Project Department of our office made a Fun Attachment program last night. It was a small scope of employee gathering, something to bound us closer. Almost all the office staff were there, as for Maya and Enik were the committee and I'm pretty close with them, I went earlier with them by Wisnu's car along with Maya Ratna and Carina.
We got to Setiabudi One by around 6 p.m. and reserved the 30 seats in Dabu-Dabu Menadonese Restaurant, waited for the rest to come for around 1,5 hours. We had great meals for 80% discount (that was why we chose Dabu-Dabu instead of other place) and after dinner Maya set up some fun. She prepared some prizes for some lucky persons and most of them got either pair of socks or sexy stuff.
Then after the fun time Carina was asked to say her farewell words. Lazuardi, Lanang, Ricardo, Bobby, Wenny, Friska and I got chance to get on stage to say a little something about her. After that she commented on each of us about her 2 months internship at my office. She made a good mark on it and made the program more lively for it had no plan actually.
We went home by 9.30 after saying goodbye to Carina for it was her last day also. Some went to the office to get home, some continued the night for Centro (Carina got some free tickets for them), but I gotta run home for Joey was supposed to fetch Clemy and me by 11 for Alex's birthday party at Putri Duyung, Ancol (but when we got there by 1 a.m. the party was over and there were only Alex-fast sleeping, Donny, Hamka and Yoga left with the rest of snacks and boozes. We got home by 10 a.m. the next morning.)
Got so much fun in just a night!
We got to Setiabudi One by around 6 p.m. and reserved the 30 seats in Dabu-Dabu Menadonese Restaurant, waited for the rest to come for around 1,5 hours. We had great meals for 80% discount (that was why we chose Dabu-Dabu instead of other place) and after dinner Maya set up some fun. She prepared some prizes for some lucky persons and most of them got either pair of socks or sexy stuff.
Then after the fun time Carina was asked to say her farewell words. Lazuardi, Lanang, Ricardo, Bobby, Wenny, Friska and I got chance to get on stage to say a little something about her. After that she commented on each of us about her 2 months internship at my office. She made a good mark on it and made the program more lively for it had no plan actually.
We went home by 9.30 after saying goodbye to Carina for it was her last day also. Some went to the office to get home, some continued the night for Centro (Carina got some free tickets for them), but I gotta run home for Joey was supposed to fetch Clemy and me by 11 for Alex's birthday party at Putri Duyung, Ancol (but when we got there by 1 a.m. the party was over and there were only Alex-fast sleeping, Donny, Hamka and Yoga left with the rest of snacks and boozes. We got home by 10 a.m. the next morning.)
Got so much fun in just a night!
On our way back to Jakarta last night Yanuar asked whether we (me and Joey) are satisfied enough with our selves. We both said, 'mostly, yes.' I guess we have LOTS in common, me and Joey, cuz thru our own ways and experiences in life, having tried this and that, we both are being 'our selves', know who we are, found our identities and enjoy ourselves now. For me myself, I've passed both sweet and bitter stuff that made me who I am now, and I couldn't complain or regret.
So, I asked myself some questions:
What's one thing I dislike but had helped me 'find' myself?
Moved to Bandung. Though I totally disagree with the idea and always think that it was a totally wrong path my parents took, somehow in Bandung my family could raise our standards and being satisfied now, all are completed by His way, and also in Bandung I found my first love, true girlfriends, and learned the first bitter facts that made my heart big enough to accept it all. Actually there were lots other things but I guess the root was this moving thing.
What's one thing I'll forever thankful for ever happened?
Joined Antiokhia. There I found many of my great friends, a door for me to enter the world I've always wanted to enter again since my childhood: Jakarta. Friends or network is the most important first thing I need to enter it and I got it (plus other bonuses) from that 3-days retreat.
What's my behavior that I don't satisfied with but hard to change it either?
Laziness, I said. But I had to agree when Joey said 'haughtiness'. Yup, I think we're about the same (once again) cuz I'm a very proud of who I am, where I came from, what I've been through til I became this person. I'm very proud of what I like and what I believe and I tend to underestimate things around me, people who are different with me, or any case I'm facing. And this is really hard to change than the laziness bcuz my ego is too big and I'm too proud with myself I'm not gonna let anyone win me over ever again.
What's one thing I'll feel my life is complete with?
I thought it was love. But I can't feel the excitement like what I felt before. Dunno bcuz of trauma or having enough of all the drama in it, I don't think I'd search for love again, I don't think I'll be capable to love someone the way I used to do. Money has never been a problem. Family is never a destination for me. So, career, perhaps? Well I guess although having no excitement on love, I'd still love to have a husband and all of its drama... and, of course, I want to stay in London.
Finally... I went to Bandung again!
After 2 months avoiding the town I prepared to go for the long weekend (yesterday was the Independence Day's holiday and I was sick on Friday and made it a 'super-long weekend' for me.) Joey and Yanuar accompanied me and we went by 12 a.m. on Sunday evening, arrived at Bandung by around 1 a.m. and got late supper at Cabe Rawit Ciumbuleuit.
We reached my home at around 3-4 a.m. and had 5 hours of sleep for the next day's business. We woke up by around 9 on Monday, had breakfast and took baths. We departed by 12 p.m. taking the 'back' way via Dago Pakar Resort and stopped by the waterfall and got some pics there.
[Joey et Yanuar dans Dago Pakar Waterfall]
We had lunch at Ngopi Doeloe Jl. Hasanuddin and went to Odie's Cherry Bomb at Be Mall Jl. Naripan/Jl. Veteran and got tattoed. I met my beloved girl friends Livia and Irma (with her bf Yanto, of course) for they wanted to see me tattoed. Joey got his shift+8's five star and I had my Victoria ambigram. We finished by 6 and headed to Paris Van Java.
[Yanto et Irma]
We arrived at PVJ by around 7 cuz we dropped by Prima Rasa first. Audry was waiting for us and it was great to see her again after some months. Then after window shopped (our main destination: 16 D'Scale) we had dinner and met up with Troy and Yoan. It was nice seeing them hooking up. Like, he's changed for almost 180 degree into a better one.
[moi et Audry]
[Audry et Yanuar]
[Yoan et Troy]
[Livia et Joey]
We chilled til around 11 at Kafe Halaman and got back to Jakarta by around 11.30 from Tol Pasteur and reached my apartment by 1 a.m. It was really nice spending the last 52 hours with Joey plus meeting up with my girls and got tattoed in a weekend. Really was an irreplaceable memory I had!
After 2 months avoiding the town I prepared to go for the long weekend (yesterday was the Independence Day's holiday and I was sick on Friday and made it a 'super-long weekend' for me.) Joey and Yanuar accompanied me and we went by 12 a.m. on Sunday evening, arrived at Bandung by around 1 a.m. and got late supper at Cabe Rawit Ciumbuleuit.
