tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8486318673366608642024-03-05T09:04:05.391-08:00inxomniaLYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-42829001414580595222014-06-19T08:22:00.002-07:002014-06-19T08:22:57.326-07:00COME BACK HOME <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FtgvmeYcsli9z6l3STWmb4Q5rPc-xvqLpk2NT18NUtOdhHq16sdo7f5d-JSjrCVjBmTZ6_A41tj_7h_HMtamnjSGaYVBj3jPBNQZ5vBL0qD1-07QBb2vVYAhZnV7f3O4Kbw2z5GjwtFz/s1600/DSC_4921-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FtgvmeYcsli9z6l3STWmb4Q5rPc-xvqLpk2NT18NUtOdhHq16sdo7f5d-JSjrCVjBmTZ6_A41tj_7h_HMtamnjSGaYVBj3jPBNQZ5vBL0qD1-07QBb2vVYAhZnV7f3O4Kbw2z5GjwtFz/s1600/DSC_4921-2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For a while, I blogged elsewhere under a different URL. But I kept having to second guess myself before I posted - I felt limited. So I'm back here now because it feels more liberating to post under inxomnia, and because I have a stronger emotional attachment to the pseudonym since I've used it for a number of years already. So I've imported those posts here, and will probably continue blogging here. I don't know, it feels nice having this place as a virtual documentation of my thoughts, feelings and memories of my younger years. Hopefully, Blogger stays around long enough for me to revisit this blog when I'm older.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I haven't actually blogged for close to two months. There has been so much happening. It's strange - sometimes when I wanted to blog back then, I had nothing interesting to blog about. Now that I do have stuff to blog about, I don't have the time to do it. And now that I have to study for my exams, I shouldn't be blogging, but since I always procrastinate - here I am anyway. Tonight is one of those where I feel particularly nostalgic and emotional. Maybe it's this playlist of classic Vietnamese songs that I grew up with, or maybe it's the scattered memories that have been coming back to me these past few days. I just need to get it off my chest.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about my ex recently, which is quite unusual because it's been ages since I last did. The thing is... I guess I tend to think about him whenever I start developing even the smallest crush on someone else because... we humans tend to self-sabotage sometimes. And that's exactly what I am doing - trying to reel myself back in, and my ex is the perfect defense mechanism. Not because I still have feelings for him, not at all. But because he is a reminder of my carelessness... he is someone I hurt without realising. Honestly, I've been holding myself back from getting into relationships because I don't want to hurt someone else unnecessarily. I feel like a horrible person, because I do have a conscience. But at the same time, I can be a very selfish, emotionally detached person... and it's hard to balance that with a relationship. I love people, but I also need my space away from people. Friends, lovers, family. It's the same. I can never give anyone 100% of me. It's a really big ask. Yet, since I've been single for more than two years now, I do miss the little things in a relationship - the affection, the consideration. It hit me big when I was in Europe and travelling alone, and since then it's been creeping back little by little. I don't miss my ex per se, I just miss the feeling of being enamoured by someone else... the feeling of being able to freely open your heart to another person because you're in a relationship. I do enjoy the uncertainty of the chase, but to be able to kiss someone just for the heck of it, or because they caught your gaze... I miss that.<br />
<br />
I stumbled upon my letter to crush from last year, and it's so funny how I'm feeling the exact same way right now... but about a different person. Why do I get myself in these situations? Ugh. It's so messy developing feelings for someone. It is. It's paradoxical - I want to be in a relationship but I don't want to deal with my emotions. But, I am kind of interested in someone at the moment. I don't know where it will lead me, or if it will even lead me anywhere considering how things fizzled with the guy I was interested in last year... so I will just enjoy the present for what it is. I don't want to expect anything because I'm already happy with the way things are now. What can I say? I'm a simple girl.<br />
<br />
I also thought it was... serendipitous that I ran into my two post-break up crushes last week. It made my heart flutter a little. It's silly because they have no idea how I felt about them, or the impact they had on me. I'm thankful nonetheless. It's thanks to them that I was able to get over my ex in a month or two. I'm not really interested in getting to know them personally because it'll just shatter the illusions I've conjured up about them and what I wanted them to be like. So I'm happy just having that as a past chapter in my life. But I can't control the little butterflies I had when I walked past them... especially the first one, because that was a bit of a K-drama moment. It was raining, and I was walking along under my umbrella (ella, eh eh eh) and singing along to the music I was listening to. I glance up and my gaze meets with his, and we hold eye contact whilst walking past each other. And you know how people say it feels like it's just you two alone, well, we were basically all alone at that empty walkway by the business school. Sometimes, I wonder if he knew that I had a crush on him. He's one of those people where you know of each other, but never directly interacted with. It was unsettling whenever I came into contact with him back when I had a crush on him. The other guy I saw as I was heading home and we also exchanged gazes. But the second guy, it was more of a shallow thing so it was refreshing for my eyes to see him, but that's about it. Anyway, it's all in the past so I'm happy to leave it there.<br />
<br />
See, this is why I don't like dealing with love and relationship stuff. It just all comes at once and I'm like... can't handle, *runs away*. But you can never deny your feelings from what they want so just got to accept it. Whatever will be, will be.LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-86180090029945081892014-06-19T07:25:00.002-07:002015-04-28T21:00:29.911-07:00POST STATECON BLUESListening to: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWaoBdB3AQA" target="_blank">2NE1 - Good To You </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Conference was pretty darn amazing. I love the atmosphere of conference because everyone is so passionate and conversations are so deep and insightful. It's this little bubble of buzz and excitement, where friendships form instantaneously and people learn to stop holding back. Honestly, another reason why I love conferences is that it's like a mini-escape from my daily routine of doing nothing, nothing and nothing. It astounds how much they fit into a measly long weekend and I wonder (rather desperately) how I can implement that into my life so I can become more productive and my time doesn't always end up going to waste. I guess, until I figure that out I'll just have to settle for blogging about StateCon in avoidance of actual study.<br />
<br />
In spirit of reliving conference, here were my key highlights:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>All the late night conversations - there is something about staying up talking to people, getting to know them and actually asking questions you wouldn't normally ask because being nocturnal does things to you. It's during the wee hours of the night/morning, that conversations come alive and we can reveal our deepest thoughts. I miss that actually - having my guy friends up at 4am that I can actually bug and ask silly, hypothetical questions. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I got to cross 'having a late night conversation by a bonfire' off my bucket list. There's something about bonfires that gives off that heartwarming vibe, that you only really experience during camps. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>All the stargazing I did waiting for the meteor that never showed (grrr!) I absolutely love stargazing, it just makes me feel at peace with myself. Nothing feels more liberating than lying on the trampoline and just staring up at the sky and breathing in the fresh night air. It's a pity that I only really stargaze on the walks home and even then, it's a really brief moment. There's so much romance in stargazing and by romance, I don't even mean guy-girl romance... just the romance of being so rapt and mesmerized. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Trampolining - that truly brought back so many childhood memories. I remember running around in my street, hanging out with my neighbours, playing on the trampoline. Ahh, good times. Funny how we were jumping like crazy (that mini heart attack!) and singing our hearts out. Also, all the DnM's I had on the trampoline were pretty nice too because I could just lie there and stargaze, or sit directly facing the others... Heart to heart with the girls was pretty fun... As well as randomly jumping up for some trampolining. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>All the chanting and roll calls - there's something so fun about chanting like crazy and losing my voice. I know it's weird, but there really just aren't that many opportunities to do so in my daily life. And it really brings everyone together, as cult-like as it is sometimes. It's just you can feel the passion in the chants and the pride and solidarity that connects everyone. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Drinking games and team bonding - honestly I don't like to drink to get shit-wasted, but I do enjoy the buzz that is generated from drinking where everyone is a bit more open and rowdy (as long as it's not too out of control). It's just a little bit of fun, something that we don't always get to do too often since we have actual work to do, and when we do have team bonding we have to drivers who can't drink. It would've been nice to just bond with the team during 5am club, but since we were there with the rest of the region and LC it's an opportunity for everyone to get to know other people as well. We have the rest of the year to know each other so I don't mind if no deep or personal stories are exchanged. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The sunny weather and being surrounded by greenery - makes me feel like I'm at a getaway, even for the short moments. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dancing like crazy - I don't do it often because honestly, most places that are 'dance gatherings' are generally filled with strangers and seedy people. It's hard to find places to dance with people you know and don't mind going a little crazy with. And I dance like a retarded penguin. So yes. Awkward. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-62034489662177797092014-06-19T07:24:00.001-07:002014-06-19T07:24:30.489-07:00DRAINED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpZHezY6kzZyNQI6Jhxsg7WPWJvrlp3sIFez4LIrqgog9wcAVetoTQAEnlrx9MRu0-Kwv4_ZE2VJkLiMplH6j0sp65kcMREFKnSgSftds07H8qeZPDQC6a7E7xxoY3Bjjr0bfZ56EFzI/s1600/DSC_4869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpZHezY6kzZyNQI6Jhxsg7WPWJvrlp3sIFez4LIrqgog9wcAVetoTQAEnlrx9MRu0-Kwv4_ZE2VJkLiMplH6j0sp65kcMREFKnSgSftds07H8qeZPDQC6a7E7xxoY3Bjjr0bfZ56EFzI/s1600/DSC_4869.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This week I had three mid-semester assignments due... one yesterday and two today. Somehow managed to pull through, despite it being one of the toughest weeks of my whole uni career. I'm glad. So now, I'm sitting on the couch, listening to some Epik High music, sipping on some fruit tea and just unwinding. It feels nice. To be honest though, I've always had time management issues so whenever I have to rush to complete an assignment last minute - all hell breaks loose. Mentally, I get stressed, I doubt myself, I go without sleep, I feel the urge to cry. I just want to ignore my problems and escape. But I guess beyond all that, I'm thankful that my only 'real' problems are uni assessments.<br />
