20X2 - Year Of Rest

Once again, the time of year has come.

2020's highlight to most would be Covid-19. 

And to most, it would be a horrible and unfortunate year - Loss of income, change in lifestyle due to shop closure/restrictions/regulations.

But for me, 

It was the perfect year to take a break and rest.

Before, I was always hustling and busy with work, dating, live gigs, live streaming. I barely had time to take a break to catch a drama, read a book, zone out. But in most of 2020, I was literally resting - not working, just taking things slow, chasing dramas, reading books, taking enrichment classes. I'll cover more on that later!

As for many that lost their income this year, I did suffer my fair share too.

I left my full time in Nov'19 to pursue music and start my own business venture in 2020.

Things were going pretty well in Jan-Mar : Live gigs, positive balance sheets, live streaming.

Then, everything went crumbling down.

In April, Circuit Breaker happened. Pubs closed. That immediately cut me off my first stable source of income from live singing. And for my business ventures, it had to be put on hold as well (tho we eventually managed to find an alternative way to operate under regulations). 

In June, I was abruptly admitted to hospital for spontaneous pneumothorax for close to 2 weeks (Click on pic to find out more about my admission lol). That cut off my last source of income - live streaming. I was not able to sing due to obvious reasons and I was mostly resting after my discharge cause my body was healing. 

In July, I had a follow up operation for my condition and the subsequent 1-2 months were spent resting instead of singing - that explains why I didn't really sung/did covers much this year despite trying (also, I might be a little lazy after I recover lol)

.................

I was pretty much defeated by life in almost every way possible but despite that,

I'm thankful for the year.

It gave me an opportunity to slow down in life, take a break, appreciate many things better, and have a very different perspective to many aspects in life. 

1. My Dream Room!

Finally own my OWN room and designed it to be the way I wanted it to be - you can click on the image to link to IG to see the features in my room. But namely, movie theatre; recording/livestream area; galore of my fav figurine area. The newly added gaming station is for M when he comes over (you can see his uncle game screen capture lol)

2. Baking

Using the skillsfuture credit given by the government, I took up baking courses with my mum and learned how to bake. I was ambitious and baked Christmas bento cakes for my friends and families, and a humongous birthday cake for M, lol. 

3. Different Experiences

In 20x2, I did vlogs; game-streaming; teaching in schools; and many ad-hoc things that I don't/won't usually get to do when I had a full-time job. Other than baking, I also took up courses to learn how to draw and produce music. So, hopefully I'll get to be more efficient in 2021 to put what I've learnt into good use.

4. More Time with Family & Friends

I mean, I don't meet them on daily basis or even weekly. 

BUT, comparatively to the previous few years, I've had more time for my friends this year and I've been meeting them up a couple of times more than before - whether to MJ, shop, HTHT or just eat & relax. AND as I'm writing this, I realize that we don't actually take pictures together when we hang out on a norm basis LOL! 

5. Le BF

I can't be more grateful to be going through 20x2 with M this year. 

Deliberately driving to stand-alone/unpopular marts to do groceries shopping, cooking, wfh, hunting for open boba shops during circuit breaker was one of the most romantic and memorable moment that we wouldn't have the chance to experience this year if it wasn't for Covid'19. During my first-ever-in-my-life hospital stay (which was terrifying and traumatic btw), it was very comforting to know someone is there for you and that you don't have to worry about anything other than healing up. I've got a personal delivery bf during (and even after) my hospital stay whenever I have cravings for food or need anything. 

Instead of traveling, we got to go on cruise and staycations. Instead of heading out for dates, we got to nexflix and chill during food (we still head out for dates once in a while!). We started playing com games and spent more quality time together, and I'm thankful for that. 

.................

Moving on to 2021, 

I'm really unsure of what to expect considering Covid.

But in this upcoming year, I would like to strive harder than before and achieve greater things in the following aspects:

1. Music

Now that I've learned how to produce songs from home, I really hope I can commit to posting at least 1 cover/original a month. And that my passion for music will never die away as I grow older and blend in to society.

2. Career

Guess this is kinda personal to discuss but I guess I'll just summarize it enough for myself to understand - stability.

3. Focus

I realized that over the years of setting resolutions, I've been too ambitious. And during the process/year, I end up doing TOO many things and lost focus of my goals. I'm kinda like a bit of here and there yet not really anywhere. So for this upcoming year, I will most likely stop any forms of streaming and focus on producing music content while working. I believe these 2 will consume most of my time and energy. With that, I'll also probably need time management to manage between these 2 and dating/family/friends.

4. Health 

I know I say this every year but, I REALLY NEED TO START WORKING OUT for health reasons and not because I need to lose weight or look good or what. I need to have a healthier lifestyle before it's too late to save whatever's already left. Let's start with aiming for ONE day of exercise a week lol.

5. Save

It's crazy that although I'm not earning this year, I've been spending as much as the past year. I won't say I regret the spendings cause I enjoyed the process and the things I got for myself/others. Especially when this year is the year of rest/self-care. Just that I NEED to save up for future plans and I hope I will be busy enough next year to not have time to spend LOL!

.................

And yes, just 5 simple resolutions.

Easy to list, hard to achieve.

But I'm pretty determined this time round. Let's see.

See you back here 365 days later!

2019: Year Of Growth

I know I barely update this blog anymore, but I guess this "tradition" of doing a yearly summary post + new year resolution post serves me well - I get to see how I slowly grow through the years, the good and bad times I've had, reminding myself to appreciate the blessings once again and to see myself change whilst I learn from my past mistakes.

2019.

It passed way too quickly.

I'm not sure if I would say that it was a bad year or a good one, but I'm pretty certain I've had more good times in the 2nd half the year that is enough to cover up the horrible start of 2019.

And among my resolutions set for 2019, 

(let's recap-)

1. Familiarize myself with minor& sharp/flat chords on the guitar

2. Get a bike/diving license

3. Release a song with proper arrangements

4. Mini performance overseas (with le band)

5. More covers

6. Get more rest

7. Start working out/dance?

8. Have more time for myself to relax

9. Massive printing of photos to hardcopy

10. Travel lesser, but further

I guess I've only managed to complete 2, and probably 6&8 in the last month of the year.

It's been a year of getting lost and stumbling my way through, and hence, a year of growth.

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I guess it's the first time ever that I've withdrawn myself from social media for a few months during the start of 2019. Not surfing Facebook/Instagram/even replying texts. And throughout the year of 2019, I've been using way lesser of social media & connecting with people. I'm sorry if I was irresponsible to do so, but I needed the space. I needed it.

Many horrible things happened, but through it all, I've learnt what I needed to.

1. Forgiveness. 

When people do harm to me and hurt me intentionally, instead of wishing for the worst karma to strike them, I feel happy (sincerely) for them to have found peace within themselves and be happy with their lives.

2. Self-Control.

 I learnt to control how I feel and think when I can't do anything to change my situation. I always bear in mind - I can't control nor change others' actions nor thinking, but I can control and change mine.

3. "Let it Be". 

I learnt to "let it be" - it may be 3 simple words, but it was harder to do than say. I learnt to loosen myself up instead of worrying too much over many situations. To try my best in everything and accept the results as it is.

4. Self Improvement.

 I guess this is the year I've read the most books - both on marketing related and about life. Improving my thoughts, being in a better mental state and being positive, making myself better for me. 

5. Perception. 

I might think I know people (or vice versa of people thinking they know me), but what we perceive are based on what we as individuals think or choose to believe. Yet, it might not be entirely right or true. 

6. Happiness. 

I stopped chasing after what I think would make me happy. Instead, I stopped and appreciate the little things that has always been making me happy. I cut off connections I didn't want to, that were the causes of negative emotions. 

7. Gratitude. 

Whether good or bad, I'm glad whatever happened in 2019 (or in the past) happened. This made me who I am today. I wouldn't specifically thank those to hurt me because it'll be stupid to thank someone who inflicted pain in you. But I'd especially like to thank the people who stood by me and watch me grow. 

8. Privacy.

I guess I was into blogging since I was 13 or 14? - in short, when I was really young. I grew up ranting to the internet and somehow it became a habit for me. Yet this in the recent years, especially this year, I've kept many things to myself because I can't talk about the shit that happened. I've learned to hold it in, and slowly let go. 

9. Spreading Positivity.

At least for my public accounts, I've started the habit since the start of the year to not post anything negative or anything that would worry you guys about me. Like how I want my music to help people going through tough times like me, I'm need to do so on normal days too.

