Driving Men Crazy

Was surfing through the web recently and stumbled across this "Ladies Room" - where they openly discuss issues on men and sexuality through a public forum. There are quite a number of quirky topics being discussed. One of the postings is titled "How To Drive Men Crazy".

Thought it would be interesting to share it here with you girls. Some of them are actually VERY funny. Sorry guys.......haha! :P

1. Do not say what you mean. Ever.

2. Be ambiguous. Always.

3. Cry often.

4. Bring things up that were said, done, or thought years, months, or decades ago...or with other boyfriends.

5. Make them apologize for everything.

6. Stash feminine products in their cars, backpacks and in their books as cute reminders that you were thinking of them.

7. Look them in the eye and start laughing.

8. Get mad at them for everything.

9. Discuss your period in front of them. Watch them squirm.

10. Demand to be called or e-mailed. Often. Whine when they don'tcomply.

11. When complimented, make sure to be paranoid. Take nothing at face value.

12. Use daddy as a weapon. Tell them about his gun collection, hisquick trigger finger, and his affection for his Little Princess.

13. Be late for everything. Yell if they're late.

14. Talk about your ex-boyfriend 24 - 7. Compare and contrast.

15. Make them guess what you want and then get mad when they're wrong.

16. Plan little relationship anniversaries, i.e. the monthly anniversary of the time you saw each other in the library...for five minutes. Then get mad at them for forgetting. Then cry.

17. Gather many female friends and dance to "I Will Survive" while they are present. Sing all the words. Sing to them. Sing loud.

18. Constantly claim you're fat. Ask them. Then cry, regardless oftheir answer.

19. Leave out the good parts in stories.

20. Make them wonder. Confusion is a good thing.

21. Criticize the way they dress.

22. Criticize the music they listen to.

23. Ignore them. When asked, "What's wrong?" tell them that if they don't know, you're not going to tell them.

24. Try to change them.

25. Try to mold them.

26. Try to get them to dance.

27. When they screw up, never let them forget it.

28. Make them stay at religious services until they are close to fainting...just because.

29. Blame everything on PMS.

30. Whenever there is silence ask them, "What are you thinking?"

31. Read into everything..

32. Over-analyze everything.

Are you guys going to shoot me yet? :P

Woman Over 30

Some of you may have already read this - but I still think it's a good piece to share.
Trust me to put up anything to do with WOMAN. Girl Power Rocks!

Anyway - I am nearing 30 in a few month's time. So let this be the story of my life after the big Three O.

Here is a piece written by Andy Rooney - CBS 60 Minutes.

Andy Rooney says: As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

1. A woman over 30 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.

2. If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.

3. A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom.

4. Few women past the age of 30 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.

5. Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.

6. Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

7. A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.

8. Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.

9. Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They always know.

10. A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens.

11. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

12. Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

13. Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 30+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize.
Andy Rooney

For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free". Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why?

Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage...

"I am not even 30 yet, and I am already behaving like one". - Elvina

Man and Woman

Bee recently posted a poem on her blog - which I particularly like. As much as this may sound awfully corny, it does remind me of myself. Woman on the outside, man on the inside (remember my geeky persona?).

Personality-wise too. Like Bee, many times I'm torn between who I am, what I should feel, and how I should behave. This poem speaks movingly of what I feel. Thought I would share it here with you, because it is simply too lovely a piece of work to be cast into oblivion. (Bee - hope you don't mind...)

I Ask God Why

Sometimes I ask God why not make me a bird;
If I were one, I will live above the earth
and be free from all cares and worries
that all humans tend to receive.

Sometimes I ask God why not make me male;
If I were one, I will have no fear
in doing the things that men should
and do them well and good.

Sometimes I ask God why made me female;
yet gave me the strengths that men fear
in a woman who is meant to be pretty,
docile, huggable and worry free.

Then God says He made me the way I am;
not an animal and not a man,
but a woman that is special in His plan
though my mind cannot comprehend.

- Bee

Inspired by this heartrending confession, I couldn't resist penning a poem for Bee. And here it is, something I wrote just for her.

Woman

I know God has a divine plan
When He created woman and man
He knew that every man would need
A lovely woman to carry his seed

The Lord truly loves us all
Man or woman, we'd answer His call
Discriminate us, He does not do
Woman is His proudest tool

To love a man as his wife
Fulfilling God's will in giving life
To hold the man up when he's down
To stay by him forever and now

God made Woman for the Man
We are special in His plan
Created not only to be their strength
But to hold, love, hug and cuddle them. :)

- Elvina


During special moments like these Bee, I do feel that you are quite my mirror. *smile*

I Miss You

Three simple words.

I have never realised how poignant each of these words are - and how beautiful they sound when they come together.

Until now.

Profound in its simplicity indeed.

The 3 little words mean - at a particular point in time, someone actually stopped whatever he/she has been doing, and took a special moment to savour your presence in his/her heart.

