MAKE A CHANGE

"And that is how change happens, one gesture, one person, one moment at a time." - Libba Bray

Routines can be a wonderful thing. Consistency brings comfort, and with comfort comes ease. But it doesn't just stop there. We can become incredibly efficient at completing the task at hand, i.e. cooking a meal, planning a party, putting on make-up, etc. 

But there's ONE tiny thing about routines that I'm not so fond of.

They can easily let our minds drift elsewhere, causing us to daydream most of the times. I've definitely been there. 

Same dance choreographs will make you bored after a while, you get sleepy when it comes to the same yoga classes and poses everyday, you get sick of writing the same assignments every night, etc. And it's just small things like that that make our minds wander. 

Familiarity basically makes us feel that we don't have to think about what we're doing because we're constantly doing the same thing over and over again. I'm going to be honest with you. Sometimes, I have no recollection of my journey on how I've gotten from point A to point B. None whatsoever. Because routines are instilled in our brains. 

Dear readers

Today, take it upon yourself to make a simple change in your day. It doesn't have to be a huge, massive change - it just has to be different. The change itself might not affect your life immensely, but that one small change opens up your heart and mind, along with millions of other possibilities. 

• Part your hair differently for a change
• Go to a new cafe instead of your normal go-to places to eat
• Use your left hand (I'm right-handed) to brush your teeth instead (vice versa)
• Try that new recipe (or try cooking, for that matter)
• Look at the mirror and ask yourself what do you see
• Smile

Just small and simple things like these are a few examples I've been doing recently. It messes with your brain but in a good way because your brain will not have time to drift away and wander off elsewhere. 

Constant change is probably one of the scariest things to most people (myself included) but it is also one the most beautiful things about this life if you can view it the right way. 

Embrace it ...... Fall in love with it X 

PERFECT DINNER WITH "FAMILY" + TYING LOOSE ENDS

Good evening my lovely people!

This is it! 14th of June! As I've mentioned at the very beginning of my daily blog post, I said my final daily blog post will be on the 14th because as of tomorrow, I will be off to my home country. So, here goes.


DAY 20 OF MY LITTLE ADVENTURES: PERFECT TIME WITH MY FAMILY HERE + PACKING

I spent a wonderful time with my lovely friends yesterday. We had a nice dinner and we headed down to the beach for a little stroll. Honestly, I feel so fortunate to have them as my little family here. And I am so happy to actually get a chance to spend my last day in the UK with them.

So, we went to an Indian restaurant called "Goa" which was absolutely beautiful - the place AND the food. It is located just by the beach. Hence, the little stroll we took after dinner.

Just a little back story.

I've known these lovely lots for about a year and a half now, which was about the same time when I started going out with Trevor. To be honest, they are his friends. But when he took me around to his place to visit them for the first time, they've been nothing but nice to me. I won't lie, I was intimidated at first because I always find it a little difficult talking to the people here because I am kind of a slow speaker in general, and I get scared because the accent here is so different from every other place in the UK. My listening skills, however, is perfectly fine. I sometimes just fear that they won't understand what I'm talking about and I will end up feeling like a total idiot.

But no.

They were/are just lovely.

Because I was so busy with my studies until last November, I never really got a chance to hang out with them. And I'm constantly working without no days off (as you've seen me complain before in some previous posts), I haven't got any time to go around theirs for a nice chill out night. But at the beginning of this year or a bit later than that, I started to know them a little better. And then we started hanging out more, and I just realize what awesome people they are.

I feel like no privacy is needed for this post because I'm honestly so proud and honored to have them as my friends. Again, I don't even think a blog post alone is enough to describe how lovely they truly are. But I will try my very best to keep it simple.

Everything I'm about to type is based on pure honesty, FYI :D

Let's start off with my brothers...

Initially, there were 4 of us living in this house.

But then came the 5th member.

Straight up, it is NOT easy living with these boys, I mean girls (haha. inside joke). Boys will always be boys. Messy, untidy, couldn't give two fucks about the dishes, can't cook for shit (except for you Trev. I love your curry) - you get the whole idea.

But they are honestly the nicest people I've ever known. They've got my back no matter what! I remembered coming home from work one day feeling like absolute shit (just another bad day), and we just stood in the kitchen, talking everything out. By this, I mean, me complaining about my day and how everyone around me was treating me like poo. The first thing that came out of their mouths was "who cares about them" I mean, honestly, the support I get from them is just unreal. They're also like my girl friends. I complain about someone, they agree and call them names to make me laugh.

I feel like everytime we have a conversation in the kitchen, my mood just lightens up immediately. There isn't a day that I do not leave the kitchen smiling or laughing after pouring my problems out to them. They are my big bros - always looking out for me.

The ladies - Soph, Jo, Nicola, Beth

Best people I could ever ask for. Again, at first sight, I was intimidated by all of them because first of all, they are all so pretty and I'm just..... well, let's not go there. They have been nothing but kind to me from the very first day. All I regret now is not being able to spend more time with them before. They are probably the few honest ladies left on this planet (well, in my opinion, at least) and I respect them so much for their honesty. I feel like there are no words to describe how wonderful they are because they've made me feel so at home this whole time and welcomed me as one of their own. I will forever be grateful for that. I feel like all of them are so cool. It's going to be hard for me to break it down but I'm just going to make it simple.

Soph - coolest person ever ever ever
Jo - kindest person you'll ever meet
Nicola - best poker face ever
Beth - best bitchin' and gossip session 

The guys - all of them in the pictures 

They are probably the funniest and kindest people I've ever met in my entire life. I don't think there's ever a time they have failed to make me laugh. Of course, at first sight, it wasn't as intimidating as meeting the girls. Because their response when they first met me was "you alright?". Pretty standard. I mean those were Trevor's first 2 words on our very first date. So you pretty much get the idea. I feel like I want to write a short story on all of them but that would take me ages. So I'm just going to cut things short.

George - funniest guy I will ever meet
Gaz and Arison - kindest people ever ever ever
Josh - funniest when he's drunk 
Gav - crazy gamer all the way; brother
Jonny and Ryan - honestly, I thought you guys were brothers at first (I'm so sorry); brothers
Trev - boyfriend and forever thinking he's funny; superman 

Thank you guys for such a lovely time. Much much appreciated.

On the other hand, I've just been trying to tie loose ends for the past couple of days. By this, I mean, packing, remembering all the gifts for my friends and family, my travel essentials, my "how-to-stay-alive-at-40-degrees-Celsius-everyday" guide, and just everything. I'm trying not to forget anything before I go back because let's face it, I will NOT travel 18 hours back here for my phone charger or my make-up brushes.

But I think I've got everything done for now.


Time for a little good night's sleep.


P/S: If you like horror movies, Conjuring 2 was SO GOOD!



Goodnight! X

NEW CHARLIE'S ANGELS + DRINKS WITH FRIENDS

Good evening my lovely readers

The past couple of days have been super hectic for me but I'm still going to at least TRY to make this post as interesting as possible. It is a little funny and a little personal too. I feel like my posts are so personal lately. Haha. Mostly dedicated to my loved ones. But I feel like a blog post alone is not even enough to describe how much love I have for them and how much they mean to me. So, here goes.


DAY 19 OF MY LITTLE ADVENTURES: THE VERY NEW CHARLIE'S ANGELS + DRINKS WITH MY LOVED ONES


To be perfectly honest with you guys, I've been postponing writing this because it saddens me to even think about it. The thought of leaving them hurts me a lot inside. I mean, I've basically known them my whole time here in the UK. That's why they mean so so much to me.

On Saturday night, it was a ladies' night out for me. I went out with two of my best girls. A little back story about these 2. Obviously, we met at work (I mean, where else?). If any of you have read my post about the farewell party, you'll know that I call one of them princess and one of them tall girl.

Princess is honestly one of the funniest people I've ever known. The way she describes things and just the way she smiles - I love her to bits. Honestly, I never thought we would end up as close friends. I am nothing but grateful and thankful to have such an honest friend. From the first time we went clubbing, she was so nice to me. By this, I mean, welcoming me as one of her own instead of "just another Asian" or "just another colleague". I could sit here and say nice things about her all day but that would just bore you. Main point is, I love her. And thank you so much for having me as a friend.

