[Journal ✎] 2014 Resolution?

Yeah, I know its like mid-March and I'm still here talking about the resolutions I listed for myself this 2014 >.< But its better than living without a target to life right? For me, life comes is many stages and each of these stages have trials and challenges that seem to have been especially designed for us. Thus, with each hurdle passed taught me more on life, give me more strength and courage to walk deeper waters and challenge myself further and make me a better person. So then each new year is not like beginning life on a whole new piece of blank book or a point to start over life because we really can't! But rather the beginning of how we desire make improvements to ourselves may it be physically, spiritually, emotionally or mentally.

So what have I achieved thus far? 

1. Learn to keep these tradition and culture alive :)

Learning how to make 'Nin gou', a Chinese Traditional Delicacy also known as the CNY Rice Cake.

'Nin gao' is a type of sticky sweet savory snack made with the simplest ingredients of Glutinous rice flour and Sugar was believed to be an offering to the Kitchen Gods with the aim that his mouth will be stuck with the sticky cake so he is unable to badmouth about the human family in front of the Jade Emperor. These are all very traditional Chinese beliefs but as believers of Christ, these tales become invalid. But Gods aside, as a Chinese we should always know our roots and try to preserve our Chinese culture and tradition. This was the primary reason why I'm trying my best to learn whatever I can from my know-it-all Granny and the fact that she agrees to let me participate and teach me this year (The usual practice is that I get kicked-out of the kitchen before I can utter a word)

The amount of ingredient needed might fool you to thinking its the easiest thing to cook ever! Unfortunately for me, no chance. The preparation is crazily tedious from the mixing of the batter to the container preparation and the cooking method. This is my first time taking part in the whole process and I'm already like... and I really don't know how my superwoman granny manages this every year! According to her, its easy to just dump the whole lot of batter into those cake container layered with banana leaf and steam but then we won't be able to give out to friends and relatives due to presentation reasons. This is why she usually make the extra effort to prepare those individual cans but to layer those banana leaves and ensure they can contain the batter without leakage is too tough. I only manage to help with a few cans whilst Granny is already done the rest! I guess these skills comes with time and practice which is why I told myself I need to do this with her every year thereafter. Speaking of which, I'm even having a hard time recalling the whole procedure now...!

2. Adiós to black~

¡Hola, Apricot Brown!

First hair-dye attempt in the end of January 2014 since I left high school and the after effect? I totally love brown hair and instantly thought why did I not do this earlier?! But now the one concern is that if I'm gonna keep my brown hair then I guess my hair will be chemical soakin' from now and onward...

3. Picking up Photography

Up-close shots with Samsung GX10 on nature's beauty

Photography is one of the most interesting stuff to play with. The limitations of picture memory in our brains makes camera the greatest invention ever because of its ability to steal time, turn-back time or freeze time. They capture the most poignant feelings of life and the most captivating beauty of nature helping us to reminisce and appreciate the past. 

Being all new to this, I still have much to learn and discover. But most importantly now is that I will need to scout for my own brand of professional camera which I can carry around with me at all times. For now, I'll just live with what I have which is the Samsung GX10 I loaned from Mom. 

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A quarter of the year is almost over and I'm hoping to be able to achieve more in life :)

나요,

[Journal ✎] Starting Point

Happy 24th and the beginning of a whole new chapter to life...! 

I've somehow decided to start blogging again. Back then, it use to be a trend where everyone keep blogs like how you'd keep a pet. Living-up to the the peer-pressure as a teen of course I've gotta have one too recording about almost every single crazy nonsensical stuff that happened. Reading back brought memories of the past both fun and stupid (not to mention the major embarrassment when you come across a really nonsense post and thought "Was that ME?!") But now, I want to keep a blog that records my journey from 24 years and on wards. It may be something crazy I challenge myself to do or resolutions I've made for myself or memories and moments that I want it recorded somewhere or life lessons I felt worth sharing to encourage others :)

Thinking that my life needs a makeover and its time to give a serious thought of what I really want to achieve in life, I've decided to try on the #100happydays challenge on Instagram (joyousjoanna). Although I truly doubt if I can stay consistent for a 100 days continuous post... but it will be a good start. We only live once and so I want to live it to the fullest without any regrets in the future. I want to be a better person, to have a teachable heart, to let go and let Him walk with me. I want to tell myself that a shattered dream does not mean the end. I can always move on, learn, get a new dream to chase after, make the best out of it and who knows what the future holds. At least then, I know I have tried. 

"Today, 010314 is the day. A starting point in my life where I've decided to challenge myself to dream, to believe and to make a difference!"

나요,