BLOG.

2012-01-18T20:32:00.000+11:00

They've all begun to take action...

A wikipedia blackout for 24 hours? What are those poor uni kids going to do.

2012-01-14T20:41:00.000+11:00

//.modelling.\\ A new haircut.
//.earcandy.\\ Chris Brown and Justin Bieber - Next to You.

Don't knock the Bieber when it comes to this song. I like it lots. Have a listen.

Survived the first week at M&a.

I’m unsure as to whether it’s the Asian in me or hereditary genes from my seemingly-workaholic father but I have discovered that I actually enjoy working. There’s something about it that really isn’t as bad as everyone makes out to be. Despite the ‘slight’ change in job title from Senior Account Executive to Account Coordinator, I am extremely happy to have made the decision to leave Poster Magazine and join an actual firm. One that gave me a wonderfully large desk space and set up my computer, email and phoneline for me on the first day. In Poster, we survived on portable internet and calls were made from either his mobile or my own. Factor in the insane workload (i.e. me managing three magazines and an online platform), lack of pay and his crazy antics; on recollection, I’m not too sure how I survived as long as I did. Not to discount the experience though. There’s not many places where you got the opportunity to do the things I did even if it did cause extreme frustration and strife from time to time.

So here I am…

Yes, that is actually the website...

At this current point in time, the company works with two main clients, both of which host a ridiculously large number of events every year so I predominantly spend my time venue searching, looking for prizes and giveaways, researching fun activities, finding performers, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Party planning in a corporate environment - bliss. For the first few months, I’m just floating around so I get to do little bits of everything; from event organisation to website design to newsletter blasts to telecommunications campaigns, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. So that’s my job in a nutshell!

(Okay, those who have not watching the King & I probably do not understand my 'etcetera' references. Which I would assume are the majority of my readers as I don't come across many people strange enough to find intense enjoyment in watching shows that are older than they are.)

For the sixth week in a row, I watched fireworks from my balcony. The joys of living in the city. And being in one that enjoys spending taxpayer's $$. I am unsure as to why there always seems to be fireworks here in Sydney. But no complaints. Fireworks are one of my favourite things in the world. Along with ice cream. And pretty lights. And stars. Mmm, life’s little pleasures.

Going to visit a lego exhibition tomorrow! :)
Very exciting stuff.

I hope that you all enjoy your weekend.

xx

2012-01-09T07:44:00.002+11:00

And here begins yet another chapter...

First day at the new firm.
Wish me luck.

2012-01-07T15:57:00.000+11:00

2011 MEMORIES: My favourite movie.

2012-01-07T02:23:00.001+11:00

credits: My Cakies

2012-01-07T01:20:00.000+11:00

I like SPARKLES.

Credits: The Ardent Sparrow

2012-01-06T11:26:00.000+11:00

I love it when people trip, then turn around as if to blame the pavement when really...it was just a malfunction of their feet.

2012-01-03T18:45:00.001+11:00

2012-01-01T23:43:00.004+11:00

//.modelling.\\ boyfriend sweater.
//.earcandy.\\ Christina Perri - A Thousand Years.

Despite the fact that this song is from a Twilight movie, I seem to have quite the obsession with it.

I WISH YOU ALL A (VERY)
HAPPY NEW YEAR.

I must say that last year has been...quite the adventure. Graduation, selling NASCAR products in carparks, staying in backpackers, sudden move to Sydney, new house: living in a room without four solid walls, models and actresses, fashion magazine, business trips to Singapore, doing presentations to brands such as Herve Leger and Ferragamo, photoshoots, launch party invites, seven day work weeks, the endless natural disasters, Galliano getting fired from Dior due to racial slurs, absinthe salon, art galleries, paparazzi shots, plenty of schmoozing, quirky bars, musicals, lots of eating, Cirque du Soliel party, quitting my 'dream job', going back to fine dining, lots of interviews, getting another job, climbing the Great Wall, amazing lights at The Bund, baby shower, fireworks, killing a cactus, good times, good company. That is all that is coming to mind at the moment.

The biggest emotional rollercoaster I have had in my life.
Mistakes made. Lessons learnt.
We all have to grow up. Eventually.

As said by T, "May the best of last year be the worst of 2012". Optimism at its best. I like it.

The year has flown by, yet seems to have dragged on for forever. They say that the years between 20 and 30 fly past and you never really believe it but reality has hit. Weeks become a blur these days. Do you remember the time when we were children and waiting for a week seemed like eternity? Where we just spent our days playing hopscotch and five stones. Blissful innocence.

I have had an amazing week.
A nice end to 2011.

I hope that you have a wonderful year ahead full of joy and happiness. :)

xx

2011-12-25T23:14:00.000+11:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!
I hope that you've all had a wonderful time full of festive fun and lots of food.

I wasn't able to bake anything for you this Christmas so here is a little collection of yumminess, stolen from an assortment of food bloggers. I would really credit them but I cannot remember where they all came from so just take note that these little sweet pleasures were not made by me! Just wait till next Christmas. I'll have my holiday fun too.

Enjoy!

xx

2011-12-24T00:08:00.001+11:00

//.modelling.\\ a cut finger.
//.earcandy.\\ Chris Brown - Next to You [ft. Justin Bieber]

It's nearly Christmas time!
Are you excited? I am.

I somehow managed to cut myself while slicing my mango. I've been devouring them in large quantities in recent times.
SO GOOD.

The reason why I have been missing in recent times is due to my crazy working hours. My boredom from the lack of work and activity led me to finding a job at one of Justin North's restaurants, Quarter 21 (fine dining, my favourite!). So I entered into the world of 13 hour shifts and 55 hour weeks - that's Christmas for you. Bliss. Sarcasm aside, I really am enjoying the job: the neverending smiling, crazy spurts of busy-ness and amazing food. I have missed working in hospitality.

On the topic of jobs, I have also found myself a new position in a creative agency starting Jan 9th. Yayy.
I will also be making (yet another) short weekend trip to Perth then heading to Singapore for CNY. mmm.

That's my ultimate Christmas present. :)
What are your Christmas plans for this year?

xx

2011-12-10T22:04:00.001+11:00

I was just blog-surfing through my enormous collection of baking, crafting and photography blogs (as you do on a Saturday night, after a wonderful display of fireworks) and this is an image that I came across. Too cute.

Credits: Joyful

Enjoy!

2011-12-10T21:49:00.000+11:00

Fireworks from my balcony three weeks in a row.
Bliss.

2011-12-06T18:53:00.000+11:00

Woah, look at this cake.

2011-12-06T13:13:00.002+11:00

Just received my Commonwealth debit card and may I just say, it's horribly ugly...

2011-12-05T20:15:00.004+11:00

//.modelling.\\ Bumblebee Shorts.
//.earcandy.\\ Tiesto - Traffic (Richard Durand Remix)

Hello all,

Here I am again. Have been a little tardy with my blogging in recent times. I'm not sure what I've been keeping myself so busy with. Found myself a casual job in fine dining (my favourite!) to pass time, along with the occasional interviews scattered here and there. Lots of changes here and there. Found myself a new place. This time with four solid walls (albeit no windows but it's perfect for the nights where I somehow find myself up till sunrise), as well as a pool, gym, tennis courts and running track that I have yet to set foot in. Surprise, surprise. The lobby has a 24 hour reception dude that collects my parcels and says hello when I walk through the door so that's a definite yayy. :) Pretty much in the city plus theres the cutest little girl that lives here.

Christmas is here again. My favourite season of all time. There's something about it that just exudes joy and happiness in all directions. The decorations have already popped up here and there and the crowds are flooding in. Even makes up for the fact that I won't actually have any family here with me. But all does not matter because IT IS CHRISTMAS!!

There are fireworks every Saturday night that you can see from my balcony. Bliss.
One of my favourite things in the world during my favourite season of the year.

What would we do without Christmas...

xx

2011-11-29T21:17:00.001+11:00

Skyping with my family in Perth. :)
Makes my heart happy.

Three generations on skype!!

2011-11-19T15:12:00.006+11:00

My father has taught me well...

The joys of being Asian, living alone and (finally) learning some money-saving skills.

Yes, that is how our conversations go.

We cool like that.

2011-11-18T01:33:00.000+11:00

//.modelling.\\ Polkadots.

//.earcandy.\\ Bad Meets Evil - Lighters [ft. Bruno Mars]

Here I am, back in Sydney. Reality has set in and my holiday is over.

Shanghai was amazing.

I LOVE CHINA.

Well, the was the definite negatives. Like the spitting, pushing, rudeness, overcrowded areas, dirty toilets, funny smells, children with holes in their pants to expose their butts for easy-toilet-use, men with long fingernails and last but DEFINITELY not least...the man that spat in my hair in the subway. Okay, I am unsure if he actually spat in my hair but it looked like he did. Yet there was no spit. And I checked carefully. Very carefully. I must say that was an extremely distressing moment in my life.

But other than that...

