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Day: 162(Monday, 27th May 2002)
Status: Neither here nor there
Days without PS2: 0 days
Days without Cube: 4 days or thereabouts
Listening to: Ja Rule (Feat. Ashanti) - Always On Time
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There was a chill in the air this morning as I walked out. My breath came out in condensed mist of vapour. It has been quite cold for the past couple of days. Sign that winter is approaching.
Was supposed to meet Shannon at 10 am. I was ahead of schedule. Good thing, got to make a good impression. As I approached the tram,I saw it leaving. Shit! The driver must've been observant and stopped for me. Nice elderly man - some other drivers don't give a shit and just continue moving anyway.
I got there early,saw Shannon who introduced me to the Roster Manager. Can't remember his name, Tony I think. He got my bank account details and tax file number. He said he'll try to fit me in the schedule. Shannon said that I might have to start on 3rd June.
Went into the office after that and discussed things with Tony. He asked me if 20 - 30 hours would be alright. I said I want 30 hours or more. Told him about Ben's offer which was 38 hours. He noted it down and I said 30 hours was alright. Gave the same reasons as before which was rent and bills to be paid.
Went back home after that when he said he would give me a call after the roster has been sorted out. I came home, was online for about an hour then went to sleep after that. Couldn't sleep well last night. Was awakened by a phone call from Shannon who wanted my date of birth. Hrmm...he said he was entering my details into the computer. Does that make me an employee now?
Discussed the current net bill. Fcuking AUS $111 !!!! Shit....damn excess charges. Damn Telstra.
KE's birthday today. Just had a little celebration with her earlier. She somehow seems to like the Baci from Myer which I got last year for Uncle Patrick.
Saw "Resident Evil" on Sunday morning. The last show of the night, 12.20 am. Went with DT. The movie was surprisingly enjoyable. Maybe it was because I didn't expect much. Maybe because I am a fan of the games.
Spent the last couple of days with the PS2, Resident Evil: Code Veronica X and abit of WWF Smackdown. Been trying to make progress on RE,which I did. I might have to restart from a previous save point because I want to get the Assault Rifle AND the shotgun. Got the ammo but no weapon. DOH!!! Can't seem to find the assault rifle. After checking with FAQs, I know where the room is,but never realised any cupboards in there before. As for the shotgun, need to find an alternative exit.
Also watched "Dawson's Creek" on TV1 last night. Of all the things I could have done, I was watching "Dawson's Creek".
Another 4 days to Super Smash Brothers Melee. Would I have the weekend to play it before work on Monday (I assume)? Would it be released on time at Toys R Us? Time will tell.
Oh, also 10 days before "Spider-Man" hits the theatres. Can't wait.
Monday, May 27, 2002
Friday, May 24, 2002
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Day: 159(Friday, 24th May 2002)
Status: Neither here nor there
Days without PS2: 6 days
Listening to: Utada Hikaru - Hikari
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It's been some time since my last update. I've been spending a fair amount of time with my new purchases. Been sleeping early sometimes as well. These attribute to the lack of updates lately. I apologise. Did all of you miss me? :þ
Been looking through some of my older posts and I realise that some of them are fcuking long. I've put in stuff which are not important and some of it isn't even interesting to you readers out there. I'll try to generalise my posts in future so that all of you understand what the f... I'm talking about.
Yes - I'm listening to a Japanese song and No, I have no idea what's being sung. I got to know about this song on the PS forums where I frequent and someone mentioned that its the soundtrack of a RPG (Role Playing Game) called Kingdom Hearts which features Square (Final Fantasy characters) and Disney characters. Yes, I said Disney. I've seen pictures of Goofy and Donald Duck and I've heard of other characters such as Tarzan and who knows what else.
Went to see Dr. Radford this morning. Blood pressure hasn't changed since the last visit. Still 140/90. He's put me on an additional tablet called ADALAT OROS. It's a slow release pill. He told me that I might feel a little flushed when I take it. And it means that its working if I do. I took my medication when I got back and flushed I was. Felt like I had been taking alcohol or something. I don't know if I was imagining it but my motor skills seemed to be affected for awhile as well. Bumped against the walls of the toilet after I peed. I decided to take a rest after that before my interview with Shannon, the manager of McDonald's Hawthorn.
Shannon - sounds like a chick's name doesn't it? Well, now I know it can be a guy's name as well. Got a call from Ben yesterday when I was playing Luigi's Mansion and told me to contact Shannon to set up a meeting. Ben mentioned the name before and I heard him mention "Shannon" and "him" in the same sentence before. Oh guess what? I've read in the latest issue of Cleo that there's an eligible bachelor called Shannon as well. Well - just letting all of you know out of curiosity. On an interesting note, the Japanese guy from "Crash Palace" is also one of them. He's an actor/fitness instructor.
Well anyway, Shannon tells me he doesn't really need a full timer. I was disappointed. This means I'll only earn half of what I expected. How am I going to manage my expenses and bills and rent? I asked him how many hours would I have to work and the reply was about 20 hours per week. He asked if that was alright or would I prefer a full time job. I said I'd prefer a full time job since I had expenses to take care off. * Well - gimme a part time job with a full timer's salary and I won't complain! *. The outcome of it is, he'll try to work out a schedule and I'll have to see him again on Monday morning.
And that' s about it. Another day coming to an end. It's now 7.37 pm. Just finished dinner.
Wanna hear about the past couple of days? I'll spare the "intimate" details. Lots of GameCube time. I think I must've watched a couple of movies on DVD or something. I can't remember. Of course there was WWE RAW as well.
Oh yes, the 2nd episode of "Felicity" as well. I got the guy's name right. He was called Ben and the friend's name is Julie. To make a long story short, Felicity's parents tried to convince her to go back and to study at Stamford but their efforts failed. Felicity insisted that she remains in New York. A meeting with her advisor and parents ended in disappointment for her mother when she found out her daughter came all the way to New York just because of a guy. In the end, we hear the mother's side of the story which is she didn't want her daughter to follow her footsteps which was getting married at 20 years old when she seemed to have the whole future ahead of her. Another thing I found out watching the 2nd episode was that Felicity went to New York because she wanted to follow Ben, but being enrolled at the same college was a coincidence. I don't know if its for the sake of dramatisation but would you really follow someone you didn't really know halfway across the country? Why don't you girls tell me... well ok, so maybe the guy looks like a dirty blonde/brown haired Freddie Prinze Jr. But..COME ON! Would you do something drastic just to be with another person?
Hrmmm wait. I think I've done something similar in the past....how young and foolish I was. Guess what? I'm not telling either! Tough luck! :þ
KA's friends are here. 2 of them and they'll be here for a couple of weeks. They decided to go to the zoo today, invited me but I declined because I had other things to do. Before I had dinner, DT asked me if I was having dinner on my own. Strange question which I soon got answers for. Seems that the sisters are preparing their own meals for themselves now. He said he will be having dinner with ML but since he's not here, he'll have to eat alone. He invited me for Indian food but I said I had to budget. It's true in a way. Indian food here isn't that cheap. Anyway, I actually heard them arguing over dinner a couple of times. From what I heard, DT was trying to pick a fight or something. The sisters cook for him and he was complaining about it over something trivial, I would assume. If I heard correctly, I think I heard him saying that the food didn't look right! Now...what kind of person does that? YES - they do shout instead of speak at times. It's something I've learnt to cope with the entire 1 year and 5 months I've been here.
He called me from the restaurant and said that there's a midnight screening for Resident Evil. It dawned to me that it was a Friday night and he's in search for entertainment. I personally don't mind but he's rented about 20 videos and DVDs! He's supposed to have tuition in about 40 minutes as well. We'll see how it goes later.
Now I'm done with the update. Time to email mummy and daddy about the job and stuff. Another email's due anyway.
Countdown to Super Smash Brothers Melee Australian Launch - 7 days.
Day: 159(Friday, 24th May 2002)
Status: Neither here nor there
Days without PS2: 6 days
Listening to: Utada Hikaru - Hikari
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It's been some time since my last update. I've been spending a fair amount of time with my new purchases. Been sleeping early sometimes as well. These attribute to the lack of updates lately. I apologise. Did all of you miss me? :þ
Been looking through some of my older posts and I realise that some of them are fcuking long. I've put in stuff which are not important and some of it isn't even interesting to you readers out there. I'll try to generalise my posts in future so that all of you understand what the f... I'm talking about.
Yes - I'm listening to a Japanese song and No, I have no idea what's being sung. I got to know about this song on the PS forums where I frequent and someone mentioned that its the soundtrack of a RPG (Role Playing Game) called Kingdom Hearts which features Square (Final Fantasy characters) and Disney characters. Yes, I said Disney. I've seen pictures of Goofy and Donald Duck and I've heard of other characters such as Tarzan and who knows what else.
Went to see Dr. Radford this morning. Blood pressure hasn't changed since the last visit. Still 140/90. He's put me on an additional tablet called ADALAT OROS. It's a slow release pill. He told me that I might feel a little flushed when I take it. And it means that its working if I do. I took my medication when I got back and flushed I was. Felt like I had been taking alcohol or something. I don't know if I was imagining it but my motor skills seemed to be affected for awhile as well. Bumped against the walls of the toilet after I peed. I decided to take a rest after that before my interview with Shannon, the manager of McDonald's Hawthorn.
Shannon - sounds like a chick's name doesn't it? Well, now I know it can be a guy's name as well. Got a call from Ben yesterday when I was playing Luigi's Mansion and told me to contact Shannon to set up a meeting. Ben mentioned the name before and I heard him mention "Shannon" and "him" in the same sentence before. Oh guess what? I've read in the latest issue of Cleo that there's an eligible bachelor called Shannon as well. Well - just letting all of you know out of curiosity. On an interesting note, the Japanese guy from "Crash Palace" is also one of them. He's an actor/fitness instructor.
Well anyway, Shannon tells me he doesn't really need a full timer. I was disappointed. This means I'll only earn half of what I expected. How am I going to manage my expenses and bills and rent? I asked him how many hours would I have to work and the reply was about 20 hours per week. He asked if that was alright or would I prefer a full time job. I said I'd prefer a full time job since I had expenses to take care off. * Well - gimme a part time job with a full timer's salary and I won't complain! *. The outcome of it is, he'll try to work out a schedule and I'll have to see him again on Monday morning.
And that' s about it. Another day coming to an end. It's now 7.37 pm. Just finished dinner.
Wanna hear about the past couple of days? I'll spare the "intimate" details. Lots of GameCube time. I think I must've watched a couple of movies on DVD or something. I can't remember. Of course there was WWE RAW as well.
Oh yes, the 2nd episode of "Felicity" as well. I got the guy's name right. He was called Ben and the friend's name is Julie. To make a long story short, Felicity's parents tried to convince her to go back and to study at Stamford but their efforts failed. Felicity insisted that she remains in New York. A meeting with her advisor and parents ended in disappointment for her mother when she found out her daughter came all the way to New York just because of a guy. In the end, we hear the mother's side of the story which is she didn't want her daughter to follow her footsteps which was getting married at 20 years old when she seemed to have the whole future ahead of her. Another thing I found out watching the 2nd episode was that Felicity went to New York because she wanted to follow Ben, but being enrolled at the same college was a coincidence. I don't know if its for the sake of dramatisation but would you really follow someone you didn't really know halfway across the country? Why don't you girls tell me... well ok, so maybe the guy looks like a dirty blonde/brown haired Freddie Prinze Jr. But..COME ON! Would you do something drastic just to be with another person?
Hrmmm wait. I think I've done something similar in the past....how young and foolish I was. Guess what? I'm not telling either! Tough luck! :þ
KA's friends are here. 2 of them and they'll be here for a couple of weeks. They decided to go to the zoo today, invited me but I declined because I had other things to do. Before I had dinner, DT asked me if I was having dinner on my own. Strange question which I soon got answers for. Seems that the sisters are preparing their own meals for themselves now. He said he will be having dinner with ML but since he's not here, he'll have to eat alone. He invited me for Indian food but I said I had to budget. It's true in a way. Indian food here isn't that cheap. Anyway, I actually heard them arguing over dinner a couple of times. From what I heard, DT was trying to pick a fight or something. The sisters cook for him and he was complaining about it over something trivial, I would assume. If I heard correctly, I think I heard him saying that the food didn't look right! Now...what kind of person does that? YES - they do shout instead of speak at times. It's something I've learnt to cope with the entire 1 year and 5 months I've been here.
He called me from the restaurant and said that there's a midnight screening for Resident Evil. It dawned to me that it was a Friday night and he's in search for entertainment. I personally don't mind but he's rented about 20 videos and DVDs! He's supposed to have tuition in about 40 minutes as well. We'll see how it goes later.
Now I'm done with the update. Time to email mummy and daddy about the job and stuff. Another email's due anyway.
Countdown to Super Smash Brothers Melee Australian Launch - 7 days.
Saturday, May 18, 2002
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Day: 153(Saturday, 18th May 2002)
Status: On call (I have a feeling I won’t be working at Shakrahari anymore)
Days without PS2: 2 days
Listening to: Boyz II Men - End Of The Road
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First heard "End Of The Road" at my Form 2 class party. Hrmm, has it been that long ago? Woke up at about 1.30 pm.
Received an email from Sybil. Strange. She seldom emails me....and what's even weirder is that her email consisted of 2 lines. Wonder what's up....
It's been crazy for the past 2 days. Aching muscles for the past 2 days. Groceries were too heavy. 3 litre bottel of OJ, 3 packets of milk, 1.1 kg pack of Cocoa Pops among other purchases. Might have over-exerted myself walking home from Safeway. I guess its about the only excercise I get these days. Abit of weight training plus walking as cardiovascular excercises. Not bad!
Managed to watch Star Wars Episode 2: Attack Of The Clones on Thursday night. I thought it would be a quiet night because we were going for the last show at 11.30 pm at Crown. I thought since it was still a work day/ class day the next day, I thought there wouldn't be that many people. How wrong I was. The area was crowded, all waiting before they were allowed to enter. We got Screen 5, which was packed as far as I could tell. It was full house I think. The audience consisted of mostly youngsters, teens to those in their late twenties. What a noisy group it was. I guess its alright, not that I'm complaining much. It's an experience to watch it in a group. They all clapped and cheered when the studio's name and the green Lucasfilm logo came up on screen. They laughed everytime Anakin Skywalker was alone with Padme Amidala, trying to express his feelings for her. They laughed and cheered when Jedi Master Yoda appeared at the end and challenged Count Dooku to the light sabre duel. Ooops...that should be marked as a *SPOILER* there.
It was a 2 and a half hour show. Got home, was online for awhile until about 3.30 am then went off to sleep. Another exciting day ahead. Set the alarm for 8 am but I got up twice before the alarm rang, once earlier..and after that, at 7.59 am, just before the alarm went off. I woke up, showered and then headed out. Reached the city around 9.15 am. Headed to Toys R Us straight away to collect my GameCube. Was *thisclose* to getting Final Fantasy X as well. It was $ 99. Even took it to the counter but I thought that it could wait. To my surprise, Luigi's Mansion and Star Wars: Rogue Leader were only $89 instead of $99. I picked up Star Wars for $ 79 with the $ 10 discount voucher I used *4 more remaining*. The Jet Black controller has sold out at Toys R Us! There were none left on the shelf.
