The second week.

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25th June

• Took the train all the way to North Richmond again to exchange the small notebook cover for a bigger one. 
• Had to endure his constant complaining about public transport during the whole ride, nevertheless we bought a few items on impulse at the store. 
• Hurriedly traveled back home to meet up with WinMon, Sahan & Jason to eat HJ for lunch. 
• Wandered around in the shopping centre close by and managed to bump into one of my students!
• Winnie and I did some window shopping before we all settled down at Gloria Jeans. 
• Spent an hour deciding where to have dinner. 
• KFC. 
• Ended the day with a long drive to and from the petrol station before heading home. 

I can bake!

28th June

• Drove (practice!) over to Jp's place to bake waffles and cupcakes! 
• Brought our portable hard drives and laptops and simulated a LAN party while Sophia, Jp and I waited for Uy's arrival. 
• Separated into two teams: Uy and I on cupcakes. Sophia and Jp on waffles. 
• ...may have slightly burnt the first batch of waffles. 
• Pictures speak louder than words SO HERE THEY ARE: (thanks to Sophia's camera) 

 

Yes, that waffle machine is burning.

• Dinner at MACCAS. We should learn how to drive and get a car so we won't freeze in the dark while walking there!

3:12AM Thoughts

Me thinks it's about time I write a post when I'm sleep deprived, while I squint my eyes to the blinding light of my computer screen. 

I'm tired and I don't like waiting for sleep to come. It's the period of time when you shut your eyes and everything just comes into your brain. All those thoughts come squirming out of places before they all disappear for a few hours.They may not be necessarily negative thoughts. It can be anticipating or excitement  for the coming day. I'm not doing anything today really.I'm still surprised at how long the battery life of my notebook has been performing.. I opened this notebook fully charged at around 11pm and now it's 3:20am in the morning and I still have about one hour and a half remaining. Good on ya HP. 

I wonder what's so intriguing at the time 3am.. They say the best conversations happen at this hour, or it's apparently every girl's dream that a guy calls her at this hour. Perhaps it's the idea that most of the population is asleep. A haze swept across the nation. Everyone's in their own world. The concept of 3am has been universally romanticised. 

Then what about those people who are still awake? Besides the young adults who have destroyed their sleeping patterns, but maybe to those who are homeless and can't bear the coldness of the ground? or workers who are confined to their office to finalise or complete a project? Workers who are taking night shifts such as nurses who attend patients frequently during the entire night? People down at 24/7 retails or restaurants? Are bakers awake at this hour too? What about them? What about them? 

My head feels like a rock. 

Goodbye June.

I must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed today, or my hormones are being a total bitch. Maybe both. Today is shit. 

I want to leave this place. 

I want to stay in bed for the whole day. 

I don't want to do anything. I don't give a fuck. I want to go on a long drive to no where. I miss sleeping in the car, as uncomfortable as that sounds it means that I've had a good long day in some place far or the morning journey has just begun. Or just walking in the city at night can be already an invigorating experience. The night lights, the people, the air...it's one of life's little pleasures. I go to the same bed everyday and wake up to the same thing everyday. Most days are meaningless and have no impact on my life at all. What's the point? What am I looking forward to? Graduation? I need short term goals too, something that makes me get through the day or week. I believe this Winter season has been the coldest of all colds. It's shit. I want less things in my room. And fuck Facebook is boring. I've gone through two big packets of Tasty Jacks in one week and heap load of chocolate. Ugh. 

Post - exams: The first week of freedom.

  

The Final Exam

15th June

• Dinner date with Yen at Ganesha 

Dinner for two after a long day of exams. They were first served with curry puffs and small pieces of butter chicken. Both shook their heads to decline the offer of wine. Butter chicken and beef curry with rice and bread for the main. 

• Dessert at Helados Jauja

Scoops of fine chocolate and raspberry heaven served in the cutest cafe.  

Rainbows

16th June

The children became sticky and smelt of sugar after each class. She wonders what the fuss was with these TNT Sour Straps they were all holding...

Melbourne city in Winter

19th June 

• Trained to Melbourne CBD to meet Uy & Sophia 

She woke up early, then got out of bed late. 

• Caramel frappucino from Starbucks

Too much caffeine makes her alert at night and sets off an unpleasant stomach. She never orders coffee. She wonders why she's been feeling this way for a while. Of course, from all the black tea she's been having, the trips to Gloria Jeans for cold caramel vanilla frappucinos and warm hot chocolate drinks to study, not only that, but also the cafe at Uni - She's been drinking the coffee drug indirectly. 

