Brick wall

The past two weeks have been another "limbo" type experience, caused primarily by frustrations on the home front (an oft repeated experience that I have judiciously tried to extinguish from my subconscious) that has led me to feel rage of immense proportions. Am I the only one who thinks it unjust that unqualified and corrupt people should not be appointed in the highest echelons of the judicial system? I am tired of hearing the remark (though it is given with the best of intentions) that a person is better off not being within the system because he will be swallowed by its corruption. Right. Talk about consuelo de bobo. One day, I hope that "they" will wake up to this brand new definition of public service and realize it is not what they want. Until such time happens, I shall never ever feel anything anymore. Giving a damn is indeed a waste of time.

Watching the Thai horror flick "Alone" proved to be quite an experience as I was restless the entire time because my Indonesian friend (you know who you are!) proved to be such a scaredy cat who clung to me everytime there were apparitions or flashes of "Sadako-like" images. This is what I get for daring him to watch the movie. Horror movies have never really frightened me. The closest that one got to scaring me off my wits' end was The Exorcist. I couldn't really stand that green puke or the fact that she could turn her head all the way!

This week was also my first time to celebrate National Day. I feel envious of the great fervor that the citizens here feel for their country. I guess they cannot help but be proud for having built a strong nation out of the backwater region kicked out of Malaysia. Discovery Channel aired a special on the island state in commemoration of its 42 years of existence. So "singa" is the malay word for lion. And "sia" in Malaysia actually stands for Singapore. It was also amazing to see LKY shed tears on television. And it was not just for show mind you. Ahhh to be middle age and prosperous!

To get rid of my "stress," I went on a shopping binge buying all sorts of nonsensical stuff. In doing so, I finally discovered the closest thing to heaven here - Kinokuniya! Supposedly the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia, bookworms can get lost inside excavating through the mass of titles. I do not know how it compares to the newly opened Fully Booked in the Fort though. But Eslite of Taipei still gets my vote as the best looking bookstore ever in terms of layout and for being the most accomodating (they are open 24-7!).

The Simpsons movie gave me a great laugh. My first encounter with this cartoon was in 1989 even before it started showing back home. My mother bought me a red shirt from SM and it had the characters emblazoned in front. Who would have thought that they would turn out to be such a phenomenon.

I finally got to sample the pesto sauce I bought and good heavens it was so similar to the one on Germany! Comfort food...that is all I need as I face life's uncertainties head on...Who am I fooling...I think I need a drink...

"Baby girl, close your eyes.

You don't know the strength you have inside

If I could I'd shelter you from all the pain that we all must go through

But it's up to you.

The road is long - it twists and turns

But everything in life you live and learn

No one ever said that life was easy or that all in love is fair

But look inside your heart you'll find the answer waiting there

If you ever lose your way

You don't have to be afraid

Look inside to find a friend

Who'll be with you 'til the end

Many different roads to choose

Searching for the strength to make it through

But it was always there in you

Hopes can fail and dreams can fade

Rain can fall down on your big parade

Maybe love will take your heart or break your heart

There are no guarantees

But love will always find you when you just believe

If you ever lose your way

You don't have to be afraid

Look inside to find a friend

Who'll be with you 'til the end

Many different roads to choose

Searching for the strength to make it through

But it was always there in you

The strength you're longing to find

You know it's true

It was there all the time

If you stand stronger, work harder, reach for the sky

I know you will eventually fly

If you ever lose your way

You don't have to be afraid

Look inside to find a friend

Who'll be with you 'til the end

Many different roads to choose

Searching for the strength to make it through

But it was always there

It was always there

It was always there...in you."

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants soundtrack