Ever sat down at dinner with the family and had no-one talk for it's entirety?
That's what I experienced tonight.
The kind of silence where there are no words spoken. All you hear is the chewing of food, and the clanging of bowls and utensils banged against the glass table..
May be strange to you but it's actually quite normal in my household.
There's often disagreements and/ or yelling before the actual meal and so in turn, we all sit down, eat, clean up then leave the dining area to do whatever we want to do before we go to bed.
I'm here now in my bedroom telling you my thoughts on it.
At first when it happened, it was wierd but I was the one that was peeved at certain family members and so I didn't really care what the conversation was about, if there was one...
Now when it happens, it's sort of like a shrug off the shoulders..
Don't let my smiles fool you. There's so many layers that need to be peeled off before you would really get to know what's going on inside me, my head and my heart.
Peace.
chauie
'Actually I think it's kind of funny that you create an illusion that is a mirror,I don't appreciate you and I know that that surprises you' - Special Ones, George
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Drewfunk!
So like I mentioned earlier this week, randomly went out Thursday night and checked out an exhibition at Oh Really Gallery in Newtown.
At first I didn't quite understand how the painting could have such a title but as the night went on, I couldn't stop looking at it with its intricate detail and the message in which I gained just from looking at it, was something quite beautiful.
With a very down-to-earth and funny persona, the conversation flowed between us and I was glad to see he did not fit into the stereotype most artists seem to be placed in as a snobbish creative type. We even got a photo with him! My only regret was not asking him the story behind him creating my favourite piece of the night.
Artist in the Spotlight: Drewfunk!
Born in Malaysia and now residing in Melbourne, Drewfunk showcased his first solo show in Sydney to the young and eclectic crowd with amazing success. With his showcase of work titled 'Elevation not Levitation', the 26-year-old showed off a series of drawings/paintings that were quite stunning.
Walking around the tiny gallery personally stamped with Drewfunk's logo and personality, I found myself walking round and round but ultimately always coming back to one particular artwork, Ugly Butterfly.
At first I didn't quite understand how the painting could have such a title but as the night went on, I couldn't stop looking at it with its intricate detail and the message in which I gained just from looking at it, was something quite beautiful.
In the midst of the crowded gallery (a nice turnout for Drewfunk's first Sydney show!), the artist approached me himself and said thanks for dropping by. :)
My mate and I chatted to him for a bit and we got to find out who exactly Drewfunk was and some of the inner workings of his creative mind.
Drewfunk described his work as "orientally fresh", or rather what he'd like to call "orientally-funk" and recalled the influences of his work to be mainly influenced from the streets of Melbourne.
Throughout the conversation and having met him very briefly through 'introductions-only' the last time we were in Melbourne, found we had a mutual friend in common and with our future plans to take a trip down to his [Australian] hometown next month, Drewfunk offered to have us visit him at his personal art studio when we landed. We also received a [personal] invite to a future night out in Melbourne which he described involving only "party and bullshit".
With a very down-to-earth and funny persona, the conversation flowed between us and I was glad to see he did not fit into the stereotype most artists seem to be placed in as a snobbish creative type. We even got a photo with him! My only regret was not asking him the story behind him creating my favourite piece of the night. For those of you who missed out on attending that night, the work of Drewfunk as well as other talented Australian artists and photographers will be featured at In Full Bloom - "a pop-up art & photography installation exhibition featuring a selection of Australia's best emerging artists and photographers" - at 580 George Street, Sydney from 1-25 September, 2009.
Check out http://www.ambushgallery.com/ for more details.
Feel free to check out the artist at his official website: http://drewfunk.com/blog/
And if you're on Twitter, start following the creative guy with dreads at: http://twitter.com/drewitter
By the way, apologies for my bad photography skills. I'm a writer, not a photographer hehe :P
//Edit: Just adding the pic of me, Drewfunk and my mate KC. It was on my friend's camera and he finally uploaded it onto Facebook hehe. Well here we go :)
And if you're on Twitter, start following the creative guy with dreads at: http://twitter.com/drewitter
By the way, apologies for my bad photography skills. I'm a writer, not a photographer hehe :P
//Edit: Just adding the pic of me, Drewfunk and my mate KC. It was on my friend's camera and he finally uploaded it onto Facebook hehe. Well here we go :)
Peace out yo.
chauie
chauie
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Twisted
Here's a bit of twist that happened following the events that happened after "Interesting Thought"...
I saw Him again last night.
We were at a farewell and it's like his whole persona did a 180 from the night before...
He was nice. Friendly.
Too friendly, perhaps? Hard to tell at times.
I was intoxicated but I'm glad things didn't go on further..
I left the night early coz I was confused and no longer wanted to be confined in the club within the dark lights and shit mixes the DJ was playing last night.
Out for now.
chauie
'What's this? All this time I thought you didn't need me. Now I've gone from you and now you tell me' - Now You Tell Me, Jordin Sparks
I saw Him again last night.
We were at a farewell and it's like his whole persona did a 180 from the night before...
He was nice. Friendly.
Too friendly, perhaps? Hard to tell at times.
I was intoxicated but I'm glad things didn't go on further..
I left the night early coz I was confused and no longer wanted to be confined in the club within the dark lights and shit mixes the DJ was playing last night.
Out for now.
chauie
'What's this? All this time I thought you didn't need me. Now I've gone from you and now you tell me' - Now You Tell Me, Jordin Sparks
Friday, August 28, 2009
Gravity..
I love the aptitude that oozes from Sara Bareilles.
You may all remember her from her debut single 'Love Song' which got plenty of radio airplay on an international level, reaching number 1 in charts in many countries. Her second single, 'Bottle It Up', didn't quite match the same success as her first but still increased her popularity within the music scene and amongst her fans.
Love Song was enough for me to hear it a couple of times and convinced me to purchase her album late last year. And what a great decision that was coz still, even from that day of purchase, each day, I must scroll through my ipod and listen to that one song starting with the letter G.. hehe
Her debut album is a good collection of piano-based songs chronicled around her life, relationships and experiences. Listening through it on the first run, I recognised influences of Norah Jones and Fiona Apple and personally compared her to Sarah McLachlan.
