A Change Of Heart
Couldn’t resist putting this picture of Marshall up – he looks so funny with the mustache! (credit tvfanatic)
In Season 6 Episode 18 of ‘How I Met Your Mother’, we see that Barney starts to have feelings for Nora and worries that there’s something wrong with his heart. It was probably not the best episode, or even possibly being one of the worst episode in HIMYM history, with the lame recurring jokes and weak plot. However, I adore the start of the show with Ted narrating that one never knows what’s going on with one’s heart and it was a heartfelt story about Barney falling in love with Nora – or as how he puts it ‘I want to be confused with you.’
People spend so much time being confused about love. There do not seem to be any rules of what to do when you meet that special someone or even if you have not met him/her. And when you do meet that special someone, you most often choose to deny the feelings as you’re afraid of changes or what is to come. That’s a hard truth because no one wants to admit that they have a ‘problem’ – people tend to ignore such matters and let the confusion continues. Let’s just say that both parties suffer in the end.
Love should not be confusing. Of course, it is bound to have problems that will arise in a relationship, be it just dating or in a marriage. But for it to work, you can’t be confused over 50% of the time as when a relationship becomes too confusing – it is time to take a step back and work things out together or leave it. Unfortunately, there are more cowards out there leaving their relationships instead of working things out together. Broken hearts can be found everywhere – just because one (or both parties) was/were confused at certain points of a relationship. A change of heart, with a whole new meaning?
Honestly, the overwhelming fear that comes with desire to be with someone special resonated deeply with me. However, the emotional undercurrents are worlds apart. -cues emo background song- (lol) On a lighter note, I thought the subplot with Robin’s new boyfriend ‘Scooby’ was quite amusing, reminded me of others used to tell me that I need a dog in my life and not a boyfriend too ! (I kinda agree with that now. Haha!)
Looking forward to see the finale despite this is the last season of ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Until then, I hope you all find that someone special to be confused with.
Last Words ?
In the last episode of How I Met Your Mother (S06E13), the bad news came unexpectedly. This week (S06E14) is somewhat like an extended version of the episode whereby Marshall’s dad’s funeral took place. I have to say, it was a really bad episode – quite a letdown in fact if it acts as last week’s buildup. It was unfunny humor of how Ted and Barney tried to cheer Marshall up with videos – but to no avail. (Great keyword search example by the way. haha)
The only thing that saved the show this week was Jason Segel aka Marshall (once again). I liked his little speech on his dad and the significance of last words.
Marshall: “You guys don’t get it, okay? None of you do. My dad was my hero. And he was my teacher. And he was my best friend. He always came through for me, and now he’s just gone. And what am I left with?
Thanks a lot God, thank you. You took my father. The greatest man that I have ever known, and you whipped him off this Earth, way too young. And he’ll never get to meet our kids, Lily. But we’ve got this voicemail. Thank you so much for the voicemail, it’s a great comfort. Because whenever I’m starting to feel lonely, or sad, or maybe a little bit cheated, at least I’ve got the sound of his pocket to console me. How is this fair? You’ve got an entire human life, and it just ends for no reason. And what are we left with?“
I really felt for him at that moment because I share a strong bond with my Dad personally – and every day I fear that this would happen to me. What would his last word to me be ? Or in any case, what if I am the one who leave the world first ? What would my last word be? What do you want others to remember before you take your last breath? Ok, morbid moment there.
The end of the show foreshadows the next episode is probably having Barney to meet his real father. Might just be another emotional episode…gosh, now I really wish the show can just focus on finding Ted’s wife and save me the tear jerking scenes.
It’s been awhile since I last blogged but there’s just so much to do lately since school has started for almost a month now! Thanks for understanding and please continue reading while I pick up my blogging momentum again… like what Marshall said, “I really, really, love you guys…..Now I’m gonna go drop a deuce.”
Watching Episodes
Just caught the first episode of the new Showtime series “Episodes”. The reason ? Matt LeBlanc. Come on, how can you resist TV’s Joey….even if he’s already 43 ! Has it been that long since we saw him as Joey in Friends? Gee.
