MissyCheerio | Love, Music & Architecture. » Architecture Eats My Life Away

My Graduation Story.

missycheerio — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:53:28 +0000

Its finally settling in. I’ve graduated, and in many ways I know that it was years of hard work well paid off. The thing about education or being educated doesn’t stop at academic learning, it extends all the way to personal growth as well. I didn’t know how to feel when they put on the graduation robe, with safety pins placed carefully on the top of my shoulders and my heart sank for a while. Seeing faces of my fellow course mates and friends; everyone in the room had sparkles in their eyes. Well not literally but if you really observe them, you’ll witness this feeling of self-acceptance on their faces. Wouldn’t exclude myself about this.

I felt proud for once, walking towards my parents and the boyfriend who waited outside the room and it wasn’t arrogance; it was accomplishment. I could see it in my parents eyes that they were happy on the inside, that despite all the ups and downs we’ve been through together as parent and child; something good came out of it. Despite the fact that I got so lost at some point in my life, daddy came to the rescue. Obviously being sixteen all the strict rules which felt like a customized prison made no sense at all then. It was his idea that I should give architecture a shot, and I trusted my instincts. Dad’s favourite line; whatever you do, do it with passion.

I’ve spent the last four years of architecture with crazy daily routines especially back home in Malaysia. Waking up for 8am classes, busy living a life, and I work all the time till wee hours in the morning. Unlike other courses, the workload is distributed evenly all through out the semester and I don’t think I need to explain the life of an architecture student. If you’d ask me today, why architecture? It made me look at the world very differently. Just ask Leon, imagine having a good understanding of the things that form your world, buildings, houses, infrastructures and how they all come together to form this world you live in. It widens up your horizon and it makes travelling a whole lot more exciting.

I observe and talk a lot about buildings. I think being armed with the knowledge to understand the global envelope of how a building or the planning of a city can affect people is something very interesting. Architecture has developed my love for photography. It grew about three years ago when I used to carry my DSLR around like some crazy chick before the whole DSLR craze kicked in. I like photographing moments. As good as you may be, you can never relive a moment. Now put both your hands together; create a four-sided frame and tell me what you see. Its time to frame your views, and observe. Architecture made me appreciate the world and that’s something beyond what money can buy you.

I had issues with self confidence after leaving high school. I thought the mistakes I made being a runaway wild child in high school should never be forgiven and I will never be able to undo those mistakes. Looking back now, I actually think that it could have been a blessing in disguise. I came back from the dead, and I fought hard. It wasn’t a battle that stood between victory and failure; but it was the molding process. Dad has always been pretty harsh on me, although he does spoil me quite a bit being the only daughter. Sometimes it frustrates me so much when he expects so much from me, and he barely drops a compliment about my work even if I’ve aced it well. Hence, that was the start of my chase.

I had only one goal in mind. I wanted to change. Everyone has their own teenage crazy stories, but I think mine went a little overboard. I knew that I wanted to be better and to gain respect as a person. The future seemed so dark then, I was lost and I bury my flames of anger. Architecture gave me confidence. Your work represents you. Grades may reflect your brains, but its all about having the full package. And so I had this quiet moment to myself, visualizing what I want to be ten years from now. Believe me or not, I saw the future and it was beautiful. From then on, it was the race to self redemption.

As the years went by, I think I’ve found myself. I know that I want to have a family of my own, and I want to live life to its fullest. I’m not gonna hold myself back by setting limits to my abilities. Its a really sad thing to do, to dream small because you fear disappointments. I’m very well aware of my capabilities, I know that I can do so many things but it was all about mastering the art of prioritizing. Boyfriends come and go, friends come and go, enemies come and go, but the one thing that stays with you; everything that makes you, you. I was wrong to be so affected by relationship troubles mid-this year but I think I’ve just woken up from a really bad dream.

As I was sitting in the graduation hall yesterday, with fellow course mates seated in rows. I noticed something in common, something that made me realized how blinded I was. Everyone has their own family problems, relationship problems; but life does not revolve around it. It was then that I realize that I was mainly upset because things didn’t go as planned. I wasn’t in control of my life, and allowed someone else to be in control of it. Without realizing, I’ve been stupid; like really stupid. But everyone has stupid moments in their lives right? That was mine. It wasn’t my anger or dissatisfaction; what hit me so hard was the memory of what happened five years ago in high school. That feeling of losing control of my reality.

