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
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
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
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 | 12:55 PM
I guess if I could ask a question and get an honest response, my question would be: Are you happy? It's not meant to be all emo and everything, but maybe it's because it's the question that I ask myself most often. Voluntarily or involuntarily. Sometimes I wish the little voice in my head (that's normal by the way, it's just you thinking and talking to yourself) would stop asking me about it, but at the same time I am grateful and I think it shows what I hold dear. Personally, I think people need to ask themselves that question more often.
Are you happy?
It's scary how often we think we are chasing happiness, but end up realising that the chase itself can take away our happiness and sometimes even the pot of gold at the end is dissatisfying. I never understood why people spend so much time doing things they dislike, trying to build a future they will dislike, and thinking that having a stable income and job would give them the happiness they want. It's not just a cliche, it's truth and reality. Isn't it a pity that you might die at say, 30, and find that all your life, you were just waiting for life to begin? And it never did begin.
Life's too short to do the things you do not love. There must be a balance of passion and reality, I agree, but here and now, are you happy? And if you're not, what can you do within your capacity to change it?
Satisfaction with relationships, satisfaction with work and satisfaction with yourself. If I were to give an honest response to my own question, I would say I recently realised that I'm not. I'm deeply unhappy about the things I'm doing, even though I continue to be enthusiastic about them and continue to take on things. I have withdrawn into myself more than I have ventured out to understand and know people. I find myself regretting/being upset with a lot of the decisions I've made and actions I've taken (and I've found that going out of sync with yourself is one area where unhappiness tends to begin). This semester has been rather dissatisfying. I haven't been spending my time well, nor spending it the way I should. I'm still figuring out what I'm doing.
I remember one moment in this semester, that as I saw a friend and smiled in greeting, I felt genuine happiness and I knew what genuine happiness felt like again. Not so much because of my friend or anything, but because it had been a good week. Haha actually I noticed that my good weeks are when I have spent more time with God (prayer meeting, QT) than on activities, and when I don't I tend to be more worn out/grumpy and see it as a week that wasn't well-spent. That's just a personal observation.
As for the who part of the question, I guess I would say anyone. There isn't one particular person I would want to ask (or at least not someone that I feel it is for me to ask).
Do you love God?
Around the same time that I was pondering this question, the next question was this: Do you love God? And I realise that as a Christian, this is the more important question to ask. One of the mornings when the question popped up again, "Are you happy?" I felt myself say no. And the next question, "Do you love God?" came quickly after that. The answer was yes, and because of that I was happy. Not in the sense of a sudden mood swing, but being able to say yes, I still love Him, and knowing that at least my relationship with God is right, I was happy about that. This is a happiness that stays regardless of the circumstances.
In His love,
Labels: author: stella, religion, themed entries, thoughts out loud, what-if
Friday, October 11, 2013 | 12:37 AM
Hi friend,
It's been a long time since we've talked as friends, and not as acquaintances. Perhaps we will always remain acquaintances. I will miss the good friendship we had, and it's been 2 years now but it always surprises me to mark how much time has passed since then. I guess it's the abrupt way things changed and how the friendship itself feels frozen in time - untouched by the words we have exchanged, and the experiences each of us has had as we lead our separate lives.
I don't really have much to say to you, perhaps I don't even miss you per se. But I miss what we had. It was easy to open up to you, a novelty that has now become commonplace in my life. I guess I always imagined things would work themselves out, and a very very small part of me still hopes for that. But mostly we have grown up, and grown apart from one another, and that's perfectly okay.
I hope you're happy. That's mostly it - I hope you're experiencing genuine happiness amidst everything else in your life. And I hope that, by some miracle or by many experiences I will not see, God opens your eyes to Him and you know Him for yourself.
Have a good life!
Wishing you the best now and always,
Your friend,
Labels: author: stella, friends and friendships, themed entries
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 | 2:35 PM
I've never really been a big fan of cosmetic surgery, but if I could redo life I would want to take better care of my eyes from young. I remember I cried when I first learned I had to wear glasses.
When I was really young, I vowed that I would never allow myself to wear glasses. And I was quite happy in Primary 1 and 2. It never occurred to me that reading a lot of books endlessly would mean having to wear glasses one day. In P3, we had our routine health check that included the eye test. And then I learnt I had to wear glasses. And I cried, and one of my friends came to comfort me and good-naturedly said, "Aiya you read so much, of course you'll have to wear glasses!" Which I appreciated even though it didn't make me feel any better about the glasses.
I get snappish when I have to walk around without my glasses because it makes me feel very vulnerable when people can see me but they, and the rest of the world, are a blur to me. I have very brief thoughts of lasik, mainly because I feel that if I'm telling people they're pretty awesome anyway, without the dieting and cosmetic surgery etc, then I should feel comfortable in my own skin too.
Haha but now, I wouldn't do lasik even if I could and even if I didn't have these personal convictions. Because my glasses cover my eyebags, and make me look less like a panda!
Oh and maybe if I were a little taller...does that count as cosmetic surgery?
In the past I didn't really like my nose, because my dad told me that if you sneezed a lot your nose would become bigger. And one day I just happened to think it must have come true because I suddenly felt my nose looked bigger than normal, but now I'm okay with it. I think I wouldn't be me if I had any other nose.
I think compared to most girls, I'm less critical of myself and my appearances. Until people point out stuff to me and then I get more sensitive about them, but after a while I stop caring so much. I think it's more important to grow to love yourself, and your imperfections no? Like after many years, new flaws will appear or old ones will make a comeback, and it gets kind of futile. But learning to love yourself as your grow old, it's progress made you know!
Stay lovely!
Labels: author: stella, lists, themed entries, thoughts out loud, what-if
Monday, September 30, 2013 | 10:12 PM
I don't really watch TV much these days, and even when I do I don't remember the names of the cast. So everytime people mention a famous actor/actress, I always go, "Who??"
1. Jayma MaysYup and those are my few! Haha actually mainly the first 2, Cumberbatch was a bit of a stretch.
I Googled "Glee cast" then found her name in the wikipedia article. Besides the first few episodes of Season 1 and the youtube clips, I don't actually watch Glee. But I liked Jayma Mays character, and I think I fell in love with her when I saw this video:
She has a very cute accent, and isn't it adorable when she says, matter-of-factly, "And that's how I knew he loved me" because he ordered her the fried sampler or something? I remember the part where she talks about them "aging" in the movie they were acting, and how it was a profound moment for both of them in their relationship and imagining their future together. That was sweet and profound. They are awesome together! The thing I love about Jayma Mays is that she's sweet, but there's also this energy about her that makes her so lively and lovely. I would want to meet her in person for that reason!
2. Hugh Grant
I love it when people have twinkly eyes that sparkle when they smile. It's like the smile really reaches their eyes. That kind of twinkle is hard to fake, so you know they're being genuine! Hugh Grant is the actor I remember most for having that twinkly, crinkled eyes smile. And also for his natural acting.I want to meet him because the twinkly eyes and crinkly-faced smile makes him look very friendly and kindly.
It's hard to believe they're only acting and not actually in love with each other, and not acting all silly without being able to help it. I think that's the mark of a good actor - when his actions and looks are so natural that you completely buy into the story.
I remember Hugh Grant for his appearance in Love Actually because he plays the dopey-in-love part very well without overdoing it. He's silly but likeable, and still able to pull off the whole Prime Minister thing. I think Anne Hathaway and Keira Knightley are pretty talented actresses because of their versatility, and ability to bring life to any role they play and make it their own.
3. Benedict Cumberbatch
He's such a natural Sherlock Holmes that it's hard to imagine him as any other character. It's like he defines the role. With his curly hair, pale skin and a tone of voice that exudes Sherlock confidence, Benedict Cumberbatch = BBC Sherlock Holmes.
