Joan's Pinterest-piration : String Art DIY

This was a craft thing that I did a two moons ago. I am very slow in updating stuff. 

String Art DIY. 

What you need:

• Cork board / wooden board
• Nails
• Hammer
• Strings

How to do:

1) I got my cork board from Daiso for MYR5.30 and sprayed it white with the aerosol paint, let it dry for a few days (yeah, just to make sure it's really dry)

2) Print out the desired wording you wanna make for the art. (Tip: DO NOT USE fonts like I did, try to find where it is basic and there is a lot space in between the alphabet, you will know why later. Pinterest didn't tell me this)

3) Start nailing the nails according the outline and oh if it is possible for you to trace the outline with a cutter first so that it is easier to take the paper out later.

4) Hammer, nail, hammer, nail. And pull the unwanted bits out.

5) And start stringing away. Hahaha. I like this part the most. It is as therapeutic as the adult coloring book. Well, doing any crafts is therapeutic anyway. And personally this is way cheaper than buying the so called "adult" coloring book that ranges from MYR39 to 59. OMG right.

6) String, string, string. Voila! See, this is an almost pinterest fail where the words don't really pop out because of the font choice. Also, since this is a negative color design (the color is outside), so the choice of my font is oh-so-wrong. Maybe a positive color design will be better but I am so lazy to change the strings. So whatevs!

7) Now, it is part of my mini garden at the balcony decoration. From a distance, it is not THAT bad after all. Hahaha. 

Ok, happy trying you all! 

Pause for a while

When you get overwhelmed with negative emotions, PAUSE.

Been chaotic in the head lately, drama and distractions. Maybe this will remind me to re-focus my energy again.

Procrastination be gone!

photo courtesy of chibird.com

If there is one thing that I wish I have right now is gonna be THE quick fix for my procrastination. That two months of holidays for my studies is totally eating up my determination. I really took the whole of September for granted and not doing anything that is helping me enriching my knowledge or whatsoever sorts of academic thing going on.

And hey this blog too is neglected since Instagram sort of took over my life. (Yes, you can see my feed here on the sidebar too). Facebook is kinda yesterday, that is more for a bunch of aunties who just migrated to the digital world. Sharing recipes and what not. Yes that includes my mom. Hello. Hmmm. Whatevs!

Anyway, I really need this blog up and running again. Well, it is more like a journal kinda thing nowadays since this is my reference point to recall back on my memories. No joke! My brain don't really have space to remember so much these days. Errrr, am I becoming one of those aunties on Facebook. Hope not.

Petronas All About Youth National Champion 2015

I really have to blog about this. SMK TAMPARULI emerged as the national champion for the Petronas All About Youth (PAAY) Competition. Their community project is the Flood Warning System that is installed at the old bridge of Tamparuli. Anyone who has been to Tamparuli know that this bridge is located very much lower and nearer to the river hence it is always being flooded.

The SMK Tamparuli team managed to get through for the state level competition by raising funds through various ways to make the project up and running. The flood warning system actually did make a difference to the lives of the people of Tamparuli and this project actually made them won the national level competition as well.

I know they have been working hard for the past 7 months to get this project going and kudos to all who have been working, sacrificing time and its all blood, sweat and tears for this. RM50,000 to the school as the winning prize and as well as other prizes for the kids. They also won the People Choice Award for being the most favorited team on social media.

It has been a while for me to be surrounded with students of mine and this particular batch of students who are in the team is now in Form Four. Most of them are my students two years ago when they were in Form 2. It is good to know that with the proper guidance and opportunity, they actually blossom to be promising individuals in the future.

Also, it is a morale boost for the school as it has been a while that we win a national level competition. SMK Tamparuli came close to winning the Petrosains last year by winning first runner up. Credits has to be given where its due and of course all of this would not happen without the dedication of everyone. Teachers, students, parents, the community in Tamparuli and the Petronas people.

Congratulations SMK Tamparuli PAAY team 2015. You made a mark in history!

Momboros do Dusun

I for one is not proud of the fact that I am not fluent in any of my mother tongue. I am a Sino Dusun. I can't really speak Dusun
I can't really speak Mandarin either
Such a shame.

