December Favourites

10th Dec: Glass Animals

It was my first time ever attending a concert alone. I was nervous mostly because 'the storm of the decade' was predicted to hit The City that night. It never did happen until early on in the morning the next day. I met a couple of cool kids and ended up in the front row once Glass Animals took the stage. They sounded amazing live thanks to their energy. It was a small venue, which reminded me a lot of The Bee. All in all, I had such a blast meeting new friends and dancing all night.

20th Dec - 26th Dec: Beginning of winter break & Christmas

Life of the nomad begins. My dorm kicked us out, so we were to go home or wander America. I chose the latter. Spent Christmas with family friends in Woodland/Sacramento, Ca. I had such a great time enjoying good food in good company and just chilling around their home. Watching Netflix till the wee hours of the morning with no obligations in mind is the greatest privilege one could have for winter break.

26th Dec - 27th Dec: Amtrak en route to Eugene, Oregon

The Amtrak beats the bus any day, albeit the 12 hour on it. The observation deck was a great place to just read and kill time whilst en route to wherever it is you're headed. Passing by the many national parks of Oregon was equal parts fascinating and breathtaking.

{Shot by Ashley Fenison}

28th Dec: The Coast

I've always wanted to go to the beach when it's chilly out. Now I can cross that off my bucket list. We went to two beaches that day as well as Old Town. The first beach was definitely my favourite because everywhere you looked, it was like a postcard. That's how picture perfect it was. After dinner, we went to another beach in Florence. By then, it was dark out and it was an ideal scene for a slasher flick. The wind was howling and it was the kind of bitter cold that you couldn't really shake off. Even so, it was so much fun.

29th Dec: Downtown Eugene 

A day filled with lust worthy boba, over ordering Japanese food, exploring Downtown in the bitter cold, eating donuts at Voodoo and chilling in a stranger's apartment. 

  

30th Dec: Mt. Pisgah

Never take two over energetic puppies out for a hike in the cold unless you're ready to run up slippery trails. Also, never drive an hour away to your lake house unless you know for sure that the locks haven't been changed.

{Shot by Ashley Fenison}

31st Dec: Portland!

Powell Book's is everything. From used books to rare books to journals to random knick knacks, they had it all. Spent food money on art books because I wanted to. This place was so overwhelming. There were stairs leading you everywhere, which reminded me of Hogwarts. 

We spent New Years Eve eating slices of pizza bigger than our faces, wandering the streets of Downtown Portland, getting lost, riding trains for free, taking candid photos with my UO film camera and counting down by a construction site/train track. 

{Both shot by Ashley Fenison}

1st Jan (technically wouldn't fit right here but hey, it's part of the story): Portland Day 2

Everyday Music is a vinyl/CD store split in two sections. Found a Beatles record here for $20. Another item to cross off my list. If only, Childish Gambino and The National weren't that pricey. 

The Roxy is a rad diner that is extremely quirky. As Hana puts it: "All kinds of food and weird vibes!" Fans of Quentin Tarantino would love it here. Their coffee was the bomb and I'm dreaming of my next visit already. 

Portland, you were everything and more. Kinda want to pack up and move into an apartment above Zeus Cafe so that I'm within walking distance of Powell's and EM, but SF is where I belong right now. Someday, hopefully. 

Netflix

Fulfilled my promise of getting it AFTER finals. No regrets. Having the app on your phone and tablet is extremely dangerous though, because it takes binge watching to a whole new level. One in which I have yet to achieve, don't worry.

The Alchemist

Read this during finals, which was actually a great idea. It's such an inspiring book that doesn't push you involuntarily. Instead, it's like a guide that allows you to think for yourself. If you're facing a rough patch in life, this book is perfect for you because you might find what you are looking for. It is also a feel good book that breathes hope into one's life. Too much? No.

