Solitude & Living Life

Outside, everyone is enjoying the night. It's the annual student festival. And it means drinking and partying until they get tired. Whilst me, I'm having a different celebration. I'm all alone, lying here in my bed, listening to good old songs. Oh solitude, I have always longed for you.

In a new world where I am into right now, it seems like every moment should be spent working. Working, working, working. And I must say I am tired already. Dead tired. Damn tired. But I have no choice. And I have no one to blame but myself. I was the one who wanted this. I was the one who dreamed of this. I suddenly remember the line Be careful what you wish for 'cause you might just get it all. You might just get it all and then some you don't want. Yeah right! I am spending my days and nights in the laboratory. Six days a week, thirteen to fifteen hours a day. I barely get enough sleep. I just wonder, how are they (the Koreans) able to live a life like that? The word 'work' is at the top, and the word 'rest' is at the extreme end. And it will soon disappear. I am sure of that.

I miss those days working in IRRI. It's a serious and challenging job but the thing is, I enjoyed every bit of it. There's enthusiasm and excellence. There was a burning desire. Passion. And the people are the best colleagues I've ever had. Everything is balanced. Eight hours of work, a leisure time after work, enough and great sleep, and the excitement that comes in the morning knowing that I'll be once again going to work.

Then I realized, looking back is a good thing but one must not forget the present. And although my present might not have been exactly the way I wanted it to be, I think that I should still be thankful for not everyone can have an opportunity like this.  And of course, that  I should just make the best of it. Live life with passion and enthusiasm!

the ZARA encounter

If there's one store that I really like or in my top list, that would be ZARA. And fortunately I found a store in downtown Daegu. Happiness! I can still remember my first ZARA encounter. And this happened last year as I was looking for a coat for my stay here in South Korea. Well, even before that, I can say that I'm already an enthusiast for a long time because I often find myself browsing its website. I adore it's classic yet timeless appeal. It's simple yet elegant in its own way. Sophistication has many facets and I think ZARA is able to bring out the sophisticated style in one way or another. Everything is lovely and just right.

ZARA shop in Daegu

I'm proud to say that the first thing I ever bought in Zara in the Philippines, my favorite coat, is also one of my best buys.  It fits me well and it was of great use when I arrived here (hello winter season!). And I got it one sale! I couldn't be any happier!

With my new discovery, the Zara store here in Daegu, I'm hoping to be able to dig its finest treasures. More encounters to come perhaps. =)

A Walk in Jungang Park

Sundays are my favorite because during these days I get to have a break from the laboratory, (have the luxury to) wake up late in the morning, attend mass, and go to some places. It's wonderfully different from my routinary weekdays and Saturdays.

Beauty at its finest

It's raining the whole day and there's even thunder and lightning while I was walking on my way to the dormitory. Good thing I am now here in the comfort of my room. Since the weather is gloomy, and to make myself happy, I am currently looking at some pictures I took these past few weeks. The lovely full blooms are just so good to look at. I can't help but admire their beauty.

I love them all but this shot is a bit special. I was walking in the campus and unexpectedly, in the midst of brown soil and green grasses, I found a precious gem: a dandelion seed head. I couldn't believe my eyes that it was there. I used to see this only in books, but now this delicate creation is right in front of my eyes.

*all pictures taken by me

Dreaming of a leopard print coat

I know it's already spring but suddenly I found myself dreaming of a leopard print coat. While browsing one of my favorite blogs, The World Looks Red, I saw a picture of Laura wearing her Zara leopard coat (see picture below) and these two words perfectly describe her look, simply gorgeous!

I must admit though that I never really had an interest in animal printed things before. I thought that animal prints were tacky and would just ruin an outfit. But I was wrong. Now, my perception has changed completely (talkin about 180 degree turn). There's something special about animal prints: it's like confidence and glamour combined. Oh, now all I want is to have one. 

Here's another picture of my much coveted leopard print coat:

Zara

And since I'm so into animal prints now, I would like to share some other great animal print finds from other bloggers:

Saucy Glossie

Late Afternoon

eat.sleep.wear.

Hopefully, I'll be able to find that perfect leopard print coat and wear it in the coming winter season.=) Haha, I'm so excited already!! Can't wait!

Who will she choose?

The last five episodes of Gossip Girl will surely be a roller coaster ride! But for me, it's definitely Blair and Chuck! 

If two people are meant to be together, eventually they'll find their way back.

One Fine Sunday

I am really loving spring - the colorful flowers, the perfect weather, the shining sun, the people in the park, everything! And since cherry blossoms are already in full bloom, me and my friend decided to have a mini spring pictorial. Haha! Last Sunday, we had a walk in the park, oh I mean campus (but hey it looks like a park though). It's nice to be able to explore some new places in KNU. And we definitely had a great time!

Must-Organize-My-Life 101

From now on, I'll try my best to avoid what I always do - CRAMMING. Even though I know I'm good at it (based on experience), I cant deny the fact that there's just so much stress that goes with the whole 'cramming' process. Let me count the ways err describe the stages:

1. Worrying Stage - upon learning about the task, one becomes worried on what should be done to complete/accomplish it
2. Floating/Getting stuck Phase - also known as being 'easy-go-lucky'; one is doing nothing about the task  because there is still so much time before the deadline
3. Worrying Stage (again) - after sometime, one realizes that the deadline is fast approaching (it can be just a few days away) and that the task should be acted upon, and then becomes worried and nervous. These questions are always popping in his/her head: How should I start? Will I be able to finish it?
4. No-Sleep/Do-it-overnight Phase - one starts doing the task at the last possible moment (in my case, I usually start doing it the night before). In this stage, the person experiences adrenaline rush. He/she becomes so focus in doing the task and losses track of time and suddenly hears the crowing of rooster at the break of dawn (this one literally happened to me)
5. Overjoyed Phase - after completing/finishing the task, one feels very fulfilled in having been through it all. It feels like being able to do a huge accomplishment. It's like seeing a rainbow after a dark, long, heavy downpour of rain.

Cramming is like a roller coaster ride: it starts in a slow, calm way and suddenly you're already freakin' out, but at the end of the ride, it's like "OMG! I did it!" It's very rewarding, but at the same time, very, very stressful. Now, I'm determined to get out of this roller coaster ride. I want to know how it feels to be on the right track of accomplishing things sans the stressful environment of cramming.

P.S. Hopefully I would learn how to budget and use my time well.=)