Taking part in the 2011 YouTube Survey

Because I haven't video blogged in a while, I have decided to take part in the YouTube 2011 survey my friend Laura  took because I needed more ideas...

Here, I will answer some questions that will hopefully let you know more about me!! (Only if you want...)

Hopefully I don't bore you too much with my answers!!!

Living Vicariously through Tumblr...

A recent quote from hometown boy Drake really resonated with me:

"I'm really scared for my generation, you know. The thing that scares me most is Tumblr. I hate what Tumblr has become. Because it like, it reminds me of those clique-y girls in high school that used to make fun of everyone and define what was cool, but in five years, when you all graduate, that shit doesn't matter. No one gives a fuck about that shit. Instead of kids going out and making their own moments, they're just taking these images and living vicariously through other people's moments. It just kills me. Then you'll meet them and they're just the biggest turkey in the world. They don't actually embody any of those things. They just emulate. It's scary man, simulation life that we're living. It scares me."


As a Tumblr user, I started to think about why I actually had an account.  Sure the things posted there are hilarious as hell.  But when I see some  memes of why people are "single", "forever alone", and how "no one will ever appreciate my quirkiness or find it endearing!!", I start feeling miserable because I begin to think it's true. 


Now I don't want to sound like this is a pity post.  Because after reading Drake's quote up there, I started to wonder:  "Why?!"  Why do I spend my time on Tumblr looking at funny pictures and feeling sorry for myself?  Why do I have to watch such cute things on the internet and wish my life was different when it could very well be?!


Why do I have to live through other people's moments and pity myself when I could just go out and DO MORE to make myself proud.  Do more to go and get what I want instead of following it on the internet? 


I want to be more than just a copy cat. More than just an emulator on the internet.  More than just a sad sack wishing reality was better.  


I know I'm more than just a nobody on the internet.  And for that, I am going to go out and get what I want instead of wishing my life was better.  


(I know this post sounds lame, but Drake, thank you for saying something I actually agree with.) 

Harry Potter ends: A Part of My Childhood is Over.

Watching the final installment of the Harry Potter saga on Sunday has left me in a nostalgic yet depressed mood.

I'm no longer embarrassed to say this but Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, the Weasleys, Draco Malfoy, Voldemort, Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, etc have been a great part of my literary adventures when I was a child and an adolescent.

Some boys used to tease me at school because I loved reading...but you know what?! I'm not ASHAMED ANYMORE. (Okay, I was never ashamed...but offended when they called me a nerd). And with that, I am admitting on this very blog post that I am depressed that the series is no longer continuing.

Thank you J.K Rowling for writing such an amazing saga with so much detail and developing your characters as if they were real human beings, just like us.  I feel so connected to Harry, Ron and Hermione...almost as if I could be one of their friends whenever I pop open a Harry Potter novel.

Thank you J.K Rowling for writing it in a way, that made me completely and 100 per cent content.  The only thing I would comment on was that it was too short!! I really am curious as to what happened after the Second Wizarding War. How did Harry and Ginny heal together?  How did Ron and Hermione's relationship develop??

Particularly, I am interested especially in Ron and Hermione.  I have always had a hunch since the second book that they would end up together.  But since the Goblet of Fire, I solidly became a HUGE Ron/Hermione shipper. That's the beauty of books I think.  They offer an escape to reality and just gives you such a nice feeling of nostalgia.  (AND if anyone who doesn't ship Ron/Hermione...I will happily debate over this in the comment sections ;] )

Okay, so now that I have finished gushing over the series in my confusing little word vomit up above...let me talk about the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2.  (THERE MAY BE SPOILERS SO PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS)

Part 1 was amazing, simply put.  Like Daniel Radcliffe said in an interview with Tribute Magazine, it was a "slow-burning drama", which I really, really enjoyed.  I loved the adrenaline involved when they were being chased by the Snatchers, the tension between the friends as they look for Horcruxes and for the romantic in me, the development of Ron and Hermione's ever-growing feelings for each other.

I mean really?  Didn't you just melt at the way he looks at her?!



The way they bicker??