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Also, I'd like to note these highlights of 2019 down on my blog too:

1. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 小諾伊 🦇 Noelle Mikazuki (@noellemikazuki) on Jul 6, 2019 at 9:26pm PDT

I joined a competition with le band mates "bandnextdoor" and we got into the finals! Though we didn't win, it was surely one experience in life I'd like to remember.

2.

I've gotten my open water diver certification after umpteenth time of saying that I want to get it and despite my fear for water/sea!! Thank you to M too, for going through this with me even though he already has the certification.

3. 

I've had the FIRST ever road trip in my life (excluding Malaysia). M & I actually had a round-Taiwan road trip where we went to 8 different cities in Taiwan and stayed in 7 different accommodations (crazy right?!). It was fun but a tad bit tiring cause we gotta check out at 11 or 12 everyday - which means we gotta wake up at 10-11AM for the whole trip. Defo was more tiring for M cause he's been the driver & motorist for 99.99% of the trip. It was a great experience though, and I'm looking forward to more road trips in other parts of the world!


4. 

I've actually started gigging - SOLO. It's quite a thing for me because I've always done gigs with someone else playing the instruments along with me and someone sharing the stage with me so that they can 讲冷笑话 with me so that I don't end up being too awkward. But I'm glad I had the chance this year to take up a solo regular!


5. 

I've found someone that I can be completely retarded with (he beats me to it most of the time :p). I'm not so much of a mushy wordy person but I'm glad you came into my life and made my 2019 such a great one.

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Moving forward to 20X2, I'm actually expecting bigger changes in life that I myself am uncertain about. But I'm definitely more excited than worried about what the future holds :)

So, down to my
Resolutions for 20X2

1. Healthier Lifestyle: Sleeping habits + Workout routines

2. Better Time Management & Self Discipline

3. Bike License?

4. More Covers/Recording of Originals

5. Career Progression

I honestly can't think of 10. Because these 5 are enough to keep me busy for next year and its what I really want to achieve so I would stay focused on these 5 instead of setting too many and end up not achieving them. 

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OK, today is officially the last day I'm gonna sleep at such wee hours so..

GOODNIGHT & GOODMORNING

for the last time!

2018: The Most YOLO Year Of My Life...Yet?

And...it's the time of the year again!!

I actually think that this is the only post I'm actively & enthusiastically drafting every year. Probably cause it gives me a summary and closure of the year and prepares me for the next - also, keeping tabs on my yearly resolution!

SO..How was 2018?

HMMMMMMMM.
I'm actually not sure how to feel about this, but 2018 has gone past too soon. It feels as if time pass faster when I'm older? But there's also a theory behind this where, when you're young, you got more time to spend, comparatively when you're at adulthood stage, you work 9 hours a day and only have that little extra time to spend and make it worth.

But if I had to summarize, I guess 2018 could be titled as the most YOLO year of my life(?)


___________________



Let's see how my resolutions set for 2018 went..

1. Catch falling snow! - Nope..Didn't had the luxury to experience this :(

2. Travel to somewhere new - YES, Bali!! & Hatyai! Though it's somewhere nearby, it was a new place!

3. Blog more (As usual..hurhurhur) - Obviously no LOL!!
4. Save up & probably commit to some savings/investment plan - I did start saving a tad bit more and started on investment plans so..YES!
5. Have sufficient rest everyday (Aka. Rest early) - No, no, no, no, no. I JUST DONT HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO SPARE :(

6. Sing & play the guitar & keys more - YES!! I actually started off streaming on 浪live & I sing with my guitar & keyboard there so I'm really glad I'm able to realize this resolution! Just a short snippet of the recent mini 彈唱 cover on my IG -

A post shared by 諾伊 Noelle Mikazuki (@noellemikazuki) on Sep 28, 2017 at 4:28am PDT

7. Spend more time with my family (Niece especially) - Half I guess? But I did spend more time with family and friends comparatively to 2017!
8. DECORATE MY OWN ROOM/HOME STUDIO :))) - MY ROOM IS NOT VACANT FOR ME TO SHIFT IN YET SO NO :( SADDEST FAILED RESOLUTION :(

That's like 50%?? HAHAHAHAHA. Not ideal but well..not too bad either!

But well, 2018 has been pretty busy, yet fulfilling for me. I've found a new job which I pretty much enjoy - taking up 200h/mth, I've also my side line streaming that takes up 30-40h/mth, adhoc jamming & gigs, traveling..so..it's been pretty tight on time for me, so much so that by the end of 2018 (now), I feel so mentally and physically drained that I start to let loose my schedules just to let myself slow down and enjoy me time a little.


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Well..other than my resolutions, I did "achieve" certain goals/bucket list items!!

1. DNA Meet Up in TW 

I had my first mini gathering in TW!! I actually held it with Evalee so that we'd both not feel so scared/worried!! Haha, and boy am I glad it went well! I'm also really thankful for those who traveled up North Taiwan just to see me :')

Side note, we don't really call it #DNA for the overseas audience so it might come across weird to call it DNA outing HAHAHA. But yeah, the next gathering would be in Jan & I'm really excited cause a few SG DNA are coming along to join the TW gathering! It's gonna be really fun!!! (Hereby open-jio to DNA who wanna join us for our TW outing in Jan)


2. Joined a TW singing competition 

I think only a handful of you would know that I was the top 300 selected amongst thousands to compete in this TV show singing competition organized by 浪live called 聲林之王, but sadly, I didn't manage to get pass to the TV round - top 30 if I'm not wrong.

BUT, it was hell of an experience to be able to witness LIVE overseas competition TV recording. To see foreign talents, to listen to new kind of music. It was eye opening and enlightening! It was also my craziest, most YOLO moment in life ever. I received the email that I was selected on Friday, and the 2nd audition was on Sunday. I literally booked the flight upon receiving the email and flew that very Friday midnight!! It was insane. During the trip, I also made new friends, jammed with new talents. I didn't take much/any pictures because it was a really abrupt 4D3N trip, with 1 whole entire day stuck in the recording studio feeling hungry and nervous. Yet, this has gotta be the most memorable trip to Taiwan.


3. Travelled with my buddies 

After YEARS of talking about it, me & my poly time buddies FINALLY TRAVELLED TOGETHER! We were initially planning for a roadtrip in Aussie but it never happened because a long trip would mean our timing had to fit each other. So anyway, we went to Thailand, Hatyai. Yet again another new place for me!!

I was really thankful that SY did all the planning, from the hotel we stay, to the places we go/eat/shop/sightsee, and I absolutely loved everything that was planned!

The experience was also really unforgettable because..we got stalked by a pickpocket!! All the way from the night market, till somewhere near our hotel. It was pure madness, and we were not wearing flashy clothings nor jewelries nor do we look rich at all LOL! It was really frightening, after all, we're 3 girls traveling without any weapons in our bags. Thank God we're pretty aware of our surrounding and we spotted him pretty soon when he tried to pickpocket us for the first time, and knew he was following us.


4. Singing & Playing 

As I've mentioned earlier on, I've actually started live streaming on 浪live since May this year and ever since, I've been playing the keys/guitar as I sing online! It was tough in the beginning - to multitask and still stay on pitch or keep the emotions. But it got better along the months (I think?) LOL!

I also got to perform with my band as a keyboardist X vocalist in our gigs, so..I guess that's a great breakthrough for me cause I've never been able/confident enough to do that. P.S. Do check out our latest Christmas medley recorded LIVE (no editing no nothing, just us, raw).




___________________




So now that we're done summarizing 2018,
Here are my resolutions for 2019!!

1. Familiarize myself with minor& sharp/flat chords on the guitar
2. Get a bike/diving license
3. Release a song with proper arrangements
4. Mini performance overseas (with le band)
5. More covers
6. Get more rest
7. Start working out/dance?
8. Have more time for myself to relax
9. Massive printing of photos to hardcopy
10. Travel lesser, but further



___________________



I can't wait for 2019 already.
Though I wish I could stop time & stop aging..LOL!

See you in 2019!

Summary of 2017 - Worst & Best Year

I guess it is yet again time of the year to write this post, probably for myself to keep track of my life in a nutshell and see how much I've changed or improved, and slowly hitting my bucket lists along the years.

For those who're close to me, you'd probably know that 2017 started off devastatingly for me. It was one of my worst rock bottom moment and it happened right at the start of the year, could you imagine that! Hahaha. But I'm glad, with the support from my family and friends, I turned into someone stronger, better. The year gradually picked itself up and I was blessed with many delightful events and opportunities, and got to know many amazing beings out there!


___________________

So let's see..
MY RESOLUTIONS FOR 2017

(written in 2016, doh.)

1. Keep blogging - nope, didn't manage to do it. 2017 was way too happening and busy for me. But this is something I definitely want to try to commit too, again, in my resolution for 2018!

2. Do new covers - at least 3 - well.....I did 1 cover and 1 original. I guess it is pretty much a "Yes I did it"..(?) .___.

3. Be able to perform in guitar + vocals - Definitely a YES. Not to the extent of "pro" or being able to play any or every song, but I'm proud to say that I am able to play songs with basic chords and pluck/strum patterns! (Click HERE to watch!) And I do believe that with more practice, in time to come, I will be better!!

4. Spend more time with my family and friends - Definitely a YES as well. I guess I have never once realised the importance of my family and friends till this year. And I'm glad I did. Even though I'm pretty much caught up with work, streaming, traveling, singing, I did make time once a month to meet up with my different group of friends. And I'm really grateful for them to there for me every single time I fall. I've definitely done something really right in my previous life to deserve such family and friends in my life.

5. Start saving up - EHHHHHH..I wouldn't say a NO or YES to this. I did start saving up, but due to constant travelling....I didn't really save much. HAHAHAHA.

6. Start taking vitamins - Nope, didn't and never had the habit to popping vitamins everyday. HOWEVER, I did start to eat more vegetables and fruits! Even I, myself, am impressed with the change of my diet! So I guess vegetables and fruits DO have vitamins in them and this is a "YES" right? Hahahahahaha!!

7. Exercise!!  - NAHHHHH, still didn't manage to find time for it :x

8. Better time & emotion management - Definitely a YES. I wouldn't say that I've mastered it well but I guess, compared to 2016, I did make a quantum leap in terms of time and emotion management.

.        .        .        .        .        .

Well..I guess that's like a 5.5 out of 8 resolutions done(?)
Not too bad tbh, I never thought I'd have achieved these resolutions!

I'd like to highlight some highlights/personal achievements of 2017, though.

1. I Travelled To A New Country

It was one of my resolution/goal in 2016 to travel to a new country/state, basically somewhere I've never been before. And YES (as most of you who followed my IG would know), I went Germany in May this year! & I'm quite glad (tho broke) that I travelled quite a bit this year :) Click HERE to see more pictures!

2. Solo Travelled, Twice in 2017

Although to the same city, Taipei, this was my first time doing solo travel. Something I've always wanted but was too afraid to do so. The first solo trip was unplanned for, devastating yet enlightening. But during the trip, I learnt how to be independent, how to cut myself some slack, how to enjoy the moment, how to get away from social media, work, and everything else in the world. I "found" myself back during the trip, I learnt to love myself and be who I really am. I did things I would never be able to do if I was travelling in a group - exploring random alleys; trekking (at a very slow pace); getting lost; getting picked up on streets; watching movie alone; knowing new people; meeting up TW singing friends; riding around the city with their local "uBike" and so many more!

http://www.noellemikazuki.com/search/label/Solo%20Trip
(Not completely updated cause I REALLY AM TOO BUSY SORRY)

The second solo trip to Taipei was planned for, to get a small getaway for myself to have some time and space alone before my friends joined me a few days later. I was supposed to blog about it, but I'm really too caught up at work.

All in all, I would say that I really love solo trips.
It gives me time to slow down my own train of thoughts and take a step back to appreciate the moments better. It made me more independent. & I really love how I don't need to accommodate to how people feel, want or think. I'd honestly say that solo trips are so addictive. I've read so much about it before my first solo trip, but I finally experience how much the experience will change you, inside out.

3. I Busked in Taipei

It has ALWAYS been on my bucket list to busk on the streets of Taipei since I started singing. Wasn't able to do it on my first solo trip because it rained and plans got cancelled. But on my second trip, I was so fortunate to have my TW friend busking (I went down to support him) and he called me up to sing a song! Shy as I was, I was super nervous and nearly choked on my racing heart.

Here's a short snippet of it -

A post shared by 諾伊 Noelle Mikazuki (@noellemikazuki) on Sep 28, 2017 at 4:28am PDT

4. I'm back to online streaming!

Finally after a hiatus of streaming online (since Gtalk closed in 2014) I'm back to online streaming - this time on Mobile Streaming Platforms. I'm currently doing regular streams on Loops Live SG, and random streams on random days on Bigo; Belive; Twitch!

With all my IGN being @NoelleMikazuki

If you're interested to watch me sing/tcss live, do join my DNA group cause I'd usually update my schedules in there!

5. Bands!

So..I've recently been in 2 bands, namely:

罐頭樂隊 - CAN

I guess most of you that watches my live performances at bistros/pubs would know who we are. We've been playing tgt for around 2 years (or more) and I really love playing with Chris because our chemistry in music is amazing. So anyway, we finally decided to create a FB/IG page so that we can build our video portfolios for future engagements! Do like us for more updates on our gigs/covers/performances!

FB: http://fb.com/canmusic.sg
IG: http://instagram.com/canmusic.sg



XMX - 醉加樂團

It has always been my "dream" to build up an all-female band (ever since K-On!) and finally, I'm on my way to it! I'm glad 533 introduced to me Elaine (guitarist) and we kinda hit off pretty well - we're both very chin chai HAHAHA. We're still looking out for new members - keys & drums, and I'm really excited to one day perform as a all-female band for events!! *squeals* This is pretty new to me so it's like an experimenting band comparatively to CAN that's more towards the "ready-to-perform" stage. Do like us for more updates on our gigs/covers/performances!

FB: http://fb.com/bandxmx
IG: http://instragram.com/bandxmx

6. Short Hair!

It's crazy, but after 12 years of long hair, I finally took up the courage to cut my hair short!
It wasn't as short as I've planned for, but still, the thought of cutting it short came through a few times without success. And finally before my birthday, I made the decision to!

I don't actually regret it because I think I looked pretty good in short hair (HA!!) but the maintenance part was hell'a tedious! I actually got to dry my hair and curl it on a daily basis else it'll flick outwards and look horrendous *scoffs* but I guess I've reached the point I don't really care unless I've got an event or something on hahaha!

7. New Experiences

I guess this is a slightly more personal part for myself to read back in time to come. But 2017 was the year I experienced the most drastic events, emotions, changes, and many more. But for a brief, I experienced so many new things other than Solo Travelling, such as: meet up groups where I got to know more singing kakis; dating apps where I got to know a few amazing souls from; rented a mini studio for a short period (finally); cafe hopping - which I never really fancied doing in Singapore; literally chilling with beer at a bistro with friend/s; cycling from ECP to MBS - crazy for someone that never ever exercises; first monster trucks event; trying out baseball for the first time; weekly steamboat lol; planning my whole family's Germany trip itinerary; knowing new friends overseas; making my own LINE stickers; new IEMs; getting hooked on dramas series; travelling with friend/s; dining on a boat;  and so much more. It's impossible to write them all out in here but I guess those are the main highlights (the rest would mostly be on my IG)

It's kinda crazy how a year could do so much changes in my life.
But I'm thankful and grateful for everything that happened & are about to happen.

8. LOVE

Last but not least, in this year, I learnt to love myself better.

I grew to realise that I could never make someone like me, care for me, or to the extent of love me. I learnt that I don't have to actually care and neither do I have to need people to do so. I learnt that everyone has a different point of view and you don't really have to figure out "why" some people have a certain way of thinking or behaviour. Most of the times in the past, I was too concerned because I always felt that Actions led to Reactions and that it must have been my actions that led to others' reactions of not liking me. But going through so much struggle with myself this year, I finally got to realise that, people are going to judge you based on what they think, not exactly what you do. And one size can never fit all - we can never ever make anyone/everyone like you.

I learnt to be myself.

This year, I finally put myself as the center of my life's focus. I learnt to say NO to what I didn't like, walk away from emotions that hurt me, stand firm for what I want in my life, and live my life the way I like it to be. Not being selfish, but knowing my self-worth.

I learnt to take things slow.

I have never in my life watched drama series after work everyday but I have been doing that in the past month and it felt really great to have a "work-life" balance. For the first time in my life, I'm living my life for myself. Living the moment, appreciating every moment.

Though I'm still constantly learning how to be a better me, I really love myself the way I am and where I am in life right now. I'm really thankful for my family and friends I have neglected for the past few years, for always standing by me whenever I need someone. And for the first time in my life, I reciprocated to these people that has always been showering me with love.



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And finally, before ending this post,
 RESOLUTIONS FOR 2018!

1. Catch falling snow!

2. Travel to somewhere new

3. Blog more (As usual..hurhurhur)

4. Save up & probably commit to some savings/investment plan

5. Have sufficient rest everyday (Aka. Rest early)

6. Sing & play the guitar & keys more

7. Spend more time with my family (Niece especially)
8. DECORATE MY OWN ROOM/HOME STUDIO :)))


Nothing much I really want actually cause I'm pretty YOLO these days, I practically do whatever I think of and want to do HAHAHA. But still, had to come up with something to look back upon.

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So I guess the next time I'd be updating this space would be in 2018..HAHA!

MERRY AWESOME CHRISTMAS
& A EVENTFUL NEW YEAR
in advance.

I'm pretty excited for 2018 already.

.


kthxbye

Merry Christmas & Hello 2017!

So it's finally nearing the end of 2016 and here's the
cliche-obligatory-summary-cum-resolution-making post.

To summarize, I'd say that 2016 has been a pretty fulfilling year for me.

Finally finished paying my study loans, graduated from my degree with pretty good results and found a full time job doing marketing. Though I still have much to learn and explore, I'd say that I'm very fortunate to have many benefactors and mentors in life (esp in this year) to guide me and help me. My family, Mun, my lecturers, my friends, my DNA, my colleagues. I'm sincerely thankful. 

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Before I run through my resolutions, I'd like to show you guys the first Christmas present(s) I got for myself in this 25 years of my life - Yay!

PUSHEEN BOX WINTER 2016 EDITION

Photo Credit: http://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/2016/12/pusheen-box-winter-2016-subscription-box-review.html

I was totally judged by my friends (and Mun) for getting a box that costed SGD100 - when I have totally no idea what's gonna to be in it. I do admit it was a 一时冲动 move when I saw this scarf posted by PusheenBox Facebook and went like "OMG, I NEED TO GET THIS", though I don't literally need it. HAHAHA.

PLEASE AGREE WITH ME THAT THIS SCARF IS SO DARN CUTE.

So yeah, I got this box that costed SGD100 (because of shipment that costed USD25) and I was quite afraid I'd regret. But luckily for me, THIS BOX IS THE BEST BOX EVER. I've yet to receive the box but I've been stalking the hashtag on instagram and saw what's in it - I practically love everything in it.

Photo Credit: http://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/2016/12/pusheen-box-winter-2016-subscription-box-review.html

SEE HOW CUTE IT IS? 
It's sad that shipment from USA to SG takes 10 working days, so I'll probably receive it before my TW trip (hopefully) instead of for Christmas.

And because I bought a present that didn't arrive by Christmas, it didn't really felt like Christmas.
LOL, I'm kidding. I just needed an excuse to buy another gift for myself HAHAHAHAHAHA.


So here's my other gift to myself -

Yeah, I know it's so not-Noelle-kind-of-thing because it's so girly.
But, I'M A GIRL AFTER ALL RIGHT HAHAHA.

Under the bad influence of 277, I decided to get Thomas Sabo Karma Beads that costed a bomb.

So yeah, it's probably the first bracelet I've gotten for myself and I kinda love being girly suddenly HAHAHAHA - not to mention, I started going mani/pedi lately too. Omg, puberty hit me late lol!

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AND FINALLY BACK TO RESOLUTIONS

Let's see the progress of resolutions I made for 2016:

I did blog more, I did pursue my career after graduation, I did adjust my body clock pretty much (not ideal but it was a great shift), I did practice guitar and am more familiarized with the chords (will post a pic of my guitar after my guitar stickers arrive) and I'll be travelling to a new country next year.

So it's like 5/10 - not too bad. HAHAHA.

Here goes my
RESOLUTION(S) FOR 2017:

1. Keep blogging
2. Do new covers - at least 3
3. Be able to perform in guitar + vocals
4. Spend more time with my family and friends
5. Start saving up
6. Start taking vitamins
7. Exercise!!
8. Better time & emotion management

That's all I have for now.

