Winter Trees.

The wet dawn inks are doing their blue dissolve.
On their blotter of fog the trees,
Seem a botanical drawing,
Memories growing, ring on ring,
A series of weddings.

-Winter Trees by Sylvia Plath.


I know it's unhealthy for me to keep dwelling into Sylvia Plath's works. I have re-read her book, The Bell Jar for the 5th time. Now I can really relate to her poem. This is a only the first stanza, I remind you although the meaning is otherwise if you read the whole poem. I feel so helpless sometimes. My parents have been encouraging me but at the same time, seemed to pave a road of return and forbid me from going through the walk of shame. They're protecting me, I know. What's the point of staying in UK for post-study work if they expect me to return home if I'm unhappy with work? They want me to be happy, to be ready for BPTC next year but mum, dad, I'm going to be just fine.

I know I cannot foresee the future or the outcome of my decisions. But I am sure I won't be caught dead living in hell. There will not be "a series of weddings" for me. Don't take the phrase literally. I will not fail. Not in a series of failures, at least. The Bell Jar talks about this young writer who had a bright start in her life; scholarship to New York but later on, she found out that her writing works just don't cut it. Depressed, she attempted suicide over and over again. Her family was there for her, all the time, pouring in love and money to cure her. Thank God I'm not relating myself to this, for I had passed my IELTS =)

Replacement, Never Easy.

You know how is it that something you adore and love so much... suddenly disappear and it's so hard to look for a substitute to replace its original place in your heart? That's how I feel when I stumbled upon a new series called Covert Affairs.

I am a BIG fan of Alias. All my high school friends would know that. I have posters of Jennifer Garner posted on my wall in the class. I have a whole section in my book shelves dedicated to Alias; I called it my Alias corner. And it was certainly depressing to hear KT Tunstall talking about Jennifer Garner tripping over her dress in some awards show. Anyways, Covert Affairs bears heavy similarities to the former. It is a spy show, CIA based, starring a strong female character played by Piper Perabo (Coyote Ugly, Lost and Delirious, Imagine Me + You); sorry I can only list the scandalous films that she's been in because she's that scandalous looking.

I am now onto the sixth episode, I've been going slow on this series because every single time I watch it, I think of Alias. The second-third season was the bomb. JJ Abrams, the master of script planned the series 2 years ahead with Sydney losing all her memories and the whole Season 3 worked in flashback and with a new female fatale; Lauren Reed. I wonder how many series in the world can ever play out a storyline like that and lasts for a whole season.

The thing is, TV series in USA is a ticking bomb once a new season begins, irregardless of the fan base that the show has, the plug will be pulled once the ratings drop. Think of my favorite medical drama, Mercy. Damn you NBC!

Anyways, Alias is considered in its maturation period, with the third season starting as a whole new ticking bomb altogether. New time slot in USA, and new storyline. Basically once a series enters its third season it's unlikely for it to pick up new spectators; due to the built-up storyline and the lack of replays in the TV. It's a gamble. And it worked. Alias was renewed for a fourth season and basically the season which Jennifer Garner spotted the best hairstyle. It was also the warmest season showing familial affections and love.

However, BEN AFFLECK, you just have to make someone pregnant don't you. So, ABC announced that Season 5 is going to be the last season and who's sad? ME! ME ME ME!!!

A few years later, say, 5 years later, Covert Affairs emerged. It stars the scandalous Piper, hunky Eric Lively (who's getting replaced, WHAT THE HECK) and Christopher Gorham whom I've adored since Popular. It's different from Alias, of course, but it's a very good show and I recommend it to those who are alien to spy shows. Because it's time for you to get rid of comedic romantic sitcoms off your television.

3-2-1, And We're Back.

Cardiff. The last time I was here, I had a shock of my life. The second time, I had a bigger shock of my life. During the first, I had a slight tinge of happiness. The second time around, it was just plain awkward and unrest. I'm sorry but that's how I feel.

Cardiff is a nice, quaint city but since I've been to Aberystwyth, I'd say Cardiff lose a further 10points on my chart of quaint places. So the current ranking would be: Aberystwyth, Ireland and Cardiff. Still bottom.

