Is it that sacrilegious to go to the cinemas and watch a movie on your own?
I don't think so.
And I went today on my own. I was hoping to catch Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but missed it by 15 minutes. So, I opted to watch The Other Boleyn Girl instead. And I got to admit that I really enjoyed the movies...on my own...its like watching a dvd at home...on your own...the only difference is the size of the screen.
What do I have to say about the movie itself? Well, I'm pretty sure that it isn't historically accurate or sound. But, since I can't remember much about Anne Boleyn, although I did study her in history back in high school, I really enjoyed it.
If I don't check my watch during the movie, then it wasn't boring.
If I don't continually munch on my lollies, then it was engaging.
If I don't think, "WTF?" at the end of the movie, then it satisfied my need to have a clear ending.
I can't say it was the best movie I had ever watched, but I enjoyed it and it served its purpose for a Sunday afternoon. I'm not sure if I would recommend this movie to everyone...i think its a movie only for some.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Ayurve Wellness Spa...
I booked M and me an hour long relaxation massage as a birthday present for M last night. There was a promotion which enabled me to purchase 2 sessions for the price of one. Which was fabulous, I needed one soo much. And M also really needed a massage.
What I didn't anticipate was that there would be two massage beds in the same room. I was expecting the both of us to be in separate rooms, but no...we had two beds in the one room! *LoL*
I never experienced a massage with another person in the room before. Not that it really made a difference, but it was odd all the same. The two massage therapists were matched to our different heights. The taller one massaged me, and the shorter therapist massaged M.
I told my massage therapist that I had a sore back from doing weights at the gym, so she concentrated on my back longer than the rest of me. But had I known better, I should have told her to concentrate on my traps and shoulders and my head. She only massaged my scalp and head 3 times quickly before the hour ended and it felt so good I didn't want her to stop.
M also wished that her massage therapist spent 30 minutes on her scalp and head and neck.
Next time...
I really needed the massage. This week has been stressful. I know, its my second last week...why am I stressing? Well, the company has just realised that I know all the finances for the program (over a 2 yr period), and nobody else has a clue whether their position is good or bad? Their client has no clue either. How ridiculous is that? I'm the only one...a contractor mind you...who knows where their financial position stands. So, I have been stuck doing more financial reports than I could ever recall, and I'm not even a finance person. I have a meeting with their client next week...grrr...to explain to a board of men how much money had flowed between the two companies.
I know its late and I should go to sleep...but I can't be bothered right now.
I actually need to do work over the long weekend.
*sigh*
What I didn't anticipate was that there would be two massage beds in the same room. I was expecting the both of us to be in separate rooms, but no...we had two beds in the one room! *LoL*
I never experienced a massage with another person in the room before. Not that it really made a difference, but it was odd all the same. The two massage therapists were matched to our different heights. The taller one massaged me, and the shorter therapist massaged M.
I told my massage therapist that I had a sore back from doing weights at the gym, so she concentrated on my back longer than the rest of me. But had I known better, I should have told her to concentrate on my traps and shoulders and my head. She only massaged my scalp and head 3 times quickly before the hour ended and it felt so good I didn't want her to stop.
M also wished that her massage therapist spent 30 minutes on her scalp and head and neck.
Next time...
I really needed the massage. This week has been stressful. I know, its my second last week...why am I stressing? Well, the company has just realised that I know all the finances for the program (over a 2 yr period), and nobody else has a clue whether their position is good or bad? Their client has no clue either. How ridiculous is that? I'm the only one...a contractor mind you...who knows where their financial position stands. So, I have been stuck doing more financial reports than I could ever recall, and I'm not even a finance person. I have a meeting with their client next week...grrr...to explain to a board of men how much money had flowed between the two companies.
I know its late and I should go to sleep...but I can't be bothered right now.
I actually need to do work over the long weekend.
*sigh*
Friday, April 18, 2008
Lars and the real girl...
I went to Dendy's Opera Quays last night...I've forgotten how much I enjoy going to the cinemas at Dendy's at CQ.
