A V E R A G E JANE

Time flies - January 2012

2012-01-28T14:48:00.001+08:00

Time really flies nowadays. I'm starting to feel like 24 hours a day isn't enough and yet, so many things to do, so many people to please, so many stuff to chase after. And yet, nothing feels like it's completely settled. Festive seasons aren't helping either. I'm pushing my time so much in between house visiting, and flip out my laptop just to chase work time while everyone's being merry, gambling and all. And point8cam's workload is just getting heavier, I feel bad that I can't help so much. I can't wait to finish my paper, pack and leave for two weeks, come back for a week then leave again for another trip. I'm looking for wanderlust, that I know doesn't even exist. I guess traveling is my only escape, but it's not helping that my pocket's running dry as I'm not earning and parental unit isn't paying for my other expenses except for basics anymore.

MONEY, Y U NO GROW ON TREES OR FALL FROM SKY?

Anyways, I've deviated too far from this simple update post. Here are just a few photos of what happened this week.

#1 - Grandma had a stroke so I've been in the hospital every morning til noon all week long,replacing mum who stays overnight. Don't really mind staying around but the lack of Wifi internet kinda kills it. Nonetheless, I managed to catch up with her and I also found that I'm actually stronger in terms of taking care of a paralyzed elderly, which I never thought I could.

#2 - Chinese New Year visiting, just as hectic as Hari Raya. More food, drinks and the gambling sessions as a spectator. I've no money to spare so I watch only leh -_-"

#3 - I've just started wearing makeup again. Love how I looked, but not diggin' the feel of it especially now that the days are sweltering hot! Nonetheless, I'm reducing it to merely the basics of powder, tinted lip balm, brow liner and some eyeliner (only when I'm not too lazy).

#4 - point8cam had a shoot with an antique Ford Mustang with TanesTJ and his friends. We ended up having steamboat dinner afterwards cause of the rain.

#5 - And below, is my current hair colors for this week (yes, they fade that fast on my hair, don't know why). Some asked me for tutorials and I don't know how am I supposed to do a hair coloring tutorial when it's actually just like normal hair coloring. Just that I was lucky my base was platinum blonde, which means I didn't have to bleach my hair beforehand anymore. I used two colors, green and pink and maybe three tiny strands of blue and that's what I got. I don't really have a technique to be honest, it's just dumping colors and hoping it'll look good.

I've decided to not cut my hair for now and leave it til March. I wanna travel to places and rock the hair first before chopping them off to boring, old Hanie again =P

Anyways, I've a few giveaways worth hundreds of Ringgits (each!) early February so keep reading, I'll announce them here and on my twitter soon!

Uncertainties against me

2012-01-26T12:22:00.000+08:00

I've a perpetually wandering mind where wanderlust isn't always the case. There's so many possibilities in which my life could take place and each possibility is a definite uncertainty. What ifs are a constant question I ask myself, despite trying my best sticking to the Carpe Diem principle. It means, seize the day, which on most days doesn't necessarily happen. I always do try to think of the best. However, not all days I would feel like I touched the sky. Some days, I feel like plummeting down to the depths of the earth, hoping the earth would swallow me whole. Selfish thoughts. They often creep up a person and makes them feel like they don't have it all, when in fact, everyone is actually blessed with good things even when it's not the best.

I recently watched a documentary called 'WasteLand' with point8cam and was moved to a point where my negative thoughts are often shot down whenever I think back on it. Wasteland starts off with an introduction of a Brazilian-born artist, Vik Muniz, who was known through his artwork that uses daily things we encounter in life, such the the 'Sugar Children', made out of sugar. In this community project, however, brought Vik back to Brazil, where he was born in a lower-middle class family, and struggled to his success. He visited Rio's biggest landfill area, Jardim Gramacho and met with a few main characters, the Catadores or people who separates items to be recycled from the mountains of garbage, and they were the anchor of this story.What Vik did was to make them work together to create these art pieces, and auction them internationally. All the proceeds goes back to them to improve their lives and build a better community. Brilliant way, than letting people be dependent on receiving.

These people were from lower-middle class families but circumstances in life forced them to be out in oceans of garbage, in a hazardous environment, in order to feed their families instead of taking the easy Brazilian way out of prostitution or dealing with drugs. The most moving part, were their outlook in life. They were proud of what they do, despite knowing that there's no bright future in it. They know how to appreciate life better now, and that anyone should not just leave everything to fate.

I somehow believe that yes, God has set us plans in life. See it as a tree with so many branches. They're all roads to which your life will lead to but, it's up to you which branch would you choose. Nothing comes easy and God does not grant you things without your own effort. If it was that easy, I'd just be praying for money to fall on my lap, no?

Take a few minutes to watch the trailer, perhaps find the full film. It's not the best I've watched in terms of community project films but it definitely impacted me in seeing how my life should be lived. Even when I'm down, they only come in minutes, no longer days.

WASTE LAND Official Trailer from Almega Projects on Vimeo.

May the best be with all of us.

Quick Fix: Honey Soy Chicken

2012-01-24T17:41:00.000+08:00

This is probably the first time I'm giving out recipes on my blog and since I'm a sucker for anything quick, I thought I'd share with you guys things I eat at home. They aren't difficult to make and definitely would taste better than your usual instant noodles.

I've had this recipe for a very long time but I tried it with chicken wings before and it wasn't very pleasant. The meat became dry and tough so I thought that this time around, I should opt for a combination of meat, fats and skin and the honey will caramelize the skin to a perfection. Good luck!

Ingredients:

- Honey

- Soy Sauce (the non-thick one)

- A few cloves of garlic

- Ribs or White meat: Chicken butt or small pieces of chicken with fats (for non-halal version you can use pork)

Procedure:

1. Mix honey and soy into a bowl and whisk until honey is dissolved.

2. Make sure you taste the mixture to your liking and not make it too thick.

3. Chop garlic into fine pieces and mix it to the honey and soy.

4. Dump in the meat, mix and keep it in fridge overnight, if possible. If not, pour them in a baking tray. Make sure the sauce does not drown the meat.

5. Grill in the oven at 180, try 15minutes at first, turn it around halfway. Time? Well since pieces of chicken is small, it depends on how crispy you'd like the outside to be.

6. Pop it in your mouth and taste the sinful goodness of fats, meat covered in sweet, garlicky caramelized skin.

Happy nomming!

Twitter photo randoms - Dec-Jan '12

2012-01-23T18:08:00.000+08:00

Just wanted to share random photos I've posted on twitter recently, in case if you missed it, or is not following my random goodness heheh =P

#1 - My cat Puzzles, and yes, she sleeps like this every time.

#2 - Impulse buy from Uniqlo. Been looking for a nice, proper bowler and this is considered as decent, with that Japanese preppy flair to it. RM49 and it's a steal.

#3 - point8cam bought me a ring light for video to play with and this is probably the only picture I have with it, and sold it off again with his Panasonic camera -_-" Still have yet to fully utilize it. He promised me a new one heheh

#4 - My super packed accessories drawer. Need another one, or wondering if I'd just wait for new home.

#5 - My cat can stand too, without force. Okay maybe with a little tuna bribe. Love this photo cause Jigsaw looks like a Pokemon ^.^

#6 - An evening at Kiara Skatepark while point8cam skates and films.

#7 - Received my parcel from PrettyChase store. check out their online site!

#8 - This is pretty funny, cause I was kinda surprised when I was told to pick it up via email and still clueless on what to use it for. I used RM50 for school supplies though.

#9 - Checked out Payless ShoeSource at Sunway Pyramid (beside the new wing Starbucks) and they're having a 70% sale now!

#10 - point8cam looking fine and dandy, with my Anya Hindmarch cloth bag haha

#11 - Love that my new organizer had a travel checklist and summary. Should photocopy for future usage.

#12 - point8cam's new video beast, the Sony FS100. Everything looked sharp, crisp and film-like that even I love it. Downside? It's HUGE for me. It has GPS, and looks like it can capture ghosts (cue Ghostbusters theme song) LOL

South America - Shopping Haul

2012-01-20T09:18:00.000+08:00

Yes, I did went on a "Buy, buy, buy" frenzy, thanks to the cultural obsession I have. And on my mind was "OMG I'll never find these things in my country"... bad mindset to have when traveling. I never thought coats and alpaca wool would be super expensive (coats and ponchos were around RM500-RM800 after conversion) but oh so comfy that I might even wear it to Hong Kong in March! ^.^ and oh my God, they had beautiful accessories which we paid in USD and had to weigh to determine price and it is the reason why I couldn't buy anyone anything. IT. WAS. NOT. CHEAP.

The three tiered stone necklace in beige alone was like around USD120 (even the belt was about the same price) and the rings were RM80 each and it was the cheapest, trust me -_-" So when people asked me if I bought anything for them I really didn't know what to say. Sorry, guys. =(

The cheapest things I got were the bags and of course, the Havaianas which was like... RM60 (The plain ones here in Malaysia is around RM80... so not worth it and I had to buy cause my previous one was getting a little old)

So I ended up with

A pair of Havaianas, one Victoria's Secret Noir Tease, one Victoria's Secret Gorgeous body mist, one tribal purse, one pink scarf, four local stone necklaces (from each country) - one for point8cam's mum, two colorful stone rings from Peru, tribal headbands and one string headband (the real deal), one woven belt, one wrist cuff for point8cam handmade by street peddlers (mostly gypsies), one Brazil tank top, one Argentinian rugby women's jersey, one 100% Peru tee for point8cam which I thought was cute, two Peruvian woven sling bags, two Peruvian woven backpack (one with leather), one woven high cut sneakers in Peruvian print, one lilac parka, one red coat, two baby alpaca wool poncho...

and these doesn't include my sister's purchases. I had so much trouble trying to pack on our last day oh my God, the last time it was like this was when I went to London. Why oh whyyyyy T_T

I'm gonna die and go bankrupt from my soon to come Hong Kong trip, should I decide to extend it, thanks to the existence of a HUGE H&M near Mongkok area, and not to mention the ladies' market and also whatever shops there is in Disneyland itself -___________________-

oh, and point8cam and I are planning to see if we can do World's Tallest Bungy at Macau Tower. IF lah the trip goes through.

Must start auctioning my male friends at bars for money.

Blogging your way to the mass

2012-01-18T17:46:00.000+08:00

So what actually makes a good blogger/blog... good? Is it the way they write with good english and proper grammar? Is it one with more photos or is it one who blogs every single day without fail? Or is it the one who blogs about every single thing there is under the sun? Is it the one that gets recognition and awards for being most popular/ the best? Is it the one with the highest rating/ statistics?

Honestly speaking, if I were given a survey to rate my blog, I would just stare at those mentioned above and leave the boxes unchecked. I don't think I'm considered as a good, good blogger. You know what I mean? And I definitely don't think that there's such indicator or measurement that is certain to say how good a blogger/blog is but statistics do help sometimes. But it doesn't apply to everyone, right? Some blogs/bloggers are only famous for all the wrong reasons. But then again, who are we to say? We still read them anyway.

People say content is king and that of course we are generally attracted to good and catchy articles (or even quick posts like 9gag), but over the years I learned that blogging should not be about pleasing the crowd. If that's what you're going for and expect fame and recognition out of blogging, you're way out of course in my opinion. Wasn't it initially supposed to be about your thoughts, opinions and personal account of things - no matter what genre it could be?

I was naive when I was first introduced to the whole commercialized blogging industry. I didn't know anyone, I did not even read other blogs (probably only those by close friends) and I definitely didn't know any existence of blogging networks. Receiving payment to blog about things are nice but when it goes overboard, what would left of your blog? Advertorials? I still accept advertorials, but only in moderate amounts so that I can fund my activities that you see me blogging about and in a way where my blog won't start looking like the classified section of the morning papers.

It's true that everyone can start a blog, but how many can maintain it? It's not an easy thing to be a blogger, especially when people start to milk everything out of you. Exchanging your thoughtful posts for a free meal and a free goodie bag has become such a norm that got me wondering, are we all that easily bought? I too was guilty of it but after reviewing my blog (which was full of advertorials cause I was told it was part of my job to do so) I started to feel like blogging was a chore. And to be honest, not like I made that much in overall compared to those that were told by other top bloggers and media. Only when I slowed down, and enjoyed other things I did, THEN only share it on my blog, did I start enjoying blogging all over again.

So what is blogging about, really? I've always pondered on that. Sometimes I don't know whether it's a good or bad thing for bloggers to practically blog about every single tiny detail of their lives. I'd credit them for honesty and being efficient at posting up but is it necessary to say everything and anything? I guess it also depends on whether they care or not if the rubber ball effect happens.

I just had coffee.............. BLOG!

My boyfriend just let out a ripper............. BLOG!

This is my first time tasting porridge............... BLOG!

I think my labia is starting to itch.................. BLOG!

My boyfriend is emotionally retarded (in a non-joking way)... BLOG!

Hey, I won't say that I've never done it. It would be a lie, but it's funny that when I look back, I'd slap the bajingles out of myself if I could. Like who the hell cares if my coffee was too sweet? And if you're a reader, why would you care? I've had my fair share of mistakes by letting the world get a little too intimate with my past relationships and family issues but I've learned that the hard way and realize that you CAN control what you want other people to see. But I'm trying and learning to be better at this bit by bit.

I'd say, save the small things for twitter. I'd forgive you to tweet about anything you want, but save your blog for better stuff. I deleted most of my three sentenced posts cause I thought it was actually annoying *slaps self*

And yes, I'm saying this out of personal experience and don't think you would want to feel like I do *hops on to a time machine to go slap past self*. So don't get me wrong, I'm not blasting my bazooka to anyone but hey, it's just my personal thoughts and my own learning curve too.

Post New Years

2012-01-16T13:36:00.000+08:00

So what have I been up to since the beginning of 2012? Well, I've definitely been away from the spotlight for sure. I stopped going to events and fashion show and have definitely been out of the partying scene for over half a year already! (Well, New Year's Eve was an exception but nothing over the top). I feel old. I just feel like settling down. Get a place of my own, get married and of course, cuddle up and cook! But first things first, I've only been busy with uni. It's my last subject, only two papers left and hopefully, this time, I'll finally graduate. I'm not sure what I want to do next after university but we'll see. I've got things up my sleeve but it also means sacrificing time from my blog. I know that some people asked if I'm gonna leave my blog, and my reply is "Hell No". I would still blog whenever I can. I'm even moving domain soon! Expect a new layout and all =)

One thing's for sure is that I've planned to dedicate this year to traveling and doing a charity project (hope the latter works out well soon!) and it's a documentary based in Malaysia and our future generation. I'm currently planning a trip out of town once my paper is done, and view this place I've been to in a whole new light, and I can't tell you guys where yet. It's a surprise birthday gift for point8cam, in which I'll only reveal when we're on the way there ;)

Everything's pretty much planned out and I only have to do some bookings here and there. I've chosen home stays and a couple of backpackers so we can save money on accommodation while spend it more on activities and traveling from one spot to another. If the trip goes well, I'll definitely post it up here on my blog so that you will have a reference if you choose to travel to the same place.

Oh, and it's also why I was selling my items so that it could at least cover a small part of our traveling expenses. I'm sacrificing my clothes for point8cam's birthday lulz -_-"

On another note, if you have Tumblr, follow my new one!

http://anotheraveragejane.tumblr.com/

Clarifying on hairy matters

2012-01-13T16:23:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

How are you guys doing? Well, this is a pretty impromptu post cause I've been getting so many queries about my colored hair. For the record, this is my 5th coloring, and second time bleaching. Just to make things clear, I've never actually said that my hair is healthy or not damaged. Even my hairstylist asked me before my first bleach, TWICE, whether I was sure cause once it goes platinum blonde, my hair will be certified dead. After all the questions I received on how did I take care of my hair after multiple colorings cause it looked so healthy got me sick that what you're seeing isn't what the exact reality is.

So here I am clarifying some myths - Once you bleach your hair, it will thin. By half, or more. Hair will fall excessively and it will not style properly once it's dead. It's like doing rebonding. Each time you color your hair, your hair will get coarser and drier. There's no such thing as shiny, healthy hair. That was done using serum, treatment and a flat iron. Your hair doesn't dry properly anymore (it takes half a day for my hair to air dry) and it feels like plastic once it's dry. You cannot brush your hair like how it used to be. Your fingers will get stuck when you run through your hair. All these are common, especially when you've colored your hair like mine. Unless you can spend to do treatments every other day, or not wash it for a week or so (washing it more often dries the hair) then you're lucky.

I never intended to deceive anyone, nor did I want you to be fooled by my photos. What it is, is exactly what it is like in reality. I loved those rainbow, rogue or whatever hair coloring I've done but I won't deny that it ruined my hair to the maximum extent and I would not recommend it to anyone else especially when they ask me how to do it and such because of this. Unless if you're easy going like me (cause I'm just gonna cut it really short and I don't mind cutting it), do NOT dye your hair like how I did.

So this mermaid green will be my last color, and I'm gonna go with a short hair-do while let it grow back slowly. I've had long hair all these years and frankly, I'm bored of it. So I hope everything's crystal now, and no assumptions will be made cause I don't want in the future someone says "Hanie said it was all okay but it's not" and then sue me. That would suck, big time.

Ok, that's all. I'mma update again soon!

♥

Just so you know

2012-01-13T13:21:00.000+08:00

These are all on sale! If you haven't been following me on twitter or Facebook, you've missed out on a few things already!

Jason Wu for Target

2012-01-11T17:30:00.001+08:00

Which one would be your favorite?

I'd love to have them all for my daily casuals =)

photos source: Target's Facebook page

Winners of ‘Amazing Holidays” with Proton announced!

2012-01-10T00:39:00.000+08:00

On the 28^th of December 2011, Proton finally announced their 6 new winners that had won free holiday getaway under the ‘Very Important PROTON’ or the ‘VIP’ programme to acknowledge and reward their current customers and also supporters.

The six winners in the second round of PROTON’s “Amazing Holidays” competition are PROTON owners

Rizalman ShahBandra from Putrajaya
Noor Fizan Ahmad from Ipoh
Zamir Abdul Malik from Petaling Jaya
Masmira Ibrahim from Temerloh, Pahang.

This non-PROTON owner winners are

Chee Sook Fun from Klang
Chong Bing Shan from Kuala Terengganu.

So what did they win?

Exclusive 3 days 2 night stay in these three places as I’ve mentioned in my earlier post! =D

Casa Del Rio, Melaka

Hard Rock Hotel, Penang

Tanjung Jara Resort, Terengganu

How lucky! And to think that they only had to answer 2 questions while a winner was announced every month!

See the results of the makeover and other Amazing Holiday winners please visit http://protonvip.com.

My Daily Shindigs - Top 11 websites

2012-01-09T13:07:00.002+08:00

I was supposed to do this post a few months back for my EvilTwinProject with Amanda Choe but things got a little hectic, and she was busy with graduating and moving back to Malaysia for good that it was put on hold. But I'm slowly crawling and finding some free time too to blog, so bear with me as I craft my posts and churn out more ideas and topics. I have so many backdated things as new things keep coming along and exams are near, so I just felt like I'll slow down on other things a little while I finish my studies in a month's time.

So here goes, my daily shindigs, the sites I visit almost everyday for inspiration:

1. DESIRE TO INSPIRE

I first stumbled upon desire to inspire while browsing around for good interior design sites for inspiration to decorate my new pad. I was intrigued by their immaculate taste but at the same time, very do-able. Even mom and dad now took inspiration from their posts. Once in a while they will post up links to other similar sites for browsing around. They even have a segment where they post up photos of pets on the couch or something. Super adorable.

2. FASHIONTOAST

Now if you've been stalking fashion blogs, I'm sure you would know Rumi Neely from Fashiontoast. I can't say that I idolize her, although I love what she wears from time to time but the main thing that I like about her website are the photos taken by her boyfriend, Colin - pretty experimental and different from other fashion blogs. It's not try-hard, pretty and very detailed which I try to incorporate in my blog when it comes to photos.

3. FREE PEOPLE BLOG

If you know me well, you know my profound love towards anything hippie, gypsy and native tribal inspired so Free People is like my website shrine, my go-to site for inspiration and a guide to living the organic and vegan lifestyle (although it is very unlikely I will ever give up meat). Anyways, they do have pretty nice D.I.Y posts and they show what the staff wears to the office, organic recipes, hipster music selection and also their to-die-for photos of behind the scenes seasonal editorial shoots. I love how rustic, vintage and ethereal their pictures can be, although I know some people prefers crisp, sharp and modern stuff.

