we're almost there

I've seen a lot of k-dramas. Enough for a non-korean like me. Believe me, I have cringed at some of the story-lines, did my nails during some (Lie to Me) and absolutely adored some. More or less, they were entertaining enough for me to search for the "next episode" button.

City Hunter, however, is some next level stuff. It's k-crack. Literally. Maybe not as much action as I'd hoped for - cause come on Koreans (actually Asians in their entirety) are famed for their action stunts & sequences. There's no denying how hot they are. Regardless, combine Lee Min Ho and some pretty sick action sequences and I was - and still am - pretty much hooked. What caught me off guard the most, however, was the story. And what a story it is. Each episode has a-butt-at-the-edge=of-seat worthy cliffhanger. For once, this drama has a story that is like ten steps ahead of me. And the characters are like a ten steps ahead of the story. So half the time throughout the action-filled 51 minutes, you're wondering who's gonna get who. Ultimately, my predictions are not even right. WHICH I LOVE.

Not to mention the pretty. Oh, how can I even begin. There's Lee Min Ho. There's Lee Jon Hyuk. With their awesome spats/bromance (still can't decide which). That's really all I needed. Park Min Young is probably the least exciting part of this whole drama and even she manages to inject some excitement into it (although t'was more fun to watch when she was held at stake by daddy dearest). The elder actors, of course, have firm grip on their roles. Kim Sang Joong, for instance, is one hell of a scary man. Cool, slick and bloodthirsty. How much better? OH SNAP. I forgot Ahjusshi. He's SO adorable.

Another aspect I like about this drama is that it taps in on a lot of genres. It doesn't just delve straight off into the action, which I like. It allows our hero some room to explore other parts of his life - his family, love, friendship and not to mention the messed up relationship with his avenging father. Last but not least, the OST/score is AWESOME (I'm not really a instrumental person, but it works so well with the story). Can it get better than this? Maybe. But this is so far one of the best I've laid my eyes - and undivided attention - on.

So it is with a heavy, heavy heart that I have to say farewell to this epic-ness of a drama. Seriously, my wednesday's and thursday's have never been this good. *sigh*

But City Hunter, is definitely going on my "keep" list. For months and months of re-watching.

Note: SPOILERS AHEAD
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I know I usually wait till the drama subs are 100% but I just couldn't handle it. I figured I've watched enough k-dramas to watch Episode 19 at 80%. My tolerance levels suck.

Anyway, after sitting at the edge of my seat through a series of almost-deaths, I think we finally, finally, FINALLY have one. I don't know what to think..or feel for that matter. Young-Joo is a pretty important character. But the way he dies..I don't know if I like it. I wish Choon-Jae Man died instead. Or Park-Min-Young. Because really, after her epic almost death scene, her appearances really serve no point for the drama except to comfort Lee Min Ho..from like the sidelines after he unceremoniously dumps her and tells her not to help him again. What a bummer.

I can't believe it though. You'd think a blood-thirsty type of drama like this would have no scruples killing people off, but after every almost-death scene, I'm really starting to doubt if Young-Joo is gonna die at all. I know, how morbid of me. He has his veterinarian ex-wife to save. Maybe Young Sung will carry him to her. But this is an ACTION drama. Shouldn't people die?! Or at least satisfy watchers like us by savagely killing the baddies? At least kill off that pest of a security guard. We're almost at episode 20 and I see is ONE death.

Hmmm, I don't know if I want Nana to end up with Young Sung. I'd rather he die. But then this other part of me wants him to live. Happily with his mother and her. Which is hardly probable because, come to think of it, assassin's don't get happy endings. According to poetic justice anyway. Logic wants death. Heart wants life. Alas, they never seem agree =(

Although I still can't tell what the drama is alluding to. I mean from his side you see the frame and automatically start foreshadowing that they're not gonna end up together and both will die a painful death. Him trying to kill the president and her trying to protect him. On the other hand, you see Nana's side of the frame and it's in another frame, glass intact.




Maybe, MAYBE, I'm seeing this the wrong way. It might mean that from his perspective, this relationship is a no-go whilst she firmly believes that they have a chance despite what the odds the are. Well, Nana, I think you should listen to Young Sung on this one. If he's still alive after successfully capturing three hugely power hungry political leaders, he's bound to be pretty damn good at calculating the odds. Just sayin'

And WTF. Target no.4 and 5 are still alive?! Writers, you do realize that the ending isn't that far away. I'm gonna get SO furious if the ending jam-packed and retarded. *throws a hissy fit*

The last episode better be good. I'm not kidding.

How jealous am I that Lee-Min-Ho is doing that to her hair?

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reading in between the lines

My heart's a stereo
It beats for your, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note

So would you, if I called, pick up my phone?
Or would you ignore it because, whether friend or foe, you don't know which I've become?
Because I know, I would.

Make me your radio
Turn me up when you feel low
This melody was meant for you
Just sing along to my stereo

Life for me, like for all of us, has come undone
The future, like the present, the webs of attachment we've spun
They all fall away, they lead us astray.
It's not until we lose 'em all that we realize how much they weigh

If I was just another dusty record on the shelve
Will you blow me off and play me like everybody else
If I ask you to scratch my back, could you manage that
Like it read well, check it Travie, I can handle that
Furthermore, I apologize for any skipping tracks
This the last girl that play me left a couple cracks
I used to used to used to used to, now I’m over that
Cause holding grudges over love is ancient artifacts

Like a tape being backtracked, I keep coming back to you
In your absence, or presence, never thought we were through
Years have passed, we're taller than we were before
Shocked, astonished, we couldn't quite predict what the future had in store

If I could only find a note to make you understand
I sing a song and the image grab me by the hands
Keep myself inside your head, like your favorite tune
And know my heart is a stereo that only plays for you

I've picked up the phone, put it down again
Noticed that your number faded from my brain
So listen up, my hearts a stereo, not my head
It wants to reconnect, but logic wins instead

My heart's a stereo
It beats for you, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note

I want to count the years, the months that have passed
The old ones, the new ones, all the memories we've cast
Sure, my concept of agendas are freakishly twisted
Months don't follow the order that calenders have listed
But hear my notes, it's the thought that counts
Not the number of missed glances that ignorance amounts

Make me your radio
Turn me up when you feel low
This melody was meant for you
Just sing along to my stereo

Conversations were had, hands were held
Shoulders were lent, relationships were spelled
But you, as opposed to others, somehow managed to stick through
Are you as confused as I am? Well, that makes us two.

If I wasn't old school, fifty pound boombox
Would you hold me on your shoulder, wherever you walk

If closeness had a new meaning, way beyond friendship
Would you consider holding an us within your grip?

Would you turn my volume up before of the cops
And crank it higher everytime they told you to stop
And all I ask is that you don't get mad at me
When you have to purchase mad D batteries
Appreciate every mixtape your friends make
You never know we come and go like we're on the interstate

If I had asked you to re-evaluate
There'd be nothing else to debate
Never thought that distance and time would come in between
Thought we had the defeated the continuum, but awkward's becoming routine

I think finally found a note to make you understand
If you can hear it, sing along and take me by the hands
Keep myself inside your head, like your favorite tune
And know my heart is a stereo that only plays for you

I don't think confessions need to be made,
The roles that you and me have pretended to stage
Wish it was acting, words merely melody
But hear my notes carefully, it's sincerely an apology

I only pray you never leave me behind
Because good music can be so hard to find
I take your hand and pull it closer to mine
Thought love was dead, but now you're changing my mind

Can't forget, can't erase,
Tried to follow every trace
Moments we've talked, the games we used to play
Tried to make us black and white, but we're still stuck in the grey
I've pressed replay, scrutinized the pause
Glared at the stop button, trying to understand the cause

My heart's a stereo
It beats for your, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note

Hold my hand again, it's time I held it tight
Won't let it go, we've reached a new height
Like I said, we're taller, we're stronger
We've earned the right to say the word longer

Make me your radio
Turn me up when you feel low
This melody was meant for you
Just sing along to my stereo

So hear me out, I have the right words to say
The passing years, passing minutes, they've made me sway
Smile back, and so will I
Because this time around, I have you. What else can I have to deny?

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twitter, the sidekick

Manal has shifted over to the dark sideeeee. Muhahahahaha. Okay no. I used to openly and un-abashedly scrutinized those who joined Twitter - cause after all, its literally a media hoax to get celebrities to spill the beans on their lives. Which I seem to immensely enjoy. Until, of course, I joined Twitter and realized the endless possibilities and stalking I could do with it. It's a jazzed up version of Facebook, where instead of stalking your frenemies you get to stalk - *drumrolls* - CELEBRITIES! (and models, famous-for-nothing people, actors, presidents and promiscuous senators). Oh, the endless delirium.

