| You Are: 60% Dog, 40% Cat |
 You are a nice blend of cat and dog. You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful. And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long. |
Well, what shall I say about this blockbuster? I understand there are quite a few negative reviews on this movie. Although I can't say I love it, but I won't say I hate it either. However I agree there are too many villains and plots in this installment. Perhaps it is the final installment, I'm not sure, but I'd prefer to watch another installment than having them all jam packed in this. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the special effects; at least it isn't a great disappointment in my humble opinion. Peter Parker is very satisfied with his life, for he is able to strike a balance between his relationship with MJ and his role being a Spiderman. On top of that, he is well liked by the people as they regard him as their hero. But that is about to change when a black slimy thing 'descends' on earth and affixes itself to him, thus turning him into a darker personality (that explains the dark suit).
The plot continues from its previous installment as we see Harry (aka the Green Goblin) harbours a deep hatred for Spiderman, as he believes he killed his father and decides to avenge for him.
Then a convict escapes from the prison and falls into a laboratory pit when the scientists are doing a test, and this process accidentally transforms him into a Sandman. Turns out he is the culprit who kills Parker's beloved Uncle Ben when he tries to steal money to save his sick daughter. Needless to say, Parker is enraged and will do anything to get revenge.
Thereafter, Parker's relationship with MJ begins to deteriorate after he has rescued a woman by the name of Gwen and she steals a kiss from him. And next we see one more villian Venom in Eddie, a photographer who thinks Parker is a rival to his job.
I would say this installment is more on facing one's inner demons and how one's battle them; and there are a few heartwarming scenes as well. The hubs and I enjoyed this movie, after all it's the entertaining part that counts and moreover we watched it without the accompanying of our 3 year-old daughter. Just like our good old courting days, hehe.
I have never read anything by Dinah McCall (also known as Sharon Sala), but this book has definitely sets me thinking. Jackson Rule is an emotional read, and a story about redemption.Jackson Rule (the book title as well as the hero's name) is a convicted killer. To anyone, he has committed a hideous crime by killing his own father, thus spending his fifteen years behind the bars. The years has passed, and finally he is released from prison and he tells himself he wants to start a new life again.
Rebecca Hill is a preacher's daughter. She first meets Jackson when he helps her with a car problem. She later meets him again when he applies for a job at her own landscaping business, even though he tells her he was an ex-convict because she believes anyone should be given a second chance. Slowly, their attraction for each other grows but Jackson is scarred by his childhood's memories, while Rebecca struggles to come to terms not only with her father who disapproves of everything but also to Jackson who believes they have no future together.
I like the main characters in this story. I really sympathize with Jackson but I also admire his strength. I like Rebecca because she is kind, and she believes in herself regardless what the others think, and in my opinion this needs a lot of courage (especially the scene where she hires Jackson even though he is an ex-con).
I must be the last person on earth who haven't read the Hannibal Lecter series. I have heard too much good reviews about this series, but perhaps I was too squeamish to read them at that time. I love reading thrillers, especially psychological suspense. There is something very intriguing about the human dark side, and yet it is so scary to learn about it at the same time.
Anyway, I bought them during the weekend; also bought an erotic thriller, Be Mine by Laura Kasischke. I would love to hear your views if you have read any of them.
Friday's FeastAppetizer
Name a sound you like to hear.
My daughter calling me "Mummy!". Nothing can top this in my opinion.
Soup
What is your favourite kind of cheese?
I'm not really a fan of cheese, but I do like Kraft Singles in sandwiches or burgers.
Salad
Do you sleep late on Saturday mornings? Why or why not?
Yeah, of course I sleep late on weekend mornings. Why? Because I wake up at 5.30am every weekday to prepare for work; and it isn't fun to be up that early on weekends!
Main Course
When was the last time you forgot something? What was it, and how long did it take to remember it?
The last time I forgot something was when my superior asked me to bring a thumbdrive for a presentation meeting. I had saved the document in the laptop's hard drive (as he had requested) so I didn't understand why there was a need to do so.
Dessert
Fill in the blank: I notice ___________ when ___________.
I notice my co-worker is on leave when I walk into her office to check with her about something.
Here’s an idea from Julie:
I had an idea for a BTT question when I was taking a peek at one of my bookcases yesterday and spotted my old copy of the Aeneid in Latin sitting there. Maybe this question has already been done—but if not… Do you have any foreign language books and if so can you (still) read them?
