Home of Jules

In a couple of hours, it would officially be the final month for the year 2009. Oh good gosh, where has the year gone? Time has passed so fast this year, it’s coming to an end already. So many things has happened this year though, despite how quickly time flew by.

First thing I did this year was that I ended my longest relationship (to date)… 3 and a half years. What a heart breaking thing to do sigh. Almost too quickly, I had a rebound, and met several new guys through the first half of the year. Although I have put myself in crappy situations that I really shouldn’t have, but oh well, it happened anyway. I shouldn’t even have gotten involved in those certain situations, but then again, I suppose I needed that kind of distraction to help me move on (it worked). That’s until I met my Darling Rays around mid-year. That’s when I felt that I have found someone worth settling down myself for from being ‘wild’ So far so good.

At the beginning of March, I had a big makeover. Or ‘extreme makeover’, as some put it. I had finally saved enough money for it, and I am thoroughly glad that I decided to go for it, despite a couple of objections. But I had several supporters too, so what the heck lol. My eyelids aren’t “perfect”, but they definitely make me look very much different than I used to. Absolutely no regrets, I love my new look No more eyelid tapes, no more trouble putting on makeup, no more puffy insomniac eyes. This drastic change has brightened up my face and ‘opened’ up my eyes. All the trouble, worth it

Barely a month after the surgery, I must have been crazy, because I inflicted more pain on myself by getting a belly piercing. Not sure what possessed me to do it, but it was an impromptu decision to go get it done there and then. Shit, that’s when I discovered that a piercing hurts a hell lot more than a tattoo. Enough piercings, I vowed. But tattoos however, hmm… Lol It has finally healed by now, and I’ve been meaning to get the ring changed to a nicer one. Soon soon, gotta get that done before CNY.

I think it was April that I joined Street Jam class. Best decision ever, cause I look forward to class every week! I had not been getting any exercise since stopping yoga when I left Xixili, so dancing is my new workout. Feels great to sweat it out through dancing, such an awesome way to destress. Plus, the new friends I made in class, gosh. I love having a social life in the middle of a boring work week Need I say more? ^^

Let’s see… I guess it was mid May when I flew over to Hong Kong and China for a week on a work trip. Quite an eye opener, but I’m not sure if I can say that I truly enjoyed the whole trip. Running around too much, hardly get to enjoy what’s great in Hong Kong. Would you believe that I didn’t even have a single egg tart? I’m thankful to my boss that he brought me over for a looksee at the office in Tsuen Wan and the factory in Guangdong, but I’m only sorry that although I understand it, but I don’t fully accept it all. Hmm that’s that.

August was a blast! Spent 2 weeks in Melbourne and literally everything was fresh and new. Enjoying myself to the max of doing no work and all play, but at the same time kind of missing a few things back home. Life there seems great though. More laidback than in Malaysia. And definitely MUCH more laidback than in Hong Kong (it’s crazy). However I don’t think I can ever get used to living in 4 seasons. I must stay in a warm country.

November! Was Talent Hub’s anniversary party, and it was totally awesome. I never expected that I would have to perform when I joined the class. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Although I have to say that it took a toll on my energy by the time show’s over. Ready to collapse and missing having home-cooked dinner and quiet me-times on weeknights lol.

And now… Wow. December already. Hmm, shit has been happening, yes. I’m not sure what to expect for 2010. I’m thinking there might be changes to my work life, love life, family life… I have thoughts and rough plans, but I’m not entirely sure yet if they will happen for real. But whatever it is, something about it makes me feel like it’s promising! We shall see Onwards to the new year!

Yesterday was a blast with my chicas! It was me and Jocey’s joint (belated) birthday celebration, together with Iks. Our usual place, Sunway Pyramid. We met at around noon for lunch. We’ve already agreed earlier on to have KFC hehe. Must’ve spent about a little over an hour there. It was a nice lunch. We took turns to lay out our current problems in life and discussed about it, listening and advising each other. It was very deep personal conversations, which I enjoyed a lot. Despite being best friends, the 3 of us don’t get to meet often enough to talk like this I believe we’ve managed to calm each other down to hopefully solve the problems hehe.

After lunch, time to work off those finger lickin’ good calories! Shopping ^^ The plan was to go shopping for a new clothing item each for Jocey and myself as our birthday presents. So we went to Kitschen first, my favorite shop. Then to Cotton On. Then to Asian Avenue. Then went to look for Flame, a shop that we used to like for its dresses, but we couldn’t find it. Then to Miss Selfridge, then Topshop. Strangely we couldn’t find anything on that day! Weird. It was just not our day for good shopping =_= So we decided to take a raincheck on them presents, and give up for the day lol. Breaktime, Starbucks!! At the same time, we watched the videos of my performances at Talent Hub’s party, which I’ve saved into my thumbdrive, on Iks’ tiny laptop.

Then off to the movie! I hadn’t finished my frapp, so I wrapped it up, positioned it carefully into my big handbag, and smuggled it into the cinema If only I had ordered a grande size lol. We watched Disney’s A Christmas Carol. I know that Jim Carrey voices several of the characters, but I swear that he also acts them out before being animated! Cause the facial expressions and movements are sooo HIM! So funny la :P Now, before I watched the movie, I’ve heard reviews from my friends about it. All of them commented differently. “Best”, one said. Another one said, ”boring”. Another one thinks it’s ”scary”. My verdict? All of the above

It’s a classic tale. So naturally, lots of people will think classics are “boring”. Especially when Disney made the movie according to the classic story as it is, without twisting it to make it more light and fun like they usually did for the other fairytales. I don’t blame them for thinking it’s boring, but personally I’ve always liked A Christmas Carol since I knew about the story about 15 years ago, so I like the movie too. It was good! At least I think so So that’s the part that I agree being “best” lol. The spirit of Christmas, and the lessons the story brings about how to be a kind person, and not the horrible person Scrooge was and screw up your whole life because you stinge on money. Then the ”scary” part? Obviously the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future! Ghost of Christmas Past was kind of cute and funny. But right before he departed, it was quite a spooky scene >.< Ghost of Christmas Present was a little annoying with his jolly laughing. At the end of his life, it got creepy!! Then the Ghost of Christmas Future appears. In the form on a shadow shaped like Grim Reaper. Need I say more?? Yeah but all in all, I liked the movie ^^

After the movie, we went straight to the bowling alley. Wheee! Excited cause it was the first time that the 3 of us played together It was fun! I’m not gonna announce our scores here, or else Jocey will kill me lol. But I guess I’m quite happy with mine. Not that great, but better than my average last time :P At least I still got the skill hehe. So my training of learning how to spin didn’t go to waste after all ^^ In fact, I can’t bowl normally anymore haha. We had 2 games, which was pretty much ideal. 1 would be too little, and 3 is too much.

After bowling, we got hungry already after playing sports (cheh…). So we headed for our pre-planned dinner place: Sakae Sushi! Lots of salmon for myself and Jocey, Iks had her ramen, and we all ordered random plates from the menu til we’re full And talked some more. It never ends! Are we that kepoh? Perhaps. But then again, we don’t get to talk like this so often. Yup, we’re just maximising our rare full day outing together!

We all left shortly after that, all feeling so tired already but with happy smiles on our faces ^^ Oh how I wish that the girls were still staying in Melawati, nearer to me. I miss those days when I can just see them whenever I feel like it. Cannot meet outside also at least can crash their houses and accompany them in whatever they’re doing. Arghhh I miss them already! When will we gather again? Hmm… I’m hoping to make it a monthly thing. If possible ^^

Have I mentioned how much I dislike year ends? Yeah, I do. Nevermind the fact that my birthday is at the year end, that’s probably the only good thing to expect. I don’t know why, but every year seems to end with lots of shit happening. If you think I psyched myself out to bring me this bad aura, I’m telling you, I wasn’t even thinking about it! In fact, each year I forget about this, then bad things happen, and then I remember this ‘theory’.

What! A! Week!

One thing or another keeps popping up to pull my mood down lower and lower until I feel nothing more than dust under my bed. (Gee that was random of me). Wasn’t it enough that my fish fry got sick? I had to have sort of an argument with my father. And then fishes keep dying on me out of that sickness. On top of that, had to have another disagreement with my boyfriend. All of these within a week! Shall I mention how work always frustrates me? Kill me now please… No, don’t. I can get through this somehow. I’m a phoenix!

Was feeling sooo blue yesterday, I wasn’t sure if anything would help cheer me up. I’m thankful for Talent Hub for the Street Jam and the peeps. I wasn’t exactly cheered back to myself totally, but yeah, it did help. I got to release all the energy of stress and frustration. Sweat it out, overwork my body, feel the heat! Seriously, yesterday was a killer. Stepped in for a so-called “audition”, and having to do each performance piece twice straight nonstop (that’s like 4 times nonstop), I almost died. Was so tired that I felt like my heart and lungs were about to burst. Couldn’t even talk properly lol. Much to Ika’s amusement, laughing at me stuttering my words out

Although super tired… I got home but still refused to rest just yet. I’m still feeling like I need to release more energy. So I attempted handstands. Note to self, do not do that again without shoes… Didn’t land right, now the tips of my toes hurt a bit, ouch. Then I attempted baby freeze after a long time of not trying. It felt like it was right. But then again I’m not sure, cause I don’t have the studio’s mirrored wall to see my stance Still wanted to do more, but I figured I better hit the shower and then the hay before I pass out Zzz… 

That was temporary relief. Today I felt moody again. Though not as bad. I’m thinking that the aura at the office kills my mood, no matter what lol. Tomorrow’s a public holiday, yay! Can’t wait for it. Joint birthday celebration! Oh it’s been looong since the chicahood gets one full day together, just chilling and doing fun things It’s so rare that we’re cramming a lot of activites in one day lol. Shopping, movie, bowling… Lunch, tea and dinner! It’s gonna be a good good day tomorrow ^^

Just posted the status on my Facebook as “again, i got shot before i had the chance to surrender my weapons… and this made me toss the grenade “.

Why la do I not have that trust to decide on my own? Or at least, understand what’s on my mind before telling me off for it. Not to be childish about it, but really, isn’t it a little unfair that I’m still held by the leash behind bars when it comes to life decision making?

I feel that it’s ridiculous enough that my parents still have an issue about what kind of a person I choose for a boyfriend. At this time and age, seriously? Find a matchmaker for me while you’re at it, why don’t ya. Sigh… Shouldn’t they trust me that I know how to judge a guy to make my choice by now? After several relationships, I think I’m mature enough for that at least. Why is Rays being judged on his background instead of who he is now? Why do they question me why I chose this “type” of person, instead of asking me what is it about him as a person that made me choose him?

If that wasn’t enough, now they have an issue with my career path as well? Recently I feel that being in the design line locally, especially in the apparel industry, well in short, sucks. Having to deal with China (ie, cheap stuff) is one thing, but the lack of advancement is another thing. Nevermind how tough it is for higher increments in salaries. After a while, it gets so incredibly routine that it gets ‘dead’. So I just feel like I don’t want to do this anymore.

At times, especially lately, I do wonder. Maybe I shouldn’t have made a career out of an interest. It kills the sensation out of your passion if you do it too often as a job. Cause a hobby is supposed to be done for leisure, not work. If done for work, you lose that sense of satisfaction. I must admit, I used to paint or sketch almost daily when I was in school. College started, and since then, I drew a whole damn lot. Because I have to. Up til now, even if I feel like drawing, I won’t. Cause I draw everyday, all day long, it makes me sick. How sad

Anyway back to the point. So I’ve been thinking for a long time now. What can I do if I don’t want to work in the design department anymore? Spoke to the besties about it, and they both agreed that marketing would be a good line to switch to. I’ve thought about that too actually, so why not. Still under consideration, of course. Let’s not be hasty lol. So I told this to the folks. I’m CONSIDERING to switch to marketing. Then it started =_= I’m kinda tired of being judged as hasty decision-maker with a bad temper. Do they not trust that I’ve started my research and survey on this before thinking about it? I mean, I’ve already dropped the idea of going freelancing fulltime. So I’m going for another alternative, what’s wrong with that? I’ll still be earning a steady income, right?

My studies in design and the years of working to gain experience going to waste, dad said. Come on. I know heaps of people who are working careers that are not in any way relevant to what they majored in, it’s not uncommon. Why am I sucuumbing to peer pressure, he asked. I’m not! This is solely my decision, I was just making a point that it’s not strange to switch lines to something I did not major in. Besides, my designing skills and knowledge won’t go to waste because I could still use it for Buibui. 

Marketing seems like a good choice as qualifications are not needed, cause training would be provided. Plus, it’s not a skill job, it’s not that hard to pick up. I’ve asked! They’re still stuck in the thought that marketing includes having to do sales as well. Aiyo, nowadays it’s 2 separate departments la… Also another thing. Wouldn’t it actually be a good thing that I’m picking up marketing now? Cause then I could use what I know to rebuild Buibui!

