Just completed this group project, which proved to be really fun. Also, managed to finish my first larger-than-life figure drawing.

I feel so disconnected from the contemporary art scene now. I've no idea who are the movers and shakers, if Damien Hirst is still the richest living artist alive etc. There's a couple of paintings by Wilhelm Hammershoi I'd like to share in an upcoming post.

Just an update on what I've been doing in this crazy period (3 more weeks to the end of the semester!) I took time off to attend the Fashion Jury show, which showcases student work for final selection to be in the actual show. Design mentors included Anthropologie and Armani Exchange, also this label I'd never heard of called Patagonia. It's not a fashion label in the conventional sense as it focuses on organic outdoor apparel, but it's expanding its offerings to include more stylish options. It's particularly known for its eco-friendly slant, which is definitely the direction I think fashion should take. It was fascinating to see how the students recycled outdoor garments and gear into wearable clothes.

On Friday I went apartment-hunting in the Downtown area. Two of the apartments were particularly impressive. One of them was right next to the Museum of Contemporary Art (the door literally opens onto the museum courtyard!), and close to a music school and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. I heard that they have free concerts outdoors in the summer. The other apartment was in this medieval palace style and had its own small private park for residents, complete with park benches and barbecue grills! It was a little too much for me. The one we settled on is pretty cute with bright lights and cheery colours.

Honestly, sometimes I question what I'm doing and if I'm fit for such a competitive industry (this happened after I nearly fell asleep at the table for the upteenth time doing homework). It's not the work itself but the pressure to perform that daunts me. Moreover, I'm paying a heck load of my parents' money for it, with no guarantee of a job in future and little respect from some people. Incredible as it sounds, I actually miss studying things like literature in depth. I'm trying to pinpoint what exactly it is about fashion design that I like. Not the social aspect of the industry, for sure. I think admire the artistry of fashion designers and I'm intrigued by the transformative power of clothes. I've also been talking to my church friend about reconciling our Christian faith with fashion. Have I found an answer? Not really.

I experienced earthquake tremors for the first time yesterday. And let me tell you, though it lasted for only a minute or so, it was pretty scary. Things were swaying and creaking. It felt surreal, like "Is this really happening?" I think I said a prayer but I'm not sure because my mind was blank.

It's times like these that remind me to show love and appreciation for my family and friends, as life can be extinguished in an instant. I'm very lucky to have just made a new friend and future roommate, someone who shares common values and interests. We had such fun and meaningful time together the past weekend, and I think she is someone who can enrich my life. It seems that there's someone constantly watching because everytime I need something it's given to me, though it may not be in the form I expected. Sometimes I don't even realize that my life was lacking in a certain aspect until I receive it.

On another note, I've been following British chef Jamie Oliver's TV show 'Food Revolution', in which he tries to change the school food of America. I watched the original one set in Britain, and while I thought the situation there was preposterous, it seems that the U.S. might be worse. Many people don't even seem to perceive a problem with their eating habits. Two high school girls ("obviously foxy young ladies", Jamie said to them) weren't concerned that their lunch tray was piled with French fries and no vegetables. Well, like Jamie sniped, "Enjoy it while you can." Youth and health is not going to last forever.

Honestly, I was rather appalled with the food options when I first arrived. There was an entire aisle devoted to frozen foods, which are all processed and nutrient-deficient. I saw people piling boxes of those in their trolley. Whoa. This made my resolution to eat healthily rather tricky, especially with the discounted Ben & Jerry's and Haagen Daaz ice-cream. At the same time, I found out that a healthy eating culture does exist here, one associated with organic supermarkets like Whole Foods and fresh produce from the Farmers' Market. I think my diet is better than many college students, but still not ideal. At least I'm not eating instant ramen all the time (would you believe I've eaten it only once since I came?) Hopefully I can work towards that next semester.

My memories of a place are often tied to a certain song. Is it just me? For example, 'Lemon Tree' stands for Australia (specifically Melbourne and Sydney), and Cliff Richard's 'The Young Ones' is for Malaysia.

Now, Fleetwood Mac's 'You Make Loving Fun' will always remind me of a sunny afternoon, cruising down the streets of Los Angeles. Fleetwood Mac is a Southern California blues band, which explains why the song's vibe suits the mood of LA so well.

"... I never did believe in miracles
But I've a feeling it's time to try
I never did believe in the ways of magic
But I'm beginning to wonder why...

You make loving fun..."


Unfortunately, Youtube has disabled their function which allows me to post videos directly to my blog. Instead, here's a link to Fleetwood Mac's live performance of the song in 1977: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoMWa3jRtLo&feature=PlayList&p=6C35C37A4A3DCDDA&playnext_from=PL&index=1

P.S. I finally had the chance to buy from a taco truck on Thursday. Yay!