Sunday, April 27, 2014

the playlist #1

I listen to a lot of music. Granted, a chunk of what I've been listening to these days is musical related. But I decided to still compose a small playlist of songs that have been on repeat the past couple of weeks. 

The Broken Ones (Dia Frampton) "Maybe we can rip off the bandage, maybe you will see it for what it is, maybe we can burn this building holding you in." 
A contestant from the first round of The Voice, Dia has an amazing voice. Plus the idea that you'll be loved no matter how broken you are is always comforting, no?

Snapshot (Xenia) "When I'm looking back, I smile, wondering where you are. Sometimes a memory's all you've got and now and then I find myself living in a snapshot."
Another contestant from the first year of The Voice, Xenia was my favourite of the bunch. She beautifully captures that one evening you want to go back to, spent laughing and talking to a person that you'll never see again.

Ich lass für Dich das Licht an (Revolverheld): Despite my German limited to bidding someone a good day and a couple of profanities, I've still been a long time fan of Revolverheld. The video for this song was a live recording for a wedding proposal, and according to a friend that understands German, the proposal speech is beautiful.

I Mine Øjne (Rasmus Seebach): Granted, I have no idea what he's singing. Anyone speak Danish? But it's nonetheless a great song and his voice is amazing.

Losing & It Ain't Me Babe (Hadley Fraser) "I'm the one you want, babe, I will only let you down. You say you're looking for someone who will promise never apart, someone to close his eyes for you, someone to close his heart. Someone who will die for you and more. But it ain't me babe, it ain't me you're looking for." 
How could this be a playlist without a Hadley song? If I'm not mistaken, both of these songs were written by him and they're just beautiful. I could feel my heart clenching when I heard this live, from the pain and the love and it's just perfection.


From the song recommendations, I'm starting to think that not only am I a really emotional person, I'm a romantic? Surprising, really. Which songs have been on your playlist recently? 
With love, Daphne x

Monday, April 21, 2014

my two cents: surviving uni


I never thought would come a day that I'd write a post of this sort. I never thought I was qualified to give advice on surviving uni, but five years and three schools later, I figured it wouldn't hurt to pitch in my two cents.

Yes, yes, I know, 5 years and 3 schools sound excessive, but let me break it down for you. Uni back home has a standard of 4 years, like the American system. Not ready to go into the big bad world just yet, I'm currently taking an extended year doing a study abroad programme in London. Also, back in between my freshman and sophomore year, I did a summer term at UC Berkeley. So I guess I'm kinda qualified?



1. Study what you love. 
There are so many buts with this statement, I know. But the main principle is study what you love. Throw aside the realistic questions for a second and ask yourself what classes/majors make you happy, and take those courses. Of course, reality can't be ignored. If you happen to be completely obsessed with say, philosophy, but you're worried that it won't be able to get you a job in the future, then take some side courses, like law or econ.

Trust me, I know how important it is to have at least one course that you love. It was no secret that I hated my standard four years of uni back home - I studied law and let's just say the teaching style of the professors were dull and cramming. If you're not aware, the schools in Taiwan are more about cramming you with knowledge and prepping you for exams like prepping a turkey before thanksgiving dinner - as much stuffing as you can fit into it. Anyway, that said, I think the only reason I managed to drag through the 4 years is because each term, I had at least one class that I enjoyed. Whether it was that Writing Class, or the Anglo-American law that had routine MOOT court practices, there was always that one class I could count on making my week better.

Right now, I'm focusing on the Criminology module and a difference from before is that I look forward to studying. Of course, I'll still procrastinate reading those long academic articles (it's a habit I've yet to shake - also procrastinating that), but I don't stress and grumble over the readings because it's like a source of knowledge that I want to know everything about.

So even if you can't do a module on what you love, then for your sanity's sake, take at least one class you're passionate about each term! 


2. Show up to class. 
I should probably be the last one to tell you this as I was notoriously known among my circle of friends as the one that would skip half my classes to grab a cup of coffee. But that was back when I hated my school and the majority of people in it. And I suffered from it. Come exam season, I'd be reading the textbooks, utterly confused by the gibberish in it. In the end, I would just memorize without understanding and basically copy/print it onto my exam paper. Showing up to class and actually listening to the teacher helps a lot as these are academics that spent years researching what they're lecturing. Most of them know how to explain these complex theories and issues in a way that's understandable. Sure, there are going to be the ones that just going to highlight your question mark, which brings me to the next tip.


3. Get to know your TAs 
TAs are usually more accessible than professors, and less intimidating in my opinion. The TAs are usually grad students or even PhD candidates, which means they're also students themselves and will have better understanding of how to explain these complex issues in a way that students will understand.


4. Take notes. 
Whether you're reading for class, in a lecture, or revising, takes notes. Trust me, you won't be able to remember if you don't make any marks. Highlighter in hand, a pen/pencil is still always needed so you can make notes. Notes shouldn't be whole paragraphs from the readings, nor should they be a whole lecture word by word. You can't write that fast and you won't be able to process the lecture in all its glory. I'll do a post on how I take notes in the near future, but in short, mark down the bits the teacher stresses and goes into full explanation. Concentrate the words, but don't concentrate it to a point that causes question marks as to why you wrote down 'Hertz, right good left bad' when revising. 