And hey it is common among Sabahans Y generations and above to not being able to converse in their mother tongue let alone reading and writing it. Unlike our counterparts in Sarawak, most of them I noticed still do and still can speak in their mother tongue language.

It is good to acknowledge people like Sigu Dusun Les who put materials like this in the digital world. All the more reason for the younger generations to be exposed to their language.

and this video by Jasmine, is so OTOPOT to explain everything. Hahaha. Good job girl!

The Move

Story of my life:

Two years ago on September, I got married and a year ago around this time as well, I moved to Kuala Lumpur. I traded my full time job for a no pay leave to study full time in UM. (thank God, my prayer for a full pay study leave is granted).

Been living in a very nice house in KL. Landed property. It is like a dream come true to be living in a landed property in a KL address. 

Anyway, fast forward to 2015, economy turns bad and oil and gas is badly hit. Well, my husband is in the industry and we are affected too. As the company is paying for the house rent and (sigh) we have to relocate.

It has been a whirlwind and the relocation is quite an emotional one for me. The move had to happen during the busiest time of my semester last June. 

Packing packing packing

Doing assignments in between the boxes and thank God that our new place is actually just down the same road as our old place. But this time, it is a high rise place.

Yeah, that's my husband looking very happy with the new place. Yes, smaller and cosier. As for me, there is quite a number of things I need to adjust.

Boxes, boxes, boxes

'

Unpacking is actually harder than the packing part, so setting up the place for the first night that we stayed there is very OMG. I even cut my finger while digging in the toiletries box. Damn you razor.

That was the condition of our bedroom. That's the best that we can do after all the boxes and furniture have been moved in by the movers. Downsizing from a 3500 square feet place to a 1850 square feet. Despite the move during the busiest time of my semester and almost during my exam while needing to set up the new place, I still managed to score all As for my paper. Thank God!

REEBOK is LOVE!

This is one seriously super delayed post. This took place like in May but I never have some time to sit down and write about it.

So, for the event Bailar Contigo , the organizer managed to get Reebok to sponsor us (the instructors involved). Top, bottom, socks and footwear. I was SO elated of course!!!! Felt like a celebrity. This is much better than cash money because the top to bottom attire by Reebok would easily cost RM500-800. 

I was the first one in the list to actually arrive at the designated shop. Hahaha. Talk about excitement! Also I get to play as the personal shopper for my instructor friend, ZIN Chacha Garza as she will only be flying in on the day of the event. A happy shopping experience for me!!! YEAY, double excitement!!

This what I chose for Chacha! Hey, I think I can work as a personal shopper too. It is really fun!

And this is for me. Well, the pink shoes is something that I bought for myself and I could not resist the green one too (plus that shoes cost a bomb like RM350++). All in my head was like... need to be kiasu, need to be kiasu. Grab the expensive ones!!! LOL

And this is me with the stars of the Zumba Party. It is NEVENA and GORAN flown all the way from Serbia. Woohoo! Youtube Dance Fitness Sensation!!!!

ZIN Clarvie and ZIN Flora (my two besties) in black meanwhile my sisters Didi and ZIN Amy in neon yellow

Me and ZIN Chacha!

The Whirlwind

MIA for JUNE because

• I moved house
• Assignments deadlines like nobody's business
• Unboxing the house is not fun
• Studying for exams is not fun too
• Zumba classes still have to go on to pay for my school fees
• Not enough sleep causes fatigue
• Massive fatigue causes stupid high fever that force for a bed rest

Can't wait for exams to be over tomorrow and off I go to the airport to leave hazy KL for a couple of days.

Archer Hair - Clash of Clans fever

To be honest, since relocating to KL, I have not visited any salon here. I have trust issues with hair salons. Yeah, like seriously. So many bad memories when going to random salons without personal recommendation from others. Hair perm gone crazy. Hair cut went haywire. Yeah, like seriously!

I did ask my friend, whom recommended me a salon in Subang. Good price and good service she said. But during this busy weeks I just don't have time to go that far on a weekday. Zumba classes, postgraduate classes, assignments and what nots. Ugh! My husband suggested to me to ask our landlord about good salon nearby since she is a good (also famous) blogger and personally I think she has nice hair.

