This Is All I Ask book review

I finished "This Is All I Ask" by this morning, after reading it through the night until 12 midnight.

Bad, I know, since it's school day today. I just can't help it. A perfectly fine book awaits my attention, what am I to do?

Moving on to the plot, this novel is great as usual. This is definitely one of my many favourites.

Both Gillian and Christopher are so insecure with themselves and this is what makes this book works. I like the way their misunderstandings is explored and the interactions with the other characters.

I'll probably write more about my favourites when time is on my side, when is pretty non-existence as the week progresses. Too many things, so little time...

Simple pleasures of life

Ahhh! I missed my blog's anniversary once again.

Here's to 4 years and counting! Cheers!

When I have the time to write more, I'll look back at the past memories and have a good, old reminiscence.

For now though, it had been a good week for me. I'm not going to comment how school life has been because that is not the main point here.

I had the good fortune of borrowing "If I Had You" by Lynn Kurland in the school library on the first day back. Yay! Finished it over the course of 2 days, give or take 24 hours.

I quite like Robin and Anne's story.

I had reserved a copy of "This Is All I Ask" in the public library some weeks before and I picked it up today. It is mine for 2 weeks and it only costs $1.55. I am currently reading it and will probably savour it over and over again.

These 2 titles "A Dance Through Time" and "Much Ado In The Moonlight" are my latest acquisitions. Double Yay-ness! I'm so happy when it was a series of fate that brought me these novels in my possession.

So, a few weeks ago, I went to Kinokuniya to order in these 2 titles. I was told that they will be here in 6-8 weeks time. I thought, they could make a fine Christmas present.

I received a phone-call on Friday but my phone ran out of battery. It was a fleeting thought that maybe, just maybe, it was Kinokuniya who called me. Indeed, the 4 front numbers correspond with the number on the website. However, the last few numbers were not, so I wasn't too sure.

On Saturday, the same number appeared on my phone but I missed it. I tried to call back and no one picked up. Just my luck that my brother wanted to go to Borders. My father asked me to see if my books have arrive since Kinokuniya is a walking distance away. I didn't want to at first, since they didn't actually confirm with me, be it via e-mail or call.

Finally, I got my books and they did call me twice. Ha, what a story it had been. Have I not suspect it, have my father not asked me to check... Too many "what ifs" will likely caused me regret.

Besides, I'm pleased to say that I spent less on these 2 titles than what it would have cost me should I buy off the shelves. One off-shelf novel costs $17++, but I only paid $13++ for one title I ordered in. I don't see the maths behind it, however, I'm certainly a happy customer. I was grinning when I paid for them.

I'll have to slow down on my reading. Or else, I'll be left with no simple pleasures in life for a long while. It's perfectly fine to live in the fantasy world for just some moments.

-

Start of an end

*Groans* The semester has barely started and I'm already feeling the stress. How bad is it?

I'm sort of surprise to see so many guys in this elective class. Though, given the reasons why, I don't seem too surprised. And here I am, wondering if I made another mistake.

There are certain peaks, I'm sure. But that is not the reason why I chose this elective in the beginning.

No end-sem exams? Seriously speaking, it's more of a downside for me. I like to be in full control of myself, with 100% coursework means projects stand a higher percentage, and this equals to handing that control to some people I can't gauge.

Although, I like to think of the opposite when the end-sem exams roll in. How lovely, right? I can have extra holidays when the others are slaving away. Of course, given THE time I'll be slaving away, well...

I can only hope that I'm twice lucky. I'm always thankful when I thought of the first time. Twice is the charm, please.

Purely based on first impressions, I'm a little prejudice here, I think we should be good...

The problem is "this subject is for passing" doesn't raise my confidence anymore better than "this subject has a low passing rate". I don't want to just pass, I don't even want to get a B if I can help it. I'm aiming for all As and B+s with the occasional B.

That being said, I don't set almost impossible standards, say, scoring all Zs and As or a GPA of 3.9. I'm being realistic with a bit of fantasy thrown in.

I don't know when this high expectation of mine sets in. It must be when I first received my surprising GPA during semester 1.1 that said it is possible for me. With 3 semesters left to go, this proves to be the toughest race yet. Obviously, every semester is going to get worse, but I'll wallow in this for the time being.

PBL projects at every turn. Gods, I harbour a thought that I can avoid it if I didn't choose HR elective. Well, that's wishful thinking. However, the main reason I didn't want to choose HR elective is a tale for another day.

Everyone has their own gains in mind when they choose groups. I can deduce that much. It's obvious, isn't it? Like I said, handing that control to others is not an easy thing or the most secure thing on Earth.

Ahh, it's a complex and selfish world out there. With the sharks and barracudas in the corporate world, what we have now is in the mildest form.

I always wanted to use that "What a barracuda!" sentence somewhere. It's one of my favourite sentence after reading a novel.

Get real

"It's time. To get real. And leave the rest for later."

I'm feeling the stress already. Goodness. Everything should work out fine, I hope. I do not enjoy having a roller-coaster in my poly life. Not now, not ever.

What I want is good and sensible group-members who can do their work, more than average lecturers, a painless existence. Please.

I promise myself if I do well for my exams in semester 2.2, I'll get that Slytherin tie I coveted.

Cheers

*Double sigh-ness*

And my holidays has surely come to an standstill...

Two more days as a free person and I'm so not looking forward to being tied down.

The things I set out to accomplish during the holidays has remain unaccomplished. What happen there, I'm not too sure. Between the savouring of novels, spending time online and working, there isn't much time for anything else.

Tomorrow is a public holiday which means no work, yay! I can at least complete that banner for the blog like I plan.

It's a complete double whammy. It's outrageous!

The timetable stings big time. 3 days of classes at 9am which means that I have to wake at 5.30am. 3 days of ending at 6pm which corresponds with the 9am classes. Starting late on Mondays but ending at 8pm, no thanks to World Issues CDS.

One good thing is that I'm free to work on Tuesdays. Ending at noon and will report in 4.30pm.

Gosh, when did I start to look forward to working? At least, cash is coming in...

Here's a toast for early starts, late endings and long hours altogether. Cheers. Another toast for semester 2.2 to pass as quickly and painless as possible. Here's to us. You know what? Just pass me the bottle of fire whiskey.
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Gods, my heart stood still for some moments.

I received the news that my laptop battery died on me and the laptop can't be used. I was just so upset over it! I'm supposed to be doing my banner tomorrow... Until I unplugged and plugged in the battery into a new socket. It worked! Thank goodness!

However, the desktop died for some reasons. It means that my brothers will suffer a little and used my laptop. They can used it while I'm in school and I've got to set rules for them.

(500) days of summer movie review

"why make something disposable like a building when you can make something that last forever, like a greeting card"

-

Watched (500) days of summer twice this week. All I can say is "It was gooood~~" Do emphasis on the good.

This has an out-of-the-box plot and it is very enjoyable. I like how this isn't the carbon copy of romance movies out there where there's a 'happily ever after' between the 2 main leads. However, I can't help it but to wish that they can be together.

I especially love the chemistry between Zooey Deschanel (Summer) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Tom). She's beautiful and the guy is good-looking. I love the soundtrack too.

The first time was on Monday with a friend at Cathay. The whole cinema was almost full which came as a surprise because it was a weekday and a school day. So, you can imagine there were many students in their school attire there.

After watching the movie, we went shopping. Well, my friend shopped, I accompanied her. It's been a long time since I went out shopping with a friend. Everyone including me is bust with their own stuff and lives.

The second time was with cousin and brothers on Wednesday at GVMax. I love GVMax! The seats are big with extra leg room, the screen is the biggest yet. My cousin was on holidays before the O levels, my brother had finished his exams and the other brother hasn't had exams yet. As such, we decided to catch the movie.

We left house at 3.15pm and the movie was at 4.25pm. I underestimated the travel time and rushed the whole way there while cursing. To add fuel to the fire, there was a snaking queue at the ticket counters with lots of teenagers. The time was already 4.45 when I bought the tickets. My cousin also reached in time when I bought them.

I should have just bought tickets online, afterall there was no student price available anyway. What a cold shower for me...

Rushed in to only find the advertisements and trailers were running. Phew! What a relief! It was like rushing for Twilight the movie. But, that's another tale for another day.

Second time was as refreshing and enjoyable as the first time. Explained some jokes to my cousin at the midst of the movie. There are many jokes one will get it if you understand.

Ate at Burger King and had Ben's and jerry's ice-cream for dessert. My uncle came and he dropped us off at Newton MRT station where we headed home.

So, there are a few choice swear words, but who's counting them? It's a PG film, for goodness sake.

"How was your weekend?" "It was gooood".

"Roses are red, violets are blue. F*** you, w****."

"She took a giant s*** on my face. Literally."
"Literally?"
"Well, no, not literally. That's disgusting!"

"No Paul. No jobs. I'm still unemployed. We just kissed."

Le Gasp

Treated the family at Sakae Sushi at Marina Square on Saturday after I got my first ever pay-check a couple of weeks ago. I told my father I'll be forking out $70 and the rest will be paid by him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Le Gasp! An icy tendril has curled around my heart. Truly poetic... Just imagining this time next week I'll be in school slaving out the new semester makes me hyperventilate.

Goodness. I know it's not as bleak as I make it out to be. Somehow, the thought of giving all that I had now breaks me into sweat.

Furthermore listening to some songs makes me rather depressed in this kind of situation. It just makes me want to tear up...

Once more, with feeling

Ahh crap! @#%@#$!

I've always wanted to do this ever since Ron Weasley did it in the books. *Makes violent gestures in the air*. I only wish it did a whole lot of good...

The whole situation is stupid and I'm even the bigger fool. How did I come to this sorry state I'm in now? God, the more I think about it, the more I wanted to cry. I'm going to get high blood pressure sooner or later because of all this disgruntlement I had. It's so difficult to suppress all these bad vibes but if I blurt them out, I'll surely cry.

This is all my own doing. I. Get. It. I can protest, I know. I feel like "AK-ing" myself but why I should I be aiming the wand at myself? I should be aiming at someone instead.

I wish I can say the 2 magical words and no, it's not "Avada Kedavra". Unfortunately, driven by own 'selfish' agenda and wants, I can't do it. I'm, like they say, irrevocably stuck.

I've plans, I intent to realise it, as such, I can only get myself in deeper trouble.

I'm feeling worse for wear. *Bangs head against wall* This is getting out of hand. Now, I want to do harm to myself...

Such circumstances brings out the worst of everyone... *Sighs*

The whole monstrosity got to stop. I. Had. Enough.

#$%^#@

Time a-ticking

"Time's fun when you are having flies"

"Holidays is a godsend"

Eeeek! One week left before 'my time is up'.

They say "time flies when you are having fun". Scary how time flies even if you are NOT having fun.

The holidays has been hectic, really. Sure, I read lots of novels. That's the part I enjoyed most, actually. Free to sleep late, wake up early, laze around and read for pleasure; basically just be a jellyfish for some part. I can ease my mind to think of trivial stuff, make up sequels for fanfics and novels, dream for a better part of my day. I can worry about how to get my hands on books and how to survive another day at work.

I don't have to worry constantly, having sleepless nights due to school and projects. I don't have to stress myself unnecessarily. Frequently, I give myself undue stress to pace myself. I work myself up in a frenzy to push myself along. I don't have to care for anything too tough. *Sighs*

That's the benefits of holidays. I can't believe I just realise it now. *Headdesk* Maybe it's due to working for 4 days a week this time round, leaving me with just 3 days of complete freedom that I've come to appreciate this godsend more.

Oh nooo, projects and more projects will be coming. I'm almost dreading the thought of returning to school. New classmates, again! Who knows if they will be good project mates? I don't want to end up with some people who are freeloaders or not serious at all, for god's sake. The eye-glaring problem is we aren't allow time to know each other better before being asked to form groups. How in the world are we going to know who is good?

This must be a conspiracy. Please don't tell me this is similar to workplace life. If that's true, what's with the grading, GPA and what not?


*Groans*, will this never ends?! Non, it'll never end, until 2011 rolls in... Just when I'm about to familiarise myself with people, change is a-coming...
 
Oh, please let my time-table be good, no long breaks within classes and I want to go home early, even for the sake for cash.
 
 

 

Thirteen Chances book review

So, this is the novel in question.

Was it only me who doesn't appreciate the cover? I don't know, the cover of hard-naked man suggests that it's one of those steamy novels I saw on the Romance shelves. Of course, like the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover". This is indeed so here.

I much prefer the covers of the first 3 books.

I must say, Christian's and Emma's story is fast becoming my favourite in all of Cindy Miles' novels. Spirited Away is still my top favourite though.

This is a lovely, lovely PG-rating novel! The story is so heartrending and filled with hilarious moments at the same time.

I especially love the return of previous characters from previous novels. The Dreadmoor gang (my favourite), the Munros, etc. Jason of Dreadmoor has been and still is my favourite! Woo! I enjoyed his parts in this story very much. I can't help but wish that I can hear more about Tristan and other members.

And the way the castle and mist in Wales are describe in the book, wow! It just makes me want to visit Wales... *Sighs*

Christian is a very likable character, like the rest of the male protagonists in previous books. Twelve-century, a ghost (for a better part) and full of chivalry, who doesn't like that? Emma is a great character too.

The plot is wonderful in here, lovers being reunited every 72 years only to fail to be together is refreshing. I feel that the author has improved since Spirited Away.

Thirteen Chances is a good read, sweet and touching with humour mix in. A combination I can't resist.

Can't wait to see what else she's got to offer.

Ha, got my hands on it

Woohoo! I finally got my hands on Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles! And it's all due to sheer luck and some perseverance.

Alright, so I haven't tried 13 times but I certainly did make useless trips to Kinokuniya and Borders.

Yesterday morning , I went to see the dermatologist at Novena medical centre with my father and than I left for Orchard while my father went to work.

I went traipsing from Borders at Wheelock Place to Kinokuniya at Takashimaya. My destination to be was actually Kinokuniya because I wanted to order some novels. Yes, I was planning to order in Thirteen Chances.

However, I decided to make a trip to Borders first. I don't know what prompt me to do that but it certainly was right. Searched for it under the new releases section to no avail. I was going to give up when I went further down the aisle to the Romance section and 'lo and behold!', 2 copies of Thirteen Chances are sitting on the shelf!

I was grinning to myself as I check the book for defects. Happily paid for it. Oh well, Borders may mark up the prices but I'm willing to pay a little more if it means I can get my books on the spot. I may be the customer and have every right to choose which bookstore to patronise but what's a girl to do when only one bookstore offers the coveted novel.

Walked to Kinokuniya and double-checked the shelves. Already I knew the chances of them to update their shelves are minimal, however, I can't help but to check again. No such luck.

Placed an order for two of Lynn Kurland's novels with the staff.

It felt good and at the same time, I felt a little guilty. To add to my defense, the only things in life I indulge in are branded ice-cream, chocolates and books and some other stuff. Besides, I just got my pay and I haven't treat myself for that traumatic experience, nevermind that I'm suppose to save all...

Went home and started reading Thirteen Chances. I'll do a review for it in another entry.

Titles

"Times flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana"

Phew, what a relief! I thought that there is something wrong with Blogger again. Suddenly, all the icons are gone and I'm stuck in a Html mode... But, it's fine now.

I have been thinking about changing my Blog title for quite some time. I'm down to 2 titles; "In a Reverie" and "A pensieve-ful of memories". I like both, almost equally.

However, I've a soft spot for the former. It's short and sweet, and speaks volumes. I got the idea from someone. As for the one-liner below the title, I think I'll go with "Wielding the pen with a flourish". One fine eve during work inspire this. Again, it brings across the points quite clearly.

Maybe, I'll do two banners for the two titles. That way, I'm able to change it whenever I feel like it.

A change is what I need. It's October, soon the Blog's anniversary will be here. Has it been 4 years already? Time sure pass fast.

What a joke!

I've been to hell and back.

These 2 days were hellish. Oh gods, I need chocolates to get over the traumatic experience.

So, I got my first pay check. Cold, hard cash, literally. $464, equalivent to about 92 hours of work. 92 hours wasted, 92 hours of my life. To see it in another way, 4 days, gone. If I see it this way, perhaps it's better.

Well, something is better than nothing. Even though that something is minimal. It's not much actually. $5 per hour is the minimal wage rate, dare I say. A start, but I won't linger.

Back to the main issue, there is supposed to be 2 markers for corrections and 2 markers for classwork worksheets. However, due to unforseen circumstances, there's only 1 marker for correction (me) and 1 marker for classwork (another girl) on Friday and Saturday.

What made me feel sorry for myself was I had to do what used to be 2 people's jobs. But, that's alright, if they compensate. Obviously they didn't, and it just made me raved all night. How stressful it was to do everything by myself!

And those ickle children don't make the job easier. Why can't they check their corrections and work before handing up? Sometimes, they had to hand in twice and three times before they did their corrections. Furthermore, some of them don't even do their corrections properly or forget to do their corrections. Gah! I had to use simplified words to speak to them on some occasions.

So, I thought today would be better. It's Saturday, and last month I had seen enough markers coming. But, no! What a horror for me. It's back to me marking corrections and the other girl  marking classwork. I was shouting out my "evil" thoughts all day long that I reckon ghosts can hear them, well, Lynn Kurland's version of ghosties anyway. It's so unfair!

What made me madder was that I can't lie to save myself. Ha. What a big, fat joke! I finished all the work and was ready to make a run for it. I'm extremely hungry and cranky. Like the saying goes; "a hungry man is an angry man".

Who should stop me but my mouth and brainless mind. The instructor asked if I have time to stay back and do some more marking of homework. A clever person would say no, sorry, I've got something on. A person like me would say "Ermm, I'm not in a hurry to go home. I can stay and mark some." *Bangs head on desk*

I regretted it as soon as I said those "lucky" words. More mind shouting ensued. I made a run for it after 2 homework packs. It was about 30 minutes later.

No more mindless stuff!

There are times when I wonder if the decision I made justify the ends. *Sighs* I wanted to make a trip to Florida, USA in 2011, preferably with my own money. The way to achieve that is to work, of course. I told myself it will be worth it. However, I wonder if I can hang in there. If I don't go mad, my blood pressure will rise anyway.

"Mens agitat molem"- Mind moves matter. Another great saying. If I have the willpower, I can get the needed cash and enjoy myself. No matter the obstacles. It's sounds good, theoretically. Practical? I don't think so.

Enough ranting for now.