5. Pre-class reading and regular revision
I know, every teacher stresses this but at least when it came to me, I could count the times that I actually followed this advice during my standard 4 years. But coming to London and going to an uni that has a demanding course load, I started pulling up the core articles for that week's lecture, or at least the pre-uploaded powerpoint and had a big picture of what the lecture was going to be about. I find that way, it's easier to follow the teacher's logic. Regular revision is something that I started doing in the past year as well, and the weeks that I really spend time and effort into the revision are the weeks that I remember more clearly come exam session now.


6. Look at the big picture, not just the chunks. 
There's a reason people tell you to look at the big picture, because it works. I remember after first week of classes, I was gushing with a friend at how much I loved the teaching style here. Rather than going into details and just explaining theory after theory, they gave you the big picture, the outline and the structure. Details were for the students to go home and read up on. Even if the teachers were explaining theory after theory, they'd still try and give you the outline of how the theories developed, how they transformed and connected. The big picture. The same goes to revision, instead of tackling the text from first word to last: read the titles and subtitles first, then read the conclusion. This allows you to know what the article's argument is and provide a bullet point structure that allows you to better follow the logic. It's just like essay writing - know your conclusion and your arguments before you start writing and then structure the essay according to it.

7. Teach. 
Yes, even if you're not planning to go into the academic world for future career, teaching is still beneficial. Only those that truly know what they're studying are able to explain the concept to other people without sounding mental and all over the place. I taught for a couple of years as a part-time job and over the summers, it was always obvious to myself when a topic I wasn't that familiar with rolled around - you're twisting around in your own logic and caught off guard by the questions asked. But when you're familiar inside and out with what you're trying to study, then all that comes with ease. So next time you're revising and/or writing an essay, grab a friend, sit them down and teach them what you're trying to learn. If they understand the theory and you're not blindsided by their questions, then by George! I think she's got it! (oh yeah, I've had sessions where my flatmate is trying to teach me about political economy and him learning about the theories of why stalkers stalk) 


I hope that it was helpful. These were some this and that lessons I picked up along the way. Five years, three unis and already planning on being a student for at least another year, I have a couple of cents in my pocket to share; so don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

With love, Daphne x
(special thanks to Jaye for commenting that I've 'been to so many unis and never want to leave it' and Iqra for commenting on an instagram photo - they inspired this post)

Friday, April 18, 2014

it's D-A-P-H-N-E


Remember how when you were a kid and on vacation, you'd always go to the gift shop wanting to buy a tacky magnant that had your name printed on it because it was so cool? I was always the kid that never could find my name. I eventually gave up, but it was okay, because I had a cartoon character with the same name. Obviously, Scooby Doo was one of my favourite shows when I was a kid - murder, mystery and me (another reason why I really wanted to be ginger). However, I never thought my name would be a hard name to spell. Maybe because I've had it my whole life. But proven from take outs and well, Starbucks, people can get creative when spelling my name. 


Dafany: I can't unsee this spelling as *crude joke alert* 'da fanny'. Daphne, you dirty dirty mind. 

Daffni: my favourite misspelling, it sounds like it could be the name of an indie-band 

Daffeny: complete with the double f and the y, this is the conclusion of the most common misspellings. 

Dafin: true story, one of my closest friends thought I was called Daphen for the longest time, even after my other friend and I had deliberately repeated DaphNE in her face. I guess she's not the only one that thinks I should be called Daphen - just with a different spelling. 

Dathy:.....I CAN'T EVEN??? How????? And this happened after I spelled out my name for the barista. 

Dephanie: the longest misspelt name I ever got. Kudos to the barista for getting the tricky 'ph' and I guess it kinda sounds like my name? 

Daphney: YOU WERE SO CLOSE PARIS WHY THE EXTRA Y


It's an adventure every time I go to Starbucks and other places that attempt to write down my name. We'll see how creative the world can get. What's the weirdest spelling you've ever got of your name? 


With love, Daphne x

Thursday, April 17, 2014

it's gonna be okay.

I've always had a journal for as long as I could remember. I was that nerd kid that would rather get a hardcover journal for Christmas, rather than the new All American Girl doll. Since moving to London, I fell out of the habit of jotting down my daily thoughts - partly because I was too busy keeping up with school and partly because I thought writing my blog would suffice. But months passed and it just wasn't enough. I needed a place where I could put pen to paper and just write. I'm picky with journals, but I knew this was the journal the minute I saw it. I love the reassuring (and quirky) quotes that come on every other page. I picked out some of my favourites and am already looking forward to filling the blank pages up with rambles. 

Are you a person that keeps a journal? 

With love, Daphne x

Sunday, April 13, 2014

this week I...#1


...had an 8-hour long self-help slash therapy session with my girl up in Edinburgh. We discovered we both weren't that great at the whole spill-your-guts-out girl talk as we're both pretty guarded people when it comes to matters of the heart. Ugh, boys. 

...also nodded through the list of 10 ways shy people flirt with my girl.

...tricked the flatmates that 'monkey poop' was sold to people that would actually eat them. (they were just chocolate covered peanuts)

...am studiously ignoring the fact that I have to do laundry.

...bought a new drool-worthy handbag.

...am trying to eat more healthy by making my own sandwiches. Yum, mustard. 

...finished reading The Farm by Tom Rob Smith

...remembered how much I loved this song.

...fell in love with this hipster tattoo.

...have been wanting a pair of skinny, ripped boyfriend jeans.

...got a stabilizing answer for where I'm potentially going to be for the next year.

What have you been up to this week?

With love, Daphne x

Saturday, April 12, 2014

a day down south

Earlier this week, literally not even a day since I came home from Belgium, I headed down to the south of England with Jaye for another day to escape the hubbub of the city. During the two hour drive, I have to admit that I was a tinge nervous, not because I didn't trust Jaye's driving skills, but well, it was the other side of the road. But fortunately, it was a smooth drive that's allowing me to panic less next time I have to get in an English car. 

We got up fresh and early the next morning and well, being two beauty obsessed people, we spent near an hour just getting ready. And of course, it was the day where nothing was going to cooperate. But out the door and a breakfast later, we found ourselves in the quaint Christchurch. There were private boats and geese everywhere. I had made friends with one and was about to pet it when Jaye advised me otherwise. Who knew that you could bleed from a geese bite? 

We came across a ducking chair which is said to be punishment for women in the old times when they let their tongue loose, and probably not for witches. I'm glad that I wasn't living in those times as I'm pretty sure a regular ducking punishment would be on the calendar for me as I'm not the best at not swearing. 
We came across the old castle ruins where we spent a huge chunk of time oohing and ahhing over a mommy pidgeon and taking some outfit photos in front of the beautiful stone wall. Once upon a king or a lord had their massive dinner in the place where I'm flaunting my new bag.
It was a beautiful day outside and all the flowers were soaking up the sun like we were. Barely two hours after breakfast, Jaye and I were starving. We went to Cheese and Alfies for a breakfast-lunch as we both had pancakes. If you ever find yourself in Christchurch, I strongly recommend going there. Oh the pancakes! We made way down to the beach afterwards, but it was ridiculously cold so a couple of minutes and two quick photos later, we were back into the car.

After mucking around a bit at her place, we went to a discounted homeware store. And well I don't keep the most tidy home, I'm a massive sucker for homeware. Not 10 minutes into the store, and even Jaye regretted taking me there. I wanted to buy everything, but at the same time, I couldn't. Next time, I'm going down south with an empty bag. I still did manage to pick up a few bits and bobs that now proudly sit on my desk, adding a bit of decorativeness to the dorm.

After a barbeque dinner that her dad made, I was off to the train station. After my last incident with the Eurostar, Jaye was terrified that I'd miss my stop in London and end up in Brighton or Manchester. Luckily enough, I think I'm on pretty good terms with the English Rail as I made it back to London just fine.

Other than Edinburgh, this is the first time I've been out of London while still staying in the UK. I'm loving the quaint of the south and definitely want to go back again some time in the summer to enjoy the sun and the beach! Have you ever been to the English south coast?

With love, Daphne x

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Five Things


1. Going running with my running buddy and finishing 1.5 miles without feeling like I want to die. 
2. A good therapy-slash-self-help session with my girl up in Edinburgh. We ranted on and on and tried to figure things out for hours. I don't know if we came up with a conclusion, but we definitely both got some things off our chest. 
3. Finished booking my ticket and confirming my trip to go visit Jaye next week. 
4. Going downstairs to reception and asking them to print some things for me (including my train ticket to Belgium!) and getting a free snack while waiting. 
5. My Ramin Karimloo EP finally arriving in the mail! He's another musical singer that I'm utterly obsessed with. Playing Enjolras in Les Mis 25th, and now playing Jean Valjean on Broadway, this guy came out with an EP featuring 2 musical pieces and 2 songs that he co-wrote with Hadley Fraser. Losing is one of my favourite songs, Hadley also covered this in the gig that I went to earlier this year.

With love, Daphne x

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Hello, April.

I've always liked the idea of a new month. It's like how some people make new year resolutions. I don't do to that. I like tend to make more 'new month' resolutions.

I was never the kind of person that had a five-year plan, I don't think I even have an one-year plan. I don't like to think about the future as it's scary and uncertain, and the idea of making plans to try and map out that unpredictability is something that I have yet to find the courage to commit to. But then again, I've been pointed out by more than one person that I have commitment issues, more on that some other time. Right now, I'm at an split point in my life where things could either go really wrong, or give me a chance for a new chapter that I'm going to enjoy living. There's nothing I can do anymore to sway the decision, and all I can do is wait. If everything goes smoothly, this month the decision will be made and I guess we'll see where the story pans out from there.

So, hello, April, be good to me. 
Love, Daphne x