Well, besides English novels, I do have chinese novels and mangas which I read from time to time. I also have three Japanese mangas in my TBR pile. No, don't get me wrong, I don't understand anything in Japanese! It's just that I love that artist's mangas so much that I have to get her new releases (and it's so hard to get the translated Chinese version nowadays). The advantage of reading manga is, you just have to look at the pictures and you can more or less guess the plot, hehe. (Although I wish I'm able to read all to get the whole picture!!)
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!
I got this from a forwarded email. It's thought provoking and very meaningful...thought I'd share.
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The Law of the Seed
Take a look at an apple tree.
There might be five hundred apples on the tree, but each apple has just ten seeds.
That's a lot of seeds!
We might ask, "Why would you need so many seeds to grow just a few more apple trees?"
Nature has something to teach us here.
It's telling us: "Not all seeds grow. In life, most seeds never grow.
So if you really want to make something happen, you had better try more than once."
This might mean:
You'll attend twenty interviews to get one job.
You'll interview forty people to find one good employee.
You'll talk to fifty people to sell one house, one car, one vacuum cleaner, one insurance policy, or a business idea.
And you might meet a hundred acquaintances just to find one special friend.
When we understand the "Law of the Seed", we don't get so disappointed.
We stop feeling like victims.
We learn how to deal with things that happen to us.
Laws of nature are not things to take personally. We just need to understand them - and work with them.
IN A NUTSHELL
Successful people fail more often. But they plant more seeds.
When Things Are Beyond your control, here's something that you must NOT DO so as to avoid misery in your life:
You must not decide how you think the world SHOULD be .
You must not make rules for how everyone SHOULD behave.
Then, when the world doesn't obey your rules, you get angry!
That's what miserable people do!
On the other hand, let's say you expect that:
Friends SHOULD return favours.
People SHOULD appreciate you.
Planes SHOULD arrive on time.
Everyone SHOULD be honest.
Your husband or best friend SHOULD remember your birthday.
These expectations may sound reasonable. But often, these
things won't happen!
So you end up frustrated and disappointed.
There's a better strategy. Demand less, and instead, have preferences!
For things that are beyond your control, tell yourself:
"I WOULD PREFER "A", BUT IF "B" HAPPENS, IT'S OK TOO!"
This is really a change in mindset. It is a shift in attitude, and it gives you more peace of mind ...
You prefer that people are polite ... but when they are rude, it doesn't ruin your day.
You prefer sunshine ... but if it rains, it is ok too!
To become happier, we either need to
a) Change the world, or
b) Change our thinking
It is easier to change our Thinking!
IN A NUTSHELL
It is not the problem that is the issue, but rather it is your attitude attending to the problem that is the problem.
It is not the problem that is the issue, but rather it is your attitude attending to the problem that is the problem.
It's not what happens to you that determine your happiness.
It's how you think about what happens to you!
OK, I'm a little late this week. But it's always better to be late than never eh? Anyway, here they are - my favourite vacation pictures. (Believe me, I have difficulty choosing amongst them!) They were all taken by the hubs. The pictures taken in Germany was from his business trip some years back.
Germany
Guangzhou - China
Note: That's me & my mother-in-law in the background 
Anne Stuart has done it again! This latest release is the third book of her Ice series, and like her previous books - Black Ice and Cold As Ice, I was once again swept off by Anne's another creation of a dark hero and strong heroine in Ice Blue. If you have read this series, you should have known the heroes in this series are members of the Committee - a secret anti-terrorism organization led by their leader Madame Isobel Lambert, in which they are known to be cold and ruthless.The heroine, Summer Hawthorne is a museum curator; she also owns a priceless blue ceramic bowl which was passed down from her beloved nanny, whom had told her to take good care of it before she died. But what Summer doesn't know is this bowl - which is actually an ancient urn is also sought after by Shirosama. He is the leader of the True Realization Fellowship, a Japanese religious cult which they believe they can "cleanse" the world (i.e. to kill the people so that they can reach the other stage of life) once he gets the urn and the location of the shrine to perform the deeds. Shirosama ordered his followers (so called 'brothers') to capture Summer and have her to hand over the urn, but before he could get hold of her, she manages to escape with the help of an exotic, attractive man by the name of Takashi O'Brien ("Taka").
Taka thinks this is one of his other assignments, that is to get rid of the woman who holds a dangerous secret before this is acquired by the cult. There are a few times he had saved her from Shirosama's followers and that he keeps telling himself he will make it a quick and painless death for her, but yet he doesn't understand why he couldn't bring himself to killing her. Then that's when Summer tells him the bowl displays at the museum is actually a fake, Taka further convinces himself he will protect her and gets the actual urn and learn about the location of a shrine before he kills her, which is his original plan anyway.
