* We got to 銀兔 around 1130 but it was not open until 1200, they haven’t changed their opening hour details on Facebook so be sure to call in advance to confirm and book a table!
Thought I wasn’t gonna journal down my dreams anymore, but here I am still. Lately I’ve been dreaming less, I didn’t count the numbers it just came to me as an impression but it didn’t mean I sleep better or worse, it’s just me entering a different phase in terms of sleeping. I sometimes wake up at 4am without any obvious reason, I’m not feeling particularly hot or cold in A/C room, nor am I thirsty or needing a piss, I just wake up and my head’s kind of crystal clear, you know?
2016 Monthly Daily Refill.
It’s July now and June seems like a period very long time ago, entering July is like officially entering summer and what’s before summer is now left a blurry dream that I can’t quite grasp.
+ 6/9-6/12 was traditional Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan, selient went back to Kaohsiung to see his family, I was lazily lounging around at home, hanging out with friends and family and TV series. Luckily I got two on sale tickets from Cathy Pacific Airlines to Tokyo, Japan in Dec. For a round trip flight tickets per person it was half the price I bought March. 2015. Booked Toyoko Inn & Sunroute Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku for backups but I was very attempted to try Airbnb this time so I was constantly browsing these amazing cozy homey listings and after a long discussion and comparison we booked one right near 大門/濱松町 (Daimon Station for Metro/Hamamatsucho Satation for JR) I literally cant wait to live there and enjoy our winter vacation!!!
+ Planning Tokyo trip here and there, jotting down all the places we wanna go and food we wanna try, I’m quite determined to perfect my planner before / after the trip, It’s my 3rd time to Tokyo and I’m very excited for what’s more to discover, how enjoyable, relaxing and memorable the whole journey will be, adventures ahead!
+ This is a bit TMI but nevertheless, after 3 months on hold with birth control pill I decided to go back with a different brand, went to clinic for counseling and decided to jump from Yasmin to Meliane, So far in July I’ve been taking consecutively more than a week and I feel fine, don’t feel a change, not suffering any kinda side effect as far as I know, my frequent than usual headache is no where to be found in recent days, so overall I’m satisfied with the decision.
+ Keeping up on track with my workout progress, my weight has been stably dropping these couple of months, body fat-wise, too. On 6/30 I hit Orange Level on Nike+Running app with 51.9km. I cut off sugary drinks once and for all but from time to time I still crave for chips and fries, I can do more exercise, walk faster, run more and eat cleaner, but in the weekend I really want to eat freely and happily, not to that point of junkie food but calorie intake-wise might be higher than weekdays’ super clean diet! Still figuring out the balance and my mental state on this food matter, working on it, gal!
How’s your June? What’s your plan for summer? Airbnb is very addictive, isn’t it?!
I have a confession to make, I’ve been very lazy on writing blogs. I set out to post regularly although I don’t have a fixed schedule I do have some ideas jotted down in my notebook, some photos taken…… I want to blame it on the weather, the heat. In Taiwan we’re losing spring & autumn, summer’s getting longer, hotter every year! It’s pretty cheeky to call it the nature’s fault, huh! But despite the laziness and everyday mundane life, I’m actually not that hating summer for the first time in very long years. Still on track of healthy diet and workout, slipping out of the so-called-plans doesn’t bother me like OCD had been nagging me at old days, I really keep that quote I found in Baum-Kuchen “The Journey is the Destination” in heart. Also, reading inspiring quotes from Michelle’s blogpost @ SEAWEED KISSES really encourages myself to stay in a positive mindset every time I can:)
Once again I diverted from what I have in mind wanted to talk about in the first place… So what is it then? On the last day of June I decide to write this note to self and pick up the left pieces and just go! Embrace summer, embrace heat wave whatever and most importantly enjoy summer life! Live it like we adult still have summer holidays!
Just think about all the things we can do, accomplish and plan in this season is getting me excited personally! I actually have quite a few “plans” on my plate right now and I can’t wait to adventure through and share with you guys whoever’s kindly taking time to read my words here on Mind Pool or for god’s sake, just talking to my inner self!
If you’re listening to music, listen more. If you’re reading a book, read another one. If you’re journaling thoughts down, journal more. If you’re hanging out with loved ones, cherish those time spent. If you want to travel, plan it like you’re last trip. We only live once in summer 2016.
P.S. Stay tuned and hit me up if you have any interesting summer ideas and whatever you’re up to! I’d love to know!
I‘m in the office right now on a Saturday, because we’re having an adjusted extra day off next week for Dragon Boat Holiday. Not really much to do today, went out lunch with colleges and grabbed a hot caffe latte from cama for the afternoon time-kill. I’m done checking with all the social media stuff and I tried to find cheap tickets for a possible Tokyo trip end of year, but nothing found and I refuse to be bored so while there’s another couple of hours left why not “journal” here on the blog.
Well, selient is actually meeting me up 17:30 sharp and tbh I’m kinda nervous since we just had a major fight last night and we decided to meet today, talk it through instead of dragging on yesterday in emotional meltdown…… I’m like not sure about many things but don’t really know what to think, like is there an exact right or wrong in relationship honestly? However I’m pretty positive about that we’ll fix this-whatever it is again and life goes on, it’s not the easiest thing, life never is if you look closely but it’s okay, because over the past two years I’ve learned that love is complicated, it’s not romcom in real life but it is something more bittersweet and worth fighting for.
Where will I end up tonight? I can’t say, but I’ll keep journaling and drinking coffee that’s for sure. Sorry about the rambling, but I really need to write this down while sipping coffee.
P.S. That photo was taken with iPhone6 edited on VSCO & Word Swag
2016 Monthly Daily Refill.
May has been errrr very hot! It’s definitely summer now on the island that the temperature is hitting 35 Celsius degree, the constant sweating and heat fatigue is not welcome but for this year somehow I’m motivated to enjoy the summer as much as I can with my journal/planner life, let’s beat the heat!
+ After Labor holiday I started to daily log my physical/mental health slash diary thing on my LIFE Notebook Grid in A5 size organized in Roterfaden (you can see my unboxing post here), FINALLY! I’m very happy that I find a purpose for this high quality notebook and the leather pocket companion and I’m very looking forward to adding more use and stuff into this badass and hopefully writing a set-up post soon!
+ Rolling into the 2nd week of May I made a commitment to myself that I wanted to seriously look after my body, my diet has to be healthier and I really have to start working out so the whole “healthy living” is legit, efficient and “healthy” as it should be. Back in Feb. CNY I came down with a severe cold and I realized I have to change my routine, I started to eat more healthy (lucky I live at home and my mama cooks amazing food) stay away from junk food, I can proudly say I cut sugar drinks and fried foods quite clean from my life, don’t have any desire to drink coke even the sun is grilling on me:D I digress, anyways these rainbow gradient tapes suggest the days I actually go out in the park and workout/sweat up myself, I went to H&M and bought some workout clothing and it totally motivates me and even makes me anticipate to go on jogging/brisk walking, I know I’m building a habit and it’s not the easiest thing, but my brain and body can definitely feel the positivity that comes with exercising and honestly I’m very happy about the change, I only wish I’d started it way earlier! BTW I’m using Nike+Running app to help me track my workout and I really like it that this tool can instantly give me feedback on my progress and work as a kinda motivation too!
+ Week 4 of May. Suffering from PMS, headache pained me from going out and I felt bad about myself, hate the fact that I have to endure headache more frequently than average but writing down my thoughts on Roterfaden helps, and ranting in Mind Pool helps too. I came to realize it’s meaningless and very negative to be affected by this little PMS defeat, we’re talking about a long-term healthiness building here guys!
+ Big eat-outs this past weekend!! One on Fri. where me and selient went to my fav Chinese resto Din Tai Fung, we ordered less but I could only share like 40% of the dish, I guess my appetite has slimmed down a bit:P On Sunday us and my family went to SHIN YEH Japanese Buffet resto at Xinyi A11 , I rarely eat buffet and I like this one because it’s Japanese style so there’s a lot of fresh sashimi and sushi, so yummy!
+ Went to see X-Men:Apocalypse and there’s nothing bad I can say about the film because my focus are all on professor and Magneto. Do you have your fav film in the X-Men series?
This month’s layout is less empty, I’m trying to decorate the page with washi tapes and I’m pretty pleased with how it adds a pop of colour here and there on the page, this is truly a journey of journaling discovery and mental/physical growth/routine. Thanks for stopping by, being here even it’s just for a minute, you’ve already taken part in my pieces of life. How’s your May? What’s your plan/resolution for coming summer?
I even bother to write down my brain rant, man it’s tough! This week selient went back home to deal with some family stuff so I was left alone in Taipei and got bored…… I mean I have things to do my own but for the past almost two years I’m so used to hanging out with him in the weekends and for the past two days I have to get used to being a person instead to two.
I should write in the very first part that this is not a proper/standard blogpost, but just as I typed down these words I ask myself what exactly is a proper post anyway? Funny. I guess what I’m trying to say is that Mind Pool is not where I set out to rant but the title Mind Pool totally justifies the idea of brain dumping, good or bad, inspiring or boring, who cares, I shouldn’t be setting myself with unnecessary barriers now that I’m the only person swimming in this damn pool:)
So back to girl talk/TMI stuff – period. I’m not that kinda girl who suffers terrible pain during period, I only get minor to medium un-comfort in which I would very much appreciate chairs instead of standing up degree kinda pain. However I fear PMS, I’m don’t know if I have PMS every time but mostly I can tell there’s something wrong if there’s one. My routine is headache, dizziness and fatigue, lost interest in everything and craving for comfort food, sometimes I get annoyed twice easily and my boyf to me could act like an ass but mostly it’s not his fault……
What I regret this weekend: Ate too much Korean food, drank Starbucks’ Key Lime Pie Frappuccino.
I worked out great on Friday night but the following two days I’m so tired mentally and physically even up until now – Sunday night. Skyped with my lovely friend from Poland, Dominika who’s coming over to Tainan for a semester’s exchange SOON. Went to Costco with fam and the food tastes delicious because I haven’t eaten for months, that’s how to fall in love with something, again. I was trying to force myself go on exercise but it started to rain so I’m relived with a slight guilt, but it’s just my OCD messing with me, I need to workout in good state of mind/body, and building up habit is a long-term challenge, thinking this way makes me feel a little bit better. (padding on the shoulder)
At least I journaled my Roterfaden just now, I will be watching some more creative journaling/roterfaden review youtube vids the rest of the night. It did make me feel better to jolt down these rants than nothing, sorry if it bores you, appreciate if you hear me through. Nites.
2016 Monthly Daily Refill.
I can’t believe April fleeted away so fast just as I’m surprised to see myself sharing 2nd monthly layout, I have to say with this refill it’s easier to have your space seems filled up compared with weekly ones. My planner is still very minimal and simple but you can definitely notice “little stuff” popping up here and there which means I’m getting more comfortable with decorations over the course of time. So what happened during April?
+ First weekend of April was a 4 day national holiday on the island, me and my friends went to Yangmingshan just back of my home for a walk. It was the flower season too so it was kinda “people everywhere” situation, But the point of that particular trip was to have lunch at my fav chinese resto Din Tai Fung, I’m a happy gal in that place!
+ Date with Priska, my lovely Swiss friend. We went to see Macbeth the movie starring Michael Fassbender & Marion Cotillard. I’m not familiar with Shakespeare though but Michael and Marion? I can endure a fully two hours of old English for these guys! And not to forget the theatrical/dramatic presentation, so impressive! Nothing like I’ve ever seen.
+ Went to Traveler’s Notebook 10th Anniversary TRC Caravan in Taiwan event, absolutely a highlight for TN addict. I took a few stickers offered at the workshop and popped that “Have a nice trip” round sticker there, love their good quality stickers, those positive words always bring smile to my face, and good memories too!
