Change is good.

Now I am like most humans. I admit that change has the potential to terrify me, and it unfortunately often does. It's a psychological thing; humans get used to their comfort zones. Why fix something that is not broken, right? Consider Facebook. Everytime Mark Zuckerberg puts in one of his changes (IE Timeline), alot of people go mental because they are used to something else. Facebook is one small example, how about relationships? You know that the relationship is failing and yet you still want to work things out with your significant other. Again, this is nobody's fault. It is pretty bloody terrifying to have to change a cycle and to have to start over. Clinging onto comfort is a basic human trait, and we are all guilty of it. Let me tell you a little story.

When I was 18, I found out that after I finished up my A Levels, I was going to have to move to Singapore. That was difficult. I know I know, first world problems...The thing is, I had been in Malaysia for my entire life, and in the same school for a decade. You might think, what was the big deal Nadia? KL and Singapore are right next to each other, and only a couple of hours away. At the time, the only thing running through my mind was the knowledge that everything that I had known was about to undergo change, and I was 18 and not ready for it.

Then after a few months, I came to see that the move was one of the best things that had ever happened to me. Samantha, whom I have known since my birth, selflessly helped me out. Her friends (you guys know who you are) took me in as one of their own. I will be forever grateful to Samantha and her friends. A few clubbing episodes, one crazy night with my best friend and the evolution of some meaningful friendships opened my eyes. The opportunities in the little red dot we call Singapore were immense, and I had grown to love the nightlife there. I felt safe when I walked down the streets, and almost all of my friends in KL had left to England for their tertiary education.

It was then when I realized this. You cannot be resistant to change. You have to embrace it with open arms. I had wasted so much time fighting change, when it had actually been a blessing in disguise.

Even in minor circumstances, it can be immensely difficult to leave the familiar behind. I too am often guilty of focusing too much on possible consequences, as opposed to the potentially fantastic rewards. I regularly have to remind myself that nothing monumental can be achieved without challenges. Whether we like it or not, two things cannot be prevented in life; death, and change.  Lately, people have been asking me,"Nadia, where are you going to go after you finish your degree?" Two years ago, I would have had an unbreakable, set answer.  Today, I am a little more open to the opportunities that life has to throw at me. In case you're wondering, my answer now is "It depends."

Yes, close friends, I can already see you guys countering me with "But Nadia, you are so cynical." I AM cynical, but mostly about matters of the heart; not so much with life and ambition. Yes, I know I need to continue working on that.

In short, sticking to ones comfort zone ensures predictable, good results. However, stepping out of the box gives one a better chance of living life extraordinarily.

Take a risk, and accept the unfamiliar. Change is your friend, not your enemy.

(Melbourne) Australia, this is why I adore you

Oh no she didn't....oh YES SHE DID. You guys should have guessed that this post was going to appear sooner or later.

So I moved to Melbourne in February 2011, and I am still in love with this place. Why? Glad you asked!

1. The fact that Australia has 4 seasons. I lived in South East Asia all my life, and we had two seasons: rain or sunshine. I didn't really travel much, so the idea of winter always excited me. However, I will admit that me waking up curled into a little ball (with popsicles instead of toes) has lost some of its initial fervour!
2. The accent. Friends, you DEFINITELY saw this one coming. Maybe there's something wrong with me because so many people disagree, but I just find it kind of sexy and calm. And strange. But still really nice!
3. The FRIENDLINESS.
4. The chilled-ness with the work-life balance. Like oh yeah it's 5pm, LETS PARTY MATE.
5. My friends (you guys know who you are)
6. My university. God I love that place so much. The buildings, the beauty, the atmosphere... UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE, REPRESENT.
7. The chocolate. Chocolate in this country tastes better than chocolate from South East Asia. 
8. The fact that people are just willing to do things differently. I mean we went to celebrate Norway Day yesterday evening (thanks Johan, Fride, Stine, Anna)..you'd never get something like that in Singapore. 
9. The diversity, and how people seem to be so open to culture. 
10.  I also cannot understand how the minimum wage here is so high. Hey, no complaints.. 

playlist: peppermint tea

When I think of  peppermint tea, I picture a garden table, the breeze, lazy Sundays and comfort.

Maybe this is just an excuse for me to have another slow playlist, but I can't help it. I love things that are simple and easy, and these songs strike on my heartstrings without even trying.If you're looking for something subtle, refreshing and effortless,  peppermint tea is perfect for you.

- One day like this, Elbow
- Cheers darlin, Damien Rice
- Big black car, Gregory Alan Isakov
- Such great heights, Iron and Wine
- Longing to belong, Eddie Vedder

my top 5 kitchen disasters

This one is for the people who love to ask me, 'Hey Nadia, did you burn anything today?' Try not to be too amused.

I also decided that I wanted to post something light hearted because one of my last posts ('Respect thy friends') was deep..

Try not to be too horrified when you read the list down there. I have to let you know though, my cooking skills have improved this year! Here we go!

1. Partially melting my frying stick.
2. Igniting a strand of pasta.
3. Burning the kitchen cabinet. I was much younger (13/14 years old?) and I had this history project due in. I was meant to write some old ancient letter, so I was burning the edges of my sheet of paper to make it look older. I toppled the candle and the flames licked the cupboard counter top, and someone had to throw water on it from the garden. A for effort though!
4. Shattering my microwave plate into 10 pieces. I accidentally left the lasagna in there for too long. The next thing I knew, there was a BANG(E.G an explosion) and I lived without a microwave for half a year.
5. Setting the chopping board on fire. I left the stove to do something for two seconds and came back to find the board engulfed in orange. I didn't realize that the flames would get so big!

And there you have it! I assure you I have learnt MANY LESSONS.