2012 + 2013 resolutions

I'm starting to feel sorry for myself, which is never a good thing. 

Last night, right after I spilled my drink all over my laptop, I realised how tragic I have let myself become. 

Over the past few weeks, I have been working like crazy while everyone is out enjoying the sun and spending time with their family and friends. Not complaining about work though, it is one of the busiest times of the year in retail and I like earning money so I can blow it on unnecessary materialistic items. Regardless of how many hours I work, I still get a couple of days off work in which I can spend however I want. Except I choose to stay at home and do nothing. I have become so antisocial I don't even bother trying to contact people to hang out or sometimes even step out of the house.

I realised that I have unconsciously pushed everyone away that has tried to get to know me better, which leaves me having no close friends in Sydney. I know that if I make more of an effort this would not be a problem, but I actually quite like being alone. But still. 

The place I am staying is such a hole. For some reason, it has become dirtier and there are more insects around. Not sure if it is because of the weather, but I blame the new guy that recently moved in. Before he moved in, I had not seen any cockroaches around. Last night, I saw two. And a massive spider. I need to leave this place. Only 2 months left.

I did so horrible in my exams its not even funny. My WAM has been pushed down so much, I couldn't get into law through program transfer. If I had continued to do as well as I did in my first semester, I would've gotten in. I slacked off so much this semester, I am so disappointed in myself. But on the other hand, I was so relieved to see that I did not fail anything. Sigh, my standards have dropped so much.

Longest rant ever (you are warned)

Big talk with H the other night about a certain someone. Seems like a never-ending problem.

This wouldn't be the first time I've blogged about her. I just don't understand; why is our friendship more complicated than everyone else's? There is no doubt that we have drifted apart over the years, but there is still something that is stopping our friendship from being completely over - her grudge against me.

 For some reason, something I did in the past have made her so bitter towards me. Honestly, hearing about all this has made me quite angry. During my week back in NZ, all I did was try to be nice to her, but hearing what she has to say about me to other people just makes me even more fed up with everything.

Details, details. I am going to make a list. Though, its going to be short.

(This post may seem like a complete bitch-fest, but blogging is just my way to vent)

Formspring questions

I've decided to answer some of the questions asked to my Formspring on my blog, because, really I have nothing much to blog about. Not sure if all of these are asked by the same person on different days, but they are quite interesting.

What does it take to be a good friend?

A good friend doesn't have to be a person you spend most of your time with, doesn't have to be someone you always talk to. But a good friend is always there for you. Not necessarily physically, but when you need them, they will be there by your side. It is someone who understands your needs, your insecurities, your thoughts and opinions - someone who understands the whole you. Someone who doesn't judge you, but will stop you when you are doing something utterly stupid. They know your best qualities and accepts your flaws.   A good friend is not made overnight, and will take effort from both ends. 

Tell us the story of you being stalked?

I never know how to tell this story properly because I always get it jumbled up, and I don't even think its really 'stalking'. The only story I have of being stalked was back in Year 11 or 12 (can't really remember), but it was back when I used to take the bus in the mornings. 

I would always go out to the bus stop opposite my house at around 8:10ish. There would always be 2 or 3 other people at the bus stop, but I never really took notice of them. 

One morning like any other, I went out to my bus stop a little later than usual. There was only one other person there - a boy in AGS uniform, but I didn't see that as unusual. I stood waiting for the bus while he sat. And when the bus came, I climbed in first and sat down on the many empty seats.

He also got on the same bus and sat right in front of me. Still nothing unusual, right?

After a few minutes on the bus, he turned to me and asked, "Are you Christine Yang?" LOL wtf.

Materialistic moments.

If I had money, these are the things I would buy.

 MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Tote
I've been eyeing this for quite some while now, and wasn't sure whether I should get it because it is quite plain. But I saw someone carrying it the other day when I was waiting for the bus after work, and it looked so lovely! I decided I have to have it, so I'm saving up for it this summer. All those hours working at Zara better pay off! Rose said that there probably will be  Black Friday deals so I am totally going to keep an eye out for that.

