Merci

Woah!

New Moon movie is totally awesome! Yahoo!
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Thank you, Chris Weitz!

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For giving us fans a movie we can relate to!

I'll write the scene-by-scene analysis tomorrow. My schedule is kinda tight at the moment. Definitely getting the special edition DVD as soon as it is out!

The day of reckoning is soon to descend

Goodness, I feel almost guilty for not putting in enough effort for my World Issues test on the morrow. There, I said it.

Nonetheless, I have high hopes because one, I must do well to get that A, two, it's common sense and not pure mugging for World Issues. I just hope that my common sense is intact tomorrow.

I've sooo many things going on. It's almost like Lou in The Gift, having to be in 2 places at one.

I promise myself this post is going to be short as I still have to re-read my last pages of New Moon. Initially, I wanted to post about the seating arrangements for the movie and other stuff. That will have to wait.

I can't believe after all the good comments about the movie in the last couple of weeks, I have the misfortune of hearing bad things today. Whatever, you know? As a fan, if I like it, that's what that matters. I shouldn't let all these naysayers spoil my mood. They are not fans and supporters to begin with anyway. They don't know what fans want to see and what Chris Weitz had in mind.

Are they the ones who bring NM to the top 5 spot in the highest-grossing movies in 2009? Ultimately, I will pass my judgement tomorrow. Until then, I will let good vibes come my way and lose myself.

As the last hour ticks by, 3th December will be nearly upon us. The feeling of anticipation is calming down.

Cheers!

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Heartbeat beating

Booked my tickets for the movie event!

Technically, I booked it last Friday, despite that, I still lose the "best seats in house". So, I had to settle for second.

My twilighter cousin and brothers will be going along. I sure hope I can get there with time to spare to collect tickets and catch a breathe before losing myself for 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Time is really not on my side. I'm busy, busy all day and night and I have not study for my World Issues test. I've work, as usual.

No time to finish reading New Moon, oh gods. It's like Harry Potter HBP all over again. I'm going to start scanning and processing the pages as soon as I have the time before Thursday.

I'm really excited for the big day! I watched the full trailer again and was shocked by the graphics. Wooo, I never managed to catch my breath back. Breathtaking!

As the time draws nearer, I can feel the emotions swelling. If I was in the States, who knows where I'll be for the movie premier? Too bad, I'm in Singapore.

Nearly 1 year since the first twilight saga movie came out, and nearly 4 years since I became a fan.

6 more months to Eclipse and David Slade's showcase!

Re-reading & numbers for New Moon

I'm re-reading New Moon amid the midst of upcoming deadlines to prepare for the movie event.
I've got to say, re-reading the book has brought me a fresh new perspective. It just strengthens the point on why I fall in love with the series in the first place. It's like a breeze in the heat.

After a break of of so many months, flipping open the book brought back so much memories.

I love the descriptions of Edward and Jacob, the emotions and the setting of the scenes.

Edward with his velvety voice, smothering golden eyes and crooked smile, oh my, that is something one can only get in the books. Jacob with his sunny disposition and ability to make everyone feel at ease around him. Now, that's 2 guys who best remain fiction.

One can achieve the settings and backdrop perfectly, but one can seldom get the personality and character right for a movie.

I used to be one of those people who blurred the lines between fiction characters and movie persona. Now, after the bad experience with the movie-who-must-not-be-named, I make sure the lines are not crossed.

Fiction will remain as fiction and they are the best things that could happen. Actors' portrayal of these characters are second or third.

On another note, I have to thank Chris Weitz for a job well-done. I may not have seen the movie, but judging from the general feedback from fans, it was awesome and so much better than the prequel.
http://www.twilightlexicon.com/2009/11/24/ew-interviews-chris-wietz-the-post-movie-reaction/

Chris Weitz is a hero for sticking up with his beliefs and created a movie that is made for fans, no matter that critics don't like it. I love this quote of his "this was made for the fans, and if you don’t get it, then you don’t get it." How true.

And fans don't disappoint. New Moon movie is moving up the line in the biggest earning movies in 2009 domestic gross (USA). Currently, it's number 6, just $30 million behind Star Trek. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?yr=2009&p=.htm

I'll reserve my comments for the big day and will give a scene-by-scene analysis when all is said and done.

When the holidays come, I'll be brainstorming on the design for the countdown clock for Eclipse.

For now though, I've got to face reality with tests and projects.

Box office record for New Moon

I'm going to take a leaf out of Bella's book. Holy Crow!

The statistics are in, and New Moon movie has set a new midnight box-office record of $26.27 million in the USA alone, I'm guessing. Midnight showings, mind you.

It has beaten The Dark Knight and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince's takings on the midnight debut.

This is totally cool! I can only hope that Singapore can make this sort of impact. I'm contributing to the first-day takings, obviously.

In Australia, they took in AUS$1.7 million ($1.6 million) from midnight showings, also a record high since Star Wars 3. I'm not too sure about the Europeans' takings, but am sure they are going to be phenomenal.

It just makes the mind wonder what will be the first weekend earnings be like in the States.

I'm trying to stay spoiler-free this time round. All I know is that there are praises for Christ Weitz and critics don't like it. Ahh well, you can't please all of them.

Eeek, it just make everything seems so fun and exciting. I can't wait to see what my reaction will be. I've a feeling that I'm going to surprise myself.

No matter what, how bad can New Moon be when you compared it to the disastrous prequel?

No specific reviews for me. It is extremely tempting to just click the the links and read what fans have to say but I must resist in order to make things sweeter.

TGIF & NM movie

TGIF! Not.

My timetable for Friday sux big time. From 9am to 6pm, who in their right mind would arrange such a thing, on Friday no less.

Oh my goodness, I can't believe it's another Friday. I'm feeling so tired as I'm typing this. I'm weary of everything. Just as soon as you finished a couple of things, out come more deadlines to hit.

It's Friday night and I'm supposed to be doing something constructive. But, alas, I can't find the energy and inspiration to do it. I'm almost fully occupied on Saturday what with work and going out.

Many, many things to accomplish. Mid-semester tests, tests, individual projects, and the headache-inducing group projects. This is Poly life. Schedule that is packed like sardines only to have go back to zero during the long holidays.

Don't get me wrong, long holidays are what keep us surviving. The mere thought of freedom with no "responsibilities" is enough to make me salivated.

Sometimes, I just feel like I'm barely keeping afloat. Looking back, I wonder how I came this far. If there is a chance to do everything again, I truly marvelled at my ability to go through the tortures, one year after one year.

I have my long term plans and short term goals in mind, that's why I put up with all these ridiculous businesses. In any other circumstances, let's just say I won't be caught doing this.
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Woohoo! Can't believe that one year has passed by. New Moon the movie is out in USA today, for those who went to the midnight premier.

Lucky them.

I do want to go for a midnight showing of New Moon too. But, commitments made it impossible. Ahh well.

3rd December is not too far now, with 12 days left to go, I have so much to prepare. Task 1 is to re-read New Moon. Task 2 is to remain spoiler-free. Task 3 is to start brain-storming on the design and tagline for the Eclipse movie countdown clock.

Can't wait to see how it turns out in Christ Weitz's hands. I'm feeling like a giddy fan despite my losing of interest in the franchise a few months ago.

The Gift book review

"If you could wish for one gift this Christmas, what would it be?"

This is the book that caught my eye since it came out last year but I never got around buying it. The pretty silver hardcover book wrapped with its red ribbon is truly a gift.
Spent my night yesterday catching on my reading and I ended up weeping myself to sleep.
Cecelia Ahern is a truly marvellous and credit-worthy author. I've read but 2 of her books and they never fail to reduce me to tears.
It started out slow, building up the suspense and intrigue the reader. The main events that take place is told like a story, between an officer and a rebellious teenager. It's a story with a lesson in it; to appreciate your loved ones and work out on your priorities in life.
The events take place weeks before Christmas, adding to the charm of it.
Lou Suffern, a man who has to be at 2 places at the same time. One winter morning, Lou befriended Gabe, a homeless man outside his office building. That begins a strange friendship. Gabe' character seems out-worldly of sort, as though he is sent to help Lou sort things out. A pill that is more than it looks, a science con. "A con of science. A conscience."
There's no happy ending, at least not that "and they lived happily ever after" kind of ending.
Lou's family forgive him for all that he has not done for them and he realised his follies. Unfortunately, the chance for a brighter future is taken away from them in an accident. However, Lou managed to get one last night with his family as a clone. When the clock striked twelve, he left the world forever.
This is the part that made me cried. It was so, so touching.
I love Cecelia Ahern's writing style! She has a knack in comparing every-day things to something else and her descriptions are beyond words.
"Time cannot be packaged and ribboned and left under trees for Christmas morning. Time can't be given. But it can be shared."
If I could, I would love to gift this book to loved ones this Christmas. For the ultimate Christmas experience in a less than Christmas-y atmosphere, read The Gift by Cecelia Ahern.

On and on

No time to call my own.

No amount of money is worth the "torture". But, when that money is spent on something so pleasing, I'll probably laugh and contradict myself.

Just realised that I've been posting entries about my sorry self. I'll try my best to change. Time is a-slipping by.

Once my 2 individual projects are done, it's time for revision on the various subjects for the upcoming mid-semester tests and quizzes. Let's see, World Issues quiz 1, Club and Resort quiz 1, communication skills 2 test, and mid-semester tests.

Holy, it's enough to make one breathless. 3rd December seems so far away, I shudder to think the perilous paths I have to take before enjoying my movie.

I can't wait for mid-December! 2 weeks of holidays, so much to achieve. I really hope I can get out of the stifling country, literally and figuratively. A getaway is what I need to get away from it all. Somewhere where I can relax for a while.

Sometimes, I wish I can say "frankly my dear, I don't give a damn". However, I'm not that kind of person in nature. One can hope though.

Supposedly 2 short school days from tomorrow, but due to my bad fortune, I still have to go to school, albeit at a later timing. To quote my father "Who ask you to be so special?" Yes, sometimes I wonder too. To be in the certificate programme sounds cool but is not.

Have to mug for Franchise Business project tonight and tomorrow.

Third week

End of third week.

Gods, it's a torture! Individual projects are going to be handed up soon, as soon as next Friday.

Franchise Business is a headache. The teacher is no help at all, giving vague answers to questions regarding the project. I'm guessing he wants us to surprise him.

World Issues grouping is done. All I can say is that the topic we chose should be OK to do. Food crisis in Africa is one of my favourite topic.

I'm doing educational industry for Franchise project and plumbing industry for SME project. I hope I can get good marks for both projects since it stands at 15% each.

I've no inspiration to write and this is the best I can come up with. I'm stressed to the max and my shoulder is aching.

Ranting

Second week of school's out and it's getting worst. All groups have been finalised and now it's time to start on individual and group projects.

Seriously, this new semester is one big, giant headache.

I don't like my World Issues class. The teacher has an accent so strong that half the time, I don't understand what he's talking. This is made worse by I'm all alone there.

Furthermore, World Issues always make me feel inadequate. I've always thought that I'm quite in touch with the world, however, it hardly seems that way. OK, I do know many things in vague, just not in detail.

There is no way I can know everything in the world, I'm not a walking BBC station or whatever. And in what free time I have, I'd rather spend it on what I like, than to do what is good for me.

I dislike things that cause much overwhelming. If I want to learn something, I'd rather do it during holidays to prevent myself from bursting an artery. I have my hands and feet tied by school, the last thing I need is to overwhelm myself unnecessary.

Right, got to stop here now.

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.

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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"

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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.
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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.