So we got our class schedules today and it turns out that I'm in the same class as I was last semester, probably because I requested to stay in the same level in the survey that was sent out without actually thinking everything through.
To be fair, this survey was before I got my exam results back and honestly I think did pretty well for someone who was initially placed 2 levels below because I didn't do too great on my placement test (although I evidently redeemed myself on my swap out test).
This upcoming week we're allowed to try out other levels before either staying or doing the swap test to go to a higher level, which I might do if the next level is manageable.
I feel like the main issue is that despite being really out of my depth in the beginning, this level ended up being challenging enough, but what if the next level is too difficult and this level is too easy? I don't want to waste this semester, but I also want to thrive rather than try to survive and constantly be stressed out about studying.
I guess the upcoming week shall reveal its secrets so there's not that much sense in obsessing over it. I for one will try to make the most of the remaining days before classes start.
Have a good weekend everyone!
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Day 50 of 100 Days of Productivity
Planning out this AND next week
J.Test prep because I have to take it on Sunday (14th)
Revising HSK 5 with my friend everyday because we're going to start taking HSKK (Advanced) classes on weekends starting on 13th
I also have chinese hsk 1 classes that I'm teaching on weekends.
Basically my weekends are fucked.
And then I'm teaching a new basic chinese class on thursdays and fridays
Trying to handle my workload as a tarot/oracle reader on the exam week
At least I got 100 out of 100 on my pali language diploma assignment! Yay!!!
Also Fantasy High Junior Year is premiering and I. Am. Psyched.
I am going on a study-work-staycation for 3 days before the J.test so that I can feel at ease :]
I'm also making pick a piles and giving out free questions for my paid telegram channel
also I'm gonna start selling books again after J.Test
god... I hope this is all
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Keeping Promises
By Kabachi
I'm so honoured to have gotten the chance to illustrate Moon Supreme!Xiao Lanhua/Xiyun for Kabachi's LBFAD Minibang fic! Please read Keeping Promises, it's such a lovely, evocative exploration of Xiyun's grief after Dongfang Qingcang's fading.
In terms of the design of this piece, the brocade of Xiyun's robe is directly taken from a set of DFQC's robes, while the cut is an amalgamation of the cuts of his robe and her Cangyanhai dresses. The Xilan holy aura version (the green one, if you will) features a halo inspired by classical Chinese depictions of Guanyin/Avalokitesvara, the bodhisatva of mercy. The faintest text says 小兰花/Xiao Lanhua, the largest text says 息山神女/Xishan Shennü, and the largest two characters say 月主/Yuezhu/Moon Queen.
Many thanks to Haro for hosting this minibang, and congrats to everyone who participated! It's incredible to see all this community involvement. Happy minibang, all!
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Extend your arm forward, control your breathing, pull back, contain your emotions.
It was simple instructions, ones she used to only think about in the moment, but forget the second her attention was grabbed by something else.
Even with the growing noise around her, she never stopped her movements, keeping her focus and breathing even. That is, until she felt a light tap of a finger on her thigh.
"Excuse me, Jiějiě..."
It was the voice of a young girl. Almost immediately, Xiaoyu opened her eyes and got into a standing position before looking down at her with a smile.
"Yes?"
The girl looked nervous, but there was no need for her to be. Xiaoyu gave her time to gather her thoughts, which didn't take very long, before she held her hands out towards her with a shy smile.
"I made you some bracelets! It's a present...as a thank you for everything you've done, a-and helping me."
"For me? Ah, Xièxiè! You're so sweet!"
Xiaoyu gently took one of the bracelets, holding it up to the sun. It was stitched together with orange yarn, and what seemed to be glitter sparkling in the sunlight.
"I know it's not...exactly the best and it...might be a little tight since I didn't know your size but I wanted to share something with you..."
The girl shyly looked down, perhaps embarrassed by her stitching, but Xiaoyu easily placed it on her wrist.
"Fits like a glove!"
The girl seemed to beam at that, Xiaoyu quickly grabbing the other one and holding it out for her to place her hand through. Once the girl realized this, she eagerly placed her hand through.
"Hehe, see? We match!"
The girl laughed, something Xiaoyu hasn't heard in a while. It felt good to see her happy again.
"If...If I make you anything else, will you wear it?"
"Of course! I want to see how much your embroidery improves. Before long, you'll be teaching me something!"
"Me? Teaching you?" The girl sounded in disbelief.
"Yep! I was never good with my hands, at least with silk and a needle. It wasn't until Yéyé stepped in did I know what to do with them."
At the mention of him, the girl's mood seemed to dampen. It wasn't her intention but Xiaoyu couldn't blame her for it either. Jinrei knew how to make a name for himself, ever since he was young. Not having his spunk around anymore left an obvious hole, one that Xiaoyu didn't realize she missed until it was already too late.
"I miss him."
The young girl's voice interrupted Xiaoyu's thoughts. She gave her a smile, and a gentle pat on the head.
"I do too. But it'll be okay, next time we meet up, I'll teach you a few things about stances while you keep teaching and showing me your sewing skills. Deal?"
"Deal!"
Xiaoyu held her pinky out, the young girl using her own pinky to complete the deal. After a few more exchanges, Xiaoyu waved the girl goodbye, watching her disappear in the distance before sighing.
She sat down on the grass, listening to everything around her this time. The wind, the laughter, the talking, the birds, the whistling.
She was spunky when she was young, childish too, maybe she got it from him. Xiaoyu didn't know anything about his life when he was younger, but she knew he got his wisdom from somewhere. She only learned about his connections to the Mishima family once she was older.
Maybe she would have turned out to be more traditional if he wasn't around, maybe she would have eventually gotten better with her sewing skills like her parents initially wanted.
Xiaoyu was loud, rambunctious, maybe even a troublemaker compared to her more relaxed parents. They didn't know what to do with her, so eventually, he would suggest her to put all that energy into fighting.
It was thanks to him that they changed their minds.
"I'm still learning, Yéyé. I've gotten better but...I still have a lot to learn. I won't let you down, I promise."
Her phone soon began to vibrate, the young girl glancing down to see a message from her father. She quickly took hold of it, seeing the time, and immediately letting out a yell.
"Ah, I'm late! They're gonna kill me!"
Metaphorically of course. Xiaoyu quickly gathered up her things, haphazardly placing her jacket into the bag as she stood to her feet, running off and away from the park. Eyes watched her curiously but she paid them no mind as she answered her phone.
"Yes, Bàba? No, I didn't oversleep, it's still..."
She checked her watch.
"...well, not morning anymore but it's not late! It's only after 12! I'm on my way right now! I'll pick up some jianbing on the way! Tell Māmā not to start without me!"
Maybe there were still quite a few things she needed to get better with.
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