So, here I am at Number 76. This is the newly open branch in Publika. See how convenient it is. Reservations for slots also can be made online. I like doing stuff online. Not a fan to do phone calls for reservations.  Last week, I went there to trim my hair. Yeah, just to test the waters.

I like the place a lot and I think I should do my hair coloring there too since the product that they use on your hair are also from Japan. I am very particular about the products at any hair salon since I have very sensitive scalp.

Before!

During! I have a "halo"

That's the director of the branch, who also did an awesome job on my hair color! She is from Japan

Tadaaaa!!!!  Sa suka!

This color job cost me like around RM370 because it includes bleaching and quality hair butter for coloring the hair. Japanese hair product FTW!!!!!! I did mine last year in KK around 1/3 of the price but the color was not evenly done around my head. Well, for KL price, the product and service. It's all worth it!!!!! Ada kana bagi green tea bikin minum-minum sama biskut lagi. Hahaha.

Head on to number76.com to check out their prices and services and also for online reservations.

Hey, I am not paid to write this post okay. Sharing sharing saja.

BB1M Vouchers

By right I am not supposed to receive any vouchers because I re-enroll to my postgraduate program but starting a new course last February. Somehow, since I was a student in the September 2014/15 semester, my name is actually eligible for the RM250 book vouchers. Hurrah and Alleluia!!!

Been contemplating on what books to buy since I don't actually need any. Well, most of the books I bought were photostat copies since the lecturers thought it is more economical to do that. Haha. LOL

Anyway, I found out that I can actually use the BB1M vouchers at mphonline.com. Yes, I don't have the patience to go through the books physically. Online catalogues are the best. On top of that some books have special discounts if you buy online. Moreover, for the books that I am interested in I can check the reviews online in other sites for recommendation and feedbacks. All done sitting down in my study room. On top of that being a first time purchaser online, MPH will give 20% discount off the total bill. Marvelous!

Ordered on Friday last week (8th May) and the package arrived on Monday (11thMay). Super fast! Talk about convenient shopping. Online shopping is the answer. By the way, I am not paid by MPH for this post okay!!! Done out of goodwill.

Also, I got a free tote bag. Cool! I love free stuff

All these books for RM250 voucher. Well, the last book I bought at Popular, tipu sket. Nonetheless, all the vouchers are well spent with the books that I want. Yeay!!!

Bold gowns

Not ball gowns. 

Just Bold! 

I just love to see statement evening gowns.

Subtle and killing it!

all hail the queen!
source

weird but bold!
source

Gorgeous!

Why la I dunno how to jahit dresses?? 

Happy Momma's Day

source

Everyday should be an appreciation day for all our mommas... It doesn't have to on social media or publicized but it's more on what you are willing to do for your momma. Love unconditionally. Action speaks louder than words.

BIM

Missing out on BIM this year. I miss KK but at the same time I don't really wanna be at home in Sabah because of so many shitty things happening there. But it is not the reason of the move to KL. Things are all shitty everywhere. People say they don't have time for your shit but they have their time for their friends. I just don't get it. I just don't get it. I really don't get it. 

Go ahead world! I am gonna be selfish. You and your stuff. You and your lies. You and your made up stories. I don't trust anyone right now. There's no one that could ever be true to their words. 

Yes. When you start off on the wrong foot for the weekend, the whole thing just follow suit. 

Sial!

Enough pink!

I need a hair makeover. Any advise on where to have a good saloon and good price in KL for this kind of hair? There's a suggestion by my friend but it is like in Subang. So uhmmmm.. kalau ada yang lebih dakat bagus la.

I want lavender highlights now.

Sore muscles !!

So I tried Flyoga yesterday. Oh my God!!!! The pain the pain the pain. I have weak core muscles and now it has been emphasized. My obliques, upper and lower abdomen all are aching like crazy. 

I have not tried yoga like religiously following it and practicing it. But I think with this Flyoga it's like you have to more balancing for the yoga aspect. I don't know what shit I am talking about right now, I am seriously so sore right now. Ohmaigah!!! 

Kalau nda tagap and toned my body lepas ikut ini barang, sa nda tau la. Okeh bai! 

Monday Mood Swing

At this moment, I feel like going back to Tamparuli this instant. Hating the view of concrete jungle around. Hating everything. I prefer to sleep it off but this feeling just doesn't go away. If only I could pin point what is wrong then it will be easy. For now, it is a jumble and mixture of everything.

All I see is construction across the road. I have a very nice park within this housing area. But what is it for when things will only last like a month or so. I don't have anything to count on this place anymore. Soon I will be living in a birdhouse.

Not a single inspiration for my assignment due this Friday as well. What to write and what to suggest. Stress made me hungry and when I am hungry and I have to eat leftovers, I hate it. Time to look for some junk food and what other things that could cause constipation, cholesterol and diabetes. Hah. Fuck the world like I care!

Writing about this is making me flare up inside like a hot coal being fanned out and started giving out flames. Totally not a Zen Monday that I hoped.

Urusan di UTC

Have anyone of you tried out the services and facilities provided by any UTC branches? Just sharing my experience to renew my driving licence.

UTC are open 7 days a week, so I am actually anticipating the crowd on weekends maybe just because the public prefer to do their urusan on Sundays , just like me. I went to the UTC in Sentul. I used waze app to find the location of the place and carparks are also available at the building.

Went to the JPJ counter and took my number.In like an instant, my number was called already since there were no other customers. Handed in my old driving licence and MyKad plus the fees. I can also choose to use my MyKad photo or get one taken there. I was not groomed to perfection that day so just opt to use MyKad photo. 

Everything was settled within 5-10minutes and I got my new driving licence ready. Fast and I am happy!

Home Improvement

Ever since relocating here, things that run in my normal daily routine has changed tremendously. Monday is always the day to be the maid and cleaning the house somehow I can never beat my neighbour's maid determination in cleaning. Tengok tu! Hebat kan.

Anyway, if you are wondering, I am currently living at a 4 storey townhouse in North Kiara (it is actually Segambut, but rebranding made the name sounded more sophisticated). Konon la. Banyak nya mo kasi bersih kan, iri no poh da kalau tinggal sama urang lain yang amu pandai monulung om amu tumudau kosuabon, ogorot manjadi kalawar. Oh my broken Dusun! hahaha.

Panat juga la. Bulih tahan panat dia, nasib sa banyak torining dulu time tinggal di kampung. Biasa sudah tu semua. Eseh!

Oh by the way, any of you have gotten their tax refund from the government. I did. Ada la RM243 bikin balanja bili kuih.

DIY Ombre Hair (Kylie Jenner Inspired)

So, ombre hair is the craze now. When I did mine back in 2012, people will be saying like "napa dye ko ni di bawah saja?" 

Then hair chalking came and what not. I honestly don't like hair chalk because it make the hair uhmmm.. chalky. Hahaha

Anyway, here is a recent project that I did as requested by my sister. This DIY could save you at least MYR100 of labour charge at the saloon.

Well, here's some sharing on it.

Gatsby Hair Bleach (bought from Watson), it's the same hair bleach that I used on my hair project last time. Here's how it look like if you are wondering

source

What you should do next is a no brainer! Bleach the ends and make sure it is evenly applied (that's all!) and of course wait long enough to make it go blonde (don't be afraid, the lighter the color, the easier the colorful dye to pop out). My sister kept the bleach on her hair for around 30-40 minutes.

The result is on the upper right hand photo. 

The next process to get the greenish turquoise colour is by using the Manic Panic Semi Permanent Dye (bought from http://www.chaoticlabelz.blogspot.com/p/readystock-manic-panic-hair-dye.html) . Since DIY-ing always require your own energy, so give yourself and the hair a rest and try dyeing again the next day. Trust me, you will be more patient to wait for the color to set in.

The color is ATOMIC TURQUOISE and for this we did not even finish one tub of the hair dye because we are cheapskate like that and to keep for retouching purpose next month.

 Repeat the same process like bleaching the hair. And Voila!!! The result is on the lower right hand photo.

Although the color is not like what the catalog said but fuck it...It still look awesome. Yeah!!!

The lonely traveller

So I am in Singapore (alone). Actually I am here not for leisure but to attend a Zumba training. Anyways, since I am alone, I am just so lazy to go touring around. 

I am currently staying in a box. One of the "pods" in this backpacker place called Plush Pod at 2, Tan Quee Lan street, SG

How much?

It's SGD32 per bunk per night . Sorta like a capsule hotel concept. 

Location?

It's really really convenient and strategic. Literally a stone throw away from the Bugis shopping mall and the MRT station. But singapore city is so tight that things that look far on the map actually is not far.

Common area:

It has a lot of seating place with fridge and microwave and water supply for drinking and also sink to wash utensils. Basic backpackers amenities all there. 

Overall, it's nice to stay. Staff is friendly. And they actually have elevator to go up the building. Bagus Kalau ada banyak barang. It's just a little noisy at night because it's next to a main and lively road. That's what you need to sacrifice for strategic location. 

Okay tomorrow I will be having a very long day. AM to PM and after that flying back to KL.

Good night!

Lazy and no mood day

It is totally "I don't wanna get up from the bed day" today. Although I did get up to have breakfast and do laundry before finding myself in bed now. While the clanging sound outside my bedroom door is because of the lift service guy is doing the maintenance. I am so surprised how did he get in the house. Could be my SIL opened the door for him.

I am really feeling really lethargic today. Been down with a bout of coughing and sore throat (again). January was bad and this time around it took longer to heal. Also it is because I did not go and see the doctor. It is just a virus spread by the mister that he got from his office. Dry throat. Sore throat. Dry coughing and running nose. Totally WTF!

And zumba session was intense yesterday with myself to be blamed for arranging the playlist to be suicidal. The aftermath, sore muscles. I can not even imagine how it is for my students if I myself is experiencing one.

I am missing home. Home as in Tamparuli. It was only January since my last trip back. I guess the the treshold for me is 2-3 months. I actually do miss teaching. It is more than half a year that I left the normal routine of going to work and being a slave for "failed" government education system. As much as I hate it last time, I am having withdrawal symptoms now.

Here is the weekend

One question posed to me earlier today that really got me smirking until now.

"Are you a muslim?"

Hey it has been a while since I got that asked to my face. 

Well, my classmate saw my full name today

Joan Vivienne Moo binti Rejoss

Usually i will just write "Joan Moo" or "Joan V. Moo" in the attendance list. So she sorta saw my computer screen with my full name there and boom the question. Haha. I don't blame her though for the lack of exposure of the culture and background of the people especially from Sabah.

I usually get this question every now and then when I was studying in Penang and I don't get questioned for my weird name when I am in homeground because in Sabah everyone has weird names (well, almost). So, now I am back in west Malaysia then I suddenly became the one of the rare species.

People have questions with my name, my look, my language as I don't fit to the main 3 races generic look. When i went to the wet market here and start speaking Malay to purchase pork,; haha! Imagine the look of the aunty or uncle who are selling it. They will be like "you orang apa?" Or rather one aunty will be like "oh ini Cina Melayu!" -- errr, how on earth is that possible? But the binti in my name really help saving a lot of money when purchasing property though because of the bumiputera discount. Oh, well the perks of being weird. Hahaha. 

I am never dropping the 'binti' from my name. Hahaha. Some Sabahans I know ada yang pigi buka tu binti. 

Binti = weird .... But i like it!

Will

You know when you have responsibilities or when you are really a grown up when you have to write a will.

Yes, it is like in the movies. A document that tell how much someone and somebody will get when you are not around anymore.

Although I don't have any harta but need to have one nonetheless. Moreover, if you are married to a non Sabahan in which the Mahkamah Anak Negeri law is not applicable to your other half.

Mahkamah Anak Negeri law for Sabahans might be easier to execute but a will perhaps is a proper documentation. Ugh, writing about this made me feel uneasy too. Oh, what the hell. Anyway, if you need to make one and if you have Maybank account, you can get it done online for a fee of RM298.00