You know how people always say, "once bitten, twice shy"? There are lessons that you learnt that gets ingrained in your head so much so that it becomes instinctive. Once you've made a mistake, you do not repeat it again. That once you're burnt, you avoid dealing with fire...or you become VERY cautious.

But for some reason... when it comes to this certain type of falling, humans just never seem to want to learn from that lesson; myself included. So we get scraped,torn and sometimes even broken but once we've healed, somewhat, we dive right back in head first.

http://www.azuzephre.net/azuzephre.net_-_The_Art_of_Jeff_Thomas/Pon_and_Zi.html

( And so, this is where I fall into that cycle yet again... )

Your result for The Steampunk Style Test...

( The Scientist )

I think I've blabbered enough. So with that I shall leave you with a tip of the top hat and that tangy aftertaste of steel and humming of engines.

P.S. (because I can and because no one does this anymore):
Nothing related to steampunk down here but here's a little parting gift for a dear friend, whenever he drops by, that is... It's been long time coming; he had asked for it since July, can you believe it? Pics from the butterfly park. I just never had the time to upload it for him.
So sorry, Luv, but here it is! I'm thinking I might have missed some of the pics you want but tell me which and I'll get them to you, k?
A tale of Ageha, Kon and Fie...

( Can we use bandaids and glue to fix this? Maybe sew it back together? )

And for you troubles, I give you these for the taking:
Katy Perry - One of the Boys
Nana Tanimura - If I'm Not The One
James Morisson - Love Is Hard
Amy Winehouse - Cupid
A Fine Frenzy - Almost Lover
Rin' - Innocence
Hajime Chitose - Shinda no Onna no Ko
Monkey Majik feat. Yoshida Brothers - Change
Kobukuro - Toki no Ashioto
Amy Lee - Sally's Song (Nightmare Revisited)
Paramore - Decode

EDIT: Katy Perry Link updated. Please remember to comment when taking. Comments = ♥. ♥ = more downloads.

So, while all the Chinese people were busy preparing for their New Year Celebration, my family and I decided to do an impromptu barbecue. We made the decision on Friday and had the BBQ on Saturday evening. So that morning the house underwent MASSIVE cleaning spree. I bet it was happy to be cleaned out so thoroughly again. Yes, the floor of my room was wiped clean; Japanese-on-hands-and-knees style. My bathroom got scrubbed till it shined! Pillows and blanket were toasted in the hot late-morning sun outside. I know no one was coming into my room for the BBQ but it's part of the package.

We changed the sofa covers, did some lightning-fast redecorations. Needless to say, the house looks much bigger now. So much so, my little year-old cousin, Safwan went crazy at the wide open space and started running around like a mad baby! ♥

Then while waiting for the covers to dry, we marinated the feast. We had prawns as thick as thumbs, squids, chicken marinated in pineapple and hikory barbecue sauce, corn on cobs, pineapple and capsicum shishkebabs, grilled fish and ray and some 200-pieces of satay for backup.


At start of barbecue

BBQ notes: Prawns and squids should not be marinated in tumeric and salt! Please people, do not kill the taste!! Garlic, red onion, lime juice and a little brown sugar tastes SO much better (add a little garlic for prawns). And a little tip for making great barbecue chicken: blend pineapples (syrup and all) coarsely with the BBQ sauce and marinade. And to make sure the chicken is done inside and out, zap the chicken a little in the microwave before grilling. And for the corn, dip them a little in butter, brown sugar/honey/maple syrup and some herbs before you pop them over the grill. Believe me, you'll thank me later. Pineapple and apples taste wonderful on the grill, too! They get caramelized and taste heavenly. (See what you missed, Jia, Syarafie~!)

Too bad we didn't get many pics of the food; everyone was either too busy grilling or eating. ^_^

If last week we had barbecue, this week, I'm having a potluck with my highschool girl-friends. It's actually a little belated birthday for myself and another two of my friends; that's why the potluck idea. And it's supposed to help reduce effort (to prepare and clean up) and expenditure! This way, everyone contributes and everyone get a piece of something different.

I'll update later and this time, with more photos, I hope.

This time, I'm leaving you with a rock number by a pretty-new but a great upcoming band: One OK Rock - Koi no Aibou, Kokoro no CUPID (watch the video!)


And also a cover of Kiroro's song Sayonara Daisuki na Hito by MARIA (rock version): MARIA - Sayonara Daisuki na Hito 

EDIT: And especially for my friends who are Mr. Cook's fans (since I recieved complaints that this song in the album I posted was corrupted): David Cook - Declaration

See ya soon and enjoy your weekend!

