Sharing Session

26 October 2018

There was no way you would link ‘public speaking’ to me. I always had this fear of doing presentations in front of a crowd. I was the last to respond to the invitation (really took a long time to think about talking in front of the crowd) and I accepted it reluctantly initially. But today, was the 1st time I did a public sharing session about my work experience. I never thought that this day would come, and it is really a huge feat for me, and I am glad to step out of my comfort zone. Perhaps being in a group of people really helps too. Thankful to be given the opportunity to be a speaker, and have so many people who are genuinely interested to listen to us.

Resolution 2017

It’s March and finally… It’s time for me to list down my aims for the year (and work towards it step by step).

1) Gain a skill outside of internship

I will be involve in a year long internship in September this year. My previous intern company is superb, and I have learned so much there. Internship drains me mentally. A sedentary job spells bad news for the body’s well-being.  I really hope I am able to sustain an exercise regime during this period.

Besides desperately trimming fats of me, I also aim to set aside just 3 hrs per week to cultivate a set of new skills/try out something new. I am definitely hooked onto trying out new stuff – Picking up Deutsch and hiking are enjoyable, while some activities are less interesting for me.

2) Read (at least) 3 non-academic related books

Currently switching between 3 books now, two poetry books from Najwa Zebian (I really enjoyed Mind Platter) and “The Art of Thinking clearly” by Rolf Dobelli. Special thanks to K for getting me the Najwa Collection(: The above mentioned books shall not be counted in amount of books to clear this year though. I am hoping to read works by Haruki Murakami this year, and strike off another item from the to-do list.

3) Up my confidence

I always have issues on maintaining eye contact when conversing or presenting. Ever since JH pointed it out last year, I have been making conscious effort to sustain eye contact when conversing. It’s high time to address this issue, and hopefully resolve this before turning 23 years old this year!

4) Be a better person

The above three points are part of this goal too, but I listed them based on objective goals. It’s real hard to determine whether I am able to clear this resolution because… honestly the comparison is highly subjective. I am glad to be surrounded by people who inspires me to be a better person.

Below is a list of aspiration Jasmine hopes to be; inspired by her friends:

I wish to free myself and others from being too judgmental and superficial.  -M.T.

I aspire to be a better listener and observer. -K.T.

I want to spread joy and treat people genuinely. -M.K.

When you help others, you help yourself too. Care selflessly and generously. -J.H. and T.B.

 

 

​3 things I’m grateful for in 2016

1. No more corns on my soles

Ultra painful corn in 2014

It has been on my soles for around 2 years, and I swear these pricks are so hard to heal. I have been applying the hydrogen peroxide solution diligently but there isn’t much effect on me. There was once, my Pilate instructor came out with a pose that require two person to have their soles together. I was embarrassed and guilty to do so with my partner in fear of spreading my warts to her (I am not sure if it’s infectious or not…). I decided to be more proactive in treating them towards the end of the year after I felt intense pain in one of the newly formed warts. I have tried soaking it in vinegar and filing the corns but Hansaplast Corn plaster works best for me. And Voila… bye bye Corn. Hello clean and healthy soles! Clean and pain-free soles don’t come easy ya!

2. 22th birthday celebrations/presents 

Balloon and choker fr Mel, Flowers fr J&J, Watch fr Uni friends

 

In 2016, I felt like a princess for my birthday celebrations….experiencing pleasant surprises one after another. I was a calefare on my 21st birthday, but I am the main lead when I turned 22 years old.

Extending my heartfelt gratitude to my all friends who thought of me on my birthday, making me feel special and for giving me such an memorable birthday celebration. Thank you for all your overwhelming love and care for Jasmine

 

3. Internship at the engineering consultancy firm

It was tough towards the end of the internship, but definitely a memorable time. I really like the culture there. The engineers there are friendly and willing to spare time to teach their pesky interns (hehe). I had always wanted to intern during my summer break, but I thought I missed the chance as I did not manage to send out resumes to prospective companies 2 months prior to my summer break. It was really an unexpected placement, and made my holidays purposeful.

1st Day of Trimester 2.2

School ended after a light morning lecture (by light, I mean I don’t leave the lecture hall drained and overwhelmed), then I went for movie with Zirui. We watched “The Age of Shadows” because Gong Yoo is the main lead for this show #fangirlsChoice. This show isn’t a must watch, but it’s not bad because I think it’s pretty realistic (spoiler alert: there are a lot of blood splattering scene).

We headed for home after the movie. I intend to do some spring cleaning for Chinese New Year, but….I score myself a last minute 2nd movie date of the day with Rwenn. Just because I tried to ask her out for a movie in advance, however the movie timing fits perfectly into our schedule. A tired Jasmine decided to head for a short nap before heading out for her 2nd movie of the day, so the spring cleaning shall be postpone to tomorrow.

