Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Memoirs

Due to certain reasons, I have been cutting paper. After cutting the same designs over and over again, I've decided to try out something new. I went online to find a couple of stencils and I found THIS



She's a beauty isn't it? I thought, this would be my first A4 sized project, so, I decided to go ahead with the whole idea.



Her hair is about a millimeter. I had a tough time cutting the rounded edges.



Her kimono was the real challenge.



Her sleeves were just so hole-y. The shape of each hole determined the shape of the sleeves. So I had to cut that out really carefully. Her obi was "thrilling".



This is what it looks like from the back. This would soon be the product.




The kimono patterns were pretty simple if you were to just look at it. Cutting it was tough. Each flower had a hole in the middle. Cutting a minute, circle was tough.



Cutting the rest of the flowers on the kimono.



The flow of the kimono was so important. With the curves, it determined the geisha's elegant and poised features.



Several blisters and a small cut later, I have reached towards the end of the project. I have yet to cut her face, hands and foot. But for now I need to take a break. All in all, I took about 5 hours to do this. I need to do a little bit of touch up her and there and then I'll be sticking this on a white piece of card. I'm thinking about doing a collection on the Japanese culture. What do you think? I've got loads of stencils, perfect for the portfolio. I'll show you the finished product in the next post.

Gotta go put plasters on my fingers now.

Toodles with love,
Alanna the Banana

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Singapore Trip Pictures

My dear cousins, you can take your pictures from here. I couldn't be bothered to upload it on facebook. Lazy. haha! Anyway, if you have more pictures, send them to me!! Thanks!



































Just so you know

Don't mind me. Emo post ahead. I just need to let out this one.

So you've been gone for 21 days already. On the 7th, you left for Australia to attend a funeral. You promised me a day before that you would do your very best to come back on the 9th to see me on prom night. I didn't keep my hopes high, yet, I did. I wanted to see you step out of that elevator, looking around to find for me, only to find me waiting, sitting on a couch nearby. I wanted you to call saying that you've arrived safely and that you're on the way to the hotel to see me. When prom started, I didn't talk much to my friends cause I missed you. I didn't want to take alot of picture cause I constantly thought about you. I wasn't even a good date to my friend cause deep down I wished it was you who took me to prom. After an hour, I made two calls to you. As expected, you didn't pick up. Anyway, you said if you were to get a flight, you would land at 11-something pm. I waited. Friends noticed how glum I looked that night. They noticed I wasn't smiling as usual because this was what I had been waiting for. They noticed I wasn't happy. I woke up from that sad, pitiful image and thought to myself. I became more lively, asking my date to dance since he was shy. But, they were just all fake. Fake smiles, fake happiness. I just couldn't be happy. I danced and danced and danced! It was the only way I could get rid of the frustration and sadness. When the slow song came on and when I had to dance with my date, I wished it was you. You were constantly on my mind. Prom ended at about 12. I called you for the last time, still, no answer.

Patiently I waited. All the way to the 16th. I couldn't remember if you were coming back on this date or on the 18th. But I waited anyway. I checked my phone constantly. After the 19th, I thought you might have left for England as you said you would be going there again during Christmas and somewhere else during the New Years. But I prayed you would be back before Christmas. 25th came and I called. Still no answer. I sent you a text message wishing you and saying I missed you alot and told you to call me when you arrive home. I looked at your Facebook profile. It is inactive for a month already. Now its the 28th. And I'm still waiting. For you. Just one text message would do. One. Even a word would do. Even a blank text would be fine. That's how much I miss you.

You said you loved me. Remember I was so shocked that I didn't reply for awhile and in the end I said, "Are you sure?". I wanted you to be sure of your feelings. I didn't want to be swayed by what you said. I need to know whether you really meant it. You said I've made an impact on you. I didn't know how to reply to it and that made you a little upset. You were throwing childish tantrums like you always did but in the end I comforted you by saying that I like you alot and I really missed you, and that I have feelings for you I, myself can't express. But do you mean it all? Do you really love me or was it just the perfect words to say at that moment? Did it take a landslide to make you say "I love you" ? Did I really make an impact on you?

