The solace of an empty theater.

The peace and calm of being underwater.

The comfort of a sturdy corner.

The stillness of an empty field.

The freedom of a swing, the wind and the blue sky.

Steady. Steady. Steady.

Inhale.

Exhale.

It’s funny. I look back at the year that has passed and the first things that pop-up are snapshots of good things - things that put a smile on my face and give me a feeling of peace and pride. It’s funny because I thought I’d remember the setbacks first, but I guess 2012 was more a glass half full than empty. I was blessed with so many creative opportunities. I met the best teachers (and now friends) who challenged and pushed me because they believed I had it in me. Though fear took over many times, in my imaginary scoreboard, I led and won at the end of the year. I graduated from fashion school and settled on a full-time job before the year ended. And I’m still alive, which is always a good thing.

Blessed to see the new year unfold, we begin with a new set of goals - all in the name of growth and fulfilling the plans the big guy in the sky has for us. I’m not one for resolutions; I usually just see where the year takes me. But I’ve set some pretty concrete plans this year, and I think listing down action steps will definitely help. I thought that 10 would be a good number to start with, so, I listed down 10 “action words” to help me realize said goals. (And I’m promising myself that if the list should change, it should only be in terms of quantity - always to add on & never to decrease.)

These 10 verbs exist so that I can grow as a performer and as an artist, and be able to contribute significantly in the groups I am involved in. I want to be more financially stable (which, I think, is going to be my biggest challenge yet). I want to discover more seas and climb more mountains. I want to finally learn how to ride a bike. And in material goals, I want to invest in a new laptop by the end of the year. Maybe even a tablet if things go well. (Gosh, I also need to set-up my website before the end of the month. O.O)

I’m trying not to have a panic attack, because, let’s admit it, pressure sucks. But this is for my own good. I want to be my best self, and committing to take the necessary steps to do so is key. #thinkpositive

Phew. No pressure, no pressure. I’m coming for ya, 2013.

Tomorrow’s the day! :) Come through!

Here’s a bullet point breakdown of today’s good vibes.

• Wrapped up the graduation collection this morning with the Mad Hatter Day EP on loop again. #push
• Submitted all my grad show pieces in the afternoon, which means I can finally sleep in my own bed and not the couch in my workspace. (Well, at least til I get them all back next week.)
• Finally caught Perks of Being a Wallflower with Samantha. Gaahh.. all my feelings. <3
• Got a callback for a job interview right when the movie ended. Here we go employment!
• Spent the kind of alone time that wasn’t because I needed to hide from the outside world due to work/school and hung around Fully Booked Promenade and bought myself a couple of books I’ve been dying to read (aka JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy and John Green’s An Abundance of Katherines), No Doubt’s new album and this month’s Preview. Yup, I missed that.
• I was browsing through the latest Preview at Starbucks when I came across the feature on SoFA. I thought to myself, “Hmm… those photos look familiar.” So, I checked the credits at the edge of the page and was pleasantly surprised that my name was there! Three of my photos were used as additional material and gosh… its still a great feeling to see your work published. :) My heartfelt thanks go out to my friend Maina for sending them in. (Plus, they didn’t spell my name with a “y”! Noice. Haha)

I will sleep with a smile and a happy heart tonight. Looking forward to more good days.

Sisters Lennon and Maisy, 12 and 8 respectively, do an awesome cover of Call Your Girlfriend by Robyn. And they use their hands and plastic butter tubs for the beats.

Ah yes, it’s that throw-your-pen-at-the-screen-and-mumble-freakin’-kids moment of the day. 

Enjoy!

Playing around with Paper by 53 again while having a CSI marathon :) (Taken with instagram)

Bangkok, Thailand | April 2012

Last January, I found out that my thesis/grad term would be pushed to June. This meant two things: one, I would be showcasing my graduation collection in October, instead of May, and two, I would have a few months out of school before the June term starts. When those facts started to sink in, I kind of had a mild case of young adulthood impatience.

My thoughts:

• My goodness. October pa? *le sigh*
• What in the world am I going to do from February to May?
• I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I want to work/earn my own money already.

I have a month left before June and it looks like May will be another good month of l/earning and living. Also, let’s make sure I can say I did all I could and all I had to before my 25th. ;)

Made with Paper

Guess who drew skulls today? :) @sheenasiao @paulignacio #HDE3 (Taken with instagram)

tylerknott:

He
had the
audacity
to promise her
he was someone
worth taking
a little trouble
over.

-Tyler Knott Gregson-

(via audreytheaccidental)