A place where only the things you want to happen, happen: lifestyle

Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts

Everyday is Valentine's Day because we should appreciate and love the people close to us the same,all the time. Nonetheless, for me, rather than grand gestures, it's the little things that make all the difference.

There's too much to be thankful for but here's 10 little things my special someone does that melts my heart.

1. Not getting mad when I give terrible directions.

Even if it means having to detour and being more of a burden than help in finding the way. Basically just trusting my bad judgements.

2. Always being calm and patient with me when I'm going out of my mind (most of the time)

For not judging the state of my mental health and bearing with me when I rant about the stupidest things.

3. Sacrificing the last of foods because you know it's my favourite.

Even if it's your favourite too.

4. Letting me pick meals because I can't decide which to order.

And always keeping me company munching the entire day.

5. Putting up and playing along with my whines and ugly fake crying.

Giving me hugs whenever I whine, letting me annoy you, and doing the weirdest things along with me.

6. Helping me out with anything and everything to make my day less stressful.

Cooking with me, picking me up and dropping me off, and endless errands.

7. Always giving me compliments even when I least deserve it.

8. Giving up on plans to support me through mine.

Staying home and making supper while I do work.

9. Keeping me warm even when my hands and feet must be annoyingly cold to you.

10. And even when it's a given, you still always ask.

Thank you my Valentine, Happy Valentines Day ❤️

Group work can be motivating. It gives people a chance to understand themselves better, meet new people, share and learn different perspectives and ideas, and divide the burden of projects. But we've all had our fair share of group work and sometimes, things just do not work out. For reasons, we act a certain way or have to deal with group mates that act a certain way. Group work then, just becomes the bane of your existence.

The 10 Types of Groupmates

1. The storyteller

These are the people who will ramble on and on without any particular focus (about something everyone already knows). When people start zoning out and hint "we've all read the article", it's time to stop. Sometimes, the passion for a single point just leads off into an entirely different discussion. Good news is, sometimes it garners some abstract ideas and opinions but when deadlines are close, honey, ain't nobody got time for bedtime stories - which leads us to the sleepyheads.

2. The sleeping beauty

The group mate that is tired every few minutes and never fails to make it known. Sleep deprived? Welcome to life. It's fine to cut these people some slack if they say it once, but really, some people don't even try. They literally slump on the table asleep. Like, find elsewhere, go home. Or at least apologise and attempt to stay awake and offer to contribute.

3. The overachiever

These people go harder on you than your parents. They basically send messages on every other social media platform every 5 minutes breathing down your neck to get work done.

Sweetie, it's 3am, go to bed.

4. The party animal

The first things out of their mouth would be about how they partied so hard last night or if you're going to the party tonight. It's not wrong to have fun, just don't turn up drunk or hungover and complain about it.

5. The nothing-is-good-enough

I wonder if these people actually do appreciate anything in their lives. No point or idea anyone comes up with or work others do is, well, good enough. These people will nitpick at everything but don't exactly produce anything better that make their point valid. Basically lots of complaints but no work done.

6. The baker

These are the angels. Whatever they lack in work they make up in distributing goodies around the group. At least to me, it seems like a pretty fair trade. Keep them donuts rolling and I won't mind doing some extra work!

7. The clueless

I really am not sure if these people really are that oblivious or they just don't even bother. These people need to be fed with everything because accessing the internet seems like mission impossible to them. They will be the ones who's sole excuse is "Oh, I don't think I can do it, because I don't know what's going on." (refer to above gif) Honestly, why else would these people think its called a RESEARCH project?

These are sometimes also the link masters. You know, the ones who post a few links and then they're done with their part? Why would I need a whole page full of links on their research? That is not finished work, its practically throwing work at others. Like, anyone can search the topic and copy paste a few links. I wonder if they ever just hand in a list of links for their assignments honestly.

8. The Titanic

The greatest actors - the know-it-alls. They will NEVER ask for help even if they know they cannot do it. They will still reassure the group they've got it all down and done a fabulous piece of work. But when the last meeting comes, there's only one word to describe it - doomed. These will be the people who will reference comedy websites and wikipedia (a whole chunk of data), or have an entire essay on a presentation slide.

9. The forever sick

These group mates are always the ones who fall sick at the most convenient of times. It's understandable when it is legit, or else, at least be smart about it. Some will be "too sick" for a meeting and then post photos getting wasted and what not. That is just stupid especially when everyone in the group can see it.

