had a hectic week. Here's a little summary..

25th January- went out with The Bruva to a club I shall not mention. Heh. It was alright. Eqah was there. Had coupla drinks. Home.

26th January- I'm on leave!! So no work. Stayed home till 'bout 6 then went to Outram to meet Lenn and Sari. Dinner was a buffet spread at this Riverfront Hotel. I think. They keep changing hotels, I can never keep up. Heh. I had satay, pasta and loads of other stuff. After dinner we walked down the road to hail a cab but there was none. I think we walked a kilometer before we got into one! Cabby was angry we stopped him on the opposite direction of where we were going. Sari was pissed. Heh. Make out session with Mr. Bailey's at the Istana Park. It was really romantic. Then some frogs or rats freaked us out. We bolted. Heh. Not really. I couldn't run in my 5 inch heels. After some deep conversation, we were off to China Jump. I can't tell you how much I hated the music there. I tried to groove to it but I couldn't. Long story short, if it weren't for the company I had, I would have left after 10 mins. Then, to top off my 24th anniversary-on-this-planet party, I got burnt on my back. Sheesh. I threatened to sue, but never got round to it. Anywho... I left quite happy.

27th January- Happy Birthday Sheesha!! This day was uneventful, except I spent the whole day with Han! Crazy little bugger.

28th January- Back to work. Urggghhhhh!!!

29th January- Saturday. There. Best day of my life.

I knew the whole gang was taking me out. But I had no idea where. I was told "to bring an extra tee just in case". And use "covered shoes". I went to work. Lili came up to me and said, "I'm coming along" At 1pm, she said,"Come, we need to get you a blindfold." I went, “Whaaaaaaaaa?!?! Why???" And so it was. I was bound, blindfolded and bundled into a taxi. Ok. Maybe not bound. But definitely blind folded and bundled.

Now I understood why people can't sit still when they're blindfolded. Man oh man.

When we reached our destination, I was made to sit under the scorching hot sun for things to get done. For like half an hour or so!! If not, it certainly felt like it. But it was well worth the wait. Heh. When my blindfold was removed, I was first and foremost shocked, coz it was so bright!! I had to squint and blink my eyes for a bit. Then, what I saw next warmed my heart. Familiar faces, smiling goofily back at me. I love all of you to bits.

So then, I was told we were going for a ride. Roze, our chairman, explained to me what was going down. They created this "race" especially for me. I was supposed to go on the rides, to get puzzles, then to assemble the puzzles and find my present. Isn't that cool or what!!! But I had to solve clues before I could go on the rides. I had to guess who are these people;

Gualah Jantan Berbasikal - Ans : Erwin
Eh Minah, tiga kamar, ampat kamar ker lima kamar? Ans : Haz
Gualah Famous Pelayan Dari Colombo. Ans: Lenny
Abang Lahhhh pandai masak. Ans : Abanglah. I meant Shahreel.
Gua Pandu Lu Gila2 Beb! Ans: Linda
Gua Sejukkkkk Beb!! Ans: Tre
Gua Punya Gaji tak masok2 pon! Ans : Roze

They did the clues in Malay so it would be difficult for me. Heh!! If I had a hat on, it would have gone off to the gang. If I had ten thumbs, it'll all be up.

The highlight of the trip was of course the Viking. Oh, it was dreadful. If I had ten hands, I'd give myself ten pats on the back. Ok, maybe I can tap myself ten times then. I was the superhero man,I tell ya. I was scared shitless. If there was a toilet nearby I'd.. ok never mind. Man, I hope you guys had fun laughing at me. Coz it sure wasn't fun being on that ride. And with your friends insisting you sat at the scariest places. God, it was a riot.
So I finished 7 rides and managed to get all my puzzles. We had sometime to play more games. Me and Lili went for another Wet & Wild ride. Then another round of racing! Hehe We played some booth games. I won a green dragon for winning a "horse race". After all that, it was time for me to get my present. So, very quickly, and skillfully I might add, I pieced the puzzle together and located on the map where my prezie was. You guys, excellent job!

