I’m at that point in life where I have to decide what I’m going to do for a living.  There’s a choice of three paths, one being uni.¹, another being working my butt off to gain a career as a jewellery designer maker or a job working under a business.  Currently I’m letting certain events lead the way but my mind’s decision is constantly fluctuating.

Oh, I had my final exhibition.  My family went so I was really worried that none of my pieces were good enough to show but I have a few pieces in there, which is nice.   During the exhibiting week I had to restock on business cards – Yay.   Although the downside was realising that I had one too many digits on my mobile number.  Bugger.  Hey-ho, more people use email right?

I officially finished university the week before yesterday (Friday) and since it’s been roughly a month since my last post I thought I’d share things that I love:

• Playing the piano – didn’t realise how little I had played during the 2nd semester but it soon told when I went to play certain pieces.
• DBSK².  I had only recently heard their music but I absolutely love their voices.  However, I’ve come to realise that they aren’t a band now (any more?).  Saddens me.  Super Junior are also another K-pop band I’ve been listening to a lot.
• Make-up containers.  I don’t wear much make-up, if at all, so to find them on the cheap is great.  I thought the power cases would be great for separating my extra easy/easy/hard solder, and the bottles would come in handy in storing my liquid solutions.  What can I say?  I’m a nerd for storage.
• BBQs.  Good company and food, what more can you ask for?
• World Cup.  Every time a football seasons ends I always wonder what that time is going to be substituted with.  However, with the World Cup I have no need to worry about that as there’s plenty of football to keep me occupied.  Although there’s not been a lot to shout home about for many countries.  I’m cheering for England but have a soft spot for South Korea and Spain.   Oh, and the England v Germany match just happens to be on my birthday.  Just saying, I’m in no way suggesting that it’s a lucky omen or vice versa but it will probably be the epicentre depicting which way my mood swings, heh.

From the top of my head those are the main things.

By the way, I’ve bought Pandora’s Box and Mystery Stories and want to know what you think about either of those games.

1. Top up degree.
2. Korean band, a song of whom I was coincidentally learning. ^^

My friend and I saw a notice in the canteen about Platform2; which essentially is scheme for volunteers to travel and make a difference in less developed countries.  On a whim we opted to take part and even got the forms ready.  Months later my friend is going ahead with plans, however I’m thinking otherwise.

Late a night I’d be thinking about the humbling experience and how great it would be to physically help out…until the what-ifs started popping into my head.  Would I appreciate the opportunity if I did get accepted, or would I sit and moan?  What are the people like?  Where do you find the line in reality between adverts and TV programmes such as Comic relief?  The former unveiling a more melancholic situation and the latter displaying high spirits.

It does come down to selflessness and how much you’re willing to sacrifice.

I decided not to enter because:

1. It was an impulse decision and impulse should not be the deciding factor for these kind of experiences.
2. The help requires 10 weeks of your time.  I wouldn’t be able to fully commit myself as I am wanting to do the top-up degree and my summer holiday isn’t that long.
3. I need to use that time to work and earn money to pay for the tuition fees and materials…etc…etc.

So, yes, it’s a little bit selfish but at a different time I will heavily consider.

My question is would you consider taking part is something like Platform2, or have participated in something similar?  If so, please share your experience.

1. See bullet point 8.

So here’s my list of things I’m looking forward to:

• Going to Munich.  I’ve been to Germany before but it was a tour of Europe so I didn’t get to see a lot of Germany.  This will be my first jewellery show I’m going to, and also will be the first time I’m travelling without the family.  I’m going with people at uni.
• Chinese New Year.  A day that’s always good when you’re short of money.   Just kidding.  I always look forward to Chinese New Year¹ as it’s one of the rare times the family are together.
• This will be my last year at uni.² and, to be honest, I’ve not really fully committed  myself unlike the first course I did.  Who knows what’s next for me?  I could get a job or do the Design For Industry course³.  If I do go on to the top up year I’ll have to make a decision this month. Oh… O.o

It might seem a short list but I’m pretty sure there are things I’ve forgot to mention.

On a slightly different note, did anyone see the New Year’s fireworks?  Might have only been me but was anyone unimpressed?  Mind, I am comparing it to that of the Beijing Olympics.

Anyway…I hope this year brings happiness, health and auspiciousness⁴ to you all.  *Cheers*  *Clink glass⁵*

1. 14th February, this year.
2. Until June, that is.
3. Though I’m not willing to drive back and forth constantly so will have to sort that out
4. Is that a word?  Haha.
5. Despite being teetotal.

Get ready…  Oh, these questions were borrowed¹ from a MySpace quiz.

1. What is your best friends name? Suzy.  I’ve known her since Year 2 (5/6 years old) so…yeah…
2. What colour underwear/boxers wearing now? That’s a bit private so I won’t that.  Do people really need to know anyway?
3. What are you listening to right now? Nothing.  Although I do have have my earphones in…weird that.
4. What’s your favourite number? Was 5 but that was in my Five fan girl days.  Don’t have one anymore.
5. What was the last thing you ate? Fish, lettuce and rice.
6. If you were a crayon what colour would you be? I’m quite fond of light purple so probably lilac.
7. How is the weather right now? Er…don’t know my blind are closed. XD
8. Who was the last person you talked 2 on the phone? Haha.  Customer service.
9. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? The smile.  Actually, it depends.  If a guy has an afro that’s probably the first thing I notice.  It’s all dependant on the prominent feature.
10. Do you have a significant other? No.
11. Favourite TV show? Ooo, I have no favourite not but ones I watch regularly: CSI; House, Supernatural and Match Of The Day.
12. Siblings? A brother and sister.
13. Height? 5 foot.  Feel like a hobbit sometimes but, hey, we know how that ends.
14. Hair colour? Dark brown.  Although it does look a lighter brown in the sun, with tints of copper.
15. Eye colour? Brown.
16. Do you wear contacts? No.  Thankfully, as I think I’d struggle to put them in, with my eyes not being wide and all.
17. Favourite holiday? Christmas.  I love winters and snow. ^^
18. Month? December, just as long as it’s snowing.
19. Have you ever cried for no reason? Don’t think so.
20. What was the last movie you watched? Ooo, that’s a question and a half!  I can’t remember…oh…Pirates Of The Caribbean.  I didn’t finish it as I fell asleep near the start.
21. Favourite day of the year? Not sure yet.  Ask me in 50 years time.
22. Are you too shy to ask someone out? I’m just shy in general.
23. Can you do a headstand (not using the wall)? I doubt I can any more without harming myself in the process, heh.
24. Hugs or Kisses? Hugs.  I don’t show affection well so that’s an iffy answer.
25. Chocolate or Vanilla? Can’t choose.  I like both. :9
26. Do you want your friends to respond to this? It’s entirely up to them.
27. Who is most likely to respond? I suppose not many.  50 questions is a lot.
28. Who is least likely to respond? The people who don’t read or have never visited my blog.
29. What books are you reading?
    • Career Girls
    • Thanks For The Memories
    • An Offer You Can’t Refuse
30. Piercings? One of each ear lobe.
31. Favourite movies? I’m going to judge this by whether I slept through the film.  With that said it would probably be Blood Diamond and Slumdog Millionaire.
32. Favourite football team? I’m going to be cheeky and choose two: Telford United and Manchester United.
33. What were you doing before this? Eating dinner. :9
34. Butter, plain or salted popcorn? Honey.
35. Dogs or cats? I prefer dogs.
36. Favourite flower? African Violets?
37. Been caught doing something you weren’t supposed to do? Not yet, touch wood.
38. Do you have a best friend of the opposite sex? No.
39. Have you ever loved someone? Relationship-wise.  Hmm…no.  I’m going grow old and lonely by the look of things.
40. Who would you like to see right now? Gosh, I don’t know.  So many people to choose from.
41. Are you still friends with people from kindergarten? No.
42. Have you ever fired a gun? Does a BB gun count?
43. Do you like to travel by plane? Resounding no.  I’m one of these wimps who suffers² from travel sickness.
44. Right-handed or Left-handed? Right handed.  It would be better though if I were more ambidextrous.
45. How many pillows do you sleep with? 4 but three of them are just there as I have no where to put them.
46. Are you missing someone? Yes.
47. Do you have a Tattoo? No.
48. Anyone on MySpace you’d go on a date with? I don’t have a MySpace so probably not.

This was actually meant to be a 50 questions quiz but it seems the maker of the questionnaire made it short of two³.

I clap those who managed to read all that.  It wasn’t that insightful so I would’ve closed the window/tab myself, heh.

1. *cough*yeah right*cough*
2. Can’t think of a less dramatic word.
3. Thought I was losing my mind, either that or it’s too early in the morning, hah.

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A little before I broke up from uni. for the summer I decided I wanted to redecorate my room.  A couple of weeks later, I had the colours all planned out and bought the paint.  Creamy (Whisper of Liqueur) walls, light purple (Whisper of Rodeo Drive) feature wall, just in case you were wondering.   Have a little look.

It took a week or two before my sister and I got around to the painting.  We came across a problem where the pink was too prominent and showing through the cream paint we were applying.  Then certain family members decided that they didn’t approve even though  I had expressed my plans.

One pot of paint wasted, while I exchange the unopened pot.  Turned out that I had to paint my room white, then apply the colour paint.  Brilliant White paint bought and  applied to the walls – was not a happy bunny about the money I wasted.  So, the walls were painted white.  All I needed to do was repaint the ceiling but I’d have to leave that until the week after as work pretty much consumed my time.  However, someone decided to take it upon themselves to do the job.  I come home and…we’ll lets just leave it as ‘I’m finicky’.