I know, I know, I'm a decade too late for this. But regardless, how could I possibly be attracted to a social network that restricts its users to 140 words? That's preposterous for a person like me who relishes writing paragraph after paragraph of what happens in her life at every waking second. AND YOU CAN'T EVEN CUSTOMIZE YOUR PAGE? How retarded is that?

But I digress. It's the perfect interface for time-ridden people who hardly care about customization features - as opposing to nerds like me - and would rather tweet away brief snippets of their movements to us, avid fans, who are hungrily waiting for it.

I have to thank James Morgan for his reference to Twitter else I would have never found the rest of the cast of TVD (i.e Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, etc). Here's a picture of the both of em at the Comic Con event. I gotta say Nina manages to look exactly the same in every picture.

And here's one of their conversations I found highly amusing:

Paul Wesley: Why am I always stuck sitting next to Klaus on the plane?

James Morgan: Could be something to do with the fact you asked the guy next to me to switch with you ;)

Paul Wesley: Klaus stop pretending like you weren't the one who asked him.

James Morgan: let's not split hairs Stefan, just be happy in the knowledge you get to sit next to me.

Paul Wesley: I will cherish every moment.

Aw, these two. I wouldn't mind if these two become confidantes later in the show. Even if they do kill people at first. Oh well. Show, even if I totally hate the idea of vampires, you've totally got me addicted. Can't wait till season 3 is here. P.S. And I totally didn't know that Nina Dobrev and Kate Walsh were that close. Amusing, nonetheless. Both are Torontonians, perhaps? Nothing like bonding over Toronto, I presume.

Yep. So that's how I managed to entertain myself on an 8 hour long picnic where I basically just sat on the railing and celebrity stalked. Gotta love you Twitter.

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a postcard to henry purcell

Never thought I'd do any of these things before:

• Watch Vampire Diaries - but admittedly I'm glad I did because firstly the actors are hot, hot, hot and secondly because their OST isn't all that bad. I could get used to it. Not to mention that they even managed to put in the bit about how wrong Twilight is about vampires. You sure, show, that you're not going in the same direction?


• Gossip Girl! - yeah, Leighton Meester/Blair Waldorf you do your job very well. No matter how annoying you are, somehow, your pretty little Manolo Blahniks save the day. We'll forget the bitchy, forget the drama, forget the useless banter. Go straight to the outfits. Cause if any show rocks more than the runway, its this one.


• Waste another summer by - mostly - blogging. Seriously. What is it about mindlessly typing away my problems? There's something so therapeutic about it.


• Watch the last part of the Harry Potter movie without shedding a single tear. Last time around, it didn't go so well, what with Dobby's tragic death and all. Seriously, any person who had a heart would cry for the loyal house elf.


• Go two days without BBM and texting. Its probably cause I don't have parents who are just as obsessed with technology as I am. Else, I'd be having a competition with my parents as to who can live without their phone the longest a la Modern Family.


• FINALLY get myself to watch the Office. Jim and Pam, I love you so much.





• Say no to three plans in a row. I'm such a flake. I should consider not making them in the first place. Bailing is soo hard. *sniff*


• Go crazy over the accounts of Siddhartha Gautama. Turns out Deepak Chopra's biography of him was pretty darn close. I can't help but be judgmental about books that look too thin. I mean you must need a lot of great words to describe such an axial figure in religion.


• Start cooking! No fire hazards, edible food - sometimes quite delicious, and bake. Damn the symptoms of celibacy are starting to appear. I need to get married, pronto.


• Discover that couples like Jay & Gloria and Stefan & Elena and Kang Ji Hwan & Yun Eun Hye don't exist in real life. I was hoping to postpone that realization towards my thirties. Aren't I supposed to be a twenty somethin' jammin it up? Where did all that need to be pretty go away to? I think the heat might've melted it. Eurgghh.





• Love the Office. John Krasinski, you're more responsible for this than Steve Carell. Something Borrowed was totally dedicated to you XD.


• Start hiding chocolate coated almonds under the sofa. Again.


• Do math during the summer. Practice makes perfect?


• Glance back at my micro-electronics book. Apparently it takes more than two months to collect dust.


• Wear a skirt. They actually look better on me than pants!


• Think that fish is tastier than meat. So mouth-watering when combined with ranch sauce. Outta this worldd.

