Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Today is when all shops are closed, majority of the nation goes visiting and others flock to the beaches for family picnics. It's a long, long weekend for everyone this Chinese New Year and for the first time in two years, I am actually HOME!

I love going through my instagram feed and seeing all my friends looking fabulous and spending the day with their families. Not to mention, all the food pictures! Pineapple tarts, pot luck dishes, yu sheng... mmmmm~

Spent this year's at Miao's this evening. Albeit short because I had to rush for a family gathering, I was glad to see everyone again! There were more than 25 people crammed in one house, having a GREAT SPREAD of food and lots of merrymaking. 

Round Two was mooooreee food and I came into the room to find my sisters and cousins playing the old school game of five stones. I used to be good at it in school... now my skills had zeroed. It's gonna be a long day tomorrow, busy with our Uncle's wedding. More food, more merrymaking, more people.

P.S. My week-long silence is JUSTIFIED as I am currently working on something exciting for this blog. It's a major, major change and just a few tweaks more I am ready to reveal it for all you wonderful readers to see! So, stay tuned!

I can haz new Kase-ing?

Who would've thought customising your own mobile phone casing could be so quick and easy? It was lunch time on Monday when I strolled into Parkway's basement with a purpose. Special thanks to The Kase, I was going customise my very own handphone cover!

The shop wasn't at all difficult to find, especially when you're a Parkway veteran (my schools were in Marine Parade for 10 years, go figure.) I was greeted by an array of colourful and unique casings for many types of mobile phones imaginable. The designs were all so quirky and I couldn't wait to get started.

The process is simple:

1. Choose a type of casing suitable for your mobile phone. 

There are silicone rimmed ones that come in different colours, flip covers etc.

2. Have a photo of choice ready in soft copy to be printed onto the phone cover. 

It can be off your blog, FB, email.. etc.

3. Send it to the email address the nice guy at the store will provide for you.

They have an app to view your custome designs before deciding to print it!

5. Wait 10 minutes.. 

Or go get yourself some bubble tea, or Old Chang Kee while waiting....

6. Your phone case is DONE!

Happy girl is HAPPY!

I love that it's so simple, and rather reasonably priced too from $39.90. I was quite concerned about the quality of the print because my phone goes through a LOT of trauma. I wanted the prints to stay vibrant no matter how badly I treat it and stand the test of time. I was assured that the prints will stay intact (I tried scratching it later, and SURPRISE! Still good as new.)

Out with the old....

In with the new!

And to all my readers with a flair for design, The Kase is holding a design competition in February! If you'd like to win some moolah, and get your awesome design printed, you should definitely give it a shot! Unfortunately, as much as I want to try my hand at designing cases... I'd really rather not. Blame it on my zero designing skills.

Click here for more details! 

FIRST TRIP OF THE YEAR!

Currently lazing in bed, cursing the fact that I have less than 24 hours in Auckland before going home... It's almost 1 am here but, but but, it's only 7.45 pm in Singapore! #jetlagclub
But I am looking forward to the two more sleeps till I jet off for my very first non work related trip of the year!

I am excited for the spontaneity of it all; I have no set plans. I've booked flights there and back, and I have a sketchy idea of what I want to do. One sure thing I wanna do is to visit Citra! It has been a really long time since I saw her and I can't wait for the girly, bitching sessions!

Where am I going?

BALI.

I've been wanting to head there for the longest time. The closest I've been to Bali is the Ngurah Rai Airport. We fly in, and an hour later out.. back to our destination. I never had the opportunity to get out and have a looksee or head to the beach. I'd always press my face on the window, staring sadly at the blue water and white sandy beaches as the aircraft makes its way across the runway. Sigh.

NOW I ACTUALLY GET TO STEP OUT OF THE AIRPORT!

If only I could look this stylish travelling to places on Singapore Airline's business class. 

Sigh. Someday my prince time will come~

P.S. I post real-time updates on instagram so let's be friends at SESAMEBAGELS!

Gotta catch 'em all!

