Faking it

Went to The Mall yesterday and I couldn't believe what I saw.....my much coveted Spy and Gaucho bags!!!!! It just pisses me off to see these fakes being sold off the shelf in the most undignified manner. Plus, they are being sold for at least 500 bucks, which is a lot for what it really is. That's the thing in Brunei; people just don't appreciate the genuine article. As for the rest of us full-paying customers, it's tough shit to be walking around with the real thing amidst the fakers. I guess, it really is a case of "it takes one to know one" for your genuine arm candy to be appreciated by others.

The Mercier boutique is not much help either. Afterall, who'd want to buy a bag that is sooooooooo last 6 seasons - even if it is the real thing. That's what the Great Singapore Sale is for - last season's goodies at a fraction of the price (note to Mercier people: NOT full price). Who does their shopping anyway? Better get a new buyer for the shop.

"It's a $1.50 shop world out there."

Alas, Singapore is still so far away.

Withdrawal symptoms

Just realised that I've been in Brunei for almost 5 months now....and I'm really starting to go crazy. It feels like it's been sooooo damned long since I went shopping - no, The Mall doesn't count, not even close.....shopping for handbags to be precise (buying the Chloe from The Link at The Empire doesn't count either). Oh, what I'd do to feel the smooth texture of a designer 'kantong' in my hands.....*SIGH*

This damned visa is taking far toooooo long to process. I'm getting just a little bit fed-up by the day. I 'm really looking forward to leave - whoever said that Africa's uncool (Brangelina's baby was born in Namibia). At least the vaccinations' done and over with. Plus, I've got my malaria tablets already (which I have yet to consume). Apparently, one of the possible side-effects are nightmares and psychological problem. So don't be surprised if I end up in the psychiatric ward in RIPAS.

Received a package containing 3 months' worth of mail from the Dubai office. Oh the pain! The agony! Amongst the pile of bank statements and salary slips...are invitation cards to shop openings - life is soooooo unfair.

Harvey Nicks!! Why-oh-why did it take you so long???

Alas, I have returned to my home land! Bah!

et tu Dolce?

Useless "Soup of the Day": Just read that Erra (or Eera or whatever) and Yusry are (finally) officially getting a divorce. It's about bloody time!! So much for a grand wedding ceremony worthy of Paris and Helen of Troy. The wedding VCD must be worth a lot of money now - uh, right. Pffffft.

Wish I was in Singapore. I miss Singapore. Not even living in Dubai for the past 2 years can cure my longing. Waaaaaaah!!!!!

Next destination: Singapore - says she.

My name is Heigel and I come from Sweden

Finally!! Had my last course of vaccination today. My second-born had to have his too since he's just turned 4 months.

Been missing a lot of sleep lately. Yes, it is definitely World Cup fever. Watched England versus Trinidad & Tobago last night. Saw a "define irony" moment during that match: Dwight Yorke got hit on the shin - wonder if it was a curse from Jordan? Hmmmm....

Then watched Sweden versus Paraguay early this morning. Go Larsson!! Hehehehehe *SIGH* Why did Ljungberg have to steal the thunder.

Don't we just love Ikea, Volvo....blah...blah...blah....

At a Glance

This week at a glance:

• Had 4 vaccinations so far. 2 more to go. But for now still stranded at home because of no car. This also means that I will be working from home until further notice. To be honest, this suits me just fine.
• Car had to be towed to the agent. Had to stop car in the middle of the road. Smelled burning and smoke coming out of the engine. Agent still can't figure out what is wrong. How annoying is that?
• First-born turned 4 on the 9th. Had a birthday party on Sunday, complete with pool slide and pinata.
• World Cup fever has started. Just realised both my sons are born during World Cup years. Another one in 4 years time...perhaps? Perchance NOT!

WISHLIST: LV Black Speedy from the Multico Franges collection

It's Been Awhile

Have started work temporarily since I last blogged while waiting for my visa. It's been a terribly long wait, but who am I to complain - at least someone is still paying my salary.

