Homesick?

Yo guys. Whats up?  How's life?  Life is a pretty rocky one for me right now. College isn't as fun and easygoing as I expected. Once I am there, I miss my family and high school friends so so much! :( Its not like I don't meet anyone here or I am being a loner, but things are different. We have to undergo the whole introductory stage again; unlike in high school where you already know practically most of the people there! It is all about being able to connect to others and step out of our comfort zones to meet new people.

Another thing, college isn't all fun. It is mostly about getting good grades and making it through exams with flying colors wth. It is pretty stressful especially if you want to make it to the university of your choice. Sigh I don't even know what I wanna pursue and sometimes I feel pretty dumb :/ Why can't I decide?

Next! Food is another problem. I have to find food ALONE at night; which I am still getting used to.  Basically the place is swarmed with food stores but my mobility is limited.  I just don't feel safe or secure to walk all the way there for food and back; cause I heard stories that the area is not safe... plus i miss home cooked food... :c

Plus side! I met some friends at college and they are pretty cool people :) However, my every days are so packed with classes; not like I have anything to do after lectures... I hope I am not the only one feeling like this? Or am I? Aiks. Anyway, I am back for the weekend yay! :) I really dread going back to college again... Gonna ciao and spend time with le family. See ya. :)

Happy Thaipusam to all Indian readers :) All the best to readers who are going through feelings like myself! We are all in this together! :)

XOXO

New beginnings ❤

I am well aware that as a new year begins, there will be new beginnings for every single person out there. As for me, college is starting soonnnn! I am really reluctant to go because I want my holidays! :( However, I know that it is also time for me to be independent and learn to take care of myself.  It is difficult to be away from the family and home with no car... So, for people like me, I feel you! Today's post is all about preparations for college!

1. Keep a positive mindset

- It is important for us to have this mindset that WE are actually going into a another stage of life and it is going to be fantastic! It is going to be awesome. Doesn't that actually excite you? Well, it makes me happier and gets me going. I don't really have that, 'ugh...can i not go to college kind of feeling' anymore! :)

2. Do not procrastinate and start packing!

- For people like me, who are moving away from home, I believe it is time for us to actually let the thought of going to college/university sink in. It is time to make a checklist of everything we need and start packing! Do not leave things to the last minute! Below I have included a thorough checklist for forgetful people like myself :)

College Checklist:
Just take those items you think you need! You don't want to overpack and realize that you lack space in your room later! :o

Dorm:
Bed-related:
(   ) Bed sheets
(   ) Blankets
(   ) Comforter
(   ) Mattress Pad
(   ) Pillows
(   ) Sleeping Bag (I don't think this is necessary unless for camp purposes/ you want to sneak somebody in for a sleepover)

IT-related:
(   ) Laptop/ Desktop
(   ) Laptop charger
(   ) Cables
(   ) Keyboard
(   ) Mouse
(   ) Printer
(   ) Extra printer ink
(   ) Printing paper
(   ) USB Drive
(   ) Headphones

(   ) Multi plug sockets? 

Desk:
(   ) Calendar (I personally prefer the standing kinds that you can place on your desk :)

(   ) Study lamp

(   ) Folders/ Files

(   ) Stationery ( Glue, Scissors, Paper clips, Pens/Pencils, Post-its, Rubber bands, ruler, Stapler, Staples, Puncher, Erasers, Tape, Highlighters etc.)

(   ) Waste basket

Room:

(   ) An alarm clock 

(   ) Bulletin board

(   ) Photo frames

(   ) Decorative items (Flower pots, plush toys, posters - whatever items that can make your dorm look as comfy as possible!)

Bathroom:

(   ) Bath towels

(   ) Curling iron/ Hair straightener

(   ) Hair dryer

(   ) Shower cap

(   ) Acne cream

(   ) Antibiotic cream

(   ) First aid kit

(   ) Contact lens + Solution

(   ) Panadols

(   ) Band aids 

(   ) Vitamins

(   ) Cosmetic (Basics: Foundation, powder, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, eyeshadow pallete, lipgloss, lipstick, blush, brushes)

(   ) Cotton balls

(   ) Dental floss

(   ) Deodorant

(   ) Wet wipes

(   ) Eye drops

(   ) Comb

(   ) Shampoo

(   ) Conditioner

(   ) Body wash

(   ) Toothbrush

(   ) Toothpaste

(   ) Hair spray/gel

(   ) Lotion/ Sunscreen (the reason why i put them together is because there are a lot of products on the shelf that acts as both!)

(   ) Mirror (if not provided. if provided for what you bring, later break dy 7 years of bad luck ok)

(   ) Mouthwash

(   ) Nail clipper

(   ) Q-tips

(   ) Razors

(   ) Shaving cream

(   ) Toilet papers! (you don't want to be using other 'types of paper' to wipe....)

(   ) Tweezers

(   ) Girly stuff (sanitary pads etc)

Kitchen Checklist: 

Food:

(   ) Cereal

(   ) Granola Bars

(   ) Juice

(   ) Peanut butter/ Nutella/ Jam

(   ) Condiments

(   ) Soda

(   ) Mineral water

(   ) Instant noodles (Maggi etc)

(   ) Other snacks 

I personally think that the food you bring to college must be sufficient for a few weeks so that you can adapt to the surroundings first without the fear of having no food to eat! :o Besides, it is good for late mornings ;)

Supplies and utensils: (ALERT: This is for those dorms that allows you to cook! I know some people ban students from cooking so check with your accommodation management beforehand)

(   ) Can/Bottle opener

(   ) Cups

(   ) Plates

(   ) Bowls

(   ) Cutlery

(   ) Chopsticks

(   ) Dish detergent

(   ) Dish towels

(   ) Kitchen paper
(   ) Knife

(   ) Others

Classroom Checklist:

(   ) Backpack

(   ) Pencil case

(   ) Calculator

(   ) Notebook

(   ) Textbooks! (why go to class when you've no books? prepare your college textbooks as soon as you know what you need! lol)

Clothing checklist:

(   ) Belts

(   ) Dresses

(   ) Blouses/Shirts

(   ) Flip flops

(   ) Gloves (for non-tropical countries)

(   ) Cap

(   ) Jackets/ Pullovers/ Sweaters

(   ) Jeans/ Pants

(   ) Accessories

(   ) Pyjamas

(   ) Shorts

(   ) Purse/ Wallet

(   ) Shoes (flats, heels, sneakers, sports shoes)

(   ) Socks

(   ) Swimsuit 

(   ) Inner wear

(   ) Watch

(   ) Workout clothes

Laundry supplies:

(   ) Clothes hanger

(   ) Fabric softener

(   ) Laundry detergent

(   ) Laundry bag

(   ) Iron

(   ) Ironing board

(   ) Stain remover

Miscellaneous checklist:

(   ) Debit card (this is important for shopaholics like myself - a word of advice: try not to overspend in college because it's our parents money!)

(   ) Bank info

(   ) Driving license

(   ) ID card/ MYkad

(   ) Student ID

(   ) Batteries

(   ) Flashlight

(   ) Musical instruments

(   ) Board games 

(   ) Duct tape

(   ) Safety pins

(   ) Umbrella 

(   ) Water bottle

(   ) Sewing kit

(   ) Hand sanitizer
(   ) A mat for your wet feet
(   ) Towel rack

(   ) Storage box

Phewwwww! We are finally done with that long lonnggg list! Packing can be a really daunting job but I have highlighted those really important things you should bring! I think I covered most of the stuff we should bring... if not please do leave it in the comments below :) 

3. Last, but not least, spend your remaining time with your family and friends!

- I am already starting to miss my family even though I haven't stepped out of the house. :( I know I am definitely going to be homesick during my college days but hey! we can always call/FaceTime/Skype with our families so cheer up! And remember, I am always feeling the same way as you, college buddies :) We are on the same boat :)

FYI, I am enrolled in Taylor's College Subang :) So, if by any chance, you are in the same college as I am, do say hi! All the best to you guys out there! And let's make lots and lots of new friends and make the best out of college life! You know what they say, "college is the time of your life!" So let's enjoy it to the fullest and make it the time of our lives! :)

XOXO

Generation

04 January 2014

Hi! ❤ Happy New Year! It was my granny's 74th birthday yesterday! ❤ Let me tell you the story of my popo (granny). She was born on the auspicious date 04.01.1940.  She has been living in the midst of hardship since birth. According to her, her grandmother used to collect the leftovers of people's food on the streets and bring them back for her and her siblings. She has an elder brother and three sisters. Their parents passed away when they were still young; her dad was murdered by the Japanese when they came over to rule Malaya and her mum of a disease and a broken heart. All they were left with were each other and their grandmother. They lived a tough but simple life but they are contented with it and never once complained  :) 

Oops, sorry for the poor quality but I took this with an iPhone and my hands shook :( But look,  popo looks so adorable here! 

During her early 20s, she met the love of her life. Awww. They got married when she's 23. On 2nd January 1964, she gave birth to my uncle! Not long after, she was found out to be pregnant again. Wow, seems like my grandparents are working hard ;) haha. On 25th December, my mummy was born. When my mummy was just a year old baby, my grandpa passed away; leaving my popo and her two children. She moved in to stay with her elder sister, and worked hard to support her family.  Since she wasn't given proper education, she worked as a seamstress, washed dishes, babysat a little girl and the list goes on. She can be considered a fast learner, she cooks the most wonderful and mouth watering dishes by learning them from either the television or hearing bits of the recipe from the people at the market. Just recently, I realized she can even understand English! Oops, no more talking behind her back.

After mummy wedded my dad, my popo stayed with them until now :) She takes care of everything household, kept the house in spick and span condition, and disciplined the children (me, my sister and my brother).  She is such an iron lady, still able to do the household chores and cook meals for us every day! I really look up to her. She has been there for me ever since i was a week old baby, she can also be considered as my babysitter :) My mum as usual, was busy with work, so my popo (granny) volunteered to take care of me! And now it seems like taking care is a lifetime job. She plays an important role in my life. Through her, I learned a lot of things including - to forgive and forget. She visited Japan with me a few years ago, and she doesn't have any hatred towards the people there since her dad was killed during the war.  She said that if we keep things in our hearts for too long, it will just make us tired.

I feel so loved and love is an important thing to keep me going! ❤ Okay, I know I am quite pampered because of this sigh but I would never turn into who I am if not for her.  She loves me immensely and I will definitely miss her as much as she misses me as I depart for college. :'(

Another clearer picture of granny and I. She is getting really grumpy these days but my love for her would still remain the same because I know she has put up with me when I threw tantrums... a lot lol.

Selfie and ootd :)