Another conundrum occurred when I was trying to rethink this colour scheme and did come to many conclusions but others didn’t seem pleased with the choice.  I also had to deal with people moaning about the hallway being compacted with my stuff ¹.  Decided to leave the room unfinished as I just couldn’t be bothered with dealing the butt-er inners.

Last Wednesday, after work, I popped in to Wilkinsons to buy paint.  I definitely wanted a light purple colour so chose Violet White and whatever people thought…well, sod it.   Here’s how the colour scheme looks.

At this point I’m just wanting to get the room done, though still with care and precision.  Asked my sister if she’d start painting on the Friday, whilst I was at work.  She kindly obliged.  As soon as I came back from work I helped out with the painting.  Had dinner.  Applied a second coat to the walls, leaving the feature wall white.  On the Friday night all was done.  Hoorah!

Now I’m just getting all my junk put back.  I’ll worry about the minor details as they come.  I’m thinking: canvas of Hong Kong at night (stretched rectangular one), crystal wind chime and some nice pegs² so I can stick my calendar and clock etcetera…up.  Also thinking of getting some new drapes.  Being me, that list may keep going on.

My word of advise is if you are thinking about redecorating your room then just go with how you want the room to look.  Input from others may cause unnecessary infuriation and stress.

1. Unless some high being could magically store everything away temporarily there’s not a lot I could have done about that until the room was finished.
2. Not pegs…can’t remember what they’re called.  Ee…hooks?

1. Would it be cheeky to say uni. starts on the 14th September, when in fact it starts 2 weeks later than said date?  I’m just sick of constantly taking blame for things I blatantly haven’t done.  It also gives me time to start on my project for uni.  So, how has your summer holiday been?
2. On sweeter note, I could be going to Germany next year (Feb).  Woohoo!  To see a show…a German word which I can’t pronouce let alone spell.   If it went forward it would not only be my first international jewellery show but also a first trip with friends.
3. Also…I got my jewellery parts and crystals.   Squee.  I’ve been debating for a while whether to my own jewellery to wear – departing with money has been the main reason why I’ve put it off for so long.  The packages came fast, next day dispatch.  I don’t know if it’s just me thinking this but the recession seems to have quickened the pace of dispatches and deliveries.  All I’ve done really is put bales on the Swarovski pendants.  Then with the Prince Of Whales silver chain I can mix and match the pendants.  Would take pictures and show you but it’s late.  I’ll get them done soon though – well, that’s what I think…
4. Has anyone had a moth stick to them whilst in the shower? *raises hand*  It is scary and makes you do some crazy dance.  That doesn’t compare to being stuck in the bathroom with a humongous one though. *shudders*  I don’t like fear insects and spiders.  This is probably the only reason why I haven’t visited Australia yet.
5. Oh yeah.  If you hand in a ring with set stones to be repaired, expect the stones to come back nice and bright.  The only reason the diamond – or any other gemstone for that matter – was misty in the first place is due to the gradual build up of dead skin¹.  It most likely is you ring, just cleaned and polished.

1. I know, not nice

Take care!

Before that trip though I have to complete four projects:

1. Knife project – the bandsaw is unbelievably slow;
2. Ring project – I’m making a ring, and keeping a journal on how to mount¹;
3. Photoshop – I’ve been doing most of the work at home so hopefully I’ve achieved what they wanted;
4. Presentation – Mine’s after the holiday but I want to get it done well before the Easter holidays and my trip to HK.  For those who are interested I’ll be waffling about recycling.

Incidentally, I could just forget all that and just think about what I’m going to do when I’m at Hong Kong.   Maybe not, grades matter too much.

1. make the settings for stones

Although I still have yet to cross off anything on my list I’m still happy with how things have turned out.  2008 in bullets:

• Completed my first uni. course with better grades than I anticipated.  That was a squee-ing moment for me.
• Shockingly won awards.  One of which led to getting published on a tiny column.  Another squee-ing moment.
• Won a bet, against a Liverpool supporter.  I am a proud owner of a jewellery cleaning cloth now, ha.  Okay maybe not, as I gave it to my sister.
• Watched my home town almost get promoted, only just after one season in the Conference North.  This season, I believe they can go one further and reach the Blue Square Premier.  To quickly finish off the football talk I also saw United become English champions, European champions and World champions.  Whoop.
• Continued onto the higher level from my previous course.  I’m glad I continued, otherwise who knows, I might have been one of those bums who didn’t do much and fed off their parents money.  (I did not intend for that to be a dig at anyone.)
• Worked 7 days a week during my summer holiday and survived, just about.
• Have broadened my music taste.  That’s an achievement itself according to my siblings.
• Watched films without falling asleep mid-way, although I came close to breaking that “run” during Quarantine.

That’s probably it.  Oh, and I’ve also kept this site running.  Hmm…maybe I should have name this post “2008″…

Anyway, here’s to hoping that 2009 bring prosperity to everyone.  Here’s also hoping that our lecture notes never fall short of a year.