I said to myself, give yourself a pat on the back. I almost forgot to feel happy about my graduation. It was achieved out of years of hard work and I shouldn’t blame myself for the crazy month of September. That was part of the equation to make this moment well worth it. I think I deserve forgiveness and letting go is the best feeling ever. I’ve never felt this free and light. I’ve been carrying burdens for the past five years hoping that today; when my name got called out and received my certificate, I know I’ve accomplished something. As the matter in fact, I know exactly where I stand among my peers. Do I see myself as an architect? Definitely. But I think I want to be more than that.

Architecture taught me perseverance.

Something in me died a while ago, and right now this feels like a great come back. As I shook my hands with the chancellor, gave the dean a nod with the loud applause on the background; as wrong as it may have been, this is inevitably something right. Cheers to all the joy and pain that made today possible. I’m not looking back anymore. Gone were the days where I lived to make up for my mistakes, all that now is put to rest. I’ve graduated from the past and I’m setting myself free. That is my ultimate reward, and whether you like it or not; its human nature to remember to good times and wipe out the bad. We all have our own set of bad memories.

Only remember things who defines you, even the mistakes. 2011 has been great, but I’m gonna make 2012 phenomenal. I’m really excited because this is the first time I have zero visual of how my future would be. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned, nothing ever go as planned. Game on. 2012. I need to get drop dead gorgeous. Need to figure out something about my hair and play dress up a little more. Picking up a new language; possibly French or Japanese whichever comes first. I’d love to get a job but dad insisted the only job I’m allowed to take on is if its architectural related. He didn’t send me thousands of miles away to work. I’m thinking of picking up photography again, and maybe get a part-time job shooting people. We shall see.

I feel amazing right now, and sometimes you just have to find your own answers. Its about breaking free.

Youngest brother, who’s wayyyyyy taller than me now.

Mummy & Daddy.

The boyfriend who’s been awesome. Gotta give him full credits for the photos. I’ve taught you well padawan

The most expensive flowers I’ve ever received. 50AUD oh my god.

Had my graduation bear which was 35AUD. I think we should recycle it for someone else

Super adorable right?

Here’s the official certificate. Bachelor of Environments (Architecture). Dad ordered a plaque, which cost a whooping 135AUD.

Missing my other brother, then it’ll be picture perfect.

The face of a proud boyfriend. The bars have been raised Leon, first class honours all the way baby!

I love the greens. The weather was perfect!

I want these larger than life graduation toys.

I’ll always remember. For those nights you’ve stayed up with me, how you’ve looked after me when I was sick during exams and you took care of everything. Thank you love, and I’m glad you’re apart of me. I hope you’re secretly proud of me too.

Redness. :O

Red Novo Suede.

Flashing back to my first day of uni, getting lost in campus..

Among one of Australia’s finest graduates! University of Melbourne is currently ranked 1st in Australia 37th in the world!

A day I’ll always remember. Got it recorded on dvd to show my children someday.

Leon, great shots.

Spot me!

with Megan.

Leon has secret conversations with my dad. Like all the time. That is not cool.

Champagne to celebrate!

It was so totally his idea to have our hands criss-crossed!

A late lunch at Ying Thai.

WE LOVE THAI FOOD.

Crab meat served with yellow curry. My all-time favourite.

Super delicious and healthy brunch at Mart 130 with Cai Jin, then another round of shopping. This time, goodies for the boys!

Its my final night in Melbourne before leaving the country tomorrow. I hope that someday when I go back to the 15th of December 2011; I’ll remember every moment of it. Time to aim for higher goals and bigger dreams. Its never too late to become who you could have been. Besides, life is too short. Whats five years to your seventy years of living?

Simple math calculation. See you soon Malaysia.

Ps. I’ve successfully written an entire post that has nothing to do with my blogging life or personality. Kudos to that!!!