Created by David Crane,co-creator of Friends and Jeffrey Klarik, a writer for Mad About You, Episodes is basically a TV show about the television industry – all the glam and whatnots behind it. Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan plays a Brits couple (love their accent) who has to survive the absurdity in showbiz, with LeBlanc being the wedge that comes between them. Love how he spoofs himself in the show. Episodes provide an fascinating insight to the showbiz industry but in all honesty, it’s just a good TV show in reality about a bad TV show on screen with nothing much to wow about it except for the fact that Joey is back on screen and it was a good comeback.
First episode of Episodes (sorry, can’t help it) was average, not so much of LeBlanc as the main focus was on Greig and Mangan and how they moved to LA. A few laughs here and there but in general it wasn’t exactly up to my initial expectation of the show from the trailer. Then again, it’s a 7 episodes serie so I’m hoping it gets better! We shall see !
HIMYM : Bad News
**mild spoilers**
This week’s How I Met Your Mother (S06E13 ‘Bad News’ ) was interesting – who would have thought this comedy can get fans tearing up at the end of the show ! I almost thought ‘Bad News’ referred to the couple’s pregnancy results but surprise! The ending was a gloomy scene that came as a surprise to most of the viewers, it was a loss that everyone would feel for. I think this episode was one of Jason Segel (Marshall)’s best performance.
Marshall: “We’ve had unprotected sex 203 times in the past four months. Obviously, I’m the problem.”
Barney: “Problem? That’s the dream. I’d give my first born to not be able to have children.“
Finally we see Barney’s doppleganger ! It was quite a funny scene to see paranoid Lily and Marshall refusing to believe that the fertility specialist doppleganger isn’t Barney himself. Though I must say the second visit to ‘Dr. Stangel’ the doppleganger, Barney really got Marshall and many of us fooled when he impersonated him (the doctor) ! NPH can really pull off the beard and dark hair eh ? I love how Lily and Marshall high-fived over the number of times they tried to conceive and places they have been doing it (coughs..ideas ? haha) The part where Marshall’s parents were interrupting his ‘hair drying’ moment was really funny too.
Marshall: “I’ll give my dad a call after Dr. Stengal gives me the thumbs up.”
Ted: “Ew! He has to do that?“
Robin’s subplot wasn’t too interesting but I love her thumb-down moments. Enjoyed the short snippets of her embarrassing moments, Robin Sparkles rocks! I thought it was sweet of Ted to pay a visit to Sandy Rivers’s house as well but the main plot and the distracting countdown stole the attention. I honestly thought that the countdown was for a special ‘New Year’ gimmick but apparently it’s meant for counting down to the sad ending. I would have thought that it was rather attention-seeking since I noticed the numbers right from the start but I actually enjoyed looking out of the next number during the show. In conclusion,I appreciate the sudden seriousness in the comedy and Jason Segel’s brilliant acting. Oh, not forgetting Ted’s “Sensory Deprivator 5000″ from S02E14 ‘Monday Night Football’ !
If you missed the countdown in the show, here’s a nice HIMYM countdown recap I found !
So how did you find this episode ? I’m looking forward to the lasertag game that Barney is bugging everyone about !
[UPDATE] You can also view my bff’s review here at The Picture Radio ! That’s right, his blog is full of reviews on TV shows that you might have missed out! So check it out !]
2010 in Moving Images
TV has taken my life over like an imperialistic regime, let’s just say I spent at least 8 hours in a week catching up on TV shows. Let’s see some of my personal favorites of this year.
1) How I Met Your Mother – This comedy is like a huge mystery to us fans – WHO IS TED’S WIFE ?! This season has its basic humor and a little surrealism to elevate it above the past seasons. New schticks and the usual awesome Barneyism. Looking forward to the end to find out (I) who is the wife ? (II) will Robin and Barney end up together eventually ? (III) Will Lily and Marshall have tons of kids? – but not quite looking forward to the last episode as well since this is apparently the last season.
2) The Big Bang Theory – Needless to say, these 4 brainiacs are as adorable as ever since the past 3 seasons. Interesting addition to the group is Amy Farrah Fowler, a girl who is a friend, but not Sheldon’s ‘girlfriend’. I love how she’s the female version of Sheldon. Sadly I find that Leonard’s story is dying down alil but always good to see Raj and Howard getting more lines. Will be interesting to see how Amy and Sheldon gets into a relationship and whether Leonard and Penny will get back together.
3) The Walking Dead – Rise of the zombies ! For those of you who have yet to read the comics (Neither have I, but soon!) will most likely to find it convincing, both visually and emotionally. I love how realistic and established the scenes were and it is definitely one of the most intriguing shows this season. Looking forward to more brains, guts, hearts and the undead.