So there I was standing in the office of the theme park, waiting for my gift. The lady over the counter was on the phone. So Roze signaled for me to look behind a chair. I saw a fan. Silver and shiny. I actually said out loud, "What? The Fan?" Everyone burst out laughing, Duffy being the loudest. Roze told me to walk in and I saw a bag. I took it. Then Len told me we we were going to dinner. Apparently, I had more surprises to come. And each was more brilliant than the last. Let’s go! We were running late. They had "reservations" at 7.30pm.

So I went to Han's chalet, changed and went to meet the rest and we were off. I was again, blind folded. But this time, I guess it felt real coz I was "bundled into a van!" Heh. I have to admit I was kinda nervous. So Erwin led me by hand through, what I guess was a busy place, with all the noise.

When my eyes could see again, I was starring back at 13 happy faces. I looked around and realized I was in MackyDees! Man, I was speechless. I didn't know they had parties for grown ups! I was expecting dinner to be in a restaurant. Heh. But I'd give up the fancy food for a MacDonald's Party! I haven't had so much fun in one day for so long! We played games and pretended we were 5 again. We were making so much noise, it made Ray Ray look 21! Heh. "Yes aunty!!" "Aunty I want to change my drink to Iced Milo!""Aunty, my fries isn't here yet" "Yeay, I got a pwesent!" "No I want that color!"

The hostess, Kak Aini, was really patient with all of us. Next, she came with the cake and then I got creamed by Tre. You got your revenge? Lucky thing the cake wasn't all that creamy. Heh. So I handed Mac's goody bags to everyone. Then I got to open my presents!! I opened Ronald's gift first. Then it was my present from the theme park. It was a portrait of me that Yan drew. It's awesome Yan. The whole gang bought me a LOTR Monopoly!! Something which was on my wishlist. Heh.I opened it and immediately went for the "ring"!! Hehe. Cool.

So after that we headed back to my nephew's BIRTHDAY celebration at HIS CHALET, and hung out for a bit. About half an hour later, I was standing at the pool side with some special people. Along with my brother, they presented me with another gift. It would prove to be the most emotional part of my day. I opened the box and sitting in it was my very own iPod mini. Who could have guessed? Heh.

After all that we went to my place to catch the United game. Everyone left later.

I went to sleep feeling on top of the world. Not because of my presents. But because I realized I was very important to so many people. And because I had amazing friends. And family. "I'm lovin' it"

By the way, my burn, my body aches, my pain.. it's all healing...

style="font-size:180%;color:#black;">Thank you...

For the good times.

For the games. For the dinner. For the gifts.

I am very lucky to have all of you as my friends.

Roze-My Boss & Friend. Thank you for everything you did. You made me a 5 year old again. And it was the best! I am honored to be working for you. I love you.

Len-My Friend. Thank you for the wonderful time on Wednesday. I had an amazing time on Saturday. Thank you for your beautiful words. Thank you for your love. I wuff you.

Shazlee-My Cheif & Brudda. Thank you for forcing me to go up on the Viking. Thank you for laughing your ass off at me. Thank you for cutting the puzzle. Thank you for everything. I had a blast. You da man! I love you.

Haz-My friend & HP holder. Thank you for being there. The whole day. It meant a lot to me. Thank you for everything. I love you.

Yan-My Friend & My Jack Dawson. You are a brilliant artist. Thank you. For everything. I love you.

Shahreel-My Friend & brother Lah. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. For having fun with me. I heart you.

Linda -My friend. Thank you for coming. Thank you for everything. Thank you for making me laugh during the "dog & bone" game. I love you.

Sari-My Friend. Thank you for dinner on Wednesday. Thank you for the Bailey's. Thank you for being a friend. Welcome to my world.I love you. *gf hug* Hehe

Erwin-My friend. Thank you for coming. I can say now, I love you. Heh.

Lili-My friend & colleague. Thanks babe. Luv ya.

Ray Ray-Chak! Goo goo ga . Wa bi da bi goo goo.

Aida, Su, Yana & Zai -Thank you for marrying my friends. You guys mean a lot to me too. Thank you for everything.

