Even though we are still in scorching heat, the summer is fading.
Am I the only one who think the summer trips ended too quickly and want to relive those carefree moments?
I am clinging to this fading summer, savouring the last little bits of days that are filled with laughter and replaying the sweet memories in my head.
Is there a word for this 'melancholy over the fading summer'? I want to know that word.
Saying goodbye to summer is particularly painful this year--my very last summer in which I can fill my schedule with things I love to do and people I love to spend time with.
I love going out with my friends, to little cafes or bars, hidden boutiques, etc.
I love spending time with my boyfriend and don't give a damn about what we do or where we are, as long as we are together.
I love staying home, making arts and little somethings, reading, decluttering and decorating, cooking and watching movies with my family.
I'm not ready to let go.
I'm not ready to move on.
Particularly when moving on means starting the depressing but unavoidable job search.
I have not started, but already I feel defeated--by not yet starting the job hunt, I already feel like I'm a piece of junk in this busy city.
I simply cannot imagine it, when someone told me, 'be prepared to send 150 resumes and getting no response.' or 'be ready that it might take you a year to land a job.'
The mere thought of making applications makes my heart paced, my head aches and stomach churns.
'Fear not, I have faith in you,' my mother said, as she gently stroke my hair.
As the summer goes, part of me fades along with it...
Love,
N
Showing posts with label Summer 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer 2012. Show all posts
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
On Traveling Together
Dear readers,
Lovely to see you again. It has been a long while since I last updated.
I spent the last two months in 2 countries and when I was back, I have so much to share that I simply didn't know what to write!
After resting for some time, finally I'm ready to write posts again.
This time, on traveling together with someone you love.
Traveling together as a couple allows you to see the 'real face/side' of the person.
Lovely to see you again. It has been a long while since I last updated.
I spent the last two months in 2 countries and when I was back, I have so much to share that I simply didn't know what to write!
After resting for some time, finally I'm ready to write posts again.
This time, on traveling together with someone you love.
Traveling together as a couple allows you to see the 'real face/side' of the person.
It's easy to show your best side on a date, but maintaining it for 24hours and several days (in my case, weeks)? Not that easy.
It is true that you can glimpses of your partner in everyday life, but being there with him/her 24/7 shows you a lot more.
It is true that you can glimpses of your partner in everyday life, but being there with him/her 24/7 shows you a lot more.
So, couples that travel together stay together?
I don't know, but I am certainly aware of the fact that traveling together as a challenge for a couple.
This summer is the very first time that I travel with my boyfriend.
I am very glad that none of us imagined the trip to be a romantic all-perfect get-away.
Rather, we are well-awared of the countless possibilities for us to disagree.
We knew we are gonna fight at some point and tried very hard to avoid it.
Rather, we are well-awared of the countless possibilities for us to disagree.
We knew we are gonna fight at some point and tried very hard to avoid it.
It is good to expect the worst case scenario, because we ended up having very few arguments.
At least in my case, this trip has truly been an eye-opener in many ways.
Here I am to share with you what I learnt from this trip, on traveling together as a couple:
1) Know expectations, limits and non-negotiables of the both of you.
Examples:
- Different travel styles: He is good at planning ahead and arranging the sightseeing spots into a single route while I prefer getting lost and discovering the hidden gems.
- Different preferences: I can spend hours in art museums, bookstores, vintage shops, furniture and home decor shops and lovely small boutiques (of course!) while he would most definitely fall asleep in the corner.
- Non-negotiables: while I do not insist in staying at starred hotels, my top must-have is still the accommodation--a clean and safe place to stay, no shared bedroom/dorm room with strangers and no shared bathroom.
- Another less non-negotiable must have: fruits! Wherever I go, I need to check out the supermarkets or markets to get fresh fruits. I love it when my boyfriend take me to get fruits or spoil me by getting me some.
2) Have your own budget or a clear record of your expenditures.
I learned this the hard way. We shared a bank account but the money is mixed: some of his money, some of mine, some shared--all mixed together in one single bank account.
We agreed to track and keep a record of our spending, but I didn't do my part very well.
So at the end of the trip, we were not sure about how to split the money.
I felt bad about myself when he was not happy with the way I spent my money and the fact that I didn't keep a record of how much I spent.
Luckily, he didn't get mad about it and let money drive us into fights.
Suggestions? Don't make the mistake that I made.
Have a clear budget and a record, or maybe separate accounts to avoid arguing over money.
3) Trust.
It is exciting to be on a foreign soil. At the same time, stepping out of one's comfort zone is stressing.
Don't freak out or give up so easily. Let the other person take the lead.
Example:
- If the guy says he knows the way, let him navigate.
- No screaming in the car.
- Don't blame the other person.
4) Participate.
Taking the likely situation of getting lost, have you ever been in a situation where the guy said he knows the way BUT you are most certain that he is wrong?
Since we all know how much most men hate to ask for directions and how much most women hate to get lost (me excluded), the way I deal with it is:
- Let him navigate BUT keep your GPS or map handy
- Still follow his lead if he insists, even if you know the destination is at the opposite direction
- Don't wait till you walked/ drove too far to kindly tell him that you both went the wrong way and tell him the right way
- Never say 'see? I told you!' Never.
Being a girl who enjoys getting lost, I don't mind it at all. I actually love it-the thrill of exploring a new land
5) Openness, patience and acceptance. (And occasionally, forgiveness)
Since it is rare to find someone who shares the same living habits with us, be prepared to see the difference and the 'ugly' sides of your usually well-groomed and well-manned partner.
Examples: after a 12hr flight, being exhausted and hungry, lack of sleep, accidents, bad mood etc
Be patient and accept differences. Nobody is perfect.
Apart from knowing that my boyfriend is unbelievably patient, considerate, reliable and helpful, I know myself better too.
I know that I'm: the more messy one/ the one who overpacks/ seemingly-easygoing-but-actually-it's-laziness/ the-one-who-can-stay-up-very-late-but can't-wake-up-early etc etc. among the two of us.
I am grateful that most of my weaknesses are complemented by his strengths or vice versa.
And that he is very patient and accepting to me for who I am.
6) Appreciate.
There are lots of small things that you can do for each other, but don't forget to appreciate the other person's effort!
7) Relax and have fun!
Don't let trivial things ruin your mood.
It's perfectly normal to disagree and even argue. But always remember to make up.
The whole point of traveling together is to have fun together and enjoy each other's company!
That's about it, my little tips on how to travel with your partner and make sweet memories.
Oops! One more!
For those who are like me, those who couldn't pack very well: By ALL means, avoid over-packing.
Really, over-packing either break someone's back or break your bank. (think luggage overweight charge for flights or postal fee to mail a carton of things home)
Although I did all the carrying myself when I was alone, 99% of the time when I was with him, he did the carrying or moving luggages up the car/upstairs etc.
I really appreciate his help, feel well taken care of and admire him for being such a man.
But at the same time, I feel really guilty about this physical 'labour' he has to do, simply because I couldn't pack!
Viola! End of list.
Enjoy your trips!
Love,
N
Here I am to share with you what I learnt from this trip, on traveling together as a couple:
1) Know expectations, limits and non-negotiables of the both of you.
Examples:
- Different travel styles: He is good at planning ahead and arranging the sightseeing spots into a single route while I prefer getting lost and discovering the hidden gems.
- Different preferences: I can spend hours in art museums, bookstores, vintage shops, furniture and home decor shops and lovely small boutiques (of course!) while he would most definitely fall asleep in the corner.
- Non-negotiables: while I do not insist in staying at starred hotels, my top must-have is still the accommodation--a clean and safe place to stay, no shared bedroom/dorm room with strangers and no shared bathroom.
- Another less non-negotiable must have: fruits! Wherever I go, I need to check out the supermarkets or markets to get fresh fruits. I love it when my boyfriend take me to get fruits or spoil me by getting me some.
2) Have your own budget or a clear record of your expenditures.
I learned this the hard way. We shared a bank account but the money is mixed: some of his money, some of mine, some shared--all mixed together in one single bank account.
We agreed to track and keep a record of our spending, but I didn't do my part very well.
So at the end of the trip, we were not sure about how to split the money.
I felt bad about myself when he was not happy with the way I spent my money and the fact that I didn't keep a record of how much I spent.
Luckily, he didn't get mad about it and let money drive us into fights.
Suggestions? Don't make the mistake that I made.
Have a clear budget and a record, or maybe separate accounts to avoid arguing over money.
3) Trust.
It is exciting to be on a foreign soil. At the same time, stepping out of one's comfort zone is stressing.
Don't freak out or give up so easily. Let the other person take the lead.
Example:
- If the guy says he knows the way, let him navigate.
- No screaming in the car.
- Don't blame the other person.
4) Participate.
Taking the likely situation of getting lost, have you ever been in a situation where the guy said he knows the way BUT you are most certain that he is wrong?
Since we all know how much most men hate to ask for directions and how much most women hate to get lost (me excluded), the way I deal with it is:
- Let him navigate BUT keep your GPS or map handy
- Still follow his lead if he insists, even if you know the destination is at the opposite direction
- Don't wait till you walked/ drove too far to kindly tell him that you both went the wrong way and tell him the right way
- Never say 'see? I told you!' Never.
Being a girl who enjoys getting lost, I don't mind it at all. I actually love it-the thrill of exploring a new land
5) Openness, patience and acceptance. (And occasionally, forgiveness)
Since it is rare to find someone who shares the same living habits with us, be prepared to see the difference and the 'ugly' sides of your usually well-groomed and well-manned partner.
Examples: after a 12hr flight, being exhausted and hungry, lack of sleep, accidents, bad mood etc
Be patient and accept differences. Nobody is perfect.
Apart from knowing that my boyfriend is unbelievably patient, considerate, reliable and helpful, I know myself better too.
I know that I'm: the more messy one/ the one who overpacks/ seemingly-easygoing-but-actually-it's-laziness/ the-one-who-can-stay-up-very-late-but can't-wake-up-early etc etc. among the two of us.
I am grateful that most of my weaknesses are complemented by his strengths or vice versa.
And that he is very patient and accepting to me for who I am.
6) Appreciate.
There are lots of small things that you can do for each other, but don't forget to appreciate the other person's effort!
7) Relax and have fun!
Don't let trivial things ruin your mood.
It's perfectly normal to disagree and even argue. But always remember to make up.
The whole point of traveling together is to have fun together and enjoy each other's company!
That's about it, my little tips on how to travel with your partner and make sweet memories.
Oops! One more!
For those who are like me, those who couldn't pack very well: By ALL means, avoid over-packing.
Really, over-packing either break someone's back or break your bank. (think luggage overweight charge for flights or postal fee to mail a carton of things home)
Although I did all the carrying myself when I was alone, 99% of the time when I was with him, he did the carrying or moving luggages up the car/upstairs etc.
I really appreciate his help, feel well taken care of and admire him for being such a man.
But at the same time, I feel really guilty about this physical 'labour' he has to do, simply because I couldn't pack!
Viola! End of list.
Enjoy your trips!
Love,
N
Friday, July 27, 2012
Live Jazz
One of the many things that make my stay enjoyable is the live jazz in CoHo, the coffee house.
Love,
N
Every night, 10 to 12.
Live jazz gigs are only available during the Jazz Workshops (summer camps) and the Stanford Jazz Festival.
As I type, I'm sharing this lovely live music and cozy atmosphere with a few dozens people.
I love it when the audiences know and truly like what they are listening to.
I love the subtle playfulness of bebop and how the improvised parts always surprise and amuse me.
I love it when the audience catch the humor of the tune, smile to those particularly well-played notes, knows exactly when to clap or 'woohoo!', tap their feet and sway to the music, etc etc.
All because they are so focused and into the music.
Just like me, if not more.
This is not the place for work or read or conversation.
Those talented musicians know how to steal your attention, with those brilliantly played tunes that make you stop whatever you are doing and turn to stare at them.
Looking at these young musicians who are more or less my age, I wish I could be as talented as they are.
Excellent music :)
Love,
N
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Typhoon
This might sound crazy: I want to feel the typhoon right now.
The typhoon (signal no. 10) which is making houses shake and making people worry about whether glass will break.
I want to feel powerless and in awe when I look at the dark, heavy clouds that blanket the city.
I want to feel it physically--the power of nature.
I have the urge of hearing winds roar and get soaked wet from the non-stop heavy rain.
At the same time, I'm in this place with almost perfect weather--sunny, warm and bright, with clear sky.
The ironic thing is I'm having this level-10 typhoon or storm in my head.
Thoughts are getting louder and louder and racing in my head that I just wanna scream out equally loud.
But I just can't.
I don't even have the power to scream out loud.
I got so blown away by my own thoughts that I'm totally speechless.
I don't even know what I'm writing now, because I don't even know what I'm thinking.
Whenever there is bad weather, the advice is always gonna be: Stay safe.
Stay in somewhere safe and sheltered so you won't be hurt.
I guess it applies to this storm in my head too, I should just stay in somewhere safe, secure and take no risk.
Well, it is gonna go, what I feel and how I feel now.
We can never avoid storms, but positivity is our own sunshine. :)
Love,
N
The typhoon (signal no. 10) which is making houses shake and making people worry about whether glass will break.
I want to feel powerless and in awe when I look at the dark, heavy clouds that blanket the city.
I want to feel it physically--the power of nature.
I have the urge of hearing winds roar and get soaked wet from the non-stop heavy rain.
At the same time, I'm in this place with almost perfect weather--sunny, warm and bright, with clear sky.
The ironic thing is I'm having this level-10 typhoon or storm in my head.
Thoughts are getting louder and louder and racing in my head that I just wanna scream out equally loud.
But I just can't.
I don't even have the power to scream out loud.
I got so blown away by my own thoughts that I'm totally speechless.
I don't even know what I'm writing now, because I don't even know what I'm thinking.
Whenever there is bad weather, the advice is always gonna be: Stay safe.
Stay in somewhere safe and sheltered so you won't be hurt.
I guess it applies to this storm in my head too, I should just stay in somewhere safe, secure and take no risk.
Well, it is gonna go, what I feel and how I feel now.
We can never avoid storms, but positivity is our own sunshine. :)
Love,
N
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Baby...You Stink!
The motto of the restaurant 'we season our garlic with food!' tells you how garlicky the food is.
I don't particularly enjoy eating garlics.
Garlic spread and finely chopped garlic are fine.
But a whole clove or raw garlic? No thanks.
Having dinner in a restaurant where every dish uses plenty of garlic? Not something I'd normally do.
But since I'm a tourist, why not?
We ordered their signature Bagna Calda, which is garlic cloves oven-roasted in extra virgin olive oil and butter with a hint of anchovy, served in an iron skillet, for spreading on focaccia bread.
To make it simple, it is a small pan of garlic in olive oil.
Surprisingly, the garlic cloves in the bagna calda are sweet.
 |
| Bagna Calda |
For entree, we ordered 40 cloves garlic chicken. Yes, you
The chicken was marinated and cooked with 40 cloves of garlic. Served with mashed potatoes with garlic olive oil.
Though it is strong in flavor, the dish doesn't taste garlicky at all. Very tasty dish.
 |
| 40 Cloves Garlic Chicken. And yes, those are garlic cloves on the right. |
Again, it is not garlicky. Somehow light actually. Very tasty also.
 |
| Clams with fresh black linguine |
It was a great meal with tasty,heavenly food, but the next day is hellish.
I think the Stinking Rose is a wonderful place to test how much your boyfriend or girlfriend loves you.
Go there for a date, see if he/she still kisses you the next morning.
It is pretty impressive if anyone could bear with that stinky breathe.
I don't have to describe to you how gross the stinky breathe is after a garlicky meal.
Certainly one of the most appalling and anti-social things.
Well, I have discovered another very appalling thing about having garlic: the breathe is not the only thing that becomes stinky.
Don't share a bathroom with a person who ate plenty of garlic. (makes me wanna vomit just typing this)
Everything smell much worse.
I swear to you it is worse than kissing the person!
So, did he and I kiss this morning?
Well, I didn't eat any raw or half-cooked garlic.
Well-cooked garlic is way less stinky than raw ones.
I smell/taste fine, pretty much like how I usually smell/taste.
But my boyfriend enjoyed some really garlicky sauce made with plenty cloves of raw garlic.
Poor me.
This morning I found myself screaming and pushing him away,
'Honey, not that I don't love you. But please don't kiss me until you have a few mints and a bottle of green tea. Baby...you stink!'
The Stinking Rose is certainly worth going to.
Warning:
1) Don't go there for the first date.
2) Don't go there if you expect to end the night with a lot of kissing (and maybe more).
3) Prepare mints and green tea.
Maybe I should write a series of posts on stinky food e.g. durian and stinky tofu.
Ewwww, no!
Love,
N
Friday, July 13, 2012
Being A Sporty Tourist in San Francisco
For those who know me in person, you know that I'm not a sporty girl.
So, surprise! I did some sport today.
Went cycling for 5 to 6 hours straight, to visit a few tourist spots.
Okay, okay, you got me.
I don't know how to ride a bike.
I was on a tandem bike so I don't have to do any balancing.
But technically, I did cycled today, just that I wasn't the one controlling the directions.
Okay, that is not what this post is supposed to be about.
The highlight of this on-a-bike-sightseeing day was crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in the fog.
It was very windy (my hair went crazy, hundred times more crazy than my usual crazy hair).
It was very cold, freezing cold.
We believed that it was less than 10 degrees celsius on the bridge.
So cold that I couldn't feel my fingers. My lips and nose tip were icy cold.
I stood on the side of the bridge, the wind was roaring.
I looked into a distance, nothing but a thick thick layer of fog.
I looked down, just the ocean with waves.
I read it just yesterday that the Golden Gate Bridge is a popular site for suicides--a person a week, on average.
I looked down again, thinking 'deadly height' and 'it must be freezing, the wind and the icy cold water'.
Then I thought 'why can't people put up nets along the bridge to prevent suicide attempts? That could save lives!'
I wish they did.
Anyway, picture time.
 |
| 'Topless' Golden Gate Bridge |
 |
| Very foggy |
 |
| Fog descending from the mountain, after we reached the other side of the bridge |
 |
| View on the bridge |
My thighs and butt are so sore that I can barely move now.
Still feeling the burning sensation.
Climbing up the stairs in the hotel is so painful. Ouch!
One good thing about living in a cheap hotel above the bars--free music.
Tonight they're playing jazz. (thank god it's not those party electro music again!)
The jazz performance tonight is good. They are playing well.
Love it!
Goodnight my dear readers.
More updates tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Love,
N
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
My Heart & Mind
Feeling terribly sorry for not being able to be at home in this difficult time.
I know they'd understand, I know they'd want me to be here, learning and doing what I am interested in.
Yet, I feel like I'm such an un-caring and self-centered person.
Going to take Greyhound bus to San Francisco tomorrow early in the morning, but couldn't care less about packing now.
I could only send them my love and support from thousands miles away.
I wish they could understand how much I miss them and want to be with them right now.
This urge is so strong that the only words to put it is that my heart and mind are back at home with them, leaving my body here in the US.
Do you know how it feels?
I wish I could be home now...
If only I could be home now...
Do you know how it feels? :'(
Dear readers,
Not all families have the habit of saying 'I love you' to each other or giving hugs, and I'm not saying that those are the only ways to show love.
But please show each other some love, starting from your family.
Just do small little things like calling your parents just to say hi, making breakfast, writing little notes, etc.
It's all the small things that count, isn't it?
Love those who deserve your love.
Leave no regrets :)
Love,
N
I know they'd understand, I know they'd want me to be here, learning and doing what I am interested in.
Yet, I feel like I'm such an un-caring and self-centered person.
Going to take Greyhound bus to San Francisco tomorrow early in the morning, but couldn't care less about packing now.
I could only send them my love and support from thousands miles away.
I wish they could understand how much I miss them and want to be with them right now.
This urge is so strong that the only words to put it is that my heart and mind are back at home with them, leaving my body here in the US.
Do you know how it feels?
I wish I could be home now...
If only I could be home now...
Do you know how it feels? :'(
Dear readers,
Not all families have the habit of saying 'I love you' to each other or giving hugs, and I'm not saying that those are the only ways to show love.
But please show each other some love, starting from your family.
Just do small little things like calling your parents just to say hi, making breakfast, writing little notes, etc.
It's all the small things that count, isn't it?
Love those who deserve your love.
Leave no regrets :)
Love,
N
Monday, July 9, 2012
Best Find in San Diego
Went to San Diego the last few days, back to LA now.
The harbor cruise to Coronado, the zoo and Safari park were great.
(except a bit too chilly that I caught a cold now..)
I found something during my stay in San Diego.
We rent a car and brought our own GPS. Still, sometimes we made the wrong turns.
Then we discovered something that made me screamed with joy in the car.
Pretty much like what happens in life: unexpected things happen.
Sometimes shit happens.
But at the same time, the best things happen in the most unexpected times too.
My dear readers,
See what I've found: Before I die blackboards!
Blogged about this long ago. I'm still crazy about this idea.
Really excited to see it with my own eyes.
And yes, I wrote down my answer. (though limiting myself to 1 answer is a very difficult task)
Picture time:
The harbor cruise to Coronado, the zoo and Safari park were great.
(except a bit too chilly that I caught a cold now..)
I found something during my stay in San Diego.
We rent a car and brought our own GPS. Still, sometimes we made the wrong turns.
Then we discovered something that made me screamed with joy in the car.
Pretty much like what happens in life: unexpected things happen.
Sometimes shit happens.
But at the same time, the best things happen in the most unexpected times too.
My dear readers,
See what I've found: Before I die blackboards!
Blogged about this long ago. I'm still crazy about this idea.
Really excited to see it with my own eyes.
And yes, I wrote down my answer. (though limiting myself to 1 answer is a very difficult task)
Picture time:
 |
| Yup, that's me. |
 |
| Me and people on the street. |
I wish we could have these boards in my city, to make people stop and think.
Love,
N
Friday, June 29, 2012
On Packing...Again
I know, I blogged about packing before, twice already.
Please bear with me, I'm just a pathetic woman who can never pack light. (and probably never will)
I think there is something very Freudian about my inability to pack light.
Just like my destructive obsession with tearing paper, which JUST worsened into cutting paper.
Okay, so now that you know I like to tear paper and I couldn't pack light.
I'm gonna admit to you that I find it pleasurable to stuff my luggages, which I think is related to the sense of security coming from material possessions.
Well yea, I'm quite a shopaholic so it's logical.
But then not all shopaholics can't pack.
It's just that I am...pathetically both.
Packing is a weird combination of pain and pleasure for me, in a sense.
All the headaches and nightmares from the mere thought of packing for a long trip.
And the pleasure from the fact that I'm going on a trip.
Since I couldn't pack myself, I am the last person that is eligible to write a tutorial on packing.
Seriously, even if I write one, it would be the least convincing tutorial.
And I don't like to lie to my dear readers. You.
So, probably right now, as I type, I have 20 dresses, 20 T-shirts, just 2 pair of jeans, 8 bras and 20 panties.
I guess also mismatching socks and shoes as well.
Oops! I forgot my accessories and bags.
I know, in general I overpacked. As always.
But you know what, I don't give a fuck now.
Traveling is like going on a rather-safe adventure.
It's all about being in a different place, with a different culture and discovering something new (whether it is about the place or the person him/herself).
And it is also about escaping from a place you know too well, taking a break from all the things and people that you are so familiar with that you find them to be goddamn dull and boring.
Well, since to travel is about stepping out of one's comfort zone, what's better than challenging myself with a funny combination of things I bring?
Good things about my inability to pack light:
1) Time to test my creativity and ability to improvise.
2) Learn to make good or the best use of what I have--an important life skill actually.
To be honest, I'm just trying to mask my pathetic packing skill.
But it is one of my imperfections that I'm okay with, I accept the fact that when it comes to packing, I totally suck.
By the way, wonder why I write a post about packing at 3am?
The truth is: I'm still packing!
Ok, my dear readers, I can already hear you laughing at me now. *blushing with embarrassment*
Sorry, I'm just a woman. :P
Love,
N
Upcoming post: Summer Destination No. 2
Please bear with me, I'm just a pathetic woman who can never pack light. (and probably never will)
I think there is something very Freudian about my inability to pack light.
Just like my destructive obsession with tearing paper, which JUST worsened into cutting paper.
Okay, so now that you know I like to tear paper and I couldn't pack light.
I'm gonna admit to you that I find it pleasurable to stuff my luggages, which I think is related to the sense of security coming from material possessions.
Well yea, I'm quite a shopaholic so it's logical.
But then not all shopaholics can't pack.
It's just that I am...pathetically both.
Packing is a weird combination of pain and pleasure for me, in a sense.
All the headaches and nightmares from the mere thought of packing for a long trip.
And the pleasure from the fact that I'm going on a trip.
Since I couldn't pack myself, I am the last person that is eligible to write a tutorial on packing.
Seriously, even if I write one, it would be the least convincing tutorial.
And I don't like to lie to my dear readers. You.
So, probably right now, as I type, I have 20 dresses, 20 T-shirts, just 2 pair of jeans, 8 bras and 20 panties.
I guess also mismatching socks and shoes as well.
Oops! I forgot my accessories and bags.
I know, in general I overpacked. As always.
But you know what, I don't give a fuck now.
Traveling is like going on a rather-safe adventure.
It's all about being in a different place, with a different culture and discovering something new (whether it is about the place or the person him/herself).
And it is also about escaping from a place you know too well, taking a break from all the things and people that you are so familiar with that you find them to be goddamn dull and boring.
Well, since to travel is about stepping out of one's comfort zone, what's better than challenging myself with a funny combination of things I bring?
Good things about my inability to pack light:
1) Time to test my creativity and ability to improvise.
2) Learn to make good or the best use of what I have--an important life skill actually.
To be honest, I'm just trying to mask my pathetic packing skill.
But it is one of my imperfections that I'm okay with, I accept the fact that when it comes to packing, I totally suck.
By the way, wonder why I write a post about packing at 3am?
The truth is: I'm still packing!
Ok, my dear readers, I can already hear you laughing at me now. *blushing with embarrassment*
Sorry, I'm just a woman. :P
Love,
N
Upcoming post: Summer Destination No. 2
Friday, June 22, 2012
Go for It, Girl!
K was offered a wonderful job.
It is exactly because you are so dear to me, I now have mixed feelings.
On the other hand, I understand why your mom is sad--I can't imagine not seeing you.
It is the perfect plan for her--going abroad, accommodation and meals provided, have a paid job, going to take language courses.
The best thing? She's going to the exact country & exact city where her boyfriend lives.
Goodbye, long-distance relationship.
Even though the job itself is not very well-paid and it's gonna be hard work, I honestly think this is the best plan for her.
It is even better than winning a lottery.
The best thing? She's going to the exact country & exact city where her boyfriend lives.
Goodbye, long-distance relationship.
Even though the job itself is not very well-paid and it's gonna be hard work, I honestly think this is the best plan for her.
It is even better than winning a lottery.
So today, this post is dedicated to her.
Here is to my best girl friend and one of my dearest persons on earth:
Congratulations, my dear!
Congratulations, my dear!
I'm truly excited and happy for you. So excited that I couldn't find the right words to express it.
The last time I was this happy for you was when you got into relationship with B.
Seeing you being so happily in love with a good guy who treats you right makes me feel so happy as well.
The last time I was this happy for you was when you got into relationship with B.
Seeing you being so happily in love with a good guy who treats you right makes me feel so happy as well.
You have been so much more than a friend to me. More like a sister really.
It is exactly because you are so dear to me, I now have mixed feelings.
On one hand, I'm really happy that such a wonderful thing happened to you.
This opportunity could change your life.
You can build your career and have a job that you enjoy.
You two can spend more time with each other and see if you two are right for each other.
This opportunity could change your life.
You can build your career and have a job that you enjoy.
You two can spend more time with each other and see if you two are right for each other.
You can explore and live according to a lifestyle that you've always wanted.
Girl, this is a great opportunity, the possibilities are endless.
Girl, this is a great opportunity, the possibilities are endless.
On the other hand, I understand why your mom is sad--I can't imagine not seeing you.
It really makes me cry, literally, just to imagine not being able to go shopping with you, hug you, try out new restaurants with you, have girls talk with you, cook with you, stay on the phone for hours talking about everything and anything, have fun with you, telling you my subtly extreme things and thoughts...
We still have so many things that we should do together but we haven't!
We still have so many things that we should do together but we haven't!
All of a sudden I remembered what you said to Lui Lui.
That time when the 3 of us went to a Korean restaurant?
That years from now, maybe you and I would visit her together.
And by that time, we'd both be happily married to the loves of our lives and each have a baby in our arms.
That moment when I recall the conversation, I really can't help but cried.
Will that day come? Where will it take place?
Maybe the next time we gonna visit her, the kimchi we eat would be made by YOU!
Maybe one day, your cookery skill would surpass mine significantly.
Maybe you'll be happily married and I'd be just miserable.*
That time when the 3 of us went to a Korean restaurant?
That years from now, maybe you and I would visit her together.
And by that time, we'd both be happily married to the loves of our lives and each have a baby in our arms.
That moment when I recall the conversation, I really can't help but cried.
Will that day come? Where will it take place?
Maybe the next time we gonna visit her, the kimchi we eat would be made by YOU!
Maybe one day, your cookery skill would surpass mine significantly.
Maybe you'll be happily married and I'd be just miserable.*
*Note to boyfriend: don't take it personal, it's just a pessimistic thought about myself, not about our relationship nor your ability to give me happy marriage life.
Note to future husband: let's be happily married, ok?
Note to future husband: let's be happily married, ok?
You will be occupied by work, your relationship and make new friends...
I don't wanna be 'a girl that you used to know'... :'(
I don't wanna be 'a girl that you used to know'... :'(
What would we be like in 5 years' time? 10 years' time? and more?
I miss you.
Your petite-ness, your pink air when you are happy or in love, your bright smile, your sweet voice, your shitty face when you get angry or annoyed, your wild-horse style of handwriting, your love for bright colors, your calls to wake me up and everything.
I already miss you.
Your petite-ness, your pink air when you are happy or in love, your bright smile, your sweet voice, your shitty face when you get angry or annoyed, your wild-horse style of handwriting, your love for bright colors, your calls to wake me up and everything.
I already miss you.
You know I hate smart phones with touch screen because of my love for buttons and my strong/stubborn belief that 'the sense of touch is too important for me and I can't lose it'.
Even though almost everyone are using smart phones with the damn touch screen, I have no doubts about my belief on the sense of touch thing.
I would use keyboard phones for as long as I could, given that there are nice mobile phone models available. But if you are really going abroad, I'm going to SERIOUSLY consider using a smart phone to stay in touch with you.
Even though almost everyone are using smart phones with the damn touch screen, I have no doubts about my belief on the sense of touch thing.
I would use keyboard phones for as long as I could, given that there are nice mobile phone models available. But if you are really going abroad, I'm going to SERIOUSLY consider using a smart phone to stay in touch with you.
Girl, this IS a big thing for me--sacrificing my sense of touch, suffering the torture of stupid autocorrects and risking to be so easily accessible to the rest of the world (a.k.a. risking to break my image as mysterious).
See how important you are to me?
See how important you are to me?
Girl, it's gonna be an adventure.
Even though you have this stranger phobia, you are actually a surprisingly brave girl. (You know why I'm saying this.)
As long as you are happy, I'm going to be happy for you as well.
You have my full support.
There will be tough times when you think you won't be able to make it without family and friends around and you'd feeling lonely and powerless, but please remember:
No matter where you are going to be, you know my blessings are always always with you.
I love you.
You have my full support.
There will be tough times when you think you won't be able to make it without family and friends around and you'd feeling lonely and powerless, but please remember:
No matter where you are going to be, you know my blessings are always always with you.
I love you.
Love & hug,
N
N
P.S. This is crazy. I'm dropping tears and smiling at the same time.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Reminder to Graduates like Myself
Important thing comes first: Happy birthday to Kate!
Sweetie, I've known you for at least 7 years now.
I can't remember exactly which year...but I guess it doesn't really matter coz you know I love you. :)
Even though you and I are quite different in many ways, somehow we get along so well together, don't you think?
Example:
1) I'd say your fashion style is sweet & cute, using 'happy' pastel colours like pink, yellow, orange. But I'm the exact opposite, 'cute' is never the word for my style and I never wear pastel colored clothing (maybe just accessories).
2) You being the more 'submissive & gentle' one in a relationship while me being 'the extreme: either sweet or shit'.
If I were a chauvinistic guy, you are the perfect girl.
Girl, please stay with the good guys who treat you right and never go back to the bad guys. Promise?
If any bad guy appears and treat you bad again, I would literally fight and beat them up.
And next time if there is a man staring at you, stop being shy and don't stay quiet.
Just pretend that you were me and tell them 'fuck off' in their faces/ call the police.
We are so different but I'm so glad that our differences only add sparkles to our friendship.
Thanks for being such a great friend.
Hope you like what I made for you. Remember to stay pink!
I love it when you have this air of pink around you when you are so happy or being in love.
Babe, happy birthday & I love you. *hugs and kisses* :)
So to celebrate Kate's birthday, we went art jamming with a friend today.
Usually do my paintings at home, but I also enjoy painting sessions at studios.
Mostly because Idon't have to wash the brushes and do the cleaning afterwards really love to draw.
The idea of going to an art jam is a last-minute one, so I don't really have much time to think of what to draw. Just go through a few pictures for inspiration and then go with the flow.
But, isn't this the joy that art gives us? The joy of freedom and creativity.
So after 3 hours of being 100% focused, occasional chitchats with the girls, a bit of singing-along to the jazz music they played at the studio, 2 drinks and a bit of snacks, I turned a blank canvas into something like this:
Sweetie, I've known you for at least 7 years now.
I can't remember exactly which year...but I guess it doesn't really matter coz you know I love you. :)
Even though you and I are quite different in many ways, somehow we get along so well together, don't you think?
Example:
1) I'd say your fashion style is sweet & cute, using 'happy' pastel colours like pink, yellow, orange. But I'm the exact opposite, 'cute' is never the word for my style and I never wear pastel colored clothing (maybe just accessories).
2) You being the more 'submissive & gentle' one in a relationship while me being 'the extreme: either sweet or shit'.
If I were a chauvinistic guy, you are the perfect girl.
Girl, please stay with the good guys who treat you right and never go back to the bad guys. Promise?
If any bad guy appears and treat you bad again, I would literally fight and beat them up.
And next time if there is a man staring at you, stop being shy and don't stay quiet.
Just pretend that you were me and tell them 'fuck off' in their faces/ call the police.
We are so different but I'm so glad that our differences only add sparkles to our friendship.
Thanks for being such a great friend.
Hope you like what I made for you. Remember to stay pink!
I love it when you have this air of pink around you when you are so happy or being in love.
Babe, happy birthday & I love you. *hugs and kisses* :)
So to celebrate Kate's birthday, we went art jamming with a friend today.
Usually do my paintings at home, but I also enjoy painting sessions at studios.
Mostly because I
The idea of going to an art jam is a last-minute one, so I don't really have much time to think of what to draw. Just go through a few pictures for inspiration and then go with the flow.
But, isn't this the joy that art gives us? The joy of freedom and creativity.
So after 3 hours of being 100% focused, occasional chitchats with the girls, a bit of singing-along to the jazz music they played at the studio, 2 drinks and a bit of snacks, I turned a blank canvas into something like this:
Well, I rarely draw portraits of people because I cannot make proportions right, I can't draw hands and facial expressions are way too difficult for me.
Anyway, this is my attempt. At least she looks like a human being.
I don't have any training in painting but I enjoy it.
That's what matters, isn't it?
And after I finished the whole thing, I looked at it and thought to myself, 'such a nice reminder. Could be a good graduation gift.'
Ok, so this is gonna be MY graduation gift to myself. And of course to all my graduating readers, if there is any.
Random fact about me being a woman: always find excuses to pamper herself.
A girls' day out is always a good idea to relax and pamper myself.
Today being a good example. :)
Love,
N
Friday, May 25, 2012
Random Note from Turkey
I think I already got used to Turkey.
(Well, except those men who are excessively passionate and 'friendly' to girls. )
So fascinated by this country that I wanna come back, before I even leave its soil.
Different parts or cities have their own distinctive features,which is good.
Now I'm sitting at the hotel lobby lounge.
This hotel is like a camping resort--wooden and bricks or stone buildings among the woods, don't feel like I'm in Turkey at all.
Instead, it feels like I am in the US or Canada.
It's raining and cool right now, I guess 15 to 18 degrees?
Well, I am not good with numbers. Um...it is like autumn, cool and dry.
Perfect day for maxi dress and wrapping myself up in a colourful scarf I bought here.
How interesting that i am blogging in the lounge with French songs in the background, having real parrots in large large cages next to me occasionally singing (love their sounds) and yet I'm in Turkey. Funny combination.
My friends said I belong here.
I do wanna come back again. I have to come back again.
Dear readers,
Is there any place which fascinates you? Is it where you live or a place you have been to?
Is there any place you feel like you belong? Is it your home country?
Love,
N
(Well, except those men who are excessively passionate and 'friendly' to girls. )
So fascinated by this country that I wanna come back, before I even leave its soil.
Different parts or cities have their own distinctive features,which is good.
Now I'm sitting at the hotel lobby lounge.
This hotel is like a camping resort--wooden and bricks or stone buildings among the woods, don't feel like I'm in Turkey at all.
Instead, it feels like I am in the US or Canada.
It's raining and cool right now, I guess 15 to 18 degrees?
Well, I am not good with numbers. Um...it is like autumn, cool and dry.
Perfect day for maxi dress and wrapping myself up in a colourful scarf I bought here.
How interesting that i am blogging in the lounge with French songs in the background, having real parrots in large large cages next to me occasionally singing (love their sounds) and yet I'm in Turkey. Funny combination.
My friends said I belong here.
I do wanna come back again. I have to come back again.
Dear readers,
Is there any place which fascinates you? Is it where you live or a place you have been to?
Is there any place you feel like you belong? Is it your home country?
Love,
N
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Merhaba, Turkey!
Summer destination #1: Turkey
Turkey is such a gorgeous place--vibrant colours, delicate patterns, ancient cities and beautiful nature.
Just back from Pamukkale, which is famous for its hot spring.
The single most-said sentence during the trip is, 'wow!it is gorgeous!'
A lot of interesting and unexpected experiences.
After a whole day of sightseeing in the ancient city of Ephesus and the beautiful Pamukkale, I'm so tired now.
Anyway, just wanna let you, my dear readers, know that this blog is still active.
Will update once I'm back.
Gonna write a travel journal as well, with plenty drawings :)
Love,
N
Turkey is such a gorgeous place--vibrant colours, delicate patterns, ancient cities and beautiful nature.
Just back from Pamukkale, which is famous for its hot spring.
The single most-said sentence during the trip is, 'wow!it is gorgeous!'
A lot of interesting and unexpected experiences.
After a whole day of sightseeing in the ancient city of Ephesus and the beautiful Pamukkale, I'm so tired now.
Anyway, just wanna let you, my dear readers, know that this blog is still active.
Will update once I'm back.
Gonna write a travel journal as well, with plenty drawings :)
Love,
N
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