I stayed right beside you all along. Even though I was on the way to Singapore, I constantly prayed for your safety when you told me that your house was near the landslide area. Thank god, you were safe. I kept on asking you if you were fine. But you, being such a dear, you helped your friends by moving their stuff out of their houses. You, being so brave, stayed strong and supported your friends through the situation, even though you yourself were afraid. You were alone that time because the rest of your family had gone to Hong Kong. But you stayed in KL for me cause you wanted to work things out between us. The time when you left so abruptly during my examinations made me so upset that I broke down and had to depend on my friends for support and comfort. In that week, when I needed you the most, you weren't there. I woke up every morning and told myself if I was good enough, if I studied hard, you would text me soon. I broke from the spell next day and started studying but you were still constantly on my mind. Then one day out of the blue when my examinations were over, you texted me. You said you went to England. I didn't believe you cause I called you that day and you picked up. I confronted you with anger and frustration. You said that maybe you weren't important to me. Damn it, you were! I put your happiness in front of mine, constantly making sure you weren't getting bored of the conversations we were having. I was so angry at you. But I forgave you. I took you into my life once again. I told you not to feel bad about what happened even though you said you would disappoint me again in the future. I told you I didn't care about the past or the future cause what I cared was now.
You would probably have forgotten about this already but remember when we met at camp, we exchanged phone numbers and constantly texted each other day and night? I thought we had something going on then. I liked you so much. Your sweet words and you jokes that constantly made me smile and laugh. But it ended on mooncake festival. I still remember when you stopped sending me text messages. You said you were having a fever then. But that was just an excuse, wasn't it? That was three years ago, but the image is still clear in my mind. Then when we went back to camp in december again, I was happy that I could finally see you again. I took all the chances I had to work with you. I sat next to you during the meetings. Talked to you about my participants. When my friend's mom passed away, you made me laugh along with the other guys. It helped me so much that night knowing I had people that cared for me. But there was one thing I was most upset about that time. You got together with my friend. I was devastated. But I had to let go didn't I? Now that your back here, in my life, saying you love me, I'm glad. I was smart enough to let go of you then cause I knew back then, there would be a time when you would come to me once again.

But baby, how long must I wait for you? How long more? I don't mind if it's another week or another 2 weeks cause I've gone through 21 days without you right? But are you worth the wait? Though my friends think that this thing we have here is over, I still think that there are more for us to discover together. There was once when I tried to move on, but I couldn't plus, I didn't want to move on without you. I told you I wasn't ready for a relationship right? I am now. I remember you said that it doesn't take someone to be ready for a relationship or not cause you would learn during the process when two people become a couple.

No one leaves another after they say "I love you" right? No one would just break promises without giving an explanation why right? These are the things I say to comfort myself. I hope it turns out true.

If you read this post, call me. Cause these are the exact words I wanna say to you. I want you to bring me to a ferris wheel like you promised. I want to see the city at night with you because it's what I love and you promised as well. I'm ready for a relationship with you. No matter what the future brings us, I want you to be by my side for now. I love you.


With love,
Your baby.

My Kittens

I went to one u today! Again. I'm getting sick of the place. Seriously. I've been to that mall at least 20 times since the day SPM finished. Anyway, went to check out shoes for next year! College and all. I bought these darlings. They looked so adorable. And believe it or not, they were the last ones. Lucky me!!



Pretty aren't they? Guys, you might not understand how we girls feel. Gals, you know you feel right? It's THE shoe!! Anyway, I got these kitten heels at RM 47.20 at Vincci. They are also available in black and beige. But white is pretty ain't it? Ain't it?? Oh yeah, 20% discount. The price was originally at RM 59.



Vincci has a fantastic collection this time around. When you're looking for shoes, they are just so damn difficult to find. However, when it's the opposite scenario, you would find all sorts of shoes. From yummy heels to comfortable-yet-stylish sandals/flats. Everything looks gorgeous!! I wanted to buy 4 pairs. 3 heels from Vincci, a pair of sandals from Mod and another pair of heels from Eclipse. Gosh! Just got mom to buy me these babies. Guess I have to wait for Chinese New Year.



They were just fantastic. So girls, get out there and do some shoe shopping. Most of the shoes in Vincci are on 20% discount. Mod is having a sale up to 30%. Eclipse.. well.. no sale but the new collection is just bold, daring and GORGEOUS!! Right, Vincci has those half price shoes right? Check those out. You might find something pretty there. I found one pair of green and black heels, about an inch high. More for like wearing out with jeans and all. Cute. It was RM 29, if i'm not mistaken. I found size 4, but it was loose and mom was saying that the pair i bought was enough already.

Even mom herself bought a pair of heels. They make a bold statement, and the colour combination of it is just fantastic. Earthy colours, mixed with a tinge of orange. It's a beauty. My cousin got herself a pair of flats. Simple but nice. White base with a white strap around the toe and a dark olive green strap. Considering she's 12, it doesn't make her look matured. The shoe makes a I'm-stylish-in-a-sense-where-I-can-be-worn-by-the-young-and-matured statement. Suitable!!

Anyway, gotta go strut in my kitties now. They are just so prettyful!!!

Toodles with love,
Alanna the banana

Monday, December 22, 2008

Seafood in Singapore

No, I'm not taking about the seafood as in prawns, crabs and etc. It's more about the lala-s and the ah bengs. We refer them as seafood now, it seems more convinient and less insulting. Ok, maybe it is insulting but picture this - you're in a mall and there are so many lalas and ah bengs. You wouldn't say omg, there are soooo many lalas!! - insulting isn't it? This is what you should say - "OMG, it's seafood haven!!!". Sounds so much better and less obvious.

I've got nothing against these people. Ok, maybe I do. I just can't help it! I'm sorry! I can't help but to critisize about what they wear, how they tie their hair, how the pose in pictures, how high their socks are, how filli-falla their shirt is! Omg, someone stop me!

Anyway, I went to Singapore on the 6th for my cousin's wedding (it's a little too late now is it?). So we decided to go to Orchard Road to do a little shopping since it was sale and all. I was walking with my parents and cousins when i started noticing something. There were no lala-s or ah bengs along orchard road or in any of the shopping malls along it. NONE! Ok, maybe one, but it was my cousin. I made sure i was a metre behind her at all times but still close enough to let my relatives know that we're in a group. Back to the topic, I looked around and observed the people. Tourists, locals, still no signs of any seafood. From takashimaya to wheelock, my seafood-detector had no signals. I don't know about any other places like Vivo city (cause i never got the chance to go there to shop this time around), but as far as i know, Orchard Road is seafood-free. I couldn't believe my eyes have stayed sooooo clean for 5 hours already. From that moment, I knew the trip to Singapore was going to be perfect.

According to Matthew, Vivo city was filled with seafood. But isn't Vivo prominent as Orchard Road? Oh well. So, if anyone of you wants to enjoy a scene where it is seafood-free, please, enjoy yourselves in Orchard Road. Boxing day is tomorrow right? According to Matthew, the designer brands are having a sale from 70% and below. Yeah, except Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and all those expensive shops. I mean like Gap, Guess, all those shops which are expensive yet affordable in a way. You know what i mean. So those in Singapore, enjoy yourselves alright?!

Merry Christmas once again!


Toodles with love,
Alanna the Banana
Yes, yes. You've been waiting for another post. (Perasan kan?) I've been busy. Christmas is coming after all. This is what I have been doing. Cards. So, allow me to be a litle bit showy, after all, I'm showing you my creative side.


First off, a sketch. Using a compass, ruler, and pencil.


Adding in designs. A little bit more complicated.


The design is complete. Mind you, everything is done with proper measurement.


Trace the design on the paper. And cut the edges precisely.


Prettyful ain't it? With patience, I got this perfect one.


I wanted it red, but i ran out of it. Green ain't that bad either.


Printed out a nice message.


And its done!

Don't you just love my card? Those who I didn't give, I'm sorry, I would love to, but I had a really difficult time finishing 8 cards. I couldn't do more than that cause I had blisters and cuts. Lol. Yes, I'm willing to sacrifice for my work.

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!


Toodles with love,
Alanna The Banana

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Hitting the Snooze Button

DOCTOR: Drama queen is in a coma right now.....until she wakes up.

PS. Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Toodles with love,
Sleeping Alanna The Banana

Friday, December 5, 2008

Cause you're a guy!

I'm sure all of us have come across a situation where the guy always complains about how girls care too much about what they wear. Whether it is in our daily lives, in books, on tv, on the radio, over MSN, et cetera, et cetera, we constantly face this small situation which usually ends up in a arguement, as in a small, unofficial debate. It will never end until something else distracts both parties.

I do agree that we, girls care about what we wear. ALOT. We strive to look good, feel good and be good. For who I ask? Ourselves and sometimes the guys, but mostly for ourselves. We dress up differently for different occassions, we plan what to wear for a normal outting, its just important to us women. So why did i bring the topic up?

My mom was telling me how she can't find nice black heels to go with her outfit for the coming wedding this sunday in Singapore. I offered her my heels but she said they were a little too high for her (3 inches isn't high). My dad (suffering from menopause or probably PMS) got kind of agitated and told my mom to just simply wear a pair of shoes. He even said, "If I was a woman, I don't think I would even care what I wear". I immediately responded saying that he would definitely care if he was one. We started arguing. I lost cause he started raising his voice. I knew I could never stand a chance. I can't piss the old man off any longer cause it would give him a heart attack.

Girls, if you don't agree with me on this, I say your LYING. You DO care about what you wear because the clothes you wear represents your character. You DO care because you know that when you go out, some other person would definitely critisize on what you are wearing. You DO care because you want to give a good impression on people, especially on the guy you have a crush on. You CARE!

The guys would probably say, "Yeah, girls think too much of their clothing." Then the girls would probably say, "You wouldn't understand cause you're a guy!". Hey guys, we girls dress ourselves up during prom to make you feel good about taking us as a date. We pay alot of money so that you would find us attractive for that one special night. Guys, don't ruin that one special night for us. You BETTER pay us compliments! >=[

Going to singapore tomorrow! SALE! Yes, I'm going to look for those heels. They better be there waiting for me.

Toodles with love,
Alanna the banana.

P.S. - I don't mean calling my dad an old man. Just got kind of frustrated with him.

Monday, December 1, 2008

God, please help me find a pair of nice heels!

OK, i know i know! I haven't been exactly updating my blog. You gotta excuse a girl who is looking for her prom stuff ya know? It's difficult finding a dress, a pair of shoes, accessories, and other minor details. Trust me its seriously frustrating.

Prom. It is defined as a formal dance, especially one held by a class in high school or college at the end of a year. Guys and girls rushing to get their dream outfits to impress one another. Planning every single minute detail for that one special night. From their hairstyle to the manicures, they must be perfect. Wonder why we go through so much just for a few hours?

Almost every girl has been dreaming about prom since the beginning of the year. I am one of those girls. Malaysia isn't a country where they have dances every few months unlike America. One of those typical teenage chick flicks would show a scene where the guy picks up the girl and brings her to the function and they share a nice slow dance together. They look perfect and they stand out from the crowd because she has a oh-so-gorgeous dress, and the guy is always oh-so-HOT/CUTE! Because of these typical scenes from A Cinderella Story, The Princess Diaries, one of those karate shows starring Hilary Swank and et cetera, et cetera, we girls tend to think about how we want to dress up like them and find a fantastic prom date when we get the chance to attend one of these dances. Unfortunately, you dont get whatever you want. I got a great prom date that's for sure. Finding the dress and the other stuff can really kill. I still can't find my shoes. Is it really that difficult to find shoes that would match with my dress? Its like God made the shoe designers retarded this month! You know what would cheer me up? White Daisies. *hint hint*

Anyway, its coming. Prom is coming. In 5 days time. 130 students from WMS including other schools, are coming to attend HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR, WMS PROM '08. Excited? Surprisingly, after planning a whole year how I would wanna dress up and all, I dont feel excited about it yet. Leaving the school hasn't even hit me yet. Oh well.

I, Alanna Ong Min Quen, have got a new HAIRDO! Yes. Those of you who have seen it, SHH.


i look like medusa. LOL

Toodles with love,
Alanna the Banana