I had wanted to watch Lars and the real girl when I found out that Ryan Gosling was in it. I really enjoyed Half Nelson and no, it is not because of The Notebook...I still haven't watched it yet and probably never will!
If you are after a feel good, offbeat comedy that is done really well, this is the movie to watch. Might be a tad sappy for the blokes...but I loved it. I was actually moved to a point where I got teary eyes...M was moved too...she really needed a tissue while we were in the cinema, but her male friend was sitting between us and I didn't know she needed one until the movie ended and we got out.
Don't get the wrong impression...its not a cry-fest or anything like that. Its a feel good movie after all. Its just that there are moments that tug on the heart strings...there are moments where you feel what the characters feel...there are moments where you feel warm and fuzzy and it brings a tear to your eye...
AND there is a lot of laughs...I laughed quite a lot actually...to a point that I started getting self conscious about it.
Briefly, Lars likes keeping to himself and lives in the garage, while his brother and sis in law live in the house he grew up in. He is a really good hearted, genuinely nice guy...but he obviously has a problem. Whether the problem is big or small...or just an anti-social behaviour...well, you can watch and decide that.
One day he brings a girl home and asks his brother and sis in law if they can put her up in a spare room in the house, because she is religious and it wouldn't be appropriate for her to share the garage with him. He tells them that she is shy and doesn't speak much and that she is in a wheel chair. The girl is in fact an anatomically correct, life sized doll called Bianca.
I'm not going to tell you what else happens, because that would spoil the fun. But trust me...this is a gem of a movie. If you like movies like Napoleon Dynamite or Little Miss Sunshine, if you are a Ryan Gosling fan, if you are looking for something different to watch - I would highly recommend this movie.
*^_^*
I had wanted to watch Lars and the real girl when I found out that Ryan Gosling was in it. I really enjoyed Half Nelson and no, it is not because of The Notebook...I still haven't watched it yet and probably never will!
If you are after a feel good, offbeat comedy that is done really well, this is the movie to watch. Might be a tad sappy for the blokes...but I loved it. I was actually moved to a point where I got teary eyes...M was moved too...she really needed a tissue while we were in the cinema, but her male friend was sitting between us and I didn't know she needed one until the movie ended and we got out.
Don't get the wrong impression...its not a cry-fest or anything like that. Its a feel good movie after all. Its just that there are moments that tug on the heart strings...there are moments where you feel what the characters feel...there are moments where you feel warm and fuzzy and it brings a tear to your eye...
AND there is a lot of laughs...I laughed quite a lot actually...to a point that I started getting self conscious about it.
Briefly, Lars likes keeping to himself and lives in the garage, while his brother and sis in law live in the house he grew up in. He is a really good hearted, genuinely nice guy...but he obviously has a problem. Whether the problem is big or small...or just an anti-social behaviour...well, you can watch and decide that.
One day he brings a girl home and asks his brother and sis in law if they can put her up in a spare room in the house, because she is religious and it wouldn't be appropriate for her to share the garage with him. He tells them that she is shy and doesn't speak much and that she is in a wheel chair. The girl is in fact an anatomically correct, life sized doll called Bianca.
I'm not going to tell you what else happens, because that would spoil the fun. But trust me...this is a gem of a movie. If you like movies like Napoleon Dynamite or Little Miss Sunshine, if you are a Ryan Gosling fan, if you are looking for something different to watch - I would highly recommend this movie.
*^_^*
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Friend...no more.
You know, it really irritates me that since you found yourself someone that the only time you contact me is when you need my help!
You don't contact me via msn to just say "hi, how are you?" And you don't even remember my birthday to send a quick sms reading "Happy B'day"...or belated since you forgot!!! Heaven forbid that you actually email me or even forward a funny email to me...
I sent you a really nice and pleasant sms for your birthday. And I would have called if I was certain that you were by yourself, I mean, I wouldnt want to cause a rift between you and your new special someone. I sent you something along the lines of "Happy Birthday! I would wish that all your dreams come true, but it seems like all have come to fruition except the dream job...so I hope you get that soon!" I mean, how nice is that?!?!
What did i get from you??? Nothing.
Instead on the second day after my birthday I get a msn window popping up at work with a "Hi, how are you?"...sounding all pleasant and promising...BUT it was directly followed by a "I need some advice from you..."
There was no - "hey, sorry I missed your birthday - Happy belated B'day"...
All i got was "I need some advice..." Like WTF???
I'm not your f#$%ing "Go To Girl". And even when I was running around in between meetings and left a voicemail on your phone letting you know I was available to chat now and help you out, you would think that out of common decency, you would have sms'd or called me back to let me know that you have figured something out. Instead of waiting for me to give you a call back to offer my time to help you out...even though you.have.worked.it.out!
And you would think that after I did somersaults for you, you would be a little bit more pleasant with me, especially since you have been a bad friend and you also forgot my birthday...BUT NOoooooooo...you turn around and give me attitude!
How would you feel if you were in my shoes?
When someone you use to hang out with all the time, suddenly finds someone and so they disappear out of your life, and they only contact you out of the blue moon when they need you...how would you feel? A little bit used?
Literally, you have contacted me 2 times since you decided to go MIA. Once after my trip to KL/SG to ask for help about your intimate relationship with your partner (which by the way, made me feel really uncomfortable) and yesterday being the second time - asking me for advice about your career.
Would you feel crappola, knowing that this supposed friend only called or msged when they needed you for their benefit and their benefit alone.
I'm not a welcome mat...I'm most definitely not your's to use...so go F$#% your self!
You don't contact me via msn to just say "hi, how are you?" And you don't even remember my birthday to send a quick sms reading "Happy B'day"...or belated since you forgot!!! Heaven forbid that you actually email me or even forward a funny email to me...
I sent you a really nice and pleasant sms for your birthday. And I would have called if I was certain that you were by yourself, I mean, I wouldnt want to cause a rift between you and your new special someone. I sent you something along the lines of "Happy Birthday! I would wish that all your dreams come true, but it seems like all have come to fruition except the dream job...so I hope you get that soon!" I mean, how nice is that?!?!
What did i get from you??? Nothing.
Instead on the second day after my birthday I get a msn window popping up at work with a "Hi, how are you?"...sounding all pleasant and promising...BUT it was directly followed by a "I need some advice from you..."
There was no - "hey, sorry I missed your birthday - Happy belated B'day"...
All i got was "I need some advice..." Like WTF???
I'm not your f#$%ing "Go To Girl". And even when I was running around in between meetings and left a voicemail on your phone letting you know I was available to chat now and help you out, you would think that out of common decency, you would have sms'd or called me back to let me know that you have figured something out. Instead of waiting for me to give you a call back to offer my time to help you out...even though you.have.worked.it.out!
And you would think that after I did somersaults for you, you would be a little bit more pleasant with me, especially since you have been a bad friend and you also forgot my birthday...BUT NOoooooooo...you turn around and give me attitude!
How would you feel if you were in my shoes?
When someone you use to hang out with all the time, suddenly finds someone and so they disappear out of your life, and they only contact you out of the blue moon when they need you...how would you feel? A little bit used?
Literally, you have contacted me 2 times since you decided to go MIA. Once after my trip to KL/SG to ask for help about your intimate relationship with your partner (which by the way, made me feel really uncomfortable) and yesterday being the second time - asking me for advice about your career.
Would you feel crappola, knowing that this supposed friend only called or msged when they needed you for their benefit and their benefit alone.
I'm not a welcome mat...I'm most definitely not your's to use...so go F$#% your self!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Thank you to everyone...
Just a quick "Thank You" to everyone who celebrated with me last night!
I had a fabulous time and it is a shame that I had two drinks ending with "death" that really didn't do me any favours at the end of the night.
I swayed into the house and slept really well but woke up at 7:30am...and I was like a kid on Christmas Day in the living room. I opened the presents and read all the cards and was really moved by the fact that my friends had chosen presents that really were "me".
Its funny how each of you worry about what to get me, and you really shouldnt. I have the best friends and each of you know exactly what to get me - even though you aren't 100% sure at the time of purchase...but you go with your gut and i'm extremely surprised and overwhelmed that you know me so well.
Thank you for thinking of me and being there with me and keeping me company all night.
*mwah*
I had a fabulous time and it is a shame that I had two drinks ending with "death" that really didn't do me any favours at the end of the night.
I swayed into the house and slept really well but woke up at 7:30am...and I was like a kid on Christmas Day in the living room. I opened the presents and read all the cards and was really moved by the fact that my friends had chosen presents that really were "me".
Its funny how each of you worry about what to get me, and you really shouldnt. I have the best friends and each of you know exactly what to get me - even though you aren't 100% sure at the time of purchase...but you go with your gut and i'm extremely surprised and overwhelmed that you know me so well.
Thank you for thinking of me and being there with me and keeping me company all night.
*mwah*
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Sometimes, I even surprise myself...
I went into an interview with no expectations...but before I did, I actually went with a girlfriend for her first bridal dress fitting as moral support because of the disaster she had previously...so I was rushing left, right, and centre.
I thought I was running late for my interview at 2pm...in St Leonards...but I ended up being 10-15 minutes early. I decided with the wind, it would be best to hide in the foyer behind closed doors, rather than brave the strong gusts outside. I spoke to the receptionist, signed in, sat down and waited.
It was an interview for nothing specific. They were sent a resume, my resume and for some reason two Program Managers liked what they saw. They asked if I would meet them. So, here I was.
One came down, introduced himself and shook my hand and ushered me outside to a cafe, apologising for the other's delay and explaining why we were going to a cafe and not a meeting room. Apparently, meeting rooms are hard to come by in this office. I wonder to myself if this is a good sign?
We sit down, he orders a flat white, I order a hot chocolate...little bit of intro and the other manager appears. A little more of an intro and then I get grilled. Then comes the compliments..."you're so confident, where does that come from?" "Thats a good answer, but don't you think it could be this, or that?" etc...
I clarify with my "confident" answers...I'm confident because I'm not riding on this interview to get me a job. I had no expectations...which is always the best way to walk into an interview. After having a 3-way conversation, talking about the projects more in detail, I basically made them feel good about me and my skills and talent.
I'm asked about whether I am "technical", there is hesitation...I explain myself...they are extremely happy with my answer...I get asked what the difference between a URL and the IP Address? I think to myself...don't you know? How do I answer this??? *panic* Well, one is the web address in human terms - words; while the IP is the techie, computer version of the address, were talking numerics. My response sufficed...apparently their PMs wouldn't be able to answer that...and i'm thinking they are bs-ing with me.
I am asked what kind of manager I am? I tell them I focus on people. I always try to balance things for my engineers. Yes, I understand that deliverables need to be met by yesterday but there is no reason why I would have to make the people I work with miserable. It doesn't help with productivity and it doesn't help meeting the deliverables any sooner. Mind you, that doesn't mean I am incapable of being firm and assertive.
I think we chatted for 30 minutes and they offered me a role...we spent another 20 minutes or so sitting there, with the two of them trying to get out of me what they can do to make me say yes. And i drew a blank when they asked me "what can we say or do to make you choose us, other than the other company?"
I was upfront and told them that i was expecting a offer this week by another company. I would really like to work for this other company because I like the culture and what they have to offer me. Something that is unique that they don't offer at theirs. I told them that I would take a couple of days to think...they asked if the weekends were included??? They asked if this other company took too long, would i choose them? They really want me to work with them.
I did come up with something that I wanted to clarify straight up...I told them about my Aunt's wedding in NYC and my friend's wedding in Mauritius...would they let me take 2-3 weeks off over late August and early September?
They said that if I asked later, it would be No, but since I am asking now, the answer is Yes.
I have spoken to a few people and I have decided to take this role. But its not simply because everyone is telling me how good this company is...that it is internationally recognised...that the pay is good...that I will be properly recognised as a PM...it all comes down to my gut feeling.
