Hannibal has got to be one of the most grostesque files I've ever seen... right on par with Hostel 1 & 2, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes 1 & (thanks Rory).

My favourite scenes -- when the Italian detective's blood and bowels splashes harmoniously onto the stone pavement below, and when Lector lifts off the perforated skull top of FBI agent Krendler and peels back the brain membrane... classic gore. Very deja vu as I had just discussed the Hong Kong delicacy of fresh monkey brains... ala Lector.

The brain itself doesn't feel pain but every sensor in the brain will register pain to different parts of the body when Lector eats it. Brilliant. I'm running out to buy the novel.

today my mom complained that the purple cabbage in the pre-packed salad we bought was very hard.

she asked, "how come when i go to the hotels the purple cabbage is nice and soft?"

I told her, "mom do you seriously think the rich eat the same vegetables as we do?"

generation gap.

i have:

a widow's peak (the dominant gene) - in tradition it meant that i will outlive my husband! not good.

morton-toed feet (where the 2nd toe is longer than the big toe) - in art/sculpture the "Greek foot" as it is known, this form is aesethetically desired.

no cleft chin (the dominant gene) - the smooth chin is recessive.

cheek dimples - recessive inherited from my mom no doubt as she has none.

wet earwax - usually typical of Caucasians or Africans but know to occur in Asians.

what is it about the human psyche that, when given a choice, it always chooses for us to go back into the past? to dwell on pain before, to wallow in the muck of unresolved conflicts and unmitigated regrets?

today on the train to work, brandi carlile's "someday never comes" came on Shuffle in my iPod. and i am suddenly reminded of all the reasons i left my ex... reminded of why i shouldn't be talking to him, shouldn't be trying to fix what couldn't be fixed before.

it's not love at all.

i am suddenly reminded that i shouldn't forget how good my boyfriend is to me, and how much we have ahead of us.

guilt... past's best company.

so are the days of our lives...

9 to 6... working...
after 6... going home... having diinner...
after 10... going to sleep...

wake up, repeat.

soon to be the 2nd week of March...

Top Cities for Shopaholics
If you're in the market for a little retail therapy, you can't beat these spots

If your heart starts palpitating at the mere sight of "sale" sign, or if you've been known to elbow another shopper out of the way – if she's getting between you and the boots you covet – or if you plan all of your vacations with retail therapy built in, this list is for you. We've rounded up the best cities in the world for your next shopping excursion. Whether you're in the market for high fashion, fancy baubles, or even an unusual pet, we've got a destination for you. So pay off some credit card debt and hit the road – but don't blame us when the bills come in.

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is renowned as one of the best shopping cities in Asia and it's surely worth the trip, if only for some superb retail therapy on the way to the beaches of Phuket or the cultural temples of Chiang Mai. High-quality silk, jewelry, and traditional crafts – everything, really, from sizeable bling to tailor-made suits – at a fraction of stateside prices draw millions to this Thai capital every year. The city's several chaotic markets, and especially the 35-acre Chatuchak Market, are bona fide treasure troves, whether you're scouting for clothing, home goods, or art, or live roosters, pythons, and even multi-colored chicks.

2. Buenos Aires

Besides being the most beautiful city in Latin America, Buenos Aires is also home to some of the world's most beautiful people. And where do these gorgeous porteños shop? Much of the shopping is centered in Microcentro (downtown) along the streets of Calle Florida and Calle Lavalle, both of which teem with chain stores and boutique shops (those with more pesos to spend head to the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta, where Armani, Cartier, and their ilk maintain addresses). But no trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without the purchase of several leather items – the city is known for its abundance of high-quality leather goods that cost a fraction of what they do in the States. Head to the leather district for the biggest selection and return home with a superb handbag, pair of shoes, jacket, and more at excellent value.

3. Copenhagen

The fresh, modern talent of Scandinavian designers has made the Danish capital of Copenhagen synonymous with cutting-edge merchandise – whether you're looking for a new wardrobe or sophisticated home decor. The Grønnegade area finds popular local designers like Munthe and Simonsen, while Strøget & Købmagergade – both pedestrian shopping streets – are home to international giants like Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Mega-department stores Det Ny Illum and Magasin du Nord make great one-stop shops, but if you've always wanted a sleek Bang & Olufsen stereo, there's nothing like going to the source (on Østergade). Ditto if you're keen on Georg Jensen's sophisticated home accessories or first-rate glassware and porcelain from the likes of Holmegaard and Royal Copenhagen Porcelain; this fantastic trio is located within steps of each other, on Amagertorv.

4. Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a lot more to offer shoppers than electronic gadgets these days – and visitors will find street markets, designer boutiques, and mega-malls laden with everything from jade to silk, in addition to cutting-edge technology, of course. Local designers like Vivienne Tam, William Tang, and Walter Ma are always popular, as are the vendor-rich streets of Li Yuen East and West, and the lanes of historic Stanley Market, favored for their collectibles like porcelain vases, silk garments, and Chinese artwork. The Jade Market in Yau Ma Tai is also a must – 400 stalls display the green gems that symbolize long life and good health. Each year, the Hong Kong WinterFest, a winter duty-free shopping nirvana, happens just in time for Christmas – so you can fill those holiday stockings at a discount.

5. London

Whether you choose to shop the trendy boutiques of Covent Garden, follow in the steps of princesses by visiting Sloane Street, or pick up a bespoke suit on Saville Row or tailored shirt on Jermyn Street, you're bound to shed a few pounds (of the monetary variety) when shopping in London. That said, you'll save a few quid by visiting the stalls of Camden Market, the shops of Oxford Street, where Selfridges and Topshop maintain addresses, and Portobello Market, a haven for antiques and hand-me-down treasures. But also don't forget to stock up on foodie treats at Fortnum and Mason, a veritable gourmand's delight of beautifully presented teas, biscuits, cheeses, and more, and stop at the venerable Harrods – at least to buy a shopping tote to carry everything home in.

Read the full article at ShermansTravel.com.

I got into the second round for MFA!!! Whooooooooo!!!

my father's old sickness started again.

...Finally I get to make some New Year resolutions and stuff! It is 2 hours and 35 minutes after the start of the Lunar New Year.

Each year I sit for a while and I think about all the things "what if" then I think about the "now is" and the "what can be". This year I wrote in my diary because it was there from taking notes while watching Planet Earth. So for 2008, here it goes...

"What ifs"
a) If I was still with my ex, I would have still been in the States, working at a place within walkable distance and missing out on all those ang baos!
b) If I had not met Rory, I would never have thought guys like him existed (closest runner-up: Randy)
c) If I had not graduated a year early, I would still be slogging away at my studies -- so that's a what-if that I don't really mind remaining an "if"

"Now is"
a) I work for a law firm as a Paralegal-in-training, earning way too little.
b) I dream of working in the Foreign Services for my government.
c) I have a wonderful group of friends that I don't have to miss anymore.
d) I can't shop at Charlotte Russe, or Hollister, or any of the things you can't find in Singapore -- the suckiest one by far.

"What can be"
a) I can work really hard and well for the law firm and get a pay raise every 3 months.
b) I could be a Foreign Service Officer and sometime in the not-so-foreseeable future, retire on very good benefits.
c) I could get married. I could get my heart broken, even.
d) I can be a better person -- growing should never stop.

Now to sleep so I can wake up early for those ang baos tomorrow! Even though I am old enough to be embarassed to still get ang baos, in my current financial straits that does not stop me. Haha~ My favourite quote of the year: Those who say money cannot buy happiness don't know where to shop!