Noodle Girl

Armageddon 2012 

So I’m not going to delve into what Armageddon is in great detail but for those of you who don’t know, it’s basically a convention for sci-fi, gaming and anime enthusiast and one of the growing trends at the event is cosplay. Cosplay is simply a form of role play where people don in costume to dress up as characters they like and perform skits on stage.

Now most cosplayers tend to keep their costume a secret, but I’m not enough of an enthusiast to hide mine so I’ll go ahead and share it. I’m going as Rinoa Heartilly from Final Fantasy VIII. People tend to go as characters they like but my appeal is the costume alone. So if you start rambling about how amazing my character is which I have no doubt, just be aware I probably have no clue of who I’m playing. Maybe I should do more research and learn to know them but I prefer a degree of separation and spend time on the details of the costume. I’m more fixated on getting that right than being in character. I’m not a big role player I don’t participate in any of the contests.

Here is an image of the girl I’m going as. I found some facts about her while I was surfing the web. It seems that in the game she joins a resistance group led by Squall to fight against the Galbadia military who declared war on SEED, a troop of people trained to help people all over the world. So I have learnt something. :)

Scary Movie

Okay so I dropped by my mum’s house today for an afternoon brunch and guess what she made us watch? An Indian horror movie, though it was not her choice my sister wanted to watch something romantic and apparently that was it. I slept through most of it because I was tired from the night before. I couldn’t find where the blankets were so shivered through most of the night in my sheet of duvet.

Anyway, back to the movie we watched, now you have to bear in mind I haven’t seen a horror film in quite some time so you have to understand when I say it gave me discomfort. My heart wasn’t pounding but it wasn’t relaxed either.

I’m not sure how long the film was but I woke to some haunting cries. Not the best thing to awake to from an afternoon’s nap. I tried to comfort myself by convincing myself they were all wearing contacts and heavy makeup. I’m not sure if it worked. I suppose I’ll find out when I head to bed tonight.

I was initially going to say thumbs up for the terrified monkey, but realised tumblr doesn’t have that. haizzz Look at my crazy relative, has a strong resemblance to me. ;)

Day 1

So it’s nearly quarter to 8 in the morning and what am I doing? Well, besides the blogging I am house sitting for my sister while she’s away. Just fed the cat awhile ago and probably should fill my appetite as well since I’m feeling famished. Other then that I have nothing planned. I’ll probably drop by my house to pick up a few things; clothes, toothbrush, towel, the usual.

Once I get back I will think of things to do.  :)

My views on Kony 2012

I imagine all of you have seen it by now, but if you havent youtube it. The video went viral a couple of days ago and while there has been some public backlash against its organizers, one cannot refute the video’s good. That is what captivates us, not the intention of the film, but how it was developed and told. As an audience we are moved by its words and compelled to share our experience with one another. That is how we work. I think it would be naive to think the video is completely transparent, but people have to remember this is propaganda and how it works is that it builds on an idea and uses that to build followers. 

Overall, I think my views are mixed, while the doco is entertaining and their intentions are good, there are some minor things I disagree on:

- Do not support deportment of US soldiers

- Will not buy a Kony bracelet. It seems a little extreme to be selling merchandise for a man you despise. It is simply a waste of money and if they are true marketeers, they would know that merely sharing the video would have made him a celebrity. A gallery of souvenirs isn’t necessary to provide fame.

So what do I suggest to bring this man to justice? You could do nothing but maybe you could share it in hopes that the publicity it brings will prompt the Ugandan government to take action without US intervention. You decide…..    

Rant Part 2 - About Burma

I think one of the major selling points of being in Burma is that even though it’s deemed as the poorest country in Southeast Asia, it is the richest in religion, culture and charm. At least I believe so. While its isolation has meant it lags behind the rest of the world, it has also meant it has preserved its old traditions and wonderful history.

For instance, the palace in Mandalay, which I visited in 2009, holds a great deal about Burma’s ancestors. The palace itself was built to fulfil a prophecy told to King Mindon that Buddha was going to step foot upon a great city. The King ordered his men to build a walled city. Unfortunately, much of it was destroyed in WWII, but was restored in later years. The wooden pavilions are exquisite and display the fine craftsmanship of those who built it. There are many more wonders to discover!

If I could make the trip, I would like to go to Bagan this year. The ancient city of Mandalay, it once held over 10,000 Buddhist temples and pagodas. Only 2000 remain today however, the remaining monuments are a testament of time and religion. I like visiting places such as this. I feel a sense of peace and tranquillity that I cannot find anywhere else.

I do feel gratified that I have two places I could call home. New Zealand is where I’ve built my life, but Burma is where I was born.

By the way, if you are reading this Su, yes I know I have no point. My blogs aren’t meant to have one. They are merely a puzzle of my thoughts and people can do as they please. Piece my thoughts together to try and understand me.

What I’ve been up to…

Okay since I’ve decided to go to Burma at the end of the year I’ve spent most of the night researching on places to go. So far I haven’t had much luck since the places I want to go such as Naypyidaw, the “royal city” of Burma are not open to tourists.

The city itself is still under construction which is why only foreign diplomats or business associates are able to enter, but I’ve heard there are many attractions there so I’m dying to go! The main ones I’d like to see there are Naypyidaw Zoological Gardens, which houses 420 animals and the city playground that has a water fountain complex which has musical light shows every night.

Okay, so Naypyidaw’s probably one of the more extravagant cities out there, but I don’t think there’s any harm in indulging in that side of life. It would certainly be a nice change from what’s depicted on the news, which tends to highlight the country’s lack of growth and oppression.

It has been a long time coming for my country, but gradually it is changing and instigating Health, Communication and Educational reforms so I pray its future is blessed with great prosperity.

Though, besides that I should probably answer what many of you would like to know, which is whether it is a safe place to travel and for me, yes. While the country has its problems and hey, which country doesn’t? As long as you are not there to cause a ruskus, you are safe. Don’t provoke that’s all I have to say. Which to me is a fair deal considering travellers are “guests” and it requires some discretion on our part.  

On top of that the country is predominantly Buddhist, so it has been well-ingrained  by the people not to inflict harm towards others that it is a relatively safe place to be. However, that doesn’t mean to say you shouldn’t act cautiously. Still stay safe.

The Not So Serious Me

Today I want to share a funny story about myself.

Let’s see…how should I begin? This is just one of the many stories I have so bare with me while I ponder.

Well, this was something that happened to me in art class, when I was in 3^rd or 4^th form. The teacher had given us house paint to use as textures for our art and I was elated at the prospect of holding a giant paintbrush. That when I got the opportunity, I started throwing the paint profusely.

I was having the greatest time of my life (yes to reconfirm, I have no life) until I noticed THAT! *Dun Dun Duuhhhhh*…There was a drop of paint on my friend’s bag . Now she was a mutual friend so you can imagine how squeamish and terrified I was. She had left for a toilet break and I had begun to panick. The paint wasn’t visible but to the culprit it was clear as crystal. The paint was calling out to me and I couldn’t resist trying to wash it off. I should have done the “walk away” technique. But I didn’t and begun washing the bag hysterically. By the time I’d finished and raised the bag at eye level..Dun Dun Duhhhhh!! The stain had blown 10 fold!! And I was cursing myself. WTF

I thought I was DOOMED and begun playing out the various reactions she would display. Here is what I feared.

I couldn’t hold the guilt and told her friend.

Thankfully, when I confronted her she wasn’t as terrifying as I portrayed her. Phewww….I was relieved even if she was raging inside.lol

Society and the Role of Women

I was reading an article about Michelle Obama today and I was repulsed at what some journalist will do to sell a story.

What happened to great journalism when it told the “truth”? I know the truth is subjective. However, truth as it is defined for me is one that comes from the person themselves. If they are honest and sensible people the truth is what they tell me. Who are we to say otherwise?

I think that’s what I fear about society. People can bring out the best in people as well as the worst.  Politics is an ugly part of society  where people are only concerned about themselves and no one plays nice. Whatever happened to winning with honour? Those values are slowly diminishing. This is something I despise about the world, but luckily I believe there are more good than bad, or at least I try and think so.

Even if there is some truth to her “meddling” with the administrative affairs of the White House, one cannot deny that all women whether they are in the public eye or not have an influence on their male counterparts, whether done intentionally or by cause and effect. That’s why I believe it is vital for women to endeavour to support their men so they can grow to be honourable and decent men.

Note: Always question what you read and hear. People who accept things without thought live by other people’s ideals.

That’s why I’m an advocate for critical thinking.  I don’t think it’s wrong to accept the good opinion of others but assess what you are being told so you can find your voice.

Sometimes, I believe I am a better person when I’m not questioning things but that is because it gives me mental space and I know the inefficiencies of over-thinking. You can become indecisive but trust the answers you build for yourself and maintain a balance between the two.

Has Movie Standards Slipped?

So I watched “The Adventures of Tintin” last night, and left the cinema disappointed. Why? Well, it wasn’t the animation that bothered me. The animation was BREATHTAKING; no doubt about that but the plot…The plot seemed disjointed and flat.

While the premise of finding treasure always excites me, I wasn’t excited by this film. I felt neutral and unresponsive. Tintin’s journey was not fluid like most adventure films and did not have that big reveal we’ve grown to love. T___T Even supporting characters such as the Thomson twins or the vengeful villain Sakharine, could not save my lack of excitement. I wonder whether casting Rupert Grint, (aka Ron Weasley) in a live-action version could have changed things.

It seems like Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg were busier trying to STUN the audience with their great visuals, they forgot to develop the plot. Though in their defence I can understand how expensive motion capture might be and meeting Studio demands so I cannot give them too much flack.

I guess you are always treading on dangerous grounds when you are remaking an 80 year old comic-classic.

But I do feel today’s movies are better at glorifying the advancements of technology than telling stories.  Does this mean movie standards have slipped?

I need intellectual nourishment!!!

I miss how movies used to educate me. Like those that told us about Kings and Queens and the challenges they faced and how they overcame or fell victim to them.

I want to learn how people react and think, what made them human, how society has changed, how we define right from wrong. These are all difficult questions we ask ourselves and they make for compelling stories.  Movies are made to entertain but to be a true entertainer you must teach.

I used to watch anime because it taught me these things, but as it happens with most good things in life it became commercialised by mainstream media and there was an influx of lemons.

Here is my checklist for a good movie:

•        Able to re-watch
•        Willing to download buy
•        Contain character development
•        Provokes thought or discussion
•        Would recommend

Take Care of Your Skin

Today I sort refuge in my bedroom because my face was exploding.  At the moment I’m treating it with Epiduo, which is made up of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, but basically the background of how I got myself into this predicament was that I went out in the sun too long and my face broke out. Now don’t confuse my break out with sunburn. I’m not shedding skin like a lizard of any sorts. I’m just born with sensitive skin; I have to take extra care and attention.  Clearly, I have neglected to follow my skincare regime.  

It’s been 3 days since the blow out and the Epiduo seems to be working. I am seeing signs of improvement. The redness around my cheeks is starting to fade and my skin doesn’t feel as harsh.

Well, so the moral of today is take care of your skin. We may have imperfections but with care and attention we can enjoy a healthier looking skin. I thought I would end this entry with a rundown of some basic skincare tips. You’ve probably all heard this before, but what better way to learn than repetition.

And guys, if you’re reading this, it applies to you too not just us ladies.

Skincare tips:

Drink lots of water. 8 cups a day is recommended.

Water moisturises your skin and gives that healthy glow which we all envy so go to the kitchen and get yourself a glass! It’s calorie-free!

Apply sunscreen when you’re out in the sun.

I’m guilty of letting this slip, so these days I try to buy makeup with SPF. The Skin Care Foundation recommends at least 15 or higher as this blocks 93% of UVB. I’m currently using Missha B.B Cream with SPF42. http://www.missha.co.nz/. They do free shipping within NZ so it’s pretty good. I haven’t tried the website so no feedback from me, sorry. I got mine from their Queen Street store (Auckland).  

If you are interested in learning more about UV rays and the damages it does to your skin visit. Here Remember sunscreen is only one form of protection so stay in the shelter if you can.

Eat veges, especially carrots.

I’m not sure but one lady suggested carrots caused her acne. I think it’s fair to say not to overdo your intake. Keep to a balanced diet and don’t have too much. Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A as well as C, E, D, B and K group. I would think this would be good for your complexion and overall health. It should work as an excellent blood cleanser and beautify the skin.

Remove your makeup before going to bed.

When we apply makeup we collect dirt, sweat, and dust, which clog up our pores and cause us blemishes. In order to prevent this it is recommended we remove our makeup to help maintain a smooth and subtle skin.  

Wash you face daily.

I think this is self-explanatory.

Moisturize your face, morning and night to prevent dryness and  irritation.

When applying makeup, always use moisturiser as a base for easier application. I always find it gives a healthier glow.   

The list goes on but these are my top picks and I practice these daily.

Healthy living everyone and until the next time….