The Bruva-My family. Thanks for being there. Thanks for the good times. I'd bleed for you.

To The Bruva, guys @ the swimming pool & the aunty @ home-Thanks for Mini iFi!! No words could describe what I felt then. No words could describe what I feel now. You know who you are. You guys are the most important people in my life. Thank you for having me. I love you all.

NOTICE:Those who do not have to privilege to know these people personally, I feel so sorry for you. You lost out on 16 extraordinary people.

Thank you guys for making it a day I would never forget. Thanks for your gifts. Having you guys there was worth all the fears I had gone thru & the aching body I suffered throughout the next day.

Thank you for all the effort and time put into making it one of the best days of my life. Each and everyone made it possible. You guys rock!

With a lot of Ifi love,
Moi.

twenty four

2005-01-25T20:24:00.000+08:00

twenty four...

I left my office at 7.30pm today. I'm going on leave for the next two days, so i had a million things to do. God knows my team can't operate without me. I was pretty tired. Had a long journey home. But lots were going through my mind.

When the clock strikes midnight, I'll be turning 24. How time flies. It feels like I was only 21 last year. Once you hit 21, thats it. It just passes you by. 22, 23. Can you remember the day you turned 21?

Things haven't been going well for me for the past few years. Life's a drag innit?

I feel like the loneliest person on the planet and it makes me sad.

I dunno if I'm in love anymore. Things were great. It's just... growing further apart. I dunno if I like my job any more. People just make me sick. I dunno if Singapore's such a nice place anymore. I dunno if home is where I wanna be.

I'm sure everyone has their fair share of crap. And it's not all that bad. I've been happy. Truly, happy. Crazy, happy.I'm loved. But I'm just not feeling it. I've become this bitter person. And, frankly, I dun like it. It's a dangerous place to be. Which leads me to question, "Has my heart turned cold?"

24. It's just a number. My friends say,"You're not old!" But I feel old. I'm tired. I've done things I wish I never had, done stuff I never thought I'd do, said things I thought I'd never had the courage to say.

What would happen if I took more risks? Or did I take enough? What if I checked out? What if I gave more? What if I didn't take it away? Will I ever have another?

You reap what you sow.

Finally, I think, I'm feeling the guilt. Why did it take so long? Guilty of not having a go at it. I wonder what life would be if I took that chance. Now, I'll never know.

The past few weeks haven't been the best. People go. People come. C'est la vie.

Love, I found it. Maybe it's the distance. Maybe I finally gave in to the fact that it's going nowhere. I'm just not feeling the love anymore. I'm neglected. I'm distant. I'm sad. I'm angry. Oh my god. Help! We're slipping away!

We're not talking, but fighting a lot. Go figure! And it's frustrating when you're so far away. You can't talk things out clearly. The line goes dead. No reception. No credit. Urgghhh!

Oh how I wish I was 15 again! Maybe I'll do better this time in school. Good grades. Good job. Good life. Then maybe I won't whine so much.

Len's feeding me tomorrow night. And Sari. I have no idea where they're taking me. One things for sure, I won't be alone tomorrow.

Tonight, The Bruva's taking me out. To god knows where. Heh.
*Note to self, don't talk crap. Just listen.*

hush little darling

2005-01-22T17:43:00.000+08:00

hush little darling don't you cry...

The song's still stuck in my head. I was putting my nephew to sleep.

Oh how much he's grown.He's such a trooper. He's such a hottie. He's my weakness.He's turning ONE soon. Next Sunday. What do you get for a one year old who almost has everything? Not. Dunno.

I hope you'll be happy, Han. Latti loves you. Too much.

*sigh*

I'm tired.

I'm still hung over. Rendevous at East Coast with The Bruva. I got home at 6.30 am. When I slept, I dreamt of a beautiful man. Tall, fair and bald. *winks @ Sari*He had freckles. Beautiful accent. And oh so perfect lips. A Brazil fan. Yes, he was wearing that strickingly yellow jersey with cool runners. And his buns... Oh. My. God.