4. GLOBETROTTER DIARIES

I stumbled upon globetrotter diaries by accident when I was looking for new blogs to read. I loved how it's not your typical food blog where they usually show you how to cook out a recipe and all the boring "where to eat" posts. What I like most about this blog is that it touches native or traditional home cuisines from around the world, hence the globetrotter (food) diaries and it's especially intriguing for a travel enthusiast like me. I'm always up to try new cuisines or even making them when options runs out. When I'm not, it's still nice to salivate over the beautiful photos of the dishes, while munching on my bread with butter and jam to boot.

5. HONESTLYWTF

I like that HonestlyWTF does not only post about fashion, but also other things crafty and artsy. Managed by two ladies that certainly has good taste, honestlyWTF also has a DIY column in which they made the d.i.y processes look so easy and having the latest trendy accessory made by yourself so accessible.

6. P.S. - I MADE THIS...

P.S - I Made This is a favorite if you love DIYs. I love to just browse cause I think it's brilliant if you're crafty and taking high-fashion into an affordable DIY tutorial is just genius! You'd love this if you have ample time and loves to get your hands on detailing works with such cheap material. Fashion has such a quick turnover period so why spend so much on something that is not ever-lasting, right?

7. STREET ETTIQUETTE

Who says black men can only dress hip hop? I found these group of people to be rather interesting. Much more interesting than the hipsters around for breaking the stereotype people have on black males in the fashion music industry. We've seen people like Diddy and Kanye doing preppy fashion, now watch as these boys make waves in the fashion blogging industry.

8. THE BEAUTY DEPARTMENT

I can't remember how I came across this site but I think I was googling about hair color and landed on this page. I find the layout to be very eye-catching, and clean so I started reading the articles one by one and found that this website, started by Lauren Conrad and her trusty makeup artist and hairstylist friend to be the perfect girly bible. It has everything you'd need when it comes to beauty tips, d.i.y idea, how-to videos and their photos are simply lovely! They have a column where readers can contribute a new D.I.Y post, and polls on what they should do next etc. Pretty engaging, I must say. Lauren Conrad, you have good PR and marketing skills.

9. TONGUE IN CHIC

Wait, which fashion-loving youth in Malaysia doesn't know Tongue In Chic and Chic Pop should start already! And I've been featured on it a few times by now!

10. FASHION GONE ROGUE

I know the thumbnail below is old, cause they've changed their layout but it's definitely worth clicking through if you love high fashion, models and designer stuff. Personally, I love to see creativity in terms of photography where it doesn't have to be the cookie cutter photos where everything is super clear, super crisp and super saturated (which old school Malaysians tend to do) and I see a few new and upcoming local photographer and also GLAM Malaysia to have really beautiful photos that should be featured on Fashion Gone Rogue too! Submissions?

11. My Milk Toof

This website had been my pick-me-up for a few years since they first started with their early posts. There was never a time when Ickle and Lardee could not banish my emotional blues away and put a little bit of rainbow in anyone I've sent the link to. I posted a video on the 'behind-the-scenes' process of making these two little cuties and I must say it's nothing short of entertaining and inspiring. I will definitely will order the books for my own collection and save it for my kids' bedtime stories.

Popsicle hair

2012-01-08T01:58:00.001+08:00

I know I haven't been updating much, but it's just cause I had a test middle of last week and had been catching up with the South America video editing. I ended up dye-ing my own hair, just a day before I sent Julia off to the airport and came out with popsicle hair. I love how it looks braided BUT the downside is that it fades off really really fast and when it fades, I gotta touch up = drier hair.

Oh well, Ive decided to cut it off. Posted four photos to choose from, and you can give your opinions on which hairstyle I should do next - click to view

I just touched up with more turquoise green, and gonna put in the pinks on Monday perhaps. I find that those two colors look better together...

Apart from the things that are occupying my time now, I'm also stuck planning point8cam's birthday surprise. Well, he knows I have something for him but he has no clue what. He just knows that he has to pack and bring his camera for 8-10 days. HAHAHA

It's pretty insane to plan things like these alone. It's like planning a wedding (OMG can't imagine -_-).

Off to bed. Family day and greet my Mr Lover who's coming back from Singapore! Have a great Sunday peeps! <3

When I prefer to hear and read than to see

2012-01-05T14:51:00.000+08:00

I honestly feel that there's nothing wrong with students who wants to be politically involved and get their political thoughts out there, exercise their rights and all but as an educated citizen, you don't convince people with demonstrations and brawn, you use your intelligence and words. Words, lasts longer than any muscle and physical strength you'll have during your lifetime.

Words - they kill, they screw, they deceive. But they're also an interpretation of our imagination. The thing we use to form communication with one another, and they travel faster than images. We hear about things we don't even see. We know about places, even if we've never seen them. We imagine things that doesn't even exist through someone's wordy descriptions.

Think about it - even if a man's strength were to last through centuries, it would still be through words from one to another and stories written and told.

People say that 'action speaks louder than words' but trust me, we succumb to words BEFORE we consider to take any action more than the other way round.

Teach, inspire, advice and create with beautiful words. It has more impact and will be longer-lasting than your acts which will die off when you become irrelevant or moved on.

Going back in time - Reflecting 2011

2012-01-03T02:12:00.001+08:00

I started this post with the thought of writing on things I've done in 2011, but I'm pretty sure that you can go through my archives if you're keen enough to read about them so I decided to write about my thoughts on the past year, and what I've learned from it. I thought it would make a more meaningful post, and I can read back on it on the next New Year and reflect back to see how much I would have grown from the last.

People always say, don't look back in the past, live in the present and look to the future. It's true, at some point but I always feel that there's no harm to reflect back on the past, and see how many steps have you taken forward since then.

2011 was such a turbulent and insane year for me. I shot up, and crashed down at my own will.

I made many new friends, and kept the old ones in my pocket. I've never forgotten about friendships I've made, but I don't expect people to do the same, no matter how it feels like a needle prick on the chest. I might be very blunt with my words at times, but my intentions are always pure but I know not everyone can tolerate anyone at the same level thus I had to let go some friends and keep them in the past. I learned that people will come and go, it's the nature of every living thing and don't regret knowing a person, cause if there's some things that you have to thank that person for, is the experience of dealing with people, good or bad.

One thing's for sure in 2011 is that I had to face my fear of being in the eye of the public, like literally. Being interviewed on television and recorded for print media was not an easy task. I fumbled with my words, and my body language showed that I was being put in the uncomfortable hot seat. I might look like I crave for attention, but I'm more comfortable if it's not direct contact with other people. After a year of going out with a guy who has camera at all times (and what you see online is only 40% of what's recorded), I kinda got used talking to the camera. I think my conversation with a piece of lens and body is much better than in person. I was such an awkward child growing up, and I will always be.

2011 was also the year I took a plunge into the waters and went back to school after leaving it for a year. It's true. 2009-2010 I was in the dark, and looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. I didn't find it until I was inspired by a person who showed me a path of things I love. I finally found the courage to face my fears of failing, and decided to finish my degree. I never told anyone, but I took a year off and worked, with the excuse of soul-searching. To be honest, I just lost my modjo, and felt like I was just floating around without any aim. And I didn't want to waste my dad's money and time by not studying thus I quietly did my own thing. Now I'm back on track, and so close to finishing. Back then it felt like I was standing on the ground, looking at a huge tree of my life, but I could never see the branches since it seemed far. Now, I'm slowly climbing the bark and can finally see the branches where I could choose from, and see a different view from each branch.

I also found music as my escape, where when I listen to good ones, evoked emotions and visuals in my head in a level I never imagined I could. That was the thing that made point8cam and I to start talking to each other. He was the one who inspired me to put my visions into something tangible, and I started taking more photos and videos, and did my first one ever without his knowledge, until it was done. I never knew I could find my muse at such a young age. Well, not THAT young, but there are people who only got in touch with that side much later in life. I guess I was lucky.

There were a lot of things I planned in 2011 that did not materialize, and I almost gave up on planning but I was taught that when one bulb dies, don't waste your life in darkness. Find a new bulb, and screw on more and make your surroundings brighter. One thing I've been planning since mid-year was to settle down, and unfortunately, as much as I think I'm ready for it, the ball isn't in my hands. But I'm not giving up. As much as I'm sure about it, and if it is meant for me, it will happen if not now, in the future. If there's another big thing I learned in the past year, is that if I don't get the things I want, or my plans just don't work out, I will either discard them or put it aside first. I'd rather not show what I don't get, just to make people see what I pretend to have.

If there's one thing I learned about humans, even myself is that we tend to judge very quickly and if only we can snap out of it as quick too, I'm sure we would see better days. I take human judgement like humor although it hurts me every time, and I make tiny mistakes by covering it up with being angry or ignorant. It's supposed to spice up our lives but I notice that I can't help being negative when people around me are negative as well. If you can't avoid a snake bite, then be sure to suck the poison out real quick. One thing I have to clarify is that yes, my partner is of the same religion as I am, and people keep questioning it. Another thing that they seem to question is that his choice of having ear studs on. I understand that most people are conservative but let me tell you one thing that I found after all these years. I don't think his choice of physical appearance would affect me as much as his attitude so I don't care if he wears ear studs or dresses like a 21 year-old, as long as he's a good person, knows how to take care of his family, has a priority in life and a balanced mindset. Basically, is beyond than what I've always expected to find in a partner. There's never a day that I've never felt any luckier to wake up and want to see that face.

Failure had always been a long time friend in which I try not to keep as company, and as 2011 progressed and with each step I took forward, I found myself sinking from the world and began to breathe under waters. Funny when you start to sink, you see the world in a faster motion. Everything became a blur, and all I wanted was to find things which is true and pure in its nature. I came to a conclusion that 'real things and people' are as rare as pink diamonds, and all I can rely on is to not lie to myself and sugar coat the world in my own interpretation. The world isn't pretty, but it also ain't ugly. It's just skewed in a funny angle. Take it as a joke, like a carousel ride at the fun-fair but at the same time make sure you don't fall off the horse you're sitting on. Hold on tight, cause when it spins, you'll find that it is actually bearable, although it might be nauseating at times. Having failed at what I thought I'd wanna do isn't the end of me. I have years ahead to try, as long as this soul still exists in this body.

"Rock bottom became the solid foundation in which I rebuilt my life" (J.K Rowling, 2008).

Here's three cheers to 2012, and may it be kinder than the last. May my heart cooperate with my brain well, for finding that balance in life leads to a better future. I still have a long road ahead, and while walking through the woods, I might fall, scratch myself and bleed but a little blood, tears and sweat shed makes everything else more worthwhile.

One things for sure, I find myself to be more at home when I'm somewhere foreign. I guess it's a sign that my home is not a house, but it's where I put my heart at when I find something genuine.

New year, new look - Azorias

2012-01-01T22:22:00.000+08:00

Often when I have a New Year's resolution, it would include the desire to have a new look, or at least new few pairs of clothes so for this 2012 New Years celebration, if you're bored of your current look, why not have a look on Azorias' new collection. I've always found their items to be classy and decent. They've recently sent me a laced midi skirt, in which I still have yet to photograph, and found that their quality is surprisingly good! I've always had this low expectations when buying online items but my oh my, I can personally vouch on the quality of their items which explains the pricing. I doubt you will regret purchasing when you receive the items yourself. Here are some items that I would recommend for this coming January:

Collared Georgette shirt with engraved gold tips

RM169.00

Check out other blouses HERE

Cable knit dress with swing skirt

RM139.00

Check out other dresses HERE

Contrast tweed flared dress

RM189.00

Check out other dresses HERE

Lace overlay jacket with scallop edges

RM189.00

Check out other outerwear HERE

Cape jacket with studded belt

RM189.00

Check out other outerwear HERE

Contrast block panel dress

RM169.00

Check out other dresses HERE

Remember ladies, keep it classy and rockin'...

Still my favorite

2011-12-31T13:19:00.000+08:00

It's true, we tend to talk faster than we think. But how far should we allow ourselves to sink, before that pressure on our chest and that instinct to survive is kicks in. All we can hope for is to reach that light at the end of the tunnel.

I hope that in my tunnel, there's that boy waiting on me, with his skates and his smile albeit my mistakes, my past and my future fumbles, to hold my hand and take me away.

I hope in a few decades to come, I'll still be your favorite girl =)

Take a flight with the Frenchies

2011-12-30T22:04:00.000+08:00

How many times in our lives when we travel would we be able to say

"I just did some batshit crazy stuff!"

For the first time ever recently, I managed to get on a helicopter to view Iguazu Falls in Brazil for a bird's eye view, but to be honest, I still have a loooooooooooong list of things I'd wanna do when traveling. Such as going bungee in New Zealand, swim in a cage with the Great White Sharks in South Africa, camping in the Amazon, and going on a boat to the notorious Antartican seas. I start small, and so far it has been great. Life's short, but I hope it's long enough for me to squeeze every bit of joy in it.

I asked point8cam to watch this, and left a note with it "We need to live to do these things"... Of course, how nice would it be to have the luxury and time, but I'm sure you work hard, you play hard too! And that would be my aim in the next coming years.

Flight of the Frenchies is a short documentary about the Skyliners Project featuring a group of people who does Skylining, or base jumping and in this short, at multiple venues! Ah, I wonder how would it feel like to free fall at spots with breath-taking view. Anyways, here is another video by Seb Montaz, the filmer about his home of the French Alps which I watched about half a year ago and it's still fresh in my head. I will update soon with more must-watch travel videos by the pros =)

Watch and make donation if you wish to download HERE.

Illy Coffee Workshop by TimeOut KL

2011-12-29T19:08:00.000+08:00

A few weeks back point8cam won a coffee workshop with Illy from TimeOut KL for two, so obviously his workshop partner would be the incapable-of-doing-almost-everything me! I thought it was gonna be just a normal workshop of showing the participants on how to do this and that etc but we ended up making the coffee using the super expensive coffee machine that baristas use at cafe's. Okay, lemme confess one thing - I am not good with machines... at all! And making PROPER coffee isn't as easy as the usual morning coffee I make daily. You gotta have the right pressure on the right amount of grinded coffee beans, the right temperature of milk and oh my God, luckily I wasn't the one making the milk cause I left that part to point8cam. It was super complicated! Everything had to be almost accurate, which is why there are people who study and learn how to be coffee connoisseurs and such. I thought only wine has that complexity. Turns out coffee isn't that simple either =/

I had fun learning new things, super tempted to buy the mini home machine now, and let's just say I still suck at making proper cappuccino and I kinda ruined our own-made coffee that morning. So much for being a Stepford wife HAHAHA

I'll just stick to cooking (-_-)

Photos!

so now we know how to differentiate a good coffee, over-developed and under-developed ones!

We're definitely gonna be fussy coffee clients! KL Baristas better not slack! =P

Dior Bag A/W 2011

2011-12-28T09:27:00.000+08:00

It's still not too late, winter ain't over til the first Spring flower blooms. I love the blue and green ones but since I don't go to parties/events that much anymore, a small bag like these isn't practical for me. However, who says I can't oogle at them still? ;)

Olivia Pallermo

Reality kicking in

2011-12-27T03:23:00.000+08:00

I came back with no intention to blog about my trip instantly but this pressing feeling I had was too much to bear, and of course, due to the fact that I'm suffering from major jet lag made me spontaneously pour my thoughts out. I can't remember the last time I wrote this smoothly, without thinking about what I wanted to write. So many things are filling up my head - doubts, future, thoughts, feelings, fear and it all came crashing out of nowhere - at 5am for days now. I'm not sure if where I am now, is where I really am supposed to be but I'm hoping for the best, and for others to be honest to me too as I pour out my honesty on this piece of personal space on the World Wide Web.

Post-holiday depression usually sucks the life out of you, and this time in my case, it's biting real hard. I know the concept of traveling, I've been doing it since I was born - You pack, you leave, you go around forgetting about your own reality, and then you come back to it and live through it. I always thought it would be the usual thing for me, and I have to just suck it in and it'll be over soon. This time however, pre-getaway thoughts already haunted me. My intention was to leave this sickening reality, in which I'm starting to find the world filled with pretentiousness, and I did. I found solace in the things I saw while I went around. The beauty of the place, and people and being in a place where no one knows what I actually do got the best of me.

If I ever needed a soul-searching journey, I'd do it all over again but I'd take my time and savor every bit of it this time around. Good things are meant to be enjoyed with time, and it was unfortunate that time wasn't a luxury I had, so I squeezed out every second I had through the lens of my camera, this time not to just capture the moment but also as a gift to myself, to remind me of the times I had to myself, basking in the glory of the world, nature and the Almighty's creation.

I never appreciated things so much, til then. Probably because most of my previous journeys were filled with man-made structures alone. This time around, seeing what men made to highlight the majestic feature of God's own little touch of art transported me to a different level. I felt so welcomed.

If I had one dying wish, I'd like to go around to see these places again and more. What I expected before this trip was heightened, and it hit me like a big yellow school bus. My motivation has changed, I hope for the better. My direction had been diverted, as of now, to appreciate different things than I did before. And ultimately, I'll never look at photos and videos the same ever again. Of course, I'd thank my parents for giving me the chance to see the world like this, but I'm not sure if I could simply talk to anyone and have them understand what I felt. I honestly shed a tear, and left it at the places that touched me the most.

Coming back, and seeing how different my life is made me wonder so much. Has something changed? And if it did, what did I miss? Before I left, I had been very honest with my thoughts, and I know some weren't happy with it. But I guess that's part and parcel of life, and growing up had something to do with it. You grow, you move on. But it made me think if that's the case, then what kind of people did I surround myself with? Pretending to like and be liked.

I'm not so sure if I wanna be around anymore...

Or maybe, all these were just my lack of sleep talking.

I'm just sure of one thing -

"it all began with helping each other out, but when the ship starts to sink, the devil takes the hindmost, and it was every man for himself"

Thank God I'm not a hoarder else I'll be stuck weeping and whining on my past. Major life spring cleaning to be done soon!

Motorsports@PETRONAS – Jorge Lorenzo

2011-12-26T12:24:00.000+08:00

If last week, the highlighted episode was about Ben Spies, this week’s highlight would be on his Yamaha Factory Racing team partner, Jorge Lorenzo. Hailing from Balearic Islands, Spain, this 24 year old lass was the 2006 and 2007 250cc World Champion and the 2010 MotoGP World Champion.

Motorsports@PETRONAS went to Barcelona, Spain to get up close with him for this episode!

Watch out for next week’s episode highlight and keep reading!

Nothing lasts forever

2011-12-25T11:28:00.000+08:00

Not even my lovely rainbow hair color T_T

I need to go for touch ups. More colors in, perhaps?

Photos by point8cam via Sony NEX-5N

Motorsports@PETRONAS - Ben Spies

2011-12-24T05:40:00.000+08:00

motorsports@PETRONAS Program now has a Youtube channel for you to catch their weekly episodes featuring their professional Moto GP rider and this week’s highlight would be on Ben Spies, who is also known as ‘Elbowz’ due to his riding style where his elbow will stick outwards.

Now who wouldn’t want to watch a racer cutie who turned professional in the year 2000, now racing for Yamaha Motor Racing Team alongside 2010 champion Jorge Lorenzo.

Watch the video below to find out what he has to say about his trips to KL! if you can't view the video below, click to view HERE.

I will post another one next week so keep reading!

South America - homecoming

2011-12-22T16:48:00.001+08:00

Now that I'm back in Malaysia from my South America trip, the post-holiday depression is starting to kick in and I have this urge to find means to go back there and bring my other half with me. Looking back through photos and videos I took, with the song I had in my iPod on repeat while shooting it, makes me wanna edit the video a.s.a.p but I've got tons of things to deal with first, and ultimately to compile every single file from five different cameras and devices and transfer 50 gigabytes of things into my slow laptop. I might need to upgrade my RAM if I wanna start editing too =(

However, I know that I've shared these photos on my Facebook and also on Twitter but I'll just compile it here for those who might have missed it =)

I missed Malaysia so much (especially point8cam and spicy food, cause I was munching on jalapeño at the airport to suppress the cravings) but I cannot wait to be back especially to Patagonia and Cusco, and hike at Machu Picchu and add more spots like the Amazon, and spend more time at the glacier's National Park.

All of these photos were only taken with my iPhone and edited in Camera+ app. I have yet to edit those from the cameras.