So now as I type this, I'm not sure if I am able to put my messy thoughts into coherent, proper sentences.
The gist is basically, I've been feeling incredibly blessed the past year.
I've hardly had many good things going my way most of the time and I don't know what I did to suddenly deserve this.
From getting a scholarship to finding my dream job to passing my driving test the first time to achieving my ideal results.
Maybe it's to make up for my dismal A' Level results and for wasting a year.
I no longer see it as that way though.
Call it a blessing in disguise perhaps.
Thank you - to those who have stood by me and never giving up on me, especially my family.
;
Cambodia was a good respite.
Now, I'm ready to face the next phase of my life.
The gist is basically, I've been feeling incredibly blessed the past year.
I've hardly had many good things going my way most of the time and I don't know what I did to suddenly deserve this.
From getting a scholarship to finding my dream job to passing my driving test the first time to achieving my ideal results.
Maybe it's to make up for my dismal A' Level results and for wasting a year.
I no longer see it as that way though.
Call it a blessing in disguise perhaps.
Thank you - to those who have stood by me and never giving up on me, especially my family.
;
Cambodia was a good respite.
Now, I'm ready to face the next phase of my life.
8 tips on a budget overseas exchange, Monday, December 28, 2015, 11:42 PM
This post may not apply to all countries in Europe but should work most of the time. During my time in Europe, I covered Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Spain, France and Norway. My exchange school was located in Bordeaux, France.
Period: 18 August - 24 November
Damage to wallet: $8,600
Period: 18 August - 24 November
Damage to wallet: $8,600
1. ALWAYS bring along your student card
Regardless is it your Singapore university access pass or your partner university card, many countries in Europe accept them. Do keep a soft copy on your phone too! In case you forget to bring it out. A picture of it works just the same. Tried and tested. You get to save so much on entrance fees and transportation.
2. Learn some basic cooking
It'll go a long way towards saving money on meals. If you have no interest in picking up cooking, bring along some Singapore pastes or instant noodles/porridge that you can find in our local supermarkets. Those can curb your cravings and are friendly on your pockets too ;)
3. Shop at discount supermarkets
Aldi and Lidl can be found in many countries around Europe and their prices are much cheaper than other supermarkets e.g. grapes for 1 Euro, shampoo for 0.80 Euro. The quality may not be fantastic but if you are not fussy and are on a budget, it will be worth it to write a shopping list and make a trip down from time to time. If you are looking for clothes, Primark is a good suggestion.
4. Crash your friends' hostel/apartment
I did it on my Oslo trip (Norway is super expensive!) and only spent SGD100 for 2 days. Not only can you save money on accommodation but also food cause you get to cook at his/her place. And if you have to book a place, as much as possible plan your trips with others, preferable in even numbers, so you get to share the cost.
5. Sign up for newsletters of budget airlines, buses and trains.
Sales (e.g. SNCF winter sale) occur from time to time so you don't wanna miss any of them out! Flights on Ryanair can cost as low as 4.90 Euro!
6. Compare prices before booking
Some useful websites are skyscanner, google flights, captaintrain.com (France & Germany), busradar.com. Trains are not necessarily cheaper than flights and the time taken is much longer. Do not make any assumptions and do some homework to get the best deal. Sometimes, buying tickets over the counter is cheaper than online too (or vice versa).
7. Useful things to bring along
- Rubber bands/Airtight clips
- Ziplock bags
- Tupperware
- Hangers
- Laundry bags
- Some washing powder (to tide through first few weeks)
- Mini sewing kit
- Recyclable bags
It may not be as intuitive to bring along the above but being well equipped can also help you to save money. You don't have to work have to worry about buying plastic bags when at the supermarket, or that you don't have any container to store your food should you decide to bring some food to school etc.
8. In general, do your homework and plan, plan, plan!
That way, you'll know the most optimal route to take, the best time to travel and the best way to do so :D
C'est ma vie, Saturday, August 1, 2015, 11:30 PM
#thoughtpost
I'm a fiercely private person who rarely shares or even divulge a hint of my inner private thoughts.
I've never been one to discuss about matters openly with the people around me, not even my family or close friends.
I'm not proud of my life history and am still trying to come to terms with it.
But today, I learnt that no matter however less travelled the road may be, all roads lead to Rome, and the long winding road may nonetheless be as glittery and pompous.
I figured this calls for a blog post.
I was so down and out after the release of my A'Level results.
My dismal grades could hardly get me anywhere, except for maybe certain engineering courses.
But I was so bent on entering into a Business course and only Business, I spent no time considering other options and went ahead with the applications into all the local Business schools.
Of course, I was rejected by all three.
I enrolled myself into SIM-UOL, and well, I was okay with studying there.
But I knew I was missing out on something.
I guess it was Sociology class that really enlightened me.
I remembering feeling so awed by one of the lessons I thought to myself, hey, I actually don't mind studying social sciences.
And so I reapplied to the three local universities, putting social sciences as my first choice this time round.
I attended two interviews but did not hear any good news until.. Friday the 13th (July).
Hahaha it's not an unlucky day after all.
So, three years of school flashed past and despite a ton of group projects/CCA commitments/piano commitments along the way, I enjoyed school so much so I'm actually dreading my graduation next year ):
And today, I'm actually a scholarship recipient.
Thank you Ngee Ann Kongsi for believing in me.
Thank you Ngee Ann Kongsi for believing in me.
Bored at work, Monday, June 8, 2015, 11:29 AM
Halfway into my summer break and into my fifth week at work.
But there hasn't been much for me to do and I can't help but feel that I'm wasting my time here.
The team lead is always busy and my reporting officer has been on leave the past 1.5 weeks.
Sigh okay, I shall focus on the more positive things.
I'm still teaching piano, learning French in my own time, passed my BTT and on my way to FTT whoop.
Now that seems quite a handful.
Gotta make the most out of my time and in a meaningful way before I leave for exchange in August ~
But there hasn't been much for me to do and I can't help but feel that I'm wasting my time here.
The team lead is always busy and my reporting officer has been on leave the past 1.5 weeks.
Sigh okay, I shall focus on the more positive things.
I'm still teaching piano, learning French in my own time, passed my BTT and on my way to FTT whoop.
Now that seems quite a handful.
Gotta make the most out of my time and in a meaningful way before I leave for exchange in August ~
Post-Shanghai, Saturday, December 20, 2014, 11:13 PM
I realised that I haven't penned down my Shanghai experience! So here's my attempt to recall how I lived May-August before the year ends!
I remember spending my first official weekend (not the weekend that I arrived) not in Shanghai but in Nanjing! It was so so fun as 13 of went down to stay at Hattie's house. (Think: stayover but on a super grand scale) Her parents were really hospitable and paid for everything *gasp*
Then the next weekend was spent at old towns Nan Xiang and Zhu Jia Jiao, the "Venice" of Shanghai! Laughed throughout the entire trip cause my companions were super funny! Also took lotsa crazy photos hahaha.
The 3rd weekend was a long one because of a public holiday. Many of the other interns took the chance to make a trip out of Shanghai but because I have visited most of the nearby places before, I decided to stay and visit the local tourist attractions instead. I went to see Yu Yuan Garden, Pearl Tower, Shanghai Museum, walked around People's Square (佳家汤包, 上海书局), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, French Concession.
4th weekend. Ice-skating and visited the Pivot Marketing interns at their company's carnival.
5th. Later that week, Auntie Bee Lan brought me and a few of my housemates out for dinner hehe the best and most filling meal I have had in Shanghai so far. Also caught X-Men in 3D for just SGD8! Made a trip of out Shanghai to Zhen Jiang that weekend! It was a super chill getaway with some hiking and cafe hopping heh.
6th. Wanted to go to Happy Valley amusement park but visited Qi Bao, another old town on Saturday but it was the rainy season. We didn't stay long and spent the day k-ing instead. Super cheap SGD1 for 1 hour! Also went clubbing later that night! Slept in on Sunday, went to Mr. Pancake for lunch and then walked around the Korean town.
7th. This was the weekend many of the interns went their "visa run" trip, so I tagged along with Lionel to Lai Mun's Auntie's restaurant where we had Singaporean food! Also took the RMB2 ferry across the Huang Pu river that night. Woke up super early the next day to have some famous 馄饨 for breakfast and headed to Science Museum area to shop.
8th. My turn to escape from China! First stop: Macau. Wan Ling and I went to see the Venetian, Macau Tower, Senado Square, St Paul's Ruins and Fisherman's Wharf. Took the ferry over to Hong Kong for the night where we met up with XJ and Annie for supper and beer + soccer at a pub hahaha. Woke up at 9am the next day to have breakfast at Australian Dairy Co. Food hopped at Central area where we had awesome Tai Cheong Bakery Egg-tarts, roasted meat and Mak's noodles. Took a break to do some shopping at H&M and Avenue of Stars before more food at One Dim Sum, Tim Ho Wan and daobao-ed Dim Dim Sum for breakfast the next day.
9th. Because it was still the rainy season, homie and I went to visit museums instead - China Art Museum and Power Station Art Museum.
10th. Happy Valley - finally! And went to the beach with homie on Sunday. The beach wasn't clean at all so all we did was to sit on the sand and listen to music while sitting on trash bags with our umbrellas open (Oops but who cares? We were in China!).
11th. Hehe my birthday week! Got a really HUGE surprise when flowers and a cake showed up at my workplace. Hehe thanks Daddy, Mummy, Chelsea and Carrie! That week we went to try out shooting and archery too. XJ visited me that weekend and should I say it was a life-changing event? HAHAHA. Brought him to have Jia Jia Tang Bao for lunch , Qi Bao, Jin Mao Tower, roadside BBQ (omg I miss the enoki mushrooms and brinjal), Mokkos bar, Mr Pancakes, Jing An Temple, Tian Zi Fang and 小杨生煎 for dinner.
12th. Time for everyone to leave ): Spent the Saturday morning and afternoon with homie where we watched 后会无期 and had lunch together. Moved out on Sunday.
13th. Had some time to spare before my Saturday night flight so I went to run some errands, had a haircut, bought flowers for my host and did gel manicure.
And that's about it! Missing Shanghai now );
I remember spending my first official weekend (not the weekend that I arrived) not in Shanghai but in Nanjing! It was so so fun as 13 of went down to stay at Hattie's house. (Think: stayover but on a super grand scale) Her parents were really hospitable and paid for everything *gasp*
Then the next weekend was spent at old towns Nan Xiang and Zhu Jia Jiao, the "Venice" of Shanghai! Laughed throughout the entire trip cause my companions were super funny! Also took lotsa crazy photos hahaha.
The 3rd weekend was a long one because of a public holiday. Many of the other interns took the chance to make a trip out of Shanghai but because I have visited most of the nearby places before, I decided to stay and visit the local tourist attractions instead. I went to see Yu Yuan Garden, Pearl Tower, Shanghai Museum, walked around People's Square (佳家汤包, 上海书局), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, French Concession.
4th weekend. Ice-skating and visited the Pivot Marketing interns at their company's carnival.
5th. Later that week, Auntie Bee Lan brought me and a few of my housemates out for dinner hehe the best and most filling meal I have had in Shanghai so far. Also caught X-Men in 3D for just SGD8! Made a trip of out Shanghai to Zhen Jiang that weekend! It was a super chill getaway with some hiking and cafe hopping heh.
6th. Wanted to go to Happy Valley amusement park but visited Qi Bao, another old town on Saturday but it was the rainy season. We didn't stay long and spent the day k-ing instead. Super cheap SGD1 for 1 hour! Also went clubbing later that night! Slept in on Sunday, went to Mr. Pancake for lunch and then walked around the Korean town.
7th. This was the weekend many of the interns went their "visa run" trip, so I tagged along with Lionel to Lai Mun's Auntie's restaurant where we had Singaporean food! Also took the RMB2 ferry across the Huang Pu river that night. Woke up super early the next day to have some famous 馄饨 for breakfast and headed to Science Museum area to shop.
8th. My turn to escape from China! First stop: Macau. Wan Ling and I went to see the Venetian, Macau Tower, Senado Square, St Paul's Ruins and Fisherman's Wharf. Took the ferry over to Hong Kong for the night where we met up with XJ and Annie for supper and beer + soccer at a pub hahaha. Woke up at 9am the next day to have breakfast at Australian Dairy Co. Food hopped at Central area where we had awesome Tai Cheong Bakery Egg-tarts, roasted meat and Mak's noodles. Took a break to do some shopping at H&M and Avenue of Stars before more food at One Dim Sum, Tim Ho Wan and daobao-ed Dim Dim Sum for breakfast the next day.
9th. Because it was still the rainy season, homie and I went to visit museums instead - China Art Museum and Power Station Art Museum.
10th. Happy Valley - finally! And went to the beach with homie on Sunday. The beach wasn't clean at all so all we did was to sit on the sand and listen to music while sitting on trash bags with our umbrellas open (Oops but who cares? We were in China!).
11th. Hehe my birthday week! Got a really HUGE surprise when flowers and a cake showed up at my workplace. Hehe thanks Daddy, Mummy, Chelsea and Carrie! That week we went to try out shooting and archery too. XJ visited me that weekend and should I say it was a life-changing event? HAHAHA. Brought him to have Jia Jia Tang Bao for lunch , Qi Bao, Jin Mao Tower, roadside BBQ (omg I miss the enoki mushrooms and brinjal), Mokkos bar, Mr Pancakes, Jing An Temple, Tian Zi Fang and 小杨生煎 for dinner.
12th. Time for everyone to leave ): Spent the Saturday morning and afternoon with homie where we watched 后会无期 and had lunch together. Moved out on Sunday.
13th. Had some time to spare before my Saturday night flight so I went to run some errands, had a haircut, bought flowers for my host and did gel manicure.
And that's about it! Missing Shanghai now );
Love is,, Saturday, February 15, 2014, 11:09 PM
I know I've been absent here for the longest time so I wanna share a quote today.
I had a great time yesterday and am so thankful to have received so much love from my friends.
I am happy with my life and have so much to be grateful for.
So no pressure to get attached; just wanna enjoy singlehood while it lasts ;D
P.S. Follow me on Dayre for more updates!
2013/14, Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 8:30 PM
And so 2013 has come to an end.
Every year brings new expectations, opportunities and challenges and I tend to enter the new year with trepidation because of all the uncertainties.
But I never fail to grow and learn during each year and 2013 was no exception.
Looking back, this year has been really good to me! :)
From taking off my braces to passing my Grade 8 practical to going on the WAT USA programme to celebrating my 21st (as well as that of many others) to getting into Uni-Y SMU ExCo.
I've been pretty lucky at finding jobs too haha with the two one-day jobs in May and my 3 weeks temp receptionist job at Remy and now my stint at Robert Walters.
Feeling really blessed indeed :')
Granted, not every thing was smooth-sailing but that's life isn't it haha
Studies wise, I was pretty distracted last sem but fortunately my results weren't really affected (yes results are out haha my gpa slid down again but my term gpa is actually higher than last last sem's) and I'm really very very thankful and relieved!
And on top of all these, I experienced a few whirlwind events this year.
They aren't downs, just signs that I'm growing up (and old sigh).
I may not be certain that 2014 will be a better year, but I promise to make the best out of everything and enjoy whatever that comes.
HAPPY 2014 ^^
Every year brings new expectations, opportunities and challenges and I tend to enter the new year with trepidation because of all the uncertainties.
But I never fail to grow and learn during each year and 2013 was no exception.
Looking back, this year has been really good to me! :)
From taking off my braces to passing my Grade 8 practical to going on the WAT USA programme to celebrating my 21st (as well as that of many others) to getting into Uni-Y SMU ExCo.
I've been pretty lucky at finding jobs too haha with the two one-day jobs in May and my 3 weeks temp receptionist job at Remy and now my stint at Robert Walters.
Feeling really blessed indeed :')
Granted, not every thing was smooth-sailing but that's life isn't it haha
Studies wise, I was pretty distracted last sem but fortunately my results weren't really affected (yes results are out haha my gpa slid down again but my term gpa is actually higher than last last sem's) and I'm really very very thankful and relieved!
And on top of all these, I experienced a few whirlwind events this year.
They aren't downs, just signs that I'm growing up (and old sigh).
I may not be certain that 2014 will be a better year, but I promise to make the best out of everything and enjoy whatever that comes.
HAPPY 2014 ^^
, Sunday, December 22, 2013, 12:00 PM
Dayre, the new blogging app is probably gonna take over Blogger soon haha
Have been absent here for quite some time cause it's much more convenient to update Dayre.
So here are some quick updates :)
Hop over to dayre if you want to read more!
Hop over to dayre if you want to read more!
Started work at Robert Walters and was disappointed to find out that it's just a data entry job.
Fortunately, the other interns are nice to get along with and that makes the job so much less boring :')
Above is a picture of our 1-for-1 Starbucks breakfast drink which we queued for together!
Worked for a week and took a one week break hahaha
Above is a picture of the beautiful Karon Beach (and me!) in Phuket :)
Came home to Giamme's Christmas card!
So sweet of her keke
And I baked shortbread cookies yesterday!
Awesome invention haha they literally melt in your mouth yumz
But ultra sinful ):
-
Right, that's all for now.
Looking forward to tomorrow's sleepover! :D
Post-exams, Tuesday, December 3, 2013, 11:04 PM
I like.
The peacefulness of the night.
I like.
Cuddling in my bed, with my quilt wrapped around me.
I like.
Watching my drama and being absorbed in it.
But at the end of the day, why do I feel a sense of emptiness within me?
Well, all I did during the last five days was watch Catching Fire, LLW, baked blueberry scones, huat kueh and blueberry peach cake, sent Chelsea off at the airport and went for a run. Okay the workaholic in me is rising again. Time to do more meaningful stuff the next few days before starting on my internship next week!
The peacefulness of the night.
I like.
Cuddling in my bed, with my quilt wrapped around me.
I like.
Watching my drama and being absorbed in it.
But at the end of the day, why do I feel a sense of emptiness within me?
Well, all I did during the last five days was watch Catching Fire, LLW, baked blueberry scones, huat kueh and blueberry peach cake, sent Chelsea off at the airport and went for a run. Okay the workaholic in me is rising again. Time to do more meaningful stuff the next few days before starting on my internship next week!
The best things in life :')
Of roses & peaches, Saturday, November 16, 2013, 8:44 PM
Okay so I finally signed up for something as a gourmet club member.
Hence, today's post shall cover a step-by-step method on making a peaches layer cream cake.
Step 1. Bake the chiffon cake
Step 2. Cut the cake into half and fill it with peaches and cream
Step 3. Coat with icing. This is the most difficult part :/
Step 4. Decorate! (Peaches without piped scores)
Tada! The final product :))
Really love love love the design haha.
;
& it's time for me to go back to my books ):
2 more weeks to freedom!
, Friday, November 8, 2013, 8:05 PM
I survived Week 12 of 4 presentations and BOSS bidding!
*pats myself on the back*
Really thankful once again to have awesome group mates.
Now, just two more weeks before the final lap.
LET'S GO!
;
honesty & trust :')
#theeighth
#theeighth
DECISIONS., Sunday, October 20, 2013, 7:11 PM
DECISIONS. DECISIONS. DECISIONS.
Have never been bogged down by so much major decision making in my life before.
Overwhelming much.
2nd major. Overseas internship. Exchange. And R.
At least I've decided on taking a second major.
But OBHR or Corp Comms?
And yay my parents allow me to go for overseas internship.
But coming summer or the last summer?
And can I even clear 5 mods on exchange?
As for the R, so glad I've cleared that up.
We'll see how it goes :)
Just not busy enough to keep the thoughts at bay.
Have never been bogged down by so much major decision making in my life before.
Overwhelming much.
2nd major. Overseas internship. Exchange. And R.
At least I've decided on taking a second major.
But OBHR or Corp Comms?
And yay my parents allow me to go for overseas internship.
But coming summer or the last summer?
And can I even clear 5 mods on exchange?
As for the R, so glad I've cleared that up.
We'll see how it goes :)
Just not busy enough to keep the thoughts at bay.