I've always thought Pandora charm bracelets were waaaay too common and definitely over my budget. Had a discussion about it with my friend, Gwen and now I've decided to get one for my own. It's how you customise your bracelet that makes it uniquely you. 

Before flying, I used to have tons of arm candy. The bands and bracelets round my wrists each have a story of their own. Some of them were given by friends, and others are from the places I've visited. When I went for my trip round Thailand and Laos, I had almost 8 bracelets round my wrists and for months they remained intact. 

I still think it's pricey, but it's worth an investment. There are so many cute charms to choose from, and with new designs cropping up every few months, the possibilities will never get exhausted. Setting aside a few bucks for a charm of my choice every month is ideal, but a charm is more special when a loved one gifts one for you. Brings good memories, and a better story to tell when someone asks. And when someone else have a Pandora bracelet, I swear it's easier to get a gift for them. 

P.S. Gwen and Seri, I love you both cos I don't have to crack my head open thinking of gifts for you.

Too broke this month to afford a starter's kit. Will definitely update when I get my paws on one!

Risen from momentary sleep mode.

NOPE! Haven't abandoned this writing space just yet! Work is taking up almost 75% of my time right now, and the past trip had been terrible and awesome at the same time. Terrible because my phone broke, AGAIN... and I left all my credit cards at home and was forced to survive on 150 SGD and leftover NZD from my previous trip. Awesome because I spent 11 days with the craziest crew thus far.

More soon!

25 Things You Have To Try In Your 20s At Least Once : My response.

So there's been this Thought Catalog post that has been swimming around Facebook for a while now and I thought, what better way to start December by reflecting on what I've done since I turned 20 two years ago. 

1. Call that person you’ve been thinking about for longer than you can remember, but whose rejection you have always feared. Just pick up the phone, hold your breath, and accept the fact that knowing how they feel is better than living in limbo.

2. Go on a camping trip with a solid group of your friends, a cooler of drinks, and enough grillable meats to last you for at least twice as long as you actually need. Get really scared when you think you hear a bear, and then realize it’s just your friend coming back from peeing.

3. Learn how to make your favorite restaurant dishes, even if they don’t taste as good as the original. Learn what actually goes into the food you love so much.

I'm trying to recreate a delicious risotto I enjoyed while on a lunch date with Pyn in Melbourne. It was a cold, winter day and that risotto really warmed me up. At $24, the price was quite steep, but the abundance of seafood hidden within was definitely worth it.

4. Apply to a job that you really want, but which you know you have next to zero chance of actually landing. You’ll risk nothing, and may actually be pleasantly surprised by getting the job.

My current job. I went for the interview expecting nothing, but silently prayed for a chance. The whole process was nerve wracking, and for a really long time, I couldn't believe I landed the job. Never worked so hard for something in my life!

5. Go an entire Saturday without a smartphone, and intentionally get lost in your own city — ask for directions from strangers and read street maps if you need to find your way back somewhere.

6. Approach someone at a bar who seems cute and cool, and without even thinking about it, just start up a conversation with them. Remind yourself that you don’t even know this person, and even if they don’t like you back, it will have no bearing on your life.

Cairns. It was a lovely night at a local bar where you can get steak at $6 and drinks at $10 for 5. The atmosphere was great, and the people I was with were better. Was queuing for a drink and chanced upon this cute guy looking lost at the line. Started with, "You getting a drink? Why don't you purchase the deal coupon downstairs, it's really a steal." And the next thing I know, he was leading me seamlessly on the dance floor. 

7. Tell a close friend that you love them, and don’t worry about it feeling weird. If they’re a good friend, they will love hearing how much you care.

I hardly say I love you without really meaning it. So when I did for the first time in a long, long time... and received a weirded out response in return, I swore I'll never say it again. Not a good friend, apparently. But who knew, later, I met someone who told me he loves me, and it's okay if I didn't love him back. But I surprised myself by telling him, "I do too, but just give me a little more time." In turn, he surprised me by giving me just that.

8. Paint your room a really odd color, one that you’ve always wanted to live in but looked at as too “childish” or “bold” for an adult’s apartment.

