Dealing with today's Problems

I have been failing my drive tests too often that, I have reached to the point where... I am devoid of any emotions left.

What concerns me the most, is the money. I have spent lots of sums of money for the sake of getting a license, and I don't think I have had ever spent even that much for clothes. My mind told me that, perhaps I am not even meant for the license. Perhaps I don't have the talent for driving at all.... Though it feels sucks.. I just have to resign to the fate and ..the only thing I know is, well.. just pay the money for another try.

I did not have anyone to call too when I finished the test, except notify my best friend via text messages. My feet brought me straight to the place that I used to put my commitment & energy there.. yes, my former work place don 1.

As I sat down and waited for my meal, I felt slightly nostalgic feeling towards this place. The atmosphere, the vibe, the pace.... Though it is still as it is; small, old, smells of teriyaki sauce, not as clean and bright as my office, woody and a little.. dodgy ? .. I still have that sense of belonging and pride to this place. At least this is a remaining place that I still have some kind of triumphant feel, indescribable in words. At least this place acknowledged me to a certain degree.. And I know, I have decided to move on from this place, never coming back, but still, maintaining the relations.

My brief visit comforted me. Perhaps meeting my ex managers were the reasons, or was I looking back to the olden days. Yet, life moves on and Don1 have taught me that, I did able to climb to the top, no matter how many times I struggled there in the past. It was a success and I have to do the same at my current life situation, especially for my present job.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows - Soundtrack

The score for Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is composed by Alexandre Desplat, a notable French composer.

The first review of the soundtrack was released on October 31^st, 2010. The soundtrack received many positive reviews. ‘Obliviate’, the Prelude of the Deadly Hallows portrays the sad, mournful story, appropriate for the projection of the movie. It is neither a mysterious fantasy theme, nor a triumphant battle score, it is unique and full of depth, reflecting the progression of the emotions that the film contains.

At the time I watched the film for the first time in cinema; I noticed the melancholy tones and how the background music attracted me so much. When I found out that the composer was Alexander Desplat, it made sense to me. Having been listening well to Desplat‘s Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I could identify the uniqueness of Desplat’s composition; the sombre timbre, the many uses of dark tones, the beautiful melancholy tunes. And after I watched Deathly Hallows: Part 1, for the second time, I decided to purchase the soundtrack.

One month has passed, as I listen to the soundtrack all the time and I have fallen in love with it. ‘Obliviate’ sets the scene for a sad, mournful story and perhaps, highly appropriate to introduce this film. The music lends quiet emotional depth in ‘Harry & Ginny’, some tense, robust action with outstanding precision in many other tracks. In ‘Ron’s Speech’, the emotion in this music is high above success. It is so much serene and beautiful that I couldn't help but really feel it. Through the music, it depicts Desplat's genuine understanding towards the characters in the film; the painful transition from children to adult that the characters have to face, the struggles, and the deepest feelings, the dark forces, have all been illustrated with the entire soundtrack.

Nevertheless, John William’s scores for Harry Potter‘s first two movies received much credit as well. And Harry’s Wondrous World, ceaselessly, has been my favorite for 8 years and will always be.

No doubt, these soundtracks serve as my faithful companions when I was alone, in my room, which illustrates the mood of the story for Harry Potter series vividly. And honestly, some of the music suit my moods very much.

Kitchen Workshop Buffet

25th January 2011 - 18.00 pm @ Kitchen Workshop, Crown Entertainment Complex.

Having mon premier Unilodge Company dinner buffet ~ A cozy effective way to get together with the managers & other staff members, while having a chance to have your ideal way of dining experiences.

Instead of rushing to the food counter and taking as much food ravenously, I did it step by step and never against the order by starting from:
1. Appetizer - Tomato & Basil soup with croutons, garnished with Parmesan cheese
2. Salad - Garden salad with French Dressing, Beetroots, Tomatoes, Pasta Salad, etc.
3. Entree - Cordon Bleu Veal with Chat Potatoes, with many others available here and there.
4. Main Courses - Grilled Pepper Fish, Roasted Chicken, & Roast Beef.
5. Dessert, observable from the photograph.

And, please don't get me wrong. When it comes to buffet, my ideal rule is to take as little portion as much for each food that I would devour upon. Take your time, eat gracefully, and no rush ! Thinking in mind, that this is a time for food tasting. Be careful on the portion on each dishes would allow me to safe more rooms for my stomach, in conducting the maximum gastronomic activity as possible, and at the same time, to watch over my weight. Plenty of people would have the pleasure to be represented as my witnesses.

The overall ambiance of the dining room was all right, despite the limit of food varieties compared to Sante, but I do think that the quality of the food here is pretty satisfying. The only thing that I found it disappointing was the roast beef - hard, not enough taste.. anyway,
Love the grill pepper fish the most. I ate double portion & it's simply Enchante !

Art Deco in Fashion

Celebrated as one of the major artistic influence, The Art Deco movement (early 1920s – 1939) was reputable as the period of the unique combination of exoticism and modernity, the great time of experimentation in fashion.

The arrival of Serge Diaghileva and the Ballet Russes in Paris in 1909, was historically mark as the catalyst of the Art Deco period. Pivotal in the development of Art Deco, the Ballets Russes imbued fashion with its colourful and voluptuous aesthetic through the genius of Paul Poiret, who introduced the brilliant and bright colours and exotic garments, related to the Oriental splendour of Leon Bakst’s set and costume designs.

