Friday, April 30, 2024
Presentation: check!
I was a brave, brave soul today, according to my classmates. The first sucker to do a presentation in our medieval romance class, especially since we just started four days ago, hiaks.
I think it went well :)
A little over time (more like completely!) but the class was so co-operative, I didn't have the heart to cut them off. Here's crossing fingers that the prof won't penalize me overmuch for that.
Life in the Patch so far is reminiscent of first year; lack of drama, lots of smiles, and most importantly, real learning.
Am kissing Shakespeare goodbye and checking out Mass Media & Society; will be sitting in on my first lecture next week to see how I like it before making a decision. Funnily enough, I never was a fan of the bard, even though I usually comprehend his texts and do a decent job at interpretation (or talking through my ass, whichever way you see it :P). Ah well.
I need sleep.
Currently listening to: Maroon 5's Must Get Out
Random observation: Need a cookie!Posted by Tiff @ 11:05 PM GMT [Link]
Thursday, April 29, 2024
Epiphany
Woah.
So I'm talking to Shean about plans yah, and it just hit me like a ton of bricks, after typing the words down, that I really do need to take things in perspective.
I find moments where I slowly sink back into old habits and thoughts, negativity through the little voice that puts me down all the time. The little voice that says nothing I can do or say is enough, that it's all crap and I'm absolutely worthless. Which is probably why I sometimes let people treat me like shit, but I digress.
School's important, but it's not a life. Work's important, but it's not a life either. Nothing, but nothing should make me regret all that has happened in my lifetime, all that I've done and all that I'll do.
No one should ever feel guilty for being alive.
So here's a little trivia of the day: the name Tiffany comes from the word epiphany ;D Now how crazy is that?!
Posted by Tiff @ 02:07 PM GMT [Link]
Wednesday, April 28, 2024
Walking in the rain
Just got back from my medieval romance class. It was raining, but I walked home anyway. I need an umbrella, blah.
So I just got Roger to check out the price of a return ticket to Prince Edward Island, and he's bitching at me even as I type.
Silly Ra Ra.
It's gonna cost me over 500 bucks to go see Sharon :/
Althea and Bernard came by last night, and we played The Simpsons' version of Clue. I was so sleepy I was crossing the wrong stuff off, and after much cheating (!!) Althea solved the mystery: Marge Simpson killed Mr Burns at Barney's Bowl-A-Rama armed with a slingshot.
Well, I think it was a slingshot. I don't know anymore!
Just noticed a note on my desk: am suppose to head over to Bubba's to play more Clue.
Be back later then.
Currently listening to: Maroon 5's Sweetest Goodbye
Random observation: I'll never leave you behind, or treat you unkind...da da da...Posted by Tiff @ 09:21 PM GMT [Link]
Tuesday, April 27, 2024
Idiot extrodinaire
I am 101 kinds of idiot *sigh*
Class. Bus. Run. Money. Home.
Bah.
Posted by Tiff @ 06:29 PM GMT [Link]
Tuesday, April 27, 2024
Rush
Waiting for the Admissions Department to issue a much needed letter for my application for both passport and travel/student visa was a true test of patience (which I lack), good faith (which I also lack) and prayers (both fervent and desperate). Not to mention walking into a wall or two for lack of sleep, seeing as I had to correspond with these people in the middle of the night while functioning as usual in the day :P But they finally came through, and I managed to get all my paperwork sorted two days before I left (talk about living on the edge ;P). The people at the Canadian High Comm were, uhh, odd, to say the least. Maybe it's the air they breathe behind bullet-proof glass *shrug*
I shouldn't complain. After some bickering, they issued my visa within 2 hours (it was supposed to take 2 - 6 weeks!), hehe.
I had to bring back a large amount of anime for Di and her sisters, and I was ever so grateful to both Wan Yee and Merv who took the time to copy over 30 CDs in the span of a few hours because yours truly is a dimwit and informed everyone of her departure date 16 hours before takeoff.
