sleeping in a bed of lies

Ma-ma and Yeh-yeh

2011-04-08T19:50:00.004+08:00

Someone had posted this in Facebook today. And for that 10 minutes, it was my own grandmother that I was thinking of. Yes, my own Ma-ma.

You see, when my brother and I were kids, we were sent to my grandparents' during our school holidays. My parents said it would be good for us to spend some time with them and keep an eye on the old folks. Ma-ma is only about 4 feet tall, and Yeh-yeh was touching 5'10". I could be mistaken, as I was a lot shorter than Ma-ma then.

As usual, instead of us helping out with the household chores, my grandparents doted on us both. We were only allowed to take the garbage out only if we insisted on doing it for about 5 minutes.

Ma-ma cooked for us, she washed our clothes. She didn't like washing machines. Yeh-yeh, well, he was the entertainer. He taught us many card games and bought us candy.

In the evenings, sometimes Ma-ma would allow us to join the cousins in a quest of spider hunting. We'd keep them in our clear candy jars and make them fight each other. Yeh-yeh would watch with that smile he always had.

It was no secret that my brothers and I were always their favorites. We were well-mannered (Daddy would punish us if we weren't, anyway) and very obedient. If we weren't allowed to do something, we wouldn't do it. As far as I can remember, neither of us have ever been told off by my grandparents before. The cousins, well, that's a different story.

When we were much younger, they lived in a village house with no running water or electricity. My parents would take us to visit on weekends. Sometimes, we even get to stay over. The raw cement floor was always cool and clean, thanks to Ma-ma's incessant habit of cleaning. Leftover food was kept in a mesh cupboard that stood on stilt legs; they kept the mice and flies out.

I was quite a princess even at the age of 3. I couldn't stand the heat at night as there was no electricity to power a fan. And I was prone to mosquito bites. Ma-ma and Yeh-yeh would sit by our cots and fan us both, make sure we weren't sweaty and the moquitoes didn't bother us. In the day, Yeh-yeh would get ice cool water and Ma-ma would boil it for my daily baths.

We were usually confined to the house, as there were dangers lurking outside. Once, I was running outside in the dirt, one of the chickens pecked at my little toes. I ran away screaming and in tears. The geese would also threaten to attack us sometimes. Besides, there were all sorts of bugs and insects that we'd be gullible enough to catch and bring home, poisonous or not.

They'd take us out to feed the chickens and ducks and geese. Or simply to look at the chicks. Yeh-yeh would allow me to help collect the eggs sometimes. He'd be the one bearing the lamp at night if either of us needed to pee outside.

Yeh-yeh was 80 when he succumbed to stomach cancer. It was then that Ma-ma's health started to decline. She became bitter and forgetful. There was always something that didn't quite meet her expectations. She needed attention more than ever before.

Sometimes, I think she lived for Yeh-yeh. He must be the great love of her life, her sparring partner. At his deathbed, he was still giving instructions to everyone to take good care of Ma-ma. In his morphine induced state, his instructions had never been clearer.

In the final years before Ma-ma's death, she had lost so much weight and her skin was papery and thin. She bruised easily and it took her so much effort to get dressed to go out that she'd be sweaty and in great pain by the time she was done. Although she could hardly walk, she refused to be pushed around on a wheelchair. She's not an invalid, she'd protested repeatedly.

Still, we remained her favorite grandchildren. My brothers and I were always treated to snacks and candy even after we were grown up and much taller than she was. Long after I returned from China, she asked about my health and work, as if I was back here only for a short holiday. She asks about that one boyfriend she met years ago, when I was 18, and always seemed surprised that we were no longer together.

There were many things that she couldn't remember, recent things. Many things that made her suspicious. Who is that? Why is he here? He is a little boy, surely this young man isn't who I think it is. I put it on the table. Who took it away? Don't open the door, I don't know that person.

11 years after Yeh-yeh, Ma-ma followed suit without gaining consciousness. In so many ways, I was relieved that she was gone. The fact that she held on for 11 years still amazes me to no end. To take a page from countless movies and books, I think that they were meant to be together, from the start. There are no two people in this world who were more right for each other than they were.

Ma-ma said to me, so long ago, that she wanted to be buried a Christian, with flowers at her wake and the sounds of hymns. She never liked the incense and the chanting that came with Buddhist funerals. I regret that it was the one thing that she told only me, and the one thing that I never fulfilled. It was at the morgue that her words came back to me, and I had fought for her wishes.

Yeh-yeh was cremated the Buddhist way when he passed on. His ashes are kept in an urn at a pagoda. Ma-ma and Yeh-yeh, they belong together. And the only way we can reunite them was for her to be cremated and her ashes placed beside his.

Sometimes, I think of them and it makes me laugh out loud. They way she used to tell him off for not helping around the house when he's showing us yet another card game. It was a funny sight with almost 2 feet in height difference between them.

I wonder, now that they're together, if they are the same as I remember.

Melancholy

2011-01-14T21:03:00.002+08:00

"What's another word for depressed?" he'd asked me from across the room.

I looked up.

"What does melancholy mean?" I asked him, instead.

In that same instant, we both looked up the word.

mel·an·chol·y/ˈmelənˌkälē/
Adjective: Sad, gloomy, or depressed.
Noun: A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness.

"Melancholy," he let it roll off his tongue.

We were both quiet for a moment.

Finally, he said, "That's a lovely word. Exactly what I was looking for."

7.41am after Boxing Day

2010-12-27T19:04:00.003+08:00

It was good to see you again in the moments before I wake.

In reality, being there with you would've been a nightmare.

But hearing your voice again after such a long time had a smile plastered on my face the entire day.

Wherever you may be right now, I just want you to know that I wish you well.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T14:28:00.001+08:00

May this day be filled with joy(!), laughter, happiness, togetherness and food for all of you.

Hallo wieder Deutschland!

2010-11-20T17:09:00.000+08:00

Dear Andreas, Nico, Hans Peter, Jan and Gregor,

Thank you so, so much for making the shoot such a breeze.

It was a very pleasant few days with you guys. And I've never felt so at ease being on my own with a bunch of people I've just met.

Andreas, you're probably the nicest producer I've ever come across.

Thank you for that token; you really shouldn't have. It was my job to assist you and you've made it so easy for me.

I look forward to working with all of you again.

Danke.

Jumpa lagi.

iBook = died-ed

2010-11-07T16:09:00.001+08:00

Yes, the hard disk from my ancient iBook is finally dead.

Finally.

After God-knows-how-many years.

RIP, you.

Ten ten ten

2010-10-10T18:30:00.000+08:00

Because I'm not interesting.

