Sup3rnality

Freddie Mercury would have been 66 today if he were still alive.

He may be gone, but his music lives on.

In memory of Freddie, and his AIDS charity, this is my contribution to the Freddie for a day programme:

Have you heard of 8tracks?

It's hand-crafted radio - meaning a mix of songs chosen by a user.
It can be a compilation following a certain theme, genre or just a plain ol' mix of your favourite songs.

For my 4th anniversary with Asdil, this mix suited me really well: 

This one's for you, dear

#1

#4

#5

#8

#22

"Every word you say I wish I could write down... Don't wanna forget come daylight"

#25

Sometimes, words are not needed. The look in your eyes says more than words ever can.

#28

This song always makes me think of you.

I watched you sleepin' quietly in my bed

You don't know this now but 

There's somethings that need to be said

And it's all that I can hear

It's more than I can bear

What if I fall and hurt myself

Would you know how to fix me?

What if went and lost myself

Would you know where to find me?

If forgot who I am 

Would you please remind me?

Oh, cause without you things go hazy.

My darling tagged me in his FB note, so I'm responding to it here:


Things you do when you've nothing to do. Now you've been tagged, read the instructions below ;)

1 - Open http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
(alternatively, if the first article you hit is short, hit Random Article two more times.)

2 - Open http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Open http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use photoshop/paint or similar to put it all together.
-I used Picasa 3.

5 - TAG the friends you want to join in.
-Anyone lah.

• the band name is the name of a wildfire that occurred in Arizona caused by a lightning strike during a monsoon.
• the quote is from Salma Hayek which goes "It's very easy to feel someone's pain when you love them"
• the picture is a photo taken by DeDaniel entitled "A Digital Reflection of a Natural Idea".

I didn't after all.

My team leader, Arvind, didn't let me.

He told me to stay home and get some rest.

Sheesh, never thought my superior would tell me to stay home and laze instead of doing work :P

So I'm here at home, listening to Tori's American Doll Posse at max volume.

And waiting for my laundry to get done.

I'm bored.

I wanna be subbing ABAG.

:p

Love,
Linzy

My malasness reigns true nowadays. Not entirely, but it has gotten me very very sluggish to actually type out an entry on a daily basis. Usually I find myself looking forward to writing something new; lately though, not so much. This can either be attributed to a) my working as a sub editor fills up my quota for words read and/or typed on the monitor screen, b) my mornings, when I usually take the time to write, are now when I switch on the pc to read e-mails from various editors and get to work, or c) I just can't be bothered, especially after a long day or when I happen to go out after work, I don't have any effort left to sit and type.

Whatever the reason, I'm gonna summarise the past few in bullets. Very professional, that way. Yeah right, more like, very malas, that way.

• I am still feeling like a selfish bitch, eventhough a part of me feels like it is called for, for being short tempered with my parents. The weekend actually was a good one, but it went sour just before I came back. I feel like I could have done something different, but I know myself and how at times I run on short, and I get temperamental easily; and therefore do not think before I act. I am menyesaling sangat-sangat; but am also degil. But an apology is due; from me, that is.
  
• Last Friday, I was sexually harassed verbally and by several up-and-down looks by a cab driver. Since I wasn't able to carpool that day, I took the cab but didn't think anything of it when I found the back door locked. So I climbed into the passenger seat instead, but remembered to keep a distance and not be so comfortably close to the cabbie. He just engaged in the usual friendly cabbie chatter, which I politely obliged to. I don't know how the conversation went as I mechanically went through the usual Oh-Cyberjaya-is-an-ok-place-but-little to-do-and-see routine, but it suddenly steered to a part where the cabbie commented in Malay, in a very sleazy manner, that I had a nice body; to which he promptly gave me a slow once over, or make that twice or quadruple. I was afraid that he was gonna put his hand on my thigh or something; and I knew if he did I'd elbow him and we'd be roadkill. I was squirming to get out and thankfully the short drive brought me to my destination. I made sure he stopped at a different block, paid and got out. He went on to say that hopefully we meet again, and to look for his cab again. I just closed the door and half ran. I shoulda taken his plate number down, but I just was too scared to be anywhere in his sight any more. He made my skin crawl. That's the last time I'd take a cab for the timebeing.
• I accidentallly went grocery shopping last night with Juliana. She was the one who wanted groceries, and I just went along for the ride cos I didn't wanna trouble her by sending me back first. Plus, I can teman her. Besides, I did need a bottle of shampoo and conditioner. So I went and bought the things I need. But coming across the cooking oil aisle at Carrefour, we spotted a particular brand of olive oil that was very affordable. It inspired me to get to packing myself home cooked meals for lunch, as I was planning to do earlier when I just started work. So I bought the extra virgin olive oil, some pasta, garlic, some vegetables and shall attempt to cook myself simple pasta dishes. Which, by the way, is pretty ok, if I say so myself. Just made myself pasta with olive oil, crushed garlic, pepper and cuts of cheese and it's filling but light. The olive oil made it really tasty Made some for tomorrow as well.
• Which brings me to my next point; how does one know that an olive is extra virgin? I mean, if it's already virgin, can it be any more virgin than that? This is a rhethorical question, by the way. Don't get smart on me and answer this...I know there are very gatal hands out there, just itching to give me some smart alec answer :P
  
