1/09/15
Dear Primavera,
Nice to meet you! I'm Marian Yao. I've decided to write to you since I'd like to welcome my favourite season with a warm salutation, and also because I think my usual one blog post per week can't suffice.
I live in the humble country of New Zealand and have nearly finished 3/4 of my first year at high school. I have a small group of friends whom I refer to as individually: Gwen, Sera[fina], Anjeline, Elaine and Charisma. I live with my parents and my younger sister whom I refer to as Rochelle. In my limited spare time I write, read, bake sweet treats, sing, dance frivolously and take thirty-minute naps. Basically, you could describe me as a hermit.
The idea of this concept is derived from Carrie Hope Fletcher's Letters to Autumn segment. Every time I watch any of her videos, I immediately get this jolt of creativity inside of my mind. Thanks to her, here we are!
I really hope I could see your bright colours as soon as the sun rises tomorrow.
Yours sincerely,
Marian
Monday, August 31, 2015
Friday, August 21, 2015
Letters to Electra - Breaking The Ice
21/08/15
Dear Electra,
Despite experiencing moderate dizziness, having had P.E. for last period and having to stay at school for a bit longer than usual, I am still committed to writing you a letter tonight.
Speaking of staying at school longer than 3:00 pm, I had to remain behind (along with some others) to prepare a dance for an upcoming Filipino festival. As I entered the rehearsal room, I overheard some people beginning their first conversation by revealing each other's crushes! Seriously? When I meet new people, I prefer to break the ice by talking about the environment we're surrounded by, or introducing them to my background. (Random tangent: it's scarce for me to meet new people; I'm too self-conscious!)
But in all seriousness, please try your best to leave a good impression on someone, or behave as yourself - people love it when they meet new individuals who have a sufficient amount of sincerity.
----
Whatever you do, DO NOT add tea tree oil to your toothpaste! There have been websites saying that tea tree oil can cure gum diseases and keeps your mouth clear of plaque. Last Tuesday morning, I tried to add a slight drop of it to my toothpaste and it burnt my mouth with sharp force trauma. It was as if I had anaesthesia all over again. This wasted my time and the painful sensation persisted for two days.
The lesson learned here is to be sceptical about the Internet - you know what? This also pertains to real-life situations, such as when a stranger offers you a ride home/some food. Promise me this, Electra: keep yourself safe.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Dear Electra,
Despite experiencing moderate dizziness, having had P.E. for last period and having to stay at school for a bit longer than usual, I am still committed to writing you a letter tonight.
Speaking of staying at school longer than 3:00 pm, I had to remain behind (along with some others) to prepare a dance for an upcoming Filipino festival. As I entered the rehearsal room, I overheard some people beginning their first conversation by revealing each other's crushes! Seriously? When I meet new people, I prefer to break the ice by talking about the environment we're surrounded by, or introducing them to my background. (Random tangent: it's scarce for me to meet new people; I'm too self-conscious!)
But in all seriousness, please try your best to leave a good impression on someone, or behave as yourself - people love it when they meet new individuals who have a sufficient amount of sincerity.
----
Whatever you do, DO NOT add tea tree oil to your toothpaste! There have been websites saying that tea tree oil can cure gum diseases and keeps your mouth clear of plaque. Last Tuesday morning, I tried to add a slight drop of it to my toothpaste and it burnt my mouth with sharp force trauma. It was as if I had anaesthesia all over again. This wasted my time and the painful sensation persisted for two days.
The lesson learned here is to be sceptical about the Internet - you know what? This also pertains to real-life situations, such as when a stranger offers you a ride home/some food. Promise me this, Electra: keep yourself safe.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Letters to Electra - My Opinion On The Boyfriend Fad
16/8/15
Dear Electra,
During this week, I swear I talked to ten people who came to school sick. They knew they were unwell, but somehow it did not occur to them that they could've just stayed home. Some people come to school because they're afraid their friends would be lonely without them. I think that is very selfless, but I think it would've been better for them to stay at home.
I remember waking up to dizzy spells on a day when I had to take an exam. I came to school that day knowing I took the risk of potentially losing consciousness at any second. As the minutes passed, I felt worse and worse, but when it was time to take the exam, I fainted on my desk before managing to write my name. Minutes later, I woke up and generated enough sagacity to finish the exam before passing out again. Despite my lethargic mental state, I think it was worth coming to school; I didn't pass out as dramatically as actors do in movies.
From this experience, here's what I've learnt: Only come to school if you are feeling well. If you need to come to school for an exam, stay at home until it's time for that test. Don't stay at school after that exam is finished unless you've miraculously healed. This applies for work also.
-----
Mother, inspecting my face: "You're going to get a boyfriend soon."
Me, with bulging eyes: "I solemnly swear that will never happen."
I know I'm still young, but adults and older teenagers look at me with sharp glances and hurl love predictions every time we communicate. Here is my response, quoting Beatrice Duke:
If you know me in real life, you know how much I proclaim this.
