one semester down
Testing the WP iPhone app since I’m back in Singapore, trying to find new ways to keep my blog updated once again!
I am currently back for Chinese New Year holiday with my family and flying back to Beijing once again on Friday. Do I miss Singapore? Apart from family, friends and food, I don’t really think so! My sinus is back the moment I stepped down even though air in Beijing is far more polluted and the heat is unbearable for someone who just returned from Harbin!
Hopefully with the app, I can regularly update my site with short posts and pictures from Beijing! 
I was considering to shut the site down but can’t bear to do so…afterall, I’ve met many great people via my blog! Perhaps some of you can suggest via comments on what I should do with the site…revamp? tumblr it? just let it rot? haha
Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
The Longest Post-School Break
Tom: “Either she’s an evil, emotionless, miserable human being, or… she’s a robot.” (500 Days of Summer)
It has been a really long break I took from blogging. Like what Tom said, I was definitely a miserable human being trying to be a workaholic robot. Not an excuse for my tons of overdue posts (Timbre Rock and Roots, Timbre Song Writing Competition, Fairly Legal Review, many weeks of AOTW and TV+movie reviews) I know. So sorry to all my readers but I AM BACK (-inserts awkward silence-) Those posts will come shortly after!
But yes, getting back to the whole blogging thing before I am doomed behind the Great Firewall. In case you have not heard, I will be leaving Singapore in a few months time for further studies in Beijing. The good thing is, it will be conducted in English (Phew!) The bad thing is, I have to leave my loved ones behind and also having unstable internet for the rest of the months I’m there. Hopefully I can continue blogging with the not-so-secret mighty VPN power. More on that decision next time!
In other news, the last few weeks of school was great. Catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, getting enough sleep (or so I think) and busy planning for the Beijing trip and studies. I am currently working full time at Epiphany Education till I leave town, it has been real fun conducting workshops for students and knowing that they enjoyed the time spent together with their coaches, hopefully learning something out of the workshop too? Hee.
So how’s May coming along for you?
[Contest] GoBedRock
In case many of you didn’t know by now, I am involved with this exciting project called ‘GoBedRock’
All you have to do is to log on to our website (www.GoBedRock.com) and share your travel moment, get the most number of votes! It’s as simple as that! The winner will receive a free flight (worth up to US$350) within Asia.(Too good to be true? Really no other gimmicks! We just want to get people sharing!)
In addition, you stand a higher chance of winning if you retweet or tag your friends on our Facebook page after sharing your moments. The moment with the most votes by 3pm Singapore time (GMT +8 hours) on Friday, 1st April wins.
Hong Kong.
16-21st March 2011
Yes, it’s week 11 in SMU but…
Finally, I’m back ‘home’ – to celebrate my mother’s birthday!
P.S : Will resume blogging when I’m back !
The Job Hunt and Hunted
During every gathering I have been to, most of us end up talking about work. You bump into someone in school, the first thing that greets you is ‘Hey! Last semester right? Graduating soon? Have you found a job yet?’
As for me, I am graduating this coming April as well. Looking for a job never came across my mind so far (ok, once in a awhile), not because I want to be a bummer but I am going to try my luck with my masters plan. If I do apply for a full time job now, I might have to leave the country when I receive the enrollment package. I am probably going to take it slow and wait till June for the results to be out before planning my career path.
- Travel opportunities – cultural experience or relocate
- Work challenge – learning experience
- Social networking opportunities – able to interact with people/clients
- Not a 9-6 boring desk job
- Best if related to media/music/films/art
- Leadership roles or at least a team that encourages sharing
- Work-life-family balance.
- Allows me to continue blogging
- Encourages contributing back to the society- CSP
- Decent pay
Sounds too good to be true if I can find a job that fits all 10 criteria! I’ll be happy to find one that fulfills 6 out of the listed 10!
As a graduating undergrad, I would say I’d prefer to plan my career path properly before jumping at any job opportunities offered. Not because we should be picky on an entry-level role but I think it is only right to know how you can contribute to a company instead of being half-hearted at your job. You wouldn’t want to work for a couple of months and dreading work every single day for a few years. Worse, to quit your first job after a year ?