This important period also highlighted the Women’s movement and the thirst for the freedom that led to the radical shift in changing attitudes among women. The modern women of 1920s rebelled against the traditional Victorian values and feminine image. The emancipation of women liberalism also marked the rise of the Art Deco Fashion Icon, known as the Flappers.

The Flappers, ‘the young birds flapping its wings while learning to fly’, wore their hair and skirts short. They used heavy make up, smoke and drink in public, dancing Charleston and escaping from the oppressive tradition.

Masculine forms, streamlined, short hemlines, tubular silhouette, the cloche hat, ‘Charleston’ dress, geometric, angular shapes and designs, rolled down stockings were all the characteristics of the flapper fashion.

With this kind of freedom of movement as priority and concept, designers such as Jean Patou, Madeleine Vionnet and Gabrielle Chanel created the first real style for modern woman. The love of surface embellishment and abstract flourished, innovative seaming, gauzy fabrics, beads and feathers were used in working with silhouette. Menswear concepts and sportswear ideas were also popular.

The progressive time in economy during Art Deco period, the glamorous evening fashion, the era of Jazz Age life and the limelight of the avant-garde, all represented the life of modernity, luxury and leisure, simply, the three key themes of Art Deco Fashion.

Sources:

1. Lussier, Suzanne, Art Deco Fashion, V&A Publications, UK 2003.

2. Art Deco Fashion History, http://www.art-deco-style.com/art-deco-fashion.html

3. Historic Dress: Early Art Deco (1911- 1929), http://char.txa.cornell.edu/art/dress/historic/earlyart/earlyart.htm

4. Decolish,http://www.decolish.com/ArtDecoFashion.html Decolish.com

Written to be Published for :

Nouvelle Entree
(www.nouvelleentree.com)
24th January 2011

Random words

Thinking on how to make myself busy - should i .. - hm.. maybe learning something new like taking short courses.. - depending on my budget though - sigh.. maybe make up lesson - or resume back vocal class - sigh the distance is the problem - too far - but seems have to , but for what ? - hm - better occupy myself - learning le francais ? - maintenant je apprendre le francais...- mais, think i can do it myself ? - sometimes it would be boring sitting in the class, learning in slow paces.. - think of something else... - how bout cake decorating class ? - sounds fun - hm.. but i hardly bake stuff nowadays - drawing ? painting ? - kind of losing the heart to take off all my brushes and paints from my cupboard - hm.. calligraphy ? - should improve my handwriting to make it more high-class ? - nah, you have got full time job - should stay at home and rest - well.. think bout driving first.. - or clean your house - stay at home, sip a tea and pamper yourself with all those aromatic perfume - hm.. - have to watch black swan or burlesque sometimes soon - spend more times with girls are the must - sigh - i will see how i go through this year .. i want something new and something rewarding - sick of certain things in life - not meant to complain - but really sick of it sometimes and - wanna have a new look and new appearance if i could - and i am not 'emo'ing here - hate that term on me, coz in the past someone always accused me of that -bitter am i ? - sigh.. in need of escapism - yet .. i know i have to be a good girl and obey and surrender....... - dear brain, be wise.

Marleen & Virgon's Wedding : 15th January 2011

15th January 2011, Saturday.. a fine sunny day finally, after days of endless pouring rain, sweeping Melbourne as if it never ended, would always be remembered for Marleen & Virgondo's wedding.

What would be more blessed then witnessing two loving souls, triumphantly going through all obstacles for 8 years and finally pledging vows to be husband and wife ? Been knowing Marleen since the day she stepped into Dondon 3 years ago allowed my mind to be dived into memorable pensive. It was joyful, to look at her, so beautiful on this day. I have seen her many times on different number of days. However, she never looked as radiant as this before.. on such a special day, and I couldn't help it but, smile as I know, I love this girl very much !

However....silently, I did shed my tears watching them standing proudly in the pulpit. Though, genuinely happy and feel at ease for them, inside my heart I heard myself saying : might or might not this could happen to me ?.. a complex thoughts that I prefer not to discuss further at the moment.

The whole afternoon prior to the reception was spent preparing myself for the night. Yes, I was excited and wanted to have a perfect night. Weeks had been devoted for the presentation, which I sought for the emphasis of classy and elegance, and indeed, all went satisfyingly well.

Royce Hotel Ballroom portrayed excellent choice, I simply love the stairs leading tranquilly towards the ballroom. All the decorations that adorned the silky table, with carefully chosen ornaments reflect the delicacy of Marleen's choice. I know well, they both have fine taste.

My two good friends had delivered profound skills as Emcees. Meals were tastefully appropriate, and the entree of Duck Risotto was delightful to my taste. I also had my debut, singing in a wedding, which was included in 'one of my wishes since I was a little girl each time I attended a wedding' and was very grateful for such privilege.

Most of all, gathering with my ex-colleagues and good friends in this very occasion had the most value. Everyone I knew were merry and really enjoyed the whole reception. It would be a great journey for the bride and groom, and many blessings would certainly, be bestowed upon them as the rewards of their faithfulness for one another..