International Football Weekend... I don't much enjoy international breaks during football season. Some may be under the delusion that it's a good break for our lads. I (and many others) on the other hand, are worried sick about the fitness and well-being of our lads thrown onto the battlefield, running their tight behinds off for sodding nothing. It's bad enough I am flinching every single time Robin van Persie kicks the ball or bumps into someone during a league game, now I have to grit and bear it as some imbecile throws his talented gams for torture for shite.I just paused to breathe.Alrighty then.Did you hear about Joey Barton's sentence? Fucking bollocks if you ask me. The guy moons fans (which I must admit was quite entertaining), gets into bar fights, can't keep his clenched fist off a teammate, and was outrageously hooliganistic in his few minutes of play against us. In my opinion, Barton is an absolute disgrace to the sport so glorifying embraced by the English. Most of the time when fans sing "You'll never play for England", it's just in jest (except when we're singing about a Spur), but in Barton's case, I'll be happy to chime in with my heart. Studs beneath his feet is too much power for a man like Barton.Unfortunately, there is more for the Barcodes to think about. The departure of Messiah Keegan has caused raised stakes and torches. Newcastle is a great footballing city - having them sort things out and come back with some quality football will be great for the league.You know how them Spurs are always talking about breaking into the Big Four, and yadayadayada... Man City beat them to the lips of Giggs. Not that his words are regarded as the Grail, but at least it's coming from a respectable enough veteran.At Ashburton Grove, the holy ground of football (of course I am biased, so slap me), a replacement for Keith Edelman will be announced soon. Our humble lad, Kieran Gibbs, turns to Gael 'CrazyLegs' Clichy for a role model. You see, at any of the other big clubs, you'd see egos clad in iron and carefully weighted speeches of how one so enjoys playing with his colleagues and would be able to learn so much from them. Here at the Arsenal, with youth development a huge part of the club's focus, our youngsters take the cue from their seniors with ready earnest.Do I sound like I am bullshitting yet?I'm stopping.--------------------------I finished knitting the sleeve/sock for my portable drive!The past week was rough, but I think we did well to overcome the storm. Yesterday and today were blissful. Thank you Love. Oh! And international football also means that I am not stressed over the weekend and I can enjoy more telly series with my pirate! Siren - Backed Up I recently bought a Maxtor external hard drive. Isn't it strange what peace of mind such a small technological marvel brings? Much as I'd like to think that I am as savvy as the next tech-slut, I chose this over others purely on aesthetical grounds.I have now backed up the important stuff (now when I say 'important', I really mean my diary and pictures) and am less freaked out about the possibility of my ever-reliable MacBook bailing on me.Now that I have a new toy, I'm busy playing dress up. I bought some cotton yarns and knitting needles and am working on a sleeve for my new portable hard drive. Gives new meaning to being a slave to technology heh? Ladies Of Brilliance To those people who emailed, MSNed and texted me after reading my previous post, don't worry - I'm very well indeed. I'm sorry I'm a bit of a downer, but I'm really a-okay.You'll enjoy this especially if you're one of them edgy, creative types who have a fantastic, albeit sometimes off-kilter sense of humour. I know some of the works of Bonnie Siegler and Emily Oberman (MTV, 9/ll memorial, etc.), but reading Blankanvas recently reminded me what bright geniuses these ladies are. Visit them at Number17 to experience the almost-zenith of creative artistry. I have borrowed a few of their hilarious workplace comic strips to funny up my usually emo blog - visit their site or click on the jpegs below for a bigger view. Enjoy! Towards Sunnier Days... On the footballing front, everything's dandy as we beat them Geordies on Saturday, Spurs drew at Stamford Bridge and Liverpool was held to a goal-less draw at Villa Park. Also, Robin van Persie appears to be well and fit.My life on the other hand is less clear. I'm working through some stuff and I am trying to overhaul my mindset. Sounds tough? Doing it is tougher. But I'm trying. Trying to erase every imprint in my tiny, under-utilised brain and attempting to fill up the void with things I should believe in. I know I have at least one friend to depend on should the day come when the line between reality and delusion starts to blur. So I have to try. I pray I won't lose myself trying.And I want to be less moody. We are quick to blame moody people but until you've been in the dark valley of crazed irrational emotions, you don't realise how tiring it is for the protagonist. No one favours the dark sides of affection. Like happy sunflowers, I wish I could stretch my upturned face towards the warm sunshine.If colours could tickle Venus' sightfind me colours to paint my withered willowIf the Heavens permit me a ray of lightwith love's strength I'll forge my quested window Scoring Dutch Foot A resurgent Arsenal cruised to victory in stylish fashion thanks to the grace of one Robin van Persie. The Dutchman struck twice in the first half to give the home team a comfortable lead before Denilson hammered in the final nail in Newcastle's coffin in the second period. A resounding 3-0 win was exactly what fans and players alike needed after the last disappointing league display.The return of Cesc Fabregas (check out his new hairdo) brought about a new sense of understanding that was missing in the past two league games. Plays linked more fluidly and the distribution