We reached my home at around 3-4 a.m. and had 5 hours of sleep for the next day's business. We woke up by around 9 on Monday, had breakfast and took baths. We departed by 12 p.m. taking the 'back' way via Dago Pakar Resort and stopped by the waterfall and got some pics there.
[Joey et Yanuar dans Dago Pakar Waterfall]We had lunch at Ngopi Doeloe Jl. Hasanuddin and went to Odie's Cherry Bomb at Be Mall Jl. Naripan/Jl. Veteran and got tattoed. I met my beloved girl friends Livia and Irma (with her bf Yanto, of course) for they wanted to see me tattoed. Joey got his shift+8's five star and I had my Victoria ambigram. We finished by 6 and headed to Paris Van Java.
[Yanto et Irma]We arrived at PVJ by around 7 cuz we dropped by Prima Rasa first. Audry was waiting for us and it was great to see her again after some months. Then after window shopped (our main destination: 16 D'Scale) we had dinner and met up with Troy and Yoan. It was nice seeing them hooking up. Like, he's changed for almost 180 degree into a better one.
[moi et Audry]
[Audry et Yanuar]
[Yoan et Troy]
[Livia et Joey]We chilled til around 11 at Kafe Halaman and got back to Jakarta by around 11.30 from Tol Pasteur and reached my apartment by 1 a.m. It was really nice spending the last 52 hours with Joey plus meeting up with my girls and got tattoed in a weekend. Really was an irreplaceable memory I had!
Another music review, I found this Mediterannean group, Alabina, are very interesting. They're Ishtar Alabina as lead singer and the group Los Ninos De Sara as the supporting band.
Ishtar's mother is Egyptian and her father Moroccan suggesting she was born to became the lead singer of Alabina. She began her singing career at the age of 15, and acted in live theatre.
She headed for Australia performing in night clubs, with the dream to one day return a star. It was when she was lead singer of Cauma in Paris, that she was spotted by a French producer who asked her to perform an experimental song combining Egyptian music with Flamenco rythym. The song was called Alabina.
While the four Los Ninos band members are cousins. Since the age of fourteen they have played as a group, and their passion for music and performing has lead them around Europe.
Toni is the lead singer and guitarist, playing professionally since the age of ten.
Coco who has performed in the Carribean provides back up vocals and percussion.
Santi who graduated from the Barcelona Academy of Music, provides back up vocals and plays the guitar.
Ramon provides back up vocals and and plays the guitar, he has been performing since the age of six.
The group blend seemlessly and touch the souls of their captive audience.
[Text from www.alabina.8m.com]
I've been using their C'est La Vie song as my cell phone ringtones for over a year but just found out about them now. Here's the lyrics and I think you'll like the songs when you hear them, because I LOVE it so much!!
Ishtar's mother is Egyptian and her father Moroccan suggesting she was born to became the lead singer of Alabina. She began her singing career at the age of 15, and acted in live theatre.
She headed for Australia performing in night clubs, with the dream to one day return a star. It was when she was lead singer of Cauma in Paris, that she was spotted by a French producer who asked her to perform an experimental song combining Egyptian music with Flamenco rythym. The song was called Alabina.
While the four Los Ninos band members are cousins. Since the age of fourteen they have played as a group, and their passion for music and performing has lead them around Europe.
Toni is the lead singer and guitarist, playing professionally since the age of ten.
Coco who has performed in the Carribean provides back up vocals and percussion.
Santi who graduated from the Barcelona Academy of Music, provides back up vocals and plays the guitar.
Ramon provides back up vocals and and plays the guitar, he has been performing since the age of six.
The group blend seemlessly and touch the souls of their captive audience.
[Text from www.alabina.8m.com]
I've been using their C'est La Vie song as my cell phone ringtones for over a year but just found out about them now. Here's the lyrics and I think you'll like the songs when you hear them, because I LOVE it so much!!
C'est La Vie My Baby (version anglaise)
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that life was fair
Just the passing of time that we shared
(Just the passing of time we shared)
(C'est la vie)
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that love was fair
Just the tears and the laughter we shared
(Just the tears and the laughter we shared)
(C'est la vie)
No regrets I swear
You know
Easy come, easy go
That's the only rule I follow
But like the hot desert sun
I burn for the one
Who'll give me tomorrow
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that life was fair
Just the passing of time that we shared
(Just the passing of time we shared)
(C'est la vie)
No regrets I swear
Baby
We can't say we haven't tried
To take the magic of our ride
We loved and we lost
And now we pay the cost
Love has no price
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that life was fair
Just the passing of time that we shared
(Just the passing of time we shared)
(C'est la vie)
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that love was fair
Just the tears and the laughter we shared
(Just the tears and the laughter we shared)
(C'est la vie)
No regrets I swear
(Every day)
One night
One starry heavenly passionate night
Under the right grass and moonlight
I know he will come to me
He'll slowly unveil the mysteries of me
And we'll dance with abandoned delight
So satisfied
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that life was fair
Just the passing of time that we shared
(Just the passing of time we shared)
(C'est la vie)
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that love was fair
Just the tears and the laughter we shared
(Just the tears and the laughter we shared)
(C'est la vie)
No regrets I swear
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that life was fair
Just the passing of time that we shared
(Just the passing of time we shared)
(C'est la vie)
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that love was fair
Just the tears and the laughter we shared
(Just the tears and the laughter we shared)
(C'est la vie)
No regrets I swear
You know
Easy come, easy go
That's the only rule I follow
But like the hot desert sun
I burn for the one
Who'll give me tomorrow
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that life was fair
Just the passing of time that we shared
(Just the passing of time we shared)
(C'est la vie)
No regrets I swear
Baby
We can't say we haven't tried
To take the magic of our ride
We loved and we lost
And now we pay the cost
Love has no price
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that life was fair
Just the passing of time that we shared
(Just the passing of time we shared)
(C'est la vie)
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that love was fair
Just the tears and the laughter we shared
(Just the tears and the laughter we shared)
(C'est la vie)
No regrets I swear
(Every day)
One night
One starry heavenly passionate night
Under the right grass and moonlight
I know he will come to me
He'll slowly unveil the mysteries of me
And we'll dance with abandoned delight
So satisfied
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that life was fair
Just the passing of time that we shared
(Just the passing of time we shared)
(C'est la vie)
C'est la vie elbi
Oh whatever said that love was fair
Just the tears and the laughter we shared
(Just the tears and the laughter we shared)
(C'est la vie)
No regrets I swear
- Sara Bareilles Lyrics
Just in case you're having a bad day, let Sara Bareilles help you find back your spirit with her top single 'Love Song' and enjoy more of her nice ear-catchy songs here.
Another nice music to accompany your tea break, here's the beautiful Sara Gazarek, something different to enriches our brain with her relaxed 'Northern Lights' to help soothe your body while you're self-meditating or in a spa. Get her songs here.
Enjoy!