+ The week after, I had my hair cut, or specifically a makeover. I chopped off half of the length and tried orangey tone ombre with very bright highlight here and there in my black hair instead of the subtle red ombre I’ve had for the past 1.5 years. Reds are nice but they fade out rather fast, I knew I wanted to try something that’s a pop of colour but nothing too crazy yet, so viola! I get used to this new look right away and I’m now so satisfied with shorter hair (who would know!) and lighter colour!
+ Went to see HIGH-RISE starring Tom Hiddleston. Again, went to see that film because I’m a shameless Tom H. fangirl 100%. I can’t write proper reviews but if you adore Tom and adore experimental/artistic/post-modern stuff you would enjoy the film just as much as I do!
+ Last weekend of April was labour day holiday and me and selient went back to Tainan again! Eat at some good oldies and discovered some new places too, overall me and my stomach were very happy about the trip:D
Wow so except for the working weekdays my April seem pretty jam-packed when look back. I hope your April was full and fun and you’re enjoying May a lot! Thanks for stopping by, taking time to read what’s part of my life, really appreciate that and I’ll see you soon. xxx
Just as excited as I was visiting Traveler’s Factory @ Meguro, Tokyo. I couldn’t wait no more but rushed to the event on day 2. (4/16 Sat.) Pop-up shop is located at Eslite Xingyi third floor’s open space, they built a temporary front wall based on Meguro store and my soul screamed a little bit when I saw it! Making me desperately want to go back Meguro so much!
Let’s tour around the event:)
Continue reading “Traveler’s Notebook 10th Anniversary / TRC Caravan in Taiwan”
019 Free Diary <Weekly + Memo> / 週間フリー＋メモ
I know I said in my last post about not posting my weekly layout (yet) blah blah blah and I’m slapping myself in the face right this week, weekend to be specific by sharing a glance with you guys, blame it on Traveler’s Company Caravan in Taiwan :P
Before we jump into to the highlight might as well see what this week has been like? If you have been following @palestblue on either Instagram or Youtube You might know that this talented, creative German journaling sweetheart has opened an Etsy shop @palestblueshop selling some cute cute cute clear stamps, I got a Flowers & Frames set which I’ve posted on Instagram and can’t wait to use them to decorate my TN and welcome SPRING! I saved the memo card, notes and stamps from the package and decided to stick on my free page, first time buying clear stamps and I’m glad I get to own a piece of @palestblue’s design:) That piece of paper with heart shape clip at the bottom is from Keep A Notebook, a relatively new, good quality paper stationary brand from Taiwan, designed by Thomas Huang, another very talented planner user. Sneaky review— The paper is in good quality, creamy and decorative, kind of like journaling card but in a lot thinner paper, single-sided print. KAN offers many refills that suit perfectly in your regular traveler’s notebook with a more friendly price tag, You can check out their stuff at their facebook page!
As for the rest of the weekdays, I go to work, eat my meal, write down what I put into my stomach and drink some coffee, nothing too thrilling, on Friday though, my colleague and I went to Hoto Cafe to buy this coveted Blue Berry Cheese Cake and had a quick bite of Lemon Tart, if you’re interested please go check out my Instagram:)
Now on to the reason why I spontaneously decided to write this blogpost, TRC Caravan in Taiwan. That green stamp is a Taiwan limited edition only provided on sight the event. I didn’t stamp it well but it’s this famous Taiwan Beer bottle celebrating 10 years of Traveler’s Notebook, and I wasn’t sure why but I also put an event sticker besides and wrote “Taiwan is my home”. Not gonna give it away too much because I’m determined to write a full report about this event, very soon, promised. Let’s just say the event was a blast and I want to find time and revisit the pop-up shop again!
Do you have any planner addict that you’re following? Are there any refills besides midori’s that you’re using and loving? Please share in the comment:) Thanks for reading and I hope you come back soon. xxx
Mind Pool 