Pictures of the Day

Kenko Fish Spa at Pavillion KL - our second visit here. Felt so nice and relaxed having those fishies nibble on my feet - a kinda soft massaging feel. I wanted to go for the foot reflexology session but decided not to in the end cos we were catching time. (Question: How does one catch time, actually?) Yasmin was laughing and yelling as the fish were kissing her feet - heeee!

To You

A friend tagged me on Facebook quite some time ago, to do this list of 25 random things about myself. I gave it some thought and talked to my hubby about how I have some business contacts on my FB list and that I didn't really want them to be reading all those things about me. I thought about doing the tag here, in my blog instead. To which hubby replied that..with the blog, you wouldn't even know who would be reading it. At least in FB, the people reading it would be people you actually know and only those who are on your friends list. Which is, true.

I never got round to doing that tag though. And I am still always surprised when somebody (whom I didn't know of) tells me that they read my blog. It's like that feeling when you discover that people actually know of your little secret. And you start thinking of all the other little things they might know about you. Then you go back and try to think if you had ever written or mentioned anything about that person, even indirectly, anything incriminating, offensive or embarassing. Then you think, well..if I ever did, they wouldn't still be reading this would they...

I remember reading a book about writing, at which the author mentioned that it is a challenge for writers to have to worry about what they are writing and who will be reading it. You wouldn't want to write anything that would offend anyone in any way and this in a way does limit an authors freedom to write. I realise sometimes that I do write more for people who will be reading this.. and not just for myself. And yes, I filter out stuff that I think I shouldn't include for various reasons.

I only have 4 official followers of this blog and I know the bunch who usually visit my blog - those bloggers on my blogroll and who so kindly leave me comments. So I am writing this to you..who is reading this, my anonymous readers who have visited and come back. Who thinks that my sharing here is worth the read. Hello and Thank you. Leave me a comment some time. I'm nice, I don't bite.

I Heart Andy Roddick and The Wimby's

There's so much I wanted to write about this past few days. But a combination of busy-ness, bad internet connection and tiredness meant that it's all still just here in my head. So here I am.. hoping that the internet connection holds and I can let out some thoughts. Let me start with this one.

Last Sunday evening, I did something that I haven't done in a while now. I was up til past 2am. I stayed up to watch the Wimbledon's Men Finals! Hehe..what were you thinking?? I haven't been up to anything naughty bah. And I have to say this... I heart Andy Roddick!

Going into the finals, I thought it would be smooth sailing for Federer and I was all for him to win, to clinch his much hyped about 15th Grand Slam title, surpassing Pete Sampras and all that. I was nicely surprised though when hubby told me that the match had gone into the fifth set with Federer and Roddick winning two sets each. I had seen Roddick play the other Andy in the Semis and I was impressed. Not just by his big serves and winning shots but there was a sort of coolness and calmness to him that I hadn't seen or noticed before. Seeing him grow up on the courts all these years, he was usually easily frustrated or angry and it would really affect his gameplay. But not this time. There was definitely something different. Could it be.. maturity after all those years of experience. Or it could be his new coach. Or the fact that he is happily married to a gorgeous model. Whatever it was, it's good. And I thought..if he could only keep that up, he'd have a chance against Federer in the finals.

And so he did. He really gave Federer a run for his gold blazer. To use a line that Roddick himself came up with a couple of years ago..where Federer threw the kitchen sink, there was Andy hauling back his bath tub! (Haa..I love that and I still remember that til this day..I think most tennis fans would). His game was on par with Federer's. The fifth set was on serve at 6-6 and in the finals, there is no tiebreaker. So they would continue play until someone gets a break and go on to win another game. Last year's final was deemed an epic..with Federer and Nadal going at it til Nadal won at 9-7. It was supposedly the longest final in history..that is, until this year.

At 14-14, after more than 4 hours of play, both seemed as though they could go on at it all night. Federer served first and won his 15th game. Roddick needed the same. But a couple of errors and suddenly Federer has a break and championship point. Save it Andy, save it, I thought. You can. You deserve to win this one. But alas.. one long shot and Federer has it. Roddick had played the best game of his career, hung in there side by side with Federer and after all that..he lost. What heartache.

The look on his face said it all. He was the better player that day. He was so close. He had given his all and still come in second. He looked dejected, deflated and downright dissapointed. I couldn't help but to wish someone would go on court and give him a hug. Then again, I think he would have completely broke down there and then if someone did. He looked as though he could cry. And Federer is the one who's the crier.

image from wimbledon.org

How do they do it I wonder? Go through all that and still be such good sports. They have to, I guess. Roddick still managed a little joke when being interviewed by Sue Barker, saying 'Sorry Pete..I tried to hold him off..' and when Federer tried to console him he bantered, 'But you've already won five...' Roddick is always humorous in his interviews but in the post match press conference just hours after the finals.. reporters too were at a loss of words. They felt for him and remarked that he was not his usual entertaining self, he was really down and they only saw the front of his cap for most of it. Kesiannya.

I was curious to know what he would tweet the next day (yes, he's on twitter). He tweeted a thank you message for all the support and that he will be back. Yeiy! He might not have won this one, but I think he gained a whole bunch of new fans that day. And if he continues playing as well as he did, he's surely gonna win a Grand Slam soon.

Next up, it's the final Slam of the year, Flushing Meadows in September. Go Andy!

** wow..I can't believe I wrote such a long post on..sports!! not linachu's usual topic to write about but there ya go!

Jon & Kate plus Hate?

Oh no! After my 'Oh no' a few days ago, regarding TR Knight and Grey's Anatomy..today there's a new and bigger one. And a real one as well. Jon & Kate Gosselin of Jon& Kate Plus Eight have announced that they are divorcing. They have been going at things for a while now so I guess it is fitting that they announce this. No surprise, really. But it's just oh so bad for the kids!! Those sweet sweet kids. It's bad enough they've been using their kids for all the publicity, all this while. And now those kids have to deal with this family problem in front of the camera and the eyes of television viewers. Yeah, apparently they decided that even though they will separate and eventually divorce, their show will still go on. How gila publisiti is that??! Oh man..when I first started watching this show (I don't follow it..just watch when I happen to see it), I thought they were really so charming! And that appearance in Oprah? That was so adorable....Hmmphh! Shame on you Jon & Kate!

I Need a Holiday

Oh wow! Accor Hotels are having a Super City Sale. Hotel rates in 27 cities across 10 countries in the Asia Pacific region are being reduced in their sale. The cities include among others; Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Auckland and more.

If it were me, I would love to go to New Zealand. It is such a beautiful place.I'd go to Auckland and check into the Mercure Auckland Windsor, right in the heart of the city centre. I would go shopping (but of course!) at Queen Street, try out the local restaurants and cuisine and try to catch one of the theatre shows. I would go to the nearby rose gardens and visit Lake Orakei Basin to relax and reflect. Then there's also the Underwater World and Rainbows End theme park to go to for a fun filled family day outing. And whilst I'm there, I'm sure I would be able to explore other cities in New Zealand as well. Wow, it would be an amazing holiday indeed! And who knows, I might catch Phil Keoghan somewhere there! And also put some truth to the myth 'do Hobbits exist?'

What about you? Where would you go?

Well, if you're already thinking of your own getaway, you must check out this Accor Hotels City Super Sale . This sale is for a limited time only! You need to book online between 23rd - 29th June, for stays between July 10 and September 30, 2009. Savings up to 60% with rates starting as low as US$25 per night. That's a bargain! You must check this out.

Oh no O'Malley

Just read that TR Knight will not be returning to Grey's Anatomy in the coming new season. Oh no!! This only means one thing - his character did not survive that crazy oh-my-god trauma, being hit by a bus whilst trying to save a stranger cliffhanger of an ending in last season's finale. Or maybe..maybe he did survive but too severely disabled or traumatized to be able to return to work? OH MAN! Why'd they have to release this news now? I'd rather wait and be surprised in September. George O'Malley did some crazy, stupid things (that affair with Izzie was oh so wrong!) but he was also one of the best when it came to talking to patients, he was kindhearted and cool under pressure. He was a part of the gang all this while. I'll need to keep my tissue box handy for the season premiere in Sept. Katherine Heigl is returning, by the way. Again, would have preferred to find out in Sept. Oh dear...guess it's bye bye double O'Malley!

My Brilliant Ideas

I told my hubby that we should do one of the following:

1. Write a book or better still, an e-book - no need to worry about finding a publisher, having to cough up money for printing. No need to worry about storage and inventory and shipping. People can just click, pay and download. (Still..I do so love actual books!)

2. Come up with a concept for a cartoon show - I mean, have you seen some of the cartoon shows they have nowadays? They're weird and sometimes outright illogical (Higglytown Heroes? - the heroes concept is actually good but why have to use those russian doll shapes?). Yet, they still sell and are a hit with the kiddies. So... we come up and design the concept, sell it and have it translated into other languages and then come up with all sorts of products from the show - toys & games, books, cds, etc.

3. Write a hit song - Just look at Taylor Swift! She's what...12?? And there she is churning out hit after hit. So yeah..we write a hit song, just writing the lyrics should be enough. And doesn't matter if it's a one hit wonder because by that time, it will be such a massive hit that the earnings will already be phenomenal and the royalties will be a rolling in!

What do you think?? Hehe...the gist of all these ideas is...MONEY of course. ROYALTIES. PASSIVE INCOME! I used to think money couldn't buy happiness. I was a fool!

Well, looking at my above brilliant ideas, I think the first one will probably be the most feasible. I wish I was more musical and artistic to do number 2 and 3. But I've always, always loved writing and books. I think I have quite a good knack of telling stories. I walk into a bookstore and have the same recurring thought each time - my book should be on those bookshelves! And of course I want those royalty payments. Hehe...you've heard this all before ya? Yep, my hubby keeps nudging me 'What happened to that book idea you had?' They're here. Still in my head. Of late, they have been making more appearances in the screen of my mind and new ideas have come a popping too. I need to do put it out in writing. I had a thought earlier today...Write book or do Phd? Yikes..where did that Phd thing come from? I surprised myself. (Probably cause I spent the afternoon with Rachel but hmmm....)

Are you the Rule or the Exception?

I watched He's Just Not That Into You on Monday and I loved it. It's the simple easy going type of movie to get lost in. It's also the kind of movie I like these days..the type where there are many characters who aren't actually sharing the same storyline but are interconnected in some way.

Am particularly loving Alex, the character played by Justin Long (the Mac guy). He's sooo like the cool and caring bestfriend every girl would want, the one you'd have a secret crush on. According to Alex, you are either the Rule or the Exception. Example: The rule says..if a guy doesn't call you after your date, he's never going to call you and he's not interested. The exception sometimes occurs..whereby, the guy doesn't call ... but he does eventually at a later later time. It's rare but it does happen. And there are many other rules of this sort when it comes to the men-women-relationship thingy.

Also particularly hot in this movie are Bradley Cooper (remember him as Will in Alias? Sydney Bristow's bestfriend) and Scarlett Johansson. He is lovely with his dimples and all..and she...no wonder men swoon after her! And she's married in real life to another cutie, Ryan Reynolds. *Sigh*

I think the actual book is a non-fiction self help kind of book but I loved the way they made it into the movie. A must watch for any of you hopeless romantic singletons still trying to figure things out..and for us marriedbies to just sigh and swoon and ponder about.

* I want to write a book/movie just like this! and makes lotsa lotsa money from it!*