I've been so sick at the office hearing the same crappy Indonesian music a colleague put on everyday (it's not that I dislike Indonesian music but the music he plays on his list are terribly a crap!), 9 to 5 or more, over and over the whole days for the last 3-4 months. I've been talking about the kinds they put on Gen FM (98.7 FM in Jakarta) as their 'top music' that made me more fed up for hearing them not only in the office but also in the car when I need to travel by office's car.
The music made me so overwhelmed combined with the hot polluted basement air for the AC has been dead for around a week at my room. So, in tend of putting back my mood up and freshen up my minds, I wanna put some review on the 'higher' qualities ones I got from my sister.
This 20 years old Scottish young guy is a truly talented one! At first I thought he'll look like James Blunt or maybe John Mayer's type but when I searched for his picture, oh-God-he's-so-young-and-gorgeous-he-took-my-breath-away!!
You can find his complete music and profile here. Hope you like it!
>
The other music I've recently get is from a group of three ladies call themselves as The Puppini Sisters. A kind of vintage image and vintage music (some are vintage-recycled) I guess you'll like and enjoy them. Browse here for more references.
Nouvelle Vague, means 'New Wave' in French, is a truly new wave for your music collection. You can visit their web here and join the wave!
But above all, my most fave nu female singer is Ingrid Michaelson who looks smart with her glasses (reminds me of Lisa Loeb) Visit her here to know her better.
The music made me so overwhelmed combined with the hot polluted basement air for the AC has been dead for around a week at my room. So, in tend of putting back my mood up and freshen up my minds, I wanna put some review on the 'higher' qualities ones I got from my sister.
This 20 years old Scottish young guy is a truly talented one! At first I thought he'll look like James Blunt or maybe John Mayer's type but when I searched for his picture, oh-God-he's-so-young-and-gorgeous-he-took-my-breath-away!!
You can find his complete music and profile here. Hope you like it!
>
The other music I've recently get is from a group of three ladies call themselves as The Puppini Sisters. A kind of vintage image and vintage music (some are vintage-recycled) I guess you'll like and enjoy them. Browse here for more references.
Nouvelle Vague, means 'New Wave' in French, is a truly new wave for your music collection. You can visit their web here and join the wave!
But above all, my most fave nu female singer is Ingrid Michaelson who looks smart with her glasses (reminds me of Lisa Loeb) Visit her here to know her better.
1. Ouval Research's Victorian canvas messenger bag that I bought last June in Bandung and been using it to office everyday since.
2. Black-purple Victorian dress mom bought that I like to wear to formal events. I like the color but too bad the dress isn't long enough I can't make it as cocktail dress.
3. Blue printed halter neck that used to be mom's but I love the print. It now belongs to me and my sister.
4. Massimo Dutti's purple silk scarf I got from Carina during her internship at my office. She knows my taste, thanks girl!
Lovin' all the Victorian ornamental print!
2. Black-purple Victorian dress mom bought that I like to wear to formal events. I like the color but too bad the dress isn't long enough I can't make it as cocktail dress.
3. Blue printed halter neck that used to be mom's but I love the print. It now belongs to me and my sister.
4. Massimo Dutti's purple silk scarf I got from Carina during her internship at my office. She knows my taste, thanks girl!
Lovin' all the Victorian ornamental print!
I just re-checked my recent documents and found this from my friendster account's bulletin board. Maybe it's nice just to review, to be grateful for where I'm standing on now if I look back to the passed year.
1) Where did you begin 2007?
*** home, with my family gathered from Jakarta
2) What was your status on Valentine's Day?
*** in a relationship
3) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
*** yes, final year in grad school
4) How did you earn your money?
*** interior freelance jobs here and there
5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
*** just visited Ester n her nu born baby
6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
*** yea dammit, it was in Jakarta so yea, I got a bit busy then..
7) Where did you go on vacation?
*** jkt.. jkt.. jkt..
8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?
*** nothing that expensive yet..
9) Did you know anybody who got married?
*** yea: Erline, Ester, Maya, n many other ex-schoolmates i dun remember
10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
*** nope..
12) Did you move anywhere?
*** not yet
13) What concerts/shows did you go to?
*** none this year
14) Are you registered to vote?
*** yea
15) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
*** dun understand..
16) Where do you live now?
*** awiligar, bandung
17) Describe your birthday?
*** fam: uncles, aunts and cousins from jkt came, celebrated by surprise @hom..
+ my bf @ Tizi.. (I guess I hated it so much!)
18) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2007?
*** have a long-term and long-distance relationship and threw it away...
and stayed over @ yodi's homm!!!
19) What has been your favorite moment?
*** along November.. u know.. got free from a 'destructive relationship' stuff
20) What's something you learned about yourself? About friends?
*** MANY THINGS, especially about relationship and The Secret and law of attraction..
21) Any new additions to your family?
*** nop
22) What was your best month?
*** November
23) What music will you remember 2007 by?
*** Fergie-Big Girls Don't Cry
24) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
*** Livia
25) Made new friends?
*** yea, many of them, mostly from Karawaci
26) New best friend?
*** Audry
27) Where will 2007 end for you?
*** Bali! yippiee!
1) Where did you begin 2007?*** home, with my family gathered from Jakarta
2) What was your status on Valentine's Day?
*** in a relationship
3) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
*** yes, final year in grad school
4) How did you earn your money?
*** interior freelance jobs here and there
5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
*** just visited Ester n her nu born baby
6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
*** yea dammit, it was in Jakarta so yea, I got a bit busy then..
7) Where did you go on vacation?
*** jkt.. jkt.. jkt..
8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?
*** nothing that expensive yet..
9) Did you know anybody who got married?
*** yea: Erline, Ester, Maya, n many other ex-schoolmates i dun remember
10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
*** nope..
12) Did you move anywhere?
*** not yet
13) What concerts/shows did you go to?
*** none this year
14) Are you registered to vote?
*** yea
15) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
*** dun understand..
16) Where do you live now?
*** awiligar, bandung
17) Describe your birthday?
*** fam: uncles, aunts and cousins from jkt came, celebrated by surprise @hom..
+ my bf @ Tizi.. (I guess I hated it so much!)
18) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2007?
*** have a long-term and long-distance relationship and threw it away...
and stayed over @ yodi's homm!!!
19) What has been your favorite moment?
*** along November.. u know.. got free from a 'destructive relationship' stuff
20) What's something you learned about yourself? About friends?
*** MANY THINGS, especially about relationship and The Secret and law of attraction..
21) Any new additions to your family?
*** nop
22) What was your best month?
*** November
23) What music will you remember 2007 by?
*** Fergie-Big Girls Don't Cry
24) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
*** Livia
25) Made new friends?
*** yea, many of them, mostly from Karawaci
26) New best friend?
*** Audry
27) Where will 2007 end for you?
*** Bali! yippiee!
[typical houses you'll find in Pluit]
I went to one of our clients' house at Pantai Mutiara, Northern Jakarta, with Mas Rama, my office's salesperson. I've almost never been to the section all my life, just been there 2-3 times for having dinner at Eaton, at seaside dock and to Ester's cousin's house.
So, it's kind of a new experience for me to have tour of houses there. Among all hundreds of those typical boring classic houses, my eyes caught only these two unique house.
The first one is still being built in finishing step. It's rather modern but not a minimalist one for it has so many ornaments for its facade. I love how the architect played with the geometrical ornaments and many materials. It's more contemporary playful but I don't want to live in a house like this. It's just rather interesting for me during the short tour.
The second one is a true Balinese home. So down-to-earth among all the cold high-classed Renaissance, Romanesque or Baroque types, this one feels so warm, welcoming and friendly to me. It looks like it has 2 stories and the entrance is from the second floor while the whole first floor is blocked from the road by terrasering rice field-like garden as if the house is truly placed in the paddy field. Its natural materials such as stones and woods help a lot in making the warm atmosphere and its modern tropical theme combined with Balinese door style and this made me feel, for a slightest moment, that I've left Pantai Mutiara or Jakarta and went to Bali in a blink.
J'adore le Bali maison!!
Since I first came back to Jakarta around 5-6 months ago (when I started working) I've been in so many new environments, friend circles, and experiences. One of them are food experience cuz being in a new place means eating the food they have there, having to adapt with them.
I've been in Jakarta for so many times and I'm not too surprised by its culture, weather, people and-of course-its food. But being friends with my colleagues is another thing. With them I tried a new way to enjoy more classy food; by finding '50% discount' words on the X-banner they put in front of the entrance door, both in malls and one located restaurants.
By paying half we could enjoy more expensive food by paying as regular price and that means a lot for staffs like us. I've been to Soho, Excelso, Takigawa, Ayam Ganthari, Kari Umbi, Rice and many other places with my colleagues. They're one experience of food for me.
As with my internship-colleagues at DCM, I've brought in to more hip restaurants such as Bu Endang's Indonesian food, Ajengan (Balinese food), Black Canyon, and Lokananta. They're another experiences and enriched my vocabulary of food in Jakarta.
Last night I went to Kiyadon Sushi with Carina and it was something else. She brought me to Poke Sushi before and we had salmon salads in both sushi taverns. I love being in those fancy cafes and restaurants not only because of the food quality but also because of its interior design and atmosphere. I love hanging out with cappuccino or booze and have deep conversations. I love discussing heavy topics about life or philosophy or something that helps me know myself better. That's why ambiance is one important point in having meals.
So, if you have one good food recommendation, don't forget to ask me to come along with, will you?
3. unagi roll and salmon salad-yummy!
I've been in Jakarta for so many times and I'm not too surprised by its culture, weather, people and-of course-its food. But being friends with my colleagues is another thing. With them I tried a new way to enjoy more classy food; by finding '50% discount' words on the X-banner they put in front of the entrance door, both in malls and one located restaurants.
By paying half we could enjoy more expensive food by paying as regular price and that means a lot for staffs like us. I've been to Soho, Excelso, Takigawa, Ayam Ganthari, Kari Umbi, Rice and many other places with my colleagues. They're one experience of food for me.
As with my internship-colleagues at DCM, I've brought in to more hip restaurants such as Bu Endang's Indonesian food, Ajengan (Balinese food), Black Canyon, and Lokananta. They're another experiences and enriched my vocabulary of food in Jakarta.
[Kiyadon Sushi Senayan City-great ambiance to chill out]
Last night I went to Kiyadon Sushi with Carina and it was something else. She brought me to Poke Sushi before and we had salmon salads in both sushi taverns. I love being in those fancy cafes and restaurants not only because of the food quality but also because of its interior design and atmosphere. I love hanging out with cappuccino or booze and have deep conversations. I love discussing heavy topics about life or philosophy or something that helps me know myself better. That's why ambiance is one important point in having meals.
So, if you have one good food recommendation, don't forget to ask me to come along with, will you?
1. gelato ice cream for dessert
2. dish set3. unagi roll and salmon salad-yummy!
I went to Pacific Place yesterday by around 7 p.m. and met Joey there who was just arrived, too. He was with his junior high school mates Yanuar and William, plus a lady--Diana, which is Yanuar's friend from a retreat. We had dinner at Pasta Matrix before watching the movie Smart People at Blitz Megaplex by 9 p.m.
We moved to Starbucks Sarinah and had chit-chat til around 2.30 a.m.!!! It's always post-midnight sleeps with Joey, but never been boring to me--he always have something interesting to do with or new people for me to get to know to. Just like the movie we've just watched, we discussed things just as smart people do.
William had studied in Taiwan for philosophy major and now a vegetarian teacher, painting dealer, and in charcoal business of Minakrida. He's very talkative and has lots of stories he loves to share with all of us. Yanuar, a graphic designer, studied in Melbourne of 2003 and he's now back in Jakarta building this graphic design company called Studio Kecil. While Diana, studied graphic design in Pelita Harapan University of 2002 and friends with Vivi my childhood neighbor, is going to study French in Paris for the next 4 months.
I really enjoyed the conversation we had last night that today I had to feel sleepy at the office (luckily I had to go to a client's house in Pantai Mutiara in northern Jakarta so I could have some sleep in the car for a total 1.5-2 hours and not having to go back to the office cuz it passed my office hour by the time we left the Pluit area.) I just got so many new interesting informations and knowledge yesterday and don't mind at all to get the lack of sleep and I really can't wait til our next meeting!
[P.S. Thanks for the sharings and stories and all the fun hours we spent, guys, I really had fun!
And if you're reading my blog now, thanks for dropping by and feel free to leave comments]
We moved to Starbucks Sarinah and had chit-chat til around 2.30 a.m.!!! It's always post-midnight sleeps with Joey, but never been boring to me--he always have something interesting to do with or new people for me to get to know to. Just like the movie we've just watched, we discussed things just as smart people do.
William had studied in Taiwan for philosophy major and now a vegetarian teacher, painting dealer, and in charcoal business of Minakrida. He's very talkative and has lots of stories he loves to share with all of us. Yanuar, a graphic designer, studied in Melbourne of 2003 and he's now back in Jakarta building this graphic design company called Studio Kecil. While Diana, studied graphic design in Pelita Harapan University of 2002 and friends with Vivi my childhood neighbor, is going to study French in Paris for the next 4 months.
I really enjoyed the conversation we had last night that today I had to feel sleepy at the office (luckily I had to go to a client's house in Pantai Mutiara in northern Jakarta so I could have some sleep in the car for a total 1.5-2 hours and not having to go back to the office cuz it passed my office hour by the time we left the Pluit area.) I just got so many new interesting informations and knowledge yesterday and don't mind at all to get the lack of sleep and I really can't wait til our next meeting!
[P.S. Thanks for the sharings and stories and all the fun hours we spent, guys, I really had fun!
And if you're reading my blog now, thanks for dropping by and feel free to leave comments]
So, in short words, they processed it and delivered the message to the big boss but the GM got to me first and asked me personally. I stuck with my decision cuz somehow I don't walk on the same path the company is walking on. I got totally different ideals on how I want to work and this is just not gonna work with me.
Actually there are soo many problems and affairs that could be sold to the production house and make a good telenovela material which made me kinda tired to hear them all (which means I have to join gossiping which I don't really like), but my problem is with the system. My work hour is 9 to 5 and overtime isn't get paid. The thing is, I have to work overtime almost everyday for nothing. Mostly I have to wait for my turn's meeting with boss til 7-8 p.m. after doing almost nothing all day... that's sucks!
And this, although part of my responsibility, isn't gonna change until the system is changed here. But it won't cuz I know some of the intern problems which are quite rooting here that couldn't be changed in a short time... it's more like family affairs that affected the run of the company. I'm not gonna create any design here (I'm more to layout-ing the furnitures), not gonna be too developed here and I've got my lessons here, so I decided to get out ASAP before this become another comfort zone for me.
5 Whys I Wanna Get Out (just in case I forget and accept the bribe my manager offered):
- I'm not developing my right brain here, only my left one, while in designing world the right brain is the most important invest we need, so I need to get occupied to something with more use of my right brain.
- I don't like the system going on here, the absolute hierarchy style they're putting on just like the old French (I'm wondering whether my boss were 25 years in USA or French cuz her habits are just like French woman) where the managers are like nobles and staffs are like plebs. The difference on their treatments are too far.
- And I don't like the schedule they're having here where boss comes up when people are preparing to go home and we HAVE to wait 'til she's done which means adding up the work hour for 3-4 more hours without having anything so important to do, just to wait for her and having no driver to drive me back home which means I need to go back by bus alone by 9-10 p.m.-that's insane!
- I just need to design something but I don't like the designs here (they offered me to get transferred to ID department) and I don't agree with the system they're having for the department, my position as Visual Merchandiser here is a lotttt better than becoming an Interior Designer.
- And many other not-so-important-and-shouldn't-be-said-here-but-not-worth-being-here-either reasons.
[Lazuardi, me, Wisnu, Angger, Maya, Faisal, Wenny,
Carina, Shereen, Winny @ Excelso, Senayan City]
Carina, Shereen, Winny @ Excelso, Senayan City]
[image was uploaded from www.decor8blog.com]
I'm gonna talk about a guy in this post.
I knew him only for a month or so, but already feels like I've known him a lifetime. Nop, that's a bit hyperbole but yeah--we got this kind of connection for the last month we're seeing each other (at least I think so). Let's call this guy NY.
I knew NY from a former crush, he's one of his close friends. When I first saw NY I liked him at once cuz he was so cool with his naked upper body (uh-huh, a bit immoral that could lead to pornography but I guess it was sexy--cuz it's just a matter of perspective, isn't it?) and three tatts he got there (I'm sort of a bit obsessed on tattoos) and the fact that he was a photographer/graphic designer (and I have one strange condition for guys who are eligible enough to be a bf: they must be interesting at the first sight. If the feeling was right then they deserve the next step, or in short sentence: first sight tells all.)
But at that time he was my crush's friend. Nothing happened.
Months passed and I got rid of the crush outta my life when I met NY again. He met my fam and got along pretty well, unlike any other guys in my life who were never got close so quickly with my parents. That's one plus point for him, I guess... or something that made me more interested in him and wanting to know further about him.
We spent some quality time for hours before he went home that post-midnight. And we had other deep conversations during the last month, both by phone or meeting and I found him really interesting cuz he gave me (another) new perspective on seeing the world, on taking sides in one case. I love hearing his positive thoughts, his extreme opinions and his autistic way of thinking (yep, cuz this enriches my vocabulary and shows me more detailed way to describe something and I enjoy so much playing with words like that.) We've also spent nights together and he held me close but I still dunno where he's leading this relationship in to.
I'm not really a type of girl who needs status. I'm more liberal for such thing. But I still need explanation sometime (like, hello, every girl needs this, brother!), just some confirmation about the feelings and any other thing that happens between us, whether it's real or just an illusion that I'm having cuz I'm so bloody scared of flying too high for then having to fall higher than where it should. That hurts more. Hell, I shouldn't really care about it cuz I've loved and I've broken hearted. I (hope I) no longer care about relationship, I feel happy only to give him the attention and the fact that he enjoys being with me.
Yesterday he mentioned a girl. I felt a bit down by the time he talked about her but hey, I was there not to fall in love (but yeah, I felt so uncomfortable like wanted to go home for the first time when I'm being with him.) So, okay, he likes the girl and I felt oh-so-damn-fool to be there (what was I doing there spending my time with him but get nothing in the end??), but I tried to be cool cuz somehow I knew, this isn't gonna happen between us (and dunno why this happened a hell lot of times before.)
And yeah, I was his special person (I knew this by the 'drink test'--just something fun I got from a friend--but I also knew what happens when you're being a special person; you're neither being a lover or just-a-friend; yes, you're more than that but none of them are gonna lead you to the kind of a relationship you want. That sucks, I know, but that's another reality I have to cope with, right? Ouch, I just made a foolish analysis from recent case which couldn't be guaranteed its acuracy and I have to stop it here cuz this kind of stuff is just narrowing my future possibilities.)
But he said that he likes my lifestyle (I admire his, too--the way he lives his life and being so faithful to what he believes), he likes me being so easy-going (for he doesn't like fussy girls--and I guess this added my plus point cuz I ain't no fussy girl at all), he likes me reading books and that I'm open minded (yep, that's one point I like from him too, being open minded and always having opinion--tho most of them were contrary toward mine--about anything that pretty much opens my mind wider upon a subject) and that I'm accepting reality (hell, why not, that's becoming my expertise, isn't it, dealing with sucks reality such as this one, but yup, nothing's gonna bring me down, even it's a really sucks one cuz I'm a bloody stronger than that.)
He wondered if his ex was like me... This made me wondering if ever he likes me, even for a slightest chance, as a possible future girlfriend--if I wasn't related too close (and too complicated) with his friend (read: my ex-crush.)
Cuz hell yeah I like his deep-tanned athletic body, he's being 180 cm tall, and his casual style. And I really want a guy like him to be my lifetime partner, someone as easy-going and open-minded as him. Cuz he's somehow a special person to me, too, since he gave me many new perspective in life; he made me fall in love in graphic designing and photography a lot more than before; made me try to love Indonesia more and got me the dare to experience a lot of new adventures in my life.
After lots of past love stories I had experienced, I'm willing to take this new adventure of loving this guy by taking it reaaalllyyy slow but steady--but I guess the hope should be killed and buried again now...too bad there are no chemistry between us, so all that I was saying from the beiginning of the post are just my imagination (sing: but it was just my imagination, running away with me... by Gwyneth Paltrow)
One thing for sure, I've found my ideal for future husband reference--whether it'd be him or someone else--but I want that person just like this guy (oh please help pray for me on this.) Hope you enjoy the story.
.JPG)
[nazareth, moi, issac, norman, yonas]
I went to fX (read: Fun Xtatement, which was once Sudirman Place) today and arrived by around 2.30. Yonas said they were at Muffin House, so I searched for two guys sitting there but found none when suddenly I saw familiar faces in the group of 7-8. Yep, they're my junior high's schoolmates who gathered with their graduate school friends.
Yonas, who called the meeting, is now working at Freeport, Jayapura, while Issac, who used to accompany me go home by angkot, is working at United Tractor at Pulo Gadung, Jakarta. They were hanging out there with their friends from Management-Unpad after their entry test in Monetary Department in Sudirman.
About half an hour later, Nazareth came. He works at Ernst&Young, at Sudirman, Jakarta, in which I pass by everyday on my way to my office. We shared stories, no longer stupid stuff like 10 years ago, but more to office, work, experiences we've been thru.
After 1-2 hour we've sat there came Norman, one of my exs who went to Binus too, who is working in Danamon as HR officer in Kuningan. Not long after that, Issac's sister, Yohana came with her boyfriend and joined us for some time. It was kinda funny cuz she still remembers me.
Then we moved to Ganthari Grill Chicken at Bulungan for dinner and then Norman drove us all back home, I was the third before Nazareth.
I'm happy to meet the boys again after so long and--can you imagine that we met up in Jakarta? Who would've thought before that these guys are now in Jakarta? Well, not me, but that's what happened, that's the fact that they're now working in great and huge companies in the country (while I don't do a lot at my office) and are climbing to their better futures. I'm so glad to hear my friends' stories of success and I'm gonna find my own way to that goal!
.JPG)
[once again: norman-nazareth-yonas-issac-moi]
I was having an unpleasant day in the office yesterday cuz except that yesterday was my off-Saturday turn, I and colleagues were having issue with our employer. I avoided her by going to one of our site project at Hampton's Park, in Terogong, South Jakarta.
Anyway, we stopped by D'Best Fatmawati after work and planned to eat at KFC, but Mum called and said that I was being waited at my aunt's place so I took a 610 Metromini to get there. I sat next to a 30-something lady with her 2-years old boy. She smiled so sincere at me, so I chose to sit next to her.
Not a minute after I sat down she apologized her loud boy who was imitating the sound of the bus engine. I said it was alright. Then she started telling me her story, that this was her 4th day in Jakarta searching for a relative in the huge area of Cilandak but found none. She decided to go back to her village in Sumedang after she ran out of money.
I gave her some amount once I know that she has nothing left and her boy haven't got fed all day. She thanked me and she cried, perhaps touched because she'd been so miserable for Jakarta is a quite 'cruel' city for villagers. She found it that Jakarta isn't really cooperative yet friendly to her for the last 4 days.
She said that she was just praying to Allah (she's a Moslem) that she believed that however difficult it is, God will help her. And she was right; God helped her through me. I said to her, that God is really good, He won't let us be abandoned and left behind.
She thanked me so much that she started to cry again, and she offered me taro she sowed, but I said, no, Ma'am, you can save it for people who need it, you needn't to repay me anything. So instead she invited me to come to her village, she said I could just take a bus from Block M Terminal but I forgot the destination; I only recognized 'Sumedang' and she told me to find Cibungur village, to ask people for Ibu Ida who sow taro (talas). People would know her, she said.
When I said that I'd go down on the next stop, she said a prayer to me, and I felt so good. I knew that I got in the bus not accidentally but by God's plan. I knew that not only I who was sent to help her, but also she passed by in my life to make my day better, to upgrade my mood. Suddenly I forgot all the worries and bad mood and all the issues I was having with the boss. Suddenly I felt refreshed and so happy. Even the pengamen (singers) who got in the bus were fun and kind although their faces were scary. I gave them some change I kept and the whole bus passengers felt so friendly to me.
When I got in to my aunt's place, my family were wondering whether I was just got a boyfriend or something for my face was lightened and I couldn't put the smile off. I just said to my granny that I just got a blessing and mum agreed; she said that when we give, we take. We can give material thing and they can't repay us the same amount, but their thankness, grateness and prayers give us something bigger and more important that touch our humanity side.
I'm glad that I still get the chance of travelling by bus. Andy said it's much more 'merakyat' (civilized) and one of the reminders that there are people below us, that we should never boast our position or belongings, that the life is circling and someday the ones in below will somehow climb up, that nothing in this world is truly ours. Andy is right; travelling by bus will always remind us the importance of being mankinds and therefore, make us say our grace to God more often.
Anyway, we stopped by D'Best Fatmawati after work and planned to eat at KFC, but Mum called and said that I was being waited at my aunt's place so I took a 610 Metromini to get there. I sat next to a 30-something lady with her 2-years old boy. She smiled so sincere at me, so I chose to sit next to her.
Not a minute after I sat down she apologized her loud boy who was imitating the sound of the bus engine. I said it was alright. Then she started telling me her story, that this was her 4th day in Jakarta searching for a relative in the huge area of Cilandak but found none. She decided to go back to her village in Sumedang after she ran out of money.
I gave her some amount once I know that she has nothing left and her boy haven't got fed all day. She thanked me and she cried, perhaps touched because she'd been so miserable for Jakarta is a quite 'cruel' city for villagers. She found it that Jakarta isn't really cooperative yet friendly to her for the last 4 days.
She said that she was just praying to Allah (she's a Moslem) that she believed that however difficult it is, God will help her. And she was right; God helped her through me. I said to her, that God is really good, He won't let us be abandoned and left behind.
She thanked me so much that she started to cry again, and she offered me taro she sowed, but I said, no, Ma'am, you can save it for people who need it, you needn't to repay me anything. So instead she invited me to come to her village, she said I could just take a bus from Block M Terminal but I forgot the destination; I only recognized 'Sumedang' and she told me to find Cibungur village, to ask people for Ibu Ida who sow taro (talas). People would know her, she said.
When I said that I'd go down on the next stop, she said a prayer to me, and I felt so good. I knew that I got in the bus not accidentally but by God's plan. I knew that not only I who was sent to help her, but also she passed by in my life to make my day better, to upgrade my mood. Suddenly I forgot all the worries and bad mood and all the issues I was having with the boss. Suddenly I felt refreshed and so happy. Even the pengamen (singers) who got in the bus were fun and kind although their faces were scary. I gave them some change I kept and the whole bus passengers felt so friendly to me.
When I got in to my aunt's place, my family were wondering whether I was just got a boyfriend or something for my face was lightened and I couldn't put the smile off. I just said to my granny that I just got a blessing and mum agreed; she said that when we give, we take. We can give material thing and they can't repay us the same amount, but their thankness, grateness and prayers give us something bigger and more important that touch our humanity side.
I'm glad that I still get the chance of travelling by bus. Andy said it's much more 'merakyat' (civilized) and one of the reminders that there are people below us, that we should never boast our position or belongings, that the life is circling and someday the ones in below will somehow climb up, that nothing in this world is truly ours. Andy is right; travelling by bus will always remind us the importance of being mankinds and therefore, make us say our grace to God more often.