10. The MIA

I'm not sure which is worse, the person not being there from the start or disappearing halfway. Actually, even though I wonder what these people are up to, I believe its simple and fair to deal with - if they cannot be bothered with their grades, why not just make their lives easy and share the credit with people who deserve it. I think the scariest are the people who promise to get something done and then ditch right at the last minute without any notification or reason whatsoever. (How would anyone even be that terrible right?) Trust me, its ridiculous the people you meet in groups sometimes.

All in all, group work doesn't need to be a pain and most of the time people actually are really nice. It's just the handful if infamous pain-in-the-asses that make you cringe.

And because of them every time you hear there is group work you be like:

But we'll all get through it in the end. When its done, it's done, so...

(fingers crossed you wont get placed in a bad group for the next)

12.10.2015

No Monday Blues

It's been weighing on my mind how change can be good, especially from having one of the best times in life. But I think I'm slowly realising how instead of what is good and bad, things could really just be different. Which is turning out to be one the best things in a weird way. Or maybe in all 20 years of my life, I have finally sprouted a shred of wise-ness.

Finding all sorts of reasons to spend time with you again just mindlessly walking on the streets and having mini conversations about anything at all. People are always saying how you have to look for the right one, who will be there to treasure you and love you for who you are; and if you find them, you are so lucky. Thank you for finding and choosing me, I hope I make you feel lucky and loved because I know I do.

Amelia

Feeling kinda bleak having to send mr jemo off today. Tomorrow will be the bluest Monday in awhile. But it'll be my turn to leave soon too so I decided to share some survival skills, packing tips and at the same time remind myself of my own packing to do.

1. Stock up on necessities, especially those that are not readily available wherever you'll be, such as medicine and special brands of beauty products. Don't be caught like me in my first year when I had the worst allergy and had to run to town to find medicine. It's terrible when people keep saying hey, you got a lil somethin somethin on your face. Like, dude, that is my face (or at least grew to be part of my face)

2. Always have emergency numbers and kits ready. Have a first aid kit in your room in case you decide to cook for the first time ever and well, sometimes things don't go as planned. Or if you're a clumsypot like I am, who can crumble even while standing still, you'll be thanking yourself you have supplies. Especially when it's nighttime and there's no 24 hour Mustafa or people to help you.

3. Carry around a pocket knife or pepper spray when you go travelling. Better safe than sorry.

4. Always ensure you're aware of your surroundings when you travel and that your bag can be zipped closed. If you have a bag pack, carry it on the front. (I personally try to carry a small sling bag and never let my hand off it) Also, split up your cash so if some get stolen, you're not going to end up broke and crying for help - not so glamourous then huh.

5. Always stay hydrated. The change in weather means there's a high chance of falling sick. Especially when the weather is colder, you won't feel the need to replenish water because you don't perspire. But the air is a lot dryer so it's easy to catch a cold (starting to sound a lot like a granny)

6. If you're forever hungry like me, always have some noodles or snacks lying around in your room. For when those hunger pangs hit at night and there's no Newton or Prata places to satisfy your supper needs. (Never appreciated 24hour food places until I went overseas - woes of a vampire)

7. Don't be afraid to meet new people and make friends. Everyone is on the same boat so just be nice. Get out of your comfort zone and hang out with friends from other places in the world. Studying abroad gives you the best opportunity to learn more about other cultures, taste food from around the world, and maybe even experience their lifestyles when you travel to visit them.

8. Try not to take offence when people don't know where you're from. Just google world map and maybe point it out.

9. Download useful apps before leaving to ensure you can arrive safely to wherever you need to be without getting too lost. It's quite loserly (if that's even a word) but I save images off google of maps, booking confirmations and train lines so i can refer to it when I have no data connection (happens more often than you can imagine, and at times you need it most)

10. If the word "sale" excites you, please don't overpack. If you think you've under brought stuff, chances are, you're still overpacked. Student discounts and next day delivery are literally the key words of shopping heaven. And you don't even have to leave your bed! Plus, you'll be pretty popular in your building by the end of the term because everyone will know your name from all the parcels. (Whoops!) But yeah, point is, when you have to move, that is going to be a major headache. Storage and movers might not come cheap, and shipping has to be planned way in advanced. (Don't want to be stuck having to rush for a flight while movers delay in collecting your boxes)

11. Pack things you're sure you can get over there last. Toiletries such as tooth brush and soaps take up a lot of baggage weight and space. If you're really pushing it, take out clothes and heavier items such as soaps. Pack some travel size ones to last over the few days as you arrive and get stuff ready for school.