So how was your first job hunt like? Did you end up straight away in a job that you like?
Any tips for job seekers out there or personal experiences are welcomed !
Getting Behind The Wheels
And so, if you have yet to hear about the unfortunate news – I am currently taking my driving lessons. After talking about it 5 years ago, I figured it’s about time and it’s never too late to learn how to drive…right?
After 3 lessons, I am happy to announce that my instructor is still alive and we did not face any rides that came close to a fear inducing situation. In fact, I must be pretty good if I get to drive out to the streets on my first lesson ! Alright, just let the egoistic me enjoy the moment there. But I must say it’s much easier for a girl to learn auto instead of manual driving, I’d admit that girls are less of a driver compared to guys. (In general!)
You will be happy to know that all my friends are really supportive – they make sure they stay at home in order not to distract my driving lesson and avoid the area at all cost. How nice of them ! In fact, I doubt I will get into any accidents in the future as nobody is going to be on the roads when I am ! Yes, I am that optimistic and I choose to view their comments in a positive manner. Haha!
On a side note, I find that driving is a rather satisfying task. So far the main challenge for me is to check my blind-spots before every other turn or lane change. I feel like I will get a damn neck ache from turning left-right-left-right all the time. There gotta be an easier/better way to do it ! (Actually no, I’ve checked.)
The machine is winning…but not for long !
Survival Guide For Festival Virgins
Music festivals can be a memorable experience, for the wrong reasons. My virgin music festival extravaganza happened 3 years ago and oh boy..being a first timer, I was clueless to what I should wear or what to bring ! Thank God I was blessed with good weather and a well-prepared group of friends who made sure I was taken care of. After being to a couple more of such events and with many upcoming concerts and festivals coming to Singapore, here’s a (yet another) survival guide for others out there ! Disclaimer: The following guide is just based on my own experience and observations. Feel free to contribute more tips!
Have A Game Plan : It’s important to know the line-up for the day. You wouldn’t want to miss your favorite band’s act or not knowing who is playing on stage right now. If there are more than 1 main stage, know which performing area you want to be at next. If you have no idea who are the bands playing, just go for it ! I have discovered good music by randomly picking a band to watch too.
Ditch Your Friends : Don’t spend the entire day sms-ing and trying to locate your friends. You’ll bound to lose them halfway (somehow). Just enjoy the music and who knows, you’ll meet new people and usually you always do. See also ”Spot the spot“.
Sheer Freedom : Screw fashion, dress wisely – my ideal attire is shorts/berms+sneakers/flats+baggy T-shirt. Ladies, do not come in heels and maxi dresses. I saw a couple at Laneway earlier on and they inspired me to post this entry. As for wet weather, some others would recommend wellies but not many Singaporean probably owns a pair. I would say just wear a pair of shoes that you’re comfortable throwing away or ‘losing your sole’ at the end of the festival with. Do not wear flops because you’ll probably lose them in the mud and end up barefooted. Of course, ladies in white is always ‘sheer happiness’ for the guys – if you know what I mean.
Baked or Mudcaked : Being at the festival is not just a commitment but also an endurance-wise challenge. You will be there for hours so bring sunblock ! You’ll need it even if you think you want to get a tan. Hats and shades are recommended if you’re going for the earlier acts. Bring umbrella or ponchos (some events provide them too) in case of rain. Just remember that your umbrellas shouldn’t be blocking others’ views too !
Spot the Spot : Mark your territory! It is important to find a good spot where you can see the stage. Be a typical kiasu Singaporean – ‘chope’ a spot that your group of friends can hang out and easily locate each other in case one of you lose their way after visiting the loo or make a stop at the bar. Picnic mats are a good idea if it’s good weather and well, if it rains like how it did at Laneway – don’t bother.
