Hello, Spring

Today is a sunny day. Decided to take pictures of flowers blooming on ground and trees. Can't wait for more flowers to bloom as the spring continues.

-lu yin-

Liverpool. I Miss You So.

Yup, the pictures say so. I miss the walks along the Albert Docks. I miss the hang out sessions at the city centre of Liverpool. I miss the night outs. I miss the crazy times we had.

-lu yin-

Spring Has Come

This was taken while me and Nadiah was walking through the Puzzle Wood. It was a long walk in the Forest of Dean. It's not a forest but it's a town. Not much public transportation. That's why we need to take long walks especially along the roads. But, it was fun while enjoying a nice view of the country side.

Spring has come. Birds are chirping. Flowers are blooming on ground and trees. Especially the daffodils. These welcome the season of spring. I even sing a random created spring song while walking along with the perfect weather outside.

March is gonna end soon in few weeks time. I found this month quite fruitful. Not just because there's perfect weather. But also because of the SGI meetings which I attend especially the Young Women Division meeting. So happy about it.

As I said like quite a few times, my family is coming over to visit me during the Easter break. I have loads of plans during the Easter break and Summer time. Bookings for transportation and accommodation is done for my family. I realized how mentally tired it is when planning trips to places where you wanna visit.

This week is the Cheltenham Gold Cup which is basically a horse race. Many Irish people will come over to this place and play bets and also just leisure. I've seen a lot of Irish while I was in town. Even the Cheltenham Race Course was full of cars parked on the big land. It's a really a full house for this race course event.

Not to forget, Happy St. Patrick Day. Hehe. I'm sure a lot of people enjoying themselves in pubs and drinking Guinness. It reminds of my silly imagination which is basically a leprechaun will bring to the end of the rainbow and there it is...a pot of gold. XD

Ok, I'm being to silly on random stuff.

This weekend, I'm heading off to Liverpool. Yeah~~~. The good ole memories in Liverpool. Can't wait to visit the Albert Docks and take the Merreyside Ferry ride. If I had the chance, I want to go to the Bold Street Coffee and the tea shop where I used to hang out during my summer semester with LJMU mates.

Ha....I love this month and I love Spring.

-lu yin-

PS. My prayers are with the Japan people who encounter the tsunami and earthquake.

There Are Struggles Which We Deal With

This was taken during my trip to Somerset. It was fun and worth taking pictures of the wonderful scenery which are breathtaking.

Including the Cathedral which has wonderful architecture style. Isn't that amazing. Throughout my trips, I've been on the journey of exploring and discovering new things. Kind of like reflecting and finding myself. That's what I like about traveling to different places and seeing the world.

I met a few Malaysian friends other than Nadiah and Yuki even though it's like in the middle of my postgraduate year. But, it's better to meet rather than not doing so.

Let's see. My results were quite bad even though I pass. So, this semester I'm working hard on it. Half of my crazy assignments for this week has finally done. My coursemates and I thoughts: FINALLY!!! After the crazy stress and hours that we had for the whole week. The other half of the assignments, still a long way to go.

Although I didn't get to celebrate CNY, but I still got my goodies which were sent by my mom. The CNY biscuits, Bak Kut Teh packets, Lenggong chilli, etc. She even remember to sent me my turtle, Squirt which I left him all alone in my old room for months. Now, I have the Squirt brothers with me. Thanks, mom for the goodies.

I do admit that I'm addicted to Amazon once in a while. Way better than Ebay. XD

I've got a volunteer job at one of the events in Gloucester. So excited about it.

My family is coming over to UK during the Easter break. My juniors are coming over to UK during the summer semester. Not to mention, the fact that I heard some good news from my friends such as one of my friend got accepted from the Soka University America. That is an awesome news and I'm so happy for her. = )

Loads of idea are in the back of my head. Loads of plan that I could think of to meet up with my friends whom I met and knew before. Ah~~~ the memories of good old days to catch up.

I'm going over to Liverpool again this month. It's a day trip. Looking forward to it. When I'm there, I'm sure gonna mesmerize the good old memories I had with my LJMU mates. I might have tears in my eyes but who knows. Will wait and see.

Anyway, I'm totally enjoying the awesome life that I had even though I have ups and downs along the way. There's a saying: there's no shortcut to avoid struggles, we all have to face the struggles in life.

-lu yin-

PS I really need to do a lil' bit of cleaning of the dust from my blog when I have the time. @ @

First Week of Semester

There are good ones and there are bad ones (not so much) during this week.

Monday - First class I went to the wrong venue and end up taking the bus to go to the right destination but was 30 minutes late for class. At night, I was the moderator for the SGI-UK meeting. Although there are a few mistakes, but the meeting goes well. Cynthia told me that there's still lot to learn of being involved in this kind of meeting like being a moderator, sharing experience and many more.

Tuesday - Had "Writing for the Screen" class. The start off producing some ideas for our individual assignment. It's actually coming up with a written script for a show. So excited. I have loads of idea that I come up with even when I see and hear from something for inspiration.

Wednesday - It was interesting class on "Digital Journalism". One of the assignment which I'm excited about is creating an online news website. After that, it's "Global News & Communication. During the class, the tutor gave us the short quiz on what year the major events happen. Honestly, I totally suck at knowing what year these events really happen. @ @ I got a call from my friend during my class, and it was slightly embarrassing as it was a small group during the class. Later at night, I went to watch King's Speech. The one thing is that I wanted to applaud after the movie ends because it was awesome. But, others didn't so I just (...)

Thursday - Went to Taplow Court to do "Art of Living" magazine packaging. I was really tired because I didn't sleep the whole night due to taking coffee in the late evening and playing addictive NDS games.

Friday - During the "Entrepreneurship in Creative Industries", loads of jargons related to business were circulating around my head until I feel that my head is gonna burst.

Throughout these classes and other events, I learn and experience. Knowing the flaws I had. Knowing that I have to work hard on being a capable person. It is the dynamic development of becoming the capable person.

Today and tomorrow is my lazy weekend. So, I'm just gonna relax till the new week ahead of me begin.

-lu yin-

Cold Days But I'm Smiling

As usual it's getting colder as day goes by, I'm even wearing socks and gloves too. Also, wrap myself with the blanket almost every single day in winter.

I've been watching Korean dramas recently during my breaks after I come back from Germany. But, of course, I did my assignments which I have to past my next week. OMG.

No, coffee for me for these few days until I recover. Ya, I still not getting better yet from the flu. I'm eating and sleeping well just to keep myself healthy and strong.

I'm still smiling both inside and out even though it's really cold outside. Yup, just like "when it's cold outside, I got the month of May". Does it ring a bell? No matter how cold it feels and looks like we all still have our warm heart and soul that make us smile each and every single day.

I've been reading novels while listening to music at the same time. I sometimes sing to myself while listening to my favorite songs.

I've been playing with my Nintendo DS just to excite me.

I've been doing my assignments too.

Yup, just the regular "me" time at home.

I even have my thoughts and dreams of traveling. I know it's my little own world but I'm gonna make it happen when the time is right.

Okay, I totally blabbering away because I just post this to fill in my free time at the moment.

But anyways, as far as I know I have to keep myself warm for the winter. Maybe I might hibernate too for a few days till my new semester start.

Looking forward to the new semester.

Wait up for my new random post which will come up anytime.

-lu yin-

It's Gonna End and It's Gonna Begin

I came back from Germany last week and I did some shopping during the ex-boxing day. I got myself flu and aching thigh muscles. T T But, definitely I will get better soon and looking forward to 2011. I do miss Germany. Especially I love this picture which was taken during my Xmas week with my uncle and aunt. I will definitely go there during my term breaks.

Besides that, I got stuck when I'm traveling from London to Frankfurt for "3 days" even though it suppose to be "1 hour" journey to get to my destination. Haihz, the heavy snow weather. Oh well, it's the experience that I get and definitely gonna share with others.

I do admit that I'm not really an active blogger for the past few months. But then again, it really depends on my mood and time on when I wanna blog. I'm sure you all would feel the same way if you were in my shoes. Of course, I will not abandon my blog as I have memories and experiences which I would like to share.

2010 is gonna end really soon. I have thinking a lot lately of what I've been doing this year. Also, even people ask me what's my determination for 2011. I also thought about that too. The memories I have with me during 2010 especially during the summer semester course in Liverpool. That's one of the best I ever had. The part where I expand my horizons and travel on my free will. Not to mention to have friends by your side to chit chat. My studies so far so good.

My determination for next year is quite obvious.
-Studying - work hard.
-Going towards the career that I always wanted, being involved in media-related events and entertainment. That's what I'm moving towards too.
-Commit myself on taking part in SGI-UK activities
-Traveling to places that I love so much
-Staying healthy and keep up with loads of things to do
-Understanding the love and faith I have
-Cherishing every memories
-Loving friends and families and being them in my heart and soul when the distance between us is far
-Most importantly, living happily throughout my life journey
and the list go on but this is my main things that I thought about it

I think I might just stay in at home reading novels while listening to music. When the clock strikes at midnight in Malaysia, I'm going to give some calls to my friends and family in Malaysia whom I miss them dearly.

I'll end right here. I feel like I got a lot to say but thoughts are still "processing". Anyway, 1 more day to go to end 2010 and welcome 2011.

-lu yin-

Stranded and Not Moved

This is going to be a post which I'm going to throw my feelings and trying to be in the state of calmness.

I was suppose to go over to Frankfurt yesterday. But, my flight was canceled due to weather condition - heavy snow. I lined up for around 4 hours to re-booked the next available flight. I finally got the flight tomorrow afternoon. Then, I waited 3 hours to check in a hotel. Meet 3 random strangers who are around my age. Book together 2 twin share rooms and stay over yesterday night.

Now, it's just me alone in the hotel while the 3 others are on their own to reach to their destination. The sense of loneliness is really driving me crazy. I also feel hurt for the loneliness that I had.

I chant really hard that the weather will be fine so that my journey to Frankfurt will be smooth sailing.

Haihz, how I wish I took off today since it's not snowing outside. Ish ish ish. Too bad the Sunday flights are fully booked.

This is going to be in my diary of experience: Stranded around the London-Stansted with the sense of loneliness which really hurts my heart and stressed out at the same time.

Dear Mother Nature, please make the weather too be nice so that every one of us can go smoothly on our journey to our home countries or any part of the world instead of having crazy heavy snow so that we can enjoy our Christmas week with friends and families.

-lu yin-

The Swallow Bakery

I've been there like twice and I feel in love with the place.

It's because of the heavenly cupcakes with a nice hot drink but your side while the music is playing. A good place to hang out and enjoy with food and beverage while having a chit chat with friends and family.

Luxurious Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows and Cream

Cappuccino

Delicious cupcakes which are so tempting. Clockwise: Strawberries and Cream - Sticky Toffee - Cookie Crunch - Lemon Drops

Very heavenly and tempting.

Also, the cupcakes which are display can make sweet lovers go awe and mouth drooling. XD

I'm definitely to the place where I can get hot drinks and cupcakes while I reading novels and listening to music at the same time. Savor each cupcake and drinks which I ordered. The taste and the texture. I'll also bring my family along to try when they come to visit me during spring time.

-lu yin-

Getting Colder

For the past few days, it's just another usual time of student life. Yes, I know. It can be boring sometimes but you get the idea if you were in my shoes.

Last Saturday, I went to Black Country Living Museum where it's actually a town producing things made out of sources like coal and limestones. Also, the reason why it's black country is because black smokes come out when producing the sources collected from mines.

It's fun where I just roam around the town taking pictures while knowing the lifestyle that the locals had endured long ago. Not to mention, being a primary school student in the "ole days" school. XD

Not forgetting the trams which goes around town.

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Besides that, I went with Nadiah to the Christmas Market in Promenade.

Over there: there's food, handcrafted items, handmade soaps, accessories, and the things you might think of getting for your loved ones for Christmas.

I also ate German sausage with nothing. Yes, just bun and sausage. Why? Because the spices are inside the sausage so you don't need to anything else on top of it. It's so delicious and heavenly

I also bought woolen blanket, hat, and mittens just to keep myself warm for the winter.

I can't wait for the Christmas Market in Birmingham. It is known to be the largest one in all UK. It is also has the German theme. Will be there the whole day till evening when the Christmas lights are shining bright especially on the Christmas tree.

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The weather is getting colder. It's like about less than 5 degrees. If I just stand still and the wind comes by, I'll be definitely be freezing like crazy including my fingers would get numb. That's the coldest that I could ever feel on my fingers. Thank goodness for warm clothes, food, and heater for the winter. Of course, you heard the news that snow has come early this week. I know it's early but I can't wait for the snow to come. Also, there's the time for photo taking on the winter views that will be kept and never be forgotten.

I pray hard that my assignments goes well smoothly including the marks I will get. I've been working day and night through these while my brain has been so tired from thinking what I have to put in my own words and opinions while I'm typing out my assignments.

Anyway, all I could do is just go with the flow with studies and leisure in UK. Most importantly, anticipate the winter and Christmas in December. Especially, Boxing Day.

-lu yin-

Fireworks at Guy Fawkes Night

Last Saturday, is the Guy Fawkes Night aka Bonfire Night at Cheltenham RaceCourse

Let me intro about Guy Fawkes. He's actually the one who trying to destroy the British Parliament by placing bombs via Gunpowder Plot. However, he fail to do so. In the end, he is being punished and tortured badly. So, on that day, they call the Guy Fawkes Night as the celebration of not having the place destroy. Not to mention, the burning Guy Fawkes cutom. On that day, they will also be fireworks and carnivals.