I feel good about this move. I feel good that they want me so badly that they are drawing up the contract so that I can have it ASAP. They are basically under the impression that the other company still have their cards on the table, so they are trying their best to beat this company with a better hand.
Compared to the other companies I have been interviewing with, I actually "felt the love"...so why would I go anywhere but to a company that wants me?
I thought I was running late for my interview at 2pm...in St Leonards...but I ended up being 10-15 minutes early. I decided with the wind, it would be best to hide in the foyer behind closed doors, rather than brave the strong gusts outside. I spoke to the receptionist, signed in, sat down and waited.
It was an interview for nothing specific. They were sent a resume, my resume and for some reason two Program Managers liked what they saw. They asked if I would meet them. So, here I was.
One came down, introduced himself and shook my hand and ushered me outside to a cafe, apologising for the other's delay and explaining why we were going to a cafe and not a meeting room. Apparently, meeting rooms are hard to come by in this office. I wonder to myself if this is a good sign?
We sit down, he orders a flat white, I order a hot chocolate...little bit of intro and the other manager appears. A little more of an intro and then I get grilled. Then comes the compliments..."you're so confident, where does that come from?" "Thats a good answer, but don't you think it could be this, or that?" etc...
I clarify with my "confident" answers...I'm confident because I'm not riding on this interview to get me a job. I had no expectations...which is always the best way to walk into an interview. After having a 3-way conversation, talking about the projects more in detail, I basically made them feel good about me and my skills and talent.
I'm asked about whether I am "technical", there is hesitation...I explain myself...they are extremely happy with my answer...I get asked what the difference between a URL and the IP Address? I think to myself...don't you know? How do I answer this??? *panic* Well, one is the web address in human terms - words; while the IP is the techie, computer version of the address, were talking numerics. My response sufficed...apparently their PMs wouldn't be able to answer that...and i'm thinking they are bs-ing with me.
I am asked what kind of manager I am? I tell them I focus on people. I always try to balance things for my engineers. Yes, I understand that deliverables need to be met by yesterday but there is no reason why I would have to make the people I work with miserable. It doesn't help with productivity and it doesn't help meeting the deliverables any sooner. Mind you, that doesn't mean I am incapable of being firm and assertive.
I think we chatted for 30 minutes and they offered me a role...we spent another 20 minutes or so sitting there, with the two of them trying to get out of me what they can do to make me say yes. And i drew a blank when they asked me "what can we say or do to make you choose us, other than the other company?"
I was upfront and told them that i was expecting a offer this week by another company. I would really like to work for this other company because I like the culture and what they have to offer me. Something that is unique that they don't offer at theirs. I told them that I would take a couple of days to think...they asked if the weekends were included??? They asked if this other company took too long, would i choose them? They really want me to work with them.
I did come up with something that I wanted to clarify straight up...I told them about my Aunt's wedding in NYC and my friend's wedding in Mauritius...would they let me take 2-3 weeks off over late August and early September?
They said that if I asked later, it would be No, but since I am asking now, the answer is Yes.
I have spoken to a few people and I have decided to take this role. But its not simply because everyone is telling me how good this company is...that it is internationally recognised...that the pay is good...that I will be properly recognised as a PM...it all comes down to my gut feeling.
I feel good about this move. I feel good that they want me so badly that they are drawing up the contract so that I can have it ASAP. They are basically under the impression that the other company still have their cards on the table, so they are trying their best to beat this company with a better hand.
Compared to the other companies I have been interviewing with, I actually "felt the love"...so why would I go anywhere but to a company that wants me?
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
3 Dresses...
You know that old saying "...always the bridesmaid, never the bride..." and the recent movie where Katherine Heigl plays a girl who was a bridesmaid 27 times?
I'm starting to feel that way.
My aunt just asked me to be one of her bridesmaids for her wedding in NYC.
This will be the 3rd time that I will be a bridesmaid, if I accept. And I haven't yet...is it horrible to say no? I love her and I really want to be at her wedding, but I don't know if I want to be at her wedding as a bridesmaid!!!
I know its completely stupid, but it feels as though if I was a bridesmaid for the 3rd time, I will forever be stuck as a bridesmaid. I will be committed to spinsterhood and will die a terribly lonely death. [melodramatic violins playing in the background over my plight]
Its sad that I can't just say yes and be honoured that she considered me.
Its not like every day that someone asks you to stand beside them on their special day. But then I have had my fair share of experience as a bridesmaid. The last time is still fresh in my memory. The bad side of the experience is still vivid, even though I have accepted what had happened and have moved on.
What do i do? What should i say? Is there any way of telling her "no" without hurting her feelings? Can I really say no???
I'm starting to feel that way.
My aunt just asked me to be one of her bridesmaids for her wedding in NYC.
This will be the 3rd time that I will be a bridesmaid, if I accept. And I haven't yet...is it horrible to say no? I love her and I really want to be at her wedding, but I don't know if I want to be at her wedding as a bridesmaid!!!
I know its completely stupid, but it feels as though if I was a bridesmaid for the 3rd time, I will forever be stuck as a bridesmaid. I will be committed to spinsterhood and will die a terribly lonely death. [melodramatic violins playing in the background over my plight]
Its sad that I can't just say yes and be honoured that she considered me.
Its not like every day that someone asks you to stand beside them on their special day. But then I have had my fair share of experience as a bridesmaid. The last time is still fresh in my memory. The bad side of the experience is still vivid, even though I have accepted what had happened and have moved on.
What do i do? What should i say? Is there any way of telling her "no" without hurting her feelings? Can I really say no???
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Happy April Fools Day!!!
Its the first of April.
I'm so grateful that its over. My part of transitioning is over. The ugly bit is only starting to begin - but for other people. My clean up is stock standard, and i'm not under pressure to make things continually roll. But from my sources, things are not rolling all that much on the other end...*LoL*...so, its making me look really good!!!
I feel miserable that the team has disbanded. Really wished that the people werent moving on, because I miss them already. My pod is almost empty, except for 2 other people.
On the upside...there isn't anyone I directly report to over here...so technically, I get to be my own boss! hehehe...how great is that? The other colleague is a PM too...and I'll be on his program for 25% of my time, but he doesn't micro manage and sees me on the same level.
One of the financial accountants said something to me last Friday that has really stuck, and I never saw myself as so important...I'm the only one in the company to personally handle something that directly benefits them. Its a bit confusing to those who don't know what I am referring to, but for the company it means a lot.
I'm getting excited about this Saturday...last weekend has been crazy with the Easter Show and shopping with 4 squealing kids. This weekend will be a mish mash of different friends from different facets of my life, all coming together over Brazilian BBQ meat and live entertainment!
So, does anyone know if they will be serving sangria?
I'm so grateful that its over. My part of transitioning is over. The ugly bit is only starting to begin - but for other people. My clean up is stock standard, and i'm not under pressure to make things continually roll. But from my sources, things are not rolling all that much on the other end...*LoL*...so, its making me look really good!!!
I feel miserable that the team has disbanded. Really wished that the people werent moving on, because I miss them already. My pod is almost empty, except for 2 other people.
On the upside...there isn't anyone I directly report to over here...so technically, I get to be my own boss! hehehe...how great is that? The other colleague is a PM too...and I'll be on his program for 25% of my time, but he doesn't micro manage and sees me on the same level.
One of the financial accountants said something to me last Friday that has really stuck, and I never saw myself as so important...I'm the only one in the company to personally handle something that directly benefits them. Its a bit confusing to those who don't know what I am referring to, but for the company it means a lot.
I'm getting excited about this Saturday...last weekend has been crazy with the Easter Show and shopping with 4 squealing kids. This weekend will be a mish mash of different friends from different facets of my life, all coming together over Brazilian BBQ meat and live entertainment!
So, does anyone know if they will be serving sangria?
