Yes! Finally a candidate for the best chick flick Mave has ever watched!

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

I have to admit this is among the first few movies I've proactively rewinded sections just to relive the movie scenes again and again. Trust me, I haven't done this since I practiced speed-sketching paused scenes of Disney animated movies when I was in my early teens.

Perhaps I am inclined to be a hopeless romantic (pls pardon my estrogens), but I have to acknowledge that there's something else apart from the chemistry that went on between Lizzie (Keira McKnightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), that grabbed my interest throughout the movie: Strong supporting characters and well- elaborated background (props/sceneries)

I was pretty darn amused by Mrs. Bennett's anxiety to play the match-maker of her oh-too-many daughters. I mean, can we blame her for having panic attacks, every time a rich and suitable suitor comes along the way? It highlighted the position of women during those times and I have to say that I'm glad that my future doesn't solely depend on who I marry. And yes, do not have too many daughters.

Mr. Charles Bingley kept getting all his lines wrong, leaving it open for misinterpretation "It's a pleasure to have you with us, when you're ill". XD;; But since I had the impression that he's pretty "friendly" and "down-to-earth" by our modern terms, I was more than happy to vouch for both him and Jane.

Mr. Darcy reminds me of an online acquaintance. UC, my friend, don't get me wrong. It's not the initial arrogance or prideful disposition towards the inferiority of birth that I'm associating you with. But rather, Mr. Darcy's quiet reserved mannerism and style of conversing greatly reminded me of you. If you have never watched this film due to the chick flick factor, may I suggest you do if you're curious to know what I mean by style of conversing. I don't know how to describe it except that it uses wit and sophisticated terms, typical of a good English classic literature. He keeps a lot of things to himself and rarely opens himself to anyone else, which leads to many people having misconceptions towards him.

Elizabeth Bennett came off as a headstrong, outspoken and intelligent woman even if she couldn't draw, play the piano, sew or have skills that accomplished women were supposed to have then. I was pretty inspired by how she stood up for her self-worth and dignity when Lady Catherine tried to put her down by interrogating her on her skills during dinnertime in front of other guests. Crazy old woman even made her play the piano when Lizzie openly said that she couldn't play the piano well. Lizzie just went ahead and played it, exuding how confident and comfortable she felt with her own limited abilities. Wow. I could learn a time or two from this lady.

And of course, the chemistry. Good griefy, the love scenes were pretty darn well-executed, I for once, cannot rate any cheesiness in it. I may have cringed at the passionate "I love you"s but it was wisely limited in the script. Instead, it was the meaningful glances, facial expressions, witty conversations and simple acts that powerfully delivered the message of love to the audience that these two were falling in love.

These were the scenes I rewinded a few times 1) The dance where Mr. Darcy finally decided to dance with Lizzie (the conversation amuses me) 2) When Lizzie visits her sister and appears in front of Mr. Darcy and Caroline feeling pretty comfortable with her muddy shoes XD 3) When Lizzie first met with Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy steps out from the background - Man, the way he looked at her was intensely passionate.....Phew! 4) When Lizzie first meets Mr. Darcy's sister = I could feel a slightly different Mr. Darcy then....I think he opens himself much more in the presence of those he loved - sister and his love interest, Lizzie >:)

At the end of the movie, my only regret was that the movie itself had ended. As a whole, it's one of the best romance movies I've seen for a long time, delivering a great message regarding societal status and human prejudices, as well as spotlighting two characters I couldn't help cheering for throughout the film! XD

Graduation weekend.....

Not for me that is. (^_^) I made two trips this weekend back to campus to see a variety of friends graduate. Some observations:

1) I only recognize a few faces among the whole Indonesian community.

2) I was the only Malaysian at Anand's graduation. Shame on all you other Malaysians!

3) The most senior batch of Indonesians (aka university alumni & currently working) have gotten bitten by the marriage bug and will whisk off to Commitmentland this summer.

4) No sight of any -aunties- who come around asking "So, when are you getting married?"

While I'm pretty happy with the 4th observation, the first two seems to hint that it's time to move on. Hehehehe.

As for the 3rd observation: "No comment."

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This weekend, I'm also keeping myself busy studying for the 2nd phone interview for a sensory scientist position in Asia next week and I'm a little confused with how I feel going into it.


Colleagues/Manager: You need to make sure your knowledge in sensory science is strong and describe your work experience clearly. For those skills you don't really have, emphasize that you understand what you're lacking and what you plan to improve in. Study this and this and this....

Friends: It's OK, you'll be fine. With all the education and work experience you have at this level, they will sure hire you! Back in Asia, it's really hard to find ppl like you. Don't worry! XD

Underqualified or overqualified? (0_0);; I'm getting mixed messages here.

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Job Responsibilities

1) Provides guidance on product development in a variety of food categories and leads complex sensory projects.


2) Collaborates with cross-functional teams including flavor creation, application, marketing, consumer marketing research, analytical and other research groups; guides project teams with sensory research.


3) Develops innovative approaches for descriptive analysis; implements training program and maintenance of new descriptive panel; involves global sensory team for standardization of new research approaches.


4)Determines appropriate consumer test methods; plans and coordinates projects in cooperation with other sensory scientists, consumer marketing researchers and external agencies.


5)Develops new sensory methods and state-of-the-art technologies to expand the sensory capabilities and ability to answer complex problems


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It was intimidating at initial viewing but when I think really hard about it, I've been doing just that in the last 11 months of my life. So what the heck, take a gulp, take a deep breath and give it the best. God with us.

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I'm pretty excited about meeting UC and Ann at this FAnime 2006 more than actually going to the convention. I mean:

FAnime = Crazy ppl who dress up as hentai girls, yaoi paddles and Man-Fayes
UC & Ann = XD

No pressure guys. Let's impress each other with bad habits or weird antics. I guess I'm just happy to meet ppl who understand this part of me that I've been keeping to myself for 1/4 of a decade. :) Even my hero in statistics, TonyG told me it'll be great for me to get a fresh outlook with a California trip. He knows my drawing dreams and aspirations (apart from mastering statistics, that is) and encouraged me to pursue it.

Btw, TonyG writes reviews on classical music. He rocks my socks. http://www.classical-music-review.org/


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Lastly, I've observed certain things that are difficult to explain unless it is experienced personally. One morning, I finally said to God, "God, pls help me with this job interview and writing my webmanga." I was truly tired and giving up with my expended strength.

Later in the day, I recall finding my mind being filled with ideas for my job interview; almost like a rivergate opened! Wow. I had to write it all down before those thoughts went away. Upon coming home, I had a lot of thoughts on the direction of my webmanga. I was so happy and thanked God for a kind and swift response. Absurb or pure coincidence, I don't really care. I just believe.