We were invited to attend Salina Saibi's wedding on Sunday. If you must know, as I spelled out her name and all, she's an actress who mostly involved in Dato' Yusuf Haslam's productions. Although, I must admit I haven't seen any of her stuff myself but I've been told she's a main cast in a drama titled CID 3278.
She's also Kim's sister-in-law.
It was rather nice of them to invite us as one of the esteemed
guests of the bride. We were placed at the 'VIP' table and all (which
was situated next to the said Dato's table y'all!). I sat next to
Normah Damanhuri who later gave up hers so that Mira could have her own
chair. She went over to the darker side the groom's side to entertain other guests. She's also the bride's aunt, you see.
I saw other actors and actresses here and there but I can't really name them as most of them are from the more younger and newer generation.
It was an experience, though. At one point, I felt as if the wedding was more like a PR event. As soon as the bride and groom took their seat on the dais a few photogs came up so close to them to take pictures. Like it's some kind of a photo shoot, ala paparazzi but not quite. Because they were all invited as Press, you see.
I didn't bring along my camera. I only snapped a few using my pathetic RAZR camera, which you can find them here, just for fun. I *so* need to upgrade to a new phone with at least 3 mp camera.
But I digress.
I took the opportunity to 'order' my BIL to help snap a few close up of the newly weds (like the one you see up there). LOL!
And her wedding dress, make-up, dais, caterers, the works, are all sponsored. How I wish some one sponsored my wedding ten years ago. I would not hesitate to organize a lavish event! Hehe. But because we had to fork out most of it from our own pocket, our reception was as simple and without much fussed lah.
Yesszzaaa. The book's finally here. In the midst of the much hoo-haa from the three major bookstores, namely MPH, Popular and Times, I got my book safe and sound even though I paid the hefty amount of RM109.90. This may be the most expensive book I've ever owned.
I think so lah. Victoria Beckham's autobiography could have topped it, but I can't remember how much I paid for it.
Anyhow, here's my review. Spoilers alert -- just so you know...
And so, seven days had past since I last read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. My broken heart mended, my confusion cleared. I’ve ranted and discussed it at length with a few of my friends and kindred spirits (a HP forum). I even managed to laugh out loud at some of the inconsistencies and plot holes that I discovered in that book. I HATED the epilogue with a vengeance. I shouldn’t have read it. If I had stop at the last chapter, I would have liked the book a little bit more I think.
Anyhow, I have come to a conclusion as to why I am not wholeheartedly happy with the book – my expectations. It didn’t meet my expectations. I was looking for that twist she mentioned in her previous interviews that will top Jane Austen’s Emma. I was looking for the conclusion to the ‘what the Dark Lord knows not’ plot that’s been dragged through the first six books. I was looking for the ultimate show down between Harry and Voldermort, of which I must impress, was a MAJOR let down. Where is the Mirror of Erised? What is interesting about the Veil?
But I find nothing in the book that can satisfy those expectations or come close to it. Instead, we're given a new plot -- the Elder Wand. The one wand to rule them all, so to speak (sounds familiar?). To tell you frankly, I have read better book 7 prediction fanfics written by the fans.
I wanted to know what happen to the wizarding world after the battle. Was there any reform in the ministry? What are the fates of the magical creatures? What about Hogwarts? What become of the trio a few years down the road? Not the '19 years later’ epilogue. Who married whom with how many kids is not what I’m interested in.
But we’re not told anything about it. Not even in the epilogue, which, now come to think of it, ends like any fairy tales of old. Instead of 'and they live happily ever after’, we get 'All is well’ just to make it distinctively different.
And now, looks like JK Rowling plans to publish an encyclopedia to list down what she left out and other back stories that she couldn’t (or wouldn't) include in the last book. Book 8, anyone? Will I buy it? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
The book was ok-ok only lah. It’s still good, but not great. I was hoping for it to be great so it can rival Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings. I say, compared to her last two books, the first five was better, with the Order of the Phoenix (book 5) the best (for me that is).
So, what’s next? Hmmm… I think I go find Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass). It came highly recommended by my fellow kindred spirits.Should you buy this book? If you are a long time fan who had followed Harry in his adventures since book one, buy it. You need the closure. Just skip the epilogue and let it end at the last chapter, really.
Dah try drive through the new SMART tunnel? It's toll-free at the moment. We took a 'test-drive' last weekend. To and fro. We entered from Sg Besi and then exit at Bukit Bintang. You'll come out in front of Parkroyal Hotel. And then to go back, we use the Tun Razak entrance pulak.
Rasa macam sempit je jalan kat tunnel ni. There are only two lanes. And I don't think it's advisable for you to speed, even though there aren't any cars around. I can't imagine what will or can happen kalau ada accident in the tunnel.
But then again, I have no use of this tunnel for my destination is not city bound any more. Hehe.
Wawa tagged me for this ages ago! I better do it before she decides to abandon me as a friend. LOL!
From left and clockwise:
- Office access card
- A pack of tissue
- My wallet (I so need to get a bigger one)
- ZA 2-Way Foundation no. 33, The Face Shop Rainbow Lip Gloss in Sweety Red Wine and Mabelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick no. 917
- Motorola Pink Razr v3
- Book of the moment: Emma
- Honey-lemon flavoured Strepsil
- And keys... lots of keys
What's in your bag (or your man-bag)?
Dapatkan dipasaran sekarang! Muahahahaha!
I have forgotten totally about Linkin Park's new album release. I only remembered about it after I saw a pile of said cds right smack in front of me in one of the music store during lunch on Tuesday. And because I haven't my receipt with me at that time, I couldn't get my own copy.
I went back to the shop the next day with my receipt slip and collected my cd and a giant poster. I listened to the album while at work thinking of ripping it off later that night. But I couldn't because after I swallowed the cough syrup the other doctor gave me, it immediately make me too sleepy (some say high) to do anything else.
I've listened to the whole album again now and I totally dig it. They sound slightly different. More matured and refined, I supposed. And their cause changes as well. If before it's all about self angst and grieve, now the songs are more about the environment, spirituals and politics.
I think I already have a few favourites, but one of 'em is a song titled Leave Out All The Rest.
I just realized what a fascinating year this will be. Well, for me at least.
First there were The Sims 2: Life Stories released last February and The Sims 2: Seasons expansion park in March. Then, there are Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows book (July), Harry Potter & The Order of The Phoenix movie (July as well) and then now, Linkin Park's Minutes to Midnight (May).
During lunch today I paid MPH a visit to pre-order my Potter book. I suddenly got paranoid -- what if on the release date, they managed to sell off every single book in KL. There'll be none left for me!! So, better be safe then sorry. Good thing is, I get a RM10 voucher. And I may be getting a mug and a paper bag, too. If I'm lucky that is.
I also stopped by a music store to place an order for Linkin Park's new album. For those who pre-order the album now, they'll get a big poster of the band when they pick their copy come 15 May.
DH took us to Bukit Tinggi as a weekend birthday treat for his girls -- Mira (10th) & I (18th).
It's a small themed spot, really. I some how expected it to be bigger. The place was good to quit the hussle and bussle of the city. It's quiet and... well, practically nothing much to do there except take walks around the area, a trek at the Japanese Tea House and petting rabbits at the Rabbits Farm.
Mind you to please pack all the things you needed and get cash out before you go as there aren't any convenience store up there and neither was there any ATM! We had to drive all the way down to Genting Sempah rest area to get some cash out (lepas dah mendaki all the way up the winding road, kena turun balik - letih!).
Mira celebrated her 3rd birthday at school this year. The theme used this year is Barney, for obvious reasons. Am I not surprised that all the other kids knows who this purple dinasour is??
Anyway, I ordered this cake from PatACake.com.my if you do so incline to get custom cakes like this.
My virtual doll house!
The new additions to my current collection are University, Open for Business and Pets. I can't wait to get hold of their new Season expansion pack.
The Sims Life Stories -- the story is, it's an impulse buy :p Haven't done anything to it yet.
Took me dad, sis and her husband to Lemon Garden for dinner. At first, it was just for us to celebrate DH & my 10th year wedding anniversary (which was in December, btw). But then my sister told us of her good news recently. So it also becomes a celebration for the soon-to-be new parents =)