The thought may be fleeting like a comet, but it leaves a sensational trail.

And knowing that you have just been on someone's mind, at a unique moment in time, is exceptionally touching.

Thank you for thinking about me.

I miss you too.

Goin' Away

I may not be blogging over the weekend....cos I'm goin' away for a while. Need to be alone to do some reading, resting and recharging.

Needed to be away from Singapore so that I can have some breathing space and time alone.

No need to socialise. No need to talk. No need to explain or justify.

Just spending quality time with moi, myself and I.

You guys have a good weekend ya? Enjoy the upcoming holidays.

----- * -----

E.E. Cummings once wrote, "To be nobody but yourself, in a world which is doing its best, day and night, to make you everybody else, means to fight the hardest battle, which any human being can fight and never stop fighting."

Keys to My Heart

The Keys to Your Heart
You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved.

You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage pessimistically. You don't think happy marriages exist anymore.

In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

Your ideal relationship is open. Both of you can talk about everything... no secrets.

Answers to Elvinalogy

Previously, I asked: Which of these words will you use to describe me?
Check the analysis below for what each choice represents......

1. Moon - The one you miss

2. Sky - The one you want to share your problem with

3. Sand - The one you won't care

4. Snow - The one you love most

5. Road - Best Friend

6. Water - The one you hate

7. Fire - Dream Lover


Disclaimer: There's absolutely no proven theories on the accuracy of the above analysis. Please take everything on this blog - with a pinch of salt. Add pepper for taste - if you like.

Elvinalogy - A Study of LaoNianG

Let's play an interesting game today. (Took this idea off someone's blog - AGAIN! Yup, I am absolutely shameless and thick-skinned.)

Cut and paste the paragraph below - and fill in the blanks with the appropriate adjectives/ nouns /verbs/phrases. You can be brutally honest about this - I promise you would not be silenced after this exercise. :)

In case you are wondering, this is NOT a narcissistic attempt to fish for compliments. Negative comments will not be censored. The objective of this word game is to see how creative you guys are, and what you REALLY think of me.

Can be quite amusing to see what you come up with. Here goes....


I ___(1)____ Elvina. Elvina is ____(2)____. Elvina thinks a lot about ____(3)____.

When I think of ____(4)____, I think of Elvina. If I were alone in a room with Elvina, I

would ____(5)____. I think Elvina should ____(6)____. Elvina needs ____(7)____.

I want to ___(8)_____ Elvina. If I could describe Elvina in a word: ___(9)_____.


Tag me your answers in the comment box - and blow me away with your imagination and honesty! Haha..

Vivienne send me another one of those illogical personality test thingy last night - thought I would post it up here for you guys to attempt because they are so brainlessly fun. Check this out:

Which of these words will you use to describe me?

1. Moon
2. Sky
3. Sand
4. Snow
5. Road
6. Water
7. Fire


Tag your responses in the same comment box! The answers will be revealed in the next blog....watch this space.

Rockathon Festival

I came across spinee's post recently, where she blogged about her thoughts on her own funeral - What would she look like? Who would be there? What would she be wearing?

I thought that was a morbid but somehow - an extremely interesting topic. Got me wondering about my own funeral.

I have always believed that my funeral should be a super mega celebration. I am going home to be with the Lord - that's an occasion to rejoice, not mourn! I would hate to see my friends and loved ones turning up in dreary black, grey and white garb, dragging their long face all over the floor.

Nope. That absolutely wouldn't do.


I have decided that my funeral would be one big Rockathon Festival! It will be held in a garden strewn with lilies, lavender and baby breaths.

There will be a little stage for the big local bands that play at Wala Wala and Balaclava. Everyone's supposed to head bang to the hits of Linkin' Park, Bon Jovi, Guns 'N' Roses and Hoobastank. Hell, I wouldn't even mind you guys grooving to Backstreet Boys', I Want It That Way. In fact, that will be the soundtrack for my funeral! Haha...


I will get my ex-colleagues from MTV to film the entire event, and make a mini-show about it. All attendees will be interviewed - and they will all be scripted to say nice things about me! These vox pox will be inter-weaved with the band performances, montage of people dancing, and any other performances, if any. Yen will be the executive producer of this half-hour special.

I may even request for a Jazz band to wrap up the night. Thought it would be kinda romantic to listen to the jazz crooner's rendition of La Vie En Rose, don't you think? That's when there will be free flow of champagne sponsored by Moet and Chandoen. I may even throw in Heineken beer for good measure.

Food will be buffet style, Thai and Cosmopolitan cuisine. Even as I lay dead, I still want my spicy food.

I shall implement a dress code - Sexy Chic. Don't want anyone to disgrace me by turning up in funeral palettes. No black. No grey. No whites. Those who flout the dress code will be turned away nicely by my utterly gorgeous Morque Bouncers - specially handpicked by moi.

Come on, die also must die in STYLE ok? I will insist to be dressed in my ultra sexy top with that plunging neckline - with makeup by Lancome and hair by Vidal Sasson. Oh - do throw in my Spongebob Squarepants soft toy too. A sensual person like me need something to hug remember?

I have a good mind to roll out a marketing campaign for this gala event, being the marketing guru that I am. :)

Will get someone to set up a microsite so that everyone can log in to view how my make up and hair will be done so that I would look good for D-day. The URL will be www.prettydead.com. Pretty when dead. Cool huh?

And of course, by then I will be pretty dead too as well.

Undoubtedly, the main content for the microsite will be everything about me, myself and I. This entire blog will be probably be archived there as well - sort of like an Anne Frank's diary, you know?

Guests can leave their well-wishes (not condolences) in the e-guestbook and download photos of me - taken while I was still young and hot. Friends can also upload their photos, artwork, poems and create e-cards. There will even be mp3s hosted online for friends to dedicate my favourite songs to me, as well as an interactive forum for people to discuss or bitch about how they feel about me.

All my closest friends, business associates, colleagues and loved ones will be invited to the funeral via SMS (I am geek what - what to do?). Show the SMS at the Morque to get a free goodie bag - which probably includes my photo with my signature - plus all the MTV merchandise that I could not bring along with me on my journey to heaven.

RSVPs will be channelled through the website - cos obviously I will not be there to pick up calls.

I was thinking if one of my MTV VJ friends can host my Rockathon Festival. Maybe if Donita Rose or Utt is still around, I can engage them for this event. I am sure they will not mind.

Since it's Rockathon Festival, it would be an all-night affair. People can arrive and leave at any time, and there will still be music and performances to entertain everyone. Maybe Eisen can perform some magic tricks there too. By then he would be Singapore's very own David Copperfield.

At the end of the party, there shall be a quiet ceremony where all the guests would sing my favourite Christian song - "Above All". If you do not know the song, you will be able to download the mp3 and lyrics from that same microsite. So do memorize it before you come for the festival.

Finally, we will wind up the party with a splendid group photo - to commemorate the number of people that remembers me and bothers to attend my funeral.

And henceafter, I will be laid to rest forever (actually I will be gallivanting in heaven).

Thank you all for attending my funeral.

R.I.P.

I Am Genghis Khunt

Took this super funny test and found out that I am Genghis Khunt - Random Brutal Sex Master. Haha. Quite hilarious. Check out my personality analysis below.

Genghis Khunt
Random Brutal Sex Master (RBSMf)

We almost called you Brutus the Uterus and attached this picture:

But we figured you wouldn't understand, and rightly so. We don't understand either. So you are Genghis Khunt: master of man, bringer of pain--riding your way to conquest after conquest.

Your sexual avarice is legendary. You've already had an unusually high amount of experience, and, still you look for more. You intimidate many. You make no apologies.

Your exact opposite:
The Sonnet

Deliberate Gentle Love Dreamer

Personality-wise, you're carefree and relatively easy-going. You don't plan things out ahead of time; you tend to live in the moment. Of course, this can cause some damage when the moment happens to include a screaming orgasm with his younger brother. Hence the 'brutal' tag we've given you.

But you know what, take five seconds to lock the doors, and you'll be fine. There's nothing wrong with a little sex, or a whole lot.

AVOID: The Slow Dancer
CONSIDER: The 5-Night Stand, The Hornivore, The Playboy

Link: The 32-Type Dating Test
My profile name: berrynice

Counting My Blessings

Contrary to popular belief, I am not always pessimistic. There are many points in my life where I would stop and take stock of my blessings, and take pleasure in counting them.

Sometimes I feel extremely blessed, akin to an overflowing cup of sweet water. I hear music in the rain, and feel the caress of the wind. The trees seem much greener, and the clouds look like white, fluffy candy floss.

I woke up today and counted my first blessing. Thank God I am stil breathing. :)

I sat up - and realised I have a very comfy bed indeed. Whenever I am in a bad mood, I would go shopping for bed linens. I simply adore my bed. It's something that all of us have, but many of us always take it for granted, don't we? How I wish I can just snuggle under my covers and not go to work. Having a bed to sleep in is undoubtedly, a wonderful blessing.

I went to work and my colleagues came up to me, wanting to know if I am feeling better - cos I have been sick for two whole weeks. That's a blessing - knowing that someone cares.

Checked my email and am pleasantly surprised to recieve a e-card from a friend in New York, who's feeling concerned after reading my Oct 23 blog. That's a blessing - knowing that someone is thinking of me even when he is 12 hours away.

Met up a very good friend over the weekend - and learnt that she is into beading. She gave me a pair of lovely earrings that she made herself. That's a blessing - knowing that I am someone really special to her.

A blogger friend bought me dinner last night. His generosity even extended to a karaoke session - where we sang our hearts out till 3am. That's a blessing - because I have been looking for a KTV kaki for the longest time - and he appeared.

Another blogger friend has been giving me lots of dinner and movie treats. Owe him tons. He's a blessing too - because he gives so much but expects nothing in return.

Yet another blog reader emails me daily with words of encouragement, bringing hope to my otherwise dreary day with anecdotes of his life and great book recommendations. That's a blessing - knowing that someone is always rooting silently for me - somewhere in the background.

As I was typing this entry, I thought about the people who will be reading this. And yes, you guys are also a blessing - because no matter what happens, you check in faithfully everyday to read my senseless ramblings. Day after day. Blog after blog. You even care enough to leave your comments - sharing with me the thoughts that are going through your mind.

Sometimes I wonder why - but then I remember I should always count my blessings, instead of questioning them.

And then I feel very blessed.

Secret Desire

I have always been a very sensual girl.

This literally translates into the fact that I love being cuddled and hugged. I absolutely love kisses. I love to be near someone and hold him. I love putting my head on a guy's shoulders or my arm around his. I love to be held at the little nook of my waist. I love the feeling of resting on someone's chest.

There is only one problem. You can't really do that when you are single.

If I start to be "touchy feely" with the guys I date, they would either think I am super horny, or that I am falling in love with them.

That - is quite frustrating.

I am sensuous, and I love the sense of touch. I like to ruffle a guy's hair if I think he is cute. I like to touch his arm if I think he is sweet. I like the feel of an arm around me if I feel cold in the cinema. And I love it when someone whispers a joke to me in the ear.

My senses go on high alert whenever that happens. And it gives me a warm, tingling feeling right down to my toes.

But it seems that I could not do that without giving out the wrong signals. And for a sensual girl like me, holding back the "urge" to touch feels like I'm trying to kick a serious drug addiction. The withdrawal symptoms from not being able to express myself through touch and hold are eating me up inside. The word "falling in love" instantly almost becomes a dirty word, and just gives me so much undue pressure that I no longer find pleasure in the "touch".

Sometimes, my friends would tell me that the best solution would to be to get a boyfriend, so that I can do whatever I want without feeling any pang of guilt.

I rather believe that a boyfriend is not THE solution, but a legitimate channel for me to indulge fully in my sensuality. If only men, women and the holier-than-thou society would stop placing so much significance on the act of touching, holding, cuddling, snuggling and kissing, then I might not have so much reservations on expressing myself.

But it's not that simple of course. Any form of physical intimacy with anyone - would inevitably stir up some whirlpool of hidden emotions - whether I like it or not. Even a simple touch can spark off romantic voltages that would short-circuit an entire city. Humans are way too vulnerable because feelings are unstoppable, uncontrollable, and easily manipulated.

I do not want to go there.

Being sensuous and being ready for a relationship are totally two different issues. I may be very in touch with my sensuality, but I could not see myself loving anyone at this point in time.

Herein lies my agonizing dilemma.

Turning Point

Remember in my "Octobabies" post, I mentioned that October 23 is a very significant day for me?

It was the saddest day of my life.

It was the day my dad passed away.

That was 17 years ago. I remembered the night before, I was by his bed watching him. Just like I had every night for the last 2-3 months since his condition worsened.

That night, I had severe gastric pangs. I had to be wheeled from his room to the observation ward. Lying in the dark cold room, I could not help sobbing - into the pillow so that the nurses would not hear.

I thought about my dad, painfully hooked up to all the machines, and how much he meant to me. I thought about my mom, how frail she had become ever since my dad succumbed to nose cancer. I thought about our finances, how we were almost depleted due to the numerous radio therapies my dad had to go through. I thought about myself, and how I would be losing someone I loved so much.

The gastric pains intensified.

Two hours later, the doctor came in to check on me. He pressed my abdomen, and asked if I felt any pain.

I could not speak. The pain was excruciating. But I knew my mom would collapse if another member of the family were to be hospitalized. I knew very well - we could not afford the expenses. And I knew the only place I wanted to be right then, was next to my dad.

I told the doctor I was feeling fine.

I was wheeled back to my dad's room, where my mom was waiting anxiously for my return. I told her the same lie and asked her to rest while I kept watch for the rest of the night.

I cried in the toilet when the pain got too unbearable.

The next morning, my mom decided we should all go home to wash up and come back to the hospital later in the afternoon. It was October 23, 1988.

The minute we stepped through the door into our home, the phone rang. My heart stopped momentarily, fearing the worst. My mom reached for the phone. I saw her choking, and tears began to stream down her cheeks.

She put the phone down, turned to us and said heartbrokenly, "Your father's gone."

I was in a daze pretty much after that. Death was something so unfamiliar - and I was only 12. I could not comprehend what it meant. I thought he must have gone off to some place, for a long time perhaps, but he would return one day. My mind refused to accept that he was no longer alive.

He would definitely return for me. How could he not? He loved me so much.

I was crying and laughing during the funeral, not knowing exactly how to feel. I wanted to be strong, but I was hurting like hell inside. I could tell no one, because they were either all too busy with their own grief, or running about with the funeral arrangements.

No one bothered to find out if I was ok.

The day of the creamtion, I screamed when he was pushed into the furnance. I bawled, cried, sobbed and banged on the glass windows of the viewing gallery. I called out to him till my throat went hoarse, and the pain that was running through my brain and heart was extreme. I was dying inside as the flames began to consume the coffin. I was dying with him.

But no one knew.

His death was the turning point of my life. My insomnia stemmed from the days I laid awake, anticipating his return. I cried myself to sleep every single night for three years, believing he would be back. I could not believe he would leave us alone to fend for ourselves. He was the greatest dad anyone could have. Why would Death take such a good man?

Impossible.....

My mom stopped cooking because she claimed that she had enough of that when she was taking care of my dad. She was sick and tired, and too depressed to cook again. I began to stock up on packs of instant noodles with the money I earned as a sales assistant in Yaohan, and had that for all meals for three whole years.

I had no choice but to grow up faster than any kid. I had to be stronger than any adult. Because no one cared. Not even my relatives. Everyone was afraid we would become a burden and they disappeared right after my dad's funeral.

We were really all alone.

I was completely alone. To grief. To heal. To feed myself. To see myself through school. To earn my own pocket money.

Nothing was ever the same for me after that. I learnt what depression was. I learnt what it meant to feel hopeless and suicidal. I learnt about insomnia. I learnt about the meaning of kinship. I learnt about heartlessness of people. I learnt about total abandoment. I learnt about solitude and loneliness. I learnt to make my own money. I learnt about hunger. I learnt to gain independence and strength.

I have also discovered that a part of me has died with my dad on Oct 23.

And only two persons knew this secret - the Lord and I.

War of the Worlds

War is an all-pervasive phenomenon of the universe. The Oxford Dictionary expands the definition to include "any active hostility or struggle between living beings; a conflict between opposing forces or principles."

I moved my blog from the previous address because someone started a war of words once, which snowballed into something really ugly. The heated exchange online not only became personal, but simply ridiculous.

I for one, am a strong advocator of peace. I can accept differing views on what people think about me and my musings, but I would not condone comments targeted at specific readers of my blog. Settle it elsewhere if you must, but stay away from engaging in a public online sliming festival that makes everyone look stupid or bad.

That means anonymous comments - targeting at anyone else but myself - will not see the light of day here. This is not only to maintain peace within Hotel Solace,
but also my sanity. :)

Speaking about war, I was recently inspired to pen a poem on it. All my poems are hosted online at this poetry website called The Starlite Cafe. Every week, there will be a 10-word challenge - which is to create a poem using 10 words posted by the forum administrator. The theme for this week is the letter "U", and we are given 10 words that starts with U for the challenge.

So here's my humble attempt.....


Senseless Sacrifice

As the war unfolds
I cannot help but doubt
What are we fighting for?
Helplessly
Wearily
Aimlessly
We trudged on
Our bodies nothing more
Than bullet shields

As the massacre continues
I cannot help but question
What are we bleeding for?
Hopelessly
Desperately
Painfully
Blood baked till umber
Under scorching sun

Umpteen times I’ve prayed
My usual prayer
Lord am I here to unite all
Seeking peace
Or am I your unique tool
Called upon to leave
My urban comforts
For this war-torn field
To fulfill my destiny

Were there really
Weapons of mass destruction
Have we done what we came for
Or have we been used
To further one’s ulterior motives
Bringing nothing
But misery and grief

As the gunfire rains
I cannot help but wonder
What are we struggling for?
Shamelessly
Callously
Atrociously
Body count of enemies
Updated every minute

As the death toll climbs
I cannot help but despair
What are we dying for?
Wretchedly
Agonizingly
Miserably
We began to realize
This Senseless Sacrifice

By Elvina

© 2005 Elvina (All rights reserved)

Week 42 - The ten word alphabet challenge - U

ulterior - umber - umpteen - under - unfold unique - unite - update - urban - usual

Things That Make Me Happy :)

Jade Falcon recently started a blog entry on "Things I Like." Thought it was a pretty cool idea and would like to try out my own version here today. If you are a blogger, do one for your blog too so that we can all get to know one another better! :)

Well, since I am quite easy to please, there are not many things that I don't like. So I decided to blog on things that "make me happy". Here goes....

1. Writing

Writing remains my #1 passion of all time. It is where I express words I cannot otherwise say, thoughts that I cannot otherwise reveal, and feelings that I cannot otherwise share. The literary world consumes my imagination and spurs me to create works that distinctly bears my character, personality and perceptions. It defines who I truly am, liberates what I try to suppress and shapes what I can become.

I love writing poems. I blog. I have tried writing songs. I have written a short novel once. I will continue to write as long as the passion continues to burn. I hope I can publish my own novel one day - and I wish that day will not be too far away. If you want my autograph, better ask for it now before I become famous! Haha.....


2. Music

Well, I have no talents in this field whatsoever. Could play a li'l organ here and there, but that's about it. Would love to accomplish my dream of learning the piano one day - so I can write my own songs. But music absolutely makes me happy.

I love all kinds of genre:

- Rock music (Bon Jovi, Scorpions, Guns 'N' Roses, Beyond)
- Instrumental (S.E.N.S, Chris Spheeris, Narada)
- Opera (IL Divo, Andrea Borcelli, Josh Groban, The Three Tenors)
- Pop (Linkin' Park, Hoobastank)
- Ballads (Emi Fujita, Air Supply)
- Canto and Mandarin Pop (Sammi Cheng, A-mei)
- Jazz (Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, French Jazz, Norah Jones)

To date, I have a collection of over 400 CDs - and still growing. Every kind of genre pulls my heartstrings in its own unique way. Music has really been a huge part of my life - and has also been as much a healing experience as writing.


3. Books

Books are the third great pillar of my life. I could not remember a time when I do not have a book in my hand. There were photos of me reading when I was as young as 3 years old! I have a library of close to over 200 books and comics now and my dream of a lifetime is to have my own house with a beautiful rosewood library filled with books from the floor to the ceiling. I will die a happy woman in this room....


4. Gadgets

YES! Gadgets, toys, consumer electronics are absolutely my favourites. I can swoon for hours over the latest mobile phone, PC, laptop, MP3 players, plasma TV, digital camera, turntable, speakers, hi-fi systems, wireless music streaming devices.... the list just goes on and on. Set me loose in a shop filled with gadgets and you will have me transfixed there for hours. I would be so completely hypnotized by all the cool toys in front of me that I'll be totally oblivious to you. :P


5. Movies

This is the world where most of us would often escape into. The world of make-believe, the world where good triumps over evil, the world where fantasies are created, the world where love precedes everything else in life.

Movies inspire me a lot - and there are times where one film would light a creative spark and bring out the poet in me. 11:55 is one such poem, totally inspired by the movie "Girl Interrupted".


6. Faeries

I am not sure when I started falling in love with these fantasy characters. Maybe deep inside me, I do yearn to be like the faery - carefree, kind, strong, magical, and beautiful both inside and outside. I want to have wings that will take me to the furthest ends of the universe. I want to be able to sprinkle miracles on those who needed help. I want to be able to change the world - and make it a better place.

I want to be a faery.


7. Food

Food could provide exquisite tangible and intangible comforts, you know? It not only satisfies your primal need - hunger - but at the same time, the right kind of food can so tantalize your tastebuds and make you want more.

Whatever they say about men, the way through my heart is exactly the same. Feed me. :)


8. Men

Though they are the major cause of many heartaches and tears, I do enjoy the company of men. Intelligent, witty and mature men. Men who make me laugh. Men who pamper me to no end. Men who put up with my idiosyncracies. Men who romance me. Men who keep their cool even when I lose mine. Men who are tender and kind. Men who are loyal. Men who are loving. Men who know what they want and what they have to do to get it.

They come in all shapes and sizes and different forms. Some are friends. Some are dates. Some are admirers. Some become lovers. One will eventually be my husband.

It's simply wonderful being a single girl for now.


9. Hobbies

There's little doubt that hobbies can make one really happy. These are some games/sports/activities that I love to indulge in whenever I have the luxury of time and/or money.

- Word Games: Scrabble. Boggle. I realized I'm actually quite good at word games. Open to challenges anytime.
- Sports: Cycling. Swimming. Bowling
- Singing: I am the undisputable KTV Queen!
- Web surfing: For news, creative ideas, blogs, games and other super duper cool stuff
- Concerts/Plays: Expensive hobby indeed, but shows my cultured and artistic side, doesn't it?


10. The Lord

I owe everything in my life to the Alpha and the Omega. Without Him, I am nothing. There's nothing more I could say about the greatest LOVE of my life.

= : : =

There you have it. Ten things that make me HAPPY. Check out the list of my faves below for what will make me really, really, really freaking happy!

Fav Food: Laksa, Chilli/Black Pepper crab, Curry, Tom Yum Gung (in short - anything spicy!)
Fav Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Fav Show(s): Crime Scene Investigation, Law & Order, Sex and The City, Boston Legal
Fav Book: Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught
Fav Song: Tong Hua (Fairytales) by Guang Liang
Fav Actor: Brad Pitt
Fav Singer: Emi Fujita
Fav Flower: Lilies
Fav Gadget: iPod
Fav Man: My dad


So do you know me better now?

Confessions (of A Simple Girl)

If I’m granted but just one wish
There’s nothing I’d want more
I want to be
The woman of your dreams

If the world should end today
There’s no one I’d loved more
I will love you
And that’s enough for me

You may not believe
How much you mean to me
I only want to be the girl
Who’d love you for eternity
Though I may fail
But try I will
I’ll never go
As long as you’re in my life

If I’m given but just one chance
There’s nowhere I’d long to be
I long to be
The lover in your arms

If the sun should set tonight
There’s nobody I’d miss more
I will miss you
Wish I could turn back time

You may not feel it
How much love I can give
I only want to be the girl
Who’d be where you’ll be
Though I may fall
But through it all
I’ll be there
As long as you’re here with me

That’s how much
My love for you truly is
I may never be
The girl you want to me to be
I’ll still love you
Because I am me
Because you are he

And because,

I am what I am
No one can love you more than me.

© 2005 Elvina. All rights reserved.

(Inspired by IL Divo's "The Man You Love")

"I only wanna be the man, to give you everything I can,

Every day and every night, Love you for all my life.

I don't wanna change the world, as long as you're my girl.

It's more than enough....

Just to be the man you love."

GEEK Guide - v 1.0

By now, all of you should know that I am a gadget freak. I will put up some cool links from time to time on cool gadgets, toys and paper crafts for you guys to check out. There are stuff for girls too - so don't sulk ya?

So here it is - the first edition of Geek Guide v 1.0. Get ready to be wowed!

For the DUDES:

1. Beer-O-Matic Retro Vending Machine

This is a dream vending machine! Put in all your Coke and beer cans into this retro gadget and throw a party at home or in your office! One of the most COOLEST coolers I have seen so far.

(featured on PerpetualKid.com)

2. Shocking Liar

As the name suggest, you are looking at an ultra sleek lie detector! Play FBI with your friends and get a game of Truth or Dare going. Remember the truth hurts - but if you lie, you are in it for a shock - literally! Extremely useful on cheating spouses and lovers.

(Disclaimer: We accept no responsibility for any inaccurate, or accurate readings that may lead to marital, work, or personal disputes!)

3. Mini Billards and Mini Bowling Games

If you can't get away to the pool hall, Billiards in a Box and the Mini Tenpin Bowling are great desktop entertainment! Entertain yourself when the boss's away. Great for ridding yourself of those Monday blues.

For the DUDETTES:

1. Miss Army Knife

To compete in the real world, you gotta be equipped. The Miss Army Knife complete field artillery kit that looks like an innocent Swiss Army Knife! It has a flashlight, keychain, needle and thread, safety pin, corkscrew, pen, tweezers, bottle opener, screwdriver, scissors, ruler, nail file, perfume bottle, mirror, pill box, and knife!

(featured on MissArmyKnife.com)

2. Chocolate Fountain

Though I don't have a sweet tooth, I know many of you girls have a weakness for chocolates. Enjoy the indulgent experience of a chocolate fountain in the comfort of your own home. Friends and family will be amazed as they dip fruits and biscuits into the warm, cascading Belgian Chocolate to create chocolate covered delicacies. Just fill the base with melted chocolate, turn on the motor and experience pure chocolate heaven.....Yummy!

(featured on PerpetualKid.com)

3. Candy Grabber

Check out this fantabulous Candy Grabber! It doubles up as a savings bank so you can have fun while you save! Simply fill it with your favourite grabbable treats, drop in a coin or token and attempt to capture your prize before the whimsical music stops. You can even earn some money by enticing your guests to have a go at it. It's simply as addicitive as the one in the arcades!

(featured on Firebox.com)

That's it for the first edition! There are more from where these cool gadgets came from! Click on the pictures to take you right to their websites.

I will feature more cool stuff next weeK. If you are looking for gift ideas, drop me an email and see what I can pull together for you.

Meanwhile, Christmas is coming round the corner. You guys know what to get me now! Haha....

P.S. Bee - Hope this color scheme and the larger fonts will help you read my post better! :P

Love on Rebound

A friend of mine has requested that I blog something on rebound. Yup - the all too familiar word for those who are 'fresh' out of love.

What constitutes a rebound? When does it start? When does it end? How do you differentiate it from true love? Can a rebound lead to something more?

Quite frankly, I am no Dr. LoveAlot. Questions like these stupefied me just as much. The answers elude me just the same. But I guess since I have been in more rebound relationships than real ones, I should be able to dig into my crumply Rebound sack and fling out some useful nuggets of wisdom.

When I was very much younger, I found it difficult to be alone. Not that I am trying to find excuses for myself, but I do think that it might have something to do with losing my dad at a very young age. I have always been the apple of his eye, and his death just stripped everything away that I once possessed. His love. His attention. His time. His company.

Hence, I surrounded myself with people who loved me. Obviously, most of them happened to be boys. I jumped from one relationship into another, seeking the love and attention that I so desperately crave for. Every time one relationship ended, there would be another waiting to start. I could not remember a time when I was alone. The thought was too much to bear.

That kind of behaviour, was undoubtedly screaming "REBOUND" in big, bold capital letters with neon bulbs flashing all round.

The thought of ending a relationship often hurls us deep into the depths of helplessness and despair. Hence, during that period, you'd feel most lonely. The least desired. And very unwanted.

Along comes someone who seems to understand what you are going through emotionally. You feel as if you can connect with that person who is spending time with you. Not only do you stop feeling bad about the relationship that soured, you are actually entertaining thoughts on this new person who's paying attention to you.

At this point, you would probably think that you have found yet another person you can entrust your feelings with.

Hold your horses, my friend.

Whatever you are feeling right now could not possibly be real. The heart is still reeling from a break up. Your vulnerability is exposed. You've lost that lovely feeling which left a huge gaping void in your life. You needed to know you are not that hopeless.

Unknown to you, these cavities have formed a huge ominous curtain of deception over your eyes. The need for company and approval might be so overwhelming that you could easily misread the signals. If you think your feelings are being awakened by this new found relationship, it's probably time to re-tune your antenna.

I would say 99% of the time, when the fog lifted, you will realised those feelings are horrendously misplaced in a moment of weaknesses. That's when terms like rebound love, rebound sex, and rebound "whatever" find their way into the Oxford dictionary. Once you start defining it, everything seems clearer.

Not that rebounding is bad. Everything is ok as long as no one gets hurt. A rebound helps one to get over pain and loss faster than you can say "What the hell have I done?" But if feelings are involved, things get a li'l bit complicated.

IMAGINE:
If one party is on the rebound and the other is genuine, that's clearly a recipe for disaster.

If both parties are on the rebound wagon, you've got a one-way ticket to Splitsville. Two's not always company. That's how some great friendships are ran over and wrecked in such freak accidents.

- Right person, right place, wrong timing.
- Right person, right timing, wrong place
- Wrong person, right place, right timing
- Wrong person, wrong place, right timing
- Right person, wrong place, wrong timing

I could blabber on and give you 10,000 more permutations to prove how the hypothesis of rebounds could potentially be damaging and irreversible. But it's really unnecessary because I believe most of you are not stupid. You might be blind and delusional, but you are definitely not dumb if you have read this far.

So my take on falling headlong into another relationship when you have just got out of one is - DON'T DO IT. Not unless you have suicidal tendencies.

Take your time, what's the hurry? If both of you are truly fond of each other, you will still feel the same when the Cloud of Doubt passes. And if you don't, at least you've got yourself another friend.

That's the logical me talking. There are times when I am not so sure myself if I could see beyond the blurred boundaries. One of my favourite quotes of all time speaks of this dilemma:

"The most beautiful things in the world cannot be explained by logic or reason, but they must be felt by the heart."

And boy, do I have a treacherous heart.

My Dynasty Warrior

I remember the days when I played Romance of the Three Kingdoms - it was so addictive that I didn't sleep for days and nights because I was so engrossed in conquering nations, battling enemies and forging allies.

Came across this cool little quiz on Jade's website - which analyzes the kind of Dynasty Warrior that you are.

So I took the quiz and here's the analysis - I am Zhuge Liang, the legendary military strategist! Exactly the character that I would have chosen when I am playing the 3 Kingdoms!

Take the quiz and let me know who you are. This will not take you more than a minute, I promise! :)

Have fun.......

Cool Blog Tools

For those of you who are into blogging like moi, it's always wise to back up your files. If you are using Word, or w.bloggar or WordPress, you wouldn't have a problem as your files would be saved in another format anyway.

But if you are blogging your entire life through Blogger's interface, I would strongly recommend that you back up your entries using this cool software called the Website Copier. The software allows you to download a World Wide Web site from the Internet to a local directory, building recursively all directories, getting HTML, images, and other files from the server to your computer. This means that it creates a mirror website of your blog, so that you can also view it offline. Simply open a page of the "mirrored" website in your browser, and you can browse the site from link to link, as if you were viewing it online.

You would also have noticed that I have a li'l new item on my blog. It's a subscription service which allows my readers to subscribe to my blog and be updated via email every time I put up a new entry! Install Bloglet on your blog if you like to keep your friends updated on your blog entries.

Last but not least, if you are looking to change the look and feel of your blog, check out BlogSkins, Blogfrocks and Primp My Blog. You can find many original creations from people who simply have too much time on their hands! :)

Being the geek that I am, you can be sure I will be surfing for more cool stuff. Watch this space.