After considering all the options available, I have decided to continue my journey on familiar roads while exploring new adventures. Yes, I do know that the afore statement does sound ambiguous and I deliberately made it so. As my current situation is best described as a facade, it is best to ask me in person if you will like the fine details of my current goings.
Even though things didn't go exactly as I had expected it to be, I am glad it turned out relatively well. At the moment, I am leaving my options open as to where the future will lead me to. I always had a plan in life and am relatively rigid in making amendments to it. However, life experiences have taught me that reality doesn't always go according as planned. Hence, I have adopted the 'take-one-step-at-a-time' mentality and exercise flexibility in my future directions.
Just in case you're wondering, I am currently in Canberra =)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Crossroads
Once again, I find myself at the crossroads of my life. This feeling that seems so foreign yet so familiar; the uncertainties, the anxiety, the fear of making the wrong decision.
Should I make a u-turn and return to where I came from? Should I move forward and continue what I thought is my supposed journey? Should I turn left or right and venture something new? At this point in time, I'm still pretty unsure. While I will very much like to remain where I am, the oncoming traffic is forcing me to make a decision. Within the shortest possible time frame, I've gotta come up with the 'best decision' but how?
Even though I hold the power to make the decision, I don't exactly have the free will in doing so. I still have to consider the conditions of my vehicle, the road, the weather and the possible chance of landing in what I think is the destination.
Should I make a u-turn and return to where I came from? Should I move forward and continue what I thought is my supposed journey? Should I turn left or right and venture something new? At this point in time, I'm still pretty unsure. While I will very much like to remain where I am, the oncoming traffic is forcing me to make a decision. Within the shortest possible time frame, I've gotta come up with the 'best decision' but how?
Even though I hold the power to make the decision, I don't exactly have the free will in doing so. I still have to consider the conditions of my vehicle, the road, the weather and the possible chance of landing in what I think is the destination.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Women's Tears
When used appropriately, a woman's tears can be the most powerful and even manipulative weapon. However, using it excessively and/or unnecessarily (ie. crying over very trivial matters every other day) will cause it to lose its initial power. The result is extreme annoyance and irritation in others.
So, chose to use your tears wisely.
So, chose to use your tears wisely.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Post Created Nov 25, 2011 1:10:32 PM
My plans got a little screwed up along the way and I'm having lunch alone. Not that I'm complaining because I pretty much enjoy the peace of having a meal by myself. I get to people watch, eat at my own pace (friends always complain that I eat too slowly) and do my own stuff (i.e blogging like now). Most importantly, I don't have to socialise when I don't feel like it.
However, eating alone in Singapore is highly unlikely in Singapore. You rarely get to find a nice quiet cafe and eating alone in restaurants will bring you pitiful stares from the service staff and surrounding customers. Eating alone in coffeeshops are worse because noisy aunties will bring their misbehaving children/grandchildren and squeeze with you on the same table, expecting you to leave with darting eyes, creating an extremely uncomfortable atmosphere as though I'm obstructing their family time. If not, hum sup (dialect for pervertic) men will look at you lecherously, teasing or waiting for an opportunity to hit on you. Even if ya lucky to avoid all of the above, the coffeeahop will never be quiet enough for a peaceful meal. That's the reason why I like to get take aways.
I'd better enjoy my peace now before returning back to Singapore.
However, eating alone in Singapore is highly unlikely in Singapore. You rarely get to find a nice quiet cafe and eating alone in restaurants will bring you pitiful stares from the service staff and surrounding customers. Eating alone in coffeeshops are worse because noisy aunties will bring their misbehaving children/grandchildren and squeeze with you on the same table, expecting you to leave with darting eyes, creating an extremely uncomfortable atmosphere as though I'm obstructing their family time. If not, hum sup (dialect for pervertic) men will look at you lecherously, teasing or waiting for an opportunity to hit on you. Even if ya lucky to avoid all of the above, the coffeeahop will never be quiet enough for a peaceful meal. That's the reason why I like to get take aways.
I'd better enjoy my peace now before returning back to Singapore.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Blogger in Chinese
I typed blogger.com and everything showed up in chinese. Seriously, I've no idea why. The language chosen for my OS is US English (I can't imagine using it in chinese. I would have freaking no idea how to navigate my way around; I don't even know what's an icon or a folder called in Chinese) and I blog in English, so how can the website displayed be in Chinese?
Saturday, November 19, 2011
I Conquered It
If all else goes well, I'll graduate with a BSc Psychology at the end of this year.
If all else goes really well, I'll graduate with a BSc Hons Psychology at the end of next year.
If all else goes extremely well, I'll be a post graduate student at the start of 2013.
*fingers crossed that I didn't screw up my advanced statistics exams on Friday* Otherwise, I am pretty much screwed.
So, basically today marks the last day of my undergraduate studies (after sitting for my last paper).
Very random but I feel like typing this:
Q. 大学生了没？
A. 早已是大学生, 而且年底就毕业了！
=)
If all else goes really well, I'll graduate with a BSc Hons Psychology at the end of next year.
If all else goes extremely well, I'll be a post graduate student at the start of 2013.
*fingers crossed that I didn't screw up my advanced statistics exams on Friday* Otherwise, I am pretty much screwed.
So, basically today marks the last day of my undergraduate studies (after sitting for my last paper).
