Friday, December 27, 2013 | 12:14 AM
Christmas this year was pretty quiet. Even our tree was (literally) scaled down:
Nonetheless, it's been a festive season with family and friends. One of the things I remember more: Grace's Christmas party on Sunday :). It was pulled off quite well, with games, carolling and a gift exchange. Haha my favourite part was the carolling because our lead musicians kept it lively. Here they are:
Libo (left) and Marcus (right). Photo taken from Grace's fb.
The former publicity head of CAPT also put her designing skills to good use, with unique carol booklets for everyone. They were so pretty!
Not to mention, her family prepared a spread for us and a friend brought Christmas cookies. Pity I don't have pictures, but all the food looked lovely and tasted good. People are what makes a party right? So I was mostly thankful for the good company and it wasn't awkward even though we weren't all familiar with each other :).
Christmas day itself was spent with my family. Mostly my siblings. After breakfast we had gift exchange, and lunch out. Here's us at lunch, the cute decorations from the log cake, and our miniature tree again:
After lunch we headed home and once back, my siblings decided to pull out the monopoly board (dust and all). I haven't played monopoly in ages and I found it nostalgic! It was quite funny and probably the most ironic monopoly game I've played. Half the time my sis and I would end up in jail and the other half of the time we were paying rent to my brother who got lucky that day. He had 2 get-out-of-jail cards and didn't use a single one -.-. At first because he didn't have our poor luck, then because he had enough property and didn't want to pay rent to other people. By this time he already owned most of the property anyway. Maybe it was the dice or something, but it was actually really easy to roll doubles and we would be like "oh no" every time we managed to get out of jail. My sis was a frequent visitor to my brother's property, houses and all. She even had the frequent visitor's free gift: a get-out-of-jail card. Not that she wanted to use it lol. It was less expensive to stay in jail. I had slightly better luck, managing to somehow miss his properties by one square many, many times. Each time I did, my brother would roll over and go "Nooooo" in frustration (we were playing on the beds in my room).
After that, we played cards for a while. And then tried watching the Nightmare Before Christmas. I say tried, because within a few minutes into the show, I was feeling sleepy and dozed off. When I woke up, I found my sis sleeping on the bed next to mine and my brother was not around. Turns out they didn't make it through the movie because they both dozed off too! Just that my brother went to his room to sleep. I think this was one of the more family-centric Christmases I've had. Usually we're doing our own thing in-between the meals together. And that was Christmas for me :) how did you spend yours?
Happy Holidays!
Labels: author: stella, family, themed entries
Saturday, December 21, 2013 | 12:51 AM
Today the 3 of us were finally reunited! for a short time at least haha. I met Ji inn at Tiong Bahru plaza to catch Frozen (it's a lovely show, I like the breakaway from the usual plotlines and the very pretty Queen/princess and the songs!) before heading to Maddie's workplace (6oz) for lunch/tea/coffee break hahaha we were the longest-staying customers for today. Oh and of course for a long htht since we haven't caught up in so long. Maddie joined us for a short half-hour during her lunch break. ji inn and maddie <3 :)
When we reached we couldn't see Maddie at first, then she popped up at the cashier and Ji Inn kept laughing about how "All the kids at work today" serving the business people at the cafe. We ordered a eggs atlantic and a ham-and-cheese croissant to start off. It was pretty good, I like the croissant especially, and I gave my salmon to Ji inn cause I didn't really like it..and I didn't realise the egg had toppled before I took the photo.
Our next round was coffee/tea. At first Ji Inn wanted coffee and I wanted tea, but when I heard there was flavoured latte I went for the Hazelnut latte and Ji inn, wanting to dispel her reputation for liking matcha stuff, chose Earl Grey latte so we ended up switching preferences. Almost bought the ice-cream sandwich cause it looked so tasty in the poster, but it was $8. Instead, we went for the chocolate truffle log cake for dessert :).
a heart and rosetta done for ji inn and me :)
our Christmas-y chocolate truffle cake
Coincidentally, I went to 6oz's FB page and saw this:
"A cup of coffee shared with an old friend is happiness tasted and time well spent."
6oz
Much love,
Labels: author: stella, food, friends and friendships
Thursday, November 21, 2013 | 10:42 PM
So exams are round the corner for most of us (finished, for some? I know Maddie's done - congratz!), and I'm here to share a little study tip that I think is pretty useful! (Sorry Maddie it's a bit too late for you.)
I don't pretend I know THE SECRET to exam success, but I (sort of) came up with a daily study plan that I personally think is quite good. Heh. This probably isn't something new, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded!
So the main idea is to break your day into study blocks. It gets really tiring when you're trying to plough through your notes for hours and hours, so this is a great way to break up the monotony. I have a 9.30am - 1.30am day, and this is how I do it:
9.30am - 10.30am Wake up and have breakfast, read newspapers
10.30am - 11.00am Buffer time to check emails, updates, etc
11.00am - 1.00pm Study Session #1
1.00pm - 2.00pm Break for lunch
2.00pm - 4.00pm Study Session #2
4.00pm - 5.00pm Break for tea/shower etc
5.00pm - 7.00pm Study Session #3
7.00pm - 8.00pm Break for dinner
8.00pm - 10.00pm Study Session #4
10.00pm -11.00pm Break
11.00pm - 1.00am Study Session #5
1.00am - 1.30am Prepare for bed
Yup so that's the general plan. I don't follow it religiously though. The idea is just to break up your study hours into manageable blocks so you don't get too tired of it. I know most advice say 1 hour study with 5 min break or something but then I get distracted sometimes during the 2-hour blocks anyway and I don't think it's possible to concentrate so hard for so long (for me anyway). So 2 hours of about 90% concentration is quite good in my opinion. It's best if you switch off your computer and leave your phone somewhere far far away, though I know some people have issues about this (you could always use the "I was studying" excuse, which isn't really an excuse!), so you do what works for you.
There are many variations you could do. You can adjust each study timespan, or wake up earlier to squeeze in another study session (I'm too lazy for this), or just plunge straight into studying when the last of your breakfast is shoved into your mouth. I don't recommend this though. If you rush for everything, you'll just create, or exacerbate, the feeling of stress.
Of course this comes with a longer-term study plan, i.e. how many days you have for each subject, which days you plan to study which subject(s), what are you looking to complete by today. This will trickle down to each individual session. It's important to be clear what you're aiming to do within each 2-hour block. If you finish ahead of time, you can bring everything forward, or just work on something else. If you need more time to complete something, either push it to the next slot (bearing in mind you already have something else to do then) or just cut a bit of your break. Oftentimes you will find that you'd rather take a cut in your break just so you can complete a particular chapter or topic. (And then you'll feel proud of yourself for choosing study over break, like what?!)
Okay this is kind of getting very long and I presume you guys have to go back to studying (but hey, it's break time!), so that's all, folks! Hope this helps in your revision. And so very sorry for the lack of posts recently. Us girls succumb to the mug-mug-mug mantra all too often.
Best of luck for your exams,
Labels: author: ji inn, how-to, personal, school and schooling
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 | 1:52 PM
Haha I guess this list will change as different things become important to me (or lose their importance) over time, but for the 20-year-old me, this is the bucket list (in no particular order):
1. Do a photography project
I've been wanting to do this ever since I started taking photos with a DSLR, and would really love to see a photography project come to fruition. Some ideas that have been tossed around/projects that inspire me:
- going around to take photos of people smiling. This was a worldwide project, but I can't find the link for it anymore. I remember Ji Inn was the one who first shared it with me.
- taking photos of different people's rooms, especially the little details that spell "home" to them. Actually this idea was someone else's, when he was just saying he would like to do it and see what people's rooms are like. For me I would want to focus on the little details because I am a details person (sometimes) and I think the best part about anything is how it expresses you.
- Humans of New York. This is my favourite project.I like the way they write the captions especially-in a question-and-answer way that sometimes results in a rather quirky effect-because it is so expressive of the individual and what the photo has captured. I don't know if the effect is intended, but sometimes it is quite funny/smart/witty, even about the most mundane things (like doing crossword puzzles). Great photography, and great words! When I read a bit about the motivation for the project, I liked it all the more. It achieves its purpose of 'humanising' the people of New York since New York is always seen as a city that doesn't stop for people. https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork. And I don't think it applies only to New York, there are many countries that are seen in terms of their culture but not the individual people that make it up.
- http://www.boredpanda.com/creative-kids-photography-jason-lee/. This reminds me of an Archives magazine I have, which has a collection of posters. I like how out-of-the-box and fun it is.
- Another cool project (shared by Gummy Bear): http://www.viralnova.com/everyday-objects-art/
2. Live in a vintage-y room
Even though I like the room I stay in now, I couldn't really do everything I wanted because of school restrictions. I've been in/seen a lot of vintage-style shops and rooms, and it would be really lovely to do one of my own. And one that I will preferably stay in for a while, if not permanently, so I can add on as I go along. It's always the clutter around a room that makes it look lived-in.
3. Fall in love
Because I guess, I would want to know what the magic is all about. Haha actually I think we learn a lot about ourselves and other people in the whole process of building a relationship.