OR THAT LOVELY SPEECH HE GIVES WHEN HE RETURNS??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFcwZH0MpYE

Ron has always been my favourite. He's such a dork. And I love dorks. He's so funny and sarcastic...and UGHH I love HIM. AND RUPERT GRINT. I want my very own Ron Weasley. Or Rupert Grint. I don't mind. I want THEM BOTH!! (Must. Watch. All. His. Other. Stuff.)

And on to Part 2...the thing I was most looking forward to was Neville Longbottom and of course the kiss by Ron and Hermione.  I won't say much...but I wish they shot it better.  But yest, they did do it justice and I am happy enough.

But Neville!! (AKA Matthew Lewis). My..have you grown into a handsome man.  UGH.  Another big fangirl crush on you. I MEAN LOOK AT THIS. LOOK AT THIS.

WHAT A BABE. SERIOUSLY.

 AHHH. The series was just too perfect.  The movies, a bit less than perfect...but of course books are better than the movies.  Go and watch Harry Potter!! And for those who haven't read all the books, it's never too late to start ;)

P.S.  This makes me laugh on a daily basis.

P.P.S Thank you again, J.K Rowling. for these books.  Stories like these make me love reading.

Asian Girl Can't Dance.

Yesterday I watched Billy Elliot: The Musical and I absolutely LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT.

But as much as I enjoyed watching the play and oogling at how cute and little Marcus Pei (the boy who played Billy at the time) was, one thing kept recurring in my mind.

Man! I sure wish I could dance!

What? You might say. "Anyone can dance."

Of course...anyone CAN dance. But to DANCE WELL?  Nope. Sorry. I'm not the girl you're looking for.

Hell,  I can't even pass the Very Easy level on Dance Dance Revolution let alone dance in a decent way.

Let's face it. I'm probably one of the most ungraceful human beings on the planet.

I trip walking UP the stairs. I stumble on uneven grassy fields.  I ROLL my ankle from a simple jogging exercise.

So seeing all the risk that I go through, how can you expect me to do something like dancing?!

Sure, I have rhythm.  I have played music for a good seven years.  But do I use that musicality effectively in my dance moves?  No.  Instead, I'll probably be flailing around with my arms in the air with no sex appeal at all.

Maybe that's why guys rarely (if ever) ask me to dance.

But now that I've covered my lack of dancing ability, I can't help but wonder how dance has evolved (or lack of) through the years.

What I saw yesterday during Billy Elliot, that is what I would call dancing. What I see at the clubs and at school dances...that is what I would call...sex on the dancefloor.

Because seriously, how the hell is that dancing?  When I see my peers grinding up on the dance floor (if you don't know what grinding is just think of two people rubbing against each other really closely), all I can think about is...WOW. MAYBE YOU SHOULD DO THAT IN PRIVACY. NO ONE WANTS TO SEE THAT.

But maybe that's just me.  I've never been a big fan of grinding in the first place.  Partly because I'll feel self-conscious doing it (GAWSH AM I DO THIS RIGHT?!) and partly because I don't even think it's dancing! 

What ever happened to those dances from the 70s and 80s?  Haven't you seen that dance sequence from Grease where everyone was doing the Hand Jive?  Why can't we do dances like that anymore? Those dances were simple, choreographed and included everyone.

Today. PFFT. None of that. People like me will have no one to dance with because we can't "grind".

So you know what?  Fine. I don't need a dance partner. I'm just going to flail my arms in the air unstrategically and move my body around unsexily just for the sake of it the next time I go clubbing. 

If you're a "bad dancer" like me, feel free to join.

P.S. If you live under a rock and don't know what the hand jive is..YOU'RE WELCOME.



P.P.S(But seriously...I am willing to offer cookies for anyone who can teach me how to dance...)

Living Life in the City.

After months complaining about waking up early, inconvenient TTC buses and long rides dry-humping complete strangers on the subway, my parents decided it was finally time to invest in an apartment downtown.

Needless to say, getting an apartment for school has a lot of benefits for me.

Yes, a pricey investment, but perhaps worth it in the end as the opportunities are endless. We live around Yonge and Bloor-just steps away from the luxurious Yorkville area where designer clothes and accessories, celebrities and fancy cars are not uncommon.

