tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32857124376387754612024-03-12T16:45:15.496-07:00secondhand-mermaidsecondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-38813637944696758432020-04-03T07:00:00.001-07:002020-04-04T00:37:16.408-07:00tik tik boomI've been getting tags and dms daily about the whole Douyin app banning Cantonese. From people who don't follow me, who drag me online and who don't really care about my opinion at all. It is obvious that they just send it to me as a 'told you so'. I've had many emotions flood my body whilst on this online roller coaster. And many times have I wanted to reply to each one individually but what's the point in giving them that satisfaction?<br />
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Here's my analysis of the situation.<br />
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1. Douyin and Tik Tok despite being under the same Chinese company, are very much handled by two very different teams. For example - If you're outside of China, you cannot find Douyin on the app store, and vice versa for Tik Tok, people in China cannot find Tik Tok.<br />
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- Douyin being patriotically Chinese (with mass Beijing party propaganda being pumped through the platform etc.), Douyin is connected with TaoBoa/TMall, you can host live shows, and sell things via live shows. Without a doubt, Douyin is Beijing's social puppet.<br />
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- Douyin has ... I'm assuming, almost zero control on how it runs the app.<br />
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- Douyin and Tik Tok have access to your data - so many apps collect data from your phone, your computer, websites you visit. It doesn't bother me. If this is something that bothers you, you don't have to have those apps.<br />
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- Douyin bans Cantonese to promote Mandarin? My opinion? I don't use Douyin. It's China's app, they can do what they want. I'm more so surprised why so many Hong Kongers were surprised that Douyin banned the language.<br />
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- Tik Tok does not ban language.<br />
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- Trends are vastly different from what is shown on Tik Tok. What may be trending on Douyin, does not trend on Tik Tok. And I believe that you can't find Douyin users on Tik Tok, and once again, vice versa. Which just enforces the fact they the apps are quite detached from one another.<br />
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- Tik Tok on the other hand, yes - has fucked up. With the concentration camps, with the lgbt issues, with body types, with disabilities etc. I've heard all of those anti-tiktokers repeat the same concerns to me. But what they fail to mention, is how Tik Tok handles these issues. The girl got her video about the uyghur camps reuploaded, Tik Tok apologised, the girl didn't accept their apology - and that is fine. With the other issues, all mostly occurred in mid 2019, and I've honestly, not heard of any problems since. I'm an avid Tik Tok user at the moment, I'd like to blame social distancing for this, and if you don't even use the app, how do you know what's being shown and what's not? My 'For You' page is filled with hilarious, insightful LGBT content and content from people with different background/ethnicities. Even - more shockingly for non-TikTok users - political content! My god, when the whole Lizzo video being removed and it caught on in Hong Kong small news outlets, the @'s were flooding me, dragging me again in their 'I told you soooo' campaign. However, they then failed to @ me again, when Tik Tok once again apologised to Lizzo and reinstated her video. Lizzo is also still very much active on the app.<br />
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2. I'd say for the meantime, TikTok is much more liberal that Douyin. I've also read articles that mention TikTok might eventually go solo, detaching themselves from the Chinese based company. I believe they have a big enough audience to make the move. And since Tik Tok has become so popular in American households, the US authorities have also started to closely monitor the app when it comes to internal security flaws. With that being said, I am more willing to use and trust the app when so many influential, reputable figures are active users. As this means TikTok is under the public eye daily, and could suffer serious PR problems if they made the wrong move. Unlike, Douyin.<br />
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3. Social Justice Warriors - Hong Kong version.<br />
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- since 2014, and more so 2019 was the growth spur, the mating season of Hong Kong's very own Social Justice Warriors. I was so proud of Hong Kongers who were finally speaking their mind, and standing up for what they believed in. For years, I had been talking about this but nothing had come to fruition. Little did I know, how extreme things would have gotten. So many, I'd say close to the majority of Hong Kongers are now extreme lefts when it comes to politics and socialism. And since many were pretty much thrown into the madness and chaos that was the political unrest of 2019, none had the time to mentally prepare themselves for the radical hard swing to the left. Attacking anyone who did not agree with them, ignoring their genuine good intentions. Waking up, bloodthirsty to start their day judging, separating and disowning people with a different opinion.<br />
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- so i get it. you've finally latched onto something real, something that makes your blood boil. you believe in your foundation, your goals. you feel united, you feel strong. so with every probe, whether it be from both rational and irrational neutralists or from the opposing side, you feel attacked, you feel offended, you feel the need to protect your ground and uphold your beliefs with every fibre of your being. many might not have had such a strong feeling towards something before, therefore this feeling that they have now is precious and sacred. you've chosen which side to fight on, you're armed and ready for someone to yell 'charge!', and in my opinion, many are blinded by this, and it has internally rotted into full blown hatred and prejudice.<br />
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- therefore this is my take on why many Hong Kongers hate on local Tik Tok users. They use reasons such as 'human rights', and 'freedom of speech' to start their argument. they'll go onto ask "why would you use such an app that limits and controls such basic human decency? if you do use this app, you support it, and you are against human rights. end of." well, first of all, the argument should be split into two, as yes i agree with Douyin being a shit app, end of discussion but I must disagree with you on Tik Tok (first because of everything above and then with the below)<br />
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- Still not happy? Okay. Let's now detach the conversation from this app from your reasoning. You want to start talking about human rights? Did you ever care about these things before? Did 2019 finally wake you up to the injustice in the world, and you are now 'woke af'? Human rights cover so many things. Wanna talk about that cute shirt on your back that you got for a discount and how the company behind it probably doesn't pay their workers and keeps their workers under harsh, inhumane working conditions? Wanna talk about the illegal child labor that goes on behind doors? You wanna talk about how Russia is anti-lgbt to near death but you think it's cool to visit the country, but wouldn't supporting its tourism be ignoring their ridiculous laws? You wanna talk about how HK handles transgender issues? The list goes on and on.<br />
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4. I'm not invalidating anyones beliefs. I just want to bring up my frustrations and where my mind has been revolving this whole topic. Cancelling people who may not agree with everything you believe in eliminates any kind of progression, discussion, reasoning and acceptance. The world, the society we live in is far from perfect. We do little things to maybe make the world around us a better place. Eat less meat, support free-range farms, boycott animal tourism, avoid fast fashion, recycle, background check companies you support, donate, volunteer, support, be kind to one another.<br />
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*i'll most likely update this post from time to time.<br />
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if you got this far, whether you agree with me or not thank you.<br />
<br />secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-39924875278388635162018-08-28T05:46:00.002-07:002021-05-05T06:27:07.430-07:00moving on/stages of<style type="text/css">
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和你再多的銘記<span class="s1"><br />
</span>抱憾未能再飛<span class="s1"><br />
</span>相擁不再美<span class="s1"><br />
<br />
</span>曾經想當個好情人</div>
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舍身成仁</div>
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還愛你愛到往下沉</div>
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當愛著你<span class="s1"> </span>失去自己</div>
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誰人話愛也要一種運氣</div>
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若要犧牲<span class="s1"> </span>方能擁吻</div>
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無法一起再同渡半生<br />明知愛也要走<br />留低卻更荒謬</div>
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<br /></div>
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就算我對你還著緊<span class="s1"><br />
</span>亦無耐性陪你</div>
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浪費多十秒傷心<span class="s1"><br />
<br />
</span>明白我決意走<span class="s1"> </span>把你傷透<span class="s1"><br />
</span>從此刻<span class="s1"> </span>各有路要走</div>
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<br /></div>
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揮別錯的才能和對的相逢</div>
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妳說妳不怕分手 <span class="s1"><br />
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</span>只有點遺憾難過<span class="s1"><br />
</span></div>
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</span>自私的給我自由<span class="s1"> </span>回憶已足夠<span class="s1"><br />
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<br /></div>
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也許我們都忽略 </div>
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互相傷害之外的感覺</div>
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.</div>
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.</div>
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如果你決定跟隨感覺 </div>
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為愛勇敢一次 </div>
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只要你也一樣的肯定</div>
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我願意天涯海角都隨你去</div>
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我知道一切不容易</div>
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如果你說我們有彼此</div>
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<span style="color: red;">♥︎</span></div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-51342040253146284512018-03-06T01:40:00.001-08:002018-03-06T05:26:57.027-08:00excess baggage<div style="text-align: center;">
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/<br />
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i was in the process of another blog when i hit </div>
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writers block just four measly sentences in.</div>
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i looked around my room.</div>
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by the way, </div>
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that's all i have at the moment -</div>
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a room.</div>
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a room i am very grateful for.</div>
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i've been feeling like such a nomad these couple of years,</div>
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always looking for somewhere new to put my stuff....</div>
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temporarily.</div>
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<br /></div>
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during that big step in my life when i called it quits to 8 years,</div>
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i realised how much stuff i had accumulated.</div>
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it was quite a significant amount.</div>
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polaroid pictures took up space, clothes took up space,</div>
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random bits and pieces took up space,</div>
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childhood/teenage memorabilia </div>
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that i brought into adulthood took up even more space.</div>
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ancient past, old past, new past cramming into my present.</div>
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<br /></div>
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when moving out of my childhood home in kam tin, </div>
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i already threw away so much of the stuff</div>
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i thought i'd keep forever.</div>
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<br /></div>
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when i was preparing to leave the UK </div>
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<i>(again)</i></div>
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<i>(for the second time in my life)</i></div>
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<i>(wtf is this pattern)</i></div>
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i already threw away so much of the stuff</div>
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i thought i'd keep forever.</div>
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<br /></div>
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i put all the stuff i wanted to come back to in a closet,</div>
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everything else left in my drawers,</div>
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i grabbed a big black bin bag and threw everything in.</div>
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i could buy those leggings again some other time.<br />
and seriously though,<br />
how many notebooks does one person need?</div>
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3 suitcases, 2 backpacks later</div>
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i was at gatwick and 25kg over the baggage weight limit.</div>
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i was fucked.</div>
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the lovely staff asked me what i wanted to do,</div>
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and at that moment i knew i had to do it again. </div>
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throw away so much of the stuff</div>
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i thought i'd keep forever.</div>
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my first pair of dr. martens i bought at 16 </div>
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that my dad thought were leather but were in fact latex </div>
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yet he still polished them anyway so they lost their shine</div>
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which suited me just fine - i actually liked them more that way.</div>
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my favourite military green menswear sweater,</div>
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sweatshirts, even the ones we had printed together,</div>
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maybe 2?3 pairs? of vans that i hardly ever wore too.</div>
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there were more, not just clothing that i had to reevaluate.</div>
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and to be honest, </div>
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looking back </div>
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i don't even remember most of the stuff that i packed</div>
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but i scooped them all up as one big human claw,</div>
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and chucked them all into the airport bin.</div>
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<br /></div>
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why did i choose to take those items with me in the first place?</div>
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it was a case of 'would you rather' and only up until the moment</div>
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when you had someone pointing a gun to your head,<br />
or more so the question of<br />
<i>"are you willing to pay £2000 for all your excess baggage?"</i></div>
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do you finally force yourself to dig deep into your head, heart</div>
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and in this case, your luggage</div>
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to realise that it really was what it was -</div>
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<b>excess baggage.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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after repeatedly telling every staff member i met that</div>
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'i just want to go home' </div>
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i was finally on the plane,</div>
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head, heart and suitcase all significantly lighter.</div>
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<br /></div>
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now i'm here.</div>
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4 months later.</div>
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i looked around my room.</div>
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and goddamnit,</div>
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where the fuck did all this new stuff come from?</div>
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<br /></div>
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i already threw away so much of the stuff</div>
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i thought i'd keep forever.</div>
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this blog reminds me of my forever ongoing short story</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><<a href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.hk/2013/06/no-pieces.html" target="_blank">chapter one: no pieces</a>></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: justify;">There was not much left of her possessions or her belongings. </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: red;">Not much to posses and not much to belong to."</span></i></span></div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-8674178168933117512017-04-18T15:41:00.002-07:002017-04-18T15:47:55.503-07:00one, forever.<div style="text-align: center;">