Everything was ridiculously cheap. There was this sushi place down the road from the hotel that had amazingly yummy sushi. Sprinkles of tempura batter, fresh sashimi, wonderful sauces and lots of other nice things, made into wonderful combinations that more than just satisfied. And each roll was only around $3!! We got delivery for three rolls and a soft drink to the room for just over $10! Plus they gave us free seaweed salad as we went to eat there so often. Yay.

That brings me to the next point...every single thing is delivered. Lazy person's paradise. Food delivery is generally all free and the array of restaurants is much much larger than the normal Chinese delivery or Dominos pizza that we get delivered over here in Australia. There is a company that solely just delivers food from an entire booklet of restaurants directly to your front door. Bliss.

I like lights. A lot. And Shanghai is full of them. The neons outlining every single high-rise building is a bit overkill but the skyline looks amazing, as well as the Bund (as evident in pictures below). Could have looked at it forever. Left the observation towers to the last few days which was a big mistake as it was cloudy so we never got to go. Nonetheless, the view from the Bund was more than enough for me.

How could I leave out Beijing? The cultural sites were interesting. Rob's food poisoning not so interesting. I loved the Great Wall. Survived it, and the view was very pretty. :) Tiananmen Square was also not that exciting although the Asian-Studies-Girl side of me was trying to scream at me to appreciate the site somewhat. But the normal side won over. Forbidden City and Summer Palace were nice though, despite the masses of tourists.

The best part about holidays is being random and doing the weirdest thing as the likelihood of someone that you know bumping into you is very slim. Paraded around in my Panda hat, Mao hat, ran around crazy, made quite the fool out of myself. But it was all in good fun!

You never really see crowds till you go to China.

I don't know how so many people fit in such a small space!!

The desserts were YUMMY. Spent my days prancing around eating Happy Lemon (yummiest drink place), Lillians (best egg tarts in the world), Honeymoon Dessert (Asian dessert place), Haagen Dazs (banana split!) and Beard Papa (mmm, cream puff). It's quite the miracle that I didn't have to get rolled off the plane.

The gross foods, maybe not so yummy. But definitely interesting for a laugh and the occasional prod. I ate a snake!!

I must say (as corny as this sounds) that the best part of the trip would obviously have to be seeing the boyfriend.

Twas nice. :)

That is all for my Shanghai trip.

Unfortunately.

I ENJOYED MYSELF!!

If only holidays lasted forever...

2011-11-16T13:52:00.000+11:00

2011-11-15T22:16:00.003+11:00

YOHJI YAMAMOTO.

The genius behind the drapey and voluminous. <3

2011-11-11T02:09:00.001+11:00

HAPPY 111111. :)

2011-10-21T10:55:00.000+11:00

MY LAST DAY AT WORK FINALLY ARRIVED.

SHANGHAI, HERE I COME...

2011-10-19T10:43:00.003+11:00

HAHAHAHA.

Too cute!! My little cousin who is in love with trains knows how to write Harbourfront in Tamil.
Impressive!!

2011-10-17T23:37:00.004+11:00

//.modelling.\\ black shredded jumper.
//.earcandy.\\ Pitbull – Give Me Everything [ft. Neyo, Afrojack & Nayer]

LAST WEEK OF WORK TODAY.

And I cannot wait until it is over. Many of you are probably wondering why I would quit. Quite the absurd choice to make considering that I was my dream job. The one I moved to Sydney for. The company that continuously pumps out ‘inspirational publications’. Well, obviously not many details can be revealed in the public sphere but in short, I did not like how the company was run, the direction it was headed. The boss was unreasonable (to put it lightly) and I was staying till ridiculous hours of the night doing work that I was given no credit for.

The whole glamour and excitement of all the parties died down after a while. However, I did end up with a $329 Guess watch that the media received at a Guess Watch Season Launch. Not that I wear watches. But that is besides the point. Was a nice little perk.

Definitely sad to leave in a way. The opportunities that I was given were massive. I was basically placed second-in-charge straight away. I pretty much coordinated three magazines and our online platform. Did all the presentations and proposals for our clients – got exposed to working with brands such as Zegna, Ferragamo and Herve Leger. I loved everything about the job – I guess just not how things were carried out. Was a good experience regardless of how things went down.
A few opportunities have popped up, so we’ll just have to see how things go!

Also moving out from my current place, as most of you will be glad to know. It was a great place to stay while starting out in Sydney, despite the lack of four solid walls. Met really great people, and my time there was filled with good times and random chats. Things just got…messy after a while.

Lots of life changes at the moment. Too many for my liking but most necessary and a consequence of how things have been. The last six months have been a crazy flurry of activity. Time to settle a little and start thinking through things a little more clearly.

Don’t we all hate growing up!

What now? Who knows. First, a holiday to Shanghai. A little trip to Beijing. The rest will sort itself out eventually. We should hope so at least.

xox.

2011-10-16T17:07:00.003+11:00

WHIRLWIND DECISIONS.

Lets just hope it pulls me in the right direction.

So much to do, so little time!

2011-10-15T10:51:00.001+11:00

Was sorting through my photos today...

LOL.

2011-10-13T09:57:00.003+11:00

NEWSFLASH:

SHERMAINE HAS OFFICIALLY QUIT HER JOB.
Last day in exactly a week.

Shock. Horror.

More details to follow...

Side note: Will be in Shanghai shortly!

2011-10-06T12:38:00.001+11:00

R.I.P. Steve Jobs, Apple extraordinaire.

You were wonderful and will be missed.

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs

2011-09-25T19:07:00.003+10:00

PHOTOGRAPHY IN STYLE.

STREET SMART

TRES CUTE.

credits: The Sartoralist

2011-09-25T13:27:00.001+10:00

Smile more. :)

2011-09-25T13:17:00.001+10:00

An interesting tidbit.

2011-09-11T13:19:00.005+10:00

//.modelling.\\ paul frank.

//.earcandy.\\ One Republic - Secrets.

Made my weekend trip to Perth the other week. Couldn't get any time off so found myself flying over on Saturday morning and flying off Sunday night. A very productive two days full of good times and wonderful people, I must say: brunch at Atomic, Wicked, visit Opus, visit Generation Marketing, my 'Cirque du Soleil' party, church, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, cake, pack and off I went. When in Perth, people just want to get out because of the undying stability and the fact that nothing ever changes. Becomes ironic that once you move away, those are the best parts about Perth. There's some strange sort of calm that was so very welcomed after all those months away. Really needed the trip back and it was very nice to be home. :)

I would love to think that nothing says more than pictures so here are some for you:

The Cirque du Soleil party was organised by the sister (thank you!) and was amazing to see everyone, most of whom were in crazy outfits. Kudos to the two in animal-print leggings and not much else, as well as the green man. I must apologise for the rather intense drinking - really - taking over 20 shots is not by any means normal Sydney behaviour. Despite that, I had an awesome time and that you did too. Was a very happy-fying weekend!! Let's see how long my dress-up party traditions will last.

Can't wait till my next Perth trip...

xox.

[[I need another story...Something to get off my chest...My life gets kind of boring...Need something that i can confess...Till all my sleeves are stained red...From all the truth that I've said...Come by it honestly I swear...Thought you saw me wink, no, I've been on the brink, so...Tell me what you want to hear...Something that were like those years...I'm sick of all the insincere...So I'm gonna give all my secrets away...This time...Don't need another perfect lie...Don't care if critics ever jump in line...I'm Gonna give all my secrets away...]]

2011-09-07T21:45:00.004+10:00

//.modelling.\\ spotted PJ pants.

//.earcandy.\\ Regina Spektor - Human of the Year

Exhaustion.

Decided to satisfy my shopping urges by browsing through the Luisa Viaroma shoe section.

Then I saw this and got scared...

Due to my curiosity, I had to click to get a better look and was a little relieved when I realised that they were 'Infant Sneakers'. But still, Mr. Adidas...could you not at least put on pandas that are not so creepy-looking? I mean, look at this:

That's all for now.

More updates later...

xox.

[[Hello, hello, calling a Carl Prejektorinski...To the front of the cathedral...You have won, dear Sir, may I congratulate you first? Oh, what an honor...Human, human of the year, you are...Human, human of the year, you are...Why are you so scared? You stand there shaking in the pew...The icons are whispering to you...They're just old men...Like on the benches in the park... Except their balding spots are glistening with gold...Human, human of the year, you are...Human, human of the year, you are...]]

2011-09-06T22:40:00.001+10:00

Apologies for the lack of posts...

2011-08-25T10:02:00.002+10:00

I thoroughly enjoyed this video:

Costume Institute Gala at the MET

Oh, I love(d) Alexander McQueen.

2011-08-22T08:38:00.000+10:00

I have the honest belief that this week is going to be a good week. :)

2011-08-11T17:39:00.001+10:00

“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” - Muhammad Ali.

2011-08-10T10:15:00.002+10:00

Yet another year older. Where is time flying to?

Happy birthday to me. :)

x

2011-08-01T23:44:00.004+10:00

Yesterday I forgot my keys and decided that it would be a brilliant idea to scale the wall across four balconies in an attempt to get into my house. Probably not the smartest nor safest idea. But it worked. I am currently so sore that it actually takes effort to walk.

HAHA!!

Note to self: Remember keys.

2011-08-01T01:49:00.000+10:00

//.modelling.\\ paint-splattered singlet. a reminder of thailand paint fights.

//.earcandy.\\ AJ Rafael album.

I don't remember the last album I listened to more than this one.

The lyrics are extremely corny but somewhat very pleasing to the ear.

Today was a thoroughly enjoyable way to end a really tough week.

I am glad that next week is a new one.

Went to my first photoshoot today. Loved it, was quite an amazing experience. I'm not actually kidding. Everything about it was so fascinating. This was not work-related in the slightest. On the contrary, it was put together by my housemate and some of his friends. A gathering of friends - photographers, models, stylist, make up artists - coming together to bulk up their portfolios. With a $30,000 camera. How awesome is that. When model asked me if I wanted to watch the other night, I excitedly agreed. It was definitely worth the early morning start (9:30am!) and severe lack of sleep. There's something quite magical about watching people do the things they are actually passionate about. And seeing in action the things I've always heard them speak about.

By 6:30pm, we had finished shooting one model and the fake tattoos of the other were finally perfected after more than 8 hours of hard work. I left before I had the chance to watch the second model shoot. Did NOT expect the process to take such a long time. But it was well worth it. The photos came out amazing. And we're talking about the raw, pre-edits. Very impressed. Attempted to be helpful and went for the occasional coffee run. When creatives gather on a Sunday, chances are that no one will be at the peak of exuberance. Triple shot coffees were actually ordered. Everyone seemed to be running off caffeine and cigarettes. As you have probably realised, no names shall be mentioned as I do not wish for this to be google-able. HAHA!

A perfect ending to the week.

Monday tomorrow. Back to work. There's something strangely thrilling about working on deadline. Despite the fact that I have hardly left the office before 9pm in the last two weeks, there's something about being placed under pressure...an atmosphere that I somewhat thrive under. I am so strange. I made my first two bookings! That was exciting. I cannot cannot wait for the magazine to get released. The magazine deadline keeps getting pushed back so please celebrate for me when it finally happens!

Hope you all had a brilliant weekend.

xox.

[[Somethin' bout the way...Somethin' bout the way you look in my eyes...You make everything so damn easy...So easy that I don't got to worry about a thing...And baby when we touch...All I can see is the image of us...Sittin' by the ocean, just before the dusk...Sippin' on a juicebox, with sand between our toes...And this is the part when we say we're in love...And the part where we have our first kiss...But this ain't a movie, I know you can't come with me...You got your life, he better be treatin' you right...]]

2011-07-24T20:47:00.003+10:00

//.modelling.\\ cute shorts.

//.earcandy.\\ Above & Beyond - Filmic.

A Captain Planet movie is coming out. A Smurfs movie. A Tintin movie.

EXCITING.

Let's all go back to the days where pure happiness came from being in a really great playground.

Where difficult choices revolved around your choice of ice cream flavour.

Where the only games played were those on boards.

Where stress came from unfinished homework.

Where disappointment arose when you were not allowed to sleep over at your best friend's house.

Those were the days!

xox.

[[So I had one more chance...to gather my thoughts and just spit it out...but now I've missed the moment...so now I'd never know if...you'd say yes to the question I ask...so now Im here...without you im crushed cuz I got these roses...these red roses and god knows that...I'd have given them to you...But I cant get you off my mind...]]

2011-07-19T00:21:00.002+10:00

We can fly away and we can watch the stars shine.
We can fly away and we can watch the stars shine.
We can fly away and we can watch the stars shine.

Credits: MercuroBCotto

2011-07-16T18:26:00.002+10:00

PRACTICALITY AT ITS BEST.

Credits: SZ

2011-07-16T10:13:00.006+10:00

//.modelling.\\ warm, fuzzy robe.

//.earcandy.\\ AJ Rafael - Red Roses.

I thought that a proper post was more than due.

One without random animals. Or quotes. Or articles.

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of craziness at work. The magazine being released in a week is a major contributing factor but I must say that it primarily revolves around the boss. I know better than to start speaking about it on a public sphere but let's just say that I have not been having the most pleasant of experiences. Doesn't help that both the interns left so I have taken over one's work completely which has in turn, led to me working off three laptops simultaneously with four different personalities and two wireless mice that look exactly the same and confuse me. I've hardly been home before 9pm this week, going home at 11pm on Thursday night. But it will all be worth it once my first edition gets released. We should hope so!!

It's funny. When I tell a girl that I work in a fashion magazine, its always the same reaction.

"Woah, that is SO COOL."

Hahaha. That still amuses me a little.

Despite my resolution to be productive in my spare time, it's extremely difficult concentrating on reading articles, interviews or lengthy debates upon returning home from work when the entire day revolved around reading and writing. Therefore I take back my statement. I find myself watching all six seasons of Sex and the City (AGAIN.) and countless feel-good movies - Disney and old-school chick flicks (including 10 things I hate about you, coyote ugly and centrestage amongst countless other mindless tidbits. memories!). There's something rather enjoyable about being snuggled under a blanket, watching a happy movie.

I love being in bed.

Have had lots of Perthians pass through Sydney the last few weeks (7 in the last one!) so it has been very nice to have them around. I realised that I have been somewhat dependent on the being here all the time, something that has definitely helped me settle down to the Sydney way of life. It's not that I'm not enjoying it here. I guess I just miss home. A little. A little more than I little perhaps, but that is not something I would like to admit as Shermaine does not miss people. or things. or places.

No more for the next three weeks! SILENCE.

I was going to visit a gallery and walk around aimlessly but considering that I just went to bed 5 hours ago, I think I shall have a lazy day instead. There's something strangely pleasing and therapeutic walking around listening to music with absolutely no purpose or aim. Everytime one steps out of the house there's always a place to be, someone to meet. It's nice just having absolutely nothing there. This is coming from the person that said a year ago that she would NEVER go to a cafe alone, or do anything by herself really. I have come to quite enjoy it. Perhaps something you develop as you age. HAHA!

It's hard to come to a conclusion when your head is spinning.

May I just do a little shout-out that there is a different between "you're" and "your", "their" and "there".

Those two errors frustrate me.

I think I shall spend my day catching up on the months of runway shows I have missed.

Bliss!

xox.

[[Bucket full of tears...Babe you know I'm here...I'm here waiting...Close your precious eyes...And just realize...I'm still fighting...For you to be with me...And sit under this tree...And we can watch the sunrise...Wake up, feel the air that I'm breathin'...I can't explain this feeling that I'm feelin'...I won't go another day without you...I know it feels like no one's around...But baby you're wrong...Just get rid of the fear...Promise that I'm here...I'll never be gone...So baby come with me...We can fly away and we can watch the stars shine...And baby you can be my love...]]

2011-07-13T23:34:00.004+10:00

Monkey steals camera to snap himself

A macaque monkey in Indonesia took a camera from a wildlife photographer before snapping himself in a variety of poses.

The primate went to investigate the equipment before becoming fascinated with his own reflection in the lens. And it wasn't long before the crested black macaque hijacked the camera and started snapping away sending award-winning photographer David Slater bananas. David, 46, said: "One of them must have accidentally knocked the camera and set it off because the sound caused a bit of a frenzy. At first there was a lot of grimacing with their teeth showing because it was probably the first time they had ever seen a reflection. They were quite mischievous jumping all over my equipment, and it looked like they were already posing for the camera when one hit the button."

"The sound got his attention and he kept pressing it. At first it scared the rest of them away but they soon came back - it was amazing to watch. He must have taken hundreds of pictures by the time I got my camera back, but not very many were in focus. He obviously hadn't worked that out yet. I wish I could have stayed longer as he probably would have taken a full family album."

David, from Coleford, Gloucestershire, was on a trip to a small national park north of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi when he met the incredibly friendly bunch. The crested black macaque is extremely rare and critically endangered. These were part of a study group near a science base in the region, home to researchers from Holland. David added: "I teamed up with a local guide because I knew about the apes and wanted to photograph them. I walked with them for about three days in a row. They befriended us and showed absolutely no aggression - they were just interested in the things I was carrying. They aren't known for being particularly clever like chimps, just inquisitive. Despite probably never having any contact with humans before they didn't feel threatened by our presence, and that's why I could walk with them during the day."

Credits: The Telegraph

SO CUTE. I like the grinning picture.
Monkeys can possess the art of camwhoring too.

Two animal posts in a row, a rarity!

xox.

2011-07-12T08:39:00.000+10:00

ADORABLE.

2011-07-01T21:16:00.002+10:00

Shermaine has had the strangest 24 hours.

I am glad the weekend is here.

2011-07-01T20:58:00.003+10:00

Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn’t nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fights against misfortune none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand.
Aldous Huxley, Brave New World.