• Oh, guys should not wear overalls. Or also known as playsuits. It's a no-no. Period. I mean, I don't even see 'em plumbers/repairmen/labourers wearing them anymore. And it is so 80s/90s. That guy I saw in Alamanda with his blue jeans overalls and classic white tee underneath is like a sudden blast from a should-not-be-repeated past. The look is so not flattering, dude.
• I was doing my normal nightly blogshopping and was in the mood for pre-owned stuff rather than looking at them brand new ones. Sometimes you get really good bargains on things that some people buy to wear once for an occasion or they buy and find that they don't fit, or don't like it no more... So I love browsing through what they call 'Preloved Shops'. One shop had everything. She was selling off the normal, like blouses, dresses, tees, skirts and the like, and she also had jewellery and even some old books and magazines. And in the midst of all that, she was selling a dildo. Yes, a dildo. Just a solitary one. Not a stock that she has and wants to sell, but just the one. In a pre-owned items shop. WTF? What? She used it on herself and decided it didn't give her the jollies and now she's looking for a new owner for it??! Hell no. What is the woman thinking? Total ewwwww-ness ok?
• Commenting on Yanna's entry on Tori's up and coming album Abnormally Attracted to Sin got me psyched and I looked her up on Wiki just to read the latest scoop. It's been so long since I've caught up with the music world that I didn't know that some people collaborated with Tori had published a comic book interpretation of some of her songs last year. It's effing beautiful; and I am itching to get it. It retails for about RM255 in Kinokuniya, and it's hardcover (Sarah checked it out for me) and I am so getting my hands on it. It's called Comic Book Tattoo and the illustrations on the cover is beautiful...and eventhough I don't know how it looks like inside, the idea of interpreting Tori's songs, in pictures and words and stories at that, is definitely something to own. Her lyrics tell and million and one stories, and I want to read/see some of them.
• I'm finding that I am loving my team more and more. They are friendly, helpful and very nice bunch of people and I feel glad and honoured to be working for and with them. Team Australia B - Tax & Accounting rocks! :P Oh, and the ayam susu we had for our team lunch this afternoon was yummy!
  
• My dad sold off my blue Kenari, by the way. Without consulting anyone. Tau-tau he told me it's gone. Pastu menyesal, but consoled himself that a brand new one is better. Which, he too, bought without consulting anyone. So now I am bound to own a silver Viva, when I honestly woulda preferred the the Kenari cos I will feel much better with a second hand one. At least I won't feel so pressured...but hey, beggars can't be choosers.
• Again, I am missing my friends... I need that human connection again with people I know and love. It's been way long since we had a good lepak. Next next weekend, hopefully.
  
• Ultimately, I abso-effing-lutely can't wait for this weekend. I am so giddy that I can hardly focus at work. Macam terlebih gula. And I couldn't stop smiling. And blushing. And giggling. Cos I'll be seeing my Sayang this weekend, after not seeing him for about 7-8 weeks now. My heart is fluttery and I have a skip to my stride. I feel like I have a smile plastered on me and I can't shake it off, even though I know I look scary. Because I am honest to God happy, and it's been a while. And I cannot wait to get his brand of comfort again, after my past weeks being so...painful. Looking forward to the weekend, Sayang. Hopefully all goes smooth.

I forgot on whose blog I found this, but I just thought it'd be a nice way to pass the time. Besides, the questions seem interesting.