9. Paint over it right away if you don’t like it, but give it at least a week to test it out.

Soon. When I have my own apartment or something.

10. Force yourself, for an entire month, to wear the kinds of clothes that actually make you feel good about yourself, even if they aren’t what is currently considered “stylish.” Just focus on looking like the “you” that exists in your head, and not caring about what other people think.

When I was out backpacking, most of the time I didn't care about how I looked. My hair was messy, my face had little to no make up and I wore old t-shirts and baggy printed pants. I felt comfortable and I still made tons of friends along the way. 

11. Get a job that you can quit with no remorse, and leave it as soon as you save enough money to go somewhere far away.

12. Go to a country where you know nobody, and take a book of translations that never leaves your right hand. Fumble through conversations and force yourself to ask questions in stores or restaurants, even if you think you’ll look silly.

Tokyo, Japan. 'nuff said.

13. Eat big plates of delicious food, and don’t think for a second about the caloric content.

Every single day. :P

14. Throw a surprise birthday party for a friend who has been going through a bad time, and who hasn’t had time to plan their own birthday party. Even if it’s just a few friends getting together for dinner, let them know that people care about them.

Didn't plan it, but was part of the surprise Ryan's friends threw him for his birthday this year. They were really awesome people.

15. Bring breakfast for everyone in your office and don’t expect them to do anything in return (even though, if it’s a decent office, they definitely will).

16. Practice having a conversation with someone where you focus entirely on listening, and don’t think at all about what you’re going to say next so you can concentrate on everything they’re saying as they say it.

17. Plan a weekend trip to the beach with friends, pack your car with blankets and coolers and swimsuits, and rent a shitty little place right on the boardwalk. Spend the whole time eating fries with malt vinegar and Old Bay, riding old roller coasters, and getting sand in your hair.

18. Make a four-course meal for someone you love, and set up the table all fancy and nice.

19. Spend time with someone much older than you — like your grandparents’ age — and just listen to what they have to say about life. Play board games or cards with them, and think about what you can learn from them.

Had dinner with someone who's 20+ years older than me. We had a great time talking about life, about his experiences.. about 'kids these days' and of course, travelling in the 'olden days'. It was invigorating.

20. Apologize to someone you slighted, and mean it.

21. Organize a night out with your coworkers so that everyone can get to know each other and have fun in a more cool setting, and be the person who takes the initiative to reserve rooms and coordinate schedules. Make things happen.

22. Take a dance class, and stick with it.

I can't dance though.

23. Move to a city you want to live in, even if it means having to work odd jobs and long hours to pay for everything. Make the choice to be in the places where you want to be, and live your life in the right surroundings.

Japan, maybe? Or Bangkok? Hmmm.

24. Get a bike, and ride it as much as you can. Memorize public transportation. Learn how to get yourself around without a car, and rid yourself of all of the expenses it comes with.

25. Pack up a bunch of lunches and toiletries and give them out to the homeless people you pass every day. Decide that you can do something about the sadness you see on your walk to work, and actually follow through with making a difference. Be generous with your time, your money, and your compassion, and realize how little it takes to be that person if you really want to.

Out of 25 things, I've only done 7 in the two years since I turned 20. I have 8 years left to fulfill most on this list! Let's hope I can cross more things out.

Bite-sized blogging

As I am gearing up for the crazy Australian weather, I've been thinking of ways to ensure that I remain consistent in writing content for my blog. It's gonna be especially hard for me because I'm leaving my laptop at home, only taking with me my trusty iPad and phone. How was I going to transfer and edit pictures in my iPad?! I can't possibly leave my blog unattended, I'll lose all my wonderful readers!

Had a chat with Janet, a lovely lady I met for the first time last week, and she suggested a brilliant plan. From one busy writer to another, she said that I should write bite-sized pieces instead of a full travelogue from time to time. A friend of hers posts at least twice a week, limiting herself to two pictures and a paragraph of words. Short, and sweet... but it works.