 Michael Kors Runway Time Teller Watch
I don't even wear watches but isn't this beautiful! I love how its two-toned. I was actually planning to get one for myself if I felt the exam just gone went well, but since I most likely failed all of them, it looks like this will not be on my Christmas list this year. Good thing too, because I don't know how often I would wear it with. I don't have a lot of rose gold accessories.

Classic Chanel Earrings
Hi, I need you on my ears. To be honest, they aren't even super pretty or anything. I mean, they do look lovely, but I think the only reason I want it is because I want a pair of expensive earrings. Going to save up for these, but not 100% keen on buying it right at this moment. Of course if I didn't have to take money into consideration, they would already be mine.

 Prada Saffiano Lux Tote
Omg this is so beautiful! I know everyone has one, but theres a reason for that. Its such a classic looking handbag. Too bad I am poor and will not be able to afford it for a while. Saving up for this.

Celine Luggage Tote

I. Want. This. So. Badly. Omg. Its soo beautiful, I feel like I have to have it. I would have to save up for a whole freaking year if I wanted this. 2.4 grand, and by the time I do have enough money for this, would Celine's still be in trend? Who am I kidding, yes it will be. Wait for me baby.

From January, I will start saving half my pay check every fortnight. (So thats at least 300-400$ a month.) That will be the money I get to splurge on myself at the end of the year. I can do this. Yes. I have some expensive shopping habits on a regular basis anyway, but if I turn that down to a minimum, these lovely goodies will all be mine in the foreseeable future. 

I can do this. 

Hidden messages

The other night, I had a dream. I've asked a couple of people what it meant, but no one really has a clue.

In my dream, my eyes were open. I was staring at the ceiling of my bedroom here in Sydney. The same ceiling that I am under right now. I could not move my arms, or my head. All I saw was the light on the ceiling. But I could hear people talking on the left, their conversation. One of those voices was my dad's, his voice is very distinct. They weren't talking about me, just conversation in general (although I can't seem to remember what they were saying). I remember trying to turn my head, just so I could see my father's face, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't. I was so frustrated with myself.

And that's where the dream ended.

It might've meant nothing, but I've been thinking about that dream for the past couple of days.

Maybe it's telling me that I should give my parents a call.

idontknowwhatimwriting.

So it is that time again. The time where Christine leaves her assignment to the very last minute and has to pull an all nighter just to finish it. When will I ever learn?

It seems as if it is when I have an assignment due that I blog the most. 
My last business law assignment - I stayed up all night the night before also, and ended up finishing a couple of hours before it was due. I got a pretty good mark for it too.

Anyways, on to other things.
I haven't blogged in the past month, mainly because I feel like not much has happened. To be honest, I don't even know who reads my blog posts. Feel free to leave a comment to say 'hi'. I want to know who I am updating my life for :)

Last post - about the kitchen. Its still freaking disgusting. Nothing much has changed. Oh, except the lightbulb went out, so theres no light now. Not that I've been cooking recently anyway.

I lost my iPhone at the Law library. Really, who steals iPhones? Every second person has one.
Got a Samsung sII, because I felt like I didn't deserve a new iPhone, or even deserve the new iPhone 5 that was just released this week.

I finally got a job, after actively seeking for about a month. I'm working as a sales assistant for Zara, a new store that just opened at Bondi Junction this week. 
The people working there are great - there is so much diversity. There are people from all over the world, and if you know me, I looovveee accents. Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, British, Japanese etc. Everyone gets along so well; the working environment is actually pretty great. Its feels good to earn some extra cash and also meet interesting people at the same time.

Yeah, thats pretty much it. I lead a very boring life.

I am not your mother

If I were to write a letter to my flatmates, here is how it would go.

Dear everyone living under the same roof as I,

KEEP THE KITCHEN CLEAN OMG. 

For the past week or so, I have not been cooking my meals, and have hardly even stepped in the kitchen because it has been SO DISGUSTING. 

The bin was overflowing, and no one cared to take it out.

The floor was absolutely disgusting; I swear its only been mopped once. BY ME, LAST SEMESTER. There were lentils, onion skin, chocolate sauce (?) on the floor - NONE of which I eat.

The kitchen bench was extremely oily, why not wipe it?

The stove was filled with pots of food; probably from nights before.

There was gunk on the stove, obviously food overflowed from someone's cooking.

There were a million dishes in the sink, JUST WASH IT OMG.

First of all, you guys are grown men. CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELVES. 

Clean your dishes after you use them; DON'T LET IT PILE UP IN THE SINK.

If your pot overflows onto the stove when you cook, CLEAN IT UP AFTERWARDS.

If you miss the bin when you throw your rubbish in, PICK IT UP.

When you finish cooking, don't leave your pot unwashed on the stove. OTHER PEOPLE NEED TO USE IT TOO.

When you finish preparing your food, WIPE THE BENCH.

If some of your food falls on the floor, CLEAN IT UP.

Honestly, I don't understand why no one would clean up the kitchen. I didn't feel like it was my job because I actually have not been using it AT ALL.

But I cleaned it up anyway. I mopped the floors, took out the trash, and wiped the benches and stove. BUT I REFUSED TO WASH THE DISHES.

I AM NOT YOUR MOTHER. I DO NOT CLEAN FOR A LIVING. I WILL NOT CLEAN BECAUSE I AM A FEMALE. CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELVES!!!!

That is all.

From the youngest and the only female in the house.

Dinner with a stranger

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

Population of New Zealand: 4,405,200 (2011)

Population of Sydney: 4,504,469 (2010)

There are as many people in Sydney as there are in the whole of New Zealand. With so many people in one city, who knows who you'll meet.

Today was strange. 

I was out in the city after my classes today to buy some groceries. After cleaning out the kitchen (it was a huge mess, blog about that later), I thought it was time to start cooking my meals again instead of eating instant noodles every night.

I walked to QVB to buy my favourite cupcakes. Mmmm, red velvet <3

Not long after I bought my cupcakes, I was stopped by a complete stranger.

Stranger: "Hey!"
Me: *turns around* "Hi?"
Stranger: "Hi, my name is D. *holds out hand to shake* I was just walking past and thought you were adorable so I thought I'd say hi."
Me: "Oh thanks...." *awkward smile that obviously shows I am uncomfortable*

Caffeine will be my new best friend

It's strange how the public holiday 'Queen's Birthday' is different in Australia and New Zealand.


I haven't written updated my blog in like two weeks, mostly because I've been lazy. I've been trying to study for hours now, but like always, no progress has been made. My first exam is this Friday, and I've been doing the same stats paper for a couple of days now. Slack, I know.


The weather is getting colder now; I have to layer up before I go outside, and always remember to carry my umbrella.


Alice made me realise I can't smile without showing my teeth, or else I look completely retarded. 

You don't know how hard I am trying not to show teeth lol

I've made my timetable for semester two, and I'm happy to say that it is much better than my first timetable. I have nearly three days off (I'm most likely going to skip the accounting lecture, so free wednesdays as well :) ) I have more time to work and study then.

[Random photos of the food I get at work :)]

When your body tells you it's time for bed but your brain won't let you

Why is it that before you go to bed, your eyes can't stay open; but when you turn the lights off, your eyes won't shut?


I occasionally like to check my horoscope. Its interesting to read.


I just read the profile for the Chinese Zodiac on horoscope.com and I must say, I do agree with a majority of the things they say. Especially the part I highlighted.

"Much-misunderstood Rooster is the tenth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. These people are complex. They appear very attractive and sure of themselves. Some are the strong, mysterious and silent types. Some are aggressively chatty. They can win you with charm or be your worst nightmare. Roosters leave little middle ground. 

Roosters approach life is expansive. They have high hopes and a strong desire for success. They are willing to put in the hours and do the work that builds success in any area.

Its funny how much I suck at studying

"Procrastination is like masturbation. At first, it may feel good. But in the end, you're only screwing yourself."

I am being swamped by this management report. I started it on Friday, and its taken so long for some significant progress. I probably should have started earlier, but you know, that's not Christine's style.

I guess the reason I've been putting it off is because I know it actually isn't that difficult, there's just quite a bit of research involved. I know that I would finish no matter what. I just have to sacrifice my beauty sleep, no biggie.
But I shouldn't have this type of attitude, it is after all worth 30% of my final mark. It would be very helpful if I got a good mark.

But being the procrastinator that I am, I find stupid and meaningless things to distract me. I drew up this sticky note for motivation, but all its done is take up more time because I am constantly checking whether I met the mark or not so I can tick it off.

I would say I'm around halfway now, but the rest should be quite easy, if I concentrate. But I'm finding it hard to. 

I actually stayed up the whole night last night, but hardly any of that time was spent doing the report. Most of the night was spent browsing online for things I would buy, catching up on the TV show 'New Girl', and formatting the word document to make it look 'pretty'. 

Four cups of coffee I had last night, I guess thats why I didn't feel like going to bed.

My breakfast this morning - A hot coffee and some fatty ass bun with tons of cream :)

I just passed like 10 minutes of time writing this post, maybe I should get back to work now. Or maybe I'll check Facebook.

Hot Autumn + MWIP2

The weather here is super moody. But I guess I should be used to it, right? NZ is also like this.

I dressed appropriately to the weather in the cold morning, but now I am walking around in the warmer temperature all covered up in a big jumper and jeans. Although I live 5 minutes away from the campus, I can't be bothered walking back to get changed.

I have two assignments that I need to finish by this weekend. One I am nearly halfway through, and the other I have not even touched. Worth 20% and 30% respectively. Man, I am lazy. I'm guessing this is how I am going to spend my entire weekend.

I knew coming to Australia would be all fun, every day.

Grateful

This is a crazy thought, but I honestly don't think I deserve half the things I get. I am just a very lucky person.

MWIP #1

My week in photos :)

怎麼過，都是一天

So two weeks ago during the mid-sem break, I flew over to Melbourne and hung out with some familiar kiwis.  

I'm glad I spent my break in Melbourne, I had a really good time. Even though we didn't do much or go many places, it was fun because I got to spend it with my beloved friends :)

21/04 Daily Horoscope

"Today there are many areas in which you can shine, Scorpio. You need only be yourself to win over the hearts of others. There is a graciousness to your manner that draws people close to you, whether or not you've ever noticed it before. Realize this, and know that it isn't a fluke. You need not take much action. It will come to you."

You have no idea how reassuring this 'stupid little horoscope' is.  

Gambles and bets

Yesterday, Yunbin and I made a bet.
A bet that I must win; my first child's middle name is at stake.

Lucee, David and Joseph are all witnesses.

Just another video

JUST FOR YOU JISU KIM

Write a letter

Dear Christine,

How are you? I've just been lazying around at home on a Sunday and decided to write you a letter. I'm so slack, I really should be doing my management assignment due tomorrow. But you know me, I procrastinate whenever I have the chance. Its like I get some sort of sick thrill from leaving assignments to the last minute and completing them just before it is due. It may have worked for me all through high school, but this bad habit should NOT be carried on to university.

Anyways, where in the world are you now? I know that you've always loved travelling. Maybe your new career path has taken you somewhere exciting and exotic? Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, I hope you are having the time of your life.

I'm doing okay, still settling in and getting used to everything after about a month. I have a lot more freedom, but with freedom comes a price. I have to learn to take better care of myself. I now have to cook and clean for myself too. But that was something I need to do sooner or later anyway. I still miss all my friends and family in NZ, but its slowly getting better.


Is your hair still brown with an orange tinge, and length way past your elbows? I remember how important your hair was to you, and how your friends would occasionally joke about cutting it short when you weren't looking.  

Are you are taking good care of yourself? You always had the worst eating habits. And sleeping patterns. I hope you aren't still making your mum worried about your health and well-being at 28 years old.

Week 4

I  have my first ever university assignment and test next week. I should be more worried, but for some reason I am not.

Just wait till Sunday Night.



Volunteered for careers expo at UNSW! So boring, just handed out fliers :(



Taking skyping to the next level! Two laptops at the same time :)



4 MINUTES TO SAVE THE WORLD

So I finally got around to making the video of our HK trip!

Its been like 3 months now (yes, I know, I am so slack)

Nothing fancy - 

I uploaded the video both on youtube and on my blog, just in case either one takes it down cus of the music.


Oh lame, just realised you can't watch the video above in full screen.


