A student no more

"WHEN one door closes, another door opens". My life as a student has closed and now I'm waiting for another door to open, where I stepped into the dreary working life.

my sis and mum  :)

On 18 July 2013, I dress up and rushes to the cathedral with my mum and sis with my favourite red heels. I had to register to get my robes and hat. While waiting for the ceremony to begin, I walked around taking pictures with my friends and lecturers. Appreciating every last moment with them and heave a long sigh, saying to myself " finally the time has come".

my classmates and I

An announcement was made whereby parents will have to take their seats and us graduands will get ready to place ourselves in the right order on stage. I thought the ceremony will be the same everywhere- we stand up as our names were called and walked up to the chancellor and receive the certificate while shaking his/her hand. But this University is different, we just walked to the lady (which I presume is our chancellor in my uni or a dean of my course) and she holds onto our hand to congratulate us. No certificate were receive because it will be sent directly to our homes.

The ceremony took only an hour and later we walked into a room or some sort which was beautifully decorated and finger food and drinks were served. I was ecstatic! I couldn't help smiling and we took even more pictures. We end the day by throwing our hats into the sky with blissful glee!

Weeeeeee!

OH YEAH!! =>

So, my arduous journey of a student has ended and the search for my future begins.

xoxo luv sapphirejest

16 Days Eurotrip

SUMMER!!!! After a tiresome month of exams and assignments, everything was finally over!! My study life is done! So a friend of mine planned to go on a eurotrip (not from the movie!). We went to three countries; France, Spain and Portugal. We spend most of the time in Spain because that was our initial planning. We actually planned for a beach trip hence the cities are mostly near to the coast.

However, due to some once in a lifetime event, my friend couldn't go to France with me, so I found another friend to go with. I felt absolutely bad to ask her as a replacement but she enjoyed her 5 days in the sun, sand and sea and definitely boys. During my 5 days in Nice, we spend most of the time chilling at the beach, sunbathing and just exploring the little town. Somehow we were lucky to have stayed for the 'longest day in summer' which falls on 22 June, which is also consider as the hottest day in summer or the first day of summer.
We dance, enjoyed and smoked. At the end, I was slightly mad because my friend wanted to bring the guy back to our hostel which I think is not a good idea. At the end, we parted where she stayed another day in Nice and I left for Spain.

back alley of Nice

one of the museum around Nice

fail jumpshot haha

the beautiful clear blue sea

I just love this view!

So, my next destination was Barcelona! I took a plane from Nice which lasted about 3 hours and guess what? While I was staying in Nice, there was a japanese roomate who traveled alone and I happened to sit beside her during the journey to Barca. What a coincidence! We parted as we reach and I finally found my way to the hostel. On my way there, I ask a local to guide me, however as soon as I enter the hostel, she ask for money, I feel bad and wouldn't want to give as she ask for 5Euro. Finally I gave in and felt I was cheated. That night gave me a bad first impression of Spain and I try to not let this matter get in my journey.

Barcelona is a beautiful city of amazing architecture buildings and their artworks are incredible too. (I am bad at describing with those strong vocabulary). Okay pictures will tell the story. Most of the time, our dinner is paella (a famous dish in Spain with a big flat wok of fried rice with whatever flavour you prefer). Google it to find out more. It is delicious! We stayed in Barca for 3 days.

One of Antoni Gaudi's creation- Sagrada Familia.

This look really funny

I come in peace!

Another creation of Antoni Gaudi.

The next city was Granada, we only went for a day to visit the famous Alhambra Palace. This is so famous that the ticket is pricey and there is time period to enter each different zone. Anyway, it was really worth it as the architecture was a breathtaking masterpiece and brings out so much culture and history of Spain. After the tour, we did a quick run to the train station to catch the train to Seville.

I think this is the entrance to Alhambra Palace

From near to far

Add caption

One of the buildings

the ceiling even look incredible

I wouldn't really know what is in Seville. We just explore around town and enter another small Alhambra Palace, I think it is similar because of the same architecture and design but said to be different as well. As far as I remember, it was a very very VERY hot day. The heat was intense that just a 5 minutes walk, I'll be sweating as a pig. Luckily we didn't stay long. Also, not forgetting my first sight of a Flamenco dance. I would never have expected to see it live with my own eyes. It was fast and loud and intense and I couldn't stop cheering at the end of the dance.

reflection shot

flamenco dance (sorry for bad quality)

one of the church in Seville

The final trip in Spain is Valencia, where paella and horchata was founded.  Horchata is some sort of a bean drink that the bean is only found in Seville. Again, google it! The first day we did our own sightseeing around town and went to their aquarium and some famous sites. The next day, my friend's friend was our tour guide for a day and her father treat us to a delicious lunch . I couldn't thank her father enough! Gracias mille!! I didn't take much picture as she guide me but it was still a fantastic day.

Olden day triangle house

Bird cage

BOO!!

We left Spain the next day and continue our journey to Portugal. Since we didn't spend much on sea but much rather on land, we chose to spend at least one day in the sea in Lagos. In the beginning we spend a extra cash on a short trip by kayaking to view the Grotto surrounding the sea. However due to my seasickness (I never knew I had), the kayaking was cut short and we had to return to shore. I felt awful for my friend because of me, she couldn't kayak further. Anyway, night came and we went clubbing! I was psyched because we finally manage to drink and rave, but again I think I still have the seasickness spell in me and I started to vomit uncontrollably right after one drink of cocktail. Again I felt bad but I keep throwing out at almost everywhere.

The next day, I felt better and we found the amazing spot for swimming and we didn't even intend to leave. It was so gorgeous and clear and cool and clean I felt I was in a dream! Lagos is the best beach I have ever seen! Unfortunately, we had to part for Portugal because we had book the train ticket. So we left beautiful Lagos and arrived in noisy, rushing and busy city of Lisbon. I only had a night there while my friend stayed for two days.

the water is soooo clear!

sea, sky and cliff LOL

soft white sand

In Lisbon, we tour around the city with those tourbus. Finally I end the long trip by rushing to the airport to return to Bristol. My first time of running in the airport to catch my flight! It was an amazing, memorable 16 days trip. Though there are ups and down between my two friends, I still wouldn't have ask for anyone else to go with me.

Santa Justa Lift 

art museum

Thank you Xueqi and Kai Chang! Thanks for the wonderful eurotrip!






xoxo luv sapphirejest

summer in New Zealand

Hello lovelies! *I sounded corny* I forgot about blogging, till lately I saw a friend of mine posted her blog in facebook, then only I realized I haven't been blogging. Anyhoodle, here I am, once again, to blog either my tedious life, or any crazy events happening.

So far since I was back from England, I couldn't find a job anyway. One sunny day during lunch, my dad surprised me by saying "since you don't have a job yet, why not you visit your grandma in New Zealand?. She couldn't come to Malaysia, so take this opportunity to visit the country as well" I was shocked that my father would allow me to go all the way to another country alone as I had stayed in England for a year, knowing very well that he misses me.

Naive as I am, I didn't think my parents will be worried about my safety as I've traveled by plane countless time alone. I was looking forward to the trip and meeting my relatives and also the wonderful country that I've heard so much about.

Finally I was in New Zealand. Things didn't go out as I or anyone planned. My trip was cut short and I was back to Malaysia just enough time to celebrate Chinese New Year with my family and eat "tuan yuan fan". I wouldn't want to go into details what happen in N.Z, mostly said is my fault and I should have appreciate their kindness for giving me shelter and food. While some is annoyed that I'm freeloading. Fancy I freeload from my relatives (I am lost in words on how to describe them).

Here are some pictures I took around South Island. It was fantastic fun if you just look on the bright side.

choco easter bunny in Cadbury's chocolate factory in Dunedin

Flowing tap

Scenery in New Zealand

Yup, again the scenery; mountains and sky

Free bra! LOL

There's always silver linings in the cloud they say. I managed to enjoy a 2 weeks trip to South Island and experience sleeping in the campervan. I can scratch that off my bucket list now LOL.

That's all for now, folks!



xoxo luv sapphirejest

The beast and hunter

Recently I just watched Pacific Rim. I thought it will be a rip-off from Transformer, battleship and battle Los Angeles but it isn't, far from it! It looks more like Code Geass and Gundam Seed where humans enter a big mecha to fight off another mecha in a war between two mechas. But Pacific Rim needs two humans to control one mecha which is called as Jaegers in German as Hunter to fight off the Kaiju in Japanese means strange creature, or beast as used in this movie.

Strangely enough the movie started with the main character losing his older brother in the battle, which is the same as the Battleship and the title only released after an epilogue which is the same as Transformer movies (I believe it was the 2nd and 3rd, not certain about the 1st movie). Hence there is a resemblance from other movies.

I find the storyline progresses really slowly where after they have search the main actor and invited him to rejoin the group. It was good that they give an insight on how the group was reform with bigger and better Jaegers from other countries, after the government intend to shut everything. The fight was intense and a definite watch with spectacular effects that will make your eyes ogle on the screen and jump off your seats!

However, is it just me or have anyone realize that the settings is always raining?

xoxo luv sapphirejest

The Man who is Super

Helloooo my junkies! Hadn't wrote any movie reviews for a long time, was quite busy and lazy at the same time. Well to top it off, I am now a graduate! WOHOOO! Currently searching for a job but the outcome is devastating as I get more rejections than approvals.

