Christmas 2015

25th December 2015
Christmas Set @ Cobara-Hetta, Odaiba

I've always looked forward to Christmas even though I don't have special plans for it. I just love the atmosphere the festive season gives. I usually spent it with my friends and hang out at some Christmas market but this year was different. Christmas this year was brilliant. It was nothing too extravagant. It was simply a great day spent with a great company and delicious food at a french resturant. I can finally strike off something on my bucket-list! 

I'm already looking forward to Christmas next year! But before that, I think I should celebrate properly celebrate New Year first.

It's a little early but I think I should say this before I completely forget:

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. May 2016 be kind to me.

来年もよろしくお願いします。

Woken up from a nightmare.

"BB! Doli!", she exclaimed and started bawling.

The realisation that they were not around anymore broke her. Then, she woke up. 

"Thank god that was only a dream", she whispered to herself under her breath.

--------------------------------

It was terrible. The worse possible scenario, if you ask me. What's odd is that it was them who died of a mysterious illness. But why did I feel that they weren't around anymore? Or was it fear that it was them. I wonder. 

I am back in Tokyo.

12th December 2015
Tasting of a new beer by kirin with some snacks for just 200 yen!

Being away and not being active on social media was very therapeutic. I wish I could have done it sooner. I've managed to settle down a lot faster than I initially expected. Big thanks to some of my friends who helped! I've got to meet up with some of my best friends, tidy up my room and got to know my new housemate a little. It was an amazing two weeks ever since coming back to Japan. If anyone was wondering; I am glad I'm back in Tokyo, Japan. (Thank goodness I am back!)

Going back home and coming back to Japan had made me realised a few things. I can't exactly spell out what exactly those these were but I do feel that I've grown a little, mentally. I couldn't have done it without my good friends by my side giving me all the life advises they had to offer. By letting the old go, new and more amazing stuff would come by. During my last few weeks before I hopped on the plane back to Japan, I met new friends, reconciled with the old and let some of them whom I thought were my best friends, drift a little further. I am contented with the displacement because sometimes people find new and better friends they could benefit from and decides to forget the old ones. And, that is completely fine because everyone changes.

Christmas is coming soon. This year would be a little different. But I'm still looking forward to it regardless. :)

xoxo.

So now you know.

11th October 2015

Location: Singapore
Weather: Humid and Hazy
Date: 28th October 2015

I have not updated this space for almost two months! I won't consider the previous post I wrote on September 1st to be an update. Or should i? Anyways, I just didn't want to be pretentious and write about my life back home as something exciting or like it's another 'wonderful adventure' when in actuality, nothing exciting happened. I tried writing and trust me, I have a lot of drafts but I just don't feel like posting them because I'm not comfortable with letting all my opinions on the world wide web. I'm going try to just write a brief about whatever that has been going on.

Most days were boring because I allowed it to happen. I just play games all day on my PSP and hang out with my two pet dogs while waiting for the rest of my family members to come home with dinner. Surprisingly, I'm very talented at doing absolutely nothing important. I'm not particularly regretful of days like these because, let's be real here, how long can I have days where I do completely nothing productive? Not a lot. So I'm trying to cherish them while trying not to have a mental breakdown.

During days where I can be productive are also the days I sorta dislike because of the stress it gives me. I'm not a person who is good at making decisions because I still have tons to learn. I know. So, the whole process of getting things done took a little while. Not because I want to procrastinate for the sake of it but rather, it's the stress that's keeping me from wanting to do anything. I believe it's similar to the feeling of wanting escaping the stress of writing essays, or worse. Nonetheless, it is not a pleasant feeling.

Now that I've finished most of them bloody errands (or should I say life changing decisions?), I'm currently at 'peace'. Or at least, I want to believe I am. With most of my things settled I just have to slowly wait for the day to arrive. It's going to be another round of rollercoaster ride very soon. I know it and I'm not looking forward to that. I'm trying to think of positive thoughts while I countdown my days. The one thing I'm worried is that if I'm still able to withstand all of it again or will I just be too tired and get burnt out. One thing I will never know until the day comes. I'm not that much of an ignorant daredevil like how I was before.

So, what exactly have I been working on that is giving me all these stress? Well, university applications. Again?! Yes. Again. I hate it so much. I've also been trying to find a new place to stay and settling all that is to settle. Which, none of those, are my forte. But I am damn hella glad phase one is f-ing over.

I've decided to finish my studies. I'm transferring to a university to complete my studies. It's not going to be post-graduate studies because I'm just not smart enough for all that. I'm just going to finish my undergraduate studies. I only managed to finish first half of it so I'm going to finish the second half of it.

There, I've said it. And now you know.

I know studies isn't everything but I just want to finish what I started. I'm going back to Tokyo a few days after my birthday and celebrating my favourite holiday, Christmas, with my friends back in Tokyo. I'm not sure what is installed for me next year but I'm hoping for the best. x

PS: Yes, I am skipping Halloween because I don't like scary stuff. 