Very random but I feel like typing this:
Q. 大学生了没？
A. 早已是大学生, 而且年底就毕业了！
=)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Rainy Day
I woke up feeling prespiring. The heat is getting unbearable. As I was starting to be a little grumpy, the weather took a sudden change with dark clouds hovering in the sky. Before I know it, it's raining cats and dogs.
I love rainy days. I like it when it cools down the temperature. In Singapore, the temperature change is minimal when it rains. However, in Australia or Canberra at least, a rain can bring a great drop in temperature. I remember the last time it rained, the temperature dropped by 10 degree celsius and the 'cooling' effect lasted for a good three days.
I love rainy day even when I was a kid because it means that I can walk out in the rain with my cute little fancy umbrella. Truth to be told, I like to get myself drenched and play in the rain. I remember this one fine day when I was in secondary school when there was a heavy downpour and I didn't have an umbrella with me. I strolled back home from school in the rain (which was a 15 minutes walk away), feeling happy and especially relaxed but when I was home, my parents were especially concerned, particularly my father. He told me ring him up the next time it's raining, so that he can fetch me home from school with an umbrella. He didn't know that I actually enjoyed being in the rain. However, to save my parents from worries and heartaches, I never get myself drenched intentionally from then on. Oh, did I mention that it is very satisfying to have a warm bath after being drenched?
I like observing the rain drops; if you pay close attention to the rain, you can actually see the direction of rain drops changing with the direction of the wind. I like to see people running to shelters, waddling in puddles of water, sharing umbrellas and/or struggling to open umbrellas. I especially like the sight of adults fussing over their children, ensuring they aren't drenched in the rain; it's a warm sight. I like observing the behaviours of people on rainy days (outdoors of course), especially when it's a sudden downpour; I like to see people's expression and reaction to it. I like to observe from behind the windows of cars, cafes and buildings. I mean, if I'm one of those who are caught in the rain, how then can I observe others who are in a similar plight? I will most probably be struggling to cope with the sudden downpour.
I like the skies to be grey when it rains; it looks and feel every bit like a rainy day. I dislike it when it's a sunshower, also known as devil is beating his wife (an interesting metaphor). A sunshower makes me feel extremely uncomfortable, especially when the ground gets heated up while it rains (more common in Singapore than Canberra). If I were to be exposed to it, there's a 80% chance I'll suffer from a migraine and fall ill shortly after. Needless to say, this is the kind of rain I will never get myself drenched in. It's a recipe for disaster.
I like rainy days on most days. No, I'm not fickle minded. While I enjoy rainy days, I am not oblivious to the inconveniences they bring. Since I moved to Canberra, I usually stay at home on rainy days, giving lectures and grocery shopping a miss. I will also be less willing to meet friends for coffee or meals when it rains. The good or bad thing about Canberra (depending on which perspective you are looking at) is it rarely rains as compared to Singapore. Even when it rains, I'm usually unaware of it as it is usually unaccompanied by thunder and lightning (unlike in Singapore). Truth to be told, I have only seen lightning once in the one and a half year I'm here. However, back in Singapore, I see lightning striking at least once a fortnight. After moving to Canberra did I fully comprehend the notion that Singapore is one of the countries with the highest frequency of lightning strike and as such, has the highest death rate from lightning. Interesting, yeah? I bet you didn't know that.
On hindsight, I like observing lightning strikes as well. I think they are interesting to watch and are often a beautiful sight. When I see lightning strikes, I relate them to the blood veseels in our muscles, especially the heart. And I think whatever I have just mentioned is going to cause my youngest sister is going to shrug in discomfort.
I love rainy days. I like it when it cools down the temperature. In Singapore, the temperature change is minimal when it rains. However, in Australia or Canberra at least, a rain can bring a great drop in temperature. I remember the last time it rained, the temperature dropped by 10 degree celsius and the 'cooling' effect lasted for a good three days.
I love rainy day even when I was a kid because it means that I can walk out in the rain with my cute little fancy umbrella. Truth to be told, I like to get myself drenched and play in the rain. I remember this one fine day when I was in secondary school when there was a heavy downpour and I didn't have an umbrella with me. I strolled back home from school in the rain (which was a 15 minutes walk away), feeling happy and especially relaxed but when I was home, my parents were especially concerned, particularly my father. He told me ring him up the next time it's raining, so that he can fetch me home from school with an umbrella. He didn't know that I actually enjoyed being in the rain. However, to save my parents from worries and heartaches, I never get myself drenched intentionally from then on. Oh, did I mention that it is very satisfying to have a warm bath after being drenched?
I like observing the rain drops; if you pay close attention to the rain, you can actually see the direction of rain drops changing with the direction of the wind. I like to see people running to shelters, waddling in puddles of water, sharing umbrellas and/or struggling to open umbrellas. I especially like the sight of adults fussing over their children, ensuring they aren't drenched in the rain; it's a warm sight. I like observing the behaviours of people on rainy days (outdoors of course), especially when it's a sudden downpour; I like to see people's expression and reaction to it. I like to observe from behind the windows of cars, cafes and buildings. I mean, if I'm one of those who are caught in the rain, how then can I observe others who are in a similar plight? I will most probably be struggling to cope with the sudden downpour.
I like the skies to be grey when it rains; it looks and feel every bit like a rainy day. I dislike it when it's a sunshower, also known as devil is beating his wife (an interesting metaphor). A sunshower makes me feel extremely uncomfortable, especially when the ground gets heated up while it rains (more common in Singapore than Canberra). If I were to be exposed to it, there's a 80% chance I'll suffer from a migraine and fall ill shortly after. Needless to say, this is the kind of rain I will never get myself drenched in. It's a recipe for disaster.