4. Have a loving family
In the words of my friend, "You'll never be happy being a housewife." But actually I'm a homebody at heart. I have always pictured a loving family, one that is open about its problems and open about loving each other.
5. Live a happy and fulfilling life
I guess if you ask what I want to do before I die, that's what I want to do. Even if it's only for a period, though I hope it lasts as long as possible. Then I would die happy. To me the picture of a happy and fulfilling life balances everything:
On the career aspect, I would want a job that is creative, explores new ideas, makes a real difference, and works with people.Tough aspiration, but it may not be that impossible in the end.
- faith in God
- your interests and self-development
- time with family and growth as a family
- pursuing and fulfilling your interests/ambitions (i.e. your career)
6. Have lifelong friendships, or at least friends in my life at the time of my death
I've always placed a lot of value on friendships, and sometimes keeping up friendships feels like a futile resistance against time and growing apart. I love imagining how we will all grow up and still be around in each other's lives, reminiscing about old memories and creating new ones, having big gatherings with our spouses and kids tagging along. And I guess even if that doesn't happen, I hope I will always have a group of good friends at any time in life because friendship makes life that much sweeter and more bearable.
7. Have a writing project
Surprisingly, this might take more pushing than the photography project because writing is already something I do, in one form or another. So it'll take something to move me to the next level and actually commit to a writing project (perhaps on a larger scale of what we are doing with Sundae Scribbles). Maybe a lot of courage and inspiration. I see myself doing this later on in life, and maybe when I'm a housewife-who-can't-be-a-housewife :p. In my ideal life, I would work in an environment buzzing with creativity and love for what we're doing, then sometime if/when I have kids, I would start working from home, writing professionally and publishing online. (I just think it's important to be there for kids when they're growing up. You might not be the best parent, but being available, being there is better than being a ghost in your own child's life. Ultimately though, circumstances will decide that).
8. Read widely
I think good writing comes from reading widely, and one of the many things I love about reading is how it can take you to such different parts of the world and teach you a million and one interesting things you never knew. Or even, completely new ways of seeing something as mundane as a teacup (makes me want to re-read The Alchemist).
9. See my parents enjoy life
This is becoming more of a wish-list, than a bucket list. But I would want to see my own parents enjoy life, and for our family to live peaceably together :).
10. For my loved ones to be happy
P.S. I love you left an impression on me because of the idea of making sure that your loved one moves on, happy, even after your death. So I guess if I had the chance, before I die, I would want to prepare something like that for my loved ones. If my death was sudden though, I wouldn't have such a chance. Maybe we should write parting letters periodically, the way we write our wills early.
I took a long time to ponder over this, and I guess it's cause I choose happiness in the present moment. At various points in my life, I think, "Yup, I'm happy," and feel that even if I died the next day, I wouldn't have regrets. It's not that there isn't a lot I want to do (there is), but we have no control over when we die or where we go in life (not totally), so if you find happiness now and everyday, you would be ready to go at any moment. A lot of the things listed are long-term goals, pictures of the life I want to live. That is essentially the spirit of a bucket list for me: the life you want to live before your death. There aren't really big milestones I want to hit, just ideals I want to realize in my own life.
Happy living,
Sunday, November 10, 2013 | 2:46 PM
Just grabbed this from my old phone. Here are the things I listed:
1. Ride a horse
And I mean really learning how to ride one and galloping across rolling hills.
2. Have a meal on a high class train with beautiful scenery outside
Meaning with tables, white tablecloth, silver domes (yes) and silverware.
3. Waitress at high class restaurant or quaint cozy eatery
I don't know, it sounds like an interesting experience, though I know the job is tough and I'm probably too clumsy and slow. Not a very likely possibility but I'll keep it here. Maybe I'll get to do a couple of weeks' worth or something someday.
4. Open a cafe/shop/mix of shops
Mix of shops meaning those cafe-cum-retail-store or cafe-cum-bookstore type of places.
5. Study in the UK
Well, I made this list back in JC. After that, I didn't manage to get a scholarship to attend one of those UK universities that accepted me. Nevermind, I'm going next year! So this is finally one thing I can tick off my bucket list :D
6. Write a book
Too undisciplined to write one. My inspirations are sporadic and really random and all over the place. Maybe one day I'll get down to it. I will!
7. Compose a song/orchestral piece
Ok I don't have the music background for this, so maybe just a simple tune will work, haha.
8. Save a life
Don't know how, since I've never learnt first aid. But perhaps it can mean other ways of saving a person's life. Guess I'll know it when I've done it?
9. Be part of a major film production (TV series/movie)
By this I mean any part of it, like scriptwriting, or helping around the set, or whatever. I don't know, doesn't look very possible, but I think it's so cool to be part of a major production like Harry Potter.
10. Be friends with a world-famous person
I don't know how this got onto my list... but I guess it'd be cool to know someone famous? Like say, Jay Chou was my friend or something. Haha. Well this isn't gonna be something that I have to do, obviously. It'll be the people I know! Probably at least some of my friends now will be quite famous next time. But this is a silly item that doesn't really mean anything hahaha so I'm cancelling it.
11. Have a picnic/read a book on a grassy plain with beautiful scenery and peace and quiet
Preferably near a stream. With no irritating mozzies or flies. And no searing sun. Nice weather nice dress nice food nice book :D
12. Be kissed by a hot stranger with no further intimation and no strings attached
That's a really strange thing I put there. I suppose I meant a really good-looking, hot angmoh guy? But no, don't want this anymore, it's quite creepy if you think about it. Though, well, I did mention no further intimation.
13. Fine dine at a really high class/celebrity chef restaurant
Oh look, here's one thing I've done! Ate at Jamie Oliver's a few months back.
14. Meet Bae Yong Joon my idol!! And actually get to talk to him if possible... How about a hug haha oh gosh <3333 (exact phrasing)
Not so crazy about him now, or any other Korean stars but that's just because I haven't been watching the dramas. Gonna start again and then all my irrationality will start again. But yeah BYJ is my all-time favourite. His gaze alone pulls on my heartstrings.
15. Master the piano
Well, not master it exactly. I'll be happy if I can learn how to play it reasonably well, and read scores. I once learnt a few lessons from my friend, but we gradually stopped it. Various reasons, including laziness. I'd like a piano in the house but we can't afford one and there's no space.
That was back in 2009. I've probably lots of new things I want to try now, but that'll be for another post next time. Hopefully I'll get to tick off 1, 2, 5 and 11 when I'm overseas next year!
Adieu,
Labels: author: ji inn, celebrities and stars, hobbies and interests, lists, themed entries
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 | 7:21 PM
Why are we limited to only 10 things? I think I could write 10 pages worth of things to do before I kick the bucket. But here are my top 10 for the moment!
1. Visit every continent (and as many countries as possible within the continent)
To satisfy the travel junkie in me. Doesn't everyone want to travel the world?
2. 自拍自导自演 a full music video with great friends
I just think it's such great fun and a good bonding experience! It also gives you something to look back on and laugh over. This one is definitely in the works. But for now, here's an example of how we've been using instavideos!
3. Knowing animals better
Such as swimming with dolphins, seeing penguins in their natural habitat, riding horses and camels etc. And perhaps even adopting a pet when I am certain that I have the capabilities to take care of it.
4. Go on an adrenaline adventure
Hang-gliding, white water rafting, skydiving, bungee-jumping, cliff-diving, and even... hunting. I'm kinda an adrenaline junkie and I really want to experience it all!
5. Be able to lucid dream
I always wake up once I realise that I'm dreaming. But I really wanna be able to have full control of my dreams, and do wacky things like flying. Cause it will be so damn cool.
6. Take up gourmet cooking
I just want to be able to serve up good food to the people I love.
7. Have a picture taken with my favourite celebrities
Not being a greedy girl here... Any one of them will do, really.
8. Invest in the stock market
I wouldn't dabble in the stock market unless I've got enough money I'm prepared to lose, yet know my stuff well enough to not lose that amount of money. I suppose I'm just saying I wanna be rich and know how to handle my finances.
9. Figure out my 'religion'
I don't subscribe to any religion, but I've got my own ideas that I hope to work out and reconcile before this life ends...
10. Stay true to myself my whole life
Right now, I'm really proud of myself for being me. I just hope that, as we enter adulthood and take on new responsibilities, I will continue listening to my heart and staying true to myself.
#yoloswag #whyamidoingthis #gottayoloswagatleastoncebeforeidie
Labels: author: madeleine, hobbies and interests, lists, themed entries
Saturday, November 2, 2013 | 3:35 PM
Okay I'm really late for this so sorry!!
Always loved traveling, always loved getting on a plane and flying away. There's just this sense of adventure, this "yippee I'm going away for a while" feeling. Sure it can get tiring to have to keep packing your stuff. Sure it gets too cold sometimes (even if I love going in winter). But nothing brings the excitation of exploring a place down. The places I've been to: Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, China, Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, England. And the following are places I'd like to visit:
Yup that's my top 5! There are still many places I'd like to visit, and next year I'll probably to heading to the UK for my third year, so really hope I get to travel around Europe! Really can't wait, but I have to start saving up!!1. Norway
Atlantic Ocean Road
Behold the renowned Atlantic Ocean Road. Best view ever, or so I've heard. Then there's also the Northern Lights, which I really want to see. Many other cool stuff like natural formations and everything, it's just so beautiful and I really wanna witness and experience these things.
No, I'm never gonna go onto that rock, though.
2. Japan
Four seasons in Japan.
I've always wanted to visit Japan! I think it's a beautiful country with a very deep culture. I think it's the one country I'd like to go to in all four seasons because there's something special for every season. Plus I studied the Japanese language for 4 years, though I've forgotten almost everything now. I really want to go, but I'm actually deathly afraid that if I'll be forced to communicate with the locals in Japanese, especially if I go with my family. So... maybe not so soon. Not until I go and revise my Jap!
3. Scotland
Castle!!
Castles, castles and castles! It's the castle that gets me every time. I've read so much about beautiful castles up north and I really really have to go see them! There used to be lots of clans in Scotland (they still exist, I think. They just don't fight clan wars anymore, I guess) and they each owned a castle. Then they'd go fight other clans and claim their castles. Or they'd marry to strengthen their power. Ah, glorious stories. And can you believe it, there are castles for sale. I want to be rich, if only to have the money to buy a castle for myself or something.
The University of Edinburgh. I can't believe I passed up their offer. ):
4. Venice
The Floating City.
Venice, oh Venice! Where there are no roads, only waterways! I think it's so romantic to be traveling on boats to get to everywhere, though I'd see how problems will ensue, ie. when you're in a hurry, or when you're dressed up nicely and you get splashed. I've heard the city is sinking... No, such a beautiful place ):
I heard it smells, too.
5. English Countryside
Yep, it's them castles again.
I've been to England on a school trip (the same one Stella went on, the same group with Madeleine - yeah we all went), and wow wow wow. Okay I didn't think London was fantastic, but I really loved the small towns and the more rural places like Lake District, and Shakespeare's birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon. I remember along a street in a town (can't remember which), there was a shop selling magical things like wands, pentagons, various herbs and stuff, and we were talking to the shop-owner about his experience with magic and the supernatural. Right there in that shop I could almost feel that everyone had the palpable urge to believe him. Such an atmosphere - you only get it in England, I guess. Everything's just more magical there.
Ever since I started reading, I've fantasized about living in the English countryside. Stories of families and houses and horses. Horses! Riding those horses over the rolling hills, picnicking beside a stream... It's my dream to live like that. Ahhh.
If I can't have a castle, can I at least get a cottage?
Yes, yes!
Happy traveling,
Labels: author: ji inn, lists, themed entries, travels
Friday, November 1, 2013 | 1:22 PM
Since young, I have always wanted to stay in UK. I grew up on a steady diet of Enid Blyton and Frances Hodgson Burnett, which made me dream of living the life they led. 4 seasons, enchanting characters and creatures, a romantic air of something about exciting and beautiful about to happen, pretty cottages, what's not to like? But I have since outgrown this notion (I think), and while UK is definitely on the list of places to visit, I've been there on a school trip before and if I really had the chance to visit the countries I wanted to, these are the ones I would pick:
1. BangkokYup and those are the top countries I want to visit! Actually almost any place could be good to visit, it depends what you find there. I think there are many interesting little corners of the world that have gone unexplored :) Even Singapore can seem like a new country when you view it with a tourist's eyes and explore the places you don't frequent.
Have always wanted to go there, ever since it become a very popular spot among friends. Mainly because of the cheap clothes, low-budget stays and pretty sights/good food/nice hotels. Okay at least that's my impression of a good trip to Bangkok! Hopefully will get to go sometime soon, either with family or friends :)
2. Sweden
When I first saw the topic for this week, funnily Sweden was the first country that came to mind.
look how pretty it is! There are some places that are so picturesque/picture-perfect it's hard to believe they are real. It was only recently I learnt that a lot of works are actually based on real things, and not invented by the writer's/artist's imagination to the extent which I had believed it to be before. Which only makes it all the more amazing you know?
Think it's such a lovely place to visit, and holds so much potential for a great experience exploring the streets and taking in the sights.
3. Norway
Norway reminds me of my first proper literature lesson at 15, and the first time I heard about Aurora Boraelis. My teacher had stayed at Norway and because there wasn't an actual lesson planned the first time we met her, she introduced us to her cats and the magic of Norway instead. It was probably the most enjoyable lesson we had that week. The literature lessons to come after were no less lovely, but for now back to Norway. Thereafter, when I think of Norway I picture a snowy night of exploration, and simultaneously, a warm, cosy home with cats. For the Aurora Boraelis, I couldn't believe such things existed, and that people actually see it as a daily occurrence. Imagine the different colours and variations you can see! And even if it's just one colour, in one shape, there are endless ways of looking at its beauty and one can simply stand beneath it, enchanted.
I took this photo from a friend's facebook because he went there for student exchange. Perfect picture of the Aurora Boraelis over the glittering lights of town.
Wherever you are, happy travelling!
Labels: author: stella, lists, themed entries, travels
Sunday, October 27, 2013 | 1:13 AM
Honestly, I'm not very well-travelled so there are a lot of countries I want to visit! Especially all the 'cool places' like Europe and Japan and USA which my parents wouldn't bring us on holidays because they've already toured those countries when they were younger. So they said we gotta explore those places ourselves. But I suppose I'm very lucky to be in Australia right now, so that's one country off the list!
Here's a list of countries I've visited, so I'm just gonna remove them from the list: Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, England, China. It really is tough trying to narrow down my choices to just 5 countries, but here is my list for the moment.
1. South AfricaI didn't include any European countries because I couldn't choose, I want to go to every single one of them. So I decided to exclude the whole of Europe to save myself the agony of having to pick one country over the other, hahahah. I'm so keen on a graduation backpacking trip around Europe! But I guess, for now, I'm contented roadtripping around Oz. I'm thinking of a rendezvous with the rugged outback sometime soon, or at least before I graduate.
Because have you seen South Africa? I've heard that with its diversity of landscapes, it's almost easy to forget that South Africa is also a country full of problems with a capital city that is best avoided. But I can't wait to escape to the Cape to check out one of the most awe-inspiring places on the planet.
Cape Town (!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Also, I think the hardworking anthropology student (hahahah not kidding) in me really wants to venture a little up North to the Kalahari Desert to interact with the bushmen.
Kalahari Desert
2. South Korea
I am so annoyed that I didn't manage to meet the cast of Running Man when they had a fanmeet in Singapore! I wanna creepily stalk Super Junior and Running Man in their hometown. I wanna get lost in train stations and ask for directions from cute Korean boys with my halfbaked Korean learnt in one semester. I wanna try my luck requesting 깎아 주세요 in the most aegyo way I can at large chain stores and smaller markets. I wanna take cheesy romantic photos at those scenic spots where dramas are filmed.
Such as Jeju Island, of course.
3. Japan
Mainly to check out the 'love industry' (all because of this video I chanced upon on Vice). I am not even kidding about this. I think having a hens night in a Tokyo host club sounds like a really good plan. Also because Japan has the coolest toilets which I absolutely need to check out for myself.
And of course, the cuisine.
4. Bhutan
Gotta love a place where Gross National Happiness, not the Gross Domestic Product, dictates the country’s policies. Bhutan costs $200 per day to stay (so that it won’t be overrun with tourists), but I'm not deterred. I just think it's really cool how Bhutan as a medieval kingdom is edging its way into the 21st century with its own version of sustainable tourism. And I really hope that a trip like this can let me learn more about Buddhism, and help me shape my own thoughts and ideas.
Inspiring, huh?
5. Maldives
Is there a need to elaborate wanting to visit the Maldives? I definitely want to be there for a very cliché honeymoon. Before it sinks. Hahahah.
I need an air ticket already.
Keen bean,
Labels: author: madeleine, hobbies and interests, lists, themed entries, travels
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 | 12:23 PM
Stella's
Our first stop: Flock's Cafe. The food was not bad, didn't really surpass our expectations but pleasant enough. We visited a few other places before deciding on that one because of pricing and food, and also because most of the other places happened to be closed on Mondays so it was a real pity.
There was a discount of 20% if you bought 3 books, so I bought 2 while Ji Inn bought 1. We spent quite a while browsing though, and there was a section of old books that I really liked. I picked up a book called "The World's Best 100 Detective Stories Vol. X" (the centre one of the 3 red books) and wasn't sure if it was actually for sale because it didn't seem to have a price tag and all the books there were so old. The sales staff said it was though, and I briefly contemplated buying it but decided it was too expensive in the end. I have always loved reading detective stories, and the old ones have a charm of their own. They are more slow-paced and intellectual (vs the fast-paced action and cunning of contemporary Crime & Thriller novels), and feature lovely characters with odd quirks.
doesn't really matter what you do anymore. Even going against the law. For the second one, I chose because I liked the writing style after I read a few pages. It's now with my mum though, because she was saying that she has nothing to read and she likes such political books.
We explored a few more shops after that. Wanted to visit Nana & Bird but it was closed.
Our final stop: Drips Bakery Cafe. We ordered tartlets (chocolate for me and raspberry for Ji Inn) and Ji Inn ordered a green tea latte as well. It was really good, but after the tartlets (which were a bit too filling and too sweet) we didn't feel like having anything more. When we dropped by Tiong Bahru Cafe, we took one look at the many pastries and decided we couldn't stomach the sight of any more baked goods (haha pun intended).All in all, a good leisurely afternoon spent in the cafes and bookstores of Tiong Bahru. Most of the time was spent in Books Actually so we didn't explore much (and a lot of shops were closed), but kind of glad anyway for that time to just read and browse.
Delighted,
Ji Inn's
My turn! Shall just add on a bit since Stella has already detailed most of the trip (thanks dear!). NUS U Town was tricky to get to because it wasn't in my GPS and I missed the turn-in the first time round. I'm kind of a road idiot (direct translation from Mandarin) so yes driving is quite bad for me. Anyway, I did manage to pick Stella up and we did get to Tiong Bahru so I guess it was okay.
At Flock's Cafe I ordered a sandwich with prawns and avocado etc. Thought the combination sounded quite interesting and yummy. It was not too bad! But a bit bland after a while I guess.
Then we popped into Books Actually and didn't pop out again until eons later. Kind of expected for 2 book-crazy girls! I didn't expect to buy books actually (oh my god unintended pun!) but Stella was already picking books which made me tempted too. Searched high and low for a good one because I didn't want to spend money on a book just for the sake of it. Finally found one called The Promise Bird, which was translated from Chinese I think. I've never really read much Asian books so I thought I'd give this a try. Plus it looks really pretty and feels nice.
Also saw this lifestyle magazine/book that was simply lovely. It was called Kinfolk, and it was pretty expensive. Went to find it online and lo and behold: the Kinfolk magazine! I was thinking about how I really admire the clean and artistic feel of the whole design, and I suddenly realised I could work on magazine designs for my Aesthetics term paper! Just an idea though. But... it'd be a great excuse to actually get the book :'D (except I'll have to go down to Tiong Bahru again...) Oh oh, the green tea latte from Drips Bakery was amazing! I think if I go back there I might order it again. Not the tarts though, they were too much ><
So that's about all from my side! It was a good mid-term trip out with Stella whom I hadn't hung out with for ages. We should do this again, and more often. Can't wait for Maddie to get back for the Dec hols. The three of us are gonna have some fun!
Enjoying the literary goodness,
Labels: author: ji inn, author: stella, friends and friendships, hobbies and interests, personal, reading and books
Monday, October 21, 2013 | 12:02 PM
If you were guaranteed an honest response to a question, what would it be and who would you ask?
I was posed this question by a classmate and felt it was quite thought-provoking. I initially had an answer in my mind the moment I was asked, but I decided to spend some more time reconsidering. In the end, though, I'm going back to my original one, which is...
What do you like and dislike about me?
asked to anyone who would want to answer - my family, friends or acquaintances.
It'd be interesting to note what qualities I have that people admire, as well as what are some of the things that push people away. At the end of my junior college years I once entertained the thought of sending out a questionnaire to my classmates asking them to share with me how they felt about me as a person, and what I could improve on. In the end, a combination of laziness and fear (of being judged) dispelled the thought.
I know it's not easy hearing about your faults from other people. After all we all want to be affirmed, we all want our friends to like us. I think it's somewhat natural to get at least a little bit offended and often defensive when people attack or critique us. That's why I think it's important to get this sort of feedback from people who actually really care about you and are only providing this feedback because they would be happy if you became a better person for it. You might wonder why "acquaintances" made it into the list. My idea is, acquaintances can develop a certain, preliminary sense of friendship and closeness, and they can likewise provide some tips on what made them attracted to you.
Still, you should keep in mind that you will never satisfy everyone and while it's great to change and work towards becoming a better person, it's likewise important to know which parts of yourself you should retain - your core values, your principles, your unique selling points. It's important to distinguish opinions and see which suggestions are the ones that would propel you forward, and which are the ones that would just suck your soul away or radically change your in-built personality.
Ask yourself: Would my best friends still like me for who I am if I change this aspect of myself? Example: someone comments that you are too loud. If you work towards a quieter disposition, your close friends might feel like you're losing a crucial part of your personality; your boisterousness may be what they love about you. Ultimately you make your own choices, and you alone decide to what degree you want to change something about yourself. And it's not like it's that easy to change so radically in a short time anyway. Most times it involves constantly reminding yourself even when (or especially when) the going gets tough. Sometimes you will totally forget about it. But that's alright, as long as you have made the commitment to improve, and come back to it time and again. Slow going is still progress made.
Another note: your friends are risking their friendship with you by telling you their true thoughts and feelings (provided they are being absolutely truthful with you). It's only fair that you open your heart and not blame them for providing not-so-positive feedback (it's the only way you can have something to work on). Instead, appreciate, and appreciate more, what they are doing for you.
Just a small request: if you're intending to help me along this self-discovery-and-improvement journey, drop me a private message instead of commenting here. At least when I become defensive the rest of the world won't see it. Haha! I kid (sort of). It's just more private. And also, I can't promise I can live up to whatever I have detailed in this post. So you come at your own risk :p
Love,
Labels: author: ji inn, themed entries, thoughts out loud, what-if
Thursday, October 17, 2013 | 9:44 PM
If you were guaranteed an honest response to a question, what would it be and who would you ask?
I like that this question presupposes that we can be directing our questions to anyone at all, because the person I'd like to speak to the most can only be D (from the previous entry) whom I have close to zero chance of communication with.
My question for him would be, did he ever love me at all?
I know what we shared wasn't romantic; I have never felt physical or sexual attraction towards him, and he never displayed anything other than brotherly love for me. He was the only person I knew how to love so simply and innocently. And I'd like to think he felt the same affection for me too. Why else would he have spent so many nights up studying together and cheering me on? Why else would he make a mutual friend take care of me when he couldn't be there to cheer me up? Why else would he have called me his best friend and made me feel so special?
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| 十万个为什么。Pardon my language in my private blog. |
I just can't accept it when he said he had never loved me at all. You don't remember every person's number by heart and call them using someone else's phone when your phone runs out of battery. You don't send every girl home for the extended company. You don't tell someone you love them. And let them believe it. And later tell them "I'm sorry for the reckless words I didn't mean".
Ultimately, I guess what I want out of this is for him to be honest more for himself, and for my closure. When I was 15, I dated a guy for a couple of months and it was the sweetest puppy love ever, although it fizzled out pretty quickly. But what I really appreciated was the guy telling me that even though it didn't last, he did have genuine feelings towards me. It's just nice to be reassured that all of it was real, even if things couldn't work out.
And I just don't understand...
OKAY THIS IS ALL BYE SORRY. :(
Labels: author: madeleine, friends and friendships, reminiscence, sadness, what-if
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About Sundaescribbles
Hello there and welcome! Sundaescribbles is co-authored by 3 friends who love to write. Not only would we like to share our thoughts and ideas with one another, we also hope to entertain, inspire, and relate to our readers. Follow us on our journeys as we navigate this treacherous but wondrous new decade of our lives!Labels
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Ji Inn
Jean/Jeanie/Genie, a dreamer with an over-reactive heart
Ji Inn of all trades, mistress of none. Many things pique my interest but I haven't yet found my passion. I like both the arts and the sciences, and am open to everything in between and beyond. "Exploring" recently made its way into my list of hobbies.
If the thought of doing something scares me, that's when I know I have to do it. I believe in taking steps to better myself, in embracing challenges as a means of personal growth. This is a picture of me at Pulai Falls in Malaysia, taking risks and going out of my comfort zone. It turned out to be a marvelous place.
Madeleine
Mad/Maddie, studying in Perth, (falling) in love ♡This photo was captured while exploring the streets and alleys of Geraldton. I suppose it shows my enthusiasm for treading a different path and discovering the unexpected. And taking pictures with adorable graffiti. With obscene/ funny gestures (take your pick and we could either remain strangers or become friends).
On a less seemingly-nonsensical note, I love listening to marginalised voices narrating the other side of the story. (Which is why Wicked is one of my favourite musicals and my second major is Anthropology.) It opens my eyes, blows my mind, and captures my heart. Tell me your story and you might find yourself holding onto a piece of my heart.
Stella
Stella, Christian, writer, 20-year-old idealist
I like pretty photos and inspirational quotes. Words are my favourite way of communication - be it reading, writing or good conversations with people. This picture was taken at the old Bukit Timah railway. I guess it signifies journeys, and standing at the start of them. My favourite Disney song in Sec 3 was "At the Beginning" from Anastasia (a movie I love).
I have very few pictures with just me (I prefer being behind the camera haha or taking it with a friend). The little things can make my day - a smile, note or hug. You can read more on my blog at faithinbuilding.wordpress.com!