was far more pleasing on the eye. In fact, inside the first couple of minutes of play, Cesc already established his right-footed prowess by throwing forward a neat through-pass. We didn't score from that chance, but we did win a corner. After playing ten minutes of football, the 21 year-old Spaniard had masterminded at least three assists in his 200th appearance for the Arsenal.It was our second corner of the match that got us our first real opportunity. Barely three minutes into the game, Gallas was around the two-yard area when a flagkick bounded towards him. For reasons unfathomable, Gallas only managed to spray it wide. Van Persie and Adebayor were others who had sights on goal early.After a quarter of an hour, the Togonator drifted to the right and attempted to pull one back into the middle for his colleagues. However, N'Zogbia had the misfortune of blocking the ball with his upper limbs and Rob Styles pointed to the 12-yard spot. Robin van Persie dealt with the penalty brilliantly - even Shay Given, who jumped the right way could not reach the piercing strike.Robin had the chance to get his name on the scoreboard again in the 31st minute as he stepped up to take a freekick. The swerving ball was on target, but so was the very alert Shay Given. Later however, four minutes before halftime, Robin would beat Given again.A rampaging Eboue bursted through midfield and played in Adebayor. The Ivorian tracked into the box to collect the return ball and in convincing and shocking manner, flicked on a backheel pass Robin van Persie's way. The advancing Dutch sharpshooter stabbed the ball passed the keeper for his and Arsenal's second.Newcastle looked brighter after the break and came alarmingly close to snatching one back when Nicky Butt's headed was kept out only by the crossbar. The Magpies and King Kev would surely rue their lost chance as three minutes later, the Gunners struck again. This time, after some sleek and blinding passing, Adebayor fed Denilson for Arsenal's third.Robin van Persie could have hurt the Magpies even more if his smashing shot in the 61st minute hadn't chink off the underside of Given's crossbar. Nasri, Toure, Clichy (what a curler!) and Walcott (on for Eboue in the 72nd) all came close to bringing more pain to Keegan, but it was not to be.Nonetheless, it was a refreshing performance by our lads and it was nice to see that they believed they had that in themselves. One can only pray that they will never stop believing. Let us all then, rejoice in the return of Cesc Fabregas. Also, I regret to remind you that Robin looked hurt when he was replaced and it looked like it might have been his foot. I wish I could give Robin titanium-enforced metatarsal.Stay tune for more news, my fellow Gooners. Champions League Groups 2008/09 Ladies and gentlemen, the UEFA Champions League Group Draw.Group A1. CFR 1907 Cluj2. Chelsea FC3. FC Girondins de Bordeaux4. AS RomaGroup B1. Anorthosis2. Panathinaikos FC3. FC Internazionale Milano4. Werder BremenGroup C1. Sporting Clube2. FC Basel 18933. FC Shakhtar Donetsk4. FC BarcelonaGroup D1. Liverpool FC2. PSV Eindhoven3. Club Atlético de Madrid4. Olympique de MarseilleGroup E1. Aalborg BK2. Manchester United FC3. Villarreal CF4. Celtic FCGroup F1. ACF Fiorentina2. FC Steaua Bucuresti3. FC Bayern München4. Olympique LyonnaisGroup G1. ARSENAL FC2. FC Porto3. Fenerbahçe SK4. FC Dynamo KyivGroup H1. FC BATE Borisov2. Juventus3. FC Zenit St. Petersburg4. Real Madrid CFI think the groups are quite nicely evened out in terms of difficulty. That said, ours is pretty tough still and our first game is on 17 September, away to Dynamo Kyiv. Not easy, my fellow Gooners. Steve McClown My oh my, we certainly bulldozed FC Twente to the ground... Now, to find the kind of faith to do it in the league as well...For those of you who were up watching the 2nd leg of our qualifier, good on you. I trust our lads put on a good enough show with goals from Samir Nasri (a scoring midfielder, at last!), William Gallas, Theo Walcott (what class!) and Nicklas Bendtner.Meanwhile on the sidelines, McClaren's hair gets thinner.Four goals my fellow Gooners. It must be the magic of Cesc.Let's hope we see more of such displays. Always Find Something To Smile About Bad newsYou all know that Big Phil is away to AC Milan on a season-long loan. Now, you may not be the first to jump to Senderos' defence (no pun intended) against the critics, but the young Swiss is so Arsenal. I really love him and I am really going to miss him.Good newsCesc is fit for the second leg against FC Twente.When was the last time I saw my Spaniard? Oh my, I'm really really excited! And StarHub is showing the match! They're really coming around aren't they?----------------------------------Today is a little dreary but at the end of the day, I have my Baby next to me and my football match waiting for me. I'll count my blessings one at a time. I know things that Ash said are true, but sometimes I can't help stuff...This Saturday, it's Ray's birthday! I haven't known Ray for the longest time, but he's been a very good friend. We're keeping our Saturday date Ray! And we'll take lotsa pictures (",) Four Months... I know my Love and everyone is probably sick of reading this already, but...FOUR MONTHS!Hahaha...You should've seen the way Ash bounced into the room to wish me.I'm happy.Then we laid in bed and just talked for a bit in each other's arms. Times like that make me feel incredibly lucky.---------------------Updated @ some obscure hour cos I couldn't sleepIt was overall a pretty awesome day except that I had things to do last minute and made my Baby wait (I saw her after work cos she had other things to attend to first). She understood perfectly of course (cos she's so amazing), and wasn't even pissed off with me. She's the best. So after a little kinda tense talk, we sorted things out and went grocery shopping (it's starting to sound like our 40-year anniversary rather than our 4th month right? Haha) and she bought a trolley-load of goodies for me! Yes, I will be erm... fuller-figured the next time you see me.Love didn't get too much sleep last night (nope, it wasn't my fault), so she's a little knackered tonight. She makes these little noises when she sleeps - so so cute. To you, it might not have been the best way to spend an anniversary. To me, with Ash, every single day is an anniversary worth celebrating.Love you Sweetheart. Ethan Turns One! I promised pictures of Ethan's first birthday party and I always deliver. Oh well, I try.Here's Ethan's first birthday cake. Officially, the handsome boy turns one on 25 August, but the weekend celebrations were just fantastic.And here's the happy family! That's Cecilia, Ethan and Elvin.The proud Dad is captured here cheekily winding up the party popper.Look at his delight! Well, at least before he got blamed for getting confetti bits on the cake...The Procon crew was there in full force. Cheryl was there too, but didn't get in the shot.The photos looked happy, normal and nondescript for a bit...Here's a good one of Love and I.Then you have Ray Ray and Lizzie...And then Delphine and Marcus turned on the fun...Liz and Karen got into a wrangle...Marcus put on his party face...And Liz turned gangsta on us...The blessed boy went for a spin in his "BMW Half Series" - swanky ride I tell ya - and that outfit is smashing too! He didn't want to get out of the car and fussed when Elvin tried to carry him out.The good thing was, the little prince was so tired at the end of the night, he should sleep quite well (then again, with the amount of sugar he ingested, I might be wrong). We have a picture of Elvin with the same yawn. I think others will post that already, so I shall refrain from embarrassing the father further. Haha...Isn't Ethan the cutest little one-year-old ever?!Thanks for the fun and good food boss! Happy birthday Ethan! Missing The Mark Early Losing a match is always disheartening, but sometimes the manner in which the points are thrown away demands more attention than the final scoreline. After an unconvincing win over newly promoted side West Brom last weekend, Arsenal fell at Craven Cottage 1-0. The short trip back to North London was hopefully an enlightening one for the Gunners as a Hangeland goal in the 21st minute dealt the Arsenal our first defeat of the season.And here the match report ends. Really, what can be said of our showing at our first league game away in 2008/09?The game started in unsettling fashion as our midfield looked a little lost - I thought the lads were just taking a while to adjust, but it turned out that was just plain optimism. Central midfield was abysmal, our strikers had no real predatory instincts and skipper William Gallas would be out of position in the 21st minute to allow Hangeland to poke the ball home from a good Jimmy Bullard corner. Unfortunately, things didn't go any better as the minutes wore on.To Adebayor's credit, he was the only one (I believe) who had shots on target. We couldn't even get our normal stringing passes along. The most industrious on the pitch for us were Samir Nasir and Gael Clichy - that's like finding a clean nut on a faulty machine. Did Fulham play that well? Hodgson sure had his game plan right, but the Cottagers weren't godly. We did make them look rather good though. I'm not trying to take any credit away from Fulham. I'm just a tad disappointed at the way we performed. I struggled to find a sense of urgency in the players (except for Nasri and Clichy) and that's appalling in my opinion. Pulling out all the stops and not landing the points is one thing, kicking it around like pub players is another. I'll buy a beer for the person who can tell me when we had five consecutive minutes of promising play.Okay now, enough of the negativity. I'll like to remind you all now that we flew off the blocks at the start of 2007/08 and that didn't get us anywhere. A consistent season would be favourable, provided the consistency isn't based on the last two performances. Robin van Persie (dare I say this?) is still fit and I know he wasn't flaming hot out there tonight, but I know he will make a difference as the season progresses. We're expecting Dudu back sometime, and Cesc will return for the Champions League game midweek. So I guess things can only look up yeah?The one thing that's missing at the start of this season compared to the last is the sense of togetherness that was oozing out of every Gunner. May our lads find their faith soon.---------------------The earlier part of my Saturday night was much more enjoyable. We went to baby Ethan's first birthday and he looked so incredibly cute! I'll follow with photos, now I wanna go cuddle.xx Red Signing Yesterday, I posted a picture of a cute baby who donned the Arsenal shirt. Today, I'm posting a picture of an ex-Devil who has found the right path.I am undecided on how good Silvestre is going to be for the Gunners, so for now I'm going to say that I'll give the new boy a chance.So it's Fulham this weekend. We played our first game of last season against them (remember our ex #1's boo-boo in the first minute?). They lost that one. This season they didn't start so well either, having lost to newly promoted side Hull City last weekend. That said, the Cottagers have one of my favourite Englishmen on their side (lucky buggers) - Jimmy Bullard - and we'll have to watch out for the likes of Murphy and Dempsey too. Plus, I don't think we can count on Konchesky to fumble again.Then again, when you come up against a team like Arsenal, you'd better be ready to pull out all the stops. I hope this weekend's game will be entertaining. More importantly, I hope we pocket maximum points at Craven Cottage. Look out for young Theo. Starting Young It's Arsenal's tradition to favour young blood and it's nice when