Merry Christmas!

I had a great week :)

Last Friday there was a gift exchange event at my office, and it was pretty fun! I got a beautiful Lamy Scribble mechanical pencil! Woots! It looks and feels great, and people were clamouring to exchange their gifts with me. But it's sitting comfortably in my room now hehe!

I have managed to complete 2 drawings on Friday alone! My speed is increasing, and I'm aiming for higher. Heehee~

Latest happenings

Woots, September baby! :) 

***

I'm doing an internship at an architectural/interior design firm at KL. It's my second week and 7th day there as of today! I'm getting in a lot of exercise and life's great, seriously. Taking the LRT to and fro from work is doing wonders for my stamina (and in due time, my legs, I hope!) and I hope to be fit and trim in no time! I can't wait to bid goodbye to my flabby thighs...maybe I should always take the stairs from now onwards. Hmm.

The best part of working life is you don't bring home any work! As soon as I step foot into my house, a wave of relief, contentment, relaxation and joy envelopes me all at once. It's amazing, really. When I was in college coming home meant little to me. Thoughts like "Shucks. No time for a nap." or "Crap! Submission is in a couple of days and I've only gotten THIS far?!" flash through my mind and they are immediately followed by resentment and anxiety, which almost always makes me bad tempered.

To cope with my internship, I sacrificed my part time tuition teaching job. I would miss it, but the experience I'm getting right now is to kill for. How many first semester students are as lucky as me (or as self motivated as I am -- and no matter how conceited that sounds, it is true to a certain extent) to actually find and get an internship? Not many. My classmates are either busy enjoying life or working to earn extra pocket money. But not me. I am "wise and humble", "industrious", "knowledgeable beyond my years" and "inspiring" after all! There goes my carefully concocted humility.

I'm getting PAID to learn AutoCAD, can you believe that? How awesome is it? But the work I do is tiring and extremely time consuming. I took 2 days average to complete an A1 plan at first, but now I'm getting my speed to around 1 day per drawing! I feel so pleased with my accomplishment. 

Nevertheless, I know I could achieve more if I put my heart to it. I dawdle a lot in office, aimlessly browsing through my mobile Facebook app and checking my emails every hour or so. Haha I need to buck up man. I'm determined to make working life agree with me. We'll wait and see :)

Things on Facebook that irk me

Incessant ad postings on my feed.

What are friends for? To help you click advertorials so you can earn more money, apparently. It's so good to exist for a purpose. I'm touched :')

Gruesome photos of exposed internal organs.

Save it. I don't see the point of sharing photos of accident victims. I log onto Facebook to relax and get a good laugh now and then, not to get grossed out by your gory photo postings. And there is no prove that by sharing such photos, you are helping those poor souls get donations for surgeries. Don't be such gullible fools. If you really have the heart to help, you'd volunteer at a shelter or organise fundraisers instead. These pathetic, misguided attempts at lending assistance to others ARE NOT WORKING. Again, save it.

Creepy photos of ghastly creatures that exist purely to give you nightmares.

Don't be so inconsiderate. You might give people heart attacks. I'm sure you do not want to be held accountable for their deaths.

My Birthday Calendar

What a blatant way to express how little you care for your friends. If it takes a calendar reminder for you to wish me happy birthday, I'd rather you didn't wish me at all. What happened to the traditional you're-so-special-that-I-made-the-effort-to-remember-your-birthday practice? Gone with the wind, apparently.

I may seem like a cynic here but I am in fact very, very annoyed and am merely seeking an outlet to vent my frustration. Do pardon me. And if you happen to have committed the aforementioned crimes in your lifetime, it is not too late to feel remorseful and promise to not do it again. Just saying.