We chatted a while. He asked for my number, and i asked for his. I mean, wouldn't you? Ok. I won't ask for HIS number if it were any other guy! But he's yummylicious. Heh. Like, what if he doesn't call? At least I got his number. Smart move, Ifrah. You go girl!

A girl can dream right? Heh.

I wish I could sleep somemore. I have this nap problem. Or not. See, I can't take naps. Slept at almost 7am. Woke up at 10am to find my nephew on my bed jigging about to "Supersonic". He's gonna be a rock star one day I tell you. Or not. He dances like Beyonce. Heh. Oh how I wish he MINE MINE MINE!!

To Len & Tre, I hope you have kids soon. It's supercalifragelisticexpialidocious!! Heh.

Ok.Who wants to have a baby with me?! ( I'm whinning, but it was a question.)

I wanna do a poopy, but I'm outta ciggies. I'm too lazy to head to the "mamak" shop. *1800-Dial-a-fag*

the great wall of united

2005-01-15T22:52:00.000+08:00

the great wall of united...

Liverpool: Dudek, Carragher, Pellegrino, Hyypia, Traore,Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Hamann, Riise, Baros, Morientes.
Subs:Nunez, Sinama Pongolle, Biscan, Warnock, Harrison.

Man Utd: Carroll, Phil Neville, Brown, Silvestre, Heinze,Fletcher, Keane, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Saha.
Subs: Howard,Bellion, Miller, O'Shea, Fortune.

So much was on the line. We need to play catch.

And so it was written.

A dream win in front of the Kop.

I was watching the game at home, with my sis, my nephew and my mom. At 8 p.m. I was already in front of the tube, listening to John and the gang talk about the showdown.

8.2o p.m. - I had my can of soya bean and my nachos.

8.25 p.m - kick off.

I was trying to be rock steady. Cool like dat you know.

But ten minutes into the game, me and my sis were already swearing and sighing and shouting and swearing some more. My poor nephew was startled so many times, my mom had to bring him to the room to put him to sleep. heh. ( a united fan in the making)

Then, all hell broke lose on the 22nd min when Rooney scored. GOAL! A super goal at that. ( A report on BBC later said, it was a "tame" attemp by Rooney. I say "Phish!!" )

So all that talk bout Morientes, who by the way scored at every debut he made for all the clubs he played for, and that he would kill any hopes of united chasing the table toppers. Guess what? I didn't see a lot of that man. I was nervous that he might cause a lot of trouble in front, but only saw it in the first half of the first half.

Then, in the second half, Liverpool started to get antsy, impatient and desperate. Somewhere around the 64th mintue, West Brown got sent off for a nasty tackle on Riise. I must say, he deserved the red card. It was pretty nasty. And Liverpool had almost 30 minutes to capitalize on United's TEN men. BUT didn't.Fergie took off Ronaldo and sent on O'Shea to support the defence. I was already screaming my head off everytime red shirts were in united's half. I was pacing back and forth, and then back again. My sister yelled, "Stop it!! YOU are making ME nervous!!" Heh.

So all week long I was hearing people saying, United is going down. Because the "devils" drew against Exeter, a non-league team. Ok. I do not want to talk about THAT one. Sheesh.

United beat Pool 3 times in a row. And these people can't stop talking. I mean, come on!! 10 men down, and still these people think Liverpool is GREATER than united! Here's the cruncher. No Giggs. No van Nistlerooy. No Ferdinand. Fergie put his trust in his youngsters, P. Neville. Brown. Ronaldo.Fletcher. Heinze, who is by the way, my man of the match. Liverpool had, oh my god, all the big names, big talents.

United's defence was fabulous tonight. Lucky for Carrol. No boo boos this time.

So, in conclusion, I'd like to say, " WHO DA MAN!?!"

United. Heh.

Tonight, I'm going to bed a very happy girl. Because all week, I was telling my colleagues, United's winning this one. Liverpool ain't s**t! Heh. Lucky for me, we've got the Roon.

I'm so over the Roon. I mean moon.

P.S. Baby, if you're reading this, hehe, good luck sleeping tonight.

banana complaint

2005-01-13T20:56:00.000+08:00

banana complaint...

kepek. emas. keling. raja. gajah.