Never thought I would make a list this long. Hehe.

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at the end of all your lines

To keep my need of asking myself questions and answering them alive, a thorough analysis - or rather a bitter recount - of my "awesome" summer is in order.

A new love life perhaps?
If watching romantic soaps count =)

Lee Min Ho or Ian Somerhalder?
Gabriel Macht. What can I say, this girl likes her share of empty suits, thousand-dollar haircuts and witty dialogues.

Fine, Kang-Ji-Hwan or Channing Tatum?
*grumbles* Sharing is caring? No? No. Okay, no. Wrong. No. PLEASE? No.

With a gun to your head?
Ryan Reynolds.

Seriously? George Clooney? Still?
Oceans Series. Micheal Clayton. Up in the Air. Need I say more on this topic? If he thinks he's young enough to hook up with twenty somethins, why can't I be just as deluded?

New Diet Plan?
I wouldn't say that. The last time I said that, an aunt gave me the full check-up look and told me she saw no difference and on the contrary, I looked a lot chubbier. I've learned to shut up after that. It's more like a diet in which I follow the whole "eat-breakfast-like-a-king-eat-lunch-like-a-merchant-eat-dinner-like-a-peasant" rule.

Journey of Faith?
Conference? I sure hope this time around its loads of fun.

Pride and Prejudice?
This Elizabeth Bennett is still looking for her Darcy. And hoping she doesn't have to settle with a Collins

And the self-esteem issues haven't died yet
Nope. They never will. My thighs will always be too big. My tooth will always be crooked. Maybe a British guy will find it endearing?

Up in the Air?
Don't know what's more fatal. Earthquakes or plane crashes. I'll get back to you on that.

The Hijab Obsession
Everytime I go to Winners in College, I just have to see a hijab that's for sale. Not to mention the overload of Dina-Tokio and Yaz-the-Spazz videos I've been watching on youtube recently. Doesn't make it easier.


The Baby Fad
I don't know what it is. Every time I see any creature between 0 days and 2 years, I go Gaga.

The little Women - as in highschool/diaper buddies.
We have defeated the space-time continuum. I officially declare that no matter what the distance or how much time has passed, there is barely anything that won't keep my faith in them intact.
Space-time continuum + my laziness = wins.

Cheating friends' boyfriends?
Sluts be thrown down Lake Ontario. Rot in the Atlantic Ocean. No, that's too nice. I'll come up with something better. Who would have ever thought they take "exile" in their native land and then get married? Definitely the story of the year and one I'll never forget.

The plethora of books you've just read?
And had to pay a fine for it. Me and my convoluted understanding of time.

Unemployment faring well?
Umeployment? No no, I'm happily employed. Please keep that word at least ten miles away from me. It was responsible for a lot of sleepless nights.

Harry Potter and the...
Hunger Games. I'm confused who should win. The again, I've yet to read the Hunger Games.

Missing George Weasley already?
Nawh. He's still alive. In my head at least. Not that I'm too happy about him Apparating to random places in my mind. But with the good comes the bad, right?

Debt Crisis?
As long as my bank isn't empty. Yes, it has gone down to that.

Mother-Daughter Bonding?
If cooking lessons with me sitting on top of the counter with gravy all over myself count, then sure. Bonding it is.

Writing?
Still here, aren't I?

Believe in Vampires?
No. Just because I watch Vampire Diaries doesn't make me a believer. Can't a girl get some eye candy around here in peace?

Movie marathon?
Nope. Mourning the loss of the Blockbuster Chain. Only ended up watching Channing Tatum movies ... and really getting pissed at Amanda Seyfried for ditching him in Dear John. Stupidest romantic movie in the history of bad chick flicks.

Pitbull, really?
No more. Reliving the yester-years of Maroon 5.

Eve of Earthquake
Spent crouching under the table and hoping that God give me Mercy.

Loving the Crackberry
In dire need of an Android. Pronto.

Ever forgive Apple?
When iTunes comes up with an app for organizing my music with the correct album cover with the right song. I might come around then.

University?
Can't wait for it to end.

Wanna be back?
Maybe in a year.

Loving Nathan?
Sure, if he ever buys me a new phone.

Concept of Marriage?
Diluted with familial experiences.

Again, why Vampire Diaries?
Because too many hotties in one show is bound to catch a girl's attention. No matter how badly they act.

In Conclusion?
Koffee with Karan is the most addictive and hilarious show on this planet. 

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