Ace wo Nerae!

2010-09-21T14:43:00.003+08:00

I hate her hairstyle in this one. Super. Hate. Awful.

Anyway, if you've seen Attack no. 1, I'd suggest you leave this one alone. If not for the storyline (and female lead!) that is exactly the same, then perhaps solely for the bad hairdo.

Beginner tennis player, singled out by the coach (surprise *yawn* surprise) and becomes star player after grueling training.

The end.

Kl - Ipoh - KL in 12 hours

2010-09-18T19:03:00.002+08:00

I'm pooped.

Being a ji mui all morning is tiring.

Having a 3 year old abuse me is even more exhausting.

No pictures, due to only an hour of sleep before taking the long drive, and then being kept busy the entire day.

Congratulations to Sharon and Cheah.

Next week's destination: Kluang, Johor.

Happy birthday Michelle

2010-09-13T18:34:00.003+08:00

And they are very old pictures, I know.

But they are probably the only ones I have of you.

You'd probably hate me for putting this up cos we look so stupid. Haha.

But have a good one this year, you.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

2010-09-10T16:33:00.002+08:00

Maaf zahir batin.

Have a good one, people.

Play fair.

No mention about Cina or Melayu or India or Lain-lain, please.

Thank you, and enjoy your holidays.

Merdeka!

2010-08-31T15:01:00.001+08:00

So, on this day, we celebrate our Independence from the British Ruling.

*yawn*

Post Vietnam

2010-08-28T16:29:00.002+08:00

I always feel a little depressed after a holiday.

Coming home, just being at the airport, is like my entire reality comes crashing down on my. Really, really hard.

But all that said, I had a fantastic 9 days.

Well, maybe not the final 3, but it was a pretty good holiday.

Must. Go. On. Holiday. Again. Soon.

One more day to Saigon!

2010-08-18T16:40:00.000+08:00

Yes!

Another ASEAN country to check off my list!

Good food, here I come!

Changeling

2010-08-11T15:16:00.003+08:00

So, it's no secret that I have absolutely no liking for Angelina Jolie.

I watched this solely because of the good reviews I've heard about it, which I've now forgotten where they came from.

For some reason (hint: lead actress), I couldn't watch this in one sitting. It took me a few days and much mental motivation to watch this movie till the end.

Directed by Clint Eastwood whose first choice for female lead was Angelina Jolie because her face suited the period, I'd say that I might have enjoyed it a lot more if it was, say, Julianne Moore?

Based on real-life events in 1928 Los Angeles, Changeling is the story of Christine, a grief stricken mother whose son had vanished overnight. Several months after the disappearance, she was informed that her son had been found. Alas, it was a mere impostor who was nothing like her own son.

It seemed that everyone except Christine believed that it wasn't her son they brought back. Declared unfit and thrown into an asylum for challenging police authority. Changeling is a true story depicting women in the 20s when a voice is unheard of.

RIP Julia Chuah Sheau Yen

2010-08-08T19:36:00.002+08:00

I was doing some Facebook stalking when I came across an apparent tweet or status update or whatever you call it, about Julia's death.

I was shocked, yes. For when I went to her page, I saw links to newspaper articles with her picture on it.

People don't usually have articles in the newspaper written about them upon death. And this, was a really unpleasant article.

It made me so, so uneasy to read it. I didn't like the things they said in the article.

The last I saw Julia was a number of years ago. And I remember, as a freshman in college, how flattered I was when she spoke to Emily and I, offered us a job.

Here she is, a senior, a model, beautiful. And there I was, an awkward skinny teenager, straight out from high school. Julia, talking to me.

I was awestruck, I have to say.

She was always nice to me, no airs about her.

And that was really all I remembered about Julia.

Then today, the news about her death.

Thank you, for the opportunity almost 10 years ago.

You will be missed, Julia Chuah Sheau Yen (1979-2010).

Celcom MS Launch

2010-08-04T15:03:00.002+08:00

I think I was 21 when I worked on this one.

So old school!

And the sun sets

2010-07-31T16:11:00.000+08:00

Thank you for the picture =)

Up

2010-07-28T01:35:00.003+08:00

One of the best movies. Ever. Hands down.

You know how every class has a fat kid (no offense, really) and he's really annoying?

Well, that's Russell. Except, he's so cute it's hard to be mad at him.

Just thinking about him puts a smile on my face.

A man ties a thousand balloons to his house to keep a promise to his dearly departed wife.

A boy scout shows up at his doorstep offering his service to help the elderly.

They meet a talking dog and a bird named Kevin along the way.

What else can I say?

A must watch for everyone.

I rate it 11 out of 10.

Status: Missing the jungle

2010-07-25T18:49:00.002+08:00

Is it strange to say that I miss the jungle?

The lack of internet and other things that I'm used to in the city had done me a lot of good, apparently.

With nothing to watch on TV and no internet in my room, I could be sure to be in bed before midnight.

When I wake up in the morning, the air is fresh and the crickets are noisy. I grab some toast and butter before I head to the other side of the river.

By 9am, I'm through with my morning duties and ready for a sit down breakfast with the boatmen.

I eat on time and I get plenty of exercise.

I don't wear any makeup.

I think my time in the jungle has done me a world of good.

Cherating April 2010

2010-07-22T18:46:00.001+08:00

Because they say my smile looks awesome in this one =)

The day I was Daddy's girl

2010-07-18T18:30:00.000+08:00

So a few days ago, my Daddy had a sudden urge to have dinner at this pork place we haven't been to in a long time. It's a small stall on the sidewalk in a very dusty part of the city. Tables were few and far between but if one could wait, the food will make every minute worthwhile.

It was a Thursday, I remember, and rush hour at that.

The thing is, we've never been particularly close. As a matter of fact, we had said some very harsh things to each other that we would never be able to take back. I am not his favorite child, and we had both made it very clear.

Nevertheless, I was secretly thrilled. Me and my Daddy going out to dinner. When was the last that happened?

Dinner was exceptionally good that night after being stuck in traffic for almost an hour. And he had even suggested that we take an after dinner stroll in Chinatown. It took almost all my self control not to burst into song and cartwheels.

What surprised me even more was when he took me through his secret routes, in alleys and backlanes that I would never have ventured down alone. Chinatown to me had always been a place for tourists.

But that Thursday night, for the first time in my entire life, Chinatown was the place I became Daddy's girl for those few hours.

Densha Otoko

2010-07-14T18:10:00.000+08:00

It is only on TV that the nerd wins the heart of the beauty.

But nonetheless, it is also a story that we always love hearing.

