Mood: tired
Listening to: 'Too Little Too Late' by Jojo
Hungry for: uuuhhh...
School starts tomorrow. Start panicking now.
In other news...
I finally got my eyelash curler! It's not shu uemura, because they don't stock it here and it's too risky trying to ship it in, so it's shisheido, which has almost the same cult status as shu uemura. I've tried it, and it's pretty good - at least my eyelashes don't sneak off in ten directions anymore. It's actually kind of cool, not having droopy eyelashes anymore. Being the crazy person I am, I've had a furious tirade at my old eyelash curler, which is really no comparison to my shiny new shisheido. I love my eyelash curler!
I know, kind of petty. But tomorrow I have to go into full student mode, so I'm enjoying being the girl that considers an eyelash curler to equal happiness.
Anyway, I've decided that I want to know more about my readers. Every post, I'm going to ask a question, and please, please, *please* answer it in the comments. Please.
Today's question is: How do you feel about your schooling? Was it good? Was it bad? What could have been improved?
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII'M BACK!
Mood: exhausted
Listening to:'Halo' by Beyonce
Hungry for: nothing! I'm FULL!!!
I'm BACK, everybody! Wow, this place has changed since I left. I mean, I get readers from really cool places like Bahrain and Lithuania now. I mean, a year ago, I would be jumping up and down if someone from my class (who I had begged consistently for about six months) went on my blog for about six seconds. Oh, and I have two new followers. Welcome aboard!
As you know, summer is my time to unleash my petty teenager. You know, the person who's buried inside all nerds, even the most diehard ones - the inner person who really does care if their nailpolish is chipped, and a shu uemura eyelash curler can really make their day. So I've been shopping, and indulging in my love of fashion and makeup and music - just being a kid, for once, unburdened by screaming teachers and tedious detentions and endless piles of homework. I only have a few days of this left.
I have no problem admitting that at heart, I'm just a normal teenager.
In other news, I've found my perfect swimsuit!
It's a black one piece (classic, much!) and can be worn with spaghetti straps or strapless. It's simple, tummy-tucking, and is, like, classic 40's pinup style. So sweet. I also bought a kaftan to go with it - white, with brown and pink detail. So cool.
At the moment, I'm trying to track down an eyelash curler. Why Australia cannot stock decent eyelash curlers are really beyond me.
But enough on makeup. I'm not being fair on my male readers.
I'm going to rant again.
The Australian government has recently launched a site called 'My School', which compares every school in the country, public, private, primary, secondary, with each other. I personally think it's a really good idea - because even though the information isn't 100% perfect, it gives you a good idea which school is good, and which school is not.
And of course, most people here aren't really down with that.
I mean, for all eight years that I went to my primary school, we were always playing with the idea of either changing schools or homeschooling me. Homeschooling wasn't really an option - although when I was in grade six and fed up with school I was adamant I would be homeschool - and my school convinced me over and over that the school I was going to was offering the most advanced and sophisticated academic programs available in my area. Now, according to this My School site, I know that that's a load of bull and you can't trust anything teachers say anymore.
The only thing worse than failure is trying to cover up a failure. If you're bad at something, admit it! If you're good at something, be proud of it! There is an increasingly alarming culture of hiding everything - good and bad - about yourself. I mean, why? Why is it so bad to accept that the school you work at is crap because you're an incompetent teacher who fails to produce satisfactory students? That's your fault - blame your laziness, not the website. Australian academic standards are so low and the teaching standards are even worse, and now something that actually might expose and solve this and people are saying it's 'unfair' and 'depressing' and whatever garbage their spewing to the media. As a student, growing up here in Australia, the teaching standards and work ethic here has certainly been disappointing - I mean, they go on rallies to demand better pay when they all drive BMW's and can't even teach children how to read and write properly. In Asia, only the most elite graduates can become teachers. Here, you don't even need to pass school to teach Australia's next generation.
So yeah, I'm kind of pissed.
Listening to:'Halo' by Beyonce
Hungry for: nothing! I'm FULL!!!
I'm BACK, everybody! Wow, this place has changed since I left. I mean, I get readers from really cool places like Bahrain and Lithuania now. I mean, a year ago, I would be jumping up and down if someone from my class (who I had begged consistently for about six months) went on my blog for about six seconds. Oh, and I have two new followers. Welcome aboard!
As you know, summer is my time to unleash my petty teenager. You know, the person who's buried inside all nerds, even the most diehard ones - the inner person who really does care if their nailpolish is chipped, and a shu uemura eyelash curler can really make their day. So I've been shopping, and indulging in my love of fashion and makeup and music - just being a kid, for once, unburdened by screaming teachers and tedious detentions and endless piles of homework. I only have a few days of this left.
I have no problem admitting that at heart, I'm just a normal teenager.
In other news, I've found my perfect swimsuit!
It's a black one piece (classic, much!) and can be worn with spaghetti straps or strapless. It's simple, tummy-tucking, and is, like, classic 40's pinup style. So sweet. I also bought a kaftan to go with it - white, with brown and pink detail. So cool.
At the moment, I'm trying to track down an eyelash curler. Why Australia cannot stock decent eyelash curlers are really beyond me.
But enough on makeup. I'm not being fair on my male readers.
I'm going to rant again.
The Australian government has recently launched a site called 'My School', which compares every school in the country, public, private, primary, secondary, with each other. I personally think it's a really good idea - because even though the information isn't 100% perfect, it gives you a good idea which school is good, and which school is not.
And of course, most people here aren't really down with that.
I mean, for all eight years that I went to my primary school, we were always playing with the idea of either changing schools or homeschooling me. Homeschooling wasn't really an option - although when I was in grade six and fed up with school I was adamant I would be homeschool - and my school convinced me over and over that the school I was going to was offering the most advanced and sophisticated academic programs available in my area. Now, according to this My School site, I know that that's a load of bull and you can't trust anything teachers say anymore.