<br />
On a slightly related note, I've fallen in love with Tablo's daughter, Haru, on Return of Superman. She really is such a beautiful child. Watching all these variety shows with kids in it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside because they're so pure and bright. It sounds silly, but it really does make me want kids - one day. I definitely can see why people want kids, they bring out the child in you and make you feel alive and young again, instead of being jaded by the real world. I guess until I have my own kids (in the very, very, very far future) I will just have to get my dosage of childlike innocence via my shows.<br />
<br />LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-9224247808713304322014-06-19T07:23:00.003-07:002014-06-19T07:23:56.859-07:00AN ODE TO THE RAIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefxSaXJ3pdCXTiXOOII86mn6w8sAEwZfgbbB-tV9TPGeaV09M6CJ3aQP-KAD4H3gf-onnsxAc7RS9xAYKoLt_QBou5P-gkc1FAfmPTgjUag2l4szt-uWKB00lcvy3FTEtsPDWeCMghgY/s1600/DSC_8550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefxSaXJ3pdCXTiXOOII86mn6w8sAEwZfgbbB-tV9TPGeaV09M6CJ3aQP-KAD4H3gf-onnsxAc7RS9xAYKoLt_QBou5P-gkc1FAfmPTgjUag2l4szt-uWKB00lcvy3FTEtsPDWeCMghgY/s1600/DSC_8550.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-59487793450240691232014-06-19T07:23:00.001-07:002014-06-19T07:23:23.567-07:00SAYING NO TO STAGNATION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5wjqt6sBkKk0zliAfrfTL33apY1vTx8jKABDUEaYmLVwm3MiDE01CJFqOg_VMSgZhDk2RjtHkAck6N-v0TTzNBD3jFk_xe0N9Jsw9ghOsy0O-kMG1KbHosKhiJtaDkTZSBw_g001Oow/s1600/DSC_5711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5wjqt6sBkKk0zliAfrfTL33apY1vTx8jKABDUEaYmLVwm3MiDE01CJFqOg_VMSgZhDk2RjtHkAck6N-v0TTzNBD3jFk_xe0N9Jsw9ghOsy0O-kMG1KbHosKhiJtaDkTZSBw_g001Oow/s1600/DSC_5711.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think as I've grown older, one of the things I have grown to fear the most is stagnation. There is nothing more disheartening than feeling stuck in a rut... Yet that feeling keeps coming and going for me. I go through the whole push-pull of feeling inspired to make a change in my life, and then being too lazy to actually enforce it. It's so easy to fall back onto routine and bad habits, and then the excuses come flowing out to justify it. It's a vicious cycle.<br />
<br />
So this time, I really want to muster up the determination to follow through with my goals and ideas. I really want to become that person I keep envisioning or hoping to become. I think it's time I stopped making excuses for myself and really back up it all up with action. Of course, this may all come with a price but I think one thing I really learnt from going on exchange was that ... money is fleeting, so use it wisely because there are so, so many avenues for us to spend money. In other words, we all end up spending money anyway so why not spend it on something more meaningful and worthwhile? As a pretty crappy student when I took my finance classes, I've really just realised that there will always be risks, but the potential gain is what makes investments so rewarding. I guess, I realise that I either need to work harder to increase my income or learn to save so I can direct my funds towards achieving my goals or meaningful pursuits, rather than lamenting that all my money goes into food or clothes.<br />
<br />
In light of this, I wanted to actually set my goal in 'stone' so that I am constantly reminded of them and thus will work harder to achieve them. I don't mean to be cliche but I'm the type of person who attributes significance and sentimentality over little random things, so I guess I really want to become a more responsible adult as I am 21 (even though I know that doesn't mean much in Australia since our age limits for most activities are 18).<br />
<br />
Short term goals:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Start taekwondo classes. Join the club. It's terrible that I've actually wanted to do taekwondo since I was in high school, yet I still haven't taken the leap. I don't really know what's stopped me but it is really time for me to start before I'm 60 and look back and realise that I never got to do it. </li>
<li>Time Management... is probably my biggest struggle since ever. I want to put my foot down and actually move on when the time is up.. instead of letting it trickle over to the next task, the next hour and so on. This year I've challenged myself with a lot more commitment but that means I have to up my game and get shit done for efficiently. </li>
<li>Keep in contact with people better. I've always struggled to keep in contact with people. It's hard when you don't get to physically see them as often because it's like... well, what do I talk about? You have to actually make an effort to come up with topics of conversations or recap your life... It's difficult. However, I want to make that effort. I want to Skype or Google Hangout with people. I want to meet up with people. I want to make that effort. I guess this blog was also part of the plan - having a space where I can vent and capture my daily life so friends will be able to know what's happening in my life without me having to awkwardly recap it all the time... I just need to gather the courage to actually link them to my blog >.< </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Long term goals:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Get healthy. I know, everyone says this. However, it is truly that important. Since I'm still young, I've always had that mentality that being young = healthy. Yet, this isn't the case... our youth runs out on us quicker if we don't maintain our health... and being young doesn't make you immune to diseases or death. I really want to stop being so complacent and really be proactive in prevention. I'm going to start taking health management a lot more serious because the only thing we have at the end of the day is our health. And it's priceless... Unfortunately, we don't realise that until it is jeopardized. And I hate pain, so that should be my motivation. But really... I'm always envious of those people who are fitness freaks because I just don't find the gym appealing. However, I'm hoping starting taekwondo classes can help that. And the occasional squash and rock climbing days. And exercising at home. Taking it slowly. I also want to cut junk food and soft drinks out of my diet. They're just so bad for my teeth and I'm scared of getting diabetes. That said, everything in moderation. I'm not going to become some health nut overnight but I'm trying to take it step by step. </li>
<li>Giving more. I mean, we can talk altruism and ideals all we want but again, it needs to be backed up with action. I know it's not much, but as I've kept this 'new year's resolution' for two years running, I realise how important it is to actually give. By giving, we realise simultaneously how the significance and insignificance of money. We realise that every dollar goes a long way for those in need, yet we realise we aren't any less happy without that dollar. So it's better to redirect that dollar to a charity where it can actually create better tomorrows for those who need it. Instead of making it a new year's resolution, I want to make it a lifelong resolution to always give to those charities when I see people fundraising. However, I do limit myself to actual charities and not those people who ask me to sign up for a monthly direct debit because I know a large percent of that goes towards their wages instead of the needy; and also I need to retain some flexibility and control. That said, I would love to one day sponsor a child when I have the actual means to do so. I've actually toyed with the idea of adoption but that really is a farfetched concern because I am nowhere near the age to be thinking of having a family... and there are so many variables involved. So for the meantime, I really look forward to the day when I have a stable job and the means to sponsor a child, knowing that I was able to change someone's life for the better. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's it for now. Actually, there are so many more. But since one of my goals is to be more firm with my time limits... and one of those is to sleep before 2am, I better stop here and add more later. </div>
LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-25172560800348270032014-06-19T07:22:00.002-07:002014-06-19T07:22:39.891-07:00TEAM BONDING & RANDOM MUSINGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZsoGJeWJfTpxXQGYdOlcSpg6GfskXrzrT7KhAOULzjqKCp3skxivz0e8UK_XRpZjZBFc4MJPL2pdmlkgtS0AACy2woN8xmNO9zvWB2bnrJUGFkeCC2dcD6g25KpRbzQBq7I_qM_7m8A/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZsoGJeWJfTpxXQGYdOlcSpg6GfskXrzrT7KhAOULzjqKCp3skxivz0e8UK_XRpZjZBFc4MJPL2pdmlkgtS0AACy2woN8xmNO9zvWB2bnrJUGFkeCC2dcD6g25KpRbzQBq7I_qM_7m8A/s1600/photo1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It really sucks living so far from the city... Sometimes I really wish I could just move out instead of spending so much time commuting. Get this, I spend around 20 hours a week just commuting, that's more than I spend in classes and probably more than I get to spend with my family. But that's reality, and there's not much I can do about it because it's too expensive to move out right now. I would love to move out with a small group of friends and just share an apartment, but I don't think I'm ready for it now. I would miss having my family around, all the homecooked food and my little dogs. A part of me feels like I would be able to visit them weekly and that'll make up for it, but I guess, right now, I have to take it step by step and actually prepare myself for when I do move out. First, I have to get my license so I have the mobility, then a job closer to the city so the move would be worth it and I would have a more stable income, then by the time I've saved up enough to last me a while, then I'll take a plunge. I don't want to be too reckless and have it all backfire on me. So I'm willing to wait it out until the time is right. And let's be honest, I will eventually have to move out one day – it's almost impossible that I will live at home forever, I think. I really cannot wait for the day I move out, because I will feel a lot more independent and a lot less of a burden on my parents. Of course I know they do it out of love, but I just want to be more independent for myself... and I would love the added mobility and time – to do what I want, whenever I want and not have to spend so much time getting to places.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today was the first team dinner of the year and the first time the whole team got to really sit down and talk to each other, hang out and just mingle. It felt really nice because the team dynamics are pretty amazing. Everyone made an effort to really talk and get to know each other, and talk as a whole table. I'm glad because I really didn't want anyone to feel excluded, and I didn't want there to be an awkward atmosphere. It was also really fun because it didn't feel like it was everyone's first time hanging out – it was so natural and carefree. I mean … the guys were talking about things like ring of fire, whale and gas. Sometimes, I question whether there is something wrong with me... My personality is quite boyish, in that I'm pretty outgoing and joke around like a guy no holds barred. It's easy for me to be 'one of the guys'. But that also makes me question my femininity sometimes. Will I ever become more feminine? Will I ever be good at all the girly stuff like cooking and cleaning (okay, I know stereotypes but still!)? Honestly, I haven't seen much of my feminine side for a while since it kind of only comes out when I'm in a relationship (ha!) and it's been a while. It's strange how natural it is for me to be feminine in a relationship, but I find it so difficult otherwise. It's awkward. I can't be one of those girls who flirt with guys to get their ways (usually) or the type to shyly attract guys. I tend to attract guys who aren't my type or are friendzoned. I guess, that's the case with most girls though. And I guess, a lot of people would go around blaming the girl for not appreciating the guy or just going for jerks. But really, for me, I don't want to waste my time or the other person's time if I know it won't end well; and I particularly don't like leading people on.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That aside, we had a really fun night because after dinner and gorging on delicious Thai food (the guys sweating from the spiciness lol) and fried ice cream, we went to play pool. Disclaimer: I'm so shit at pool. But since it was the first team outing, I was pretty down to do whatever and just chill. I didn't want to ruin the mood by making everyone disperse so early when everyone's spirits were so high and everyone was getting along so well ^_^ Anyway, they found my lack of pool skills pretty amusing and kept making a show out of me playing when it was my turn T_T BUT, our team won all three rounds! And I sunk the winning ball for the last round! KEKEKE ^_^v So proud of myself. Glad we ended on a high note (for me haha)! </span></div>
LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-3300508010753657792014-03-09T08:13:00.004-07:002014-03-09T08:13:33.050-07:00NEW BEGINNINGS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFAvh7ILwA1qEuvC10BDMip6330TBYn6fmsck27qhLQ86accqYoW-GowG1VMlW9FLN37EKQUsoFRk-X1LLIgRqU_IToMvyXI4r-scUclsTw-GOreL1DVsTLONssS1it99PI7X-liIjVo/s1600/DSC_8861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFAvh7ILwA1qEuvC10BDMip6330TBYn6fmsck27qhLQ86accqYoW-GowG1VMlW9FLN37EKQUsoFRk-X1LLIgRqU_IToMvyXI4r-scUclsTw-GOreL1DVsTLONssS1it99PI7X-liIjVo/s1600/DSC_8861.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It takes me a lot of thinking and conviction every time I want to start blogging again, because I always start it with the sincere intentions to actually commit to updating regularly or semi-regularly... Unfortunately, I rarely pull through. This year, I really want to change that. I realise that one thing that really stops me from blogging so often is that I'm scared of being too honest. Strange. I mean, chances are no one I know in real life would know this blog exists, and in many ways, it's my virtual sanctuary. I feel an unfounded connection to this space (yes, I have attachment issues lol). Anyway, I guess... I want to share more of personal life. This is my space to offload and if I feel restricted here as well, then, when will I get to be true to myself? So now that I've learnt to really look at this space as a well that will absorb my thoughts and worries, I'm going to worry less about who may ever stumble upon this blog and just let my thoughts run free.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I've always have commitment problems, and I don't mean specifically in the realm of relationships, but in regards to life generally. I always start things, and leave them unfinished. I embark on learning new things, then give up halfway. I know people say the first step is always hardest... but for me, I find it a lot easier to start things then to follow through with them. So, this year... I've decided to really challenge myself. I've taken on a lot of responsibility and decided to put my foot down and commit to being a team leader this year in AIESEC. I've decided to aim high and set goals that I know will scare me, but will force me to work harder. I really want to continue to challenge myself and stop limiting myself.<br />
<br />
Today, I had to finalise the selection of my team members for the year. It's a bit daunting and nerve-wracking... To think that these people will be working with me for the whole year as a team, and hopefully as friends. I'm quite happy with my selection. It's funny though, how things never turn out the way I expected. I didn't anticipate this being my final team for some reason. However, I'm really open to getting to know everyone and seeing how everyone plugs into the team dynamics. It's really interesting how diverse humans really are. I already feel protective of my team (damn, maternal instincts?! I'm too young for this -.-) and hope they all will develop to become better versions of themselves, and I hope to be able to meet their expectations. I want them to truly connect and feel included in the team, and in turn, work hard for the EPs. I really want to make a bigger impact this year with the Delivery team, and form really lasting connections with the EPs. I want to make sure every EP feels supported and do embark on an EP Journey. I'm really excited to 'deliver' and innovate... It's exciting being able to work in a team. But not only that, I'm excited to work alongside Jess and Pansy.<br />
<br />
Besides that, I also caught up with a bunch of high school friends today because we had high tea at The Tea Room (woo, ticking that off my bucket list!) for Livia's 21st. Man, it feels so strange that everyone is turning 21 yet despite having already turned 21, I barely feel any difference (for shame!). As always, it was really nice catching up with high school peeps because it makes me realise how much has changed since I last saw them, all the new experiences I've 'collected' and it's nice to see how much they've changed as well. I feel like I feed off other people - when I see them doing all these cool new things, I want to push myself to try new things too. Not out of jealousy, but moreso because I feel inspired and I realise that I'm only this young once. That being said, catching up with high school peeps always brings about that feeling of inadequacy... because I always feel like I don't have a clear direction of what I want professionally. I guess there's no point beating myself up over it though, everything takes time and I really need to learn to be comfortable to go at my own pace and stop comparing myself to others and expecting to be at the same place they want to be. It's hard but I want to be able to feel comfortable taking my time to think through my steps because I don't want to end up having a quarter life crisis because I rushed into chasing an illusory dream because it's what everyone else seems to be doing. I want to know that every step I take is towards my bigger goal of happiness and contentment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-21010727283465154812014-02-08T15:37:00.002-08:002014-02-08T15:51:41.942-08:00SURREALI'm not what one would ever call a 'regular' blogger, because let's face it, I'm always missing in action. But it feels so weird that I've been in Europe for more than 2 months yet I haven't blogged once about it. That's because there's always so much happening, or so much to do and I'm already behind on my journal - let alone my blog. Sooooo.... I actually don't know if I will ever make time to blog about Europe whilst I'm here but I would probably get to it when I come back to Sydney, in some weird way. I don't even know. Honestly, sometimes it feels like I don't even operate in real time because I'm always lagging in life and just reflecting blah. I am someone who lives slowly...LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-85607754038955728572013-11-23T23:41:00.000-08:002013-11-23T23:41:00.504-08:00TAKE THE REINSSometimes I feel it is a shame to live and hold yourself to so many restrictions, to put your needs on the back-burner just because of your parents or your relationship. I think it's hit me a lot harder recently because I've felt stuck in a rut with uni and the routine I get stuck into. It got to a point where I saw other people chasing their dreams, being proactive, getting out there and I started to question what was holding me back? Essentially, nothing should be if you don't let it. All throughout our lives we succumb to these self-imposed restrictions, and by doing so we are denying ourselves the freedom of expression that we are so privileged to even have.<br />
<br />
Reading about people's biggest life regrets before they die, and the fact that so many people regretted not being true to themselves is disheartening. If there are people out there who have lived their whole lives probably hoping to bide their time and eventually get to 'be themselves' yet the time passes and they are still unable to live to true to who they are, it just proves that: that day doesn't come, unless we put our foot down and say 'I will start living true to my own self right now'. I never want to be old, and look back on my youth and have nothing to hold onto. I don't want to be that person who wasted their youth working their asses off, or just climbing the corporate ladder - because, why? Yes, stability is comforting but we have 50 years ahead of us to become 'stable'. It's a see-saw really: sometimes I crave that stability, but sometimes I look beyond that and crave for a deeper meaning. I've recently seen a TEDTalk where one line really resonated with me: we spend so much effort to attain that stability, but once we get it, it becomes boring.<br />
<br />
I don't know if this will come across as bitter, but honestly, sometimes I look around and I see people who put themselves second to others; they deny themselves the opportunity to chase after what they want because they are either too afraid to take that first step or they are in relationships where their identity is merged with their significant others or they don't feel like they are able to do what they want while they are in a relationship. To me, if you are in a relationship and that is what's holding you back then that may not be an ideal relationship. Don't settle for someone who allows you to be stagnant, don't settle for someone who holds you back to keep you beside them, don't settle for someone who you cannot imagine conquering new heights with - because that's what couples have to do. As a couple, you're expected to grow together through so many milestones - marriage, parenthood, old age; that if you feel unsure or doubtful then that's something you need to fix or learn to walk away from. Be with someone who inspires you, who makes you want to better yourself, someone who challenges you and enables you to grow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-13810954002414282342013-11-21T21:29:00.000-08:002014-02-28T08:00:18.932-08:00SNAPSHOTS: GOMA <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrETYFyJVgvkqxmudbLMZT3Vh85boEVrv4YM1q3nxT6gxB9kswTfG0HLP-BotJl3DIHyyXOMjceyvCK_NB6zvCNn5XgZTENlfix04SkLyfbgO6oYWPJcdrLxLP_kB31fTX0JDKph3HR_8m/s1600/g5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrETYFyJVgvkqxmudbLMZT3Vh85boEVrv4YM1q3nxT6gxB9kswTfG0HLP-BotJl3DIHyyXOMjceyvCK_NB6zvCNn5XgZTENlfix04SkLyfbgO6oYWPJcdrLxLP_kB31fTX0JDKph3HR_8m/s1600/g5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQZTsAvGVQ3-aTYr1GwXyLZZpDYQI-t3uClGvzJbz27Tj5uxh3bNh5ZjkPXIfGI4vUCChyphenhypheneZUg4pSW8vW7ioupasYaSpJiVJaNa3HvMKzgR61MvmVCYq1fGA1WQ6hebZuPSPMlMX5kumK/s1600/g12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQZTsAvGVQ3-aTYr1GwXyLZZpDYQI-t3uClGvzJbz27Tj5uxh3bNh5ZjkPXIfGI4vUCChyphenhypheneZUg4pSW8vW7ioupasYaSpJiVJaNa3HvMKzgR61MvmVCYq1fGA1WQ6hebZuPSPMlMX5kumK/s1600/g12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg3Yg7iQ-4P0XZBV3VsqxHW18JZLmHORGZ7EyhOfUkHy81wvK_ssYFARMISMUrytryOgDZEQapJos_leqKKjuer8KIkoQUesdYaR2kmBxSvmp_Q-ns5Cp6NGVJSh1O-bNX3R7m22AZBp7/s1600/g8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg3Yg7iQ-4P0XZBV3VsqxHW18JZLmHORGZ7EyhOfUkHy81wvK_ssYFARMISMUrytryOgDZEQapJos_leqKKjuer8KIkoQUesdYaR2kmBxSvmp_Q-ns5Cp6NGVJSh1O-bNX3R7m22AZBp7/s1600/g8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaDYEc0Ao09obPnKkaXeDh9Ehwz2kUxgQMyATqhZkaxXTjnZn6ELALJgDzjzlKvEtXpfx9TKb0cw1_dzStzlF-T8Olux3LksVWyEgtGFvyn4Cyy-Wduhb6BJieZJYlxuXogP99y3AuXB2/s1600/g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaDYEc0Ao09obPnKkaXeDh9Ehwz2kUxgQMyATqhZkaxXTjnZn6ELALJgDzjzlKvEtXpfx9TKb0cw1_dzStzlF-T8Olux3LksVWyEgtGFvyn4Cyy-Wduhb6BJieZJYlxuXogP99y3AuXB2/s1600/g2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi466KxIwjNQopVTQ0AQxjlDxU2bT-Wca1fcB7-xSDxCG0Na0FTSQVbQDXr4cCVuXgAMJhTpsp2LCXh-1WZgF085LYlqMXwqp_7KgHBhcOQcfPNkMDDL1RPE-SjSzLPqkKLbxNw3ySiFZ30/s1600/g16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi466KxIwjNQopVTQ0AQxjlDxU2bT-Wca1fcB7-xSDxCG0Na0FTSQVbQDXr4cCVuXgAMJhTpsp2LCXh-1WZgF085LYlqMXwqp_7KgHBhcOQcfPNkMDDL1RPE-SjSzLPqkKLbxNw3ySiFZ30/s1600/g16.