Tall girl....... I don't even know where to begin. She hasn't changed one single bit from the day we met at work. Still funny, still always making jokes to make me laugh, still understanding me. I could go on and on and on about how the both of us have the same minds. And how similar our thoughts are at times. Haha. We just click. I don't think I've ever had a bad shift with her - EVER! I am also grateful to have such a wonderful, TALL friend like her. And forever thankful that I am known as "the coolest Asian" to her. Haha! That will forever be in my heart. Main point is, I love her. I hope you won't ever forget our "good times" at work.

So, how did we realize we're the new Charlie's Angels? 

Well, because one is tall, one is brunette, and one is Asian. Haha! I feel like we're the perfect match! *cry laughs*

Yesterday, I went out with "my number one". She wanted to see me before I left. She's honestly one of the prettiest women I've ever known. I'm not even going to lie, sometimes, I wish I had her eyes and her body. But I would still like to keep my height :P I received a little card from her which made me almost cry when I read it at home. I learnt so much from her. She's taught me how to not care what other people think about you and just be yourself and be happy. I needed her motivational speech everytime I started a work shift last year (I was in a rough state). She's been nothing but helpful. I love her so much! Also not going to lie, when she hugged me tight yesterday, I was holding back tears. Because both of us had so much laughs together. I'm forever grateful to have her as a friend. Thank you, my number one.

Also, I went out for coffee with 2 of my favourite people. I cannot even believe how we've managed to keep our friendship running for 2 and a half years. Haha! First of all, I've known him BEFORE I even started working in the restaurant (Yes, I used to love buffet. But not anymore). When I started work, he's been nothing but kind and helpful. Honestly, I'm so so proud of him because of his progression in life and wish nothing but the best for him. I will never ever ever ever ever forget the times when we went clubbing for 3 days straight in 2014. Haha! That was crazy.

Next, I've known her (my babe) since the first time we met in the club. She took care of me when I was tipsy. To be honest, she's been such a nice friend to me. She's kind and always tries to help me when I was sad. And I will never ever ever forget the times we went to the casino XD. Such nice memories. Love you so much.


Honestly, typing this post hurts me a lot. Do you know the feeling in your throat when you're trying to hold back your tears? That's me right now.


But everything will be alright as long as I have them in my life. Along with everyone else.



I can't believe tomorrow is my last adventure in UK before I return home to my country. Somewhat excited but nervous. Eeeek!


X

BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE PARK + 5 KGS OF WATERMELON

Good evening my lovely readers

Today's post is back to my normal self. No more emotional speeches or sad goodbyes :)


DAY 16 OF MY LITTLE ADVENTURES: ICE CREAM IN THE PARK + WORLD'S BIGGEST WATERMELON

Can I just say, ever since Sunday, we have been having glorious weather here in the UK. It is very much starting to feel like summer. I could really use some sun, to be honest with you. I mean, as much as I love the cold, I do appreciate the bright, hot sun now and again. But that also means more flies flying around, greasy hair, sweaty face and less time to sleep because the sun just hits you right in the eyes at 5 a.m. in the morning!

It was the perfect weather for a nice little walk in the park yesterday. It wasn't scorching hot and it wasn't too windy. My definition of perfect weather. We decided to get some ice-cream and enjoy them in the park as we lie on the bed of daisies and talk absolute nonsense.

I had such a lovely time. Like I said previously, I do appreciate a nice, relaxing time in the park with my loved ones. I love sitting on the grass, listening to the birds, looking out for rabbits and squirrels, appreciating fresh air, taking in the sun - just appreciating nature, in general. I mean, it's just a perfect place to clear my head.

As most of you know, I am kind of emotional lately because I feel like my time here in the UK isn't over yet. But all good things must come to an end. I am also sad that time flew by so quickly and anxious about going back to meet my family and friends whom I haven't seen for 3 years. Here I go, getting anxious again. Hence, my many trips to the park.

But I really did enjoy myself. Clearing my head and bracing myself for what is to come :) You live everyday and you die once. Why not make everyday worth living? Am I right? :P

On a completely different note, there's this fruit stall near my place (which I think I've previously mentioned as well) that sells almost every kind of fruit.

