Basic space, open air. Don't look away when there's nothing there.

It was a disastrous week because last minute I was informed to drop a particular module as I was unable to secure a tutorial slot. I thought that it was freaking bullshit because I managed to get the module (even before bidding; at the MPE stage). But now they are telling me there's insufficient slots?!?

I relented and replaced it with another module in the end. It's not something that I would like, but I guess when life gives you lemons, you just have to make lemonades and get on with life. But geeez, I was having so much trouble getting a tutorial slot.

When I was finally allocated one, they didn't gave me my first choice but instead gave me this particular slot that would put me through 9h of lessons with only an hour break in between. Seriously???

I had emailed. Called. Went down to the office personally. Nothing works until I emailed my professor and tutor for help. Gosh, I swear the office need to go reflect. Seriously why do they have to make life so difficult??

Already a Year 3 student, but still have to settle such issues like a Year 1 Zzz.

~

(Papparich Horfun)

(Papparich Bread)

Throwback to the day whereby Hsienhean brought me to Papparich for dinner and a KTV session after. I really love the Horfun because it has the wokhei, but expensive uh. I think I prefer the Yakun/ToastBox's kaya bread to this steamed ones at Papparich though! X.X

(Fireworks)

We managed to join the crowd for a countdown to National Day! Didn't get a great view because my view was being blocked by a bridge. But nonetheless, the fireworks were magnificent!

I enjoyed myself at the KTV also because it was the first time I sang for 3h without breaking voice. And I think I outdone myself by being able to reach the high notes for 煎熬! Achievement unlocked! :D

(Real fireworks on the actual day)

It has been a long time since I went out on National Day to catch the fireworks! But I'm glad that I did because the view was breathtaking! Went Old Airport Road for dinner (finally satisfied my cravings for carrot cake) before walking down to Kallang Wave to see these beautiful fireworks! Thanks Junhao for the jio! 

(Photo was taken after all the crowds had dispersed)

I was amazed to see people having picnics at the area. It was quite a good choice uh, because they can enjoy the view by the sea. I would say that Singapore's night lights were one of the best I have ever seen. (:

I saw a guy playing his guitar, serenading his girlfriend, and unconsciously, I was just sitting around and listening to him as well. His voice was so soothing. It was a romantic image. Ahh... 

(Starbucks addict)

I admit I am a Starbucks addict. Queued for 30 minutes for these babies because Starbucks were being generous again with their 1-for-1 offer! Mocha coffee pudding and matcha earl grey jelly, two of my favourite flavors!

With vision, stardust,
and heartstrings.
Bridge the gap
between dreams
and reality.

You're a beautiful kind of madness, a misunderstood truth.

Happiness.

Happiness is being able to see familiar faces in an unfamiliar environment.

Today, I saw Olivia walking out of my PL3233 lecture. Even though we are not close, at least I know there is someone whom I know is taking the same module as me! We waved hi, and yay, my heart is happy.

I went to the CNM office afterwards to settle some administrative stuff, and when I reached the office, someone called out to me. To my pleasant surprise, it was Vivian Phang. Whoa, I thought our friendship was gone because we didn't keep in contact during the entire summer break. Hahaha! And yay, I am meeting her for lunch next week. No more eating waffles alone :D

Just a background information, I am some dependent soul who doesn't like to be seen eating my meals alone. So I usually just grab waffles and eat on the go if I'm alone. #sadlife Unhealthy lifestyle, I know. But at least I have more time to myself - do work. LOL.

After which, I headed to the Dean's Office and to my bigger surprise, I met Chinlee and her friend. LOL, she's my first OG friend I made but also someone whom I didn't continue keeping contact with. Oops I'm guilty. I learnt that she's going SEP too, and really at that moment, I felt a tinge of jealousy. But ohwell, yanqi get over it.

Yup, fighting alone and trying to survive in NUS. I'm still learning to adapt and cope with being alone. Good progress along the way, but not quite there yet. Independence 101 :(

Throwback to the carefree days.

(One Michelin)

JJ suggested dining at this cheapest One-Michelin eatery, and I readily agree! This place is called Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, and it is quite cheap considering it has michelin stars. Hahahaha! One plate of chicken rice only costs $3.80. Actually I would consider it to be slightly above average chicken rice price though.

I think I can find cheaper chicken rice priced around $2.50 at hawker centers. And I personally prefer those because of the rice. The michelin eatery's rice is the normal white rice. LOL, disappointed. x.x

(Woodlands Waterfront)

JJ: The skies are damn dark.

Me: I will edit it!

But being the lazy me, the editing didn't come about. Hahaha, no filter guys. The scenery still looks breathtaking rights! 

(Another view)

Sorry if I sounded stupid, but is it Malaysia on the other side? Or is it still Singapore? Hahaha, y'know you are at Woodlands after all... 

(I love the colors)

Recently I'm playing with the thought of getting a camera. I'm still looking around, but investment costs high ehs. I'm afraid that this new toy will only last me for a short while, and I will get sick and tired of it soon. Zzz.

(Achievement)

This picture was taken after I conquered this entire obstacle. LOL, it was so horrible because I was absolutely in the wrong foot wear. LOL, I went with a sandals that have kitten heels so my heels kept getting stuck in the ropes zzzz.

(Souvenirs from the West)

More souvenirs from the Western countries! (: Hahaha, the bag is in a pretty shade of pink, I like it! There's caramel cookies, bookmark and keychain as well. I'm blessed. (:

Thanks for driving me around (: I think I pretty much enjoyed the feeling of being chauffered, but nahs, once one experienced too much of such privilege, I will become pampered.

Nothing gives away more meaning

Than to act

Act towards and say yes

To becoming you

Peace of mind and self love is the best gift you can give to yourself.

(Ripped from Tumblr)

Your heart sank a little when you see your batchmates leaving for exchange one by one.

The feelings intensify when photos of your friends having fun at exchange started surfacing on various social media platforms.

Everytime sometimes you start questioning your self-worth, in what way are you more inferior than others because they get the opportunity but you didn't.

If only I study hard enough to get in exchange. If only, if only.

What's the point of having regrets now?

Your ancestors did not survive
everything that nearly ended them
for you to shrink yourself
to make someone else comfortable.
This sacrifice is your warcry, be loud,
for everything and make them proud.

Leave footprints of love and kindness wherever you go.

Missing the carefree life.

(Movie Night)

Movie night two weeks ago with the entire PAD department. No longer an intern there, which means I do not have access to events like these. But yay, I have a good friend who managed to get me in. Thanks Hsienhean for the invite. (:

Watched Spiderman again, and it was my second time watching this. I watched it in 4D when I was in Korea! But yeahs, no matter what movie it was, it was the company that matters. I felt very happy to be able to catch up with my fellow interns! :D And the best part? They have catered buffet dinner! Woohoo! 

(Chestnut Nature Reserve)

(Into the woods)

Explored a new hiking place with the family last Sunday - Chestnut Nature Reserve. It was located in Bukit Panjang area, and it was very near Dairy Farm. Hahaha (: It was a relatively easy route because there's wasn't any slopes or stairs. *throws confetti* And it wasn't sunny because there's alot of trees. *double celebration*

There are a total of three routes, but we only managed to walk two. Does this mean we will go back again very soon to explore the third hiking trail? Hahaha, by the way Chestnut Nature Reserve do offers mountain biking trails as well. To be honest, I see more bikers than trekkers during my time there. LOL! I guess it should be a good place for mountain biking? (:

(Sesame Bingsu)

Then we went to get a bingsu for tea. Went Hillion again, because it's one of the cheaper places that sell bingsu. But warning: my mummy had weird taste and she ordered sesame bingsu (who the hell orders that?!) and it really turned out to be really queer...

By the way, after I came back from Korea, I noticed that there are a few changes to Lot 1 shopping mall. And one of it is the new addition of Chateraise! Omg. Yaz!

We underestimate the
Power of silence
Silence is power
It can take away from what's right
It can add onto what's wrong

Don't kill flowers growing inside of you for someone who doesn't appreciate the way you bloom.

Just started the first week of school, but it feels like it has already been Week 10. T.T Used to torture myself by taking 8am classes, but now I torture myself by doing night classes. LOL, not by choice though. Sighs, the classes are only offered at night.

(Catered buffet dinner)

But this is so tiring sighs. I ended my first day of school at 9.30pm, and the professors were so strict that they didn't let us off early. Why!! But looking at the bright side, they catered buffet dinner. (:

But because the idiot me didn't know, I had waffles and noodles for dinner beforehand, so this buffet dinner is like a third serving?!? Gosh. Reasons why I cannot slim down.

Tuesday was a break (yay!) but today was another round of torture. Classes ended at 9pm, and I only managed to grab a swiss roll for dinner. T.T Is it dieting plan starts now?

And why are there no seats at the train? Sobs. Back to topic, I was filled with anxiety because these are my very first level 4000 modules. And after both classes, they further 'reaffirmed' my anxiety - what the heck, why do I have deadlines everyweek?!?

~

I want my holidays back.

(Nana's Green Tea)

(Beef Udon)

I have always passed by Nana's Green Tea but haven't had a chance to try them. So the moment Longyuan said to meet up at Plaza Singapura, I immediately pulled him to try this.

Lunch deals (yay!). The set meal, which includes both the noodles and green tea, costs $15 after GST and service charge. The green tea is not bad, it is quite rich and I love it because it is so flavourful! (: Beef is the tastiest meat on Earth, so naturally I would think that the beef udon was worth the price. Hehes!

~

My first Paradise Dynasty with the family after returning home from Korea. Everything changed in the six weeks when I'm not in Singapore?! They changed their menu and they increased their prices, why!!

(The die-die-you-must-order dish)

(Zha Jiang Mian)

(Shanghai Fried Rice)

(My all-time favourite)

This red bean pancake cost around $8, which means 1 piece literally cost $1. So expensive but I really love it. Why is Singapore so expensive T.T

I've come to realise there's a world
of difference between
knowing something happened,
even knowing why it happened,
and believing it.

In life, you are either a passenger or a pilot, it's your choice.

I have been meeting up with a lot of new friends recently. New friends by whom I mean friends I made during my university days. It is great to be mixing around with new people, but I cannot help myself from thinking: Where did all my old friends went to?

Those people whom I hold dearly to, I sudddenly feel that they are so far away from me suddenly. Everyone is too busy with their own lives, and we stopped updating each other also? Are these signs of growing up?

~

I'm so used to seeing C everyday in Korea during my summer school, that it feels weird now to see him again in Singapore LOL. Anyways, there's promotion every Monday at the Standing Sushi Bar, so off we go! $3 for 5 salmon sashimi slices, it is quite worth it rights! :D

(30 salmon sashimi slices)

Hahaha, astonishing number of sashimi we ordered. To clarify, only 10 pieces were mine. :D See who's the glutton!

(Garlic Rice)

I'm feeling a little hungry so I got myself some carbs! (: This was highly recommended by C and it was really nice?!

Singapore Art Museum was just nearby so we decided to pop by. And it was a right decision, there's so many nice artsy-fartsy things to see even though we stayed there for maximum an hour only. LOL. 

(I have no idea what this is)

I'm not artistic, so I cannot appreciate this kind of art. LOLOL, my purpose of going to museums is because (1) free entry for Singaporeans and PR so it is a good way to pass time (2) take nice photos but I don't post them on Instagram ah.

(I like this!)

(And this)

(This is the best)

But these have got to be my favourite exhibitions in the entire museum. I really love the splash of colors! It just makes me feel happy and excited just looking at them. 

(Headless Creature)

This is another exhibition that I like! It features many headless creatures, so it was a little scary at first sight. But then, I really like the idea! And the colors. Yeahs, I'm a very visual person.

(I couldn't resist pulling it)

Hahaha, I feel that everyone is just judging us. LOLOL! :D Thanks C for being so accomodating. Hehehes!

(Tom's Palette)

I remembered how my colleagues used to tell me how wonderful the ice-cream from Tom's Palette was, but we never get around to trying it. But yay, since we were in the vicinity this time round, C brought me there. (:

I really love the Yuzu's flavor! It was very refreshing, so it was just excellent for Singapore's weather! The other ice cream flavor, Granny's favourite, is also a good choice! But it is not yanqi's favourite. LOLOL. They have lemongrass flavor as well, bonus bonus? Hahaha! (:

A truly happy day with C! Thanks for bringing me all around, treating me to nice food and satisfying my photography needs. LOL! For helping me find the best lighting or the best angle, and for helping me take photos. You are really the best!

白月光 心里某个地方
那么亮 却那么冰凉
每个人 都有一段悲伤
想隐藏 却欲盖弥彰
白月光 照天涯的两端
在心上 却不在身旁

Love is just a word until you find someone to give it a definition.

A very busy week indeed. I thought that after I come back from Korea, I can rest well at home before starting school. But nope, I was wrong. So wrong. T.T I'm so busy meeting up with everyone ohgosh. And I'm super exhausted now.

1. Dinner with the family

(Comfort food)

The first thing I ate after I landed in Singapore was Meesiam. LOL, I was craving badly for carrot cake but apparently I cannot find it in the airport, so I just settled for Meesiam. The Meesiam was good too! The rest of the family ordered Rendang and Curry Chicken, which were equally good! I just kope a few mouthfuls here and there. Hehehes :D

Update: I still haven't eat my carrot cake after being in Singapore for two weeks already?! Zzz. 

2. Dinner with the relatives

(Duck)

Had dinner with the grandparents and relatives on the next day after I landed. First time trying 店小二 and I was astonished by the quality of food they serve. LOLOL. You know, everytime I walk past the restaurant, I see nobody. It was quite dim, so it gave off the creepy vibes, so I had never step foot into the restaurant before... 

Until now.

I was feeling a little adventurous, so I decided to give it a chance. :D Glad that I did, because their food was really scrumptious! They serve healthy food, like wheatgrass tofu. Yay to healthy eating! :D And their dishes were not oily and all, my palates approve!

3. Time for some exercise

(Dairy Farm Nature Reserve)

(Don't be fooled, there's actually A LOT of stairs)

After all the binge eating, I felt the need to exercise. Had I mentioned that I gained a total of 3kg during my 6 weeks stay in Korea?! It was so horrible gosh. Decided to go hiking at Dairy Farm Nature Reserve. It was my first time there, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the words "Bukit Timah Hill" the moment I reached the peak? LOL what even. So they have different routes leading to the same place ah!

The usual route that I took to ascend Bukit Timah Hill was the one that starts at the visitor center. There's a lot of upslopes there! And if you want to do even more vigorous hiking, you can consider taking the path from Dairy Farm. I developed a phobia of stairs already since my experience at Korea LOL!

4. So after exericising, you can eat some more

(Seafood Fried Rice)

(Curry Chicken)

(Pattaya)

Back to our favourite place, Gain City @ Sungei Kadut. Hehes :D Ordered a different dish this time, Pattaya, it was very delicious but on the expensive side. T.T Wanted to get the rainbow cake for dessert, but they ran out of it. Sighs, why!!!

P.S. They renovated the entire place so it was more spacious now, I like. :D

P.P.S. I 'invested' in a vacuum cleaner because the saleperson was damn good at selling. LOL, wth?!

I froze in time between the hearses and caskets,
lost control when I panicked at the acid test.
I want to get better.
I want to start strumming again, just like the old times.
I want to start sketching again, just like the old times.
I want to start enjoying the beauty of this world again,
just like the old times.
I want to be who I used to be, but better, much better.
Just wait for me, world.

Hope is being able to see the light despite all the darkness.

"There is something about you that is twisted and thrilling - that moves me to live wilder and without reservation. I suddenly feel the urge to be rash and spontaneous, to get myself into trouble and travel to faraway places.

You are multitudes. A muse. A masterpiece. A magic thing. The single thing in all this existence that genuinely steals my breath away.

Thanks to you, I cling to the now instead of the past. I want to soar, act, thrive and prosper. I want to move, grow, flourish and further the boundaries of who I am and what I believe I can be. This is what you've nurtured in me. Conviction and confidence. Strength and stature. Determination and complete disregard for the insecurities and toxicity former loves have indoctrinated in me. I finally feel myself again. I finally feel free."

-Thought Catalog

Pictures are the masters of deception.

When you edit your videos halfway and everything just crash on you, and you realised you didn't save the project... Arghs. Super waste time omg. Maybe it's really time to invest in a good laptop. T.T

One month ago, we celebrated two occasions - Father's Day and Daddy's birthday! :D Glad that they are just a few days apart, which means we can combine the two different occasions and celebrate them together. HAHAHAHA Cheapskate us. :D

Mummy recommended Marche Movenpick @ JEM because she tried once with her friend and she said it was good. (: My first time here though!

(Salmon Spaghetti)

(Duck Pizza)

The pizza was huge and one was sufficient for four people. It was really fantastic, Pizza Hut please step aside. Hahahaha! The salmon spaghetti was also great, but I feel it to be a tad pricey. For the same price, I rather get another pizza! More worth it rights!

(Daddy's favourite Black Forest)

I used to get him different cake flavours during his birthdays every year, but after he told me his favourite is still Black Forest, it has been Black Forest every year since then.

Happy Birthday Daddy! (:

(Soup Spoon)

I went on a date with mummy the other day too! Finally we have some time alone - just the two of us. Hahaha :D I really love student deals at Soup Spoon. Two more years to enjoying student meals, which means graduation will come soon and I'm so not looking forward to it. Sighs. 

Self-love takes time.
Days, months, years;
Don't rush it.
We're all working on it.