I'm definitely going to give it a go. And it helps having a to-do list to keep track on post ideas, meetings and your never-ending social life!

xx

Snow Fairy gets a wand this Christmas!

If there was a Lush product that I could use for the rest of my life, it would definitely be the limited edition Snow Fairy shower gel... or any of its derivatives. Snow Fairy is only available during the Christmas season, so I tend to stock up to last me the rest of the year.

My big sister was the person who got me hooked to the cotton candy smelling gel. I was a little skeptical at first because it was not only pink.. but there's GLITTER at the bottom of the bottle. But I fell in love with it after the first bath. I come out of the shower smelling sweet and cotton candy-like. 

This year, Snow Fairy comes in a special bubble magic wand. It's pink, star shaped and MARVELLOUS. Tried it in the bathtub and besides turning the water pink, it produced lots and lots of bubbles too! One of the greatest joys in life for me is to sit in a bathtub surrounded by bubbles, and the magic wand was a dream come true! 

I am not sure if Lush SG stocks the Magic Wand, but the stores in Aussie do! It's less than 10 bucks and I used it for three bubbly goodness baths, so it's definitely worth your money. My roommate and I had so much fun playing with the wand.

This post is not sponsored by Lush Cosmetics. All opinions are solely my own.

I have a new travel companion!

My Urbanears have finally gave up on me after 2.5 years of abuse. I really loved those headphones even though they're so bulky. I can't live without a few hours everyday tuning out the rest of the world and drown myself in sweet tunes, so I set off looking for a worthy replacement.

Thanks to omy.sg, I've been chosen to participate in a campaign involving the new Plantronics BackBeat GO 2 earbuds. My task is to showcase how I incorporate these buds into my every day life. You probably know by now that I travel for work and how I am on the move most of the month. So these buds are a godsend!

Plus, I am really, really excited because it's my first time participating in a blogger competition that is based locally. As snotty as this may sound, I am pretty choosy with the products I choose to put my efforts in reviewing on this blog. It can't be any random thing off the streets; it must be something I can trust and get everyone to like it too. And, I get new earphones to play with.. what could be more awesome than that?

My posts on the BackBeat GO 2 will be up on the campaign blog along with 20 other bloggers competing for the grand prize of SGD 500 cash. They are all accomplished Singaporean bloggers, and I feel like a new kid at school. So do check them out too!

Plus, for a limited time, Plantronics is extending a discount of 15% off your new BackBeat GO 2 (earbuds + carry case/charger) to all my wonderful readers. Use the code: 15omyintan upon checkout to enjoy the great discount! Unfortunately, only available to Singapore residents only. Sorry guys. :(

Enjoy the rest of your week!

The inner fangirl in me surfaces.

I would usually save this fangirling posts for Tumblr, but this time I just can't help myself. 

IT'S BRENNAN AND BOOTHS'S WEDDING DAY!

I've been a loyal follower of Bones since 2008, catching up on the 2+ years I've missed then waiting eagerly for new episodes to roll out each week. I was there for the breakups, hook ups, deaths (it happens every week, but the most devastating ones involve the characters we love e.g. Vincent Nigel-Murray) and the 9 years of sexual tension between the two lead characters, Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz)

Can't wait for tonight's episode! It's what everyone who's been a faithful follower to Bones have been waiting for after all the random hook ups, missed opportunities, and an unexpected pregnancy.

Weekly Wishes #10 - A MILESTONE!

This post is a milestone because it's my 10TH Weekly Wishes post. I think it deserves a sidebar link of its own. I love how every week people from all over the world would read my blog and leave beautiful comments before they leave. I enjoy going through the list of blogs to read every week, whether or not I contributed. Linking up for the Weekly Wishes is an experience, and I am grateful for the chance to interact with like-minded bloggers around the world.

I haven't been really productive with #9. Except for the part about drinking 1.5 litres of water per day. Not that I can finish an entire bottle, but I think as a whole, I am drinking more plain water every day because of the nature of my work and the environment I am in. I gotta stay hydrated!

