Back to Reality

Seoul was absolutely amazing :D It felt unreal now that I'm back but It was definitely an experience to remember. I realised was that choosing your travel partner is very important. A heads up to future travel mates, I am the type to burn myself out during a holiday. I came to experience the locality. I'm not paying a bomb to sleep in. But for all its worth, I'm glad that I went with a close friend ^^ We didn't really match well habit wise but well enough to make considerations for each other.

This is just a quickie since I'm busy. There is just so much to tell that I can't possibly blog about in a single post. One of my highlights was shopping - clothes, shoes, cosmetics, accessories and even their local supermarket~!! I thought I went trigger happy but after unpacking I realised I hadn't bought that much. Actually I did since I returned home with 24.3kg (which is amazing since I can't even carry my own bag). Once home I felt I should have bought more stuff. But then again its not physically possible for me...You can't imagine how it was like trying to get to the airport.

I'm especially crazy CRAZY about skincare and lip cosmetics. I had always had a weak spot for lipsticks and glosses since I could never have enough of them. This is especially if I see a pretty colour or a colour that I don't have yet. I have tons lying around and I have recently bought three new colours to add to my collection. Of course I justify my purchases by convincing myself that I use more lip products since I really do favour them. 

I get more eccentric since I feel like I'm thrown into a whirlwind of hustle and bustle. Right now, I'm in the midst of college entrance. There is so little time as classes begin this Monday but I can't get any of the paperwork completed without an offer letter. What's most important is the dateline for the ptptn and my offer letter is still 'under consideration' due to me being a credit transfer student.

I've called them a few times and I was told that I have been accepted for my 4th choice (BA Hospitality Management) but the delay is due to them needing to work out my exemptions. For all this delays, I'd better be able to skip all practical since they have made me miss my orientation. I hope I didn't miss too much. I'm really excited to begin classes. 

Birthday Lunch @ The Manhattan Fish Market, Pavillion

What you see may not be what you will get~ Technically there was nothing wrong but I can't help feel a little disappointed by the food presentation and quality. The image on the left is what I was served compared to the promotional image(right).

My brother had always wanted to try the Flaming Platter @ The Manhattan Fish Market. Since I wasn't going to be around, we decided to take opportunity of the groupon promotion and celebrate his birthday a little earlier. Usually price for the Platter alone is usually RM55.90 and with the groupon it was discounted to RM47 with complementary 'chowder' and salad.

Before I bought the groupon, I called up the Pavillion outlet to enquire if we could use it on Good Friday because it was stated in the t&c that it is not valid on a public holiday. It had to be on this particular day because it was the only day before my flight where his school is off. It was a simple question but the phone was passed around with the employees mumbling and giving me mixed answers. (If they had said no, I would've gone there anyway. The only difference is that I wouldn't waste my money for a groupon that I cannot use.)

I was quite annoyed but luckily the Manhattan Facebook Team had some sense and quickly clarified this issue. During my visit, the service was quick and efficient but the quality of the meal was....well it's not that it taste bad but it leaves something to be desired. The salad was still crunchy and crisp but it had already begin browning. I didn't think much of this but on our way out, there was salads in the display counter. I don't even want to think how long it has been there. 

I didn't ask but I believe we were served Mushroom Garlic Soup since it taste like mushroom but with an overwhelming garlic flavour - kinda like melted garlic bread. It wasn't bad and it was rather thick and filling. However, I was looking forward to being served 'chowder of the day' since that was what printed in the groupon. According to the dictionary, it refers to a rich soup usually containing seafood but if there was any in it I couldn't taste it.

The main meal after over looking its appearance was actually really delicious. They brought the pan over and flamed in front of us before serving. My brother particularly enjoyed the fried oysters and my favourite was the Mediterranean fish. What that was surprising is the rice beneath the seafood! I'm not one who would choose rice as my side dishes as it would usually turn out dry and taste-less but this was simply divine. 

My brother and I was practically bloated by the time we finished it. If you're a small eater, this set could probably feed three as opposed to two and I'm telling you my brother is NOT a small eater. But of course individual appetite applies. 

To digest our lunch we decided to walk around a bit before picking up his dessert (a promise made earlier). He decided to have Gelatomio Fruito and even though we selected the smallest cup that dude serving us really packed up the cup. (Now I know how they make money) It cost me about RM15 for it which is rather expensive to me. My eyes were practically daggers when he looked like he couldn't finish it since he was still stuffed from earlier. 

He managed it in the end with me helping out a little (chocolate still isn't really my thing) and look rather tortured :P We had a great day but I doubt he would want to stuff himself like this for a long time. But then again, its only his birthday once a year. And at this point of writing he still hasn't have the slightest inclination for his dinner. 

Jogoya Buffet Lunch @ Starhill Gallery

While writing this I'm sitting in front of my laptop - stomach bloated like a fat, contented little kitty. :D A little disclaimer - this isn't supposed to be a review but rather my personal experience at the outlet. 

I was supposed to meet up with a college friend of mine who has just returned home for a week of well deserved break after completing her intern-ship. Since we're 'makan' buddies its important that we pick an awesome place to eat. Going to Jogoya was decided and agreed since we both hadn't the chance to try out this place. We were pleasantly surprised (and feeling damn lucky) that there is an ongoing promotion. That brings our bill to about rm70nett per person which is a steal if the buffet is as awesome as I hoped.

I was honestly looking forward to Jogoya despite hearing a lot of negative buzz recently - mostly about the terrible wait staff and the deteriorating food quality compared to 2 years ago. But since I hadn't tried it then I've nothing to say about it. What I can say that I am glad that the bad reviews were unfounded as I had a great time at Jogoya. The staff was attentive,polite and fulfilled our requests promptly although they look rather scared intimidated when we talked to them.

After paying, we were directed to a seat near the sushi/sashimi section. It was nicely secluded while not being too far from the buffet line. As advised by reviews, we decided to order food that supposedly takes a long time to arrive first. This is done by dropping our number clip into a bowl featuring our chosen dish which will then be delivered to our table.  

There was a wide variety of cuisines and we started out with the seafood and sashimi. Mostly since it was the nearest line to us. I have to note that contrary to some reviews, the sashimi and oyster were very fresh which makes for a pleasant experience since its my first time trying out oysters. It wasn't quite my thing but it wasn't too bad either. I guess its an acquired taste. :P If raw seafood is not your thing, there are plenty of other dishes that would surely suit your taste. 

The place is huge and is divided into sections resembling hawker booths rather then buffet lines which I was confused on what they have and where they are located. It was in a way rather nice as we did a tour on the different counters and was nicely surprised by the choices presented (the effect wouldn't be there if the food was delivered in a boring straight buffet line). Although I think this will only affect first-timers since by the end of the day we could probably find our way blindfolded :3

Some of the notable sections -  Deep Fried, Salad, Sashimi, Nigiri Sushi, Cold Dishes, something like BBQ, Western - which I gave a cursory glance and skipped (nothing wrong was with the food but who comes to a buffet to gorge on pasta :3). The Tepanyaki/ Grill segment - from which I ordered the lamb was amazing. I don't remember its name and it did took a while to arrive but it was well worth it as it taste absolutely divine. Another of our favourite dish was the Claypot Curry Crab - .

, 

We also tried their Steamed Garoupa which was delicious (not oily and no fishy smell). Some of which I skipped was Sushies, Dim sum and Mini Steamboats - basically anything I think is too ordinary or filling but honestly since there was only two of us it was quite hard to try everything. I tried three types of soups at the Chinese Cuisine section even though I know that I'm filling up vital stomach capacity with liquid - Herbal which tastes like Bak Kut Teh, Chicken Abalone and Shark Fin Soup.I didn't regret it at all as it was rich and comforting.

The highlight of the day was their range of dessert which was amazing amazing and AMAZING. If I'm not mistaken they had four large glass displays. One each for jellies/puddings, cakes, cookies and japanese sweets respectively. For ice creams lovers there was variety which you can select from Haagen Dazs and New Zealand. . My favourite was definitely the cakes as it was soft, fluffy and just fabulous. Their cookies looked delicious but I did not try them as I was already full after stuffing myself silly with cakes and ice creams. Although I was looking forward to it, the mochi wasn't anything to shout about though. 

They also had a large selection of drinks from iced slushies and cocktails to juices, coffee, tea. But my personal favourite was the mini coconut. Unlimited mind you. I think its one of their more popular items as I see pretty much every table has it. Beer and Japanese alcoholic is also offered for an additional price. 

Obviously I didn't not try everything as it was really a too large selection for just two person to attempt. :P We left after dining for 3 hours. It was money well spent and we look forward to the next promotion at Jogoya - this time with more friends. These are some moments that I'm glad I was not too influenced by reviews as it would be a shame to miss out on this. This is definitely a must re-visit. :D

Rekindled

It seems to me that blogging ideas comes more easily during the night usually right before I sleep. The problem with this is that I usually forget what I wanted to blog about or if I do remember then I probably lost the flow of it all together. I can only do things once. Once I've done it even if it were in my head I can't exactly re-create it with the same feeling unless I somehow manage to record my thoughts before it disappears. This makes for quite alot of un-completed and un-posted blog posts. Some suggestions on this would be appreciated but on to my topic today.

In preparation for my upcoming trip I'm now the proud owner of Nikon Coolpix P330. Tada~

The reason I selected this camera out of multitudes of others (and paid a great deal more) is because of the manual capabilities - which I'm trying hard to learn. I want to take gorgeous photos and I want to be able to control it and not be at the mercy of the camera instead - which is the problem of my current nearly 10-year-old Olympus. 

After high school I somewhat lost interest in photography (and quite a lot of my other hobbies - eg. writing) for a bit partly due to my outdated gear and the lack of supportive friends. However, researching how exactly to use each mode (I just love AV mode the best) and learning what the heck are stuff like ND filters, Active D-Lightings (sorry if I'm a noob but things like this never came with auto =.=) makes things so much more interesting. The multitudes of websites, guides and blogs available is just awesome. There area also photography magazines which I could download (for free) which had tons of beginner tips.

There is just so much to learn and I hope that college has a real photography club since I saw a couple of kids running around with dslrs. I apparently have the amazing luck of consistently joining a dead club. Any club I join seems to be dead. To proof it I've been a girl guide my entire schooling life but I've never even passed the pre-preparatory grade. This means that technically I'm not allowed to even wear their uniform. The clubs I joined at my various schools either had too many people to effectively do anything or we had not enough people to meet the min requirement for anything. Such a bummer.

Well cross my fingers and I'll hope for better luck in college since I'm supposed to be joining something to get curricular points.  

Proof of Adulthood

When I was younger, reaching my 21st birthday had always signified the gateway of adulthood - the magical age where we are no longer 'controlled' by our parents, where we could do whatever we want...and so it goes.  However, as I matured...I realised that adulthood isn't marked by a number but rather by our actions.

So what if you're 21 this year. Demanding that you want freedom is just plain bullshit for as long as we are dependant...as long as we cannot stand on our own feet we will always be ruled by our parents. Everything goes both ways. How convenient to proclaim that we are already old enough to do whatever we want but still need them to feed us, to cloth us, to pay for our education. Arguing will not serve any purpose but to proof our immaturity - this which I'm not immune to.

Parents have no obligation to fulfil our every whims and wishes. Legally they are only required to support us till 18. So if we are to live in their house we are to abide by their rules - or so my mum says. If you claim that you can do what ever you want, surely you can work for it. Financial freedom - the ability to pay our own. This is truly the ticket to freedom

However to me, health is the most important above all. This which I have experienced first hand. Within a year I've been warded twice which I'm sure is more than most my age. Some of these restrictions will affect my work opportunities as working overseas will not be a possibility. While my friends could...explore for the lack of a better word, I would be restricted to my locality as my life practically revolves around my appointments.

If this is adulthood, sometimes I'd rather be a kid again without worries. But well I'll take everything in a stride as I'm sure there is a silver lining somewhere - or so the proverb says. For now, I will be flying to South Korea in two weeks time. This would be my second trip overseas unaccompanied. I'm estimating expenses around rm5000 - a total which I hope I won't reach. I would probably post a detailed expenditure once I'm back.

Marching Forward

Its only March and it has been a whirlwind. In a way it also meant that sometimes things won't go as planned and we can only make the best out of it.

Currently I'm enjoying my first 'relaxation' at home. For me, I haven't technically had a time where I did nothing and stayed at home. Ever since SPM it was work > driving school > college. And even then my semester breaks are filled with PT work. Its all hustle and bustle.

But this wasn't what I had in mind either.

At first I had planned to work until March which is then followed by a  holiday in April before resuming my studies in May. However things did not work out that way. Due to certain disagreement, I submited my resignation a month earlier and unfortunnately even before I could complete my term I was warded for an infection.

I am applying to enter TAR for its business course or hospitality course so fingers crossed that it all goes well or else I would have to consider Plan B which I hope does not need to happen.

Wishing for luck ^^

Hearts Desire

Eversince I could remember, whenever I did well in my studies I would look forward for trips to the department store. I would then be allowed to choose a small gift for myself. My parents believed then that hard work should be rewarded and this is something that I have continued until now with my own finances.

In the year 2014, instead of a reasolution, this year, I've decided to compile a list of items that I would want to own in time.

1) LUNCH BOX & BENTO SET - I like making my own lunches and I am a self-admit addict when it comes to these bento-making sets. I can't resist putting my hands on one of these whenever I enter Daiso and it doesn't help with Daiso popping up like mushrooms. :D

2) TUMBLERS - People who know me can attest that I drink water and lots of it. I really like those novelty tumblers. The creativity in them is just astounding. But its hard for me to buy it sometimes because I can't bear to use them if its too pretty. For me it has to be pretty and yet plain enough for everyday use.

3) HAND CREAM - These are my guilty pleasure. I buy them for the packaging and I just love the scents that hand creams comes with. Sometimes they are too pretty to be used but with my line of work where cuts, burns and dry hands are normal, you can see why I like it don't you.

4) LIP GLOSS, LIP TINTS etc - If I had to select my favourite part of my face, I would select my lips. Its not that I have beautiful lips but simply became the easiest to accent since my eyes are forever hidden behind my glasses and nor do I have those enviable korean flawless complection. I am embarased to say I own more lip glosses, lip sticks, lip balms that I could ever wear (afterall we only have one lips) and yet I am always tempted whenever I pass through the cosmetics section. There is always a colour that I  haven't had yet. :P

5) MUSIC BOX - Its a little unusual but I especially like those that double as a jewelry box. Maybe its partly of its calming effect and that nostalgia it evokes.

6) BRACELETS -  If you would ask me I will always favor bracelets compared to anyother jewelry. This is partly of my impossibly skinny wrists makes bracelets practically impossible (they either slip down my hands or go all the way to my armpits :P) Dainty and yet understated. Just my style.

7) SNACKS - Unlike most girls I don't really like chocolates but I could never have enough of seaweed and chips. My addiction is till the extend of me requesting that as my birthday gift. I just love seaweed and also chips. Just the perfect combination XD I know they're cheap but they won't be cheap any longer if you eat them everyday. I wish I had an unlimited supply

Its a little late as always for my first post for this year but well better late then never. :D and as it is Chinese New Year I would like to wish you all Gong Hey Fatt Choy~!! 

Closing Chapter

Its time to say our goodbyes to another year. 

Much has happened this year - the good, the bad, with plenty of happy occasions and also sadness. 

If I were to describe what this year was to me in one word It would probably be accomplished. I didn't notice but a lot has occured and I'm proud to say I believed I have done what I did the best that I could have.

A little recap perhaps?

Graduate and went on road less traveled (which I am most definitely better off seeing as how my batch mates are stuck in a quandary)

I had my first job

Was hospitalised for the first time - Its a little bizzare...morbid but its quite interesting to see how does hospitals work from the experience of the patient. This is after you got after the fact that you are THE PATIENT

Felt how hard working life is ( bla bla bla I want it this way, that way, well you can have the highway *hmph*)

And also how it could be rewarding. Our FIRST sis-brother trip. This which I am proud to say is self funded by your truly. It is amazing, the feeling of satisfaction gained from paying for your own.

and is planning and saving for my self funded trip to korea

Baked a cake for a friend's birthday for the first time. You can imagine we had loads of fun ^^

Finally attended Comic Fiesta after 5 years. (Did I mention that I really like Euphie?)

And I also learnt that it is who you are with that matters - in which have a confession (...shhhhhh) I guess karaoke wasn't so bad after all...if gone with the right people. :P

A year has come and gone and with this year and this year I will enter adulthood with a mix of pride, amazement and anticipation of what is to come. May every year be better than the last.. With this I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Bye Bye 2013

and 

Hello 2014

The Present Time

It has been a while. Just recently I have unofficially completed my internship term. :) Its really a relief to NOT have the report's deadline hanging over my head. >.< Currently I'm waiting for my result to be out in about 2 weeks time. I doubt that I'll get a 3.5 pointer though. :( Of course I'm hoping for the best.

Compared to a couple months back, I believe that I am less stressed(?) Improvements probably due to the new employees and also due to the rescheduling of job responsibilities. ^^ This I hope maintains well into next year. Just recently, I was asked to design a poster/ advertisement for this upcoming thanksgiving.

Well, this is the result after 2 hours. I hope it looks pasable >.< And lookie here, I can already see my job responsibilities thanks to my boss. Since currently Pastries are my responsibility...well I can already 'anticipate'. On the bright side, there isn't really an order yet from the school.....sooo cross my fingers.

***

Usually while blogging, I usually don't backtrack on events but this I think must be recorded. Recently (or not so recently) I had a birthday celebration with my friends - this which is very much appreciated by yours truly. ^^  Personally, I consider myself as someone very hard to surprise 

However that that truly surprised me - whether it was intentional or not I do not know. But I guess I could say that I was slightly...really slightly disapointed when nothing happened. Man and when I thought nothing was happening. *BOOM* there was (I'm sorry girls) such a dead giveaway. :P Spiriting off while leaving me window shopping ALONE is really not the best way to be uhh...discreet. 

And also on a side note - seriously the excused you girls gave was hilarious. :D Anyway I loved it soo much because I truly appreciate the gesture and it really made my day. I loved that the cake was chocolate/coffee-free (I'm probably the weird girl who doesn't eat chocolate.) *shrugs* And the gifts was absolutely perfect and will be much loved and used. 

I hope its not too late but still Thank You for everything. I hope that we will be friends for many more year to come a.k.a FOREVER. <3 nbsp="" p="">

Along the Way

It has been a long while since I've posted anything. Being a final semester student was tough and presuring although I had no regrets. Afterall I had to ensure that I maintain my pointers. 

In a breeze I unofficially graduated on 10th May 2013. Just like that two years of studies are over. And among my friends I became the first to begin my internship.

It was really taxing as although now I finally have what you can say a 'normal' working shift (which isn't really common in my field). Pressure to do well and yet feeling inadequate is suffocating. 

Now three months into my internship I feel like a time bomb is ticking above my head. Its not the operations that I find hard but the management side that is sucking my java. I really like my job however I feel lonely every now and then. 

I miss studying. I love being a student. Being a student...you won't get how relaxing it is till you enter the working world. Submission dateline and my-boss-is-going-to-kill-me datelines can't really compare.

Speaking about that I have tons of work to finish my tonight. Till next time

Yellow Rose

I must be really really bad for not writing for so long...again.

Today I found photos that were taken a long time ago - 3 years ago to be exact. I had long forgotten about these till I cleared my disk and found them in an obscure folder. It really brought back memories because even though my amateurish photography, I could see the simplicity in us. Even with the upcoming exams (taken days before the all important spm), we were still having fun goofing around.

A long time ago, when people told me that I would miss school 

, that the time then was the best, I scoffed that remark. But now, I think its not the school but the memories - shared secrets, jokes, dramas and arguments made along the well familiar paths that was memorable.

There are many people that we meet in our lives. But only very few will make a lasting impression on our mind and hearts. It is these people that we will think of often and who will always remain important as true friends.

The ones who didn't...I won't say they weren't true because once upon a time we were friends and though it didn't last, though you may not think about it any more - I will because the moment we had will always be special.

With the coming of the Lunar New Year, I would like to thank my friend(s) who has constantly encouraged me to continue writing. I could see so much has changed and yet remained the same - traces of my past and who I once was. I can't help but wish to go back in time...but I know I cannot regret but from time to time one can't help but wonder. 

But when I look into the sky that was taken 3 years ago. One can't help but to be filled with hope. 

Flutters

Tell me. What do you do if there is someone you like? Do you tell him first?

We met two years ago - during our orientation. My crush...Its a strange word. I had always liked him I guess...but I might not have realised then.

He is an aircraft student where as I'm in hospitality - Together with the nursing sector, we're the three most 'secluded' field as we have our own unique schedule and hardly interact with normal students.

Its my last semester, I intend to shelve it as after graduation we would probably never meet again. What good will it do? But today I met him again...That familiar feeling...What should I do?

Sense of Finality

Currently it's the second week of my final semester. It's busy and still shifting with timetables not in place. In a way I believe that is similar to how people behave. Our batch - which has always been somewhat together - has fractured. In the most obvious sense is half of us choose not to graduate this semester.

Well anyway with this being most of our last semester I feel that there is a sense of finality in the air - Less need for pretences and such as I feel friendships fizzling. In a way, its somewhat scary when you see people change; but then again they might not have changed at all. Perhaps it is nature's intended.

Collecting my results, I think I did fairly well. Not as much as I hoped but good enough ^^  This semester will be the final leg of the race. I must do well. I will do well. So watch me. 

Looking back, I can't believe how fast time flies. It feels like only yesterday that I just began my higher education~ I will cherish and savour every moment before this chapter closes and a new one begins. I love my class ^^

Confessions of a Mela-Choleric

Its the end of the year. 

Much has happened good and bad. Looking back I realised that a lot have changed. Some I may or may not have realised yet.

For this year - for the first time I found a resolution for me to keep - something personal. Reasons being that upon reflecting back I realise that I am a pessimist. I'm proud, vain, stubborn - features that I'm not proud to admit. There are much to be thankful of and I did not. 

I chanced upon a personality quiz a month ago and I was stunned on how closely it matched me. Here are some snippets

 "...prefers to work alone, rather than with people."

"...your weaknesses include a tendency of excessive self-criticism and criticism of others, being dismissive or overly judgemental  and possessing an untrustful and controlling nature." 

"...can become a cross to those around him, through his nit-picking, perfectionism, disdain, bitterness, resentfulness, spitefulness when crossed, and even haughtiness."

These are issues that I've been struggling with this year. Trust is very hard to give and as much as I try, I demand too much from others and I become frustrated and disappointed when they fail. I am also exhausted as I find it hard to let go.

Problem issues isn't it?

However, next year will be a fresh beginning, a new one and also my final semester. A year that I intend to treasure. One where I could try to change for the better. 

I won't promise anything but I will do my best.