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If We Ever Meet Again by Katy Perry ft Timberland

Ironic, perhaps this is. Common, perhaps this is. Overrated, perhaps this is.
Heck I'm still going to write about it.

As a new year is approaching, 2012, and some say the year when the world is coming to an end, still everybody talks about creating a new year's resolution, everybody talks about a chance to a fresh start, a new beginning, a new chapter, bla bla bla (you can pretty much sense the negativity in this post already. you're wrong).

The past year, I didn't expect myself to gain as much as I expected from the previous year. I did feel myself growing up, not much physically but mentally. A common saying would be - when you study abroad, you will have a whole new experience, see so much to learn from and grow up from within. I thought it would be a cliché. Nonetheless, I was rather taken aback by the outcome
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Of course, the year started by all the crazy things applying for universities in the US. I would say I have never done such a thing and that got my hands, fingers and brain nerves all tangled up in the process. When that part of the chapter was over, I felt the HUGE relief and I could finally exhale to a never-ending exhalation that I pushed out all the air I could from my lungs. Then, I started choking on another complicated chapter. It is true that nothing comes easy.
True that I had heaps of fun after my last semester at HELP ended that I went off to an adventurous backpack trip to Europe with my family and several other road trips in Malaysia. Next thing I know was that the universities were starting to send their replies and me getting to know that I have gotten accepted into all of the universities that I have applied to. What a waste of time and money if I were to know that getting accepted into these universities will be easier than expected.
Deciding on the university to go to wasn't easy at all. Loads of things to take into consideration. In the end, I landed my choice on a university located in the peaceful suburbs near the Adirondack mountains approximately 7 hours up North from New York City close to the border of Canada at Montreal side. Preparation to come to US seemed so surreal at that time.
Also, it changed a great deal of who I was, a well protected chick who remained under the wings of my lovely parents for many years. Finally, I was preparing to take flight. Each step I took, each attempt I made did not go as well as I would like it to be. Being the emotional self, of course, I broke down. I remember locking myself in the room, plunged into the bed and cried my pillow wet. Oh how hard I cried, till my head was dizzy, till I hyperventilated, till I see little sparks suspended in the middle of my vision, till I needed oxygen so badly. Then, comes papa to the rescue. Talked me through all my sceptical view points. At least I didn't decide to give up there
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The Summer went past so swiftly and unsoundly, from which, I outgrew some of my fears. When it was time for me to leave, I left, almost quietly and calmly, leaving behind the nest where I was born, grew up and learned from, leaving behind the people I love, the memories built. It was all nostalgic, but I knew from the bottom of my heart that it was all for the better. I left with a determined heart. I left strong, shedding scarcely a tear on the aeroplane when I gazed out the tiny window to a golden sunset.
Here I am in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, enjoying the winter break after a confused semester that past. Did not regret my decision to go to SUNY Plattsburgh, did not regret the past semester. In fact, I ended the semester with a bang, scoring myself a proud 4.0 and made it into the Dean's List. So what? Most importantly, I enjoyed my Intro to Public Speaking class with Nora and my classmates. Even though the class was small, the nerve to give speech was always there. Nevertheless, I am proud to announce that I have finally managed to overcome the extreme nerves before giving a speech. You might wonder how? I wonder too, but all I could say was that with sufficient preparation, provided with clear guidelines on the process to preparing a speech was crucial. In the last class of the semester, we were required to give an impromptu speech based on random objects that we drew from the plastic bag that Nora walked around the class holding. I think I did surprisingly well. Nora agreed as well, said after all my speeches throughout the semester especially the persuasive speech, that I was an extremely good speaker and hope that I would be able to join her public speaking team. An A++ I scored for my persuasive speech, according the Nora, a score that she seldom even give unless the speaker is incredibly impressive. I should be pretty damn good I guess.
College Writing class was another challenge. I broke down in the middle of the semester, totally confused and lost, clueless about what my lecturer wants. Till now at the end of the semester, I wouldn't say that I clearly know what she wants, but am slowly figuring out closer to the end of the last class. Really, she was a hand full. At the beginning of the semester, I was seeing my A in that class through an open cylinder. After going through all the hard work and tough time finding my way out the complicated maze, I saw my A through a labyrinth of journey. Planning to be a tutor for next semester's College Writing class in hope to earn some extra dough.
For other subjects like Gen Psych Lab and Psych Stats, I wouldn't say that they were easy, but they were manageable for me and I put a little more effort to make sure that I secure my grades. Would probably say that the results were unnecessarily strong, but still glad and proud of myself
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As we are turning the page to a new year, I would just like to say that life, does not necessarily have to start all over from the previous year. Somehow, 1st of January is just another day to me and the day goes on. So if you feel the need to change your life at any point of the year, please do so. You certainly do not have to wait for a new year to do so. However, many would like to go with it since the year and the semester has gone by and for some of you, the school year has ended. Just want to point out that it is unnecessary to wait for a new year to change yourself to be a better person than before.
Also, some of you may have the habit of making a new year's resolution. Or, some of you are probably starting to pick it up due to the hype about it. Please please please, make one that is realistic to you, make one that you think is achievable and make sure that you follow your heart when making one. If you have a very ambitious dream that you don't think is achievable within a year, don't be too disappointed! Set a short term goal that you can achieve that clears a path towards your long term goal! Of course also, resolutions are something that you can always make any time in the year, not only during new year. It is just like a to-do list. Once you have completed one, check it off your list. You'll never know the extreme satisfying feeling that you get whenever you get to check something off your list. For starters, like me, I'll always stick with a big goal in mind, but make a small list in Note on my phone that I can check any time any where so that I make sure I do whatever that is necessary to achieve my final goal
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I know this is a lot, but I am going to need you to trust me just this once.

