Mid Semester break 4

It went by so quickly, I didn't feel like I've had any breaks!

I wasn't feeling very well either around the end of the break, which is why I'm feeling quite weak in my first week back to Uni. Not a good thing, when things are starting to heat up now.

But we had a camp in Glenmore which was not too bad :)
I've certainly enjoyed myself.

I've had a good Sunday, too,
and probably one of the longest sleep I've had this semester.

I feel like I need it, though. Lots of long, good sleeps. Just to make me feel like myself again - not this light-headed, medicine-bound person.

Assignments are piling up, and I cannot wait to sort them out. One by one, steady, and sure.

6-ish weeks to home :)


<3 cheers="" p="">
-*^^*-

23 September 2017

AKHIRNYA temperatur musim panas!
26-30 derajat, terlalu panas mungkin untuk beberapa (banyak) orang, tapi malah pas untukku. Mungkin angin agak terlalu kencang, tapi menolong pejalan kaki menemukan sedikit kesejukan.

Mood lagi super baik juga :D
Walaupun tempat yang pengen dikunjungi tutup, yang impromptu seru juga.
Ice cream tiramisu di cuaca panas, 'secret menu' Starbucks favoritku berhasil kudapatkan, fish and chips - dengan kentang goreng yang (literally) sepiring penuh.

Semakin hari, aku semakin belajar bahwa bukanlah hal-hal besar yang membuat kita bahagia. Justru kebahagiaan itu ditemukan di hal-hal kecil yang signifikan, yang mengantar kita ke tempat-tempat tinggi dan tidak pernah kita bayangkan. Kebahagiaan ditemukan saat kita memaknai - atau juga memberi makna - pada setiap kebaikan yang kita lihat, terima, rasakan. Menghitungnya.

Masih jauh rasanya aku dari apa yang ingin aku raih. 'Apa' bentuknya pun aku belum tahu. Dan jauh lebih mudah untuk menyerah, ikut saja mengalir. Toh pada akhirnya, mungkin aliran ini baik. Tapi kalau aku bisa menerjang arus sedikit, mencapai tempat-tempat yang tidak biasa, kenapa tidak? Malah harusnya begitu, kan, supaya tidak ada penyesalan. Paling tidak mencoba, sekuat tenaga.

Hari-hari yang dihidupi 'lebih' dari sekedar untuk diri sendiri. Hidup untuk membawa dampak, membawa perubahan positif untuk orang-orang di sekitar kita, bangsa negara, teman, sahabat, dan keluarga. Itu hidup yang 'menentang arus'. Hidup yang tidak melulu mudah, tapi 'penuh'.

Memikirkannya saja aku sudah kewalahan - tidak bisa melakukannya sendiri.


Di situlah Dia memanggil.
Dia sudah memberi makna untuk hidup ini - tinggal dihidupi saja.
Dia sudah memberi arah - tinggal dijalani saja.
Dia yang memberi kebebasan untuk memilih, Dia bahkan yang memberi hidup, Dia menanggil.
Dia akan memberi kekuatan untuk menjalani bagian-bagian sulit, sukacita di hari-hari yang berat, tapi damai yang melinpah di tengah segala kekacauan.

Aku rindu mengenal Dia lebih lagi.
Aku rindu mengenal karakternya lebih dalam,
Aku rindu berjalan dengannya lebih dekat.
Aku rindu membawa hormat kepada-Nya.

Belajar menghitung berkat dan sukacita,
Belajar untuk menantang arus, satu langkah demi satu langkah,
Membagikan yang aku punya, mencipta, mencinta, berkarya,
Sambil menimba dari-Nya.
Hidup penuh.



Udara musim panas mengingatkanku pada rumah. Aku sudah begitu rindu rumah.
Tapi di sini, aku sedang belajar mengenali arus, belajar menghadang riak arus kecil; semoga sebentar lagi aku tahu bagaimana menghadapi perubahan yang besar dengan cara yang benar.
Tidak mudah, tapi justru karena itulah aku ada di sini. Dan aku mau memilih untuk bersyukur. Mengangkat mataku dan memandang keindahan yang bisa kunikmati di sini, meskipun merindukan kehangatan yang lain.


Satu harapanku,
Aku tidak hanya berminpi, berangan, dan menulis - berandai.
Aku harap tiap tingkah laku dan gerakku juga berbicara dan beraksi.

Hidup penuh.


Essay yang (sedikit banyak) 'ngalor ngidul' di hari yang sangat menyenangkan, tenang, dan teduh, di tengah kebosanan dan kegelapan balik panggung :)


Cheers!

-*^^*-

Week 8 Semester 4

Wohoo!

Finally gaining a little more momentum in the semester,
Which sadly means more assignments are approaching. Ugh.

But the show that I'm interning in has been great :) It's 'hard' (lazy) having to go out in the cold to go to the theater, but once I'm there, preparing, meeting the casts and crew, and once the show goes live, it's incredible :) So grateful for the experience!

And in my spare time, in between cues, I try to read & write :p
This last Sunday I happen to come across a fresh idea and began writing. I love writing with my pen and paper <3333 p="">And I've been re-reading Rectoverso, inspired again and again, as always - As well as Antologi Rasa. I plan to finish it as the season is coming to an end. Gosh, How I love Harris :p

Week 9 is slightly chill, especially since the week after is a week off (finally!)

But still,
Longing for the 'big' break, and vacay!
I can already feel the need of the tropical sun :')))


Cheers,

-*^^*-

Week 7 Semester 4

How did I get from Week 0 to week 7 without posting weekly updates??

Honestly, time just flew, and every minutes seemed to dissipate just like vapor.

But I'm alive - although I'm not sure I'm well.

Feeling like I'm behind on a lot of things - assignments, studies,

YET I'm having fun and enjoying life to the fullest,

dedicating myself to things and people I love (that includes sleep).

I'm half-way through the semester, but I have no idea how I am getting to the other side.

I am fearful and worried, but that's just me. I still have 5 weeks of school + 4 weeks of prep&exam,

I will make it :)

I have to!


Hopefully I will be back next week with updates,

but until the next post,

Cheers.

-*^^*-

17 Agustus 2017

Rasanya kurang puas hari ini. Kurang bisa ikut merayakan kemeriahan hari peringatan kemerdekaan negara sendiri.

Tidak sempat pakai batik atau baju merah putih, tidak sempat makan makanan khas Indonesia, tidak sempat menonton upacara bendera secara utuh, seperti tahun-tahun sebelumnya..

Baru kali ini Indonesia terasa begitu jauh.

Tapi banyak momen-momen kecil yang kutemui hari itu, membuat aku sangat bersyukur.

Seperti waktu aku bangun di pagi hari, dan doa pertama yang aku panjatkan adalah ucapan syukur untuk tujuh puluh dua tahun negeriku.

Seperti waktu sempat, dari dalam tram, mengintip teman-teman yang berkesempatan mengibarkan bendera merah-putih di negara orang. Di tengah lapangan, ditonton oleh begitu banyak orang dari berbagai belahan dunia, puluhan orang Indonesia berkumpul, dan 3 bendera merah putih dikibarkan oleh beberapa pelajar berseragam putih.

Seperti waktu melihat pakaian-pakaian adat yang ramai-ramai dipakai di Istana.

Seperti waktu menyadari bahwa kali ini, perayaan di Istana bisa dihadiri oleh hampir semua mantan presiden dan wakil presiden, suami-isteri.

Seperti waktu menyimak berbagai post di Instagram dan Facebook, berisikan semangat perjuangan dan harapan-harapan untuk Indonesia.

                Indonesia bukan lagi masalah jarak atau tempat.

                Indonesia adalah hati.

Doaku sendiri:

Semoga bangsa yang besar ini semakin diberkati, dan bisa menjadi berkat.

Semakin kreatif, progresif, tanpa kehilangan kerendah-hatian dan kesantunannya.

Semakin kaya dalam hasil alam, kultur budaya, dan sumber daya manusia.

Semakin bijak dan berakhlak, semakin semangat belajar dan membaca, semakin tidak malu untuk berinovasi dan bersuara.

                Indonesia.

                Di sana tempat lahir beta

                Dibuai, dibesarkan bunda

                Tempat berlindung di hari tua

                Sampai akhir menutup mata.

(21/08/17)

-*^^*-

Week 0 a.k.a. July intensive - Semester 4

I could not even remember anything else.

My day-to-day schedule:
- wake up
- quick breakfast
- off to Southbank
- class, 09:30 to 4:30 ish
- home, or volunteering, then
- Church: drama directing, stage-managing, tinkering
- home: homework, assignments, revision for the drama
- sleep
- repeat.


I don't have time to feel tired or even to breath!
But I enjoyed every second of it (I tried hard to.)


I loved - and I think I'm now hooked on - theatre. Creating, working in it, working on it.
Ah. Such a dream life :)


I'm not ready for semester 4 at all!!
But it's coming.

I've started thinking about the summer break, just to get myself motivated.
12 weeks of uni, 2 weeks of break & swot-vac, 3 weeks of exams, then home.
It'll be a good-ie.


CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Winter Break 2017

My winter break was - simply - amazing.

I had 24 days of family time
We drove to Adelaide & Mornington Peninsula

I read a bunch of books (some were not done yet, ugh)

I had really, really good food & time xD


Sadly, the time to relax is now over.
4 more months of slaving & studying xp

Yesterday when I note down what needs to happen in the next semester for me to pass, I got really scared. Worried. Will I be able to do it all? Well?

I hope I can - I know I can, but it won't be by my own strength. :)


I'm starting uni tomorrow. I make myself go to uni a week early xD I am NOT ready. But it's time to jump in!


Cannot wait for November already :p:p:p

But exciting things are ahead. It's a matter of taking it one day at a time, one step at a time.
One word.
One assessment.
One subject.
One day.
One month.

One semester.

:)



Cheers!

-*^^*-

Exam week Sem 3 :D

Exam week 1 - or, for me, the Exam Week - is DONE
& with that, my 3rd Semester in uni is also DONE :D


I submitted my first 2 assignments on the 1st day -- I finished my essay on the prev day, so I was just submitting (adding a bit of reference, but changed nothing otherwise). My creative piece, on the other hand, I finished that morning. Yep, the pressure of deadline helped :p

BUT as I prepared to submit my writing, it dawned on me: I had no title. :p:p:p
So I starred at the screen for about an hour before I finally decided on something. Hmph. :)

With those two done, I focused on my other creative piece. I 'let go' of my French exam, bcs I really don't know what to study from.

I finished my draft the next day - happy me!

On Wednesday, I edited another draft & did my french exam. Was not happy with it, but oh well.

On Thursday, my mood to work has reduced, & I'm quite happy with the draft :)
A few minor edit, & then I left it that.
I baked instead :p


On Friday, after taking a walk & grocery shopping, I submitted my assignment.
If I had my fingers on that document even one minute longer, I'd go mad.
I'll definitely go back to it & edit in my own time, but for now that's the best I can do :)

Hopefully the tutor will like the abstract-yet-somewhat-clear storyline I'm aiming for :/



Then it's time to party!

KFC for Sat lunch & Yochi for Sunday's dessert ^^



I've been carrying my laptop in my backpack for weeks to finish those assignments, & now that they're done I'm so relieved :)

Thanks Semester 3 :)
It's been confusing, but I've been learning so much <3 nbsp="" p="">Can't wait for Sem 4!

Well...
Actually I can xD

In the meantime, it's back to LDP course I'm doing & reading ^^
& family time in a couple of weeks!

Lovely !



CHEERS!!
-*^^*-

SWOT-VAC Semester 3

Yeah. My swot-vac were never too productive. But it was alright.

I baked a chocolate cake on my first day of swot-vac xD it was good!
I tried to study as much as I can (study & do assignments), got distracted of course, several times.
But I was quite happy with my swot-vac :)

I certainly got overwhelmed towards the end O.O
realizing what I have to submit - 'finishing' everything that I've been working on for the past 12 weeks was harder than I thought.

But I'm glad I still have time to 'socialize' & hang with ppl during my swot-vac :)
Which! is by the way busier than my prev year's swot-vacs! I have 1 assignment due at the end of swot-vac, 3 items due on the 1st week of exam, & an exam in the middle of all of that. Lucky me :p

That does mean my exam is going to finish soon!
I have to keep reminding my self - 2 weeks to go. 10 days to go. 1 week to go.
I can do this. Hang on. Work hard. I will do this :)

I'm giving my best & surrendering everything :')


On the side note, I've been trying to write hand-written pieces xD
Idk. Maybe I'm too stressed out watching my laptop 24/7 that I need a 'non-digital' distraction, & I'm bored with the pieces that I've been working for weeks that I just need to pump out new ideas.
It's been great :) Short but sweet, just the way I like it :)

I treated myself to a croissant at the end of swot-vac. It was delish.
& I had a really nice lunch on a sunny Sunday.


Should be enough to keep the motivation going another week, no?

1 more week to the end of the semester!!!

Cheers!

-*^^*-

Week 12 Semester 3

I cannot believe I'm writing this.
Week 12 out of 12 of classes is DONE! O.O

It doesn't feel like the best 'last week of the semester' so far xP
I do have to improve on a lot of things & just go for it for the exam & submissions.

But that being said, I LOVE the end of semester ^^
That feeling of having nothing yet everything to do :D

I always feel like I want to fly home, though.
The weather is colder, now, and the thought of Starbuck Bali never left my mind :p

Ok. From this very jagged blog you know that things are scrambled in my mind,
I cannot wait for next week!
But I will. Because it means I'm studying and learning well.

Anyway.
Cheers!
-*^^*-

On Writing

This week I've re-encountered the beauty of writing with a pen, on an actual book,
Just writing mindlessly, capturing the first idea, or image, or feeling that I have in mind.

It has taken me by surprise, how quickly (or slowly) a page fills up.
How far I've been taken by my own mind,
How deep I've fallen or sympathized with the characters that emerged.

And how I fell in love with my own, ugly yet sweet, hand writing :p



Sadly, writing is not just about that.
It's taking those spontaneous bursts and then touching it up.
Working it out, pampering it with some make up, pushing and pulling here and there, patching with bits and pieces from borrowed journals, round and round the same spot until you find just the right rhyme or rhythm or connotation or metaphor or tone or pace.

But there too one can find joy :)


Writing heals.
Writing releases.
Writing lets go.

Writing helps when there's no one else to turn to and no tears left to shed.
And writing can take you to places where you can only dream of, for now. Until you eventually get there, one day.


And that's why I love writing :)

I love coming in and out of the falling and the heartbreaks.
I love being burned by passion and urgency, sometimes by anger and disagreement, and slowly realizing what matters more.

And I love words and I love sentences.
I love my hand-writing and the sound and movement) of my fingers hitting my melodious laptop's keyboard.



But just, sometimes,
I wish writing is not that difficult. And everyone can just agree on what I write, instead of me trying hard to understand people I write for.
Perks and the not-perks of being a creative writing student. :|


But I don't plan to stop :)
A lifestyle I want to continue doing for a very, very very long time :)


-*^^*-

Week 11 Semester 3

This week I learned not to have prejudice and negative thoughts, and learn to have fun in all situations :)

I have multiple group works this week. Not my favorite thing to do, to be honest.
But 3 out of the 4 session, I was having so much fun :D:D
& although I might not want to do that everyday/every week, I shouldn't have come with such heaviness. I was having fun & making new & close friends :)

I ALSO learned how to make donuts :D FUNFUNFUN!! :D
I had 3 hours of facetime this week xD
I bought Ed Sheeran tix for next year's Melbourne tour :D
I lost 3 items but 2 came back xD
And most importantly, the weather this week has been beautiful ^^

So this week has been a happy week :D


It's also week 2 of our 40-day prayer & fasting, and I'm missing breakfast, big time.
But I'm also enjoying the little moments everyday bringing my country into my thoughts and prayer. :)


Assignments and exams are haunting, but I'm not giving in.
I just want to share happy thoughts & beam xp
I don't even know.

(I've been having a lot of sweets and nuts, so maybe I'm sugar high and a bit 'nutty')

but I know I'm going to get through :)

19 days to the end of this semester, 

and 30 more days to family time ^^

CHEERS!!

-*^^*-

Week 10 Semester 3

Honestly, I don't remember much of week 10, except that now it's over and week 11 itself is almost over.

I baked my first batch of kastengel and putri salju, and I made carrot cake.
I was going to start a group assignment but couldn't.

I stayed home quite a bit xD
This was our first week of 40-day prayer and fasting, and I really miss breakkie :(

I walked to Church on Sunday,
I walked home at midnight on Friday.

That's all I can remember.


But it hasn't been all bad, then. And that's important. That's good.


Oh, and it's been Ahok week in Indonesia. Praying for the best for the nation - unity, peace, love, joy.


Desperately want the semester to end already, get to SWOT-VAC, and exam period.

Cheers,
-*^^*-

Week 9 Semester 3

Mulai kembali mengumpulkan niat belajar J

Setiap pagi selalu dimulai dengan pusing – nggak tahu harus apa.

Kadang ada hari-hari di mana there’s too much to think about, or too much to do, & I couldn’t physically go on (sounds dramatic xp simply put: too tired).

But even in those days God’s grace is there.

I found moments to smile about. Friends that I could share laughter with. Small miracles, everywhere, everyday.

Last Tuesday I baked a batch of banana & bran muffin, delish. &then on Saturday, I made a batch of the BEST chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever had&made, and Japanese cotton cheesecake – made by hand.

It was a big mistake – fortunately it redeemed itself ^^ It was delicious, pillowy, amazing. And the choc chip cookies were simply phenomenal :)

I (finally) tried another fro-yo place which was awesome, satisfied my crave for rice paper rolls,

...and for HSM movies xD

It’s only my 3^rd semester out of 6, but I can feel the pressure keeps adding up.

I wonder how hard it would be to come out of the other side. But I will :)

Cheers to week 10!

-*^^*-

Week 8 Semester 3

Hihi cheeky week 8!

We had another day off on Tuesday due to Anzac day xD FUN!
I had to do a group assignment, which was not the best, but got to have dinner and gelato with friends which balanced it out ^^

And.. *drumroll*
 PRODUCTION WEEK of The Days in Between!!
What a great time I had!
Even though I had to be backstage, behind the curtain and couldn't catch the whole performance, I knew the casts and crews were doing such an incredible job!
It's bitter sweet now that we're not seeing each other in Prod meetings and rehearsals, but I'm satisfied with the show :) It had a great run!
I've been learning so much more about Stage Managing as well..

And speaking of that,
there might be an opportunity for me to co-write and stage manage a small church production soon. But we'll see how things go :)

My Saturday morning was spent with a cup of delicious soy hot choc in Operator 25. Well noted! :D
A fruitful fellowship with friends!
Then I baked a batch of oatmeal cookies with peanut butter chips before the last show :)

This week, admittedly, was semi-productive.
I was 'occupied' with production, but not a lot of time in assignments. Which worries me. But I know, I know I should be fine :)


One lesson I learned: I just have to learn to trust God's timing and provision, and be thankful no matter what.
He is the God Who can supply my needs and do beyond what I can imagine. So why try to fit Him into my needs when He can surpass it? :)

I just have to remind this to myself as I progress through week 9-12, SWOTVAC, and exams.

FUNFUNFUNFUNFUN!!! :):)

My motto stays the same: "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!"

How will week 9 go?

Cheers!
-*^^*-

MidBreak Semester 3 xD

Two words: FUN! & Rest! :)
I think this is my first mid-sem break that I spent by myself: last year my sister came over during my breaks :D
So it was a little bit different, but thankfully I got to take a breather before continuing with the semester. 

Oh, how Melbourne was blessed with a gorgeous weather during our Easter break!
It was warm, never too cold, it was beautiful all week long ^^

 I had 2 intensives during the break, and then a bump-in and tech day for my upcoming production, so it wasn't that 'empty', but since we never start too early and end too late, I do have time to wake up late and sleep in early ^^ LOVELY.

We tried baking as well, me and my friends. Our apple crumble cake turned out beautiful!
But our cookies turned out differently than we wanted :p We wanted chewy cookies! But instead we got crisp, thin cookies. Which was delish anyways :p Of course, I'm overdozed with sugar.

And the week was closed with the most GORGEOUS day anyone can ever imagine!
I walked (and free-trammed) from Southbank to CBD to Collingwood without any problem - the sky was blue with a little cloud, and I spent it in with amazing friends, Fish&chips, and delish donuts :p I wish Melbourne would stay this way :'))


As the week came to an end and we must go back to uni, I didn't feel ready.
But we must move forward :) One step at a time, one giant at a time :)

 Thank You for such a nice break! Now back to the books!

CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Week 7 Semester 3 - Easter Weekend :)

THIS WEEK IS AMAZING ^^
I felt so refreshed, even though we're not even in the break yet :D

So besides going to class, I was also going to Planetshaker's Conference. And more than I did the last 2 years, I enjoyed this Conference so much. Oh, there were just so many moments where I think, "Ah, this is too usual." But right at that moment God showed something to me and my life will forever be changed. 4 days didn't feel enough!

Luckily, on Good Friday, after spending a cold morning with ice cream, sandwiches, chips, a book, toboggan slides and go-karts in Funfield, we had an Encounter night at Church. It was powerful. We praised, we worshiped, we listened to what God wants to say to our Church, and we prayed. Ps Joshua who was speaking also prayed for us, and I felt like God confirmed the prayers I'd been praying for.

God is so good!

Saturday is, as usual, baking day xD
We made potato donut and kue bandung ^^ YUM!

And on Easter Sunday, I went to Hillsong's Resurrection Sunday Service, where Ps. Brian preached from Rome. Again, POWERFUL message! People were getting baptized too! Amazing.
And in IFGF, Ps. Amos Jayaratnam preached a message about obeying God's will.

I feel like I've been refreshed this week. Easter week game is STRONG !
And my take out: God is good in all our situations, whether we can see it or not. He is with us, all the time.

PTL!

Cheers!
-*^^*-

Week 6 Semester 3

Week 6 was so stressful yet SO MUCH FUN ^^

I baked a yum oat bran banana muffin,
I had a lovely time having fellowship with my Melbourne sisters,
I had fun painting parts of a 'mural',
and..
I MET A HEROINE OF MINE & WATCHED THE MOVIE SHE PRODUCED & TOOK A PICT WITH HER! xD

I watched 'Athirah', and was continually blown away by the story, the cinematography and camera work, the actors, and the beautiful music. Time just flew. Definitely must watch if you love movies :)

The only thing that I would say is that I love long scenes, and this movie doesn't have too much of that (if any), so it can feel 'cut up' at times. But it does that with an understandable purpose, so I won't criticize too much. I wonder if one day I'll make movies or produce theatre plays like that :) A definite inspiration, 'Athirah' and Mira Lesmana :)

One more week to hold on to before the long awaited break. That will still be filled with studying and running around and meet-ups with friends, but a break nevertheless.

See you soon Mid Sem Break!!!
<3 p="">

CHEERS,

-*^^*-

Week 5 Semester 3

Week 5 flows right out! 

I attended parts of PPIA Got Talent, 2 rehearsals of an upcoming production I'm involved in, had a Saturday full of decor-ing, meeting, and prayer meeting, and a nice, blessed Sunday to end the week :D

I felt like I haven't put enough time to my studies tho :/ 

But it's hard to get back to that track - I'm carried away by all the 'fun'

At the same time, I've learned more of myself and had great talks with a few friends. 

:)

Oh hey, March 2017 has ended! It's crazy to think that I've been in this city for 1 month this sem & 2years-ish in total :)

There are 3 more months in this semester, and it will be a long-long wait to get from here to there. The weather is getting colder too, which I'm not thrilled about :/ 

BUT so many exciting things in the mean-time. So even though it's going to be hard, I'll try to tackle it 1 day at a time with enough rest, good food, and amazing time xD

Week 6, be gentle.

Cheers!

Week 4 Semester 3

I don't know what to do with myself anymore >.< xP
Just this morning I had a cup of hot chocolate with a piece of marshmallow.
Then I snacked on some peanut butter, and now I'm devouring a piece of cheese cake cookie bar.
This has got to stop!! x|
They are delish, tho. (And the cheesecake needs to be finished soon.) That's why.

But I did go to QVM Night Market last Wednesday and lost myself. Oh well.


On the uni side of things - I'm still crumbled. But I'm getting back, pieced together :)
Piece by piece :) Eyes very much looking forward to week 7, Easter break, and Sem break :)
Love and understanding, positivity  :)

Life, as we know it, is crazy. But I managed to enjoy every single second of week 4, under rain or shine, (except last Thursday after class xp).
Sleeping very good, and walking a lot. Meeting more people who are as passionate and excited as me in the theatre :) Looking forward to learning more from them!


It's a third of the way :) Usually I would have a 'celebration'. Not this time. I still can't celebrate as I'm still completely lost as to how I'm going to maneuver to week 12. But I'll get there.

Somehow. Right?
(Even if all of my 12 weeks of sem 3's blog entry will sound like this, I will get there! :))


Week 5, be nice!

CHEERS!

-*^^*-

Week 3 Semester 3

I'm continually amazed by how each week went by. Never in the standard 'bad' or 'good', but always in an interesting manner.

Didn't have the chance to take a morning walk this week :( Yet, managed to walk around quite a lot.
And I managed to take a free self-defense class! Which was very useful (although it also made me realize how 'stiff' my body is).

I feel like my progress this semester goes slowly. Unlike the prev semesters, which in week 4 I already had to put something up or finish something, I still get to 'lay back' slightly. I managed to had a lunch and a dinner with friends :p

And as you might tell, in terms of assignment, I haven't done all that much. I really am clueless of where to start (and how to start!). Quite nerve-wrecking ,considering usually I already know what I'm going to do all the way to the end of the semester. Is this walking by His grace feels like? Perhaps.

Having fun with Steller (@Christie7123) and Instagram (@Christieh7123) a bit more :)
I cannot wait to week 4, 5, 6, 7, and PS Conference! :)


Thanks, week 3!

Cheers!
-*^^*-

Week 2 Semester 3!

It’s been a lovely day 

I woke up with a super fresh mind at 8something xD Considering I had a late FT session with home, that’s perfect. Breakfast for the body and soul, then I’m headed to Fitzroy! I will never get bored with these lanes & places. It was stunning.

I and a few ladies from Church was having ‘brunch’ together, but it was more of a lunch. Nevertheless, I had the meal of a champion: chicken & waffle. Mm’hm. Amazing. The one I had was not exactly the American version of chic&waffle, but it was yum! I had matcha latte but it wasn’t the best.

Next to our brunch place, there was a pop-up store happening. Makers Market. As you can tell from the location (Fitzroy, Melbourne), they were quite pricey. But beautiful, as they were handmade. I got myself an addition to my post-card collection ^^

A quick walk around Fitzroy, then the library to pick up two books, then home :)

I said ‘Hi’ to home, read a page of the French textbook, finished Mansfield Park (which I don’t actually hate, but it took a longlong time for me to finish), and cooked a little meal of meatball! Took a few shortcuts (pre made sauce & precooked rice), so it was quick. And so, it is now (only) 6.07 pm on my laptop’s clock, but I’m having dinner already. In bed. ^^ This is how life is supposed to be. Balanced between studying, socializing, resting, me-time-ing. Oh I love early uni weeks <3 p="">

In half an hour I’ll be heading to the Town Hall to watch an Indo group’s performance. I wonder if it’s going to be interestingly good :)

This week has been kind, I think. I had a little bit more confidence, even though I’m still completely clueless of how I’m going to make it through to the end of the semester. But that’s it tho: I will make it through. Somehow. Somehow. Oh uni life, you’re fun, but sometimes you’re just cruel.

What week three brings, who knows. I’m just gonna say: bring it on. Because when week 3 is down, week 4 will come, and soon it will be the end of the exam period. Back to family time, then! :)

Week 3, let’s do this :)

Cheers!

-*^^*-

P.S: finished Nicholas Spark's "Two by Two" yesterday :) might write a review soon.

Reading Spree!

During the holidays, between the youtube and movies, and hanging out with my friends, I managed to read 18 books! :D
My initial target was to finish 15 books, but on my last few days in Bali I managed to read some more :)
Now, I don't think any of these books were heavy books that require you to think hard. These were fun, quite thin books, nevertheless some would induce you to think and reflect.

Here's the full list! (& what I think of them)

1. Unreasonable Hope by Chad Veach
LOVE IT. Absolutely recommended. The flow of the book is very smooth, and it teaches a powerful lesson. 

2. As It Was
Now, I don't actually know who wrote this one. I found the book on a book sale, and I thought the format of the book is very interesting :) It's poetic, but narrative at the same time. Almost biographical, I would say. I'm not a huge fan of poetry, but this one I can still manage to finish xp .

3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
I LOVE SHERLOCK HOLMES, and I'm a secret fan of Doctor Watson. The way Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote these stories was amazing. It's very good from a writing-wise and story-wise. And it got me thinking about the various adaptations already done on Holmes. I think they are all great - peeling the manymanymany layers that Doyle managed to write. Amazing.

4. The Hobbits
Amazing how I finished the book on 1 lazy day xD And, I don't get all the fuss! I think it was an interesting journey, but it wasn't that cool. Bilbo was not a 'hero'. Smaug was just a dragon. Idk. Maybe I just don't get science-fiction and historical books. But I enjoyed it :)

5. Mary Poppins: Anything Can Happen If You Let It (A Disney Theatrical souvenir book) by Brian Sibley & Michael Lassell
THIS. I just fell in love with Mary Poppins & with theater all over again. The book shows how Mary Poppins was brought to stage,  and some pictures from the production :)

6. In A Blue Moon by Ilana Tan
I finished the book as my parents were giving a seminar in Salatiga. I enjoyed all the 'cheesy-ness', yet from Ilana Tan, I expected more :') Also, the story I found was a little weak.

7. Padang Bulan by Andrea Hirata
I LOVE THIS. A Ling & Ikal is back! I read this on the way to Jogja, and finished it on the balcony of the hotel. Perf.

8. Cinta di dalam Gelas by Andrea Hirata
Now, I expected a different theme with this book, as it was the sequel of Padang Bulan (I immediately went to the bookstore just to get this book). So I was a bit disappointed upon reading this one and discovering that a.) A Ling was nowhere to be found; b.) It focuses in a great length in this chess match; and c.) I don't get what the book's trying to say. Maybe I should give it a second go.

9. Winter in Tokyo: When Another Winter Comes
A book about the making of Winter in Tokyo the Movie, containing all the casts profiles, AND 1 short story about Kazuto and Keiko :D Happy with the development of their relationship xD BUT also a bit weird xp

10. Architecture of Love by Ika Natassa
I enjoyed 'traveling' to New York through this book. But I find the characters are a little unbelievable, although I enjoy the premise of the story. But 1 thing that I will say, is Ika Natassa managed to capture the essence of being a writer xp

11. Remember When by Winna Effendi
I get the story, but I don't get the title. And I don't know if this story is necessarily satisfactory, but I find the characters strong & believable. Somewhat. A little to similar to "Refrain", perhaps?

12. Jingga untuk Matahari by Esti Kinasih
FINALLY! The 3rd installment of the novels :D I love the 1st & 2nd one, but this one felt a little 'lenghty'. Secrets that don't need to be that secretive. AND the story that still doesn't come to its end. :p

13. Kisses from a good God by Paul Manwaring
As I'm doing a leadership course, I am required to read this book & I enjoyed it very much! How believing in God's plan does not mean surrendering that easily. You fight your sickness (or situations) by proclaiming that God is good. By constantly praying and believing, and having a victorious attitude. You fight as hard as you can, and whether winning means healing or coming back 'home', you will truly be more than a conqueror. It helped answer some questions I have regarding this issue :)

14. Habibie: Si Jenius by Jonar T. H. Situmorang
President Habibie is one of the people I look up to in Indonesia. Just like me, he studied abroad, but his heart is set in his homeland. I hope to one day be as influential and make a change in my beloved country, but in the meantime it's an honor to learn from and be inspired by such a figure!

15. Some Kind of Wonderful by Winna Effendi
THIS, this is my 3rd fave Winna Effendi book after "Melbourne: Rewind" & "Refrain"! I love the 'mature' tone of the book. This is the 'Winna Effendi' that I've been looking for! The characters were more believable, the settings were alive, and although the ending was 'dreamy', the way it was set up was satisfactory and real. Not too cheesy, just full on!

16. Catatan Najwa
I've noticed that Najwa has a very optimistic tone, and that's what we all should fill our minds with. She is not saying that this country is perfect - in fact she critically points out to our weaknesses. But she keeps on inviting young people and every body to contribute and celebrate this wonderful country of ours. We need more Najwas!

17. Menemukan Indonesia by Pandji Pragiwaksono
I didn't plan on buying this book, but I was bored, so I did xD Reading this over the rooftop of Zest Hotel Legian was an incredible memory :) AND I was inspired by Pandji, how he refused to be blindsided  by his love for Indonesia. Just like Najwa, he was quite critical and very optimistic. He showed us through his travels around the world, which aspects of Indonesia are comparable to other countries, yet why we are not as successful in inviting tourists and develop as quickly as other nations. I honor his work and opinion, and I hope more people will have this open-mindedness.

18. Then She Smiles by Makna Sinatria
I enjoyed this book, surprisingly! Read in Ubud and on the way to Kuta. Reminded me of my polaroid dream :')



BONUS: Antologi Rasa by Ika Natassa
I read this book on the plane to Melbourne and finished it here in Melbourne within a few days (since I started uni already :))
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK! The pace was perf, the story - advancement of each act - was beautifully timely, the characters were amazing, and it stayed true to Ika Natassa's story telling realm. Oh I enjoyed this book so much. Although, now that I think of it, the story was not that complicated. The characters made it complicated; but this is a love story, and love stories revolves around the same things. :)
idk. That's what I think.


What about you?
What have you read?



Currently reading Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks,
and Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child et al. !!! :D

I LOVE LIBRARIES xD

CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Week 1 Semester 3!

One word: intimidating.

The assessments seem impossible. The peers seem to know what they're doing.
A lot of pressure to go out of my comfort zone, in ways I don't even know yet.
I hope I don't crash and burn. I hope I can give it my all. But I have no idea where to start, how to do it, etc etc.
But then again, maybe because it is the first week. You're here to learn :) You're not supposed to be an expert in any of these - you're learning as you go.


ANYWAY :)

Another thing that stuck with me over the holiday is:  Time.
I learn that time can be manipulated :)
You can make time seems to go quicker or slower.
But the speed at which time goes does not change :')
And I want to enjoy every single day of my life to the fullest.
I know amazing things are coming, but right now, in this second, everything is beautiful as well :)


Also, it's good to be back in Melbourne!
As soon as I landed, I indulged in my most-missed-Melb-food :) Ramen & fro-yo! Oh, so good.
And I'm loving summer nights! The air is so beautiful, cool, calm. It invites you to take your time, walk along, have a warm conversation, explore. Unlike cruel winter's night :p

I miss home already, but Melbourne isn't so bad ;)


Back to UNI life.
I won't let that world intimidate me anymore.
In fact, I know I'm getting a little excited :)

I don't know where, when, or how I'd come out of the other side. But I WILL :)

Cheers!
-*^^*-

Catatan Najwa

I bought this book a few days before I went back home. I didn't even know what it's about, but I got it anyway HAHA :p No but I love Najwa & her show. It's the only Indonesian TV show that I follow since I left for Melbourne. Every Wednesday, 11pm Melb time, I would turn on my TV and enjoy a little piece of home.

HOWEVER, due to one thing & another (mostly laziness xp), I began reading this book properly yesterday. And, gosh, what an amazing testament of Indonesia's political, social, & cultural climate!


Here's a few quotes & lessons I learned from the book :)

• "Indonesia adalah kata kerja."
• "Nasionalisme bukan slogan mati, tapi pengorbanan kolektif membela visi."
• "Kebaikan akan selalu pancarkan inspirasi, selalu ada orang hebat yang kerja tanpa henti."
• "Pemilu damai layak disyukuri,...
  Jelas bukan prestasi partai dan elit penguasa, namun akal sehat warga yang masih terjaga."
• "Kemenangan politik cuma alat saja, kepentingan bangsa yang jadi tujuannya."
• "INDONESIA tak tersusun dari batas peta, tapi gerak dan peran besar kaum muda....
  Buat apa wilayah seluas Sabang sampai Merauke, juka pemudanya kehilangan idealisme."
• "Mimpi bebas korupsi TAK BOLEH PUDAR, cita-cita harus terus berpijar."
• "Sekolah seharusnya membebaskan jiwa, bukan sekadar mencetak kelas pekerja."
• "Menjadi pengikut memang bukan dosa, tapi jadi diri sendiri lebih istimewa."
• "Bersyukur saja tidaklah cukup, dibutuhkan semangat yang meletup-letup."
• "Nasionalisme yang relevan di masa depan, kala negara dan warga tahu hak dan kewajiban."
• Untuk membuat dobrakan & memimpin kegerakan, memang dibutuhkan keberanian. Berani beda, berani kritis, berani tidak populer. Tapi jika kita yakin dengan apa yang kita perjuangkan, maka jangan pernah berhenti.
• Untuk mencapai demokrasi & kesejahteraan rakyat, kemajuan negara yang melampaui trend & 'maintenance', dibutuhkan kerja keras dari semua rakyat yang bersedia dan mencintai negara ini :)
• Politik seharusnya menjadi sistem yang bergengsi, berlomba-lomba memuliakan rakyat supaya semakin maju dan sejahtera. Seharusnya kompetitif dan terasa hasilnya. Bukan cuma membuat rakyat pusing, takut, dan malas berurusan dengan pihak-pihak yang bersangkutan.

I admire her & her writing team so much. There's so much positivity & optimism, without being blind-sided . She's very critical - although at times she may show her personal opinion & biases - yet she never degrade nor disrespect the topics, interviewees, and her country.


I think it's time that we have high hopes for the country :)
To have positive thought & agility to actually do something for our country, despite what currently seems to be happening, rather than criticizing without doing anything significant.
Be excited for every little bit of potential that the nation has, for this country is one of the richest in the world in terms of everything :)

Here's my favorite passage from the book:
"Ada banyak sekali negeri di seantero dunia,
hanya satu yang menjadi tanah air kita.
Indonesia ialah keniscayaan,
di sinilah masa depan kita dipertaruhkan.
Negeri yang indah elok dan permai,
yang bikin air mata perantau jauh berderai.
Negeri dengan ragam budaya tak terbantah,
diberkati kekayaan alam yang berlimpah."



Cheers!
-*^^*-

All quotes are from various chapters of "Catatan Najwa". Go & get them!
 

A CNY reflection 2017

For years I have been asking myself,
'Why have I been born into this family?"
Particularly this race/ethnicity, with its set of cultures and physical traits.

While my grandparents are still observing several traditions, I no longer see reasons for it. Let alone be connected with it, and deem it 'relevant' for myself. So year by year, I'm only 'celebrating' to respect my grandparents, but I never truly enjoyed it.

Yet this year, again as I ask, "Why?"
These words are spoken into my heart: "Why not? What do you want instead?"
Do I want other cultures & traditions which I 'deem' more normal? Do I want no traditions at all?


I fell head over heels with this country and city of mine. I know that God placed me here; it's where I belong.
Then, if so, why can't I accept my background and culture the same way I accept my 'geographical placement'?

I might not continue to observe the traditions - we'll see. I still don't feel that strong of a connection.
But maybe that's because I'm not trying.

So, starting from now,
instead of wondering 'why?' and not having the ability to change the facts anyway,
I'll try to learn to embrace it and accept it.
I might not enjoy nor understand it, but I know God gives it to me for a reason - and this is the best place for me.

After all, it's not like I can change that part of me.
Who knows what comes out of this?

Cheers!
-*^^*-

Quick getaway to Salatiga & Bandungan!

February 10-11 2017, me & my fam took a quick getaway to Salatiga & Bandungan!

We left at around 4pm from home, and drove straight through the highway.
We did the mandatory pit-stop at Starbucks Rest Area Ungaran (our new fave spot), got ourselves a cup of caramel macchiato and iced salted caramel dark mocha. Then we continued our trip to Salatiga.

Once we arrived, we noticed on the main street that there was some kind of demonstration/campaign. So we couldn't go the usual route -- which also meant we couldn't get our lovely ronde & batagor :( but that's okay!
We went straight to the hotel first, checked in, dropped our baggage off, (dad had a quick fried duck dinner), then we headed our for dinner.
This time, we went to a fried rice depot, which actually also sold a lot of other delicious food!
We had 'egg foo young' (pu yung hay), cap jay, and rice noodle soup for mom. I got myself a soda gembira (happy soda) --> which was soda with condensed milk & frambosen syrup. Sounds crazy, but it was insanely good. YUM!

Then of course, roti bakar. Choc&cheese, and strawberry & chocolate. We slept smiling of good food & amazing time.

The next morning, we had a late start xD
We had Soto Garasi/Esto - fortunately there were 2 bowls left for us :D Warm ^^
Then we had Pecel madya :D LOVE their scallion 'omelet' / telur onclang.

We went back to the hotel, packed up, then headed to Bandungan.
We stopped by Hortimart to buy some fresh fruit, including grapefruits and durian.
By lunchtime, we arrived at (my fave) Indra mulya, and had our mandatory meal: opor, chicken sate, and gule :D
As if it wasn't enough, we had lekker at the fruit market parking lot :D:p YUM.

At around 3 pm, we arrived home, and ended our quick getaway.
I'm gonna miss this family time, but we'll get back together again pretty soon! :D

Cheers!
-*^^*-




PS:
During this trip, I was reading a book "What on Earth is Glory?" as part of a course that I'm doing. I was blown away! It was not at all boring, and it was actually really good. I finished 3 short chapters at the end of the night. I also started reading "Kisses from a Good God", but had not finished it by the time we got home. I finished it 2-3 days later. It was equally as good & empowering!

Aku bermimpi

Aku bermimpi,
suatu hari bisa memberikan anak-anak di desa maupun pedalaman akses kepada buku-buku bacaan
Dan melihat mata mereka terbuka, dan merekapun akan berani bermimpi juga

Aku bermimpi,
suatu hari akan menceritakan kisah para pejuang Indonesia, dan berbagai seni budaya Indonesia
tidak hanya dari tanah Jawa, tapi dari Sabang sampai Merauke
Mereka akan menyuarakan persatuan, ke-bhineka-an, keragaman,
Dan mereka akan diceritakan kepada generasi Indonesia yang akan datang, maupun pengagum dari luar negeri

Aku bermimpi,
suatu hari bisa menjelajah negara-negara yang asing untukku
Melihat tempat-tempat yang tak pernah terbayangkan, menikmati keindahan demi keindahan yang tercipta maupun terbuat
Merayakan luasnya dunia ini

Aku bermimpi
suatu hari bisa menginspirasi orang-orang disekitarku
Bahwa mimpi masih menjadi kenyataan
Dan mencintai bukanlah sesuatu yang muluk-muluk

Aku bermimpi
Selamanya akan bermimpi dan menggapai mimpi

Aku bermimpi




-*^^*-

Happy New Year 2017!

It's crazy and scary how we are already in the brink of 2016, ready to welcome 2017.
As I'm writing this, the fireworks have been going crazy for minutes.
Where have those 366 days gone to?


So many people are ready to leave this year. A lot of 'bad things' happened: people died, wars and famine, conflicts that start and seem to never end. Yet, there's no guarantee that 2017 will be 'better'. We can only hope. But perhaps a change of 1 number can be a fresh gush of air, a new hope.


For me personally, 2016 hasn't been too bad, although it wasn't too extraordinary either.
- I am OFFICIALLY in Uni! :D:D:D No more college, Uni! 'School' has never been this satisfying ^^ (That's 9 subjects, thank you very much! ^^)
- Went on a reading spree in the 1st semester :) Not so much in the 2nd semester (if you exclude the course readers...)
- Did a volunteering on two small theatre productions :) as lighting operator and prop finder. Oh, I felt like a little kid in a candy shop. Like a sponge. I need MORE next year!
- formally learned FRENCH! Je suis très contente.
- Did another Planetshakers conf, this time with my sister! :)
- Wait. I turned 20 this year. Wow.
- Trinity iCare's 1st year! :D
- Easter in Hillsong with grandparents & sister, with Rev. Reinhard Bonnke, AND picts of my cousin being baptised. Love.
- finished with Supernova :') Dee, thank you! Puas walaupun pintu untuk cerita lain masih terbuka lebar :D
- Youth Christmas & Christmas 'umum' <3 p="">

FUNFUNFUN trips to:
- Jakarta: start of the year!
- Surabaya: twice xD
- Bali: finally visited Bali as a 'tourist', discovering new places (while indulging in the old places)
- Solo: twice as well!
- Jogja: ALSO TWICE <3 br="">
- Salatiga: where my *foodie* heart lies, but my stomach resists.
- Bandungan: comfortable little town
- Phillip Island!: fish & chips, wind, cute dolls, Red Roosters :)


I learned to be more generous. To enjoy the company of others more. To not be afraid to get out of my comfort zone (one baby step at a time). To make new friends. To take risks and not be too strict with myself. To enjoy life and have fun, yet still hold values.


Annddd, additionally in 2016 I have...
- Tried 'foie gras' for the first (and prob last) time
- made Chocolate cream pie! After years of drooling while watching Julie and Julia :)
- baked donuts are revelation.
- 'wrote' a cheeky little song :p
- Castro kiosk's hot choc. Oh boy.


In 2017, I 'simply' want to:
- write more
- learn more
- do more
- read more

I guess I do have to learn 'the art of doing nothing', to enjoy myself, yet within it, I have to still learn something.
I'd open my eyes, ears, mind, and heart, be as absorbent as I can, and give in every way I can :)
The future really is near, and I don't want to wait for 'me' to be ready: I want to prepare well! :)


Oh 2017, what will you bring?


Thanks 2016,
Let's go 2017!


CHEERS!
-*^^*-