I can't say he's the guy I would have pictured when I read Sherlock Holmes stories, but I can't imagine any BBC episode without its main character. In addition to all the physical bits he carries off in his own way, he is very much in character with his cool demeanour, incisive, scornful and witty remarks, and maddening indifference to everything non-crime related (maddening to everyone else in the show, that is). The thing I like best about this Sherlock is that he is very much real because he also surprises you as a character. Which is what real people do in the world - do things out-of-character at spontaneous moments. I remember one scene where he suddenly bursts out laughing or shows an unusual burst of emotion, and I found that spontaneity and emotion so human and yet completely in character. He was Sherlock on an off-day, as the show called for, and pulling it off very well. To be "out"-of-character and still believable, that's the mark of true talent. P.S. If you think the movie is good, you should watch the BBC series. Spoiler alert: After you watch the BBC version, you'll never go back to watching the movie series with the same eyes. Lol actually I wouldn't want to meet him, but it would be cool to observe him in real life. In real life = watching him solve crimes as Sherlock (ironically).
Labels: author: stella, celebrities and stars, lists, themed entries
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 | 1:11 AM
I've wanted to post this for a while, and it was inspired by Tzu Hsiang.
Plenty of times we don't look around to realise how incredible the people around us are, and what they signify to us in our own lives.
So this is a post for the people around me - thank you for being who you are, and I'm blessed to know you. This list is far from exhaustive, but it'll do for now :)
My mum taught me many things. To be strong, to be kind, to be diligent, and to find many ways of getting to one place. Essentially also, to never give up on something you really want, even though that's a lesson I'm still reluctant to learn (there are times when it is unimaginably difficult). Cliche as it is, I felt this was the best starting point because my mum has shaped much of who I am.
The leaders around me (Ling Hong, Daryl, Sean) All of you together have taught me so much about leadership, and, collectively, this one big lesson: to invest in the growth of the people you lead. I am really very lucky to meet leaders who care so much about the people under them, and who have shown me what innovation, conviction and commitment mean.
Tzu Hsiang always surprises me. In good ways. I'm going to write a little more for this one, just so she knows what a gem she is.
Passion Reading about her own mad obsession with starting a magazine, many of the emotions resonated with me, and it's cool to see her chasing her dream. I'm impressed by the seriousness with which she went into it, and the quality of the work produced. Hope it works out well!
If you're curious, here it is: http://heartmagazine.sg/
Energy & Spontaneity despite always looking half-asleep and hugging everything from trees to sofas like a koala (TH aren't you glad I put a real koala instead :P), she's often game for new and spontaneous experiences. I love her for that because it's refreshing to meet people with so much energy and spontaneity, and it's hard not to catch on to her spirit and want to do things too.
Friendliness Something I always admire in TH is how she makes friends so easily. And she's so real that it's hard to fault people for liking her. If there's one thing I would want to learn from her, it's to be more friendly and genuine, and to take a real interest in the lives of people I don't know.
Her voice She has the most angelic voice when she sings, and so different from her usual, that it still surprises me when she sings. Again, if you're curious, here's her channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/speciallyi?feature=watch. Good things are worth sharing :).
Her authenticity (and sanity) I think what makes it hard to believe is how sane and authentic she is while being all that. She's very down-to-earth and authentic as a person, and cool precisely because she doesn't try to be. That's the part I love most about her <3 keep your head up!
Yup, that's all from me. Who are the people in your own life who mean something to you?
Inspired,
Labels: author: stella, family, friends and friendships, lists, personal
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 | 10:59 PM
So we're doing the flip side of the coin for this week, and I realise most of what is important to me (i.e. my dealbreakers) are the same things that would draw me to a guy.
Being a Christian is one thing, but I've come to realise that calling oneself "Christian" doesn't always imply a right walk with God. More important than simply being Christian, is where the guy stands with his faith in God. Haha I can't say that I find people attractive simply because they are in love with God, but I do know that I would hold someone in high regard for it.
In terms of attractive traits, I would say these:
1. Kind/Loves people
I find this quite attractive. When guys are kind to others, regardless of how they look or how difficult they are to love, I take notice. And I take notice especially when he does so in a gentle manner, which is something that is quite hard to get right.
2. Witty
I have always been in love with wit. I think of Oscar Wilde, Bernard Shaw, and their remarkably witty remarks. Winston Churchill too:
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly."
Of course, wit often borders on meanness and insults. Which is why the first criteria is important - balancing wit and kindness isn't easy, but it's an amazing combination. Somehow the quotes I love best are those by guys, whereas in daily life I think I run into more witty girls than guys.
Sometimes I feel like giving up on this trait because I very rarely meet guys who have wit and a good personality - in terms of niceness, dependability - but it's the one thing I find most attractive in people.
3. Easygoing
I think as a person I try to give space to others to be themselves, and I hate it when people are too picky or controlling over others (hence the dealbreakers haha). I'm drawn to people who do that for others: give them a comfortable space to be themselves and to feel at ease in their company. I like people who create a warm and inviting presence about themselves, and it makes me feel that I can introduce him to my friends without worrying about awkwardness.
4. Spontaneous
I love good surprises and spontaneous moments, so I would love someone who does things out of the ordinary. I think creativity is kind of implicit in this one, and a little creativity is good, but not too much. Because being imaginative and creative helps one to see possibilities, and that's something that allows me to enjoy the conversations I have with people a lot, but having too much can make one a little eccentric (haha no offense intended, but yeah).
5. Serious at the right time
At the same time, I think being serious about the right things/at the right time is important and it puts me at ease when I see that he knows what he's doing. I think girls are only naggy worrywarts insofar as the guys we're with don't give us confidence to trust them. But when a guy knows when to be serious, I'm happy to trust him.
Yup, and that's my list!
With love,
Labels: author: stella, lists, love and relationships, themed entries
Saturday, September 14, 2013 | 8:48 PM
1. Non-Christian
I think the main reason for this is that I've liked non-Christian guys before and it causes a lot personal struggle. If loving God is the closest thing to my heart, I would want us to be able to worship and fellowship together, and to help each other grow in faith. In hard times as well, faith becomes a bonding rather than a dividing factor.
2. Not kind to people
When I first posted on dealbreakers in my lj, this came up as one of the really important things to me. I think it's important that he's kind not just to me, but as a person. I can't imagine everytime I want to reach out to help someone, and the one I love is the one holding back instead of stepping up before me or giving me courage to do so when I lack it. Being kind to people is something so basic, I don't think we'll even be standing on the same side of the page if he weren't kind.
3. Controlling
I value my freedom a lot so I hate it when people are controlling over me or others, it just shows a want of respect for another person's individuality and freedom to live their lives the way they want to. Even if it's trying to do what's best or show concern for me, I dislike it because I think I'm capable of making my own decisions and you have to respect that. Unless you're family, trying to control my life just gets on my nerves. I listen to people when they raise genuine concerns, and I expect that they trust me to listen and make the right decision in the end. That's what friends and family do for each other right?
4. Unable to accept my family
I know we're the ones in the relationship, but my family's important to me. I don't want to be in a relationship where I have to choose between my boyfriend and my family, or where my boyfriend is critical of my family. It's a dealbreaker if you can't accept my family and can't understand how much I want to love them. Also, I think it predicts how our own future will go, in terms of how much he can accept the rest of the family (me and the children) when we're imperfect or difficult.
5. Unable to communicate honestly with me
Like Maddie, I value open and honest communication. It's fine if we have issues to sort out, but if we can't talk about them they'll probably stay issues. If a guy can't be honest with me, I feel that it shows a lack of comfort and trust between us, and we probably wouldn't even be in a relationship.
Labels: author: stella, lists, love and relationships, themed entries
Wednesday, September 4, 2013 | 3:55 PM
Haha I don't listen to such songs precisely because they break my heart, so it's a little tough to think of a list. I can think of a few though:
1. A Thousand Years
I just can't stand how sad and beautiful it is at the same time. It makes me feel really really sorry for the person who had to go through that experience of being apart from the person he/she loves.
The chorus especially:
I have died everyday
waiting for you
Darlin' don't be afraid
I have loved you for a
Thousand years
I'll love you for a
Thousand more
Labels: author: stella, music and songs, sadness, themed entries
Thursday, August 29, 2013 | 6:00 PM
I posted on love languages sometime ago, you can find it here on my wordpress. Almost a year on, and I think nothing much has changed. One quote about love languages that struck me ever since I saw it at some workshop essentially said this (cannot remember the exact phrasing): don't treat people the way you would want them to treat you. Treat them the way they would want to be treated! And it was also about getting to know other people's love languages, and expressing your love to them in the way they would like it expressed. Pretty much what Ji Inn was saying in her entry on Appreciation.
I just took the love languages quiz a few minutes ago and this is my score:
Quality Time. As I went through the questions, I could already guessed this would come out tops. Perhaps is something that I have come to value more and more as my time gets more scarce in a busy schedule, and as I realise that I do enjoy the company of people a lot. In the end it's the connection between people that I really like - feeling understood when the other person expresses the same sentiments, exchanging views and engaging one another on a topic, or sharing experiences in a space that has become comfortable.
Receiving Gifts. Actually I am most happy when people give me gifts that show they 'get' me, and I feel understood. I think everybody likes to feel that way - receiving a gift that is thoughtful and unique to your character celebrates your individuality. 2 gifts that I remember: the dayspring calendar from a JC friend.
He gave it to me as a birthday present earlier this year. The greatest gifts are the ones that surprise you (in a good way), and this was one of them in the sense that I wouldn't have thought to buy it for myself, but I realised that it captures the essence of my character so well.
The other one is from Ji Inn. I still remember when she first gave it to me, she was very mysterious about it and was saying she wasn't sure if I could carry it home. That made me curious about what she could possibly have gotten me haha. It's this painting she bought, the reindeer with a bird perched on its antler. People always ask me if I painted it when they see it in my room. I've always wanted one of these paintings, but just never wanted to spend on it for myself. I love the colour and painting :)
Words of Affirmation Words are naturally important to me since I like reading and writing so much. It's the best way I can find to express myself. Words of affirmation are not as important to me as just well, words. I prefer long letters to gifts because I like to hear people's thoughts, especially those of friends, because it helps me get to know them better and it tells me what they're thinking. I think it's one of those times where you assume that people do the same thing you do, and I assume that people are the most honest in their letters since I am most honest in mine.
Physical Touch The only thing I can think of in relation to this is my hug-a-friend day thing which I haven't done in a while. With close friends, I tend to hug them when we meet up/part at the end of our meet-up..I don't know, tight hugs with these friends make me feel loved and thankful for them, and express how I feel about them.
Acts of Service Most of the time when people do me favours, I feel indebted to them. So actually this isn't the best way to show concern for me. I have very high expectations of myself in wanting to thank every single person who has helped me, repay the debt in some way etc etc. Even though I know that it shouldn't be that way (because love isn't transactional), I still get the nagging feeling if someone is too nice to me and does a lot more for me than I do in return. Yup and I find that as you grow older and your friends network expands, it's harder to keep this up. But it doesn't take away the guilt.
That said, I appreciate all the help my friends give, and I wish people (including myself) would show more compassion towards the people around them in terms of just helping someone they see in need carry bags, open the door, or run an errand.
Sometimes I think it's quite amazing that people can get together despite their different love languages (since they probably wouldn't be aware of each other's unless they take the test...), and how the whole chemistry has to click between 2 people for them to fall and stay in love. That's the cool thing about love - getting through the misunderstandings and differences.
A random but related quote (and cute picture!):
Have a lovely week! :)
Labels: author: stella, themed entries
Friday, August 16, 2013 | 9:48 PM
It's a new semester and I've been a bit drained and unprepared for everything to start.
I'm quite happy with my timetable though, and most of the modules I'm taking this semester (lit, social work and 2 CAPT modules) look like they'll be interesting. I was falling asleep in most of them this week :/ but hopefully I'll be more awake come Week 2.
Cat Baba was back to her habit of zi-pai-ing:
Still, I'm glad to be back at CAPT (the residential college I stay at at NUS) and this is what's been happening the past week:
1. Late night captain's ball sessions
The same night I returned, I soon found myself playing captain's ball. Walking around on my heels (trying not to put pressure on the blisters from playing barefoot), and washing off dirty feet at 1am, that's when I knew I was really back in the craziness of CAPT. This week alone, we've played twice and we're playing a third time tonight. Love the game and how it bonds people :) we've been having orientation activities every night for the past 4 nights, and on the second last night Dragon Slayer (refer here for explanation of the weird names) asked the freshies to play. I liked it because I got to know the freshies slightly better - it's somehow easier to break the ice this way than talking to them.
2. Dinners with my OG
Throughout fledgling week (CAPT's way of describing our orientation activities. It follows the idea of a college ready to take off at the end of the week), our neighbourhood emphasized "family." Because that is really what our friends and neighbours have become to us over the past 1 year.
Today as I was thinking about my post, I realised that - cliches aside - these people have really become close to family. I realised that I had tried to set time aside to have dinners with my OG in the week, the same way I try to set aside time on weekends for family.
3. Birthday surprises
We planned a birthday surprise for Hat and Prawn. It was quite funny because while two friends were bubble wrapping Prawn's door, I happened to run into him in the lift, about to get off on his floor. I panicked and asked him to help me. I ended up asking him to come up to my floor, take a roll of bubble wrap, and put it in the common lounge on level 1.
Thinking it was safe to let him go to his level lounge as long as he didn't go near his room, I told him I didn't need any more help. But for some reason the whole group migrated to someone's suite, so he walked past his room and of course, saw two people sticking stuff on his door. "I didn't see anything! I didn't see anything!" But obviously he did.
Hat still didn't know what was going on, till we finally gathered as a group (5 of us in total, with Kiwi late as usual) and sang happy birthday to them both. Then Prawn very embarrassedly gave Hat his half of the cake (he started eating it because it was left outside his door lol). And then we started the short trail around CAPT. Prawn and Hat were given clues with tasks like "Play a duet together" and "Win a foosball match." With each clue they also picked up a kiwi (for Hat) and tabasco sauce (for Prawn) because one loves fruits and the other loves tabasco sauce with everything.
(playing foosball with a kiwi)
Our last stop? The common lounge where we took a photo with the bubble wrap:
Oh, and we bubble-wrapped the wrong door. Hat swopped rooms with his suitemate but we didn't know! Luckily the guy hadn't moved in, so Hat helped us to bubble wrap his own door.
4. One CAPT
On the first night of fledgling week, we had "branding" which was basically writing "One CAPT" on our hands with henna. Sunny Side-up helped me to draw a ship's steering wheel :) and I drew flowers for her in return.
For black neighbourhood, we had our own special donkey (it's supposed to be a horse) called Tulee (?) that we took photos with. Turns out it's for our door label:
The door labels were presented to us on the last night of fledgling week ^^. Really a lot of effort went into planning the neighbourhood and college-level activities, and I'm proud of my friends/thankful to the committee for it!
5. Door gifts
Left a note on Gummy Bear's door, and she promptly returned a post-it and snack:
Couldn't help smiling at how familiar it was, and in a very nice way, to have people leaving friendly/encouraging notes at the door.
My Room
I loved my room last semester, but I realise I need the change in environment to help me kind of reset for the new semester. 90% of it is from last semester since I just decided on that today:
Will write more soon about the new semester! :)
happy to be back,
Labels: author: stella, lists, school and schooling, themed entries
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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!