Water Parade : Keep yourselves hydrated ! You don’t want to faint and be sent to the hospital before your band comes up stage. As much as you do not wish to visit the port-a-loo, just drink up and sweat it off by dancing the day/night away. There will be expensive mineral water being sold at the bar tents but it’s always wise to bring a bottle along. Of course, there will be alcohol and whatnots at the F&B tents too. See also “Cash It”
The Piss-Stop : There is no way you can avoid the port-a-loo throughout the festival. Yes, it will be stinky and dirty. I would suggest looking for the nearest cleaner options available for the girls (e.g Malls and nearby buildings) It will not be a 5-stars hotel toilet experience so always remember to bring tissue/toilet roll and hand sanitizer ! Not only to keep your hands clean but take a whiff of it before holding your breath in. (One trick I’ve learnt is to spray perfume on my tee/collar and pull it up to cover my nose before stepping in!)
Cash It : There will be merchandises and bar tents that provide snacks like hot dogs, nachos etc. Most of the time it’ll be double the price of the usual price outside so don’t get a shock. Drinks will also be available – most of the time it’s S$4 for a bottle of mineral water and S$8 or more for beer/housepour drinks. Remember to bring your cash since credit cards are most unlikely to be accepted. So if you want to save up, bring a bottle of water or if possible (most festivals do not allow outside food/drinks actually), bring your own lil picnic!
Moderation is Key : You are bound to end up drinking, dancing and singing out loud like nobody’s business. You will meet new people whom you would have never imagine knowing in your entire life. You will probably have a few butt gropes or arms around you for no reason. You will see crazy things happening around you. Just remember, it’s probably an once in a lifetime experience so unleash that crazy side of you! It is the way to live our lives as it is meant to be lived!
Buzzing Good Time : You will probably feel like your legs are breaking and you have gone deaf with that buzz ringing in your ears after the festival. BUT WHO CARES ANYWAYS ? Have a blast, be it rain or shine and enjoy the great music. Make it worth your ticket price and go home with a story to re-tell your children next time.
And for chrissakes - Don’t forget your tickets!
*Pictures taken off Google images*
Hello,Twenty Eleven!
What I wish for in 2011,
for loved ones - health,wealth and love
for myself – less tears,more rest, more fun, more love.
In general, I wish there’d be more positivity in the world. It’s been a sad 2010 for us, waking up to negative news every other day. We are surrounded with such negativity that every relationship seems to be coated with this toxic. Why live in such bitter resentment? Why the lack of compassion?
Life is short. Make the most out of the time we have, with your loved ones. Tame the selfish self and be selfless.
I wish people would be more honest with themselves, that includes me. Be it in a relationship with someone or yourself. Communication is important and honesty is the foundation to all relationships. Don’t fool yourself anymore in this brand new year. Know what you want, express yourself, don’t bottle things up. Nobody is a mind reader and everyone deserves the truth. Be honest with yourself,with your feelings. Know what’s right and know when to stop. Learn to let go.
On a personal note, I am going to start detaching myself from school (not that I’m very attached/fond of it to begin with) and start focusing on my next step in life – work or masters ? Either way, I know I will enjoy it (be positive) and make the best out of it. By the end of 2011, I hope to stay in touch with people I love (yays to bff coming back!), meet new interesting people, have a healthy and balanced life, get my driving license, get a job/enroll to masters, pay back university fees debt, enjoying my part time jobs,remember to control my temper,stop falling in love with the ‘wrong’ people and love myself more, blogging for 2012.
[update : I had an awesome start to 2011, counting down with bestie and friends and a bunch of random people at a cozy pub. Wine and food with them and parents afterwards. Had fun talking on the phone with a couple of people, whatsapp-ing bff and a couple of other friends, forgetting half of the conversations when I eventually knocked out at 5am...how did you spend your first few hours of 2011? Hope everyone had fun !]
In less than 140 characters
Decided to keep things short and wrap twenty-ten in one tweet.
“Heartbroken.Loving myself more.Self discovery.Table talks treasured.Parents aging.Home alone.Final sem.New jobs.Doomie.Blogging continues.“
Back to singlehood, learning to love myself more and re-discovering the focus in life. Appreciating chats with friends and the oh so wise parents (though I refuse to admit it most of the time). Great experience to have the house to myself for a couple of months and I have to say, taking care of me myself alone and the flat is tiring yet quite an adventure. Bid farewell to year 3 and moving on to my final year as undergrad in SMU. Started coaching students and totally loving my new job. Picked up a new language (French).Gotten another part time job offer which I’m looking forward to begin in the new year. Doomie the hamster never fails to amuse me and she has no choice but stay by my side during teary lonely nights. Blogging has been fun despite the once-in-awhile-laziness but grateful to meet new friends and having opportunities such as being Top 20 World’s Coolest Intern and the chance to attend awesome events etc.
It has been an interesting year – not exactly my best but I am grateful for all the experiences I’ve had. Hopefully 2011 will be a better year (Of course it will…I am FINALLY graduating!)
Thank you for being part of my 2010 and continuous support as a friend/reader! Let’s have a blast in 2011 together!
“You live only once, but if you manage your life right, once is sufficient.” – Joe Louis
[Event] HP ‘AMP’ a gift this Christmas + 40th Anniversary Party
A couple of weeks back, I was thrilled to be invited to HP Singapore’s 40th Anniversary and Christmas party at House. It’s always fun to meet the friends I met via social media platforms and parties are always fun ain’t they? Loads of Christmas decor and cute HP cupcakes (I had one and it turned my tongue blue…haha) around the display booths that’s filled with HP Goodies…currently typing on the laptop that’s featured that night too!
Loved the whole Christmas theme and decorations, really felt like Christmas came early this year ! The Muttons were there to hype things up and I had fun being sabotaged to play ‘stage game’ aka ‘Don’t forget the lyrics’ or more like ‘Complete the song with your own lyrics’ judging how ‘well’ we did.
HP Singapore asked the bloggers this question : “How would you ‘AMP’ a gift this Christmas?” (You can check out other bloggers’ stories on the HP Facebook FanPage)
Many people tend to forget the true meaning behind Christmas – it’s not a time for shopping or getting expensive gifts. Personally, Christmas to me is usually spending time with my loved ones and a time for self-reflection. 2010 has not be exactly a cheerful year with all the natural disasters happening and you wake up to bad news on TV half the time. Many people out there lost their homes and families, or fighting against illnesses as we speak.
I made it a point this year to contribute back to the society in my own little ways – teaching children, being an listening ear to troubled souls and lastly, making my first blood donation after those many years of trying to meet the weight requirement (lol). For my birthday wish this year, I asked others to donate blood as a gift for me. I have received pictures and promises that they’d do it as soon as they can (You can only donate blood every 12 weeks). I have finally passed that 12 weeks mark, so I’ll be going for my donation run soon !
So for Christmas this year, I’d like everyone to join in and celebrate the spirit of giving by donating blood ! If you’re wondering “Why is she forever asking people to donate blood ah?” Here’s why :
1) Blood is needed during bone marrow transplants for leukaemia patients, for thalasemia patients needing regular blood transfusions and during surgeries etc – simply put, it’s never enough.
2) A single blood donation, when separated into its components, can help at least three different patients. – You’re not saving only 1 life but 3.
3) Blood can be stored for only a limited time before use. – Therefore, a regular blood supply is important.
Blood is probably the most precious gift one can possibly give to another person, it’s like the gift of life. At no cost and low/no pain (Really, it doesn’t hurt at all. Guys, don’t be a wimp.), what’s stopping you from doing so ? So here’s my ‘challenge’ for you guys this Christmas – give this part of you to someone else and make their Christmas a joyful one !
As for those who can’t donate blood due to certain reasons, a monetary donation to Singapore Red Cross will be helpful too! I wish Singapore Red Cross would do a collaboration like what American Red Cross did last year ! Specially branded The Vampire Diaries materials for donors as well as themed refreshment stands and footage from the show playing TV monitors while you’re donating blood. How awesome is that ! (DAMON SALVATORE!! *fan girl mode*)
P.S : I’ll be donating blood at the blood bank next Sunday (19th Dec, probably 1pm) with my friends, if you’re interested…do drop me a message !
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To motivate more people with the love of giving, HP Singapore has generously rolled out a “How would you AMP a gift for someone else?” Facebook Activity! (click on the link for more information) There will be E-Coupon code each week to spread the Christmas cheer! Ideas for your Christmas gifts that’s kind to your wallets perhaps? =)