I like rainy days on most days. No, I'm not fickle minded. While I enjoy rainy days, I am not oblivious to the inconveniences they bring. Since I moved to Canberra, I usually stay at home on rainy days, giving lectures and grocery shopping a miss. I will also be less willing to meet friends for coffee or meals when it rains. The good or bad thing about Canberra (depending on which perspective you are looking at) is it rarely rains as compared to Singapore. Even when it rains, I'm usually unaware of it as it is usually unaccompanied by thunder and lightning (unlike in Singapore). Truth to be told, I have only seen lightning once in the one and a half year I'm here. However, back in Singapore, I see lightning striking at least once a fortnight. After moving to Canberra did I fully comprehend the notion that Singapore is one of the countries with the highest frequency of lightning strike and as such, has the highest death rate from lightning. Interesting, yeah? I bet you didn't know that.
On hindsight, I like observing lightning strikes as well. I think they are interesting to watch and are often a beautiful sight. When I see lightning strikes, I relate them to the blood veseels in our muscles, especially the heart. And I think whatever I have just mentioned is going to cause my youngest sister is going to shrug in discomfort.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
It's hotter in Canberra
As I sat down in front of my desk, I found myself prespiring. The only time something like this had happened was when I turned up the heater a tad too much. However, with both my heaters off and with my fan on, it wasn't something I had expected.
I looked at the weather forecast widget on my desktop and this is what it says. I kid you not! Canberra is hotter than Singapore at this point in time (the clock is displaying Singapore's time at GMT +8) and it's still spring!
Summer, aren't you here a little too early?
Friday, November 4, 2011
New Page
I added a new page to my blog, titled "Currently".
I guess people who visit my blog (whom I assume comprise mainly of my family and friends) will like to know what I'm up to lately. I will update it periodically, of anything random that I'm doing or any random thoughts that come to my mind.
Check that space out once in a while. I will also add more pages when I'm free.
On hindsight, will you all do me a kind favour by leaving a message on the tagboard, so I know who's visiting, even if I don't know you in person? Just take it as an act of motivating me to blog more frequently *winks*
I guess people who visit my blog (whom I assume comprise mainly of my family and friends) will like to know what I'm up to lately. I will update it periodically, of anything random that I'm doing or any random thoughts that come to my mind.
Check that space out once in a while. I will also add more pages when I'm free.
On hindsight, will you all do me a kind favour by leaving a message on the tagboard, so I know who's visiting, even if I don't know you in person? Just take it as an act of motivating me to blog more frequently *winks*
Last Day of School
Today is the last day of school for the semester and I walked out of the lecture threatre, I overheard the following conversation.
Girl 1: Are you done for today?
Girl2: I'm done with this for the rest of my life!
Girl 1: Really!!!!! Congratulations!!!! (in super high pitch)
When I turned around, I saw them hugging each other and they were almost in tears >.<
Just in case you'll like to know, this will be the last day of my undergraduate studies if I screw up. Otherwise, if all else goes well, I still have 1 more year of honours to go.
*fingers crossed again*
Girl 1: Are you done for today?
Girl2: I'm done with this for the rest of my life!
Girl 1: Really!!!!! Congratulations!!!! (in super high pitch)
When I turned around, I saw them hugging each other and they were almost in tears >.<
Just in case you'll like to know, this will be the last day of my undergraduate studies if I screw up. Otherwise, if all else goes well, I still have 1 more year of honours to go.
*fingers crossed again*
Sunday, October 30, 2011
I Love My iPhone!
If I were to lose my handphone now, my life will be turned into a state of chaos. Before you jump into a conclusion that I'm the urban kid who can't live without a smart phone, I gotta state my stand. I never owned a smart phone until a year ago, when I arrived in Australia. I bought an iPhone 4 shortly after I lost my phone (a newly bought, not-so-smart nokia phone) on a bus. I never seem to learn my lesson that by keeping my phone in my pocket, there is a high risk of the phone slipping out without me noticing it but we'll leave that story for another time.
Back to the iPhone 4.
My iPhone 4 is very important to me because
1. It has google map.
Google map on iPhone has saved my life many times, especially when I'm on holidays in other states. I realise there's this thing about Australia; you rarely see big signs on buildings, unless they are owned by really big corporate organisations such as Commonwealth Bank, Ernst and Young, PricewaterCooper House. You get the drift. There were many times I find myself standing in front of a building while I continue to search for it, until I turned on the GPS and google maps function on my iPhone. At times, google map on iPhone beats a GPS system meant for cars (such as Garmin), as the signal is extremely weak for the latter when ya surrounded by buildings in the city. Moreover, google map loads way faster than a GPS system. Sometimes, the GPS system takes a good 5 to 10 minutes 'calculating' the distance and stopping by the road for that long a time isn't the most ideal thing to do.
2. WhatsApp
I have yet to upload to iOS 5, so I'm still relying very much on WhatsApp.
As an international student in Australia, my family/friends are scattered mainly in Australia and Singapore. With WhatsApp, I can communicate with them through sms/mms without paying for international rates. The best thing is, most of my friends own smartphones (be blackberry, iPhone or andriod phones) and whatsapp is compatible with these phones.