Tsuyoshi is your typical nerd who lives in a world of anime and manga and has only other nerds as friends. He's stuck in a job with a bully as his boss and has never really had any contact with the opposite sex due to his extremely shy nature.

One day on the train, our beloved otaku rescues the beautiful Saori from a drunken man. As a gesture of thanks, Saori sends him a set of Hermes teacups in the mail. Overjoyed but clueless as to how he should reciprocate, Tsuyoshi turns to an online forum for advice.

And on that day, Densha Otoko was born. The beautiful Saori was known as Hermes to the legion of fans that had begun to offer advice to Tsuyoshi regularly.

The one thing that I really liked about this drama is how diverse the forumers are. From businessmen to other otakus to housewives to train conductors. Like it says in The Alchemist,

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

But the one thing that I really hate (yes, hate!) is how Yamada is such a big crybaby. Otaku or not, I don't think anyone turns the tap on so easily.

People should watch this solely for the fairytale factor.

Disco Ball (Pixie)

2010-07-10T15:27:00.000+08:00

My friend Stella

2010-07-04T18:32:00.003+08:00

Exactly a month ago, I was sitting on the sidewalk with Stella and she had one skinny arm around my own skinny shoulders.

She'd hugged me before she left and was crying in my neck. "Joy! I'll miss you," she had said to me.

No, Stella, it is I who will miss you.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you. Yes, you are only 8 but your maturity surpasses that of many people I know. Your professionalism amazes me to no end. You're punctual almost to a fault. You have such good manners that I can't help wishing that every child I come across would be half of what you are. You greet me with a smile everyday without fail. And you've never failed to thank me whenever I do something for you.

I remember that day, when I fell at the jetty and into the boat. You asked me over and over again if I was alright. And you offered to hold my hand as we walked to the unit base. All the way, you tried telling me a story about how the exact same thing happened to you the day before. You struggled with the language, apologizing for not being able to tell the story properly. You said to me that you would tell me again in 2 weeks, when your English was better.

You made my entire month, Stella Kunkat, on the day you held my hand.

And now that you're back home in Germany, I can't help but wonder if you remember those months you had spent here.

I can't help but wonder if you missed me, the way I'm missing you now.

Status: Back at work

2010-06-22T15:42:00.002+08:00

And it's one of the strangest things to feel like I don't belong here.

No hiking shoes, no ponytail, no watch, no insect repellant, no mosquito patch, no torch light, no jungle.

It wasn't like I didn't work in an office in the jungle. We had our own office with (somewhat) proper work spaces. We even had a good (not!) copier/printer that traveled all the way from KL. And yes, there was air conditioning.

Has it really been only 3 months that I was away?

It feels like it was a completely different life. Different from when I was here in the city.

And now that I am back in the city, it feels like I had lived this city life before, only it was too long ago to remember.

How did life in the city becomes so messy, so complicated?

Yes, I love the beers and going out and making the effort to look pretty.

But then comes all the issues of money, work and growing up.

Today, I sit at my desk at the production house in the city.

But all I really want to do is to take that 20 minute boat ride into the jungle and complain about the heat.

You know what?

2010-06-16T23:05:00.001+08:00

I'm stupid.

Like, really stupid.

I can't find it. I've turned the house upside down and inside out looking.

It's not there.

Perhaps this is God's funny way of telling me that I really, really am stupid.

Joy of the Jungle

2010-06-09T13:22:00.000+08:00

Is home.

And somehow, home has felt less like home than before.

3 months away and it seems like so much has changed.

Wrap party for Jungle Child

2010-06-04T18:52:00.002+08:00

I'm about to get ready to go to the wrap party.

And when I get there, I'll eat, drink, be merry.

Then, I'll say goodbye to the people I spent the past 3 months with. The ones I like, the ones I saw everyday, the ones whose guts I hate, the ones I grew to like, and the ones I fell in love with.

We will exchange hugs and kisses along with promises to see each other again.

At the end of the night, when we part ways, everyone will know at the back of their minds that there is a big possibility that we might never see each other again.

Goodbye, Jungle Children.

Coming to an end

2010-06-01T18:42:00.003+08:00

This was my last day in Kuala Tahan.

There is something about this picture that makes me smile.

The way everyone kinda just gelled together. Became friends.

Status: Royal Belum

2010-05-28T17:14:00.002+08:00

I love that we have faster internet than we did in Kuala Tahan.

I love that my bed is soft and comfortable and makes the fall asleep the instant my head touches the pillow.

I love that the housekeeping staff here is a lot more efficient.

I love that I have a car to get around.

I love that finally, the Germans and PNGs and us, we're all finally under the same roof.

I love that the variety of food here makes me not want o skip meals.

I love that my new roommate and I can have long talks.

I love that everyone's considerably more relaxed and open as compared to when we just met.

What I don't love, is that Jungle Child is coming to an end.

Status: Leaving Taman Negara for good

2010-05-24T16:04:00.000+08:00

So I'm leaving Taman Negara. For good.

The place that has been my home away from home the past 2.5 months.

Today is the absolute last day that I will be here.

The boatmen and guides all seem to know my face. "Hello, Joy!" they greet me in the morning. And at the back of my mind, I made a mental note to ask Razak just exactly who that person is.

I am one of maybe 5 Chinese girls in the entire Kuala Tahan.

There was a day when one of the boatmen, Deli, referred to me as Amoi over the walkie talkie. And it was on the same channel that I told him off, that my name is Joy, not Amoi, as he knows.

Needless to say, he never once called me Amoi again.

Every morning, when it's still dark, I take Jamal's boat from Liana Jetty to cross over to Mutiara. Sometimes, Jamal would still be sleeping and I'll have to wake him up. To cross the river each way costs everyone RM1. In the first couple of weeks, I paid Jamal RM1 per trip. I could take up to 12 trips in a day if need be.

After that, I never paid Jamal anymore simply because we both can't be bothered with the receipts. And he'd always give me a weekly bill that includes everyone else that crosses the river on his boat.

Seeing Jamal kinda makes my day. He's not an old man, really. Maybe in his 40s, touching 50. But he has an old face and very few teeth. The best thing about Jamal is his laugh. It's almost like a girl's. Always cracks me up.

I'm usually back on the other side of the river by about 10am or 11am latest. There'll always be breakfast waiting for me at the jetty restaurant, simply because they boatmen knew I'd be hungry by then and had ordered something for me to eat.

Over breakfast, Ameer and I would sometimes have empty conversations with the local people. It's amazing, the sort of stuff you find out from the locals when you sit with them over a cup of tea. Or in my case, a can of Kickapoo.

Some days, when I go to the set, it's always with Lan's Boat 4. That is our VIP boat out of the 11 we used which has all the new life jackets and the best looking boatman in the entire Kuala Tahan. Lan has a very good temperament, and always waits for my go ahead before leaving Mutiara jetty. He's probably the only boatman besides Jamal whom I can say I work closely with.

Being in Kuala Tahan has given me many new experiences that I never in my life thought I would go through.

True, there was a lot of heartache and sleepless nights and extreme fatigue. The problems we had with our health and the drama that came with the published article about us shooting a porn flick in the jungle. We had boars making their great escape and dismissal of team members.

On the other hand, I looked forward to the catching up sessions over dinner with people who return from the set every night. I had even taken a liking to Guinness and developed a habit of having one after dinner. It is perhaps during this time that we had all begun to bond and grow closer as a team and a family.

All these people, some whom I'd never met until I came to Kuala Tahan, they were my support system. They were there with me through the hardest of times and they were there when I was happy.

There is something about taking the last boat back to the jetty blanketed by the stars and untainted night sky. So peaceful, save for the hum of the engine from the back. Everyone lost in their thoughts and relishing in the thought of another hard day gone by. There is something about being in the backseat of a 4x4 and bouncing up and down with every bump and corner as we made our way back to the resort with the logging road. There is something about being caught in a storm and having no choice but to wait it out while you sat in the boat that rocked violently and wonder if you'd make it back safely. There is something about wearing those cheap plastic raincoats with your newfound friends and listening to it rustle with your every move. There is something about holding the tiny Annita Kayango that makes me indescribably happy. There is something about the way Markham or Ben or Robin or Ruthie or anyone of the PNG actors when they greet me with so much gusto at 5am. There is something about the mundane weekend routine of putting my laundry basket in the cue and letting the person behind me know that it's his turn.

When people ask me how life in the jungle is like, I know I can't even begin to describe it.

Goodbye, Taman Negara.

I will miss you, so, so much.

Status: In Royal Belum

2010-05-21T19:33:00.000+08:00

But heading back to Taman Negara in a bit.

If only the crazy storm outside would stop.

Royal Belum scares me.

The heat, the extreme dryness, the number of dogs in the village that run loose, the awful, awful mosquitoes.

Oh, I'm not sure at all if I like this place.

On one hand, food here is pretty awesome and going out to town takes only about 30 minutes. Pork is pretty accessible and the rooms are a lot nicer than in Taman Negara.

On the other hand, there's the problem with my sun allergy and irrational hatred for mosquitoes.

Oh, the things I endure for the sake of my job.

Apsara dance

2010-05-18T19:12:00.000+08:00

You know how every Asian country has a cultural dance or two for the benefit of the tourists?

Behold, a series of Apsara dances that I had the privilege to watch in Siem Reap when I was there.

I so need a holiday away from here.

On to Royal Belum

2010-05-15T16:28:00.000+08:00

Next week, that is.

I'm actually a little scared, of being the first to be there to take care of stuff.

What if I completely screw things up?

What if the mosquitoes eat me alive?

What if I die from the scorching heat?

Nonetheless, I'm actually really excited!

The Hangover

2010-05-11T18:27:00.000+08:00

No idea how this one creeped into my external disk, but I'm glad I saw it.

Someone had recommended it to me sometime ago. And I remember thinking to myself "The Hangover must be such a male movie!"

4 men head to Las Vegas for a bachelor party, and on the morning of the wedding, they wake up to a missing groom. Their hotel room is trashed, and there is a tiger. No groom.

Wedding takes place in 5 hours and they 3 remaining men realized they screwed up big time.

As they try to retrace their steps to the day when they left for Vegas, a series of the most bizarre events take place.

Expect loads of laughs and plenty of killer one liners. Also, many WTF moments to savor.

Goodbye Teddy

2010-05-08T18:20:00.002+08:00

After (almost) exactly 2 years of honorable service to me, it is time for teddy to go.

See how his head is busted and missing a leg?

Truly a war veteran.

Status: 1 month to go

2010-05-05T16:29:00.001+08:00

Oh no!

The horrors!

Only one month left of Jungle Child!

What happens to life after the jungle?

Inked in Shanghai November 2007

2010-05-03T16:13:00.002+08:00

Remember a loooooong time ago I was in Shanghai and unhappy?

Remember that time when I blew quite a bit of my pay on my pixie?

From the jungle to the beach

2010-04-29T01:57:00.000+08:00

Jungle people did Cherating over the weekend, baby!

Status: 1 month and counting

2010-04-26T01:36:00.001+08:00

Ah, it's Monday again.

And how time flies!

A month since we started the shoot!

14 Sai no Haha

2010-04-23T17:56:00.001+08:00

The gist of it: 14 year old junior high student gets pregnant and decides that she will keep the baby.

Now, this Jdorama has many, many cliches which I frown upon.

Case points:

To illustrate that Miki is pregnant, we see a shot of her clutching her tummy. Repeat 500 times.
The doctors in the hospitals are always male, and very handsome. Enter Sorimachi Takashi from Great Teacher Onitzuka fame.
Children are completely capable of producing their offspring on their own and it's alright with everyone else around them. Our very own Ichinose Miki.

I don't hate this drama, but you hardly see the growing up and maturity it seems to promise from the start of the movie. There was no big difference of change in the 14 year old.

The Ichinose family is pretty damn awesome, though, as one can expect of an entirely supportive family of a pregnant 14 year old (expelled) student.

I have to say, the bits that made me cry, were the bits with the family in it. Father loses his good paying job because of the shame Miki has brought upon the family. Mother meets a tabloid writer who writes about her daughter. Son doesn't know what the fuss is with the big sister, but holds her hand and stands by her with blind loyalty.

Ah, it warms the soul.

Out patient

2010-04-20T17:11:00.001+08:00

Who would've thought that a really bad case of food poisoning would land me in the hospital over my weekend off, right?

I know.

Status: Thinking of home

2010-04-14T17:48:00.002+08:00

I'm not a person who suffers from homesickness.

In general, that is.

But of course, one could always refer to my stint in China and prove otherwise. For that, I have to agree, because it is a case like no other.

Today, I'm thinking of home.

Of the youngest brother who's busy climbing the corporate ladder and hardly home.

Of the parents who always look so much older whenever I'm done with my shoots.

Ever since we sent the maid home to Jakarta to see her dying husband (and she never took the returning flight back here), my parents seemed to have aged quite a bit.

They stopped having regular meals, just because they don't feel like it. And I've noticed that it happens only when it's only the two of them at home.

Now with the eldest moved out, me in the jungle, and the youngest hardly home, I wonder if they are eating at all.

First glance

2010-04-10T17:23:00.001+08:00

Of course, you will not be able to see what it is exactly that I do in the jungle.

Just looks like I'm hanging out with a bunch of young people doing nothing but taking pictures of ourselves. Haha.

You will, however, see that I have a mosquito repellant patch stuck on my tee (yes, I absolutely loathe mosquitoes!) because, well, this is the jungle, after all.

You will also notice that I've lost what little weight I have on my bones (boo!).

The obligatory lunchtime Joy-is-eating shot for those who kept telling me I needed to eat.

By the way, food is atrocious at lunchtime. I'd rather eat instant noodles.

Really.

Jungle reminders

2010-04-06T17:21:00.001+08:00

So weird, when I remind myself that it's only 60 days to go.

You know, only.

Happy birthday Mummy!

2010-04-02T17:16:00.001+08:00

And this is a very old picture, I know.

Sorry, can't be home (again!) for your birthday this year.

Week 1 of shoot is almost over

2010-04-01T18:32:00.000+08:00

Only 9 more weeks to go.

Strange that it sounds like it's such a long way to go.

I've been here for only 3 weeks but it feels a lot longer than that. Feels like I've been here forever.

So much has happened and is still happening that I don't even know where to start.

Only week 1 and I'm exhausted already.

At least I'm going home for the weekend.

Yay.

Production house: Biscuit Films

2010-03-29T18:27:00.000+08:00

We've finally started shooting!

All dramas taken into account, this is a very good thing.

17 Again

2010-03-25T18:52:00.003+08:00

Everybody needs a chick flick once in a while.

And in cases of Shan, I guess he needs a Zac Efron more than a chick flick.

If you were given a chance to relive your youth, would you do it all over again, and differently?

1989, Mike O'Donnell seemed to have it all at 17. A chance at a basketball scholarship, good looks, the prettiest girl in school, and a nerdy best friend hanging at his arm.

And then comes the mistakes so many teenagers make.

A pregnant girlfriend.

Then comes the mistake even more teenagers make.

Early marriage.

Fast forward to present day and Mike has children of his own. 17 years old(!) and so hating him. His wife thinks he's been blaming him for everything that's gone wrong in their entire marriage and his life.

From basketball hero, Mike was literally a zero in the office after a much anticipated promotion went to a much younger (and ditzy) female colleague.

After being thrown out by his wife and crashing at his (now)computer software genius best friend's house, Mike was driving in heavy rain when he thought he saw his old school janitor about to jump off a bridge.

Doing the only heroic thing for the first time in 20 years, Mike tries to stop the old man but was too late and instead, falls into the black churning water.

And he wakes up. In all his 1989 glory. Except, he's in present day.

Being a man with nothing, Mike was determined to relive the years that he'd thrown away with an early marriage.

And the rest should be predictable with a happy ending.

It's one of those feel good movies that makes you go awww when the credits roll.

Oh, watch out for Mike's best friend trying to woo his children's principal.

Karl's cat

2010-03-22T19:04:00.001+08:00

So here I am at my desk, trying not to notice the camera assistants spending way too much time in our office space and moving their things around really loudly.

I'm not pretending to work, really. If you'd like to know, there is a shit load to be done, every single hour. And that in itself is probably a slight understatement.

Sometimes, it's nice to look up and watch people (namely Matthias and Karl) do their thing and not give a rat's ass about the calls and paperwork and chaos the rest of us in the office are dealing with. They fiddle around with their fancy tools and equipment and always seemed like they were a lot more serious in their work than I am. Or maybe they're just more absorbed. Whatever.

Anyway, Karl was camping out in front of my desk for wifi. He said to me, "Oh, you know, I miss my cat in Germany so much."

I wasn't sure what the correct reply would be. After all, Karl and I aren't friends. Although we've exchanged pleasantries but we've never even had a real conversation before.

So I managed a weak, "I see."

"You wanna see my cat?" he'd asked me with a huge grin on his face.

Oh, I thought to myself, he's one of those people who are proud of their pets. I guess I can deal with that.

"Sure."

And 5 seconds later, Karl announced that he'd dropped it in my local Dropbox.

I was curious.

And then I found this.

I laughed out loud. Like, really loudly.

"Do you like my cat?" Karl asked with one of the biggest smiles I'd seen all week.

Yes, I do, Karl, and thank you for breaking the ice.

Counting down to Jungle Child

2010-03-18T18:58:00.000+08:00

Things are crazy, oh, they are!

I wonder if I'm ever gonna survive this sleep-deprived, emotionally-draining, sanity-reducing challenge.

As much as I love my job, this entire situation sure is helluva crazy.

Counting down.

Only about a week before we start rolling.

Production house: Carrot Films

2010-03-15T22:53:00.002+08:00

Circa 2007.

Attack no. 1

2010-03-10T18:24:00.001+08:00

What does it take to become the ultimate volleyball player? The smash hit manga spikes its way onto the TV screen for the first time!
A smash hit manga spikes its way onto the TV screen for the first time! Kozue, a positive and cheerful high school girl devotes her entire energy toward her school volleyball team. Extremely severe practices designed by the strict head coach Inokuma, highly competitive matches against the toughest top players, friendships and rivalry among teammates with strong characters…. Can Kozue’s genuine love toward volleyball make the impossible come true?
--TV Asahi

And that basically sums up the entire drama.

Although, having Ueto Aya and her doe eyed, pouty lipped looks helps a lot in garnering sympathy from the audience.

Trust me, she had me teary-eyed a few times.

One thing about the lead character, sometimes she's so cheerful and positive that it makes you want to stab yourself with a blunt pencil over and over.

All this girl eats, sleeps, dreams and lives, is just volleyball.

Expect happy endings, please.

To Taman Negara and back

2010-03-06T18:21:00.001+08:00

Phew.

That was some trip.

And I'll be back in the jungle in a couple of days, for the next few months.

Once upon a time in Shanghai

2010-03-02T18:17:00.000+08:00

I had 2 tiny tangerines.

Don't ask me where I got them from or how I came about to taking this picture.

I don't remember anymore.

Status: Heading into the jungle

2010-02-26T18:49:00.000+08:00

I know.

I'm so not ready.

And for 3 months at that.

Taman Negara, here I come.

Happy birthday Me

2010-02-20T18:48:00.000+08:00

Today, I'm 27.

Yay.

Sigh.

One week in Postsecret

2010-02-15T18:45:00.000+08:00

What are the odds that you would see 3 people you know in a week featured on Postsecret?

Today after lunch

2010-02-08T16:39:00.001+08:00

I got a call from the brother.

And now I'm angry with God.

Is it wrong?