The only thing worse than failure is trying to cover up a failure. If you're bad at something, admit it! If you're good at something, be proud of it! There is an increasingly alarming culture of hiding everything - good and bad - about yourself. I mean, why? Why is it so bad to accept that the school you work at is crap because you're an incompetent teacher who fails to produce satisfactory students? That's your fault - blame your laziness, not the website. Australian academic standards are so low and the teaching standards are even worse, and now something that actually might expose and solve this and people are saying it's 'unfair' and 'depressing' and whatever garbage their spewing to the media. As a student, growing up here in Australia, the teaching standards and work ethic here has certainly been disappointing - I mean, they go on rallies to demand better pay when they all drive BMW's and can't even teach children how to read and write properly. In Asia, only the most elite graduates can become teachers. Here, you don't even need to pass school to teach Australia's next generation.
So yeah, I'm kind of pissed.
Monday, January 18, 2010
10 Random Things...that you probably don't need to know about me, but *I* think they're very important...
Mood:ravenous
Listening to:'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls
Hungry for: I don't know...why you ask all these difficult questions...oh. I did.
Ten Random Things....about me that are probably very unimportant to you...
1. I am currently obsessed with the song 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls. It's like, pure wizard. But what is with the name 'Goo Goo Dolls'? I mean, all it makes me think of is like baby dolls covered in baby food and poo. And uh...I haven't figured out why the song is called 'Iris' either. But still. Wizard song.
2. I am a bit YouTube addicted during the holidays - my favourites are vlogs - communitychannel, charlieissocoollike and Ryan Higa...mychonny is good for a bit of crude humour - and I watch a lot of music videos for the lesser-known Taylor Swift songs, and also Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson singles.
3. I rarely leave the house without a little bit of makeup on. I don't wear a lot, but I don't feel comfortable unless I daub a bit of concealer (Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Beige) and lipbalm (Carmex or strawberry Chapstick) for that 'of course I'm not wearing makeup *wink wink*' look. Maybe she's born with it, maybe she's wearing makeup.
4. I am currently in love with Al'chemy hair products - I'm using the Lemongrass Shampoo and Jojoba Light Conditioner - they smell really good, are, like, 200% natural (chemical free, just herby and botanical) and are really good for your hair.
5. I'm also in love with foaming cleansers. You know, the ones when you press the pump dispenser and all this lovely foamy moussy stuff comes out? Yeah, them. Simple, Clean & Clear and Neutrogena Deep Clean do them, amongst other brands. You can tell they're foaming because they have words like 'foaming', 'self-foaming', 'mousse' and 'deep cleaning', and they're more runny than normal gel cleansers - like the consistency of water or juice. And the pump is bulkier.
6. I have a habit of ignoring the shelf life of most makeup products - I mean, there are some old Estee Lauder stuff I use that used to be my mum's that they just don't make anymore, and I frankly don't care that they're twenty years old, they're really delish colours. I know you're not meant to share makeup and chuck everything out before the year ends, but wtf.
7. I can tell you straight off that the Neutrogena 8 Hour range does not work. Not in eight hours, anyway.
8. I have a habit of getting little gimmicks and sayings off (mostly ex) friends and boyfriends. So now I say 'Ya think' and 'n'duh' and stupid stuff like that. I had pretty lame ex friends and boyfriends.
9. Filing your nails make them sharper. Seriously.
10. I have a really bad habit of taking off my purity ring...I know you're not supposed to do that, but it's too big!
11. Yes, I do wear a purity ring. I mean, if all unmarried people wore purity rings, we wouldn't have a teenage unplanned pregancy problem, would we? But then, I guess, we wouldn't have super cool movies like Juno, which I just watched.
I know that's eleven things, but technically...oh, whatever. It's eleven things. But I cbf changing the title.
Listening to:'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls
Hungry for: I don't know...why you ask all these difficult questions...oh. I did.
Ten Random Things....about me that are probably very unimportant to you...
1. I am currently obsessed with the song 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls. It's like, pure wizard. But what is with the name 'Goo Goo Dolls'? I mean, all it makes me think of is like baby dolls covered in baby food and poo. And uh...I haven't figured out why the song is called 'Iris' either. But still. Wizard song.
2. I am a bit YouTube addicted during the holidays - my favourites are vlogs - communitychannel, charlieissocoollike and Ryan Higa...mychonny is good for a bit of crude humour - and I watch a lot of music videos for the lesser-known Taylor Swift songs, and also Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson singles.
3. I rarely leave the house without a little bit of makeup on. I don't wear a lot, but I don't feel comfortable unless I daub a bit of concealer (Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Beige) and lipbalm (Carmex or strawberry Chapstick) for that 'of course I'm not wearing makeup *wink wink*' look. Maybe she's born with it, maybe she's wearing makeup.
4. I am currently in love with Al'chemy hair products - I'm using the Lemongrass Shampoo and Jojoba Light Conditioner - they smell really good, are, like, 200% natural (chemical free, just herby and botanical) and are really good for your hair.
5. I'm also in love with foaming cleansers. You know, the ones when you press the pump dispenser and all this lovely foamy moussy stuff comes out? Yeah, them. Simple, Clean & Clear and Neutrogena Deep Clean do them, amongst other brands. You can tell they're foaming because they have words like 'foaming', 'self-foaming', 'mousse' and 'deep cleaning', and they're more runny than normal gel cleansers - like the consistency of water or juice. And the pump is bulkier.
6. I have a habit of ignoring the shelf life of most makeup products - I mean, there are some old Estee Lauder stuff I use that used to be my mum's that they just don't make anymore, and I frankly don't care that they're twenty years old, they're really delish colours. I know you're not meant to share makeup and chuck everything out before the year ends, but wtf.
7. I can tell you straight off that the Neutrogena 8 Hour range does not work. Not in eight hours, anyway.
8. I have a habit of getting little gimmicks and sayings off (mostly ex) friends and boyfriends. So now I say 'Ya think' and 'n'duh' and stupid stuff like that. I had pretty lame ex friends and boyfriends.
9. Filing your nails make them sharper. Seriously.
10. I have a really bad habit of taking off my purity ring...I know you're not supposed to do that, but it's too big!
11. Yes, I do wear a purity ring. I mean, if all unmarried people wore purity rings, we wouldn't have a teenage unplanned pregancy problem, would we? But then, I guess, we wouldn't have super cool movies like Juno, which I just watched.
I know that's eleven things, but technically...oh, whatever. It's eleven things. But I cbf changing the title.
Understanding Teenage Girls.
Mood: humoured
Listening to: 'You Belong With Me' by Taylor Swift
Hungry for: pasta
Hilarious video:
I personally don't think girls are that weird - I think that boys are the completely alien ones, actually, but anyway...the girls who took this guy's survey must have been like...charlie-obsessed zombies or something.
BTW...I dig British accents, which is probably the only reason why you'll see me watching Jamie Oliver shows every now and then.
Listening to: 'You Belong With Me' by Taylor Swift
Hungry for: pasta
Hilarious video:
I personally don't think girls are that weird - I think that boys are the completely alien ones, actually, but anyway...the girls who took this guy's survey must have been like...charlie-obsessed zombies or something.
BTW...I dig British accents, which is probably the only reason why you'll see me watching Jamie Oliver shows every now and then.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
10 Very Unladylike Things That You Probably Shouldn't Do...but I do anyway...
Mood: starving
Listening to: 'How Will I Know?' by Keke Palmer
Hungry for: pasta...still...
1. Eating like a pig
2. Talking about stuff you probably shouldn't talk about in public, like the gory details of leg-shaving.
3. Having the appetite of a half-starved man
4. Yawning really obviously (I don't get how that's rude. It's a normal human thing)
5. Passing gas in public (which is also another completely normal human thing)
6. Not responding to compliments correctly - 'Baby, I know' is probably not the best way to go (joking. I don't actually say that...unless drunk or otherwise intoxicated)
7. Pretending to be drunk (really handy way to get out of an awkward conversation)
8. Arguing really angrily about really petty things (can't help it - this is Lady Renegade we're talking about)
9. Not responding to insults correctly - 'Your makeup makes you look like a clown' is normally followed by 'Your mum makes you look anorexic'. Which is probably a surefire way to get in detention, so don't follow my example.
10. Singing really loudly and off-key in public - in my defense, I don't sing off-key. Not in my defence, I sing so horribly it doesn't really matter what key I sing anyway.
Listening to: 'How Will I Know?' by Keke Palmer
Hungry for: pasta...still...
1. Eating like a pig
2. Talking about stuff you probably shouldn't talk about in public, like the gory details of leg-shaving.
3. Having the appetite of a half-starved man
4. Yawning really obviously (I don't get how that's rude. It's a normal human thing)
5. Passing gas in public (which is also another completely normal human thing)
6. Not responding to compliments correctly - 'Baby, I know' is probably not the best way to go (joking. I don't actually say that...unless drunk or otherwise intoxicated)
7. Pretending to be drunk (really handy way to get out of an awkward conversation)
8. Arguing really angrily about really petty things (can't help it - this is Lady Renegade we're talking about)
9. Not responding to insults correctly - 'Your makeup makes you look like a clown' is normally followed by 'Your mum makes you look anorexic'. Which is probably a surefire way to get in detention, so don't follow my example.
10. Singing really loudly and off-key in public - in my defense, I don't sing off-key. Not in my defence, I sing so horribly it doesn't really matter what key I sing anyway.
Swimsuit Search
Mood: meh
Listening to: 'Because' by Jessica Mauboy
Hungry for: pasta
I never eat my own words.
I do, however, rearrange them slightly.
When I said don't be afraid of the humble bikini, you also have to know when the bikini has won the battle.
I think the bikini has won this battle.
I'm quite slim, with an average frame - except for my stomach that balloons crazily out of proportion (or however you spell that word). If I were a comfortable size sixteen, that wouldn't be a problem, because I'd have nicely shaped arms and legs and boobs to compensate it (I can just hear all my male readers running away from the computer as fast as they can), but unfortunately, I sit somewhere between the awkward realms of sizes eight and twelve. If you're American and having a bit of trouble with that, then here is the conversion: size sixteen is size fourteen in the US, size eight is size six and size twelve is size ten. Take two off the numbers and you're all cool.
Anyway.
So I've decided that a bikini is probably not the best option. Here is the difference between me and most other girls who run away from bikinis: I am a size ten with a size sixteen stomach. Most of the other girls are size six with a size four stomach and the main reason stopping them from getting into a bikini is that they're somehow wishin for a size two stomach. Not happening.
So I'm on the search for the perfect swimsuit.
Lately I've been going back to classic styles in most of my clothing - mostly because I don't have the time or money to waste trying to keep up with fads and trends, and mostly because I've figured I should spend more attention on looking timeless instead of looking like an idiot in twenty years time when I look back at my photos and wonder what the hell I was wearing. So I'm looking for a simple, once piece (or two piece, but preferably one) in brown or black, pulled in with a small ruffle down the centre. High cut to show off my legs, and preferably not strapless.
Is this petty? I don't think so. Even bored thirteen-year-old bloggers have to have fashion indulgences. Besides, it's summer.
So I'm on the lookout for the perfect cossie, and I'm also on the lookout for a lot of things, too. I'm really not in the mood to post anything remotely meaningful while the mercury soars (although it's not that hot - here in Oz you have to wait until forty-five degrees (113 Fahrenheit) before you start complaining. In Europe thirty degrees and you start to hear stories of old nannies dying of heatstroke) so if you're hoping for another angsty rant, I'm afraid you'll have to wait until autumn. Or fall. All of this American-Australian conversion is getting to me. I'm gonna go.
Listening to: 'Because' by Jessica Mauboy
Hungry for: pasta
I never eat my own words.