7 facts you may not know about me

• I would have had another sibling three years younger than I am. But my mother miscarried.
• I dislike being called 'Ayin' by my peers. It's a name reserved only for family, whether immediate or extended. But I suppose someone overheard it being used and decided to use it, too. I personally prefer 'Lin' or my actual name, even.
• I was actually due to be born on the 4th of January 1986; and nowhere within 1985.
• I would have been named either Sarah (my mum's idea), Heidi (also mum's) or Azlin (my mother's); but my father objected to all of them, particularly 'Azlin'. Him having the initial 'A' provided him with much experience of being called first for everything.
• I have a birthmark on my right arm; just a darkened patch of skin.
• I only act ditzy for the satisfaction of seeing a person's face change when their perception of me is proven wrong. Or, so to not seem like an exasperating know-all. Or, so to not draw too much attention to myself. But for the most part, to get out of trouble.
• I am of no mix heritage (as far as I know, anyway), nor have I ever lived overseas; contrary to popular belief(s).

7 things that scare me

• Losing the people I love.
• Being the only person left (it's scarier than any horror movie, being alone).
• Bringing my defences down.
• Departing without leaving an impact or change or a contribution.
• Being told that I am insignificant, or not good enough.
• Never marrying and never having my own children.
• Never being able to record everything that crosses my thoughts. Which is why I write alot. Sometimes about utter nonsense. But writing gives me purpose; regardless of content.

7 songs that I like most

• Iris - Goo Goo Dolls
• Always - Bon Jovi
• Angel - Sarah McLachlan
• Who Will Save Your Soul? - Jewel
• Playboy Mommy - Tori Amos
• I'll Be - Edwin McCain
• Strong - Robbie Williams

7 phrases that I say the most

• Bloody hell.
• What the heck? or What the frickin' hell...?
• Tulaa pasal... (yes, Hamz. I'm still using it til this day)
• ...lah.
• Yep yep.
• Okey dokey.
• No problemo.

7 of my precious things
We talking about people, inanimate objects, or both? I'll go for objects; for people, the list is too long.

• My Claddagh ring
• My laptop
• My phone
• My collection of Whedonverse-related stuff
• My collection of photographs (whether digital or in print)
• My journals
• My poetry

7 memorable first times

• *that*
• oh yeah, that
• uh-huh, that, too
• not to forget that ;)
• also that
• definitely that, and
• that!

7 friends to tag

• Encik Sedilku
• Fidzy
• Bella
• Idzaid
• Sarah
• Anis
• Yanna
• ...and actually everyone else who's a regular reader. Sorry I can't tag everyone. But you know who you are :)

Love, Hazlin~

Your wildcard, boy, needs playing
Don't believe the lie
Your dragon needs slaying
Why don't you lay here with me
And I will bring
Kisses for the beast

'Dragon' - Tori Amos from American Doll Posse

No two paths are the same on which tunes travel by. And this tune, this afternoon reached to me on another high. Revisiting from the first time I penned those unlived thoughts. Oh, how it paints different shades of grey each time it plays.

The grey for today plays it lukewarm. Neither timid nor bold. The chilling fire or the fiery cold. It paints over the first art I thought I was meant to keep, and now etches another atop the other with lines so deep.

Play this hand, we'll never know if it's a win. But my money's on the jackpot. Because dragons, as hard as they are to slay; quietens after a while and lays dormant as the dust and ash settles. And the raging beast only roars when daylight makes its head rise to greet the fray, and yet purs the solace of night away.

Don't believe the lie. The smokescreen. It's a distortion from what really lies behind these maze of mirrors. Reflections are the opposite. Almosts but not quite. Reach out. And where your hand does not touch the smooth, cold surface; you'd find warmth.

Love, Lin~

P/S: Dear Tori, why say one thing when you can say a million? Your music tells countless stories, always something new each time I listen. There is an art to your art.

I read this post on Facebook which was put up by Idzaid and thought it'd be fun to list out these 25 random things about myself. Turns out, it was quite harder than I thought. My typing slowed down at about #11 or so, and I had to think hard about what else was there about myself that I could actually publish for public consumption. So, I ended up with this list... Maybe I'll add another 25 more if I think of any :)

Tagged by Idzaid Idros

Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you!

1. I am in love.
2. I am acrophobic and ranidaphobic.
3. When I was a kid, I loved science very very much and wanted to be either a scientist or a doctor/vet. I'll actually watch them documentaries with operations in them. As time went by, they were reduced to being just hobbies. Now, I know for sure that even if I was good at it, I can never see myself doing anything of the sort.
4. I, for the life of me, cannot ride a bike.
5. My biggest fear is rejection.
6. I got the inspiration to pursue English as a degree (and hopefully more) and also as a career when I was 11; from my cousin-in-crime, Kak Ana.
7. When I'm in my own space, clothing is optional...hehe, I have nudist tendencies. That's why I try to avoid sharing rooms :p (Thankfully, in my new apartment, I'll have the master bedroom all to myself)
8. I can watch all sorts of graphic, bloody movies where people get cut up, or lose their limbs in battle or get tortured etc. And while watching, I can nonchalantly eat. But show me or let me hear someone brushing their teeth, and I start gagging.
9. I know I'm weird, but it's ok if you want to tell me that; I kinda like it.
10. My vice is clothes. I can never have too many of them. And lingerie, too. (It's such an irony, cos it clashes with point #7)
11. For many years now, I've been dreaming of owning a cafe. It should have a cosy atmosphere with regular open mic nights. Think 'The Bronze' without the dancing, or perhaps 'The Espresso Pump'.
12. I always have dreams where I'm the commander on the frontlines of war. Often I'd dream about the preparations before the battle, or about the end, where I'd give my life to save another.. Quite gloomy. Anyone a dream reader?
13. My Deadly Sins ranked, as suggested by Tickle.com, are as follows: 1. Pride, 2. Lust, 3. Greed, 4. Gluttony, 5. Sloth, 6. Envy, and 7. Wrath.
14. My ultimate dream in life is to get married to the man I love, have wonderful kids, make my family happy and have a fulfilling life.
15. I want to write a paper that would first of all affirm the importance of literature. With that being said, I'd continue to present how literature influences/provokes discourse and thinking/ideas/philosophy, whilst merging it with the Whedonverse.
16. I have a slight case of OCD. Some things need to be a certain way or I get a mite tetchy.
17. I have an obsession for cheese.
18. I think Nature's best wonders are the smell of rain, the dawn/sunset and waterfalls.
19. I hope to be a scholar, have a good career, be the daughter that my parents can be proud of, be a good wife, be a good mother, and be a good person overall.
20. I am perpetually optimistic, even when I'm complaining.
21. When I'm charged and determined, I have this song playing in my head: These Boots Were Made for Walking.
22. I'm glad to say that throughout my life (so far), a majority of my friends, old and new, have stood by me and stayed friends. This, I feel, is a great accomplishment. You guys know who you are :)
23. The most important things in life, to me, are: Family, Friends and Faith. In a word: Love.
24. My favourite movie themes are: War, Dystopia, History/Periodic, Horror/Thriller.
25. My thoughts, ideas and discourse are majorly influenced by Joss Whedon (i.e. Buffy, Angel, Firefly/Serenity, Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog)

Love, Lin~

Posted by Yanna on Facebook. Decided to give it a go:

Instructions:
I. Put your music player on shuffle.
II. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
III. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

1. If someone says, “Is this Okay?” you say…
Dilate - Four Star Mary (or 'Dingoes Ate My Baby' in BtVS)

2. What would best describe your personality?
A Man's Gotta Do - Captain Hammer aka Nathan Fillion ('Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog OST)

3. What do you like in a guy/girl?
Heatwave - Martha Reeves and the Vandellas

4. How do you feel today?
Pretty as a Picture - Lindsey McDonald aka Christian Kane ('Angel' OST)

5. What is your life’s purpose?
Down So Long - Jewel

6. What is your motto?
Accidentally in Love - Counting Crows

7. What do you think of your parents?
Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar

8. What do you think about very often?
Why Do You Love Me? - Garbage

9. What is 2+2?
Save Me - Aimee Mann

10. What do you think of your best friend?
Your Winter - Sister Hazel

11. What do you think of the person you like?
Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson

12. What is your life’s story?
Vermillion Borders - Virgil

13. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Believe - Blessid Union of Souls

14. What do you think when you see the person you like?
Broken - Seether & Amy

15. What do your parents think of you?
Playboy Mommy - Tori Amos

16. What will you dance to at your wedding?
Crash and Burn - Savage Garden

17. What will they play at your funeral?
Put Your Head on My Shoulder - Paul Anka

18. What is your hobby/interest?
A Song to Sing - Hanson

19. What is your biggest secret?
Sign on the Door - Edwin McCain

20. What do you think of your friends?
Shadowman - K's Choice

21. What’s the worst thing that could happen?
I Wanna Love You Forever - Jessica Simpson

22. How will you die?
Deep Inside of You - Third Eye Blind

23. Does anyone like you?
I Shall Believe - Sheryl Crow

24. If you could go back in time, what would you change?
White Houses - Vanessa Carlton

25. What hurts right now?
Til It Feels Like Cheating - Jewel

26. What will you post this as?
Full of Grace - Sarah McLachlan