parents embrace the ways of AW. A good mate of mine sent this to me this week and I am absolutely bowled over by the beauty, the aptness and the glory of wise parenting.This is Noah, her kid. How I wish I were in London to kiss the baby.Oooh to be a Gooner! Bagging The Points The opening match of the 2008/09 season will probably fuel lots of discussions, but the most important thing for us all to remember is this - summer signing Samir Nasri scored his first league goal for Arsenal within four minutes of his Premier League debut. The Gunners could have, and should have been triumphant by a far more flattering margin, but that proved to be the lone goal of the match as Arsenal claimed three points at Emirates Stadium against the newly promoted West Brom Albion.The Arsenal started very well and established their advantage from the fourth minute. Gael Clichy chased down the left and slotted one into the middle for an advancing Denilson. The Brazilian's venture in midfield would not be especially remarkable for the rest of the match, but his assist to Nasri was significant. The new Frenchman then deftly sidefooted the ball past Carson to put Arsenal a goal up.Efforts from Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor and even William Gallas were encouraging, but they were either off target or headed straight at the experienced keeper. It was kinda reminiscent of the season past as fans and players alike were left to rue lost chances - sleek passing all around, but no real lethal threat.West Brom hardly troubled the Gunners, but Johan Djourou was called into duty to clear off the line in the second half. While that was worrying, it was the skipper's reaction after the incident that warranted more attention.One goal, and against a newly promoted side. Good enough? It was for me. After all, at the final whistle, the points were ours.There were three positive takeaways from the season opener:#1 - We got maximum points.#2 - Eboue looked fairly good in central midfield.#3 - Samir Nasir made his mark. How thankful are we that we now have a midfielder who dares to take the shots?We all know full well the improvements that need to be made, so I shan't brood over them. I remember how brightly we started in 2007/08 and we know it's not always cheers and celebration after 90 minutes. This time, I just wish for consistency, cleansheets and and ruthlessness before goal.Here's more good news for you Gooners out there after a day of football - Middlesbrough beat Tottenham 2-1! Ha! A Good Start Despite important absentees, Arsenal beat FC Twente 0-2 (which meant that Love's prediction was kinda right, except I think she was rooting for the other team) in the first leg of their 3rd round Champions League Qualifiers. A frustrating list of injury saw young Ramsey get a start next to Denilson in midfield, coupled with Eboue and Walcott on either flank. In case you'd like to know, Adebayor lost his afro.Our lads looked good, but were a bit complacent I believe, in the first half. I have to say as well that McClaren's Twente surprised me with their sharpness and speed, and also their ability to get away with putting a forearm to our lads' faces. Twente had good possession throughout the game, although attempts on goal were wanting from both teams in the first 45.Clichy's surging run in the 21st minute bulldozed Twente's midfield and defence and won a freekick for the Arsenal. Unfortunately, we couldn't make the most of that. An unchallenged run by Denneboom in the 25th minute also amounted to nothing. Aaron Ramsey had a long long shot at goal too, just after the half-hour, but his swerver curled the wrong way.The pace of the game never let up and in the 35th minute, Twente's best chance of the half surfaced. Arnautovic beat our offside trap and headed freely for Almunia. The move fizzled away fortunately, as our Spaniard was able to stop Arnautovic's shot. On the counterattack, the Arsenal came close with Robin van Persie firing near the touchline, but the ball went out for a corner. Robin's heroics got him a nasty knock from the goalkeeper but he was good to carry on (thank goodness!). The eventual corner gave way to a scorcher from Gael Clichy, but it was parried by the keeper. Sagna was there to follow-up, but missed from six yards.In a half where Adebayor's appearances only came about during offside calls, I'm mighty glad for the princely Robin van Persie who was industrious and showed us all what we missed for a big part of last season (and the season before...).The Gunners' breakthrough came in the 63rd minute. William Gallas was there to make a close range connection (albeit a swipe rather than a shot) at the end of Robin's freekick to bury the ball into the back of Twente's net.The closest Twente got was Arnautovic's 80th minute bite at the side netting.Theo Walcott looked incredibly comfortable and I loved the way he stepped in to intercept his opponents, as well as his partnership with Sagna. I'm glad he had the patience and wisdom to wait. It was this young Englishman who played the major part in doubling Arsenal's lead. Theo Walcott sparked magic in the 82nd minute when his pace saw him sneak away from his marker to slide a delightful assist across goal for Adebayor to poke in.Nicklas Bendtner almost extended that lead when he came on for Robin van Persie, but two goals and a cleansheet are very good for me. Not a bad way to start the season. We definitely missed our usual first team midfielders, but it was good experience for Aaron Ramsey.The season has started positively enough and hopefully the good vibes will carry through to this weekend when we play the opener of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League. I hope our lads will be good to play on Saturday when we take on West Brom. No excuses. I expect to see you at the Liz. Make Me Smile. Please!!! I don't know if it's because our midfield is injured, or