Have a blessed and awesome new year everyone!
2012 may be the end, but just live on anyway. You'll never know the future.


Signing off for the last time in year 2011,

with much love, x

Pei Ning

High Falls Gorge & Lake Placid.

Black or White by Michael Jackson

Credits to ISS Plattsburgh for organizing trips for international students, I get to explore more of Plattsburgh and the places around this beautiful town.
Last Saturday (Sept 30th), I joined this trip that brings us up to High Falls Gorge of the Adirondack Mountains at Wilmington. Not quite expensive for such a beautiful scenic place, it cost $15 per person. The scenery along the way there, at the place itself and back are just captivating. My heart skipped beats when I see the beautiful and colorful trees filled the surface of the mountains. Almost every single angle you see, even along the road, the trees were so colorful. There were the yellow, orange, red, green and all the transitions between those colors. The whole place was filled with this calm, relaxed and refreshing ambience. Suddenly, I feel like I can just lie down on the grass and fall asleep just like that.





The waterfall was amazing and magical. Seeing how it slowly develops and create naturally perfect holes like they were drilled were just amazing. I even have chills thinking about it. Mind blown.






Since the tracks at the waterfall was really short, Jaafar, one of the ISS staff and one of the drivers who drove us up, decided to bring us to a nearby village, Lake Placid. This was where the Winter Olympics used to take place at.


The shops along the road was really unique, each having its own design. Some even look like they were fake or like a painting. I really like those shops around. The sight of these shops actually reminded me of those in Amsterdam (Edem and Volendam specifically) and makes me wonder 'why can't Malaysia have special designed shops like those?' #fail




The lake was so lovely and romantic. I love it to the core of my bones.


Dropped by few shops as well including some random apparel shops, shoe shops, souvenir shops, hat shops and also one of the franchise for GAP. Bought a beautiful pink hoodie from there. I love it so much its so comfy and fluffy!! *snuggles snuggles snuggles* :D


Long due and finally, x

Food :D

More by Usher

Letting yourself go hungry on purpose is a crime. Why not treat yourself to nice food whenever you feel like it? Why not restrain from eating nice food when you are low in appetite? Why not find another way to help yourself if you are forever having good appetite? Please don't resolve to bulimic act though. It is equally disturbing, stupid and disgusting.

Today was a stay at home day. However, we took the effort to walk to nearby Arby's to treat ourselves to some nice food. Oh I can tell you even though it is a fast food franchise, the burgers they serve there look so healthy. Feels like I was eating healthy at least. Yum to curly fries :D




All the catchy little slogans for Arby's.





This was so cool!!! Took a picture then *ring* :D


Was waiting for the clock to tick by while reading my Roahl Dahl.


Kind of feeling hungry and made my usual salad with Thousand Island as dressing.


Finally it is dinner time! Experimented with a new way of cooking spaghetti and going Chinese. Never really cooked in my life but mum used to cook it this way when I was young so decided to give it a try using the limited ingredients that I have in hand. Guess what? It may taste better with the fish cake slices, but I still pulled off at my first try. Have to pat myself at the back :D


Will have my yogurt later at night as usual :D Yum!


Love,

food craving satisfied,

PeiNing

productive :)

Today was productive. Today was satisfying.

Woke up feeling very well rested and had some awesome nightmare before. Woke up to some extremely yummy breakfast (corn flakes and milk and pao). Got ready and headed out to the bus stop. First stop was Metro Transit to get my refund on my unnecessary Go To Card. Then we proceeded to the mall, Nicollet Mall and several malls around it.










Target was after.




Strolled around Target for groceries was never as satisfying. While I picked out my stuff, I was already imagining the food that I am able to prepare with the stuff that I have gotten. So yummy already from Target itself :D
Spent more than my budget, but I guess it was all worth it after tonight's dinner :)
SPAGHETTI!!! :D


I really didn't think I was able to run my errand all within 2 and a half hours until Amanda reminded me about it. 15 minutes before it expires. We power walked through probably two or more blocks carrying the superb heavy groceries. On the way, being such a kind person calling out for a random guy who dropped his iPhone accidentally. Managed to jump into the bus just two minutes before it expires like a boss :D
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Rested for a while and filled the rather empty stomach before heading out to the mysterious looking tower about 15 minutes walk away. The Witch's Hat Tower. Took so many pictures and slowly discovered how British looking the tower was and how beautiful the neighborhood around the tower. Rather disappointing to find out that we can't climb to the top of the tower.













On the way back, stopped by a random place just to find out that it was actually The National Fabric Center o.O More meaningful than what we thought it would be. What luck.







Today was satisfying. I love days like this and hope every day will be as satisfying as the food i prepare myself every day here in Minneapolis :D

Love,

Pei Ning

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