My Holiday Goals

1. Get an internship (already landed! Ta-da!)
2. Master Czardas (almost there but I need to work on the fingering for one section)
3. Learn to play Mozart's Clarinet concerto in A major, K. 622 (which I will be playing on a B flat clarinet with the A clarinet score lol...major fail right? But playing it in B major will be so tiresome)
4. Gain more knowledge about my academic related subjects
5. Regrow my hair
6. Get rid of those pimples!
7. Earn some money
8. Do something worthwhile (My stint at Petrosains was pretty good xD)
9. Read books
10. Play a game (Sims Social! Nyahaha!)
11. Follow more I.T. news (not a problem hehe...I'm practically addicted to it)
12. Listen to new songs
13. Do some drawing? (I suspect I will not though)
14. To not waste time
15. Land a good paying job (again, who wants to learn piano? :D)
16. Go on a shopping spree! (Must.Buy.Those.Pink.Shoes!)
17. Practice what I learned in my makeup class (so far, fail fail fail...I totally suck at makeup despite being armed with Photoshop skills)

...to be continued.

My new blog header

It's been a while since I did anything with my blog, so I thought, why not?

My blog now showcases a new header that is both symbolic and meaningful to me. I have come a long way since high school graduation. This is a journey that I have made by my own choice; though how it turned out to be a never-ending uphill climb that I had never anticipated (not even in my wildest dreams!), I couldn't possibly know. Who would know what surprises life has in store for us?

Difficult as it may be, tough as it seems, it has been a major life lesson for me.

I learned that things are only gonna get harder, more challenging. That if events are to take a turn for the worse, they will.

I learned that no matter how hard I try, it is never gonna be enough.

I learned that one can only do so much.

And I learned that perseverance and diligence does get you somewhere. That if you push ahead and not give up, it is not a wasted effort.

And I survive by clinging on to the thread of hope that someday, when I cross the mountain, things will get better.

I'm trudging up, and however slow it appears to be, the knowledge that I'm moving forward and getting somewhere is still somewhat comforting to me. Here's to the end of the most demanding semester I've been through, and another league of my journey!

Interior Architecture 141

The Page

Personal Shelter

Compact Living Home Studio

Presentation Boards

Material Board

Plans plans plans

I love them, I'm addicted to planning, and I swear by to-do lists.

But recently I'm swamped over by the amount of planning I need to do. It is much easier when you have a million things unchecked, because all you need to do then is to decide which to do first. But when you are facing the expanse of a 3 month holiday in front of you, things become different. To some people it doesn't matter, but to me, it should.

How many holidays have I let slip by, not being able to accomplish what I envisioned? I really hope not to make that mistake again. So far the first 3 days of my holidays were fairly productive, and I am immensely pleased with what I have achieved thus far. But I have this nagging feeling that the productivity won't last, and I really do dread that.

I've been sending out applications for part time jobs in hope of landing something that could fund my shopping addiction. I'm pretty broke now and my bank account balance has decreased drastically. That isn't comforting. And the fact that I won't be having any income for the month of November does not do much to cheer my spirits. But I am glad I took one month off -- I really am. It gave me time to focus on my studies and channel everything I have into it. I never noticed before, but I do now, that one day really makes a difference. Having a Saturday free really gives me a lot more freedom. But I like my job (just maybe not when I'm overwhelmed with assignments, deadlines and my hair loss problem, but more of that later) and I need the paycheck.

Now that I've been financially independent (in terms of shopping and my personal purchases only, haha! I still rely on my parents to feed me and fund my educational expenses which is more than I earn each month sometimes) it will really kill me to beg for shopping money. And they shouldn't even give it to me anyway. So I hope, wish and pray that I could get any kind of part time jobs. Who wants to learn to play the piano? I'm patient, nice and free. And I have coached a student from a fail to a merit (Grade 3).

I plan to purchase an instrument too in due time. Everything does revolve around money, sadly. I am determined to make it big in future so financial matters will no longer be a hindrance for me. We'll see :)

Have a great weekend! I will be enjoying myself for sure ;)

External Review Checked, Completed and Done With!

Each time I post, my semester has came to an end. Well there you go, the hectic life of an Interior Architecture student. My 3 month holidays has just begun, and my initial excitement wore off pretty quickly. After our final drawing submission on Tuesday morning, I went out with ze collegemates for a hardcore karaoke session. Guess what? We sang for so long that we got tired of it and left early. A total first for me.

Yesterday was pretty relaxing. I just started playing The Sims Social! It was on the top of my holiday to-do list. Other things I'd checked yesterday is preparing my resume for my internship application, which I'm still crossing my fingers about. Chances aren't quite likely but if you don't try, you'll never know right? I'm taking my chances.

Today was more eventful. I mapped out my plans for December already, settling my class schedules and taking a trip to bandroom and the library. The 2009 concert video makes me feel nostalgic. And as a result of my trips today, I now have a purpose in life. A direction. Something to do! JOY!

I guess I just can't sit still and not do anything. Virgos and their high expectations of themselves, tsk tsk. But to make my quest for relaxation easier, I have borrowed a dozen Danielle Steel books from the library! 12 books for me to slowly devour. Mmmm-hmmmm :)

My holidays are looking up! :D

Toodles~

External Review - The Finale

And this marks the end of my foundation year.

I feel relieved, but there is a certain void in my life now. I'm super eager to start my degree and begin my new phase of life! :D

I wanna go shopping...

So, so badly.

Shopping is very relaxing and de-stressing. However it is a very expensive hobby.

Still, I deserve a treat after my strenuous and stressful "group" project. I hate group work now. Not everyone will be doing their fair share in group work, and it is very unfair for people like me who somehow always end up doing everything.

This is my last semester in foundation anyway! Then I'll be moving on to my degree nyahaha! Which is hopefully less stressful than foundation. I've never been this busy before. The workload is crazily insane.

SPM and foundation in built environment (mainly the design module) is SO different. To me, SPM = last minute cramming and daily slacking. Foundation = consistency and last minute studying (for some subjects). The transition is so abrupt that I still can't really find my feet at times.

Tomorrow is submission day! I hope I can get good marks for this assignment :)

Fingers crossed!

Back on the treadmill.

No time to relax.

Too much on my plate.

Deadlines.

Barely a month into the semester, I'm already overwhelmed. It won't get better -- I've lied to myself enough times to realise that.

Still, I'm gonna work hard and collect my 'A's. Oh yeah~

Btw, I have an ugly disfiguring cold sore right now. I'll tell you what caused it -- stress.

And I have a totally unreliable group member whom I have to cover for. Added workload.

Yippee. My life's real great.

But, I am so thankful that I am not a group leader for the next project. I really need a break, albeit a short one. Nights!

My camera is back!

Wheeeee~ I love my darling camera :D

I only use point-and-shoot digital cameras because I'm a total noob case when it comes to cameras. Also, I don't really see the point of using DSLRs when I can't operate them. My camera is light, sturdy and functions really well for me, so I'm very very happy with it. I purchased it last year for RM299 so well, what's there to complain?

The only things that I wish could be improved is the zoom. 4x zoom is not enough! And an additional image stabiliser during maximum zoom would be very helpful. The focusing time for maximum zoom is very long, so by the time its ready to shoot, my lecturer would probably flick to the next slide.

Don't know what I'm talking about?

At Limkokwing, the lecturers don't always give you slides from lectures. If you get black and white printouts or soft copies from the student portal, you can consider yourself lucky. Seriously. And it is so rare that you'll get them! So I depend alot on my trusty camera :)

The video is actually not bad, but you can't zoom in and out during recording time :'(

Well, it definitely does not do HD videos or anything since it is an old model. But I like how light it feels. Pocket sized and compact, you can easily fall in love with this Panasonic Lumix DMC-F2!

EMO.

I woke up extra early for today's class to search for my missing notebook relating to today's Building Technology and Concepts class.

I brought along my super thick building construction textbook.

I brought all my previous semester's lecture slides.

And class was cancelled.

How do you think I feel?

Bonjour, Semester 3~

Well, so much for my break. I'm resuming my hectic lifestyle again. Truth be told, I don't miss it. I wish I were on my holiday break again though...

I have to write a 300 word essay and do some research on a traditional Malacca Malay House.