2011-06-26T12:54:00.006+10:00

An interesting, rather enjoyable read:

Stingy, happy people

Pie in the sky ... too much optimism can have negative results. Is happiness really all it's cracked up to be? It's not as strange a question as it sounds. Of course contentment feels good, but in recent years happiness has also been credited with a role in everything from health and life expectancy to professional success and being a good member of society. However, a new study suggests happiness can be destructive too. A lot of psychological research suggests that happy people make better citizens: they are more inclined to help others out, are better at making social contact and have higher morale. However, Cahit Guvan, an Economics lecturer at Deakin University, has found that being too contented has the opposite effect: very positive, happy people tend not to contribute as much as their slightly grumpier counterparts.

Using German data recording 15,000 people's characteristics and outlook between 1984 and 2007, Guvan's study maps subjects' happiness against their levels of social capital (that is, their ability to form cooperative, supportive social networks). The data recorded interviewees' contentment on a scale from 0 (totally unhappy) to 10 (totally happy), as well as levels of trust, frequency of volunteer work, attendance at social and cultural events and involvement with local politics. Subjects' attachment to their local neighbourhood and their level of optimism were also noted. Guvan found a deep link between happiness and social capital on an individual level: for instance, subjects who were happy in 1984 tended to trust others 20 years later. But he also found that the relationship between happiness and social capital is not linear. Neither the very happy nor the very unhappy contribute as much to society as those who are somewhere in between. "In the years 1992, 2000 and 2007 a one unit increase of happiness had a reciprocal increase on the frequency of volunteer work, Guvan said. However, he also found that the very happiest people contributed noticeably less. "Too much happiness appears to be an indicator for too much optimism."

He is not the first to find that being optimistic is not always a good thing. In his paper, published in the social sciences journal Kyklos, he mentions a 2007 study showing that "extremely optimistic people are less likely to pay back their credit cards." In her 2010 book Smile Or Die, sociologist Barbara Ehrenreich argued that "positive thinking" and a relentlessly upbeat attitude essentially amount to a selfish state of delusion. "Optimism is an important channel linking well-being and social capital," observes Guvan. But he cautions that "over-optimism, like over-confidence, may in fact lead to behaviours that are unwise... the differences between optimists and over-optimists are remarkable."

Over the past few years, governments have become increasingly concerned with happiness. British Prime Minister David Cameron has announced plans to launch a "happiness index"; countries including France and Canada are looking at ways of measuring contentment and wellbeing, while Bhutan already measures "Gross National Happiness". If their goal is to improve levels of happiness and wellbeing for everyone, not just the few, Guvan's study might be one to bear in mind. As he puts it: "too much happiness and too much unhappiness are both costly for society".

By Alyssa McDonald,
Credits: Sydney Morning Herald Online

2011-06-25T12:14:00.001+10:00

The world is catching up to you
While you're running away to chase your dream

2011-06-25T10:46:00.007+10:00

//.modelling.\\ fluffy robe.

//.earcandy.\\ Bruno Mars - Again.

Wonderful. Bedtime at 4:30 am, awake at 9 am. The joys of sleeping patterns.

This has been a crazy week in all aspects of life, a little exhausting to say the least.

Work has been insane. Lets just say I am glad it is the weekend.

Developed my fisheye lomo photos the other day. I must admit that half the photos did not turn out. At all. And that the cost of developing the film was about a quarter the price of the camera itself. But so worth it, the photos had me laughing to myself all the way back to the office. I love the feel of printed photos. How long has it been since we have had to develop film. Where we carried around big, black cameras. Where we actually had to think before taking each shot. Where the delete function wasn't so easily accessible. Where the anticipation of getting the photos makes them so much more enjoyable to flick through.

Sneak preview:

I love lomography. I aim to own all the cameras. Yes, all.

Caved in and begun my Sex and the City marathon. Possibly my fifth time watch all 6 seasons. Love it. I know I decided against it due to lack of productivity but its so difficult to read interviews, articles and discussions on clothing designers and aesthetics when you've been reading proposals all day every day. The words turn out fuzzy. Did my first presentation to Sass & Bide yesterday. :)

Put my head back together please.

xox.

[[I missed the first train, stood out in the rain, all day...Little did I know...When I caught the next train, there you were to sweep me away...Guess that's what I've waited for...Never believed that things happened for a reason...But how this turned out, you moved all my doubts, So believe...That for you I'd do it all over again...Do it all over again...All I went through, led me to you...So I'd do it all over again...]]

2011-06-22T21:38:00.004+10:00

Found this within my Photobooth photos:

I hope that Paws is not feeling too lonely without me!

2011-06-22T00:18:00.003+10:00

Maddi Jane.

Okay, other than the fact the she is so 'heehee' about boys and is wearing a checkered belt as it is oh-so-skater-rock-chick, this girl is so talented considering the she is only eleven years of age. What were we even doing at the age of eleven?!

2011-06-21T01:01:00.003+10:00

I am terrible. Why am I still in my work clothes at 1am.

But today was a very pleasant one, full of surprising catch ups. :)

It's always nice to hear familiar voices.

One thing I do not understand is when people change their relationship statuses on facebook to 'Mr X is now single' and others like it. In what circumstance would you find pleasure in a break up of any sort? Regardless of how it went down. Haha! That is something that has always puzzled me. Yes, the intense thought processes brought about regarding facebook. Very deep.

Good night.

xox.

2011-06-20T13:26:00.006+10:00

'Love among the ruins': mystery kiss picture during Vancouver riot goes viral

It's been called the "Vancouver riot kiss" and "love among the ruins". A photo of a couple lying in the middle of a road appearing to kiss during riots in Canada has become an internet sensation, with online debates over whether the act was staged or if the woman was a willing participant.

The unknown couple's actions were captured by a freelance journalist, Richard Lam, who was covering the chaos on the streets of Vancouver on Wednesday night following the city's ice hockey team's loss in the Stanley Cup final. "I was trying not to get my ass kicked," Lam told the Ottawa Citizen newspaper about working during the violence that night. Cars were burnt, shops were looted and riot police fired tear gas as they tried to control the mob, which numbered in the thousands, who were livid at the Vancouver Canucks' loss to the Boston Bruins. Lam said he spotted the couple lying in between the riot police and the angry crowd. "The riot police made a charge so we were running. I looked back and there were two people lying on the street. At first I thought she was hurt," he told the Toronto Star newspaper. "I didn't even look at it," he told the Citizen. "A colleague said 'nice photo'. Then I went back to the editing room, and looked at it. My jaw dropped." Lam, who has done numerous interviews with other media since the photo went viral, told the Citizen he had "been fascinated by [the response]".

"I don't want to sound idealistic - but I was just doing my job."

Glenda Kwek. June 17, 2011.
Source: SMH Online

Note: The article has been shortened. I decided to take out all the criticisms and skepticisms, just leaving in all the nice parts. Selective reading at its best! I think its a cute photo. I shall choose to believe it was...somewhat genuine. :)

2011-06-19T13:31:00.001+10:00

The awkward moment when you know the girl walking out of your housemates room.

2011-06-19T11:09:00.001+10:00

I watched Edward Scissorhands last week.
It was enjoyable. Reminded me of my little days. :)

2011-06-19T10:13:00.001+10:00

"Striving for an ideal tends to make us better people, whether we attain it or not." - S.

2011-06-17T23:36:00.008+10:00

On my Friday night, I was looking up book lists [being the nerd that I am]...and according to TIME, this is the

"All-time, ultimate Top Top 10 list, derived from the top 10 lists of 125 of the world's most celebrated writers combined":

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
The Stories of Anton Chekhov by Anton Chekhov
Middlemarch by George Eliot

I, Shermaine Heng, am going to read all of them. :)

2011-06-15T22:42:00.011+10:00

//.modelling.\\ a ring around my necklace.

//.earcandy.\\ above & beyond - sun in your eyes.

New album. Yay!

Well, despite the rainy weather and sad news...today hasn't been too horrible.

I have not watched any movies or series in recent times that I am thoroughly enjoying every minute I lie there, in front of my laptop screen, doing nothing else except to engage myself in the scandal that unfolds on each episode of Gossip Girl. That is all I have been doing in my free time the last four days. I had my mini bout of self-examination today and realised that I have not done anything productive in the last month that I have been in Sydney. I shall stop staring at facebook newsfeeds, chatting on msn, texting furiously and viewing pictures on tumblr every moment of my free time and leave a little space for other things. A little space for other things that will make me a slightly better person or contribute to my life in some way a little bit at a time.

One of the greatest feelings in the world is to feel truly proud of someone else. It makes your heart all warm and fuzzy. Finding out that the girl I was training is doing amazingly for herself. That was my happy moment for today. :) Lets clap and say yay!

Caved in to the evils of social networking and created a tumblr. Do you know that Facebook has over 500 million users, spending 12.7% of their day on the social networking site? Or that over 55 million tweets are spent on a daily basis? Yes, I have obviously done my research. It was a little shocking. But anyway, Click here for my collection of wonderful pictures. I am unsure as to why all the ones I have chosen as yet do not have a speck of colour. Well, they do if you count black, grey, white and brown. In that case...my wardrobe is the epitome of all things bright and colourful.

That is all for now.

xox.

[[You always laugh...when I cry...I'm always looking to tomorrow...as you mourn the days gone by...You always stepped...on my toes...Took my guide in hand of love...is helping everywhere you go...I'm always wrong...you're always right...But I can see right through the lies...Till the never changing light...Rain on me...my arms are cold...I want to get home...but there's water on the road...And if I do...you will not change...I'm just a singing satellite...]]

2011-06-15T19:09:00.005+10:00

You know those moments in your life where you feel completely helpless as the people you care about are hurting and theres nothing you can do about it? Yes, this might possibly be one of them. SHAGS girl got into an accident last week. The funeral was today. Although we were not close, many of my friends were. It must be the most painful thing to see your child pass away before you do. R.I.P. Lizzy Grice. This makes the third one since we've graduated. It's happening way too frequently, way too soon. :(

2011-06-11T09:51:00.008+10:00

//.modelling.\\ a sweater, a mink blanket AND a quilt.

//.earcandy.\\ Armin van Buuren - Status Excessu.

Trance in the morning.

J, what have you turned me into.

Yesterday marked my one month anniversary in Sydney. Amazing how fast time flies.

The business trip was a very stressful four days. Red eye flights, early starts, getting lost, almost missing our flight home. Business trips are definitely a change from the norm. However...it was very nice to be able to go back to Singapore and visit the family.

The parents were here last weekend. First time I'd seen them in a long while as I moved to Sydney while they were holidaying in Shanghai. Lots of good food, watched a musical and got many new household items: toaster, rice cooker, clothes steamer, lamp, bedside table, clothes steamer, clothes steamer. Yes. I had to add that in two extra times as it is so exciting. They also brought over my winter wardrobe and extra quilt (much needed!) so it was rather delightful. I have never been so spoilt in my life.

(spot the birds nest!)

The next two months are going to be very nice, with the constant stream of Perthians flowing through the city. :)

I enjoy company.

GOOD LUCK FOR EXAMS, DEAR FRIENDS!!

xox.

[[Turn up the lights in here baby...Extra bright, I want y'all to see this...Turn up the lights in here, baby...You know what I need...Want you to see everything...Want you to see all of the lights...Fast cars, shooting stars...Until it's Vegas everywhere we are...If you want it you can get it for the rest of your life...]]

2011-06-10T18:21:00.000+10:00

Shermaine is exhausted.

Good thing its the long weekend!!

2011-05-30T05:21:00.003+10:00

//.earcandy.\\ plane whirring.
//.munching.\\ salted peanuts.

Here I am, sitting next to my boss in the plane, on my first business trip.

Three weeks into my job and I am going to my first work trip to Singapore.

Not to say that it is completely undeserved.

Have not been home since 6pm since I arrived and one night I stayed till 1am. Another night, I left at 9pm, locked up and left the office. Only to find out that the main gate was locked. Yes, that means I was the last one there in the entire office building (slack!). So I threw my bag over the gate and jumped over. I am glad that no one was there to see me. Try climbing a flimsy metal gate in a tight skirt and leather heels. It is difficult. Good thing I’ve had practice, all the times I left my keys at home.

Work has its perks though. Like I said, theres no real glamourous lifestyle, no freebies (sorry people!), no models strutting in and out of the doors. But we get media passes…to everything. The other night, got invited to a party so I attend with another intern. The place was amazing. It was the launch party to Vivid Sydney (light installations put up all around Darling Harbour). Free-flow alcohol, as well as insistant waiters with platefuls of canapés and sweet treats. (Donuts? Why not? They’re GOOD. Trust me. Take a donut.) The décor was made up of stylistically placed milk crates, funky chairs, chandaliers, stuffed bears, suits of armour, and disco balls…amongst a variety of other things. Step outside and you get an amazing view of the opera house (all lit up!). Got stalked around by some photographer who I swear took at least 50 photos of us. I must say, it was quite an experience.

So no. I don’t sit around my desk reading magazines and such all day. Most of the time is spent with me typing out proposals furiously on the computer, waiting for my next coffee to appear on my table. But I love it. So I guess that’s all that matters. How often do we get jobs we truly love. I’ve already had it lucky twice. Although I guess I am easily satisfied.

Its funny the number of people who have spoken to me now that I’ve left regarding the move. So many seem to have considered one seriously at one point of their life but have been afraid to take the plunge. I cannot say its easy being flung in the deep end. But I say, just do it. Honestly. You don’t want to look back and wonder ‘what if’. That’s my theory at least.

Finally had my moment. Where I stepped back for a few minutes. Where I flicked through my farewell week of photos on facebook and it hit me…I miss you guys. I actually do. I am rarely the type of person who misses anyone but it was always nice having you guys there. There you go. Heres a little love from Shermaine to you. And you. And you. And whoever else reads this blog. I have no idea who bothers, really. I am not the most eloquent of writers.

I shall just end this entry with a question: What does it mean to be happy? Like, truly happy. Like the happiness that does not just revolve around a good joke or a fun night out. All of us smile. But which of us are truly happy. What makes you happy?

I love how there are always songs that you associate with certain people.
Trips down memory lane.

Xox.

[[I gotta turn this car around...I never should have left you there...Boy this traffic is making me sick...Boy I can’t wait to have you near...I gotta hurry hurry hurry...Now quick quick quick...Just step on the gas cause I don’t wanna miss this...This opportunity will only come once in my life, my life...I gotta hurry hurry hurry...Now quick quick quick...Just step on the gas cause I don’t wanna miss this...See what you're bringing me boy is priceless...I gotta be out of my mind not to try this...Through strength I found love...In time I found myself in happiness with you...]]

2011-05-26T08:55:00.002+10:00

Work till 1 am.

I'M BREAKING RECORDS HERE!

2011-05-25T01:54:00.001+10:00

Everything just seems harder when one is sick.

2011-05-24T21:35:00.005+10:00

Taking the art of planking to a whole new level.

"Meet the man who bared all when he planked naked in the arms of Eliza, the iconic Swan River statue."

credits: perthnow.com.au

2011-05-23T20:57:00.013+10:00

//.modelling.\\ the most comfortable sweater in the world.

//.earcandy.\\ the bleeping of my facebook.

Let me have my little whinge.

I currently have a fever and ate instant noodles for dinner. :(

HAHA! But its not actually that bad, other than the fact that my body is sore and head in a constant dull throb. My pillow has also turned into a heater. Snacking on my five-nuts mix (brazil nut, almond, cashew, walnuts and hazelnuts. the best mix.) and preparing myself for my David Attenborough documentary marathon. J lent me a 4-CD set and I am very excited. 10 hours of amazement and pure bliss, watching from under my mink blanket. Did you know that flying fish actually FLY? Bet you didn't.

Sydney has been very interesting to say the least. Have had a couple of interesting nights, met interesting people, done some interesting things (including a 3-hour walking tour around Sydney. can you say touristy! some pictures up later.) The other day I accompanied my housemate to his friend's art exhibition. Found myself bar hopping with them afterwards - opening night of a Mexican bar (free margaritas and tacos!), absinthe salon (i don't usually drink but this place is awesome), and two other bars in very close proximity to my house. PLUS...i managed to get home by 12am as it was a Thursday. Quite a feat I must say.

I'm scoping out cool places for all you people who are coming to visit me. Be glad.

My fashion photographer housemate, Mark Bennett's pop-art exhibition.

I love how theres a photographer taking a photo of our photographer. Who is taking a photo of a photographer.

Oh I am intelligent. Brilliant. Excellent. All of the above.

The absinthe salon. You needed to push a doorbell to be let through the gate. You pick your drink of choice from the absinthe menu, then you are served your drink. You drip the water slowly through the sugar cube which gradually melts. You then sip.

The company was interesting. All the "creatives": artists, photographers, graphics designers, more photographers, make up artists, more graphics designers, stylists, and the list goes on. It is quite awesome to be in the company of people with such talent or feel so passionate about something in particular. "It's not work if you LOVE it" one said when I commented about the long hrs.

I still cannot believe that this is it. For however long.

I have settled in a lot faster than I expected, much of it due to good company.

Not to say that I do not miss Perth. Stability and security is definitely nice.

How CUTE is this child.

Credits: The Sartoralist

Work has been very good. Crazy busy and probably nowhere as glammed up as everyone seems to assume but I'm enjoying it. Been staying late most days, 8pm on a Friday night is my record so far. Boss often chucks you in the deep end with a load of things to do that you don't know how to go about but somehow, everything always seems to work out in the end. And that's the easiest way to learn. Going on a 3-day business trip to Singapore as I have been corresponding with many people there so it helps to put a name to a face. Definitely a different kind of trip. Doubt I'll have much time for leisure in between the back-to-back appointments but definitely looking forward to it. Have been invited to a media event during that time already! Yay. They have already placed someone to work underneath me. Her first day was today. I also got a work email today. It's all very exciting.

Choices. I don't think we're ever going to get them right in our lifetime.

When they are monumental, you would hope so.

But not everyone is so lucky.

xox.

[[Maybe I'm a dreamer...Maybe I'm misunderstood...Maybe you're not seeing the side of me you should...Maybe I'm crazy...Maybe I'm the only one...Maybe I'm just out of touch...Maybe I've just had enough...Maybe it's time to change...And leave it all behind...I've never been one to walk alone...I've always been scared to try...So why does it feel so wrong...To reach for something more...To wanna live a better life...What am I waiting for? Cause nothing stays the same...Maybe it's time to change...]]

2011-05-20T15:20:00.003+10:00

My favourite 'about me' section thus far:

"There are no measurements to describe how to find your perfect diamond. However important the 4 C`s are - beauty is the only arbiter. All diamonds should show Fire, Life, and Brilliance. Fire is the beautiful rainbow effect that is produced by the dispersion of light, Life is the scintillation and sparkle when you move the stone in front of your eyes, and Brilliance is the brightness of the diamond due to reflected white light when the diamond is still. Ultimately though, it is the diamond that chooses you."

President of the De Beers Institute of Diamonds.

2011-05-16T22:59:00.002+10:00

I somewhat love this picture.

credits: The Sartoralist

2011-05-16T22:16:00.000+10:00

2011-05-16T22:06:00.002+10:00

Fashion is my ultimate distraction.

2011-05-15T09:59:00.004+10:00

//.modelling.\\ Paul Frank pjs.

//.earcandy.\\ CD by awesome busker.

Its 9am on Sunday morning and as much as I tried, I cannot get to sleep due to the emergence of my funny full-time work sleeping patterns. So what better to do than to blog. I was flicking through Prestige Magazine at work (market research and definitely productive) and came across this article...Move over Mini Cooper Cabriolet. Check these out.

1938 Bugatti 57SC Atlantic Coupe

1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe

1955 Jaguar XKD

But if this vintage amazingness is not enough for you, step it up a little and reserve one of these concept boats.

Octuri Flying Yacht

Lamborghini Yacht Concept

Strand Craft 122

Enough of the teasing. Go get into your cars, they're amazing too, and go grab some breakfast.

(I'm not actually serious btw, I'd be more than happy with my little mini cooper cabriolet.)

xox.

[[I wanna be a billionaire so fricking bad...Buy all of the things I never had...Uh, I wanna be on the cover of Forbes magazine...Smiling next to Oprah and the Queen...Oh every time I close my eyes...I see my name in shining lights...A different city every night oh...I swear the world better prepare...For when I’m a billionaire...]]

2011-05-14T11:36:00.005+10:00

//.modelling.\\ brown boyfriend cardigan.
//.earcandy.\\ Big Sean - My Last [ft. Chris Brown]

The title of this post shall be:
THE SYDNEY LIFE.

So I am definitely getting into the cycle of things, living the Sydney life.

I start my journey to work at 8:30am, decked out in the leather jacket and heels. “Smart casual with a bit of edge” is the dresscode apparently, so I can just work my wardrobe for what its got. Loving it. Catch the bus, flail around the place coz theres never any seats and my balance is horrible normally, let alone with little leather heeled boots on. Reach my stop, grab some breakfast to eat along the way while I briskly walk towards the office, grab some coffee from a little amazing café from a nice guy with lots of piercings, reach the office. Work, work, work, getting sleepy. Go buy some lunch, work, work, work. Getting sleepy. Go buy another coffee from aforementioned piercing dude. He now knows my face so stop for a little chat. Back to work. Stay back a little late (between half an hour to an hour so far, not too bad), then catch the bus home. Buy some dinner on the way – thai takeaway if I’m lucky, instant noodles if I’m lazy to wait. Dinner, TV, Bed. Wake up, start all over again.

So yes, that is the story of my life. What happens five days a week for who-knows-how-long. I’m loving Sydney, I must say. Although it is FREEZING and I intelligently left my winter wardrobe behind. Definitely a new experience but better start cooking or something as the eating-out three meals a day might kill my wallet a little. I must admit that I have been walking around map-in-hand for the last few days, looking very silly and touristy but my sense of direction has improved. A little.

Will be moving into my new-found apartment tomorrow. It was pretty much an amazing find. Sifted through all the dodgy house advertisements – 8 people in a 2 bedroom apartment, 51 year old white man looking for young Asian woman to live together with no rent, spare room…the living room, free wireless internet and rice – and narrowed it down to seven places which seemed relatively decent so made appointments to have a look after work on Tuesday (yes, I touched down in Sydney at 6am and started work at 12pm). So I decided to go to the closest one first, as you do. Spoke to the guy, had a look at the room, told him I’ll have a think about it and go see other places first…then when I was turning around to leave, I just turned around and was like “okay. I’ll take it”. If only everything was this easy. The place is a five minute walk from work, twenty minute walk from the city. Its not a “proper room”, just a little section of the living room partitioned off behind the TV projector screen thing. But it fits a bed and two wardrobes, so that is really all I need. Living with a couple (one room) and dude (other room) who happens to be a fashion photographer. So that’s pretty awesome. The place has a massive balcony and looks kinda cool and artsy with the red lights, random masks and brown leather couches. Come over to Sydney and I’ll give you a personal tour.

Work has been a bit insane – in a good way. I’m loving it but there always seems to be so much to do and so little time. I guess that’s always the case. Its awesome working for a magazine company – theres literally editions of Poster everywhere. Strewn across tables, used as mouse pads, on display, stacked in corners, arranged on bookshelves, all the rest of it. It’s a little office so I work together with just my boss (Managing Director of Mgroup, Editor-in-Chief of Poster Magazine) the majority of the time. He just started to let me work autonomously after giving me a run-down of everything to do and I can now directly communicate with our clients and such, so its all very exciting. Lets hope it stays exciting. :)

I think its started to sink in that this is now my new life. I’m getting quite used to the idea now. Had a little freak-out-I-miss-Perth moment after being on the phone with a few people last night but that moment soon passed. I think the guy that was literally lying on my shoulder while I was on the bus burst my little emo bubble. As in, I was sitting down and he was standing up…and he was just LEANING his back on me the entire time. What up! I also think its cute that the bus drivers open up their doors at traffic lights and start having conversations.

That is all for my Sydney update.

Xox.

[[Live your life live your life...Let the love inside...It’s your life it’s your life...Got to play it right...Take your time take your time...Take your sexy time...Lose your head lose your head...Your beauty it’s inside you...Inside you...Don’t let ‘em bring you down no...The beauty is inside you...Don’t let ‘em bring you down...Cos you start your life today...Live any thoughts you’ve dreamed off...]]

2011-05-08T22:00:00.004+10:00

AMAZINGLY HOT STOP MOTION:

Enjoy!

xox.

2011-05-08T21:55:00.001+10:00

I GOT THE JOB.

So hyped, you would not believe. Leaving for Sydney tomorrow night.

2011-05-03T00:48:00.001+10:00

Two teas, one sandwich, endless whatsapping and three magazines later…I’m finally on the plane home from Perth. Finally. Its about time to get back to my comfortable bed and quiet house. But I somehow get the impression that my time of crazy traveling is not quite over yet. Shall keep you updated. :)

2011-05-02T22:48:00.003+10:00

//modelling.\\ leather sneakers.
//.earcandy.\\ The Bloody Beetroots – WARP [ft. Steve Aoki]

No bias involved, but I must say that Poster Magazine was a surprisingly good read. May even go so far as to say that it might replace Vogue to be my magazine of choice each month. Great artistic direction and interesting articles regarding fashion, the arts and lifestyle. Less female-orientated and a lot more advant-garde than my typical mainstream magazine reads. Some of the time I’m not even clear of what the model is wearing in the slightest, but the shots are amazing. The labels the magazine represents interest me a lot more (yay to Japanese designers), as well as the styling which is especially impressive when it comes to the menswear. I love how its catered towards a more local audience and gives little nudges to upcoming designers in Australia.

Some happy snaps:

[[I could stick around and get along with you...Hello oh-oh-oh-oh...It doesn't really mean that I'm into you...Hello oh-oh-oh-oh...You're alright but I'm here darling to enjoy the party...Don't get too excited cause that's all you'll get from me...]]

2011-05-02T14:46:00.003+10:00

//.modelling.\\ crazy looking hair.
//.earcandy.\\ plane whirring.

Sleeping with your hair wet never ends up with good results. Those with longer hair should just be glad that we can tie it up whenever anything goes wrong. Had the best sleep last night and now on the plane to Melbourne where I will make a 7 hour transit before heading back home. The man next to me suddenly spasms. It’s a little frightening.

Anyway, back to the main purpose of this post:

I can’t believe that Osama Bin Laden is finally dead. I must admit that I have never been one to bother with the reading of world news and happenings. But yay? HAHA. About time, only took about 10 years to do it and perfect timing too, just as Obama begins to get a little unpopular with the Americans. I also cannot believe that Donald Trump is running for parliament. Power hungry much? I am thankful for C who gives me news updates through my trusty blackberry. I can’t believe that the September 11 attack happened so many years ago. Years fly past too fast. Yes, another sign of aging. I should watch for the wrinkles.

Off the plane now – in Melbourne Airport and there is no free wireless. What is this! I refuse to pay $11/hour for internet connection. My blackberry has once again ceased to work but wireless is operational so shall deal without a phone in order to maintain constant human contact. I shall sit now here with my tea and Poster Magazines and entertain myself for the next 6 hrs.

Goodbye.

[[If you wanna get with me...Theres some things you gotta know...I like my beats fast...And my bass down low...Bass, bass down low...Bass, bass, bass down low...I, I, I like my beats fast...And my base down low...]]

2011-05-01T16:07:00.002+10:00

//.modelling.\\ still the same outfit.

//.earcandy.\\ David Guetta - Gettin' Over [ft. Chris Willis]

I love clever people. My clever person for the day: QUENTIN TROLLIP.

He has managed to fold little origami pieces from a singular piece of paper.

I like them. :)

xox.

[[All the things I know right now...If I only knew back then...There's no gettin' over...No gettin over'...There's just no getting over you...Wish I could spin my world into reverse, just to have you back again...There's no getting over...There's no gettin over...There's just no getting over you...]]

2011-05-01T15:20:00.009+10:00

//.modelling.\\ the black and drapey.

//.earcandy.\\ Pitbull - Give me everything (tonight) [ft. Afrojack & Nayer]

For the first time in my life,

I have missed my flight.

I was happily saying my goodbyes, thinking I was bright and early then I double checked my flight times and everything suddenly went a little spinny. Oh no, I missed it. Somehow got all the times mixed up in my head. Have booked another flight for tomorrow but definitely an expensive mistake and one that will never be repeated. I have no clue how it even happened. So much has been happening in Sydney, it has all been a little crazy. Crazy busy, crazy fun, crazy in general. Definitely worth it.

Stayed in backpackers, and experience which I've never really had before. Not knowing what it was like and hearing everyones stories, went there with low expectations. Went to my room, looked around and after a while my suspicions were confirmed - I was placed in a 6-bed room with 5 males. Awesome. Turned out to be good fun though, the entire hostel was just super friendly.

Due to my easily sway-able nature, found myself having ridiculously little sleep the entire time - 3 hours, 5 hours, 15 minutes. First night (no, i have an interview tomorrow!), found myself drinking champagne and chatting till 4am. Second night (tired, all comfortable in pjs and nice music playing, can't wait for my night in!), found myself at a bar where the male bartenders were dressed in black silken dresses and bunny ears, drinking yummy concoctions from buckets. Third night (i'll come out, just let me nap first), found myself dragged out straight away, red bull in hand, to party with the crazily dressed group with stares from all directions and ending with police sirens. Definitely good times, awesome company and little bits of drama sprinkled here and there. Now back to real life, whatever that is. I'm not sure if my past few months would be what would be categorised as 'real life'.

The interview seemed to go well but who really knows until things are confirmed. Will find out mid-week. Absolutely loved the two days I was working there, enjoyed doing the most menial tasks and was way too impressed with the lights that go on automatically throughout the building. To get the job would be amazing. Like, amazing amazing i cannot stress how amazing. But if things do not go as planned, I am more than happy enough that I sent 78 emails out to brands such as Hermes, Dior and LV, signing off with 'Yours sincerely, Shermaine Heng - Media Executive'. I was very pleased with myself with each email that I typed out. :)

Definitely caught the travel bug. Hardly been in Perth the last month and I am hoping to keep it that way.

Can't stay still, can't stay still.

Just chilling at the airport for another 7 hours now.

Fun times.

xox.

[[In the night I hear 'em talk, the coldest story ever told...Somewhere far along this road he lost his soul...To a woman so heartless...How could you be so heartless? How could you be so heartless? How could you be so cold? As the winter wind when it breeze yo...Just remember that you talkin' to me though...You need to watch the way you talkin' to me though...]]

2011-04-29T20:52:00.003+10:00

//.modelling.\\ black scarf.
//.earcandy.\\ David Guetta – Sexy Bitch [ft. Akon]

Loving the recent transition into the colder weather. Time to bring out the winter wardrobe. This time, I’m cheating a little though. The reason for the lowering in temperatures is due to the fact that I am currently on the plane on the way to Sydney.

This trip is going to be interesting. Not only because I am going to be staying in an 6-person room in a backpackers or thinking of signing up to a bar hopping party bus. This trip will potentially decide my career pathway and determine my new home for the next few years. Going for a job interview in my dream firm in Sydney – super awesome magazine and an integrated marketing firm for all the high-end fashion and lifestyle brands. The two positions I am trying out for are a little insane – one being a six month unpaid internship (except they will be paying me) and the other is the entry-level position which requires one to two years experience in the industry (which I don’t have). But hopefully the fact that they are asking me to fly over for the interview is saying something in itself. So all I have to do is stop freaking out and do the best that I can.

If for some reason I don’t get the job, I can’t say that I will be disgustingly disappointed. Yes, disappointed that I don’t get to move over to Sydney, work in my dream firm and didn’t charm my way into the good books of the interviewer well enough. However, I have back up plans and I am loving the job that I am in. So life won't be half bad either way.

Everyone always wonders – how do you love your job when all you do is sell waterless car wash and wax in the sun in ridiculous looking clothing? Yes, the clothing is stupid looking. I’m not too sure, to be honest. I just love being able to talk to people every moment of my day. I love training people to do what I do and the travel opportunities are rather appealing. I like waking up every morning and looking forward to the day.

Speaking of travel, my family’s been a bit too travel-happy in recent times. It has always been the case in my family but I think that just accelerated in the past few weeks. I went to Sydney three weeks ago. Then I went to Geraldton for four days and once I returned, realised that during the time that I was gone, father went to Melbourne and sister went to Rottnest, all of us returning on the same day. Few days later, parents went to Shanghai and will be going to Singapore. Within which time, sister will be going to Singapore and Taiwan. Father will return (probably only to leave interstate somewhere) and mother will continue to Malaysia. We are all a little crazy. I like it this way though. Adds excitement to life. :)

Mmm, David Guetta is so good.

Life has definitely taken a complete spin in the last few months I must say. For the first time, theres not one thing that’s holding me down and putting me in place but I can’t say I’m not enjoying it. Has its ups and downs but definitely learning a lot in the process. Stopped living in my little idealistic world full of sunshine and rainbows, and for someone like me I think that’s a good thing. Always been sheltered and protected by at least one facet in life since I was young – be it religion, family, private schools, or relationships. I used to hate uncertainties but I guess after a while we all have to learn to embrace them. We’ll just wait and see what happens the next few weeks. The next few weeks that will be somewhat filled with turning points.

Agh, mass turbulence on the plane. That’s no good.

That is my life update for now.

Xox.

[[All the crazy shit I did tonight...Those will be the best memories...I just wanna let it go for the night...That would be the best therapy for me..All the crazy shit I did tonight...Those will be the best memories...I just wanna let it go for the night...That would be the best therapy for me...Hey,hey...Yeah,yeah...Hey,hey...Yeah,yeah...]]

2011-04-26T12:17:00.004+10:00

//.modelling.\\ comfy sweater.

//.earcandy.\\ Flux Pavilion - Lines in Wax.

Easter weekend is nearly over! :( 5 days of nothingness and pure bliss. Have definitely caught up on sleep, good times and kitchen fun. Now back to endless work. Saying that I've worked for three weeks straight sounds like complete insanity but its not actually nearly as bad as it sounds. I'm enjoying the work itself, its just the lack of being able to do anything else thats the problem. There needs to be more than 24 hours in each day. Each one flies past way too fast.

One thing I have been catching up on are my beloved runway shows. Have found some gems but amongst that, complete trash. I have never been a fan of Louis Vuitton but seriously, what is Marc Jacobs thinking. This collection was just...tacky. Perhaps its one of those 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' moments, but I really don't see why people would purchase this collection for any purpose other than the nice label and desire to fill their wardrobes with anything designer.

Louis Vuitton 2011 Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear.

xox.

[[Can you be my doctor? Can you fix me up? Can you wipe me down? So I can make you give it up give it up...Until you say my name...Like a Jersey Jersey shuttin’ down the game...Be my head coach...So you can…And never take me out...Till you can taste the way...Do it again, and again till you say my name...]]

2011-04-09T23:40:00.001+10:00

7 day work week!!

2011-04-01T01:21:00.001+11:00

So many decisions to make.

I hope I made the right one.

2011-03-28T01:10:00.001+11:00

Such a good song. The story behind it is so sad. Watch it!

2011-03-28T00:31:00.003+11:00

//.modelling.\\ banana shorts.

//.earcandy.\\ kesha - we are who we are.

Been too busy to update.

Why? I got a job! Sales and marketing - been working 6 days, 11 hours per day. Sounds a little crazy and its not exactly the field I wanna be in but its super fun! Despite the 7am starts, the people are awesome and office is 2 minutes away. Managed to get promoted 2 levels in my first week so now I'll be flying to Sydney for a day to meet the vice president. I also get lots of bonuses. Yay.