Hello.

All I am going to say is, this might be a 'perfect' chance for me to really focus on myself and motherland and re-organise myself. This might be also a chance for me to take a break from everything and shift gears and reexamine everything that has happened thus far. I'll give myself and motherland a chance. I'll try to like everything that there is from inside the country. 

Hello Singapore. I will be staying a little longer than intended. x

I've graduated and it's time for the summer holidays!

8th August 2015
Me in my graduation gown!!

Hey. It's August. Let's talk graduation.

I was really nervous about graduation because I didn't have much confident as to whether I could graduate. I was doing pretty badly on one of my most dreaded subjects - Algebra. (Wth! Why is this even a compulsory module to take?!) Everyone was saying I'd graduate, and that I was over-reacting. Well, I can honestly say I'm not because I know how bad I am at this subject. It has been years and leopards just can't change its spots!

Despite having to undergo such emotional turmoil for the whole semester, I'm really glad I was able to join all my friends in the graduation ceremony. I managed to graduate from college with an Associates of the Arts Degree! College wasn't easy but thank goodness I made so many good friends from all around the world and had a wonderful time in college!

I was really looking forward to graduating this time because I know I put in effort and enjoyed all of my classes (Okay, maybe except for one). Looking at the photos from this graduation, it's obvious that I enjoyed myself. I had my wonderful LCJ family graduating with me and wanting to take photos with me. It was the best graduation I had in years!!

I really want to thank all my lovely and passionate professors and school staffs who guided me and pushed me through my journey through college. Also, I want to thank my lovely friends who have made my life in Japan and LCJ so wonderful! For the first time in my life, I've actually enjoyed school.

I'll be transferring and moving on to university soon! I must say, I'm excited for another round of challenge. Let's hope for the best!

I'll be posting photos of my trip around Singapore on the ASEAN Japan Net TV Facebook page! So if you're interested, do check it out! Until then. x

Done with my final semester!

After worrying for the whole semester about whether I could graduate, I guess I did manage to graduate from college! I had to take subjects I'm not very good at, as well as one that I completely suck at - imagine the stress and struggle I had to undergo! Either way, I'm glad that I'm finally done with my final semester.

I'm looking forward to my graduation ceremony. For the first time, I'll be able to receive my AA degree without any sense of disgust. Though, my parents won't get to attend my second graduation, I think they'd be please once I get home this summer.

There are some things I would want to do once I get home:

1. Hang out with my dog, BB.
2. Eat them local delicacies!
3. Play some RPG games on my PSP/PS2
4. Visit some museums and library
5. Cook dinner for my family
6. Hang out with my friends and do a little catch up
7. Settle certain errands and application stuff
8. Take more photos/ make more videos
9. Solo day trips around town
10. To be treated like a princess *grins*

I've listed down ten things. I think that's about enough. I don't want to be over listing things I want to because I tend to get lazy and procrastinate. Though, I think i'll be able to finish at least half of this list! We'll see how it goes after my summer holidays! 

Peace! x

Silhouette

Silhouette @ Odaiba, Tokyo Japan.

It's the mid of July. How are you feeling?

I'm as fine as I can be or at least... try to be. I'm not sure if it is alright to feel this confused at the last leg of my time here. I feel stupid to be asking people for advices and not being able to settle down on one. At much as I want to fill my space with positivity, all I do is fill it with angst. I don't care what people will think of me at the end of the day. All I want to know is how I think about myself; how I will feel at the end of the day. Regrets? Guilty? Contentment?

I don't know.

【外国人レポーター対決】日本クイズ大会 （日本語）

(**English translations of this post is below**)

皆さん、ASEAN Japan Net TVのレポーターさんたちと日本についてのクイズ番組をやらせていただきました！

いつもと違うASEAN JAPAN Net TVの動画です。そして、私たちのいつもと違う面が見れます！

こんなのこのようなバラエティー番組ずっと参加してみたかったんです！

想像した通り楽しかったです！

日本にいる瞬間はもう2年半ぐらい立ったが、沢山な日本についてのことがまだ分からなくて、恥ずかしいです～！( *´艸｀)

でもね、勉強になりましたから
沢山間違いがあっても良かったと思います。てへ～( *´艸｀)

日本はとても面白い国と思います。昔の日本と現在の日本はとても面白いと思います。

何年間ここに居ても飽きないと思います。( *´艸｀)

はい、それでわ！今は皆さんの番です！

レポーターたちと一緒にクイズを受けて、日本についての知識に挑戦してみよう！

日本語が分かる方が参加できます。国籍が関係ありません！一緒に楽しめましょう！

皆さんは全問正解席るでしょうか！

それじゃぁ～

チャリスより

=================

ASEAN JAPAN Net TV's

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asean.japan.nettv

Homepage: http://www.asean-japan-net.tv/

=================

Hey guys! Last few weeks, I participated in a quiz show alongside with with other fellow ASEAN JAPAN Net TV's reporters!