And complete my syllabus planning as well as start my June notes if I want to meet the deadline. Ahh! Tasks, deadlines, responsibilities!

And next week I have my makeup class scheduled. Busy busy. But its pretty fun, so I'm not complaining ;)

Also, I am gonna use my Groupon voucher for the grilled international cuisine next week. It sounds scrumptious and I have yet to try it yet! Actually my life isn't that bad, just that I'm super busy. Well for now I can deal with it, so I'll do just that.

Okay, that's all for now~ Nights, all!

My Semester Break

Was absolutely fab!!! I spent 3 days of my holidays at Miaw's place and we had tons of fun shopping, karaoke-ing and hanging out. Its awesome hanging out with your bestie! Especially one you've known for a decade ;D

I took to heart the phrase "Work hard, play hard". I am still feeling very much unrested! My semester break was absolutely exhausting despite the fact that I had spent zero time on assignments or studies.

I absolutely love shopping. I can shop as long as I earn enough money for it! And online shopping is the craze right now.

Here's a list of sites I highly recommend:

1. http://lajoie-closet.blogspot.com/ (awesome bags!!)
2. http://www.groupsmore.com/ (great savings and deals!!)
3. http://milkadeal.com (same as above)
4. http://www.dealmates.com.my (same as above)

La Joie Closet retails affordable and reasonably priced bags. Great since I really hate blogshops that sell overpriced stuff. Those are total rip offs man. I could tell you of some I know. They charge RM100 for an average quality bag that isn't even very nice to begin with, and clothes that you can purchase for far less at departmental stores. I wish that more blogshops were more ethical in doing their businesses.

Anyway, moving on, Groupsmore is my favourite group buying site! I have tried a number of deals with them and it was really good. RM10 for a plate of carbonara, soup and egg salad! Divine.

Oh, and RM50 for a makeup course! I still have 2 more sessions to attend, since RM50 is for SIX hours of lessons. We use quality products too, which make it more worth it. I've learned basic skincare regimes from my first lesson which most people think they know but end up doing it all wrong anyway. The next lesson will be focusing on matching makeup colours! That'll be fun :)

So that was what I did during my holidays. I have purchased another deal for a grilled international cuisine. I paid RM50 for RM100 value of food. My dear and I can eat to our heart's content~ The photos of the food already make my mouth water!

Oh, and Lowyat's RedBox's service is atrocious. One visit is enough for me. Arrogant and cocky waiters are such dampers! Can't tolerate them.

Okay, so that's it for now~ I shall update more when my 3rd semester begins on Wednesday. Wish me luck!

Au revoir, Foundation 2!

My presentation board!

The fruits of my labour. What do you think?

If its anything negative I'd rather not know, thank you very much xD

I'd be crushed after all the effort I've put in. Save your critiques for next time maybe?

The review went okay, some people liked it, some people didn't. But that's fine with me. I put in effort, and that's all that matters. I learned how to use Photoshop and created my entire portfolio and presentation board using that software. I feel very accomplished, despite my lack of rest. I strive for perfection, and I am happy that I have made a significant step towards it.

That's all that should matter. No matter what the results are, I know that I tried. And having put in your all -- you won't regret that. Semester 2 of my foundation year is extremely challenging as opposed to my free and easy semester 1. I have one more semester to go before I enter my degree. After this week of holidays, I know that will be up for it!

***

I went shopping today! What a happy way to start my holidays~

Actually my holidays began yesterday but since I work on Saturdays it doesn't really count for me :P

My shopping trip was very, very fruitful.

My boyfriend accompanied me as I tottered in and out of shops, stared at clothes for ages, entered and exited dressing rooms and scrutinized them for any microscopic flaws . I admire his patience and I love him for being able to put up with me and my indecisiveness. He has pretty good taste in clothes too, which makes him a great shopping partner. I am one lucky girl! Heehee~

I made quite a number of purchases, and they included plenty of earrings. I have so many pairs of them now that I have lost count. However many of my earrings went missing because I totally suck at organizing my accessories. That's kinda sad :( I guess I'll have to restock then!