so as always,</div>
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things happen</div>
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which mess with my priorities.</div>
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<br /></div>
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i haven't updated my youtube channel</div>
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as much as I hoped nor have i</div>
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updated my blog as much as i hoped.</div>
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which sucks</div>
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i know.</div>
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<br /></div>
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it eats at me everyday while i do other things.</div>
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trying to maintain active in social media</div>
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is easy but also a struggle at the same time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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i'm not quite sure how to explain it.</div>
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my current habitat messes with my priorities.</div>
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so many different opportunities and experiences,</div>
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i'm greedy.</div>
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i want to experience it all.</div>
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and i wont settle for one.</div>
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just the thought of choosing only one path for my future</div>
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terrifies me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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the young me and old me inside me</div>
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screaming out for me to make good choices.</div>
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<br /></div>
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how can one just be a realtor for ever?</div>
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how can one just be a photographer for ever?</div>
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how can one just be journalist for ever?</div>
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how can one just be a teacher for ever?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how can one just dog walker for ever?</div>
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how can one just be an assistant for ever?</div>
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how can one just be a cafe shop owner for ever?</div>
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how can one just be a manager for ever?</div>
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<br /></div>
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forever might not be forever, i know.</div>
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but anything over 6 months qualifies as forever in my books.</div>
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<br /></div>
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why can't i try everything?</div>
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dabble in everything.</div>
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<br /></div>
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i like this and that too.</div>
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why do i have to choose just one?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just be one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
why are there only 24 hours in a day,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
why must i be in a position from 9-5/6pm with 1hr lunch,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5 working days in a week and 2 days of a weekend?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you're considered one of the lucky ones</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you know what you want to do with your life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you're certain, positive of that one role</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
day in & day out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you love your job.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your one and only role</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your one and only source </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for income.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lucky you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i want to do this, i want to do that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can i make money from this and money from that??</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i don't need a lot but my bills say i do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ARGHGRAGHARHGR.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my priorities are already messed up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nothing will be fixed by the time i wake up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll deal with it tomorrow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at least for now,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i've updated my blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
.<br />
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-37985361021917771892016-11-20T09:19:00.001-08:002016-11-20T10:23:16.019-08:00Shout Out To My Ex <div class="p1">
Dear exs, dear you. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Don’t worry.</div>
<div class="p1">
I don’t love you anymore.</div>
<div class="p1">
Cos, i mean, c’mon…</div>
<div class="p1">
that would be creepy.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
but</div>
<div class="p1">
I still remember the feeling of youth</div>
<div class="p1">
and how easily i fell for each of you.</div>
<div class="p1">
Now that I’m older,</div>
<div class="p1">
just thinking about it makes me…ugh.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dear boys, dear you.</div>
<div class="p1">
I fell for you, the boy in a band,</div>
<div class="p1">
the boy with the guitar and bass.</div>
<div class="p1">
The boy in the football club,</div>
<div class="p1">
the boys who never got to 3rd base.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dear exes, dear you.</div>
<div class="p1">
You’ve ruined song lyrics and movies,</div>
<div class="p1">
certain places and diary entries.</div>
<div class="p1">
We were both there, made some memories.</div>
<div class="p1">
Even though you were my past, </div>
<div class="p1">
you’ve contaminate my history.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dear boys, dear you.</div>
<div class="p1">
My optimistic young love was based on </div>
<div class="p1">
fantasies and fiction.</div>
<div class="p1">
However,</div>
<div class="p1">
Young girls like me forgot about reality </div>
<div class="p1">
and all its disheartening contradictions. </div>
<div class="p1">
A mirage of Jesse McCartneys in the distance,</div>
<div class="p1">
but up close, </div>
<div class="p1">
you were far from my romantic expectations.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Under optimistic young loves persistence,</div>
<div class="p1">
I took what I could get and morphed it into existence. </div>
<div class="p1">
You said ’I love you’, </div>
<div class="p1">
it wasn’t real, </div>
<div class="p1">
you hadn’t a clue.</div>
<div class="p1">
Then</div>
<div class="p1">
I said it back,</div>
<div class="p1">
I guess I lied too.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dear exes, dear you.</div>
<div class="p1">
You broke my heart,</div>
<div class="p1">
I might have broken yours a little bit too.</div>
<div class="p1">
But who were we kidding?</div>
<div class="p1">
In reality,</div>
<div class="p1">
our hearts never even cracked,</div>
<div class="p1">
let alone split in two.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Ah… youth.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dear boys, dear you,</div>
<div class="p1">
I met you at school,</div>
<div class="p1">
I met you through a friend.</div>
<div class="p1">
I met you online,</div>
<div class="p1">
Oh the days of MSN.</div>
<div class="p1">
A few of you I still cherish </div>
<div class="p1">
Valuable lessons, here and there</div>
<div class="p1">
The others I learnt nothing</div>
<div class="p1">
Yet in a way they made me who i am.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dear exes, dear you</div>
<div class="p1">
We’ve lost touch,</div>
<div class="p1">
that’s just the way things go.</div>
<div class="p1">
Some of you are even fathers now.</div>
<div class="p1">
Which, lets be honest,</div>
<div class="p1">
makes me feel quite old.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
16 seems so far away</div>
<div class="p1">
but I swear to god, </div>
<div class="p1">
wasn’t it just yesterday?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dear boys, dear you.</div>
<div class="p1">
I really thought you were cute.</div>
<div class="p1">
I’m sorry I made you believe,</div>
<div class="p1">
I was worth the pursuit. </div>
<div class="p1">
See, there was always something in me</div>
<div class="p1">
that never felt quite right</div>
<div class="p1">
18 years it took me</div>
<div class="p1">
to correct that oversight.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
In the most simplest terms, </div>
<div class="p1">
that I can convey </div>
<div class="p1">
I just didn’t or ever could like boys</div>
<div class="p1">
in that way.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So to end this,</div>
<div class="p1">
Dear exes, dear you.</div>
<div class="p1">
An insignificant spec in your memory,</div>
<div class="p1">
I may be.</div>
<div class="p1">
I’d just like to take this chance to say</div>
<div class="p1">
thank you,</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sincerely me.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span>
<br />
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</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYEY47GhTR8" target="_blank">🎞</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br /></div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-83593934171861075162016-10-30T12:12:00.002-07:002016-10-30T12:33:54.389-07:00英國趣事 / uk stories - 002<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn06RxR_njE/WA34b98ALoI/AAAAAAAAA-I/4a5tA5hd7yoFxF1vfxsQPiwIpQTuYj6SACLcB/s200/40055548c04286bce6be01c60fc1fc02.png" width="104" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
You know,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
sometimes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I wish I were a Sim.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;">So I could choose to have the </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;">'ambitious' trait.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Then I wouldn't be so</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;">god damn lazy.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;">.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-align: left;">.</span></div>
<br />
趣事; <i>tsui si</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="120" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_kqsDIKbGE/V3UgLvwzddI/AAAAAAAAA70/i7RnweE29zYqzMeVh1Ys9I-aO3K1NIuTQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-30%2Bat%2B2.35.26%2BPM.png" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i>英國趣事 / uk 'tsui si' / uk stories</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd like to start a series of blogs about the fun and interesting stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that have or may happen during my time here in the, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>soon not to be, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
United Kingdom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">🇬🇧<br />*</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , "freeserif" , serif;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">「 </span></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">T</b><span style="font-size: medium;">h</span><b style="font-size: x-large;">e</b> <u style="font-size: x-large;">T</u><i style="font-size: x-large;">h</i><span style="font-size: medium;">ei<b>f</b></span> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">」</span></span><br />
<br />
This 'tsui si' happened about 5 months ago.<br />
Yes,<br />
well done Asha for being so goddamn late again.<br />
<br />
<br />
Location:<br />
Rosa's<br />
Carnaby Street, London<br />
<br />
I was with Caro and Katherine.<br />
Chilling and having overpriced,<br />
non-authentic Thai food.<br />
<br />
#shade<br />
<br />
We were in the indoor area,<br />
safe from shoppers, their noisy chatter<br />
and their nosey looks at our plates.<br />
<br />
So we were chatting away.<br />
<br />
okay,<br />
fine.<br />
Maybe not chatting.<br />
Probably poking at our phones.<br />
Too comfortable in each others company.<br />
<br />
Aren't we all?<br />
<br />
So at one particular moment,<br />
we all happened to look outside the window.<br />
Observing the other humans having lunch.<br />
<br />
And<br />
there were these 2 girls,<br />
most likely tourists,<br />
sitting right by<br />
the short restaurant barriers.<br />
<br />
Those barriers that help keep a 'distance'...<br />
more like,<br />
'encourage' some distance<br />
between patrons and passerby's.<br />
<br />
Practically useless barriers.<br />
<br />
And at that very moment -<br />
an asshole on a bike sped past.<br />
In one swift movement<br />
snatched up one of their purses.<br />
<br />
Everyone witnessed this tragedy take place<br />
in slow motion.<br />
<br />
A millisecond after it happened,<br />
some stood up and gasped.<br />
Unsure of whether to help the poor girl,<br />
to reassure the poor girl<br />
or<br />
to pretend nothing happened/mind their own business<br />
and carry on with their meals.<br />
<br />
Others, like us, stared at each other.<br />
Feeling just as useless as those barriers.<br />
<br />
I suspect before coming to London town,<br />
she clearly misinterpreted London<br />
as the safest, friendliest city on the planet.<br />
<br />
She doesn't anymore.<br />
<br />
This event, however,<br />
strengthened my own personal argument<br />
on Hong Kong being the best home city ever.<br />
<br />
Back to the story,<br />
Before another millisecond went by,<br />
a man in the crowd sprinted towards the thief.<br />
He didn't come with her,<br />
didn't know her.<br />
He just reacted.<br />
He helped her.<br />
<br />
Let me first help you all paint a picture -<br />
<br />
Luck be a crowd.<br />
<br />
Carnaby Street,<br />
in summer.<br />
Tourists everywhere.<br />
This asshole/thief,<br />
was on a bike.<br />
<br />
Somehow,<br />
this criminal mastermind thought<br />
he could quickly manoeuvre through a dense crowd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="219" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs8KDlZ3bwg/WBZCZ8S6g7I/AAAAAAAAA-s/DT5wk905ozsIvJjRy9_KegpOHQA_UrEqACLcB/s320/13705057_10153478036526525_1134528415_n.gif" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Needless to say,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
he didn't get too far.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the nameless hero who went after him,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
got the lady's purse back.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As all my UK stories,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I learned something from this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Never leave your personal belongings out in public</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. London is crawling with pickpockets</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. London is filled with civilian heroes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Rosa's thai food is overpriced</div>
<br />
-<br />
And that was that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-61931293043518671192016-07-15T10:33:00.003-07:002016-07-15T10:34:54.577-07:00job interview<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
The first Monday of July 2016</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
was an exciting day.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
Finally, </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
after a month since landing in London Town - </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I had my first job interview. </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
Now if you’re thinking - </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">“Wow asha, </span></i></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">you’re such a slacker. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">lazy much? </span></i></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">just this one interview in the whole of 30 days? </span></i></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">shame Asha, </span></i></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">shame.’</span></i></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/xTiTnmrpGi0zetc9Xy/giphy.gif" /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
Ahem,</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I will have you know that</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I have sent out more than 20+ job applications, </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
customised/personalised cover letters </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
to companies I had no interest in applying to. </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
But hey, </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
girl’s gotta pay rent. <br />
<br />
😅</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I have also received many rejection e’mails, </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I would more than love to forget about.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
Ugh...</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
Reminding me, </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I’m not qualified, </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I lack experience,</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
not thoroughly educated enough. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
Thanks.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
Yet on the first Monday of July 2016, </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
I finally got my first ever job interview. </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I’ve done embarrassing castings, </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I’ve been to teaching position job interviews, </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
all in hong kong, </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
all non-terrifying. </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
But </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
this time</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
.<br />
.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
This time</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
it was London.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
This was a studio assistant job position. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
This was '<i>gwai lo'</i> territory.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I don’t know if any of you watched my ‘leave your comfort zone’ video… </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
actually I’m not sure if I mentioned this.. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I think I did… </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
well I think those who went to the meet n greet back in HK know this. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
That</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to get an assistant job in London. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
I wanted one SO BAD.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
It was like… a dream job. </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
To me. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Crazy,<br />
I know.<br />
<br />
Makes no sense.<br />
<br />
No logical,<br />
rational,<br />
sane<br />
24 year old<br />
would voluntarily <u>WANT</u> to be an assistant.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
Maybe I've watched '<i>The Devil Wears Prada'</i></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
too many times.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
Too many.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrNt_Zv49j4/V4kSPYzYBgI/AAAAAAAAA8s/M6058Tpi8NMapK4q_Vu1FQnA6OzZQ8qoACLcB/s1600/tumblr_nm9mqnBTYd1s1vzkoo1_540.gif" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just always thought I'd make a pretty good assistant.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Especially if it was in an industry I was </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>hopefully</i> familiar with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't put much thought into it before heading out the house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Studio life, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
subtle fashion, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
clean should do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Simple.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No skirt, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
heavy makeup,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
heels.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nothing fancy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just my kind of thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Black sweatshirt, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">black jeans, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vans.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">♥</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Out the door. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Flatmate gives me a quick look</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and says</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">'That's what you're <u>wearing</u>?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">To an <u>interview</u>?'</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I start doubting my fashion choice.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She had a point. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was an interview.</div>
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But then, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it was a pretty cool studio.</div>
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But..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it was an interview.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fuck.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went for it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This wasn't Hong Kong.</div>
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This wasn't an 'office' job.</div>
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This wasn't corporate.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Flatmate couldn't be right.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bless her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="223" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgZ6ZBVj5lY/V4keMZXuxnI/AAAAAAAAA9M/CU6KE_jC_-cscZv3iAC0LbEwoad5d7BiACLcB/s400/tumblr_n9mxtbHltQ1tfg6t4o1_500.gif" width="400" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I left the house.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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I got the job.</div>
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<br /></div>
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-</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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[A]</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_715353216"></span><span id="goog_715353217"></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-57205310938866383812016-06-30T07:49:00.004-07:002016-06-30T08:15:59.035-07:00英國趣事 / uk tsui si - 001hello all,<br />
i am back.<br />
👋🏼<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
趣事; <i>tsui si</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="120" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_kqsDIKbGE/V3UgLvwzddI/AAAAAAAAA70/i7RnweE29zYqzMeVh1Ys9I-aO3K1NIuTQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-30%2Bat%2B2.35.26%2BPM.png" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i>英國趣事 / uk 'tsui si' / uk stories</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd like to start a series of blogs about the fun and interesting stories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that have or may happen during my time here in the, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>soon not to be, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
United Kingdom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">🇬🇧</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-size: large;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">「 </span></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">T</b><span style="font-size: large;">h</span><b style="font-size: x-large;">e</b> <u style="font-size: x-large;">Re<i>f</i></u><i style="font-size: x-large;">re</i><span style="font-size: large;">sh</span><u style="font-size: x-large;">ment</u> <i style="font-size: x-large;">Inci</i><span style="font-size: large;">de</span><i style="font-size: x-large;">nt </i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">」</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So my first 'tsui si'<br />
was on the day all our crap from HK had arrived.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It took about 2-3 months via sea freight,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in total 50 boxes including small dining table, chairs etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The team at <a href="http://www.baggagexs.com/" target="_blank">Baggagexs</a> (not sponsored, duh) was absolutely great. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If anyone needs to relocate, I fully recommend them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back to my tsui si - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Doorbell rang, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cp went and gathered the cats into a room for safekeeping,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I went to open the door. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two middle aged gwai lo's </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Canto slang for westerners) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
were patiently waiting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They cautiously went up and down the stairs with our boxes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until our what used to be empty living room, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was filled up from floor to ceiling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with boxes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I then realised that I was a terrible host.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had completely forgotten to offer any form of refreshments.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am actually an introvert,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and avoid human contact if at all possible. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If not, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my acting skills are quite up to par </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when needed to come across as a</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
seemingly functioning adult.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I did what my HK cultural upbringing would usual do -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I offered them</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>water</u>.<br />
<br />
💧<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>'Would you guys like a glass of water?'</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I offer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The bigger guy looks at me as if I had said something</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rude </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He could tell by my bright eyed, deer in headlights gaze </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I had no idea.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He then so replied:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>'A cup of tea would be nice.'</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
☕️</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The culture shock finally hit after just 2 weeks in London.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course tea!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rookie mistake. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was in England afterall. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tea is always to be expected.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So it finally occurred to me </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I may have actually insulted him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by offering him my common tap water.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well now I know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So we put the kettle on, prepared the mugs, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and asked if they wanted milk and sugar in their teas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wouldn't want to make another rookie mistake</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by smugly assuming how much milk and sugar they used</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe we've all learned a valuable lesson here today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember darlings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always tea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that was that.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-046dt7iH_Es/V3UxUwQ3lqI/AAAAAAAAA8U/iHnui3C5l0Y9x5zgrTH7Bfns38TgH8HXQCLcB/s400/QUEEN1.jpg" width="337" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-14686516176232038192016-04-22T10:15:00.000-07:002016-04-22T10:18:52.210-07:00'sup?i'm thinking that my blog updates are the only thing i have failed on my vision board....<br />
<br />
i really should reflect on this....<br />
<br />
anyway... i will be vlogging this moment in a second but just so I WRITE SOMETHING ON HERE, you, whoever is reading this, will know first hand that i am flying to the Philippines to surprise my parents later this morning!! (it is currently 1:11am... i need to be on a bus at 5am....hmmm) I don't think any sleep will be done on my part as I haven't even packed.<br />
<br />
So yeah, I will be vlogging my entire week with them :) Hopefully my cousin remembers to pick me up. I really don't feel like being stranded at a Philippine airport.<br />
<br />
please see attached picture of moi as my gratitude that you have read my blog. mind you, it's a really oldish picture. I mean old, I mean the time I was in Singapore for Netflix Asia end of March, so relatively out of date. But it has been seen no where else, so ta da - a secondhand-mermaid selfie exclusive!<br />
<br />
you're welcome.<br />
<br />
ok, now i need to pack.<br />
<br />
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<img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5k40wtvOXAE/Vxpbq06YfdI/AAAAAAAAA6E/R7Fwuz67KE8GBEbkN1HTfHaywt8COiKygCLcB/s400/Photo%2Bon%2B28-3-2016%2Bat%2B10.00%2BAM%2B%25232.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<br />secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-86732754673775646512016-02-07T03:30:00.003-08:002016-10-30T12:21:36.441-07:00JAL = love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This blog post entry is 4 months late,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but you know me,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
better late than never.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So the 4-months-ago-Asha wanted to write a blog</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
about this holy airline :</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="168" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Japan_Airlines_logo.svg/2000px-Japan_Airlines_logo.svg.png" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*que heavenly music*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now why this airline impacted me so that I HAD to review it?</div>
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It's because never have I ever flew economy </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and felt like I was given a 4-5 star service.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The whole experience was just exceptional,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it was so blatantly obvious that the Japanese have got it right</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and all the other airlines with their economy seating are rip offs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This flight took place when we were flying from NYC to Japan</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for our 4hr layover then Japan to HKG.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Apparently, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JAL and AA are sister airlines so to be completely honest</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wasn't expecting much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before I continue,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
let me state that I am in no way sponsored or paid by JAL</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to kiss their ass.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am doing this completely out of the sheer love I have of them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
after that one experience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
let the rain of compliments begin:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPdW6Bkn1Kg/VrcedioFWmI/AAAAAAAAA3M/2OERQFqJ7BU/s640/IMG_7421.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let me first start off with the cutest inflight entertainment and such.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do you see the 'inflight exercises' option?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DO YOU?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How cute is that?!?!?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What airline provides that? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What airline, what country, what culture even cares about that?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
America?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hong Kong?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
China?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
England?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thailand?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Philippines?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JAPAN.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THATS WHO.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ugh,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Already so impressed with the attentiveness on screen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when you press the button to call for assistance,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
cabin crew practically fly to you with a smile on their faces.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Their service is just so on point.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How can one airline be so perfect?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui emoji"; line-height: 70px;">😩</span>Let's move on,</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnU7ivj_gK4/VrceWgVgFrI/AAAAAAAAA10/n4WwJc_BT7w/s640/IMG_7383.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
first thing you notice is the goddamn LEG ROOM!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JUST LOOK AT IT!</div>
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I'm 5'8 (173cm) and my dad is 6'1 (185cm)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
needless to say this was our most comfortable economy 8-9hr flight ever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gP2Uhgc1_Cc/VrceWvFdSXI/AAAAAAAAA3U/ComxBj02X38/s640/IMG_7384.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
here are my legs stretching forward, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
look how my knees are so far away from the seat in front of me!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRszjiELB0w/VrceXvDBiWI/AAAAAAAAA3U/KJAa2MurhW0/s320/IMG_7385.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRNA9RCvpls/VrceXp9aNsI/AAAAAAAAA3M/2p2eNQ7s4Pw/s320/IMG_7386.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these picture are to demonstrate how wide I can spread em.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is just so much spaceeeee.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(even 4 months late and I am still amazed)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVHaEsBeePQ/VrceX0s5gbI/AAAAAAAAA3M/LdY8-Mg2QF8/s640/IMG_7387.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
this picture is self-explanatory.<br />
will you just look at that legroom!?!?!?!?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VyXKX0Ap-RA/VrceYTIGWrI/AAAAAAAAA3M/fA_1c2vW-MY/s320/IMG_7388.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we got offered green tea which was my first time drinking green tea mid air.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
usually I ask for apple juice or coke but not for this flight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hell no.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it was green tea after take off, during lunch and dinner and right before we landed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
green tea, green tea, green mother flipping tea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
YES JAPAN. YES.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xSSGHKPr2k/VrceYpyB3_I/AAAAAAAAA3M/t7de1IqU0Gg/s320/IMG_7391.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
girlfriend thought I was too overjoyed and was embarrassed to sit next to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJStmdjrQ_8/VrceYlFWdRI/AAAAAAAAA3M/Y9KXBj67zj0/s320/IMG_7392.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BUT GREEN TEA AND GREAT AIRLINE THOUGH!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moving on...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So you know how during dinner on airplanes,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
they roll the trolley by and mumble what's on the menu </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and you just reply with whatever has the meat you prefer,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hoping for the best that you don't regret it</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then covet your neighbours inflight meal choice instead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone take note,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is how JAL does it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nya0vFxSyX8/VrceZvgpCMI/AAAAAAAAA3M/NQRpa3ESjkQ/s640/IMG_7394.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THEY PRESENT YOU WITH A MENU WITH PICTURES.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SO YOU KNOW WHAT THE HELL YOU'RE GETTING.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No surprises!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Therefore, you can make a calm and informed decision.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If this hasn't won you over by now,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I feel sorry for you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You heartless human being.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is what I got and it was glory with a cup of miso soup on the side.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;"><span style="color: red;">♥</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px;">♥</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mve4DdiLF08/VrceZp9BfTI/AAAAAAAAA3M/LuJLBTmhdJk/s1600/IMG_7395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mve4DdiLF08/VrceZp9BfTI/AAAAAAAAA3M/LuJLBTmhdJk/s640/IMG_7395.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NmaxHMxjBQ/VrceaRt6J5I/AAAAAAAAA3M/pKjCwaMndNM/s320/IMG_7396.jpg" width="240" /><br />
<br />
Mum and dad even got a small bottle of wine EACH.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui emoji"; line-height: 70px;">😚 </span>cuttteeeeeee <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui emoji"; line-height: 70px;">😚</span><br />
<br />
bringing it back slightly,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when we were flying from HK to America </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my dad complained about the plastic cutlery that was provided during meals.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He said he lacked class and he felt like a child or convict,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so those flights did not get the Cuthbert stamp of approval.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me?<br />
I honestly didn't think much of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cutlery was cutlery to me until JAL came into my life <br />
and showed me how <br />
you can eat like a respectable and civilized being in economy class.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyDMbziGGlc/VrceajfnOeI/AAAAAAAAA3M/r6XH-2n6wow/s400/IMG_7397.jpg" width="300" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
METAL!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BEAUTIFUL METAL!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It actually came as quite a shock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had been so accustomed to plastic everything that</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
holding cutlery with some weight to it seemed unnatural.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But by god was it impressive.<br />
JAL trusts you, JAL believes in you.<br />
They know you won't go knifing the person next to you.<br />
They want you to eat like an adult and they let you.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui emoji"; line-height: 70px;">😚</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui emoji"; line-height: 70px;">😚</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui emoji"; line-height: 70px;">😚</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui emoji"; line-height: 70px;">😚</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui emoji"; line-height: 70px;">😚</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "segoe ui emoji"; line-height: 70px;">😚</span>The next unbelievable thing that I had yet experience</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until JAL came into my life. <br />
This unbelievable thing<br />
was that the aircraft had no window shade.<br />
NO.<br />
WINDOW.<br />
SHADE.<br />
<br />
As I was not sitting by the window<br />
I was confused at first at this sight:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAdN-vI62BY/VrcebS04zwI/AAAAAAAAA3M/J98pZNAK8lE/s640/IMG_7402.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until this happened:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfGM4QU_q9E/VrcebewV3pI/AAAAAAAAA3M/EzZIM9S20Aw/s640/IMG_7401.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6af3k2nAoM/VrcedjQOjzI/AAAAAAAAA3M/jJH_By1D9VE/s640/IMG_7418.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
There were adjustable buttons so that you could control <br />
the colour of the shade/filter and minimise sun light!<br />
This made so much sense!!!!!!!!!<br />
You've paid to be in the air, <br />
so why need window shades??!<br />
<br />
you can see the different shades in the last picture -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it was bright af outside but you could dim your window completely</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and still see outside without the blinding glare of the sun!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was just such a nice touch so that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you wouldn't feel trapped in a confined space.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
utterly brilliant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the toilet!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The JAL toilet was the most spacious economy toilet </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i've ever pooped in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5VP7jDXQbU/VrcebrhSNtI/AAAAAAAAA3M/msczjIIvXZ0/s640/IMG_7405.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ByFdI90hME/VrcecFzAlcI/AAAAAAAAA3M/3003nzHbqWU/s320/IMG_7406.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All set with your typical, run of the mill Japanese auto-toilet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I use it every time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How can you not?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVoR8VgqJ1s/VrcecbQXmHI/AAAAAAAAA3M/qTUJJSjv7Yg/s640/IMG_7409.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So yeah that's pretty much it for this blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't wait for my next JAL long haul flight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love you JAL,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
x<br />
<br />
[A]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-4578997892284949852015-11-24T09:29:00.004-08:002015-11-24T09:46:35.180-08:00nyc 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shamefully,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i don't have many pictures to put in this blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it's been a few weeks since I've been back from nyc</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so i don't quite remember what i did.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i really should have written this blog earlier.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we only had 5ish days to do what we had to do in nyc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we had finally conquered being disgustingly jet lagged,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and my dad was still convinced he knew nyc like a local.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we proved him wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HA.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he apparently had only ever travelled around the upper east + west side</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and only used the same line of the subway.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dad thinks he's posh so i like to challenge him,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
daily.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
once we crossed the brooklyn bridge,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my dad could have been in vietnam for all i care</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as he was a total</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and complete stranger to everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(love you dad)<br />
<br />
so we pretty much had to take them to most places,<br />
time consuming but at least i didn't lose them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my first impression of new york,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which lasted 2 whole days</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
didn't</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's dirty, dodgy & deceitful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. <i>dirty</i> = some streets, mainly subway stations absolutely NASTY.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. <i>dodgy</i> = again mainly subways with their faulty ticket turnstiles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. <i>deceitful</i> = i almost got kidnapped (more details below)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8A908RFfZo/VlSNupO-PMI/AAAAAAAAAvs/-MxaSyB1Wuc/s640/IMG_7310.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wcw8-KOhg3Y/VlSOjbER41I/AAAAAAAAAv4/KUiOUTm2rUI/s640/IMG_7332.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSDTcN4ZT08/VlSOjZjFAZI/AAAAAAAAAv8/uRRMJBFwLDY/s640/IMG_7330.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i don't know if it was because of living in hong kong,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or the countless american movies i've watch that caused me to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have such high hopes and standards for the city.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ps. you can tell a lot about a city by it's underground transport</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which is why HK is the love of my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i missed the stench of chlorine and bleach,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i missed the constant reminder of sanitation around me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe i was homesick too,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the deafening screams and screeches of the train made me uncomfortable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cold and distant, i didn't feel anything positive the first few days of being in nyc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
never had i felt the expression 'dog eat dog world' more truly than here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
however, i did get over myself. (lol)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HK had basically just spoiled me rotten, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with its benefits, sanitation and compulsory compassion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nyc was the nitty gritty - grubby to say the least </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i guess it was exactly the whole charm of the city.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so different and dirty yet so alive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there was a pulse to the city that i don't feel in HK.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wait,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
does HK even have a pulse?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in HK,<br />
hopes and dreams are usually stifled then snuffed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~<i>if you want a dream </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>you better follow the steps of this government issued leaflet. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>thank you for your co-operation</i>~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but in NYC,<br />
despite the grubby coldness,<br />
people still tried and did their own thing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>HK = limited</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>NYC = limitless</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
does that make sense... to anyone...?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ok now i'm just rabbling and trying to make myself sound poetic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back to the blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nA1e2cK0SnE/VlSTNH6iv3I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/RnIOOdRQ3rs/s640/IMG_2729.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was our hotel just outside of williamsburg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not the most convenient but certainly one of the best service.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they were awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SacvtT2DUXw/VlSTNDEbkUI/AAAAAAAAAwY/dF5gXFTafL8/s320/IMG_2618.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aMeOXP9Mno/VlSTMm-YtaI/AAAAAAAAAwU/TtJB1NNtNFI/s320/IMG_2624.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
then one day dad dragged us to the empire state building despite our disapproval.</div>
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we wanted to go to the one world trade centre but dad wanted to go down memory lane.</div>
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note: dad thought ticket prices were the same as 50-60 years ago and only $2 usd each.</div>
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he was strongly mistaken.</div>
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needless to say dad paid for the tickets.</div>
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thanks dad.</div>
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me, caro and my mum were a bit underwhelmed...</div>
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i mean, it's just buildings... like... we've seen buildings before</div>
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and to be honest, i find buildings way more interesting from the ground</div>
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than looking down on them from the 86th floor.</div>
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dad was happy though.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UWNlfMgtu3I/VlSUck1bMiI/AAAAAAAAAwg/_MkZ9VdrnQk/s400/IMG_7277.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.56px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">☝</span></span></div>
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us young city folk not impressed with said view.</div>
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<b><i>about previously mentioned attempted kidnaping:</i></b></div>
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we were outside barnes & nobles waiting for our requested uber,</div>
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when a severely beaten up black car pulls up to the pavement (sidewalk, if you must).</div>
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Me, being the naive-easily-kidnaped type of gal, walks up to said vehicle,</div>
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the driver inside then holds up a green, laminated, homemade 'UBER' sign to the window.</div>
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If i had a drop of street smarts, </div>
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I obviously would have had alert signals going off in my head and told him to kindly</div>
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piss off.</div>
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However, I had no such smarts.</div>
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I was all prepared to trust in humanity and mother karma </div>
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to not let anything bad happen to me while</div>
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optimistically hopping into this strange mans, wannabe Uber car.</div>
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Thankfully, </div>
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my girlfriend supervises me in life when i cannot </div>
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and yanked me back before i could make anymore life threatening decisions.</div>
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<br /></div>
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our actual uber eventually came and we got home safely.</div>
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life lesson:</div>
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always double check the license plate number,</div>
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see if they know your name</div>
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(cos they should if they have the app)</div>
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and see if they can confirm the destination you put in the app.</div>
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-</div>
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after complying and completing all of my parents shopping + directional needs,</div>
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we eventually had free time to just mindlessly wonder around ny.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH5w4OsZHU4/VlSU9dCM-2I/AAAAAAAAAws/8Lzf-ipS2E8/s400/IMG_7323.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Axft89fHj5E/VlSU9do23HI/AAAAAAAAAwo/3W5bNfxgx0U/s400/IMG_7364.jpg" width="325" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 14.56px; text-align: left;">☝ </span>I met up with the most fab headpiece designer <i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gloria_yunotme/" target="_blank">Gloria Yu</a></i></div>
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then as fate would have it, </div>
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unexpectedly bumped into model friend from hk <a href="https://www.instagram.com/benanamilkshake/" target="_blank"><i>Ben Cimmerbeck</i></a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 14.56px;">☝</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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one of the best parts was meeting up with my high school bff michelle</div>
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who(whom?) i hadn't seen in...4-5 years???</div>
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<img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggQkimNs6OI/VlSWjpWnMuI/AAAAAAAAAw8/U2Tkg5eAZq0/s200/21871_302868847990_4768390_n.jpg" width="141" /><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WF5BScial1c/VlSWjjkkeoI/AAAAAAAAAxA/16qTlOvwz88/s320/1924264_42420207990_183_n.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LQNDXFMnFM/VlSWkvi1J7I/AAAAAAAAAxY/-cfVCqfuPK4/s200/31957_383368607990_7793218_n.jpg" width="150" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYrpHl4QuY8/VlSWqdsUF0I/AAAAAAAAAxc/EKmizOMJd1c/s400/IMG_7367.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;"><span style="color: red;">♥</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span></div>
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I mean, come onnnn</div>
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you can tell nothing but age has changed between us</div>
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when you still stand on the same side of each other when you take a picture!!!!!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;"><span style="color: red;">♥</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14.56px;">♥</span></div>
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all of the above made nyc feel a bit more like home :)</div>
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i did a lot of skincare product shopping as you would know</div>
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if you've watched my latest youtube video.<br />
<i>*hint hint*</i><br />
i also bought things that were not skin product related which is the first part of the video,<br />
so just watch the first half and close the window when<br />
i start the horribly narrated beauty review.</div>
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i will be disappoint if you haven't at least tried to watch the first 3 minutes.<br />
(AT LEAST)..</div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UA2mLb6mmEE" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
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on our last proper day we went to central park</div>
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which was/is glorious and restored my faith in humanity and all that is good in the world.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcmXTwjusOw/VlSZMKuCWzI/AAAAAAAAAxs/pdIdEX8-MDk/s320/IMG_7350.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKJCcaJCAWw/VlSZL-pVkKI/AAAAAAAAAxo/PRXe7MKEIPc/s320/IMG_7339.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZszMi3cB3D0/VlSZm-JEnPI/AAAAAAAAAyA/pwzjKEdX5Gw/s640/IMG_2677.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.56px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">♥</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.56px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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.</div>
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.</div>
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.</div>
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so yeah,</div>
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that's it for the US blogs.</div>
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hope you've enjoyed reading them.</div>
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i know my story telling/writing methods are unorthodox,</div>
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but it's more fun that way.</div>
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<br /></div>
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i'll leave you with the X large version of my parents on a rock in central park</div>
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due to the fact my mums enthusiasm is priceless.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcmXTwjusOw/VlSZMKuCWzI/AAAAAAAAAxs/pdIdEX8-MDk/s640/IMG_7350.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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x</div>
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[A]</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-81253056729960939232015-11-09T16:08:00.001-08:002015-11-09T18:37:48.775-08:00us trip 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br></div>
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let me get the first elephant in the room out of the way</div>
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before we start this long overdue blog - </div>
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I have pink hair now.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Py242AqD3SA/VkEN493h4OI/AAAAAAAAAr8/9YWrb17L_e8/s320/B61FDF66-F004-43DF-A719-3BA5848FDEF3.jpg" width="240"></div>
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done.</div>
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- </div>
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then I had a birthday,</div>
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my 24th to be exact.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjK3DMX9h10/VkEOtsNrXRI/AAAAAAAAAsE/QES6xjoNJLw/s320/IMG_7006.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="240"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vd73U0jnf4/VkEOtQa03sI/AAAAAAAAAsI/0eYKLi_5MSg/s400/IMG_7023.jpg" width="400"></div>
<img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vCNcKGOtkEw/VkEOtQS-wbI/AAAAAAAAAsM/NK0vEI4gDm4/s320/IMG_6998.jpg" width="320"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xCUfx0krWQ/VkEOuq0hY2I/AAAAAAAAAsU/XP7k4RojzgA/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-10%2Bat%2B5.21.49%2Bam.png" width="320"><br>
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Then I got all hyped to go to Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida.</div>
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A lot of flying was involved and I thought it was going to be amazing.</div>
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<br></div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqtF_wnW5O8/VkEPw31EwiI/AAAAAAAAAso/U5qNbBWq11o/s400/IMG_7054.jpg" width="400"></div>
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It kinda wasn't.</div>
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I also thought I would have the time and energy to make daily vlogs - </div>
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which I obviously did not.</div>
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I was travelling with my parents and my girlfriend,</div>
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(</div>
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<i>yes I have a girlfriend, let's move on.</i></div>
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<i>btw if this came as a shock to you,</i></div>
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<i>i can't believe you didn't know already.</i></div>
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<i>we've been together for like 6 years.</i></div>
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<i>where the hell have you been</i></div>
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<i>all this time man?</i></div>
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)</div>
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after 15 hours from HKG > Dallas, Texas</div>
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a 4 hour wait for our 3 hour flight from Dallas > Florida,</div>
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we got to the hotel at about midnight on the 26th (my birthday, US time)</div>
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Despite the horrendous jet lag, I was prepared to venture on at 8AM.</div>
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I was mentally prepared but sadly, my travel companions were not.</div>
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With barely enough time to sleep and rest,</div>
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my parents and my girlfriend were so sleep deprived</div>
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they couldn't make it past 3pm. </div>
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So we all headed back to the hotel and slept the day away,</div>
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like we would get up after a 6 hour nap and it'd be 9pm...</div>
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This also happened again the next day...</div>
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I THEREFORE LOST 2 DAYS OF MY 5 DAY DISNEY TRIP!!!!!!</div>
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DO YOU KNOW HOW BIG WDW IS?!??!?!</div>
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3 DAYS IS NOT, I REPEAT, <b><u>NOT</u></b> ENOUGH.</div>
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There are 4 main parks + Disney Springs </div>
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(which is practically a shopping/dining/entertainment park of its own)</div>
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So 5 locations with only 3 days to complete.</div>
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Needless to say I was so stressed out.</div>
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I missed a lot of things ALL because of JET LAG.</div>
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I was soooo close to changing my flight guys...</div>
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My parents stay for the first 2 days then left to stay at a friends.</div>
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mum did this at disney and dad did that outside of disney </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2b5EziX5sCU/VkEs-5W9VwI/AAAAAAAAAtM/eYGRW5Gw-QU/s400/IMG_7087.jpg" width="300"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zv8nvcXnMg/VkEtQRlLwII/AAAAAAAAAtQ/AH3k-ObWAgM/s320/IMG_7190.jpg" width="320"></div>
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So it was just me and caro for the last 3 days at Disney.</div>
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We did our very best to see as much as possible.</div>
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Day 1 was super sunny + sleep deprived</div>
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Day 3 Florida gave us rain</div>
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We both had the same breakfast for all 5 days.</div>
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There was a whole canteen, loads of choices but we are boring, boring people</div>
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who refuse change...</div>
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On one jet lagged night, </div>
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when we couldn't even be bothered to walk after the 6 hour nap</div>
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and just ordered DISNEY PIZZA from our hotel room.</div>
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WHAT?!?!</div>
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<img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQhPmV04oU4/VkEvVZ981WI/AAAAAAAAAuI/2JjtVh4BFYA/s640/IMG_2441.jpg" width="640"></div>
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<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was also so tired that on one ride</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Ellens Energy Adventure'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I fell asleep....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">mind you, it was a 45 minute slow ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a glorious nap.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span>Here are some pictures on how awesome Disney was/is<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span></div>
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despite how much more i have left to do...</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span>NEXT YEAAARRR!!!!<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span></div>
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I freaked out waaaay more </div>
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when I spotted Mary Poppins </div>
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more than seeing any other princess</div>
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^_^</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span></div>
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I ran to her and the cast member said </div>
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'Mary needs her break and will be back in 45 mins',</div>
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so I waited that whole 45 mins in the same spot</div>
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WA ITIN G FOR MARY.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">♥</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.36px; text-align: left;">worth ittttttttt</span></div>
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I think the 2 things I loved most about WDW are:</div>
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1. They celebrate villains which HK does not (shame on HK disneyland)</div>
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2. The characters stay in character like there is no tomorrow.</div>
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just full on commitment.</div>
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*</div>
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at one point it got awkward</div>
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cos Ariel talked to us for a really long time,</div>
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just making conversation.</div>
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Asking Caro what her watch is, because Ariel doesn't know what a 'watch' is.</div>
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And that it might be broken so she could bring it to Scuttle to fix</div>
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cos he fixed her Dingle Hopper.</div>
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and I couldn't stay in character so I just laughed like a blithering idiot.</div>
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mary poppins asked me if i knew where burt was</div>
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and she said he was 'as bad as the children' but then said</div>
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she was sure that</div>
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i was a very well behaved girl ^_^</div>
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and you can't put anything past Cinderella cos</div>
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she complimented my hair saying pink was her favourite colour</div>
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and I was like 'hey wait isn't your favourite colour blue? like your dress?'</div>
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and she turned the tables on me,</div>
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she corrected me by saying this blue dress was by her fairy godmother and</div>
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that her original dress that she made herself was actually</div>
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PINK.</div>
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I got owned.</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://images2.fanpop.com/image/polls/506000/506887_1280762717565_full.jpg" height="285" width="400"></div>
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Touche Cindy, touche. </div>
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*</div>
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So that's that for my Disney blog.</div>
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I know I was going to make a Disney giveaway but I couldn't!</div>
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DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I HAVE YET TO BUY!?</div>
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Fact:</div>
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my friends 3 year old kid asked me to help him buy a Zurg figure</div>
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because HK does not celebrate villains therefore not available at HK disneyland.</div>
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I saw many Zurg figures but thought I had time so I didn't get one...</div>
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so I am now in HK empty handed...</div>
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I have told his mum to not tell him....</div>
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because I will go back next year......</div>
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and GET HIM THAT ZURG.</div>
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(and you guys that giveaway)</div>
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<br></div>
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please forgive me</div>
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T_______________T</div>
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-----</div>
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<br></div>
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next blog will be about New York.</div>
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we spent another 5 days there.</div>
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so lots more to tell you.</div>
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x</div>
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[A]</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-82189611740956682752015-08-08T08:20:00.000-07:002015-08-09T04:15:47.607-07:00model rice bowl<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYAP0pfZ06A/VcYX825Re7I/AAAAAAAAArQ/F8SrmG8d8xg/s640/IMG_5488.JPG" width="480"></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;">☝</span>14:59<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;">☝</span></div>
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-my rice bowl situation-</div>
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There's a saying in Chinese</div>
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'爭飯碗' / '搶飯碗'</div>
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Directly translated it means to 'fight for rice bowl' </div>
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IRL situation translation:</div>
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rice bowl = job</div>
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my job interview struggles aren't the most common.</div>
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during my job interviews</div>
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unlike most,</div>
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I'm not getting judge on my education,</div>
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my qualifications,</div>
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my experience,</div>
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my certificates,</div>
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my expertise.</div>
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I'm getting judged based on my looks.</div>
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and of course I'm not complaining,</div>
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I knew what I signed on to entering this business.</div>
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I'm nobody important,</div>
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so what I can say or do is equally</div>
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unimportant.</div>
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Especially during my job interviews.</div>
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hang on, i need to stop calling them job interviews</div>
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as the official name is 'castings'</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;">☝</span>15:05<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;">☝</span></div>
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-attaining rice bowl percentage dwindling in front of me....-</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.5600004196167px; text-align: start;">ಥ_ಥ</span></div>
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too many mouths,</div>
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not enough bowls.</div>
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and</div>
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we're all pretty fucking hungry.</div>
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similar to actors who go on auditions but i feel models get it worse.</div>
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i think it's way more superficial than acting auditions.</div>
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because unless it's a casting for a TVC (TV commercial)</div>
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we don't really need to act.</div>
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<br></div>
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and even when we do, the acting is so over the top.</div>
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it's pretend to enjoy this burger</div>
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or</div>
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pretend to ride this roller coaster which is a casting chair.</div>
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<br></div>
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so there really isn't much skill to it...</div>
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as long as you're willing to put yourself out there,</div>
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you'll survive the traumatising, embarrassing TVC casting.</div>
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if they don't like your face you won't get it,</div>
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but hey, </div>
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at least someone</div>
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somewhere</div>
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watched your tape and had a good laugh at how AWFUL your pretend eating was.</div>
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we have zero qualifications for what we do.</div>
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there is no degree in posing.</div>
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no certificate for smiling.</div>
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we get judged based on our smiles,</div>
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our posing,</div>
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our skin,</div>
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our height,</div>
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our DNA.</div>
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in a way,</div>
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i think that when i don't book a job,</div>
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my parents/ancestors may be feeling the blame.</div>
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'IT WAS BECAUSE OF US THAT YOU DIDN'T BOOK IT HONEY!'</div>
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'It's okay, you'll book the next one.'</div>
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'We still love you.'</div>
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<br></div>
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no matter how many episodes of ANTM you've watched,</div>
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I honestly believe </div>
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that personality plays a very minor role in castings.</div>
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come on,</div>
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how much personality can you share in 5 minutes </div>
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without coming across overly confident, conceited and mildly self centred? </div>
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"ME! ME! Talk to me, see how easy going I am!!!!</div>
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Book me! Book me! I'm all personality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"</div>
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If they like what they see,</div>
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if they approve of your DNA</div>
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you get the job, the campaign, the tvc, the money.</div>
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If they don't,</div>
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maybe next time.</div>
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but probably not at the same company,</div>
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at least</div>
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until they've changed whoever is in charge.</div>
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or</div>
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until you've become moderately famous.</div>
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or</div>
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if you're lucky,</div>
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maybe all you have to do is dye your hair.</div>
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Smile for that bowl, baby.</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-38591146017413377892015-07-22T05:29:00.001-07:002015-07-22T05:33:27.077-07:00write something | image<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
if you've watched my video</div>
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<i>'My Vision Board'</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0-6QhX99M0Y" width="560"></iframe></div>
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you'll know that I've made a pact with myself to be more creative</div>
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to write more</div>
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to DO more.</div>
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shit, </div>
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I think I may be watching too many <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/caseyneistat" target="_blank"><i>Casey Neistat</i></a> vlogs...</div>
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today/night i want to talk about self image.</div>
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i don't think i'm going to come to any sort of conclusion at the end of this post</div>
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but i just really want to <i>write something.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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so</div>
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like most people i think i'm pretty self conscious.</div>
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and it differs depending on the situation.</div>
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sometimes i can not give a f*ck about any image</div>
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but then sometimes i need to comb my hair, take of my glasses and slab some eyebrows on</div>
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before i head downstairs to the supermarket.</div>
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<br /></div>
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i remember when i had a crush and we would skype</div>
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and before i was ready to turn on my camera to chat</div>
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i would whip out my hair straightener, fix my fringe, adjust proper desktop lighting</div>
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to hopefully give my makeup less, sleep less teenage complexion a fighting chance.</div>
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even for youtube videos,</div>
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before i hit record i contemplate </div>
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MAKEUP OR NO MAKEUP</div>
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CAN I BE BOTHERED TODAY</div>
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?</div>
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<br /></div>
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usually, i can't.</div>
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lol</div>
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<br /></div>
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so what the hell am i talking about?</div>
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okkok,</div>
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i think i'm trying to say is that</div>
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i have days when i don't feel like i look my best</div>
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...</div>
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....</div>
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like right now</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.5600004196167px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">☟</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14.5600004196167px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-manu2jU1EJg/Va-KJf2XOaI/AAAAAAAAArA/LwUZo_pyYrQ/s640/Photo%2Bon%2B22-7-15%2Bat%2B8.10%2Bpm.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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but i embrace days like this.</div>
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not giving a rats asssssss.</div>
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<br /></div>
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feels good to be all mucky,</div>
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<br /></div>
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a comb? whats that?</div>
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wash my face? why?</div>
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dark circles? never looked better.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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it's like if i ever got a text from someone asking</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>' hey baby, what you doing? ;) '</i></div>
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i think it would go down something like this:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">hey! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">nothing much, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">just chilling at home, updating my blog.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">sup?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">cool. i'm good. what you wearing? ;)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">my lazy homer shirt, boxers. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">glasses too and i haven't washed my hair in awhile lol</span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">oh... um... okay... </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">:)</span></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">then um, what are you not wearing? ;)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">you mean a bra? yeah fuck that thing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">best part of being home is that i don't have to wear one.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">do you know how uncomfortable they are?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">so jealous of guys with man boobies </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">cos they don't need the extra support of a bra.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">if you ever come across a bra,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">i highly suggest you try one on sometime.</span></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>- user is offline -</i></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">hello?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this blog got weird too fast too soon.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-20677686317301897622015-07-16T08:09:00.000-07:002015-08-05T09:57:59.329-07:00one<div style="text-align: left;">
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<br></div>
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<br></div>
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<br></div>
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An hour or maybe two passed. </div>
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<br></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After dropping many hints to Jennah that she was overstaying her welcome, Jennah finally bid her farewells. </div>
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<br></div>
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It wasn't that she didn't like Jennah. Jennah can be great fun. There are just some people in the world that she would prefer to implement a 'less is more' quality control during meet ups.</div>
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<br></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There was always a limit to how much she could withstand when it came to friends and the relationship that comes with it. Every now and again she would look back at how much her priorities have changed since she was younger. Friendship used to be number one, even above family. Not the least bit shocking as most self loathing teenagers probably felt the same way.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But not anymore. That self loathing teenager has since rejoiced at her freedom away from her old classroom and those mandatory friendships required to complete group projects with.<br>
<br>
She felt that she had grown into a society-approved, government-tolerated, seemingly well rounded, emotionally healthy (stable), functioning adult that was completely okay with being by herself.<br>
<br>
One is a good number.</div>
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Yes yes yes, friendship is great in small doses. Lovely, fragile glass tubes of rainbow coloured butterflies and glitter on a good day. </div>
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Too much of it then it's all over the brim, spilling onto your hands and splattering onto your favourite shirt. All the while having to reassure the rainbow coloured butterfly that it's okay, you never liked the shirt anyway and you'd love to meet up next Tuesday for dinner. </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></div>
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<i>chapter seven</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 12.7272720336914px;"><b>-</b></span></span><br>
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<i>chapter six</i></div>
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<a href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.hk/2015/03/the-nonstick-frying-pan.html" target="_blank"><b>non stick frying pan</b></a></div>
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<i><br></i></div>
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<i>chapter five</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12.7272720336914px;"><a href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.hk/2014/03/book-case.html" target="_blank">book case</a></span></div>
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<i><br></i></div>
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<i>chapter four</i></div>
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<a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_8" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=121111464610800" href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.hk/2014/02/my-precious.html" id="js_9" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12.7272720336914px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">my precious</span></a><br>
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<i>chapter three</i><br>
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<a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_8" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=121111464610800" href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.hk/2013/08/xoxo.html" id="js_9" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12.7272720336914px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">xoxo</span></a><br>
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<i>chapter two</i></div>
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<a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_8" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=121111464610800" href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.com/2013/06/no-pieces.html" id="js_9" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12.7272720336914px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">no pieces</span></a></div>
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<i>chapter one</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.7272720336914px;"><b><a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_8" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=121111464610800" href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.com/2013/05/new-post-new-bay-boo.html" id="js_9" style="cursor: pointer; line-height: 12.7272720336914px; text-decoration: none;">new bay-boo</a></b></span></div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-24696737429711699232015-07-09T10:30:00.003-07:002015-07-09T10:40:56.305-07:00selfies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cz9iwnrL9FI/VZ6ptCzOGwI/AAAAAAAAApc/xBrEqozPc0k/s400/86756968.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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I've often wondered why the internet took so long to come up</div>
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with an official name for taking pictures of yourself.</div>
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^selfie above was taken in....2005? 2006? 2007?</div>
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ah, simpler times.</div>
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I'm all for selfies.</div>
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(obviously)</div>
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I don't mind a bad quality, bad angled, bad filtered selfie.</div>
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we grow and we learn how to improve the image we want the world to see us in.</div>
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but if you're still taking awfully structured selfies in your 20s,</div>
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you need to check yourself.</div>
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I love going through my old pictures,</div>
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it's like a time capsule.</div>
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<b>!!! a selfie evolution !!!</b></div>
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you get to see how your style has changed over the years.</div>
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it's hilarious at how cringe worthy your old poses used to be</div>
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and that you should sigh out a breathe of relief to know that</div>
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you don't do those poses anymore.</div>
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phew.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCHOFDZmC1k/VZ6rKPOC8PI/AAAAAAAAApk/EHeMxkbYoeU/s320/85454565.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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I sometimes get fooled by myself...</div>
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In my younger selfie days,</div>
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I was yet familiar with the concept of makeup</div>
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and there lack of...</div>
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I compensated my poor lighting and complexion</div>
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with a crap load of photoshop.</div>
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<br /></div>
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no shame admitting it now... that i'm 23....</div>
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....</div>
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..</div>
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...</div>
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duplicate layer? lasso tool? gaussian blur? soft light?</div>
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I could photoshop my selfies with my eyes closed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I don't think I wanted the approval of the anonymous,</div>
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I think I wanted the approval of myself.</div>
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That I wanted to be/look like someone I would accept.</div>
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I still needed time to grow into my own skin.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RlS4UzXmyww/VZ6sicnyj0I/AAAAAAAAAqM/OX_2WlvwHP4/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xmxq9kjC0O8/VZ6sidLInnI/AAAAAAAAAqA/a88pBgbdcG8/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rpu4Cb5XMmo/VZ6siRz_u8I/AAAAAAAAAp4/7QbvS5aFyQI/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="240" /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZiIF4tpDwQ/VZ6sjXAxDUI/AAAAAAAAAqI/LvH2HibeKR8/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cccccc;">makeup by the best Moe @ </span><a href="https://instagram.com/moe__lo"><span style="color: #999999;">https://instagram.com/moe__lo</span></a></i></div>
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I don't photoshop anymore,</div>
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cos I leave it to the pros on shoots.</div>
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poor souls who have to endure photoshopping my unfit, untoned body.</div>
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sorry :D</div>
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selfies?</div>
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I just pick good lighting and a good filter.</div>
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I don't make exaggerated faces unless the makeup on me is dramatic.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I don't shame anyone who chooses to take pictures of themselves,</div>
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just make it good.</div>
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like everything in life,</div>
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put some effort into it,</div>
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make it something you're not ashamed of.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">*</span></div>
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side note,</div>
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i've decided not to 'share' or update my social platforms when i type a new blog.</div>
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no point forcing my blog down people's throats when they cbf to read it...</div>
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or judge how they dislike the way i format my blogs.</div>
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<br /></div>
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yes sometimes i don't want to capitalise or punctuate correctly,</div>
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this is my blog and i'll format whatever the f* I wAnt In I<i>T</i>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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so hello to you :)</div>
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if you still regularily check my blog</div>
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or if you check on me once in awhile</div>
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without me informing.</div>
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:))</div>
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a double chinned smiley for you!</div>
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x</div>
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[A]</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-59590761851874663982015-07-01T09:48:00.003-07:002015-07-01T09:48:34.399-07:00diznee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="404" src="https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mawzq99AJk1r6g7k5o1_540.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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this is one of the creepiest pictures.</div>
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<br /></div>
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but </div>
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I AM SO EXCITED TO GO TO DISNEYWORLD FOR MY BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR!</div>
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AAAAAHHHHHHH</div>
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I want to do a disney giveaway for people who read my blogs,</div>
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but i'll talk about it more in October ^_^</div>
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neewaaay....</div>
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I feel that I should blog more.</div>
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I mean I used to when I had xanga</div>
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I would type about anything.</div>
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I want to do that now.</div>
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Sadly, not in Chinese.</div>
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Therefore losing a lot of my previous target audience. </div>
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sorry </3</div>
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聽日見。</div>
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<br />secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-88081765362599715652015-06-10T03:37:00.002-07:002015-06-10T03:48:35.897-07:00under your makeup<div style="text-align: center;">
after coming across this video</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Ov8qvZ2_w" target="_blank">'the power of makeup</a>'</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="497" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3UkZmIwV8ws/VXgOyyRnZWI/AAAAAAAAApE/zu8HnW071Yc/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-10%2Bat%2B5.14.41%2Bpm.png" width="640" /></div>
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i, as always, have mixed feelings about the topic.</div>
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Nikkie decided to make this video due to the increase of 'makeup shaming' in our society.</div>
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people blaming and shaming people for wearing 'too much' makeup.</div>
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Too much foundation,</div>
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heavy eye shadow,</div>
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misleading contouring.</div>
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Just like 'slut shaming' - </div>
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shaming girls who dress 'provocatively'.</div>
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Too much cleavage,</div>
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non-existant skirts,</div>
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stilt like heels.</div>
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the problem here is, </div>
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there should be no shaming in the first place.</div>
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it's your face, your body, your style.</div>
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YOUR LIFE.</div>
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back to the 'power of makeup' video,</div>
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Nikkie expresses the message that makeup is and should be fun.</div>
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and yes, i agree.</div>
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i mean, i would know.</div>
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i get makeup put on me <i>all the damn time.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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i've always have been a believer of minimal makeup.<br />
my routine is as follows:<br />
1. eyebrows<br />
2. concealer under eyes<br />
3. out the door.<br />
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i don't bother with eyeliner and mascara<br />
simply because i am a very very lazy person.<br />
i HATE removing makeup because<br />
it is a tedious yet mandatory task<br />
since you chose to layer on foundation<br />
on concealer on powder on contouring on ink<br />
all over your face.<br />
<br />
i choose to save valuable time<br />
to<br />
binge watch tv shows and eat.<br />
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of course i know the power of makeup,</div>
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we all do.</div>
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makeup (done right) gives you:</div>
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an evenly balanced skin tone,</div>
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a flawless complexion,</div>
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enhanced features.</div>
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but here's the thing.</div>
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yes, makeup gives you a confidence boost,</div>
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but what about inside?<br />
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maybe the thicker the makeup on the outside,<br />
the more insecure that person feels on the inside.</div>
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i'm sure that there are people out there</div>
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who not only use makeup as a fun way to glam up their day</div>
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but also to hide their insecurities.<br />
HOWEVER</div>
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that should never be the case!!</div>
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the whole point of my blog is this,</div>
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you should feel just as good about your looks without makeup.</div>
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doll up on occasion, yeah sure<br />
but you should never</div>
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never ever ever feel that your untouched, </div>
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makeup-free face isn't good enough for the world to see.<br />
<br />
<br />
because<br />
<br />
you<br />
are<br />
good<br />
enough<br />
.<br />
<br />
<br />
OKAY?!>!?*&@)#1?!</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-8551657382863801422015-05-15T06:48:00.002-07:002015-05-15T06:59:11.152-07:00D5.0<div style="text-align: center;">
oh heeeeyyy</div>
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thought i forgot about you</div>
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didn't ya?</div>
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;)</div>
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i told you i've been busy!</div>
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actually pretty surprised i got 4 consecutive days going...</div>
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so here i pick up where i left off.</div>
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so i want to talk about writing,</div>
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why am i making myself write daily blogs?</div>
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it's not to solely produce content</div>
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but to force me to be more aware of the world around me.</div>
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so since i have to write,</div>
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i need to be insightful.</div>
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i need to look around</div>
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to discover and notice the details of life.</div>
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but why force myself to do this?</div>
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why doesn't... i mean shouldn't it come naturally?</div>
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because our senses have been numbed by technology and social media.</div>
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other people are doing the noticing and discovering for us</div>
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so all that is left for us to do is</div>
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absorb then forget in a millisecond </div>
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and<br />
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scroll<br />
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on<br />
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.</div>
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'naturally' / 'natural' is no longer an instinct, a habit.</div>
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in this world it has to be forced.</div>
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and i say,</div>
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force it.</div>
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notice strangers around you,</div>
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question who/what/why they are who/what/why they are.</div>
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notice social situations around you,</div>
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how/what/why does it make you feel?</div>
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notice everything.</div>
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think about it.</div>
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don't just blink and scroll on.</div>
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x</div>
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[A]</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-73616608143720650292015-05-09T08:47:00.001-07:002015-05-09T08:54:56.189-07:00D4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">almost at the end of our 1 week daily blogging spree.</span></div>
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time really does go by fast when you're in your 20s.....</div>
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wifi isn't working at home so I have to settle for my iphone and 3g connection. </div>
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edited my video for this week but can't upload it due to the previously mentioned unfortunate incident... NO WIFI.</div>
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so lets quickly talk about 'age' before i pass out into the sweet oblivion that is sleeping. </div>
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i can't deny that growing older scares me. It really does. I do my best to not let it effect me but it creeps up on you occasionally... you know? I will be completely honest here and confess that when I turned 23 last year, I had a pathetically dramatic breakdown. I hid under the sheets the night before and cried myself to sleep. I even cancelled a dinner date I had just because I didn't feel like pretending to be okay with this change.<br />
I couldn't. I wouldn't and I didn't.<br />
HAAHHAHALMAO ROFLWTF ?! </div>
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I am seriously NOT kidding. I really don't know what triggered the flow of emotions. I was just so depressed and acknowledging it depressed me even more. Maybe it was because I didn't organise a party to celebrate like I usually did, so everything was dull and there was nothing to look forward to. </div>
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Maybe. Maybe. </div>
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Was it because I felt like I expected to have accomplished so much more by the time I turned 23? </div>
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Maybe. Maybe.</div>
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No point, no use layering disappointment and pressure onto each other. </div>
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Therefore, I am doing my best to handle my days, day by day. </div>
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Breakdown and cry if you must, but shortly after you better pick up the pieces, get your sh*t together and deal with it like the boss you are.</div>
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i think that's a good enough blog for today which also makes up for yesterdays incompleteness. </div>
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Good morning, goodnight.</div>
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ps. AHH!! i turn 24 in 5 months! AAAHHHH!! *breathe* *inward screaming* *breathe*</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-41501077552846579552015-05-08T07:45:00.003-07:002015-05-08T07:49:22.072-07:00D3<div style="text-align: center;">
hey guys,</div>
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you have no idea how bleedin' tired i've been.</div>
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yesterday was bad enough,</div>
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had castings from </div>
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kwun tong > chai wan > lai king</div>
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and if you're from hong kong</div>
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you know how ridiculous that traveling course is.</div>
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needless to say i was shattered.</div>
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today</div>
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my castings went from cheung sha wan > chai wan</div>
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yay</div>
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i hate buses, mtrs and everything that involves</div>
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leaving the house.</div>
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one highlight of my day is this picture :</div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFetwQJfnrY/VUzLBjjQVMI/AAAAAAAAAng/APmNrXkHVIQ/s320/549462_861934203872946_8642167397723683826_n.jpg" width="180" /></div>
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i refrain from talking too much smack about it</div>
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as it is an <i>actual</i> <u>official</u> picture</div>
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but...</div>
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JUST LOOK AT IT.</div>
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how can you not laugh?</div>
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i've had plenty experience with awkward photoshopping</div>
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and this goes into that folder.</div>
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it just makes me so happy</div>
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^_^</div>
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i mean COME ON</div>
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look at that lil' chipmunk nosey woseeeyy</div>
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i also need to finish up my youtube video for tomorrow/sunday.</div>
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24HOURS A DAY IS NOTENOUGH</div>
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apologies that this blog wasn't as educational</div>
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or the least bit insightful as the rest.</div>
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i am just so os osso ossoso so s..o...</div>
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tiirered..</div>
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x</div>
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[A]</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-91036419601982176312015-05-07T07:43:00.003-07:002015-05-07T07:46:30.467-07:00D2<div style="text-align: center;">
change.</div>
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by the time you hit your 20s,</div>
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expect a lot of subtle changes.</div>
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i read something on tumblr about growing up - </div>
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as you grow up, you'll come across people who will say</div>
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<i>"hey, i think you've changed."</i></div>
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and you might pause to think,</div>
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<i>"hey, maybe i have..."</i></div>
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but really,</div>
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you haven't.</div>
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BOOM.</div>
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because no one really changes,</div>
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not the fundamental bits inside of us.</div>
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as we grow, our personalities</div>
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our opinions, our thoughts, our characteristics</div>
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grow with us.</div>
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amplified.</div>
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we're now more confident in showing it to the world.</div>
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no holding back.</div>
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so why</div>
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why god why</div>
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do they say that dreaded sentence?</div>
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<i>'i think you've changed.'</i></div>
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because</div>
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your growing</div>
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is perceived as changing</div>
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to the outside world.</div>
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so to them you must say - </div>
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take it or leave it.</div>
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who are they?</div>
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they aren't with you in the dark of night,</div>
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when you're alone to your thoughts,</div>
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most of the time,</div>
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they weren't there when you made hard decisions,</div>
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moral decisions, life changing decisions.</div>
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it's always been</div>
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just you.</div>
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so this is basically the message i want to share for today,</div>
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you are who you are,</div>
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you do your best to change what you know are the bad parts of you,</div>
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but at the end of the day,</div>
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there will always be parts of you that not everyone can accept.</div>
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so to hell with 'em.</div>
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and my utmost favourite<br />
quote from the movie <i>'her'</i></div>
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you see what i mean?</div>
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and this applies not only to romantic relationships</div>
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but to all relationships you encounter along the way.</div>
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wow,</div>
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my daily blogs are becoming intense.</div>
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can ya take it</div>
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can ya</div>
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caaaannn yaaaaahhhh</div>
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?</div>
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x</div>
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[A]</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-61712524839666428292015-05-05T22:26:00.002-07:002015-05-05T22:26:48.390-07:00D1<div style="text-align: center;">
hello all,</div>
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I know how terrible I am with keeping up my blog.</div>
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I do, I really do.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I want to set a challenge for myself,</div>
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to blog everyday for a whole week.</div>
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6th May - 12th May</div>
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to write about anything,</div>
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random thoughts,</div>
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opinions</div>
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(and we all know I have a lot of those),</div>
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and much more.</div>
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<br /></div>
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for today,</div>
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I'd like to share my concerns.</div>
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as most of you know I've gone back to teaching english part time.</div>
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to be honest,</div>
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I'm not sure what my real motives were.</div>
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money? </div>
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maybe. helps after all.</div>
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boredom?</div>
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hardly.</div>
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lost?</div>
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pretty much.</div>
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<br /></div>
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and about modelling,</div>
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I have my busy days,</div>
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my horribly no-job, </div>
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desperately-waiting-for-a-casting days.</div>
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people are so curious about how much I earn.</div>
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all I can say is that just because I get a big job once,</div>
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a have had months where I have NO jobs at all.</div>
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So all the money I made from the big job,</div>
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needs to be spread out over the next few months to make rent.</div>
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<br /></div>
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so yeah, maybe teaching english again</div>
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was just a way to calm my nervous, money anxious 23 year old self</div>
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for some sort of financial security.</div>
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we all get those days.</div>
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hmm,</div>
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where am I even going with this blog?</div>
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no clue.</div>
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see you tomorrow</div>
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secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-38391889734111078002015-04-29T09:50:00.003-07:002015-04-29T09:52:06.820-07:00times<br />
times when it gets so dark in your head <br />
that you feel like running a red light<br />
to see what happens<br />
<br />
let the fates decide.<br />
<br />
times when you have to keep the darkness in your head subtle <br />
so no one thinks you’re a tad bit crazier<br />
than the rest of us<br />
<br />
let the darkness subside.<br />
<br />
times when you lay awake<br />
body shattered yet it stays one form <br />
mind on crack due to the side effects<br />
of stress of life of everything of yourself<br />
<br />
let the nights rewind.<br />
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-<br />
[a]secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3285712437638775461.post-17703503006504378952015-03-18T10:15:00.003-07:002015-03-18T11:32:54.352-07:00the nonstick frying panThere it lay, soaking in a bath of oil and soap.<br />
<br />
<i>Great.</i><br />
<br />
Then the door buzzer made an unattractive noise.<br />
<br />
<i>Who the hell could that be?</i><br />
<br />
Giving the pan one last disapproving stare, she made her way to the front door and buzzed back.<br />
<br />
"Hi, who is it?"<br />
<br />
"It's Jennah. Let me in."<br />
<br />
Buzz.<br />
<br />
Of course it was Jennah. Who else would have the audacity to invite themselves over at such an hour? Jennah that's who. She probably brought her takeaway breakfast with her to eat here because notifying her would be host of her arrival during breakfast would be too much to ask, so best bring your own.<br />
<br />
She unlocked the door ahead of time so it wouldn't disrupt Jennah's imminent waltz through her doorway and walked back into the kitchen. Since Jennah never ever warns her of her visits, she never ever greeted her at the door. Hovering over the sink, she took the spatula off its hook and whatever condiments she needed. Still hesitant of the oily, soapy, slippery pan drowning in its own muck, she went to the almost empty fridge and gazed down at her two remaining eggs. The last two eggs she'll have till her next visit to the shops. Better not screw up that pancake.<br />
<br />
"Hey! Pancakes? Again? Don't you ever have something simple, like cereal?"<br />
<br />
"That's a lot of questions for ten in the morning."<br />
<br />
She took a quick glance of what Jennah had bought for her breakfast.<br />
<br />
"McDonalds? Again? Don't you ever go somewhere different, like Starbucks?"<br />
<br />
"I'd have you know that I order a different breakfast meal every time and they actually make a better cup of coffee than Starbucks ever will."<br />
<br />
She rolled her eyes and nodded in false agreement.<br />
<br />
"You know, I feel bad for always coming up unannounced. Here, allow me." Jennah scurried to the sink and picked up the pan with her bare hands. Jennah seemed familiar with what she was doing and what kind of host would take away the freewill of a guest? She turned her back to pick up a plate piled up in a box by the counter. When all of a sudden she heard the heartbreaking scratching sound of wire and metal. Springing to her toes, she leaned over Jennah to see her scrubbing her only nonstick pan with those wire scrunchies.<br />
<br />
"Noooooooo!" She whimpered without any notion of stopping Jennah and her heartless scrubbing.<br />
<br />
"What? What?"<br />
<br />
"Have you never washed a nonstick pan before? You're not suppose to scratch them with metal or wire!"<br />
<br />
"As a matter of fact, I really haven't."<br />
<br />
"What? So does your apartment just have poorly scratched pans? Cooking must be hell. Especially when you do the dishes."<br />
<br />
"Aw, honey. I don't do chores." Jennah mentions as she rinses off the now clean but scarred pan and passes it.<br />
<br />
"You don't do chores?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, man. I've always had help come over three times a week. Such a lifesaver. I'll share you her contact, no problem."<br />
<br />
"Nah, that's fine. I like doing my own dishes."<br />
<br />
Having help around the house would be great. A complete privilege. But that wasn't her. She did try once. She had hired a lovely woman called Glenda to come over on a Wednesday, but she was so ashamed of how messy the apartment was that she had tidied it up herself before Glenda even arrived. She called Glenda on Tuesday to cancel and that she was very, very sorry for any inconvenience caused.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">*</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<i>chapter six</i></div>
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<i>-</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>chapter five</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12.727272033691406px;"><a href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.hk/2014/03/book-case.html" target="_blank">book case</a></span></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>chapter four</i></div>
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<a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_8" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=121111464610800" href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.hk/2014/02/my-precious.html" id="js_9" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12.727272033691406px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">my precious</span></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>chapter three</i><br />
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<a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_8" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=121111464610800" href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.hk/2013/08/xoxo.html" id="js_9" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12.727272033691406px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">xoxo</span></a><br />
<br /></div>
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<i>chapter two</i></div>
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<a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_8" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=121111464610800" href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.com/2013/06/no-pieces.html" id="js_9" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12.727272033691406px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">no pieces</span></a></div>
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<i>chapter one</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 12.727272033691406px; text-decoration: none;"><b><a aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_8" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=121111464610800" href="http://secondhand-mermaid.blogspot.com/2013/05/new-post-new-bay-boo.html" id="js_9" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12.727272033691406px; text-decoration: none;">new bay-boo</a></b></span></div>
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<br />secondhand-mermaidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096540976439900129noreply@blogger.com0