*takes a bow* Thank you, thank you.
Haha, am such a nerd ;D
So yes, I am a nerd and an idiot, but my friends came through for me anyway.
sooks took half a day off work so that we could go crystal-shopping and hang out before I left. 'tis a pity we didn't drink as we said we would, but sooks assures me that bottle of vodka on her shelf will *probably* still be there when I come back, lol.
I got to see Lisa, Sue, Merv and Wan Yee the night before I left, as I had to pick up the CDs and drop off the banner I made for Merv's birthday surprise. Was rather disappointed that I couldn't see Shean and the rest, but as it was, I was running like a mad thing trying to put everything together thanks to a change in departure details.
Was up all night packing, and even then I was cutting it mighty close. Left a bunch of stuff on the floor, hurriedly locked up my bags and loaded them in the car, and before you know it, I was boarding the plane with my backpack, Bunny and a litre of vodka in tow ;D
Contrary to popular opinion, I did not booze throughout my flight to Canada *dirty look* No, instead, I watch Brother Bear and Love Actually and cried, bah. Stupid soppy movies with their stupid soppy endings...
All in all, it was a 23 hour flight with a three hour layover in Hong Kong. Got through immigration and waited for an hour before catching the shuttle to Peterborough, a trip that lasted 2 hours, ugh. So, umm, door to door, it took me a grand total of roughly 31 hours, which isn't bad at all, considering my last trip and about 48 hours of hell.
Barely three days to get over jet-lag before class started, yikes. Already saw a bunch of people, and I think I must be happy, because as I walked home yesterday evening from Traill College, I caught myself singing along to Vertical Horizon, hehe.
Spring rocks.
All in all, I think I had a good, good break, and I'm ready to dive back into the stresses of school and living again.
Currently listening to: Maroon 5's She Will Be Loved
Random observation: own skin.Posted by Tiff @ 10:20 AM GMT [Link]
Monday, April 26, 2024
Hail Peterborough!
Finally brought the bitch home ;D
So it's been three days of jet-lag, brain-freeze and sorting stuff out. Actually, jet-lag was minimal, thanks to my fucked up sleep time. Punky and I have been yakking nineteen to the dozen whenever she's not working, yay. There's so much to catch up on, but I was oddly relieved that the months haven't put a dent in the friendship.
Kai called the day I got back, and we talked for a bit, which was nice after godknows how long. He was very pleased with his new purchase, hah. Happy belated birthday man :)
There's a whole bunch of stuff that happened, but I have to run for class (first of the semester, woo!) so I'll finish this later.
Amazing. I'm actually glad to be back.
Posted by Tiff @ 06:11 PM GMT [Link]
Friday, April 16, 2024
Tenterhooks
I hate being at the mercy of paper-pushing bureaucratic nincompoops.
Posted by Tiff @ 12:08 PM GMT [Link]
Tuesday, April 13, 2024
Prep & props
It's that time again where I start packing and planning to get my ass back to good old Canada. Have a list of things to get done, and I'm crossing my fingers that it'll all work out, blah.
Haven't been able to access a computer, let alone the internet, for numerous reasons. The story of my life, hiaks. For the moment, the only request I have is to bring home loads of coffeetea for the girls. I don't fancy lots of luggage this year, and the essentials are books, my new guitar, camera and clothes. I have to get my visa and passport renewed, see some people and pay off some bills. Oh yeah, and get my ticket. Musn't forget that.
In the past few months, I've discovered that bumming truly is an art form. Just because you're supposed to be free 24/7 doesn't mean that you're really free. People call for all sorts of reasons, and the next thing you know, you're buried up to your neck in more errands and work and stuff than any 9 - 5 job can offer, plus you don't get paid.
Ah, money.
Completely lacking in it, since my funds travel on a one way street towards Nothing. In stupid determinance to not rely on my parents, the sure but steady decline of my life's savings makes me want to either swear off the outside world (it's evil and it makes you spend!) or rob a bank. No, really. Just kidding. Really.
