*Sigh of Relief* FINALLY

07 July 2016

personal

*Sigh of Relief* FINALLY

I've been in a rut over the course of June. I didn't go out as much, I sat in my room either watching Netflix, or sleeping. I didn't know what was "wrong" with me. I just wanted to sleep, go to work, make money, pay off my credit card bills, and just find something good to watch on Netflix. This was pretty much all I did.
I didn't realize until now that I was probably feeling this way due to the fact that I was stressed. I was honestly stressed about my future and answering the question of "what's next?"
I've been saying over and over again here on the blog (for years) that my ultimate goal is to become a nurse. And, after finishing university, I decided to give it another try. I won't lie, coming out of high school, I got waitlisted, almost everywhere I applied to. So, you could already imagine what was going through my mind when I was applying to some of the same schools now... I was nervous the same results would happen. 
Most programs in Ontario can either start in September, January, or May. Of course, being done school and all, I thought it would be best to be applying for the September intake. Long story short, that didn't go as well as I wanted. I got into programs, like P.S.W., Autism and Behavioural Science,   and Concurrent Disorders, but I never back for nursing. 

I decided to take a breather and reapply for the January intake. This time, I took a different approach and decided to be more active in my applications. I called the administration department at the schools I really wanted to attend (they probably could recognize my phone number by now) and asked them many questions.    I found out that most schools offer and/or require a skills assessment test (with the addition of high school marks) that includes math, chemistry, biology and english... All of which I had not practiced nor studied in over 4 years (since grade 12) with the exception of english. 
So, yeah. I was nervous. But, I studied my a*s off, and even got my younger sister to help me in chemistry because she not only understood it, but she also loved the subject back in high school. 
Long story short, I wrote the test almost 2 weeks ago at one school, and wrote it at another school less than a week ago. Normally the test results would be updated onto your school profile account and updated on the application by now. For the first school, 2 weeks was way too long to not have my results updated. 
I did good. I know I did, and last night I decided to call admissions. And, believe it or not, she changed the results manually and immediately (because I learnt that technology can sometimes be flawed). Then, she told me the best news I've heard in months - that I would be hearing back by Friday! I knew what that meant. 

All of last night, my eyes were stuck to my laptop and phone while constantly refreshing the page. I was eager. And then, while having a nice dinner for a cousins 21st bday, I received the best news. 
I GOT AN OFFER for practical nursing! Not for the one school, but for the TWO SCHOOLS I wrote tests for. And, I couldn't be any happier and excited! It has been a long time coming, and I know I've been wanting this since forever. 
So, you're girl will be going back to school in January to start a new journey! This should be a fun and interesting journey because not only was I pushing myself to study for these tests, but I was also pushing my cousin! Now, she will shortly be getting her offer as well, and that means our childhood dream of going to school together will actually be a reality! 
I guess sometimes, when you want something really badly, you'll do whatever it takes to get it.  Follow

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July Goals!

05 July 2016

monthly goals

July Goals!

I feel like I constantly say this at the beginning of every month, but I'll say it again... I cannot believe how fast the last month flew! And, look... we are already entering into the 5th day of July, and I am already (kind of, sort of) late with my July goals. 

I feel like a broken record when I say that the past month has been hectic. Will I get to what I've been up to exactly... most likely. But, for now, bare with me. I'm honestly doing my best to get back into my regular blogging schedule. But, for now... let's get to the goals that sets up the rest of the month, shall we?

This Month's Goals

1. Read a book (or two).  

My eyes hurt from all my binge watching on Netflix. I need a change of pace, and I definitely need to give my eyes a rest. I recently found a few books that caught my eye at the library. It's just about choosing which one to read first. But, I will finish one, hopefully two this month! (Gotta keep up with my goal of reading 20 books this year!)

2. Online course. 

Believe it or not, I've been taking an online course after graduating. Why? Well, I want to update my resume. One of my main personal goals throughout the past few months was to leave my part-time job, and get another, preferably in a hospital/clinic setting.  I think gaining experience in the field I soon aspire to work in is important, I am willing to do what it takes. So, taking a medical terminology course and applying for a secretary position in the hospital is the big "what's next" for me. 

From what my mom tells me, once you're in (i.e., working in a union at the hospital), human resources will look internally first before looking for outside candidates when it comes to new job openings. Since the ultimate goal is to become a nurse, and work for a union, I think gaining that connection now will help me later on. 