I learnt these names today. They are of course, types of bananas. Who knew! Heh. I always thought a banana was just a banana. I call my banana yellow.

I just realise how much we communicate. Me and my "girlfriends". *glares at Sari* Yeah. You know. Email in the day. MSN and blogs in the night. Well, sometimes. Anyways, I got really nothing much to yap about today. I just wanted to have Fernando to myself. My sister's bugging me to let her use him. Tough.

So, I, Ifrah Ashiblie, will give you an update on what I read in the papers today.

Guess what? Adrian Mutu. Remember him? He was sacked by Chelsea late last year for testing positive of cocaine. Juventus signed him during the January transfer window.He can only play in May because of his 7 month ban.

Fernando Morientes left Real Madrid and is set to join Liverpool this week. Wonder if THAT would make a difference. We'll see. This saturday. 8.30pm. Cannot wait. That is if he can pass the medical in time. Huh.

But hey, I'm always for the underdog. Always. I'd pick Liverpool anyday over Arse-nal. Ladies & Gents, It's not bout winning. It's bout how you play "the beautiful game".

The Tiger Cup Finals. I got tickets! Singapore vs Indonesia. Some of you would go ick.

I will proudly say I'm rooting for the Lions. Why? Because;

Mr. Raddy Abramovich
Ashiblie" in arabic means "Lion"

The team had nothing much to be proud of before this guy. Losing pretty much most games. So yeah. I'll root for the Lions. They've got a really good chance.
I won't be wearing red or waving a flag frantically everytime a Singapore player touches the ball. Heck, I don't even know their names.

But I'll cheer. Loud and Proud.

Referee kayu! Referee kayu! Referee kayu!

cold war

2005-01-12T21:28:00.000+08:00

cold war...

Brrrrr...it's cold in herrreeee..can't feel my fingerrrrsss..

I'm battling a fever. I finaly succumbed to the cough and cold in my sorry ass excuse for an office. That place.. I tell ya. Is North Pole. I swear.

Just took a swig of cough syrup. Yeah! And I'm lying on my couch tapping away on Fernando. Yep, I decided to name my lappy Fernando. After Fernando Torres of Atletico Madrid. Now,he can lie on my lap anytime.

And my feet! My poor,poor aching feet. Walked from Bugis to High Street to get the Nokia 6170. No. Not for me. Can't afford another new phone.It's for Hilmie's baby sister. $600.

teeth chatterring*

Waking up at 7.30am tomorrow to go to the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation. *cross fingers* I hope there won't be any complications. Len said I need a break. Hell Yeah!! I need a handful!
*cough*
Ok. Can't think. Cannot. Type.

horoscope

2005-01-11T23:17:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, January 11, 2005 aquarius horoscope
Your Tuesday Horoscope Ifrah!

A soulmate possibility could be burning brighter than ever as long term issues are being discussed. The person you want to partner with may secretly want to partner up with you.

wonderful weekend

2005-01-10T22:50:00.000+08:00

wonderful weekend...

I'm glad i have friends like us...

It went so well, better than expected. Rufus and Yana had no idea what we were cooking up for them.
Everything was perfect. Almost.
The setting was divine. Blue "lights", candles. Roses. Worth everything to see the look on Rufus' face. Parfait.
I checked into the chalet with Momma Grooby and the little tyke on Friday. Can't believe how fast he's growing. He actually started walking that day! 3 steps. Seems like nothing to us. But a big deal to him.

Took him and Mom to MackyD's for dinner and came back to chalet no F1. Bruva came with wifey a little later , and Nabila came too. They left at bout 8.30pm and left me all alone to my work. Was busy sewing up the apron which would be worn by Len & Su. Was sorting out my "paperwork" when Linda came with a bang. Literally. She banged on the door which made me jump. Tsk tsk tsk.

Ray ray came along and I changed his diapers! Heh. Good thing he didn't do a poopy.