Can’t Sleep.

missycheerio — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:16:27 +0000

I should be sleeping, but I’m way too nervous for my paper tomorrow.
I had a good chat with the boyfriend tonight, I smell surprises.
Oh well, here’s a video taken two nights ago; you have to watch till the end to catch the highlights! I really hope I don’t end up freaking out for my paper tomorrow, open book exams are weird. Well its my first, I feel so prepared and unprepared at the same time because you don’t need to memorize as much. Anyhoo i’m gonna need lots of luck!

I Like Ruby.

missycheerio — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:54:04 +0000

First half of my catchoftheday.au parcel has arrived. How not to be happy!!

Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss Palette + Brush
MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush – Amber Rose
Revlon Retractable Face Brush – Premium5
REVLON Luxurious Color Satin – Sienna
O.P.I Base Coat 5
O.P.I Nail Lacquer Set in Love The Look
O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Chick Flick Cherry
Revlon Brow Specialist Kit
REVLON Lip ColorBurst Lipstick – Ruby
L’Oreal Crayon Eye Shadow

I’m one week away from my final exam, gonna pump it up and keep the fire burning. I’ve finally confirmed my flight back to Malaysia, had some complications; parents only flying back eight hours after mine. Good to know that at least I managed to catch the same flight with Leon. Time sure flies, and I can’t wait to get back to Malaysia. Hoping to squeeze in some short trips around Melbourne before we leave, but till then; focus. on. exams.

This video was initially intended for my own usage, which explains the shaky hands and randomness.

Lots of love, hope you like it.

Its Done.

missycheerio — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:24:38 +0000

This is 3A0 (0.8m x 3.4m) in actual size. Final presentation in a bit! Wish me luck.

Be right back.

Awakening.

missycheerio — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:08:32 +0000

I’ve recently found the love for two new iPhone apps; Pixlr & Labelbox, its so much fun!
Here’s a couple of pictures over the last one week, yes I’ve been cooking a lot because we’re on a save as much money as possible plan.I’m just learning how to not spend, not so much on saving up for anything; but just to keep up with the habit. Its been doing me well so far, I get to spend the money on Asos & scoopons!

Aunty, if you’re reading this. This should be Leon’s sixth attempt and apparently today’s recipe was the most similar one. We’ve succeeded after five months of practice. We make really good Aglio Olio!

I love how this app creates this film like sort of after effects. That’s my work processing, rendering; and the labels represent the title of the song. Seriously, work is driving us crazy; thank god for music. Nothing else matters at the moment, work comes first.

There’s so much lined up after the final examinations. I miss hitting the gym regularly; work is driving my sleeping hours crazy. Thank goodness for a good three weeks before graduation where you’ll catch us both busking along the streets of Melbourne. We might have a show at the end of November, so stay tuned about that.

Our buddy used to despise vegetables, but he’s cooking ‘em now. Men grow up loving vegetables?

Chicken curry, a major success!

I had a cut on my finger while slicing off the potato skin. Thank god the food turned out superb!!

Takoyaki balls.

May I present you, delicious takoyaki balls served with mayo!

That’s me standing by the stove, cleaning up.

This was my first attempt to make sambal kangkung belacan. Its extremely expensive to have it out in the city, for about 14AUD. We miraculously found kangkung, and the perfect sauce to go with it.

The weekend with Jasmine.

My current signature salted egg & century egg porridge.

Sambal chicken with vegetarian prawns, tastes exactly like the gravy served back home in Malaysia. :p

I’ve been scribbling.

No comment on this. No its not taken in a shower. Pretty artistic huh, love the post processing of the app.

Okay back to work now.
Tick tock tick tock.

Frustrated.

missycheerio — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:33:58 +0000

I’m still alive but I’m barely breathing. The final project is driving me insane.
Its a motel in St.Kilda; I seriously wish that my computer would stop giving me rendering issues.
The 3D works is driving me up the wall, I literally feel like ripping my hair off with the constant lag.
Its getting almost impossible to keep my cool, but I can’t be yelling at my computer right? :/

Final year, final semester and I’ll graduate by December; hopefully get started with my Masters in Architecture come March. To be an architect, I think you would need to give up one whole chunk of your life. You drive yourself insane because the pressure is constantly pounding not from the outside; but your drive to get things done your way. Your design represents you, your abilities and clearly now my computer is crashing on me. I need to toughen up and eye on the prize Ellie; find your passion.

Dig it deeper, I know I have it in me.

Working under intense pressure and finals is in three weeks.
Please let me get through the next one week.

Please.

Nothing Without Passion.

missycheerio — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 13:24:38 +0000

Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light. -Le Corbusier.

Do you ever wonder how does the mind of an architect work?
I’ve discovered some common traits that is shared among us pursuing architecture.
Architecture is character building; one of the many things that you can’t succeed without passion.
Can you picture me strutting down those killer heels, prepped up in a some sleek office outfits; presenting my ideas leading building projects with my chipmunk voice.

I’m gonna be a kickass architect.
Okay back to work now.

I have a presentation on this project tomorrow. A miniature golf course.

A musical bricklayer with architectural aspirations.

Haven’t done this in a while, I’ve finally updated my twitter page. I’m having troubles replying tweets, but I’m gonna have to try harder this time. I’d like to apologize if I might floor your timeline with my foursquare check-ins (which I have a valid excuse) and tweets. Its one of the things that keeps me company and allows me to feel attached to my life back in Malaysia. If you haven’t followed me on twitter; please do.

Follow @MissyCheerio

Say What, Architecture?

missycheerio — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:55:48 +0000

12 hours of sleep in the last 96 hours.

My mind is shutting down, body is saying Ellie please just go to sleep. Anyway, just realized I haven’t been writing about architecture at all. I’ve been going all music, Leon, food and self-taken photos; but I haven’t blogged about my studies in a while. Well I’m completing my degree this semester, a final year architecture student who doesn’t like talking about work because she spends most of her time working; so why bother talking about it again right?

My biggest passion will always be architecture. It seems like its one of those things in my life that makes me feel like I belong, and you’ll be amazed by how rewarding it feels when your hours of hard work pays off. Gone were the days (stopped last semester) where I would email my dad to keep him updated about my design works, and its one of the things that kept us ‘connected’. The three years in Malaysia was pretty rough when it comes to my studio design works even if I score an A with my works displayed at the Taylor’s University Gallery; my old man has never once complimented a thing I’ve done architecturally. I’ll be running to daddy like some excited little pony chasing after a unicorn (don’t know if that sense!) and he’ll pop my bubbles saying there are greater architects out there, make sure you reach out to be one of them.

There you have it. I’d usually walk away sulking with the loudest sigh, why won’t he ever be happy; a good pat on the back wouldn’t hurt yknow?

How’s that for a motel sign? Its only 10% worth, an ice breaker project. That’s 3D rendered by the way. The five A3 slides below is my Environmental Building System report, which touches from electricity, sewage, sewerage, rainwater, water supply, materials, construction methods etc. Everything is done from scratch, Autocad, SketchUp, and 100% Photoshop for the diagrams below.

Yeah, my brains hot-wired to that sort of information.
If you think its easy to be an architect, trust me; its 120% endurance and 200% passion.

Maybe I should take snippets of my sketchbook/journal one day,which reminds me; I need to come up with a design proposal for tomorrow’s class in the evening but I’ve barely started. No worries Ellie, whenever you feel like giving up, remember why you decided to hang on in the very first place. Haven’t spoken to my dad since last week, I haven’t been doing anything at all besides stoning in front of the computer and drowning myself with books to understand the Australian construction regulations.

Here’s Leon with his happy face after having crabs for dinner right in my face over on Skype!!!

I hope I won’t get into trouble for this. Its just hilarious, one of the funny moments and a little disgusting I reckon. Anyway, here’s an interesting video which was wayyyyy too cool for me. I never knew we could play the guitar that way!

As always, the most supportive boyfriend who’s had such a hectic week himself. I need to catch up with some sleep and watch a movie! First things first, refill my kitchen food supply & laundry.
With love, Elisabelle.

ARCHIDEX 2011.

missycheerio — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:38:21 +0000

Greetings, I’m here to share about an event that I’m really looking forward to attend back in Malaysia. The DATUM forum may not appeal to the general public but I reckon you should visit the Archidex exhibition which happens concurrently with the forum. If you’re interested, all you need to do is just to fill up this visitor pre-registration form available here in order to have collect your respective tags at the event.