that Cesc is injured, or cos my Baby isn't in the office right now, but I am so damn in need of a perk-me-up.I'm not feeling down, or sad, just a little empty. Perhaps also a wee bit lonely. You know how you can be around people and put on your smiley face, but yet feel like a desolated little kitty? Kinda where I am right at this very moment.I think what I need now is a little testosterone-driven football and some shoe shopping. A cursory search on the Internet failed to satisfy my shoe-wants - everything I want is gone in my size. I think I'll have to grit and bear it - there's football tonight in case you were wondering.So I'm stuck. Writing this when I have absolutely nothing to write about. Kinda like using drivel to fill that void. Unfortunately, this void is a little more like a superficial burrowing ditch (yes I do see the paradox there). Shoes will level the gapping hole. Good football will see it runneth over.Freakily enough, as I wrote to the end of the last paragraph, Love called. I think the equilibrium has been restored for a while now. Haha. I'm so fucking hopeless. Crazy Love Thing The craziest thing I have done for love is believing it is love when it actually was a booty call…Catch Wall-E in cinemas from 28 August 2008(ORIGINATOR BLOG: http://the-hb-diaries.blogspot.com)The craziest thing I have done for love is getting on stage to sing (in a competition!!!) with the other person because she was too afraid to do it alone.Catch Wall-E in cinemas from 28 August 2008(http://yourroyalsiren.blogspot.com)------------------------------Wondering about what the above is? Visit THB to find out more. I've actually thought about writing a blog post on this before. In fact, I have bits saved as a draft, but well, Wall-E beat me to it. Haha.So the following people, please do this too and state THB as your originating blog (no point stating me cos I'm not really in the competition) and leave her a comment on a her blog to let her know? Muack!1. April2. Miss Lovelight3. NicholasOMG lah. I have like, no friends. Haha.------------------------------Weekends are so so so dazzlingly fabulous. I am still trying to be more understanding, and my Love is giving me lots of perks to encourage me! Hahaha I could get used to this. I will be a good girl. Muack! Sonnet CXXX My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;Coral is far more red than her lips' red;If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.I have seen roses damask'd, red and white,But no such roses see I in her cheeks;And in some perfumes is there more delightThan in the breath that from my mistress reeks.I love to hear her speak, yet well I knowThat music hath a far more pleasing sound;I grant I never saw a goddess go;My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground;And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rareAs any she belied with false compare.–William Shakespeare Hazy Week The week just passed in a haze. All I remember is work... and perhaps some glimpses of shopping.Love is trying to think of a new name for her blog (if you bastards think you're gonna get to her through me, you've got another thing coming), but she hasn't had time to sit down yet.I'm just looking forward to regular football. I think it'll take my mind off things. After all, the football is kinda my thing.Hope I'll see Irene and Eun-Hye tonight. Irene's been really sweet, forwarding me with information on cheap flight tickets. However, I am not going to fly China Air! Hahahaha... Seeing them will help me relax some. Eun-Hye is heading back to Germany soon, and I miss her already. We spent so much time together the first couple of months she was here. What an amazing girl. I'm really glad we met.Life's been pretty good to me recently and I wish I had less complaints. But being human is a bloody conundrum. It doesn't mean I'm not happy. It just means that my perfect house has expanded and now there are more rooms for me to improve on. Where does one find the energy for all the drama? All My Love Love and I had a really good talk on Saturday night. I know emotionally heavy talks can be draining, but I think for better or worse, these talks are revealing and let the other party in on your bare feelings.My Love has been really sweet. On Saturday, she cooked for me, went to the Liz with me for the AGM, stayed to watch the Emirates Cup (go to Arsenal Singapore for an update of the pre-season tournament), and reminded me of a special occasion (technically she reminded me on Sunday).***Love's phone goes off at 11.55pm on Saturday***Me: Eh, you changed ringtone ah?Love: (smiling) No lah, that was my alarm.Me: Heh? Alarm for what?Love: My phone is five minutes fast, I'll tell you five minutes later.Five minutes later, Love showed me her phone. It was the 100th day since we've been together.All I did was record an audio clip of her (no, I won't tell you what it was. Go ahead and let your imagination run wild).On Sunday, we spent the whole day doing things that I wanted to do again. I got groomed (haha) in the afternoon and then we went to the Natas Fair - basically spent the day there. We decided that two weeks in Europe will probably be a little bit more than what we'd like to spend on our little getaway. We have an idea of where to go as an alternative so hopefully, plans will be firmed up really soon. She's been under so much stress I wish I could whisk her away for a holiday right now. Then again, that wouldn't work because I know she'll wanna do all that she can for everyone. She is so utterly amazing I sometimes catch myself smiling when I think about the things that she does. My Darling, please know that I am completely supportive of all the things that you do (except the crazy partying - yes I am uptight like that. Haha) and I'd never consider asking you to stop or push away responsibilities. I am incredibly proud of you, your capabilities and your sense of responsibility.I'm still peeved at what happened to Love's blog. And the thing is, I think it originated from my blog. Someone got to that specific post via my blog. I hope this person isn't someone I know personally. I hate that Love has to censor her posts. One shouldn't have to because it is a free space! Whoever started this had better hope that he/she will never be on the receiving end of restriction of free speech.Love has this incredibly cute way of stroking my hand when she sleeps. It's really just little muscular spasms, but hers are such that it feels like she's stroking me rather than spasming next to me. It's hard to explain.And she's sick again. She was feeling a little feverish and had a headache, but still she sat in the living room with me watching the Arsenal take on Real Madrid. She fell asleep holding my hand, stroking. I woke her up and walked her back into the bedroom at halftime. I want to be able to tuck her into bed and have her arms around me every night as I fall asleep.There are days I'm thankful for the things I have, and I guess this is one of them. Today, I am thankful for having Ashley in my life. Lucky Copycat I copy my Baby.Now I have multiple emails with the same name, but different domain names. AND I have an alternate secret home too. Hahaha how's that for originality?Love and I slept in today. She got up first today and made me breakfast, or rather lunner (ask Ray to explain). I was so happy when I went into the kitchen and saw her cooking. I feel so lucky!All I had to do was microwave the sausages and I made them utterly weird. Never let me into your kitchen.Best breakfast/lunner (brunner?) I've had in almost a year.We're heading to the Liz for the Emirates Cup later. Hope we start off well. Come on Cesc! Rearview Mirror A pox on whoever it was who caused my Love grief on Friday (unless it was me).The easy access of information is the bane of life sometimes.Oh well, shit happens (sort-of-pun intended). Life has so many facets - that's what makes it beautiful. Sometimes we have to draw a dead-straight divide, but nothing will mask the fact that all those sides make a whole. And anyone who says that he/she can draw a definite line to separate different aspects of life is a bloody liar. Or one in denial.---------------------------------------------Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.It's something we know - literally and proverbially - but never fail to put at the back of our minds. We see things clearly once they are past us, but how many of us search for truth and answers in our past? Look back and you might well be smacked silly. Oh, the wisdom of hindsight.Recent research suggested that women don't necessarily talk more than men like what pop stereotype would have us believe. A contributing factor might be the emergence of metrosexuals and other SNAG-types who are no longer shy about discussing emotions and many other topics. Or men have gotten smarter and have more to talk about.It bothers me when I see friends troubled or upset and not talking. I know talking doesn't always solves problems, but sometimes you have to let others in. It irks me when the people I am close to clam up when they're obviously displease. Irks me even more to know that they will talk to others but not to me. I know then that I should look inside myself and ask why. But it doesn't work one way, does it? It makes me hold back too. And that I despise even more because I am trying to let myself go. Dirt swept under the carpet can't be under wraps forever. I suppose this is why people keep diaries. Or draw a line, so they can remain in denial.When in doubt, look in the rearview mirror. You'll probably find some truth or lessons in the past that you already know, but then again, they would be so close you'd blind to them. If only I heeded the lessons of my past. I seem to look awayWounds in the mirror wavedIt wasn't my surface most defiledHead at your feet fool to your crownFist on my plate, swallowed it downEnmity gauged, united by fearTried to endure what I could not forgive- Rear view Mirror by Pearl Jam What TGIF? It was Stacy's last day at work yesterday. The little princess will be starting school soon and we'll all miss her loads!The Bossman bought everyone dinner and it was a delicious one at Long Beach @ Dempsey. I could tell that Stacy had a fabulous time. After dinner, we dragged her to KTV where we managed to get her to sing a little. Resistance is futile my dear!All the great pictures are with Ash and Stacy. I'll post them up later.Today.Well, today is not such a jovial day.It's shit for my Love and not the best for me either (plus, I'm nursing this nagging headache). So much for TGIF. At least this is the NATAS Fair weekend. Hopefully Ash and I will find some good deals to consider for our little getaway in October. She so deserves a break from work.Tomorrow is also the Arsenal Singapore AGM day. AND we're playing in the Emirates Cup. So you Gooners at least have something to look forward to. See you all at the Liz.xx Why So Serious? I caught The Dark Knight with Ash and Ray tonight. And OMG. Heath Ledger was awesome. Knowing that such a talent is no longer with us fills me with deep regret. Nonetheless, an Oscar-winning performance by the late Ledger.Bale was great as well, but that was kinda expected since he is the lead after all. And the bike! What a briliant concept - utterly cool and superbly impressive. Kudos to the writers for the smashing plot.My Baby was gushing about the movie as well. It was funny how Ray turned to her immediately after the movie to see her reaction - she didn't enjoy Wanted because of valid enough reasons. It was great to see that my Love enjoyed herself. Her enthusiasm and bright smile fills me up infinitely.I think it's Red Cliff or Hell Boy 2 next.More importantly, the Emirates Cup is this coming weekend. Oh, to see the lads in action again! Three. It's a big day.July 26 marks our third month together. Three months. Such a short time, but we've seen so much. I hope that we'll continue to learn more about each other and love each other more with every passing month. Or week. Or day.I love my Darling dearly and I know she loves me too. If she can take my PMS and loads of other idiosyncrasies, she's a keeper and I want to keep her for myself. I'm selfish like that. Haha.We're going out for lunch and a massage soon, but for now, I'm going to put this down and go cuddle a little longer.Later...-------------------------------Updated @ 2.40amThe massage was great, but what was even better was the conversation, the banter, and the multiple episodes of our usual telly series. My Baby is so incredibly cute that if I knew what I could do to make her happier, I would sell my soul to do it right now. In fact, the past week was so good, I wanna live it all over again. And I know this may be silly to some, but... I got a key this week. Yup. I'm a lucky ducky.-------------------------------Gael Clichy 23 today and he's all ready to take the lead. Always allowing his performance on the pitch to speak for him, our humble Frenchie is an asset I can't imagine losing. His speed, his diligence and that obvious love for the club is smashingly admirable.My #2 is raring to go prove that he's the best leftback in the league and he'll do that and more. This is the season he scores his first goal for the Arsenal. I can feel it in my bones. I'm behind you CrazyLegs! Heart's Instinct So I still don't know what exciting thing happened on Shai's birthday in Batam. I can only assume that it's both scandalous and amusing. After all, it's Shai. Come on Shai, tell me so I can inject some laughs into our lives already.While Shai was partying wildly in celebration, I spent a pretty awesome weekend with Ash. It didn't start off as a great weekend, but it sure took on a better turn later. I relish in the moments we share as a twosome. Not that it's not fun when we are out with others, but it's the 'at-home' Ash that really makes me beam (not that I don't love all facets of her the same - yes, I'm covering my arse. Haha.). She has little quirks that make me want to take her in my arms and shower her with kisses. We have our banters and little romantic 'us' stuff and it makes me so happy just being able to live in the moment.So whoever said that romance was dead? It's just taken on a new face in our droning, work-infested society. The cosmopolitan lifestyle may have done its fair part in aspersing the name of romance, and the grand gestures of the modern day may be an epigone compared to the Victorian days, but it doesn't mean that the sweet little things that make our hearts swell are extinct. Not easily recognised by the ones who seek it most, but peeking cheekily through when the stage is set right, the romantics roam freely and are well alive amongst us.What is the most romantic, or sweetest thing you've ever done or someone's ever done for you? The list below (in no order of merit) are things I've done, and things others have done for me.***Siren: Sorry if I don't elaborate on the list below. There would be too much to say! Besides, these are my moments... for me to know only!***My own wallLetter of contractAvenue QMy own drawersSkylight viewing on loft stairsMy 21st birthdayPlanned surprises every yearThose Tiffany earringsRings with matching engravingsLove lettersReciting my favourite sonnetCooking for meCollage of photosThat diamond ringFlying halfway across the world to see meTalking and looking into each other's eyes while lying in bed togetherFeeding each otherSee? I'm not that hard to please... Hotdogs Weariness takes over in the most overwhelming ways some times, and I think it's been bogarting my space. I can blame lots of things and people, but mostly it's my fault. I'm totally wearing myself out.Picture this.I say I will make hotdogs. I psych myself up, determined to make 100 hotdogs. Somehow, along the way, I get sidetracked because the consistency of the dough is just not right. Then I get frustrated because instead of cheese sausages, cocktail sausages get delivered instead. So I go buy the right sausages, but then I remember that the buns are not baking right and by the time I get back, they're ruined. Then I feel useless and guilty and tired. All this is compounded by the fact that I already know I'm a terrible cook before embarking on the whole project.It's not that I can't make hotdogs. It's just that I can't seem to get things right. Every time I try to do something to right the wrong, things just get worse. Or perhaps I am so cynical that I don't know how to right things anymore. The only person I can blame is myself.And I know I shouldn't be such a crybaby. I don't want to be. But I cry at movies, I tear up watching the news, and I bawl at weddings. I can't help it. I'm an emotional wreck, turn left and you'll trip over something to set me off.Well, the thing that is comforting is that I know who I am. I love having my boundaries stretched and I'd like to think that I know my limits. But I've grown thorny and spiny and I think inadvertently I tend to hurt those around me. Most would run at the sight of a human hedgehog coming at them. Others don't feel the spines until it pricks them silly. I can only hope that when I find the person who embraces my spiny nature, I don't drive them away with something else like my fangs or something.Great. Now I'm a hotdog-making vampire hedgehog. Gloom Room Not a good day for my Ash.First, I did a grand job of annoying her in the morning. Then at the end of the day, shit happened at work to really royally piss her off.Not a good day.I shall stay well clear of the war path and be very good from this minute on. The least I can do is not aggravate her further. Luckily Ray is here too.My cousin's husband just passed away. I should be there at the wake, but I'm not dressed very appropriately, red shoes, red bag and all. Maybe tomorrow.And then there is the departure of Hleb and Gilby. Is good news taking a vacation? Damn it.The only piece of good news (very good) in the horizon is that Eduardo may be back in training at the end of July. Hope he got all my cards.----------------Updated on 19th July 08 @ 12.30amIt's nice to be showered and lying in bed - mask on my face, House on the telly and laptop on my... erm, lap.Ash is still upset about what happened at work. Of course she is, I would be too. I only wished I knew what I could do to help. Sometimes one's best efforts (Ash's, not mine) don't bear just fruits.I'm trying to get my hands on the Lucky Number Slevin DVD. If anyone knows where I can find this in Singapore, please do drop me a note.Speaking of DVDs, Carol, I don't know if you'd get the chance to see this, but you still have a DVD with me. And I haven't seen or heard from you in ages! Season's starting soon so we'll see plenty of each other soon.Shai's birthday is tomorrow (well, technically it's today)!!! Happy birthday sweetie! I hope you have lotsa fun in Batam, drink enough to make you jolly and get laid enough to make you wobbly.Okay now, my darling is in the shower and should be in soon. I'm tucking this away so I can give her all my attention. Smother her with love, I say. Well, until she tsk-ed me away.Tootles. Learn About Sex I don't always buy CLEO magazine, but I did this month because the 7-11 at Neil Road seems to have run out of my usual lifestyle reads. As it turned out, CLEO wasn't such a bad choice, because in this month's issue, there is a 100 Amazing Sex Facts section. I have picked out some of the more interesting ones (in my opinion of course) and I reckon this is great education for you and me. These are not quoted word for word of course, but here goes...Furring is the new fad on the sexual front in the UK. It's when people get dressed up as giant animals (yes like one of those sport teams' mascots), head out to the woods, and have sex. Whatever blows their skirts up...Just above your tailbone ladies, is a little vertebra that contains the sacral nerve. What does it do you ask? Massaging this part apparently sends crazy signals to your prized zone. For the men, massaging the heel just below the ankle is supposed to make them randy. If you ask me, putting your hands anywhere on a man works.The head of the clitoris has more than 8000 nerve endings while the penis only has half that. And still women complain about the lack of orgasms during foreplay and sex. Buck up guys. Sex acts as an antihistamine, releases dopamine to relieve stress and is a great painkiller. Feel sick? Lie back and let your partner heal you.Unlike most other animals, dolphins have sex not just to reproduce. The adorable mammals often engage in homosexual activities as well.Dogging, contrary to first impressions, refers to having sex or watching others have sex in public.Narcissists are more likely to have casual sex because they are more likely to see it in terms of power rather than relate it to romance and love. Doesn't this make you think about yourself and your sexual activities a little more? Or is it just me, me and me?The Durex Sexual Wellbeing Global Survey 2007 revealed that Singaporeans rank third lowest in sexual activity. Only the Japanese and Hong Kongers have less sex. We only have sex 85 times a year *gasp* compared to the Greeks' 164. Get humping for Singapore!Instead of turning to Viagra, Kama Sutra suggests camel's milk and honey to help men keep their hard-ons all night long. I don't know where you can get your hands on camel's milk, but girls, keep honey by the bedside and maybe you'll get some.December 22 is Global Orgasm Day. Not that we need an excuse to get it on, but if the world is working towards a common goal... So I still don't know what exciting thing happened on Shai's birthday in Batam. I can only assume that it's both scandalous and amusing. After all, it's Shai. Come on Shai, tell me so I can inject some laughs into our lives already.While Shai was partying wildly in celebration, I spent a pretty awesome weekend with Ash. It didn't start off as a great weekend, but it sure took on a better turn later. I relish in the moments we share as a twosome. Not that it's not fun when we are out with others, but it's the 'at-home' Ash that really makes me beam (not that I don't love all facets of her the same). She has little quirks that make me want to take her in my arms and shower her with kisses. We have our banters and our little romantic 'us' stuff.So whoever said that romance was dead? It's just taken on a new face in our droning, work-infested lifestyle. The cosmopolitan lifestyle may have done its fair part in aspersing the name of romance, and the grand gestures of the modern day may be an epigone compared to the Victorian days, but it doesn't mean that the sweet little things that make our hearts swell are extinct. Not easily recognised by the ones who seek it most, but peeking cheekily through when the stage is set right, the romantics roam freely and are well alive amongst us.What is the most romantic, or sweetest thing you've ever done or someone's ever done for you? The list below (in no order of merit) are things I've done, and things others have done for me.***Siren: Sorry if I don't elaborate on the list below. There would be too much to say! Besides, these are my moments... for me to know only!***My own wallLetter of contractAvenue QMy own drawersSkylight viewing on loft stairsMy 21st birthdayPlanned surprises every yearThose Tiffany earringsRings with matching engravingsLove lettersReciting my favourite sonnetCooking for meCollage of photosThat diamond ringFlying halfway across the world to see meTalking and looking into each other's eyes while lying in bed togetherFeeding each otherSee? I'm not that hard to please...