I'm already excited for 2017 with all the travelling plans :]
Stalk my instagram/facebook/blog in 2017, it'll be fun.

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016!

Hi guys

As usual at this point of the year, here's a cliche post to summarise 2015 and set new goals for 2016!

It'll be a rather length one since I haven't really been blogging this year.

........................

So first, How was 2015?

It was pretty awesome in general.

I'm proud of myself to announce that I have completed 3 of my goals that I've set for 2015 (and actually for 2013 and 2014 too lol). Finally quit procrastinating and worked for something I really wanted in my life. So I'm just gonna share in this post a brief summary of what happened in my 2015!

First and foremost, I finally got a driving licence!! 

*Applauses please*

Secondly, I've set a goal in 2014 till 2015 to be more musically involved - Sing more.

And yeah, I kind of increased my amount of singing in this year. Got a few regular gig that happened (some stopped) and more external gigs this year comparatively to how it was in 2013 to 2015 when I started working full time.

Thirdly, I'm rather pleased with myself that I took a step forward to register for a private degree to advance my career path into an industry that I have passion over logic-money-earning like how I did in the past. Though studying and working at the same time is tough (and having some modules that are so horribly taxing), I'm glad that I made this decision for myself. 

*A side note along this point, I'M HALF WAY THROUGH MY DEGREE! 9 more months to go!!

Lastly, I'd like to say that 2015 was a really hectic yet fulfilling year for me.

Took up many new job assignments this year that allowed me to meet so many new people, including the many important people who supports me behind the screen. Events that make me feel exhausted as hell after work yet leaving me with contentment. It's really hard to explain. But I'm just glad I made decisions to step out of my comfort zone to strive for the things I want in life. I never thought that I would risk and quit my full time job while I'm studying, to pursue a financially unstable freelance path - just because I felt unhappy being where I was. 

Of course, I'd say that I'm blessed, too.

I was fortunate enough to have event jobs popping up consistently.

My only regret for 2015 was not being able to jot down my life journey in this space (or any spaces) of mine. It's a pity because it's part of growing up for me. (Seriously, I only blogged 10 plus posts for the whole year??! And having most of it being adverts. what..)

And this leads to my 

Resolutions/goals for 2016!

1. Blog more

2. Start pursuing my career after graduation

3. Attain Class 2b licence

4. Travel to new country(s)

5. Exercise once every week

6. Adjust my body clock to sleep before 1am every night and wake up at 9am by the end of 2016

7. Do more covers - Sing more (before I get back into the workforce)

8. Have better time management

9. Have better guitar skills (at least be familiarised with ALL the chords)

10. Stay positive!

That's all,

Looking forward!

2013 ... 2014

So........2013 finally came to an end.

I would say 2013 was pretty good for me.

In terms of blog/ wise,

I gained pretty much exposure from here and there.

Cineleisure's Next Online Sensation 2, Singapore Blog Awards 2013, 

Pika Pika Meido Cafe, Garena Talk.

And of course bits and pieces here and there from events I attended.

And I got myself more sponsors and paid gigs this year :)

In terms of personal life wise,

I guess it was great too!

So here comes the cliché Resolution list for 2014.

1. Obtain a driving licence (?)

2. Finish arranging at least an original of mine and release it on iTunes

3. Find a stable job or a job I really will work for long/life

4. Have a healthy balance between work/love ones

5. Gain weight (at least 5kg)

6. Gain more experience/exposure in music industry/related

Ok, can't think of anymore. 

Shall update once I think of any.

BYE!

Happy New Year :)

New Year Resolutions

Hi guys! Long time since I last blogged!

I know it's like 8 days after the new year already, and this is like super delayed, lol!

BUT BETTER THAN NO RESOLUTIONS SET RIGHT!!

Was pretty tight up with work, and I fell sick like twice??!

(It really sucks to lose my voice!:()

Ok, so here goes.

1. Step out of my comfort zone and be more sociable and extrovert!

2. Start saving part of my salary.

3. RefRain to start having public performances (:

4. Decide on what degree I want to further study in.

5. Be more mature.

6. Be less rational and emotional.

7. Take better care of myself so I'll not fall sick so often!

8. Manage my time.

9. New blogskin.

10. Photoshoots!

ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR, so far, only these.

Will update once I think of more!!^^

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !