Marks of life.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 10:49 PM

So I've started learning driving since November 2017, at a relatively snail pace then due to FYP.

Had my TP earlier this May, and sad to say I flunked it even though everyone thought I would pass. Within split seconds, I kissed the kerb twice while straightening the vehicle in the lot during parallel parking. Everything else in the circuit was perfect. Maybe the timing wasn't right yet.

Time to tweak my holiday plans.

Sunday, April 15, 2018 6:08 PM

I think nowadays, I am forgetting that I used to be a really sad child. Which is good.

School's been very overwhelming, but this phase of my life is coming close to an end. Hopefully I'll write more when that day comes.

Then again, I'm apprehensive about the changes that are to come, the decisions that I'll have to make. What's next for me? What's planned for me?

P.s. Growing my hair out is such a pain. And yes, I have no boyfriend yet.

Saturday, August 05, 2017 9:39 PM

It's been a long while since I've typed (which I kinda missed, since it's one of the only ways that I could jot down my memories so that I won't forget).

There's been a lot of changes to my life. Because old chapters close and the new ones will open. I have had another fruitful internship for 5 months. Having to do something that I like, yet something that I had not expected. I have always wanted to experience the events management industry, since I have been working part-time for events. Sadly to say, I have yet to experience the logistic side of the events industry, but I really loved generating ideas and strategic planning. The internship experience didn't come easy, but I've learnt from the tough life.

What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, they say.

Of course, not to mention that I actually forged a few meaningful friendships throughout my stay. Visited Seoul once again, right after (on the night) I ended my internship. Then I went to Bangkok with my fellow intern and designer friends. It was amazing. Travelling always feel great. But school's about to start, and I feel... that it's such a pity. There's so many more things that I would like to achieve, that I haven't.

I always wanted to do so much more. Yet, the level of procrastination in me is ever so overwhelming. This is one of those days where I feel like I'm lost at a junction with no inclination on which direction I should head towards. I want to work on my Korean, yet I've decided not to continue learning it in school and I have no inkling of how else I could go about improving the language. I want to get my driving license (and I'm starting on it, I've book the test date for BTT) but I'm worried about how I could continue and achieve the license through FTT and practical. I want to travel the world and explore more, but where should I head to next? I would like to build on my portfolio further, but how? I want to meet more people, experience more events, yet on some days I just want to be alone and not meet the world. I feel the need to exercise more, build more muscles, train up my stamina, be better at yoga and lose weight, but I'm hitting the wall (once again).

Maybe, all I need, is just constant motivation (but now it just comes in waves, and today is not the day).

Credits as tagged.

Tomorrow will be a better day, they say.

P.s. I chopped my mane and carry the shortest hairstyle in my entire lifetime now. Good change for a start, right? Now, there's more reasons to why I won't have a boyfriend for another year to come lol...

Saturday, September 10, 2016 9:34 PM

It's been awhile since I shared my thoughts here. Years actually. But these years have been fulfilling, because I grew as a person, stronger and wiser I hope. Today's World Suicide Prevention Day, so I thought I should say a few words here as a note to myself when I look back into my life later again in life. Does it make sense? Lol.

Over the years, I learnt about how much weight a simple question like "How are you?" actually carries. How much meaningless words and small actions could potentially impact someone else. So I was thinking and reflecting back on the old me. I realised, I used to be such a weak child. Weak, mentally. I used to question my presence on Earth. Wondered if I was my parents' biological child. Thought about ending my, supposed useless, life.

Now, I still get upset and depressed over matters. But thinking about it, I no longer think of those devil's thoughts (or so I thought). Which is a great thing. Something to be celebrated, isn't it? I grew stronger, from what that didn't kill me. I express my greatest thanks to those who stood by me, especially through my darkest days, caring for me before I bring myself to the darkest corners to think of the extremest. I thank those who stood against me, to mould and carve me into a stronger self so that no one could bring me down otherwise. Of course, there were people who appeared at random moments and helped me at my most unexpected. Thank you.

Leaving you with the POTD and a poem...

It happens like this. One day you meet someone and for some inexplicable reason, you feel more connected to this stranger than anyone else - closer to them than your closest family. Perhaps this person carries within them an angel - one sent to you for some higher purpose; to teach you an important lesson or to keep you safe during a perilous time. What you must do is trust in them - even if they come hand in hand with pain or suffering - the reason for their presence will become clear in due time. Though here is a word of warning - you may grow to love this person but remember they are not yours to keep. Their purpose isn't to save you but to show you how to save yourself. And once this is fulfilled; the halo lifts and the angel leaves their body as the person exits your life. They will be a stranger to you once more.
- Lang Leav

Someday I shan't be lazy, and pen down my thoughts on my first Korea experience too

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 7:53 PM

Probably about 5 years from my first time in Ocean Park. Tbh, that time was kinda boring, we didn't take much rides because my parents don't and my sister was too young. Even the rides were limited.

So I was exhilarated to be back with friends this time!

Early morning shot (okay not very early, probably 10?), just take a look at my morning face.

Always photobombing this girl hahahahaha. You've to admit I was rather good at it.

Just take a look at the morning crowd, where the doors had just opened.

Our first stop! To visit the pandas.

LOOK AT THIS OPPA, staring back at me. Can you believe he's 28?

Well, this was the closest we could've gone to taking a photo with pandas.

Then to Arctic! Where the -waddle waddling- penguins were. Absolute cuteness. They were really good swim-divers. Take a look at them diving into the waters and swiftly glide along.

The grand-penguins with white fur all around them. They hobbled more, but still cute.

Well well, how can we take a miss at the rides! I personally loved the Hair Raiser and Abyss the most.

Look at the creepy clown with hair raising. You could see for yourself how the thrilling the ride would be...

This was the worst, EVER. I felt like I was slapped throughout, actually I was, literally. Never going for a second round or more. It actually explains why the people before us returned with their faces totally BLACK.

The last stop, Dolphin show! We were really exhausted by then. It was a craaaaazy whole day, with only rest in the rides itself. My legs were really screaming in protest by then. It was great that we get to enjoy the dolphins' performances as we rested.

Can never understand how diligent dolphins are. Not to mention, adorable beings.

Finally, took a ride down by the cable car! The wait was horrible, we had to queue for almost an hour. But some boo-boos occurred in midst of our queuing, which actually made it really fun lol.

This group of Chinese aunties tried to cut queue whenever possible, and they attempted umpteen times despite glares from everyone, and even reprimands from the same nationality. So with pride and dignity, we couldn't allow something like that to happen, not when everyone was tired and queuing orderly BUT THEM. So with the 5 of us, we formed a barrier, and refused to let them pass. Well, they insisted, pushing as close to us as possible, grazing our butts ugh. But the bottom line, only one of 'em managed to squeeze through us, while the rest had no choice but take the next cabin after us. It was a proud moment when the Chinese family before us, who reprimanded them, gave us a thumbs-up and smiles.

Mandatory Chinatown shot at the bottom of Ocean Park.

Tired faces, and that was the only time we took a bus!

There was a beautiful light show with fireworks at the exit of Ocean Park. It was wonderful, but we left before it ended, fearing of the crowd that would chase us later.

Well, now we are famished. Bought macs and had our lunch only as while we watched the Dolphins, which was already 5.30pm! Headed to the Central for the night.

Pretty buildings. But I could only say, the streets were not for me, a being with wallet of a pauper.

Dinner! Had a tough time trying to find the place, because the buildings were confusing, GPRS was worse as we headed in the opposite direction. And it doesn't help that I HAD TO ANSWER MOTHER NATURE'S CALL. It was surprising to see no crowd at such a famous restaurant though... But well, we were dead famished and needed to replenish our energy.

Address: 麦奀云吞面世家 77 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong

Since we were exhausted, and it was only the second night! We decided not to explore Lan Kwai Fong but head back to Mong Kok for dessert!

Man, new found love for Matcha. Not to forget my love for glutinous rice balls!

Address: 糖百府- 旺角黑布街 99 Hak Po St, Hong Kong

A great place for desserts, like ice shavings. Wooooooh. Finally back to the apartment thereafter, we needed some rest for Day 3. Bought pig's blood as night snack on the way back, it wasn't bad, but couldn't beat the one I tasted in Chiang Mai.

Labels: graduation trip, Hong Kong, overseas, vacation

Sunday, April 27, 2014 8:48 PM

All set out for the cool weather in HK! Tho the sleepy faces because we had to set off from our homes @ 4am, for our 6am flight by Jetstar! (▰˘o˘▰)

Gotta compliment Jetstar, because it's the most comfortable low-budget flight I've took thus far - well, though the only other low-cost carrier I had travelled in was Air Asia. Less turbulence, smoother landing and more spacious seats. I guess you get what you pay. And I slept throughout the flight 'cause I only had 4 hours of sleep, plus a busy week at work.

Catching the beautiful scenery en-route to town, on the Airport Express.

Tip #1: Purchase the Airport Express cards at information counters situated at the entrance to the Airport Express itself, and you'd only have to pay HKD40 instead of HKD60 for the trip down to MTR station. Then, purchase the Octopus card for MTR thereafter.

Tip #2: China Mobile sim, provides really slow internet data.... for the entire trip. For HKD60 (free Wi-Fi for 2 days, additional 7 days with a top-up of HKD18) I was only able to get a H+, never even a 3G. With most of the time on the first day, being unable to connect to Internet. Until I found a trick to it, to restart your phone to detect Internet. Don't start judging yet, it works.

Met friendly Alice, the apartment owner, at the MTR exit of Prince Edward. She shared with us how we could hail a 5-seater taxi for our Ocean Park trip the next day. Bet'cha didn't know that there were 5-seater cabs in HK too! Then, it was time for lunch! We're all starving. Took too looooooooooong a while to find the place, worse still, the long queue outside greeted us warmly and we could only sigh inwardly.

Address: Hong Kong, 旺角運動場道15號京華大廈地舖1-2號

Spent the time waiting, taking photos & selfies. Well, I was busy photobombing, must say I was pretty good at it... :3

Couldn't wait for more food to come, so we quickly snapped a few shots and tucked in immediately! I would say... the food was okay-ish. I love the shrimp dumplings (har gow) though, but then again yummy har gows can be found everywhere in HK!

Famished, so we gobbled down everything, and ended up too full! But, guess what, the bill came up to probably only S$6-8 per person! So we decided to stroll around our neighbourhood for the afternoon.

Love shots of old, worn-down estates like this... Something you hardly see in Singapore. Remembered we were desperately looking for toilets cause of Mother Nature's calling... So please appreciate the abundance of washrooms in Singapore okay ( ཀ͝ ∧ ཀ͝ )

SO! Some girls were feeling heatiness, or having sore throat, so we decided to rest at the first herbal shop we saw. And I ordered a huge bowl of "Turtle Jelly" (Gui Ling Gao) myself... I personally found it too bitter for my tastes, having to pour sufficient amount of honey every bite I take. And this supposedly LARGE bowl, cost me S$5++

So after that, we did shopping at Argyle Center! Supposedly the bugis street / far east plaza equivalent in Mongkok, HK.

Clothes were really cheap, much cheaper than I'd expected. A good S$5-20 range. So the girls splurged, yet there weren't any that specifically caught my eye, so I left empty-handed. I wasn't intending to splurge on clothes in HK in the first place, plus the clothes were more of the commonly seen everywhere type... ╮(•˘︿ ˘•)╭

THEN IT WAS DINNER TIME!

Address: Hong Kong, 花園街104

Were really skeptical about the quality of food when we stepped in, because it was kinda rundown... with mostly locals who were digging in to rice in soup, instead of the thick congee we're expecting.

So we were doubtful with our orders, and decided to just WHACK. It turned out to be really yummy, well cooked in a sense you won't be able to find a grain of rice (whole). But the hor fun was too dry for my liking.

Tip #3: The lower the expectations, the more delicious your food will taste!

Walked more around Mongkok and guess what we saw! The mobile ice-cream truck, which plays soft music, naturally attracting you to it. Well, the softee was only so-so...

Well, we decided we had enough for Day 1 and headed back to the apartment to rest for the night.

Labels: graduation trip, Hong Kong, overseas, vacation

Sunday, March 16, 2014 6:51 PM

Were you looking at me, the derp photo I printed? Kkkkk

God knows what Minhwan and Hongki were doing at that moment haha.

Let's take a moment to appreciate their reactions when the crowd sang the birthday song in Korean for birthday boy aka Jonghun.

Ily cutie pai, even though you boys were really moody in those two days. No fan services for the poor people boo. It really seemed like you didn't even coming here. Only Seunghyun remained smiley throughout, thank you boyyyy for still loving us no matter what♥

FT Island which brought us together :')

Had problems with our seats initially, thanks to irresponsible organisers. Mad pissed, but eventually was sorted out thanks to the nice SIS staff. Poor people who had to take in all the shit from fans because pussy organisers were hiding backstage. Anyway we ended up standing and closer, so all was good AND WE WERE ALOT MORE HYPER. Headbangin', jumping, sing-a-longing and swinging yellow lightsticks with all our mights.

Bits and pieces of what happened:

HK: Korea is cold. But Singapore is sooooo hot... SHIT!
Minhwan: I am very far.... ㅠㅠㅠㅠ Can you hear me?? Everyone: Yesssss!!!
Seunghyun: Harro!
HK: ARE YOU LEADY! LET'S GO!
HK: Everybody sit down! Leady to jump?!?! (For hyper songs like Let It Go and Flower Rock)

This time, the best part was everyone willingly sat/squat down or at least bent down with Hongki's instructions, which made the whole concert much more fun as we jumped together with Hongki in continuation of the next song lines!

Before confession, HK: This is a song you guys should be familiar with, since it's a song dedicated to all of you.

Placards all up during I Confess

Minhwan and his super high note I never thought he could hit during the song!

Then it was Always with You, everyone held up 항상지겨주게요 banners and sang along with Hongki, who also held the mic for us during chorus to hear us sing. He later picked up one of the banners from fan and hung it at the front of the stage extension.

HK: You guys are getting hotter. I remembered you guys weren't this excited two years back. You guys are great (so cool) today! Good. -cute face with thumbs up-

Yeah man see, we can be enthusiastic when you want us to :D Sorry for being dull audience 2 years back, glad to change that impression of Singapore Primadonnas this time round f-yeah.

HK: "Soon FT Island will release a full-length album! It's an album we worked really hard for so we hope you'll love it!"
HK: Say goodbye to teacher (translator) Everyone: BYEEEE. HK: Good job~

Everyone could sing along to the verse of Severely while @FtGtJH was playing the piano. The boys were surprised at first, then they smiled :')

Due to new fans and giveaway tickets, as well as the bigger venue, it seemed like there was a bigger audience, soo...

HK asked: How many of you are here at our concert for the first time? PLENTY RAISED THEIR HANDS. HK: How are you enjoying the concert so far? I hope 2 years down the road, when we hold another concert, you guys will still be here okay? Promise! -showing his pinky-

YES PLEASE COME BACK AGAIN SOON. IFMYSM.

HK asked a fan in Pen A: How oldeu are you? 19? Ah. You boy, your boyfriend? Boy and girl~ Together? Together~~~ -draws heart at them-

Before Theory of Happiness, HK: Up till now we've been playing songs that you guys are familiar with, the next few ones, you might probably not know the songs, but these songs are the type of songs we enjoy and we want to bring it out to you guys. (Theory of Happiness, Black Chocolate, Top Secret, Beloved etc)

THANK YOU FTISLAND surprise event during encore; earned the boys' smiles and 이홍기 sincere"고마워요...~" I swear I could hear the emotions shaking in his voice.

Some french kiss topic arose, HK urged the same "couple" to do it, but audience wanted the boys to do the "deep kisseu". So Seunghyun made really slurpy noises while strumming his guitar for I Wish introduction

Hongki self-proclaimed that he's old. He ran out of breath before encore, tripped on confetti for last song, and played dead on stage since then, everyone was waiting for him to end the song. Jaejin went over to checked on him with a worried face, but found out he was sorta faking it so poked him. But Hongki refused to budge. The rest just snickered at him while they kept the rhythm going. Then he finally stood up, limped like an old man, then stood up straight pointing towards the ceiling as though none of it had happened. Jaejin looked at us and laughed, pointing to Hongki saying to us silently "Look at this asshole..."