I have friends who are in 'devoted' relationships and they seem extremely happy. Not to be pessimistic (I'm complaining about relationships. COME ON.); there's the inevitability they will get hurt and all that happiness is torn. The next time they see them out and about with a new significant other, they will feel disgusted and depressed. I don't want to feel that way. Whenever I experience a new happening, that happening will cling onto me for the rest of my life and will impact my actions. I don't want to change, I just want to stay ever so adamant and live my life the way I like to.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Dear Electra,
During this week, I swear I talked to ten people who came to school sick. They knew they were unwell, but somehow it did not occur to them that they could've just stayed home. Some people come to school because they're afraid their friends would be lonely without them. I think that is very selfless, but I think it would've been better for them to stay at home.
I remember waking up to dizzy spells on a day when I had to take an exam. I came to school that day knowing I took the risk of potentially losing consciousness at any second. As the minutes passed, I felt worse and worse, but when it was time to take the exam, I fainted on my desk before managing to write my name. Minutes later, I woke up and generated enough sagacity to finish the exam before passing out again. Despite my lethargic mental state, I think it was worth coming to school; I didn't pass out as dramatically as actors do in movies.
From this experience, here's what I've learnt: Only come to school if you are feeling well. If you need to come to school for an exam, stay at home until it's time for that test. Don't stay at school after that exam is finished unless you've miraculously healed. This applies for work also.
-----
Mother, inspecting my face: "You're going to get a boyfriend soon."
Me, with bulging eyes: "I solemnly swear that will never happen."
 |
| via youtube.com |
If you know me in real life, you know how much I proclaim this.
Why I Don't Need a Boyfriend:
- He will distract me from my studies
- He will distract me from my passions (writing, music, science, etc.)
- I'm not the type of person to commit to another living being
- I don't want to hurt another living being.
I have friends who are in 'devoted' relationships and they seem extremely happy. Not to be pessimistic (I'm complaining about relationships. COME ON.); there's the inevitability they will get hurt and all that happiness is torn. The next time they see them out and about with a new significant other, they will feel disgusted and depressed. I don't want to feel that way. Whenever I experience a new happening, that happening will cling onto me for the rest of my life and will impact my actions. I don't want to change, I just want to stay ever so adamant and live my life the way I like to.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Friday, August 7, 2015
Letters to Electra - Who Are You?
7/08/15
Dear Electra,
At one of our lunchtime meetings this week, one of us (maybe Elaine? I'm not sure) brought up the topic of my writing letters to you.
"Who is 'Electra'?" asks a friend whose name I have forgotten. (It definitely wasn't Serafina, nor Gwen. It was either Elaine or Charisma.)
"She -- I mean 'it' -- is my diary --"
"Wait, does your diary write back to you? Do you exchange letters?"
"No, I need to explain further --"
"What is the concept of this sentiment?"
"OKAY, CALM DOWN," I instructed. "I found the term 'Dear Diary' blasé and changed it. I derived the name 'Electra' from Marina and the Diamonds' current album back then--" (Electra Heart) "--and thus, the birth of Electra and Marian. Not only is my blog an online diary; it is a way for the adult version of me to reminisce my years as an immature teenager. Are there any more questions?"
They asked me about how I felt exposing these letters to the online world. The reason why I changed the people's names that are mentioned in these letters is because I'd like to keep them as surreptitious as possible. I also need to think twice about what I mention in these letters. If it's about the loud conversations I have with my friends, advice to others, what book I am reading at the moment et al, I automatically have something to write about.
----
After watching the beautiful Carrie Hope Fletcher's 'Letters to Autumn' videos during this week, I have a blogging idea that will hopefully (get it?) work. During the month of September I will publish quick and short posts every day about my life. This new segment will be titled 'The September Saga' and each post will begin with 'Dear Primavera', 'primavera' meaning 'spring' in Spanish, the birth of spring for the year. Let's see how it goes!
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Dear Electra,
At one of our lunchtime meetings this week, one of us (maybe Elaine? I'm not sure) brought up the topic of my writing letters to you.
"Who is 'Electra'?" asks a friend whose name I have forgotten. (It definitely wasn't Serafina, nor Gwen. It was either Elaine or Charisma.)
"She -- I mean 'it' -- is my diary --"
"Wait, does your diary write back to you? Do you exchange letters?"
"No, I need to explain further --"
"What is the concept of this sentiment?"
"OKAY, CALM DOWN," I instructed. "I found the term 'Dear Diary' blasé and changed it. I derived the name 'Electra' from Marina and the Diamonds' current album back then--" (Electra Heart) "--and thus, the birth of Electra and Marian. Not only is my blog an online diary; it is a way for the adult version of me to reminisce my years as an immature teenager. Are there any more questions?"
They asked me about how I felt exposing these letters to the online world. The reason why I changed the people's names that are mentioned in these letters is because I'd like to keep them as surreptitious as possible. I also need to think twice about what I mention in these letters. If it's about the loud conversations I have with my friends, advice to others, what book I am reading at the moment et al, I automatically have something to write about.