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQgL6n-zFDzGDUf8W3Ekq4fC5AOVLUvsLpo-xs7uR0DihvyFyH-Hck6CsFdU2Sh1MjglHoZSoPLhemJhWTkHHWN6F4j8WiB8JoquXM_gZNu8hoc6DCMHsT6SWsz4-2-eYJy2GGtE58IsW/s1600/g6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQgL6n-zFDzGDUf8W3Ekq4fC5AOVLUvsLpo-xs7uR0DihvyFyH-Hck6CsFdU2Sh1MjglHoZSoPLhemJhWTkHHWN6F4j8WiB8JoquXM_gZNu8hoc6DCMHsT6SWsz4-2-eYJy2GGtE58IsW/s1600/g6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepQcgCrimusz4Vk15Um19Gin_JGIztoxqbaknsaZ3XPaA-aDD1NHGxYeqoHERoAyveiNc2wyosNFeJV2GxMRwDjQ4hC2BMUzl-NDca5S4yZ-fIVtd6XYwZH_sdixNsM56amQ2IiPPC-Qa/s1600/g4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepQcgCrimusz4Vk15Um19Gin_JGIztoxqbaknsaZ3XPaA-aDD1NHGxYeqoHERoAyveiNc2wyosNFeJV2GxMRwDjQ4hC2BMUzl-NDca5S4yZ-fIVtd6XYwZH_sdixNsM56amQ2IiPPC-Qa/s1600/g4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv-usGScIBW7syyPvF-xcxd9W_RJS1SIIYu4hEdzvur21RaUSPjVWMtciMZlngC3qWbPgI1rJlFrWoDg9F_mt7MCwmrghB67XXtJh-3JDk-NE4GEicEoxKvT_m1JKgbDUTrX5Nbp74DqS/s1600/g14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv-usGScIBW7syyPvF-xcxd9W_RJS1SIIYu4hEdzvur21RaUSPjVWMtciMZlngC3qWbPgI1rJlFrWoDg9F_mt7MCwmrghB67XXtJh-3JDk-NE4GEicEoxKvT_m1JKgbDUTrX5Nbp74DqS/s1600/g14.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOCrtX6yPW_SxZ_pCDuzu2Wh0nnpss07TD7uFEsDZQ6kKNzQIjygGmzfrAcB4pEe4eCeSUxhv1lUUdPaKeRC8gDAtLytcYvUNrkfsDWzLwXCiao0ctrRi-FBfQicFVqqzQaTpiZS6f9kV/s1600/g10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOCrtX6yPW_SxZ_pCDuzu2Wh0nnpss07TD7uFEsDZQ6kKNzQIjygGmzfrAcB4pEe4eCeSUxhv1lUUdPaKeRC8gDAtLytcYvUNrkfsDWzLwXCiao0ctrRi-FBfQicFVqqzQaTpiZS6f9kV/s1600/g10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gPGUp1iSbj9BH3EZPa0DuQ6sIBoIrbc9Nhc2ckIsDQTHCcfkCEJcIqXS47BVv-eR17F2_ElmK3TMT9kUXle0AXvtgkeZ460R1mdREbkOeGU-T_Ae8hd0XWSVznX_l-rekoli4WB3sSxv/s1600/g7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gPGUp1iSbj9BH3EZPa0DuQ6sIBoIrbc9Nhc2ckIsDQTHCcfkCEJcIqXS47BVv-eR17F2_ElmK3TMT9kUXle0AXvtgkeZ460R1mdREbkOeGU-T_Ae8hd0XWSVznX_l-rekoli4WB3sSxv/s1600/g7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarPjWz6xaASKByRiWT6K7KomjLyMmXyQvWg9-A48-KpW_u3-0DB1WvbmuYUw8wg6RIPXSv9H1KhAF36jlx5LjU1ykTS0xNg58uoLohVo4x-fpwbRm1tAE_b0Z6-uANwRhFQcxY9Jue1Hn/s1600/g111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarPjWz6xaASKByRiWT6K7KomjLyMmXyQvWg9-A48-KpW_u3-0DB1WvbmuYUw8wg6RIPXSv9H1KhAF36jlx5LjU1ykTS0xNg58uoLohVo4x-fpwbRm1tAE_b0Z6-uANwRhFQcxY9Jue1Hn/s1600/g111.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXdGS1PGTGmYletH5UJVMuWvrx8Jy43fkmQEDII0gD2S7hOscm1wDTcq9br1woDdIfawq2KDw5p5NXv-d3u4FZXFYoHrnKsVEM0M-FF-p1tu-z-Z7sNV1308gFAlpAag0mZ4OuhG51Kjx/s1600/g9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXdGS1PGTGmYletH5UJVMuWvrx8Jy43fkmQEDII0gD2S7hOscm1wDTcq9br1woDdIfawq2KDw5p5NXv-d3u4FZXFYoHrnKsVEM0M-FF-p1tu-z-Z7sNV1308gFAlpAag0mZ4OuhG51Kjx/s1600/g9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyzgOpWMZxMGzN2tNFLDZfQ6JYI1Y941aCbeXRQGAAQMMTZsW2GB930IV_dqjCJ89Kp7CBQ5BMfmG57II6iTxS9NabCLNIbKjFjWrlcilY61xzAz1Ug1WbBCxTRUeZyLHJtzaoZqAtfk3/s1600/g11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyzgOpWMZxMGzN2tNFLDZfQ6JYI1Y941aCbeXRQGAAQMMTZsW2GB930IV_dqjCJ89Kp7CBQ5BMfmG57II6iTxS9NabCLNIbKjFjWrlcilY61xzAz1Ug1WbBCxTRUeZyLHJtzaoZqAtfk3/s1600/g11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJVAB1l0VVw8FswsV53jAmyTVwBMd8rm92pABkLmVFOWXg32UgdgUNcr_Sd8O8RUTH6F_ke_l-_c6qHpoj3UpTAHcPbNlNJegO2XjGjZNPvgv0eD76wWb-HPWCiqrVNjB4nBOxT2qu74n/s1600/g17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJVAB1l0VVw8FswsV53jAmyTVwBMd8rm92pABkLmVFOWXg32UgdgUNcr_Sd8O8RUTH6F_ke_l-_c6qHpoj3UpTAHcPbNlNJegO2XjGjZNPvgv0eD76wWb-HPWCiqrVNjB4nBOxT2qu74n/s1600/g17.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0vEHk1FRPGiMha8zln0ywM0Z6HdIJJLrogEPsT4egm5y-Z48NCzk2hbIsP7GX_Q3cuGcuLEZGgi6Xb7rungq4oIjr5-d8EO-oMjgwZY4tkAvLurI9lpb-8__K-AZd2gqr7iio29Gm-KN/s1600/end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0vEHk1FRPGiMha8zln0ywM0Z6HdIJJLrogEPsT4egm5y-Z48NCzk2hbIsP7GX_Q3cuGcuLEZGgi6Xb7rungq4oIjr5-d8EO-oMjgwZY4tkAvLurI9lpb-8__K-AZd2gqr7iio29Gm-KN/s1600/end.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Just random phone-snaps from my visit to the GOMA museum. Quality is probably sub-par but that's what happens when I become too lazy to lug around my DSLR in order to 'pack light'. I kind of have a love-hate relationship with museums and art galleries - I like it, but I do get bored easily. So it's nice to have a camera or even phone so it challenges me to find interesting ways to take photos so I'm not just *glances at stuff* *walks away* *falls asleep on lounges*LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-530937288466746692013-11-17T21:26:00.001-08:002013-11-17T21:33:30.836-08:00SNAPSHOTS: BRISBANE <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt79bh2Ar61ly5q3zyxPy-MsL5C-58fGZFYQsCz49UHf8wcXdchPYPsE4s5OaLgxzCYqwL42YEVHvNSv_GWIVlviT_CkfG53Bt0mo-oxP6D0Bkr8wTnUa4UW5cfZxnixnt1x7FvwriXA0l/s1600/46083_10151774741690152_359628620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt79bh2Ar61ly5q3zyxPy-MsL5C-58fGZFYQsCz49UHf8wcXdchPYPsE4s5OaLgxzCYqwL42YEVHvNSv_GWIVlviT_CkfG53Bt0mo-oxP6D0Bkr8wTnUa4UW5cfZxnixnt1x7FvwriXA0l/s640/46083_10151774741690152_359628620_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The obligatory 'out of plane window' shot, because window-seat appreciation!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3sYBBg3e2rQWW7lKoUxZzykH85-zrnDHrWUxiB9LWbd6CH2DZUmuF58O9k7UBib5nx61_79M6abVe7KAxM2Nf-XjU2EvzfEE7WxvOV1GXnNSqmY5o7h7BHNJIplkWGCvv_lEye5KlY_t/s1600/71871_10151774751285152_1199983659_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3sYBBg3e2rQWW7lKoUxZzykH85-zrnDHrWUxiB9LWbd6CH2DZUmuF58O9k7UBib5nx61_79M6abVe7KAxM2Nf-XjU2EvzfEE7WxvOV1GXnNSqmY5o7h7BHNJIplkWGCvv_lEye5KlY_t/s640/71871_10151774751285152_1199983659_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There were heaps of these 'rental bikes' in Brisbane; which we don't have here in Sydney. Sad to say, I never got to ride one though because there was some registration thing and I never got that much time in Brisbane. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGIDNIiE6cv1_4YZHu8ql0UZu5PX5BD-1WYOtIEGYN6x9c21EFLsjcfTCc6UvPBdvMWoc1-ZugpsIQUvKFJfVRN6CDdCnjtGkrsc5Q252lrUMZ3drD6NBdcSouOpv_NKeUXwhj3TM78iO/s1600/150416_10151774742065152_1754117638_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGIDNIiE6cv1_4YZHu8ql0UZu5PX5BD-1WYOtIEGYN6x9c21EFLsjcfTCc6UvPBdvMWoc1-ZugpsIQUvKFJfVRN6CDdCnjtGkrsc5Q252lrUMZ3drD6NBdcSouOpv_NKeUXwhj3TM78iO/s640/150416_10151774742065152_1754117638_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A pretty tunnel ... it was really pretty hehe </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHwjhjVX8SPQSnYsaWHCdW7AxxAl38Gt9DC5zheUJiJ9XrILRwe_UG5w4DVfMxV50PuR8xsOfvWxN2SCZdzWmDCRYgHfGCy0j4mexNC_7c3Ta4BffRg1To5s-xBJzX2JOnfE4DeeI8YBM/s1600/156510_10151774741750152_300639205_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHwjhjVX8SPQSnYsaWHCdW7AxxAl38Gt9DC5zheUJiJ9XrILRwe_UG5w4DVfMxV50PuR8xsOfvWxN2SCZdzWmDCRYgHfGCy0j4mexNC_7c3Ta4BffRg1To5s-xBJzX2JOnfE4DeeI8YBM/s640/156510_10151774741750152_300639205_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Ferris Wheel...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ou3OyB7PZQyaend9hNYyFJ4FXd4rUUesrQbfE2lqZsc_ntmWLOeDIgXbpUNSfaNrVq2wCCQGF9_xzBltc0N0EzxLO1Mp0Ik5FYCG83k4ZuG5cnOmtkDcUqhSUCP_3OlNFqfhWhz6oBiP/s1600/971670_10151774752370152_1678184356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ou3OyB7PZQyaend9hNYyFJ4FXd4rUUesrQbfE2lqZsc_ntmWLOeDIgXbpUNSfaNrVq2wCCQGF9_xzBltc0N0EzxLO1Mp0Ik5FYCG83k4ZuG5cnOmtkDcUqhSUCP_3OlNFqfhWhz6oBiP/s640/971670_10151774752370152_1678184356_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Totally not a creeper shot... </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMKHfRBPgblpOCzuuwQxyCYc3RxT_Agi6xknLrYn7LL3wnb2AodBFdoM2aV_JIkhK0qwgMde3rAb3Skh1uQDmWa8g1SOypneCDzDGyNIcVIgIgPYiVNolpFpr46HBj-5QHLlQdJmUUwzL/s1600/999042_10151774752190152_1573682645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMKHfRBPgblpOCzuuwQxyCYc3RxT_Agi6xknLrYn7LL3wnb2AodBFdoM2aV_JIkhK0qwgMde3rAb3Skh1uQDmWa8g1SOypneCDzDGyNIcVIgIgPYiVNolpFpr46HBj-5QHLlQdJmUUwzL/s640/999042_10151774752190152_1573682645_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Funky street installation - it's a 'shell' that you can 'crawl' in from one side and get out the other way!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAOsVA_YA-LWFvzr8VTrsEC1qjyVZj6nwAQSKZbNp2yb7jiG6kcIeHGfViZBAYmAEfJDsG0X-VdU3A96W_RoAPSczq9xMPhzMrmAk6Gs6v-KjUEIHvGrFTYdbHSELPCFNvsqHcyvRK29s/s1600/1016188_10151774741905152_115739045_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAOsVA_YA-LWFvzr8VTrsEC1qjyVZj6nwAQSKZbNp2yb7jiG6kcIeHGfViZBAYmAEfJDsG0X-VdU3A96W_RoAPSczq9xMPhzMrmAk6Gs6v-KjUEIHvGrFTYdbHSELPCFNvsqHcyvRK29s/s640/1016188_10151774741905152_115739045_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bridge bridge bridge bridge! </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq3pML0ETZgZxJfwPOOBF1OGfRVWDfw22ToNj2tbavwv98UTF0KM8jyDcdgO_Bb-Xif_dvv2w9dJrRe0_Yd02U-ZwskUVm7d0Jf4XQMUWOGwZj42VDKewv42956ut47XkVywLbIo55ZWt/s1600/1069334_10151774741940152_1680290014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq3pML0ETZgZxJfwPOOBF1OGfRVWDfw22ToNj2tbavwv98UTF0KM8jyDcdgO_Bb-Xif_dvv2w9dJrRe0_Yd02U-ZwskUVm7d0Jf4XQMUWOGwZj42VDKewv42956ut47XkVywLbIo55ZWt/s640/1069334_10151774741940152_1680290014_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The man-made beach at South Bank which we frequented at night </i><br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So these photos are from ... July earlier this year. Apart from the fact that I'm a horrible blogger that never posts unless my blog is covered with virtual cobwebs... there's not much to say. Just to recap, Brisbane was pretty lovely - it was very relaxing and laid-back. If I had to compare it to Sydney, it was less busy and people seemed friendlier. But by the end of the trip, I did miss Sydney. The great thing about Brisbane is that everything seemed to be in walking distance... which means lots of walking. I got to see the city centre, the GOMA museum, South Bank and Surfers Paradise (no pics because it was a brief day trip). I was in QLD for an AIESEC National Conference, where delegates (members) from across the nation attended and participated in sessions, had fun and got to meet everyone else. Essentially, that means I was off on a university campus for a week, and only really got to explore Brisbane CBD in the first few days (which was sufficient - the CBD wasn't drastically different from Sydney)/ Initially, me and Shirisha were going to go to Wet n Wild but it didn't really work out so spontaneous planning left us only one day to trek up to Surfers' Paradise for some beach-lovin' fun. It kind of took a while to get there, and being QLD noobs we managed to get overcharged on public transport (for not tapping off). Once we got there though, it was really nice - we went jet-boatting which I really, really loved. The feeling of just going really fast, with water splashing on us, and not really having to worry about anything: it was the perfect balance of adrenaline rush and 'safety' for me (activity-wise). That said, I kind of wished for more excitement with the looping and turns. However, the experience has officially put jet-skiing on my bucket list. Sooo... one day! After jet-boatting, we went off to the shops and grabbed some food so we can eat and chill on the beach (I had some pastries and ice cream haha). When we got to the beach, we had food and just talked about the whole conference, what we learnt and Shirisha's exchange - I feel like the conversation was really insightful in that it helped my tie together the experience and made me look forward to the rest of the year a bit more, so I was thankful for that.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyways, the major major major <i><b>major </b></i>thing that has happened is that I AM GOING TO EUROPE. Yes yes yes yes! I am going to the land of snow, fancy cafes, amazing museums and unknown adventures. I've got my flights booked, my travel insurance paid and (don't laugh) I've even started a travel diary to document my time. Why a separate blog? Hmmm... I like to categorise things and to make sure I have a space for different 'states of minds' and purposes. I DERNO. I might end up cross-posting stuff, but I think the travel diary is more the 'open to public' version, whereas posts here will probably have a more personal element. Seriously, I will be flying in a week's time! But first, need to cross off my Legal Theory essay or else I fail. Boohoo.<br />