We also had a fantabulous lunch at Sushi Zanmai. It was heavenly. Zanmai defines sushi. Your taste buds will be spoilt with the variety of food available and the explosion of flavours. I love good food. But my appetite has dwindled slightly. I can't eat as much as before now and what a waste it was this afternoon...

But I'm sure that there will be a next time! :)

So that's still okay.

Am looking forward to tomorrow, where I will be making another shopping trip with Miaw. Whee~ Actually, the whole week ahead is gonna be great! It could be better though if my camera didn't break down yesterday (I blame it on dad -- it was alright when I used it!) and had to be sent for repairs YET AGAIN. Sheesh that's a real downer. I can't capture snapshots of my great week ahead :///

Anyway, I'll update soon! My bed is calling for me now ;)

眼泪成诗 - 孙燕姿

我已经
已经把我伤口化作玫瑰
我的泪水
已经变成雨水早已轮回
我已经
已经把对白留成了永远
忘了天色
究竟是黑是灰

分手伤了谁
谁把他变美
我的眼泪写成了诗已无所谓
让你再回味
字不醉人人自醉
因为回忆总是美

我已经
已经把绝情变成了恭维
因为不配
你就忽然自卑说声失陪
我已经
已经把沉默变成了忏悔
无路可退
只能无言以对

分手伤了谁
谁把他变美
我的眼泪写成了诗已无所谓
让你在回味
字不醉人人自醉
因为回忆总是美

分手伤了谁
谁把他变美
我的眼泪写成了诗已是无所谓
让你再回味
字不醉人人自醉
你的品位总是美

回忆总是美。

Bittersweet feelings -- we smile at the bitter moments we've been through, yet we tear at those happy memories.

The irony of life.

***

I can relate to this song. It is melancholic and somewhat wistful. And everyone can identify with those feelings. I really like it very much, and its good to listen when I'm feeling down. Like now. Because I lost myself a good portion of marks in a question I KNOW THE ANSWER TO by forgetting to pen down my final answer. God save me.

Actually I am pretty certain that I can score at least 80% already but I am soooo close to getting a near perfect score. I am rather disappointed and very regretful.

The last week of my second semester was not easy. The mental stress I gave myself did not help. But anyway, it is over already and not worth stressing about now.

I wonder now how could I be so relaxed throughout the entire duration of my SPM in the past. How I managed to find the time to play Mafia Wars every day during SPM baffles me now. People say enjoy college life, relax, take it easy, don't stress and so on.

And I'd reply "HOW?????". Its easy to say from the viewpoint of someone who can do well without putting in plenty of effort, or from the viewpoint of someone who does not put much emphasis on results. I am not that intelligent (luck always plays a part in my successes, so stop asking me how I manage to do so brilliantly) and I am under a scholarship that requires me to achieve a minimum 3.5 CGPA each semester.

But for now, I'm just gonna let all these worries go and concentrate on enjoying my holiday~! :D

Imbalanced

I have been skipping meals, had insufficient sleep, tired beyond my wits and been through a roller coaster week.

The life of design and architecture students is living hell. I need to hold on for a couple more days before I can fully collapse.

After that, I'll have a week to recuperate, and its back to this lifestyle once more.

Stress stress stress

I feel so stressed of late. My face looks like the surface of the moon and I lack sleep. Lots of it. No thanks to my final project for design. I did real bad in my exam today also because I couldn't think. Regret. But design is more important than English, unfortunately. So yeah. Tomorrow is the submission date :S

Wish me luck!

P.S. This weekend I'm gonna go shopping!!!! I DESERVE IT AFTER SO MANY MONTHS OF ABSTINENCE!

Feeling so proud of myself!

I photoshopped this out today! From scratch, despite my close to nil photoshop knowledge or skills. IT LOOKS GREAT EH, for a beginner?

My first photoshop project that does not involve typing in words only.

Well actually I followed a tutorial but I still feel such a great sense of accomplishment. This image is now my desktop background~

Hehehe!