First Design for this Semester

So I thought by having more time I'll be able to be more productive, eg. learn Korean language and HTML from scratch by myself, but apparently not. Everyday after school, I collapse on my bed and wake up when it's almost time for dinner. Occasionally I manage to force myself to the library. Well, that probably happens only once in a fortnight.

I've been noticing the due dates for my assignments, poster and quizzes highlighted in red since two weeks ago. Yet I procrastinate right up till the last minute, definitely doing it the right way! Teehee! Just finished my poster for the Introduction in Fashion Industry class. Nothing interesting about the class yet, since it's still lectures more on the history and theory. Can't wait to get my hands on doing some window display.

Short updates for now until I end my quiz this Friday!

Comfort Food

Back in Hong Kong, Crumbs was my comfort food. Since I came here, I haven't quite have a meal that makes me go woolala except for the hefty breakfast last weekend. That was until yesterday when I tried the curry and roti from my campus. It was the most satisfying meal, with only $2, and the guy at the stall even gave me an extra roti for free! I felt so guilty for not giving him tips after I got back, still not quite used to this whole tipping system.

That nice guy gave me so much curry that I was able to save it for my dinner to go with my packet of microwavable rice as well.

Just came back from the International Exchange party, manage to meet more than 5 new friends, BOOYAHH! Considering the fact that I am an awkward socialiser, that is a pretty big number for me. It's been barely a week yet and I'm already getting intimidated by the amount of work and group projects that are awaiting me this semester. Who said that being an exchange allows you to chill, I need a freaking 60% to pass! Still, I can't wait to make some plans to go around other islands. HEH!

Changed priorities

From an all-time good food lover to someone with a messed up sleeping cycle. It's close to 12a.m here and I just woke up from my so-called nap. HEH.

Good food is no longer something that's on top on my list, since I have a really have a hard time even finding place for food. While napping just became something that I would do everyday since I pretty much have nothing else to do other than surfing the net. Can't believe I chose nap over Yogurtland, which is just right next to my dorm just now.

What has happened to me!? Haven't been taking pictures around too, so I now, spontaneously decided to make myself a to-do list for tomorrow.

1. Get textbooks
2. Walk around the campus
3. PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES!
4. Try Taco Bell

Don't do this kind of babbling post often, guess I'm just too furious with myself letting sleep taking over my life. PFFT! Well, at least I've been updating my blog almost everyday since I came here.

Aloha from the land of sunshine and beaches

Palm trees, Japanese guys in colourful shorts, blue skies and sunshine, rainbow on car plates, all checked! Yes I am in Hawaii right now, it's probably the only place you get to see cute grannies in funky sunglasses.

Arrived at 9am, Hawaii's time, new year's eve yesterday. I tried going through the day forcing myself not to give in to the jet lag. So I quickly unpacked a bit then head down to the largest shopping mall, Ala Moana, on the island.

Grabbed lunch at a place where I was familiar with, California Pizza Kitchen.

I had a hard time trying to find the basic necessities in the mall, so I spent almost 2 hours walking round and round the huge ass mall and managed to leech Apple store's internet for a while.

One sad thing here is that I can't get a data plan since I don't have a social security number. That means, no instant updates on Twitter, which kind of sucks since I'm pretty much already a social addict. Also, no wi-fi in the room, except for a LAN line, put it in other words, no Skype and streaming in the room and no whatsapp.

View from my window

Today, I woke up till the afternoon sun literally shine on my ass. Prep myself and walked out to have brunch. Stopped by at Burger King that was on the way.

Then I walked for almost another 3km to Ala Moana, which I had to take the bus to yesterday. Sipping on a tall creme brulee latte now and of course, leeching the internet line.

Even the internet line is very chill or should I say, slower than Malaysia's. But, I can get use to this.

Before I Jet Off

Just a post before I continue my journey to the states. I was intending to have a quick update before my parents Skype talk me and so I had to write this post on the flight.

I probably just had the best flight food my entire life, ANA's Japanese cuisine was insanely delish that I almost wanted to gobble everything down at once. Can't wait to see what they have for dinner!

--
As for most of you who still don't know where am I heading to, here's the post to reveal. I am heading to Honolulu, Hawaii for a semester! 5 months away from Hong Kong as an exchange student in this tourist's paradise.

Denim shirt: Pull & Bear
Tee: Versace for H&M
Leggings: Gap

I've been staying in Mich's place for the last two nights and only finally had my luggage set this morning. Though I still feel unprepared as I was pretty much really chill for the preparations that should be done for this exchange, nothing matters now since I am only 8 hours away from Hawaii.

The girls, Ronny and Michelle sent me to the airport this afternoon.

Turning those frowns upside down.

More updates once I've settled down in Hawaii, yes food posts as usual and also some stuff I during my short break.

Because the weather's being indecisive

Top: Versace for H&M

Shorts: Monki

Stockings: Online

Socks: H&M

Boots: Monki

Watch: Casio

Photo credits to Michelle Lau

Hong Kong weather is like a fickle-minded old lady. One day it's above 20 degree Celsius, the next day you'll get strong, chilly wing blowing right into your face, forcing you to put at least three layers of clothing on.

This morning was sunny and a little warm, then halfway through the mid day, I started to feel the cold right in my bones.

Semester just ended and I still have a few courses to wrap up, finals to prepare, stuff to handle for exchange. Can't wait till Christmas eve with my parents here in Hong Kong.

What do I want?

Denim shirt - 5cm; Scarf - Versace for H&M; Watch - Casio; Bag - Charles & Keith

Yes, I've been saying that I'm interested in fashion and wanting to pursue a career in this industry since forever. Everyone has a dream job and a goal to achieve but how many of us are actually already putting an effort in achieving it.

You see those successful people out there, most of them started out at around this age. While here I am, having my ass stuck to this uncomfortable chair in my dorm, trying to understand as much biology as possible for the finals. The irony in it, I'm not even a science major.

Time management is crucial while you're studying overseas. Mom and dad are not here to tell me when to study and when to have fun. I have to balance it out all by myself and to be honest, sometimes I do get carried away by the non-academic stuff.

Anyhoo, I decided to ramble on this today because I am about to make a really expensive decision for the first time in my life. Will reveal it when it's the right time but if you followed me on Twitter, you'll probably know what I'm talking about.

So, back to the lecture videos and notes.

Week of Madness

Finally the week of madness has finally came and pass by. Right now I'm blogging from the Hong Kong International Airport. I actually wanted to write a post for the Thanksgiving but I only manage to finish packing at 1a.m and crashed on my bed around that time. Woke up at 5 this morning, called for a taxi with my lousy, out of tune canto. So here I am, waiting to board the plane.

Anyway, who say's you can only be thankful on the Thanksgiving. This year has been such a great year for me, I've learnt so much from the things that happened around me and the people that surround me. Also, I've met so much new people who are amazing and inspire me to do better in what I'm doing right now. Tried being different, took the risk and now I'm happier than ever. I do believe that one should follow their passion even if it sometimes require them to defy the norm (the norm in this case: join the banking industry).

Being an avid H&M fan, it was like a dream come true when Tongue in Chic shoot me the invitation for the Summer/Spring 2012 preview in the Hong Kong H&M headquarters. Dropped by the office to take a peek of the collection yesterday, met new people and pluck out my courage to talk to a blogger that I personally like. Found some really neat stuff from the collection and I can't wait to get my hands on them! Stay tune to TiC's page as I'll be posting about the preview and some of my personal picks soon!

5 minutes till boarding, 5 hours till touch down. Malaysian food, here I come!

Just a lil' sharing, surfed Lookbook just now and I notice that the orange colour wave is hitting us soon. However if you're not a big fan of orange, green will do fine as well. Hopefully I could do a style shot with these two colour in it soon.

Versace for H&M Timeline

One of the must-dos when you're in Hong Kong, ticked! Queued the whole night, waiting for the launch of Versace for H&M. First time I slept on the streets, my parents would probably call me up on Skype after reading this post and call me crazy. Well, that's the whole point. Me, Maggie and Ida decided there's no better time to do crazy stuff other than when you're in the university phase. I wouldn't say that I did that in the name of fashion, 'cause I wasn't too enthusiast in the whole collection. We did it because we thought it was crazy and we'll probably only going to do it once in a lifetime.

So it all started after we left Carnegie's.

1.45 a.m - Reached Central, found the line and got settled. All we had was a bottle of water.

3.00 a.m - Started a little reading but ended up having a long chat on job opportunities with Ida.

4.00 a.m - Stoned a while, decided that I should sleep since Ida was already treating my book as her pillow.

5.30 a.m - Woke up for a slight while then went back to sleep again. Felt shitty and thought, why am I doing this again?

6.00 a.m - Central was back to its usual busy scene. Hearing trucks and buses passing by, not helpful at all for me to fall back asleep.

6.30 a.m - H&M team started briefing on how the queueing system works.

6.55 a.m - Bands were handed out.

7.30 a.m - I went around and scouted for a few style shots.

8.05 a.m - Everyone was ushered into H&M.

This was the moment that we all been waiting for. After all, we weren't entirely there for the clothing. The first batch went in at 8.05 a.m and we were on the outside looking at the people, literally sweeping every single thing on the shelves. It was definitely a jaw-dropping moment.

Since we had more than an hour to kepoh (read: meddle) around, we talked to the people who bought not 2, not 3 but 7 huge ass bags of Versace for H&M and to know that they've spent HKD 40,000 on it. At the store front, they were even 'paparazzis' shooting away and interviewing the shoppers that came out of the store with more than 5 number of bags. We even manage to see people putting on masks so that they won't be recognise by their friends or colleagues if they picture happen to be published to the public.

Crazy huh? All three of us totally agree the night spent outside on the street was kind of justified.

9.10 a.m - Queued a while outside the designated area and started discussing on which item was worth getting.

10.15 a.m - Decided, paid and left the store.

It was good that we were pretty calm about the whole process. Maggie even helped someone to pick the stuff since she didn't have anything in mind that she really wanted to get. Me and Ida even chatted with a guy from the H&M's support office while waiting for our turns.

If you were wondering, some people did camp there as early as 7p.m for the money. I saw people exchanging the bands while walking to MacDonalds and they were paid for more than HKD500. The people that was bagging all the Versace for H&M products, no doubt some of them would actually sell them on the eBay or Yahoo Market.

Also, bumped into the all-time Lookbook celebrity, Camille and took a style shot of her as well. She's such a sweetheart!

By the way, some updates already done at the Shop.

Reflection and Updates

This semester is almost coming to an end and I just can't wait for it. But before the real excitement comes, I still have to fulfill my commitments and achieve some of the goals that I've set for this semester. Now is the busiest period of the semester, following the mid terms, I am being squashed by deadlines and presentations. Despite that, I still try to find some fun in engaging myself with Tongue in Chic as a contributor now and also in the project that I'm working with a social corporation, Redress Asia, helping them while learning so so much at the same time just gives me the satisfaction!

I am suppose to start hitting the books for my in-class test next Thursday but again, here am I slamming the keyboard away 'cause I just have too much to share. 

I've been bugging my friends for going on a hiking trip in Hong Kong for the longest time I could remember but no one ever bothers to hold one. So last Sunday, I joined a hiking trip with my course mates, it wasn't the reaching-the-peak-and-take-awesome-view kind of hiking trips. Instead most of the time, I find myself almost kissing the rocks and climbing like a four-legged animal, grasping for friction because I was so scared that I might just slip and fall off the rocks. I went home with a huge ass bruise, scratch, mark, whatever you call it at the side of my body, feeling great! I sound crazy but trust me, the whole experience was just too much for a shortie like me to handle. For the first time in my life, I was actually not so proud of my height. *ahem* So glad I almost made through all the tasks.

Saturday, I scouted around Central for some style shots. Maybe it was because of the location, the people I manage to shoot there was much open to the style shot concept. Also, the fact that I am starting to open up myself and start having casual talks with strangers is just amazing. I love how the things I am doing now is slowly making me learn and making me a better person. *cough* Of course there's a slight exaggeration there, I did not just become a whole better person, but you'll get what I mean if you understand the satisfaction that you get from the job or task you're doing. 

Good food on weekends? Tim Ho Wan and Mou Mou Club! 

Many more to-dos on the list, such as US visa and the Shop that I have promised to update, which I obviously haven't. More style scouting around Central this weekend, but here's the shots I've taken on Sunday. Few scenery shots to take for another project that I recently agreed to join and also, of course to study for my test. Pfft!

--

To sum it up, lots of great things are coming towards my way and I need to start appreciating every single bit and extract the essence of fun from doing all of it. Don't ever compare yourself with others, there's always a loss when you gain something.

Sun makes me happy

Woke up at 7am this morning, feeling so pumped despite not having my 8-hour sleep. I am feeling so excited and happy and so I decided to spread the love.

Good morning everyone! Have a great weekend ahead. I'll be going for more food hunting in a while and a proper food post will be up today. *fingers crossed*

Out of Service

Body's out of service. Desperately need Vicks but apparently it's illegal for sale in Hong Kong.

I want to be home to cough my lungs out, sneeze till my nose fall off and be able to sleep on the couch at 3am in the morning just because I hate my bed when I am sick.

Off for more bed time, I pray that I get well soon. Really need to get back to my usual boring routine as a student.

Apple or Grapes?

I vaguely remembered something I learn in class today about a marketing theory where people can adopt to a presence of a new brand and eventually some of the users will become the brand evangelist for it. It sucks to not remember the proper thing.

Well Apple is one of the brand that makes almost all of its user a proud owner of their gadgets. It is a big loss for us when Steve Jobs died on the 5th of October, last Wednesday. He made a better change to the existing technology and changed everyone's perception towards it.

It's been a week but still, condolences goes out to his family.

--

Ji Ho told me that I look less stress than I was compared to last semester. I have to admit, there is an inverse proportional relationship (nerdy much) between the time I spend in the library and the stress that I put on to myself. Plus, last semester was a bit tougher since I was struggling to pull my grades up to maintain the scholarship.

This semester it's all different. It's more work-life balance plus less shopping and unnecessary outings. I bet some of my friends will disagree with the less shopping part. But anyhoo, I've been going to the library almost every weekday and only give myself some time out for a nap on the Friday.

--

I eat too much and exercise too little. That explains the spare tyre that's slowly appearing on my waistline. The time when I decided to exercise was also the time when I overstretched my hamstring. I've been in pain for almost 2 days now, any sudden quick or swift movement from walking will make me suffer.

Pfft, I thought only my stamina sucks, even my muscle is in baaaaaad shape.

--
So, that's some updates on recent stuff. I really have to stop ending my posts awkwardly.

How long can you take it?

Duck Rice, LG7, HKUST

No matter how good the food is at one's place, it always comes to a certain point of time that you get bored of it. I'm talking about my campus food. Despite having 4 different cafeterias, a restaurant and a fast food chain, McDonalds to treat my tummy, sadly I just couldn't even bear looking or having myself having a meal at any of the places anymore. Though i have to say, this picture of the duck rice from my campus does look delish!

Spaghetti with Honey Pork Rib in BBQ Sauce, CEO Karaoke

These 11 days back in Hong Kong, I've been struggling to adapt back to the heavy meal lifestyle. Mind you, the normal portion of food in Hong Kong is slightly bigger than our Malaysian's. Way before summer, I used to finish a bowl of spaghetti and a cup of mushroom soup with iced lemon tea. Now, I couldn't even finish a bowl of spaghetti, talk about wasting.

Rice Noodles in Spicy Soup, Nam Kee, Central

But at the same time, I got really tired of heading out just for food nowadays. So whenever I'm out, I would literally demand for something new or special to fill up my stomach.

Sigh, so that's how my life as a student studying overseas. Here comes another weekend, may this semester not be too miserable.

I really have to keep away those negative vibe.