But Bareilles' album, Little Voice, should not have been called that. As you listen to each song on the 12-track album from beginning to the end, you'll hear the sincerity and honesty in her voice.
All the way to the last track, which happens to be my favourite and her latest single, 'Gravity', you'll notice that this talented young lady is so much more than just a girl with a "little voice". She's a woman whose beauty and talent shines through a much bigger voice than she may believes she has.
Check out the video to Gravity, a stand out track on her album.
(NB: Video doesn't seem to want to appear on my blog at the moment so here's the link to the official video)
You may all remember her from her debut single 'Love Song' which got plenty of radio airplay on an international level, reaching number 1 in charts in many countries. Her second single, 'Bottle It Up', didn't quite match the same success as her first but still increased her popularity within the music scene and amongst her fans.
Love Song was enough for me to hear it a couple of times and convinced me to purchase her album late last year. And what a great decision that was coz still, even from that day of purchase, each day, I must scroll through my ipod and listen to that one song starting with the letter G.. hehe
Her debut album is a good collection of piano-based songs chronicled around her life, relationships and experiences. Listening through it on the first run, I recognised influences of Norah Jones and Fiona Apple and personally compared her to Sarah McLachlan.
But Bareilles' album, Little Voice, should not have been called that. As you listen to each song on the 12-track album from beginning to the end, you'll hear the sincerity and honesty in her voice.
All the way to the last track, which happens to be my favourite and her latest single, 'Gravity', you'll notice that this talented young lady is so much more than just a girl with a "little voice". She's a woman whose beauty and talent shines through a much bigger voice than she may believes she has.
Check out the video to Gravity, a stand out track on her album.
(NB: Video doesn't seem to want to appear on my blog at the moment so here's the link to the official video)
Peace.
chauie
R.I.P DJ AM
(picture credit: www.hardfest.com)Logged on this morning and all I've been reading about is this talented individual. I've been left speechless.
Rest in Peace.
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who knew him and was a fan (me included).
Leaving you all with his last tweet on Twitter..
It sent shivers down my spine coz I've often thought of Sydney in that same description..
(picture credit: http://twitter.com/DJ_AM)
Love and Peace.
chauie
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Interesting Thought..
Hey yo...
It's 11.30pm. I just got home and had an interesting thought so thought I'd share it with you:
So on a last minute whim, I decided to go out tonight after work with a few friends to check out Drewfunk's Art Exhibition (review coming soon so check back!!) in Newtown.
Didn't really know who was gonna turn up.
It ended up being some of the main crew...
He was there.
It was wierd.
The greeting between us was wierd.
No real physical thing to be honest. We may as well have been two snobby rich people air-kissing.
That's what it felt like.
That's how it would have looked like if we were were being filmed or if the scene was being described in a novel.
The vibe was cold.
And for a split second, I'll admit it: I was surprised and it did hurt.
But I got over it very quickly.
And as the night went on, I walked ahead.
I avoided having to speak to him.
Not even polite conversation.
If that's how he's gonna treat me, then he's just going to get it back.
I'm not the same girl I was last year...
Night.
chauie
'Doesn't matter what he says. I know he's no good for me' - Boom, Anjulie
It's 11.30pm. I just got home and had an interesting thought so thought I'd share it with you:
So on a last minute whim, I decided to go out tonight after work with a few friends to check out Drewfunk's Art Exhibition (review coming soon so check back!!) in Newtown.
Didn't really know who was gonna turn up.
It ended up being some of the main crew...
He was there.
It was wierd.
The greeting between us was wierd.
No real physical thing to be honest. We may as well have been two snobby rich people air-kissing.
That's what it felt like.
That's how it would have looked like if we were were being filmed or if the scene was being described in a novel.
The vibe was cold.
And for a split second, I'll admit it: I was surprised and it did hurt.
But I got over it very quickly.
And as the night went on, I walked ahead.
I avoided having to speak to him.
Not even polite conversation.
If that's how he's gonna treat me, then he's just going to get it back.
I'm not the same girl I was last year...
Night.
chauie
'Doesn't matter what he says. I know he's no good for me' - Boom, Anjulie
Monday, August 24, 2009
Five Elements
I've worked out that I have five elements of my life - family, friends, study, work and love - and of late, only one of those elements is really making me happy. It's also probably the last one you would expect.
(5) Family
Families are supposed to be supportive towards your decisions in life, right?
Not mine.
My family always seems to question my choices.
(4) Love
My love life sis currently non-existent so there's not much to comment here but I'm not bitter about it. I've said this before and I'll say it again: I don't mind being single.
And I get that friends wanna set me up in hopes that I'll (eventually) be as happy as they are but we all have our own definition of happiness.
We all have different things in our life that makes us estatic and feel complete bliss.
That's why no two people are exactly the same.
(3) Work
Well if you're a regular reader of my blog (first off, thank you! hehe), you should know how I feel about work. But seriously though, with all the 'talking' that goes on, I don't know why people stay.
I don't even know why I'm still here.
I used to have reasons why I stuck around but now, even those reasons are fading away.
There was a toss-up between the last two elements. Both are what I love and hold close to my heart. But there was one that slightly held the upper hand in terms of my 'happy' levels, especially within the past couple of weeks.
(2) Friends
This is not directed to all my friends.
I just feel a bit out of the loop with some of them and it's not a great feeling...
To not know what is going on around you but have everyone else aware is a bit scary.
It's like I'm living in a bubble and I have no idea...
It's kinda sad when I really think about it. Sometimes it makes me feel like I'm the outsider looking in - even when I'm in the midst of it all.
And finally,
(1) Study
I told you it was the least expected one but honestly it's the only thing that's really providing a positive light into my life at the moment.
Knowing that I went out of my way to go out, research and apply for the course without asking for help or advice from others was good for me.
Doing something on just my own terms gave me a (thin) layer of confidence and was somewhat rewarding.
In the past, I've always let the voices of others influence my final decisions, but this time, I did this all on my own and initially (after I enrolled) I didn't even tell anyone that I'd done it - gone and taken that big step! Not until maybe a few weeks later, I slowly started revealing my (future) plans.
Even now, not all of my friends and family know. And coming from a highly competitive (academic-wise) and judgemental family (mainly the extended), I thought it was best to only tell my immediate...
It took me a while but I'm glad I finally realised what I wanted to do.
Through all the ups and downs, the fails and passes, I realise now they don't really matter anymore coz I didn't go about living my life based on those events.
I finally know what makes me happy and how I can incorporate what with how and hopefully achieve that complete sense of pure bliss. :0)
**A change is coming. **
Peace.
chauie
'Some people say that I'm not worth it. I've made mistakes but nobody's perfect. Guess I'll give it a try.' - One Last Chance, James Morrison
(5) Family
Families are supposed to be supportive towards your decisions in life, right?
Not mine.
My family always seems to question my choices.
(4) Love
My love life sis currently non-existent so there's not much to comment here but I'm not bitter about it. I've said this before and I'll say it again: I don't mind being single.
And I get that friends wanna set me up in hopes that I'll (eventually) be as happy as they are but we all have our own definition of happiness.
We all have different things in our life that makes us estatic and feel complete bliss.
That's why no two people are exactly the same.
(3) Work
Well if you're a regular reader of my blog (first off, thank you! hehe), you should know how I feel about work. But seriously though, with all the 'talking' that goes on, I don't know why people stay.
I don't even know why I'm still here.
I used to have reasons why I stuck around but now, even those reasons are fading away.
There was a toss-up between the last two elements. Both are what I love and hold close to my heart. But there was one that slightly held the upper hand in terms of my 'happy' levels, especially within the past couple of weeks.
(2) Friends
This is not directed to all my friends.
I just feel a bit out of the loop with some of them and it's not a great feeling...
To not know what is going on around you but have everyone else aware is a bit scary.
It's like I'm living in a bubble and I have no idea...
It's kinda sad when I really think about it. Sometimes it makes me feel like I'm the outsider looking in - even when I'm in the midst of it all.
And finally,
(1) Study
I told you it was the least expected one but honestly it's the only thing that's really providing a positive light into my life at the moment.
Knowing that I went out of my way to go out, research and apply for the course without asking for help or advice from others was good for me.
Doing something on just my own terms gave me a (thin) layer of confidence and was somewhat rewarding.
In the past, I've always let the voices of others influence my final decisions, but this time, I did this all on my own and initially (after I enrolled) I didn't even tell anyone that I'd done it - gone and taken that big step! Not until maybe a few weeks later, I slowly started revealing my (future) plans.
Even now, not all of my friends and family know. And coming from a highly competitive (academic-wise) and judgemental family (mainly the extended), I thought it was best to only tell my immediate...
It took me a while but I'm glad I finally realised what I wanted to do.
Through all the ups and downs, the fails and passes, I realise now they don't really matter anymore coz I didn't go about living my life based on those events.
I finally know what makes me happy and how I can incorporate what with how and hopefully achieve that complete sense of pure bliss. :0)
**A change is coming. **
Peace.
chauie
'Some people say that I'm not worth it. I've made mistakes but nobody's perfect. Guess I'll give it a try.' - One Last Chance, James Morrison
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Anjulie
I've found a new artist I'm falling in love with.
With her exotic good looks and witty lyrics, singer and songwriter Anjulie is one of few artists that i like to call 'a breath of fresh air into the music scene'. :)
(picture credit: www.urb.com)
Born in Toronto, Canada but currently residing in Los Angeles, her melodies and her lyrics ooze a sense of fun into the self-penned songs of her debut self-titled album.
Her sound has been described by critics as similar to that of [fellow Canadian] 'Nelly Furtado with a touch of Duffy' - an electic mix if you will.
I prefer to say that her album sounds like hip hop mixed with pop with lyrics that are clever yet sweet. Her songs, especially the hooks, are catchy and I can't stop listening and singing along!
Her debut single 'Boom' is slowly getting the attention it deserves over here in Australia, but I'm sure we'll see more of this girl when the time comes for her to completely shine.
Until then, check out the official video:
With her exotic good looks and witty lyrics, singer and songwriter Anjulie is one of few artists that i like to call 'a breath of fresh air into the music scene'. :)
(picture credit: www.urb.com)Born in Toronto, Canada but currently residing in Los Angeles, her melodies and her lyrics ooze a sense of fun into the self-penned songs of her debut self-titled album.
Her sound has been described by critics as similar to that of [fellow Canadian] 'Nelly Furtado with a touch of Duffy' - an electic mix if you will.
I prefer to say that her album sounds like hip hop mixed with pop with lyrics that are clever yet sweet. Her songs, especially the hooks, are catchy and I can't stop listening and singing along!
Her debut single 'Boom' is slowly getting the attention it deserves over here in Australia, but I'm sure we'll see more of this girl when the time comes for her to completely shine.
Until then, check out the official video:
Peace out.
chauie
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Too Much Too Soon?
When starting a relationship, these days I've noticed, some couples just seem to go about it way too fast. Do the phrases 'Don't rush', or 'Let's take it one step at a time' not mean anything to anyone anymore?
I know that during the 'Honeymoon' phase we're all blinded by lust - not love. Love at first sight does not exist - not from what I've seen. The behaviour is always questionable.
Call me cynical if you like. I don't really care. This is just how I see it.
I'm not in a relationship but I remember an incident that happened not too long ago when a guy (who is no longer) in my life invited me out a couple of times. I didn't really know the guy so I gave him a chance.
You gotta take chances, coz then you'll never know right?
Maybe I should've skipped out on giving this guy a chance coz all of a sudden after two outings together, his best friend is sitting next to me telling me that the guy is "falling for me".
Woah.
Stop and rewind please.
How can you fall for someone so easily? So quickly?
I mean, I was flattered but it hit the line of desperate. The guy in question was older and we hardly knew each other. Aren't older guys supposed to be the mature ones? Or is that stereotyping and labelling them too much?
Anyways, I ran away from that guy pretty quickly. :P
But even those in relationships now are moving too fast. I have friends from all different groups and networks and I know at least one in each that I feel are (or have been) moving just a little too quickly in my opinion.
Six months in (or less) and I'm hearing about the four letter word, sex, possible marriage proposals, moving in together, etc. Some things just leave me speechless.
I'm not here to point the finger at anyone and insult them.
I just wanna know why?
Why the rush?
Why not stop and breathe and enjoy the moment in each other's company for a minute?
Is that too much to ask?
But I'm just someone on the outside looking in on these relationships around me so maybe it's different within the relationship but time is time.
As much as I would like to have a control of life and be able to press stop, pause, rewind or fast-forward, I can't and neither can you. Therefore, I think my opinion is fair in this case.
I know that life is short and we should 'seize the moment' but with relationships, you should take your time. If it doesn't last, it doesn't last. Be happy that you were able to enjoy all those past moments together rather than rushing through each one trying to create new ones.
If other people know about your 'rushed' relationship, there will be questions.
And if you question it, if you have ever questioned it at any point during the relationship, you can bet other people surely will also.
Excuse my mood (again).
chauie
'Gave you second chances. At least a hundred times, you're not the one, I am done' - Empty, Jessica Mauboy
I know that during the 'Honeymoon' phase we're all blinded by lust - not love. Love at first sight does not exist - not from what I've seen. The behaviour is always questionable.
Call me cynical if you like. I don't really care. This is just how I see it.
I'm not in a relationship but I remember an incident that happened not too long ago when a guy (who is no longer) in my life invited me out a couple of times. I didn't really know the guy so I gave him a chance.
You gotta take chances, coz then you'll never know right?
Maybe I should've skipped out on giving this guy a chance coz all of a sudden after two outings together, his best friend is sitting next to me telling me that the guy is "falling for me".
Woah.
Stop and rewind please.
How can you fall for someone so easily? So quickly?
I mean, I was flattered but it hit the line of desperate. The guy in question was older and we hardly knew each other. Aren't older guys supposed to be the mature ones? Or is that stereotyping and labelling them too much?
Anyways, I ran away from that guy pretty quickly. :P
But even those in relationships now are moving too fast. I have friends from all different groups and networks and I know at least one in each that I feel are (or have been) moving just a little too quickly in my opinion.
Six months in (or less) and I'm hearing about the four letter word, sex, possible marriage proposals, moving in together, etc. Some things just leave me speechless.
I'm not here to point the finger at anyone and insult them.
I just wanna know why?
Why the rush?
Why not stop and breathe and enjoy the moment in each other's company for a minute?
Is that too much to ask?
But I'm just someone on the outside looking in on these relationships around me so maybe it's different within the relationship but time is time.
As much as I would like to have a control of life and be able to press stop, pause, rewind or fast-forward, I can't and neither can you. Therefore, I think my opinion is fair in this case.
I know that life is short and we should 'seize the moment' but with relationships, you should take your time. If it doesn't last, it doesn't last. Be happy that you were able to enjoy all those past moments together rather than rushing through each one trying to create new ones.
If other people know about your 'rushed' relationship, there will be questions.
And if you question it, if you have ever questioned it at any point during the relationship, you can bet other people surely will also.
Excuse my mood (again).
chauie
'Gave you second chances. At least a hundred times, you're not the one, I am done' - Empty, Jessica Mauboy
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Comparision
Lately I feel like everyday at work feels like an episode of "Gossip Girl" minus the fashion. :P
I'm the only one walking around trying to look good for myself - not for the opposite sex! haha (just kidding.)
I'm the only one walking around trying to look good for myself - not for the opposite sex! haha (just kidding.)
I've wrote about this again and again.
Work - my workplace - feels like (a) high-school with girls and boys running around chasing one another or talking about each other. Not ladies and gentlemen - boys and girls.
The people at work all love to talk - about the good and the bad.
Talk is cheap - that's why everyone does it.
As much as we try not to bitch about certain people and things happening around the office, sometimes the behaviour of some steps over the line and you find yourself exasperated with that particular person that you just need to let it out.
Sometimes to stop and breathe doesn't work.
Out.
chauie
'I see it around me, I see it in everything. I could be so much more than this' - My Sundown, Jimmy Eat World
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Throwback: A Fine Frenzy
I've decided I'm going to do a few throwbacks on this blog. Basically pieces that I've written for 13itches or other sites in the past that are still cool in my book - whether it be the content itself or the writing. Sometimes when I write, the words just flow and I read it back and think, 'wow, where did that come from?' hehe
Anyways here's my first throwback:
~
A Fine Frenzy
It seems these days music is cool until everybody “discovers” them.
When that happens, they’ve either “sold out” or become too “hipster”.
I’ve been listening to the music of 22-year-old Allison Sudol. To most, that name won’t ring a bell. But to some, the pseudonym she uses, A Fine Frenzy, just might.
Listing her inspirations and influences from a wide range of artists such as Radiohead, Aqualung, Coldplay, Bjork, Sigur Ros and the like, her sound has been described as ‘hypnotic piano arrangements under classic American melodies’.
Anyways here's my first throwback:
~
A Fine Frenzy
It seems these days music is cool until everybody “discovers” them.
When that happens, they’ve either “sold out” or become too “hipster”.
I’ve been listening to the music of 22-year-old Allison Sudol. To most, that name won’t ring a bell. But to some, the pseudonym she uses, A Fine Frenzy, just might.
Listing her inspirations and influences from a wide range of artists such as Radiohead, Aqualung, Coldplay, Bjork, Sigur Ros and the like, her sound has been described as ‘hypnotic piano arrangements under classic American melodies’.
Hailing from Seattle, Sudol is a self-taught pianist and definitely one of the better singer-songwriters to look out for.
Check out the official video of a song that’s (still) high on rotation on my ipod – Almost Lover:
Peace out.
chauie
Va$htie
Is there anything this young lady can't do?
In 2006, she started a monthly-turned-weekly 90's music night titled "1992" at (nightclub) Santos in New York, spinning music (only) from the early 90's, attracting celebrities and old-skool music fans.
Vashtie Kola.
As her website (http://www.vashtie.com/ ) states, this girl is one talented individual:
"Visionary Director, Party Producer, Style Maven, Lady of Leisure, Jordan 3 Villian, Tomboy Extraordinaire, Luxury Handbag Queen, Vintage Don, Fashion Addict and Art Nerd. "
I first took notice of Kola through her music video directing of some of my favourite songs from such artists as Kid Cudi ('Heaven At Night'), Solange Knowles ('T.O.N.Y') and her own take of what the video should look like for Child Rebel Soldiers (CRS)'s 'Us Placers'.
In 2006, she started a monthly-turned-weekly 90's music night titled "1992" at (nightclub) Santos in New York, spinning music (only) from the early 90's, attracting celebrities and old-skool music fans.
When the time comes for me to finally visit New York, this is one club I want to be grooving along at on a Friday night. When you're in that mood, nothing beats 90s RnB. :)
Following her love of both creative art and music, Kola also seemed to always hold a special place in her heart for fashion, where she has of recent, established her own fashion line, VIOLETTE. The clothing line caters to both males and females, drawing inspiration from eclectic scenes, people and their environments: 'uptown and downtown, hip-hop and rock, feminine and masculine, casual and couture'.
VIOLETTE is not yet stocked in Australia but I hope the line hits our shores soon :)
Be sure to follow Va$htie through her blog for more pop culture goodness and to see what other hidden talents this girl has up her sleeve :)
Peace yo.
chauie
'And you better wear your shades, the spotlights here can burn holes through the stage' - Superstar, Lupe Fiasco
Drama Drama Drama
I don't even know where to start with this post to be honest. The reason for this post was sparked as a result of what's been happening behind the doors at 50 Miller.
As of late, it seems the whole office is just buzzing with gossip and bitching. I mean, don't get me wrong it's probably been an ongoing thing even before I stepped foot into the building and started work with my fellow employees but it seems within the last 8 months, tensions are rising and whispers are getting louder and louder.
Honestly, nowadays when I come in each day, I don't feel like I'm walking into a corporate office of "professional" workers, I feel like I'm stepping back into the grounds of my High School. Is that fucked or what?
I guess it just goes to show that no matter how old you are or how mature you think you are, there will always be that part of you that wants to talk about others, which not only sucks for the person you're talking about behind their back, but adds fuel to any fire of the rumours that are already spreading throughout the building.
One other thing I don't like are people that fall under a label of which I'm not sure what name it should be. Those people who say that they will do something but then do the opposite. People who say they're 'not like like that' or 'don't do that' but then, the next day / week, are doing exactly that! People who talk on the downlow about other people, making comments about how others work - obviously negatively based when they're not so great themselves.
(By the way, I'm not putting anyone down with that last comment, I just think that no-one is the best at something. There's always room for improvement and more knowledge.)
(By the way, I'm not putting anyone down with that last comment, I just think that no-one is the best at something. There's always room for improvement and more knowledge.)
Would the correct label be Hypocrites? Can someone please clarify / verify this for me.
The funny thing is, when people wanna vent about others they choose me to vent off to. In a sense, it's fine because they're not venting / bitching about me so it doesn't necessarily affect me. But on the other hand, when it all comes down to it, we all talk about everyone else. And though on a rare occasion, it may be positive... in reality, most of the time, it's negative.
You all know I need to vent on a weekly basis - whether it be through this blog or not. Sometimes we just need to let it out.
So why do we do it?
Are we all guilty of being insecure in some way that we secretly hope that if we talk someone down, it will help us with our own self-esteem?
With all the things I hear, it just makes me think: What else happens behind closed doors?
But with all the bitching / gossip / rumours / assumptions / drama, I've developed a thicker skin for it and have gotten better at separating the truth from the lies, the friends from the foes, those who I should keep at a distance, and those who I should not speak more than wha
t is necessary to.
t is necessary to. Sometimes it's hard to decipher who from whom, but I guess after working there from almost two years, you learn to keep your friends close and that's all that matters. As for the others, no-one said I had to make friends with everybody. Nobody's perfect and you can't like everyone you meet nor can you make them like you.
That's all.
chauie
(picture credit: idea-awards.com.au)
chauie
(picture credit: idea-awards.com.au)
'Never underestimate those who you scar, cause karma karma karma comes back to you hard' - Lost Ones, Lauryn Hill
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The (Language) Barrier I'm Faced With...
There are a lot of thoughts in my mind at the moment and although they may be messy in my head, I'm gonna try and break them down right now for you...
The status / decision of my Aunt's condition is still pending. I found out the news about a couple of weeks ago...
Had a lil' cry last week during my morning meeting with the team at work but it went un-noticed coz I kept my face down. When I was ready to look up again, I rubbed at my eyes giving the impression that there were no tears, and instead fooling everybody and making them think my eyes were irritating me. Like I said, nobody noticed…
~
My auntie made this confession to one of her sisters last week:
"What I Wanted To Say..."
Lying there I could not bring myself to say anything
I believed that you could hear me
But still my mouth would not open
and speak the words I wanted to say
Peace yo.chauie
"I'm just not there. Life's just not fair. Life's just not fair" - Street Lights, Kanye West
The status / decision of my Aunt's condition is still pending. I found out the news about a couple of weeks ago...
Had a lil' cry last week during my morning meeting with the team at work but it went un-noticed coz I kept my face down. When I was ready to look up again, I rubbed at my eyes giving the impression that there were no tears, and instead fooling everybody and making them think my eyes were irritating me. Like I said, nobody noticed…
~
My auntie made this confession to one of her sisters last week:
"Each morning I wake up and I know I've made it through another day."
This confession sent shivers down my spine when my mum told me.
I don't know if I should see it as a positive thing but I know I've thought about this statement in the past but mine came with negative thoughts...
Last year when I first found out about the critical condition my aunt was in, the doctors told us the same thing they did two weeks ago - that they don't know how much longer she has.
I went to visit her on Sunday night and at times like these, I wish I was more fluent in Vietnamese. The language barrier between my Auntie and I puts up an invisible wall between us where I can't ask her or speak the words I want to say.
The fact that I don't know a lot of the language often limits me to ask only one question - "How've you been?" - and that's the last thing I want to ask.
When I went to visit my aunt for the first time in hospital late last year, she wasn't awake and I was so afraid to open my mouth and speak aloud. All I could do was hold her hand and look at her...
When I left the hospital that day, I sat in my room and cried. With pen and paper in hand, I started writing and the following words were inked onto the lines of the pages of my notebook:
I don't know if I should see it as a positive thing but I know I've thought about this statement in the past but mine came with negative thoughts...
Last year when I first found out about the critical condition my aunt was in, the doctors told us the same thing they did two weeks ago - that they don't know how much longer she has.
I went to visit her on Sunday night and at times like these, I wish I was more fluent in Vietnamese. The language barrier between my Auntie and I puts up an invisible wall between us where I can't ask her or speak the words I want to say.
The fact that I don't know a lot of the language often limits me to ask only one question - "How've you been?" - and that's the last thing I want to ask.
When I went to visit my aunt for the first time in hospital late last year, she wasn't awake and I was so afraid to open my mouth and speak aloud. All I could do was hold her hand and look at her...
When I left the hospital that day, I sat in my room and cried. With pen and paper in hand, I started writing and the following words were inked onto the lines of the pages of my notebook:
"What I Wanted To Say..."
Lying there I could not bring myself to say anything
I believed that you could hear me
But still my mouth would not open
and speak the words I wanted to say
The news broke out at two
No-one could stand the thought of losing you
Tears flowed freely
No-one could stand the thought of losing you
Tears flowed freely
Let's switch places
You and me
(to stop the tears)
You and me
(to stop the tears)
You can fight this
You'll make it through
That's what I wanted to say
When I was holding your hand
And looking at you...
~~~~
That's what I wanted to say
When I was holding your hand
And looking at you...
~~~~
Update: I think these above words still ring true each time I go and visit her coz there's only so much you can say and have the other person understand what you're saying... if only she knew what I wanted to say...
That's it.
Peace yo.
"I'm just not there. Life's just not fair. Life's just not fair" - Street Lights, Kanye West
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Broken Promise
I was going to write a post about my Aunt and how I feel about the state she's in but my mind has been occupied by something else that happened tonight.
I was supposed to meet up with (some of) the 13itches crew tonight... if you look back in the archives, you'll find a post I did earlier about them/us... anyways I was really looking forward to the post-official meeting because I couldnt make the one that would be "officially" held tomorrow night as I'd be attending class.
But my first initial reaction was 'wtf? that's bullshit'.
And I think my disappointment has turned into sadness. I'm chatting to that same friend online trying to explain how I felt when he msged me but instead I'm typing nothing and sitting here crying instead.
I mean I love our crew. The whole 13itches project is a fantastic idea in my opinion but we've definitely lost momentum for it. Especially when 80% of the group went travelling to different destinations last month... It's like when they left, time stood still and everyone in the group just decided to put the whole project on hiatus for the period of time they were away.
I feel like we've been in the wrong mindset for the way we've gone about things. Getting our website (insert shameless plug: www.thirteenitches.com.au ) up and running was a big achievement for us. We even had a Launch Night for it! :P
But I feel like after that night, the focus went in a different direction. Instead of thinking 'Yay, our website is done, what's next?'... it felt more like we went into the zone of 'Yay, our website's done. Now we can relax'.
Our crew has a lot of focus but we also have a lot of people and everyone has a lot of ideas and I think that's where our focus diminishes.
When we all got together for this project (initially), we all kinda made an agreement that whoever wanted to be apart of this, would need to make the commitment to work hard and whatnot.
But now it just feels like it was all talk, no action.
It feels like we've all broken a promise to each other.
This feeling is definitely not a great feeling coz we're such a tight-knit group. I wouldn't want all this to tear us apart...
I'm out.
The piece on my Auntie will be up by the end of the week...
Warning: the mood of that one is a bit of a downer too :(
...Excuse my mood...
chauie
"Why must I feel so wrong when I try and do right?" - Mr Solo Dolo, Kid Cudi
I was supposed to meet up with (some of) the 13itches crew tonight... if you look back in the archives, you'll find a post I did earlier about them/us... anyways I was really looking forward to the post-official meeting because I couldnt make the one that would be "officially" held tomorrow night as I'd be attending class.
The meeting got cancelled at the last minute. I told my friend who relayed the message that
"I wasn't mad - just disappointed."
"I wasn't mad - just disappointed."
But my first initial reaction was 'wtf? that's bullshit'.
And I think my disappointment has turned into sadness. I'm chatting to that same friend online trying to explain how I felt when he msged me but instead I'm typing nothing and sitting here crying instead.
I mean I love our crew. The whole 13itches project is a fantastic idea in my opinion but we've definitely lost momentum for it. Especially when 80% of the group went travelling to different destinations last month... It's like when they left, time stood still and everyone in the group just decided to put the whole project on hiatus for the period of time they were away.
I feel like we've been in the wrong mindset for the way we've gone about things. Getting our website (insert shameless plug: www.thirteenitches.com.au ) up and running was a big achievement for us. We even had a Launch Night for it! :P
But I feel like after that night, the focus went in a different direction. Instead of thinking 'Yay, our website is done, what's next?'... it felt more like we went into the zone of 'Yay, our website's done. Now we can relax'.
Our crew has a lot of focus but we also have a lot of people and everyone has a lot of ideas and I think that's where our focus diminishes.
When we all got together for this project (initially), we all kinda made an agreement that whoever wanted to be apart of this, would need to make the commitment to work hard and whatnot.
But now it just feels like it was all talk, no action.
It feels like we've all broken a promise to each other.
This feeling is definitely not a great feeling coz we're such a tight-knit group. I wouldn't want all this to tear us apart...
I'm out.
The piece on my Auntie will be up by the end of the week...
Warning: the mood of that one is a bit of a downer too :(
...Excuse my mood...
chauie
"Why must I feel so wrong when I try and do right?" - Mr Solo Dolo, Kid Cudi
Monday, August 10, 2009
My Random Thought of the Week
Every morning I walk from the station to the office and I walk against the wind where it blows into my direction and hits my face.
I don't know about you but I love that feeling in the morning.
I know some people might hate it, complaining that it's far too cold.
And yes I agree - sometimes it can be unbearable - but on those fine days when you look up at the sky and don’t know what’s going to happen for the remainder of the day, I think that feeling comes into play and it makes me feel kinda refreshed - that cold rush...
If that makes me weird, then so be it.
Night.
chauie
"Drench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with arms wide open" - Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield
I don't know about you but I love that feeling in the morning.
I know some people might hate it, complaining that it's far too cold.
And yes I agree - sometimes it can be unbearable - but on those fine days when you look up at the sky and don’t know what’s going to happen for the remainder of the day, I think that feeling comes into play and it makes me feel kinda refreshed - that cold rush...
If that makes me weird, then so be it.
Night.
chauie
"Drench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with arms wide open" - Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Uniform Project
Could you wear 1 dress and create different looks for 365 days?
Sheena Matheiken thinks she can and has been doing so since May 1st, 2009!
(picture credit: http://www.theuniformproject.com/ )
The idea for The Uniform Project sparked Matheiken to also have the fashion blog create exposure and donations for the Akanksha Foundation, a 'grassroots movement that it revolutionising education in India'.
7 duplicates of the dress, designed by Eliza Starbuck, were made to represent each day of the week for Matheiken to wear and style it to her own unique and individual look. The dress, which was designed to be able to be worn both ways - back and front - and also as an open tunic, is the blank canvas for Matheiken to layer and accessorise to her heart's content.
Matheiken asks that you 'think of it as wearing a daily uniform with enough creative license to make it look like I just crawled out of the Marquis de Sade's boudoir'.
Check out her daily ensembles here:
http://www.theuniformproject.com/
To any budding accessories / jewellery designers, Matheiken is happy to add a little touch to her outfits with your designs - feel free to contact her at the above site. Those who weren't blessed with the creative touch can help out Matheiken by donating to the Akanksha Foundation.
Enjoy.
chauie
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Ignorance is Bliss
So I got the idea for this post from a friend at work. (Thanks Jackie!) I was telling her about something that I noticed during the weekend that passed whilst out with some friends for a joint birthday. Actually it was the same night that sparked me to post 'Not Again..' but this post has nothing to do with that particular 'cute' subject. :)
In her last email to me, she wrote 'Ignorance is Bliss' and I haven't been able to get those words out of my head.
I have to say though, this post does link to the male species. There's always something to say about the opposite sex, isn't there? (Sorry boys!) In this case, it's about a certain boy and yes, I've made references to him in previous posts.
This 'boy', unfortunately, will always be in my life. Adding to that, he always leaves me confused but whatever. Moving on... The only control I have is how much I see him. I made a bad decision and last year things happened that left me with a broken heart.
But earlier this year, I went away with friends to Japan and as cliché as it sounds, I was able to reflect and do some soul-searching, and the best thing about it is, I think it worked!
Not having to see the 'boy' on the trip for almost four consecutive weeks definitely helped me in getting over my feelings for him. Not being able to see him was indeed a good thing. :)
When a friend (the same friend that inspired this post) was going through a bad break-up, I advised her of something along the lines of 'Ignorance is Bliss'. I am not usually one to take my own advice and I never thought that this little piece of advice would work for me but it did.
Spending that time away (bonus points that it was far far away in a foreign country!) helped me much more than I initially thought it would. For that reason, I felt that when I came back to Sydney, I chose to continue keeping that distance. Whilst everyone else made contact with the friends we left behind, I completely took steps back and didn't make any contact, except with my best friend and those few that I wanted to contact.
It wasn't until about a few weeks later when an event occurred that had the entire group coming together and that's when I saw him. Seeing him again, I thought I might break. Tears. Run away. React.
But surprisingly (to me, at least) I was unaffected. It was definitely a great feeling. :)
Going back to a more recent event (like Saturday night) - by the way, the above was a bit of reminiscing for me - that same 'boy' had just gotten back from a trip himself. To be honest, we don't really talk to each other the way we used to due to last year's unfortunate (or is that fortunate?) events. I'm not sure if the rest of our crew is oblivous to this fact or maybe they are aware and just choose to ignore / avoid the topic. Just a thought...
Anyways, dinner was fine. We weren't at the same table so that was okay. It wasn't until we got to the club when I noticed his behaviour..
Let's just say, it was definitely questionable.
Certain things he did as the night went on had me wanting to turn to him and say:
Or better yet:
To those who don't know me and are reading this, you might think it's harsh but I'm just being honest.
I may never be able to say it to his face but at least you know how I feel on paper (in writing).
I'm out.
Peace yo.
chauie
"Boy, I'm sick and tired of trying to read your mind" - Impossible, Christina Aguilera
In her last email to me, she wrote 'Ignorance is Bliss' and I haven't been able to get those words out of my head.
I have to say though, this post does link to the male species. There's always something to say about the opposite sex, isn't there? (Sorry boys!) In this case, it's about a certain boy and yes, I've made references to him in previous posts.
This 'boy', unfortunately, will always be in my life. Adding to that, he always leaves me confused but whatever. Moving on... The only control I have is how much I see him. I made a bad decision and last year things happened that left me with a broken heart.
But earlier this year, I went away with friends to Japan and as cliché as it sounds, I was able to reflect and do some soul-searching, and the best thing about it is, I think it worked!
Not having to see the 'boy' on the trip for almost four consecutive weeks definitely helped me in getting over my feelings for him. Not being able to see him was indeed a good thing. :)
When a friend (the same friend that inspired this post) was going through a bad break-up, I advised her of something along the lines of 'Ignorance is Bliss'. I am not usually one to take my own advice and I never thought that this little piece of advice would work for me but it did.
Spending that time away (bonus points that it was far far away in a foreign country!) helped me much more than I initially thought it would. For that reason, I felt that when I came back to Sydney, I chose to continue keeping that distance. Whilst everyone else made contact with the friends we left behind, I completely took steps back and didn't make any contact, except with my best friend and those few that I wanted to contact.
It wasn't until about a few weeks later when an event occurred that had the entire group coming together and that's when I saw him. Seeing him again, I thought I might break. Tears. Run away. React.
But surprisingly (to me, at least) I was unaffected. It was definitely a great feeling. :)
Going back to a more recent event (like Saturday night) - by the way, the above was a bit of reminiscing for me - that same 'boy' had just gotten back from a trip himself. To be honest, we don't really talk to each other the way we used to due to last year's unfortunate (or is that fortunate?) events. I'm not sure if the rest of our crew is oblivous to this fact or maybe they are aware and just choose to ignore / avoid the topic. Just a thought...
Anyways, dinner was fine. We weren't at the same table so that was okay. It wasn't until we got to the club when I noticed his behaviour..
Let's just say, it was definitely questionable.
Certain things he did as the night went on had me wanting to turn to him and say:
'It's too late.'
Or better yet:
'You had your chance with me, but you chose her. I'm over you and I'm not taking any steps backwards into your arms. You're just... too late. Move on. Coz I have. I'm doing fine without you and if I never see you again, I think I'd be okay with that.'
To those who don't know me and are reading this, you might think it's harsh but I'm just being honest.
I may never be able to say it to his face but at least you know how I feel on paper (in writing).
I'm out.
Peace yo.
chauie
"Boy, I'm sick and tired of trying to read your mind" - Impossible, Christina Aguilera
Monday, August 3, 2009
Flirting on Facebook
(picture credit: tibethouse.org)Nowadays everyone has a Facebook account.
Whether you use it often or not, everybody has registered / signed up for an account. When it first became a big craze, it was all about how many "friends" you could obtain.
(Online) social networking is a topic I'll actually be researching for a group project I'm doing for one of my classes and of course we're going to talk about Facebook. It has millions of users worldwide and that number is growing on a daily basis.
The whole "Friends" thing definitely raises a lot of questions though. For example, how many of those "Friends" do you actually see and interact with on a regular basis? Can you separate your online relationships / friendships with your offline?
The whole talk of relationships and friendships definitely interconnect with one another in my opinion. But my argument / point of this particular post is the flirting that happens on Facebook.
It leads me to the question: Should flirting be done privately or would you prefer to have the public witnessing you in the act?
If you like someone, get their digits and if you're afraid to use your voice, then there is the alternative of sending them a private text message so that only the two parties involved can view what each person wants to say to the other.
I'm currently witnessing the act of flirting between two of my "Facebook Friends" - one, a guy who in the past broke my heart (I'm over him now - please refer to previous post 'Letter'), and the other is a girl I met through a friend.
Don't they both see that it's obvious they're flirting with each other? It makes me want to go up to them, give them a lil' shake and say,
'Would you just ask them out already?'
The fact that I am friends with both parties, allows me to easily access and click on their "Wall-to-Wall" to see their messages / conversation to each other and frankly, it's a bit annoying to read the back-and-forth responses when I click on my Facebook Home Page.
Being female, I could read into this a lot more and analyse such actions and be like 'Are you doing it on a public social network as a dig at me? (This is directed to the boy obviously) Is this the way you wanted things to start out between us? Public flirting?'
If it is, well, I'm glad nothing further went on between us.
But that wasn't my initial reaction lol :P
Basically what I'm saying is some things should stay private and that includes relationships. It's fine if you're both already in a relationship, but if you're interested in one another and haven't made a move, do you really want those first 'moves' done in the public eye of everyone that is your 'Facebook Friend'?
Do you want the the world (assuming their profile is public, which most are because they haven't discovered the Privacy Settings) to see your intentions with the other party? We're not stupid. Everyone knows what flirting looks like whether it be verbal, physical or in this case online. Everyone knows how to flirt and you're both flirting with each other - online for all of us to see!
If you stuff up, everyone can read how and where you went wrong.
Lame...
Out.
chauie
"Getting along very well without you in my life. I don't need you in my life" - Doin' Just Fine, Boyz II Men
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Not Again..
I love my best friend but sometimes I dont know...
(hehe kidding! i still love her!)
It seems every time we go out, and I know it's a rare occasion coz she's always busy with Uni so maybe I should stop complaining while I'm ahead, but every time we go out, she tells me that I should hook up with a guy or try and push me towards a guy that we both think is cute.
Just coz I think he's cute doesnt mean I want to act upon it. Can't I just think a guy is cute and leave it at that?
This kinda goes back to my first post on this blog (My Single Status, June 09) where I posted that article that I sent in for Sydney Morning Herald's 'The Heckler' (it never got published but I had fun writing it).
As from the abovementioned (blog) post, I'm going to propose the same question:
I just don't get it.
This has gotten me a bit worked up (again) because last night we went out for a joint birthday for my best friend and another girlfriend and there was a boy there that yes, we both thought was cute and she was like 'why don't you go and talk to him?' but I know in reality, she was hoping something would come out of that question / conversation (had I done it!), like maybe him asking me for my digits or vice versa.
I dragged out my decision long enough though and by the time she decided to go and talk to him 'for me', he was saying goodbye to everyone.
Oh well :P
I'm out.
(hehe kidding! i still love her!)
It seems every time we go out, and I know it's a rare occasion coz she's always busy with Uni so maybe I should stop complaining while I'm ahead, but every time we go out, she tells me that I should hook up with a guy or try and push me towards a guy that we both think is cute.
Just coz I think he's cute doesnt mean I want to act upon it. Can't I just think a guy is cute and leave it at that?
This kinda goes back to my first post on this blog (My Single Status, June 09) where I posted that article that I sent in for Sydney Morning Herald's 'The Heckler' (it never got published but I had fun writing it).
As from the abovementioned (blog) post, I'm going to propose the same question:
Is being single such a bad thing?
Do I have a sign above my head everywhere I go that says 'Desperate for you to set me up with someone. Quick!' ?
If I do, it must only be visible to you.
I just don't get it.
This has gotten me a bit worked up (again) because last night we went out for a joint birthday for my best friend and another girlfriend and there was a boy there that yes, we both thought was cute and she was like 'why don't you go and talk to him?' but I know in reality, she was hoping something would come out of that question / conversation (had I done it!), like maybe him asking me for my digits or vice versa.
I dragged out my decision long enough though and by the time she decided to go and talk to him 'for me', he was saying goodbye to everyone.
Oh well :P
When the time comes, it'll happen. Til then, I don't mind waiting :)
I'm out.
Goodnight.
chauie
'Been a long time since I did something good for myself' - Forgive Me, Leona Lewis
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