Then everyone else started coming. Played cards for a little, then Tre came at bout midnight i think. With our 'rock star'. Practise session for the all important performance the next day. Was so much fun. And so much funnies. Aini. *sigh* Made us all laugh so hard. He was our "lead singer" He he he.

We were boozing too. Talked a lot of cock with The Bruva. *I wonder what happened to that Hindu joke* Guess I'll never know.. After that, i pretty much forgot what happened.

Breakfast next day was a bowl of fucked up fish head bee hoon. Then Swimming. Then more planning. Then cleaning. And more last minute planning. Took a quickie shower. And more planning. Then we opened "restaurant" when Rufus came. Rest was not history. But a memory.

Watched the wedding video. Hah. Ross made a very impressive arrangement of the clips. Very cool. Not that I know anything bout video making or whatever. IT was hilarious. But I enjoyed the "kidnapping" the most. If it went on any longer, I would have needed stitches at my side for laughing so hard. I actually complained later on Sunday that my "stomach muscles" were aching from laughing.

Man Oh Man. Next on the agenda.
Haz.

busy bee...

2005-01-05T23:36:00.000+08:00

busy bee...

I was stuck here for the holidays. Sux. Same old dull shit, different people.

I miss my bodo. 3 months since I last saw him. And counting.Haven't spoken to him for like 3 days. And "somebody" missing her husband whose in the next room! Heh heh.He's in Pondicherry (for those who are cluless, thats a French colony in Tamilnadu, India), volunteering with the relief efforts. See you next week, bodo.

I'm doing my own volunteering here myself. It's all going down this weekend. Can't wait. For the climax. Yipee.

Been having so many late nights, no time for myself. And my laundry. Sheesh. Better be worth it.

Bought a pair of pretty earrings today. Somebody better tell me its gorgeous.I got paid and I bought a pair of earrings! huh. No time to shop! NOTHING to buy. Shitloads of money but nothing to buy.How did that happen? Busy busy busy.

Oh.Word of advise to those who are trying to quit smoking. Don't. Tsk tsk tsk.Been eating non stop. I tried. Didn't smoke for 3 days in a row. New years resolution my ass. I thought I'd give it a go. But I failed miserably. Maybe I didn't try hard enough. Maybe I need more will power! Maybe.... I need to be a little bit more responsible. Going to turn a year older soon.

Shit.

Shit shit shit shit shit.

I have officially joined the "Birthday Haters Club". I am dreading my birthday. Ick. But I am looking forward to the gifts! How selfish! Hah. Dun give a fly. It's my party and I'll be selfish if I want to.

Birthday Wish List.

New cell phone - O2 Xda
sizDriving Licence
iPod mini - from The Bodo
tix to catch Oasis live in Manchester in July - Hilmie, *hint hint*
LOTR goodies - Monopoly, Calendar, DVDs for I, II & III.
Walk in closet.
A fucking VISA to enter Dubai.
New pair of glasses - red.
A new job.
Money.

To my friends who are reading this, the above are not listed in any particular order. Have fun shopping!

momma's home

2004-12-27T23:03:00.000+08:00

momma's home!

hurrayy!

I can't tell you how happy I am. Can I try?

hehe...really. I can't.

finally! after 4 long months in brunei. tonight. she's home. she's sitting in my living room. talking. joking. story telling. missed my momma grooby. too much.

she brought so much food home. oh. dear. my aunt baked me a batik cake yesterday. how sweet. love her to bits.

She arrived at 9.21pm. She only informed us of her return two hours before her arrival. groovy.

She was worried cos my lil sister went to the doc's today and was told she got high blood pressure. stress related. and she just turned 20.
so many stories so little time. i'll be flying in two days.

tough.

Allahu Akhbar.

2004-12-27T20:19:00.000+08:00

Allahu Akhbar!

Yesterday wasn't such a sunny sunday. I woke up to shocking news. Recovering from my initial shock, I sent an sms to Lenn who is honeymooning in Sri Lanka. "You guys ok?"

10 mins...15 mins...no reply. I dialled her number. One ring, two, three...then there it was. Her voice. I was screaming frantically into my phone but she couldn't hear me. 5 mins later she sent me a message. "Everything ok. Why ah?" Hellooooo... everyone say tsunami!