Follow your bliss

2010-01-25T17:05:00.001+08:00

The things I learned in 2009

2010-01-22T15:22:00.000+08:00

Favors are seldom repaid.
Regardless of how good you are to a person, he will still talk shit about you.
Selfishness is one of the best methods of survival there is.
The journey may not be the destination.
I am bitter.
Family is the best thing that can ever happen to anyone.
I don't take good pictures anymore.
I don't do that socializing and schmoozing thing.
Perhaps I'm not meant to be a producer.
The best things in life always comes with a price tag.

Walk through in Shinjuku station

2010-01-19T15:20:00.000+08:00

Two summers ago, I was here.

Shinjuku station was said to be the busiest station in the world.

I get a kick out of saying "I was there".

Happy birthday Quant

2010-01-16T17:12:00.001+08:00

You are 27.

This so serves to remind myself that I will be catching up in a month's time.

Don't you hate getting old?

Didn't we have this conversation before, long ago, when we were still in school uniform?

January 10

2010-01-14T16:23:00.001+08:00

I spent the day in a cloud of confusion, dodging in and out of rows and rows garments in all shapes, sizes and colors.

I thought of my Daddy on the day of his 58th, one foot on the retirement path, the other one planted on a lifetime of work.

I remember the weeks before when he was so poorly in health, wheezing like a kitten with every slight breath he took. Coughing, hacking, barely getting any sleep. Blue in the face and barely able to speak.

Yes, that was my Daddy in the weeks before his 58th. And those were probably the most obvious signs in recent times that my Daddy was aging, whether I was ready to accept it or not.

And so on the day of my Daddy's 58th, I spent a good 30 minutes on the floor of one of those aisles, where I was partially hidden by the numerous garments in the warehouse.

I wondered why I was there on that particular day. I wondered why I chose to be away today. I wondered why I had firmly walked down this same path for the past 6 years.

I wondered if my Daddy had known all along that this day would come.

I saw him walk by a few times, looking for me, perhaps to offer a few words of comfort.

And yet, I sat still, barely breathing for the longest time, just wanting to hide. I didn't want to be found.

In the 6 years that I had stubbornly soldiered on, today I wanted to disappear.

I have no use for cruel words or fake smiles. No use for insincere apologies and unspoken grief.

And here, on the dusty floor of the warehouse, on my Daddy's 58th birthday, I remember the words he spoke to me the night before my first day in college; that it is my choice and mine alone.

I will see through it.

Happy birthday Daddy

2010-01-10T17:07:00.003+08:00

It is one of those rare pictures that I have with you, and you are smiling!

Happy birthday, Daddy.

Battery

2010-01-07T17:31:00.004+08:00

I love this drama. Love.

It's a little hard to summarize what this drama is really about except that there are two boys who, for the love of baseball, became best friends.

Harada Takumi, arrogant, handsome, quiet and broody. He's the best pitcher there is in the prefecture. It was rumored that no catcher is able to catch his fast pitch.

Until he moved to his grandfather's house and met Nagakura Go, who is everything Takumi isn't. Cheerful, responsible, sociable, good manners.

Go became the first person to ever be able to catch Takumi's legendary fast pitch. And when he did, he asked Takumi, "Doesn't it ever get lonely out there, with no catcher to catch your fast ball?"

More than just baseball and the friendship of two boys, there are a lot of other layers and characters to be unearthed in this drama. Everyone has a story of his own, everyone is equally important, everyone plays a part.

"The catcher is the pitcher's wife."

Skyping with Shan

2010-01-04T11:56:00.000+08:00

I miss you long time, too!

Hurry up and get your cute ass back in KL!

Happy 2010

2010-01-01T13:37:00.001+08:00

Here's to a new year and a new decade.

Here's to the start of my late 20s (sigh).

Here's to a (hopefully) fruitful year that will bring lots of work and more traveling.

Here's to being happy and healthy.

After all, 人生有几多个十年？

Happy 2010, everyone.

My Great Cambodian Adventure in video

2009-12-28T10:59:00.000+08:00

On Christmas Day

2009-12-25T22:20:00.002+08:00

I was awakened by a call for help.

No matter, Joy is here.

And then now, I sit in bed, like I do every single year, thinking about the year that had been.

All I can say to 2009 is that I'm glad you're almost history.

Six days to go and I can bid adieu to you.

Out of the 349 days this year, I may have spent 300 of them being unhappy.

Not just pout-and-sulk unhappy. But really unhappy.

It gives me an unsettling feeling. Of disappointments in gargantuan proportion, of nights spent in bed forgetting to breathe.

I'm still trying to figure out how I got here. In a not-messy situation, but so unhappy.

I wonder, if I am the only person in the world who still lived on broken promises. Still.

Still desperately naive, still believing that all good things come to those who wait. Still.

I wonder, if God helps those who are too exhausted to help themselves.

I wonder, if liking myself is enough for anyone else but me.

I have been patient. But at the same time, what am I really waiting for? Perhaps, it is for that one answer that will never come.

In the past 300 days of being unhappy, I have learned that the one thing that you have counted heavily on, will be that one thing that will fail you.

In that same 300 days, I have learned it is never enough when I know what I want and how to get it. Because you don't.

I have learned that no matter how much I put myself first, this self has grown to be dependant on you.

I have learned that people will not treat me the same way I treat them. No, never.

And so, I have learned that I should not have expectations of people.

In these 300 days, I feel like I have exhausted myself. I'm spent. There is nothing left of me to give.

Everything that I have, I have given it my 150%. And you continue to take from me.

I wonder when it will be enough.

I said to you that I'm giving myself this entire year to think about everything.

I think I need time.

I don't ever want to feel guilty for wanting something good for myself. For wanting to be good to myself.

I've stood still here for so long. And it surprises me, for being so un-me. I need to move forward. I need to. I need to know what happens next. I need to take a plunge.

I need to be 26, doing all the things girls do when they're 26.

Going shopping, dressed up dinner dates, house hunting, talking about the future. Leaning on their other halves, knowing the way home when things get rough.

I need normalcy.

Because for the very first time in my entire life, in my 26 years, I wanted out.

Enough.

Enough of your broken promises.

Enough of disappointments.

Enough of talking. I'm all talked out. I've said all that I wanted, but you don't listen.

You never do.

Just once, I want to be selfish. I want it to be about me. I want you to know this is who I am and this is what I want. I want you to give it to me without having to ask. I want you to know even before I know it myself.

Just once, I want to be a self indulgent bitch without having to feel guilty or worrying about the consequences.

So Santa, it's been a shitty year. All I want for Christmas is to be happy.

I'm tired of trying, I'm tired of looking up.