• Takoyaki pieces for lunch at Gigi 

Every baby octopus dreamed of this. Please meet mouth. 

• DAISO in North Richmond 

Bought a cream beanie and a green notebook cover. Notebook cover does not fit. 

• Dinner at Hungry Jacks 

Nothing beats a walk in the sunset for $5 fries, unlimited drinks and burgers. Wifi hotspot found! 

Good morning Wednesday

20th June 

• Breakfast at Ikea 

Take out the "good" in morning. An impulsive and last minute decision to have breakfast in the morning. Argued over which living arrangements were more appealing. Argued some more about not listening to each other all the time. Argued about the definition of teamwork. Agreed to disagree. 

• DFO window shopping 

A very quiet time of day. 

• Two episodes of The Inbetweeners  

Both squirmed at the sight of blood on the daytime TV show "The Doctors". Watched The Inbetweeners to pass some time before one headed off to work. 

 

It's Friday

22nd June 

• SUPRE factory outlet with Stephinee 

She couldn't wait any longer. Spent a total of two hours browsing in the store for the perfect bargained garment. Most items had sizes that were not accommodated to personal needs; some only had XXS and XXL. Where's S or M?! Nevertheless, both walked out happy with a green bag of clothes to show off to the world.  

• Pizza Hut for lunch 

Two became three, and his new black BMW hatchback. 

• Watched the documentary "Guys and Dolls" back at her place 

Click above. Feel free to agonize over graphic images of...dolls. 

Incoming call:

Woke up in the early morning to him snoring on the other line.
I was pretty surprised my headphones were still intact.

Call ended, duration: 
6:26:03

Attack of the Winter blues by B2

Hello! I'm B2, please let me introduce myself for bit: I've been with Karen since she started primary school. She along with her mother chose me in the K-Mart toy aisle and was only allowed to take one of us home (B1/B2). To be honest, I'm still not really sure why she chose me even to this very day. I'm always hanging by her bed now and kept at an appropriate distance from her side - Since Karen is a little bit allergic to dust, she doesn't really like to hug furry things or put plushies near her face when she sleeps. This isn't suppose to sound harmful but I was never allowed to be with her outside. Karen wouldn't let me. She was too scared to bring it to school in case I'll get dirty or worse, lost. It's okay though, Pooh Bunny has been keeping me company after all these years. I wish Karen and her mum find B1 one day, I really do miss him.

A couple of days ago, Karen decided to take a walk in the unpredictable coldness of Melbourne weather. Now she's sluggish as ever and her ears are blocked from the sore throat that's been currently developing. I heard her parents outside in the kitchen tell her off for not wearing warmer clothes around the house and constantly loosing her slippers. Karen hardly ever gets sick, hence she finds it unusual to be in such a state (especially during SWOT VAC). So I thought I'd like to show you her routine in fighting the common cold. I hope these techniques will also help any snifflers out there too! hehe: 

First, Karen makes a hot cup of lemon and honey drink out of the cutest (and therefore her favourite) cup on the shelf. 

I'm going to help out by turning on her Themostat now! If you have a small heater or heat insulators installed: put a bowl of water in your room. The heat will evaporate the water from the bowl, retaining moisture in the air and preventing dryness. This can be done for microwaving food too! Just place a small cup of water along with your food in the microwave and it'll stop food from becoming too dry.

Remember to always take your medicine if you must. 

  

Karen loves the sensation of Tiger Balm ointment. 

This reminds me of the time when Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory got sick and asks Penny to rub his chest and sing "Soft Kitty" to him hehe. 

When Karen tells you to keep snuggly in her text messages, DO IT! 

For Hachiko, Marley & Me, Up, The Notebook, My Sister's Keeper, Life is Beautiful, I am Sam...

...and get plenty of forty winks....sleep zzz. I think I might stay here now. 

It's been a pleasure to greet you tonight. 

I hope you have nice sleep now (like me). Goodnight everyone!

- B2

Goodbye May

Here's.....

Congratulations, we made it to the halfway point guys! I believe the creator of the above .gif is entering into Summer, but here in Australia it's the first day of Winter. I've got 15 days of intense cram sessions (12 weeks of lecture content into two weeks) ahead of me before my granted freedom. I've got my mind set on being surrounded by good warm hearty food and a few good people. I can't wait for the "Hello! I've missed you. TELL ME EVERYTHING!" tight hugs. So time, please bring me closer to these days. 

I'm wishing success to my close friend who's going through VCE Year 12 mid - year exams right now. Remember how unstable we youngins were back then? She's been working so hard throughout the year, the inevitable pressure is there for her but I'm proud at what she's achieved already. I'll always continue to support her studies. I'll also be saying goodbye (for now) to another close friend of mine who'll be travelling overseas for three weeks.

On Tuesday I conversed about the future of having kids one day. It's a one hell of a topic, and one that I try to not get too naive thinking about it. I do find it attractive when guys are good with kids, but to become a parent is another thing. If you asked me as of now, I'll say I'll be happy with one child (maybe two at max?) when my motherly instincts kicks in at it's peak or maybe something happens and I choose not to endure the path of motherhood? I'm about to enter the prime time living it up in the 20's (in six months), so a mini me will be a thought saved for the future - financially stable - career wise Karen (age 32 or not).

Today I shall be heading off to an Aquatic Centre to introduce myself in person for community placements next Semester. If the university confirms my place, then I'll be observing student learning in an afterschool and preschool "Learn to Swim" program. 

I kinda want my Tumblr and Facebook back too. I have the biggest craving for chocolate right now. Yesterday I scoffed down a treat size Turkish Delight and two Rose chocolates. I think I know what that means...I have the biggest craving for chocolate right now. 

Wake up in the morning/afternoon (waking up in general) and feeling like an old person struggling to get out of bed. 

Onwards to the next six months. 

Blue Up

 

I feel like men are more romantic than women. When we get married we marry, like, one girl, 'cause we're resistant the whole way until we meet one girl and we think 'I'd be an idiot if I didn't marry this girl; she's so great.' But it seems like girls get to a place where they just kinda pick the best option... 'Oh, he's got a good job.' I mean, they spend their whole life looking for Prince Charming and then they marry the guy who's got a good job and is gonna stick around. 

Blue Valentine (2010)

Blue Valentine reminded me a little bit of Revolutionary Road. Both movies deal the realistic fall out of love and relationships. There are always these moments in life that say "How did we end up like this?, What happened?" - Thoughts that make you doubt the concept of "forever". Personally, I don't believe in forever. It makes people take things for granted. Sometimes even having too much love can be detrimental...when one doesn't feel the same. How can the most innocent and happiest of things turn into something so hurtful?

We're on our way, Ellie.

Up (2009)

Disney Pixar, you have done it again. I finally watched "Up" and. I. loved. it! It was absolutely adorable  and sweet with just about the right amount of tear - jerker moments that made me into an emotional mess. Sometimes I thought Up could have been a little distressful for the children! Pixar movies never fail to make me feel more things than ever compared to The Twilight Saga Movies... *nervous laughter* I really don't know how I'll be when I get around to Toy Story 3 now... 

May thoughts.

It is I, May 2012.

Meanwhile last year in May.

Instead of completing a 1000 word analysis on student learning, tonight will be the night when my writer’s block is no longer blocked. Well, maybe just for tonight. This is the final week of semester 1 for uni and yes I’m eagerly finishing off remaining assessments before the beginning of SWOT VAC next week (otherwise known as “dead week” in the US and Canada). Funny how the Scottish use “Swot” as “to sweat” but what does it mean to us Aussie kids? According to Wikipedia, it is an abbreviation for Study WithOut Teachers and Vac is short for vacation. Wow. Look at the irony of those two words. I have a sudden rush of hype just now, perhaps this is the Very Vanilla Chiller with a shot of coffee I consumed seven hours ago from Gloria Jeans. Keep in mind that I'm not a regular coffee drinker. Speaking of Gloria Jeans, I’ve been there for the past three Monday afternoons. I really want to try out the Italian Soda they have up on the board. It’s not actually the sweet taste I enjoy from soda/soft drinks; it’s the carbonated fizzy sensation on the tip of my tongue. Would anyone like to try it with me? I actually just want a sip, not really the whole $3.10 small cup thing. No I don’t actually take drugs and I’m not intoxicated by alcohol right now. One classmate asked me if I didn’t drink due to religious reasons. Nope, that’s why we call it the “Asian Flush”. I can count how many drinks I’ve had actually in my lifetime. 

- A couple of nasty sips at the dinner table with families. 

- Half a cup of rice wine to celebrate the end of Semester 1 exams last year. 

- One shot of Soju at a Korean bbq function. I could have gone for another shot, but I wasn’t going to test my alcohol tolerance with an 8am lecture the following morning. 

That’s about it really about me and alcohol. I need more clothes. I have two closets full of clothes that stand before me every morning and I see nothing. NOTHING. I want new jeans. I want more tops, especially oversized ones that droop all the way past your bottom. I’m pretty self - conscious around that area. It's like almost a dress shirt, I think they’re cute and comfortable. I also think I’m the only person who doesn't own a chiffon top with no sleeves. I don’t have maroon jeans either. Both of these items are moderately expensive. I’ll definitely purchase something after my exams. I’m setting a day for DFO Southwarf. No one can stop me, not that anyone will. I know a few who would be amazed to see me pull out my wallet at times. 

Been super increasingly envious of P plate drivers over the past few months, more so than I did last year when most people have just gotten them. I’m stuck on 14 hours lodged in my log book, okay…13.5 hours. I’ve actually done more than that, I swear! All those 5 – 10 minute road trips around town have not been recorded. I’m not a consistent driver. At times I’ll be really, really good with no bumps or times where I’d zone out at traffic lights. Then there are those moments where you just want to turn off the engine, pull out the keys, get out of the car and let someone else take over the wheel because you were this close in paying compensation. Parking gives me a headache too. I’ve got a driving instructor’s business card stuck to my fridge. I hope this new one (and cheaper might I add) doesn’t give me scratch marks on my wrist like the last one. I’m clocking up my hours this winter holidays – boot camp style. I want my P’s. I’m giving myself till the end of the year. The streets need another emotionally unstable short Asian female driver. 

Emotionally unstable. Emotions. Just going back to uni, I’ve got about three weeks left to study. The Psychology exam is worth 50% to my final grade and my Physiology exam is worth 30%. Once I’ve completed this week’s demand of online quizzes, in – semester test and group presentations; I’ll be actually eager to get cracking on these two subjects. I don’t have an exam for Education. Education is a new subject and language to me. I mean seriously, your mind would have been blown too if you were asked “How do you learn?” in the first lecture. Then you'd have to write up a 2,000 word response to it worthy of 50% for the semester. That’s education for you. I’m going to start looking for Community Placements in Semester 2 soon. That’s where my next Professional Practice will take place. My first pre – service teacher experience was at a primary school last month. I should finish the essay for that. Should. I’ll be sure to blog about my experience in detail on another night. Maybe for my community placement I could observe Pregnancy classes – how they teach mums to be, to be mums - or watch kids during swimming lessons? I’ll start looking at learning centres first in my local area. 

So I’ve written 857 words in a speed of light. Everything from my brain is pouring out tonight. No I lied, not really everything. There is something, more specifically, someone. It’s the first time I’ve mentioned about it here, which is something that has been going on for about two and a half months now. I know why I’ve refrained myself from writing about it. Looking back at my past posts, there are two main themes that lie common when it comes to being “in like” with someone. Firstly, there’ll be a post where I’m really happy. I’ll talk about all the cute things he does and everything in between that just makes me stupidly happy. Secondly, that person will leave and my writing soon becomes bitter and angry. This time I’m more careful. I don’t know what’s going to happen; if life has taught me one thing it’s that you should never expect so much. People leave and grow apart. I don’t know where this may lead to. I’m not going to pressure myself into believing something that may not even happen. Sometimes I’m pushing myself away from him for days. I’m scared to get close and I know he’s scared too. We’re like two lambs, if anything is abruptly towards us, we're going to run. Give us time, be patient and let things fall together. What am I saying? Have my soliloquy gone too crazy with absurd analogies? Right now I’m quite content with the way he treats me. 

Oh my legs…I’ve made them numb. I have a habit of crossing my legs together while at the desk. Apparently it’s not entirely a good thing. Not only will I restrict a certain minute amount of blood flow function, it’s not the best sitting position to give your brain more thinking power. You should instead have your both feet flat on the floor. Okay. 1,169 words for this post tonight. When your assignments and exams are to be everything, I tend to horribly give everything else more potential. If you've made it this far, you’ve practically read my mind on this Monday ni-…oh nope, Tuesday morning. Thank you. 

Good morning readers, I hope you all have a lovely day.  

The month in five photos: 

Rainy bus rides home. 

This egg and bacon muffin tastes like cardboard :( 

This is Robbie.
Cousin Wesley has been bringing his new puppy to our place for a couple of weeks now. It's only four months old and bites everything in sight. Our family can never stay mad at it though. 

New baby notebook!
I'm perving again. 

Started Project 365
Take a picture every day of the year, become a better photographer and never forget a day in your life.

Hair grows.

Before

After

Once again, I welcome back the fringe and say goodbye to a hand's length of hair....I'm smiling but on the inside, I'm suffering from post - haircut trauma. I'm going to invest in a few pairs of headbands now. Hair grows. Six months later and we'll do it all again. Hair grows. It's okay. Hair grows.