3. Torch
I downloaded an appliation to have the flash light turned on so that it can serve the function of a torch light. It may sound a bit ridiculous but this torch function has its live saving moments, such as the time when the entire street experienced a blackout. While my housemates tried to feel their way around the dark, I reached out for my iPhone and tadah, it lighted our entire apartment immediately and we weren't at risk of injuring ourselves by tripping over the furniture and landing hard on the floor. (You have no idea how accident prone I can be.) It didn't have to wait till a blackout to prove its purpose though; I've used it countless times to find small items in my bags and to search for items that I've accidentally dropped in the car.
4. TuneIn Radio
This is, in my opinion, the most awesome application I had downloaded to keep me connected to Singapore. This radio application allows one to get connected to most, if not all radio stations all over the world, from Asia to Europe to United States. Obviously, I preset my favourite stations to those in Singapore, such as Perfect 10, Yes 933, Jia883 and Class95. As my Hi-Fi set has a dock for iPhone/iTouch, I usually turn on the radio application and place my iPhone on the dock. The connection and quality of sound/music is pretty good, even better than the preset radios on my hi-fi set. If I tune in to the radio in the evening, I usually get to hear of road updates and at the back of my mind, I'll go "Jam at CTE during after-office hours, what's new?". So, even though I'm living down under, I'm still pretty updated about the happenings in Singapore, okay? I may be here physically but my heart is back home with my family and friends. Gotta trust me on that.
5. Phone Numbers
At the end of the day, my iPhone still serves the basic function of a handphone. If I were to lose my handphone one day, I highly doubt I can get all the numbers back, especially the Australian numbers. Back in Singapore, I memorised most, if not all of the phone numbers of people who are important to me; from my grandparents' to my sisters' to my friends'. If I don't find your Singapore number familiar at all, it could mean that we rarely contact each other via phone or you've recently changed your number. However, it is almost impossible for me to memorise my friends' australian numbers. Australian phone numbers are way too long. I took a good 2 months to be able to recite my phone number without referring to my handphone. It created quite an awkward two months, as that was when I started to make a lot of new friends and exchanging phone numbers was the norm. This was a common scenario
Friend: Let's exchange numbers.
Me: Sure!
Friend: My number is 04 xx xx xx xx.
Me: Mine is 04 .... erms ... i think it's 12 ... no no no ... erms ... I'm sorry I can't remember ... I needa check it out
*scrambles to check my handphone while new friend stands there in disbelief*
Back to the iPhone 4.
My iPhone 4 is very important to me because
1. It has google map.
Google map on iPhone has saved my life many times, especially when I'm on holidays in other states. I realise there's this thing about Australia; you rarely see big signs on buildings, unless they are owned by really big corporate organisations such as Commonwealth Bank, Ernst and Young, PricewaterCooper House. You get the drift. There were many times I find myself standing in front of a building while I continue to search for it, until I turned on the GPS and google maps function on my iPhone. At times, google map on iPhone beats a GPS system meant for cars (such as Garmin), as the signal is extremely weak for the latter when ya surrounded by buildings in the city. Moreover, google map loads way faster than a GPS system. Sometimes, the GPS system takes a good 5 to 10 minutes 'calculating' the distance and stopping by the road for that long a time isn't the most ideal thing to do.
2. WhatsApp
I have yet to upload to iOS 5, so I'm still relying very much on WhatsApp.
As an international student in Australia, my family/friends are scattered mainly in Australia and Singapore. With WhatsApp, I can communicate with them through sms/mms without paying for international rates. The best thing is, most of my friends own smartphones (be blackberry, iPhone or andriod phones) and whatsapp is compatible with these phones.
3. Torch
I downloaded an appliation to have the flash light turned on so that it can serve the function of a torch light. It may sound a bit ridiculous but this torch function has its live saving moments, such as the time when the entire street experienced a blackout. While my housemates tried to feel their way around the dark, I reached out for my iPhone and tadah, it lighted our entire apartment immediately and we weren't at risk of injuring ourselves by tripping over the furniture and landing hard on the floor. (You have no idea how accident prone I can be.) It didn't have to wait till a blackout to prove its purpose though; I've used it countless times to find small items in my bags and to search for items that I've accidentally dropped in the car.
4. TuneIn Radio
This is, in my opinion, the most awesome application I had downloaded to keep me connected to Singapore. This radio application allows one to get connected to most, if not all radio stations all over the world, from Asia to Europe to United States. Obviously, I preset my favourite stations to those in Singapore, such as Perfect 10, Yes 933, Jia883 and Class95. As my Hi-Fi set has a dock for iPhone/iTouch, I usually turn on the radio application and place my iPhone on the dock. The connection and quality of sound/music is pretty good, even better than the preset radios on my hi-fi set. If I tune in to the radio in the evening, I usually get to hear of road updates and at the back of my mind, I'll go "Jam at CTE during after-office hours, what's new?". So, even though I'm living down under, I'm still pretty updated about the happenings in Singapore, okay? I may be here physically but my heart is back home with my family and friends. Gotta trust me on that.
5. Phone Numbers
At the end of the day, my iPhone still serves the basic function of a handphone. If I were to lose my handphone one day, I highly doubt I can get all the numbers back, especially the Australian numbers. Back in Singapore, I memorised most, if not all of the phone numbers of people who are important to me; from my grandparents' to my sisters' to my friends'. If I don't find your Singapore number familiar at all, it could mean that we rarely contact each other via phone or you've recently changed your number. However, it is almost impossible for me to memorise my friends' australian numbers. Australian phone numbers are way too long. I took a good 2 months to be able to recite my phone number without referring to my handphone. It created quite an awkward two months, as that was when I started to make a lot of new friends and exchanging phone numbers was the norm. This was a common scenario
Friend: Let's exchange numbers.