I'm welcoming the new year with open arms.

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e

2009-12-22T19:08:00.004+08:00

Why do I always watch just Japanese dramas, you ask?

For their nail-biting plots and fantastic camera work, of course.

You think?

Also known as Ikemen Para, Hana Kimi is one of the most ridiculous (and enjoyable) dramas I've seen so far. It is so absurdly far-fetched and funny that I question my own integrity sometimes.

In a school that has students taken in solely for their looks, one girl has managed to smuggle herself in by taking on the appearance of a boy.

Now, now. As we all know and are fully aware, these girl-taking-on-boy-appearance matters are often not idiot proof. There's still the unbound chest, feminine features, squeaky voice, etc.

And so is the case of this girl.

Like the rest of the girl-taking-on-boy-appearance dramas, no one finds out till the very end. Genius or what?

Anyway, the story follows this girl during her short months in the academy as she makes friends that will last her a lifetime before she is discovered.

The end.

Shan has weird taste

2009-12-19T18:38:00.002+08:00

Because these pictures are inspiring him to do his hair exactly the same.

Tell me I'm less weird, please.

Harajuku Girl

2009-12-15T12:40:00.000+08:00

Way before Gwen Stefani took the world by storm with her version of Harajuku Girls, I had my first encounter with strange Japanese girls in Kamikaze Girls.

Most people might not have seen the movie, but oh, I was so in love with the colors, sights and sounds of everything so alien.

Hardly even subculture, it was out of this world.

In my first trip to Japan, I visited Harajuku Lane. While I didn't see as many Lolitas (of all varieties) as I would've liked, I did check off one of the things in my list to do before I die.

Happy

2009-12-12T12:35:00.002+08:00

October 2009, somewhere in Pelangi Damansara, playing Taboo on Jaden's 2nd birthday party at the poolside.

5 days and counting down

2009-12-08T12:32:00.002+08:00

I pray that God will give me the strength to see it through.

And if I do walk away, I want to do it with my head held high.

Status: BUSY

2009-12-05T17:56:00.000+08:00

And it is supposed to be over soon.

Why isn't soon, soon enough?

9 phrases women use

2009-12-02T17:51:00.004+08:00

Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don’t Do It!
Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
That’s Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That’s okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you’re welcome. (I want to add in a clause here – This is true, unless she says ‘Thanks a lot’ – that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say ‘you’re welcome’ . That will bring on a ‘whatever’).
Whatever: Is a woman’s way of saying F— YOU!
Don’t worry about it, I’ll do it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing herself. This will later result in a man asking ‘What’s wrong?’ For the woman’s response refer to # 3.

Anego

2009-11-29T16:47:00.003+08:00

One of my least favorites.

And I didn't manage to get the subtitles to work for the special episode.

Tsk.

Noda-kun (yes, suffixed -kun even though she's a woman) is nicknamed by her younger co-worker as Anego due to her superhuman abilities to multitask, help others, educate freshies as well as have a fling with a married man.

Although said to be very realistic (I can probably say that is probably true with less dramatics), there isn't the X factor that will make me root for her, want her to win, or even just like her.

Way past 30 and with no prospects of setting up house and popping babies anytime soon, who wouldn't be worried? I know I would be (and I'm walking right down that path, destination in sight).

Just, you know, I have a thing against people coming in between a marriage. And she did exactly just that.

No, I will not sympathize.

Noda Naoko - 0 points.

I watched this halfheartedly and I don't even remember why I took an entire day to try get the subtitles to work.

Seriously.

I wouldn't say "Don't watch it", but well, I don't recommend it, either.

Status: BUSY

2009-11-25T16:45:00.000+08:00

And shouldn't I at least know what the hell I'm so busy for?

A Public Appeal

2009-11-21T18:08:00.000+08:00

Dear Mr. Moolah,

It appears to me that you have been elusive of late.

I would like to remind you that you are highly sought after. I have attempted to establish contact with you through various methods but none have proven effective.

As the new fiscal year is approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to make a very public appeal to you to return to yours truly.

Sincerely,
Me

Chinese Opera in Penang

2009-11-17T18:07:00.001+08:00

My first (and very likely last) experience with Chinese opera.

So. Don't. Like it.

Wasted

2009-11-15T18:40:00.000+08:00

Not of the intoxicated kind.

It's amazing how you make the world revolve around you again and again.

Thanks for wasting 2.5 months of my life.

I hope you're happy to know that I'm not being paid for the work I've done while you jetset to another country to spend more time with your family.

Won't you sit in a corner and reflect on it?

Production House: Picture Creature

2009-11-12T18:31:00.000+08:00

This is how I spent my July this year.

Gokusen

2009-11-09T14:43:00.004+08:00

This was one of the very first few dramas that I got myself hooked on when I started watching JDramas.

But having said that, Gokusen really isn't anything to shout about.

Expect anime-like behaviour, funky sound effects, a lot of exaggerated fights, and there you've seen them all.

Gokusen basically runs on the same tried, tested, and apparently successful (the sole reason for having 3 seasons and a full length feature film under the same title) formula of naive teacher saves the world and wins the hearts of her delinquent students.

The end.

Really.

If you've seen the first couple of episodes, then you've basically summed up the entire 3 seasons.

In the beginning of every season, we see the Yakuza descendant teacher being transferred to the worst class in the school. Everyone hates her. She tries to understand them. They get into trouble and fights, she comes to save them with her absurdly incredible strength (she usually beats up about 30 guys in one go by herself).

And there, by the end of the season, the delinquent class miraculously graduates from high school with their diplomas in hand. Not only that, a lot of them seemed to have turned over a new leaf, too.

So everyone's happy.

The end.

Hanami in Hon Atsugi

2009-11-05T15:39:00.000+08:00

Two years ago

2009-11-01T15:20:00.001+08:00

I was packing to leave for a month-long stint in Shanghai.

Today, I'm reeling from post-shoot jetlag.

Things haven't changed.

Random thought #1

2009-10-28T14:39:00.000+08:00

Ah, almost the end of yet another year already.

And just the other day as I was taking a drink of water, it hit me that in less than 4 months, I'll officially no longer be in my mid 20s.

That could just mean one thing.

I'm so getting old.

Manchester United in Kuala Lumpur!

2009-10-24T17:48:00.000+08:00

Today in the bank

2009-10-21T17:35:00.000+08:00

I was in the bank with my mother. And while waiting for her turn (26 more to go before her, wtf) we saw a mother-son pair walk in.

The boy must be in his teens, judging on his build and the fact that his legs are starting to get hairy.

I say all that not because I'm perverted like that. I say it because the boy has very obvious signs of being Down Syndrome. It was not easy to tell his age from his appearance.