Also, I GRADUATED!! Five years of studying finally completed. Yay.

Life is going well. :)

xox.

[[Forever can never be long enough for me...Feel like I've had long enough with you..Forget the world now we won't let them see...But there's one thing left to do...Now that the weight has lifted...Love has surely shifted my way...Marry Me...Today and every day Marry Me...If I ever get the nerve to say...Hello in this cafe...Say you will...Mm-hmm...Say you will...Mm-hmm...]]

2011-03-12T16:03:00.006+11:00

//.modelling.\\ messy hair.

//.earcandy.\\ none.

I can't believe Japan got hit by an 8.9 earthquake. :(

That is so sad. My heart goes out to all those people. Really.

To put things in perspective, the earthquake was at least 8000 times stronger than the one that devastated New Zealand.

The deathtoll is estimated to hit the thousands.

I haven't stopped reading about it since yesterday.

credits: news.com.au

Just a fact I found interesting:

"Japan's quake caused the day to become a bit shorter. NASA geophysicist Richard Gross calculated that Earth's rotation sped up by 1.6 microseconds" - Al Jareeza.

xox.

[[Merrily we fall out of line...Out of line...I'd fall anywhere with you...I'm by your side...Swinging in the rain...Humming melodies...We're not going anywhere until we freeze...I'm not afraid anymore...I'm not afraid...Forever is a long time...But I wouldn't mind spending it by your side...Carefully we'll place for our destiny...You came and you took this heart...And set it free...Every word you write and sing is so warm to me...So warm to me...I'm torn, I'm torn...To be right where you are...I'm not afraid anymore...I'm not afraid...]]

2011-03-11T01:18:00.000+11:00

The last hurrah.

2011-03-09T03:04:00.002+11:00

Adorable much?

credits: superfuture.

2011-03-07T23:28:00.004+11:00

//.modelling.\\ wet hair.

//.earcandy.\\ GLEE album.

THIS IS AWESOME.

The people in National Geographic created a real-life version of a scene in Pixar animation, Up.

"Yesterday morning, March 5 at dawn, National Geographic Channel and a team of scientists, engineers, and two world-class balloon pilots successfully launched a 16' X 16' house 18' tall with 300 8' colored weather balloons from a private airfield east of Los Angeles, and set a new world record for the largest balloon cluster flight ever attempted. The entire experimental aircraft was more than 10 stories high, reached an altitude of over 10,000 feet, and flew for approximately one hour." credits: Mymodernmet

That was a brilliant animation.

xox.

[[The hurry’s gonna bring you to your knees...I know this much is true...Your eyes are gonna rob you of your thunder...Show you everything but you...We’re caught when are hands are off the wheel...And our foot is on the gas..Like a moth to a flame, the fire moves us...We’re just waiting on the crash...]]

2011-03-03T05:48:00.002+11:00

//.modelling.\\ spotty shorts.

//.earcandy.\\ fan whirring.

One more day till I return to my room. :)

LINDSEY WIXSON

This girl's face creeps me out. Her lips are in a constant state of...pout.

xox.

[[The red light of the sun...slowly descending...The sky is all I see...it's never ending...We could fly...you and I...On a cloud...kissing, kissing...The wind plays with the leaves...the weather turns colder...But as long as we believe...love doesn't get older...We could fly...you and I...On a cloud...kissing, kissing...]]

2011-02-28T19:42:00.005+11:00

//.modelling.\\ hair blowing in the breeze of the fan.

//.earcandy.\\ needtobreathe - we could run away.

Man, due to my terrible forgetfulness i have lost my phone.

LOST MY PHONE!

Kinda feels like i've lost a limb. feel a little handicapped and miserable.

To add to my distress, i seem to have slightly damaged a nerve in my finger. it tingles to the touch.

While watching a korean drama (the cool kid that i am), realised that hair really does make all the difference. Hairy men are a deal-breaking turn off but in this context, i'm talking about hairstyles. Take this guy as an example.

How much better does he look with decent hair that is not flat and covering one eye.

That is all for now. :)

Going to continue melting is this disgustingly hot weather. yayy.

xox.

[[Once in a while...I act like a child...To feel like a kid again...It gets like a prison in...The body I'm living in...Cause everyones watching...Quick to start talking...I'm losing my innocence...Wish I were a little girl...Who felt the weight of the world...It would be nice...To start over again...Before we were men...I'd give, I'd bend...Lets play pretend...]]

2011-02-24T15:15:00.005+11:00

//.modelling.\\ banana PJ shorts.

//.earcandy.\\ none.

So sad what has happened (and is still happening) in New Zealand. Australia and its neighbours have really been hit bad the last few months. To count, there are 76 fatalities and over 300 missing. There are still people being pulled out of buildings alive so lets just hope that more of that keeps happening although chances are seem slim.

What I don't understand is the Chris Tomlin case where images of him getting pulled out alive of a collapsed bakery were publicised on the news. His family now cannot find him in any of the Christchurch hospitals. Strange much?

A video to end my post:

[[Imagine there's no Heaven...It's easy if you try...No hell below us...Above us only sky...Imagine all the people...Living for today...Imagine there's no countries...It isn't hard to do...Nothing to kill or die for...And no religion too...Imagine all the people...Living life in peace...You may say that I'm a dreamer...But I'm not the only one...I hope someday you'll join us...And the world will be as one...]]

2011-02-23T04:59:00.009+11:00

//.modelling.\\ paul frank bright blue shorts.
//.earcandy.\\ fan whirring.

here i am, blogging in pure darkness with only the light from the laptop screen shining on my keyboard. updates of the last week: Rob left to Shanghai, been sleeping on the sister's floor while the relatives are over, been trying to keep busy catching up with people and doing strange things (piano battles, harem pants night, craft fairs), and there is a rat in the house.

Yes you read right. Apparently theres no longer a mouse, theres a rat.

Our catch up session today involved a highly heated debate on everything from divorce to cheating to religion to deal breakers and even...lesbian relationships and beastiality? Okay, lets not go through all the details but what I realised is that I have a very low threshold for cheating. Kissing while in a relationship, maybe excusable. Anything more is off limits and definitely breakup material. I believe that my strong emotions against cheating has much less to do with the action than mindset they have leading up to or while performing the action. Apparently I am too idealistic and moralistic. But really, once one makes themselves susceptible to weakness to that extent, what are the chances that they're never going to slip up again.

That is all for today.
xox.

[[If you don't believe me...If you don't like my plans...You musn't tell me...How I know your face like the back of my hands...We walk the city...I talk to you, understand...So won't you tell me...How I know this place like the back of my hands..My arms get cold...In February air...Please don't lose hold of me, out there...And I know you're near me...I know you understand...Say that you're with me...Say you know my face like the back of your hands...]]

2011-02-18T21:20:00.000+11:00

Today is the start of forever.

2011-02-04T05:27:00.007+11:00

//.modelling.\\ airforce shorts.

//.earcandy.\\ Lights - Second Go.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR.

Hope you all had a great one. Mine was close to perfection. Theres just something about an entire family gathering that makes me ridiculously happy. The type where its not just about smiles and laughter but comes from somewhere deep within. Laughing about absolutely nothing, camwhoring, eating to your hearts content, playing cards, catching up, watching little ones run around crazily. Just makes me happy. I don't even mind all the visiting of people you cannot remember what to call no matter how hard you try (all those chinese terms!). Or the 'when are you getting married?' questions. Its all good fun.

You know you've aged when you are the one who says "wow! he's grown so big now!".

Has Chinese New Year overtaken Christmas in my holiday ranking?

Oh, what a joyous occasion.

xox.

[[Good morning beautiful...How was your night...Mine was wonderful...With you by my side...And when I open my eyes...And see your sweet face...It's a good morning beautiful day...I didn't see the light...I didn't know day from night...I had no reason to care...But since you came along...I can face the dawn...Cause I know you'll be there...]]

2011-01-26T19:58:00.002+11:00

SO CUTE.

2011-01-25T03:54:00.007+11:00

//.modelling.\\ airforce shorts.

//.earcandy.\\ mumford & sons - white blank page.

Singapore is too small. Or should I rephrase and say that FACEBOOK IS TOO BIG.

*at Ben & Jerry's*

Random: Are you Cherilyn's cousin?!

Me: Yes? Have we met?

Random: Oh, I saw you on her facebook!

*at a bar*

Random: You look really familiar.

Me: Oh really?

Random: OH! I know! You're the one with the red bow! (Esther's facebook dp)

There's nowhere to run these days, people.

Facebook is stalking you.

FIFI HAS BEEN WASHED: Before and After.

[[Can you lie next to her and give her your heart, your heart? As well as your body, and can you lie next to her and confess your love, your love? As well as your folly and can you kneel before the king and say ‘I’m clean’, ‘I’m Clean’? But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart? But tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart? Her white blank page & a swelling rage, rage You did not think when you sent me to the brink, the brink...You desired my attention but denied my affections, affections...]]