In the land of Ikea… Yes, there’s actually a Part II

Yes, there’s a continuation to my initial review of Thor!

I had a pretty big privilege (and really good coincidence) to have another go at Thor. Exactly one week after when I last watched it!

But movie aside, I simply felt that today was an enjoyable day. In my opinion, some movie experiences are made better with a good friend in tow, and somehow Thor was one of those moments. I’ve only watched two movies twice in the past, both in the same year of 2005-Corpse Bride and Chicken Little. Corpse Bride was good-I can watch it a billion times and still come off saying it was a very romantic movie, Tim Burton-style. I can’t say the same for Chicken Little, and until today I still think it’s a big joke.

Thanks, Jason.

So yeah, I only re-watch movies with a select few. Special people! Just kidding, but you get my drift.

I will not rewrite my review on Thor (because frankly I still think it’s kinda disappointing) but I shall talk about a few memorable moments and even scenes that I missed like 90% because I wasn’t paying attention. Yes. You got that right.

-Although this didn’t happen in the movie, I have to say this: the guy at the counter actually told us to stay behind and wait for that extra scene after the credits! First time being notified and while I already know that there’s a clip, it’s nice that people let you know about things like this. Makes your movie experience more worthwhile-pfft. Still, people ought to let the viewers know that for future movies!

-I was coughing a lot. A LOT. I didn’t quite like the fact that the weather was rather hazy and the cinema was cold. The result? Dry coughing ensues. My coughs sort of picked up when they focused on that frigid planet Jotunheim, and it’s totally pardonable okay? When I get to UK I am so screwed.

-I so did not fangirl. No, I didn’t. Never did.

-The hall we were in had lousy audio. One moment it was deafening, and the next it was suddenly muffled. Towards the end I really had to cover my ears when Loki and Thor fought. It was like they were fighting in front of me. I was totally on the verge of shouting and asking them to stop killing each other.

-When I found out that Zachary Levi was actually slated to play the blonde guy with the annoying musketeer mustache I was rather relieved that he didn’t take on this role. Because the three warriors and Sif did not get a lot of screen time. And the Asian guy had the least lines. As usual, Hollywood.

-Agent Coulson is kinda funny. Honest! Well he was annoying the first time, and tolerable the second time around. I love it so much when he mentioned Tony Stark by name-even though he didn’t show up in person. Rats.

-Asgard is looking more artificial the second time I watched it. And the razzle dazzle! I think sun glasses are a necessity for inhabitants there.

-Saw the marksman working his bow and arrow again. In the rain. At night.

-I actually didn’t catch the dialogue where Loki tells Thor that he is exiled from Asgard on my first watch. Why? Because at that moment, I decided that Tom Hiddleston’s face is all I shall look at. And I did. Unashamedly. He looks amazing in a suit. There, I said it.

-In fact, it was on some weird whim that I made up my mind the very next day last week after Thor that Tom Hiddleston is dreamy. And that I absolutely dig his costume design-everything but that helmet. I do not agree with that helmet. ‘Nuff said. Apart from that, I’m all on board.

-His outfits were the best looking ones. Hands down, because I’m terribly biased at this point. I think I must really dislike armor. That ridiculously horned helmet oh my god

-Upon watching this the second time, I kept telling myself to actually focus on the story and well, stop being so besotted? Oh, the fail.

-Was it necessary to mention at the end of the credits that ‘Thor will appear in The Avengers‘? Just like repeating again that the producers of Iron Man and Thor are of the same-Marvel, we get it. 

-The Destroyer is still frightening. Period. I got shocked when he ‘slapped’ Thor (ahaha Hwee Lynn) the first time and the second time was no different. Not helping when the sound system took that moment to malfunction. But the fact that Thor defeated him so easily… meh.

-Lastly, finally caught the special clip after the credits. And right now, I’m on cloud nine.

I think I would have gone on ranting for a little bit longer-if I wasn’t as tired as I am now. Perhaps it’s a good thing, because I didn’t want to get overly one-sided and turn this entry into a glorifying post for Loki. While I really like him, I didn’t want to go all psycho. Nah, I don’t think I am that overreactive.

But Sebastian Michaelis, I am totally dumping you.

Anyway, brb daydreaming 

My brush with macarons

Who doesn’t like macarons? I mean, how can anyone not be charmed by its adorable little shape, to its crumbly texture that suggests mouth-melting awesomeness to its thin layer of cream that only adds jest and flavor to that tiny little pastry?

I ‘fess up that I’m one of those that break out into squeals when I see something cute-pastries don’t go overlooked here. About what I find adorable, that will probably be left for another post.

Macarons aren’t new here; in fact they have probably been here a while before the trend (could this be considered one?) really caught on. Suddenly it exploded into full bloom and everyone wants a bite of that minuscule biscuit that comes in the colors of the rainbow. Everyone, including me-but then again yours truly has always been rather late to hop on bandwagons. I see them more and more often lately but was hesitant to loosen my purse strings to buy some because… well. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to fork out RM 4.50 for one biscuit. Sure it looks amazing, but what if it tasted weird?

Yesterday, I finally picked up the courage (and money) to go ahead and try some with my sister while we were at Suria KLCC. The location was Isetan, on their supermarket floor. We stumbled across a small stall selling what was left of the day’s macarons. And there were a small group of people clustered around it, presumably taking in the colors that only macarons can acquire. So, we bought four. The flavors were Green Tea, Lemon, Apricot and Chocolate Mint.

We didn’t eat it until we got back. And when we did, the result was… kinda unexpected.

I tried the Green Tea one first. And it didn’t taste remotely like green tea. I drink green tea twice a week so I suppose that I should more or less grasped the essence of that flavor. Which the bright green macaron rather lacked. It tasted sweet, more or less.

Sister tried the lemon one. It was lemon cream sandwiched in between purple colored macarons. Very unusual, but there was some lemon-y taste there (I tried it too).

Chocolate mint was chocolate mint. It only further reconfirmed the fact that I really don’t like mint chocolate. To my taste buds, they don’t go together. Not at all.

Apricot was weird! Not only was it a neon orange (looking uncannily like our orange laundry basket) hue but it tasted nothing like apricot! There was a funny aftertaste that I am sure had no relation to the flavor. I’m positive that apricot isn’t flavored like that. But then again, for RM 2.50 a pop, it’s safe to assure that artificial flavoring was used. Without a doubt, food coloring takes credit for the colors-much to my mum’s disapproval. I get what she meant, however-brightly colored food is somewhat alarming, but in the macarons’ case it’s softened somewhat by a simple and… docile appearance?

So, no macarons for me in a hurry, until I stumble upon more worthy macarons (of quality that is). I suppose for this, you really have to pay for a better gastronomic experience.

If anyone is wondering where this macaron stall is, it’s not far from the Isetan supermarket cashiers. And the Sun Moulin Bakery. You can’t miss it. Unless the stall has moved. But if you want to give it a shot, go ahead, and tell me if you feel the same way as I did. Hopefully not, though. I hope it’s just me.

Finally another entry

My half-arsed blog title aside, life is picking up pace on my side. There’s tons of things to do, an even more bigger pile stashing up in the back. Yes, life has been relatively busy. Hectic, whatever.

At least my art blog is up and running, and not as half-arsed as before. I seem to be using that term a lot. Meh.

Anyway, here’s another screen cap from one of my favorite shows. It’s not Dexter. Which brings to mind that I SHOULD screen cap some crack from Dexter. The man needs more love.

Here’s the said screen shot. Try and guess the show.

Roundhouse kick, yo.

The night is… still young.

I might be kidding myself regarding to the title above. I’m probably just trying to make the title to this post sound a wee bit more better and um… yeah.

I only had a sip of Heineken and Long Island, I swear. While Heineken tasted like how most beers would taste like-bitter-Long Island (did I hear right?) reminded me strongly of the bitter flavor of medicine. I blame the array of medicine I had to take during my childhood because I relate every single chemical/bitter tinge on my taste buds to the doses I’ve gotten before.

As for my outfit, sadly I’m not the kind who takes pictures. I know, pathetic right? Lets just say I wore a black blazer over a white layered top, black shorts with knee-high grey stockings and heels. Honestly I was rather satisfied with how I threw this look together because I actually had to do research. When it comes to fashion, I admit that I’m a bit on the thick side. I accessorized with a bird brooch that I really like, and that was it. Including my hair done up. Jason is right-it does take a lot of effort for me to do things like these.

So yes, it was my first experience at a real bar. A neighborhood bar! When music from The Beatles began to play, it felt really old school-I almost felt that the atmosphere could’ve been different if everyone played a part! Shi Ching and I took a sip of Long Island. We decided to order a Coke to share-simply because soft drinks were crazy expensive and we didn’t want to look like the odd ones out as every one was drinking. It went well, I had a good time watching them play a few rounds of cards. Very entertaining, I assure you.

Everyone looked so pretty tonight (and that also means you, Shi Ching!). It’s nice that we did this annual Chinese New Year gathering of sorts (always courtesy of Yi Ming, so thank you so much, love!) because it does keep us together somewhat as high school friends. It’s like something to hold on to, you get what I mean? And it felt good to see Yi Ming again. Fancy knowing you since Primary 4! Back then our lives pretty much sucked, and having you to lean on was the one thing I could count on. Here’s to yet another year of our long-standing friendship. (:

And yes, after chilling a bit at Kimberly’s house (she has a scary bed!) I’m now seated in the living room, with my laptop plugged into the cable for internet connection. No, my modem is still not fixed up (the wireless one) and so I’ve to rely on this method for now. Not as bad as having zip internet though. This is a vast improvement. Not only that, apart from changing into my house clothes, my shakily applied eyeliner is still on, my hair is still in its milkmaid braids (a hairstyle that I’ve been trying and liking it), I simply decided to sit down, and after finishing off some work, I chose to write this entry. Since my memory is still fresh from the fun and hilarity of our night, I just want to record this down, at least in words. I know my terrible memory will fail me soon enough, so having this online diary at times does have its perks.

Here ends this post. To my visitors who take time to read my entries, you have my gratitude. (: I will update this more, I promise!

This can be applied to many situations-if you get the drift.

 

credits to Melissa (http://moon-maiden36.livejournal.com/) for the humor!

Like a certain vampire novel, for example.

No words.

A picture bears a thousand words, no?

Throwdown

What a weekend. Apart from being brainwashed on all things Kuro Myu, there is some competition. Not really anything major, but it’s all for fun.

I’m totally in love with Matthew Morrison. Seeing him week after week on TV being so cute is just more than enough.

:D

And naturally, one of my friends had to gleefully object against my taste (LOL) and introduce this beautiful monstrosity other person instead. I’m being sarcastic.

._.

Anyway I still prefer Matt more than Yuya, to be frank. 8D Feel free to state which team you’re on, if you’re willing enough.

Note: They both can sing, dance and act. Except that Matt has more critically acclaimed performances than Yuya because he is older.

Random post, because I’m just bored and aimless. D: And busy.

Oh, boy you left me speechless

Song feature, courtesy of my dad: Two Is Better Than One, Boys Like Girls featuring Taylor Swift.

It’s a great listen. Go check it out, I’m positive that you’ll like it. (:

I’m digging the entire Glee OST right now. Their covers sound catchier and much more uplifting, probably because it’s a show about singing. But I love it! I haven’t listened to such musicals in a while so this was a pleasant change. Yes, Lea has an amazing voice. The whole show is filled with talent. Move aside, HSM!

Has anyone heard of this novel Hush, Hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick? I actually saw the book cover weeks ago in December while in Kinokuniya over the weekend. The cover (as always) captured my attention-it was on the featured display so naturally, I was intrigued. Because you don’t normally get such pictures, and the whole black and white contrast just makes it more classic and outstanding.

What else could you ask for? No I didn’t buy it, I’m not that impulsive even when it comes to books. But Cindi and I were curious (curious is a small word) so I decide to read it at the bookstore while she leafed through a book about Twilight-something about whether you love Jacob or Edward, LOL. I think we were being too loud on the jokes, because karma had to put two young Twilight aficionados very close by. If they did caught wind on us, I bet they would hate us to the core and [maybe] wish that the Volturi will come and stake us out. The mere fact of Caius coming to kill me is enough to make me get goosebumps.

Well, here’s my choice of defense (I’m obligated anyway):

TOP THAT, VAMPS.

I digress. Yet again.

Ok moving on to the contents of the book. I was rather let down by the beginning of the first few chapters, to be honest.

[Spoilers ahead if you don't wish to know]

The main character (Nora – EH) meets a new kid in Biology class. Doesn’t that sound too familiar all of a sudden? I mean, everyone’s liking Biology now. Even if it’s not, it does bring back some hints to another series I’ve read. Also, my sister and I’ve already wrung the gist of the story through the book cover itself.

I mean, if that book doesn’t point to Sebastian a fallen angel then that’s really something. Although the cover is bold, well we sort of guessed. I know Cindi was hoping for a vampire of sorts.

On a somewhat related note, Andrew said that Legion was a terrible movie. Not all angel-related movies are a match made in Heaven.

Edit:

Oh, and something assignment related for now: we’ve to do this self-portrait [again] for one of our subjects. And our lecturer said that it would be helpful if we get opinions from people whom we know. It’s a good idea because I don’t think I’m in a right position to really judge my own character that well. It would make me appear pompous and pathetic, so I should leave this to my friends. (:

Anything (I mean anything) that you wish to say, feel free to leave it in the comments, regardless of how long/short it may be. Treat this like an honesty meme. I would like to read your respective thoughts about me. I will try to incorporate the stuff mentioned into the portrait in a somewhat symbolic/metaphoric manner. This is going to be a challenge.

Random search on Google

Somehow I feel like looking up on Christian Siriano. So I Google Image-d him. Ha. (: He’s probably the one winner who I will remember because of his ‘fierce’ and ‘hot mess’ comments. You rock, dude. 

 

Move over, Marc! Amanda's got a new best friend-and she didn't choose him through a reality show.

 

Love you too, guys.

Fierce. We get it.

Yeah, love you too.

 

No, really.

Rawr. Work it.

Weekend at the beach, part 1

I was in Port Dickson last Sunday to visit the parents of the toddler which my mum babysits. They are building a holiday home there. And it’s just in front of the beach. (: I can’t wait to see how it looks when it is finally done!

 

The Yacht Club where we had lunch. This is the sitting area.

 

The swimming pool from the restaurant.

 

Sigh. I can't swim, but the water looks inviting.

 

The back of their bungalow. It's low tide, so we can walk along the shores. (:

 

My sister taking in the beach.

It's like rocky road ice cream!

 

Taken from the balcony, of one of the rooms.

That's the swimming pool-under construction!

 

My mum and Uncle Ron. That's his house in the background. Only 40% done. So, keep an eye out for the finished one next year. (:

 

Later, we went straight to Midvalley. My mum and my sister shopped while my dad and I did this.

Taken from where we sat. Not bad, my sad camera phone.

Part 2 will come along when I am up to it. (: