REPUTATION TOUR - Taylor Swift

NEVER would I have thought that I would watch Ed Sheeran's & Taylor Swift's concerts in the same year. <3 div="">

If I'm honest, perhaps I'd rather come to Multiply & Speak Now/Red tour, but I'm not complaining. Divide & Reputation Tour were divine <33 div="">

I came to the Melbourne show on the 26th of October, at Marvel Stadium. This is the first concert since the stadium was re-branded. The whole place was packed full of people! I felt that there were more people here then when I came for Ed Sheeran's concert, but it could've been the timing as well. 

We arrived as the sun was setting, around 7:15pm. People were lining up to get into the stadium & to get merch. We decided to get merch from a stall on level 3, near where our seats were. The Broods, the first opening act was playing. Then Charli XCX came on the stage & sang her famous song 'Boom Clap'! We couldn't watch her because we were (still!) lining up! 

I got to the seats mere 5 minutes before the lights dimmed and the huge screens on the stage lights up. 

An opening clip played, and the momentum was building up.
Then, the screen opened, and out she came. TAYLOR SWIFT!!! "
I saw her silhouette on the screen, with red lights and smoke behind her, as she asked, "Are you ready for it?"

Here's the set list: 

1. ...Ready for It?

2. I Did Something Bad

3. Gorgeous 

4. Style/Love Story/You Belong with me

5. Look What You Made Me Do

6. End Game

7. King of My Heart

8. Delicate

9. Shake It Off

10. Dancing with Our Hands Tied

11. I'm Only Me when I'm with You

12. Blank Space

13. Dress

14. Bad Blood/Should've Said No

15. Don't Blame Me

16. Long Live / New Year's Day

17. Getaway Car

18. Call It What You Want

19. We Are Never Getting Back Together / This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

There was a lot of nostalgia, a lot of dancing a lot of teary eyes, and the whole time I was singing along & feeling all the feels. All the way home, and even until today, her songs were still on the top of my playlist!

My favorite number from the night was "Don't Blame Me". The choreography, lighting, and set really brought the song to life. Meanwhile, my favorite songs from the album, such as 'Getaway Car' and 'Dress' was also memorable because of the distinct setups.

Also, the old songs that she sang were spot on fantastic. It kind of reminded us that the 'old Taylor' isn't really dead :)) And indeed, the whole show proved to me that she's still the same Taylor! Just a more mature, wiser, and stronger performer and woman version of the Taylor I knew from the 'Speak Now' era.

Most importantly, Taylor's really amazing at making the audience (& fans) feel welcomed and loved. It wasn't just a show. It was a 'Taylor Swift Experience' that I will hardly ever forget. One concert off the bucket list, but hopefully I'll be able to catch one of her future shows too!!


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

Mid Semester Break Semester 6

It was such a confusing week, but was SO needed <3 p="">
First up, a birthday lunch at Gazi. Delicious, delicious, delicious LOVE IT.
And then shopping time! From the gift card for my birthday last year xD I finished it and got 4 books :)
And then, I got some churros dessert ^^ while reading Amelie Nothomb's "Ni d'Eve ni d'Adam". Still reading it tho xD
Then I have to do some work :')

I spent Tuesday at home just working through my assignments & homeworks, to prepare myself for these upcoming weeks. Didn't feel 'relaxing', but it's still nice!

Wednesday was also fun as I met up with a friend & baked a blueberry crumble cake. It was delish!
Then I had to come home and go through assignments prep again.

Thursday I spent at home, again, just finishing up on some assignments - not too much!, while watching Narnia: The Dawn Treader :') 

Friday was awesome xD
We get to go to the beach in Edithvale, hanging out with friends with LOTS of food: donuts, cakes, fish & chips, crisps, otak-otak, <333 p="">The train ride was lovely :')

Saturday was also a nice end to the break as me & my sister watched National Theatre Live: 'Julie', starring Vanessa Kirby. It was a streaming of an incredible performance. Very inspiring!

Sunday was sunny and warm, & I started my morning with mocha. LOVE coffee & choc :P
I also read my way through the book "Deep & Wide" about church. I love that book & recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the Church. Very practical & applicable!


All in all, it was a much needed break, with lots of variety in my days,
but would LOVE to have more.

The thing is, I will  have more in just 5 weeks. CRAZY!!!!


Ah, but for now,
heads down, helmets on, let's fight :)

CHEERS,
-*^^*-

Week 9 Semester 6

Week 9 agak serem-serem-sedap gitu.

Satu, banyak ketemu orang. Hampir setiap hari, mulai dari ngerayain ultah temen, meeting ini dan itu, selalu aja ada hal yang harus dikerjakan.

Dua, ada penilaian bicara di depan kelas xD
which I detest more than anything else!
But PTL lancar. :D

Tiga, ngeliat kalender langsung jantungan - I'll be finished with everything on Nov 01.
That's like a month and a  half? Serem nggak sih.
Dari gua yang begitu kecil, aku akan keluar menghadapi dunia yang raksasa :D

Dan, empat,
aku habis lihat subjects untuk semester depan, kalau aku jadi ambil graduate certificate,
mantap.
Mantap susahnyaaaaaa :'))))


But in everything, rejoice.
Pray.
Give thanks.


Week 9 ends on a very happy note,
terutama karena minggu berikutnya libur!! xD
Bernafas dulu seminggu yaa sebelum kembali mendaki puncak tersuram (tercuram) dari gunung ini.

And thank God for so many friends that I get to talk to di week-end ini, baik langsung maupun lewat wa/insta. <3 p="">
For now, I'm going to sit back and relax,
Supaya come week 10, I'll be ready to finish this semester well.

Love it.


CHEERS!
-*^^*-

22nd

Honestly, I still don't know what's the craze with this 'birthday' thing.
I don't feel too much different than last year, although I'm sure a lot has happened in my life.

But since everyone seems so invested in it, I have claimed this day as my own.
A very low-key, calm day,  movie & chill with lots of food & less people xD
HAHA. A very 'usual' yet a very happy day :)


But seriously, I think the best thing to do on birthdays is to reflect.
I guess I don't feel like 'oh it's my birthday' because I have not had a chance to reflect on my most recent year, which I usually do on the night of the so-called birthday. :p

ANYWAY.
This year has been a much calmer year than last year, in terms of the number of activities I'm doing. But pressure-wise and brain-wise, it's pretty much the same, if not more brain-draining this year.

At this moment, I do have a clearer idea of where I might be going after I finish uni - thank God.
Although the path is so uncertain, I guess this year more than ever, I've embraced my 'passion' and my direction better. I would still looovvee to do work experiences and do different stuff, but I'm accepting that this is the direction I'm walking in. I'm excited.

I think while being 21, I  also try to take more chances and talk a little bit more? Both to people on a personal note, and in public.
To use my voice, perhaps, because I do have one.
It's sooo energy draining & nerve-wrecking, but there's nothing more satisfying than saying what you just have to say.
I thank God for every word of wisdom and knowledge He puts in my heart, every message that I pray will bless people as I write them/share it to them.

I do have more responsibilities, I feel.
I had been living alone for 2.5 years, before my sister joined me here in Melb - which means I should prob take care of her, right?
A new-ish iCare with less of the people to rely upon,
A new dept to care for as well at Church.
ARGH. So privileged but so dead at the same time xD


So life's pretty much same-same, but different, I guess.

Next year, life's going to take a real turn. I don't know where I'll be celebrating my next birthday. Will I still be in Melbourne? Will I be back in Indo? Which city? What will I do then?

I don't know. But I'm super excited.

My 'goal' in this upcoming year is simple: to live, more, simply.
To enjoy life to the fullest, to laugh more, to write and read more, to share more,
to travel, to be blown away, to have more quite moments, to be healthy,
to think less (but also more :p), and to just listen more to Him - what He's saying to me & where He's calling me to go.
AND to remind myself to stop comparing me with other people, in terms of looks, achievements, stage of life, whatever.
Self-improvements are good, obsessions are bad.

Simple. Drama-free.


22 is 1 number shy from my fave number so far, 23.
But let's not rush :D

Cheers!
-*^^*-

Week 8 Semester 6

I think weekends are dramatic.
Ha!

Entah kenapa weekend selalu jadi saat untuk refleksi dan evaluasi,
dan justru di situ banyak drama dan emosi yang aneh-aneh.
Mungkin karena mereka nggak sempat keluar di hari biasa, ketimbun tugas dan fokus belajar.
Ya bagus, tapi ya gitu.

This week has been kind.
In fact, I had a real good day on Friday.
But it's been quite energy draining as well.
Pressure & emotions & thoughts, I guess.

Week 8 sudah selesai.
Sudah lebih dari setengah jalan.
Tapi jalan -- apa lagi jalan menuju pulang -- masih panjang.

I'm enjoying every second of this last semester. But I don't want it to last forever :D

Week 9, let's go.

Cheers!
-*^^*-

Week 7 Semester 6

I'm staying for another semester in Melbourne :)

That's the best part of the week, I think.

I've been getting worried and anxious. Not that I'm scared - I think it's just I need to know whether's it's a go or a no-go. 

Classes were okay. Assignments were kind of okay :)

Friday was actually very nice - I had a 9-12 class & 1-3 class. Then I had to cook up a storm for iCare. But everything's so chill & friendly, I love it. 

Had a lovely catch up with more friends, 

Got to write again intensively after months HAHA.

It's past the halfway mark & although I still have TONS to do, 

I can sort of see the end now.

I'm terrified of week 12, but very excited at the same time. 

Week 7, thank you.

5 weeks to go,

1 mid break,

1 swot-vac, 

exam weeks. 

Cheers!

-*^^*-

Week 6 Semester 6

Week 6 kerasa hectic karena ada 2 mid-semester tests. Biasanya nggak pernah ambil pusing, entah kenapa yang kali ini rasanya cukup berat.

Tapi PTL dua-duanya sudah dilalui. Entah hasilnya bagaimana, :')

The rest of the week was interesting. Nggak selancar yang kuharapkan, tapi banyak sekali yang bisa dipetik.

Ngobrol-ngobrol sama teman,
Nonton musikal dadakan!
Istirahat di rumah,
Jalan-jalan sama teman-teman juga,
Nyoba hal-hal (makanan) baru.


Those are what make my week 6 feels hectic yet calm.

And, suddenly, I'm in the second half of my last sem!
6 weeks to go,
+ mid break, swotvac, & exams :'))


CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Week 5 Semester 6

This is the most nerve-wrecking week of the semester, as I'm preparing for two mid-sem tests next week.

Yes, the preparation is more daunting than the actual exam. What if I miss anything I could've learned? What if I forget the exact detail/word I need?

There's not much else happening, other than that.
I'm keeping myself at home for most of the week to just study & calm down after the crazy week 4!

But everything else was also fine :D
Had a really long meeting on Tuesday, relatively chill classes, and a nice weekend.

But week 5 is now over, on to week 6!
Staying strong!

CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Week 4 Semester 6

This week is probably one of the most hectic week this semester.

Filled with friends & catching up, and working on a student project for Church.
Ugh. I felt like I've lost a lot of time.

But I also know that I've gained a lot of memories & friendship along the way.

It's so funny, I don't usually like to hang out with people.
But this week, that's just what I do. I talk to people, I 'socialize'. xD
And, yes, it's energy draining - sometimes you don't know what to do, or the weather is teasing you to just stay in, and all that jazz. Still, if you find a true friend, it's priceless. The 'upkeep' is nothing compared to the relationships, support, and laughters you'll carry for the rest of your life :)

Uni was fortunately quite kind, with nothing too extreme, yet.

BUT week 6 is approaching with mid sems. Ugh don't know how I'm going to get by, but for now, it's been awesome.

4 weeks down,
8 more weeks to go + mid, swotvac, & exams.


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

Week 3 Semester 6

Phew. A quarter of the way done! :D

Quite a chill week, actually. An even more chill week-end, because I don't have too much planned at the start of the following week.
How lovely it is to live in Melbourne with zero pressure :p

I got to connect with some old friends on their happy days,
Got to write down some ideas for future projects,
Got share something that I think is important to my friends,
But most importantly, I got to plan my week xD

Sunday was actually the most hectic out of this whole week, I would say. As I had to be at Church *pretty much* all day & make sure things run smoothly (and then they don't xD but that's okay).



I feel like these 2 semesters are the most chill I've ever been. And they give me perspective.
The other 4 semesters, I've been out there. I have a certain amounts of uni assignments and I have extracurricular stuff. It's not such a big deal, but then I also have other responsibilities and then everything mounts up into a huge ball, week after week.

Having time for myself means I can reflect on those opportunities & experiences I've had, and think of what I want to do next. What I loved about them, what I want to change. I also have the time to learn about various random things that interests me; and to also work on my own projects & keeping myself sane, basically :p

I would LOVE to go & try out some more opportunities. For the time being, I'm placing myself in uni subjects that would do that for me. I'm doing a music subject, Gamelan, this semester, and a Small Press subject which has been SO informative thus far. Already, my horizon is stretched in terms of what I will be able to do with these knowledge - at the same time, they don't take away from my 'studying' time, because they are what I'm studying this sem. <3 haha.="" love="" p="" sem.="" this="">


Still, it's only 1/4 of the way through. NEED SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH !

Can't wait to see the finish line :')
9 weeks of uni to go,
1 week of mid break,
1 swotvac,
3 weeks of exam.


CHEERS,

-*^^*-

Week 2 Semester 6

Week 2 was actually pretty chill!
Classes were fine, we had an okay weather, didn't have much to do after class.

So in days like this, I like to fill them with movies & youtube.
Ugh I gotta stop binge-watching youtube videos. BUT really I promise they are not the same ones - I find soo many different, mind-opening youtubers that I can't help but watch & learn. So - I guess I'm 'studying', still.

hehe.


Writing continues, and I even wrote a quick, 2 minute script that (maybe, hopefully) will be turned into a short film soon!

I had been staying up late, & waking up super late as well,
but I find the late-nights really serene, quiet, and warm. & my brain juices flow so fluidly in the darkness. Oh well. As long as I'm doing something productive, I guess.


10 more weeks of Uni,
1 of mid-break, 1 Swot-vac, & 3 of exams.


LOVE IT.

Cheers
-*^^*-

Week 1 Semester 6

WHAT. Crazy, right?


It's my last semester yet everything is still a big blur.
Will I complete this semester well? What will I do afterwards?
And the answer is: I don't really care. I'm just happy I survive this long - ha!

But honestly, I don't have a better answer. I don't know where I'm heading both in this semester and beyond uni. All I know is I have to do my best every single day, and the right doors will be opened at the right time :)


So instead of worrying, I'd rather enjoy this semester. Melbourne and all its glory; the uni and all its misery. I'd miss these, someday.


This week I caught up with Elementary season 6, watched Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, and re-watched "Arrival". Ugh such a good movie!

I haven't been reading much, and I should.
But at least I've started writing again, which has been fun! We'll see how it goes :)


Semester 6 won't be easy - but I hope I'll have a little bit of fun.
Week 1 has been quite nice, but I have 11 more to go!
Plus mid-break, plus swot-vac, and then exams.


And then, it's graduation :)


CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Week 7 Semester 5

TOO MUCH IS HAPPENING
Time flies so quickly that we're already in the second half of the semester.
I cannot imagine that this is my last year of my undergraduate degree. Who knows where I'll be next year? :)

I have been reading, watching tons of Youtube videos - it's a never ending pit, y'all.
I've also been enjoying little corners of Melbourne. It's a beautiful city.

But nothing beats a tropical heat. I miss the sun & warm air!!!!
xD

These next 6-8 weeks will be intense. It's where most of my assignments & tests will take place.
But at the same time, creative juices still wants to flow in terms of songs and stories.
& a new Avengers film is dropping? What to do.

I guess that's why you go to uni - it's a chance to make mistake and stumble all over yourself as you try to find balance between studying, having fun with friends, make time with God, while also realizing that it's LIFE. ugh.

Confused & frustrated, but still having fun.
I don't even know.

CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Week 4 Semester 5

I've never had so much free time in my semesters :D
But I tried not to take it for granted :)

This week I cooked for friends, made dessert (after a month, almost, of refraining from baking), went shopping in an organic/health food store, and tried a Peking Duck flavored chips. Ew-yum-yay.

This week I watched SNL, HIMYM, Deception, Madam Secretary, as well as a bunch of random, short documentaries on Youtube. Youtube's a lovely lovely place to be :p

But I also spend some time writing. A small blurb, everyday, to get the juices flowing. I loovee getting transported by my own writing haha :)

The first half of this semester was stressful as I was preparing for a test on Thursday. Once that was over, the week turned on its head and became pweetty ^^

Today was rainy most of the day. I woke up late, and the sky was still super dark due to the rain. But the rain cleared up around 3 pm, and I got to enjoy a day out in the sun for a couple of hours.

I absolutely cannot WAIT for easter break ^^

Cheers!

-*^^*-

Week 3 Semester 5 - ebook ^^

I could NOT concentrate this week.

Firstly because of the week I've just had. WOW.
Secondly, because I found a new obsession: ebooks.

I created a small collection of sad sad poems/proses from when I was back in high school -ish.
I compiled it into an ebook.

It took several days (and hours) to figure out how I want the book to look like, how to format the book, and the pictures that I wanted.

But at the end, it's out, and it feels good.

 (Although, it also meant late nights to catch up on my studies because I spent WAY too long on my ebook. But that's part of what makes it wonderful :))

I'm obsessed about writing. I'm obsessed about book, and pictures, and word, and negative space that allows colors to shine, even  though the color's black.

I just want to keep writing. I know my style of writing is not one that's sophisticated and literary and beautiful. But I like it. I like my voice. I should use it, just like singers use theirs, and like painters use their fingers.


The sun's shining this weekend, although it was windy as heck.
Time for a picnic, a gelato, a sausage sizzle,
and a nice afternoon with Bill Hader's SNL episode <33 p="">

If anyone's interested about my book, check out my other blog (link in the About Me) :)


CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Week 2 Semester 5 - DIVIDE TOUR!!!

So, the week was EXTRAORDINARY because it felt like I've been back in Melbourne since forever, when it's only been a week since I landed,

but also because Ed Sheeran was in Melbourne and...
I GOT TO GO TO HIS CONCERT!!

^^
What a dream come true!

Okay, now, it's not like I went all out and got the best of the best seat, where I can see his face & the center stage. My seat was quite high up in the huge stadium, but still it was an awesome experience.

*breathe in, breathe out*

So, the concert was on Sunday, 11 March 2018 in Etihad Stadium.

The opening act (that I saw) was Missy Higgins at 7:30pm.
She reminds me of Mandy Moore/Sara Bareilles  combined into 1 person :p
What a voice & love her music!!
(Fave song: Futon couch.Genius!)

Then at 8:45pm, the lights dimmed.
The screen showed Ed walking from behind the stage, received his guitar, and walked on stage. Immediately, as he started strumming, the crowd roared.

And what impressed me most was that, I was so far away from Ed himself, yet the crowd was so engaged in him & the magic he was doing on stage. People were dancing, singing, lighting up their phones, recording for safe-keeping.

Ah. There was a boy who sat next to me, with his dad or grandad or something like that. He was prob around 10yo, but he enjoyed Ed Sheeran's music so much! Even though Ed's songs are 'love songs', it's still music, and music touches everyone, hey?


The set list for that night was:

1. Castle on the Hill
2. Eraser
3. A Team
4. Don't / New Man
5. Dive
6. Bloodstream
7. Happier
8. I'm A Mess
9. Supermarket Flowers
10. Galway Girl
11. Feeling Good / I See Fire
12. Photograph
13. Perfect
14. Nancy Mulligan
15. Thinking Out Loud
16. Sing
17. Shape of You
18. You Need Me, I Don't Need You

I can't even talk about the merch. It's like they are tempting you with stuff you don't really need but looks SO good & cool. Like that souvenir book. :'))

And the graphic of his stage was 'lit'. I loveee how it's so Ed. Energetic, sweet, cool. Just, amazing.

But anyway,
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to watch his concert live.
I hope I'll get LOADS more of Ed ! :p

The weather's still okay..
Bruno Mars (with Dua Lipa) & Ed Sheeran were in town  and all of their shows went well...

Melbourne, you're not too shabby :)


Cheers!
-*^^*-

Semester 5 (!!!) Week 1

GAK MUNGKIN!
It's so surreal walking in campus, among the buildings and realizing, I'm a third year! I've been here in Melbourne for three years, and this will be my last year of my degree :) Been through a lot (of subjects), but it's not the end yet though :') still 2 semesters to go!

As with every start of a new semester, I'm excited. But I'm more terrified than ever, as well. I'm doing 2 subjects in French, a language I've only started learning 2-3 years ago. But I'm enjoying myself trying to catch up, so that must be a good thing, right?

At the same time, I'm trying to take a step back and remind myself that my life is not only about my academic life. Uni is one very important aspects of it, but I can (and should) do more. I should enjoy this city as best I can, I should connect with my friends more than before, and that's what I'm focusing on this semester. Just, living and experiencing as much as possible. That's the plan :)

First week's been great at that!
And I'm hoping the next 14 weeks will be as well!

CHEERS!!!
-*^^*-

CNY 2018

Still didn't go fully 'red' this Chinese New Year :p
Didn't have the heart to even wear something that resembles a cheongsam, let alone that blaring red color.

But I have to say, I hate it slightly less than last year :)


I still don't understand why we celebrate CNY. Like, we don't even keep a Chinese calendar, we don't even speak Chinese, we don't follow other Chinese traditions - why keep this one?


But for me, this is what helps me through:
Firstly, it matters to my grandparents. For other families, CNY might be important down to those around my age (not just for the angpao). Not so much in our family. But maybe it's a way for my grandparents to remember their roots and their families. And as such, we should celebrate this, too.

Secondly, it's actually quite cool if you can 'interpret' the various symbolism of CNY. For example, in Indonesia, people serve 'lapis legit' during CNY to symbolize layers of fortune. They serve 'onde-onde' or 'kue keranjang' , because the sticky, tacky texture of the rice flour dough symbolize friendships and relationships that stick together (I think).
Et cetera. You get the idea. Sometimes the connection is too ridiculous to even comprehend. But thinking about these trivia save me from boredom and gave me an insight into how genuine those who start these traditions were.


But lastly, it's about family.
it's about paying respect to the elders - which includes uncles, aunties, great uncle or aunty, grandparents, relatives you don't even know existed or only meet once a year.
It's about sharing a meal around the table together. It's about laughing together and being with each other.


I see many institutions in Indonesia started celebrating CNY, as they do Lebaran, Tahun Baru, or Christmas. It's about celebrating the multicultural Indonesia, they say, embracing one of the biggest culture celebrated each year. I don't know what my thoughts are on that - I'm still thinking about it. But maybe it's a good thing.


Either way,
it's been better, and I'm glad :)


Cheers!
-*^^*-

Projects for 2018!

Okay. So me putting these 'ideas' here means I'd have to do & finish these, right? Let's hope so :)

Anyway, 2018's project will be:
- a new blog :)
While this one will stay a personal,, 'diary' blog, the other one will be more formal and experimental-ish. It will be rather thematic than event-based. Aiming for one article per month!!

- finishing & writing short stories! Let's hope for 6 really good ones by the end of the year? <3 p="">
- this art journal that I'm starting. This one's not really a 'project'. But I've started doing a little bit of doodling and heavy-handed water color stuff. I don't want this to just be a momentary thing. Hopefully I'll keep this up - doing artsy stuff helps me be creative in my writing as well, I feel like. So we'll see :)

- Hopefully scripts, songs, novels, and more! :D

- While maintaining my devo journal and 'diary' journal. Ahh!



Fingers crossed. But getting excited!

CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Happy New Year! 2018

Tahun 2017 rasanya seperti terbagi jadi 2.

Awalnya berlangsung baik, akhirnya mungkin cuma biasa-biasa saja.

Banyak hal-hal istimewa yang terjadi di tahun 2017.

Ada beberapa nilai baik yang berkesan di kuliah,

juga ada kesempatan-kesempatan baru untuk belajar.

Ada banyak perjalanan mengunjungi kota-kota baru,

teman-teman baru,

pengalaman dan tantangan baru.

2017 tentunya tidak sempurna.

Banyak juga ide-ide bahkan mimpi yang belum bisa terwujud.

Banyak tulisan yang belum tertulis.

Semoga semua itu tidak menjadi beban untuk tahun 2018,

tapi justru jadi motivasi dan semangat,

untuk jadi lebih baik lagi

:)



Here's to an even better 2018!

-*^^*-