This video is different from the usual video's we've been done thus far. In this video, you can also witness a different side of us!

I've always wanted to participate in such variety programs and I finally got a chance to do something similar! It was really fun as I've imagined!

Even though I've been in Japan for about two years and a half, it's kind of embarrassing to still have tons of things I don't know about Japan. lol. But it's alright because I still learnt a lot from all getting so many wrong answers. :P

I think Japan is an interesting place, be it classical or postwar Japan. I find it difficult to not to fall in love with Japan's main or subculture.

Check out the video and join us in trying out the quiz! Regardless of nationality, if you can understand Japanese, try out the quiz and see if how many points you can get! Time to test your knowledge about Japan!

Until next time, I'll see you soon! :)

Love,
Charis

It's all getting real

Ayame Flowers
Itako City, Ibaraki Prefecture

I just got done with mid-terms and I screwed it up pretty badly. I didn't really study for it and I'm paying the price for it. Well, I guess I caught the 'it's-the-final-semester-that's-why-i-don't-give-a-shit-anymore' symptom. It wasn't expecting that to happen but I guess I got tired after working hard for all four semesters. Either way, it's a good wake up call for me to boost up my grades.

With mid-terms done, it's the finals next. I've already started packing and I'm preparing to send some stuff back home. I've also bought my flight ticket home. It's all getting real.

Side note; I've picked up my camera again after a month and a half. I guess I needed the break. I've been doing matting with my prints. It's going to go up and be on display. I'm excited. I love my college, it makes me feel like anything is possible. x

A concert we went

Summer Diaries: A concert we went.

On 23rd of May, my friend and I attended a concert by a famous Japanese rock band, ONE OK ROCK. I couldn't do any filming in the arena because it wasn't allowed, not even a selfie before the performance started. But it's alright because I could enjoy the performance to the fullest without having a camera blocking my view.

I don't have much to say about the concert except knowing how awesome it was. It was my first time attending a concert in Yokohama Arena. I must thank my friend, Benj, or I wouldn't have had the chance to see their concert in Japan, ever. It was amazing how he could still sound awesome despite having a pretty bad sore throat. After the concert, I was having withdrawal effects right and decided to buy some concert merchandises such as T-shirts and sticker set. Can't fight the inner fan-girl in me. (I'm hopeless when it comes to One Ok Rock).

Ended the day with a dinner with Mai at some izakaya. We talked about our plans for the future after graduation. It's scary but I think we'll manage. We always do.

I also did some experimenting with filming on the day of the concert and whipped up a short 1min-2min video about 2 days ago.  Hope you enjoy it. It's nothing fancy but yeah. x

Fucking Terrified

I don't know what I'm feeling half the time these days. When I think about my future, I get nervous and excited. Yet, I know deep down instead I'm terrified. Fucking terrified.

I look back at my photos of my life in Japan. It was brilliant. I love it. I love the people, I love what the culture can offer me, I love every single bit of it; The ups, the downs and the mundane days. But yet, I feel like breaking out of this place because I'm getting too attached, too accustomed to this place. 

The ambitious and adventurous side of me wants to go explore the other side of the world. The reticent and cautious side of me just wants to stay because why not? I'm not ignoring the fact that earthquakes are mighty scary, but that's mother nature. It's not something made up socially so it's all about getting use to it.

I'm thinking that because the path in front of me is full of uncertainties. Why would anyone is the right mind give up everything and start all over again? Especially starting over in a place where you've never been but only dreamed of?

Yet, I have this hunch that if I go on ahead and chase that rainbow on the other side of the world, I might actually be able to find what I want. I might be able to accomplish something. I mean, it's all about the journey, isn't it?

Y'know, I didn't feel this way when I was left with months or weeks before leaving for Japan. I guess it was because I didn't have anything. I was just starting out. I was trying to find my place in the world. Now that I  finally found a place in the world, It makes it a lot harder to step out again. Why? Because we, humans, seek stability.

I need to find more resolve for this journey or I'll get left behind. When will I find an answer to whatever I'm feeling right now? x

It's both exhilarating and nerve-wracking

Some of my best friends have graduated from college but I'm happy to still be able to meet up with them during my final semester. We're all looking forward to our graduation ceremony this August. It would be like a mini farewell to everyone as we all take on the next leap into another phase of our lives. Some will be heading to universities and some would go on ahead into the working society. Regardless of which path people take, everyone is moving on. It's really exhilarating and nerve-wracking just thinking about it.

I know it's still quite early to be talking about graduation since it's just the third week into my final semester. But I can't help thinking about it because time files without anyone realising it. I am willing to bet 1000 yen that before I know it, I'll be in my graduation gown (again). What can anyone really do to slow down time? No one. The scary part about nature.

I'm both excited and terrified about what's going to happen tomorrow, the day after next, and the weeks, months and years to come. When will I ever live in a life without fear and excitement? Never. Because that's also the beauty of life. I'm glad to be alive. x

PS: I've picked up a new book and I'm already one quarter into it. Amazing. I love reading memoirs.

Hello May.

Nonokaze Hotel @ Hokkaido

It has been about a week since I'm back in Tokyo. I've been trying to pick myself up ever since coming back. I had to adjust back to school life in less than 24 hours. I also had to get my creative juices back and stay motivated for the new and final semester of college. 

To be honest, I haven't been able to get all the momentum back. It's difficult. Really difficult. I don't have much creative juices to begin with so I really need to get it all back or this month is going to be really unproductive. But it's okay to have some down time, right?

This is what I feel like doing recently. I want to go on a long train ride to somewhere I've never been to. I want to go on an impromptu trip to the countryside during a cloudy and gloomy day. It sounds nice. I'd like some of that. 

On the other hand, I've been well. I've been trying to shed some weight gained during my Hokkaido family trip. I hope to produce something awesome for my final semester project for my mass media module. We all can hope. I want to graduate proudly this time. x

PS: Hello May.

Reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima

Hey guys, I was away on a family trip to Hokkaido without my laptop so I couldn’t share when it was uploaded on youtube. I was in Yamanashi Prefecture to film this episode. This video is about annual festival in Fuefuki city of Yamanashi Prefecture. In this festival, it reenacts a famous samurai battle between two samurais, Uesugi Kenshin and Takedashingen, called the 'Battle of Kawanakajima'.

Anyone who played 'Samurai Warriors' would have heard about their names. It's one of my favourite hack and slash games!

 I had so much fun filming this, I was obviously being silly half the time. Kudos to another fellow reporter who narrated the opening of this video! Check out this video. Don’t forget to subscribe for more videos about Japan and give this video a ‘like’ if you enjoyed it. :)

Also, check out their facebook and homepage for more information! :)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asean.japan.nettv

Homepage: http://www.asean-japan-net.tv/

I've posted some of the photos I've taken on Mongira. Click here to check it out!

Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima Prefecture

I've always heard from friends who were from the countryside that there is nothing there compared to the city. I did not want to disagree because I've never lived in the countryside before. But now that I've been visiting the countryside more often for the past few weeks, I can honestly say, the countryside has things that the city would probably never be able to have.

For the past few weeks of my travel, I've been travelling by car. Since I was there for work, my boss was the one who was doing the driving for hours (kudos to him!). I was able to see more things and enjoy the sceneries around. I must say, the sakuras were much more beautiful since there aren't buildings in the background.

While being in Fukushima, I was able to try out painting a traditional Japanese doll and learn a little about the meaning behind it. I also visited the top 3 must visit sakura viewing sites, Miharu Takizakura. It was so beautiful! I loved it. I'm so glad to be given s chance to see this. I wouldn't be able to see this if I stayed in Tokyo. Tokyo doesn't have something as magnificent as this! It's nice to get out of the city once in awhile and enjoy the simple things and enjoy spring!

Check out this video to know more about my adventures there. This time round, I went to Fukushima with Gen, another fellow Singaporean reporter and Roy, a reporter from our neighbouring country, Malaysia.

If you're interested, check out ASEAN Japan net TV's: Homepage, Facebook for more updates!
If you enjoyed this series, don't forget to give it a 'like' and subscribe to their youtube channel for future updates.:)

xoxo,
C.

I went to Fukushima Prefecture!

Driving to Fukushima Prefecture

As I was born and raised in a bustling city, it has always been one of my dreams to visit the countryside. Sometimes, I want to escape to the countryside because it seemed quiet and slow paced. Since I am in Japan, I was able to do that. The air was fresh and I was able to be closer to nature than ever before. I made it a point to not look at my cellphone that often. It was mainly because I was there for work, and was trying to save battery. (My cellphone battery never lasts!)

I just came back from Fukushima Prefecture a few days ago. I was only there for a day for filming so I couldn't explore other places. The trip was short but definitely memorable. I was very lucky to be able to paint my own traditional Japanese dolls and visit a top 3 must visit cherry blossom viewing sites. I think the cherry blossoms in the country side looks so much better than the ones in Tokyo. I guess it's because there is too many people around to really enjoy the scenery.

I've made a post sharing some photos about my trip to Fukushima Prefecture on the ASEAN Japan net TV facebook page here.
I've also shared some personal off-shot photos on my other website, Mongira. It is a joint website project I'm doing with a few of my college friends. We'll be sharing more photos and contents there so do check it out and like our facebook page! :)
The new video about it would be out really soon so look forward to it!

I'll be going on a few more trips before my spring break officially ends. It's going to be tiring but memorable. I'll probably have more photos to share as well! Look forward to them. (^^)

Until then, I'll write again soon. C.

What's Japanese Hanami?

Spring, one of the most anticipated seasons in the world. Perfect weather and beautiful sceneries everywhere. Like I've mentioned before (like a millionth time), I've never done Hanami in my life! But this year is slightly different. This year is about going outside of my comfort-zone (more than usual) to mingle with the crowd and socialise with actual humans instead of 2D anime characters. With that goal in mind, I went for a Hanami with a group of uniquely awesome people.

Earlier this month, I went for a hanami with the AJNTV reporters. We didn't just have our own hanami to fully understand the real meaning behind hanami. We also went out to interview Japanese and foreigners about what they think about Hanami and why they do it. Throughout the process, we met wonderful people and learnt quite a lot about Japanese cultures from the eyes of foreigners and Japaneses. I had great food, great scenery and an extremely fun time during the hanami with the rest of the AJNTV reporters! To be honest, I think hanami is a great time to enjoy nature, food and the company of your friends.

Don't just take my word for it, the video above would do more explaining. Oh! The video also includes the cute and dorky side of the reporters so this video would be quite the feast!

Check out ASEAN Japan net TV's: Homepage, Facebook for more updates!
If you enjoyed this series, don't forget to give it a 'like' and subscribe to their youtube channel for more updates.:)

xoxo,
C

Spring break = Hanami

Hanami - 花見
4th April 2015

Hey there! It is currently spring in Tokyo, Japan. I've completed my finals and it's the start of the spring breaks! (hooray!) Since my first year in Japan, I had never went to a hanami or visited the parks to look at cherry blossom trees. Even after I entered college, I didn't have to chance to do hanami with my friends either because I have finals during the time sakuras are in full bloom. I couldn't understand the hype about Spring. I couldn't understand the beauty of cherry blossoms/Sakura. But, this year was different. I felt the beauty of sakura in Japan and understood the meaning behind Hanami. I think I'll probably never understand the meaning behind hanami and cherry blossoms in Japanese culture if I had not done a research about cherry blossoms for my cultural anthropology class. It's definitely something I'd recommend people to do if they are in Japan during this period.

For the past few days, I've been visiting the park and joined in with the Hanami activities with the locals. The view was magnificent! I love it when the wind blows and the sakura petals starts drifting down to the ground. It's just like the scenes from animes. No, it was better because I was there in person to witness it.

***

I've also officially completed my Spring semester for college. I'm now down to my last final semester which begins in May. Congrats to my lovely friends who graduated in this semester! I'll see you guys during the graduation ceremony!

Since I was so busy last semester, I didn't have a chance to write about my trip to a tropical greenhouse with my fellow photography club members. Never fear, I've made a video about it! I'm not in the video because I was busy filming so... Yeah! If you enjoyed it, please give it a thumbs up. :)



Until then,
Good bye.

PS: I'd recommend anyone who's interested about Sakura and its symbolic meaning in Japanese culture to read this book. It was an interesting read.

Thank you for everything 'Papa Lee'

#RIPMrLeeKuanYew

I'm not good with words but I want to express some of my gratitude to my hero, also whom my family like to address him by - 'Papa Lee'.

Mr Lee, you've always been my hero. I am very sadden by the news of your passing.

I am grateful to able to live in a safe and prosperous country, Singapore, which I am proud to call my home. You've always been a strict fatherly figure to Singaporeans. Without you, I won't be able to be here. Neither would there be the Singapore I know of right now.

My eyes started swelling up with tears after receiving news about your passing. I couldn't stop crying.  I couldn't stop tearing every time I read the news about Mr Lee. I now understand how it is like to lose a fatherly figure and someone whom I really truly respect. I'm not sure what the future holds for Singapore now that you are gone. It's difficult to imagine the scene whereby you won't be waving to us during NDP anymore. It's difficult to imagine not having you around anymore since you've been around since the beginning of Singapore. #noYewnoUs

Now that you have joined your wife in heaven, I hope you will continue to watch over us like how you always have. Thank you for everything you've done for Singaporeans and Singapore.

With love and respect,
Charis, a proud Singaporean.

Spring is here!

14th March 2015

Flowers are starting to bloom everywhere in Tokyo, Japan. Plum blossoms are almost everywhere and sakuras are also slowing starting to bloom as well. Winter felt so long that not seeing colours on the streets seems so normal. I missed spring.

The photo was taken on the 14th of March, which is also known as 'White's Day' in Japan. Besides the whole hype about the men gives chocolate to women. It's exactly like Valentine's Day but the roles are switched. As usual, nothing special happened to me on White's Day.

Instead, I had a meeting with the boss and other reporters of AJNTV. We've planned a lot of interesting things for the rest of the year so that's a little something to look forward to!

Last few weeks, I've also made a quick wrap-up video for my school's International Food Festival! It's an annual event and it's my second time attending it. Good food cooked by my fellow schoolmates. Yummy!

I am down to my last few weeks of school before the semester comes to an end. Time really flies and I have not stopped counting down til the day of my graduation. I'm also looking forward to my Spring holidays which is coming up really soon. I'm glad my holidays aren't clashing with other students attending Japanese universities because I won't have to deal with the crowds in the streets!

Meanwhile, I'm slowly tackling my assignments. I'm tackling the small ones first because the big ones are really difficult and gahh.. the readings are never ending!

C.

146 days.

Hina-Festival in Makabe

While loving the anime and pop-culture of modern Japan, I'm also lover of the traditional culture of Japan. The traditional culture of Japan is beautiful. While I'm still in the middle of my school semester, I've taken the liberty of going to Ibaraki for the Hina-Festival!

This is my first assignment as the reporter for ASEAN Japan Net TV. It was an extremely enjoyable experience because I was accompanied by another reporter from Indonesia, Luna, for this trip! I got to learn a little about the Hina-Festival and explore Makabe town in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Check out ASEAN Japan net TV's: Homepage, Facebook for more updates!
If you enjoyed this series, don't forget to give it a 'like' and subscribe to their youtube channel for more updates.:)

xoxo,
C

I've been keeping myself busy

21st February 2015
Fishing by the Sea @ Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

Hello. I had a hectic week! I had mid-terms, club activities, work and Chinese New Year celebrations all in a week! It was mental! But thank goodness it is all done, I can slow it down for a bit. My body was starting to break down since I couldn't get much rest recently. There wasn't even time to slow down and take a breather!

Yesterday, I went on a day trip to Ibaraki Prefecture for work. I met up with, Luna, from Indonesia, to cover a festival that is happening there. It's my first time heading to Ibaraki Prefecture and I thought the place was amazing. I really liked how warm and friendly the people there were. I got to try some local food there and it was amazing. It's really nice to get away from a busy city like Tokyo once in a while. But of course, I felt at ease once I was back in Tokyo since I was more familiar with things there. Once a city kid, always a city kid. lol.

Earlier today, after having my brunch, I felt really sleepy and took a nap. I'm actually glad my plans were cancelled because of the rain because I think I needed that nap. After waking up from my nap, I got up and finish some work, now I'll need to finish up my essays and some university application stuff which I've been putting off. My work seems endless...

Goodbye. I'll update again soon.
I can't wait for spring to be here! :)

167 Days

Step Three: Relax

13th February 2015

When was the last time I had a night full of laughter and drinks with amazing friends? I think it's nice to talk about random things and get to know people's life and past experiences once in awhile. I kept searching for an unknown future that I sometimes forget to chill and enjoy the simplest things I currently have. I worry about my future and about things I'm (probably) missing out. But in actuality, I have everything I need right here with me.

Last night, I hung out with my amazing friends from college. After school, we went to get some drinks and food at Izakaya, went to a British Pub and ended the night with some Sheesha. I haven't had nights like this is a while. We need to hang out more often some day soon. It was extra fun because we're closer in age or older and we don't have to worry about age limit when we're out drinking! They are some crazy bunch of people!! I miss hanging out people who are a few years older than me. We exchange our life experiences without being judged for our past mistakes and we learn from each other.

I'm glad I took a few years off before attending college. Life is so much more fun when I am more accepting about differences and ready for challenges.

I'm fine now. I'm recharged. I had my drinks, sheesha and heart to heart talk. I'm contented. I just need yakiniku and spring to come right now. I'm done with winter. I want to send my coat back to motherland already. I want computer making club to start asap because I want to be a computer geek. I also want dance and photography club to start soon. I want to go on dates with OMD-chan. x

Step Two: Moving Forward

7th February 2015
Tachikawa Showa Memorial Park

Hey guys! I've been wanting to update a little on my progress in acculturating in Japan's working culture.

Recently, I found a new part time job/internship sort as a reporter; introducing Japanese culture to the viewers on youtube. I'm not used to having a camera right up in my face as I talk but I thought being part of this project has its own perks. I think it serves as a good experience in the media industry in Japan from a different perspective. Also, a chance to update my ever-dying resume!

This is the project I am currently a part of:
https://www.facebook.com/asean.japan.nettv

There would more videos about Japanese culture on their youtube channel upcoming up, so do look out for that.

A few days back, I went to Tachikawa Showa Memorial Park. It's winter so everything is pretty bare but I thought it still looks amazing. I love how the trees look during winter! The reason why I even went so far off to the west side of Tokyo was because the Re-Photography club that I'm a part of was trying to re-photograph certain places in the park. I learnt that the park used to be a US military base. How cool is that?! There is so much history on this plot of land. It was a wonderful trip. I'm still pretty amazed at how they were able to visualise how the place looked like before though. The few times I wonder how my professors' brain work.

This week is midterms. I am so not ready for all that stress. 

I am slowly moving forward. I am glad I'm no longer at the starting point. x

180 days.

188 days

そら

I haven't been treating my blog like my diary. I should write more random ramblings every other day or week.

Yesterday, I went to Neolive Hanna, a hair salon I frequent. It's not too pricey and I always leave feeling very satisfied. For a cut and hair treatment cost me from ¥5500 ~ ¥ 8000. I requested my hairstylist to trim it and thin my hair as it can get a little puffy. My hair is a nice little bob now, not very mushroom-ish though. Sadly, I couldn't bring myself to get a pixie cut yet. Maybe when I transfer to a university, I'll let my stress level and fate decide it.

A little follow-up of my previous post. I've received an offer from the university I want to enter and I am extremely happy about it. I just need to maintain my GPA and joint-honours here I come! All that anxiety before seems really silly now. I sent it in early January but never got the guts to make a public announcement until I received at least one offer. Now, I 've got two conditional offers. The third school needs me to write an essay instead of an interview before I receive an offer. I think I should either get it done or ignore it. I'm not sure, yet. 

I have joined about five clubs in my college (pretty crazy huh? I know!). Since I'm in this college and paying a huge sum of money, I should make use of as much of the facilities as I can. I've got to make it worth my time and money. It might be pretty overwhelming. I am already feeling the pressure and amount of work I'm giving myself.

Sometimes I feel that I got so caught up in chasing what I want that I fail to enjoy other things in life that I should be doing at this age. What's my life? I don't know.

Goodbye January. Hello February.

Step one: Sent

19th January 2015
A little something less selfie-ish

Hello. How has the new year been for everyone?

I am done with my applications to universities and I'm impatiently waiting for a reply. I can't express how glad I am that I've gotten this huge boulder off my shoulders. I've been having horrible anxieties because of university applications. I almost couldn't click the send button because my imagination goes into a downward spiral. I was a lazy-ass student and had awful grades. My applications always get rejected because of that. That is why even now, I didn't have any confidence when it comes to applying to schools. Thankfully, I was able to do it because my awesome friends, family and professors helped me and gave me tons of encouragement.

Even though I still can't accept the fact that grades are more important than passion, I do understand the value of education. Especially, those helps me to understand the worldly affairs and not some stupid math question. Nonetheless, wisdom is power.

PS: The photo above photo of me was taken earlier this week. I must say, I'm liking how my hair looks right now! I'm trying my best to look my age, did I do well on that? 

Melancholy music keeps me sane.

25th December 2014
Group selfie from my trip to Osaka during the winter break

I decided to post up a photo of myself with my awesome friends because I felt that my blog was missing a little personal touch - selfie. I don't take selfies that often anymore. I guess I just couldn't be bothered dressing up to look nice for the camera anymore. I prefer to show my weird side because I think that's who I really am. If I don't feel like having my photos taken, I'll just do a weird expression to hide all the insecurities and laugh it off later.

It's the end of the first week of school and it was alright. I'm happy to be able to see my friends again. I'm happy to be out in about on the streets and mingling with other people. I'm getting slightly annoyed by the current length of my hair and would want to visit the hair salon soon. I'll be working part-time in school this semester. It's not much but at least I get some income.

I guess this is all I really want to write right now. I wrote a bunch of stuff but deleted them. I don't even know why but it happens regularly. I'm getting so stressed right now for a bunch of reasons and I don't really want to talk about it because it's all messed up in my head. I can't even get it sorted out in my brain. But I'll give a little hint on what is causing it - "What do you want to do after you graduate?"  What the bloody fuckery. x

Highlights and wrap-up of 2014

Hello, I just got back from school about 2 hours ago. I stayed behind until 9pm because I had to meet my writing teacher so she can proofread my personal statement. Just a little more before I can throw all these application stuff aside. I hate the anxiety that comes from this!

Anyways, before I miss another whole month worth of update and be extremely late on my wrap-up of 2014, I'm going to write something.

Last December was my winter holiday and I think I did almost nothing really productive, but I did finish up part 1 of my vlog to Osaka. Part 2 of the trip will be up soon but I think it would be a really short one. Nonetheless, I'll try to finish it by the end of this week! (Procrastination) Meanwhile, here is Part 1 of my short trip to Osaka which I really enjoyed. I try to make all my vlog with a reminisce feel to it so when I look back 10 years later, I can either cringe at my bad video editing or smile at the wonderful time I've spend in Japan.


Moving on... I guess 2014 was really awesome because there was so much major changes in my life that helped me grow as a person and move on in life. I think I've wrote this many times as I try to reflect back almost every other month, I apologise. It's a habit of mine to do monthly self-reflections so I'd be more appreciative of the world and people around me. Trust me, it does help me to stay humble.

Highlights of 2014

• Accepted to an American liberal arts college
• Reconcile with my sister (we're practically best friends now. Okay, maybe not yet)
• Total makeover of my hair and style
• Picked up photography (a tiny bit of film/video)
• Met so many inspiring people in college
• Learnt more about myself and gained more self-confidence
• Went on small solo trips around Tokyo.
• Went on a trip to Osaka with my friends from College

I guess this is all that really happened. I hope I didn't miss anything. I didn't exactly have any new resolutions made during 2014. I always make goals throughout the year, and once they were completed I strike them off and forget that I actually made goals. Nonetheless, I think I've achieved quite a bit last year and I really enjoyed 2014.

This year didn't start out too well, but I think everything is starting to pick up. Though, I just received word that my pet dog Doli, is currently deaf. I really hate to have to witness it myself this coming summer. Nevertheless, like how I swallow all the harsh realities, I will swallow this truth down my teeny-tiny throat. 

 

Yesterday, I went to Meiji Jingu Shrine, like how I always do every year, and did some praying for the new year. I asked kami-sama for a smooth year ahead, as well as praying for my university applications. Then, I picked up an omikuji, and according to my friend there would be obstacles ahead but I will be able to overcome them. I always get such fortunes whenever I have huge plans ahead for the year. As much as I hate hearing that, I'm quite relieved that it says that because it means there is still hope.

I haven't really draft out any huge plans for 2015 yet but I will definitely be going back to Singapore this coming summer after graduation with my Associates of the Arts Degree in Liberal Arts. I know it's really no big deal to others but I'm bloody proud of myself to have even got so far in my education (I was a trashy student). To be honest, I really can't wait to be home because I really miss my friends and family. I miss my pet dog BB too. I misses how he annoys me every night to go to bed because he wants to sleep in the air conditioned room. 

I'm going to take a quick shower now. x

216 days.

First rant of the year

This is my first update of the year 2015. I've decided to write because I couldn't sleep. I think I messed up my bio clock just before school re-opens.(hurray, NOT). This may sound more like a rant rather than anything happy. I apologise to be starting out so negatively. But, honestly, there are too many "I'm-so-thankful-for-all-the-memories-and-things-I've-learnt-and-experienced-in-2014,-thank-you-everyone-who-had-been-a-part-of-it" post so No Thank You. I am not going to jump on the bandwagon. Though, honestly, I do feel the same way as everyone else who posted that. I am thankful but I'm not going to make a post declaring my love because I think this sort of things should be private and only for my loved ones to know how I really feel. Also, because declaring your love on social networks are so overrated (Or should I say, so last year! lol).

Moving on... I just figured out the source of my anger, annoyance and irritation in the last few days. Yes, sorry to be a party pooper but I wasn't really in the mood to celebrate the new year. Just so you know, my source of annoyance had nothing to do with hormones. It was just something that happened which apparently had crossed my personal boundaries. Not to mention, I have a sore throat right now. It is giving me much discomfort that it is adding on to my annoyance. (what an awesome way to start the year 2015)

People who know me knows that I am usually pretty carefree, and I  can compromise to loads of things. This is perhaps the first time I felt so violated. Maybe violated isn't the best word but I can't think of any other words at the moment. At first, I thought it was because I was going through a phase in my life which I believe many would like to call it "quarter-life crisis". But, I wasn't really worrying about all that too much so that is definitely not it. Then, I thought it was because I was feeling lonely because I didn't go back home this winter holidays to hang out with my friends. Thankfully, I realised that it wasn't the case about few hours ago when I was trying to sleep and was in this "self-reflection-session-before-i-enter-dream-land" moment. So, I paced around my house, and try to do the usual things I do at home like, editing photos, watching animes and killing some zombies with my guy pals. Unfortunately, it didn't work at all.

Afterwhich, I decided to go into 'zen mode' in which I tell myself to calm down and do some observation and more self-reflection to find out the source of the whole problem. Then, a sudden enlightenment! I found the problem and there was really nothing I can do about it since the damage have been done. Now that I realised it, everytime I do happen to stumble upon it or think about it again, I get so pissed that I want to scream and punch somebody. However, since, I am a loving homosapien, I've decided not to. But it was also then, I started to get slightly depressed as I reflect how stupid I was. Following that, was my constant temptation to want to give myself a face-palm or a smack in the face.

This is basically how I started my year 2015. Not a very good start but I am hoping that the rest of the days until school reopens on the 5th would be a pleasant one. I do hope no one tries to break the solitude that I call my apartment and bed. Yes, even though I may seem like an extrovert, I am a homebody.

xoxo. Happy New Year.

PS; I've uploaded a bunch of backlog photos on my tumblr. If you would like to take a peek at it --> here &  here.
PSS; Some of the photos from my Osaka trip is also up there. If you would like to take a peek at it --> here & here.