In the end, their main point of everything comes down to money. Earn a big paycheck, get a rich husband, etc. Look, I just want to be happy. I don’t need to earn big bucks and live a luxury life. I just want my life to be a happy one, doing things that make me feel happy. Most people run their lives to make others happy (’others’ namely, parents). But can I just be selfish here and run my own life to make myself happy? Life is too short

I’m home on sick leave today and been reading a few articles on the current global warming and climate change issue. I probably won’t explain it well, so I won’t even try. But what I’ve read so far is seriously worrying. What is happening to the world? To the planet?

Before watching the movie ‘2012′ over the weekend, I looked it up on the internet. Ok, so maybe this “prophecy” is mumbo jumbo. I can just brush it off with the thought that it’s all superstitions of various cultures. However, this theory is being backed up by astrology and science. How can I ignore that?? If.. If this is true, then we’re counting down 3 years til the so-called Apocalyse. Dear lord… Looking at the number of earthquakes and storms happening around the world, one can’t help but wonder. For real?!

Have you heard about the hundreds of Antartican icebergs floating near New Zealand? Have you read about the increasing heat of global warming rising the levels of the oceans? Have you read about greenhouse gases hitting record level? For that last bit, we can all look at ourselves and say ‘padan muka’. I don’t need to explain about greenhouse gases, do I, ignorant idiots? Myself included.

Remember weeks ago… When it used to be ridiculously hot everyday for many many weeks? When it was nearly impossible to sleep well without switching on the air-conditioning (hah). It was 32 degrees at night! Trying to relax at home but I was sweating like heck, it was unbearable. But lately… Well, it’s been raining a lot for the past couple of weeks. Or a few weeks. It didnt really rain much yesterday and it hasn’t rained for today either. Yet I’m feeling quite chilly. Sitting in this exact same spot when I sweated from the heat at night couple of months ago, today I’m actually feeling a little cold. And it’s in the middle of the afternoon! How weird.

Which reminds me. Last week I rushed home after work to have my birthday dinner with my parents, right. When I got home, I grabbed a jacket before heading out again. And I didn’t take it off until I got home after the dinner. It was a cold night! First time in my life that I needed a jacket in KL. What if we all need jackets going out in the future due to drastic climate change?

Ever thought of what you want to do before you die? So let’s say, the world is coming to an end in 3 years’ time… What would you like to do with your life?

So I have officially turned a quarter of a century old on the 17th. Somehow I felt kind of indifferent to go through another birthday this year lol. It’s not as exciting as birthdays used to be when I was younger. Birthdays seem to be more and more… “nothing”, as the years go by after age 21. Is it just me or does anyone else feel the same?

Anyway, the first celebration I had this year was with my dancemates. After TalentHub’s party last Saturday, we returned to Zouk that night to party at Velvet Lots of dancing and laughing and such. I really had fun ^^ Thanks, guys! Photo ’stolen’ from Izra:
 Love you guys!

Then on Monday, my birthday eve. Just a simple dinner with my parents. I decided to try something new, so we went to Yellow Cab Pizza in Ampang. Been meaning to try this place out because everyone claims that it’s the “BEST” pizza in town. My family fancies pizza, so let’s see how “best” it really is!
 Love the delivery Vespas!

We took a look at the menu, and almost did not get to eat here at all because everything has beef in it.

But luckily we can request to not have any beef in whatever flavor we order. Actually not much choice anyway, cause I read through the list of toppings. The only meat that is non-beef is chicken ham. The others? Beef pepperoni, ground beef, beef bacon, beed sausage, beef salami. And then there’s anchovies and shrimp. That’s one reason why we won’t be returning here again lol. We ordered a 14″ pizza with half Hawaiian without the beef bacon, and the other half is the Tribeca Mushrooms (with 3 types of mushrooms).
 Sooo big!

We also ordered an extra dish. Again, lots of beef. So we ordered the only non-beef item on the menu. But I didn’t eat it after one bite, because it is too spicy for me. The name is so funny… “Charlie Chan chicken pasta” lol XD

Our verdict? Ok, the pizza DOES taste delicious, no doubt about that. But neither me nor my parents would rate it as “best”. We’re thinking probably cause we have had soooooo much pizza during our Melbourne trip that our standard for “best” pizza has gone up a notch We rate Sofia’s pizza at Koo Yong Road in Melbourne as BEST
 Happy photo.

The next day, Tuesday, was my actual birthday. I celebrated with Darling over a great crabs dinner at Tak Fook Restaurant in Bandar Puteri Puchong. We ordered 1kg of salted egg crabs, 1kg of Marmite crabs, sizzling tofu and green vege.

I know what you’re thinking. 2 persons eating 2kg of crabs?! Lol we brought along Darling’s little nephew to help finish up the food So full!
 My love ^^

But after dinner, we still went to Secret Recipe to buy a slice of cake. Just to have some cake for my birthday
 Yummy Choc fudge!

So that’s what happened for my birthday so far. It ain’t over yet! Still one more celebration with my besties next week :D Update about that later hehe.

Talenthub’s Anniversary Party was last weekend! The one event that we’ve all been waiting for for weeks and weeks is finally over hehe. It was amazing, kudos to the fabulous Miss Fiona-Jane Gomez! I think all the students performed well too :D The only friends I spotted was Ika and John. Mei Fong was there too but I couldn’t find her. Thanks for coming, guys!

I’m thankful for the rehearsal on location in the morning. Cause I found out that I need to change my position for the last piece of street jam. I landed my ass on the pole’s podium during the back roll, ouuuuch >.< Overall I’m happy with our performances! Both jazz and street jam. I didn’t screw up like I did at the halloween performance at Segi wheee! I like Zouk as the location. Mainly because the air conditioning was cold enough that I didn’t sweat a lot like I usually do lol. Also the lighting effects were from the ceiling and over our heads, instead of from the floor and into our faces like Segi. And there was no smoke. It’s more comfortable to perform here

After the event, we left the place and went back to the room we rented at Pacific Regency. Showered, had pizza delivered for dinner, then got ready and out to Zouk again to paaaarty at Velvet! The peeps were having sort of an early birthday celebration for me It was fun, my first clubbing outing with the dancemates. Thanks guys, love u all! Muuuuahhh~!

I want to see more photos and videos of the performances! I don’t have many photos, and my videos kept focusing on me. Apa la you, John Oh well lol. Life’s back to normal now. I can finally focus on healing the bruises on my knees XD

Random things that I miss about the places that I have travelled to:

What I miss about Gold Coast:
~ Surfer’s Paradise, in summer
~ Movieworld
~ Too long ago to remember, I had no digicam and no blog back then

What I miss about Hong Kong:
~ Roasted pork
~ Egg tart
~ H&M

What I miss about Melbourne:
~ Limor’s
~ Sofia’s
~ Grill’d
~ Pancake Parlour
~ Koko Black
~ Supre
~ Sportsgirl

Ok, no big deal. It’s only Tuesday night, but I just wanna announce to everyone to DND* me for the rest of this week! Why? I’ll tell you why.

Wednesday : After work, rehearsal til 8pm. Then dindin with Ika, before heading back to the studio for class at 9pm. Til late.

Thursday : Rehearsal at 7pm. Plus dinner, who knows what time I’ll reach home. If it’s not too late, then I gotta work on our hiphop “uniforms”. Some of it, at least.

Friday : After work at home, continue working on the shirts. They MUST be done on Friday. Must! Then pack everything for Saturday. Damn, it’ll be a lot of stuff to pack… 3 event outfits, makeup, shoes…

Saturday : OMG! The big day! On leave from work (again), to attend on-location rehearsals at 10am. Then quick lunch and get ready for the performances. Showtime! Then the plan is to rent a room somewhere for us Street Jammers to crash, dinner, then to Zouk again for clubbing. Not sure about this yet, but one way or another, I won’t be available anyway lol.

Sunday : As usual, Sundays are my days to spend with my Honey Probably just gonna relax on this day with him, resting from my super exciting week.

I may still be unavailable for the following week(ends), becaaaaaause my birthday is next week! Should I woohoo or ohcrap? I think I opt for a WOOHOO lol. Then again, I feel a little indifferent about going through another birthday. Maybe it’s the age. The excitement for it dies down a little year after year. Teenage years, the age to look forward to is 17. Yippee, I can drive now! Then between teen years and adult years, the age to look forward to is 21. Woot, I’m officially legal! After 21? Pffft, you wish you could just stop right there, doncha lol. Oh well. Birthdays are good

*Note: DND = Do Not Disturb.
For people who might not know. Like Gor Love ya anyway, Gor hehe.

Do you know how it feels like when you are trying to call someone all day and you can’t reach them?

Worry, angry, confused, scared, panic, lost? Exactly.

The feeling sucks.