Later she told me she didn't know what was going on coz news were in Tamil. Heh. They only relied on on "reports" from family and friends. Funky. I wonder if people would go crazy if I was away on a trip and something like that would happen. I.hope.so. Not that i wish for another disaster to happen.

Everything was ok. They were displaced for a while. Everything was ok. Su only lost his cap.

She even managed to go shopping and spent $240 today. But a lot of their honeymoon plans were swept away along with the waves. What a sucky thing. But hey, a great story for the kids aye!

In its wake, more than 20 thousand people lost their lives. More than 5 countries affected. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and even Kenya.

Erwin lost a couple of friends holidaying in Phuket. Such catastrophe so close to home.

I just saw a report on CNA, "...experts say, a lot of lives could be saved if officials warned other countries about the eathquake that happened in Indonesia, so other countries in the region will anticipate the tsunami."

I say, "Yeah, right."
I bet after this, they gonna come up with some warning system or some shit.

Question. "How can you prevent an act of God?"
Who da expert? Who da Man?
Can you say God?

Huh.

bump bump buns

2004-12-25T17:06:00.000+08:00

bump bump buns

Oh.My.Buns.

Me, Praz & Sari went to Mount Faber yesterday. Praz just got back from Manchester last week. So we had a little x.mas eve session. We sat on a hill top, chugging down dewar's - one and a half bots- and when we left, I decided to "slide" down the hill. Hence the sore derrier. *feeling bollywood*

Just too smart, ye know!

A lot of things were said yesterday. Couple of things we were unaware of. Some surprises here and there. Baby, what would I do without you? What did I ever do to deserve you?

Over the years, things just got too complicated to uncomplicate. Lessons were definately learnt. But can you ever be a better person? How do you try? Do you think and say, I can't do or say that coz I wanna be a better person? How can you be aware of your consiousness? How does one control her ego? Is there a school of ego control? I'd like to sign up.

I promised you, whatever was said yesterday won't have any effect on the present situation. It won't. I know it was hard for you to tell me all those things, believe me when i say it wasn't easy for me hearing them. So...thanks.

I would never be able to find out what happened if it weren't for you. I wouldn't be able to close that chapter and move along. Cheers. Luv ye.

And Sari. You. One. Cool. Chick. I had fun. Next time, bring potato salad! Who the hell eats pineapple with mayo!?

Let do it again!

count on me..

2004-12-21T05:02:00.000+08:00

Count On Me.

I think I know. No.I know, I know.

All these times. Dinner in the hut, the steak, the satay.

You never said a word, yet you know I was hungry. You only wanted to feed me. Because you care. You wanna share. But why? I was there... you never said a word. I love you. With all my heart.

Shocked? Yes. Very. Cos i thought everything was cool and funky.

We look at people and judge. That's what we do. We judge. All of us. That's the way the cookie crumbles. Ces't la vie. Circle of life.

That's what I did. And I'm sorry. The river in the east runs really really deep.

I can't sleep now.Got loads to think about. *sigh* What to do? What can I do??

Still hungover, on Chivas, Dewars & "probably the best beer in the world". I thank you for coming. I had the best time in weeks on the 65th.

Haha...there were many "firsts". My friend picked you up. Dun think you've actually spoken to her before.That was the first! And I never used money that way...ever..Tonight was the first! 18. That was all. Only lost one. Or so. Bux. And,...it was the first time I saw you consume yeast. Saw it with my own eyes.

And it's the first time in months I've ever felt comfortable. Around you.

Wonderwall, that's what you are. Mine.I just need you to talk to me. I know the intense pride you have. So have a little faith,baby. Count on me. Talk to me. Depend on me. I'll keep you. "Because maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me."

Whatever it takes.For you, and my Precious. Ah, little precious. Fast asleep. We'll go for a ride tomorrow.

We took a wrong turn.The three of us.She. I know. Her too. Lets make that 3 pointer, just like Linda did on that ring road..

Thank you. For talking. To me.