After working for almost 5 months in Jakarta and been in so many kind of public transportations in the big city, I came to some tips which I'd like to share them with you.
If you're a pedestrian, it's necessary for you to watch your every step in the streets in Jakarta.
When you take bajaj in Jakarta, you have to know the price range so you shouldn't waste time bargaining while you can save some money on this cuz they usually put high prices on newbies. When you take a bajaj, make sure you know your destination and tell them while you're entering the vehicle. You are free to do anything in that small compartment but take a look on the road once in a while to make sure you're in the right way. It's better if you know some shortcuts.
If you're taking bus, either it's Kopaja, Metromini, Patas AC, or other public buses in Jakarta, prepare your money (it's Rp 2,500.-/person now.) You should never wear unrespectful dress cuz it could really provocative to some people. Once again, mind your belongings. And beware of thieves, especially in the longer buses cuz it's more crowded which made them easier to operate on your wallet/cellphone. One simple tips; always get down with your left leg first.
In taxi the rules are simple and easy. Make sure they use the argometer well. It doesn't really matter whether they put 'tarif bawah' (cheaper tariff) or not bcuz the calculating is different depends on the speed or distance they've set (only God and they know it.) It is highly recommended to take the trustable company such as Blue Bird Group, Gamya, and other brands you're familiar with. The new TransCab offers hi-tech taxi service such as television in it and payment roll by the time you reach your destination. This, is one great quality they've innovated but I guess the price follows the services.
One last thing, you must have known this, but try to make some effort to chat with the driver cuz you'll get some advantages here; you could have a chat friend, add up your knowledge on whatever his story is about, and you won't have to worry whether he has bad purpose on you (although it's much safer to take taxis now than it was, and you can guarantee services from several qualified taxi companies.)
If you're a pedestrian, it's necessary for you to watch your every step in the streets in Jakarta.
- You have to check your belongings; make sure your bags are shut close with no item peeking out cuz this is quite crucial for your safety.
- Don't wear any provocative clothes, make sure that you are dressed politely and quite covered. Then, you can go out from your shelter if you're sure that your appearance is safe enough.
- During the walk, keep your destination in mind and walk straightly toward it, no matter how far or meandered it is; just keep on walking and keep your chin up high and eyes straight forward so you'll seem to focus. People tend to bother those who seem lost.
- Never bother the whistling or teasing they deliver to you. They're just killing time by doing that and it would never cost you anything to just consider them only the passing wind.
- Split your mind in two. Replay music or sing some song in mute and think of something else in the other half. This could avoid you from such hypnotic stuff. It's a good idea to wear your iPod while walking.
When you take bajaj in Jakarta, you have to know the price range so you shouldn't waste time bargaining while you can save some money on this cuz they usually put high prices on newbies. When you take a bajaj, make sure you know your destination and tell them while you're entering the vehicle. You are free to do anything in that small compartment but take a look on the road once in a while to make sure you're in the right way. It's better if you know some shortcuts.
[kopaja]
If you're taking bus, either it's Kopaja, Metromini, Patas AC, or other public buses in Jakarta, prepare your money (it's Rp 2,500.-/person now.) You should never wear unrespectful dress cuz it could really provocative to some people. Once again, mind your belongings. And beware of thieves, especially in the longer buses cuz it's more crowded which made them easier to operate on your wallet/cellphone. One simple tips; always get down with your left leg first.
In taxi the rules are simple and easy. Make sure they use the argometer well. It doesn't really matter whether they put 'tarif bawah' (cheaper tariff) or not bcuz the calculating is different depends on the speed or distance they've set (only God and they know it.) It is highly recommended to take the trustable company such as Blue Bird Group, Gamya, and other brands you're familiar with. The new TransCab offers hi-tech taxi service such as television in it and payment roll by the time you reach your destination. This, is one great quality they've innovated but I guess the price follows the services.
One last thing, you must have known this, but try to make some effort to chat with the driver cuz you'll get some advantages here; you could have a chat friend, add up your knowledge on whatever his story is about, and you won't have to worry whether he has bad purpose on you (although it's much safer to take taxis now than it was, and you can guarantee services from several qualified taxi companies.)
I went to watch the movie with a new friend, Carina, who I met in the office. She's here for 2 months for internship and she works here more or less because of my recommendation since she called me around 3 months ago introducing herself as Erwin's friend from the Maranatha University (which is my junior) and asked for some help. So I helped her to join the company and to find her a place and she seems to be thankful for that, she's been extremely kind to me for the late month we're working together.
Last night was the first time I stayed over at her place. We walked from the office and put our stuff in her room, then walked for another 3 minutes to my aunt's place. Hizkia, my dearest cousin, was coming with us so his mom dropped us at PIM by around 6.30. We had dinner at the food court and had little chat the three of us, but we mostly discuss about my cousin's new high school, Binus School at Serpong.
After some window shopping I stopped at Periplus and used my discount voucher there so the Rp 195,000.- Brida by Paulo Coelho was cut 20% plus Rp 25,000.- and made it cost only Rp 131,000.- which made me extremely happy for the rare chance. We had another walks and I met my ex-classmate Dom-Dom who are extremely unique both in person and his appearance.
The movie started by 8.45 and I had a great time watching (while Carina caught flu and doesn't really like superhero action flicks.) We got taxi to deliver us back to Carina's place and I had my bath before Joey called by 12 and we talked for another 45 minutes while Carina took her shower. Then we stayed awake for another 2 hours talking, sharing and discussing things.
The movie started by 8.45 and I had a great time watching (while Carina caught flu and doesn't really like superhero action flicks.) We got taxi to deliver us back to Carina's place and I had my bath before Joey called by 12 and we talked for another 45 minutes while Carina took her shower. Then we stayed awake for another 2 hours talking, sharing and discussing things.
She's another unique (she's using the word 'unique' while I use 'weird') girl with similar principal of life and love with mine (plus Ricadonna, a friend of Rian, who hates children more than I do--and Rica's reasons are more similar with mine--made the 3 of us.) We don't expect marriage as the main priority like any other girls our age nowadays. My reason is because I don't want children (I agree with Rica's principal but she's kind of way too extreme on hating little kids.) Carina's more to 'don't wanna waste her energy, time and money on someone who doesn't deserve them'. But not that I don't wanna get married; I will marry a guy someday, my own Mr. Perfect (not Mr. Maybe--read Jane Green's novel! LOL) who wants the same thing as I do; a life without kids.
Anyway, Carina has her own ideas of her life, ideals for her career and she inspires me to do the same thing. She forces me to see further in my life, to set goals and something I'd call 'to quit the comfort zone.' So, okay, I guess I'm just entering my 'comfort zone' of my new life now, but she kind of warns me to get out before it's too late. My target is another 1-2 months here. Then, we'll see.
Anyway, Carina has her own ideas of her life, ideals for her career and she inspires me to do the same thing. She forces me to see further in my life, to set goals and something I'd call 'to quit the comfort zone.' So, okay, I guess I'm just entering my 'comfort zone' of my new life now, but she kind of warns me to get out before it's too late. My target is another 1-2 months here. Then, we'll see.
I went to Senci with my latest ex, Mario, last night. We had a wonderful Vietnamese dinner at Pho' 2000 and hung out at Starbucks til 10 p.m. But stuff were getting more complicated and we were back arguing of our differences. Well, it was mostly came from me for I'm the one who make this problem. It's me who made it bigger than it is.
But he said it's been enough for him that he'd sacrificed all for me, now I had to choose between making up for good or not at all. So I chose the last option and there'll be no turning back; this is the final decision between us and I'm quite certain with it.
Well, I still love him, cuz he's somehow the most loving guy I've ever been with and he's the one who loves me the most, the greatest lover I've ever met. But just like Samantha Jones said in Sex and the City; 'I love me more.' As simple as that, and I know that I have to let go of him forever. Let the regret be with me if someday it'll show, but I need to live my life the way I want it to, not by what others said I have to. I need to enjoy every minute I'm breathing in cuz that's the only way I could feel peace. And life only happens once, there are no way turning back and I don't wanna regret anything anymore.
I feel so much better peace in mind and soul for I'm no longer under Mario's influence. I'm now being me; myself. I'm now concentrating on finding my true self for I've changed and been in demand of being someone who wasn't me since my adolescent years. I've been following wrong instructions of my false surroundings and now, it's just time to be me.
I've spent 16 bloody years in Bandung in the way my parents and my surroundings taught me to and I felt regrets, uselessness and uncountable misfit moments along every single minute in it. That, I promise myself, won't be happening again. Being here now in Jakarta is like 'coming home' to me. Dunno how many times I've said this before but that's what I feel after being a refugee in a place I disliked.
Now it's completely a new life. I've let go of everything I owned in Bandung, the memories and friends. I'm losing my girls who made me and helped me survived. I lost someone who loves me the most and it's just me in this whole big metropolitan city. But of course I'm allowing more to come for I've emptied a lot of spaces for new friends and experiences in Jakarta. And that's exactly what I got here, I'm filling the spaces for only things I want and like. I'm welcoming people that I love to be with and experiences I've never had before.
And God have been so kind to me lately. Ever since I arrived here, God had lead me the way. He always have someone helping me to cope and adapt in the new situations I have. He put me in my aunt's place in the first place so I could get used to the tough life in Jakarta and now that He moved me to the apartment, He prepared a friend to accompany me experiencing the bus transportation, to company me trying every possible transportation they have. Transjakarta busway, Metro Mini, Kopaja, bajaj, all of them... He don't let me be alone.
[my ID Card; means I'm now officially a staff]
Life in my office, meanwhile, have been quite flared up with so many politics and problems but God had put me here in the safest position, the most strategic position in the whole organization. And I feel that I'm loved for I'm receiving so many treats, especially for the last month. People have been so nice to me, like two people who treated me on different meals and a guy [sorry, no names mentioned] who drove me home when I felt too tired to take a bus--all happened in only a day.
And when I felt sad or not in the mood just like today (due to last night's heavy quarrel and buckets of tears), there are always friends sent to me like Alex (who fetched me at the apartment tonight by Doni's black Jazz and brought me to PIM2 to watch Wanted with Isak and girlfriend, Joey and his friend Frank by 11.35 p.m. They even entertained me with jokes and funny nostalgic stories of their high school moments while we were waiting for the movie to play) or Joey (who accompanied me talking and blabbering over the phone up to 4 hours post-midnight...nice talking-chatting-blabbering-discussing things with you, Jo!)
God have really been so kind to me and I feel the most peace in my entire moments in life; this is, now, really is the time of my life!
Thank you Lord!
Thank you Lord!
We went to Jakarta Fair (Pekan Raya Jakarta) in Kemayoran by taxi yesterday; me, Mum, Dad and Clemy. We arrived there around 4.30 p.m. and entered the huge arena for Rp 20,000.-/person (it's Rp 15,000.- for weekdays.)
We went around the building, looking for sale stuff while waiting for Joey to come cuz he said he was coming to join us. It had been around 10 months since the last time I met him and we just met in facebook 2-3 days ago and to my surprise he wanted to join my family's program.
We went around the building, looking for sale stuff while waiting for Joey to come cuz he said he was coming to join us. It had been around 10 months since the last time I met him and we just met in facebook 2-3 days ago and to my surprise he wanted to join my family's program.
[my beloved weirdest sister and I]
Joey finally came by around 6 p.m. after got stuck in the parking lot for it was being so jammed. We then continued sweeping the outdoor sections, going in and out of the halls, exchanged the tickets for cheaper meals and drinks, eat the famous and legendary Betawi food 'kerak telor'.
We also took pics for the camera is never get too far from Joey. I only know him for the slightest moment when Yodi brought him to Bandung along with his mom (see my October blog archive) so I thought it was gonna get kinda weird but the fact was he got along very well with my parents and sister. He once chat with her thru Alex's laptop by mistake.
Night fell and it was suddenly 8 p.m. and we got tired. We went back to apartment by Joey's ride and we got to change our shorts in to jeans for the midnight show cuz
we went to Pacific Place by 11.30 to watch Wanted (which was originally Alex's idea but he got sick so it was only the 3 of us; me, Clemy and Joey.)
We also took pics for the camera is never get too far from Joey. I only know him for the slightest moment when Yodi brought him to Bandung along with his mom (see my October blog archive) so I thought it was gonna get kinda weird but the fact was he got along very well with my parents and sister. He once chat with her thru Alex's laptop by mistake.
Night fell and it was suddenly 8 p.m. and we got tired. We went back to apartment by Joey's ride and we got to change our shorts in to jeans for the midnight show cuz
we went to Pacific Place by 11.30 to watch Wanted (which was originally Alex's idea but he got sick so it was only the 3 of us; me, Clemy and Joey.)
But luckily for Alex, we were late for Wanted so we changed plan and watched Sex and the City instead. We also bought Blitz's caramel popcorn and drinks. Turned out the movie took 2.5 hours playing so by the time it was finished we got extremely starving.
Joey took us to Circle K around Wolter Monginsidi area (I wasn't so sure about the name of the road) and we had our super late supper (or too early breakfast) in Hotdog Booth til around 4 a.m. and finally got in to our apartment by 4.30 a.m. That was really a tiring day, but I feel mostly happy!
Joey took us to Circle K around Wolter Monginsidi area (I wasn't so sure about the name of the road) and we had our super late supper (or too early breakfast) in Hotdog Booth til around 4 a.m. and finally got in to our apartment by 4.30 a.m. That was really a tiring day, but I feel mostly happy!
[C'mon! Get Smart babe!]