4) Lie To Me – Tim Roth is really magnetic and charming as Cal Lightman, the soul of the story. I enjoy the acting of the cast but not quite the plot which tends to digress into not-so-important details. It is still fascinating to watch how the Lightman group solves these crimes nonetheless.
5) Community – Meta-sitcom structure aside, Community has wonderfully drawn characters and remarkable cast. I totally love Abed and Troy, they never fail to bring a blast to the end of the show which happens to be the best last few minutes of each episode. Not sure how long can they last in college but will be looking forward to more.
6) Raising Hope – Very similar to ‘My Name Is Earl’ as they are both created by Greg Garcia. I like how it is built around the working class and how ‘screwed up’ life can be. Likable characters (The grandma character is hilarious), fun plot and you really can’t resist the charm of the baby. A simple yet very homely off-beat comedy.
7) Running Wilde - Slapstick humor, another way to describe the style would be ‘Arrested Development’ as it is co-created by its producers. There are flaws but some episodes get the humor. I like Kerri Russel enough to watch the show and I’m still amused by how shiny and ‘plastic’ Will Arnett’s forehead is.
8) The Office – This season has been funny so far and probably it’s all thanks to a good cast. Steve Carell has his ways when it comes to ‘mockumentary’ – of course, clever writing helps. I am still lovin’ it.
9) Nikita – After Alias, I think this gotta be the best female kickass show on screen after a long time. Maggie Q is ever so hot and seductive in her character and I’m glad the plot gets better. A fair balance between sub-plots and action, what more can I ask for ?
10) The Vampire Diaries – Guilty pleasure. I really think Damon (on the right) is the hottest vampire around, who really gives a damn about sparkling Edward. Plot aside, gorgeous cast and excellent OST.
Not forgetting I’m always a fan of Saturday Night Live, Family Guy, singing from Glee (not so for the plot), Tower Prep (I know, it’s aired on Cartoon Network and I’m way overage for that..but Drew Van Acker is too cute to resist and anything with supernatural powers is pretty awesome to watch). Hellcats is another guilty pleasure as the story really sucks but the cast is worth watching, based on looks that is. Criminal Minds and NCIS have been interesting but it gets just alil boring after episodes and episodes of similar predictable endings. I catch a glimpse of Parenthood once in awhile but it gets too sappy for me. Not forgetting the ‘to-catch-up-on’ list of Modern Family,Weed, Futurama and Mad Men.
Oh boy, I sure need more time for TV in 2011. Looking forward to Jan when all my shows return !
The Mermaid Theory ?
In the 11th episode of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Season 6, Barney Stinson mentioned about <The Mermaid Theory> whereby girls are seen as manatees until one day when you’ve spent long enough time with her, she’ll transform into a mermaid… and he further eleborated on his blog :
“No matter how hot or unhot a woman is, eventually you will want to sleep with her. The time it takes for this process to occur is the chick’s “Mermaid Clock.” It starts the first time you lay eyes on a chick and stops ticking the instant you want to get your jam on.”
So that’s the theory from the modern guys.
On the other hand, most girls usually follow <Ladder Theory> whereby guys are placed on this “bi-ladderal” system – either the Good Ladder or the Friends Ladder – if guys from the friends ladder try to jump over to the good ladder, and fails – usually they fall into the abyss between these 2 ladders. (which I guarantee most of those cases do fail.) The transition tends to be impossible once the label is permanent.
I had a chat with a male friend of mine who asked if there’s ever a chance for guys who fall under ‘friends zone’ to be seen as a potential mate, and how to avoid being classified into the ‘friends’ zone before any potential feelings develop. As a girl, I admit that I do have these categories in my mind as well…or rather, everyone usually falls into friends zone for me – which makes things really awkward when someone suggests any interest in me romantically.
Then again, I believe that it takes awhile for the ‘Friends’ label to be fixed and never be turned into ‘mermaid’ aka developing interest/wanting a relationship with that person- but that’s just me.
Time for discussion :
1) How do you avoid being classified to the Friends Ladder ?
2) Do you believe in The Mermaid Theory ? If no, why not ?
World’s Coolest Intern…Perhaps ?