----
After watching the beautiful Carrie Hope Fletcher's 'Letters to Autumn' videos during this week, I have a blogging idea that will hopefully (get it?) work. During the month of September I will publish quick and short posts every day about my life. This new segment will be titled 'The September Saga' and each post will begin with 'Dear Primavera', 'primavera' meaning 'spring' in Spanish, the birth of spring for the year. Let's see how it goes!
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Letters to Electra - An Academic Crisis Aborted
1/08/15
Dear Electra,
After a super long separation from you, here I am sitting on my comfortable bed writing a new letter! Since term 3 had begun last week, I've had to study for my tests and complete assessments in subjects that weren't my strengths. It was extremely provoking to complete tasks that needed to be submitted or fully learned in a strict time frame. I have to admit, I threw a few tantrums due to the stress.
Speaking of tests, when I received my geometry grade yesterday, it only took five seconds for someone to appear in front of me and scream, "MARIAN, WHAT DID YOU GET?"
FIVE SECONDS after peering at my percentage. Oh, my gosh. It was awful and humiliating. I jumped and slammed my paper down on my desk, concealing it with my arms.
When you ask someone for their test result and they refuse, please leave them alone. Don't threaten them or snatch their test away from them. If you compare test scores with a classmate, that will make you more insecure if you're the one with the lower grade.
But if you're desperate to hear some of your classmate's grades, it's inevitable that at least three of them will proudly announce their grades over a loud speaker phone.
----
Now that rant is over, let's move on to a nice topic. Also yesterday, the friendship troupe (Gwen, Sera (previously Clara/Regina), Elaine (previously Mary), Charisma, Anjeline (previously Sakura) and me) were congregating at lunchtime as we do. There was an insightful conversation between Gwen and Charisma about Gwen's religion since Charisma had never heard of it. Since I had nothing much to do (HAAAA!) with the conversation, I borrowed Sakura's iPhone 6 and filmed them, because who
wouldn't film their friends having an informative chit-chat?
Gwen and Charisma maintained a calm composure as I filmed them, but Elaine, who was squashed in between the two pulled faces and managed to grab the phone from me and capture my shy, problematic, pimply face.
When I got the phone back Sera, who was fantasizing behind the conference with Anjeline, suddenly squealed of excitement. Outside the lens stood a lone girl filming five heads of black and brown on an iPhone 6. I didn't mind not seeing why Sera bursted. It was pretty entertaining to capture my friends spending a lunchtime together, all content and loose. Plus, it would be kept in a secure place until we uncover when we graduate high school.
I can picture it! My friends and I, ditching the graduation party to open a box of our year nine shenanigans. Yes Electra, we are a group of friends willing to uncover memories, rather than creating more.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Dear Electra,
After a super long separation from you, here I am sitting on my comfortable bed writing a new letter! Since term 3 had begun last week, I've had to study for my tests and complete assessments in subjects that weren't my strengths. It was extremely provoking to complete tasks that needed to be submitted or fully learned in a strict time frame. I have to admit, I threw a few tantrums due to the stress.
Speaking of tests, when I received my geometry grade yesterday, it only took five seconds for someone to appear in front of me and scream, "MARIAN, WHAT DID YOU GET?"
FIVE SECONDS after peering at my percentage. Oh, my gosh. It was awful and humiliating. I jumped and slammed my paper down on my desk, concealing it with my arms.
When you ask someone for their test result and they refuse, please leave them alone. Don't threaten them or snatch their test away from them. If you compare test scores with a classmate, that will make you more insecure if you're the one with the lower grade.
But if you're desperate to hear some of your classmate's grades, it's inevitable that at least three of them will proudly announce their grades over a loud speaker phone.
----
Now that rant is over, let's move on to a nice topic. Also yesterday, the friendship troupe (Gwen, Sera (previously Clara/Regina), Elaine (previously Mary), Charisma, Anjeline (previously Sakura) and me) were congregating at lunchtime as we do. There was an insightful conversation between Gwen and Charisma about Gwen's religion since Charisma had never heard of it. Since I had nothing much to do (HAAAA!) with the conversation, I borrowed Sakura's iPhone 6 and filmed them, because who
wouldn't film their friends having an informative chit-chat?
Gwen and Charisma maintained a calm composure as I filmed them, but Elaine, who was squashed in between the two pulled faces and managed to grab the phone from me and capture my shy, problematic, pimply face.
When I got the phone back Sera, who was fantasizing behind the conference with Anjeline, suddenly squealed of excitement. Outside the lens stood a lone girl filming five heads of black and brown on an iPhone 6. I didn't mind not seeing why Sera bursted. It was pretty entertaining to capture my friends spending a lunchtime together, all content and loose. Plus, it would be kept in a secure place until we uncover when we graduate high school.
I can picture it! My friends and I, ditching the graduation party to open a box of our year nine shenanigans. Yes Electra, we are a group of friends willing to uncover memories, rather than creating more.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
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