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 :)

2013 ❤

31 December 2013

This date marks the end of another amazing year! ❤ When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. I believe all of us have our very own different paths to walk. Some of us, like myself, is entering a whole new chapter of life: college. Some of us might even be taking our first step into adulthood or into the working world.

It sounds pretty scary to be writing a whole new story but I believe optimism plays an important role here? As much as I dislike starting college so soon, I believe it is better for me to just accept the fact and not dwell on it for such a long period of time; instead I should probably start packing. Also, remember, we aren't actually scraping the story we have written so far.

2013 has been a really wonderful year; take out the fact that someone really close to me left, but I believe he is now in better hands and is watching over us; I actually cannot believe that it is already coming to an end. I still remember vividly, at the beginning of the year, I was panicking over the fact that SPM is just around the corner. In just a blink of an eye, I survived through it and here I am. :)

Last year of high school...

What word would I use to describe it?
Indescribable.

It made me cherish all my high school mates and every single spent with them.  It seems like we just parted for a month but I already miss them all tremendously. School is starting again soon, and at times like this, I wish I could take part in it :') The irony of it is, most students, have once hated school and wished that school never restarted and there will no back-to-school days but right after their graduation, they will miss their school so so much; not just the empty frame but the people in it, the laughter and noise in the classrooms or even the clicking sound of the footsteps of the disciplinary mistress.

To my high school angels and partners in crime,

I have nothing more I could ask of you guys girls. Without you, I don't think I'd make it out of 2013 because my life would be incomplete! You guys have been really supportive and just wonderful wonderful friends :)

Why?

You really helped me survive high school! (actually not only high school, some of you have been there throughout my whole schooling life and some even since kindergarten) There were many times when I was in doubt or do not understand the lessons well but you always lent a helping hand just so I could understand better. You girls also never fail to give me immense laughter! I don't even need blusher when talking with you girls because my face would be automatically flushed! Haha.

I would also like to thank each and everyone of you for being such great company; always giving me 'great' advices, and suggesting 'interesting' dramas to watch (this is for Kamen; and I hope you manage to finish watching your Season 5 of WC before going to college). Thank you for giving me such indelible memories! since primary school up till graduation night and even post-spm (i hope many more years to come?). besides, thank you for being my partners in pestering the teachers for less homework. Come to think of it, you never let me do silly things alone, we would always do them together! :) It was all fun time :)

Also, I apologize if I ever said something that hurt any of your feelings throughout high school when all you have been doing is giving me the time of my life , do know that I really am sorry for not realizing sooner. I also know that sometimes we might make silly comments about how you look or act and you may feel small, but seriously you are so unique and beautiful in your own way. I didn't mean it that way, its just what friends do -pick on each other... Stay true to yourself and just be yourself! I actually can't imagine any of you not behaving like yourself. Haha and I believe I might not be on my best behavior at all times and I might have snapped at you. Sorry.

I will definitely miss every single one of you :') I hope you girls all the best in 2014 and the many years to come. I will always support you in whatever you decide on doing! Please please promise me we will stay in touch? (okay i know we are not physically touching now but you know what i mean) I know all of you would be carving your name somewhere in history so no matter how far apart we are from each other, lets meet up whenever we can before you forget about me? :(

You girls mean the world to me, and I don't think anything or anyone else can ever take your place in my heart. Each and everyone of you has a place in my heart cause I have a big one! :D So don't worry of getting squished hehe. I might not show it in real because I can get tongue tied at times + i am not really good at expressing myself.... but I really love all of you and I can't thank you enough for being there for me! ❤

Though we are far apart, remember you are always in my heart! ❤

Let's make the best out of 2014! Muacks! ❤

I'm sorry but I couldn't find one which has all of us in it. Because there are many many of you, we couldn't all fit in one picture, so you know who you are, and you are the ones I loveeee ❤

Happy New Year's Eve! ❤

XOXO

Taiwan Adventure (Part 3) : Collective blogpost! :)

Hi guysss! ❤

Today I am going to do a collective blog post because:-
1. my memory is slipping away
2. i don't want to be still blogging about "Taiwan Vacation (Part 101)" ten years from now wth. So this post is going to be a pretty longgg one, so bear with me ❤

Yes, from the first picture as you can see, its all about animals in this first part of the blog post! :) The flying cow ranch is this really huge farm with lots of different types of animals; goats, cows, rabbits, ducks etc. 

Anyway, back to the ranch, as I said, it is really really huge with no buggies or vehicles of any sort to drive around. So if you're not a professional supermodel who is really good at wearing heels, I highly suggest wearing comfy shoes :) 

There are plenty of activities you can do here; for example, you can dress up nicely and have a photoshoot here because the scenery is super perfect (don't dress up like me). If you have no interest in taking photos of yourself, then you just take of the scenery also can :) 

Other than that, for nature lovers; or animal enthusiasts; you will find immense pleasure playing around with the animals here :) 

Of course, there are cows at the Flying COW Ranch! But do the cows there fly? Nah... That was so disappointing :( All they do is just laze around on the green fields. LOL

My friend, the black goat. The goat was so hungry it even ate up a paper bag some irresponsible people threw onto the ground -.-
Okay, and I admit, I was a teeny bit scared of the goat eating my hands off and hence i kinda fed it from high above hah.

These cute fluff balls are the bunnies there! As usual, you can also feed them :) However, there are some really big bad bullies in there!
The baby bunnies really do not have much to eat; all taken away by those bad ones so do take note of them :)
The flurry one in this picture with the ears faced downwards is my fave; it is super cute + idk why it somehow looks like a puppy ❤

The flying cow ranch also manufactures its own ice cream and other stuff (soap, hand cream etc.)

The ice cream here is really rich in milk (probably from the cows there haha)

 Furthermore, there are DIY activities offered here too - but i didn't try them out because i was feeling hungry and the itinerary didn't really permit; but if i had another chance to visit again; id like to try that out :)

Below are more irrelevant pictures:

Ignore all our tired faces because we were feeling pretty jet lagged and we didn't have much rest @ the hotel the night before sobs 

xxxxxxx

Now, lets embark on a journey to the train station! :)

This place is just another sightseeing place for you to visit. You can do absolutely nothing here but snap  pics. However, there are other shops, like restaurants and souvenir booths here, so feel free to roam around :)

As your tour guide, I must, of course, share with the history of this place. HAHA acting like a professional now tsk. This place is formerly known as Shihliufen Station, is 402.32 meters and is entirely built up of pine trees without using any nails :)

Well, thats what i read from the bulletin board there...

Even the no smoking sign looks so cute! :)

Just waiting for the train to pass us by :)

The sign says NO CROSSING. But I crossed... and...

I took more photos with my sister :) haha

And Mummy :)

So basically, this train station used to be a functional one but now, its a place for photo taking and tourists.  When I was there, the wind was blowing really strong and we had a lot of fun waiting for the train to come (we jumped around on the railway, crossed the platforms and even stood in the middle of the tracks) but it never did.....

Anyway moving on, let me bring you to a broken bridge where I attempted to cross but fell. Just kidding. This is yet another place for you to take photographs but if you really don't like taking pictures, i don't actually recommend coming because it is kind of a waste of time and petrol. All there is here is this bridge, but if you really have empty slots, then you can definitely come visit. :)

The blue blue sky + the broken bridge is so breathtaking especially in the cold winter breeze :)

The world is mineeee! 

Phew... Aren't you exhausted from all the traveling and sightseeing? Its time for food, to fill up our tummies! :)

This place is Home Poulet, which is located in Yuanlin, Taiwan. It is a western restaurant with a really sweet and innocent interior and friendly staff :) If you are purely English speaking and had a hard time communicating in Taiwan, fret no more, the manager of this place can speak passable English and you can order smoothly :) 

The menu is in Mandarin but you can ask for assistance from the staff :)

We ordered a set dinner which consists of soup, salad, pasta, bread, a whole chicken and dessert @ around TWD 1800/ RM 200/ USD 64. This set is for 4 pax but if you eat lightly/want to leave some space for night market food later, then it can be consumed by 5 people too :)

Cream of Mushroom. This tasted really rich and yummy :)

This is the herb /marinated?/ chicken. It is enriched with flavor and it is juicy too! :)

Pasta and its sides - shared around the table.

This dessert- I couldn't really remember its name but its like a panna cotta with a rich milk+vanilla taste! :)

Last but not least, let me introduce to you the famous in house dessert! It is a loaf of bread covered with lots of fruits and a berry ice cream! Yums! The waitress would cut open the loaf of bread for you to expose bread cut into smaller cubes for you to spread the ice cream over and pair it with a piece of fruit and be ready to taste the heavenly mixture caused by this pairing! It really is highly recommended for you to try this type of dessert in Taiwan. I've seen other places selling it but I didn't try, so I am not sure if it will taste as good. 

XOXO ❤