I know, the original deadline was 15th October. It took me this long to figure what I wanted to blog about, I’ve seen professional-looking videos, amazingly written resume-like posts, visually pleasing entries…let’s just say, the competition is tough, not just within the social media circle ! Suddenly, the mainstream media was talking all about this internship – even the aunties in the market heard of this ‘S$30,000′ internship. I was really cracking my head to come up with something that would made me stand out among the applicants and yet not too ‘superficial’ or ‘extravagant’…so till the last day (which is today) – I decided to just blog like how I’d normally do – being myself is always the best choice!
No one person is perfect – it is important for employers to find out the strengths that’s required for a position and find someone who is ‘world class’ in these areas despite certain weakness in the less important domains. I may not be the best (knowing there are many out there who might be better than me academically or with pages long resume..hur) but I do think I’m up for this challenge and it will not be just a job but self-discovering learning experience for me (like how my other internships have been).
Just earlier this year, I was thinking of my future career path and looking for new learning experience and this opportunity came along! Not only is the job scope attractive (Events+Social Media = What more can I ask for!) and a brand new industry (Working in a bank is like the ultimate dream for most SMU students but reality check : No non-finance/business student will apply for a banking job with a <50% success rate) AND perfect timing since I’m graduating next April !
Instead of pleading or hard-selling myself like many others (since you can pretty much figure out from my blog/facebook/tweets/social media platforms/getting to know me better when we do meet..lol), I will just share my views on #WorldCoolestIntern. Needless to say this is an amplifying marketing tactic and it has certainly maximize conversations in social ecospheres. Not only there’s a product tie-in (the iPhone app ‘Breeze‘ ), the excitement of this competition was buzz worthy (be it negative or positive) and increased traffic, not only in terms of this campaign alone I’m sure. In HR perspective, I think by searching for someone in the blogosophere allowed the team to see one’s personality and passion as well – it’s not always about popularity (though of course it still plays a part, aka traffic). Honestly six months is not enough to accomplish anything concrete but that being said, the intern will definitely learn from the guidance he/she would receive.
On a side note that is unrelated to my application, I think Social Media is a wonderful platform and the next big thing for HR executives to pay attention to. Look at DIGG‘s case and you’ll understand why. Such a warm ‘buzzy’ feeling I get reading those tweets to help those in need ! =)
–
Cutting the long story short, 5 reasons why I think I deserve a chance to be with the Breeze Team :
I.AM.MYY and IAM….
1. Serious Fun : Always a balance between having fun and being serious at work
2. Leader-Follower : I love being in a team but I am self-driven to achieve my goals
3. Conventionally Quirky : I believe in rules but there’ll always be twists in life to make things more exciting
4. Illogically logical : There’s no such thing as impossible – we humans make illogical decisions and claim we’re logical anyways!
5. ‘Barney Stinson’ : Ordinarily AWESOME…and challenge accepted ! *Ok, I admit I’m a TV junkie too*
Can’t end the post without featuring a song…and secretly wishing the team will start singing Fefe Dobson’s ‘I Want you’
“Now let me say it again,I want you…I’m gonna gonna make you mine!“
so “just see what we could be“… and fingers crossed ? 
Where’s The Poop ?
-mild spoiler alert-
While How I Met Your Mother S6E03 “Unfinished” tried hard enough to coin the phrase “where’s the poop” and tried another bro-out episode – it wasn’t exactly ‘there’ on the comical level. Somehow it was emotionally relevant to me as Robin finally learnt to let go of Don. The other storyline of this episode revolves around Robin and her break up with her ex-boyfriend Don (from last season).
Robin’s ‘bad behavior’ of contacting her ex and unable to let go of the past , reminded Lily of her family dog’s behavior/expression after secretly pooping somewhere in the house. Ergo – “where’s the poop?” Funny enough, going through the same phase as Robin made me realized how much your friends *actually* know you so well – to know that it’s all nothing but a lie when you said that you’re done and moved on. On a side note, I think I have really wonderful friends who are always there for me – whenever I start to feel lonely or upset, they fill in those empty spaces in my life and make sure I’m ok. It has been a rough patch for me but getting back on track =)
From this episode, the takeaway I got is that no matter how ‘insignificant’ or how ‘unimportant’ the contact is, you are giving up a part your life/memories you’ll never get back again. Like how Robin puts it “And no matter how much I try to forget that it happened, it will have never not happened.” I don’t think it is easy to let go of something that meant the world to you once. Certainly,a little closure goes a long way. Like what Ping has told me once (and many other times) – closure begins with a capital ’C’ that will never be closed anyways. (sometimes i don’t understand her strange logic though it makes sense at times.lol) In Robin’s words “Closure doesn’t exist.” Feelings fade, but the soft spot for the person and the feelings will always be there.