3. Workout at least 3 times a week.

I've been slacking when it came to the gym last month. I'm not sure what happened exactly. But, I feel like my body is the heaviest it has ever been and I'm not exactly happy with the look of my body. I cannot just sit at home expecting a change. I need to make it happen. Oh, especially since my cousins' wedding is in August. Definitely want to look my best.

4. Bring food to work. 

Sometimes I bring my own food to work... but, then there are other days where I just had no time the night before to prepare anything. I usually end up buying from the same few places near by, and believe me... IT ADDS UP. I'm hoping this month to take it down a notch, and stick to my guns and stop purchasing food for lunch. 

5. Stay positive. 

A lot has been going on lately. And, lately not caring and assume the worst is what I've become good at. When I take a look back at June, I don't have as many amazing and fun memories as I did in the other months. Why? Because I wasn't being positive. This month, a positive outlook on everything (even the bad) is a must. I need to get my happy groove back on. I need to remind myself that there is always something good waiting.

6. Create a vlog. 

I've been pushing this off for months. I really don't have any excuses, especially since the sun is out shining brightly than ever, and the lighting in and outside of my room is on point. Definitely want to make at least one blog per month! 

What are your goals for July?

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If We Were on a Coffee Date | vol. 6

30 June 2016

Coffee Dates

If We Were on a Coffee Date | vol. 6

If we were on a coffee date, I'd first apologize for being that friend who disappears from your life out of no where. I mean, I kind of did disappear from here. It's either I've been really present (for like 1 day or 2), or I've been really absent (which has been the case over the course of June). I guess you can say that nothing fun or eventful or even "blogable" has occurred to me since graduation. It is either I've been working or attempting to study. Study for what? Well... 

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that even though I finished uni, I want to go back to school. Yes, believe it or not, I really do. I feel like we live in a world where everyone is becoming smarter and more hard working. Or, just flat out more competitive with HUGE ambitions. I feel like credentials are super important, especially the type of degree you hold. And, (well, I can speak for Canada) I feel like having a bachelors is not enough. You need to have your masters in order to really do something in your field of study. Well, that's how it is for psychology....

So, I decided to switch gears and go back to school. The goal is... nursing. And, because I haven't studied biology, chemistry or math since grade 12 (4 years ago....), I will be taking a nursing admissions exam to be eligible to enrol into the program. I'm nervous - especially for chemistry. I didn't get it back then, I'm not sure how I'm going to get it now.  Just wish me luck, please.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you how customers are actually evil. Well, not all. But, for real... I've told you all before that I work part-time in a retail store... and, the people I've encountered make me question humanity as a whole. Never have I ever thought working in retail is actually... kinda... horrible! Like I literally feel I do not get paid enough when it comes to receiving and unpacking shipments in the backroom to being on the sales floor cleaning up after people (grown adults to be specific) or dealing with the bulls*t customers give me over issues that I really have no control over. To be honest, sometimes I don't even want to go into work because of the customers. But, then I look at my credit card bill... that's literally my only motivation for sticking around. Oh, and saving money for school.

If we were on a coffee date, you probably see me upset for paying extra for lactose free milk. I don't get it. If I cannot digest lactose, why do I have to be punish and pay extra? I already suffer from not eating some of my FAVOURITE desserts (even though, sometimes I don't care and still do). But, still... it makes no sense. I'm not making a "healthy" decision and ditching lactose... I can't digest it. I shouldn't have to pay extra... every... damn... time. I'm talking to you Starbucks!

If we were on a coffee date, I'd confess that I (randomly) stopped participating in the 100 Day Project on insta... Not sure why. I was doing SO WELL for like a good 30 days. Then, one day... I ended up staying home and didn't end up taking a good insta-worthy pic... then from then on, I literally just had nothing to post. It's weird. I'm weird. I just have a hard time taking good insta photos... anyone with me on that? or have you already mastered a technique that I'm not understanding -.- (check out the collections of pics I took though... #100dayswithnessa)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd probably show up in my pyjamas... and late. I'm tired. I really am. When it comes to work, my schedule has been all over the place. One day I would be closing, and the next morning I would be opening. So, there's not much room to sleep in and enough my bed. So, don't get too upset if I show up late :)

If we were on a coffee date, I'd asked you for some suggestions on books! I want to read my this summer. And, I want to fall in love with new authors. So, tell me... any books you've recently read and absolutely loved? I'm talking about the ones where you just finished reading a book, and you want to read it all over again... Let me know!!!

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Vogue 73 Questions

24 June 2016

personal

Vogue 73 Questions

Ever since joining the Blog Boss Babe community, I've been really going out of my comfort zone to participate more in the forums, as well as exploring others blogs and commenting. I soon began to realize that my page views were increasing, and going through some of the webinars I realized I need to improve my about me page! Hence the reason why there is no "About Me" page available at the moment.
So, as I was reading through some of my daily reads, and found a cute post from Kendal @ Little Misadventures share 73 tidbits about herself. And, I decided to steal the Vogue 73 Questions from her as a way for my newer readers to get to know me as I am updating my "About Me" page!

Before I get into the questions, I thought I'd share a recent photo of myself. Why? Well, most people have a hard time guessing what my background is because I am mixed. Believe it or not, others have assumed I was either Spanish, Egyptian, Malaysian, and many more! So, I thought I'd share a photo of me wearing a sari, something that most people don't often see me wearing.
While you try to figure out what I am, let's get into these questions! (Don't worry, I'll share with you what my background is at the end of this post!)

1.What’s the best thing that happened to you this month? I GRADUATED UNIVERSITY :) (read about that here!)

2. What is something you’re tired of? Childish people.

3. What is something that recently moved you? A letter...

4. If you could teach one subject in school what would it be? Psychology! I love everything about it!

5. What’s your favorite beverage? COFFEE! Since its summer, I'm really loving my Caramel Fraps!

6. What’s your favorite cocktail? Pina Colada

7. What is your favorite birthday cake? Cheesecake; but recently Red Velvet

8.What is one thing you still have from your childhood? My stuffed animals

9. What is your favorite movie? I have a lot of favourites, a few including Sense and Sensibility, Mean Girls, P.S. I Love You... It's hard to think of these from the top of my head!

10. What is something you can’t do?  Pull-ups!

11. What is one habit you wish you could break? Biting my nails... I know... ew... 

12. What makes you laugh no matter what? Jay

13. What does creativity mean to you? Expressing everything from within.

14. What are your favorite lyrics of all time? "No need to fix what God already put his paint brush on" - Crooked Smile by J. Cole

15. What is something you’ve always wanted to try but you’ve been too scared to do? Moving out of the city 

16. Best advice for your 19 year old self? This is the best time to be adventurous and courageous. Try new things, try the things you've always wanted to do, have the time of your life. Legally you are an adult, but you don't have to have all those responsibilities. There's years of that.

17. If you could raid one woman’s closet who would it be? Any of the Kardashians/Jenners really

18. Must have purse item? LIPSTICK and lotion!

19. What did you want to do with your life at age 12? I wanted to become a doctor 

20. What is something you will not be doing in ten years? Sitting on my couch still clueless about my life... hopefully 

21. What is an important life lesson for someone to learn? Treat everyone like it is the last time you will see them. 

22. What is one goal you are determined to achieve in your lifetime? To give my parents the satisfaction that they can retire without worrying about my sister and I not being able to support ourselves, and them.

23. Would you ever live anywhere besides Toronto? I've been thinking about it...

24. What is your favorite dessert? Cheesecake!

25. Is there a dessert you don’t like? Hmm.. nothing seems to come in mind

26. It’s brunch! What do you eat? Eggs and sausages!

27. Who is your favourite writer? I've been loving a lot of writers lately, including Cecelia Ahern, Victoria Aveyard!

28. Favorite Disney animal? THUMPER!

29. What is a book you are planning on reading? I actually wrote a post of books I want to read before summer ends (read it here)

30. What did you read most recently? Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard 

31. Favorite solo artist? Loving Ariana Grande ... her voice though!

32. What’s your Favorite board game? I actually do not have one :/

33. What’s a city you wish to visit? ROME

34. Heels or flats? lately... FLATS

35.  Where does one go on a perfect road trip? here... to wasaga for the summer, or to Montreal for partying. Take your pick!

36. What do you do on a rainy day? Believe it or not, I like to eat soup on rainy days.. not sure why :/

37. What’s your favorite exercise? The elliptical lol

38. What was your worst subject in school? Oh dear.... chemistry.. 

39. What is your spirit animal? A rabbit. I am one with the bunnies, especially Penelope

40. What do you usually eat for breakfast? Nothing really... Usually don't wake up that early, lately.

41. What do you usually eat for dinner? Whatever is home! Sometimes I would have to buy something small.

42. Cooking or Baking? Cooking

43. Favorite baked good? Any cookies!

44. What is something you wish you could be good at? Singing

45. Skiing or Surfing? Lol none...

46. First celebrity crush? I wanna say... Brian from Backstreet Boys lol

47. Most recent celebrity crush? Honestly.. I can't think of anyone ??

48. What color was your prom dress? PURPLE! 

49. How do you manage stress? I read... like literally anything 

50. What do you do to relax? Lately, I've been taking naps. 

51. Age when you were first kissed? lol omg, I think 13

52. Place you were first kissed? Summer camp haha "under the stars" is how I used to describe ahaha!!

53. Favorite fashion trend of all time? High waisted jeans!

54. Best fashion advice you’ve ever received? Always looks your best.

55. Trend you would like to see disappear forever? Long socks and shorts (and I'm not even talking about the cute stockings, I'm talking about the actual long songs... like please,buy ankle socks!) 

56. Shoes or Bags? SHOES

57. How do you know if you’re in love? Honestly, you just know

58. Television show you’ve binged on recently? GREY'S ANATOMY

59. Who do you turn to when you’re sad? Jay (after venting to Penelope)

60. Name one thing you’ve learned the hard way? Not everyone (including certain family members) has you in their best interest.

61. If you could make a documentary about anything what would it be? haha "A day in the life of Penelope"... seriously, I would love to know what she does all day long 

62. What is your Kryptonite? Cute animals, cute babies, a man's forearm hair lol

63. What are you most enchanted by? waterfalls

64. What is your biggest strength? My patience

65. What is your biggest weakness? Jumping to conclusions

66. What are 3 words to describe living in Toronto? City, Busy, Lively 

67. Cutest thing on planet earth? BABY ANIMALS 

68. Most important advice you’d give your future children? Have fun of you, not for anyone else

69. Best first date idea? Pay for me, and you're good lol

70. Favorite type of flower? Orchids! 

71. What do you first notice about someone when you meet them? Their smile 

72. What’s your guilty pleasure? One Direction

73. Plans for the weekend? Work, BBQ, probably more work, and (hopefully) studying!

P.S. Because you stuck around to read my entire post, I decided to share with you what my background is... ready???? 

I'm half Filipino and half Sri Lankan!!

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A New Summer Look!

22 June 2016

beauty

A New Summer Look!

DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional. Please note that all hair types are different; what may not work for me may work for you, and what may work for me may not work for you.
Remember a couple months ago I dyed my hair red? And, then back to brown?
Well, if you aren't already following me on instagram, then, you really should! My instagram game is improving and I'm actually learning the art of taking (somewhat) pretty pictures for my insta-page. But, besides me shamelessly advertising my insta... what I really meant to say was that a couple days ago, I revealed the new look I created for myself.
Yes, I decided to skip the hair salon and time dyed bleached my hair! I won't lie to you, the idea seemed adventurous at first. But, once I started applying the bleach, I was hella nervous! However, the end results amazed me!

Like I said, I was actually so nervous bleaching my hair on my own! I did a bit of research beforehand, but my excitement took over and I just ended up convincing myself I needed a change - especially before grad. I guess I'm a great convincer because that very same day of watching 1.5 hours of youtube videos, I went straight to Sally's and bought everything I needed. 
What You Need (a.k.a What I Used):

• L'oreal Quick Blue High Performance Powder Lightener 
• Salon Care 20 Volume Creme Developer (you could use 30 or 40 depending on the colour you are trying to achieve) 
• Tint Brush
• Mixing Bowl
• Purple Shampoo (any brand really)
• Tin Foil 
• Hair Clips  
• Coconut Oil (optional but recommended!)

The bleaching process wasn't too hard. It is like applying box dye, but applying the bleach fast or risk damage. Thanks to the help of my lovely mother, she actually applied the bleach on my hair AND wrapped the different sections in tin foil. 

Her help was a HUGE because I already know how slow I was during the other times I dyed my hair on my own. I did not want to leave the bleach on my hair for longer than 40 minutes. I love my hair - so, leaving the bleach in my hair for too long was not an option for me.
NOTE: Leaving bleach in for too long can actually leave your hair feeling over dried and have a straw-like kind of feel to it. I was scared, which was also why I decided to not touch my routes! If I loved the colour my hair turned out, then I'll think about touching my roots with bleach.
Remember how I mentioned I dyed my head of hair red before? Well, thats the other thing I was worried about... I was worried that bleaching my hair would actually cause my hair to go pink. So, I was paying SUPER close attention to the sections of my hair. But, after washing my hair, to my surprise, my hair ended up being a really pretty shade of brown that I never before thought I could pull off!