<br />LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-39666730807543000992013-08-07T09:58:00.002-07:002013-08-07T09:59:14.551-07:00BALLOONS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/27892d08efb826f6f9d60db84db0afd7/tumblr_mr65btAVAm1sv1k2io1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/27892d08efb826f6f9d60db84db0afd7/tumblr_mr65btAVAm1sv1k2io1_400.jpg" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: tumblr<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.60000228881836px; line-height: 15.200002670288086px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
It’s amazing to think back of my childhood, and the memories just come flooding in. It’s strange the things that used to mean so much to me. I remember how we used to go to yum cha every weekend as a family and eat all this food and get the balloons they always gave us and it would literally be the highlight of my day - it was like the biggest perk, those helium balloons. I can’t help but smile at the memories. We used to tie the balloons to our wrists and protect it when we walked around Cab to grocery shop, so sometimes we should shift it to one another to get out of having to be super careful when walking, because it’d hit other people or we were scared of it flying away (it always sucked when they flew away). Then once we got into the car, we’d have to hold it between our legs so it wouldn’t obscure the view of Dad driving. And once we got home we’d get so excited to release it and have it hit the ceiling… and then we’d leave it on top of the white cupboard we used to have; and once it got deflated, we’d throw it out. And repeat for the next week. I don’t know why we loved balloons so much but we just did. It’s just like how we treasured those gumball machines so much (and back then, the gold coin ones were super expensive to me) and also those little car and machines that used to be in front of the stores in Cab. </div>
<div>
I miss my childhood sometimes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-29058862378265447922013-07-24T09:49:00.000-07:002013-07-24T09:49:00.959-07:00ROCKETEER <i>Here we go... Come with me ... Take my hand ... Close your eyes ... Let's fly away</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/f37670b45c814484da4a233e3d525131/tumblr_minxawlLyT1qbwtsgo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/f37670b45c814484da4a233e3d525131/tumblr_minxawlLyT1qbwtsgo1_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The grammar nazi in me wished there was an apostrophe. But screw that, I'm not perfect either. (credit: tumblr)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
It's hard to say I'm an ambitious person, because at the very core, I'm not. <i>I'm a dreamer. </i>I have all these little ideas in my head, these little mental photographs that I wish were true... I have dreams, not ambitions. I don't actively pursue them, because that's not who I am. I cherish the ideas and how they make me feel. I cling to the tiny happiness that the thoughts bring me because I know that we have to be careful what we wish for, because often reality tarnishes the beauty of dreams. This may be foolish and silly, but it's who I am.<br />
<br />
Call me practical, or call me selfish (or be nice and call me family oriented) but my goal in life is simply to be happy and eventually have my own home with a loving family. I don't have these humanitarian goals for the greater good or an overarching desire to change the world. Maybe I haven't met that side of me yet, or maybe that side of me is just... not really there. I'm a simple person and in many ways, I'm easily satisfied. I'm someone who pays more attention to the little things than grand gestures. I am proud of myself that of all the resolutions I'd made, the one that I've kept was to donate my spare change whenever I see a charity donation box. Yes, it's a small gesture but it's that release for me - knowing that my spare change can contribute to something greater, knowing that deep inside I can comfortably and happily part with my own money for someone else.. and wanting to.<br />
<br />
However, there are times I have these creative bouts and I have these visions and ideas that I wish I could just be manifest to life. I wish to bring these ideas to life, yet it's hard. I love design and creativity and innovation and I love being surrounded by it. It inspires me and it leaves me awestruck. Yet, I feel so limited by my capabilities. I want to hone my skills. I want to bring these ideas to life. I want to be better at what inspires me, so one day, someone may feel the same way about my work. I really want to feel like I'm actually good at something, instead of just dabbling in these hobbies and not committing myself to it. Unfortunately, it seems my ultimate downfall has always revolved around my commitment phobia. But who says that can't change? Regardless of the outcome, I want to at least <i><b>try</b>.</i>LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-35145332031005051352013-07-22T09:19:00.000-07:002013-07-22T09:19:02.195-07:00SNAPSHOTS: CANBERRA (PT I)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCB1A-ZRzRQ160Xw0kHFRiPXxU5AQ4MDxeJp7ALSK87OCm4zkV7PGHLDeL4d8w8lhRTcK5-sdW_r3IBX-TdUguMDbQbNOt3pX9N1bpEGp9aoXM81VulX-aSF9AAyJsXlq9zKnfZ7p7g2h/s1600/DSC_5489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCB1A-ZRzRQ160Xw0kHFRiPXxU5AQ4MDxeJp7ALSK87OCm4zkV7PGHLDeL4d8w8lhRTcK5-sdW_r3IBX-TdUguMDbQbNOt3pX9N1bpEGp9aoXM81VulX-aSF9AAyJsXlq9zKnfZ7p7g2h/s640/DSC_5489.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Way overexposed, but I love that shade of green mixed and beige. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxbq57BJ40n7F8vrTmC28OS3mxBkAWnRE9yTvRHwwa33qYS_NVa4B1se5CID3xmRRX9lB0YJ2O2R9X-KMPavVA0McJjp6dfbAuOVc6oE2kJGc1bv7MuMYpVRPs4KxP8ojX9ZFJsnTRa5p/s1600/DSC_5523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxbq57BJ40n7F8vrTmC28OS3mxBkAWnRE9yTvRHwwa33qYS_NVa4B1se5CID3xmRRX9lB0YJ2O2R9X-KMPavVA0McJjp6dfbAuOVc6oE2kJGc1bv7MuMYpVRPs4KxP8ojX9ZFJsnTRa5p/s640/DSC_5523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuBcch7i03RYzwhhSEu9ViN2mlszwaXCpmuf0I-Vfnt2bQUSs4kFqCMPD6zWV0WI2jCgvDo-lmMJTuBdQV0EceEWN6t2a5rchJcgMavzmFBCuBOmqq0-OdTlT7XJpH14iji1L7RjMWsBf/s1600/DSC_5535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuBcch7i03RYzwhhSEu9ViN2mlszwaXCpmuf0I-Vfnt2bQUSs4kFqCMPD6zWV0WI2jCgvDo-lmMJTuBdQV0EceEWN6t2a5rchJcgMavzmFBCuBOmqq0-OdTlT7XJpH14iji1L7RjMWsBf/s640/DSC_5535.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As you can probably see, the flowers weren't <b>that </b>great. They were kind of withering. Oh welps. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuqZu0soAZCNi2tZb98FNWuf8YmKrwqdwTONVYjxc5_RhsD7FzpgaRyEoZuqa6AGweiGI5XkL2ogDLPH_9PyZYiHA-uRi7QVERu7sN6DSx1lH15e5nUXx_C3VI-ctGcRyyiakPEiW0vMb/s1600/DSC_5537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuqZu0soAZCNi2tZb98FNWuf8YmKrwqdwTONVYjxc5_RhsD7FzpgaRyEoZuqa6AGweiGI5XkL2ogDLPH_9PyZYiHA-uRi7QVERu7sN6DSx1lH15e5nUXx_C3VI-ctGcRyyiakPEiW0vMb/s640/DSC_5537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItXd7n8DL5fFh_IFXSNCR7XhC7yRTrpWa5LAFsoG8SVVhiav20fPSAnhQVNSCCHvpjUpiCkCfjXMMBR5w2MSCL2GRAOx8h98R13d0DIsdIViigRSaSrdpFGkBaFOWccGCZE55G6yAoxct/s1600/DSC_5553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItXd7n8DL5fFh_IFXSNCR7XhC7yRTrpWa5LAFsoG8SVVhiav20fPSAnhQVNSCCHvpjUpiCkCfjXMMBR5w2MSCL2GRAOx8h98R13d0DIsdIViigRSaSrdpFGkBaFOWccGCZE55G6yAoxct/s640/DSC_5553.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nyd2XYzDwnaZwvvqWDU8uHnmhPtUFY_oyptQfMUYty52dd1gF_7nhI-Tt607my3HuJoigsBLpYZMgSe5lWVtHcHzFdF1VZMi3kpJuwDl0m1uGB_sFzGT8K8FF908hviJspi5H6AhqXR9/s1600/DSC_5554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nyd2XYzDwnaZwvvqWDU8uHnmhPtUFY_oyptQfMUYty52dd1gF_7nhI-Tt607my3HuJoigsBLpYZMgSe5lWVtHcHzFdF1VZMi3kpJuwDl0m1uGB_sFzGT8K8FF908hviJspi5H6AhqXR9/s640/DSC_5554.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc6zo23rUnFeaodHn8ptPRDYuPA2Sq5ypGRu3cDWLLXrXi3lDZExEe9BJjiGGzvsn4TayhPzPBEpSYfe_h9Ld-E6Rmkp8O4hyphenhyphenzslsKtbHeZIhKyaq9rKMA4_mXcgF02ovQUSBD4vR6cHG/s1600/DSC_5558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc6zo23rUnFeaodHn8ptPRDYuPA2Sq5ypGRu3cDWLLXrXi3lDZExEe9BJjiGGzvsn4TayhPzPBEpSYfe_h9Ld-E6Rmkp8O4hyphenhyphenzslsKtbHeZIhKyaq9rKMA4_mXcgF02ovQUSBD4vR6cHG/s640/DSC_5558.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqFwKDVSSy8bb9BlKRRs3LiEx1oTHtpTPJNi28HEkDLFMZqELZh1834HVn38fx_13LE5_gIgCQVsyMbW5-WNKbxt6VgGMgN5YZYx7tWt52aE-NlKhd3xznKF-tS18v8o-dRWImnD3hyphenhyphenfq/s1600/DSC_5560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqFwKDVSSy8bb9BlKRRs3LiEx1oTHtpTPJNi28HEkDLFMZqELZh1834HVn38fx_13LE5_gIgCQVsyMbW5-WNKbxt6VgGMgN5YZYx7tWt52aE-NlKhd3xznKF-tS18v8o-dRWImnD3hyphenhyphenfq/s640/DSC_5560.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3K74TaerYs8tL9SDGrxBT7uRpz-zyuJOYu0nwzCJFp5hxrSXnEcLGvIXaEhUe5JzUCfeaTIrEkGrL2gSgEPEwFzBBeMEXBC-NDTPP1uXmeqgC6hW8EKaEksgoWmt4UM4L6o8JIP_ZNni/s1600/DSC_5570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3K74TaerYs8tL9SDGrxBT7uRpz-zyuJOYu0nwzCJFp5hxrSXnEcLGvIXaEhUe5JzUCfeaTIrEkGrL2gSgEPEwFzBBeMEXBC-NDTPP1uXmeqgC6hW8EKaEksgoWmt4UM4L6o8JIP_ZNni/s640/DSC_5570.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWP5qwYMf16DobxaeoTy2kAJzesAroaQy8459pqUhyuAIpBrC08DZvcR7Do_zjhCklJbvtCiuGUzFSRj0v8-jm_nANICx7AihoRTzUiQev2Qi0h_Vx1XyeyfmfpTgKAoPRFK9GPoCHM9C/s1600/DSC_5572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWP5qwYMf16DobxaeoTy2kAJzesAroaQy8459pqUhyuAIpBrC08DZvcR7Do_zjhCklJbvtCiuGUzFSRj0v8-jm_nANICx7AihoRTzUiQev2Qi0h_Vx1XyeyfmfpTgKAoPRFK9GPoCHM9C/s640/DSC_5572.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLbIXG1pISViSylJhzkOHUD3HY-6DZW4LXXQNyOi0J1PeBBVzwOGlb6Cj45RL4e1vpAGfo8dEu0bszuyp6TQQudHv29jbzOHVzdZiVm5UrQdtOm_CTfh5kdhxkSev1WVFZ4qZBw4lYm7f/s1600/DSC_5581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLbIXG1pISViSylJhzkOHUD3HY-6DZW4LXXQNyOi0J1PeBBVzwOGlb6Cj45RL4e1vpAGfo8dEu0bszuyp6TQQudHv29jbzOHVzdZiVm5UrQdtOm_CTfh5kdhxkSev1WVFZ4qZBw4lYm7f/s640/DSC_5581.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO86yQ-20GdLP9cgqu3JyllVokgYWTqsIKJtgWM7coD3rzIH5bDMqD46S_ncO5n4VePLpFepV6NEE9WXpt_ahWf0fXfcHpHl4WkwBhDC9KaxiOrg8LzFJoyMgMmP8BiHmt8cBFlv8S0-P/s1600/DSC_5587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO86yQ-20GdLP9cgqu3JyllVokgYWTqsIKJtgWM7coD3rzIH5bDMqD46S_ncO5n4VePLpFepV6NEE9WXpt_ahWf0fXfcHpHl4WkwBhDC9KaxiOrg8LzFJoyMgMmP8BiHmt8cBFlv8S0-P/s640/DSC_5587.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-bBGQo3M2U75MtJYc_sH6MehHVDeuCtjMKCQoX531shi8zwyCNOkn-UDphWz3phXaYCk94ru_BnoRxVAhOsL5ZRMXsRDpvSKO-WI-Gb5iJIg620FnXcA1BdXu1oR4YvNxIp6sb5BYKCX/s1600/DSC_5602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-bBGQo3M2U75MtJYc_sH6MehHVDeuCtjMKCQoX531shi8zwyCNOkn-UDphWz3phXaYCk94ru_BnoRxVAhOsL5ZRMXsRDpvSKO-WI-Gb5iJIg620FnXcA1BdXu1oR4YvNxIp6sb5BYKCX/s640/DSC_5602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJs5VBhiWGhGF9KoZPMkK2269r2l27IKRQJ5nuATw1szf_woU5CgMkEinebRMYM3GH77V_5Gc7uq3Kb-HGG2eFHA3zjmZnvsU06pnllmJZeGNCgPXnfx4a98ZRhEcwWXYQvwNyo8dGbpx/s1600/DSC_5693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJs5VBhiWGhGF9KoZPMkK2269r2l27IKRQJ5nuATw1szf_woU5CgMkEinebRMYM3GH77V_5Gc7uq3Kb-HGG2eFHA3zjmZnvsU06pnllmJZeGNCgPXnfx4a98ZRhEcwWXYQvwNyo8dGbpx/s640/DSC_5693.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIpSusfHgdW1RHbY67-UEJ2xL8wFd9aPUUzJS_J8polL1v-WgSAXKNOxU7x-_bPVH5KHm5BU1L_gw5_xTJq0cngpOHIwdDmuHroqpmuqeLc6KTY-rU5AxVotsUoA5QxO-RQHNAISvY0Dg/s1600/DSC_5711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIpSusfHgdW1RHbY67-UEJ2xL8wFd9aPUUzJS_J8polL1v-WgSAXKNOxU7x-_bPVH5KHm5BU1L_gw5_xTJq0cngpOHIwdDmuHroqpmuqeLc6KTY-rU5AxVotsUoA5QxO-RQHNAISvY0Dg/s640/DSC_5711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGCIlsVckkm5V8H6wEDuvJDp6UbYvoXrNivrzBdaKbRAH1rvUqxB1hA2daAkuXCDrMXz3fZBQdWTngsMg1RtyoNxHbHZxNR0F5c09dCI3l5UOKSbcfvHLcZoD0wXw0TxoMoYGhGC9_fnC/s1600/DSC_5741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGCIlsVckkm5V8H6wEDuvJDp6UbYvoXrNivrzBdaKbRAH1rvUqxB1hA2daAkuXCDrMXz3fZBQdWTngsMg1RtyoNxHbHZxNR0F5c09dCI3l5UOKSbcfvHLcZoD0wXw0TxoMoYGhGC9_fnC/s640/DSC_5741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcfHxSV6SuXTvPzgAwiF6zzS056_E5bA6nFSjc-geiIdnTbwjpzR-UH0CXr1Wn1PGUxBy_GhyUSJvlhZpMArViPIokezucGLJkyZrTQKHtOu_MXRyvDZ2ccy31OGnhSqfuor1CrB_kxg5/s1600/DSC_5744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcfHxSV6SuXTvPzgAwiF6zzS056_E5bA6nFSjc-geiIdnTbwjpzR-UH0CXr1Wn1PGUxBy_GhyUSJvlhZpMArViPIokezucGLJkyZrTQKHtOu_MXRyvDZ2ccy31OGnhSqfuor1CrB_kxg5/s640/DSC_5744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_Nony_dw3K2tQsZcMqnzgIyXR29GjLEI9Nk9rGRQ144Po7R4sbzjJmejPwLlVLKJgy-UhR8oDSsbzgxhIJh2-alIDfQIw9xeG0UHg02kYkt8OqIBJsTZnTu8CR8M8NrB5UaByikJH-yU/s1600/DSC_5749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_Nony_dw3K2tQsZcMqnzgIyXR29GjLEI9Nk9rGRQ144Po7R4sbzjJmejPwLlVLKJgy-UhR8oDSsbzgxhIJh2-alIDfQIw9xeG0UHg02kYkt8OqIBJsTZnTu8CR8M8NrB5UaByikJH-yU/s640/DSC_5749.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Personally, I adore capturing little moments like this. But I usually feel too shy to be snapping photos of random people.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoP8_S_KmV9MTtkJEHm1SQQzikz3XaUkeUoboAOQAxAPRx7noJzlRXUMak7nyB3ni1PNoEVHzN4G-M_5haQqVB8mi2F4suDAGKOYR30q-zqnFXLkIfJMRzKTGZJMSaImri2R6c6iCtvnb/s1600/DSC_5753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoP8_S_KmV9MTtkJEHm1SQQzikz3XaUkeUoboAOQAxAPRx7noJzlRXUMak7nyB3ni1PNoEVHzN4G-M_5haQqVB8mi2F4suDAGKOYR30q-zqnFXLkIfJMRzKTGZJMSaImri2R6c6iCtvnb/s640/DSC_5753.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTNH71HtxW-Vbbu1M6W1mQndSjhdhbO89yJ8KKmpowjdRcy4m3ovNmjzjIY1UhjJ1awt3opsxFBqzQzP-14bUiC_w27pZOc-ipmQotwqfDeo5jBNh4Xvfl5bXFHse1JKCpY7q-KAKGRHo/s1600/DSC_5764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTNH71HtxW-Vbbu1M6W1mQndSjhdhbO89yJ8KKmpowjdRcy4m3ovNmjzjIY1UhjJ1awt3opsxFBqzQzP-14bUiC_w27pZOc-ipmQotwqfDeo5jBNh4Xvfl5bXFHse1JKCpY7q-KAKGRHo/s640/DSC_5764.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6qbFh_h5Pm_TD4QE7CPJzq2U6cMDlA6WFYPObB8qGKZOfsFxj9xNqJR9R6QWJfec__Kg-9s0MvKXMZ3yMmUfKqy_hwtgrYzb5s47Js9Srmmw8xafhC2EUy8aOkINwGBqTQ3Ib6QcLIiu/s1600/DSC_5797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6qbFh_h5Pm_TD4QE7CPJzq2U6cMDlA6WFYPObB8qGKZOfsFxj9xNqJR9R6QWJfec__Kg-9s0MvKXMZ3yMmUfKqy_hwtgrYzb5s47Js9Srmmw8xafhC2EUy8aOkINwGBqTQ3Ib6QcLIiu/s640/DSC_5797.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I tried really hard to try and capture how the landscape peeked through the window like an artwork ... but there was always someone there. Sigh. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi144zBFsQRsK74Rks6XH8lIglBx1rsD39vqhDmKh-qPSYaE-rurH5Yyf8EkQqtNhqc7MAW3s92chlgWH9ak_sZBefT1FY-4uZZxvksS5hu3MQ6W8J7yPbaZUzC3WkEpVajVx_oqWEcFFtO/s1600/DSC_5811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi144zBFsQRsK74Rks6XH8lIglBx1rsD39vqhDmKh-qPSYaE-rurH5Yyf8EkQqtNhqc7MAW3s92chlgWH9ak_sZBefT1FY-4uZZxvksS5hu3MQ6W8J7yPbaZUzC3WkEpVajVx_oqWEcFFtO/s640/DSC_5811.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Still not quite right :(</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPloMKy5twmwDlMxiz89fQcPgp7gwvyu0n4TdLjIUwMrLqdws0sXub917Fm9HlF0eG-4m4Bowmo2ApWsXh2r8bv-zh8DrCxl_qmp5ZT5AE26I9WSWrXxI2GQkI0iEDxe8INUZanPsL7xHF/s1600/DSC_5826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPloMKy5twmwDlMxiz89fQcPgp7gwvyu0n4TdLjIUwMrLqdws0sXub917Fm9HlF0eG-4m4Bowmo2ApWsXh2r8bv-zh8DrCxl_qmp5ZT5AE26I9WSWrXxI2GQkI0iEDxe8INUZanPsL7xHF/s640/DSC_5826.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho00K5gMs6EPg0y_BDy-NR7uUHmWv-MnCi8IQgTJxKctctSxWUHc_mEMVJBoExXXaODYjdJZtE0u5MPKQDsokmLRvOsBi1Q9aVceHUqzMxQPCa3UF4L0D_ULwR6mwawqIrbZijXOPRSroS/s1600/DSC_5834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho00K5gMs6EPg0y_BDy-NR7uUHmWv-MnCi8IQgTJxKctctSxWUHc_mEMVJBoExXXaODYjdJZtE0u5MPKQDsokmLRvOsBi1Q9aVceHUqzMxQPCa3UF4L0D_ULwR6mwawqIrbZijXOPRSroS/s640/DSC_5834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w67em5C1iT6NRb3n59XFqGmWvAiVHBovaSwLT6L7mAfTl_gdAGtNP_RGdaJ7CydrVJoXAlb92UgUpyArNxm_EpG6BrHNaq3EiDPRMDPpkduwso9r9m406aN2F65uU8xBCGsckC2CueCZ/s1600/DSC_5835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w67em5C1iT6NRb3n59XFqGmWvAiVHBovaSwLT6L7mAfTl_gdAGtNP_RGdaJ7CydrVJoXAlb92UgUpyArNxm_EpG6BrHNaq3EiDPRMDPpkduwso9r9m406aN2F65uU8xBCGsckC2CueCZ/s640/DSC_5835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAkqyMJ4hMsBt0ZwW4Wp_Loln78DvWZxJ4LL8MFrEdc5XPoxciAU4Cg7xzTDEqAioYGpgQTE4uPfTuAMJO6eghJAYq8hWpQju_cJ4T2kRurB0fUeE4wU_YFtgOMjoEwIF13JdIZagguZ9/s1600/DSC_5863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAkqyMJ4hMsBt0ZwW4Wp_Loln78DvWZxJ4LL8MFrEdc5XPoxciAU4Cg7xzTDEqAioYGpgQTE4uPfTuAMJO6eghJAYq8hWpQju_cJ4T2kRurB0fUeE4wU_YFtgOMjoEwIF13JdIZagguZ9/s640/DSC_5863.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTpzL8qUNm0jIxyvDJ3A5-W2Ykdce1fYZ-8awaheaWkJD5NaAZbmss2vgR74iwgNKpSedIPHUlU9FgOwzirBR3qz3DU5evFEmGcmgf4aEGY-GaBa4Kc9msy3URL0Vnw0zajR7Ydk-6TqR/s1600/DSC_5865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTpzL8qUNm0jIxyvDJ3A5-W2Ykdce1fYZ-8awaheaWkJD5NaAZbmss2vgR74iwgNKpSedIPHUlU9FgOwzirBR3qz3DU5evFEmGcmgf4aEGY-GaBa4Kc9msy3URL0Vnw0zajR7Ydk-6TqR/s640/DSC_5865.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TB-SoiDa_tEDHZ1kKgewMByGn5uV_8Q7cCtXxqgQfii-Q1emYRCPVDFaNmCpklNu1fNbDoCCIpyJ2ymfWgM5BdJguYmZSJ3V0mMWFBX_D605fj8dt7OLmX7DWeYRpX3MafaWQ-nGhbMT/s1600/DSC_5889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TB-SoiDa_tEDHZ1kKgewMByGn5uV_8Q7cCtXxqgQfii-Q1emYRCPVDFaNmCpklNu1fNbDoCCIpyJ2ymfWgM5BdJguYmZSJ3V0mMWFBX_D605fj8dt7OLmX7DWeYRpX3MafaWQ-nGhbMT/s640/DSC_5889.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCp0lYo_GiVtFR_jeMQKutohntap8YfehCIvZK4J_T9cJuBxgeoUz6EEt1wdmFxFyHiATRn1E19p9KQ5qZd6KrIaXKMGGQypXvMcFM83IjTIQfTQFDgFTxn-nSUpvcIK7SLS33dbm1mM-/s1600/DSC_5896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCp0lYo_GiVtFR_jeMQKutohntap8YfehCIvZK4J_T9cJuBxgeoUz6EEt1wdmFxFyHiATRn1E19p9KQ5qZd6KrIaXKMGGQypXvMcFM83IjTIQfTQFDgFTxn-nSUpvcIK7SLS33dbm1mM-/s640/DSC_5896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HSSLQ-6_zCDbIds8OcroPh7R0hoRKQvm0qmiAqIVqDXPrbMonL2kVnrSY75yZue1PkLpFXcmXquXKQ0i_kP82L4-wLiQsnPmDdlWZWTya5C5QbAMqpCMN4COI2KEIx3uP064vDOx1irM/s1600/DSC_5904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HSSLQ-6_zCDbIds8OcroPh7R0hoRKQvm0qmiAqIVqDXPrbMonL2kVnrSY75yZue1PkLpFXcmXquXKQ0i_kP82L4-wLiQsnPmDdlWZWTya5C5QbAMqpCMN4COI2KEIx3uP064vDOx1irM/s640/DSC_5904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's been forever since I went on the Canberra road trip. It was an amazing time, though there was the foreignness of not really knowing everyone really well. I know I'm not the greatest, nor most passionate photography but I do enjoy taking photos and I love looking back at them. It's honestly a shame to say I don't always take photos consistently and that makes me sad sometimes yet I'm also glad that I can just enjoy and revel in that moment without feeling obliged to capture the memories. I love having that private, secretive moment to commit to my memory without feeling pressured to take a photo. Another part of me feels slightly annoyed at myself and my reluctance to whip out my DSLR in awkward/public situations. I really need to get over that.<br />
<br />
For some reason, the photos I take and the type of photos I'm drawn to are rather different. Maybe that is a sign that I should be more adventurous with my photography and take more photos that I can be drawn to. I've come to realise I really like to photograph different lines and symmetry in my photos.<br />
<br />
PS: Any comment/criticism welcome. I honestly would love to improve my photography.<br />
<br />LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-85955434503806105382013-06-27T05:05:00.001-07:002013-06-27T05:05:33.084-07:00BRIEF THOUGHTS: HARUKI MURAKAMI 'AFTER DARK'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bimg2.mlstatic.com/after-dark-haruki-murakami_MLA-F-4157589729_042013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://bimg2.mlstatic.com/after-dark-haruki-murakami_MLA-F-4157589729_042013.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Reading a Haruki Murakami book is always a puzzle. It's a maze, but one you simply want to explore anyway. I completed the book, with a feeling of incompleteness and that's what continues to 'haunt' me. He leaves the readers to deal with the aftermath - the big questions, and the scattering of thoughts and ideas and let us make something of it from our own perspective, beliefs and experiences. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">His writing and his thoughts are often elusive, yet so alluring. I can never truly put into words the feelings his writing evokes because, like his stories, they always seem somewhat fleeting, out of reach yet utterly compelling.</span>LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-41084963873099608522013-06-25T02:40:00.002-07:002013-06-25T02:40:56.559-07:00THOUGHTS: THE GREAT GATSBY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blog.commarts.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/the-great-gatsby-movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://blog.commarts.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/the-great-gatsby-movie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Playlist: <a href="http://8tracks.com/connie_lola/the-great-gatsby" target="_blank">The Great Gatsby</a></i><br />
<br />
After I finished my exams, I was finally able to go to the cinemas (in a long, long time). I met up with my friend and we headed to eat first, where I basically filled her in with my plans to travel. I don't know if it put more distance between us or not because we've had a similar discussion before where I told her I wanted to travel and she was a tad dismissive - she has wanderlust, but she feels that it's impracticable, expensive and irresponsible. She said she wanted to save for a house instead - which is reasonable. It's 'responsible' but it's definitely not what I want at this point in my life. I feel like I have the rest of my life to work towards that goal. That said, it is a dream of mine to own my own house - I cannot wait to be able to decorate it the way I want to, to create a sanctuary I call my own. I love interior design and I don't have the freedom to decorate my room the way I would like, but I don't see the rush. It's already hard enough for established people to buy a home, let alone a single twenty-something with little financial stability. I'm sure once I have a career, I would be responsible enough to save up for my home then.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/sites/tcdailyplanet.net/files/imagecache/HugeColorbox/13/10/great_gatsby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/sites/tcdailyplanet.net/files/imagecache/HugeColorbox/13/10/great_gatsby.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gatsby in all his glory. Sigh, my heart feels for you baby. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyways, life rant aside. The Great Gatsby. It was amazing. Admittedly, I went through a very large portion of the movie feeling completely and utterly confused. However, by the end of the movie I was enthralled. The whole movie was a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. And the end had me in tears, and sad for the rest of the day. It's always fascinating when a movie has the ability to make you reflect. I prefer to go to the movies and unwind, shut my brain off and watch something mindless. Well, instead I got a movie which saw me pondering about how fleeting life and love is; how cruel and selfish we humans can be; how some people can love so powerfully and destructively whilst others can be so careless with love; how sometimes life is all but a mirage and all that we truly strive fall can fade to dust the very next second.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.musicfeeds.com.au/files/83ec026a705c24176b527249bc974aa8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media.musicfeeds.com.au/files/83ec026a705c24176b527249bc974aa8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can anyone break his heart? Girl, <i>look </i>at him!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Of course, I also fell for Leonardo DiCaprio again. Damn, I thought I was (and he was) too old for that, but apparently not. Seriously, before The Notebook made Ryan Gosling the romantic heart-throb, there was Leonardo making girls swoon since Romeo & Juliet and Titanic. How does he do it? He just has this intensity that makes him so compelling as the lovesick hero. But seriously, the poor guy needs to stop falling in love, and try stay away from water. Oh and Isla Fisher looks so different here, I felt that it was her but could barely recognise her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/the-great-gatsby-wbp10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/still/the-great-gatsby-wbp10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the colours in the movie - everything was so grand and dramatic. It was reminiscent of theatre, totally not what I expected from a movie - especially one about the 1920s. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The sets of the film are very vivid and extravagant, and the acting was marvellous. However, I must say the movie really took off towards the end and I'm not so sure that makes for the most engaging storytelling. At the end of the day, I thoroughly enjoyed the film so I guess that didn't deter me too much. It's so unbelievable that a lot of the movie was filmed in Sydney, and apparently some people from my friend's uni actually were extras in some of the Gatsby's magnificent parties. So friggin' jealous.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blackfilm.com/read/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Great-Gatsby-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://www.blackfilm.com/read/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Great-Gatsby-25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They look so beautiful together. Carey Mulligan is stunning as Daisy. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Also, the movie was so captivating that I've been inspired to actually read the book. I haven't actually started reading, but I have downloaded the e-book and emailed a copy to my iPhone as well. For anyone who is interested in reading the book, you can find a <a href="http://www.planetebook.com/The-Great-Gatsby.asp" target="_blank">free copy of the ebook here. </a>LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-13435816896130221892013-06-22T07:18:00.001-07:002013-06-22T07:18:56.293-07:00LATEST READ: THE TENTH CIRCLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jodipicoult.com/images/covers/circle-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://jodipicoult.com/images/covers/circle-500.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is the latest book I've really had the time to read, and I got through it pretty quick because I was sitting in the hospital all day, thus immensely bored between my naps. However, I was pretty disappointed with this book to be honest. It started out quite fast paced and interesting, however the ending was very anti-climatic and pretty predictable.<br />
<br />
Jodi Picoult stories tend to deal with quite heavy and controversial themes, but sometimes that can be a double edged sword. It draws the readers in, and you become intrigued in how she will deal with the selected themes but everyone has an expectation that if you want to build your story around a sensitive issue, it better be damned worth it. Here, not so much. Rape is always going to be a sensitive topic, but I think Picoult was very on-the-fence with her approach here, without being eye-opening or enlightening. Perhaps because I've gone on a personal journey with the topic of rape from not really being able to understand the ramifications of rape to becoming empathetic (don't worry, not through personal experience). So, personally I just felt that her exploration of the topic felt superficial.<br />
<br />
I feel like the novel had a lot of potential in that there was a meeting of the novel and the graphic comic form. However, the plot itself was a letdown.<br />
<br />
On a side note, I'm not American so I'm not really familiar with how crazy American parties are... but really? 14 year old's playing sex games like Daisy and Rainbow?! I'm not delusional nor am I a prude nor do I believe all teenagers are innocent about sex but seriously 14 is still too young to me; especially to be treating sex as a game.LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-38627571784885147302013-06-20T07:52:00.004-07:002013-06-20T07:54:25.093-07:00MIRRORS <i>Playlist: <a href="http://8tracks.com/lychii04/poppity-pop" target="_blank">Poppity Pop </a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
I've finished all my exams! *victory dance* Seriously, I feel so relieved and at ease at the moment. However, I'm pretty sure I bombed out on my exams. So I'm genuinely unhappy about that and disappointed with myself. I can't really do much about it now but hopefully I remember this feeling for the upcoming semester so I can stay motivated and work my butt off.<br />
<br />
As usual, I have so many goals and aspirations but I'm always holding back because of some lame excuse I make for myself. But no more. I'm slightly proud of myself and taking baby steps into achieving my goals. First, I booked my own flights and wrote my first cheque recently! I know, not something to really celebrate, but baby steps haha. Also, I've been purchasing items I've had my eyes on. Okay, it is a tiny bit far-fetched to consider retail therapy as achieving a goal. But.. I've been pining after the Fuji Instax for literally years. Since high school, to put it into perspective. So, I'm kind of excited that I finally took the plunge and committed to buying it... with a cute pink leather case ;) Cannot wait to get my tiny hands on that beauty. Also, I bought some cosmetic products I wanted to experiment with. I've always skirted around with the idea of starting to use make up but never really did. But now that my dark circles have reached the point of atrociousness, I kind of have to use make up for fear of looking like a zombie and being a human repellent. Anyways, I'm only going to use some under eye concealer if I can get the hang of it... I am hopeless at all this make up stuff, sigh. Anyways, with the upcoming mini-break and my lovely 11am starts next semester, I can get back into wearing my contacts! I've missed those babies <3 I prefer the look of contacts, but this semester, I needed my naps on the train because of my overkill timetable.<br />
<br />
I know I say this every time but I'm really looking forward to having a better balance next semester. I'm planning to pick up taekwondo because I've wanted to since ... early high school days. So I'm finally going to get with it because otherwise I'll never learn. I'm also thinking of playing squash at uni because I've always liked squash but don't play. I'm also planning to start gymming and getting fitter because I'm becoming increasingly frustrated with my body and certain problem areas so I'm going to have to start getting into shape because I won't be able to when I'm overseas. Which brings me to the big badass news. I am going on exchange with AIESEC. Holy crapolaaaaaaa. Biggest step out of my comfort zone ever. I'm so friggin excited though because that means I'll be overseas at the end of the year during summer break and get this - I'll be in Europe; after the exchange program I'll probably end up travelling AND am planning to spend my 21st overseas. How goddamn awesome would that be? I can't even believe all this is happening!!!LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-65035676186013176942013-05-03T05:24:00.002-07:002013-06-20T07:34:14.457-07:00PEOPLE, MORE PEOPLE AND UNIFirst off, uni seems to be a persistent bitch. In every goddamn facet. Cannot escape it for the life of me. Firstly, the workload is killing me, then assessments have poured in, and enrolment for next semester is doing my head in. Why? Because my uni website is too shoddy to handle the traffic that comes with enrolment (massive fail) and I literally spent 20 minutes even trying to get on, argh. FRUSTRATION. Then, I missed out on my planned timetable - which in retrospect, does work out. However, they've opened up more classes for the core courses and the times are so damn inconvenient. On top of that, I heard one of my subjects is massively hard. Great. Just great. The only flipside to everything? I'm trying my best to stay positive and go with the flow and just let things be because who knows? It might all work out, just like how I'm coming to terms with my 4 day timetable - 11am starts = sleep in time, not having to sleep early ... or y'know sleeping at 2am and getting only 4.5 hours every night, where the highlight of my day is literally the extra sleep time on the train. Yeah, that is definitely not a healthy or balanced schedule. So, I'm really starting to look forward to that aspect of next semester (getting way too ahead of myself, and totally ignoring the fact that I have to conquer exams before I get a break, and before a new semester resumes). Anyways, I am intrigued by the subject that everyone seems to hate, but who knows, maybe I'll like it enough to be good at it? Haha, trying to stay positive (and even though there is a looming cloud above my head, I know staying positive beats being a miserable whine by miles!) since I sat in a workshop about positive psychology and it was quite interesting... which reminds me, I totally need to fill out a survey and find out my strengths so I can hone and maximise them :)<br />
<br />
Apart from all the bullshiz that is uni life, I've gotten to know quite a lot of people over this year which has been quite surprising since I do like to and tend to keep to myself quite a bit. I'm not so sure I'm making any best friends or friends for life (honestly, because they're not really in my age group and I don't see them super-often) but I do know that we're all friends and I can hold conversations with them for prolonged times, which is a great start for me. The thing about me is that I don't really feel comfortable or enjoy letting people in too much - I kind of prefer not to. I don't like putting myself out there too much and whilst I am somewhat extroverted and talkative, there are things I like to keep private. Maybe I'm a narcissist but I think I need to ascertain that someone has earned that close friend status before I can lay my feelings on the table. If not, meh.<br />
<br />
On a side note, I wish a certain someone would lay off and not make the moves on me. It is starting to seriously annoy the hell out of me and it's affecting our friendship. I'm definitely not an 'easy' person to like because I'm honestly mean and I get lost in my own feelings of annoyance, rather than trying to empathise that the person probably has more to lose and feelings may be hurt. It's just... I hate rejecting people so I bottle it up and it gets to me to. It's just argh. I also spoke to one of my high school friends about this recently, because I've missed talking to her, and now I feel kind of distant but I don't know. We need to reconnect somehow.<br />
<br />
Also, I've been using my camera again since last time because of the filming project we have to do for one of my courses as well as joining the photography club so hopefully I get into it again because I'm seriously getting bored of this mundane lifestyle.LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-71366796484788549932013-04-17T06:53:00.003-07:002013-04-17T07:03:38.015-07:00RECAPSo much has happened since I last blogged, hence I haven't really had the time or drive to blog. I'm back at uni again, and despite procrastinating like crazy, I'm drained. It's always the transportation that really tires me out though, as it takes me (optimistically) 2 hours each way - aka, 4 hours there and back, and that's if there are no waits... but there's always waiting involved. Which means two things: 1) I probably spend more time on public transport than I have quality time spending with my own family and 2) I spend a lot of time on the train eating or sleeping, listening to music, playing games or staring into space and daydreaming - none of which are very productive either. That's one of the reasons why I've seriously been considering moving out, and even my mum (who I thought would be the main person opposing me moving out) suggested it. I mean, wow. The main problem with that would be the whole employment and stability thing. I don't know. I'm not sure I can take the leap yet.<br />
<br />
Also, my brother recently graduated and I'm so happy for him. It's always a massive stepping stone... yet no one really knew what to do. Sigh, facepalm. I was left to run around on the day to find a graduation bear and a bouquet of flowers and had to run to his university in order to make it on time for his graduation ceremony. There, I had to be the photographer and amateur videographer. By the end of the day, on the train trip back home, I had a mini heart attack when I thought I deleted the video of my brother getting his graduation certificate. THANK HEAVENS I DIDN'T.<br />
<br />
Another major event so far this year, both personally and socially, is that I've joined AIESEC. It's a global youth run organisation with the goal of developing leaders through facilitating exchange programs. And the people I've met and have been working with thus far, have been fabulous. Everyone has been really friendly, welcoming and open to talking and sharing. It's great, and I don't think I've ever really made friends that fast. I'm really stoked. It's also evoked that everpresent craving in me to go travel, on AIESEC exchange. I so want to do it, and I want to do it soon. But it's probably better to wait till summer, because I can save a bit more money and I'll enjoy the experience more since I waited so long for it; and I can stay behind a lot longer if I wanted to and travel around Asia. GAHHHH, MY FEELS. And I will have time to hunt Vic down.<br />
<br />
I'm also hoping to find a balance in life. I mean, I don't know. Life is inevitably hard. And I'm still struggling with it. But there's so much I want to do and I need to be more proactive with life, if not, am I really living? This year, I want to achieve a lot of things. I want it be a year that is worthwhile and a year that will shape who I am. Last year was a calm year, and it was still such a happy time. This year, I want to balance everything I desire - I want to read, watch shows (ha! how mundane), spend time with my family, work, study, volunteer, travel, exercise, explore and document everything. I mean, it doesn't sound like much, but boy is it hard to fit into a schedule.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-14223829028476639032013-03-06T04:12:00.000-08:002013-03-06T04:12:00.460-08:00SNAPSHOTS: LITTLE THINGS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE2g2z-i1zs2W646GsuKkvLAHN7jY7HQVEKHgCb2E7yuLYh-hCW4SbbAdQWxswDm5WywnmrNiMnJL18JbRPN93_ZfFtlTlB5uTPs1FtT-qjBo_9w4vGzJTVyz3AH6QZKDvaEQn2oHZT0Y/s1600/DSC_4793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE2g2z-i1zs2W646GsuKkvLAHN7jY7HQVEKHgCb2E7yuLYh-hCW4SbbAdQWxswDm5WywnmrNiMnJL18JbRPN93_ZfFtlTlB5uTPs1FtT-qjBo_9w4vGzJTVyz3AH6QZKDvaEQn2oHZT0Y/s640/DSC_4793.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">My studs.. prior to re-organisation that is.<br /></i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsByalbllKrRPJ3t-IgQo5VlgzgK6FS523CgS5S-lCB8uihg4KoZROCAlx2xld2bsvI-DarPG_QpUy45qAEwIUnlvdLyqAsuyAy5oyLzGPS3ApSWp7J7wRfPU4omeB3_me4JnVkuAu1NYR/s1600/DSC_4982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsByalbllKrRPJ3t-IgQo5VlgzgK6FS523CgS5S-lCB8uihg4KoZROCAlx2xld2bsvI-DarPG_QpUy45qAEwIUnlvdLyqAsuyAy5oyLzGPS3ApSWp7J7wRfPU4omeB3_me4JnVkuAu1NYR/s640/DSC_4982.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; font-style: italic;">Beaded necklace... such pretty colours.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Bought this ceramic bowl to store some studs because I keep losing them. The bowl's edge reminds me of little flower petals. On that note, I should stop buying more earrings, because it's like I can't stop. It kills my wallet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So I bought a necklace instead.... Yeah, not doing any better. It's so pretty and I love the mix of colours - pastels and gold look quite pretty together. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-69200215855659761922013-02-19T04:06:00.000-08:002013-02-19T04:06:00.478-08:00SNAPSHOTS: TEAL <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1TCKprCaSPs5TzGZz662_bYZY_8f7-jMnNDVf4rNb28E2N9Nv5E6xqTOyossvV9p70w8arpVf1K6ndlmQWQ1ckjcsHc0M68llYiiB0fSEZqHrpMiJBMB_Ve_GncA_sOgsq6tvPgpek13/s1600/DSC_4999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1TCKprCaSPs5TzGZz662_bYZY_8f7-jMnNDVf4rNb28E2N9Nv5E6xqTOyossvV9p70w8arpVf1K6ndlmQWQ1ckjcsHc0M68llYiiB0fSEZqHrpMiJBMB_Ve_GncA_sOgsq6tvPgpek13/s640/DSC_4999.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><i>Teal shimmer polish... I love this colour, it's so .. mermaidy.<br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1tpH-iO5j59wb6Z5EJFbU9b_sFb0QFtZud1SzTAeAJ6QuRWqCnQ_O2YIwocaf017iPTgpEiZatw4gjjlZVaEhhNFc8hf5SmKdUtolY6YoBY4_dzQkXrhRLieOSsnXsCfiBW-9swUqZf1/s1600/DSC_5432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1tpH-iO5j59wb6Z5EJFbU9b_sFb0QFtZud1SzTAeAJ6QuRWqCnQ_O2YIwocaf017iPTgpEiZatw4gjjlZVaEhhNFc8hf5SmKdUtolY6YoBY4_dzQkXrhRLieOSsnXsCfiBW-9swUqZf1/s640/DSC_5432.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tada! It's so prettyyyyyyyy~ </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So I told myself to NOT buy any more new polishes because I have way too many. That said, there <i>are </i>still some shades I don't have yet... like this beautiful teal colour. Soooo... when I was out roaming, I picked up this gem... for only $3. I know! For nails, I believe it's all about finding the perfect shade > the expensive brands. I do like some expensive brands, but oft-times they are way overpriced, so unless I <b>love </b>the colour, I can't justify spending more than x5 the amount of a cheaper polish on it.LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-54911504065573647702013-02-17T04:14:00.000-08:002013-02-17T04:14:00.116-08:00SNAPSHOTS: LOVE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMXLqcEMs8-6FG3X66qO0yso9_ZoLpSnLlnmqPAO_UPOLy4fkxgeRpBUspbUP6ayF1IE9MJm1fTI1UU9PBttMQ3jknDxaTaAhS1djY7nAybGm0Ol2qZ9794cJpVnpygpEmr4Icntg3SX_/s1600/DSC_4414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMXLqcEMs8-6FG3X66qO0yso9_ZoLpSnLlnmqPAO_UPOLy4fkxgeRpBUspbUP6ayF1IE9MJm1fTI1UU9PBttMQ3jknDxaTaAhS1djY7nAybGm0Ol2qZ9794cJpVnpygpEmr4Icntg3SX_/s640/DSC_4414.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><i>My cutie baby looking all pensive, hehe.<br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwqj8YWIOMT-YjOTQpJ_bRUO1HUZB3CopjXbLq4bmOHYS4n0TDmBesOT6NFow7F8QTz396ckaEV_SXap2cEUkM1W_-NJUdjGovf4vswItOhzEP8lE0Uy_2je8g1GLhYUoHp3Rl0catML-/s1600/DSC_5248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwqj8YWIOMT-YjOTQpJ_bRUO1HUZB3CopjXbLq4bmOHYS4n0TDmBesOT6NFow7F8QTz396ckaEV_SXap2cEUkM1W_-NJUdjGovf4vswItOhzEP8lE0Uy_2je8g1GLhYUoHp3Rl0catML-/s640/DSC_5248.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><i>One of my three cutie babies. So adorbs, resting behind my laptop.<br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-32461304329169625292013-02-06T03:57:00.000-08:002013-02-06T03:57:00.774-08:00SNAPSHOTS: DECOR<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xwX5j1whqGA5GkkkYihAudZZ3MITWZfaDhT_BkA8877HHW7qvHcvYaCIW6jzLryQt0YDxanrEe0jt_95qq52RNOK9kGqOMJ9aV2uQ6OOiU6Kd4bJz91MMGj4vEpdOr6up5ha4L-Cj5NG/s1600/DSC_4806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xwX5j1whqGA5GkkkYihAudZZ3MITWZfaDhT_BkA8877HHW7qvHcvYaCIW6jzLryQt0YDxanrEe0jt_95qq52RNOK9kGqOMJ9aV2uQ6OOiU6Kd4bJz91MMGj4vEpdOr6up5ha4L-Cj5NG/s640/DSC_4806.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><i>My cute little piggy. Basically empty though... </i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB3qF5ADbTpHx68UulJbgZu1_5tAGelMe_hK0O4JxayLpjJKbr_EylbyEE6ssZ8WklH1kvRpHCgRnnVvrAVHTjHr8uoun-QDz83PFt92LTQiASlmtxyHxIr57_mtvVmPRuAkVJmjrmN97/s1600/DSC_4920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB3qF5ADbTpHx68UulJbgZu1_5tAGelMe_hK0O4JxayLpjJKbr_EylbyEE6ssZ8WklH1kvRpHCgRnnVvrAVHTjHr8uoun-QDz83PFt92LTQiASlmtxyHxIr57_mtvVmPRuAkVJmjrmN97/s640/DSC_4920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><i>Home is wherever I'm with you...<br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have a bunch of piggy banks... disproportionate to the amount of money I've saved. Who am I kidding, I barely save. All the coins I stash away go towards my bus fare anyway. The frame is so beautiful AND it came free with a magazine - totally killed two birds with one stone. I wanted a frame for some family snaps, but I loved the art it came with anyways so I've yet to change it.<br />
<br />LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848631867336660864.post-22446258746625425422013-01-30T11:30:00.000-08:002013-01-30T11:30:01.173-08:00SNAPSHOT: TEXTILES<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_TmDKIN2k2AzQ8BRxolGBpOg-DZv84Hc-u7F2NlsetV9bqR-oYNp3YknOQvr2qc66wNRtarzdrbFEthAU8AC9AQ3DDTAOQWGeDNdmgHWJ6m06oDzTOLYq3JE-xIz8FAHIASE5tKqiR1d/s1600/DSC_4733.NEF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_TmDKIN2k2AzQ8BRxolGBpOg-DZv84Hc-u7F2NlsetV9bqR-oYNp3YknOQvr2qc66wNRtarzdrbFEthAU8AC9AQ3DDTAOQWGeDNdmgHWJ6m06oDzTOLYq3JE-xIz8FAHIASE5tKqiR1d/s640/DSC_4733.NEF" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><i>New sweater, white and blue stripes<br /></i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUP0DS7xveqV1lgRGt966Ku8gi17xUCuk1Lfbc8-MQ3u0U2UpSB0rwtytwHt1KCCMjorj2PRSLK-ayxjthpyBhqQ7EQRghZjItSi-BzaShiQIhOgIUc0IADv0zAg4-1d23YwcF6Gf-iTs/s1600/DSC_4533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUP0DS7xveqV1lgRGt966Ku8gi17xUCuk1Lfbc8-MQ3u0U2UpSB0rwtytwHt1KCCMjorj2PRSLK-ayxjthpyBhqQ7EQRghZjItSi-BzaShiQIhOgIUc0IADv0zAg4-1d23YwcF6Gf-iTs/s640/DSC_4533.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><i>New fabrics - turquoise chiffon and bird-print silk<br /><br /><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some new buys. I believe every girl needs a go-to sweater and well, blue and white stripes are a timeless look. It's simple and comfortable! Also, new fabric for some upcoming DIYing. I love pretty fabrics, but I also love the feel of fabric too... Not in a creepy rub-my-cheeks-on-fabric kind of way, just to the touch haha.LYCHIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09178776390780737585noreply@blogger.com0