WEEKLY WISHES #10

❤ Start researching on a good body toning workout

❤ Get a good rest before each working day

❤ Eat a little healthier

❤  Try not to kill anyone

❤ Continue blogging throughout the week

❤ Start researching on a good body toning workout

There are days when I look at myself in the mirror and hate the way I look. I hate to wear any kind of swimsuit, opting for shorts and a tank top instead because I hate the stretch marks on my ass. My legs used to be nicely toned because I was a cross country runner back back when I was at school. I want that body, those legs and a firmer ass back. So, like Britney said, "You gotta work it, bitch." 

If you guys have an effective regime to recommend, do let me know in the comments below!

❤ Get a good rest before each working day

The upcoming week is going to be intense. I'll be away from home for at least 8 straight days, operating the Perth-Denpasar turnarounds, with minimal rest hours in between. It's going to be tiring and I really can't wait for these sectors to be over. Thankfully, Perth and Singapore are in the same timezone, so not much adjusting is needed. But getting up from the depths of a comfy hotel bed will prove to be a huge challenge.

❤ Eat a little healthier

Eating healthy was never in my agenda.. Ever. But that's because I get good food at home. When I was in Melbourne, I stocked up on tons of junk food. I grew sick of microwaved food after three days, that even McDonalds was a treat. This time though, I intend to shop for more healthier food. We'll see how it goes during the week. I hope for more roasted chicken salad. 

❤  Try not to kill anyone

Samsung's customer service stinks. I don't think I've ever been that angry since a year and a half ago. My S4 is barely 2 months old, but it had seen the insides of the service centre FOUR TIMES ALREADY. I yelled at the staff because I was so pissed that the same old problem kept cropping up despite numerous trips to the store. The front desk girl and I are like best friends now. 

This is probably my penance for switching sides. I should have just stuck to Apple. Now, they've already botched the delivery, making me wait for a no-show delivery tonight... They're gonna get a good scolding from me first thing tomorrow morning. Never getting another Samsung phone in my life.

❤ Continue blogging throughout the week

I will be bringing my Macbook along for the 'lonely nights' ahead. I hope I wouldn't be too tired or lazy to update this space. I have a few exciting posts lined up, so do continue to drop by throughout the week. I promise, the reads would be entertaining.

And this concludes my 10th Weekly Wishes post! This was indeed a sense of achievement for me, because I never seemed to be able to be faithful and consistent to a plan. Thank you Melyssa for hosting such an awesome link up!

xx

Weekly Wishes #9

Previous week's wishes:

❤ Finish recording a song

❤ Take a test roll on le Diana Mini

❤ Cook something new

❤ WORK, I NEED WORK.

Last week had been pretty great. I managed to have just enough money to sustain me till payday, which is a GREAT accomplishment having to work with $600. 

It's the season to fall sick! I was down with the flu a greater part of last week and still am battling the sniffles. I am trying hard not to depend on my Blue Best Friend, but unfortunately, I have had to succumb twice this time. But I made some ground beef hash for lunch last week. It was YUMMEH and very, very satisfying. 

I am FINALLY going to do some travelling! This coming Thursday I will be Beijing-bound! Can't wait to get into the aircraft and learn something.. and do some exploring of course.

WEEKLY WISHES #9

❤ Drink at least 1.5 litres of water everyday
❤ Try at least ONE strange food in Beijing (and live to tell the story)

❤ Pack bags, prepare items for Beijing AND the following week
❤ Get at least 5 new blogger friends!

❤ Drink at least 1.5 litres of water everyday

I've seen this wish floating around blogosphere the past week and am inspired to do the same! I don't drink enough water sometimes, and my lips get chapped and broken and sore. It's going to be worst when I am in Australia the next couple of weeks as the weather there is significantly drier than hot, humid Singapore. I don't wanna get dry lips that escalated into painful rashes on my upper lip. That wasn't fun.