My friends have all been busy with their BPTC, assignments, group discussions, advocacy, attending talks and stuff, dining in London and court visits. Somebody asked, do you feel left out? I said no. Why bother about these things when I'm taking a breather before mine start next year?

Don't worry people, it takes more than a deferral to make me go into depression. It'll be a long time and long way before I sink into that. Cheers there.

Oh yes, "overwhelmed with happiness". What does that tell you? Someone gave me a very mixed meaning to it. I haven't browsed dictionaries in a lifetime. I need answers.

90's Baby

"Back to the 80's"; Aqua's comeback single a year ago. I love Aqua, always have and will always do. I know it's weird but they're the first band that I'm really crazy over for. All their songs, all their music videos... even when Lene went solo. I followed the progress. Just still in disbelief that they actually sang "Turn Back Time" which was like my high school anthem.



However, the main celebrity of my 90's is not Aqua. It's this man called Duncan Sheik.

If you have been listening to the radio since the beginning of your kindergarten; he hogs the chart. Every single day you will hear him on the radio and the TV. Now, he's a big time composer having written songs for the coming-to-age musical; Spring Awakening. (how very ironic, spring is when mammals breed)


Might I say, I'd love to have this guy as my dad. Not a girl crush per se, but I really admire him.




Thanks to my parents, my 90's have a hint of 80's. Roxette. Who doesn't know them? SLAP yourself if you don't know them. After all these years, her hairstyle still hasn't changed. Even after her cancer; still the same. In the early 2000 they released a song called "A Thing About You". You ain't going to like it unless you're their big fan. Big departure from their friendly, hip and happy hits.

Well I can't blame you if you don't know this band. They're called of Ace of Base. Only TV and radio listeners at age 6 will know them. Famous for songs such as "All That She Wants" and "The Sign", you know it's them when the tune starts. Didn't really dig deep into their current music. I prefer their radio friendly songs.

Here's a girl band that I swear YOU DON'T KNOW. But just put up with me for this is the last of the 80's bands. Wilson Phillips; combination of two powerful celebrity families. They're so good during the early 90's. I think they even did a Japan tour or something. However, their management was so keen on promoting a good image that they kept censoring off the fatter sister from the videos, promotional tours and pictorials. It didn't take long for them to break up and now I don't know what they're doing. I just know that Bijou Phillips (Paris Hilton-esque) is the Phillips' clan step-sister.

Nearing the 2000, The Cardigans. Those parents who let your children watched Romeo & Juliet (starring Leonardo DiCarpio and Claire Danes) shame on you! Also, Cruel Intentions. These two movies are so totally 15SX-ish and I had only watched them at age... 15. HAHAHA! Well, I found out that "Lovefool" was really big after it was featured in Romeo & Juliet. However, I have heard it on the radio... so mesmerizing. They're still producing hits now, though not internationally. Most of their songs are A-Ok.



The Corrs. Got to know them when I saw their video for the Mulan soundtrack. I'm not a fan of the 98 Degrees featuring Stewie Wonder one. The Corrs are the epitome of strong family bonds. And talented too. Just too bad that their company is no longer favoring them. Their songs still rock; albeit Irish-folk rock.


No 90's post will be perfect without a boyband. Yes, my first favorite boyband... 'N Sync. My favorite member? Lance who turned out to be gay. Most hated... *high five people!* JOEY! He's too old...


Sometimes I really wonder why am I studying Law when I can just blurt out information about these random celebrities. I should write a gossip blog that is 24/7 operational rumor mill. Heck, I already did that. Not my type. HAHAHA!

Restless.

Friday. Most of my friends would go down to London today to attend the first session of the introduction week for Middle Temple. 3 days there and they get 4 qualifying sessions. I thought of going, but I'll have to pay for it. Not cheap... dining is not that cheap. Plus shopping? Not worth it. *cheapskate me*

I think I'm going nuts just sitting and waiting. I had a long dream last night. In my dream, I am working, probably as a secretary or OL (office lady). I had two tasks; prepare buffet for Raya celebration and to do filing. It's so funny because in real life; I haven't done both before and most importantly, why Raya celebration? I think I miss the food oh-too-much.

I'm seriously going crazy. Doomed.