From there onwards, the story picks up quickly and I am drawn to the suspense as I am dying to find out what happens next, as well as the intense relationship between Taka and Summer as their adventure begins whey they flew off to Japan to find the shrine. I absolutely like the half Asian hero and the heroine in this book. Summer is one brave lady, who doesn't succumb to the hands of fate even though she is held as a hostage for several occasions. Taka, on the other hand does has a soft spot although he appears to be a cold-hearted killer, which I find it rather sexy.
I really enjoyed reading this book, even more so while reading this with my good friend, Julia. We have made a pact that we will read all the Ice series books together, and that makes me think I can't wait to get a copy of Ice Storm, which will be released in November. This will be a story of Madame Isobel Lambert, the woman behind the Committee. While reading Ice Blue, I can also sense a spark between Jilly (Summer's younger sister) and Reno (Taka's younger cousin) towards the end of the story. I'm hoping Anne Stuart will write about them next.
| Your Element Is Water |
 A bit of a contradiction, you can seem both lighthearted and serious. That's because you're good at going with the flow - but you also are deep. Highly intuitive, you tune in to people's emotions and moods easily. You are able to tap into deep emotional connections and connect with others. You prefer a smooth, harmonious life - but you can navigate your way around waves. You have a knack for getting people to get along and making life a little more peaceful. |
Friday's FeastAppetizer
List 3 emotions you experienced this week.
1. Relief - The contractors came to work on our living room floor tiles last week. The house was so dirty and dusty; we cleaned up over the weekend and I was glad those days are over!
2. Worry - My daughter has a cough for a week. We took her to see a doc last weekend but she hasn't show any sign of improvement. I'm thinking of bringing her to see another doc tomorrow.
3. Joy - It's Friday! So I'm really looking forward to weekend.
Soup
Name a car you’d love to have.
Name a car you’d love to have.
A Toyota Camry.
Salad
Describe your typical morning routine.
I wake up at 5.30am, cleanse/bath, prepare breakfast (for hubby and also for myself to bring to work), change into office attire, putting my daughter to my in-laws' place, and leave for work with hubby.
Main Course
Have you ever emailed someone famous? If so, who, and what did you say to them? Did they reply?
I have never emailed to celebrities, and I don't think they will reply anyway. They will be too busy with their work & personal life. I have only emailed to my favourite authors (Anne Stuart, Lori Foster, Kat Martin, Janelle Denison...just to name a few) telling them I like their books and ask about their upcoming releases. Most of them replied my emails and a few of them even sent me their bookmarks/bookplates/fridge magnets even though I'm living outside the US.
Dessert
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, which ones?
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, which ones?
No.
It happens even to the best readers from time to time… you close the cover on the book you’re reading and discover, to your horror, that there’s nothing else to read. Either there’s nothing in the house, or nothing you’re in the mood for. Just, nothing that “clicks.” What do you do?? How do you get the reading wheels turning again?
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!
Oh yeah, I do have this feeling from time to time (because my mood plays a part when it comes to reading), but it doesn't really affect too much of my reading because I have various genres in my TBR pile (i.e. paranormal, romance suspense, fantasy, thriller, horror...you name it, and not to mention mangas too!). Usually I will carry on reading the same genre until I decide I want a change, and then I will pick up a different genre, it's that simple. The only problem is: I need more time to finish the books!!!
Usually I have bread for breakfast, and I bring them to the office to eat since I am always early. I like to be early, so that I can check emails, write and read blogs while listening to the music. It is such a joy when there is no one else is around. But this morning, I have rice dumplings for breakfast. My mother-in-law gave some to us last evening, and I kept them in the fridge so I can steam them this morning. You can't leave them out in the open overnight because they spoil easily; and who wants to eat a sour dumpling anyway?!Most of you know that rice dumplings are traditionally eaten during the Duanwu (Dragon Boat) festival, but you can still find them easily at some eating outlets; and anyway they are much cheaper as compared when you buy nearer to the festival. (You may wish to learn its origins by clicking here.)
Anyway, I like rice dumplings, but they can be filling to the stomach even if you eat just one. Thus, it is always recommendable to drink with a cup of tea for easy digestion. There are also many types of fillings in rice dumplings: red bean paste, plain ones dipped in granulated sugar, or my favourite that is filled with chinese sausage, dried mushrooms and chestnuts. Hmm...