The online ratings aren’t great, nonetheless, I still insist on watching “Collateral Beauty”. No Regrets though I cried so much. It’s a meaning show, with lots of inspiring quotes. If you need some soul enrichment, this is your go-to show. Highly recommended by yours truly.

Dec Holiday

Trimester 1 finally ended, and this 3 weeks break is much needed after rushing for time for the past few weeks. I needed to recharge myself so badly, though I think I did pretty bad for this trimester too (and strange enough… I felt that the content was pretty easy though, but perhaps bad time management as usual).

22 Dec 2016

Started on my German class today, at first I was reluctant to attend the class. But…. I managed to pull myself out of my house, then back to school for the class that I voluntarily signed up for (…on impulse). The first lesson was surprisingly good. I find it quite confusing at times, but I am pretty sure Frau Vivian did a great job with imparting her German skills to us.

Then I left school for town. I finally met up with Melissa after the exam tsunami.

Melissa and her Oriental friend

I was famished by the time I met her ( I woke up late today, so I didn’t have the time for a proper lunch with my mum before class). We hurried all the way to Forum shopping mall for our flying udon, as you know, I couldn’t wait for it to fly into my mouth already.

Flying Salted Egg Yolk Udon and Chef Special @ Hana Restaurant

Dayum… the food and service were great. This is also the first time I saw a slab of Raclette Cheese being scraped in front of me, it was such a magical (and not cheesy) moment for me (geddit?).

Afterwards, we went to Victoria Secret first flagship store in Singapore. I am so blown away by the decor and merchandise they offer. I really understand why Americans are so in love with VS lingerie. Just wait for me to work for a couple of years before I get some of those body-loving pieces.

Kiss the Tiramisu @ Orchard Central

I also finally tried the Tiramisu Ice cream after passing by this store for a couple of times. Of course, being a Tiramisu lover, I wanted to try it so badly. It is served in a bronze plastic “wine glass”, which made me felt like a royalty when I was holding it in my hand.

The taste wasn’t fabulous, I got to say the first few bite resembles McDonald’s 50 cents vanilla cone, but less sugary. I think the saving grace was the crumbs hidden in the twirls. I rather they sell it at a cheaper price with a cheaper packaging. I really have the urge to return them the “glass” after we polish off the ice cream.

I haven’t bought any presents but I have already received two gifts from my friends. I am fortunate to be part of their gift list this year. Thank you for all the selfless act and being my friends(:

1st Xmas Present from JR

2nd Xmas Present from Melissa

 

 

Time of the Trimester

Yes… it’s the time of the trimester again, putting our limits to the test once again.

Random snapshots of Friends with the question solution on the whiteboard

Random snapshots of Friends with the question solution on the whiteboard

3 more weeks to sweet sweet freedom. I really can’t wait to go back to my coach potato life for that 2-3 days after my exams. Meanwhile… I shall do what I need to do now. JIAYOU JAS

 

15 Oct 2016

This shall be my halloween celebration this year. I have been wanting to play another escape room after I first experienced this 2 years ago before I started my degree with SIM. So thankful to Zirui who organised this for us, even though I was the burden holding my friends back in the room. I looked like a lunatic in the photo taken at the xcape room, just look at my loosen romper lace and also my fat face angle, probably because I lost my mind while being locked up in the room.

I like that the boys are so accommodating to the girls. That day, Nathan Hartono had a fan meet at Bugis+, and the boys just waited for us to finish fangirl-ing before moving on for desserts. When ZR said she wanted a photo, it felt like they tried their best to smile and pose well for the photos.

I really don’t know how long can a friendship last, but I hope this one will have no ending.

Shoes Hunting

10 June 2016

An old friend of mine, SX  hadn’t stay in contact since 1-2 years ago. I aren’t good at keeping up with people, so of course, she contacted me instead. I am glad that she did so because I will not have the guts to do so.

First, I insist on going to this LINE event at the atrium, because I love one of the characters so much. I HAVE TO TAKE PHOTO WITH BROWN (the bear). So I dragged her to the area and thankfully she accommodated to my kiddy request.

Secondly, we had also tried Masizzim that day, and experience some epic service fails. However, their food really made up for their subpar service. Their chicken stew and the DIY rice balls are delish. Would I go again? I guess I would maybe during their off peak hours, I am guessing the staffs are in a mad rush during dinner time that we can’t really blame them for the bad experience. I was mad hungry that time too, so yea, I am mad that my food is not coming – “a hungry man is an angry man.”

Before our dinner, SX also accompanied me to look at shoes. I am looking for a pair of comfy covered shoes to replace my torn and tattered Converse. Initially, when I bought it 6 years ago, it is in 0ff white and has gridlines. I took a photo of it before I was going to scrub the dirt and grime off. 

Now it is in a much cleaner state. I am currently alternating between my Converse sneakers and my trustworthy Timberland Nellie Chukka boots for my internship, occasionally wearing my heels when I am dressed more feminine that day.