How did my hair feel? To my amazement, my hair felt HEALTHY. Remember that time I blogged about my favourite hair product? Well, it turns out that months of shampooing and conditioning my hair with coconut oil did wonders! But, that night, I decided to go ahead and drench my hair in coconut oil, just to be safe. I guess I 'm just really impressed with what coconut oil did to my hair.
Any who... the next day, I decided that my "new" look wasn't enough. It didn't give me that WOW factor. When I said I wanted a change, I really wanted a change - a look I never had. So, I got everything together, and decided to bleach my hair again, this time the ends to give it that ombre look.
Note: my research says that you really should wait about 2 weeks before bleaching your hair again!!! I obviously decided not to wait... I'm impatient like that.
So, this time I did everything on my own! And, it wasn't too bad of a process, especially since I was mainly focusing on my ends. I left the bleach in for about 40 minutes, and washed out my hair. And...
BAM.  A new look I was definitely not expecting, but absolutely LOVE. I love how great it turned out, and I wasn't the only one! Others really liked it, but were even more surprised at the fact that I achieved this look on my own! I think I will eventually do another bleaching process, this time including my roots, but that can wait a few more weeks. Follow

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In Other News... I Graduated!

07 June 2016

lifestyle

In Other News... I Graduated!

Oh, hey there!
It's been awhile hasn't it? I guess I could bore you with all the details of how busy I was or how I've been sleeping to catch upon rest because I've been busy, or even how I had a really had allergic reaction which caused me to be M.I.A. here and in real life. I could go over all that, but it is not as exciting with what latest achievement I'm about to share with you...
I have officially graduated from University!

And, I couldn't be anymore excited and proud!
Even though the convocation ceremony was just last night, I feel like it still hasn't hit me! I guess I just cannot believe how fast 4 years has gone, and that within the last 4 years I've earned my Honours of Bachelors Degree in Science. It has been a long time coming and I really couldn't be any more happier.

I am proud to say that I am the first in my dad's immediate family to graduate from university!! To me, that is a huge accomplishment in itself, because I know I made my grandmother super proud. And, even though I may not be the first from my mom's immediate family, I am the third, which is still a big accomplishment as well.
Anyways, last night's convocation ceremony was well organized and so much more faster than I thought. I mean, the ceremony was 2 hours long, but it did not feel like that at all! The speeches were short, sweet and to the point, and because the graduating class was huge, we went up on stage in twos, which made things run so much more faster! 

Unfortunately, the weather did a 360 on us and ended up becoming rainy and gloomy after the ceremony. So, I was happy I got a few pictures with a few of my friends before the ceremony.

Overall, I am happy I attended my convocation ceremony (yes, there was a point where I was questioning whether or not I attend the ceremony), and I am even happier that I've graduated university. I couldn't be more proud of myself.
I did it!  

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My Summer Reading List

23 May 2016

books

My Summer Reading List

Ah, summer. FINALLY. 
I am currently sitting outside on my front porch with my book and iced coffee nicely resting beside me. Oh, and of course, with my laptop on my lap, because, how else would I be describing what I'm doing?  Anyways, I couldn't be in a better mood. Not only is it a long weekend here in Canada, but the weather is no longer gloomy. IT IS FINALLY NICE AND SUNNY. The way the weather should be in May. Canada, please stay like this. No more grey, cloudy, and rainy days. 
I've always loved the sun, the fresh breeze, and the smell of BBQ that neighbours are constantly cooking up. That's how you know it is that time of the year where we can just relax.  
Since finishing school, the majority of my time has had me either working, or cooped up in my room binge-watching ever possible TV show I already watched, just because there wasn't much to do outside. Now, with the weather so nice, I can't find the will to pick up the television remote or turn on my laptop. I just want to sit outside and read all my books I've neglected over the school year. 
So, with the motivation of the beautiful weather, plus the goal I created myself over at Goodreads, I decided to create a Summer Reading List in hopes of reading a total of 20 books this summer!
1. Tell Me Three Things - Julie Buxbaum 2. Bliss - Shay Mitchell + Michaela Blaney 3. Why Not Me? - Mindy Kaling 4. Where'd You Go, Bernadette - Maria Semple 5. One Hundred Names - Cecelia Ahern 6. Finding Audrey - Sophie Kinsella  7. Me Before You - Jojo Moyes 8. Red Queen - Victoria Aveyard (Triology) 9. Fallen - Lauren Kate (Series -- 4 books) 10. To All The Boys I've Loved Before - Jenny Han (Series - 2 books)
The list above are currently the books I have on my "to-read" shelf on goodreads. As the days/weeks go on, I will hopefully find more books to add onto my list to officially complete my goals of 20 books! But, one step at a time!
Are any of these books worth reading? Let me know some  recommendations as well!
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