Anyhoodle, I'm here to talk about one of the remake of superman movie with a new title "Man of Steel". I was never really a huge superman fan, because I have always laughed at him wearing his undies on the outside but nevertheless, I still watched it.

The movie started where superman came from and how he landed in Earth. That was a good start, but with the frequent flashback, sometimes it is not easy to figure out which is the present and past. The camera is not steady at some point where it moves along with the actors and that causes a slight motion-sickness. Also, the fight is tremendously long, too much action of throwing, flying, fighting, and buildings falling. Moreover, I thought I would have seen the end of the movie where General Zod, the villain surrendered and kneel before Clark Kent (superman), but it wasn't!

Krypton exploded like this

The fight goes on until they enter a building where a family was crouch at the corner of the building and General Zod wanted to kill them with his laser eyes. That's where superman got really angry and break Zod's neck, and yeap that's the end of the General's life. The ending is rather too simple and mundane in my opinion where he just a break of the neck-snap- and he's dead. How easy, why wouldn't he do that in the beginning?

Guess we have to see the fights, superman's emotions with his father, and a little romance with Lois Lane (ohh laa laa) to make the movie worthwhile. However, it was not how I anticipated.

xoxo luv sapphirejest

Accutane victim!

For those who had gone through self-pity and disgusted look from others due to acne problem would probably have gone to resolve with accutane. The problem solver for acne, probably for cystic and eczema as well.

My problem actually started around the age of 18, when I was studying in University in KL. I think the humid weather, bad late night oily snacks and the dirt or dust surrounding the area was the cause of it. As, I never had any crucial facial problems, I never really know how to take care of my face and I used all those mainstream products on the shelves; simple, nivea, olay, clean & clear. I keep changing different facial wash as I think my face was probably gotten used to it and I need to use a more effective ingredient.

The problem became worse around 19 and my both cheek was so hideous I started to cry every night. I stayed away from mirrors and avoid spicy and oily food. I even try to wash my face whenever I reached my uni. I always end up in a sweaty state when I enter the class, it is a horrible site, probably why I was ugly.

Finally my dad couldn't take it any longer, he took me to the dermatologist and they recommended me their own face wash. I used it for half a year and it didn't work. Then only they recommended me accutane, the last resort. The derma did warn me the side effects about probable liver, heart or kidney defects from overdose of Vitamin A, but left out another important part- HAIR LOSS!

After consuming accutane for 3 months, I realize my hair was thinning and was falling more than the usual. I first thought it was because of the chemical I used as I dyed my hair before I ate accutane. So I went insane one day and cut off my hair to my chin length. However my hair never stop dropping, although it is true that a human hair fall averagely 100-150 per day, but mine was excessive and I was not born with thick locks. I visited the dermatologist again and asked her, she mentioned yes, that is one of the side effect.

So now, I mustn't eat any food that contain vitamin A and beta-carotene is one of the major source. In frustration, I searched for a way-out. Some mention that biotin helps, but it could cause breakouts. That means it is a cycle again, and I wouldn't want that to happen! I told myself not to purchase that supplement but rather feed on more vitamin C and E fruits and veggies and also direct vitamin C and E capsules.

I am really hoping my excessive hair fall will stop. Stupidly my tears have gone from my acne to my hair fall. I could never stop crying for myself! I am ridiculously a silly lass.

xoxo luv sapphirejest

That 3 months

It has been 3 months since I last wrote. Many things had happened- both sad and wonderful. To think about it, I realize the time has passed really quickly. I have been here in Bristol for 8 months and I still remember the first day my friends and I landed in Heathrow airport with big huge smile on our faces, and an appetite for adventure. We had absolutely no idea what may come and we were too excited to be living and studying abroad for the very first time!

And so, months gone by, I've submitted my dissertation (FYP) and didn't do very well on it. I have no idea why when I put so much effort into it. I cried bitterly for that few days when the result were out and I nearly lost all hope but manage to pull myself back. Then on the month of April, I had to study for my exams. It was a grueling month as I told myself I must concentrate on my exams and nothing else because I could never sit in my room for whole 2 days, I could die of boredom. Hence it was a tough month for me.

On the day of my FYP submission, I made a new friend. Well basically he is my classmate and we took two same subjects. He was always the first in class and waved to me and my friends whenever we enter the class and I didn't really liked him because he gave the feeling of a nerd and he was like a butt-licker to one of the lecturer. I was quite annoyed with his constant raising his hand to ask questions. He reminded me of Hermione but a guy version and not-so-good-looking one. (I'm just so mean). However, we became good friend and he became my study buddy as he was really patient with my ridiculous questions and weirdly kind too. I could say the quote "do not judge the book by it's cover" is true for this friend.