Interstellar

At first, I thought this movie was the one with Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis, which after seeing the trailer, I found ridiculously dumb. Threw a fit on the way to Reno when everyone was raving about it on Twitter with Nikki as my witness. Turns out, it wasn't and we really enjoyed this movie. Didn't find it draggy as a lot of people claimed it to be. This movie started a domino effect that led me to watch 2001: A Space Odyssey, which isn't everybody's cup of tea although it is a good movie.

Back To The Future Trilogy

I've always watched this as a kid, but never in order, because HBO doesn't roll that way. My mom loved Michael J. Fox and this is one of her favourite movies. I remember how she would tell me, "He doesn't like being called a chicken." This trilogy is timeless. It made me so tense because shit kept happening and you never know what's going to happen. It's not your typical, "Oh it's ending soon so all will be well." No, this keeps you on the edge, as ridiculous as that sounds. Back then they were so optimistic about the future, now dystopian movies are pretty much like Interstellar. Sand and dying.

Donald Glover Weirdo 

I may be bias but god damn Donald Glover is hilarious. This standup is 89% of the reason why I got Netflix. Ah man, might just watch this again after writing this post. 

The Wolf of Wall Street

It may be the cast (Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill forever) or it may be the solid storyline. I don't know, you tell me. 3 hours is nothing. This movie is totally worth it. (Watched it for the second time before hiking Mt. Pisgah and it was still bomb.)

Exxus by Glass Animals

On days where I wanna shut the world away on my way to class, this is my go to song.

When you see him, look him in the eye, look him in the eye and he won't dare to follow. 

(Never did realise how apt this song is for what I intended it for.)

Zombie by Jamie T

This is the song I've been listening to as I get ready to face the day. It's just fun and super easy to sing along to.

You're The One That I Want by Angus & Julia Stone

Her voice is perfect for this song. It's dreamy and wonderful. Constantly reminding me of Chanel N°5: The One That I Want Film. If you haven't watch it yet, you should. It's better than the one with Cara and Pharell, in my opinion.



Everywhere We Go by Sonreal

Ashley played this on the way to the coast and it soon become our road trip anthem. Connor's mad speakers does the bass justice. Blast this on your next road trip and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you.

Honorary mention: Parks and Rec season 6 - finished this in two days and suffered major withdrawals. Thank goodness for 30 Rock. Portlandia season 3 - made so much sense after visiting Portland. Loved it, as per usual.

Till then,
May you treat 2015 well.

November Favourites

7th Nov - 9th Nov: Reno
It was slump week. I jumped on board at the idea of a spontaneous trip to Reno, Nevada. 6 hours on the Megabus right at the very front on the top deck. The view was amazing. Lost all the images because I fried my phone, but hey, that calls for another trip to Reno. Every semester I face a slump week and the only remedy is to go on a spontaneous trip to rejuvenate all energy that has been lost.

10th Nov: Meeting Julian Casablancas
I've talked about this, so no more. Still a highlight though.

18th Nov: The 1975 live
They were amazing live. Matty sounds exactly the same, probably even better live. When Me came on and everyone was just silent, goosebumps ran up and down my spine. It's moments like that that reminds me I'm alive.

21st Nov: Field trip to Japanese Tea Garden
The best thing about art school would be the field trips. Leaving the classroom behind and being in a new environment that you have to sketch onto paper are moments that I will savour. It was beautiful, more images on my Instagram and Tumblr.

26th - 29th Nov: Thanksgiving break
Unintentional artsy shot of a taco from Taco Bell. Hard shell + soft shell, the best of both worlds really. Thanksgiving break was filled with food coma inducing delicacies, unconventional company and laid back car rides.

Oyster Books
The Spotify/Netflix version for books, this has kept me occupied as I wait for buses that are never on time. Currently reading Philosophy 101 because I want to understand the larger meaning of life or at least catch a glimpse of it. This could be a momentary existential crisis in university even though it has only been one semester.

Shoplifting from American Apparel by Tao Lin
Not too dense, I finished this book in a sitting. (That's saying a lot as I'm a slow reader and get distracted easily.) It's an engaging story as you follow Sam to NYU libraries, shoplifting in American Apparel and his short stint in jail.

Favorite quotes:
"Our bios: 'They lived in poverty writing their masterpieces.'"

"When I'm talking to someone I think 'can I use this dialogue in a book,'" said Luis. "If the answer is no, I try talking to someone else."

You can read a snippet here.

The Princess Bride
A proper fairy tale like story that reminded me of my childhood with humour that would cause you to giggle like a kid again. Rescuing princesses, escaping eels, venturing into Fire Swamp, The Princess Bride is made for a night in when you feel like leaving the world behind and stepping into a fantasy.

The Dreamers
I like the idea of watching films in a palace, breaking the world record for running through the Louvre, reading books that require thought and discussions. The best part of this movie are the film splices made in reference to other films. Does that even make sense?

Hard Candy
I've been meaning to watch this for awhile now but after reading this film review on The Pulp Zine, I immediately decided to watch it. Throughout the movie it made me so tense watching this and when it was all over, I had to let out a sigh. This is a movie dealing with pedophilia and rape culture. Personally, I thought this was a damn good movie, especially when it came to the message. Read the well worded film review after watching.

Favourite quote:
“Just because a girl acts like a woman, doesn’t mean she is ready to do what a woman does.”

Human Sadness by Julian Casablancas + the Voidz
Probably not everyone's cup of tea, but this song evokes emotion unlike any other song I've ever heard. It could just be me and my off the walls emotions, but I do hope that you guys feel what I feel. It's not necessarily sadness. Be warn, it is an 11 minute song.

Vanity, overriding wisdom, usually common sense.


High Street by Blood Orange
The late Michael Jackson doing the moon walk on the telly and I was like "who's bad?"

Danger In The Dancehall by Jesse Woods
Walk with the creatures of the moon. Cause we're young, and life's a vacation.

Back Of The Hand by The British Expeditionary Force
Listen with the windows down on a clear night drive.

Till then,
May the last month of 2014 kick ass.

Tuesday Tunes: Out Of The Woods

The emotions that have resonated so well with this song could be linked to me leaving in a month's time. Leaving is always bittersweet, but knowing that there is nothing tying me down is absolutely liberating. There are factors that would make leaving so much tougher, such as my amazing support group (aka friends & family) and Third Culture. Ultimately, I know that this would only lead to better things and taking that leap of faith is what everyone needs in life from time to time. 

Till then,

Cheers to the unknown. 

Tuesday Tunes: Right Before My Eyes

As I was lost in the world of 60s fashion, Vogue and Alice In Wonderland inspired shoots due to Grace Coddington's memoir, this song abruptly pulled me out of everything. When you are deep into a book and it is playing smoothly in your head like a great film, it is tough for background music to lure you out so completely. Thus, when this song did just that, I had to pay attention. 

Maybe you should to?

Till then,

I saw the whole world lose control. 

Tuesday Tunes: Paper Aeroplane

During one of the 12:30pm shows of Day 2 KLFW, this song came on. It had me bopping my head along to the beat and I was momentarily distracted with Soundhounding this song instead of capturing the looks. There's something about this song that has me pumped up but simultaneously is able to keep me calm and in the zone. Perfect song for long studying sessions when you need a pick me up or blast this in the A.M. when you're getting ready to head out for a long day of classes/work. 

And yes, it is a different take on Angus and Julia Stone. It is divine. 

Till then,

It's gone with the wind. 

Tuesday Tunes: For Heaven's Sake Go To Hell

Amidst the chaos of filling out visa and housing applications, I seek serenity in Frank Ocean's Channel Orange. I am particularly drawn towards Pink Matter, maybe because it speaks to me or just that one line that makes everything better. I'm not sure, but then again, I can never really put emotions for music into words well. 

At times I wonder whether we gravitate towards a certain song because of the lyrics, melody or anything in particular. Perhaps it's just the way it makes us feel, but what triggers does emotions? For me, it's probably the line What do you think my brain is made for? Is it just a container for the mind? that really caught my attention. 

If you are a rookie to the genius that is Frank Ocean, you should most definitely check out these tracks from Channel Orange: 

1. Thinkin Bout You
2. Sierra Leone
3. Super Rich Kids
4. Crack Rock
5. Lost
6. Monks
7. Bad Religion
8. Forrest Gump

Till then,

What if the sky and the stars are for show?

Tuesday Tunes: A Rush of Blood to the Head

This song gives me chills down my spine in an extremely good way. I remember listening to it in my car on the way to college one morning and it made me pay attention. The best way to listen to this song, in my opinion, is by turning it up as you drive along the highway at night or super early in the morning when it is still dark out, alone. That was one of the best experiences for me. 

I tend to zone out when listening to this song, which is nice because sometimes we need some form of escapism from our own head. 

Till then, 

Take a listen. 

Tuesday Tunes: Champagne Supernova

Thanks to My Mad Fat Diary, (shout out to my MMFD/AM spazz buddy Marsya for introducing MMFD into my life. Thank you!) I've rekindled my love for Oasis. I used to listen to them nonstop back in high school; they kept me sane throughout some stressful cramming sessions. Champagne Supernova, in particular, gave me hope that all crap parts would soon pass. It is time to source out some Oasis vinyl and live strange.

Side note: Everyone should watch My Mad Fat Diary. It's so much better than The Carrie Diaries. The eye candy, Nico Mirallegro, gives Austin Butler a run for his money.

Till then, 

A dreamer dreams she never dies.

Tuesday Tunes: Tessellate

Tessellate never fails to make me ponder. What does it really mean? Every time I listen to it, I am able to relate it to different situations, so I have no idea still what it truly means to me. On a side note, I am impatiently waiting for ∆ Alt-J to come on down to KL. Maybe a music festival would draw them over to South East Asia? A girl can dream.

If you love this, you should check out Mumford & Son's cover of it here. It is amazing.

Till then,

Triangles are my favourite shape.

Tuesday Tunes: Weekend

I'll take you to the park
I'll take you to the ocean
I'll kiss you till it's dark
Go through all the motions
(Make your world go round)

Weekend reminds me of date night. You are with that special someone and you can spend all the time in the world together, just the both of you doing everything and nothing all at the same time. It's about being with someone and being content just being by yourselves, I think. Wherever you go, it would be fine because you have each other for company. I like the idea of sitting in a park or by the sea, just talking till the sun rises. That would be pretty damn magical. 

Till then, 

On the weekend, you'll find your way and lose it again.

Tuesday Tunes: All I Want

If our lives were a movie, this song would be playing in the background after something major happened and we're driving off somewhere as we think everything through. Right as the song hits the halfway mark, we turn around and do the right thing. 

I'm just being dramatic.

But this would be the song I would pick for a scene like that. It feels right for huge moments where your decision would affect everything else like a domino effect. Everything could fall into place or it could unravel even more. Who knows?

Till then,

You look in the bed; you've been gone for too long.

Tuesday Tunes: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club

I don't really want to stop the show

But I thought that you might like to know

That the singer's going to sing a song

And he wants you all to sing along

So let me introduce to you

The one and only Billy Shears

And Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Sometimes I dream of being a hippie in the 60s with my hair way below my waist woven with flowers. The idea of wanting peace and fighting for something I believe strongly in is a nice thought but ultimately, I wouldn't trade my place in the world now for any other. 

I get by with a little help from my friends,

I get high with a little help from my friends,

Going to try with a little help from my friends.

What do I do when my love is away?

(Does it worry you to be alone?)

How do I feel by the end of the day?

(Are you sad because you're on your own?)

No, I get by with a little help from my friends.

Do you need anybody, 

I need somebody to love. 

With A Little Help From My Friends is one of my favourite Beatles' song, probably because I feel for it. Most of the time I can't fully describe how I feel about certain songs and this is one of those moments. Let's just say it puts a smile on my face and my heart swells with happiness. That should suffice, no?

Till then,

Would you believe in a love at first sight?

Yes, I'm certain that it happens all the time.

Tuesday Tunes: 505

The original version by Arctic Monkeys is mind exploding good and this kind of lives up to it. I think they made it their own but kept with the whole vibe that is somewhat morbid and sad. There's always something sad about this song to me, probably because of the lost hopes of it all. I don't even know what I'm trying to say anymore. It's been a rough couple of days. Hoping to end this year on a good note.

Till then,

We'll see how it goes.

Tuesday Tunes: Robbers

There's news that The 1975 might be coming down to KL next year. I really do hope that they'll be coming down because I'll be front row singing along to everything with Marini by my side. I wrote about them a few posts ago, you can check out more of my favourite songs by them there.

Today though, is all about Robbers. I love the story behind it, the emotions in his voice and this particular line:

And when she's leaving your home she's begging you, "Stay, stay, stay, stay, stay."

Too many emotions. 

Till then,

I'll give you one more time. 

Tuesday Tunes: My Number

Without realising it, this song had me grooving along till the very end. As I hit replay over and over again, I imagine myself dancing in a sea of people when Foals come down to KL next year. Can't wait! (Hopefully it all works out, ticket and them actually coming wise)(TDCC has forever scarred me)(cancelling last minute was not cool)(not cool at all)

Back to the books.

Till then, 

I feel alive

Tuesday Tunes: Hold On, We're Going Home

His voice. Awkward dancing. Catchy tune. That hair. What's not to love about this video?

Finals is looming over our heads. Studying is tougher than ever when Philosophy is thrown into the mix. Less than a couple more weeks and we'll be free. (As free as we could ever be.)

Till then,

Send help.

Tuesday Tunes: Tick of Time

Last week, The Kooks was essentially all I listened to, especially Tick of Time. There's something about this song that pumps me up, it's my caffeine for anytime of the day. It's expressive and fun to sing along to. You could sway your hips, bob your head or tap your foot, whatever it is, you will be moving along to this song. My friend says it reminds him of The Beatles and I think so too. Take a listen and be the judge.

Till then,

Get off this situation and feel fine.

Tuesday Tunes: Dancing Anymore

A tune that would have you boogying around your room, in the shower, in the car and everywhere in between. It is upbeat with a sad undertone due to the lyrics. There's something about songs like this. When you aren't paying attention, it's all about dancing in rays of sunlight but when you stop and actually listen to it, you realise it isn't as happy as it initially sounds. As you sway your hips, the singer croons 'You don't take me dancing anymore. Oh it's been a long time since I've been on the floor.'

Am I making sense? I don't know. 

There's something dark in me

I can't live with these wounds

Grab me by the feet

And throw me into the groove

Whatever it is, it's a catchy song that would have you singing along by the end of it. 

Till then,

Let's all go dancing.

Tuesday Tunes: Franz Ferdinand

Urbanscapes is right around the corner and I'm so grateful that all my assignments are due before then so that I can be fully present (mentally, physically and emotionally) during the weekend there.

Franz Ferdinand will be performing on the second day and I. CAN'T. WAIT. Their songs are dance-dance-dance worthy, not just you typical swaying from side to side music, but full on let's dance music. Here are some of my favourites, so if you're heading to Urbanscapes but have never been that into them, take another listen and fall in love. Even if you're not going, HEY, throw a dance party!

Till then,
Take me out.

Tuesday Tunes: Take Care

What made me take note of this song in particular would be the lyrics. I thought it was sweet and honest. So the more I listened to it, the more I fell deeper in love with it. It's a song that most of us can relate to. Whoever it may be on the receiving end of your thoughts, be it your parents, siblings, friends or lovers, there are people out there you would take care of if they asked you to. 

Take Care is great to listen to on late night drives or rainy days.

Till then,

Take care.