❤ Try at least ONE strange food in Beijing (and live to tell the story)

My friend Miao went to Beijing for New Year and told me how exciting Beijing city was. From the shopping to the strange food and the Great Wall, she recounted a couple of very interesting tales of her trip. One of which was when she tried eating a grilled starfish. She described the little morsel as 'sandy'. Halfway through the sandy experience, the lady who sold her the starfish yelled at her to peel off the skin first before eating. Needless to say, she didn't have a great experience with the starfish. 

❤ Pack bags, prepare items for Beijing AND the following week

It's gonna be an intensely packed month for me in October. Once I come back from Beijing, I have less than 24 hours to get ready for a week-long trip to Darwin.. with a stopover in Manila before making our way to Narita, TOKYO! Finally, my dreams of visiting Japan are coming true! I must make sure to pack extra sweaters since it's spring in Darwin and autumn in Japan. Don't want to have to buy warm clothings like I had to in Chiangmai because it got unexpectedly cold.

❤ Get at least 5 new blogger friends!

It's a little bit of a long shot... But, I am going to try. I am opening up my sidebar for you to place your ads, and the best part is... it is completely FREE! That's right. It's free and easy to advertise on my blog. Just drop me an email at yourdogatemyhair@gmail.com to indicate your interest. Do put 'BUTTON SWAP' in your header so it's easy for me to get back to you :)

Hope you have a smooth sailing week ahead!

Ride on the magic schoolbus!

Hank Butitta bought a bus. And his idea of turning a school bus into a livable, comfortable and flexible space is ingenious. This is perfect for a road trip with a few friends, a party bus or maybe somewhere to rest your tired souls during the Burning Man Festival maybe.

I love how the space is so flexible. It could be a functional workspace by day, and party house by night. Pull out a few hidden compartments, toss some pillows on them and you can have a cosy girls' night in! 

I wish we had the money and the expertise to design and build something as awesome as this. It would have made all road trips and party buses waaaaay more awesome than it already is. 

Weekly Wishes #8

Previous week's wishes:

❤ GET LAUNDRY DONE

❤ Start writing again

❤ Enjoy the downtime while it lasts

❤ Quit obsessing over black cats.

I am proud to say that I've been quite productive last week. I got my 90% of my laundry done, met up with a couple of people I haven't seen in ages.. And I started writing again from scratch after getting inspired by the grand party on The Great Gatsby. 

My uniform had been altered and ready to be worn whenever they decide to roster me in for duty. According to the email sent, we were to receive our schedule for the next month today. It is already 1740 hours in Melbourne and there are no signs of an updated roster. Sigh. I am getting a little stir crazy here.

The past weekend had been insane. Spent a quiet Friday night in, curled up with a book and a mug of hot cappuccino. Saturday was party night at Tanjong Beach Club. I haven't partied in a long, long while and let's just say it was crazy. I was glad to be with great friends who made sure to look after each other no matter how messed up we were. The next day I woke up with a terrible headache. It was so bad, I think my hangover had a hangover. Sunday was a little more relaxed. Movie afternoon with the same people I partied with last night.. and a family dinner. It was overall a great weekend.

WEEKLY WISHES #8

❤ Finish recording a song
❤ Take a test roll on le Diana Mini

❤ Cook something new

❤ WORK, I NEED WORK.

❤ Finish recording a song

I am the kind of person who listens to a song, likes it and intends to cover it. I downloaded a TON of instrumental tracks off YouTube but 80% of the time, I don't end up covering the song. The last song I did was a collaboration with my ultra talented cousin, Herlmi.

And I haven't had the inspiration (nor the voice) to sing anything. But my big sister's birthday is coming up and she loves Lana Del Ray. So I was thinking to do a song for her (in addition to the god-expensive truffle oil she wanted so much) as a gift.

❤ Take a test roll on le Diana Mini
I haven't taken any quality film pictures this year, and I am itching to start again. Thankfully, my neighbour agreed to loan me her Diana Mini for my experimentation. I have recently gotten my hands on expired films... like 5 years expired kinds.. for a great steal and I can't wait to use them. Especially, when I have a very, very good looking subject waiting for me. Hee.

❤ Cook something new
I have a strange craving for homemade chicken noodle soup since Melbourne and the best recipe I found so far takes like 4 hours.. and a whole freaking chicken to cook. I will try to come up with something. The thought of slurping down the smooth, warm and flavourful broth is just........ mmmm.

❤ WORK, I NEED WORK!
I've never been so eager to start work, ever. But a three week long hiatus from work is driving me crazy. (I am going to regret this when I actually start working) If I weren't so broke, I would have taken this opportunity to travel. But no, my bank account is squeezed dry, hence I have to stay home and endure the wrath of my mum. So I am really hoping they'd schedule me for some flights before I forget the stuff I learnt a month ago. A. MONTH. AGO.

Still obsessed with black cats. WHY ARE YOU SO CUTE.

Remember the time I quit school... and learnt to let go.

Throughout my entire life, I've always been sure of what I wanted to do. It started out with what after school activities I wanted to do, then later what diploma course I wanted to do after O levels. I've been lucky so far, I got what I wanted... but not without hard work.

After my diploma, I wanted to pursue a degree in Journalism, or Communication.. something I've been interested in and have been doing since I was a kid. I love writing. Unfortunately, Singapore doesn't have many reputable media courses, and I don't do well enough to compete for a place in the only national university that offered the course. I wanted to pursue my degree overseas, but my parents weren't exactly very supportive of my choice. So I made a compromise.

I entered Lasalle with the aim to study Fashion Communication. It was a three-year degree course with honours. The first semester was the most challenging because we would need to be exposed all the Fashion disciplines in school. I did well for the management and communication bits, but struggled at sewing and textiles. As the semester progressed, I was increasingly hating what I was doing, hating my parents for not being supportive of me studying journalism overseas and me.. for compromising.

When 2012 rolled by, I was miserable. Nothing was going right in my life; I was struggling to keep myself afloat at school, and the one person I loved was giving me hell. I was so angry all the time, and it reflected on myself, on my relationships and on everything that I did. I know I had to let something go, before I went into a complete nervous breakdown.

One night, I sat alone in my room, praying. I was trapped in a dark place, the darkest I've ever been in. I wasn't sure I was going to make it out alive. I needed His guidance, and He is the only One I'd turn to for salvation. I prayed for Him to send me a sign because I didn't know what to do anymore.

By God's Grace, He sent me a huge sign.

It took me a lot of courage to tell my parents I've had enough. They took it more calmly than I had expected, but I still felt like I failed them. I did disappoint them, and worst of all... I let me down. I've never done anything like this before, I've always finished what I started. It was a costly mistake, and I am still beating myself up over it.

His Guidance didn't just stop there. A few weeks later, the guy I loved and cared for with all my heart decided that he didn't want me in any part of his future and that was the end of everything we had for the past 6 years. That was it. Yes, I was devastated and heaven knew how much it hurt. But after a week of feeling shite, I got back up and went on with life. At that time, I felt like I've gotten the closure I needed. The people closest to me didn't think so, but I felt free.. finally. I knew I will always love him, and he'd be one of those people whom I will never get over till I find someone better.. But his mind had been made, and I can't change it.

After that, I felt liberated. I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. In front of me lay a road with endless possibilities. My future was uncertain, but I was sure I'll get somewhere, someday.

I never regretted quitting school, because if I didn't, I wouldn't have been able to do everything that I did the past year. All the travels, all the people I met and all the jobs and experiences I underwent.. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I didn't hate him for what he did to me. Yes, for a really long while I was angry because I didn't think I deserved the crap he was giving me. But I never regretted ever knowing him.. or loving him even because I learnt a hell lot from the experience. Despite him stating that he didn't want anything to do with me, we still saw each other.. and as much as he doesn't want to show it, he still cared about me as much as I do about him.

Right now I'm doing something I never thought I'd do. I'm enjoying life, taking each day in its stride... I may have regretted a few things I've done and if I could do it over, I'd make things right. I've changed a lot in the past year and sometimes not for the better. But I do the best that I can.

I am content and I am ever grateful.

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