12. There's not much need to be kiasu (afraid to lose) and bring rice cooker, pots, woks and what not. Chances are there will be Asian stores that will sell them. And honestly, it's such a hassle to carry that onto the trains along with your giant bags. (It was such a struggle and I barely managed to make it back with everything) One thing you should be kiasu about if you're fussy is to bring along your bolster. I had no idea it was a Asian thing, and I had the hardest time trying to buy one over in the UK (trust me, there was hardly any - even on Amazon) Most other things are pretty much easy to find.

Can't wait to start my final year and graduate to be officially unemployed. It's going to be so different. But let's just stay positive. To those just starting their first years, have fun, it's going to be an unforgettable experience.

X, Amelia

Life is full of uncertainties but we can't keep letting it hold us back,

we need to learn to let go and find the thing that keeps us going.

At times, past events or experiences may come back and haunt us, trying to force itself as a regret rather than just another memory. And it makes you wonder if you're on the right track, or just wandered back to square one. Sometimes it makes you feel inadequate, like you don't deserve better, because of how brutal people can be with their words and actions. If there is anything I learnt, is that people are beautiful in their own ways (well, most people anyway) and just like how we wouldn't say or do something hurtful to someone else, we shouldn't do it to ourselves too. There is much love to give but so much self loathing. Sure, there are times when we do drown in the toxic and negativity from situations or other people. But there comes a point where we have to snap out of it because it is damaging - all the hurtful self questioning and ridiculous expectations we place on ourselves. I'm not going to be righteous about this because even I'm still learning to love myself enough to know that I deserve better.

Doesn't matter if people do not understand and throw judgements around because I think I know better than them what I should do with my life. And if you really are so free to bring others down, use the time to ponder if your life is that great. Because chances are, you're in your own bubble, which people honestly ain't got time for. Everyone has different standards of love and forgiveness and just because I don't see things your way, it doesn't necessarily mean that I am wrong. If I deem i deserve better, I will fight for it, if i'm not, i'll make sure I become worthy. Right now, I'm perfectly happy and people who understand will be happy too.

There are never regrets, just lessons to be learnt. So take chances and give yourself chances - to fail, to fall, to be happy, to be loved.

Fridate at Whisk & Paddle and Oblong.

Quiet and relaxing atmosphere and good food plus the best ice cream waffle combi.

(or maybe I'm just biased because I had the best company. Try it for yourself!)

Even though it was really cloudy and drizzly, the walk along the waterway was really nice and breezy. So refreshing to be somewhere serene for a change.

Whisk & Paddle

Address: 10 Tebing Lane, 828836

Phone:6242 4617

Seafood pasta and miso cod.

Seafood was really fresh (the prawns were crunchy and sweet) and pasta was done just right, with tomato sauce that wasn't too tangy.

Cod was fleshy and juicy paired with the miso was just the right amount of sweet and salty. The mash was on point and don't even get me started on the lotus chips (I could eat a whole basket of it)

Looking for turtles

Red velvet waffles with earl grey ice cream at Oblong.

This place has some pretty cool deco and details but I was too busy savouring the waffle (oops)

Hidden in Serangoon gardens, among all the awesome food, it can be easy to miss. But honestly I think it beats the other ice cream places there. The cream cheese between the waffles was absolute heaven. Even though I'm not that big of an ice cream fan, I'm definitely going to be craving for this (and quite often - what is diet anyway?)

X, amelia

Outfit for a day at the museum

Finally able to visit the Singapore Arts Museum. (Fail Singaporean) But I must say it has a lot to offer. The exhibits were interactive and diverse. The installations of old HDBs really brings back childhood feels (where did those simple days go?) Coupled with catching 1965 and watching the national day parade from across the war memorial, I'm really getting a sense of patriotism. Even though I didn't live through it all, I wish I could live in the stories of those who lived to tell. Because life moves so quickly, it's nice, even for a while, to just pause and relive the moments captured in our memories.