Not that I can afford anything from Yorkville, living in the area has proved to be not only convenient for all of us, but also quite an adventure. And with that, I cannot thank my parents enough.  I am truly blessed.

While I love outdoor adventures like climbing, biking and jogging, I am a city girl at heart.  I love the rush Toronto brings and all the good things it has to offer.

But that is not to say that I can't imagine myself not living in the suburbs.  Growing up in a suburban Scarborough neighbourhood, that's all I really knew. While downtown is a great area to live, I still can't imagine myself not being part of a suburb with a nice house, backyard, park, car, friends and family nearby.

Though at the end of the day, journalism and the city do make a great match.

But that is the future.  And the future is quite a long time from now.

For now, I should just live for the moment.

An update on life.

Sorry that I haven't been able to update very frequently. School has been hard...and stressful. To think first semester would teach me something, it clearly hasn't taught me enough. I'm still working hard to boost up the GPA to something I'm more accustomed to. Who knows...maybe I'm just freaking out. But now I know I have to study and review my notes every week.......sounds really basic, but trust me, it's hard to stay concentrated.

Anyways, I'm currently working hard to getting published as well as freelancing. Clearly, Ryerson's papers aren't very keen on giving stories to me, so I have joined Global Voices, a citizen journalism section associated with Free the Children and the Toronto Star.  Of course I can't write to the fullest ability as the stories are only 350 words each. But I'll still be published right?

I have also created a blog called The Random Life Blog but the name is kind of lame...(I know). So if anyone has suggestions on a new name, please send them out? The blog will basically allow anyone who wants to write contribute whether if they're reviews, opinions, or articles...about anything. Think of it as an online paper.

But enough writing, I will update you with a couple of pictures!!

 These were at H&M and I took a picture because I know how much my cousin Rachel hates moccasins!

 Cute heart-shaped hot chocolate at Snakes and Lattes!

 Cupcake sale at Ryerson!!

 Bethany and I found a vintage pram at Honest Ed's!

 Questionable quote on an apron found at Kitchen Stuff Plus!

Boo yah!! Dancing shadow!!

Just another Canadian Winter...

I'll probably get a lot of comments for speaking about this matter for the umpteenth time, but I DID NOT feel that today was a snow day.

Perhaps it was a lot worse uptown in Scarborough, but downtown Toronto did not seem to have a lot of snow.  Everywhere I turned, snowplows, salt-throwers and shovelers were at hand to keep the sidewalks and roads clear for drivers and walkers to travel safely and efficiently.

So my question is:  if this was possible for many downtown university students, why couldn't uptown students do the same...considering that there isn't much of a difference distance-wise?    

Yes we were expected to receive around 20 cm of snow, but there were years where many of us have endured worse.  I remember around two to three years ago, my high school was still open despite the super, heavy blizzard taking place outside.  Not to mention, I actually braved that storm to make it to school.  (Well, I actually lived across the street from my high school...so it doesn't give me an excuse...)  But today, both the TCDSB AND the TDSB were closed?  I couldn't believe it.  To me, it didn't SEEM that bad...

But really, I'm only complaining because I wanted a snow day.  I really shouldn't because there are several homeless people outside braving the snow without shelter, food...or even a blanket.  Why can't we just stop complaining...or stop rejoicing about this said "snow storm" and think about all the people outside who are freezing?! 

How's that for ya'?

On another note about snow...I seem to attract a lot of people who want ME to take their photos.  I don't know if it was the snow or Downtown Toronto, but a couple and two friends asked me to take photos of them.  Nevertheless, I helped them.

In return, I asked the couple to take a photo for me!  I'm not sure if I like the photos, but I appreciate the effort!

They had very funny dialogue.

Man:  My picture is better because you can SEE EVERYTHINGG.
Woman: NOO.  Look at my picture! It's better, because you are the center of attention!!

 

 

I don't know... :P

By the way, my winter boots broke, and I'm looking for new ones! Suggestions?? 

New Semester, Life Downtown.

I haven't yet started school because I have Mondays off. Yet, I am already excited to start off the semester because I got the latest from Josh Groban!

Aside from my love of figure skater Patrick Chan (Toronto representttt), those of you following me on Twitter may have also noticed that I have a growing fascination (obsession would only sound creepy) with Josh Groban, the man with the wonderful voice and lovely sense of humour.

See here, if you haven't. 



I've liked Josh Groban since Grade Eight, aside from my embarrassing "poseurr rock, punk girl" faze. (Did you know that my idol used to be Benji Madden of Good Charlotte??)

AND, I had the hots for Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day? (Even though he's 20 years older than me?)

But as we all do, we have moved on.

But this is getting unrelated.

The point is, the week is starting off quite smoothly, as I not only got Josh's new CD, I also got a pass to meet Josh and get his autograph!! Awesome or what? I'm so excited because he has a beautiful voice, and he is just so damn cute! *FANGIRL CRUSHHH.*

I will update more on Josh Groban's Toronto appearance (he will be at the First Canadian Place this Wednesday!).  And other than that, I will speak more about his album Illuminations, which is amazing.

I feel a video blog coming soon!

Alas, I will leave you with this photo of me looking extremely excited.

Tumblr's down= OMG MY LIFE IS RUINED.

For those of you on Tumblr, the following image must be quite familiar to you. 

 For the past 24 hours, Tumblr was unavailable due to a maintenance issue that took down a critical database cluster (whatever that means...), thus bringing down the entire network.

Now as a Tumblr user, this posed as a small irritant when I wanted to procrastinate from studying. To others, the effect of Tumblr's "black-out" was much more dramatic.

All over my Facebook and Twitter feeds, I saw status updates complaining about the site's downfall.

"TUMBLR, Y U NO WORK?"
"TUMBLR'S down.  Means life is down."
"I've been refreshing Tumblr for three hours now!!!"
"R.I.P. TUMBLR....."

I think you get the point.

But the bigger question I have is:  Why is Tumblr being down such a big inconvenience?

To me, Tumblr is just a place to reblog and re-post pictures, quotes, and funny memes. It becomes excessive spamming and nobody cares at all what original content you decide to put onto your blog  To me, Tumblr's just a bit of a distraction (although it is fun at times!) 

From observing everyone's frustrations to Tumblr's service fail to the happiness and "Hurrahs!" of the site being back up again, it really makes me wonder what kind of impact Tumblr has had in all of our lives.  Barely anything posted is original, you see things that have been posted five times already, and things are reblogged so often that it's gotten to the point where you don't know what the hell you've put onto your blog.

I realize I sound like some bitter fool over here, but I just want to ask if all this was really necessary.

Not to rain on anyone's parade...but there IS a world (GASP) that exists outside of Tumblr (YES, a world with life that is more than looking at memes, pretty pictures, GIFS, and blogs).

Perhaps, we might need to reevaluate the ways we spend our time.

Though enough with the ranting. The resurrection of Tumblr has brought many humourous memes and quotes that I would like to share with all of y'all.  

"I survived the Tumblr blackout of 2010." 

Your life is sad. I'm sorry.

LOVE the Spongebob reference.

And my absolute personal favourite...

I honestly have no words to describe this.

Me a Year Ago...

One year ago, I made a self-portrait for my film class. It's pretty self-explanatory, but it's really nice to see how things have changed since then.

I know I still look the same and act sort of the same, but I feel so much wiser and mature from that point in my life. 

Though this time around, I am no longer wearing uniform and I am attending school downtown! Not to mention, I'm actually ALWAYS at the mall! High school seems like such a long time ago. Yes, I do miss it, but I'm glad to be studying a program I really love! Mind you, I can do without the mandatory English course though...and perhaps the marks I have been getting...

It's nice to look back at things like these. I hope I can make an update soon! Stay tuned!!

NEW PROJECT......sorta..

I'm new at this. So PLEASE FORGIVE ME!! I have decided to start video blogging again, so if I bore you, I AM SO sorry.

G2 Exam

Yesterday was my G2 driver's exam.  Even though I live closer to the Lawrence and Victoria Park area, my instructor opted for the Aurora location.  It's kind of a bitch to drive up there when you aren't using the highways because it takes around 40 minutes to drive up.  To add onto that, my instructor asked me to go into small neighbourhoods to practice parallel parking and three point turns. However, I'm kind of glad I took my exam there because it was much easier.  There was less traffic,  fewer people, and the streets were not busy at all.  As well, that, my test was at 4:25 pm, close to closing time.Good thinking on my instructor's part because my test only lasted around 10 minutes. 

All I had to do was downhill park, three point turn, and back in.  And then, I passed!  It was much easier than I thought because I kind of didn't have confidence in myself.  I thought I was going to fail after hearing all those stories about people failing their G2 test three times.  It also did not help to see a grown woman bawling her eyes out for failing.  

It is honestly such a relief that I have my G2 now because I don't have to continue on with classes after the summer with university going to get in the way. It kind of proves to me that my summer hasn't been a complete waste, as I practiced practically every single day.  Now I am super excited to go cruising around town by myself!  I just have to keep careful now.

P.S.  I found the examiners really monotone.  The man I got told me I passed, and when I celebrated with an enthusiastic 'YAY!', he just looked at me like I was crazy...Oh well...I PASSED YAHOO

Grad/Prom

This is quite late...but two weeks ago, I GRADUATED!!!! I'm quite glad that I am done high school because there were several people I wouldn't even want to think about dealing with in the future there.  I honestly love my Gerald friends and summer school friends more than  most of my high school friends.  However, there are a couple that I am quite confident to stay friends with for years to come.

I got into some problems a couple days before graduation, and quite frankly, it was kind of unnecessary. I suppose this is why you don't date in high school because it causes too many problems!  Does this sound harsh? I've been told that I have been being harsh about this whole situation, but honestly I just feel that being honest through it all is the right thing to do.  I'm doing this thing where I'm learning how to take constructive criticism, as well as offering my constructive criticism, instead of being fake and quiet about it.

But now that the drama is settled, I can actually talk about my Graduation.  I still don't understand why we are keeping our Grad Gowns.  I don't know what I'm going to be using it for.  Maybe I can make it into a dress? That sounds kind of lame.  Besides, the material is cheap polyester.

Anyways, when I got to school. It was quite exciting and sad at the same time.  I mean I was happy, but I knew the beginning of the end was coming. The end of high school that is.  So many familiar faces, so many friends, that  I might not even see anymore. 

After we all got our roses, we had to line up for 20 minutes...and that SEEMED FOREVER!!  However, Pomp and Circumstance started and we walked into the gym.  I was getting quite anxious when they were calling out graduates, because I just wanted to get my diploma already!!  By the way, the teacher announcing my name was really nasally. I was kind of upset Mr. Cerre didn't announce my name.  Anyways, when I got on stage, I got Excellence in Interdiciplinary Studies (Journalism Award) which made me quite thrilled, since I got an award in my field of interest!!!

However, the biggest surprise was when I got called to get the first Graduation Award---The Jostens Award. I sound ungrateful here, but I kind of wish I got some money. Instead, I got a wristwatch. But an award is an award, so I'm still content about that.

When the ceremony ended, it was time for pictures. I think I took a bit too many pictures with people. But I like to think that the more, the merrier!

After rushing home, I got my hair did.  If you have seen me recently, my hair isn't really that long.  However, the guy who did my hair, made it seem SO BIG. ME LIKE =)

Getting to prom was a little awkward.  I had a little ride dilemma, but I did get a ride after all. I swear I was going with Jan, so it wouldn't be too awkward, but last minute...he decided to go in a LIMO!! So...it was just me and two others that I didn't know that well.  It was AWKWARD. But it doesn't matter I suppose.

The Liberty Grand was nice as always, but I didn't like how early I arrived, and how we had to wait like 45 minutes to get into the banquet hall.  So...photo op again!

Everything about prom was good, until the DJ started playing the music.  It was actually so bad.  They played Wavin Flag. HOW DO YOU DANCE TO THAT?  Not to mention, I kind of felt bad for ____ because he doesn't dance. Like, I felt it was all my fault...BRINGING HIM TO PROM =(

I can't really say much after that. I couldn't go to the After Prom because I had to go to Vancouver the next day. However, I don't think I would have lasted long there anyways.  I was pooped!  Even when I got home, I slept at 4 am.

High school is over now, and now a new milestone awaits! 

Congrats Class of 2010!