Me: Sure!
Friend: My number is 04 xx xx xx xx.
Me: Mine is 04 .... erms ... i think it's 12 ... no no no ... erms ... I'm sorry I can't remember ... I needa check it out
*scrambles to check my handphone while new friend stands there in disbelief*
To memorise my own mobile number is a challenge in itself, not to mention memorising my friends'. Hence, if someone were to kidnap me and rob me of my phone before dumping me in some small town, I won't be able to contact any one of my friends as I don't know any of their numbers. That also explains why I'm exceptionally careful with my handphone this time round because I know the price of losing it is too great. Unlike in Singapore, I'm pretty dependent on my handphone since I arrived in Australia, so fingers crossed that it will last me through till the end of my mobile phone contract.
At 1 year 1 months, my iPhone holds the record of being with me/lasting for the longest period of time. None of my mobile phones were with me for more than one year; they either got stolen, misplaced, damaged or drowned. And I'm hoping that by praising myself/my iPhone, I won't be jinxing it. *fingers crossed*
Friday, October 28, 2011
You're my Nightmare
I have no idea what I dreamt of the night before but I woke up this morning swearing in a hokkien vulgarity that I have never sworn before. It took me a while to realise that it was a dream and I need not get agitated. Oddly, I can't remember what exactly happened in the dream. I vaguely remembered who was the one who made me so agitated but I have no idea why. Somehow, this is in sync with the happenings of reality. It comes to show how much this person has been destructing my life, so much that even my sleep time isn't spared.
Seriously.
Seriously.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Of Milk and Alcohol
In the first quarter of this year, milk prices dipped greatly, costing only 1AUD per litre. While that sparked a great debate amongst retailers, farmers, legislators and even union groups, consumers were secretly happy about it. With house brands reducing their prices by a third, milk has never been so affordable. Despite the fact that I'm pretty lactose intolerant, I hopped on to the bandwagon to purchase milk.
However, the milk purchases didn't last long. While my friends finish a carton of 2l milk within a day or two pretty effortlessly, I often find myself struggling to finish it before it expires. (I'm lactose intolerant, remember? I can only drink in small amounts without getting gastric discomfort.) After throwing a few cartons of unfinished milk, I decided that I should stop wasting money and food, or rather milk to be precise. For a couples of months, I hadn't purchase any milk.
That was until last week, when I went grocery shopping with my housemate's boyfriend. He wanted very badly to drink Russian White and hence, he bought a bottle of Absolute Vodka + a bottle of Kahlua while I bought a 3l carton of milk for the cocktail. Guess what? Less than a week after I purchased the milk, it's almost finishing. For the very first time in my household, we will finish a carton of milk before its expiry date, all because we made an addictive concoction out of it. While I drank it for one night, my housemate/s continued to drink for the next few days and voila, we've got an empty milk carton. Oh well, they probably think that they can make up for the negative effects of alcohol by drinking some milk. Haha.
By the way, I really like White Russian and it's really simple to mix.
Do try it!
If ya wondering why everyone else (other than consumers) are kicking a fuss out of the low prices of milk, check out the following links:
The Sydney Morning Herald: Price war could spell the end of fresh milk on supermarket shelves.
ABC News: Dairy farmers worried at supermarket milk price war
However, the milk purchases didn't last long. While my friends finish a carton of 2l milk within a day or two pretty effortlessly, I often find myself struggling to finish it before it expires. (I'm lactose intolerant, remember? I can only drink in small amounts without getting gastric discomfort.) After throwing a few cartons of unfinished milk, I decided that I should stop wasting money and food, or rather milk to be precise. For a couples of months, I hadn't purchase any milk.
That was until last week, when I went grocery shopping with my housemate's boyfriend. He wanted very badly to drink Russian White and hence, he bought a bottle of Absolute Vodka + a bottle of Kahlua while I bought a 3l carton of milk for the cocktail. Guess what? Less than a week after I purchased the milk, it's almost finishing. For the very first time in my household, we will finish a carton of milk before its expiry date, all because we made an addictive concoction out of it. While I drank it for one night, my housemate/s continued to drink for the next few days and voila, we've got an empty milk carton. Oh well, they probably think that they can make up for the negative effects of alcohol by drinking some milk. Haha.
By the way, I really like White Russian and it's really simple to mix.
Do try it!
If ya wondering why everyone else (other than consumers) are kicking a fuss out of the low prices of milk, check out the following links:
The Sydney Morning Herald: Price war could spell the end of fresh milk on supermarket shelves.
ABC News: Dairy farmers worried at supermarket milk price war
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Secret Garden
Watched Secret Garden lately and as usual, I finished the entire drama within a week. Though this show was a major autumn production in 2010, I didn't get to watch it until my term break this semester. While I didn't really like the plot at the beginning, I enjoyed the ending. Shan't go into details but if you do watch the drama, the following may interest you.
What Kim Ju Won chants
Kim Ju Won chants this tongue twister everytime he wants to stop himself from fantasising or day dreaming. Initially I thought it was a tongue twister with a deep meaning to it. Out of curiosity, I decided to google what were the words Kim Ju Won (Acted by Hyun Bin) was chanted and when I found out about the true meaning, I actually felt 'Duh!'
"Kim~~suhanmoo keobugiwa durumi samcheongabja Dong Bang Sak Chichigapo Sarisarisaenta Woriwori Saepeurika Moodoosella gureumi heorikaein dambyeorak… Kim~~suhanmoo keobugiwa durumi samcheongabja.."
Click here or here if you'll like to find out more about it.
The Fireman's Prayer
The Fireman's Prayer really touched my heart. Initially, I thought that it was written by the scriptwriter but upon watching a Korean variety show, I came to realise that this was based on a poem written by a firefighter in Kansas, after he failed to rescue three children who were trapped in the fire.
The Fireman's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God
whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child
Before it’s too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor
And protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife.
My heart sinks everytime I read this poem. I can imagine the despair the fireman after witnessing the young victims being burnt to death, alive. Click here to read more about it.
Hyun Bin in Tvn Taxi
Tvn Taxi is a South Korean variety show and they interviewed Hyun Bin with regards to Secret Garden and some personal details. Unlike the character he acted in Secret Garden, Hyun Bin is very well mannered and humble in reality (or at least as portrayed in variety shows).The following videos will only make sense if you watch the entire drama.
Note: There are five parts to this video.
Ha Ji Won
I was curious about Ha Ji Won after she took on the role as the lead actress in Secret Garden. Turns out I had seen her on screen before but I failed to recognise her. I like her body because she's so slim yet fit, not the typical movie star who looks anorexic with a dress size of 0. I liked the way her muscles were toned and the cool attitude she displayed when acting as a stunt woman in action movies. Cool~
I googled a little and found this video clip which was recorded before the screening of Secret Garden. My guess was, she appeared in the variety just before/after or during the making of Secret Garden as her hair was short. Her hair was kept long for most of her previous shows.
Mureupak Dosa (Knee-Drop Guru) - Ha Ji-won (1/3) by yonniesubs
Note: There are 3 parts to this video.
Big Bang's Parody
Everyone seems to imitate after Secret Garden. Big Bang's Parody really made me laughed. This video will only make sense after you've watched the drama.
Seoul Drama Awards 2011
Secret Garden was awarded the best Hallyu drama by 5 cities in Asia. Though I think it's a good show, I feel it was kinda overrated because I was only touched and moved towards the last quarter of the show and when the show ended, I felt a little lost because to me it felt as though the show has ended shortly after it has climaxed. Most importantly, the characters failed to engage me the way My Princess and Full House did and I am unable to pinpoint the exact reason.
Click here to find out more about the awards.
Secret Garden OST
I think the music chosen for this drama was superb. There were times when I found tears welling up my eyes as the songs were played, along with certain scenes from the drama. I can feel the image and emotion the director was trying to project. After the drama ended, I just had to find the OST for it. However, I don't listen to the songs very often as I find myself falling into a state of 'anhedonia' after listening to the song, feeling excessively down with loads of sighs.
Two of my favourite songs
What Kim Ju Won chants
Kim Ju Won chants this tongue twister everytime he wants to stop himself from fantasising or day dreaming. Initially I thought it was a tongue twister with a deep meaning to it. Out of curiosity, I decided to google what were the words Kim Ju Won (Acted by Hyun Bin) was chanted and when I found out about the true meaning, I actually felt 'Duh!'
"Kim~~suhanmoo keobugiwa durumi samcheongabja Dong Bang Sak Chichigapo Sarisarisaenta Woriwori Saepeurika Moodoosella gureumi heorikaein dambyeorak… Kim~~suhanmoo keobugiwa durumi samcheongabja.."
Click here or here if you'll like to find out more about it.
The Fireman's Prayer
The Fireman's Prayer really touched my heart. Initially, I thought that it was written by the scriptwriter but upon watching a Korean variety show, I came to realise that this was based on a poem written by a firefighter in Kansas, after he failed to rescue three children who were trapped in the fire.
The Fireman's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God
whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child
Before it’s too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor
And protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife.
My heart sinks everytime I read this poem. I can imagine the despair the fireman after witnessing the young victims being burnt to death, alive. Click here to read more about it.
Hyun Bin in Tvn Taxi
Tvn Taxi is a South Korean variety show and they interviewed Hyun Bin with regards to Secret Garden and some personal details. Unlike the character he acted in Secret Garden, Hyun Bin is very well mannered and humble in reality (or at least as portrayed in variety shows).The following videos will only make sense if you watch the entire drama.
Note: There are five parts to this video.
Ha Ji Won
I was curious about Ha Ji Won after she took on the role as the lead actress in Secret Garden. Turns out I had seen her on screen before but I failed to recognise her. I like her body because she's so slim yet fit, not the typical movie star who looks anorexic with a dress size of 0. I liked the way her muscles were toned and the cool attitude she displayed when acting as a stunt woman in action movies. Cool~
I googled a little and found this video clip which was recorded before the screening of Secret Garden. My guess was, she appeared in the variety just before/after or during the making of Secret Garden as her hair was short. Her hair was kept long for most of her previous shows.
Mureupak Dosa (Knee-Drop Guru) - Ha Ji-won (1/3) by yonniesubs
Note: There are 3 parts to this video.
Big Bang's Parody
Everyone seems to imitate after Secret Garden. Big Bang's Parody really made me laughed. This video will only make sense after you've watched the drama.
Seoul Drama Awards 2011
Secret Garden was awarded the best Hallyu drama by 5 cities in Asia. Though I think it's a good show, I feel it was kinda overrated because I was only touched and moved towards the last quarter of the show and when the show ended, I felt a little lost because to me it felt as though the show has ended shortly after it has climaxed. Most importantly, the characters failed to engage me the way My Princess and Full House did and I am unable to pinpoint the exact reason.
Click here to find out more about the awards.
Secret Garden OST
I think the music chosen for this drama was superb. There were times when I found tears welling up my eyes as the songs were played, along with certain scenes from the drama. I can feel the image and emotion the director was trying to project. After the drama ended, I just had to find the OST for it. However, I don't listen to the songs very often as I find myself falling into a state of 'anhedonia' after listening to the song, feeling excessively down with loads of sighs.
Two of my favourite songs
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
What is Marketing?
I've no idea who came up with this originally (I ripped it off my friend's facebook) but I thought I'd share since it's pretty interesting.
1. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: ' I am very rich. Marry me! ' - That's Direct Marketing'.
2. You're at a party with a bunch of friends and see a gorgeous girl. One of your friends goes up to her and pointing at you says: ' He's very rich. 'Marry him.' -That's Advertising'
3. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and get her telephone number. The next day, you call and say: ' Hi, I'm very rich. 'Marry me - That's Telemarketing'
4. You're at a party and see gorgeous girl. You get up and straighten your tie, you walk up to her and pour her a drink, you open the door (of the car)for her, pick up her bag after she drops it, offer her ride and then say:'By the way, I'm rich. Will you 'Marry Me?' - That's Public Relations'
... 5. You're at a party and see gorgeous girl. She walks up to you and says:'You are very rich! 'Can you marry ! Me?' - That's Brand Recognition'
6. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: 'I am very rich. Marry me!' She gives you a nice hard slap on your face. - ' That's Customer Feedback '
7. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say: 'I am very rich. Marry me!' And she introduces you to her husband. - 'That's demand and supply gap'
8. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and before you say anything, another person come and tell her: 'I'm rich. Will you marry me?' and she goes with him - 'That's competition eating into your market share'
9. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and before you say: 'I'm rich, Marry me!' your wife arrives. - ' That's restriction for entering new markets'
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Flash News
The homepage of my internet browser is always set to Yahoo Singapore!, just so that I can be updated of the latest (okay I know a lot of news posted on Yahoo is backdated but I'm in Australia, remember?) happenings in Singapore.
My heart always skip a beat each time there is a flash news updated in red. This time, it reads "Market update: Singapore stocks plunge on the Federal Reserve's warning of a grim U.S. economic outlook.
Sighs.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Anyone misses me?
I know it's been ages since I last blogged. I was too distracted and always seem to be occupied by something; either it's school or dramas. Woops! I rarely log in to skype or msn these days too. Double woops!
To keep you guys updated, I'm currently in the midst of my term break and sadly, it will come to an official end this Sunday. During this period of time, I have yet to achieved anything academically. Each day, I see my to-do list getting longer without anything on the list being ticked off. Yeah, I know I should have seized this opportunity to catch up on my work but then again, it defeats the whole purpose of a holiday!
I promised myself that I am going to use the remaining days to redeem myself, working extra hard to make up for the lack of it and I seriously mean it. You may find it unbelievable but wait till you know the forces behind it.
The reason? I want to work hard so that I can play harder!
The motivation? My friend wants to drive down south to Melbourne for a weekend.
The deal? I gotta complete all my essays (regardless of their deadlines) and ensure they are of decent standards before setting off.
If not? I will forgo the trip.
Strong enough a motivation yeah? And the trip will serve a good break between my submissions and my end of year exams. Good time to recharge.
Alright, shall end here for now. I will try to blog more regularly. I know how sucky it feels when you kinda 'lose touch' with a friend/family member who's miles apart when he/she doesn't update about his/her life. Trust me, I was once in that position and from now on, I shall add 'blogging' on my to-do list so as to remind myself to blog frequently.
Take care till my next post ❣
To keep you guys updated, I'm currently in the midst of my term break and sadly, it will come to an official end this Sunday. During this period of time, I have yet to achieved anything academically. Each day, I see my to-do list getting longer without anything on the list being ticked off. Yeah, I know I should have seized this opportunity to catch up on my work but then again, it defeats the whole purpose of a holiday!
I promised myself that I am going to use the remaining days to redeem myself, working extra hard to make up for the lack of it and I seriously mean it. You may find it unbelievable but wait till you know the forces behind it.
The reason? I want to work hard so that I can play harder!
The motivation? My friend wants to drive down south to Melbourne for a weekend.
The deal? I gotta complete all my essays (regardless of their deadlines) and ensure they are of decent standards before setting off.
If not? I will forgo the trip.
Strong enough a motivation yeah? And the trip will serve a good break between my submissions and my end of year exams. Good time to recharge.
Alright, shall end here for now. I will try to blog more regularly. I know how sucky it feels when you kinda 'lose touch' with a friend/family member who's miles apart when he/she doesn't update about his/her life. Trust me, I was once in that position and from now on, I shall add 'blogging' on my to-do list so as to remind myself to blog frequently.
Take care till my next post ❣
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Blues
I've been feeling extremely depressed for the past week or so.
This is not the kind of emo feelings, the kind of blues you feel once in a while; it is definately more severe than that. The depressive mood intensifies after I started studying crazily for my exams (average 12 hours and the max I clocked was 16.5 hours) and it became worse as I sat for more papers (I'm only half done with it - 2 papers down, 2 more to go). Recently, it took me an extremely long time to drift off to sleep and when I did sleep, there was a lack of quality in it. I found myself drifting in and out of consciousness.
Instead of feeling fresh, I wake up feeling extremely down and at times, with a strong urge to cry. However, I never once cried, not because I'm trying hard to withold my emotions or whatsoever but the tears just refuse to flow. It feels kind of terrible as I can't find an avenue to 'release' my negative emotions; it's like a ball of negative energy trapped within me. And I still do feel that way now.
As I study for abnormal psychology, I find myself meeting more and more symptoms of major depressive episode in DSM-IV-TR. I have a sense of hopelessness, I feel depressed, I have a significant decrease in appetite (which is good in a bad way, since I couldn't curb my appetite prior to this), I can't seem to think logically or as well as I used to, I can't sleep at night and when I do, there is a lack of quality as I drift in and out of consciousness (insomnia), I feel really tired (could be because I've been studying too hard, so this factor can be excluded) and I find no pleasure in doing things I used to enjoy or rather, I don't even feel like doing anything (a sign of anhedonia). Unlike two weeks ago, I don't even have the urge to go home now, even though I don't really enjoy staying back in Canberra for the winter holidays.
As a psychology student, I jolly well know that these aren't good signs and they may lead to negative consequences which can be detrimental for my well-being. I also know that there are ways to alter my thoughts and beliefs, so that they will lead to a better outcome but I can't seem to do it. It's like, asking a doctor to cure himself/herself or a hairdresser to cut his/her own hair. You just can't seem to do it as well when performing it on yourself.
Meanwhile, I will try to shift my focus on my studies and hopefully, in due time, I'll learn to cope and handle my emotions through the altering of my thoughts. Maybe, this could be an exam thing and after the exam period ends, all these problems will magically disappear, especially after I return to Singapore. I have no idea. Shall wait and see.
At the moment, I will prefer to be socially isolated. If there's something pressing, you can reach me via facebook or email. Otherwise, I will prefer to be left alone and I seek your understanding on it. Thank you very much. Take care till then.
Note: I will be returning to Singapore soon. If anyone wants anything from Australia, please inform me before Saturday through facebook or email.
This is not the kind of emo feelings, the kind of blues you feel once in a while; it is definately more severe than that. The depressive mood intensifies after I started studying crazily for my exams (average 12 hours and the max I clocked was 16.5 hours) and it became worse as I sat for more papers (I'm only half done with it - 2 papers down, 2 more to go). Recently, it took me an extremely long time to drift off to sleep and when I did sleep, there was a lack of quality in it. I found myself drifting in and out of consciousness.
Instead of feeling fresh, I wake up feeling extremely down and at times, with a strong urge to cry. However, I never once cried, not because I'm trying hard to withold my emotions or whatsoever but the tears just refuse to flow. It feels kind of terrible as I can't find an avenue to 'release' my negative emotions; it's like a ball of negative energy trapped within me. And I still do feel that way now.
As I study for abnormal psychology, I find myself meeting more and more symptoms of major depressive episode in DSM-IV-TR. I have a sense of hopelessness, I feel depressed, I have a significant decrease in appetite (which is good in a bad way, since I couldn't curb my appetite prior to this), I can't seem to think logically or as well as I used to, I can't sleep at night and when I do, there is a lack of quality as I drift in and out of consciousness (insomnia), I feel really tired (could be because I've been studying too hard, so this factor can be excluded) and I find no pleasure in doing things I used to enjoy or rather, I don't even feel like doing anything (a sign of anhedonia). Unlike two weeks ago, I don't even have the urge to go home now, even though I don't really enjoy staying back in Canberra for the winter holidays.
As a psychology student, I jolly well know that these aren't good signs and they may lead to negative consequences which can be detrimental for my well-being. I also know that there are ways to alter my thoughts and beliefs, so that they will lead to a better outcome but I can't seem to do it. It's like, asking a doctor to cure himself/herself or a hairdresser to cut his/her own hair. You just can't seem to do it as well when performing it on yourself.
Meanwhile, I will try to shift my focus on my studies and hopefully, in due time, I'll learn to cope and handle my emotions through the altering of my thoughts. Maybe, this could be an exam thing and after the exam period ends, all these problems will magically disappear, especially after I return to Singapore. I have no idea. Shall wait and see.
At the moment, I will prefer to be socially isolated. If there's something pressing, you can reach me via facebook or email. Otherwise, I will prefer to be left alone and I seek your understanding on it. Thank you very much. Take care till then.
Note: I will be returning to Singapore soon. If anyone wants anything from Australia, please inform me before Saturday through facebook or email.
Friday, June 17, 2011
When in Doubt, Pray.
I experienced several hiccups since I returned to Australia this semester. Prior to that, I also went through quite a bit of bad times and there were many times when I wondered where life will lead me to. I had been (and still am) trying really hard to work towards what my life goals and somehow, thing's just didn't seem to run as smoothly as I thought it would be. There were many times when I thought of giving up and/or wondered if I am making the right choices and decisions in life. I was starting to doubt myself; my capabilities, my plans, my thoughts etc. To be honest, this has been bothering me for quite some time and it has actually distracted me quite a bit.
Since I always believe in the notion of "when in doubt, pray" and I've been praying quite a bit lately, especially in the past week. Then, as I was surfing online for school work related issues, I saw the following:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
It may be a coincidence for this verse to appear in relation to my prayer (sorf of) but I decided to interpret it as a positive sign from the lord, and I'm keeping my hopes high for a better future.
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