Posts By Carol Koh
Gatsby
Baz Luhrmann, who directed Moulin Rouge and then this masterpiece.
An american dream, depicted through a truly great set, great music (as always, Mr. Baz!), great dialogue, great twists, and so much more.
[Spoiler ahead]
Sad ending but it’s the ending so heartbreaking that it tells the story of how great a man Gatsby is.
And I must write these down, all the great words that were conversed in the film that might teach you about love, or life.
“I hope she’ll be a fool – that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
“The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.”
“I was within and without. Simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.”
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
and this last one, a compliment from nick to gatsby right before he was shot.
“They’re a rotten crowd’, I shouted across the lawn. ‘You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.”
Thank you for your inspiration, Gatsby.
Here’s a beautiful song from the movie.
thank you note
Just wanted to write a post to personally thank each of you who bought me gifts for my birthday. I am certainly blessed to have you guys in my life, thank you, for making me feel loved and special.
I was in Singapore a week after my birthday and EE showed up with this H&M fluorescent pink bag she got me. Definitely something I could use to make a statement! Timing perfect too as my current bag has begun to show signs of retirement. Not only that, this kind lady even bought me Starbucks while I was in the midst of melting under the heat, while doing my thing in a very hot and stuffy flea market of singapore. Knowing her from uni years, she is a very thrifty person who wouldn’t even splurge on herself. Your sincerity means so much to me, feel blessed to have you as a friend.
This lovely set is from Zjo Zjo. You know me so well! Could it be cos of the psychological game that we played the other day? Lightweight bottle makes it very handy too while travelling! And the trendy pink pouch, just in time to replace my current worn-out cosmetic pouch. Xie xie ni mei nv!
All the way from Japan! Super cute Totoro-shaped watch, and guess what?! It was showing Tokyo’s time when Yuki gave it to me, giving me a taste of Tokyo city. How on earth did you read my mind? Been looking for a second watch, something red, something slim, and this came. Thank you for your thoughts even when you’re travelling. ❤ 切れですね！ありがとうございます。
Exactly what I needed! Especially at a time like now when I’m trying my best to keep up to the 2 litre water intake per day. This certainly gives me good motivation. And the opening is big enough for me to throw in a lemon slice. This has also received numerous compliments for it being a nice tumbler ever since I started using it at work. The print and colour, they are so lovely, so me. Thank you chingu Janice!
Wan Ying gave me a corset (for that extra push!) and fragrance set for my room. Being thoughtful as how she is, she even looked for a pink bag to bag the gifts. Thank you, my room and wardrobe are now scented, and a charming body is on the way! 
Last but not least, I’ve also received a Braun Buffel name card holder from my fellow colleagues. How sweet! One of the items in my wishlist – checked. Haven’t gotten a picture of it, will update it here once I have it.
Shinsekai
Few weekends ago, I had the privilege to catch a Japanese indie film, 新世界の夜明け (New world, Shinsekai Story) directed by Malaysian director Lee Kah Wai. The screening session was held in a cosy cafe, 5 minutes away from where I live. Thank you Chin Li for the invitation!
Just a shout out on the cafe, they organize mini events (usually non-mainstream) quite frequently, with the objective to promote local arts and talent. +1 for the spirit! Do check them out here.
RM25 for a night of inspiration and a nice Japanese curry meal, definitely a steal! Bumped into long lost friend JC, who is now a successful TV host/freelance emcee!
I’m giving this movie a 9/10. Beautiful cinematography and great values. It featured a taste of old Osaka, a total opposite of the modern Japan. Dodgy back lanes, crime & mafia, but aside from all bad things, the essence of this small town is the warmth of the neighbourhood.
What I perceived: the key message is about finding the ultimate happiness and simplicity in life – depicted through the perspective of a young lady who lives a wealthy life in the city all her life. I am now inspired to discover my Shinsekai.
Not sure how is this film available for viewing, don’t think there are any DVD for sale in Malaysia. Here’s the trailer for now:
Turning 25
the most amazing part about turning 25, is the precious time spent with amazing people in my life and for knowing that i’m loved.
truly, madly, deeply, thank you.
7 days
7 days to turning 2x.
every this time of the year i would ask myself how have my year been and/or
what do i wish for
two things about turning old/growing up, i think i’ve certainly become more conscious of my health, more interested in exercising, and probably more particular about the quality of life. from the things i eat to the things i use and many other aspects. have higher expectations of myself and in whatever i do. good and bad.
well this is also the only time that i could make wishes, with least guilt. so please, let me be, it’s an annual ritual
a nice sleek casing for my note2. all i care about is quality, and practicality. browsed a thousand of them and still think this red one scores the most brownie points, in line with my criteria in looking for that perfect casing. saw it in the digi’s outlet @ klcc.
chloe classic edt. classic. as it is.
name card holder. presentable, and perhaps made of leather? hate to say this, but looks are all that matter. #braunbuffel
an external HDD, well with the amount of data i’m about to backup, most probably need a min. of 1TB capacity. used to have a 500gb WD, but it crashed a few times and i have lost trust for it.
a handbag, a wallet and tonnes of chunky accessories. or any other things that motivate me to get up for work. eg. cosmetics, fashion etc. i don’t exactly know which or what because i haven’t been browsing. but one thing for sure, keyword vogue. i have strong brand preferences and very indecisive still. tricky.
great, glad to have this space where i could let it all/partially out. this should be the way! writing down thoughts whenever i have them
Hong Kong – Central
Here it is! My adventures of Hong Kong last Christmas. How did it happen? Decided that I need to get away after a year of hard work, and so I spontaneously booked a flight 2 weeks prior the trip. Solo, and it all turned out well.
I’ve always hold a special affection towards cities. Hong Kong has always been in my top list of favourite cities – love the pace, the mishmash of virtue and vice, the buzz and to top it off, yuki has been a really great host. Muah!
lovely pic of us taken in front of the Tiffany’s Carousel.
Feast your eyes on these huge shots (thanks to new blog layout!), along with some hearty narratives.
Arrived at midnight and went straight to Causeway Bay (with my luggage!) for some great street food and a bowl of beef ball noodles. Approximately 11 degree celsius that night but feeling warm and happy! Best of all – need not to worry about being robbed on the streets, happily wandered around the city during wee hours. Checked into yuki’s lodge at Quarry Bay for the night – and the rest of the week.
Nice cosy place, check out the view! Greeted with blue luminous sky the next morning.
Visited this famous cafe at Jordan Street for their signature breakfast. Long queue and we cam-whored to kill the boredom.
蛋白燉鲜奶 – totally worth the wait! Smooth liquid texture, sweetness just right to kick start a day.
#funfact bumped into TVB actress 蔡少芬 in the neighbourhood. Asked for a photo with her but she refused. Well, understandable. On a busy street with her baby, better not.
Spent the rest of the day shopping at Wong Kok and H&M! Battled through insane crowd while shopping. Managed to shop quite a bit – new winter coat and so much more! Satisfaction. And it was only day 2.
Later that night we visited the Tiffany & Co. Wonderland at Statue Square. So magical! To let loose in a foreign land while immersing in the festive atmosphere with your bestie. Wonderful experience.
Central district, lighted up in whimsical Christmas lights. Weather was chilly!
Two days before Christmas, and this venue was totally swamped with tourists, couples etc. taking photos and such. We jumped on the bandwagon and did the touristy thing!
Photo session with Santa Clause!
Tiffany & Co. and its signature gift boxes.
All the magic!
Late dinner at Itacho Sushi @ IFC Mall. And explored the mall’s Christmas setup – snowy artsy theme.
Took a stroll around the city. Most office buildings had amazing Christmas decorations, impressive!
That was pretty much the first two days of my trip, will leave the rest for the next post. Stay tuned
For the better?
Well I’ve always been a huge fan of iPhone, been using the 3GS for 3 years. And now I’ve switched to Android over the weekend. Couldn’t believe it myself, still somehow miss you, iPhone – your cool factor, your ringtones, how slim you are and how you fit into my palms perfectly. How did it happen?
Instant. Overnight.
For the first time in 3 years, I left home without the iPhone, I guess it’s official?
hello there, Note II
looking back, 2012
happy new year!
on this first day of the year, i am not feeling too much of the excitement as i’m down with flu but am certainly positive that this year will be a better year. fingers crossed.
personally i’m quite happy to have traveled quite a bit despite how busy work is.
seeing is believing. Siem Reap
going luxe at Penang #likeaboss. for aunt deb’s wedding.
Pangkor Island. with baby jun yong and mu er.
Bangkok off the beaten path
200 miles away. Singapore. twice. and finally met up with long lost friend EE.
and last but not least, christmas in Hong Kong. with the yee.
and before the year ended, had a mini party at home. it has a name! eat, drink and be very merry.
will be updating this space more often, that’ll be one of the new year resolutions.