Before you start making judgemental comments, let me just tell you something my mum said about him.

"They're always smiling, aren't they?"

I was surprised. But perhaps it is true.

And so I told my mum about something I read some time ago. Where people with Down Syndrome has a lower life expectancy rate. Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't you noticed that you don't often see grownups with Down Syndrome?

Back to the boy.

He was seated quietly beside his mother. Well behaved. Smiling at everyone and everything. Mostly just smiling.

I couldn't help smiling myself.

I have to say, this boy was so much better behaved than normal children. He wasn't throwing hissy fits, nor was he being overly inquisitive. He wasn't running around, nor was he making a nuisance of himself.

He was just smiling.

"Pity, isn't it? That sometimes they don't get to grow up properly?" my mother lamented.

Pity, I thought to myself.

Manchester United Asia Tour July 09

2009-10-17T17:24:00.004+08:00

It's way late, I know.

But it's not easy coming up with "new" material to blog about you know?

Bambino!

2009-10-14T19:02:00.000+08:00

This drama has redefined my profound love for Italian food (and stupidity for deleting subtitle files, but that is another story, of course). Really.

Every episode tempts you with mouth watering Italian fare (and the best part is that sometimes they're generous enough to let you pick up some hints here and there on how to cook the dishes!) and desserts.

See, that title picture doesn't do the drama justice. But to be really honest, if not for the food, I don't think there was much of a story, anyway.

Now, I'm sure Waiters of the World Association (or something like that) would disagree with me if I said that a huge chunk of the show went into glorifying waiting on tables. Mr. Waiter, you may now stone me to a slow and painful death.

Really, now. I have waited on tables myself and know for a fact the kind of idiot diners that exist to make my life hell. But, hey, haven't we seen all that already in just about every other show there is?

Therein lies the originality of the show--the fusion of Italian Japanese food.

So, to give a very brief summary of what Bambino is about, let's just say it's about a naive young man from Fukuoka called Ban who went to Roppongi in hopes of becoming a star chef in Baccanale.

Of course, things don't work out the way he wants them to. And of course, we have to bear witness to the struggles of his young life in the business. Of course, as with other Japanese dramas, they're always running in the streets.

"Why is he running?"

"Because he is young."

Please, please, watch it for the food. Please. It will make you crave all things Italian for the months to come.

Isn't it ironic?

2009-10-11T18:59:00.000+08:00

That the one person you need to hear those words from becomes the one person who is totally oblivious to the fact that you're slowly falling apart?

Tsk.

Dear Facebook

2009-10-09T17:12:00.000+08:00

You wanna know why, Facebook?

That's because Barry is dead.

So please stop reminding me, and everyone else that we haven't talked on Facebook lately.

Power Rangers LIVE in Japan

2009-10-05T20:06:00.000+08:00

My younger brother's childhood heroes.

Status: Need to pee

2009-10-02T14:33:00.003+08:00

Exactly a year ago

2009-09-29T15:10:00.002+08:00

I lost my Ma-ma.

And it still surprises me that she's gone.

Ma-ma, I wish you were here to see who I picked.

Status: BUSY

2009-09-23T15:03:00.001+08:00

Days like these are pretty good.

New neighbor

2009-09-21T16:20:00.005+08:00

People, meet Shobee.

Zettai Kareshi

2009-09-17T16:53:00.001+08:00

When we were wee young girls, we dreamed of handsome boyfriends and big houses (possibly with rainbows and ponies in the garden).

And then we grew up to realize that no matter how many frogs we kiss, they do not magically turn into princes in shining armor.

Enter Nightly Lover Series 01. Or more affectionately known as Tenjo Night.

He is everything a girl would want and more.

Handsome, a little jealous (as opted by owner Riiko), good cook, good in bed, picks her up from work, etc.

What's not to love right?

Although apprehensive in the beginning, stumbling past hurdles and roadblocks, Riiko did end up falling in love with her machine of a boyfriend.

As a lover robot, Night had done everything according to Riiko's chosen preferences, yet, he never seemed to make her happy.

Until he developed an ego of his own.

Don't ask me how, but that must've been the most wonderful thing to have ever happened in the story.

In the light of Night becoming an almost-person, the littlest (and most important) things in a relationship start to show.

It is perhaps this little bit in the story that made everything so much more memorable. It is perhaps also this little bit in the story that every girl looks out for; not the flawless, perfect boyfriend in Night, but the little things that made him so much more human, so real.

In the beginning I laughed so much, watching Riiko deal with that clumsy (albeit handsome ) machine.

Towards the end, I couldn't stop myself from crying.

"In the end, I will be the only one who will stay the same. You will grow old and die. But me, I'm built to love you. That will never change."

sleeping in a bed of lies

Ma-ma and Yeh-yeh

Melancholy

mel·an·chol·y/ˈmelənˌkälē/

7.41am after Boxing Day

Merry Christmas

Hallo wieder Deutschland!

iBook = died-ed

Ten ten ten

Ace wo Nerae!

Kl - Ipoh - KL in 12 hours

Happy birthday Michelle

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Merdeka!

Post Vietnam

One more day to Saigon!

Changeling

RIP Julia Chuah Sheau Yen

Celcom MS Launch

And the sun sets

Up

Status: Missing the jungle

Cherating April 2010

The day I was Daddy's girl

Densha Otoko

Disco Ball (Pixie)

My friend Stella

Status: Back at work

You know what?

Joy of the Jungle

Wrap party for Jungle Child

Coming to an end

Status: Royal Belum

Status: Leaving Taman Negara for good

Status: In Royal Belum

Apsara dance

On to Royal Belum

The Hangover

Goodbye Teddy

Status: 1 month to go

Inked in Shanghai November 2007

From the jungle to the beach

Status: 1 month and counting

14 Sai no Haha

Out patient

Status: Thinking of home

First glance

Jungle reminders

Happy birthday Mummy!

Week 1 of shoot is almost over

Production house: Biscuit Films

17 Again

Karl's cat

Counting down to Jungle Child

Production house: Carrot Films

Attack no. 1

To Taman Negara and back

Once upon a time in Shanghai

Status: Heading into the jungle

Happy birthday Me

One week in Postsecret

Today after lunch

Follow your bliss

The things I learned in 2009

Walk through in Shinjuku station

Happy birthday Quant

January 10

Happy birthday Daddy

Battery

Skyping with Shan

Happy 2010

My Great Cambodian Adventure in video

On Christmas Day

Hanazakari no Kimitachi e

Shan has weird taste

Harajuku Girl

Happy

5 days and counting down

Status: BUSY

9 phrases women use