I just got back from doing a piece of post-flood school activities. SMA 8 is one of those damaged schools, so we went to its temporary learning place, a Diklat building in Kuningan. I went into one of the classrooms with the cameraman, and while he was busy recording, I stood in the back of the class, observing.
The room was still full of students (well, it's SMA 8 after all--they solve math problems religiously), doing all kinds of stuff. It was during math, and the teacher was trying to explain something about deret geometri while some of the students played with their cell phones, talked quietly to each other, and threw banters at their friends frequently (as it is rare for them to find a TV crew in their class).
That situation reminds me of my high school days. The seats in SMA 8's classroom were divided into four-seats-a-row, and I saw most rows were occupied by girls. I started to imagine four different high school girls talking excitedly while taking notes during a lesson, and I was one of them. Then after class, we would sit together near the stairs where I interviewed a girl today, and we would gossip about anything.
After that, comes the high school graduation. Even though almost all the students are scattered all over the world to continue with their lives, we would still be in the same town, feeling lucky because we live just a few minutes away from each other. Regularly, we would go out to eat, watch a movie, sing our asses off in karaoke rooms, drink cups and cups of coffee, or even just to eat ice creams when the weather (or one of our heads) gets hot.
Over fried chickens, escargot, hot tea, cocktails and anything in between, we would talk for hours. We would ask, "Terus ada cerita apa niii..." as a cue for another person to start the next sentence with "masa ya katanya..." We would doodle in our book about our current states, our dreams from making the best parties to future business plan, our little matchmaking game, to our absurd drawings of this and that.
During all that, we would take pictures. We would use all our recording gadgets--digital cameras, cell phones, even a mini DV camera. I always thought, get as many pictures as we can, because that was the only way to memorize the days, years later. Those footages were even useful for my Multimedia class project.
These days, those pictures and movie clips are the only way I can see us together again.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Pure entertainment
I saw the new series Fashion House last night in Star World, and that's sinetron made by Americans, my friends. The plot is too much, contrary to the below zero acting skill (zero being the worst) and all the casts look a lot like each other.
On the other side, I think Heroes can be the new comer in my top TV show list.
Speaking of list, I wanna watch these movies:
1. D'Bijis - Gery Iskak as a transvestite.
2. Long Road To Heaven - I wanna see Nia Dinata's attempt to make a semi-documentary that I think got too much publicity.
3. The Holiday - Jack Black in a romantic comedy after Shallow Hal, and Jude, of course.
4. Blood Diamond - Interesting story.
5. Infamous - Recently I wanna know more about Truman Capote.
Anyway, concerts are happening in Jakarta for the next few weeks. There's Muse, and then Java Jazz Festival, and two Sondre Lerche gigs in Jakarta and Bandung. If I had the money, I would go see all of them. But it looks like I'm picking Java Jazz, because it's, well, more festive. You can get hundreds of performers in three days, really the tagline doesn't lie.
Ack, I write craps today.
On the other side, I think Heroes can be the new comer in my top TV show list.
Speaking of list, I wanna watch these movies:
1. D'Bijis - Gery Iskak as a transvestite.
2. Long Road To Heaven - I wanna see Nia Dinata's attempt to make a semi-documentary that I think got too much publicity.
3. The Holiday - Jack Black in a romantic comedy after Shallow Hal, and Jude, of course.
4. Blood Diamond - Interesting story.
5. Infamous - Recently I wanna know more about Truman Capote.
Anyway, concerts are happening in Jakarta for the next few weeks. There's Muse, and then Java Jazz Festival, and two Sondre Lerche gigs in Jakarta and Bandung. If I had the money, I would go see all of them. But it looks like I'm picking Java Jazz, because it's, well, more festive. You can get hundreds of performers in three days, really the tagline doesn't lie.
Ack, I write craps today.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Water works
Welcome aboard, flood.
Obviously, it's been a disaster for a lot of people for these last few days. But I see silver linings here, at least for me. First, some of the streets have been empty. Most people are reluctant to go out of their houses, so it's less crowded in some of the public places and areas. This morning, cars actually ran more than 20 km/h along Bintaro-Tanah Kusir. What a rare, rare sight. Even though I was stuck for more than half an hour getting from Ratu Plaza to Bunderan HI.
Enough Elshinta-reporter-mode from me. The other thing I like from all this flooding phenomenon is the weather. The cold, breezy wind that of course makes you wanna sleep (and pee) all day long. It's good for a change from the hellish sunshine recently.
Aside from those two, the flood sucks. And I wanna get on one of those rubber dinghys (dinghies...? What?) instead of getting stuck in the office all day.
Obviously, it's been a disaster for a lot of people for these last few days. But I see silver linings here, at least for me. First, some of the streets have been empty. Most people are reluctant to go out of their houses, so it's less crowded in some of the public places and areas. This morning, cars actually ran more than 20 km/h along Bintaro-Tanah Kusir. What a rare, rare sight. Even though I was stuck for more than half an hour getting from Ratu Plaza to Bunderan HI.
Enough Elshinta-reporter-mode from me. The other thing I like from all this flooding phenomenon is the weather. The cold, breezy wind that of course makes you wanna sleep (and pee) all day long. It's good for a change from the hellish sunshine recently.
Aside from those two, the flood sucks. And I wanna get on one of those rubber dinghys (dinghies...? What?) instead of getting stuck in the office all day.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Not so terrific traffic
Tacky, tacky title, Peds.
This morning it took me two hours to drive from Bintaro to Bunderan HI. I could've reached Bandung, maybe even with a short stop in Starbucks Cikampek. Oh how I love my fucked up, metropolitan city. Once it starts to rain, cars magically appear from out of nowhere, filling up the road bumper to bumper. Maybe what Jakarta needs aren't busway or monorail. We need a mass helicopter transportation. It could be called Helicab or something.
Or maybe I'm just not used to the traffic, that's all. You see, I spent the last four years driving back and forth to Karawaci via Serpong, and the traffic was friendly most of the time. Now I have to commute everyday for the next four months and slowly, it's driving me nuts. One of these days, I think my head is going to explode.
Also, the rain today makes me wanna go back to bed, wake up at three in the afternoon, followed by TV-DVD marathon accompanied by snacks and pillows.
This morning it took me two hours to drive from Bintaro to Bunderan HI. I could've reached Bandung, maybe even with a short stop in Starbucks Cikampek. Oh how I love my fucked up, metropolitan city. Once it starts to rain, cars magically appear from out of nowhere, filling up the road bumper to bumper. Maybe what Jakarta needs aren't busway or monorail. We need a mass helicopter transportation. It could be called Helicab or something.
Or maybe I'm just not used to the traffic, that's all. You see, I spent the last four years driving back and forth to Karawaci via Serpong, and the traffic was friendly most of the time. Now I have to commute everyday for the next four months and slowly, it's driving me nuts. One of these days, I think my head is going to explode.
Also, the rain today makes me wanna go back to bed, wake up at three in the afternoon, followed by TV-DVD marathon accompanied by snacks and pillows.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Time passed, yet you still last
I'm idle at the moment. Apparently, nothing breath-taking is happening out there so I'm stuck in the office. So let me bore you with my ramble on what's happened lately.
Last Friday was probably the highlight of my weekend. A bunch of my high school friends agreed to have dinner in that HEMA Dutch Restaurant thingy, and I came with the girls, all three of them. I literally had forgotten how nice it feels to just be with those girls, driving in my car. Call me nge-geng or something, but sometimes I enjoy talking only with them even though there are people around. I didn't mind being the first ones to arrive in the restaurant, and even when people started to show up, I almost didn't care.
Almost loh, tapi. Because who wouldn't love a gathering with old friends, right?
Anyway. The gathering was brief, because the place closed at ten and we didn't have anywhere else to go, plus some people wanted to go on their own. But all in all it was okay. Again, who wouldn't love a gathering with old friends, right?
...I'll see you later, maybe with better stories.
Last Friday was probably the highlight of my weekend. A bunch of my high school friends agreed to have dinner in that HEMA Dutch Restaurant thingy, and I came with the girls, all three of them. I literally had forgotten how nice it feels to just be with those girls, driving in my car. Call me nge-geng or something, but sometimes I enjoy talking only with them even though there are people around. I didn't mind being the first ones to arrive in the restaurant, and even when people started to show up, I almost didn't care.
Almost loh, tapi. Because who wouldn't love a gathering with old friends, right?
Anyway. The gathering was brief, because the place closed at ten and we didn't have anywhere else to go, plus some people wanted to go on their own. But all in all it was okay. Again, who wouldn't love a gathering with old friends, right?
...I'll see you later, maybe with better stories.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Here's to us and another year.
I know it's a bit too late, but still, it's better to have a record of special events, right.
As opposed to what I'd predicted, I didn't cry on the new year's eve. There was some lump, but no tears escaped. I spent the night at home with Runi, Bune, and Syarif. We played with fireworks, get our party hats (and trumpets, and tiara, and sunglasses) on, while enjoying just the right amount of snacks and vodka.
Some time during the night, Rozelle came over with her boyfriend. She stayed only for a few short minutes, which broke my heart that night and still boils my temper when I think about it now.
Runi, Bune, and Syarif went back home the next day, but the fun didn't stop there. On the 2nd day of 2007, we went to Bandung and had a three-day-straight new year celebration with Bangun, Ebonk, Ingga, and Meivi. The trip was pretty special because Bune and Syarif were there this time, while normally, getting Bune to go somewhere far used to be so hard.
The hotel, the foods, the shopping, and the great great company made the trip perfect. As usual, I didn't want to go home; Bandung is somehow so different from Jakarta. It's less hectic, the weather's always nice, plus everything there seems cheaper than here. Throw in the fact that my boyfriend lives there and you'll see my point.
However, somehow in some time I had to go back home, so here I am. I'm trying to enjoy my last days of holiday, and so far it's been good. I and Bune stayed over at Runi's the other day, and today we went on a culinary tour with Bangun and Syarif. Ice cream at Ragusa, then dinner at Nasi Goreng Rawit. Sadly, Syarif has to go back to Aceh tomorrow. It was fun hanging out with him, as we saw each other quite a few times this holiday.
I've been having great times with my friends (and Bangun) recently, but something's still bothering me. Lately a friend has been occupied with her own life. And I don't know which is worse; selfishly and frequently ranting about how I want my best friend to be there with us despite her busy schedule, or pretending not to care about her presence at all.
I might get back at you on that one.
[song of the day: albert hammond jr. - scared]
As opposed to what I'd predicted, I didn't cry on the new year's eve. There was some lump, but no tears escaped. I spent the night at home with Runi, Bune, and Syarif. We played with fireworks, get our party hats (and trumpets, and tiara, and sunglasses) on, while enjoying just the right amount of snacks and vodka.
Some time during the night, Rozelle came over with her boyfriend. She stayed only for a few short minutes, which broke my heart that night and still boils my temper when I think about it now.
Runi, Bune, and Syarif went back home the next day, but the fun didn't stop there. On the 2nd day of 2007, we went to Bandung and had a three-day-straight new year celebration with Bangun, Ebonk, Ingga, and Meivi. The trip was pretty special because Bune and Syarif were there this time, while normally, getting Bune to go somewhere far used to be so hard.
The hotel, the foods, the shopping, and the great great company made the trip perfect. As usual, I didn't want to go home; Bandung is somehow so different from Jakarta. It's less hectic, the weather's always nice, plus everything there seems cheaper than here. Throw in the fact that my boyfriend lives there and you'll see my point.
However, somehow in some time I had to go back home, so here I am. I'm trying to enjoy my last days of holiday, and so far it's been good. I and Bune stayed over at Runi's the other day, and today we went on a culinary tour with Bangun and Syarif. Ice cream at Ragusa, then dinner at Nasi Goreng Rawit. Sadly, Syarif has to go back to Aceh tomorrow. It was fun hanging out with him, as we saw each other quite a few times this holiday.
I've been having great times with my friends (and Bangun) recently, but something's still bothering me. Lately a friend has been occupied with her own life. And I don't know which is worse; selfishly and frequently ranting about how I want my best friend to be there with us despite her busy schedule, or pretending not to care about her presence at all.
I might get back at you on that one.
[song of the day: albert hammond jr. - scared]
Friday, December 22, 2006
What's a wonderwall anyway
It's good to know that you are home for Christmas
It's good to know that you are doing well
It's good to know that you all know I'm hurting
It's good to know I'm feeling not so well
[Travis]
Mematung yok rame-rame.. Get stoned, literally or not.
It's good to know that you are doing well
It's good to know that you all know I'm hurting
It's good to know I'm feeling not so well
[Travis]
Mematung yok rame-rame.. Get stoned, literally or not.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
What's round, shiny, and comes in a pair?
What does a ring mean in a relationship these days? I mean, does it really show that you're serious, or as Luke Danes puts it, are you "in"? Me, I am still freaked out by the thought of having to wear the same ring with my boyfriend. It would be nice, though, if he gave me one, but only if it was because it's a ring I would like. Just for the sake of its beautiful appearance, with no intention to "tie" me with it.
..On a second thought, no thanks. Maybe in a few years, but not now, I don't want a ring in any form of purpose.
But enough about me. What does a ring mean, really? Does it mean you're gonna take your commitment to the next level? Does it mean you're telling people that you're taken completely, so there's no chance for other people to come near you, or even secretly hope to? Does it mean you're in a stable relationship where nothing in the world can never rock your, uh, boat?
A friend once told me, when we were having this conversation about our engaged friends (which was unusual 'cos we had just been graduated from high school back then), "Kalo tunangan-tunangan doang sih gue juga sering." Or something like that. I remember it made me think what a bastard that guy was, taking commitments for granted.
..Now I don't see the point of putting that last paragraph above. Oh well, excuse the nocturnal mind who is taking over me now, hence the questions I've never asked--even to myself--before.
[song of the day: beck - girl]
..On a second thought, no thanks. Maybe in a few years, but not now, I don't want a ring in any form of purpose.
But enough about me. What does a ring mean, really? Does it mean you're gonna take your commitment to the next level? Does it mean you're telling people that you're taken completely, so there's no chance for other people to come near you, or even secretly hope to? Does it mean you're in a stable relationship where nothing in the world can never rock your, uh, boat?
A friend once told me, when we were having this conversation about our engaged friends (which was unusual 'cos we had just been graduated from high school back then), "Kalo tunangan-tunangan doang sih gue juga sering." Or something like that. I remember it made me think what a bastard that guy was, taking commitments for granted.
..Now I don't see the point of putting that last paragraph above. Oh well, excuse the nocturnal mind who is taking over me now, hence the questions I've never asked--even to myself--before.
[song of the day: beck - girl]
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
It went something like this
So here comes the end of the year, again. I took these questions from a post last year, when I was browsing my own blog (yes, I do that) and I thought why not go over it again? It's not like I have a thousand things to do anyway. Here goes.
1) Was 2006 a good year for you?
It was fine, nothing to complain about.
2) What was your favorite moment of the year?
Shopliday last October, the whole clothes-selling fiasco, Bandung trip with Genk + Ngong last June.
3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?
When I found out I should've just gone to see Coldplay in Singapore, and I have to say I don't really like remembering what happened at RuniBune's graduation party last September. And now.
4) Where were you when 2006 began?
Bandung.
5) Who were you with?
My boyfriend and only one of my three besties, which made it suck.
6) Where will you be when 2006 ends?
I wish I knew the answer to that.
7) Who will you be with when 2006 ends?
Right now, I'm thinking Obi Kenobi, Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, and yes, later on, Darth Vader.
8) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions of 2006?
I didn't have any.
9) Do you have a New Year's resolution for 2007?
Haven't thought about it so much.
10) Did you fall in love in 2006?
Yeah, sure.
11) Favourite website of 2006?
Still Blogger for ranting and rambling, Friendster for nosing around people's lives, and Detik.com for updated events.
12) Favourite place to go?
Bandung for its coziness, the weather, the cheap stuff, the getaway place from everything hectic in this city, and oh yeah, that's the place where I can be with my boyfriend 24/7.
I also like Kuala Lumpur this year for its shops and everything else there.
13) Did you break up with anyone in 2006?
No, and hopefully the answer stays.
14) Did you make any new friends in 2006?
Yes. Oh the "perks" of taking freshmen classes at college.
15) Who are your favorite new friends?
No one. I still like my old ones better.
16) What was your favorite month of 2006?
I like October for the trip, and November for the birthdays.
17) Did you travel abroad in 2006?
Yep.
18) How many countries have you traveled to in 2006?
Two.
19) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2006?
Yes, Uteng.
20) Did you miss anybody in the past year?
Uteng and Dad.
21) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2006?
I like Deja Vu recently, and The Prestige, and I don't mind watching reruns of For Keeps on TV.
22) What were your favorite songs in 2006?
Feist - Inside and Out
The Killers - Read My Mind
And about a hundred more.
23) What was your favorite record in 2006?
The Killers - Sam's Town
Feist - Let It Die
Coldplay - X & Y
24) How many concerts did you see in 2006?
Two. Java Jazz (I went three days straight this year--wow) and Kings of Convenience in Bandung.
25) Did you have a favorite concert in 2006?
Hmm. The Kings gig was fun 'cos I got to do a road trip with my friends and took a pic with Erlend Oye afterwards. But Java Jazz was also memorable 'cos it's kinda becoming my and Bangun's...annual thing.
26) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2006?
Nope. I'm old.
27) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2006?
Nothing illegal.
28) How many people did you sleep with in 2006?
What difference does it make?
29) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
I'm ashamed that as a self-acclaimed big Coldplay fan, I didn't go to see their concert in Singapore.
30) Did you treat anyone badly in 2006?
I don't think so, except for the usual people-bitchin' with Genk.
31) Did somebody treat you badly in 2006?
Once, unintentionally. But still I was hurt back then.
32) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2006, when/where?
That Bandung trip with Genk and Ngong, and just freeze the time.
33) What are your plans for 2007?
Uh, I kinda really have to graduate. And work my ass off in APTN.
1) Was 2006 a good year for you?
It was fine, nothing to complain about.
2) What was your favorite moment of the year?
Shopliday last October, the whole clothes-selling fiasco, Bandung trip with Genk + Ngong last June.
3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?
When I found out I should've just gone to see Coldplay in Singapore, and I have to say I don't really like remembering what happened at RuniBune's graduation party last September. And now.
4) Where were you when 2006 began?
Bandung.
5) Who were you with?
My boyfriend and only one of my three besties, which made it suck.
6) Where will you be when 2006 ends?
I wish I knew the answer to that.
7) Who will you be with when 2006 ends?
Right now, I'm thinking Obi Kenobi, Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, and yes, later on, Darth Vader.
8) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions of 2006?
I didn't have any.
9) Do you have a New Year's resolution for 2007?
Haven't thought about it so much.
10) Did you fall in love in 2006?
Yeah, sure.
11) Favourite website of 2006?
Still Blogger for ranting and rambling, Friendster for nosing around people's lives, and Detik.com for updated events.
12) Favourite place to go?
Bandung for its coziness, the weather, the cheap stuff, the getaway place from everything hectic in this city, and oh yeah, that's the place where I can be with my boyfriend 24/7.
I also like Kuala Lumpur this year for its shops and everything else there.
13) Did you break up with anyone in 2006?
No, and hopefully the answer stays.
14) Did you make any new friends in 2006?
Yes. Oh the "perks" of taking freshmen classes at college.
15) Who are your favorite new friends?
No one. I still like my old ones better.
16) What was your favorite month of 2006?
I like October for the trip, and November for the birthdays.
17) Did you travel abroad in 2006?
Yep.
18) How many countries have you traveled to in 2006?
Two.
19) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2006?
Yes, Uteng.
20) Did you miss anybody in the past year?
Uteng and Dad.
21) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2006?
I like Deja Vu recently, and The Prestige, and I don't mind watching reruns of For Keeps on TV.
22) What were your favorite songs in 2006?
Feist - Inside and Out
The Killers - Read My Mind
And about a hundred more.
23) What was your favorite record in 2006?
The Killers - Sam's Town
Feist - Let It Die
Coldplay - X & Y
24) How many concerts did you see in 2006?
Two. Java Jazz (I went three days straight this year--wow) and Kings of Convenience in Bandung.
25) Did you have a favorite concert in 2006?
Hmm. The Kings gig was fun 'cos I got to do a road trip with my friends and took a pic with Erlend Oye afterwards. But Java Jazz was also memorable 'cos it's kinda becoming my and Bangun's...annual thing.
26) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2006?
Nope. I'm old.
27) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2006?
Nothing illegal.
28) How many people did you sleep with in 2006?
What difference does it make?
29) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
I'm ashamed that as a self-acclaimed big Coldplay fan, I didn't go to see their concert in Singapore.
30) Did you treat anyone badly in 2006?
I don't think so, except for the usual people-bitchin' with Genk.
31) Did somebody treat you badly in 2006?
Once, unintentionally. But still I was hurt back then.
32) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2006, when/where?
That Bandung trip with Genk and Ngong, and just freeze the time.
33) What are your plans for 2007?
Uh, I kinda really have to graduate. And work my ass off in APTN.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Alone, together
Finally, after six whole months, I, Runi, Bune, and Rozelle went out together.
Well, not like we hadn't been together in the last six months, it's just that every time there's always someone else with us. Don't get me wrong; it's nice to be surrounded by a lot of different friends because it reminds me that I still have some. However as time went, I missed having a quality time with just the three of them. It's the only time when we can talk about anything in the world.
So last night, we went JJS to PIM. We walked around the mall, going in and out of the stores without buying anything. Tired with the window shopping, we had dinner at Pastamatrix, staying there for a few hours. We talked about things that we cannot talk about whenever we are with other people. Only now, we slip the topics of jobs and careers to our conversations. Well, as Bune once said, we're not teens anymore.
It wasn't anything different from our usual Rapat Genk, but that's what exactly I'd been missing. I had a really great time last night, and didn't want to come home. Hopefully there'll be no more six-month-absence. I don't want to consider Rapat Genk as a special occasion because we rarely do it, yknow, geng.
There are four silhouettes, there are PIM escalators; I'm having a quality time.
Look at us, we're beautiful
All the people push and pull but
let's just go out and ride
Talk about the things we try
Look at us, we're beautiful
All the people push and pull but
they'll never get inside
We've got too much to hide
[Moby - Beautiful]
Well, not like we hadn't been together in the last six months, it's just that every time there's always someone else with us. Don't get me wrong; it's nice to be surrounded by a lot of different friends because it reminds me that I still have some. However as time went, I missed having a quality time with just the three of them. It's the only time when we can talk about anything in the world.
So last night, we went JJS to PIM. We walked around the mall, going in and out of the stores without buying anything. Tired with the window shopping, we had dinner at Pastamatrix, staying there for a few hours. We talked about things that we cannot talk about whenever we are with other people. Only now, we slip the topics of jobs and careers to our conversations. Well, as Bune once said, we're not teens anymore.
It wasn't anything different from our usual Rapat Genk, but that's what exactly I'd been missing. I had a really great time last night, and didn't want to come home. Hopefully there'll be no more six-month-absence. I don't want to consider Rapat Genk as a special occasion because we rarely do it, yknow, geng.
There are four silhouettes, there are PIM escalators; I'm having a quality time.Look at us, we're beautiful
All the people push and pull but
let's just go out and ride
Talk about the things we try
Look at us, we're beautiful
All the people push and pull but
they'll never get inside
We've got too much to hide
[Moby - Beautiful]
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Blow another candle
So, this year's birthday season went great. It was somehow less festive, though, due to some reasons. On my birthday, my friend's dad passed away and it was sad to the bone. I mean it; I'm not too close with this friend, but I wanted to cry when I visited his house. On Bune's birthday, Rozelle couldn't be there. And on Rozelle's, I kinda lost my nerve on the birthday girl herself. No bloodbath involved, thankfully, as everything went back OK later on that night.
Then there was Bangun's birthday. For the first time ever, I went to Bandung to give him a surprise visit on his big day. It's safe to say that it went well, and despite a few lies I have to tell here and there, I had fun spending three days in Bandung. It's a bit cheesy to say, but lately things have been going great and I'm kinda head over heels again (and of course there's the need to tell the world about this, huh).
The last birthday, however, was a great peak to end the season. On Runi's birthday, we held a small party at Bandar Jakarta. I, Runi and Bangun were the host. Everyone who's anyone in our list was there. Great friends, great seafood (if not the best), a karaoke session afterwards; it was certainly one of this year's high moments. The fact that Ingga and Ebonk drove Bandung-Jakarta-Bandung nonstop that night just to attend our party just made my night even more.
Seeing the pictures from the party last night, suddenly it hit me; we're old. We're old, old, old. I know if any of you people over the age of 25 read this, you'd be pissed at me. But I just realised last night, I'm not 19 anymore. Twenty two sounds so...full of responsibility. It doesn't scream fun. Now that the festive season is over, here comes the age crisis.
Here's to hoping that this 22nd year will rock my (and everyone's) socks. Happy birthday!
Then there was Bangun's birthday. For the first time ever, I went to Bandung to give him a surprise visit on his big day. It's safe to say that it went well, and despite a few lies I have to tell here and there, I had fun spending three days in Bandung. It's a bit cheesy to say, but lately things have been going great and I'm kinda head over heels again (and of course there's the need to tell the world about this, huh).
The last birthday, however, was a great peak to end the season. On Runi's birthday, we held a small party at Bandar Jakarta. I, Runi and Bangun were the host. Everyone who's anyone in our list was there. Great friends, great seafood (if not the best), a karaoke session afterwards; it was certainly one of this year's high moments. The fact that Ingga and Ebonk drove Bandung-Jakarta-Bandung nonstop that night just to attend our party just made my night even more.
Seeing the pictures from the party last night, suddenly it hit me; we're old. We're old, old, old. I know if any of you people over the age of 25 read this, you'd be pissed at me. But I just realised last night, I'm not 19 anymore. Twenty two sounds so...full of responsibility. It doesn't scream fun. Now that the festive season is over, here comes the age crisis.
Here's to hoping that this 22nd year will rock my (and everyone's) socks. Happy birthday!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Buy low, sell high
Here's one thing I can put on First-Time list: I participated in a bazaar last weekend. Along with Runi, Bune and Bangun, I sold dresses in Warung Baba's bazaar. For two straight days, we arrived there at 12 noon and stayed there up 'til 10 at night.
It was tiring. The weather was very hot, you'd think the sun was just an inch above. Not being able to drink didn't help the situation. Plus the patience I had to put up with stubborn customers who thought they could buy a vintage-looking, colourful, pretty-detailed dress for under Rp. 50.000 was almost unbearable.
Despite all that, however, I had so much fun. It involved cute clothes, which is one of my top interests, and I'd never done this before; trying to sell stuff to strangers (even though quite a few people who came weren't really strangers--our family and friends), having to smile and make small talks in order to have people buy the dresses. It's worth the two-week preparation we'd had, and RunBun, I'm gonna miss working with you every single day, trying to fix the dresses.
For now, I'm done with bargaining. I'm sick of both trying to buy something with the lowest price and selling something with the highest price.
It was tiring. The weather was very hot, you'd think the sun was just an inch above. Not being able to drink didn't help the situation. Plus the patience I had to put up with stubborn customers who thought they could buy a vintage-looking, colourful, pretty-detailed dress for under Rp. 50.000 was almost unbearable.
Despite all that, however, I had so much fun. It involved cute clothes, which is one of my top interests, and I'd never done this before; trying to sell stuff to strangers (even though quite a few people who came weren't really strangers--our family and friends), having to smile and make small talks in order to have people buy the dresses. It's worth the two-week preparation we'd had, and RunBun, I'm gonna miss working with you every single day, trying to fix the dresses.
For now, I'm done with bargaining. I'm sick of both trying to buy something with the lowest price and selling something with the highest price.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Randomly rambling
People say that suicide is forbidden, because it's against God's will. Recently I think, isn't everything mastered by That One Up There, including how we think? Therefore, our intention to attempt suicide is also part of The Plan, right? So we're not against anyone's will, are we.
No, I'm not in the mood to kill myself, thankfully. It's just that I've been reading about suicide in Nick Hornby's A Long Way Down (which I recommend for everyone to read).
Anyway, I am finally resigning from Chrysolit. This month, hopefully will be my last. I want to spend my days as a normal student (in other words, a student-slash-slacker) before I really have to worry about getting a job. I want to watch meaningless afternoon TV, treat myself in a hair salon, or go with my friends. Of course, that's after I take a nap. Ah, how I miss those days.
Have you ever had the feeling when you wish you could forget someone for just a day or two, and later you can...unforget that person, all because you want to forget some awful thing that the person's done to you?
Suicide, job update, and a heartbreak rant. That's my mix for today.
No, I'm not in the mood to kill myself, thankfully. It's just that I've been reading about suicide in Nick Hornby's A Long Way Down (which I recommend for everyone to read).
Anyway, I am finally resigning from Chrysolit. This month, hopefully will be my last. I want to spend my days as a normal student (in other words, a student-slash-slacker) before I really have to worry about getting a job. I want to watch meaningless afternoon TV, treat myself in a hair salon, or go with my friends. Of course, that's after I take a nap. Ah, how I miss those days.
Have you ever had the feeling when you wish you could forget someone for just a day or two, and later you can...unforget that person, all because you want to forget some awful thing that the person's done to you?
Suicide, job update, and a heartbreak rant. That's my mix for today.
Randomly rambling
People say that suicide is forbidden, because it's against God's will. Recently I think, isn't everything mastered by That One Up There, including how we think? Therefore, our intention to attempt suicide is also part of The Plan, right? So we're not against anyone's will, are we.
No, I'm not in the mood to kill myself, thankfully. It's just that I've been reading about suicide in Nick Hornby's A Long Way Down (which I recommend for everyone to read).
Anyway, I am finally resigning from Chrysolit. This month, hopefully will be my last. I want to spend my days as a normal student (in other words, a student-slash-slacker) before I really have to worry about getting a job. I want to watch meaningless afternoon TV, treat myself in a hair salon, or go with my friends. Of course, that's after I take a nap. Ah, how I miss those days.
Have you ever had the feeling when you wish you could forget someone for just a day or two, and later you can...unforget that person, all because you want to forget some awful thing that the person's done to you?
Suicide, job update, and a heartbreak rant. That's my mix for today.
No, I'm not in the mood to kill myself, thankfully. It's just that I've been reading about suicide in Nick Hornby's A Long Way Down (which I recommend for everyone to read).
Anyway, I am finally resigning from Chrysolit. This month, hopefully will be my last. I want to spend my days as a normal student (in other words, a student-slash-slacker) before I really have to worry about getting a job. I want to watch meaningless afternoon TV, treat myself in a hair salon, or go with my friends. Of course, that's after I take a nap. Ah, how I miss those days.
Have you ever had the feeling when you wish you could forget someone for just a day or two, and later you can...unforget that person, all because you want to forget some awful thing that the person's done to you?
Suicide, job update, and a heartbreak rant. That's my mix for today.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Will you catch me?
I wish sometimes I could not care about anything. That way, I wouldn't give so much thought into something when it goes wrong. Kind of like the way I don't care about, say, wearing cosmetics. That way, I wouldn't care about smudged lipsticks or wrong shades of mascara in my face.
Or big, celebratory days. I wish I didn't care about New Year's Eve; that way, I wouldn't give a slightest fuck when I can't spend it with people I want to spend it with.
When I don't care about something, I suppose I wouldn't get too attached to it either. I wouldn't have to commit to it, and end up questioning myself in doing so. Commitments like it or not, make you feel dependent of your partner, don't you think? It's just not healthy. At all. There are times when I like depending because I'm sure no matter how much of a "survivor" women claim to be, deep down we can't live without our partners.
However, there are also times when I wish the word "commitment" did not exist at all. It's suffocating, it makes me think, and of course, it makes me ramble on and on with no sense whatsoever. All this just because of one silly question Bangun asked me jokingly the other night, following one bad news he'd delivered a few nights before.
But I guess above all, it's still nice to have the feeling of being needed by someone. I like it.
Enough about scary stuff, now moving on to a lighter area. Ever so unpredictably, I went to A Mild Live's Soundrenaline 2006 in Pantai Karnaval last Sunday. Supposedly the biggest annual rock festival in Indonesia. From the performers and the ticket price ( Rp. 30,000 and you get to see Indonesia's leading bands perform all day long in five stages), anyone can notice who the target audience was. Low-middle class, who seek for entertainment at the cheapest price, just to take a break from their tough daily life. People—mostly men—who came in groups, proudly bringing flags and banners saying "Slankers Club Depok" or "Slankers Club Cirebon".
Therefore, I want to say to the promoter of the festival, good job for bringing together Slank, Jamrud, /rif, Cokelat, Seurieus, and other top local acts in such an affordable price for their fans, but what the hell were you thinking, inviting INXS to perform?!
Poor, poor JD Fortune and the aging guys (but obviously not with aging skills) performed like they were playing in front of a group of disadvantaged people. From the thousands of men and women there, I'd say only a hundred or maybe less who actually enjoyed their music. I heard most of the crowd shouting "Udaaaah…Slanknya manaaa…" over and over again.
INXS deserves another concert, maybe alone, or at least not scheduled before Slank in the same stage. As for Soundrenaline, think more of perhaps Hoobastank or Good Charlotte for next year.
[song of the day: Mogwai - I Know You Are But What Am I?]
Or big, celebratory days. I wish I didn't care about New Year's Eve; that way, I wouldn't give a slightest fuck when I can't spend it with people I want to spend it with.
When I don't care about something, I suppose I wouldn't get too attached to it either. I wouldn't have to commit to it, and end up questioning myself in doing so. Commitments like it or not, make you feel dependent of your partner, don't you think? It's just not healthy. At all. There are times when I like depending because I'm sure no matter how much of a "survivor" women claim to be, deep down we can't live without our partners.
However, there are also times when I wish the word "commitment" did not exist at all. It's suffocating, it makes me think, and of course, it makes me ramble on and on with no sense whatsoever. All this just because of one silly question Bangun asked me jokingly the other night, following one bad news he'd delivered a few nights before.
But I guess above all, it's still nice to have the feeling of being needed by someone. I like it.
Enough about scary stuff, now moving on to a lighter area. Ever so unpredictably, I went to A Mild Live's Soundrenaline 2006 in Pantai Karnaval last Sunday. Supposedly the biggest annual rock festival in Indonesia. From the performers and the ticket price ( Rp. 30,000 and you get to see Indonesia's leading bands perform all day long in five stages), anyone can notice who the target audience was. Low-middle class, who seek for entertainment at the cheapest price, just to take a break from their tough daily life. People—mostly men—who came in groups, proudly bringing flags and banners saying "Slankers Club Depok" or "Slankers Club Cirebon".
Therefore, I want to say to the promoter of the festival, good job for bringing together Slank, Jamrud, /rif, Cokelat, Seurieus, and other top local acts in such an affordable price for their fans, but what the hell were you thinking, inviting INXS to perform?!
Poor, poor JD Fortune and the aging guys (but obviously not with aging skills) performed like they were playing in front of a group of disadvantaged people. From the thousands of men and women there, I'd say only a hundred or maybe less who actually enjoyed their music. I heard most of the crowd shouting "Udaaaah…Slanknya manaaa…" over and over again.
INXS deserves another concert, maybe alone, or at least not scheduled before Slank in the same stage. As for Soundrenaline, think more of perhaps Hoobastank or Good Charlotte for next year.
[song of the day: Mogwai - I Know You Are But What Am I?]
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Tears stream down your face when you lose something you cannot replace
I just realised that I'd never lost someone close until yesterday, when my mom told me that Uteng, my former babysitter passed away due to illness.
I was so close back then with her, she was practically my second mom. You know what they say about how a career-driven mother tends to leave her child with a babysitter, making them feel bonded with each other? It happened with me. Even when I was growing up and Uteng stopped working for my mom, she always visited me regularly. I always imagined that she was gonna be there forever.
What hurts most is that I've been missing her recently, because the last time she came to my house was about two years ago. I've been looking for her, which wasn't hard 'cos her husband works with my mom and she worked in my aunt's boutique. My mom then told me Uteng was in her hometown of Madiun, and kept getting sick. I never heard from her again, until the news came yesterday.
I just want to see her for one last time, that's all.
I was so close back then with her, she was practically my second mom. You know what they say about how a career-driven mother tends to leave her child with a babysitter, making them feel bonded with each other? It happened with me. Even when I was growing up and Uteng stopped working for my mom, she always visited me regularly. I always imagined that she was gonna be there forever.
What hurts most is that I've been missing her recently, because the last time she came to my house was about two years ago. I've been looking for her, which wasn't hard 'cos her husband works with my mom and she worked in my aunt's boutique. My mom then told me Uteng was in her hometown of Madiun, and kept getting sick. I never heard from her again, until the news came yesterday.
I just want to see her for one last time, that's all.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
For a change
If anyone asks me what I've been up to these days, I will finally have answers. I'm currently a student at Binus Center's short course program, taking the web authoring class every morning, and I still teach at Chrysolit (even though I'm hanging on a thin, thin rope there), and two afternoons a week I jog in Senayan with Bangun.
I feel noble.
Anyway, I can conclude my oh-so-busy days into:
a. I am now interested in web designing, digital imaging, and even interior designing. 3D Max, someday I'm gonna come to you and conquer your world. Just wait.
b. I have been feeling healthy recently, thanks to my four-km-a-day of jogging and walking.
c. I am getting more and more tired working at Chrysolit, but I know if I quit I will lose my salary. And I have my own inexplicable satisfaction from earning my own money. As my mom said, my "workaholic" side is starting to show, even if it's just a tiny bit. Workaholic? Me?
d. Which leads me to the last point. I can apparently stop being a slacker. Again, I feel noble for having a few things to keep me busy. I miss my sleep, but I'm still not complaining.
One more thing. These recent earthquakes and tsunami had made my mom think twice about letting me go to Bali, which on the second thought, she decided to forbid me. She has a reason, and I gotta say, what a reason. I can't fight it at all, obviously. I usually get what I want, and I've been blown twice in a month. Now I'm just so upset, and let me say only this once 'cos I've been holding it back.
The sight and sound of Bali now hurt me.
[song of the day: Regina Spektor - Fidelity]
Thursday, July 06, 2006
A little time-out
What were you like at school?
I was probably the quiet one. I had my own world with my friends, not in the we-move-our-booty-therefore-we're-the-prettiest-girls-in-school crowd nor in the bullied, why-does-everyone-keep-looking-at-me-weirdly crowd. To help, one girl referred to me and the girls as "geng jetset". What the fuck.
What's your most treasured possession?
Emotionally speaking, RuniBuneRozelleBangunDindaMama. Physically, my phones, my car, and my CyberShot.
When did you last cry and why?
This little brat almost cried when Mummy said no Singapore trip to see Coldplay live for this year. Seriously, Coldplay!!! But I did cry last Friday-Saturday, following my Batukaras trip.
What's your poison?
Cigarettes and caffeine.
Pick five words to describe yourself.
Selfish, different, quiet, goofy, and did I mention, selfish?
What's in your pocket right now?
My brain, full of Coldplay-related thoughts.
Who was the last person you punched?
I don't punch.
What was the last record you bought?
Snow Patrol
What's your most unpleasant characteristic?
Selfishness. I have to get what I want.
What's your greatest fear?
Loneliness, and recently, commitment-related future.
What's the greatest film ever made?
"Film Persahabatan" starring Cecile, Bianca, Tamara and Brian.
Can you recite a line of poetry?
I don't read poetry..Paling puisinya temen gua si Runi. My favorite so far, the unpoppables one.
What turns you on?
In guys? Eyes, lips, current affairs masters.
Happiness is ...
When I get what I want.
Where are you going now?
NOT to see Coldplay, from the looks of it.
Cheers to Runi's old blog entries.
I was probably the quiet one. I had my own world with my friends, not in the we-move-our-booty-therefore-we're-the-prettiest-girls-in-school crowd nor in the bullied, why-does-everyone-keep-looking-at-me-weirdly crowd. To help, one girl referred to me and the girls as "geng jetset". What the fuck.
What's your most treasured possession?
Emotionally speaking, RuniBuneRozelleBangunDindaMama. Physically, my phones, my car, and my CyberShot.
When did you last cry and why?
This little brat almost cried when Mummy said no Singapore trip to see Coldplay live for this year. Seriously, Coldplay!!! But I did cry last Friday-Saturday, following my Batukaras trip.
What's your poison?
Cigarettes and caffeine.
Pick five words to describe yourself.
Selfish, different, quiet, goofy, and did I mention, selfish?
What's in your pocket right now?
My brain, full of Coldplay-related thoughts.
Who was the last person you punched?
I don't punch.
What was the last record you bought?
Snow Patrol
What's your most unpleasant characteristic?
Selfishness. I have to get what I want.
What's your greatest fear?
Loneliness, and recently, commitment-related future.
What's the greatest film ever made?
"Film Persahabatan" starring Cecile, Bianca, Tamara and Brian.
Can you recite a line of poetry?
I don't read poetry..Paling puisinya temen gua si Runi. My favorite so far, the unpoppables one.
What turns you on?
In guys? Eyes, lips, current affairs masters.
Happiness is ...
When I get what I want.
Where are you going now?
NOT to see Coldplay, from the looks of it.
Cheers to Runi's old blog entries.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
I WANT TO WATCH COLDPLAY!! I want to pack my bags, arrive in Singapore on the 9th, see the gig the next day, and go back home probably on the 12th.
I have to get it out of my system. Or better yet, I have to find an affordable way to go there. I keep hearing their songs and picturing them on stage in my head. I'm going nuts.
I have to get it out of my system. Or better yet, I have to find an affordable way to go there. I keep hearing their songs and picturing them on stage in my head. I'm going nuts.
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