We spotted a 10-kg-watermelon which was selling at £10! I couldn't believe my eyes! It was honestly the biggest watermelon I've ever seen in my entire life! We decided to ask for half instead of the whole thing because there was absolutely no way we could've finished 10 kilos of watermelon. We got 5 kilos instead. And here's a fact: we only managed to finish 2.5 kilos yesterday.

That was definitely something I've never seen before. So obviously, I had to buy it. Impulse purchase xP. If anyone wants some fresh watermelon, you're more than welcome to come over and have them. Haha!




Wednesday tomorrow! Can't believe I'll be travelling in a week's time! EEEEK!


X

CHILLING + QUITTING ANOTHER JOB

Good evening my beautiful people

Again, I'm not going to write a long intro because I know you just want me to get straight to the point on this subject :D So do I.


DAY 7 OF MY LITTLE ADVENTURES: CHILLING + QUIT WAITRESSING


Lately, the weather has just been awful. We have not seen any hint of sunlight for the past 3 days. Even today, it's dark and gloomy. But at least it's not raining.

So what better to spend a cold, dark day than to just stay at home in bed, getting cozy and watching Netflix, right? Well, that was what I did yesterday.

But I had to work a night shift so my friend and I decided to go chill for a bit. By chill, I mean, have hot beverages together and talk nonsense to pass time :D

We went to Coffea Caban (my previous restaurant of the month) for tea because it's located just behind my workplace. Convenient!

SOMETHING I LOVE: HOT CHOCOLATE + CAKE

I went to work and again, I handed in my 1 week notice. Yes, next week will be my final week as a waitress. I have been working as a waitress for over 2 years now and I have to say, I'm really glad I'm leaving. 2 years of waitressing is more than enough for me. Don't get me wrong, working as a part-time waitress is good money but not for that long. I will post my whole experience in the near future.

But for now, I'm being brave and going for what I truly want in life or at least trying to find out what I truly want in life.

SOMETHING NEW: AGAIN, IT'S NOT EVERYDAY THAT SOMEONE GETS TO QUIT A JOB THEY'VE BEEN WORKING FOR 2 YEARS





It's finally Friday! TGIF!


X

Time and Life

"Time waits for no one". - Yasutaka Tsutsui

When I was young, let's say about 14 years old, my dad used to constantly say to me "time waits for no one". I honestly did not get it at the time because I was just starting high school (which was the worst 5 years of my life now that I think back) and like all teenagers, I was trying to be rebellious, which means whatever my parents ever said meant nothing to me (sorry fam!).

I wanted to get out of high school so much and wished that time could go faster so I'm all grown up and everything would fall into place and life will be so much easier. Yes, I'm laughing now as I type this because I realize that there's no such thing as being a grown-up. We just get older and wiser each year but deep down, we're still the same person as we were in high school - just smarter, perhaps.

Fast forward 10 years - PAUSE!


Life as a "grown up" is no picnic, let me tell you. You learn how to face troubles, deal with problems. You basically learn new things everyday, from how to cook something new to how to control your stupid, childish emotions (is it just me? Maybe it's just me).

I can still actually remember bits and pieces of my high school days like it was yesterday.

I've met so many people along the way, made loads of new friends, completed my MBA last November (something I never thought I'd be able to accomplish in this life time). To be perfectly honest with you, this post is really about how time flies. Last year this time, I was enjoying my time at uni and hanging out with all my new friends.

First MBA teamwork project

There's always that one Asian girl xD

Fast forward 1 year, which is right now - PAUSE!


We graduated. We celebrated. We said our goodbyes.

Most, if not, all of my friends have gone back to their home country. Some are married, some started new jobs. Everything is just happening too fast.

In all honesty, I fear time now. I'm scared that I'll miss everything because life is just flashing by in an instant.


"Time is a scary thing"


As much as I fear it, I embrace it at the same time. I get excited of what is to come because I've decided to take everything that comes my way as an adventure - even rough moments. Because life is too short and time waits for no one.





Smile and enjoy life. Happy Monday X