Took a lot of pictures of fireworks.

Went to the carnival. I feel nauseous after I took the first thrill ride. Looks like I'm getting old. XD It's not like the last time that I used to take the crazy rides at Disneyland Paris.

Overall, it's a wonderful night including the night walk in the cold night.

October has ended and November has just begun. It's almost the time that I have to pass up my first 4500 words assignment. The following weeks more things to do and I realized that the tension is heating up. I have already enshrine the gohonzon. I attended discussion meetings. Well, let's just say I'm happy that I got some leisure time to do other than sticking to the notes and books.

End right here. Back to my study.

-lu yin-

PS. Although it's like a month away, but I can't wait for Christmas.

Shakespeare with Love

Last Saturday was the day trip with international students like me to Startford Upon Avon - the birthplace of Shakespeare (one of my favorite playwright and writer).

I'm sure most of you heard of Shakespeare's work which consist of comedy and drama that brings out the sense and emotions. Quotes, poems, and plays which make us realize certain things in life that we may encounter.

Took a boat ride along the Avon River.

Met Nadiah. She's from Malaysia.

Marie - Nadiah - Sneha - Darius (While waiting to go inside Shakespeare's Birthplace)

This is Shakespeare's Birthplace where he grew up during his childhood days.

Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare's grave is.

A nice day at Stratford. I did bought a few souvenirs which is related to Shakespeare including a few books that has poems and romantic plays. Hehehe.

Alright, back to my research and doing assignments.

-lu yin-

Busy as Always and Change of Plans

It's Week 3 of my Semester 1 and this week's gonna end soon. As time goes by, the leaves have change and autumn has come.

Every Friday I go to LA Fitness gym to work out including the Dance Fusion session which I like it so much.

Day by day with the readings and assignment.

From time to time, I attend SGI-UK meetings and keep up with the daily gosho and study materials to keep myself motivated.

Day by day, there's homecook meal...

and packed lunch which I made so I won't hunger myself to death.

I bought a few mini cookbooks just to think to something really nice to cook.

Looks like I can't go for the Winter Europe Tour. Oh well, there's always the next season for the Europe Tour which is a must for me to go. Looks like I need to do something with my plans during my 1 month long semester break between December and January. Not to mention, the Christmas and New Year. I'm not the kind of person who always stuck at home all day long. Maybe visit a few friends from other parts of UK. There's always something that comes up unexpectedly.

But for now, I need to concentrate on my assignments and studies including during the weekends. I need to pass up one of my assignments in one month time.

It's getting late and it's 12.30am. Feel my head is spinning and I'm tired. Gotta get some sleep.

-lu yin-

P.S. This Sunday, I'm going to make Bak Kut Teh for dinner.

Time - Life - Lucks - Faith

As I wake up in the early morning like yesterday, I saw the sky is crying. It's been like this continuously in the mornings. Good thing is I feel calm. Bad thing is sometimes I feel sleepy.

As day goes by, every time I walk along the Poole Way road, I saw the color of the leaves change from green to yellowish. It'll become orange and red when it's late autumn.

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The student life is like the same as usual during my college days in TARC and good ole days at Liverpool. The first day of lecture and discussion on Wednesday is good. A small group where we can discuss and share our point of view on the topics related to the media. Ya, five person including me in a group. Meals? My own homecook meals. Haihz, I miss my mom's cooking and the food back in Malaysia. I know I've been here in Cheltenham for like less than 2 weeks and I miss the food.

I finally enrolled via online and got my university student card. I've been in my room looking into the readings and online activity with the Moodle which is like an e-learning site. Books which I borrowed from the learning centre aka library are by my side.

Ah, the study mode has returned. I notice one thing. There are times when you tell yourself what you need to do. There are times that you need to have some fun and not sticking to the books too long until you become a zombie. There are times when you burn the midnight oil when you feel like you had no enough time. In conclusion, arranging the time properly for both work and studies.

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Yesterday, I got a call from Rita who is the Women District Leader in Cheltenham. She lives nearby my area. While having the phone conversation, I have the excited feeling within me. I'm like "thank goodness" there's SGI-UK members in Cheltenham. Also, few days ago, I receive messages of good luck for my studies from my friends and family.

The thing is this. I brought my faith with me when I'm walking through the path of my life. Anywhere I go, the faith is with me. Friends and family, I thank you for giving me the support as I have decisions I made in my life. I believe that we all have faith in doing something what we love and take initiative to do so.

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Based on the events and plans which I wrote in my diary, I'm gonna come up with posts related to these in my blog.

This is Lu Yin signing off.

-lu yin-