Thursday, July 03, 2008

Perfectly Clear

Listening to Jewel has always been a balm to the soul. From her voice to her music to her lyrics, she's one of those artists I could just sit back and listen to all day. No wait, there's no one like her. So far there has been no one who has been able to take over the reign of being my staple brand of music. Well, Tori Amos comes quite close, and she is just as good, but there's something about Jewel that makes her all around likable. Some of Tori's works is an acquired taste...after playing it more than once, it'll be tatooed into your mind that you'll eventually love it and play it over and over.

But Jewel, she's just unbeatable. Of course, I'd overlook her 0304 album. I'm willing to close a bling eye to that and forget she ever disappointed me to no end with that stint. Now, before some of you start attacking me with one of the "if-you're-a-true-fan-you'd-appreciate-anything-she-creates-and-give-your-full-support" arguments, let me just say I have my reasons for being disappointed. I fell in love with Jewel's brand of music because of her unique sound and style, and I also valued her integrity. So when she started sounding like any other recyclable blondes on the radio and strutted her stuff in the video, my respect plummeted...But now she's back, and maturing well with experience.
Her country album, "Perfectly Clear", (no doubt influenced by her Texan boyfriend) has been such a pleasure to listen to. I have it on constant replay on my laptop and I doubt I'll bore myself senseless anytime soon... The country sound is so much more 'her', and suits her voice perfectly.
I loved that she finally recorded 'Rosey and Mick', although I expected it to have a much slower beat. And her other songs are just as beautiful. I am reminded at just why I love Jewel so much, and made me forget that she ever recorded 0304. For now, 'Til it Feels Like Cheating' is my most favourite of the entire album. It's such a beautiful song about grabbing stolen moments whenever the oppurtunity arises, so much so that it feels like a torrid affair...
"'Til It Feels Like Cheating"
Call me soon as your plane gets in
I'll tell you where to take the cab
Can't talk now in the middle of this crowd
But baby, I miss you so bad

I got a bottle of wine
Some stolen time
Key to a room where you can be all mine
Til it feels like cheating
Til it feels that good
Nobody's leaving
So let's get it understood
Oh you could be a stranger
It's been that long
There's something 'bout the danger of feeling like we're doing something wrong
Let's make the love that we needed
Til it feels like cheating
Don't say a word when you walk in
We ain't got time for that
Kiss me hard like we're about to sin
And there ain't no going back
For a while we'll be free, just you and me
Making promises life won't let us keep
Til it feels like cheating
Til it feels that good
Nobody's leaving
So let's get it understood
Oh you could be a stranger
It's been that long
There's something 'bout the danger of feeling like we're doing something wrong
Let's make the love that we needed
Til it feels like cheating
Keeping the spark going is an everyday fight
So I sent the kids to your mama
And baby, we got all night
Til it feels like cheating
Til it feels that good
Nobody's leaving
So let's get it understood
You could be a stranger
It's been that long
There's something 'bout the danger of feeling like we're doing something wrong
Let's make the love that we needed
Til it feels like cheating
Oh yeah, baby
Let's make the love that we needed€
Til it feels like cheating...

Anyway, "Perfectly Clear" is definitely a must-buy for Jewel fans. Lee, if you're reading this, I suggest you get it. Then later you can retire to your deserted island from the lack of dough after purchasing the CD =) But you won't regret it. And no, I don't think we need to hunt down Ty Murray (her boyfriend) for influencing her country sound. Heheh... A worthy buy, I promise. Not the usual "Pieces of You/Spirit" sound, but still Jewel. It's recommended for the sanity of one's Jewel-deprived soul.
Love, LinZy~

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Reprieve within Reprieve

The holidays so far have been relaxing. That's what holidays are for, isn't it? I got to spend time with my family, whom I've barely been able to have quality time with during the entire short semester. It's nice, especially being able to sit down and talk and/or have a laugh with my mother, whom I have only been having quality conversations with on the phone. So despite the shortness of this holiday, I've managed to accomplish alot.

But of course, there's the fact that I have not been able to see Ash for a week. After spending days and nights at Fidzy's place during the semester, it's been very hard not to miss him terribly during the holidays. So yesterday, I had them (Ash, Fidzy and Shu) over for lunch and to just spend time. My mother and I made nasi kerabu and we picked them up at Seremban's train station around 11.00am...

I've no words to convey how good it felt to be able to see you again, sayang. Eventhough the holidays have been good to me, being able to see you made it all the better. I've missed you sayang, and I'm glad that the holidays are not too long and that I'll see you this Sunday.

Of course, it was also good to see Fidzy and Shu, the two other people I've been seeing alot these past few weeks. I've gotten too used to staying at Fidzy's place in TTDI with Ash and Shu, almost that it feels like we're a lil family living and spending time together. So after not seeing them for a week, it feels almost weird.

I was so glad you guys were able to make it to Seremban. A week has been feeling like forever...don't think I could wait til the 6th of July. I hope you guys had fun. I know there was not much time and not much to do, but it was just good to see you all. And my sister loved that you guys came. We don't do much at home, and she gets kinda bored. She loved hanging out with you guys and wishes she could do that some more. My sister says that you guys are all a lil crazy and she loves that, beats hanging around on her own.

Sigh...I am already wishing the semester would start.

The time we had was very brief, sayang, but such a relief all the same. Whatever stolen moments we had would carry me to Sunday... For now I know you're on a bus back home, and I shall be missing you dearly. Take care, love, and I'll see you when we both get back to campus on Sunday. Love you.

Love, LinZy~

Friday, June 27, 2008

Windows Shopping

Forgive me. I have been idling my time away pointlessly looking at clothes on eBay Malaysia and Lelong.com.my. As most would know, I have a total fetish for clothes and just cannot help myself from wanting to buy them. It's just a condition that I'm suffering from. Not that I mind...cos I love the feeling of putting on clothes that are nice (well, according to my taste that is). It's just that I sometimes tend to go overboard and buy more than what is necessary... Although, if I can say so, eversince I moved back from Kulim, I haven't had a decent baju-shopping done. Clothes here are much more expensive...But I don't worry all that much when I buy clothes, cos I never go for clothes that cost more than they should. I'm a sucker for nice, affordable clothes... Cos I don't see the point in splashing too much money on clothes knowing there are alternatives. And anyway, I don't have the figure for most of the clothes, so that would be another reason why I wouldn't be bidding on everything I see. Hehe... thank God.

But anyway, back to the point... I have been browsing eBay and Lelong non-stop and have been bidding on so many things. Although I probably would not even win most of it, because other people are bidding like crazy. But for as long as the price is affordable, I might just keep on bidding. See la how.

At the moment, the dresses are so totally getting my attention. I love wearing dresses. It's just that they're not quite convenient, cos when you're out and about, you wanna wear something that is easy to move around in...and for that purpose, I'd opt for pants or jeans. So, when looking at dresses, I like to look at dresses that can be worn with pants. The long, flowy ones or the sundresses I keep for wearing at home. Here are the dresses that I've been totally loving...

Eventhough I'm not buying any of them, and since they're not particularly convenient to wear all the time, I'm just keeping my eye on them cos they're the only ones within my budget and are nice as well.

And that's only the dresses. I haven't begun talking about the nice tops.... Again, don't worry. I've only bid on two items, and even that I might not win. Heheh...it's just a cyberspace version of window shopping.

In my wanderings and browsing, there were various ermmm, items of clothing that were really, hmmm...unique would be one way to put it. What other adjective would you use to describe nightgowns made to resemble costumes...? Costumes like a nurse, a policewoman (complete with baton and handcuffs, mind you) or a catholic schoolgirl? Pretty naughty stuff there. I'd raise my eyebrows, but me myself had my interest piqued nonetheless. I mean, I doubt I'd purchase it, but the idea certainly (in)voluntarily flitted through my mind... Erm, anyone would have that thought right? Errr.....right?

Aaaaanywaaaay......

Someone better drag me away from the laptop soon before I end up buying myself a whole new wardrobe (I solemnly swear that the schoolgirl outfit will not be included)... The clothes are just so tempting. Must...get....away....from....laptop.....

Love, LinZy~

Thursday, June 26, 2008

The Deadly Sins

It's the holidays. And after a semester with extra crazy on top, it's very hard to keep up the trend and have just as much a crazy holiday. So then, holidays with me is a time for reflection and long hours staring at the screen of the laptop finding things to occupy my time with.

My latest conquest in time-fillingness is reactivating my Tickle.com account. Having done that yesterday, I've been whiling my time and idle hands away with quizzes and tests of all sorts. From nicey-nice ones, to the provocative type questions. It's all in the name of bored-ism (boredom, actually; but my sister, not being familiar with it used 'bored-ism' instread), but at least it's something. There are other things I could do, of course, but more effort is involved so sometimes I pass.

Anyway, was browsing the long list of quizzes and I came across the 'How Sinful Are You? Test' and it rather struck my fancy. I mean, not that I subscribe to the idea, but I was rather piqued by the question of which one ruled over me... or perhaps how I fare in each of them. And so I took the test.

The 7 Deadly Sins were first described in the 6th Century by Pope Gregory the Great in the following ranking:

Pride. Envy. Wrath. Sloth. Greed. Gluttony. Lust.

Now which one held me over the most? I did not find it surprising--I have excessive Pride. Yup, mine is right at the tippy-top. The one ranked first in the list. Said to have been the worst of the sins for it is a human being's attempt at Godliness, for being/feeling superior was thought to be an act of blasphemy in trying to rival God. But then, the test also attributes Pride to self-worth and self-respect. The fact that a person love him/herself and could not be bothered by what others think is also a sense of pride.

So, as it turns out, on a scale of 1-10, I am at a 9 with Pride, while the average person only comes at 5. And that is a whole lot of difference. But to be honest, I am not surprised. I know I sometimes come across as arrogant and self-important, often a little unfriendly... But then, if you were to know where I came from, you'd understand. Living a huge amount of your schoollife being picked on and told that you were dumb (in some subjects), lazy, unattractive etc. could put a damper on your spirits. Eventhough in my heart I knew I was better than people like them, it still hurt. So when you start fresh in a new environment, you make sure no one was gonna have the chance to put you down again. So you put on high defences, so that no one could shoot you.

So yeah, I have pride, because I feel the need to prove that I am better. And even if it's not that, it's to protect my soft squishy insides with a hard, proud outside (sounds a lil bit like M&Ms, doesn't it?).

The sceond highest I ranked at was Lust...surprisingly. I scored a 7 while the average was only 3... Thus meaning that err, hmmm, I'm...hornier than the average person. By 4 places. And on that, I have no comment...

The third highest ranking in sins is my Greed, where I got a 6 while the average only is at 4... Not so bad, as compared to the first two, where the difference was major. But I wouldn't disagree with this. I mean, wealth means alot nowadays, right? Even the most basic needs now costs so much. And with my allowance, it leaves a lot to be desired... But it doesn't mean that I never give back. I mean, I am more of a giver than a taker. It's just that sometimes I wish I had more... and I don't think I'm the only person in the world who feels so.

Gluttony ranks as fourth with me. I scored a 5 while the average is at 3. Not so bad lah...but still, that's more than the average. But heck yeah, I am guilty of eating alot things that are unhealthy rather than healthy. Dahla I am not even a sayur fan...I hardly eat greens. Yep, carnivore I am.

Next would be Sloth. Same like above, I got a 5 while the average was only 3. But according to the report, it says that it's not that I'm lazy, it's just that the space between one action to another is far between because I find it very hard to start something. The report suggests I should have more enthusiasm. I'm not sure how to respond to this... Yes, I'm more of a homebody, preferring a more laidback life... But when it comes to work, I love it. Ok, ok, yeah, a little slow at starting it, procrastinating and all, but I love it nonetheless.... Ok, I understand the assesment now.

The next is Envy, getting a 4 when the average is 2. And it says here "it indicates that you likely refrain from focusing too much on what others have, and at the same time probably don't spend alot of time worrying about what you don't have". So it's not so bad then. Like Greed, it's just that I long for a little more, but do not covet what others have. I'm pretty satisfied with what I have.

The last one, the one right at the bottom-est of my sins is Wrath. For this sin, I only got a 2 when the average is 3, making this the only one I do not have excess at. In fact, I am less wrath-y than the average. Which is well, true. I am very hard to anger. I can be very tolerant and make allowances...and I don't ever hold grudges. Which is also a curse (as mentioned in the entry 'Finding Ning Jing'), since people tend to take advantage of that and treat me anyway they want.
So, in short, my sins rank as follows:

Pride. Lust. Greed. Gluttony. Sloth. Envy. Wrath.

I'd say that it's not bad... The explanations were pretty much interesting and accurate in many ways in the description of my character. But seeing how since 6 of the sins I scored more than the average, that makes me a pretty sinful person. Hehe... Not that I mind. It's just who I am.

Love, LinZy~

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Today in (Last Year's) History ep. 2

As soon as I wrote that last entry, I couldn't help but look through my photoblog in my laptop and scanned through the pictures and dates to see what went on during the time (when I had my N70, I took random pictures almost daily and had them sorted by date and they act as a sort of pictorial journal). And as it turns out, my initial guess of what happened during the time was right on the money, just leaving out a few minor details.

As far as being on holiday and in Kulim, that was all correct. The only part that I left out was the bit that my father who was then working for a Japanese company (Fuji Electric), was on a business trip to Japan, leaving my mom, sister, brother and me alone at home. And that posed no problem, since we love Kulim so very much (in fact, I feel more at home there than I am in Seremban) and always find ways to occupy our time. However, there were things going on during the time that caused me to not sleep at night and have huge flashlights and all manner of weapons under my pillow and all around me.

Around the area I lived in, there was an alarming rise of rape cases. It had gotten so bad that there were cases almost every night, with the rapist breaking in with the sole intention of violating the women and nothing else. You can offer him money and jewelleries but he would just brush it away. He'd rape a person at knifepoint and there was not much a person could do. And the perpetrator(s) apparently keep tabs on which household does not have an adult male living in with them or are away; hence no risk of being met with complications.

Hearing all these stories made my blood boil and hair stand on end. Scared as I was, I was furious too at how people have it in them to violate another person's dignity. I couldn't understand it. And even more than that, my father was not around...

I had my mother, my sister and myself to worry about. My brother was 12 and was more likely to scream like a girl than help in the event of trouble. And being the worrier I am, and as the eldest child, I felt it fell to me. But even without that feeling of responsibility, the thought alone was enough to keep me awake at night. And stay amake I did. In my worry, I could not sleep.

Everytime I even thought to close my eyes, I'd be awakened by the slightest sound and walk around the house searching it out. We all slept downstairs those nights without my dad, with me sleeping at the door. I had a huge flashlight that could cause a concussion, sprays that could blind, various swissarmy blades, and a bat. I know that if anyone'd attacked I would be overpowered, but like hell I'd give up without a fight.

So, for several nights, that was the routine. And in the day, I'd fall into an exhausted sleep,
taking comfort in the day; while it can still be dangerous, but at least it did not supply the cover of darkness.

It feels quite long ago now. Especially since I'm no longer in Kulim and now in Seremban... But that at least marks itself as having been progress. Dynamic. However, come to think of it, this time last year, at 2.35pm, I was probably about to sleep after being up all night....Oh well.

Love, LinZy~

Today in (Last Year's) History ep. 1

Logging onto Xanga yesterday, there was a question posted on the main page that rather caught my eye. The question went: What were you doing this time last year?, or something to that effect. And I went into thought wondering what exactly occupied my time this date in the year before.

To be honest, I don't remember. I didn't go to lengths to check out the date properly, just relying on memory to see whether there was anything worth the space in my mind's harddisk. I'll probably check my journals and photos later for confirmation and will update this entry later.

For now lets go about this based solely on my Dory-like forgetfulness.

But then, thinking about it, there was not much to occupy my memory anyway. If I'm not mistaken, it was the semester holidays then, right after the short semester (just like now), and life was same old, same old. I was probably in Kulim then, either lazing about at home, at my siblings' school waiting to pick them out or out with my mom shopping or having a drink. Just another typical day at home for me, no matter where I am.

Before you tell me my life is lame, let me get to my point. I've always known that my life has been uneventful. Lifelong homebody I am. Both by choice and design. And I have been fine with that. I have always been content with what I have, and do not resent not being able to have more than what is attainable. Not that I do not dream of more, but I take what I can, a step at a time and be thankful of what I do have.

And no, you do not have the right to tell me that I do not know what I'm missing. Everything is relative. By your definition, I am probably someone who has not seen the world enough to know what I want. But what you think does not matter. This is my life, and what I want and what the people I care about want is what matters to me most. I am what I am because of my choices in life. If you cannot appreciate the way I choose to live my life, then that would mean you do not respect the person I am.

So, today in history, I was 21 going on 22, living an uneventful but contented life with a good family and wonderful friends. Anything more going on on that day would have just been a bonus, because I already was happy.

Love, LinZy~

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Finding Ning Jing

INARA
Besides, why would I want
to leave Serenity?
MAL
Can't think of a reason.

-'Shindig', 1x04 Firefly


Thursday night. Or Friday morning, if you want to be technical. It was, after all, about 4am. Laid myself down on one corner of Fidzy's tatami and attempted some long deserved rest. World Literature finals were in 11 hours time and for a paper that required much mental exertion, sleep was very much in order. And yet, what would have been a deep slumber turned into a fight for lucidity. A struggle to find a peace of mind from the confusion of voices playing in my head over and over again. It was a fight I was losing, and my sanity teetered on the edge; a hairbreadth's away from having myself tug locks out of my head.

My mother always told me, the curse of folks like her and me (and some), is that we care too much. We put others before anything regarding us. And while all this is going on, the other people could not give a good gorramn about us. It's kill or be killed; but here I am rubbing the edge of the knife with sandpaper, dulling it to bluntness to parody the act of killing. While from behind me a knife slices the air to lodge in my back. I turn with chagrin, and yet put smile on my face. I would probably even tell them what a nice job of stabbing they did. It's painful alright; heck, I am more perceptive to it in wanting to avoid it. However, I am not built to hurt, I cannot, but I am built for it. I cannot give, but I can take; but at the cost of permanent resident demons.

My head was hurting. The quietude of the night a polar opposite to the recesses of my mind. And on nights long before the present, when demons came to visit just like this night, I'd stay up and play cards (Spider solitaire, to be exact) while I tire my mind into surrender; to a point when even the clanging of the bells could not penetrate the wall of utmost exhaustion. Sometimes, on weaker nights, I find myself crying in frustration, not knowing what to do; hating the silence solitude brings, shadowboxing, wishing for comfort.

For everything I believe I am, for everything people say I am, for every strength they tell me I have; at the end of the day, there is a comfortador in me. And this is what I am. That is what I need.

I disentangled myself from the blankets and various people bunking in Fidzy's bedroom and tiptoed to the door. Fumbled downstairs in the darkness, heading towards the muted glow of the television set, my footsteps drowned by the cheers of the excited audience on tv watching Euro 2008, anticipating a goal. Well, mine was more attainable, my goal in the shape of a person lying on the two-seater couch (not the one sleeping on the three-seater cos that one belongs to Fidzy *wink wink*) in the corner, asleep. Awake or not, all I needed was that bit of solace from whatever I can get. Just some reassurance that I was not alone. And you stirred and told me to get some rest for my exam. Stubborn as I am, I sat down and stared blankly at the tv, anything to keep myself preoccupied with anything but my overworked mind. I wasn't going anywhere. And so you beckoned me into your arms, enveloping me securely, and I swear I was overcome by ataraxia. Peace. For you put up an eviction notice on the front lawn of every demon settled into my mind. Banished them as I lay in the safety of your encircled barrier. I later slept soundly, no voices to rage on at me as I slumber. Tranquility blanketing every fibre of my being, a warmth that caresses my tired limbs.

For so long I've wanted this and only this. To be at soft repose and calm. To know that all manner of crappiness can go all the way to hell with its presence. And for years I've gone without, and I cannot remember how I did. But for those precious moments in your arms, it made up for every time I was alone and in need of comfort. I've found it now. In your arms I've found serenity.


MAL
Love keeps her in the air when she oughta
fall down, tell you she's hurting 'fore she
keens. Makes her a home.
RIVER
Storm's getting worse.
MAL
We'll pass through it soon enough.

-'Serenity', the (big damn) movie

Love, LinZy~