Happy Birthday
葵サマ!!♥
(20.01.1979)

Aoi (guitar god) from The GazettE.

Happy 30th Birthday!
I ♥ you!
I love you! ♥♥♥
30 is the new 20!!
You still rock my world!
Let's grow old(er) together!!!♥

Love,
Yours truly.


P.S: Yes, I know. I should get a real, tangible person to dote over and maybe a life...But it's true, he rocks my world. ^_^;

For those who want to give this J-rock band a try, let's start it off with two of their ballads from their most recent album (Stacked Rubbish) and not-so-recent single (Guren):
The GazettE - Calm Envy (lyrics/translation)
The GazettE - Guren (lyrics/translation)
Please comment if you download. Comments = Love. Love = Happy Elly. Happy Elly = more uploads. Thankie yous. ^^

Something I did for my english creative writing class.
We were supposed to pick a subject to write about so I picked one I found close to the heart of us girls: shoes!
Love 'em or hate 'em, they're here to stay!

( SHOES by Elly )

L&G, I leave you with, "a good pair of shoes is always a good investment."
And on that note, we'll end it with a song about the topic of choice!

Paolo Nutini - Brand New Shoes

I turn 23 today and oddly for some reason, I feel almost depressed indifferent. It just seemed that so much else should takes precedence over my birthday. I’m happy that my parents are both so enthusiastic to do a little party for their girl after so long; I’ve never been able to be home for my birthday for them to celebrate it properly since…after high school, maybe. So I just grin sheepishly and bear it with good humour.

I don’t mean to be such a wet blanket but I’m just not very enthusiastic about it this year. It’s just that this time around growing a year older brings about a huge sense of responsibility to me. Not to say that it’s never been there, but it was never so…imminent. But being 23 plants me very solidly within the ‘adult’ category and there’s no more denying the fact. I’m not worried about being mature; I’m worried about being an adult.

Before, I was always hoping for presents, hoping that people remember and all that but this year, I was surprisingly indifferent. I think it might be contradicting of me: when I was away from my family, to have them call and wish me and etc. was like a reminder that they thought about me; like a proof that I was alive to them. But now that I’m home, I’m content, you see. So wishes from everyone and having my parents dote on me are both nice, but not necessary. Regardless, I am still happy.

EDIT: I'll post up some pictures of my TWO cakes (yes, that's how enthusiastic they were!) and the pizzas we made.

*sigh* I wish I didn't have to grow older. I liked being 22. So since I can't wish for that, let's hope for.... good health, good, honest money and maybe some romance this year around. XP

So, when thinking back on your childhood, I suggest you listen to: James Morrison - Once When I Was Little
To console yourself about your lovelife: Nickleback - Gotta Be Somebody & Nakashima Mika - You'd Be So Nice to Come Home to
To reminisce your love life: Ayaka x Kobukuro - Anata to
To say to your Friends&Family who get on your back: Mica3Chu - I Don't Know (Verrry entertaining!)

and oh:
Disclaimer
The materials on this blog are for promotional use only (such as reviews and/or preview before actual purchase), and should be deleted after 24 hours of the initial download of the files. In no way, shape or form is this used for profit or any source of monetary gain.

I found out a week ago that my niece, Dina is suffering from prostate cancer and is in critical state. She's the same age as my youngest brother, 15. The thing is that since my cousin divorced his wife, we've lost contact with his ex-wife and the kids, which is horribly sad. My only memories of her was when she was still young; around seven or so. I never known or understood why my cousin split-up with his wife up until a few days before but it doesn't matter now.

For the past week, I've had this incredible longing to go and see her. Sadly, even her own grandma, my aunt is not encouraged to see her because her state is so critical right now, our good intentions might be for the worse. Her dosage right now is at such a high level and her antibody is so weak, we risk exposing her to potentially lethal infections and customarily-benign-bacteria. It was so tragic that I broke down in tears.

She's so young and it's so sad to hear or see someone who's flesh and blood suffer like that. It doesn't matter that the time apart while she grew up might render me a distant memory. I just wished her dad would've let us cousins meet her and her brother and get to know each other better. I regret and am terribly saddened that we never had the time to grow closer. There's still hope that she'll be able to hold on much longer. They're having a doa selamat next week in Johor. I can't go but I hope I'll be able to do it from here.

There's been some going ons in the family grapevine that we're a bit in the rough so plans will have to change, priorities have to be rearranged and certain amendments and sacrifices need to be made to accomodate current conditions. But I'm sure we'll manage.

Amidst all this, news of war and reports of 'casualties of war' and the attack on Gaza left me crying everytime I watch the news. I can't remember the last time I felt so heartbroken. 219 children were killed during the whole episode. Innocent young lives that barely made their mark in the world.

Friends, I ask you to say a little doa, or pray for my niece and our fallen and victimized brothers and sisters in Gaza right now in your prayers alongside with me. I know she, that they might be total strangers to you but perhaps a little miracle is what they all need right now. Allah, save us all.

It's the end of 2008. I feel as if the year just flew by despite the times I felt as if it dragged on and on...and on. There's a million and one things, that have happened and may or may not be noteworthy, which I haven't had the time to post here but instead of having a dump, I'll make the individual posts all in good time. I have to admit they won't be time-accurate but it'd be better than nothing. Here's a little summary of what you've missed so far: Abang Long's Engagement, Then End of My Studies, Long's Marriage, Chik's Engagement, Iza's Engagement, and yes, Abah and Mama's 28th Anniversary. Of course, there are little events/occurrences here and there to write about.

Yes, also please take note of the number of engagement entries listed. 2008 is definitely the year for engagements and you can bet there'll be a number of marriage ceremonies lined up for 2009.  In any case, Happy New Year and May There Be Many More Blessings to Come!

Here's a little something to get the brain percolating and usher in a more responsible and self-aware you:
John Mayer - Waiting on The World to Change
Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror
Bob Dylan - Blowin' In The Wind

Your result for What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test...

Traditional, Vibrant, and Tasteful

16 Islamic, 2 Impressionist, 11 Ukiyo-e, -22 Cubist, -18 Abstract and 10 Renaissance!

Oh noes~! She's gone completely bonkers due to boredom!! Quizzes ahead:

Your Blogging Type Is Thoughtful and Considerate

You're a well liked, though underrated, blogger. You have a heart of gold and are likely to blog for a cause. You're a peaceful blogger - no drama for you! A good listener and friend, you tend to leave thoughtful comments for others.

Really, now? Ain't that nice of me? Quite true though; I am pretty underrated.
*shrugs*
maybe I should post more often...if real life doesn't get in the way, no?

You Should Be a Film Writer

You don't just create compelling stories, you see them as clearly as a movie in your mind. You have a knack for details and dialogue. You can really make a character come to life. Chances are, you enjoy creating all types of stories. The joy is in the storytelling. And nothing would please you more than millions of people seeing your story on the big screen!

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

This seems pretty true....which is probably WHY I cannot for the life of me write really short one-shots. *cries* and that's why I always have to write loooong, compelling stories. *sigh* which is also why they rarely get finished. I get an idea and it grows into a whole world that's too elaborate for me to dedicate to for long (because I'm such a perfectionistic bit**, I cannot leave a loose end by itself for fear that it'll unravel the whole story). E.g: "why is there a banana there? what's the significance of it? OMG?! Coulf it be that the banana will make the guy trip and die?" <-- I painstakingly need to clarify things like this because I know that if I'm like that, I'm sure that there are other readers like me, too - only too nice to say it. :P

Your Inner Gender is Male

You are rational, matter of fact, and quite dominant. You like to get things done, without any emotional messiness. You truly don't understand most women. And you definitely feel more comfortable around men. No doubt about it. You're a guy - at least on the inside.

What's Your Inner Gender?

Oh noes~!! *gasp* But somehow, I'm not surprised. I laughingly told my friend, Jia, that maybe I'm a gay guy stuck in a woman's body. Could be true, you know, technically speaking... It actually makes perfect sense, doesn't it, then?

There's a saying that goes: you don't know what you've got until it's gone.

Well, my right thumb is kinda gone cause I sprained it pretty bad while painting my room so now I'm a little handicapped. Which sucks. Opening doors, writing, typing, adjusting my bag, even getting up used to be so much easier and less painful. So now I miss it; my thumb.

So people, appreciate your appendages and organs when it's (they're) good and 'there' for use. If you've ever wondered why God created it for you in the first place, the greatest and most effective way to find out why is to...well, lose it, no?

Mull it over.

Over and Out! Peace.

This was originally done as an assignment for my writing class but the story doesn't only ring true; it is the truth. It isn't just based on real-life incident, it is the real life incident written down in words. I was very hard for me to write it down and it stirred many buried memories but I have always felt that the best way to write and to cherish a memory is be honest about it and to share it, respectively .

It will be the end of Ramadhan soon and I think it is appropriate to remember her by.
It would soon mark the 4th year since she left us all.

In Memory of Atuk Maimunah:

( ATUK’S FINAL DEPARTURE )

May Allah bless her soul.
Al-Fatihah.