Or something.
So yes, I have my own guitar. Why, how, when? It all boiled down to a silly moment of miscommunication, and I didn't have the heart to tell her I didn't want to buy one just yet, as she was so pleased and proud with the purchase. As such, I gritted my teeth, handed over the money and I'm still currently learning to master plucking strings the right way. It's going to be a long, longgggg time before I master this, if my current lessons are proof of anything. But hey, I will persevere! (And if I'm a dismal failure, I'll just sit back and be entertained by Garret's production of Ghettoball in form of an mp3 ;D).
I've been trying to alter my perspective a little, and so far, I'd like to think that it's been working out. Treats for loved ones are good, treats for self are great. Yes I deserve that new CD, and a big "hell yeah!" to dining experiences (even better when had with family and friends). Memorable meals that come to mind include the Amarin Thai experience with uncle Azuan, three separate Chili's moments with sooks, the family and Lisa, and that recent dinner at Dome's with Sue, Wan Yee and Rudy. Props to excellent company!
I think I've done a whole lot this break, from working in a law firm to catering a liquor event, attending both weddings and funerals in the span of 2 months, typing letters for an engineering company, playing bartender to a bachelor party, babysitting, chauffeuring, etc. For the first time in four years, I celebrated Chinese New Year at home, and I got to visit my grandparents' grave for Qing Ming. I got to go to bed at 7am and wake up at 4 without anyone yelling at me, watched national elections with a clue (my first time ever!), saw Incubus live (!!), made and sold a choker that took me two days to weave, and who could forget that crazy trip to Penang with some excellent people? ;D
Anyway, this should tide y'all over until I go about my usual "oh man I'm leaving and I'll miss y'all" post. Or maybe I won't, hah!
"We put the fun back in 'dysfunctional'!"
P/S: Thanks for keeping me stuck at home with 5 seasons of Friends, Mung. Much appreciated!
Note to self:
Train's When I Look To The Sky
Josh Groban's You Lift Me
Javier's Crazy
Maroon 5's This Love
Robbie Williams' Sexed Up
Blue feat. Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed, DeliveredPosted by Tiff @ 01:50 PM GMT [Link]
Monday, April 5, 2024
Front and centre, pronto!
What's new, world?
This shall be posted tomorrow, when I can actually log on.
Am watching "Aaahh! Real Monsters" while waiting for Audrey to come home. Haven't been watching much tv lately, as I've been preoccupied with reading books from my childhood, working on a scrapbook and learning to play the guitar.
I finally moved upstairs, and to be honest, it still takes some getting use to. Ever since I left for university, all my breaks back home have been spent in the spare room (usually used for storage) or the living room, so it's a little odd sleeping upstairs again. But I digress. Moving's fun ;D It reminds me of school and my compulsive rearranging of house furniture.
Popular Bookstore is having a clearance sale, so I bought part of Enid Blyton's St. Clare series. Also saw the hardcover edition of Nostradamus's predictions, but I won't be able to buy it till I pick up my cheque from Doreen. Have already used a chunk of my money on the family, and I still have my visa appication fees to contend with, blah. Bills, payments, yuck. I hope there's enough left over for my book.
The scrapbook's coming along decent. So far, two pages down, and about 16 more to go. Just developed another roll of film, this one taken just before I left .ca, and the pictures are crazy, hiaks. Even though I've yet to complete this phase is my life, it's been such a crazy ride that any and everything else would just be another kick in the guts, icing on the cake. Sorting through photos, trying to remember all that's happened then and in between.
Just started guitar lessons with Pei Yee today. It's hard, but I'm determined to master as much as I can before I leave. Considering that I've never touched any instrument before (unless you count the compulsory recorder lessons back in primary school), it's going to be, ah... interesting.
Here's crossing my fingers that I stick to it.
Gotta stop sleeping at 7am and waking up at 4...