So have been doing some commuting which is always a pain and something you just don't get used to. Luckily I've had the flexibility of working from home since I have no PC access in the office.

However...
...Bruneians being Bruneians, this has resulted in some individuals making snide remarks about my so-called "now-you-see-her-now-you-don't" working arrangement. I don't know what it is with some people. They'd rather me turn up to work and twiddle my thumbs for as long as I show my face for their personal satisfaction. It pisses me off just thinking about it. I had to keep telling myself "Welcome home, Roxy Carmichael". Nothing has changed since I left 2 years ago.

Downtime

Have not been able to update my blog because the Simpur server has been down for a few days. That's what you get for using a dial-in connection - yes, I know that is so last century of me.

I actually went to watch Poseidon last Thursday. It turned out to be quite good. Josh Lucas was an added bonus too. Looking forward to Over the Hedge opening this Thursday, so I can watch it with my first-born.

Milestones:
1) One big milestone is that my first-born had his first date last Friday at the Jungle Gym. It was just too cute for words.
2) Also, my second-born gave me his first genuine smile that morning around 3. All those sleepless nights finally pays off.
3) Completed The Sims 2 on PSP. Managed to beat Dr Dominion - hahaha!! Haven't completed a game since the Super Mario years on Ninetendo (this was before the Ninetendo 64 years - like am I really that old?!).

Couldn't resist buying shoes at The Mall after my son's date. I've been eyeing it for a week. Now I just have to figure out an outfit to go with it for its debut - which probably never happens. Don't know why, but I don't seem to bother to dress up in this God-forsaken town anymore. Maybe I'm just getting old. The Mall seems to be swarmed with teenagers these days. I always end up going out in the usual jeans-and-t-shirt combo, which is kind of getting too predictable for the likes of me. Ho-hum...until another entry.

Wish-list: Dior Gaucho bag (before it goes out of style and/or one of those sad shops at The Mall starts selling the Korean copy).

M For Movies

Just finished watching V For Vendetta. It was pretty disappointing to be honest - apart from Natalie Portman's impressive British accent (2nd only to a certain Ms. Paltrow - I must say). However, speaking of this reminds me of this 80s TV series called "V". I remember looking forward to watching every single one of its episodes. To anyone important in the movie industry who might be reading this blog, you might want to consider doing a movie re-make of it (just don't do an X-File from TV-to-movie flop on it, please).

While we're on the subject of movies, am still contemplating of whether to watch Poseidon when it opens this week. I might just do, if only to watch Fergie from B.E.P. drown or something (yes, I can hear my sister screaming, "But you don't even know if she dies!!").

Otherwise it has not been an eventful few days, except for the following:

1) Been going on a Star Wars movie-marathon for the past 2 nights. It's amazing how different you see Episodes IV, V and VI after you've seen it straight from I 'til III. It's such a tragic story based on the simple storyline of a bad father who is in the end redeemed by his son.

2) Been busy shopping for the B$10 colour-theme gift-swapping with my sisters. Pink for me; Green and pink for my little sister who is not so little anymore; Lavender and green for my baby sister who is not a baby anymore. Finally nailed it today and ready for the swapping day on Friday.

3) Finally figured out how to play The Sims 2 on my PSP, and am addicted to it now. So that's what's been keeping me awake for the past few nights.

2 unhappy feet, a wedding and an unresolved issue

My feet are starting to show cracks at the heels....and I thought these things only happen to people at my mum's age (sorry, mum). I miss my weekly mani and pedi at N-Bar, Dubai. Have been tempted to book myself for a session since I got back, but I really don't like the nail bars in Brunei. I question their hygiene standards and practice (er no, filling a cup with some blue liquid and submerging the utensils, does NOT count as sterilising, people!!). Until someone tells me of a good and hygienic nail bar, I'll just have to be content with the current state of my feet (oh, the humiliation).

"Deep down, I'm pretty superficial"

~ Ava Gardner

I will be missing my friend's wedding in Holland tomorrow. I wish her all the happiness in the world on the start of a new life with the man of her dreams. I just wish I could be there to witness the happy moment. Everyone else seem to be flying in for the ceremony except me. Ho-hum.

Re: My previous blog about work - still unresolved. Oh bloody, oh-blah blah blah. My boss has yet to call me, so I have not responded to the e-mail query. I so hate this period of uncertainty and unresolved issues. It's bad enough that I suffer insomnia on a good day, let alone when I have things to worry about. People keep forgetting that I am still on leave. It just goes to show that being indispensable is a curse. This blog shall continue...

Fear is how I fall

Got an e-mail yesterday from my future employer asking about some data from my current job (READ: am still on maternity leave, people!). I couldn't sleep thinking that perhaps I'm in trouble for past crimes. Managed to speak to them today and turns out that they only wanted data clarification from 2004 - I hope my memory will not fail me. However, this is not over yet. Still have to get clearance from my current boss and for him to explain what exactly is the issue, and how much data I am able to share.

Planned to watch Ice Age 2 at the cinema with my first-born but I was too nerve-wrecked to look forward to it. Turns out that the cinema's stopped showing it already. So that's one issue sorted out. So ended up bringing my first-born to The Mall for some ice-cream - yes, we do go the extra mile for some ice. My first-born ended up buying a trolley bag with SpongeBob. Apparently he needs one when we travel to my next job. That's the inner-workings of a 3 year old's mind for you.

Ended the day watching M:i:III with my mum. So I did end up at the cinema afterall. But that still leaves me to think about the work data that I need to sort out. Until tomorrow when my boss calls to clarify. Another sleepless night entails before this gets sorted.

Not been an interesting week

...a rather stressful one actually...zzzzzzzzz...

Soundtrack of My Life

Opening credits: Story of a Girl – Nine Days
Waking up: Bigger Than My Body – John Mayer
Average day: The Remedy – Jason Mraz
First date: If I Am – Nine days
Falling in love: Runaway – The Corrs
Love scene: You Take My Breath Away – Sarah Brightman
Fight scene: Fire Starter – The Prodigy
Breaking up: Unaffected - Hoobastank
Getting back together: Your Winter – Sister Hazel
Secret love: Animal Instinct – The Cranberries
Life's okay: Weather With You – Crowded House
Mental breakdown: KRWLNG (Reanimation) – Linkin Park
Driving: Drinking in L.A. – Bran Van 3000
Learning a lesson: Ocean Drive – Lighthouse Family
Deep thought: Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
Flashback: Amran Café - Radia
Partying: Sunlight – DJ Sammy
Happy dance: Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Regret: Shake the Disease – Depeche Mode
Long night alone: By_myslf (Reanimation) – Linkin Park
Death scene: Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
Closing credits: Dare You to Move - Switchfoot

Creativity is contagious

Soundtrack of the day: Don't I Hold You - Wheat

It seems the creativity bug has spread. Started some more project today and my mum decides she wants to have a go too. Check out the final product....

Watched The Wild today at the cinema with my baby sister and my first born. Thought it was a pretty cool movie.

Would like to make an anonymous congrats message to an ex-school mate (also ex-crush, which was like light years ago) who just got married last Friday. I think his wife is the sister of an ex-school mate also. Funny how life turns out. Ironically he also shares the same name as my husband.

One BLOG too many...

You can tell when you're really bored and have nothing better to do when you create a BLOG (again).....however, my memory has failed me as I didn't realised that I had already created this blog and have forgotten about it. God knows how long ago that was!

Had a sudden burst of inspiration this morning (almost 3 a.m. now). Creativity seems to be spilling out of my ears this week. It probably is a sign that I am relaxed and not too stressed out. Been frequenting the local haberdashy (spell check anyone?) shop and making use of the stuff on journals (mine and my 2 sisters') as a start.

My only wish right now is that I can sew. I have so many ideas in my head right now but my limited (if none) creative skills have restricted me and my ideas to go the distance. ALAS!