Finally my exams end at the 22nd May. My friend and I went for an event which the songs they played is not my cup of tea, but I was dragged along to go for that event "Love Save The Day'. However it was quite fun as I enjoyed the day out chilling in the park plus the weather is too gorgeous to missed!

Life is not all fun and crazy. My life is like a rollercoaster, there is ups and down. I believe it happens to everyone. I got a shocking news from my mum that my dad was diagnosed with cancer. They kept it from me because I was having exams and they didn't want me to lose focus. As exaggerating as it sound, I went into depression for two days, I wouldn't want to go out or meet anyone or even eat. I didn't have any strength in me to do anything, I was like a fish out of water. My eyes were like the tap. Tears could fall at any time and stop at any time. I couldn't control myself.

Then, I was too tired to be sad, I finally went out for some sunshine.

Lately, I am just lazing around in my room or talk a short walk around the city and plan for my coming holiday. It is my first ever backpacking experience and I'm partly afraid and partly excited at the same time.

So far, that's what been happening for the past 3 months.

I'll probably write something more interesting rather than my life story. Cheerio

xoxo luv sapphirejest

failure is not the end

"Embrace my fall and move forward".

To be brave physically is easy, to be brace emotionally is the tough one.

Lately, a few minor setback causes me to lose my mind. It may be minor, but the compilation of all the minors had become one huge major problem! I was breaking out and breaking down. For starters was my assignment where I got no help, aside from my lab mate, my supervisor wasn't helping much and he doesn't give a damn to what I really do. I felt hopeless and was almost on the edge.

My mother wasn't helping much either and started giving me lectures about relationship, money advice and some other of her problems which I am really hoping not to bother. I started cutting myself on my left wrist but I was still afraid of getting physical pain, I just used my nails and left some deep red markings- no blood, no mess.

Aside that, I was still in contact with Sebastian, on some occasion for a particular reason but I know if this goes on, I'll really get to like him, and it will be a problem. I just have to block my heart, block my feelings, lock them up and threw them out. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it couldn't, again I have to embrace it and find something to keep myself busy to forget the moment.

However, at times I get lonely and think the most unusual stuff, the sad moment, the stupid moment, the happy moment, the self-conscious moment and finally went into depression and cried myself to sleep. It happens at time, I don't think I'm bipolar, or maybe I'm the minor one (I don't really know). I believe it happened to everyone, just that no one ever said they are.

Due to the fact that I'm susceptible to sweet words, I'm telling myself to close my heart and be cold to all compliments. To never reveal my weakness and never accept sweet words. I'll just pretend to accept with a 'thank you'.

pictures taken from tumblr.

xoxo luv sapphirejest

Chinese New Year party @ Vanity

Another asian party host by Nee Hao magazine. Well kudos to them for a successful event! I realize they must have love DJ Phat because he was also spinnin' at 'Syndicate sexy foam party'.

Anyhoodle, the organizer are probably quite weak in human resourcing skills. Well, the previous event was held on a Thursday and is in Syndicate, which I personally think is quite spacious and it turn out to have such small crowd, it look really pathetic. While this event in Vanity took place on Friday, oh come on, ever heard of TGIF? It was packed with lots of people till the bouncers wouldn't allow people to enter and the coat room was full!

Are you kidding me? This was the first time a coat room was full and everyone had to leave their coats on the coach! That wasn't even the funny part yet. At one point, the DJ asked everyone to squeeze to the back (which was already packed!) to give some space so the break dancers could bust some moves.

AGAIN, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I'm not in rage, but it is bewildering to have a bunch of break dancers showing their moves in the middle of a dance in the CLUB. I was really surprised! Beside, it was just the basic toprock, handstand, flare and it lasted about 5 minutes.

i was ecstatic 

Oh not to mention the repetition of songs I heard from the DJ. No offense but the songs were somewhat similar with the previous event. I am seriously bored with Gangnam style, it is FRIGGIN ANNOYING! Aside that, other songs were quite alright, probably I missed a few because when I suggested some songs, he mention he had played them. But he played Swedish House Mafia -don't worry child on my request, I was psyched!

Also I met a lad, danced and spent the whole night with him till 6am. Naw I didn't snog him, wasn't tipsy enough to do it. He's really sweet and I feel bad of lying my identity to him. Well, in my opinion, what's the point of telling someone your real name, is not as if they'll remember. I went to party, dance and enjoy the night away.

 quote from swedish house mafia  " WE CAME, WE RAVED, WE LOVED".

pictures from tumblr.


xoxo luv sapphirejest