P.S. My working flats also went *kaput*.

6 July 2016

Today I went to savor Korea fried chicken with my mum. It was her first time trying, and she loved it. The service was prompt and excellent, Kudos to ‘Chicken Up‘. Then we proceed for a walk along Orchard Road to aid digestion (or maybe it’s just an excuse to shop).

On this very day, I finally fixed my eyes on this gorgeous pair of Nike. The exact model name is Nike Air Max Thea I happened to come across this in a store located at 313@Somerset. Oh my… it’s just a simple pair of black shoes and it costs SGD149. I mean it’s pretty decent for a pair of Nike. It was unfortunate that they ran out of size.

7 July 2016

I went to town the next day again. This time round, with Melissa. We had 49 seats’ Tom Yum Seafood Pasta before she accompanied me to hunt this pair of Nike down.

Cr: Worldbox

Cr: Pinterest

We literally combed through the entire Orchard but no avail. The largest I can find was size 38.5. I was so excited when I found that size, because my Nike trainers is size 38.5. Unfortunately, the Air Max Thea have a smaller cut, and I’ll probably fit size 39 or even 39.5. One of the shopkeepers was kind enough to tell me my size was already Out of stock quite some time ago. I also seen the blue version of it in a lot of stores but I still prefer the black one. I looked up the shoes online again, and found that maroon can be an awesome choice too. #AgonyOfHavingBigFeets

P.S. I’ve actually found one pair of my size online, however, it’s selling at the blackmarket rate. I am not sure if I want to be extorted by “smart (humph….selfish)” people who bought something at market rate but end up re-selling elsewhere at a much higher price.

Nonetheless, I am so Thankful for these people who accompanied me to do my own shopping. Better luck next time, Jas.

 

Precious Sunday

Quick update, and I really hope to blog more details about my outings next time.

The past two weeks have been pretty hectic. For the “first hectic week”, I’m getting off work on time to meet up with friends for yoga, movie and dinners. It was absolutely awesome. Like what other young Singaporeans want for a job, I hope to achieve the intern(/work)-life balance for now.

The second week, it was pretty packed as well. There’s a urgent work project that requires me to go for 6-days work week. My only rest day is precious to me now. I got up early to clean up my house, catch up on the dramas that I have missed on the weekdays, and went for a short jog. As an sedentary worker, I only experience mental tiredness with little labour work, so I try to stay active as much as possible. I also realised my run endurance is getting worse, I’m stopping every now and then, however I do notice my speed is better during these runs…. So might as well I take it as I’m doing interval runs right? (oh well.. this is to make myself feel better). I am also hoping to increase my run frequency from weekly to maybe twice a week. Do understand this is a huge leap for a coach potato and keeping myself busy is good – it’s daunting to think of all the impossible possibilities when my mind roams.

Here’s an awkward picture of me from some time ago…when I was enjoying my sweet holiday. Good night people (:

 

Summer Break Main Act – Part 2

I have only blogged about my first two days of internship. Now… I am going to continue blogging about what happened the remaining three workdays.

Wednesday

I can only vaguely remember what happen that day. That day Nate and me got to know other interns working on the same level as us. They were all reading the same degree in another local university. They initiate to go to lunch together, but didn’t manage to go with them in the end though.

I was working on this project task since Monday, and I felt so guilty for being unable to produce a decent work (my work has some errors, and I have to re-do certain parts ). So I stayed back a little while more to finish it up (googling for instructions). Nate OT with me even though he would have left work on time *sobs*. I have left him to OT alone for the past two days, and sure it does felt good to feel “less lost” when I have a company.

Later after work, I went to meet Lucas to collect my BB cushion that I (shamelessly) entrusted him to buy during his Korea trip. Initially when I drop the request, I regretted my decision. I think that it could be an experience too  intimidating for a guy. BUT HE STILL BOUGHT IT FOR ME *tears*. He also passed me a bag of masks (25 pieces to be exact) along with a lot of beauty samples and food (for sharing with Mendi and ZR). He has earned so much brownie points from us (ZR was praising him non-stop).

Thursday

Everything’s good that day. Nate and me went for a lunch meeting, and we were officially introduced to the team. I completed my job on hand that day, with some free time, ZR and JH came over with Cinnamon Buns for us. Major yums (:

Friday

It’s the day that all white-collar have been waiting for. I have been pestering the engineers to kindly make full use of me… because I really want to make full use of my time in this company (it also doesn’t reflect well on me ya). I am elated to render my assistance when required. This engineer has very patiently brief me on my work and even explain to me the rationale for his design. He even included some engineering theorem and I was dumbstruck, then I reminded him that I am only in my first year of my degree. I do like the idea that we actually may use what we learned in school for my prospective career.

OT with Nate to listen to some briefing. The four of us have never left the work place together before. Hopefully, all of us will be able to knock off at the same time next week(: