Sunday, 24 February 2013

One.Step.At.A.Time


February 24, 2013,

I told you I'd give you an update, so, here it is! As you can probably already guess from my tone the party went amazingly. There were some 'BLEH' moments but overall way better than I had expected. I mean I never though I would be able to go to a party knowing only the host and able to mingle around and make conversation with new people. I wouldn't call myself a pro but I'm definetly improving and I'm proud of myself. As the tittle says, I'm doing it One. Step. At. A. Time :)

Here is a list of websites that kind of helped me a bit when I was freaking out before hand. For people like me: Introverted, Shy, and who thinks they're Socially Awkward- please have a look. I want you to know that everything is in your head. Just have good thoughts about how you want things to turn out and things will go fine. Believe me they will.

I'm not gonna blabber anymore because you have the sites.

1) http://www.acquired-tastes.com/2011/08/making-conversation-5-easy-tips-for.html

2) http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Being-Socially-Awkward

3) http://www.succeedsocially.com/howtomingleatparties

That should do the trick. Happy Socializing!

Will be back soon,
S.

Saturday, 23 February 2013

My Anxieties :/


February 24, 2013

So, remember I told you of a friend's birthday party in the previous post? Well. I had decided to chicken out and not go. I told her on Facebook but she totally insisted that I come. I kind of gave her my word and I'm now going to a party where I know no body but the host.

Oh. My. God. I am having social anxieties. There is basically going to be two groups of people who don't know each other and then there is me. Do I have a problem for feeling this way? Probably not. This is daunting for most people out there. For me, however, this is crucial. This is because I NEED to improve my social skills.

I am going to try and make myself feel better now. What is the worst that can happen? If things don't go smoothly I can always leave early right? Also, why am I afraid of people's judgment? As it is, I don't know anybody there except the host and maybe the hosts parents who might turn up. I just have to be myself.

Breathe. Go for it with a positive attitude! I am going to have a GREAT time mingling with new and interesting people.

I'll give you an update after the party. Alright?

Will be back soon,
S.

Thursday, 21 February 2013

The Power (Weakness?) of Introverts


February 21, 2013

I would like to share this video of 'The Power of Introvert'. I watched this video quite a while ago actually. But a conversation I had with my sister just now made me sad all of a sudden as it was about how I am such an 'Introvert' and how that's something of a weakness. I actually feel that way- you know? So I watched the video again.



I kind of feel better now. Oh, and on Sunday, there is a birthday party I'm invited to. It's an old friend's. I'm still contemplating whether I should go or now. I feel I should because I need to socialize more. But then again there's going to be lots of people I don't know. I'll let you know.

Also, I just told my sister and mum of this so-called-blog I have which I'm not showing them. They totally flipped and over reacted. I mean, why can't a person have their privacy? I don't really mind if people half way across the world read this but I do mind if the person next door does. Does this make sense?

Will be back soon,
S.

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

The Biggest Loser


February 20, 2013

This is going to be a quick post about my new resolution: to lose weight through healthy eating and exercise. Yup, you heard right. Even though I failed miserably the last time I tried, there was one- 3 years ago, that I was successful and became skinny. And then 'Food' and 'Laziness' happened and I bloated and bloated and bloated. I am now a hippo. Yay? Anyways, its high time I do something about my weight issue now. I promise, this time its going to work.

My problem you see, is not only losing weight for beauty purposes- although that is a big big factor! But my problem is that my feet can't support heavy weight so if I don't lose weight now, when I grow old, I won't be able to walk. Gasps!

So, this is the 'rules' that I have to follow:

1) Exercise at least 3 times a week.
- For example, run on the treadmill for 30 minutes

2) Take packed lunch and fruits to school to avoid eating junk food.

3) Try to stop eating unhealthy snacks between meals

4) Drink lots and lots of water

That is what I am going to try and do first. Later, I can add more to the list.

Will be back soon,
S.

JA Stem Innovation

February 20, 2013

Today is the JA Stem Innovation Camp Competition that I was selected to take part in. This competition was held in Triam Udom's Alumni Centre and is sponsored by Blackberry. Before I tell you more about this particular competition, I'm going to fast-forward back 3-4 months before, ok? Laughs. Why am I asking you? You don't really have a choice.

There is this program called Junior Achievement Thailand. It has numerous programs and workshops for schools to take part in. The first program introduced to my school was JA Banks in Action which was sponsored by Bangkok Bank. I joined it as an ECA and happen to be on the winning team in my school. How that happened is kind of a funny story because it was a co-incidence. Anyways, as a result of this glorious win, a group of 4 students including me, were sent to compete with other schools at Bangkok Bank's headquarter. We had to make a presentation regarding an answer to a question (I forgot what I said but I remember I made a fool out of myself) as well as play a simulation game regarding interest rates.

So, because of our stupidity of deciding not to prepare for this competition we outright lost the game. Yay. Laughs.

Okay, back to today's competition.

There were around 8 people from my school. The competition started at 8 am and lasted until 9 pm. I know right?! That's insane! I was like so tired. Anyways, when we first got there, we did ice-breaking activities. It was extremely stupid and ridiculous. I'll give you one example: singing 'Hello hello hello...how are you too? ...and you and you and you' while doing weird motions towards random strangers. MATURITY anybody?!

Laughs.

The intellectually stimulating part, never the less, came later. We were put into groups of 6 with students from other schools and had to make a power point presentation and business concepts regarding 'How can the Ministry of Education partner up with Blackberry (They're the sponsors) to encourage students to take STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)'. After the presentation, we were interviewed by a panel of judges based on our concept.

What else was there? Well, I got to know some people: a couple students from TCIS, one from Saint Joseph Bangna, as well as an Indian-Sikh student from RIS. And there was food! Breakfast, Coffee, Lunch, and Dinner! But the food wasn't that great though.

Okay. The most important information saved for the last. The winning team gets a Blackberry.

I CURRENTLY DON'T HAVE A BLACKBERRY!

This honestly sucks. It's not like I want the phone, I just want the certificate for my CV! Plus the judges were saying stuff like 'Everybody here is a winner', 'It was a tough decision', 'We were impressed by ALL groups', and other cliche sayings. It just made me more frustrated!

Oh well, at least I will have the certificate of participation which will be handed out to me in my school's assembly. And you know what they say: It doesn't matter if you win or lose. All that matters is that you participate.

Will be back soon,
S.

Monday, 18 February 2013

Lurking around "The Mall"

February 19, 2013

I am currently siting in the Food Court of a mall near my school. This has become like a usual routine for me while my sister has ECAs at school. (That's Extra Curricular Activities by the way). I can't explain just how annoying and awkward this feels. I'm just sitting at either Food Court, McDonalds, Starbucks, or walking around like an idiot wasting money on useless things.

Yet every time I vow to myself that I won't come here alone it just doesn't seem to take effect. I guess because lately my sister has gone into FULL SPORTS MODE.

Anyways, I am not complaining. I actually did do quite a bit of work in the library today while waiting and just decided to come and wait here for a bit. My mum is late today as well. Again, I am not complaining. It's part of life isn't it?

Gosh. What has gotten into me right now?

So, while waiting, I decided to blog. It has become like a weird addiction now. When I first started, I never thought I would enjoy it this much. The more I post, the more likely someone I know will read this. And that scares me. It really does. But I guess sometimes you cant help it. Especially me, I can't let what people think affect me that much.

Something has really gotten into me, hasn't it? (Chuckles)

Will be back soon,
S.

Two faced people & Exams


February 18, 2013

This is going to be short and sweet.

Do you know people who act like your friends and hang out with you when they have no body else? Then when their friends are around they just totally forget about you and even ignore you on purpose? And when you ask them to hang out with you, say, sit with you, they give you an effed up look? Well. I feel hate such two faced people.

Okay that was defiantly short but not sweet. On a more positive note, this is like a reminder to myself. A reminder to not rely on people as much and not to care as much. I know its easier said than done but I shall try.

Since I'm already in the mood now, I'll do a little update. I'm dropping Piano and Mandarin Classes for a while to give me more time to revise for my AS Exams. I need to do well this time and I promise to study- especially the Exam Timetable is crazy this year! It makes all my exams over within a week of like a 2 month session! Like seriously?

Economics Math History
13th May
7th May
23rd May
21st May
22nd May

I know the table looks hideous, but well, the whole exam is hideous- so yeah. Actually, it's hideous because I'm horrible at computers. I think I already mentioned that, right?

Will be back soon,
S.

Sunday, 17 February 2013

My Prestige Article!



February 17, 2013

They say 'A picture is worth a 1000 words', don't they? Well here you go:



Winks. By the way, you might have to click on the little icon or whatever shows us. I'm not that great with computers!

Will be back soon,
S.


Saturday, 16 February 2013

Work Experience

February 16, 2013

This is something totally unrelated to my day. But I feel the need to blog about it. I mean, it's a shame I didn't blog about it while it was happening. Oh well. As the tittle gives it away, this post is going to be about my experiences during work experiences. Or, "internship" to sound sophisticated!

Since I'm getting on a time machine back to July 2012, this is not going to be specific. I apologize. Wait. Why am I apologizing? Ummm yeah, it's going to be one large summary rather than specific experiences because I don't think I have the time or patience.

I had the opportunity to intern at Media Expertise International. I and another kid from my class was selected but he totally ditched after a week and another girl replaced him. Yup. That's a long story. I might tell you that later!

Anyways, we were supposed to intern for Harpers Bazaar Magazine but because it was all in Thai we moved to Prestige Magazine. There are about 8 magazines under this company but Prestige is the only English one.

What did we do there, people may ask? Well. Not make coffee! This was something my little sister kept on teasing me about. We made photocopies though. We did random and stupid things: watching movies, eating 7-11 junk in the corner, and what not! We even had a nickname for one of the worker: style.com Plus, we went on an interview with an upcoming singer Dara Loy. The messed up thing was that she was 25 but we looked older than her!

I have one story to tell. We were also made to go pay some bills at a studio and had to go by motorbike to avoid traffic. We got lost and had to walk around asking people for the way until we finally found the place. That was kind of like an epic adventure!

The most important thing that we did there, however, was write an article that was featured in the September issue of the magazine! The Spa and Savor Column that we contributed too were also featured! It felt awesome seeing my name on the magazine!

Needless to say, this was an amazing experience for me. I learnt so much in 5 weeks! I feel so fortunate that I've gotten this chance as I realize not everybody does.

The end.

No wait. It's not the end! I haven't gotten my letter of recommendation yet! That's another long story. I guess I need another post regarding this! We'll see.

Will be back soon,
S.


Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Valentines Shmurr

February 13, 2013

This blogging thing is getting real addictive. I guess that's a good thing right? I'm kind of obsessed with it now and just jazzed the site up a bit today. Notice the pink background, the Google Translator tab, the profile picture and info, and the search engine! I've also tried to add a countdown clock but couldn't figure out how to do it.

Valentine Days tomorrow. I know I already blogged a little bit about Valentines Day but I feel the need to blog again.

Here's IISuperwomanII's video about how annoying Valentines Day is.



Apart from that, this Valentines (or maybe a couple of days after), I'm going to ask a guy I kind of like out. Fingers crossed on this one. But its the 21st Century, why can't a girl ask a guy out? Also, if it doesn't work out I have nothing to lose. I mean, what's the worst that can happen- I get rejected and things become awkward. Well, just for a couple of more months until we're done with Year 12.

Will it be a happy Valentines Week, sad, or normal?

Will be back soon,
S.

Half Term Break

February 15, 2013

As I have mentioned previously, or have I? We shall never know! Okay that was seriously lame. I will be having the so called 'half term break' soon. Most schools have like a week off during half term break but our school only has 5 days. Not too bad? Well, think again, cause that includes 2 days of the weekend and 1 day of Thai public holiday. I'll do the math for you. That leaves us with just 2 days of actually school leave. On top of that we are bombarded with work to do. This just sucks.

But on a more positive note, all I gotta do is cram like crazy for my exams and this time next year I'll be preparing for University: a new more fun chapter in my life, hopefully. Be Optimistic. Be Positive.

This was a fairly short post.

Will be back soon,
S.


Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Lying in Bed :(

February 11, 2013

As the tittle quite explicitly says so, I'm lying in bed as I can't go to sleep. Then again it's only 8.49 right now so I figured I'd blog.

It's almost Valentines day. For all single people out there, this must suck. I feel you. Laughs. Especially when 'couple and 'people in love' act so sappy and annoying around you. Doesn't it make you feel that if you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend then life is not worth living? It's ridiculous.

Anyways, moving on. In my previous post regarding university, I mentioned I will explain my chosen major. So here it goes:

For a whole now, my parents, or more so, my mother, has been convincing me to do Economics and Finance at university. Although I don't mind studying Economics and Finance, my heart was always set on something like Politics or International Relations. And I would have done what I wanted to do. However, what my mum (and dad and internet) had to say did actually make more sense.

Here are the reasons why I am choosing to read Economics and Finance at University:

1. With this major, there will be more job opportunities. I could work in Banks, Multinationals, the Public Sector, Ngo's, etc. The sky is the limit. I could also write about the economy. Laughs again. I could also go into investment as I would have learnt all the skills necessary for making smart choices.

2. If I choose to do International Relations, my only option is to work in the Embassy or Government. For working in the government, I would need to be fluent in Thai, which I am not, so that is out of the question. As for the embassy option, it takes a while to rise up the rank. To have more opportunities like working in the UN, I would have need to do Masters because a Bachelors degree is not enough.

3. That brings me to my next point.I can always do Masters in International Relations, can't I? And that would be impressive.

That's it for today people.

Will be back soon,
S.

Sunday, 10 February 2013

Chinese New Year

February 10, 2013

It's very unusual for me to have two blog posts in one day but I forgot to say Happy Chinese New Year 2013. It'll be a short one though.

I'll say it properly in Mandarin. Or type. 恭喜发财 or 新年快乐。The first one is Gong Xi Fa Cai which I think means like may you earn a fortune or something along the lines of that. The second one is Xin Nian Kuai Le which means Happy New Year. Enough with the Mandarin lessons. Laughs.

So it's now the year of snakes. Apparently I was told something horrible happens during the year of snakes because snakes are known to be poisonous. Don't believe me? Well here comes the creepy part. The last time it was the year of the snake, there was 9/11. And the Wall Street Crash also happened during the year of the snake in 1929.

I happen to be born in the year of the rats. Since rats and snakes live side by side, I gotta be extra careful this year. Okay. Enough with this-whatever this is.

Anyways, this Chinese New Year I might go to China Town because there's like street food and shows. They closed the whole road and since I live near by, I figured, why not?

I'll let you know how it is. Until then, take care.

Will be back soon,
S.

University Stress and All That!

February 10, 2013

Okay, so incase you guys haven't figured out yet, I'm almost going to graduate high school. Well, maybe not almost. It's like a year and a half but I've still gotta think about university haven't I?

Speaking about universities, it's SOOO STRESSFUL like thinking about where to apply to. It's not just the course and country you gotta figure out but also the fees and finances. To all others in the same position, I sympathize with you.

Ever since I was young, I always knew I wanted to go abroad to study: the UK to be specific. Now that the time has come, I'm not too sure anymore. The costs are INSANE. I repeat, INSANE and there are like very few scholarships or loans for international students which just sucks.

I'm just going to try my very best in hunting down the very few scholarships that are available or try to figure something out. If not, I'm just going to take it as my luck and apply to the University of Nottingham's campus located in Malaysia.

Let me tell you a bit about luck and all that. I know some people think its stupid, but I really believe in something call luck and destiny. I'm not going to go crazy about it over here. All I'm going to say here is I will accept how ever things turn out, take it as my luck, and not feel upset about it. Cause you know what they say, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be.

About the campus in Malaysia, it is really not a bad option at all. In fact, it's a really good option.

1. It's well known for Economics and Finance, which is what I'm interested in. (It's a long story which I will mention some other time!)

2. The degree I get won't say I studied in the Malaysian campus. It will just say University of Nottingham. And that's like a really good University, so yeah.

3. I can spend a semester or a year in the UK. Or, even transfer after one year. The exchange program will enable me to pay Malaysian fees which is good. The transfer option, well, we'll see how things go.

4. I wouldn't have to worry about finances because it's affordable. By going to the UK, I would have to work to contribute to the costs. That would just make me stressed out and not able to enjoy my University experience fully.

5. There are a lot of Asians in the Malaysian campus, which is good. I will be able to mingle with them and there wouldn't be any problems of discrimination. I will also get contacts in Asia which is great with the ASEAN opening up.

6. I wouldn't have to cook and clean. Laughs. Not that good of a reason. Nope, who am I kidding, it's an extremely good reason.

7. Last but not least, I can come home as often as I want. I won't feel lonely. Home sweet home. I also have relatives there to help me out incase of an emergency.

So there it is. My list of reasons. I'm still not a 100% convinced though. Let's see. Till then, whatever.

Will be back soon,
S.