I went to Myer across the street to see what was going on and to check out the prices as well. Luigi and Star Wars going for $ 99. HAHAHAHA SUCKERS! They had lots of stock for the Jet controllers. Who knows when I might need one. I checked out the PS2 section and NO FFX. I saw an empty box at the demo unit of the PS2 which had a sticker stating "Release date 31st May". What the?? It's already available everywhere else! I bought some Parmesan Nuts and some "kacang putih" stuff from the Ground Floor of Myer before heading off home.
Got home, looked through my purchases, admired the manuals etc. Then got some sleep. Watched "Pleasantville" on DVD with the girls while having lunch. Started testing out my brand,new Cube after the movie. Played all the way through to dinnertime. DT asked us to go meet him in the city for dinner but all of us didn't feel like going out. In the end, I went for dinner with the girls at La Porschetta. I had the usual Chicken Bosciaola which was chicken breast in a creamy sauce with white wine, ham and mushrooms with a side order of chips.
The girls decided to stop at Dan Murphy's for awhile, I went home, got changed....started spending time with my new baby again. Till DT wanted to watch "The Score" starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton. It was a new release and had to be returned today (Saturday). Haven't touched it since last night.
I can't believed that my Cube froze once while playing Star Wars at the Hoth Level. I've read about it in discussion forums but I wish it didn't have to happen but it did. I replayed that stage, managed to pass it without incident. So far it was the only time. I hope its just a random occurance. Nothing happened playing Luigi's Mansion. Decided to start all over again. Failed to catch one of the damned Boos and I searched everywhere and I still can't find it.
Here are some quick descriptions of my 2 new games:
Star Wars: Rogue Leader (Rogue Squadron II)
This is a sequel of sorts. The first one being on the Nintendo 64 which I never had the opportunity to see, let alone try out. The N64 came out during the time when I lost touch with console games for awhile. Rogue Leader (RL) is basically an action/shoot em up/flight simulator. More action-shoot em up than flight sim, if anything else. The game puts you in control of Luke Skywalker or Wedge Antilles in their pilot duties for the Rebels. The plot of the game consists of all the flight missions from Star Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and some extras not seen in the movie. If you've seen a ship/starship/starfighter in any one of those movies, its in here in the game. It's a mission-based game with varying missions every stage ranging from destroying enemy TIE fighters or protecting transport ships or even bases. The basis of the game is to play the missions and at the end, you're awarded Gold,Silver,Bronze or no medals depending on performance. Everything is taken into account from lives lost, friendly ships destroyed, firing accuracy to the use of your ships targetting computer. Additional ships can be unlocked to give you a choice in missions for getting better performance results as well as hidden missions to be unlocked throughout.
Some really good graphics from what I've seen so far. Impressive stuff. RL makes use of the GameCube's internal clock. There is a training mission available at the start. This is one of the stages I've seen so far that makes use of the GC's internal clock. Play it in the day and the training mission will be on Tattooine during the day with the blistering sun. Play the training mission at night, you'll be flying around at night with thousands of stars in the night sky. Firing lasers from your ship will send flashes of light that will light up the surroundings if you're close to the ground or in a confined space. Lasers that hit the sand or walls leave blackened laser burns.
Music and Sound effects are true to the movies as well. This is, after all, a Lucasarts game. I'm currently stuck on this particular level where I have to protect some prisoners. Keep getting destroyed or the prisoners are getting killed.
Luigi's Mansion
Luigi wins a mansion in a contest that he didn't even enter. Mario goes to the mention and disappears. Luigi has to go rescue Mario.
This is a cartoony Ghostbusters-like game. Replace the proton packs with a vacuum cleaner named "Poltergust 3000" and the real Ghostbusters with the coward Luigi. Luigi has to go from room to room to suck up the ghosts with his vacuum cleaner to reveal keys for other rooms in the mansion. Each of the ghosts have a HP counter that decreases the longer you have it in your range. Sucking ghosts are not as simple as holding down the R trigger button. The ghosts try to escape by flying around the room and you have to push the control stick in the opposite direction of the ghost while holding the R button until its HP is reduced to 0. For simplicity's sake, the best way to describe it is like a tug-of-war.
Graphical effects are quite good. Ghosts are transparent but some of them show their existence through shadows. How can ghosts have shadows??? Luigi's breath condenses as he breathes out heavily. His flashlight shows dust particles he kicks up floating in the beam of light and slowly settling down back on the ground.
It might be abit kiddy to some but I've had fun with it so far. There are ghost bosses to catch as well. I've had to reset and start all over again because I didn't manage to completely vacuum a Boo (one of the ghosts that's behind the disappearance of Mario) . I've checked all the rooms that are unlocked and still haven't found it. Boos are the smarter ghosts that go through walls and wait for you in the next room. I just gave up looking for this one, #7 out of 50 that I have to catch. # 51 is King Boo which is bigger from what I saw when I released them. Hey, its part of the plot progression of the game ok? If you don't release them, the story doesn't go on. I'd keep them locked up and save myself the trouble if I could.
OK, so that's it. Waiting for Super Smash Brothers Melee end of the month. Of course I can't wait for Resident Evil 1. Some other good games set to be coming out for the Cube. Mostly 1 player adventure games though. Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil 4, Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, Starfox Adventures..hopefully Zelda will be good as well.
It's Saturday which means WWE Smackdown is on later tonight. Yes - its no longer WWF. They lost a legal case with the World Wildlife Foundation. They have a new slogan which is "Get the F... Out!" to signify the name change.
Think this is all for today's update. Take care, you all.
Day: 153(Saturday, 18th May 2002)
Status: On call (I have a feeling I won’t be working at Shakrahari anymore)
Days without PS2: 2 days
Listening to: Boyz II Men - End Of The Road
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First heard "End Of The Road" at my Form 2 class party. Hrmm, has it been that long ago? Woke up at about 1.30 pm.
Received an email from Sybil. Strange. She seldom emails me....and what's even weirder is that her email consisted of 2 lines. Wonder what's up....
It's been crazy for the past 2 days. Aching muscles for the past 2 days. Groceries were too heavy. 3 litre bottel of OJ, 3 packets of milk, 1.1 kg pack of Cocoa Pops among other purchases. Might have over-exerted myself walking home from Safeway. I guess its about the only excercise I get these days. Abit of weight training plus walking as cardiovascular excercises. Not bad!
Managed to watch Star Wars Episode 2: Attack Of The Clones on Thursday night. I thought it would be a quiet night because we were going for the last show at 11.30 pm at Crown. I thought since it was still a work day/ class day the next day, I thought there wouldn't be that many people. How wrong I was. The area was crowded, all waiting before they were allowed to enter. We got Screen 5, which was packed as far as I could tell. It was full house I think. The audience consisted of mostly youngsters, teens to those in their late twenties. What a noisy group it was. I guess its alright, not that I'm complaining much. It's an experience to watch it in a group. They all clapped and cheered when the studio's name and the green Lucasfilm logo came up on screen. They laughed everytime Anakin Skywalker was alone with Padme Amidala, trying to express his feelings for her. They laughed and cheered when Jedi Master Yoda appeared at the end and challenged Count Dooku to the light sabre duel. Ooops...that should be marked as a *SPOILER* there.
It was a 2 and a half hour show. Got home, was online for awhile until about 3.30 am then went off to sleep. Another exciting day ahead. Set the alarm for 8 am but I got up twice before the alarm rang, once earlier..and after that, at 7.59 am, just before the alarm went off. I woke up, showered and then headed out. Reached the city around 9.15 am. Headed to Toys R Us straight away to collect my GameCube. Was *thisclose* to getting Final Fantasy X as well. It was $ 99. Even took it to the counter but I thought that it could wait. To my surprise, Luigi's Mansion and Star Wars: Rogue Leader were only $89 instead of $99. I picked up Star Wars for $ 79 with the $ 10 discount voucher I used *4 more remaining*. The Jet Black controller has sold out at Toys R Us! There were none left on the shelf.
I went to Myer across the street to see what was going on and to check out the prices as well. Luigi and Star Wars going for $ 99. HAHAHAHA SUCKERS! They had lots of stock for the Jet controllers. Who knows when I might need one. I checked out the PS2 section and NO FFX. I saw an empty box at the demo unit of the PS2 which had a sticker stating "Release date 31st May". What the?? It's already available everywhere else! I bought some Parmesan Nuts and some "kacang putih" stuff from the Ground Floor of Myer before heading off home.
Got home, looked through my purchases, admired the manuals etc. Then got some sleep. Watched "Pleasantville" on DVD with the girls while having lunch. Started testing out my brand,new Cube after the movie. Played all the way through to dinnertime. DT asked us to go meet him in the city for dinner but all of us didn't feel like going out. In the end, I went for dinner with the girls at La Porschetta. I had the usual Chicken Bosciaola which was chicken breast in a creamy sauce with white wine, ham and mushrooms with a side order of chips.
The girls decided to stop at Dan Murphy's for awhile, I went home, got changed....started spending time with my new baby again. Till DT wanted to watch "The Score" starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton. It was a new release and had to be returned today (Saturday). Haven't touched it since last night.
I can't believed that my Cube froze once while playing Star Wars at the Hoth Level. I've read about it in discussion forums but I wish it didn't have to happen but it did. I replayed that stage, managed to pass it without incident. So far it was the only time. I hope its just a random occurance. Nothing happened playing Luigi's Mansion. Decided to start all over again. Failed to catch one of the damned Boos and I searched everywhere and I still can't find it.
Here are some quick descriptions of my 2 new games:
Star Wars: Rogue Leader (Rogue Squadron II)
This is a sequel of sorts. The first one being on the Nintendo 64 which I never had the opportunity to see, let alone try out. The N64 came out during the time when I lost touch with console games for awhile. Rogue Leader (RL) is basically an action/shoot em up/flight simulator. More action-shoot em up than flight sim, if anything else. The game puts you in control of Luke Skywalker or Wedge Antilles in their pilot duties for the Rebels. The plot of the game consists of all the flight missions from Star Wars: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and some extras not seen in the movie. If you've seen a ship/starship/starfighter in any one of those movies, its in here in the game. It's a mission-based game with varying missions every stage ranging from destroying enemy TIE fighters or protecting transport ships or even bases. The basis of the game is to play the missions and at the end, you're awarded Gold,Silver,Bronze or no medals depending on performance. Everything is taken into account from lives lost, friendly ships destroyed, firing accuracy to the use of your ships targetting computer. Additional ships can be unlocked to give you a choice in missions for getting better performance results as well as hidden missions to be unlocked throughout.
Some really good graphics from what I've seen so far. Impressive stuff. RL makes use of the GameCube's internal clock. There is a training mission available at the start. This is one of the stages I've seen so far that makes use of the GC's internal clock. Play it in the day and the training mission will be on Tattooine during the day with the blistering sun. Play the training mission at night, you'll be flying around at night with thousands of stars in the night sky. Firing lasers from your ship will send flashes of light that will light up the surroundings if you're close to the ground or in a confined space. Lasers that hit the sand or walls leave blackened laser burns.
Music and Sound effects are true to the movies as well. This is, after all, a Lucasarts game. I'm currently stuck on this particular level where I have to protect some prisoners. Keep getting destroyed or the prisoners are getting killed.
Luigi's Mansion
Luigi wins a mansion in a contest that he didn't even enter. Mario goes to the mention and disappears. Luigi has to go rescue Mario.
This is a cartoony Ghostbusters-like game. Replace the proton packs with a vacuum cleaner named "Poltergust 3000" and the real Ghostbusters with the coward Luigi. Luigi has to go from room to room to suck up the ghosts with his vacuum cleaner to reveal keys for other rooms in the mansion. Each of the ghosts have a HP counter that decreases the longer you have it in your range. Sucking ghosts are not as simple as holding down the R trigger button. The ghosts try to escape by flying around the room and you have to push the control stick in the opposite direction of the ghost while holding the R button until its HP is reduced to 0. For simplicity's sake, the best way to describe it is like a tug-of-war.
Graphical effects are quite good. Ghosts are transparent but some of them show their existence through shadows. How can ghosts have shadows??? Luigi's breath condenses as he breathes out heavily. His flashlight shows dust particles he kicks up floating in the beam of light and slowly settling down back on the ground.
It might be abit kiddy to some but I've had fun with it so far. There are ghost bosses to catch as well. I've had to reset and start all over again because I didn't manage to completely vacuum a Boo (one of the ghosts that's behind the disappearance of Mario) . I've checked all the rooms that are unlocked and still haven't found it. Boos are the smarter ghosts that go through walls and wait for you in the next room. I just gave up looking for this one, #7 out of 50 that I have to catch. # 51 is King Boo which is bigger from what I saw when I released them. Hey, its part of the plot progression of the game ok? If you don't release them, the story doesn't go on. I'd keep them locked up and save myself the trouble if I could.
OK, so that's it. Waiting for Super Smash Brothers Melee end of the month. Of course I can't wait for Resident Evil 1. Some other good games set to be coming out for the Cube. Mostly 1 player adventure games though. Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil 4, Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, Starfox Adventures..hopefully Zelda will be good as well.
It's Saturday which means WWE Smackdown is on later tonight. Yes - its no longer WWF. They lost a legal case with the World Wildlife Foundation. They have a new slogan which is "Get the F... Out!" to signify the name change.
Think this is all for today's update. Take care, you all.
Thursday, May 16, 2002
Watched "Training Day" on DVD earlier this evening.
Managed to book 2 tickets to watch Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones at 11.30 pm tonight. Will be going to Crown with DT. Going to have a rest, then got to go out in about 40 minutes.
And tomorrow, hopefully I'll be able to be up early and head on down to Toys R Us to collect my GameCube. YAY!
It seems Final Fantasy X is out as well.
I think this is one of my shortest posts EVER.
Managed to book 2 tickets to watch Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones at 11.30 pm tonight. Will be going to Crown with DT. Going to have a rest, then got to go out in about 40 minutes.
And tomorrow, hopefully I'll be able to be up early and head on down to Toys R Us to collect my GameCube. YAY!
It seems Final Fantasy X is out as well.
I think this is one of my shortest posts EVER.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day: 151(Thursday, 16th May 2002)
Status: On call (I have a feeling I won’t be working at Shakrahari anymore)
Days without PS2: 0 days
Listening to: John Williams – Superman: The Movie Theme
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
That theme to Superman: The Movie is really catchy. That movie came out ages ago, early 1980s if I recall. I loved the music then, I still love it now.
2.03 pm. It’s raining outside now. Nice…no PERFECT weather for sleeping. Just perfect. What the hell am I doing here? Typing out my blog in MS-WORD. Yes, of course. The Internet connection has been cut since last night. No bloody idea why.
Went out to get my groceries earlier this morning around 11 am. I realized last night that I have no bread and was running out of food. I got Kellogg’s Chocolate Pop-Tarts. Always wanted to try it but never did because we didn’t have a toaster. Now we do because the girls bought one yesterday. Almost got 2 big packs of M&M’s (one plain, one nut) but then I thought I shouldn’t. They were about $ 5 each. Good thing I didn’t because the total came up to about $ 35 today.
Went to Malvern Shopping Centre with the cousins yesterday. They wanted to get a bookshelf. I was at Target, at the videogames section (OF COURSE). Thought I read in the SONY forums that Final Fantasy X is already out. This is TARGET we’re talking about. Fat chance of them having a new game out so fast. Still, the selection’s pretty good compared to say, Target Melbourne. Tested out the GameCube demo unit again. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, I’m getting it tomorrow! (I called Toys R Us earlier and they said they open at 9am. I’ve already have my alarm set.)
Anyway, we had to pick-up the shelf from the pick-up bay. The entrance to the area was closed due to road works. We spent about 10 – 15 minutes driving around in circles to look for an alternative entrance. After that, DT wanted to stop off at a store that sells CDs and DVDs. Parked the car and walked a few metres away. We were looking around and the girls went out to check out the other stores. DT got a call and he rushed out. I followed him. Saw him standing beside the car, face as black as … well. It was obvious he didn’t look happy. Yes, he was slapped with a $ 100 parking offence. We didn’t notice the sign that says parking only allowed from 9.00 am – 4.30 pm. Curses and complaints throughout the drive home. Talks of watching Star Wars: Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones obviously wasn’t going to happen. Oh well, this weekend perhaps.
Was online for a couple of hours until about 10 pm when the Net connection was cut off. They decided to go out to rent more movies. I didn’t feel like going. Watched the last 10 minutes or so of “Angel” which is a spin-off of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”. Saw Angel getting his ass whooped by Faith (another slayer). Watched abit of “Crash Palace” after that and the Net was still down. I talk about the Net as though as my life depended on it. DT decided to watch “D-tox”, one of the movies he just rented starring Sylvester Stallone, from the makers of “I Know What You Did Last Summer”. It was one of those serial killer movies that tries to make viewers guess who the real killer is by introducing suspicious looking characters. It was based in a detox centre (hence the title) that was run by a cop for cops. Stallone was playing a FBI agent who resorted to drinking and almost killed himself because he couldn’t catch the killer who killed 9 cops before finally killing his girlfriend. Nothing really worth mentioning about it. There were so many characters that I lost track of their names. Save your money people. There are better movies I’m sure. This IS a Stallone movie but it lacks action, suspense, thrills and everything else. JUST STAY AWAY IF POSSIBLE. Watch it only if you really have nothing else to do.
Waiting to watch “Training Day” starring Denzel Washington (for which he won the Best Actor Oscar) and Ethan Hawke, which they rented as well. Maybe later in the evening.
Spent the next few hours playing PS2 games. Actually, I think it was almost 4 hours of games cause I slept around 4.30 am, when my eye-lids were getting heavy.
I was playing Resident Evil: Code Veronica X, a game I’ve neglected for quite some time now. I was low on ammo, low on health sprays/green herbs and walking around with a bloody limp because Claire Redfield (the character) is injured. I’m stuck at this Arctic Base. The few hours I spent on it equipped me with knowledge of what to do the next time I play it. I was stuck here for sometime. Why? Other than the above mentioned reasons of the lack of ammunition for my weapons and health sprays/green herbs, I didn’t realize there was another switch in the damn Generator Room! I don’t know how I completely missed it the last time around.
There’s also that damn corridor with some corpses mummified in some web-like cocoon. I don’t know if that’s from the giant spiders or the fucking giant moths flying around in the corridor. They spray poison mist from their ass which decreases your health (DUH!). That’s not much of a problem if you stay away from their poisonous farts. The main problem is they attach themselves to your back and lay some sort of eggs there. After a few seconds, the eggs hatch and something digs into your flesh and poison you. Blue herbs (to cure poison) is really scarce. There is an unlimited supply growing but, yup, its in that fucking corridor with the moths. Why don’t I kill the moths? I did and I do but the fucking buggers RESPAWN EVERY TIME I enter that area. It’s a waste of precious handgun bullets as well. Where the hell do the damn moths come from?
I had a scare playing that game last night. I’m serious. Well – not that I pissed in my pants but it sort of made me jump. After I managed to get the power generator running, I went back to the study where there was a book case with a switch that needed power to activate. Finally managed to see what was behind that bookcase. First thought was a hidden elevator. Wrong. I was treated to a little video of a mutant thing which was tied up like it was some mental asylum. It was pale and bandaged. The eyes were covered as well but you see blood on its face, like its eyes were bleeding. His name is Nosferatu. Read about him in one of the worker’s journals I found in the employee quarters.
The second time I entered that room (I thought I forgot to pick something up), the fucking monster gave out a moan that got me off guard. Shit…damn that fucking Nosferatu. At the end, I was killed by him. He was one of the bosses I’ve had to fight. He somehow manages to escape after me and Steve (another character) drill through the base wall with a drilling-tractor thinggie. During the video before I face him, we see his chest rip open to reveal a purplish coloured heart. I managed to pick up a sniper rifle when that faggot Alexander/Alexandria shows up when I’m trying to escape. (S)he was shot by Steve during that face off and falls into the chasm. I don’t think that’s the last we see of that he/she weirdo. Anyway, I tried aiming for the heart of Nosferatu during the boss fight but, I was low on health and he somehow grew some sort of tentacles from his back that just whack the shit out of me. Steve is hanging on the steel bar and is unable to help. We’re on some heli-pad trying to escape and he was knocked over the side while trying to protect me.
I tried to aim for the heart but this sniper part of RE:CVX sucks. It’s so slow and the cross hair is like some squiggly wave. It’s hard to get a good shot at the heart. In the end, after 2 swipes of the tentacle on Nosferatu’s back, I was sent flying off the heli-pad to my death below. The screen “You Died” came up. Well, no shit Sherlock! Don’t need a genius to figure it out. I tell you, the subtitles/translations crack me up sometimes. Why “You Died”? It’s pretty obvious. Why not just “Game Over”. Even “You Were Killed” sounds better, don’t you think? Can’t wait to see what stuff they put in Resident Evil for the GameCube. Can’t wait for September. It’s just about 3 and a half months away!
Spent the next hour or so playing WWF Smackdown before going to bed. No puzzles needed for this game, no brain juices required to solve puzzles ( some games DO require thinking, even if its just using common sense, how about that, all you anti-gamers? :P ). WWF Smackdown is just good fun, kicking the shit out of someone else. I increased the difficulty from Normal to Hard. Opponents seem to move faster and seem to be able to counter more this time. It should be more of a challenge the next time I play.
I just realized I mentioned in a couple of posts ago that I shouldn’t update my journal in the day. There’s still half a day for things to happen. In fact, this wasn’t the topic of my post in the first place! I was planning to talk about a little chat I had with PF the other day about dogs/puppies. Instead, I end up talking about my games. I guess I’ll save that for another day *winks*.
Tomorrow, I’ll be up nice and early, take the tram down to the city and get my GameCube. The wait is over. Next, its just waiting for the games I want.
Day: 151(Thursday, 16th May 2002)
Status: On call (I have a feeling I won’t be working at Shakrahari anymore)
Days without PS2: 0 days
Listening to: John Williams – Superman: The Movie Theme
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
That theme to Superman: The Movie is really catchy. That movie came out ages ago, early 1980s if I recall. I loved the music then, I still love it now.
2.03 pm. It’s raining outside now. Nice…no PERFECT weather for sleeping. Just perfect. What the hell am I doing here? Typing out my blog in MS-WORD. Yes, of course. The Internet connection has been cut since last night. No bloody idea why.
Went out to get my groceries earlier this morning around 11 am. I realized last night that I have no bread and was running out of food. I got Kellogg’s Chocolate Pop-Tarts. Always wanted to try it but never did because we didn’t have a toaster. Now we do because the girls bought one yesterday. Almost got 2 big packs of M&M’s (one plain, one nut) but then I thought I shouldn’t. They were about $ 5 each. Good thing I didn’t because the total came up to about $ 35 today.
Went to Malvern Shopping Centre with the cousins yesterday. They wanted to get a bookshelf. I was at Target, at the videogames section (OF COURSE). Thought I read in the SONY forums that Final Fantasy X is already out. This is TARGET we’re talking about. Fat chance of them having a new game out so fast. Still, the selection’s pretty good compared to say, Target Melbourne. Tested out the GameCube demo unit again. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, I’m getting it tomorrow! (I called Toys R Us earlier and they said they open at 9am. I’ve already have my alarm set.)
Anyway, we had to pick-up the shelf from the pick-up bay. The entrance to the area was closed due to road works. We spent about 10 – 15 minutes driving around in circles to look for an alternative entrance. After that, DT wanted to stop off at a store that sells CDs and DVDs. Parked the car and walked a few metres away. We were looking around and the girls went out to check out the other stores. DT got a call and he rushed out. I followed him. Saw him standing beside the car, face as black as … well. It was obvious he didn’t look happy. Yes, he was slapped with a $ 100 parking offence. We didn’t notice the sign that says parking only allowed from 9.00 am – 4.30 pm. Curses and complaints throughout the drive home. Talks of watching Star Wars: Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones obviously wasn’t going to happen. Oh well, this weekend perhaps.
Was online for a couple of hours until about 10 pm when the Net connection was cut off. They decided to go out to rent more movies. I didn’t feel like going. Watched the last 10 minutes or so of “Angel” which is a spin-off of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”. Saw Angel getting his ass whooped by Faith (another slayer). Watched abit of “Crash Palace” after that and the Net was still down. I talk about the Net as though as my life depended on it. DT decided to watch “D-tox”, one of the movies he just rented starring Sylvester Stallone, from the makers of “I Know What You Did Last Summer”. It was one of those serial killer movies that tries to make viewers guess who the real killer is by introducing suspicious looking characters. It was based in a detox centre (hence the title) that was run by a cop for cops. Stallone was playing a FBI agent who resorted to drinking and almost killed himself because he couldn’t catch the killer who killed 9 cops before finally killing his girlfriend. Nothing really worth mentioning about it. There were so many characters that I lost track of their names. Save your money people. There are better movies I’m sure. This IS a Stallone movie but it lacks action, suspense, thrills and everything else. JUST STAY AWAY IF POSSIBLE. Watch it only if you really have nothing else to do.
Waiting to watch “Training Day” starring Denzel Washington (for which he won the Best Actor Oscar) and Ethan Hawke, which they rented as well. Maybe later in the evening.
Spent the next few hours playing PS2 games. Actually, I think it was almost 4 hours of games cause I slept around 4.30 am, when my eye-lids were getting heavy.
I was playing Resident Evil: Code Veronica X, a game I’ve neglected for quite some time now. I was low on ammo, low on health sprays/green herbs and walking around with a bloody limp because Claire Redfield (the character) is injured. I’m stuck at this Arctic Base. The few hours I spent on it equipped me with knowledge of what to do the next time I play it. I was stuck here for sometime. Why? Other than the above mentioned reasons of the lack of ammunition for my weapons and health sprays/green herbs, I didn’t realize there was another switch in the damn Generator Room! I don’t know how I completely missed it the last time around.
There’s also that damn corridor with some corpses mummified in some web-like cocoon. I don’t know if that’s from the giant spiders or the fucking giant moths flying around in the corridor. They spray poison mist from their ass which decreases your health (DUH!). That’s not much of a problem if you stay away from their poisonous farts. The main problem is they attach themselves to your back and lay some sort of eggs there. After a few seconds, the eggs hatch and something digs into your flesh and poison you. Blue herbs (to cure poison) is really scarce. There is an unlimited supply growing but, yup, its in that fucking corridor with the moths. Why don’t I kill the moths? I did and I do but the fucking buggers RESPAWN EVERY TIME I enter that area. It’s a waste of precious handgun bullets as well. Where the hell do the damn moths come from?
I had a scare playing that game last night. I’m serious. Well – not that I pissed in my pants but it sort of made me jump. After I managed to get the power generator running, I went back to the study where there was a book case with a switch that needed power to activate. Finally managed to see what was behind that bookcase. First thought was a hidden elevator. Wrong. I was treated to a little video of a mutant thing which was tied up like it was some mental asylum. It was pale and bandaged. The eyes were covered as well but you see blood on its face, like its eyes were bleeding. His name is Nosferatu. Read about him in one of the worker’s journals I found in the employee quarters.
The second time I entered that room (I thought I forgot to pick something up), the fucking monster gave out a moan that got me off guard. Shit…damn that fucking Nosferatu. At the end, I was killed by him. He was one of the bosses I’ve had to fight. He somehow manages to escape after me and Steve (another character) drill through the base wall with a drilling-tractor thinggie. During the video before I face him, we see his chest rip open to reveal a purplish coloured heart. I managed to pick up a sniper rifle when that faggot Alexander/Alexandria shows up when I’m trying to escape. (S)he was shot by Steve during that face off and falls into the chasm. I don’t think that’s the last we see of that he/she weirdo. Anyway, I tried aiming for the heart of Nosferatu during the boss fight but, I was low on health and he somehow grew some sort of tentacles from his back that just whack the shit out of me. Steve is hanging on the steel bar and is unable to help. We’re on some heli-pad trying to escape and he was knocked over the side while trying to protect me.
I tried to aim for the heart but this sniper part of RE:CVX sucks. It’s so slow and the cross hair is like some squiggly wave. It’s hard to get a good shot at the heart. In the end, after 2 swipes of the tentacle on Nosferatu’s back, I was sent flying off the heli-pad to my death below. The screen “You Died” came up. Well, no shit Sherlock! Don’t need a genius to figure it out. I tell you, the subtitles/translations crack me up sometimes. Why “You Died”? It’s pretty obvious. Why not just “Game Over”. Even “You Were Killed” sounds better, don’t you think? Can’t wait to see what stuff they put in Resident Evil for the GameCube. Can’t wait for September. It’s just about 3 and a half months away!
Spent the next hour or so playing WWF Smackdown before going to bed. No puzzles needed for this game, no brain juices required to solve puzzles ( some games DO require thinking, even if its just using common sense, how about that, all you anti-gamers? :P ). WWF Smackdown is just good fun, kicking the shit out of someone else. I increased the difficulty from Normal to Hard. Opponents seem to move faster and seem to be able to counter more this time. It should be more of a challenge the next time I play.
I just realized I mentioned in a couple of posts ago that I shouldn’t update my journal in the day. There’s still half a day for things to happen. In fact, this wasn’t the topic of my post in the first place! I was planning to talk about a little chat I had with PF the other day about dogs/puppies. Instead, I end up talking about my games. I guess I’ll save that for another day *winks*.
Tomorrow, I’ll be up nice and early, take the tram down to the city and get my GameCube. The wait is over. Next, its just waiting for the games I want.
Tuesday, May 14, 2002
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Day: 149 (Tuesday, 14th May 2002)
Status: On call (I have a feeling I won’t be working at Shakrahari anymore)
Days without PS2: 4 days
Listening to: John Williams – Superman The Movie Theme
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ironic – Alanis Morissette
An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
Isn't it ironic... don't you think?
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures
Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
"Well isn't this nice..."
And isn't it ironic... don't you think?
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures
Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face
A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic... don't you think?
A little too ironic... and yeah I really do think...
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures
Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’m typing this in MS-WORD at the moment. Blogspot seems to be down at the moment. Kind of fits the topic I’m talking about in this update. Talking about Irony, hence the lyrics above from the song by Alanis Morissette.
Managed to catch an episode of “Felicty” on FOX8 on Tuesday night. Seemed to be the first episode of the entire series. Not sure how many of you have actually seen this series.
Here’s a quick rundown of today’s episode. It’s about a high-school student named Felicity. She was pondering about life after graduation from high school. Her life has been planned by her parents, she was supposed to do pre-med at Stamford University and after X number of years, be a physician.
For the entire 4 years of her high school life, Felicity had the hots for one of her schoolmates. Let’s call him Ben. Why Ben? Because I can’t remember his name but I think that’s what he’s called in the show. The only problem is, Felicity has never in her life spoken to Ben. He was the good-looking, popular one while she was the studious type (I assume). After the graduation, she musters up courage to go up to him and asks him to sign her yearbook. He must’ve wrote in something really special. I , for one cannot remember what it was.
What follows is her going against her parents wishes to go to Stamford and instead, packs her bags to go to New York City to an Art School. This was after a huge argument with her parents who threatened not to financially support her. Why the art school? Because that’s where Ben was going of course. I don’t know how Felicity knew this, because I was channel surfing the entire time and missed bits and pieces of it.
Somehow, Felicity managed to get to New York City and found life hard to cope. She bumps into Ben, and he recognises her from school. In class, Felicity starts crying and the girl next to her writes her a note asking if she was alright. They become friends and start talking over lunch. During lunch, Felicity catches sight of Ben, confronts him and tells him that he was the reason she came to New York and she had a huge crush on him in high school. He says he’s flattered etc. They decide to be friends.
After some time, there was supposed to be some test. Felicity suggests that Ben and her form a study group. She asks Amy to join them as well. Ben asked if it would be alright. Amy asks if Felicity and Ben are going out, and our girl says “No, of course not! We’re just friends”.
We see Felicity, Amy and Ben in a bar after that, telling jokes and having a good time. I thought they were supposed to study? Maybe they were taking a break. Maybe it was after the study session. Amy excuses herself and goes to the ladies. Ben then asks Felicity if she meant when she said they were just going to be friends. She’s at a loss but she says “Of course “. Ben says its cool because he’s “kinda into Amy”. We see Felicity’s face change. Ben senses it and starts apologizing. Felicity says that its ok. So Ben asks her if she thinks Amy is interested in him.
Next scene, Felicity walking home with some sad music. She reaches back to her dorm and sits down in deep thought. Her roommate, whom she’s never seen comes in to grab some stuff then leaves. She didn’t seem interested that she had a roommate. Felicity decides to see Ben in the middle of the night.
She starts shouting at him at his dorm door. Saying that he does things without considering the consequences. She blames Ben for making her fall in love with him. Ben gets agitated and replies “I didn’t make you do anything. I didn’t ask you to come to NYC. That was your choice. I didn’t make you fall in love with me. All I did was be nice to you”. Felicity looks like she’s been hit by a tonne of bricks. Just then, we see Amy coming out of Ben’s dorm room and walks off. Felicity is speechless and goes off as well.
Felicity decides to leave New York and go back to Stamford like how it was planned by her parents.
We also have a side story of her geeky Resident Advisor for the dorm who seems to have an interest in her. He advises her not to leave saying it will be a mistake. As she’s packing, Ben comes to talk to her. Telling her he lied in his acceptance essay, saying she makes him think about things he never thought about. In this moment of friendship bonding, Felicity tells Ben that she has never made any decisions at all. And the first one that she ever made turned out to be a mistake and so ironic.
She meets her parents who try to convince her to go back by giving her a car, a new apartment and the promise that they will take care of her loan for her studies at the Art School. She finds out that her dad pulled some strings to get her re-enrolled in Stamford and was also the one who managed to get her accepted in the first place. She declines saying if she makes a mistake, it should at least be hers.
As the show ends, we see Felicity and Amy making up, laughing, joking and ending in a hug. We see them walking off together, and there’s a voice-over who’s actually Felicity’s French Tutor who’s away. It seems Felicity and this woman have a strong friendship. She was the only person Felicity could talk to, so they record tapes of their thoughts and problems and send them to each other. At the end, we hear that it was the tutor’s turn to learn about life from Felicity and she’s hoping to hear more about life in New York City.
Watching the show made me realize some things. It’s how things never turn up the way you expect them to. You might make big plans for yourself, but a single event can change it forever. A small mistake and it changes the course of your life. Sometimes, the choice isn’t even yours. You have no control over it when you’re just thrown into the mix. That’s the irony of life. There’s a saying that goes “Nothing is certain except death and taxes”.
Well – enough of this crap. Don’t even know if I made any sense. After “Felicity” was WWE RAW. So there. Enough said.
Called Ben earlier this afternoon. Asked him about the job. He said I’d probably get the job at the Glenferrie Road branch as they need someone full time there. He will speak to the manager and get him to contact me tomorrow. He said that he’s already gotten the letter that I photocopied at the post office yesterday.
Speaking of the post office, I was sitting on the bench outside the post office, writing out the letter to be given to Ben. As I was sitting there, I could swear that DT walked past me. He didn’t even mention a thing, didn’t even acknowledge my presence! I’m sure it was him, chances of someone wearing the same beanie, jacket and pants around Kew are next to none. I refuse to believe that he didn’t see me sitting there. After I stopped at McDonald’s to drop the letter off and have lunch, he called me asking me where I was and said if I was in the city, we can go back together after his class ends at 4.30 pm. What the fuck? Is he trying to pretend or something? Like I said, I’m damn sure he saw me in Kew. Don’t know that’s the point of him pretending. He’s good at putting on “shows” I’m sure.
Anyway, deposited $100 worth of coins after the stop at the post office before heading off to drop off the letter for Ben.
Downloaded 2 songs yesterday worth mentioning. Both by composer John Williams. “Superman The Movie” and the “Star Wars” Themes. This guy’s bloody good. There are so many movie themes done by him. “Jurassic Park” is another one I enjoy. I tried looking for the theme song from “Fellowship Of The Ring” but I just keep getting everything but the one I’m looking for.
Also found some pictures of the most beautiful looking BMW M3 (E 46) ever. Have one as my desktop wallpaper in black. Black cars = SEXY.
It’s almost Wednesday. It’s so close. Just 2 more days.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 1 days 22 hours 56 mins 10 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
Day: 149 (Tuesday, 14th May 2002)
Status: On call (I have a feeling I won’t be working at Shakrahari anymore)
Days without PS2: 4 days
Listening to: John Williams – Superman The Movie Theme
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ironic – Alanis Morissette
An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
Isn't it ironic... don't you think?
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures
Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
"Well isn't this nice..."
And isn't it ironic... don't you think?
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures
Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face
A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic... don't you think?
A little too ironic... and yeah I really do think...
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures
Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out
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I’m typing this in MS-WORD at the moment. Blogspot seems to be down at the moment. Kind of fits the topic I’m talking about in this update. Talking about Irony, hence the lyrics above from the song by Alanis Morissette.
Managed to catch an episode of “Felicty” on FOX8 on Tuesday night. Seemed to be the first episode of the entire series. Not sure how many of you have actually seen this series.
Here’s a quick rundown of today’s episode. It’s about a high-school student named Felicity. She was pondering about life after graduation from high school. Her life has been planned by her parents, she was supposed to do pre-med at Stamford University and after X number of years, be a physician.
For the entire 4 years of her high school life, Felicity had the hots for one of her schoolmates. Let’s call him Ben. Why Ben? Because I can’t remember his name but I think that’s what he’s called in the show. The only problem is, Felicity has never in her life spoken to Ben. He was the good-looking, popular one while she was the studious type (I assume). After the graduation, she musters up courage to go up to him and asks him to sign her yearbook. He must’ve wrote in something really special. I , for one cannot remember what it was.
What follows is her going against her parents wishes to go to Stamford and instead, packs her bags to go to New York City to an Art School. This was after a huge argument with her parents who threatened not to financially support her. Why the art school? Because that’s where Ben was going of course. I don’t know how Felicity knew this, because I was channel surfing the entire time and missed bits and pieces of it.
Somehow, Felicity managed to get to New York City and found life hard to cope. She bumps into Ben, and he recognises her from school. In class, Felicity starts crying and the girl next to her writes her a note asking if she was alright. They become friends and start talking over lunch. During lunch, Felicity catches sight of Ben, confronts him and tells him that he was the reason she came to New York and she had a huge crush on him in high school. He says he’s flattered etc. They decide to be friends.
After some time, there was supposed to be some test. Felicity suggests that Ben and her form a study group. She asks Amy to join them as well. Ben asked if it would be alright. Amy asks if Felicity and Ben are going out, and our girl says “No, of course not! We’re just friends”.
We see Felicity, Amy and Ben in a bar after that, telling jokes and having a good time. I thought they were supposed to study? Maybe they were taking a break. Maybe it was after the study session. Amy excuses herself and goes to the ladies. Ben then asks Felicity if she meant when she said they were just going to be friends. She’s at a loss but she says “Of course “. Ben says its cool because he’s “kinda into Amy”. We see Felicity’s face change. Ben senses it and starts apologizing. Felicity says that its ok. So Ben asks her if she thinks Amy is interested in him.
Next scene, Felicity walking home with some sad music. She reaches back to her dorm and sits down in deep thought. Her roommate, whom she’s never seen comes in to grab some stuff then leaves. She didn’t seem interested that she had a roommate. Felicity decides to see Ben in the middle of the night.
She starts shouting at him at his dorm door. Saying that he does things without considering the consequences. She blames Ben for making her fall in love with him. Ben gets agitated and replies “I didn’t make you do anything. I didn’t ask you to come to NYC. That was your choice. I didn’t make you fall in love with me. All I did was be nice to you”. Felicity looks like she’s been hit by a tonne of bricks. Just then, we see Amy coming out of Ben’s dorm room and walks off. Felicity is speechless and goes off as well.
Felicity decides to leave New York and go back to Stamford like how it was planned by her parents.
We also have a side story of her geeky Resident Advisor for the dorm who seems to have an interest in her. He advises her not to leave saying it will be a mistake. As she’s packing, Ben comes to talk to her. Telling her he lied in his acceptance essay, saying she makes him think about things he never thought about. In this moment of friendship bonding, Felicity tells Ben that she has never made any decisions at all. And the first one that she ever made turned out to be a mistake and so ironic.
She meets her parents who try to convince her to go back by giving her a car, a new apartment and the promise that they will take care of her loan for her studies at the Art School. She finds out that her dad pulled some strings to get her re-enrolled in Stamford and was also the one who managed to get her accepted in the first place. She declines saying if she makes a mistake, it should at least be hers.
As the show ends, we see Felicity and Amy making up, laughing, joking and ending in a hug. We see them walking off together, and there’s a voice-over who’s actually Felicity’s French Tutor who’s away. It seems Felicity and this woman have a strong friendship. She was the only person Felicity could talk to, so they record tapes of their thoughts and problems and send them to each other. At the end, we hear that it was the tutor’s turn to learn about life from Felicity and she’s hoping to hear more about life in New York City.
Watching the show made me realize some things. It’s how things never turn up the way you expect them to. You might make big plans for yourself, but a single event can change it forever. A small mistake and it changes the course of your life. Sometimes, the choice isn’t even yours. You have no control over it when you’re just thrown into the mix. That’s the irony of life. There’s a saying that goes “Nothing is certain except death and taxes”.
Well – enough of this crap. Don’t even know if I made any sense. After “Felicity” was WWE RAW. So there. Enough said.
Called Ben earlier this afternoon. Asked him about the job. He said I’d probably get the job at the Glenferrie Road branch as they need someone full time there. He will speak to the manager and get him to contact me tomorrow. He said that he’s already gotten the letter that I photocopied at the post office yesterday.
Speaking of the post office, I was sitting on the bench outside the post office, writing out the letter to be given to Ben. As I was sitting there, I could swear that DT walked past me. He didn’t even mention a thing, didn’t even acknowledge my presence! I’m sure it was him, chances of someone wearing the same beanie, jacket and pants around Kew are next to none. I refuse to believe that he didn’t see me sitting there. After I stopped at McDonald’s to drop the letter off and have lunch, he called me asking me where I was and said if I was in the city, we can go back together after his class ends at 4.30 pm. What the fuck? Is he trying to pretend or something? Like I said, I’m damn sure he saw me in Kew. Don’t know that’s the point of him pretending. He’s good at putting on “shows” I’m sure.
Anyway, deposited $100 worth of coins after the stop at the post office before heading off to drop off the letter for Ben.
Downloaded 2 songs yesterday worth mentioning. Both by composer John Williams. “Superman The Movie” and the “Star Wars” Themes. This guy’s bloody good. There are so many movie themes done by him. “Jurassic Park” is another one I enjoy. I tried looking for the theme song from “Fellowship Of The Ring” but I just keep getting everything but the one I’m looking for.
Also found some pictures of the most beautiful looking BMW M3 (E 46) ever. Have one as my desktop wallpaper in black. Black cars = SEXY.
It’s almost Wednesday. It’s so close. Just 2 more days.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 1 days 22 hours 56 mins 10 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
Sunday, May 12, 2002
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Day: 148 (Monday, 13th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 3 days
Listening to: City High - What Would You Do
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I must try to update my journal at night, before bed time. No point updating it early in the day and missing out a bunch of stuff to be added.
So - a continuation from Friday night. I was in IRC (seems to be like a regular hang out) and who do I see online but my old friend,J. Talked to him awhile. I met him once back in Malaysia. Used to drive a modified Honda Civic EK hatch. Pearl white in colour with Type-R performance parts. I remember the first time I met him. You could hear his car from the end of the road. Anyway, talked to him online for awhile. He told me he sold off his Nissan Skyline R-33 recently because of high maintanence in terms of fuel. He was spending about $ 100 a week on that petrol guzzling, 2.5 litre beauty. It's a pity he sold if off and got himself a Nissan Pulsar 1.8 hatch. A pity because he decided to come pick me up for dinner. Oh well. We ended up having dinner in Richmond, at the restaurant where I always have my BBQ pork chop with broken rice. He was supposed to stop by after that for some PS2 action but he decided to go home as he was too tired.
Saturday, nothing much happened as far as I can remember. Saturday is WWF Smackdown day so it was a couple of hours in front of the tv for me. KE's friend stayed over for the night.
Fast forward to today. It's Sunday. Was gloomy the whole day. Perfect for sleeping. Went out to get KFC for dinner. Suddenly........
DT asked me if I wanted to go for a movie. Ended up watching the 10pm screening of "The Scorpion King".Mmmmm...yummy Kelly Hu. *slurps* It was alright assuming you don't have any high expectations for these sorts of movies. Then again, most of you might have already seen this one. Still, it was a treat. It's been 3 months since I last stepped into a cinema hall. The last time I was at the movies was with Ryan at Crown, to watch "Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship of the Ring" back in February when he was here for a holiday.
Now, I'm wondering should I get Star Wars:Rogue Leader on launch day. It's not that I'm a big fan of Star Wars but the graphics are really good. I've never even played flight simulations much. There was that time when I played X-Wing and Tie Fighter on the PC. Perhaps I'll get it after all. Why am I even considering this right now?
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 3 days 21 hours 44 mins 5 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
So near but yet still out of grasp. Just a few more days to go. It isn't long. I can wait. I have no choice.
Guess its off to photocopy the letter from the Immigration and drop it off for Ben. Might even deposit the rest of my coins to the bank tomorrow. Will have to see how it goes.
A short update tonight. Lucky readers. No need to go through lines and lines of my babbling.....Goodnight world.
Day: 148 (Monday, 13th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 3 days
Listening to: City High - What Would You Do
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I must try to update my journal at night, before bed time. No point updating it early in the day and missing out a bunch of stuff to be added.
So - a continuation from Friday night. I was in IRC (seems to be like a regular hang out) and who do I see online but my old friend,J. Talked to him awhile. I met him once back in Malaysia. Used to drive a modified Honda Civic EK hatch. Pearl white in colour with Type-R performance parts. I remember the first time I met him. You could hear his car from the end of the road. Anyway, talked to him online for awhile. He told me he sold off his Nissan Skyline R-33 recently because of high maintanence in terms of fuel. He was spending about $ 100 a week on that petrol guzzling, 2.5 litre beauty. It's a pity he sold if off and got himself a Nissan Pulsar 1.8 hatch. A pity because he decided to come pick me up for dinner. Oh well. We ended up having dinner in Richmond, at the restaurant where I always have my BBQ pork chop with broken rice. He was supposed to stop by after that for some PS2 action but he decided to go home as he was too tired.
Saturday, nothing much happened as far as I can remember. Saturday is WWF Smackdown day so it was a couple of hours in front of the tv for me. KE's friend stayed over for the night.
Fast forward to today. It's Sunday. Was gloomy the whole day. Perfect for sleeping. Went out to get KFC for dinner. Suddenly........
DT asked me if I wanted to go for a movie. Ended up watching the 10pm screening of "The Scorpion King".Mmmmm...yummy Kelly Hu. *slurps* It was alright assuming you don't have any high expectations for these sorts of movies. Then again, most of you might have already seen this one. Still, it was a treat. It's been 3 months since I last stepped into a cinema hall. The last time I was at the movies was with Ryan at Crown, to watch "Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship of the Ring" back in February when he was here for a holiday.
Now, I'm wondering should I get Star Wars:Rogue Leader on launch day. It's not that I'm a big fan of Star Wars but the graphics are really good. I've never even played flight simulations much. There was that time when I played X-Wing and Tie Fighter on the PC. Perhaps I'll get it after all. Why am I even considering this right now?
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 3 days 21 hours 44 mins 5 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
So near but yet still out of grasp. Just a few more days to go. It isn't long. I can wait. I have no choice.
Guess its off to photocopy the letter from the Immigration and drop it off for Ben. Might even deposit the rest of my coins to the bank tomorrow. Will have to see how it goes.
A short update tonight. Lucky readers. No need to go through lines and lines of my babbling.....Goodnight world.
Friday, May 10, 2002
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Day: 145 (Friday, 10th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 4 days
Listening to: Cranberries - Dreams
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Dreams - how weird can they get?
I had one of the weirdest dreams last night. It was more of a nightmare! Here's abit of what I remembered. In fact, I don't even know if I had this nightmare last night. I do know it happened and I remember it happening.
Godamnit, all I know now is that I found my PS2 burnt. And there was a hole where the burn was. I can't remember how it happened but I remember being really distressed about it.
Had another weird one the other day. I was in a tram with DT and the rest of them, on the way out, somewhere. I remember popping in my Metcard to get it validated and when it came out of the machine, it wasn't my card. I remember putting in a 10 x 2 hour Metcard in and out popped a 2 hour ticket. I told them I need to speak to the tram driver to sort out the ticket problem and that I won't be able to join them, asked them to go ahead and said I'll catch up with them later. They then got off the tram (I don't remember why). I said I'd give them a call. I waited until the tram stopped, I didn't notice the surroundings but I assumed it was the tram depot. I walked to the front of the tram and talked to the driver about it. I showed him the validating machine which "ate" my card up. Then he started making conversation. I remember him speaking abit of malay so I asked him if he was Malaysian. He looked Chinese though. Then he went on talking about how he used to study under a bridge when he was younger. All of it just didn't make any sense at all. I was awakened by a call from Lily's father after that.
What a boring day. DT took ML to the airport earlier and KA went with them. ML will be in Singapore for about 2 - 3 weeks. Before she left, she asked if I needed anything from Singapore. If I did, I could just let DT know and he'll tell her to get it for me. I can't think of anything I need from Singapore. Hell - the last time I was in Singapore. I was about 10 years old. I remember getting a school bag which was blue and yellow. I remember getting a Transformer toy. Grimlock, an Autobot Dinosaur. He was the leader of the Dinobots.
I remember deciding between Grimlock, Hot Rod or Rodimus Prime. Why the hell did I choose a Dinobot at the end? Hot Rod was damn cool. He had a cool voice in the Transformers: The Movie cartoon. His design was cool. He was cool in car mode. Everything about Hot Rod just oozed "coolness". How stupid I was back then. I did manage to get a Hot Rod toy in school. I exchanged toys with a kid in my bus (Uncle Daniel). Can't remember that kid's name. All I know is that he was skinny and he was a damn fast runner. He was in the school track team. I remember getting Rodimus Prime too. How the hell did I manage that? I think I gave away that Lion Transformer Decepticon and a Go-Bots Helicopter for it.
It looks gloomy outside. Nice weather. Perfect for sleeping. I tried looking for bags for the coins. Thought of going to deposit all my coins. Maybe I'll leave that till next week. I might go after this. Choices! Damned choices. I think I mentioned previously that I don't have enough bags. I might have to make 2 trips to the bank. Damn coins are freaking heavy.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 6 days 8 hours 24 mins 30 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
Well, its off to the bank I go I suppose.
Day: 145 (Friday, 10th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 4 days
Listening to: Cranberries - Dreams
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreams - how weird can they get?
I had one of the weirdest dreams last night. It was more of a nightmare! Here's abit of what I remembered. In fact, I don't even know if I had this nightmare last night. I do know it happened and I remember it happening.
Godamnit, all I know now is that I found my PS2 burnt. And there was a hole where the burn was. I can't remember how it happened but I remember being really distressed about it.
Had another weird one the other day. I was in a tram with DT and the rest of them, on the way out, somewhere. I remember popping in my Metcard to get it validated and when it came out of the machine, it wasn't my card. I remember putting in a 10 x 2 hour Metcard in and out popped a 2 hour ticket. I told them I need to speak to the tram driver to sort out the ticket problem and that I won't be able to join them, asked them to go ahead and said I'll catch up with them later. They then got off the tram (I don't remember why). I said I'd give them a call. I waited until the tram stopped, I didn't notice the surroundings but I assumed it was the tram depot. I walked to the front of the tram and talked to the driver about it. I showed him the validating machine which "ate" my card up. Then he started making conversation. I remember him speaking abit of malay so I asked him if he was Malaysian. He looked Chinese though. Then he went on talking about how he used to study under a bridge when he was younger. All of it just didn't make any sense at all. I was awakened by a call from Lily's father after that.
What a boring day. DT took ML to the airport earlier and KA went with them. ML will be in Singapore for about 2 - 3 weeks. Before she left, she asked if I needed anything from Singapore. If I did, I could just let DT know and he'll tell her to get it for me. I can't think of anything I need from Singapore. Hell - the last time I was in Singapore. I was about 10 years old. I remember getting a school bag which was blue and yellow. I remember getting a Transformer toy. Grimlock, an Autobot Dinosaur. He was the leader of the Dinobots.
I remember deciding between Grimlock, Hot Rod or Rodimus Prime. Why the hell did I choose a Dinobot at the end? Hot Rod was damn cool. He had a cool voice in the Transformers: The Movie cartoon. His design was cool. He was cool in car mode. Everything about Hot Rod just oozed "coolness". How stupid I was back then. I did manage to get a Hot Rod toy in school. I exchanged toys with a kid in my bus (Uncle Daniel). Can't remember that kid's name. All I know is that he was skinny and he was a damn fast runner. He was in the school track team. I remember getting Rodimus Prime too. How the hell did I manage that? I think I gave away that Lion Transformer Decepticon and a Go-Bots Helicopter for it.
It looks gloomy outside. Nice weather. Perfect for sleeping. I tried looking for bags for the coins. Thought of going to deposit all my coins. Maybe I'll leave that till next week. I might go after this. Choices! Damned choices. I think I mentioned previously that I don't have enough bags. I might have to make 2 trips to the bank. Damn coins are freaking heavy.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 6 days 8 hours 24 mins 30 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
Well, its off to the bank I go I suppose.
Thursday, May 09, 2002
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Day: 144 (Thursday, 9th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 3 days
Listening to: Ja Rule - Livin' It Up (Again?! What a coincidence)
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It's been quite a tiring day but fun. Don't know why I've had this muscle ache/cramp on left calf ( I need to read up on human anatomy sometime ) since yesterday. Don't know what's the cause of it.
I think the toilet has been fixed. The plumber(s) were here yesterday and this morning to fix up the problem. I see that the wall has been plastered up. Water has been seeping into the tiles and accumulating on the roof of the toilet of the apartment downstairs. Someone came to look at it once, started poking at the mouldy ceiling boards and made a hole and had water flowing down. Come to think of it, I think I am partly to be blamed for the damage cause but let's just keep it quiet, shall we? They don't need to know. I like to face the shower head towards the wall when I bathe. Need to make sure the temperature is just right. I push the showerhead down not knowing there were gaps between the tiles. The water flowing along the wall must've seeped into the gaps and flooded the ceiling of the apartment below. Besides, Mick and Melissa from downstairs said it doesn't happen often. That was because I heard the plumber talk about the gaps. I turned the head sideways so the water didn't flow into the gaps after that. Enough about that.
Met PF again today, this time for lunch. We had TGIF's again. Why? We were supposed to have Mocha Mud Pie the other day but we were too full to have more. She said that we must have the Mocha Mud Pie. I think its because there's no TGIF's in Perth. Anyway, she had Jack Daniel's Wings and we shared a basket of Fried Mushrooms. I told her on Monday that the next time I came to TGIF's, I'll order the Jack Daniel's Steak, which I did and I didn't regret it. I think I've found myself a new favourite. If only I can change the vegetables to say, onion rings the next time I have that. Of course I took some veggies, I'm a growing boy and growing boy needs to take veggies....had some of the carrot and onions. Left the green stuff there, looks like cucumber but it isn't. Zuchinni I think its called. PF kept piling on the chicken wings onto my plate. It's supposed to be an appetiser which might have been to much for her. I must've had about 5 or 6 wings/drumsticks.
We also shared a drink. I think it was *insert word here*- Mudslinger. Can't remember what its exactly called. I think it was "Ultimate Mudslinger". It had Irish Cream, Kahlua, Vanilla ice cream, some chocolate sauce and some chocolate pieces in it as well. Had Mocha Mud Pie for dessert.
She wanted to go shopping around South Yarra but then it started to rain. After PF paid for the meal (yes, it was on her this time. THANK YOU PF!), we walked in the drizzle to the train station and went off to the city. A few hours later, PF ended up with 2 Ninewest handbags, a pair of Nike sneakers and a Quiksilver jumper for her brother. Oh, she stopped by a bakery to get a Swiss Roll, 2 pork buns and a shredded pork bun. * Did I get that right, PF? * ; )
We stopped at Starbucks along Swanston Street for a coffee before heading our seperate ways, home.
Girls really can shop, can't they? :þ This isn't an insult my dear female readers. Not at all. Just call it one of my observations. I've had first hand experiences when accompanying girls on their shopping sprees. Asked PF to go look at the GameCube but she refused! How could she?!
I didn't get anything. Saw some stuff that I liked. Nike ACG long sleeved tees. They were like the baseball jerseys/shirts. Sleeves and collar of one colour and the body of another. Didn't look too bad. If only I could afford it. Saw a pretty nice Quiksilver long sleeved top too. Some of the stuff at Jeans West (I think) looked alright as well. I guess it might be time for additions to my wardrobe.
Well, no movie again today. Some other time I guess. DT has been asking me if I watched Scorpion King or other movies on Tuesday during dinner with all of them. I didn't think anything of it until I remembered that ML will be going back to Singapore tomorrow for about 2 - 3 weeks.
Read that "Spider-Man" broke lots of opening weekend records. The highest grossing movie ever. US $ 113 million or so on its first weekend. Whoopedidoo ... we're only getting that June 6th. Saw lots of posters at the train stations today. They have the biggest poster of it hanging at Nike Melbourne. It must be a few stories tall. I want one too! Seen lots of Star Wars posters around, but none as big as the Spider-man one. Star Wars is another "Must watch" of mine.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 6 days 22 hours 2 mins 30 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! As you can see, I'm just as excited along with the rest of the Australians. Well - those who are planning to get a Cube anyway.
Day: 144 (Thursday, 9th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 3 days
Listening to: Ja Rule - Livin' It Up (Again?! What a coincidence)
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It's been quite a tiring day but fun. Don't know why I've had this muscle ache/cramp on left calf ( I need to read up on human anatomy sometime ) since yesterday. Don't know what's the cause of it.
I think the toilet has been fixed. The plumber(s) were here yesterday and this morning to fix up the problem. I see that the wall has been plastered up. Water has been seeping into the tiles and accumulating on the roof of the toilet of the apartment downstairs. Someone came to look at it once, started poking at the mouldy ceiling boards and made a hole and had water flowing down. Come to think of it, I think I am partly to be blamed for the damage cause but let's just keep it quiet, shall we? They don't need to know. I like to face the shower head towards the wall when I bathe. Need to make sure the temperature is just right. I push the showerhead down not knowing there were gaps between the tiles. The water flowing along the wall must've seeped into the gaps and flooded the ceiling of the apartment below. Besides, Mick and Melissa from downstairs said it doesn't happen often. That was because I heard the plumber talk about the gaps. I turned the head sideways so the water didn't flow into the gaps after that. Enough about that.
Met PF again today, this time for lunch. We had TGIF's again. Why? We were supposed to have Mocha Mud Pie the other day but we were too full to have more. She said that we must have the Mocha Mud Pie. I think its because there's no TGIF's in Perth. Anyway, she had Jack Daniel's Wings and we shared a basket of Fried Mushrooms. I told her on Monday that the next time I came to TGIF's, I'll order the Jack Daniel's Steak, which I did and I didn't regret it. I think I've found myself a new favourite. If only I can change the vegetables to say, onion rings the next time I have that. Of course I took some veggies, I'm a growing boy and growing boy needs to take veggies....had some of the carrot and onions. Left the green stuff there, looks like cucumber but it isn't. Zuchinni I think its called. PF kept piling on the chicken wings onto my plate. It's supposed to be an appetiser which might have been to much for her. I must've had about 5 or 6 wings/drumsticks.
We also shared a drink. I think it was *insert word here*- Mudslinger. Can't remember what its exactly called. I think it was "Ultimate Mudslinger". It had Irish Cream, Kahlua, Vanilla ice cream, some chocolate sauce and some chocolate pieces in it as well. Had Mocha Mud Pie for dessert.
She wanted to go shopping around South Yarra but then it started to rain. After PF paid for the meal (yes, it was on her this time. THANK YOU PF!), we walked in the drizzle to the train station and went off to the city. A few hours later, PF ended up with 2 Ninewest handbags, a pair of Nike sneakers and a Quiksilver jumper for her brother. Oh, she stopped by a bakery to get a Swiss Roll, 2 pork buns and a shredded pork bun. * Did I get that right, PF? * ; )
We stopped at Starbucks along Swanston Street for a coffee before heading our seperate ways, home.
Girls really can shop, can't they? :þ This isn't an insult my dear female readers. Not at all. Just call it one of my observations. I've had first hand experiences when accompanying girls on their shopping sprees. Asked PF to go look at the GameCube but she refused! How could she?!
I didn't get anything. Saw some stuff that I liked. Nike ACG long sleeved tees. They were like the baseball jerseys/shirts. Sleeves and collar of one colour and the body of another. Didn't look too bad. If only I could afford it. Saw a pretty nice Quiksilver long sleeved top too. Some of the stuff at Jeans West (I think) looked alright as well. I guess it might be time for additions to my wardrobe.
Well, no movie again today. Some other time I guess. DT has been asking me if I watched Scorpion King or other movies on Tuesday during dinner with all of them. I didn't think anything of it until I remembered that ML will be going back to Singapore tomorrow for about 2 - 3 weeks.
Read that "Spider-Man" broke lots of opening weekend records. The highest grossing movie ever. US $ 113 million or so on its first weekend. Whoopedidoo ... we're only getting that June 6th. Saw lots of posters at the train stations today. They have the biggest poster of it hanging at Nike Melbourne. It must be a few stories tall. I want one too! Seen lots of Star Wars posters around, but none as big as the Spider-man one. Star Wars is another "Must watch" of mine.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 6 days 22 hours 2 mins 30 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! As you can see, I'm just as excited along with the rest of the Australians. Well - those who are planning to get a Cube anyway.
Wednesday, May 08, 2002
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Day: 143 (Wednesday, 8th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 2 days
Listening to: Ja Rule - Livin' It Up
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Been a few days since the last update. Guess I have quite abit to write this time around.
Was supposed to meet PF on Sunday but we finally met up on Monday evening. She wanted to go to the Disney Store to get a Pooh but by the time she got to the Flinders Street station. It was too late. We decided to head off for dinner. We asked around for the tram that goes direct to South Yarra but took a train in the end. Had dinner at TGIF's. Had a Margarita Fajita Combo while she had a Jack Daniel's Ribs. She wasn't feeling well so we had to cancel plans for the movie.
She stayed over at my place for the night. She bought me breakfast and then I took her to get her tram ticket. Planning to meet again on Thursday ( that's tomorrow ... hrm ). Possible catching a movie this time around. Went to get some groceries from Safeway on the way home.
Relatives left for the airport after dinner last night. DT asked me if I've seen "The Scorpion King" yet. He wants to go watch a movie one of these days. He says we've been missing alot of movies. Well, I don't mind watching. Will have to see how it goes and budget accordingly later. All of them wanted to send them off to the airport. There was obviously no space left in the car. M wanted to go as well so I suppose 4 of them squeezed into the back seat. I had the whole house to myself, watched WWF RAW. Nothing much to talk about. Had to sleep early because was supposed to be up early to go see Lily.
Yes, Lily's office called again to remind me that I still owe them about $ 975 in fees. As if I could forget?! Made an appointment to see her or her father this morning at 11.30 a.m. and had to go withdraw the money before that. Got some plastic bags for coin deposit. What the hell? Only 25 x $ 2 coins allowed per bag? And 20 x $ 1 coins? How many will I be needing? I think I'll have to make a couple of trips to the bank then.
Anyway, the father seems to be more relaxed. I told him I had $ 975 in the envelope and he didn't even count. I could've just taken a couple of $ 100 bills out and he wouldn't have known. Well of course he would know if he counted it after. What I'm trying to point out is that Lily took out all the money and started counting all $ 2500 of it in front of me, while the father seemed to take my word for it. He seemed like a nice old man, pretty friendly and I assume pretty educated as well since he used to run a migration agency in Sydney.
Was supposed to meet ML and DT for lunch. ML made arrangements and said she would call me when she was in the city to meet for lunch. I didn't have breakfast so I SMSed her and said I won't be joining them for lunch because I was hungry and was going to get something to eat. Headed off to Melbourne Central foodcourt for lamb kebab. Must remember not to mix hummous and BBQ sauce. They don't mix~ BBQ with lamb is good enough. Need to stop getting onions with it too. Ughh... too much onions = bad breath.
Went on to Myer again after that. What else but to look at games again. CDs still on SALE. ONLY $ 20 for new albums. Was at Myer for about 30 minutes, an hour max. Went down, decided to go to Toys R Us, which is just across the street. Stopped by at the Ground Floor of Myer and saw many people buying nuts. Yes - they sell the different kinds of nuts by weight. I saw some honey roasted and lots of other stuff. I saw a really pretty girl serving too. She didn't look very happy. She wasn't smiling at all.
I waited and waited...decided to get some as well. I didn't want anyone else to serve me. I wanted Linda. Yes...that's what was printed on her name tag. "LINDA". An old lady asked me if I wanted anything and I just pointed to the lady beside me waiting to get her nuts. Then, Linda was free and I approaced the counter. I gave her my most dazzling smile and she smiled back. How nice, I made her day~ *hahahaha* I got $ 5 worth of sesame coated peanuts, paid her then left.
*Mental note: Do not get $ 5 worth of nuts anymore. $ 5 is alot. *
Crossed the street and went down to the Lower Ground Floor of Melbourne Central. Took a look at the new Star Wars:Episode 2 Lego and action figures as well as the Spider-man ones. Didn't notice any Spider-man Lego though. I thought I've seen them before?
Checked out the other action figure aisles then headed off to the Video Games section (of course). Played the X-box awhile then finally, I picked up the pre-sell ticket for the GameCube and took it to the counter. The petite sales assistant smiled as she went pass and I was served by the human teddy bear. I asked him some questions. His math isn't good. $ 429 - $ 50 = $ 389? I don't think so! Wrong answer, buddy. Anyway, I corrected him and then asked some other questions. I paid him the $ 50 deposit and got my free demo CD. Mr Teddy Bear took my details and I asked him " Don't I get to choose what colour I want? ". He said not to worry, we'll get to choose the colour on the day. There'll be enough. I hope you're right, buddy, or there will be hell to pay! I want a BLACK GameCube. Not Purple. BLACK!
YES - your eyes do not deceive you. I have pre-ordered the GameCube! It will be mine in about 9 days! The countdown I've been doing has more meaning now.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 8 days 3 hours 40 mins 55 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
As I was saying, you have all been saved. All of you who complained that I talked about the Cube too much, REJOICE! The heavens are smiling upon you. You won't hear me talking about the Cube like a bloody lunatic from now on.
Well - maybe about how good the games are and stuff like that. But this I can promise, I'll be talking about the Cube from a different perspective now. No more "Should I get it?" or "What colour should I get?" or "Which package should I get?".
The only thing that worries me now is will I regret buying the console. That's all that worries me - I hope its money worth spending.
Time to deposit coins one of these days.
I took the tram home. Saw 2 people getting fined for not having tickets. Thank god I validated mine when I got on. I wonder what the hell is going on? Did the organization just announce some sort of commission for the number of people fined when caught or have they implemented some daily/weekly/monthly quota to fulfill?
As I reached home, wanted to check the mailbox and I see DT and ML pulling up in the car. I didn't know he was driving out. Still anyway. Came online, checked email. Jie Jie AL has "throat infection which has resulted in a swollen lymph node".
"Ohmygod", I thought when I read it. Sounds serious but - "it's not as serious as it sounds though. taking antibiotics so it should clear up soon." Jie, hope you get well soon! : )
Tested my new demo CD. Nothing much to shout about. Some pictures and videos of the games coming soon. Some technical specifications of the Cube. The only thing worth mentioning is the size of the disc. It's so small! It's about 3 inches in diameter. That's how small Cube games are going to be! What?! You're not excited at all? Bah... you're all non-video game fanatics anyway.
The next couple of weeks is going to be damned exciting.
16th May - Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones ( I've seen some trailers and it looks good - lots of light sabre battles. Heard that it might be the best Star Wars EVER too), and then ....
17th May - Final Fantasy X, GameCube + Luigi's Mansion + Rogue Leader 2.
31st May - Super Smash Brothers Melee
Expensive but exciting nevertheless.
This is it for tonight. I'm so excited I might not be able to sleep~ What the hell is wrong with me? Don't get the Cube and I lose sleep. Getting the Cube and I might lose sleep.
Well - come on 17th May! I can't wait and....
" May The Force Be With You "
Day: 143 (Wednesday, 8th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 2 days
Listening to: Ja Rule - Livin' It Up
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Been a few days since the last update. Guess I have quite abit to write this time around.
Was supposed to meet PF on Sunday but we finally met up on Monday evening. She wanted to go to the Disney Store to get a Pooh but by the time she got to the Flinders Street station. It was too late. We decided to head off for dinner. We asked around for the tram that goes direct to South Yarra but took a train in the end. Had dinner at TGIF's. Had a Margarita Fajita Combo while she had a Jack Daniel's Ribs. She wasn't feeling well so we had to cancel plans for the movie.
She stayed over at my place for the night. She bought me breakfast and then I took her to get her tram ticket. Planning to meet again on Thursday ( that's tomorrow ... hrm ). Possible catching a movie this time around. Went to get some groceries from Safeway on the way home.
Relatives left for the airport after dinner last night. DT asked me if I've seen "The Scorpion King" yet. He wants to go watch a movie one of these days. He says we've been missing alot of movies. Well, I don't mind watching. Will have to see how it goes and budget accordingly later. All of them wanted to send them off to the airport. There was obviously no space left in the car. M wanted to go as well so I suppose 4 of them squeezed into the back seat. I had the whole house to myself, watched WWF RAW. Nothing much to talk about. Had to sleep early because was supposed to be up early to go see Lily.
Yes, Lily's office called again to remind me that I still owe them about $ 975 in fees. As if I could forget?! Made an appointment to see her or her father this morning at 11.30 a.m. and had to go withdraw the money before that. Got some plastic bags for coin deposit. What the hell? Only 25 x $ 2 coins allowed per bag? And 20 x $ 1 coins? How many will I be needing? I think I'll have to make a couple of trips to the bank then.
Anyway, the father seems to be more relaxed. I told him I had $ 975 in the envelope and he didn't even count. I could've just taken a couple of $ 100 bills out and he wouldn't have known. Well of course he would know if he counted it after. What I'm trying to point out is that Lily took out all the money and started counting all $ 2500 of it in front of me, while the father seemed to take my word for it. He seemed like a nice old man, pretty friendly and I assume pretty educated as well since he used to run a migration agency in Sydney.
Was supposed to meet ML and DT for lunch. ML made arrangements and said she would call me when she was in the city to meet for lunch. I didn't have breakfast so I SMSed her and said I won't be joining them for lunch because I was hungry and was going to get something to eat. Headed off to Melbourne Central foodcourt for lamb kebab. Must remember not to mix hummous and BBQ sauce. They don't mix~ BBQ with lamb is good enough. Need to stop getting onions with it too. Ughh... too much onions = bad breath.
Went on to Myer again after that. What else but to look at games again. CDs still on SALE. ONLY $ 20 for new albums. Was at Myer for about 30 minutes, an hour max. Went down, decided to go to Toys R Us, which is just across the street. Stopped by at the Ground Floor of Myer and saw many people buying nuts. Yes - they sell the different kinds of nuts by weight. I saw some honey roasted and lots of other stuff. I saw a really pretty girl serving too. She didn't look very happy. She wasn't smiling at all.
I waited and waited...decided to get some as well. I didn't want anyone else to serve me. I wanted Linda. Yes...that's what was printed on her name tag. "LINDA". An old lady asked me if I wanted anything and I just pointed to the lady beside me waiting to get her nuts. Then, Linda was free and I approaced the counter. I gave her my most dazzling smile and she smiled back. How nice, I made her day~ *hahahaha* I got $ 5 worth of sesame coated peanuts, paid her then left.
*Mental note: Do not get $ 5 worth of nuts anymore. $ 5 is alot. *
Crossed the street and went down to the Lower Ground Floor of Melbourne Central. Took a look at the new Star Wars:Episode 2 Lego and action figures as well as the Spider-man ones. Didn't notice any Spider-man Lego though. I thought I've seen them before?
Checked out the other action figure aisles then headed off to the Video Games section (of course). Played the X-box awhile then finally, I picked up the pre-sell ticket for the GameCube and took it to the counter. The petite sales assistant smiled as she went pass and I was served by the human teddy bear. I asked him some questions. His math isn't good. $ 429 - $ 50 = $ 389? I don't think so! Wrong answer, buddy. Anyway, I corrected him and then asked some other questions. I paid him the $ 50 deposit and got my free demo CD. Mr Teddy Bear took my details and I asked him " Don't I get to choose what colour I want? ". He said not to worry, we'll get to choose the colour on the day. There'll be enough. I hope you're right, buddy, or there will be hell to pay! I want a BLACK GameCube. Not Purple. BLACK!
YES - your eyes do not deceive you. I have pre-ordered the GameCube! It will be mine in about 9 days! The countdown I've been doing has more meaning now.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 8 days 3 hours 40 mins 55 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
As I was saying, you have all been saved. All of you who complained that I talked about the Cube too much, REJOICE! The heavens are smiling upon you. You won't hear me talking about the Cube like a bloody lunatic from now on.
Well - maybe about how good the games are and stuff like that. But this I can promise, I'll be talking about the Cube from a different perspective now. No more "Should I get it?" or "What colour should I get?" or "Which package should I get?".
The only thing that worries me now is will I regret buying the console. That's all that worries me - I hope its money worth spending.
Time to deposit coins one of these days.
I took the tram home. Saw 2 people getting fined for not having tickets. Thank god I validated mine when I got on. I wonder what the hell is going on? Did the organization just announce some sort of commission for the number of people fined when caught or have they implemented some daily/weekly/monthly quota to fulfill?
As I reached home, wanted to check the mailbox and I see DT and ML pulling up in the car. I didn't know he was driving out. Still anyway. Came online, checked email. Jie Jie AL has "throat infection which has resulted in a swollen lymph node".
"Ohmygod", I thought when I read it. Sounds serious but - "it's not as serious as it sounds though. taking antibiotics so it should clear up soon." Jie, hope you get well soon! : )
Tested my new demo CD. Nothing much to shout about. Some pictures and videos of the games coming soon. Some technical specifications of the Cube. The only thing worth mentioning is the size of the disc. It's so small! It's about 3 inches in diameter. That's how small Cube games are going to be! What?! You're not excited at all? Bah... you're all non-video game fanatics anyway.
The next couple of weeks is going to be damned exciting.
16th May - Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones ( I've seen some trailers and it looks good - lots of light sabre battles. Heard that it might be the best Star Wars EVER too), and then ....
17th May - Final Fantasy X, GameCube + Luigi's Mansion + Rogue Leader 2.
31st May - Super Smash Brothers Melee
Expensive but exciting nevertheless.
This is it for tonight. I'm so excited I might not be able to sleep~ What the hell is wrong with me? Don't get the Cube and I lose sleep. Getting the Cube and I might lose sleep.
Well - come on 17th May! I can't wait and....
" May The Force Be With You "
Sunday, May 05, 2002
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day: 140 (Sunday, 5th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 1 day
Listening to: Sisqo - Incomplete
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PF cancelled our "date" today. Talked to her online last night and said that she might have to meet me later. I didn't have a problem with that. She was supposed to call me today around 3 pm but she didn't. I was at McDonald's with the rest of them for Belmain's little birthday party. On the way home, they decided to check out a garage sale. We took a big round before we got to the place. Nothing really of interest there.
Came online when I got home and saw PF online. I reminded her she was supposed to call me and to that, she replied with "Oh shit". I guess she must've forgotten. No matter. She said she's helping her bro with his assignment and might have to meet me later. Sure, no problem. After some time, she finally said that she would have to cancel tonight's plans. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. Guess there's always other days before she goes back to Perth on the 17th.
Also heard that Uncle K and Aunt L will be leaving on Tuesday, from Uncle K himself. He was packing up some of his things into his luggage this evening. They went out for dinner, the girls came back and surprise surprise....they're at Crown again tonight.
Had a chat with Ryan this afternoon. It's amazing how children think at times. Their innocence...all of us adults should look deeper and perhaps we could learn something from the young 'uns. I was talking to my brother about getting the GameCube, asking for his opinion etc. Telling him how much I would have to spend. After sometime, he told me " Just get one controller and if D wants to play, ask him to get his own controller. " I laughed at his reply. It was a good one.
Talking to him made me realise something. I don't actually need to get an extra controller just yet if I get the Cube. Most of the games I plan on getting are 1 player games, for example Resident Evil, Star Wars: Rogue Leader and even Luigi's Mansion (if I get the Toys R Us bundle). Super Smash Brothers Melee which comes out end of the month is a multiplayer game (up to 4 players at once, hence the 4 controller ports) but then it dawned on me and I asked myself this "How often do I play 2 player games anyway?". I might just get the 2nd controller later on and save the $ 60 now for something else... like Final Fantasy X for the Playstation 2 ( first ever FF with voice acting and fantastic graphics! Whoaaaa ). Well, in the end, I might end up buying a 2nd controller anyway or I could get it with my Super Smash Brothers Melee.
I must say the hype surrounding this little machine is insane and I'm getting caught up in the insanity as well. Why did my fingers have to be so itchy? Why did I have to go try the demo units of the Cube at Myer, Pulsar and Toys R Us? Why do I live video games so much?
Well - if its any consolation, it ISN'T my fault. It's Nintendo's fault. Damn you Nintendo!! Damn you! You don't see Microsoft having this sort of effect on me, making me want an X-Box so badly. It's all damned Nintendo's fault.
So here's Plan B (for getting a GameCube):
Get Toys R Us $ 429 bundle ( Cube with 1 controller, 1 Memory Card, Luigi's Mansion, Strategy Guide, 5 x $ 10 GameCube vouchers ) and get Star Wars: Rogue Leader for $ 90 with the voucher makign the total $ 519. Sounds like a plan, the 2nd controller can wait until I get Super Smash Brothers Melee. Even then, I can play that game alone! So there might not be a need for a 2nd controller just yet. Yes - it's all good.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 10 days 22 hours 54 mins 15 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
* We're getting close! *
Oh - what a boring night it is. This is it. I'm off.
Day: 140 (Sunday, 5th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 1 day
Listening to: Sisqo - Incomplete
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PF cancelled our "date" today. Talked to her online last night and said that she might have to meet me later. I didn't have a problem with that. She was supposed to call me today around 3 pm but she didn't. I was at McDonald's with the rest of them for Belmain's little birthday party. On the way home, they decided to check out a garage sale. We took a big round before we got to the place. Nothing really of interest there.
Came online when I got home and saw PF online. I reminded her she was supposed to call me and to that, she replied with "Oh shit". I guess she must've forgotten. No matter. She said she's helping her bro with his assignment and might have to meet me later. Sure, no problem. After some time, she finally said that she would have to cancel tonight's plans. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. Guess there's always other days before she goes back to Perth on the 17th.
Also heard that Uncle K and Aunt L will be leaving on Tuesday, from Uncle K himself. He was packing up some of his things into his luggage this evening. They went out for dinner, the girls came back and surprise surprise....they're at Crown again tonight.
Had a chat with Ryan this afternoon. It's amazing how children think at times. Their innocence...all of us adults should look deeper and perhaps we could learn something from the young 'uns. I was talking to my brother about getting the GameCube, asking for his opinion etc. Telling him how much I would have to spend. After sometime, he told me " Just get one controller and if D wants to play, ask him to get his own controller. " I laughed at his reply. It was a good one.
Talking to him made me realise something. I don't actually need to get an extra controller just yet if I get the Cube. Most of the games I plan on getting are 1 player games, for example Resident Evil, Star Wars: Rogue Leader and even Luigi's Mansion (if I get the Toys R Us bundle). Super Smash Brothers Melee which comes out end of the month is a multiplayer game (up to 4 players at once, hence the 4 controller ports) but then it dawned on me and I asked myself this "How often do I play 2 player games anyway?". I might just get the 2nd controller later on and save the $ 60 now for something else... like Final Fantasy X for the Playstation 2 ( first ever FF with voice acting and fantastic graphics! Whoaaaa ). Well, in the end, I might end up buying a 2nd controller anyway or I could get it with my Super Smash Brothers Melee.
I must say the hype surrounding this little machine is insane and I'm getting caught up in the insanity as well. Why did my fingers have to be so itchy? Why did I have to go try the demo units of the Cube at Myer, Pulsar and Toys R Us? Why do I live video games so much?
Well - if its any consolation, it ISN'T my fault. It's Nintendo's fault. Damn you Nintendo!! Damn you! You don't see Microsoft having this sort of effect on me, making me want an X-Box so badly. It's all damned Nintendo's fault.
So here's Plan B (for getting a GameCube):
Get Toys R Us $ 429 bundle ( Cube with 1 controller, 1 Memory Card, Luigi's Mansion, Strategy Guide, 5 x $ 10 GameCube vouchers ) and get Star Wars: Rogue Leader for $ 90 with the voucher makign the total $ 519. Sounds like a plan, the 2nd controller can wait until I get Super Smash Brothers Melee. Even then, I can play that game alone! So there might not be a need for a 2nd controller just yet. Yes - it's all good.
Countdown (according to www.nintendo.com.au) - 10 days 22 hours 54 mins 15 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
* We're getting close! *
Oh - what a boring night it is. This is it. I'm off.
Saturday, May 04, 2002
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day: 139 (Saturday, 4th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 0 days
Listening to: Robert Miles - Fantasya
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes after about 27 days, I've finally fired up my poor baby and gave her some warming up. Tried to play abit of Metal Gear Solid 2 and Grand Theft Auto 3 but turned them off after sometime. Had a few games of WWF Smackdown after that.
Had dinner with Patrick and family again last night. We were at Linda's place (Jade Kew Restaurant). Been waiting for calls the past 2 days to see if I had to go to work. Obviously not. The rest of the past few days have been a blur to me. Can't really remember what happened.
Called SW last night. Damn "Stealth" phone cards. What shitty cards they are. The line was noisy and I got cut off twice. This is what you get for trying to get cheap stuff, 9 cents per minute to KL, 10 cents for other major cities in Malaysia. I think I will stick with Tel.Pacific in future. She called me back after that. She's such a tease! Talked to her online this morning and she said that she called up Digi to enquire and it costs RM 2.30 per minute from KK to Melbourne.
PF just sent me SMS asking what time we're meeting tomorrow. I wanted to reply but thought it would be better to call her. Then she tells me that her phone's running low on battery. Told her anytime would be alright with me and left her an ICQ message. Probably talking to her later tonight. She asked me to think of what we're going to do tomorrow and let her know later. Can't really decide - probably stick to the original plan of a movie and dinner. Will see what else when tomorrow comes.
I'm home alone now. They asked me to join them for lunch but I declined. They went to Crown again last night after dinner. They got home about 3.30 am - 4 am. I think it was the second time they went to Crown since they got here.
Oh yes - I still want a GameCube *HAHAHAHAHA*. I never, ever forget~ God damnit. 3rd May is the launch date in UK and they are selling like hotcakes! Read reports that demand had been more than supply!
Here are a couple of quotes from the Playstation forum I frequent. It shows you how badly people want the GameCube.
"And also, Nintendo of America have been saying that the primary reason XBox had been outselling GameCube thus far was the fact that the big N simply couldn't get enough consoles to stores, and many stores around the U.S. were sold out for weeks on end. (They're trying to blame it on us - saying that a lot of the consoles being manufactured were being readied for Europe. Good for us, I say) But now that the supplies are up again, NGC is selling quite well in the States, in both hardware AND software."
- * WOW - sold out....will that happen here? *
"If I don't get my cube soon i'll explode!!!........it happens sometimes......."
- * Hey man, I believe you! I feel your pain. I feel like that myself! *
"Don't forget,Gamecube launches in Europe on Friday(3rd May)lucky bastards! Also found this interesting interview from Gamespot with Perrin Kaplin from Nintendo America,and in the interview Gamespot mention the fact that Gamecube has recently began outselling X-Box in North America!" - * People are envious of those who are getting it first *
And finally....
"For those people living in Melbourne...
I found this at Planet Gamecube...
"News Article: Huge Melbourne Midnight Launch at EB Chadstone
News Date: 04/30/2002
Discuss it in the Forum!
Complete with Luigi Clones, Star Wars: Episode II tie ins and competitions as far as the eyes can see.
Discuss it in Talkback!
When midnight ticks over onto May 17, an appropriate place to be might be sound asleep in bed. However, for the rest of us, you'll want to be in EB Chadstone, because they'll be holding the official GameCube launch party for Melbourne. Here's what's going on when the clock ticks over to 12:00am, May 17:
- First and foremost, there's the 'Luigi Lookalike' competition, where people are encouraged to dress like everyone's favourite (or second favourite) Italian Plumber. Best dressed plumber wins a huge (mystery) prize. But it will be huge, so don your blue overalls, green shirts, and slap on a porno mustache.
- Cross promotion of the Star Wars: Episode II movie and the Rogue Squadron game with Hoyts cinemas. (The movie is released the day before the GameCube's launch.)
- Electronic Arts has generously supplied copies of Rogue Leader to GIVE AWAY, if that is not reason enough to be there. Copies will be given away through various competitions throughout the night. Morning. Whatever.
- EA has also organised members of the Australian Star Wars Fan Club to attend in full costume. At least 3 characters will be roaming launch party for atmosphere. Stormtroopers and Boba Fett will be mingling with people dressed like Luigi. Once again, reason enough to attend.
The event will not be held at Chadstone EB (cramming all those Luigis in takes SPACE), so a specific area is being organised within Chadstone Shopping Centre. There should be a stage (zany MC included) and possibly a couple of demo units to play games too.
Although GameCubes cannot be sold until the clock strikes 12, EB will open early to take more orders, accept trade-ins and finalise payments on GameCube system pre-orders. *phew*
So make sure your night is free, and hype yourself (caffine works well) because with multiple Luigis and Stormtroopers, it's gonna be one helluva night."
Definitely sounds like the place to be. ...I hope EB Marion(Adelaide) try to make a bit of a big deal about it too. "
- Dammit - I wanna be at EB Chadstone on launch day too! I wanna see that the big fuss is about!
There was an X-Box launch party at Myer in the city but I didn't attend. Couldn't be bothered at the time. I mean come on...waiting outside the store before midnight?! Crazy people!
Still - we have no such things back in Malaysia, I think it would be a good experience. Chadstone isn't exactly nearby and I don't have a car either. Most probably will have to give it a miss.
Countdown (according to Nintendo.com.au) - 12 days 8 hours 43 mins 00 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
Maybe I'll pop in Toys R Us tomorrow, get PF's opinion and who knows, I might put down the deposit for it tomorrow o_O
WWF Smackdown is on tonight. I can't really remember the storylines. I think there's a #1 Contenders match tonight....
This is it ... stay tuned.
p/s: sometimes I wonder how I manage to do it? Nothing interesting happens but I can write a shitload about nothing at all! I surprise myself at times. Sort of reminds me about the episode of Seinfeld. A dialogue between Jerry and someone else ( I think it was George ) went something like this....( keep in mind that I only offer a gist and not the exact dialogue because I can't remember that )
Jerry: I'm going to have my own show..
George: That's great...what's it about?
Jerry: Nothing!
George: You're going to have your own show about nothing?
Jerry: Yes! Isn't it great? That's the beauty of it....
Errm...how true.....
Day: 139 (Saturday, 4th May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 0 days
Listening to: Robert Miles - Fantasya
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes after about 27 days, I've finally fired up my poor baby and gave her some warming up. Tried to play abit of Metal Gear Solid 2 and Grand Theft Auto 3 but turned them off after sometime. Had a few games of WWF Smackdown after that.
Had dinner with Patrick and family again last night. We were at Linda's place (Jade Kew Restaurant). Been waiting for calls the past 2 days to see if I had to go to work. Obviously not. The rest of the past few days have been a blur to me. Can't really remember what happened.
Called SW last night. Damn "Stealth" phone cards. What shitty cards they are. The line was noisy and I got cut off twice. This is what you get for trying to get cheap stuff, 9 cents per minute to KL, 10 cents for other major cities in Malaysia. I think I will stick with Tel.Pacific in future. She called me back after that. She's such a tease! Talked to her online this morning and she said that she called up Digi to enquire and it costs RM 2.30 per minute from KK to Melbourne.
PF just sent me SMS asking what time we're meeting tomorrow. I wanted to reply but thought it would be better to call her. Then she tells me that her phone's running low on battery. Told her anytime would be alright with me and left her an ICQ message. Probably talking to her later tonight. She asked me to think of what we're going to do tomorrow and let her know later. Can't really decide - probably stick to the original plan of a movie and dinner. Will see what else when tomorrow comes.
I'm home alone now. They asked me to join them for lunch but I declined. They went to Crown again last night after dinner. They got home about 3.30 am - 4 am. I think it was the second time they went to Crown since they got here.
Oh yes - I still want a GameCube *HAHAHAHAHA*. I never, ever forget~ God damnit. 3rd May is the launch date in UK and they are selling like hotcakes! Read reports that demand had been more than supply!
Here are a couple of quotes from the Playstation forum I frequent. It shows you how badly people want the GameCube.
"And also, Nintendo of America have been saying that the primary reason XBox had been outselling GameCube thus far was the fact that the big N simply couldn't get enough consoles to stores, and many stores around the U.S. were sold out for weeks on end. (They're trying to blame it on us - saying that a lot of the consoles being manufactured were being readied for Europe. Good for us, I say) But now that the supplies are up again, NGC is selling quite well in the States, in both hardware AND software."
- * WOW - sold out....will that happen here? *
"If I don't get my cube soon i'll explode!!!........it happens sometimes......."
- * Hey man, I believe you! I feel your pain. I feel like that myself! *
"Don't forget,Gamecube launches in Europe on Friday(3rd May)lucky bastards! Also found this interesting interview from Gamespot with Perrin Kaplin from Nintendo America,and in the interview Gamespot mention the fact that Gamecube has recently began outselling X-Box in North America!" - * People are envious of those who are getting it first *
And finally....
"For those people living in Melbourne...
I found this at Planet Gamecube...
"News Article: Huge Melbourne Midnight Launch at EB Chadstone
News Date: 04/30/2002
Discuss it in the Forum!
Complete with Luigi Clones, Star Wars: Episode II tie ins and competitions as far as the eyes can see.
Discuss it in Talkback!
When midnight ticks over onto May 17, an appropriate place to be might be sound asleep in bed. However, for the rest of us, you'll want to be in EB Chadstone, because they'll be holding the official GameCube launch party for Melbourne. Here's what's going on when the clock ticks over to 12:00am, May 17:
- First and foremost, there's the 'Luigi Lookalike' competition, where people are encouraged to dress like everyone's favourite (or second favourite) Italian Plumber. Best dressed plumber wins a huge (mystery) prize. But it will be huge, so don your blue overalls, green shirts, and slap on a porno mustache.
- Cross promotion of the Star Wars: Episode II movie and the Rogue Squadron game with Hoyts cinemas. (The movie is released the day before the GameCube's launch.)
- Electronic Arts has generously supplied copies of Rogue Leader to GIVE AWAY, if that is not reason enough to be there. Copies will be given away through various competitions throughout the night. Morning. Whatever.
- EA has also organised members of the Australian Star Wars Fan Club to attend in full costume. At least 3 characters will be roaming launch party for atmosphere. Stormtroopers and Boba Fett will be mingling with people dressed like Luigi. Once again, reason enough to attend.
The event will not be held at Chadstone EB (cramming all those Luigis in takes SPACE), so a specific area is being organised within Chadstone Shopping Centre. There should be a stage (zany MC included) and possibly a couple of demo units to play games too.
Although GameCubes cannot be sold until the clock strikes 12, EB will open early to take more orders, accept trade-ins and finalise payments on GameCube system pre-orders. *phew*
So make sure your night is free, and hype yourself (caffine works well) because with multiple Luigis and Stormtroopers, it's gonna be one helluva night."
Definitely sounds like the place to be. ...I hope EB Marion(Adelaide) try to make a bit of a big deal about it too. "
- Dammit - I wanna be at EB Chadstone on launch day too! I wanna see that the big fuss is about!
There was an X-Box launch party at Myer in the city but I didn't attend. Couldn't be bothered at the time. I mean come on...waiting outside the store before midnight?! Crazy people!
Still - we have no such things back in Malaysia, I think it would be a good experience. Chadstone isn't exactly nearby and I don't have a car either. Most probably will have to give it a miss.
Countdown (according to Nintendo.com.au) - 12 days 8 hours 43 mins 00 secs to GameCube's Australian Launch.
Maybe I'll pop in Toys R Us tomorrow, get PF's opinion and who knows, I might put down the deposit for it tomorrow o_O
WWF Smackdown is on tonight. I can't really remember the storylines. I think there's a #1 Contenders match tonight....
This is it ... stay tuned.
p/s: sometimes I wonder how I manage to do it? Nothing interesting happens but I can write a shitload about nothing at all! I surprise myself at times. Sort of reminds me about the episode of Seinfeld. A dialogue between Jerry and someone else ( I think it was George ) went something like this....( keep in mind that I only offer a gist and not the exact dialogue because I can't remember that )
Jerry: I'm going to have my own show..
George: That's great...what's it about?
Jerry: Nothing!
George: You're going to have your own show about nothing?
Jerry: Yes! Isn't it great? That's the beauty of it....
Errm...how true.....
Wednesday, May 01, 2002
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day: 136 (Wednesday, 1st May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 24 days (estimated)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Went to pay Lily $ 2500 today. She said she would get her girls to submit the application this week. The secretary that works there looks nice. Long slim legs. And she's tall as well. Her name is Merrielle. Well, its pronounced like that but I'm unsure of the spelling. Anyway, Lily gave me her company account and said I could transfer the balance of the payment to her.
Rejoice dear readers. You need not hear me talk about the Jamiroquai CD anymore because I bought it today. Spent about half an hour or more in the music section at Myer before I finally decided to buy it. Listened to some other CDs as well, the lastest Autum Hits 2002, which had some songs I like but have on MP3.
************************************************************
Things To Get:
1) Nintendo GameCube
- Resident Evil
- Super Smash Brothers Melee
- Star Wars: Rogue Leader (maybe)
- WWF Wrestlemania X8 (maybe)
2) Final Fantasy X for PS2
3) New fragrance ( I have considered Davidoff "Cool Water" and Hugo "Dark Blue" before )
4) New wallet (possibly the Timberland Tri-fold wallet at Daimaru)
5) All Saints CD (can't remember the title - but its their last one with Pure Shores and Black Coffee)
6) $ 150 from DT
************************************************************
Spent sometime with the demo units of GameCube and Xbox at Myer as well. Also tried the demo of Virtua Fighter 4 for PS2. Maybe I'm not used to the game because I didn't know how to execute any of the combo moves for the character I was using. It was quite slow as well. Don't think I'll be getting that.
I was thisclose to putting down the $ 50 deposit for a GameCube at Toys R Us today. Seriously, if you were me, I'm sure you would be tempted as well. There are 2 bundles on offer. Here's what you would get:
$ 529 Bundle
- GameCube with controller
- Extra controller
- Memory card
- Luigi's Mansion
- WaveRace
- Prima Strategy Guide for Luigi's Mansion, Super Smash Bros, Melee, Pikmin and WaveRace (I think)
- 5 x $10 GameCube game vouchers
And the other bundle:
$ 429 Bundle
- GameCube with controller
- Memory card
- Luigi's Mansion
- Prima Strategy Guide for Luigi's Mansion, Super Smash Bros, Melee, Pikmin and WaveRace (I think)
- 5 x $10 GameCube game vouchers
I was standing there for about an hour doing mental calculations in my head thinking which would be a better deal. I'm considering the $ 429 bundle. Suppose I got the $ 429 bundle, I'd have to get a 2nd controller which costs about $ 60, making it $ 489. Suppose I get an extra game (that I actually want) with that with a $10 discount, it would come up to a total of $ 579. Which is $ 50 more than the $ 529 bundle. So why don't I get the $ 529 bundle and save that $ 50, you ask? The reason is simple....who the hell would wanna play a jet-ski racing game? Screw the "most realistic water effects" and shit like that. Bottom line is, its not something I would want and besides, I'm not really into racing games. Jet-ski racing? What were they thinking?!
The way I see it, get the $ 429 bundle, get a 2nd controller and get Star Wars: Rogue Leader which totals $ 579. I've played the demo of Rogue Leader many times and its quite fun. I haven't seen the rest of the graphics since its only a demo but pictures I've seen look fantastic. Tried more of Luigi's Mansion today. It could be fun, but I heard its short. But if it comes with the bundle at a discount price, no harm there is there?
OK, enough of the math lesson. I'm sure all of you would be sick of hearing the word "GAMECUBE" by now. I know at least one person has. She asked me where to post comments, she said I mentioned it too much. I think there are a few ways to save all of you from this torture.
1) Someone kind enough to donate one to me. E-mail me for more details
2) Someone kindly offers to pay a certain percentage of the Cube
3) I get myself a GameCube
Damn it, just downloaded 2 different CD-rippers and both don't work! What the hell has happened to AudioCatalyst? It says that each time I start the software, a different track will be available to be selected. And what's this? The old trial version enabled about 5 tracks which we could rip and we can only rip ONE measly track now?! What the .... ?!?! My mood is kinda gone cause of the damn CD rippers. Guess I'll have to play the CD the next time I wanna listen to my favourites from "A Funk Odyssey".
You want more complains? I think I've been cheated by the company that makes Pringles. I just bought two 200 gm cans the other day, Cheese & Onion and Sour Cream & Onion. Finished the first one. This pack of Sour Cream & Onion isn't tasty! It doesn't taste like Sour Cream & Onion.It tastes like Original Pringles! Cheaters! Damn you! That's it! I actually told myself I would stop buying junk to budget. Next week! No more potato chips!! Maybe once in awhile ... that's acceptable.... isn't it?
So I think I'll stop here for tonight. Will I just shut the hell up about a GameCube in the next entry? Will I get a GameCube the next time you read the latest entry? Stay tuned then!
Day: 136 (Wednesday, 1st May 2002)
Status: On call
Days without PS2: 24 days (estimated)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Went to pay Lily $ 2500 today. She said she would get her girls to submit the application this week. The secretary that works there looks nice. Long slim legs. And she's tall as well. Her name is Merrielle. Well, its pronounced like that but I'm unsure of the spelling. Anyway, Lily gave me her company account and said I could transfer the balance of the payment to her.
Rejoice dear readers. You need not hear me talk about the Jamiroquai CD anymore because I bought it today. Spent about half an hour or more in the music section at Myer before I finally decided to buy it. Listened to some other CDs as well, the lastest Autum Hits 2002, which had some songs I like but have on MP3.
************************************************************
Things To Get:
1) Nintendo GameCube
- Resident Evil
- Super Smash Brothers Melee
- Star Wars: Rogue Leader (maybe)
- WWF Wrestlemania X8 (maybe)
2) Final Fantasy X for PS2
3) New fragrance ( I have considered Davidoff "Cool Water" and Hugo "Dark Blue" before )
4) New wallet (possibly the Timberland Tri-fold wallet at Daimaru)
5) All Saints CD (can't remember the title - but its their last one with Pure Shores and Black Coffee)
6) $ 150 from DT
************************************************************
Spent sometime with the demo units of GameCube and Xbox at Myer as well. Also tried the demo of Virtua Fighter 4 for PS2. Maybe I'm not used to the game because I didn't know how to execute any of the combo moves for the character I was using. It was quite slow as well. Don't think I'll be getting that.
I was thisclose to putting down the $ 50 deposit for a GameCube at Toys R Us today. Seriously, if you were me, I'm sure you would be tempted as well. There are 2 bundles on offer. Here's what you would get:
$ 529 Bundle
- GameCube with controller
- Extra controller
- Memory card
- Luigi's Mansion
- WaveRace
- Prima Strategy Guide for Luigi's Mansion, Super Smash Bros, Melee, Pikmin and WaveRace (I think)
- 5 x $10 GameCube game vouchers
And the other bundle:
$ 429 Bundle
- GameCube with controller
- Memory card
- Luigi's Mansion
- Prima Strategy Guide for Luigi's Mansion, Super Smash Bros, Melee, Pikmin and WaveRace (I think)
- 5 x $10 GameCube game vouchers
I was standing there for about an hour doing mental calculations in my head thinking which would be a better deal. I'm considering the $ 429 bundle. Suppose I got the $ 429 bundle, I'd have to get a 2nd controller which costs about $ 60, making it $ 489. Suppose I get an extra game (that I actually want) with that with a $10 discount, it would come up to a total of $ 579. Which is $ 50 more than the $ 529 bundle. So why don't I get the $ 529 bundle and save that $ 50, you ask? The reason is simple....who the hell would wanna play a jet-ski racing game? Screw the "most realistic water effects" and shit like that. Bottom line is, its not something I would want and besides, I'm not really into racing games. Jet-ski racing? What were they thinking?!
The way I see it, get the $ 429 bundle, get a 2nd controller and get Star Wars: Rogue Leader which totals $ 579. I've played the demo of Rogue Leader many times and its quite fun. I haven't seen the rest of the graphics since its only a demo but pictures I've seen look fantastic. Tried more of Luigi's Mansion today. It could be fun, but I heard its short. But if it comes with the bundle at a discount price, no harm there is there?
OK, enough of the math lesson. I'm sure all of you would be sick of hearing the word "GAMECUBE" by now. I know at least one person has. She asked me where to post comments, she said I mentioned it too much. I think there are a few ways to save all of you from this torture.
1) Someone kind enough to donate one to me. E-mail me for more details
2) Someone kindly offers to pay a certain percentage of the Cube
3) I get myself a GameCube
Damn it, just downloaded 2 different CD-rippers and both don't work! What the hell has happened to AudioCatalyst? It says that each time I start the software, a different track will be available to be selected. And what's this? The old trial version enabled about 5 tracks which we could rip and we can only rip ONE measly track now?! What the .... ?!?! My mood is kinda gone cause of the damn CD rippers. Guess I'll have to play the CD the next time I wanna listen to my favourites from "A Funk Odyssey".
You want more complains? I think I've been cheated by the company that makes Pringles. I just bought two 200 gm cans the other day, Cheese & Onion and Sour Cream & Onion. Finished the first one. This pack of Sour Cream & Onion isn't tasty! It doesn't taste like Sour Cream & Onion.It tastes like Original Pringles! Cheaters! Damn you! That's it! I actually told myself I would stop buying junk to budget. Next week! No more potato chips!! Maybe once in awhile ... that's acceptable.... isn't it?
So I think I'll stop here for tonight. Will I just shut the hell up about a GameCube in the next entry? Will I get a GameCube the next time you read the latest entry? Stay tuned then!