I do, however, rearrange them slightly.
When I said don't be afraid of the humble bikini, you also have to know when the bikini has won the battle.
I think the bikini has won this battle.
I'm quite slim, with an average frame - except for my stomach that balloons crazily out of proportion (or however you spell that word). If I were a comfortable size sixteen, that wouldn't be a problem, because I'd have nicely shaped arms and legs and boobs to compensate it (I can just hear all my male readers running away from the computer as fast as they can), but unfortunately, I sit somewhere between the awkward realms of sizes eight and twelve. If you're American and having a bit of trouble with that, then here is the conversion: size sixteen is size fourteen in the US, size eight is size six and size twelve is size ten. Take two off the numbers and you're all cool.
Anyway.
So I've decided that a bikini is probably not the best option. Here is the difference between me and most other girls who run away from bikinis: I am a size ten with a size sixteen stomach. Most of the other girls are size six with a size four stomach and the main reason stopping them from getting into a bikini is that they're somehow wishin for a size two stomach. Not happening.
So I'm on the search for the perfect swimsuit.
Lately I've been going back to classic styles in most of my clothing - mostly because I don't have the time or money to waste trying to keep up with fads and trends, and mostly because I've figured I should spend more attention on looking timeless instead of looking like an idiot in twenty years time when I look back at my photos and wonder what the hell I was wearing. So I'm looking for a simple, once piece (or two piece, but preferably one) in brown or black, pulled in with a small ruffle down the centre. High cut to show off my legs, and preferably not strapless.
Is this petty? I don't think so. Even bored thirteen-year-old bloggers have to have fashion indulgences. Besides, it's summer.
So I'm on the lookout for the perfect cossie, and I'm also on the lookout for a lot of things, too. I'm really not in the mood to post anything remotely meaningful while the mercury soars (although it's not that hot - here in Oz you have to wait until forty-five degrees (113 Fahrenheit) before you start complaining. In Europe thirty degrees and you start to hear stories of old nannies dying of heatstroke) so if you're hoping for another angsty rant, I'm afraid you'll have to wait until autumn. Or fall. All of this American-Australian conversion is getting to me. I'm gonna go.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
10 Things All Aussie Girls Know
Mood: sleepy
Listening to: 'The Boys Are Back' from High School Musical: Senior Year
Hungry for: milo
People are always jealous of French girls, for that effortless, sexy glamour they always seem to have, and people are always jealous of Aussie girls for the beachy look I know most people would kill for.
But it's really not a hard thing to achieve - even if you live miles away from the nearest coastline. Here's how to look like you were born for the surf:
1. Fuzz free - most schoolgirls here make it a point to be fuzz free all year round, mostly because even in winter, there are the odd days warm enough for shorts. There is nothing like having the perfect outfit and unshaven legs. If you have no time to de-fuzz, throw on a long sundress and a light wrap - it'll cover you from head to toe and still be cool and breezy
2. Aussie girls are not afraid of bikinis - seriously, even if you think your stomach is the size of Alaska, don't be afriad of the trusty swimsuit. Confidence, not muscle density, is sexy.
3. Don't stack on the makeup - the 'whoopsies I've swapped my foundation for my mum's unbaked cake batter' is not a good look. Instead of trying to look like you've plastered enough stuff on your face to paint a house, try to look natural - only better! Ditch heavy foundations and thick eyeliners for light tinted moisturizers and a good bronzer - a peachy pink blush if you're more girly.
4. Don't wash your hair every. Freakin. Day. - that's what dry shampoo was invented for! Don't have any? Try sprinkling a little baby powder on oily roots, but be careful - if you have dark hair too much and you'll look like a granny, or like you've got a bad case of dandruff. Ew.
5. Don't murder your hair - Hairspray is for New York - you can make your own Aussie-made hair spritzer. Dissolve a couple of teaspoons salt with about a cup of water and put into a spray bottle, and you're good to go.
6. There is nothing wrong with jeans-and-a-tee - Seriously. If you're just chillin', it's not illegal to throw on some denim and stretch cotton.
7. Thongs are not Brazillian underwear - what Americans call 'thongs' are called 'G-strings' here in Oz - for reasons unknown to me. Thongs are flip-flops - and every self-respecting Aussie girl owns a good pair.
9. Burn. Your. Straightener. - plait your hair (between two to six - one and you'll end up with a giant kink and more than six and you'll say hello to an afro) at night before bed, spray each with hairspray, and sleep on it. The next morning take out the plaits, spritz on some salt spray and you'll look like you've just gotten off the beach. Tip - start the plait as close to the scalp as possible, and try and tie it off as close to the ends as you can - otherwise you'll end up with poker straight hair with a few random kinky bits in it.
10. Have fun! Chill! - Life is just a stroll on the beach.
Listening to: 'The Boys Are Back' from High School Musical: Senior Year
Hungry for: milo
People are always jealous of French girls, for that effortless, sexy glamour they always seem to have, and people are always jealous of Aussie girls for the beachy look I know most people would kill for.
But it's really not a hard thing to achieve - even if you live miles away from the nearest coastline. Here's how to look like you were born for the surf:
1. Fuzz free - most schoolgirls here make it a point to be fuzz free all year round, mostly because even in winter, there are the odd days warm enough for shorts. There is nothing like having the perfect outfit and unshaven legs. If you have no time to de-fuzz, throw on a long sundress and a light wrap - it'll cover you from head to toe and still be cool and breezy
2. Aussie girls are not afraid of bikinis - seriously, even if you think your stomach is the size of Alaska, don't be afriad of the trusty swimsuit. Confidence, not muscle density, is sexy.
3. Don't stack on the makeup - the 'whoopsies I've swapped my foundation for my mum's unbaked cake batter' is not a good look. Instead of trying to look like you've plastered enough stuff on your face to paint a house, try to look natural - only better! Ditch heavy foundations and thick eyeliners for light tinted moisturizers and a good bronzer - a peachy pink blush if you're more girly.
4. Don't wash your hair every. Freakin. Day. - that's what dry shampoo was invented for! Don't have any? Try sprinkling a little baby powder on oily roots, but be careful - if you have dark hair too much and you'll look like a granny, or like you've got a bad case of dandruff. Ew.
5. Don't murder your hair - Hairspray is for New York - you can make your own Aussie-made hair spritzer. Dissolve a couple of teaspoons salt with about a cup of water and put into a spray bottle, and you're good to go.
6. There is nothing wrong with jeans-and-a-tee - Seriously. If you're just chillin', it's not illegal to throw on some denim and stretch cotton.
7. Thongs are not Brazillian underwear - what Americans call 'thongs' are called 'G-strings' here in Oz - for reasons unknown to me. Thongs are flip-flops - and every self-respecting Aussie girl owns a good pair.
9. Burn. Your. Straightener. - plait your hair (between two to six - one and you'll end up with a giant kink and more than six and you'll say hello to an afro) at night before bed, spray each with hairspray, and sleep on it. The next morning take out the plaits, spritz on some salt spray and you'll look like you've just gotten off the beach. Tip - start the plait as close to the scalp as possible, and try and tie it off as close to the ends as you can - otherwise you'll end up with poker straight hair with a few random kinky bits in it.
10. Have fun! Chill! - Life is just a stroll on the beach.
Summer Lovin'
Mood: summery (if that is even an adjective...)
Listening to: 'I Heart Question Mark' by Taylor Swift
Hungry for: milo cake
10 Petty Things I'm Lovin' in Summer
1. Minimal makeup with loads of blush and lipgloss
2. Summer dresses and all the glories of strapless, sleeveless, and above-the-knees
3. Ice cream!
4. Saying 'what the hell' to traditional makeup rules and doing smokey autumn/winter eyes during the heat
5. Swimming
6. Beachy wavy hair
7. The 'of course I wake up like this look' messy hair, baggy comfort clothes and 'no-makeup' makeup
8. Sandals and heels and other puddle-unfriendly shoes
9. Plait-crimping hair (sleeping with hair set in plaits and hairspray)
10. Soakin' up the summer!
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
Listening to: 'I Heart Question Mark' by Taylor Swift
Hungry for: milo cake
10 Petty Things I'm Lovin' in Summer
1. Minimal makeup with loads of blush and lipgloss
2. Summer dresses and all the glories of strapless, sleeveless, and above-the-knees
3. Ice cream!
4. Saying 'what the hell' to traditional makeup rules and doing smokey autumn/winter eyes during the heat
5. Swimming
6. Beachy wavy hair
7. The 'of course I wake up like this look' messy hair, baggy comfort clothes and 'no-makeup' makeup
8. Sandals and heels and other puddle-unfriendly shoes
9. Plait-crimping hair (sleeping with hair set in plaits and hairspray)
10. Soakin' up the summer!
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
The Cenceite-Confidence Confusion
Mood: depends how you see it. conceited, or confident.
Listening to: 'Change' by Taylor Swift
Hungry for: lunch
I'm gonna say it, loud and proud: I'm a confident person. I know what I'm good at, and I'm proud of my strengths. But I don't try to hide my flaws, either - I know I'm not some perfect goddess. I know I have my imperfections - everyone does - but I know that I can pull off things that not many other people can. That's how we all are - we all can do some things that other people can only dream of doing, and we all have to watch other people shine in ways that you can never dare to. So why is that so hard to comprehend?
All my life, I have been told that I'm conceited, proud, stuck-up, etc. One, I'm not conceited, two, there's nothing wrong wiht being proud, and three, the only people who are stuck-up enough to call another person a stuck-up is pretty much as stuck up as a human can get.
So I've been forced to do a lot of self-deprecating humour, beat down any compliments, even if I deserve them, and lather people up with praise. And then people say I'm insecure and depressed.
And now I'm really sick of trying to please everybody and ending up pleasing nobody. I'm not the kind of person that everyone likes - and I know that no matter what I do, I'll always end up pissing of somebody.
People often confuse conceit with confidence, and it can seriously do some social damage. So here is the lowdown - what is conceit, and what is not:
Conceitedness is exaggerating your own abilities, and believing you're better than you actually are. For example, if you're just a normal writer that's only known within your own country, you shouldn't say you're a world class writer, because that's not true.
Confidence is when you are a world class writer and you're proud of the fact.
Conceit is not:
Listening to: 'Change' by Taylor Swift
Hungry for: lunch
I'm gonna say it, loud and proud: I'm a confident person. I know what I'm good at, and I'm proud of my strengths. But I don't try to hide my flaws, either - I know I'm not some perfect goddess. I know I have my imperfections - everyone does - but I know that I can pull off things that not many other people can. That's how we all are - we all can do some things that other people can only dream of doing, and we all have to watch other people shine in ways that you can never dare to. So why is that so hard to comprehend?
All my life, I have been told that I'm conceited, proud, stuck-up, etc. One, I'm not conceited, two, there's nothing wrong wiht being proud, and three, the only people who are stuck-up enough to call another person a stuck-up is pretty much as stuck up as a human can get.
So I've been forced to do a lot of self-deprecating humour, beat down any compliments, even if I deserve them, and lather people up with praise. And then people say I'm insecure and depressed.
And now I'm really sick of trying to please everybody and ending up pleasing nobody. I'm not the kind of person that everyone likes - and I know that no matter what I do, I'll always end up pissing of somebody.
People often confuse conceit with confidence, and it can seriously do some social damage. So here is the lowdown - what is conceit, and what is not:
Conceitedness is exaggerating your own abilities, and believing you're better than you actually are. For example, if you're just a normal writer that's only known within your own country, you shouldn't say you're a world class writer, because that's not true.
Confidence is when you are a world class writer and you're proud of the fact.
Conceit is not:
- remarking that you like how you did your hair today
- remarking that you think your dress/makeup looks pretty good today
- saying that you think you did pretty good in a test
- saying that you did really well in an assignment
- stating that you got a good prize in a competition
Conceit is:
- telling everyone that Megan Fox ain't got nothing on your good looks and killer ass
- telling everyone that no-one in the whole freaking world can run as fast as you (unless you're Ussain Bolt, I rather doubt that is true)
- stating that you got a good prize in a competition. The best ever. No-one will ever do as good as you in the history of mankind.
- mocking anyone else's dreams or ambitions, no matter how small or petty you think they are.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Academic Discrimination
Mood: meh
Listening to: 'Losing Grip' by Avril Lavigne
Hungry for: foooood...
I'll say it loud and proud here: I don't care what they try to brainwash us with at school, but AUSTRALIA IS RASCIST.
I mean, I grew up here, and I'm Asian. Believe me, I know.
At school, Asians were seen as either being good at math or good at nothing. If they were good at sport or English, or any other subject that is officially branded 'white', then they were not recognised, or if they were, the white parents would complain that the teachers were playing favourites with all the Asians. It's just a sad fact that many Australians, particularly teachers and the Australian Government, have tried to brush over and brainwash us to think otherwise - Australia is very, very prejudiced against anyone who isn't white.
Lately the TEE - the exams you take at the end of high school to decide which course in university or TAFE you can get into - results have just come out, and people have been criticizing that, despite the Beazly winner being a white girl, most other award winners were not Anglo-Saxon Australian, and say that is discrimination against the white community. And that is just ridiculous.
Firstly, academic excellence is not really a huge part of Anglo-Saxon Australian culture - and there's no point denying that sport and the surf is a much more valued cultural aspect. In *general* - and I know there are many, many exceptiongs - white Australians either think that a) they're too dumb to do well at school, so there's no point studying or b) they just think a pass will come out of nowhere when the time comes.
On the other hand, a good education and academic excellence is valued in Asian cultures - almost to a point, in some places, that it becomes a very unhealthy obsession. Even Asian people who are not so extreme drill into their children the harsh reality - you have to work your ass off to get what you want. So if you study, you'll end up on the papers. If you don't, then don't blame all the Asians who end up in the 99 club. Because academic achievement is not based on whether you're black or white, or what religion you are, or how pretty you are - it's based on what you give up, what you sacrifice, and the effort you put in to make your dreams come true. The standards here in Australia are so low that anyone can scrape a decent pass if they study - I mean, they say that I 'just don't try hard enough' when it comes to sport, which I fail, but when all those white kids fail English and see Asians take the prize in a language that probably isn't even their mother tongue, don't say it's because 'English isn't my thing' (surely you know how to speak it?) or 'the judging was unfair'. Your colour won't get you anywhere in life - I don't care if you're as white as Edward Cullen, if you don't work hard then don't expect to reap any rewards.. Because race and religion doesn't play a part on what you are and what you can be - that is all up to you.
That's what I say.
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
Listening to: 'Losing Grip' by Avril Lavigne
Hungry for: foooood...
I'll say it loud and proud here: I don't care what they try to brainwash us with at school, but AUSTRALIA IS RASCIST.
I mean, I grew up here, and I'm Asian. Believe me, I know.
At school, Asians were seen as either being good at math or good at nothing. If they were good at sport or English, or any other subject that is officially branded 'white', then they were not recognised, or if they were, the white parents would complain that the teachers were playing favourites with all the Asians. It's just a sad fact that many Australians, particularly teachers and the Australian Government, have tried to brush over and brainwash us to think otherwise - Australia is very, very prejudiced against anyone who isn't white.
Lately the TEE - the exams you take at the end of high school to decide which course in university or TAFE you can get into - results have just come out, and people have been criticizing that, despite the Beazly winner being a white girl, most other award winners were not Anglo-Saxon Australian, and say that is discrimination against the white community. And that is just ridiculous.
Firstly, academic excellence is not really a huge part of Anglo-Saxon Australian culture - and there's no point denying that sport and the surf is a much more valued cultural aspect. In *general* - and I know there are many, many exceptiongs - white Australians either think that a) they're too dumb to do well at school, so there's no point studying or b) they just think a pass will come out of nowhere when the time comes.
On the other hand, a good education and academic excellence is valued in Asian cultures - almost to a point, in some places, that it becomes a very unhealthy obsession. Even Asian people who are not so extreme drill into their children the harsh reality - you have to work your ass off to get what you want. So if you study, you'll end up on the papers. If you don't, then don't blame all the Asians who end up in the 99 club. Because academic achievement is not based on whether you're black or white, or what religion you are, or how pretty you are - it's based on what you give up, what you sacrifice, and the effort you put in to make your dreams come true. The standards here in Australia are so low that anyone can scrape a decent pass if they study - I mean, they say that I 'just don't try hard enough' when it comes to sport, which I fail, but when all those white kids fail English and see Asians take the prize in a language that probably isn't even their mother tongue, don't say it's because 'English isn't my thing' (surely you know how to speak it?) or 'the judging was unfair'. Your colour won't get you anywhere in life - I don't care if you're as white as Edward Cullen, if you don't work hard then don't expect to reap any rewards.. Because race and religion doesn't play a part on what you are and what you can be - that is all up to you.
That's what I say.
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Liberation Day
Mood: liberated!
Listening to: 'I'm Not Missing You' by Stacie Orrico
Hungry for: steak and bangers
I'm so glad that the day has come,
Today my heart set me free.
I've broken the lock,
Kicked open the door,
And thrown away the key.
It's Liberation Day,
Today, today
The jailor has become a lover.
It's Liberation Day,
Today, today
Heart, body and soul
Are whole
Again.
It's the kind of peace that doesn't set you on edge,
Like the calm before the tempest.
And the wild storm before makes it so much calmer
I can bask in the tranquility.
Freedom.
Movin' on...
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
Listening to: 'I'm Not Missing You' by Stacie Orrico
Hungry for: steak and bangers
I'm so glad that the day has come,
Today my heart set me free.
I've broken the lock,
Kicked open the door,
And thrown away the key.
It's Liberation Day,
Today, today
The jailor has become a lover.
It's Liberation Day,
Today, today
Heart, body and soul
Are whole
Again.
It's the kind of peace that doesn't set you on edge,
Like the calm before the tempest.
And the wild storm before makes it so much calmer
I can bask in the tranquility.
Freedom.
Movin' on...
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
10 Pets
Mood: sleepy
Listening to: 'I'll be Fine' by Stevie Hoang
Hungry for: something sweet...
Just the little things that brighten my day, the little things that chase the clouds away...and the little things that make me mad, make my cry, make me sad.
10 Pet Loves
1. Getting a comment on my blog/s
2. Looking at all the exotic places new readers live in on my FeedJit gadget
3. My mum's cooking after a long day at school
4. When teachers are being nice normal human beings
5. Getting good grades
6. Good hair days
7. When my makeup co-operates...
8. Non-junk emails
9. Spending ages in the bath
10. Not getting yelled at or picked on by some of my less-liked (hated) teachers
10 Pet Hates
1. When people get in my way
2. Slow people
3. Bad hair days
4. When my makeup doesn't co-operate
5. When you forget your lunch and the only thing left in the cafeteria is stale sandwiches
6. When you forget your lunch and the only thing you can afford is the stale sandwiches
7. When I forget my homework
8. Getting yelled at
9. Getting picked on by teachers
10. Just feelin' blue...
10 Role Models
1. Elizabeth I
2. Joan of Arc
3. Anne Boleyn
4. Queen Victoria
5. (of course the first five have to be women!) Catherine of Aragon
6. Barack Obama
7. Martin Luther King Jr.
8. Ned Kelly (rebel all the way)
9. Taylor Swift!
10. last but not least...my mum! Best Woman of The Century. No contest.
10 Kinds of People I hate
1. Annoying, lame teachers that pick on me and set too much homework
2. Annoying, lame teachers that pick on me
3. Annoying, lame teachers
4. Annoying teachers
5. Heartbreakers (i.e most of the males I know)
6. People who think they know better than me just because they're like a squillion years older
7. People who boss me around and try to live my life (and tell me that I'm an ignorant, arrogant, selfish, conceited bitch - hark who's talking!)
8. People who's goal in life is to be better than me (because they have nothing better to do)
9. Rascist f**kheads (the only time I use the f-word. That's how much I hate them)
10. Sexist f**kheads (okay, so I use it here too.)
So there you have it! 20 Pet Hates and 20 Pet Loves.
I think it's important to recognise what you love and what you hate - after all, there's no point pretending you love everything, because that's just not possible. Even the most Zen people find some people downright pain in the asses, and I think it's important to admit that. In this day and age, we're forced to keep our personalities and opinions to ourselves (despite what most people say - even though it's legal to express yourself it is at the moment a social taboo - at least where I am) and I think that's wrong. I mean, we're all different people - I think we should all accept that. There are so many cliques at school who consider everything about you - your physical appearance, your grades, your friends, your social status, who you've dated, etc. except for your personality and opinions, which is what counts, when they judge you. Most people think I'm conceited, but I'm not. I'm just confident. There is nothing wrong with being proud of who you are, and I hope one day I can spread that message. Young people these days are so concerned about what people think of them and what to think of others that they forget themselves, and forget that we are all human beings, and are beautiful because of our flaws. Young people these days are so quick to brand and label someone, and are so harsh and cruel against the unique. And it is because of our uniqueness, our individuality, that we are all so beautiful, but young people these days just don't see that. They scorn and laugh and jeer without thinking what the person on the receiving end, a fellow human being with thoughts and opinions and emotions and reactions just like everyone else, is going through. People these days don't consider people on the receiving end of anything. They say that I'm harsh and unforgiving, but then, so is this society. They tell me to grow a thick skin and then tell me I'm insensitive. But I guess I'm used to that.
So next time you pick on someone for being different, think about this: because they are different, because they dare to be unique, they are a million times more beautiful than you, just another wall flower who blends in with the crowd of the million bimbos that walk this earth. Is that how you want to live your life, just another idiot? Sure, you'd be accepted, but is that what you really want? Wouldn't you rather just be yourself, just as you are, with your differences and flaws, a beautiful human being?
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
Listening to: 'I'll be Fine' by Stevie Hoang
Hungry for: something sweet...
Just the little things that brighten my day, the little things that chase the clouds away...and the little things that make me mad, make my cry, make me sad.
10 Pet Loves
1. Getting a comment on my blog/s
2. Looking at all the exotic places new readers live in on my FeedJit gadget
3. My mum's cooking after a long day at school
4. When teachers are being nice normal human beings
5. Getting good grades
6. Good hair days
7. When my makeup co-operates...
8. Non-junk emails
9. Spending ages in the bath
10. Not getting yelled at or picked on by some of my less-liked (hated) teachers
10 Pet Hates
1. When people get in my way
2. Slow people
3. Bad hair days
4. When my makeup doesn't co-operate
5. When you forget your lunch and the only thing left in the cafeteria is stale sandwiches
6. When you forget your lunch and the only thing you can afford is the stale sandwiches
7. When I forget my homework
8. Getting yelled at
9. Getting picked on by teachers
10. Just feelin' blue...
10 Role Models
1. Elizabeth I
2. Joan of Arc
3. Anne Boleyn
4. Queen Victoria
5. (of course the first five have to be women!) Catherine of Aragon
6. Barack Obama
7. Martin Luther King Jr.
8. Ned Kelly (rebel all the way)
9. Taylor Swift!
10. last but not least...my mum! Best Woman of The Century. No contest.
10 Kinds of People I hate
1. Annoying, lame teachers that pick on me and set too much homework
2. Annoying, lame teachers that pick on me
3. Annoying, lame teachers
4. Annoying teachers
5. Heartbreakers (i.e most of the males I know)
6. People who think they know better than me just because they're like a squillion years older
7. People who boss me around and try to live my life (and tell me that I'm an ignorant, arrogant, selfish, conceited bitch - hark who's talking!)
8. People who's goal in life is to be better than me (because they have nothing better to do)
9. Rascist f**kheads (the only time I use the f-word. That's how much I hate them)
10. Sexist f**kheads (okay, so I use it here too.)
So there you have it! 20 Pet Hates and 20 Pet Loves.
I think it's important to recognise what you love and what you hate - after all, there's no point pretending you love everything, because that's just not possible. Even the most Zen people find some people downright pain in the asses, and I think it's important to admit that. In this day and age, we're forced to keep our personalities and opinions to ourselves (despite what most people say - even though it's legal to express yourself it is at the moment a social taboo - at least where I am) and I think that's wrong. I mean, we're all different people - I think we should all accept that. There are so many cliques at school who consider everything about you - your physical appearance, your grades, your friends, your social status, who you've dated, etc. except for your personality and opinions, which is what counts, when they judge you. Most people think I'm conceited, but I'm not. I'm just confident. There is nothing wrong with being proud of who you are, and I hope one day I can spread that message. Young people these days are so concerned about what people think of them and what to think of others that they forget themselves, and forget that we are all human beings, and are beautiful because of our flaws. Young people these days are so quick to brand and label someone, and are so harsh and cruel against the unique. And it is because of our uniqueness, our individuality, that we are all so beautiful, but young people these days just don't see that. They scorn and laugh and jeer without thinking what the person on the receiving end, a fellow human being with thoughts and opinions and emotions and reactions just like everyone else, is going through. People these days don't consider people on the receiving end of anything. They say that I'm harsh and unforgiving, but then, so is this society. They tell me to grow a thick skin and then tell me I'm insensitive. But I guess I'm used to that.
So next time you pick on someone for being different, think about this: because they are different, because they dare to be unique, they are a million times more beautiful than you, just another wall flower who blends in with the crowd of the million bimbos that walk this earth. Is that how you want to live your life, just another idiot? Sure, you'd be accepted, but is that what you really want? Wouldn't you rather just be yourself, just as you are, with your differences and flaws, a beautiful human being?
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
2009: In Review
Mood: Sleepy
Listening to: 'My Happy Ending' by Avril Lavigne
Hungry for: steak!
Sorry this post is a little late!
When I talk about a year gone by, I often think of a year as a big yin-yang symbol - the good, and the bad, balancing each other. And there have been a lot of good things about 2009, and a lot of bad things. It all balances out, the way things should be.
The best thing about 2009 would have to be the new school - the big step from primary school to high school was refreshing, invigorating. It kind of sucks being the youngest, the littlest, the least-important, all over again, but you learn the most from the bottom, that's what I've learned throughout my schooling and music career - there's no point aiming low to be the best of the worst - you learn the most when you're the worst of the best.
And there are other little good things as well - falling in love, getting good grades, meeting really nice people and fabulous teachers...and finding really awesome makeup lines! Maybelline Mineral Power...the best.
And then, of course, there's the bad. The heartbreak, the heartache, the bad grades, the lousy teachers, the bitchy girls and horrible gross-me-out boys...bad hair days and wardrobe malfunctions, when you get dumped by the crimson wave and when you get dumped by your boyfriend...
And detention, I guess. But I don't count detention as a bad thing. Because one, I didn't deserve it - I don't have a behaviour problem! They sent me to a shrink, can you believe it, like I'm some sort of psycho who needs professional help...okay, maybe I do, but I don't need to be told that by an oversized tomato with hair. I am misunderstood and rebellious and a bitch on crack, but I don't have a behaviour problem. Seriously.
Apart from that, it was an alright year, I guess. If you took away the tears and pain and frustration, it would have been perfect, but then, not even perfection is perfect. Always remember that. Be glad for what you've got, and take the good and the bad as it comes.
Happy New Year.
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
Listening to: 'My Happy Ending' by Avril Lavigne
Hungry for: steak!
Sorry this post is a little late!
When I talk about a year gone by, I often think of a year as a big yin-yang symbol - the good, and the bad, balancing each other. And there have been a lot of good things about 2009, and a lot of bad things. It all balances out, the way things should be.
The best thing about 2009 would have to be the new school - the big step from primary school to high school was refreshing, invigorating. It kind of sucks being the youngest, the littlest, the least-important, all over again, but you learn the most from the bottom, that's what I've learned throughout my schooling and music career - there's no point aiming low to be the best of the worst - you learn the most when you're the worst of the best.
And there are other little good things as well - falling in love, getting good grades, meeting really nice people and fabulous teachers...and finding really awesome makeup lines! Maybelline Mineral Power...the best.
And then, of course, there's the bad. The heartbreak, the heartache, the bad grades, the lousy teachers, the bitchy girls and horrible gross-me-out boys...bad hair days and wardrobe malfunctions, when you get dumped by the crimson wave and when you get dumped by your boyfriend...
And detention, I guess. But I don't count detention as a bad thing. Because one, I didn't deserve it - I don't have a behaviour problem! They sent me to a shrink, can you believe it, like I'm some sort of psycho who needs professional help...okay, maybe I do, but I don't need to be told that by an oversized tomato with hair. I am misunderstood and rebellious and a bitch on crack, but I don't have a behaviour problem. Seriously.
Apart from that, it was an alright year, I guess. If you took away the tears and pain and frustration, it would have been perfect, but then, not even perfection is perfect. Always remember that. Be glad for what you've got, and take the good and the bad as it comes.
Happy New Year.
Don't forget to check out my new blog, It's A Crazy Dream, to follow me as I read the Telegraph's Top 100 Novels of All Time.
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