Not currently reading Lymond, but found an excellent blog:

It isn’t an easy to series to get into, because within the first pages you encounter that odd sensation of having to really think, just to figure out what’s going on. As Lymond and his Machiavellian schemes unroll with stunning precision, so the reading experience becomes a quest to connect the dots and apply your mind to the riddle of the subtext.

from annacowan

Ah, thinking is exhausting. I have subconsciously created barriers in my mind to demarcate 'dangerous' topics or areas... Like, no, you do not want to think down this route because there lies pain. Or, if you open this corner of your mind you will be lost for at least an hour. I think also have a Lymond store room, which if anything is a lovable, confusing, interesting mess of a room I often visit but stare at in loving exasperation. How do I figure you out, you great story, you.

For someone who claims to be the more introspective sort of person, inclined to lonesome-ness and reflection... lately I've been doing everything but, be still and reflective.

It's been hard to get some proper breathing space. I'm not hating on anything -- in fact, it's been good. Weekdays that fly by with work and project planning (we're going Medan again soon -- yayness), and busy weekends and busy social/family life. One of the Datins complains how I'm like a socialite. But there's some part of me that craves proper solitude. Like real, just walking, and staying by myself solitude.

I am wondering if this makes me a strange woman, person.

Honestly, right now, I'm looking forward to the lonely nights in the hotel in Medan. To soak in a hot tub and stay quiet and uninterrupted. And just think.

I am sad with the world tonight.

It appears that people are generally disposed to meanness and negativity. And are not ready to be open and honest and forgiving and gentle and kind. Kindness -- truly the most underrated trait in the world. The funny thing is, I do think the much-overlooked kindness is the key to implementing real-world solutions.

Or maybe I really am one of those blur, gullible sotongs -- the world just doesn't work this way.

This should be kept as a reminder:

I really feel like I should have designated times of the day when my phones and computers are completely off. And also have a time limit or something. :(

April ends and I am older now

It's been a great birthday week!

:)

Alhamdulillah for all the blessings. 

Birthday dinner with the family, 

and really awesome and girly presents. 

(I think I have had the best presents this year!)

(LINE camera is superb with the editing --)

 I was also out my Arabic-class friends to celebrate --

And then dinner at an expensive French restaurant with my friend since forever:

The world makes it appear like a woman can only be sadder as she grows older; 

but that has not been my experience of life thus far. 

Every year it seems like I'm learning and finding new ways to be happy 

-- and that only makes sense, doesn't it? 

The longer you live in this world, 

the more you realise you have to be thankful for.