On a lighter note, best part of the show ? Robin’s threats to Don, I laughed out loud thinking of the killing and eating his face – not forgetting the facebook slut. I, for one, would never have the guts to do such a thing but hey! Always fun to be able to relate emotionally to something on TV I guess.
Unfinished dreams, unfinished relationships, unfinished deals – some others move on faster, some takes their time, in other cases (ie. me) takes forever because they are too stubborn to let go of what’s not worth holding on to anymore. Whatever it is, I believe that someday – something will trigger the idea of letting go and moving on. That ‘something’ can be another round of heartaches or a proper happy end to things – whichever it is, I think it’s time. (Suddenly I can see my friends going ‘Where’s the poop, Ingrid!’ lol)
“Does it matter?”
Elena: “Things are different this year. Everything that used to matter doesn’t anymore.”
Damon: “So don’t let it. Quit, move on. Problem solved. Ta-da.”
Elena: “Some things could matter again.”
Damon: “Maybe. But… seems a little unrealistic to me.”
I recently discovered this yet another vampire series (slow, I know) called ‘The Vampire Diaries’. Hate to say this but it’s equally ‘trashy’ as Twilight is to me. The only thing I like about the show is Nina Dobrev whom I think is pretty and Paul Wesley with his really gorgeous eyes. Oh, the soundtrack isn’t too bad either. Will watch a few more episodes before I decide if I like it or not.
In this scene, Elena was talking about how she is tired of cheerleading and suddenly things that used to matter doesn’t really matter anymore. However, we see that a part of her is still holding on with the belief that perhaps it could matter again. Damon (Ian Somerhalder), as Stefan’s (Paul Wesley) elder brother, was convincing her to quit cheerleading and move on as he sees that she is not longer passionate in it and it is unrealistic to hold on.
Sometimes there are moments in life where we keep that thought of ‘ Hey, perhaps I should still hold on because I think things might change.’ or ‘Perhaps one day it’ll matter to me again, it was important afterall.’ I guess as much as we ought to be sentimental or giving ourselves second chances – sometimes it’s better to let go and move on, especially when nothing really matters anymore.
‘He’s Right.’
Bizarro: You spent the last month telling me that you finally felt like we were meant to be together.
Clark: Don’t listen to him, Lana.
Bizarro: I know what’s in his mind, Lana. He doesn’t love you like I do.
Clark: That’s a lie!
Bizarro: You’re lying, Clark – to yourself! You’re so worried about doing the right thing, you don’t even see it.
Bizarro: [to Lana] You know he won’t commit his life to you like I will. You know that.
Lana: He’s right, Clark.
Clark: What?
Lana: I’ve never been more in love than I have the past month. Only it wasn’t with you. It was with him.
Bizarro: [extends his hand to Lana] Nothing will ever come between us again.
Was watching Smallville (kinda watch some episodes here and there, on and off basis) Season 7 Ep10 ‘Persona’ whereby Bizarro was playing the role of ‘nice Clark’ to Lana who was obviously unaware and smitten. Honestly, as much as I like the idea of Lana and Clark being together, I do think Clark treats her like crap sometimes. The way he ‘protects’ her is not what I see as love but created more misunderstandings as well as problems between them. If he has been honest with her right from the start, well..I guess there won’t be so many seasons ? (haha)
I think it is rather sad for Lana to come to realise how happy and in love she was for the past month with the man she thought has changed to someone who is completely new in her life. (Obviously she chose the right guy, else there won’t be any seasons after season 7 here!) But I guess in reality, there are times whereby you wake up to reality and see the differences – be it in a relationship or friendship. Whatever you were happy with, may not be entirely true or sometimes, it may revert back to how it has been (we see at the end of the episode, the relationship between Clark and Lana worsens)
So why didn’t Lana choose Bizarro instead of Clark ? Is it out of love for Clark or was it just morally right ? (since in the show, Bizarro is the ‘bad guy’ ) Why be in love with a guy who can’t commit to you or love you as much as you see as how it’s ‘meant to be’ ?