So here is the link to the youtube one too


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8ilCBq5lmA

I had a little too much fun with the transitions, as you can probably tell from the video.
I had to condense around 10days of videos, 80+ minutes of clips into a four minute video, which was not easy.
There are so many other clips that I would have liked to put in, which I'd probably do some other time. Maybe I'll make another one when I have time.


But next video: Thailand trip !

Fast and not-so-furious update

My second week of uni is pretty much over, even though it is only Wednesday night atm.


I changed my timetable last week because a few people said how crap mine was for a commerce student.

Yeah so I basically get two days off now, which is a little bit better than the last timetable.
But I guess it really doesn't matter seeing I live so close to the campus and it only takes like 5 minutes Christine-pace to get home after lectures.


The weather is very strange in Sydney. It gets very hot on some days, and on others (like now), it gets cold and rains. I just heard thunder. 
Reminds me of Auckland weather, but a bit more to the extreme. 

How have you been Christine?

It is the 10th day since I've been in Sydney, 5 days since uni has started.

And things are going ... well, I guess.

Lectures have started, but I only have like 8 hours this week, which means I have a lot of free time to myself. For the past week, I've sent out my resume out to around five different places now. My cover letters aren't very well written though, but I couldn't be bothered researching how to write a good one so I sent it out anyway. Hopefully, I can get a job to occupy some of the free time I have oh so much of.



My very 'full' and time-consuming schedule



UNSW campus is quite nice, it has more of a university-feel than Auckland Uni. So far, I haven't gotten lost or anything, but that is probably because I haven't been to half my campus yet.



UNSW Main walkway at night



I'll be hanging with the Kangaroos and the Koalas

So it's final. I'm going to Australia for university.

Today I withdrew my enrolment from Auckland Uni, my flight for Sydney is booked and my accommodation is pretty much on its way to being sorted. I will be leaving my birth land in a mere 2 weeks.

Update

I am in XinTang, China at this moment. I can hear my great grandma playing old chinese opera music in the background, and chatting with my auntie whilst drinking tea.
It's relatively quiet in this town, quite calm. Most people have left for CNY, many shops closed for the holiday.


A month has passed since I've left NZ, and I am spending my last week overseas with the elders of my family, which includes my aunt, my grandpa, my great aunts and uncles, and probably other relatives I vaguely know.
Don't get me wrong, it's nice to see some family after such a long time away from them. But because most of my relatives here are OLD, I will probably be drinking tea most of the time and listening to them speak in their strong village accents.
I guess this means I have a lot of time to think about things.


NCEA results came out last week, as did university offers.
My results weren't very good, but I guess they weren't too terrible either.
But now I have a lot to think about - where I want to go, what I want to do now/in uni/in the future. At least I have a lot of time.


Yeah.


My haircut is so fugly.
And that is all I have to say about that.

I'm bored

It smells like cigarettes here. The keyboard is all scungy, and the lights are dim.

It's been one week since our trip from Thailand, my fourth week away from New Zealand.
I hear the weather is crap, that it is raining every day.
Weather isn't that great here either, been raining for a couple of days now.
At an internet cafe with Leonard at the moment - yes, thats how boring it gets.
I'm kind of missing NZ right now, but I know I might being overseas once I leave.

Meh, this post is so messy.
I really have nothing to say.
Update my trip when I have proper internet and I'm not being timed.
But right now, CBF.

So far, SO GOOD

It's been two weeks since updated my blog, and so much has happened in this time. 

I spent Christmas shopping in Hong Kong and New Years in Hong Kong watching fireworks with my friends, and now I am vacationing in Phuket, Thailand.


I've actually been taking A LOT of photos and I have been vlogging every day, but I haven't uploaded anything though because I had no internet in Hong Kong, and I didn't bring my laptop to Thailand. 


But seeing that there is free Wi-Fi in this hotel, I might as well sacrifice some of my beauty sleep and update my blog.


Phuket is really nice, although this is a massive tourist town.
We arrived here on the 4th January, and on that day we went to the Patong beach.

It was pretty fun - the weather was good, the water was clear. A good, relaxing first day. I guess it was a bit TOO hot and sunny, but isn't it always in Thailand?