Now in its 12th consecutive year, ARCHIDEX remains the biggest event in Malaysia for the architecture, interior design and building industry. The four-day event has become the region’s annual gathering of industry best from locally and around the world to source for the latest products and services in architecture, interior design and building industries.

ARCHIDEX is an annual showcase of the latest in architecture, interior design and the building industries that brings together local and international architects, interior designers and building professionals.

The exhibition also plays host to a stimulating list of key conferences, forums and networking sessions held concurrently to complete the experience.

It is the strategic place to be informed, to update, to network and keep abreast with developments of the industry in this region.

EXHIBITION NAME -ARCHIDEX 2011 (12th Malaysia Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition)

EXHIBITION DATE & TIME
Trade Days 30 June – 1 July 2011 11am – 7pm		Trade Days/ Public & Student Days 2 – 3 July 2011 11am – 7pm

I have my express tag ready, looking forward to see you there!
Source.

Curves In Blogging.

missycheerio — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:51:07 +0000

I’ve been blogging for almost six years, and I’m still amazed by how much it has done for me. I know to most people it’d be just one of the many things that people do, but for me; this is one space that I’ll never trade anything for. Its the one place where I sit down, think and write my thoughts out; with an imaginary figurine in my head dedicating it to a specific audience depending on posts. It was quite a battle about one/two years ago when I was caught up with events and advertorials that at some point I nearly lost my passion because I don’t like scrolling down my page looking at something completely unrelated to me; you know as if you have a poster pasted on your house wall.

This blog has served me well financially especially over the recent years, having the extra income as a student has enabled me to have a certain lifestyle (not gonna deny that!) but it’ll always be a struggle to remain focus on my studies while doing all this at the same time. I started blogging a couple of years ago to post up a police restraining order against an ex-boyfriend who was harassing my family; randomly starting a Xanga blog account under the same MissyCheerio. Slowly the outlet to release my frustration grew over the years from tens, twenties, hundreds and now thousands on a regular basis. I’ve never looked at myself differently although its quite a cool thing to have being recognized randomly, and strangers coming up to you asking for a photo.

I’ve made so many new friends, in three digits I reckon; people who’ve now become good friends in my life and it has opened up so many doors on my end. My parents were never supportive of this blog, in fact they only started reading after I left Malaysia (its like an in your face kinda situation, see mum; now u get to know everything!). Honestly I’ve tried to live up to the perks of being tagged ‘famous’, going for events and exclusive parties; but thats not really my thing. Don’t get me wrong, parties will always be fun; but the pressure to cope with the social lifestyle and me striving to be an architect was way too hectic.

I remember walking to some event, can’t recall if it was a movie premier; and you have people recognizing who you are; and given that stare that I’ve been reading you.. is quite an odd feeling. I don’t think I’m that drop dead gorgeous, neither do I strut a walk like a supermodel wtf, but its just a really nice feeling to know that my blog readers are reading my thoughts and they’re mostly strangers who actually care. There really is nothing special about me as an individual, except the part where I do a bit of everything; so I’m pretty much just like you. One thing I’ve learned about myself, don’t do things for the sake of doing it.

You know its really weird when I start off conversations trying to share a story or an incident; then a friend replies yeah I read about it already. People have always asked, how did you get to where you are; and how did you do it? To be frank, I’m blessed with avid readers. I can look back to a specific date to my blog archives and read about everything that came across my mind on that very day; and boy things have changed so much. Blogging has served me so well for an ordinary girl like me, having a sponsored 21st Birthday party, sponsored Farewell party and just the thought of it makes me realize how far I’ve come along. Even the layout of this webpage is customized started off with my own sketch of how I want it to be, and yes its sponsored too.

I can never be more thankful to have such great friends that I’ve made, people who knows me as a person for who I am and not the fame that comes with me. I believe that all of that is a passing thing and its superficial, try having people writing you emails to tell you how much you inspire them and trust me; thats the most rewarding feeling ever. I don’t read books, at all; so its still quite a little weird how I can find the words to extract my thoughts. I reckon that its probably the amount of karaoke sessions I used to have while growing up learning words while singing; and they’re mostly expressive emotionally, right?

My initial assumption was the fear that I might lose my readership when I left the country; surprisingly, it has doubled up since I left home. I’ve not been affiliated with any form of advertising so far, and it honestly feels good to know that people are hooked. There are consequences on putting yourself out there over the world wide web; you’ll be surprise how being open and somewhat leave you more reserved than ever. I receive a hate comment, once a year; so I reckon that people should know that I’ve grown immune to many things being in this for the longest time. I’d love to urge my readers to comment more, even if its some random remark; and be in touch with me because I’m kinda lonely being lonely abroad. I can imagine being in your shoes; what to comment on such a deep emotional post right?

About the part on having a considerable amount of fame, I’ve had some issues in college in the past when your lecturers read about you in newspapers; or they randomly pop up saying oh I saw you on the cover on The Star; then I reckon they’d go home and google you up. Coursemates who keep a distance from you (thats before they know me of course!) because the first assumption that we cast when we meet someone famous is that they’re probably stuck up and if they’re friendly (which I am) they’re pretentious. So you can safely imagine the kinda stuff I have to go through on a daily basis, which is why I love it here in Melbourne because I get to be a nobody! Yay to that!

The toughest thing to master about blogging and being sorta out there is the power that comes with it. I am well aware that most of the thing I write about, will usually go right up on the Google search engine list; and I’ve promised myself to not misuse this power against anyone for my personal advantage. Imagine having the power to literally destroy a persons image online, and if I was the same person as I was years ago; you should all be very careful. Nobody would want their future bosses to google your name up and read an article about you negatively right? Blogging is powerful, being famous doubles that up; and being influential triples that up. I nearly went astray once, the power can be addictive; but its bad karma.

Don’t ever do something that you don’t want others to do to you. I know that I’ll always have that weapon to tarnish anybody’s image if I wanted to, but maturity comes with age; make love and not war. I’m striving to use this influence to help rising talents like the boyfriend (okay I shouldn’t have said it that way,but its true!) to get the necessary exposure; and to reach out to my younger readers that being a teenager is merely a phase in life. I’ve had my taste of fame, and if you’re lucky; you might get to keep it in the long run if you remain genuinely nice and kind to people you come across.

Money and materials should never overshadow your image as an individual. I was once a spoilt brat, and being wealthy isn’t a luxury; it can do unimaginable damage to your well-being as a young adult. I have all my expensive bags and shoes locked in the closet at home and you’ll never see me out with it; because I’d rather leave a first impression that she’s probably just a normal girl and not leave the impression that I’m materialistic. Here’s a thing, always tell yourself that; yes you may carry that Chanel tote but its merely a swipe away beyond your reach; all it takes is just for me to swipe my card to own the same thing. Be humble with what you have, and don’t feed your insecurities that way.

If you know that you have the most expensive bags, the considerable nicest cars to drive around and the lifestyle to die for; there’s no need to show it off. I’m sure you’ve not seen me in any photos with a thousand dollar bag or my car in it here right? My point is, self confidence and your smile will always be the most valuable accessory/jewelery. The privileges that I have, they’re not mine to begin with. Its my parents luxury and hard earned wealth; and I reckon we should all realize that there really is nothing to show off if the money is not of your own to begin with.

Who has a nicer pair of eyes? I’ve a feeling I’m gonna lose wtf.

After so many hours of studying, while I’ve spent hours listening to online lectures (22 hours worth of lecture); Leon serenades me with a two songs before calling an end to the night. Once again, it was a close to me falling off my chair moment when he hit all the right notes; it totally makes my day. We had a short beatbox moment too, while shaking our heads back and forth.

Take pride in what you do and achieve.
I’m just happy with the feedbacks and comments I’ve been receiving lately,thank you for making my blogging experience such a good one. My life wouldn’t have been the same, and I wouldn’t have learned so much if it wasn’t for the support of my loyal readers and great friends. Lots of love from Melbourne, wish me luck for finals!!!

Fellow bloggers, write a post titled “Curves In Blogging” about how/why you started blogging. #curvesinblogging and do let me know if you’ve blogged because I might just do a compilation with your link in it. Its not everyday you get to write about why/how, so here’s the perfect excuse & opportunity, do give it a try!