So if you have tried them, which is your favourite? ;)
Raven Callahan is a thief. But she isn't your ordinary thief, you see, for she works at Antiquities Preservation Institute and she recovers stolen art to their lawful owners. Besides the specialty of her job, through her special gift she is also able to feel the objects when touching them (i.e. she can feel the emotions of the person that owned or is connected to the objects).Then her superior Bigley asks her to go for an auction with her partner Walter to bid for a Vassalo painting, but Walter was kidnapped and she has to steal the painting if she wants him to be alive.
Ex-cop David "Dax" Maddox cannot let go of his past after his rookie partner, Nick was murdered some time ago. He blames himself for Nick's death and vows to catch the killer, hoping to seek revenge for Nick which leads him to the Matador's Auction House in Miami, where he recognizes the woman thief. Initially, Raven is reluctant to team up with Dax but after seeing the threat note which is left by the maniac kidnapper, she has no choice but to work with Dax even though they have different perspectives.
Samantha Graves succeeded in writing this fast paced story packed with action and romance. This book will definitely keep your heart racing.
On 7 May, I posted a note saying there is a blog design giveaway at Everyday Mommy (I love her blog design!). Anyway, I visited her blog earlier and tada...guess who is the winner? ;)
Another note: Everyday Mommy will do another design giveaway for the Fourth of July. Look out for it!
Another note: Everyday Mommy will do another design giveaway for the Fourth of July. Look out for it!
| What Your Hands Say About You |
 You are logical, analytical, and rational. You have good verbal skills. Flexible and broad minded, you can fit in to any situation. There's no telling where your life will take you. Consistent and reliable, you like to count on structure and routine in your life. Your emotions tend to be nervous and potent. Your energy - both positive and negative - deeply impacts your life. |
Week of May 13: Happy Mother's Day!
For Mother's Day, if you could give your mom anything in the world, what would it be?
I haven't been celebrating Mother's Day since last year. At that time, my mom was lying in the hospital bed; the reason of admittance was due to stroke. It was a double blow to us because a few months earlier, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. I can remember that moment very well because she kept telling me she wasn't sure if she wanted to go for the chemotherapy. I can understand her worries because her friend had breast cancer and she passed away shortly even though she went for the treatment. Thus, my mom was hesitant about it but we supported her because we believe there is always a chance and hope if she goes for the treatment. And she did, but a week later, stroke hit her and it shattered all our dreams.
I used to give her a treat every Mother's Day. My mom was very easy to please and she doesn't expect a lot from us, even a simple treat at any eating outlet will make her very happy. But during this time last year, I could only made one wish for her: and that if it was possible, I wouldn't mind shortening my few years' life span in exchange for a few more years for her. Unfortunately it didn't happen...
And now that she wasn't around, I could only wish she would be happy wherever she is in the other world.
till next time...
13 May 2007
Here's to all mothers: "Happy Mother's Day!"
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P.S.: Dearest mother, you'll always be in my mind. May you rest in peace.
Booking Through ThursdaySo, judging by last week’s answers, apparently the question I should have been asking was:
Where DON’T you read??
Where DON’T you read??
This week's topic is interesting. Let's see...I don't read in the bus. I get motion sickness easily, although it's strange that I don't have this problem when I'm taking the train. And I don't read where there's water around (i.e. swimming pools, although I don't mind reading a book at the beach as long as there's a safe distance between us, hehe. I don't want my book to get wet though. And then of course, no reading in a bathtub. Anyway, I don't have a bathtub. LOL!) Similarly, I don't read when there's a crowd too, because I will end up distracted.
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!
As you can see, lately I was in a mood for mainstream stories. This is another beautiful story I read right after The Memory Keeper's Daughter. One of the great things I find reading mainstream stories is they are very much like reality and can be thought provoking at times.The story takes place on a peach farm in South Carolina in 1964. Lily Owens is a fourteen-year-old girl, living with her father and a black housekeeper named Rosaleen. She isn't happy staying with her dad because he is quick tempered and he always find chances at yelling and punishing her. She misses her mom, who died when she was four. Thus, Rosaleen becomes her only confidant. Rosaleen is a woman full of spunk and Lily finds she can be embarrassingly unself-conscious at times.
And that leads to a racial brawl when Rosaleen insults three of the deepest racists in town one day. Rosaleen ends up bruised and beaten in jail. Lily thinks it is up to her to save her, and miraculously, she did. They then head off to a town called Tiburon in S.C., after finding its name on the back of a picture left by her mom.
It is there that they meet the trio of black beekeeping sisters by the names of May, June and August. They take Lily and Rosaleen in, and they work for the sisters in return.
It is during the stay with the trio, Lily begins her journey of finding the missing piece of her life, and daring herself to dream.
Inspiring and heartwarming, this story will captivate readers both mature and the young.
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