Weekend at Sofy's

Holla!
It's October already! Seems several last month just went too fast and I know there is no use of regretting it, eh? At least I had tried to lived my days happily and striving for the best in most of it. I hope you guys whom I loved very much did the same. Amen. So, what bring me back to this platform after I abandoned it for months? The answer will be my long-last partner in crime, RAP (whoa man, just realize your initial is similar with that rap monster from BTS lol). A week ago, we went to our neighborhood country, Malaysia (and yes please congrats me for achieving two resolutions in a row, first time boarding in a plane and first time going to foreign place). She told me to write our story here because we were so cool hahaha. No seriously, we are cool, can you imagine clumsy and messy girl like us manage to go there? We did'nt prepare much though. Even our conversation in whatsapp that sparks this plan was kinda impulsive:

Me: .. just two of us, we havent travel somewhere far, dont you think? | Her: far like.. far? | lets go somewhere by plane, when will you have your day off? | man I only have days off next year | really? :( well then lets just start save money to go to NZ together | uhm or maybe we can go to Singapore or KL next week, you can always go online right? just check if there any affordable weekend flights next thursday. I will have my days off from thursday, we can go thursday night. how about that?| wow are you serious?

Everything went fast with her having group presentation delayed and me having sudden big task order from my team leader but somehow we made it, friday predawn and we already lying in hard couch on KLIA 2. Actually our goal is only to step our feet in Kuala Lumpur so you wont get any answer asking what was our schedule for two days two nights there. Sofy, the girl whom we going to stay at was having her class until friday afternoon and that left us free time until 4 p.m that day. FYI, Putri was being herself and said, "My job is done here, I had encourage you to made it go travel here and now we arrived, it is up to you, I'll just tag you along," followed by somehow insane smirk in her face. Well, it mean I am the ship captain (ship with only one passenger, Putri) and with zero 9% knowledge about KL public transportation, we decided to take off to KL-Sentral. Why? Because my friend told me before that KL-Sentral is literally the center of Kuala Lumpur so you can go anywhere from there. My story from here will be full of KL-Sentral word, in fact what I love the most from this trip is, the mighty KL-Sentral (oh and UKM, we'll get to that later). Maybe this is for personal reasoning, but as someone who love Jakarta's commuter line much, giving me the beauty of KL-Sentral is heavenly! In Bogor-Jakarta line, boarding in spacious, clean, empty (or merely not-crowded) coach and being able to get a seat there is already a big yes for me. So my heart was just burst with joy when trying KTM coach or Rapid KL coach back in Malaysia. Not to mention, Rapid KL's self assisted ticketing, it is looks like that ticket vending machine I only get to see in West/Korean movie. There are some numbers of tunnel and subway line we were tried also, man I cant be more hyped than that! Maybe that convenient feel I got from riding in KL line network comes from 50% better management and 50% better public attitude. I mean, the greater thing in KTM/Rapid KL service are neat managing of KL-Sentral and various choices of ticketing (numbers of vending/locket). Other stations in that network were physically not so different with Juanda/Sudirman/Pondok Cina standard. If you live everyday in your life using KRL in Jabodetabek line then you definitely see the problem of (very) high number of people who use that service and their lesser good attitude. Just few days ago, I was in the middle of riot on woman-only KRL coach, all caused only by panic but in result several injuries were made. I cannot blame all the fault to the passenger because come to think of it, the largest group of KRL user is commuter people who depart rushly in morning, struggle not to come late to office and when they come home in the evening, they are all tired and drained and wasted.. more negative thing than positive one. It is the same if we talked about other public transportation service in Jakarta; kopaja, angkot, metromini, etc. Come to think of it, Jakarta indeed so full of human, it seem unable to sustain anymore life *sigh*

long live commuter people!

Uh, so I babbling much about public transportation above so it left me less spaces to talk about the trip lol. But anyway, we only went to Batu Caves, Little India, Central Market, China Town, and KLCC. People said  I can get more attraction than that but heck, Putri and I attached too much to UKM (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) dorm. See, after day one roaming around with not-so-light backpack as our burden, bed is really one thing we appreciate big times! Sofy's ancient room (she describe it that way, mostly because her dormitory building was built on 1950ish) was so comfy and accessible to nearest student hangout spot (library/canteen). We basically spent our time in Malaysia with laying and rolling around in her room, chatting. Oh and anyway, UKM is a lovely campuss. It is twice (or more, I guess) larger and wider than my campus. I feel live in IPB dormitory all over again, with forest right in the backyard and bus at service to go everywhere in campus area. The differencies will be better management (again), UKM building and landscape is slightly more eye-friendly than IPB, lol.

yoo-hoo

 I linked some random photos above to give you imagination starter of our trip a week ago. Oh and if you wonder why the hell that car park too near to a river, well it wasnt. That brownish water is flood, haha, yes I even experienced flood on this trip. Now you can imagine how absurd we were. Many of good photos are not available due to Putri's misfortune. Her phone was lost in KLIA 2 and until now I wishing it back. But dont pity us guys, we are definitely not regretting that weekend HAH! Still missing you, Putri & Sofy :''

XOXO,
Icha

Personal rant and brit pack fever

Uh so, its almost end of July already, it seems I neglect this platform for a month. Not that I have a tight schedule but I just went through something that need effort and patience lately (yet there I am still waiting for the so called decision). My quota for internet connection somehow reach the limit while I was on Bogor; I am homey since a week ago but these laziness struck me as always. Some this and that happenned these few weeks, including my brother visit to Bogor.

Seaworld was somehow his dream place to visit since childhood yet I just able to bring him there last week lol sorry bro

Oh and on other note this little brother got accepted at Landscape Architecture on IPB (yay congrats). Idk maybe his visit there was some kind of auspices (what). He was on Bogor for three days only and went straight home alone on afternoon of World Cup final match. UH AND TALK ABOUT WORLD CUP.. HAHA FINALLY GERMANYYYY WOOHOO; I recall that all mess full of crying phone conversation between me and Putri after Germany lost to Italy on semifinal back on 2006. Man look at them now after all those struggle since I was an elementary school student, Germany has the best steady team player. Can not forget Klinsmann and Low for that :') Ah sorry for too much feeling.

My days at home not really worh telling (as usual yes) but then I can tell you that last week was my attempt to watch old school movies:

Back to The Future 3 (1990)

Leon: The Professional (1994)

Sid & Nancy (1986)

The Breakfast Club (1985)

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Blade (1998)

Well, now for short reviews: First installment of back to the future will be my forever favorite, the 2nd and 3rd one were not bad just didn't live up the hype like the first one. Maybe because I root for Crispin Glover as young George Mcfly. Natalie Portman debut in Leon was just wow, how old was she again? 11-12 y.o I guess but her acting was awesome, she just depicted everything about Mathilda in perfect way. Besides, evil Gary Oldman can not be better looking than that (like some days before I went for 'dawn of planet of the apes' with my mate and we thought gary oldman cant get any older than Lt Gordon on batman sequel, he somehow always look like that for a long time; indeed his name 'old-man'). And I was wrong though, when I finally downloaded Sid and Nancy I just keep smiling at how Mr Oldman potrayed such young punk rebellious Sid Vicious. Sad movie it was. The Breakfast Club is one of the best young adult or coming of age movie I ever came across. I mean the plot actually quite simple about how five highschoolers with very different character/background also who don't know each other spent a day together for detention hours but ends up pouting their heart out during the process. Maybe it is cliche but five main stars of the movies did it so well it hurts (my dramaqueen alter ego creeping back). And props for the cast when I found out the most touching scenes during the movie actually shots without a script and they just improvised all. Pulp Fiction was on another level though, I finally had a chance to watch this biopic lol and it was indeed superb. Idk which one is more interesting between all those seemingly 3-4 different untangling stories can be mashed together. Vincent Vega is an unlucky dork, mark these words, every single time he goes to the bathroom, bad things will happen. Oh young Tim Roth also act here, for suspense and thrilled opening and closing scenes (daww he just so clueless in some actions). In other hand, Blade just uh what so-so I guess? Maybe it somehow big for movie with that genre on that era but nevertheless it was just quite nice action vampire movie there (or maybe I need to dig some info around more).

these fine gentlemen on their fine days

I have planned to download some other movies whom brit pack starring but maybe after the Ied Fitr. Yes the holy day is coming and I'd better prepare myself more so I won't regret anything for wasting more time on this Ramadlan. Early sayings won't hurt don't you think, Taqaballahu minna wa minkum lets forgive and forgave things which burden our heart in past days :)

Cheerio

A day before Ramadlan the first

WELCOME TO THE HOLY RAMADLAN MONTH OF 1435 H

Entering the first week of Ramadlan, this time I got a full impression and vibe of this holy and sacred month; mostly bcs of our downtown located rented house. But if anything, I really got a sweet sour opening entrance for this year Ramadlan for yesterday was a long long journey that somehow possible to occur less than 24 hours. The journey in order went like these: first time job interview experience - first time get shout and harassed by angkot driver - first time get the sensation of Bogor traffic on saturday afternoon which coincidentally also a night before Ramadlan the 1st - finally: TFIOS movie with uri luksi - first time 1435 H tarawih on society mosque. Mixed feeling don't you think? I should be feeling physically exhausted by departing from Bogor at 6.09 AM to Jakarta and already driving beloved Skylar (or Sky for short, a Black Honda Vario) which stuck in Bogorian traffic jam at 02.00 PM and again face the rage of people at way back home at 6.00 PM. But then I didn't feel a thing maybe bcs my mental also get that same treatment from the start. The job interview with as an R&D staff was not too good, well you can label me as over value myself but really the company contract just didn't suit me at all (which is saddening, I already feel that job was my kind of interest). Being shouted by angkot driver also colored my day with following chronology:

Me (M) : (get down from angkot and paid Rp 9000,- for 3 people and directly walk away)

Angkot Driver (AD) : ...

M   : (keep walking and suddenly)

AD : WOY MONYET SIALAN LO BAYAR KURANG [HEY YOU DAMN PUNK ASS THIS IS NOT ENOUGH]

M   : hah?

AD : lo bertiga seorang goceng, limabelas ribu harusnya woy [three of you make it Rp 15.000,-]

M   : lah kita naik dari ruko ancol pak, kan emang tig.. [we get in from ruko ancol Sir, it should be thre...]

AD : bang*** (and carelessly drive away) [son of bi***]

God bless he just drove away so the drama is over. Not many people care though, it is indeed their daily events there; but for me it is like one climax of the day lol. The benefit from yesterday's Jakarta experience is.. I got a new acquaintance who told me a lot of her story and passion and uhm life-lesson as a same almamater graduate. But whatever, the highlight of my day is ansel elgort the fault in our stars! After passed through a lot (like A LOT, everyone in Bogor seem available in the road that afternoon) of traffic jam, Luksi and I finally managed to watch it. And man, even though I have not read the book (Luksi had), the movie simply charmed with that kind of vibe the perks of being wallflower give me. Have not read John Green writing, uh and avoid spoiler from Luksi, Chita, and Patia, became an advantage as I absorb into the movie very much and surprised at some point. Even that cumber-ukhti above agreed that this adaptation movie quite living their expectation. Not to mention Ansel and Shai were great there, oh and Nat too (wait him as main actor of another John Green novel, Paper Town). I am waiting Chita to lend me the original version of the book bcs Luksi said that translated one is weird hahah. [SPOILER] One of my favorite scene on the movie where I can relate so much with my other life changing movie is when Hazel kind of feeling angry to Gus and eventually said this quote, "You say you're not specual because the world doesn't know about you, but that's an insult to me. I know you," Oh Gus I can feel you very much with our dream to do something to the world and to be remembered by many people. In the end, what we have done maybe didn't fated to be remembered by many lives but still there must be someone or even more who feeling grateful by your existence. I know you people must be bored by this Gandhi X Remember Me quote but guess whaaaat it is indeed my life inspiration line: Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we've touched. I don't have to mention that I cried a bit here and there between scenes right? Yeah no need to. The ending of my day was closed by nice little discovery of a nearby mosque where I pray tarawih there. Ramadlan indeed a special month and the good thing is.. its just started.

So keep on living guys!

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers

This latest week of mine was filled of little adventure, include one of my accomplishment in finishing Band of Brothers mini-series. Like years ago I get this series from Monika (if I am not mistaken) and has been that long stayed on my external hardisk bcs once I tried to randomly watch the first episode by jumping from scene to scene but nothing really intrigue me. But last week I was in the mood to watch war-action movie and remembered that I had this award winning mini series. Many great great reviews and sayings about this one amazing motion pictures are definitely true, I mean it is indeed a masterpiece from a hand of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, and others honorable names. Band of Brothers tell a story about World War II day to day experience from a perspective of a group of paratrooper US Army named Easy Company. They involve in several battle and operation including D-Day jump in Normandy, Operation Market Garden, Siege of Bastogne, and even invading Hitler’s gold architecture at The Eagle's Nest. Based on true events (with bits of dramatization and adjustment), this miniseries just beautifully made with a credible sources from Stephen E. Ambrose (historian who published a book with same title) also interview notes from still-living-heroes from WWII itself.
10 episodes of this mini series share us a lot of historical events and names which truthfully enrich my knowledge. Several points leave me a deep impression, not necessarily need to mention that these are my personal picks. I believe there are more knowledgeof this series which feel more meaningful and astonishing yet I just cant figure how to 'gif' the moment or simply cant write the exact feeling *sigh*

Sobel is genius (yeah it is sarcasm)
I havent done many research on how Herbert Sobel character in actual life but David Schwimmer just made him some kind of evil leader-trainer for 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, esp his strictness toward Easy Company. He is that kind of always-seeking-other-mistakes person (Dolores Umbridge in disguise I guess) but he himself not really good in a real battlefield combat. After being aired in HBO, Michael (Sobel Sr. son) speak up about his father somehow negatively portrayal on the series. Nonetheless as told by Easy Company veterans in various interview later, Sobel indeed have that credit to create such regiment with body (and mental) of a steel.

the look at that private face when Sobel simply lost in a battlefield rehearsal

I feel ya

I have huge crush on Richard Winters

In my opinion, he is the main protagonist in this series focus. The whole regiment ofc consist of many great figure but Lieutenant (later Captain then Major) Winters is someone who lead the E Company during D-Day jump and earn amount of respect from each company members. His work ethics also bring his rank higher as time passed, which kinda sad bcs he had to hand over E Company leadership to others. His relationship with his partner, Capt. Nixon is a excellent touch to add in the series too. In addition, Nixon character (played by Ron Livingston) is an 'unusual' one with almost opposite of straight-face serious Winters, so they just clicked each other. Winters played by Damian Lewis, British actor with almost perfect American tongue; and like other brit gentlemen he gifted by that charisma make me swoon over him in all 10 episodes.

Major Winters during unusual patrol strategic meeting

the interaction between these two :''

let us thank the Lord who create such beautiful thing

The hardship of E Company member

Easy Company is the heart of the series, and in reality they also they are the front-liner of the regiment. From 9 available companies in the regiment, Easy is the one who lead almost all the operations with their members hold the front line and exposed to the enemy all the time. Each of the members also has their charms (lol) and same stubbornness to give their all, they trust each other so much as they belong together from the hardship during training in Toccoa days until seize the victory at Eagle's Nest. They also lost their members a lot (some of them are my favs :'' I cried when Skip die from a grenade). Large ensemble of cast were used as company members, some of them were still untouched gems. Look at Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Andrew Scott, and even skinny Tom Hardy all act in the series as their early credit in entertainment path. There are also Richard Speight Jr. (as Skip) who appear on Supernatural as The Trickster/Gabriel and Matthew Settle (as Col. Speirs) whom I later found out is Dan Humphrey father ... lol. Liebgott (Ross McCall) and Webster (Eion Bailey) got that distinct face features which I also adore. And for real when I search for each real character on Easy Company, they indeed all candy in the eyes.

singing oklahoma the loudest is George Luz, one of my favs too

oh anw michael fassbender alert

the one and only Col. Speirs who run through the battlefield full of German troops

Hitler got that aesthetic sense, eagle's nest indeed a beautiful place

There is a part of St. Crispin Day speech from Shakespeare play titled Henry V where the series name also taken. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother. Simply to say, Band of Brothers is a very recommended series with 10 hours of heart moving scenes and lead to a conclusion of every war-movie ever had: war is never a good things.

Salute!

Are you more like Lauda or Hunt?

Hola wednesday!

This is the 3rd consecutive days of me being lazy ass and wake up above 9.00 am; its really something right? I am usually not this lazy though but since get back to Bogor after spent four days at home just make me 'meh' and doing nothing really useful. But anyway thats not the main point I want to share. The day before yesterday, I finally manage to watch Rush (2013), yes it is a last year movie and one of the reasons which made me eager to watch is the fact that Daniel Bruhl is starring in that one. In addition, some of my friends who able to watch the movie in cinema last year told me that it is indeed surprisingly a good movie so ofcourse I wont pass the chance to not see it.

above: Niki Lauda - Daniel Bruhl as Niki, below: Chris Hemsworth as James - James Hunt

Rush is made based on true story about rivalry between F1 driver back in 1970s: Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth). If you have not known the story yet, I will not spoil anything here (well no promise haha) but the thing that attract me the most is Niki Lauda's ambition. He is someone who come from economist family who give no support at all for Niki's interest in being racing driver. Realizing the consequences, he takes a loan from a bank to buy his own way into a team and thanks to his smart ass brain and hardwork attitude he ended up in Ferrari racing team despite of the rookie status. Compared to James Hunt's life, Niki's is far from fun, it can be seen from his personality and (in the movie) he admit enjoys being that kind of serious and strict person in order to achieve his goal. Throughout the movie, we learn many things from both the character, but I personally adore Niki Lauda so much with all his ambition, focus, and everything; those remind me how such a peaceful person I am. Like some months ago, I took this survey (or test whatever) on www.talentoday.com and it turned out that I have this very low mental of ambition, competitive spirit, and self confidence. In contrary, I have this high points on stress management, taking responbility, and opening up to others.  At a glance it seems that I look like a saint or something with no life friction and always give cares to other lol. I can just shrug that result off but in someway it bugs me, well I mean 'is it really I have no ambition?' Realization came later, after living this 22 years of life I never indeed want something that bad (beside watching P!ATD concert years ago). I also never involve in any competitiveness feeling, I mean yes maybe life itself give us competition under our conscious but I dont really have a spot for feeling 'I should get that' kind of things. A friend once told me that she sometimes cant understand why me, given such gift in academic area, never pushed my self into a paper competition or scholarship selection,' and tbh its not my first time get that kind of comments. I admit now I feel like regretting my past by wasting my young years (london grammar alert eh) but in other way I think its not that regretful bcs I basically spent my years well surrounded by person I love. Maybe I just being James Hunt instead of Niki Lauda. And now with this upcoming pressuring years ahead, it feel like I need to be more like Niki hahaha, I mean with all the goals and aims I have to get. I cant be always that easy peasy girl with smile in her face right (?) And no, its not that I will change my entire personality but strict-en up a bit wont hurt. Pray for me pals and I hope you can always be a better person also! Lastly, let me share this quote from Rush that stucked in mind:

Mr. Lauda, may I offer a piece of advice? Stop thinking of it as a curse to have been given an enemy in life. It can be a blessing, too. A wise man gets more from his enemies than a fool from his friends. 

XOXO.

Review spreee

Wazzap.

Gladly inform you that I am writing this post while lying in front of tv room in my house. Marvelous marvelous. Just some hours ago I came back from Rajawali Cinema; the only one movie theater in the town (which on its very roll since last year) and somehow I just want to write things here again. Recalling that my last time sharing such movie/music reviews are years ago.

Movies

Well these are last 10 movies I saw recently (latest one first and going older in order):
Edge of Tomorrow
Maleficent
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Briefgeheim
Godzilla
Borrower Arriety
The Amytiville Horror
The Spectacular Now
The Blind Side
Miracle in Cell No. 7

Wow just realized that I watched those 5 first movies in a movie theater (except that briefgeheim, on dutch embassy hahaha). I wont be able to tell y'all my thoughts about those 10 titles up there, this post will be a VERY long one and I swear you couldnt bear me. There are a lot of good reviews out there in other blog or website so I am just gonna babbling about how: 1.) Emily Blunt and Tom Cruise are so awesomely charming in Edge of Tomorrow. Cruise just like aging backwards since last time I saw him in Knight and Day (I wont count Oblivion bcs it somehow disappoint me) and Blunt is whoaaa, werk it gurl, she is in a very nice shape and very different from last role on Looper which ruin her image in my eyes, uhm, I cant forget that one particular scene where she 'call for help' by pushing that frog toy; 2.) Have not find who Sam Riley (Deaval) could resemblance on Maleficent. I was confused by the actor play Stefan character which really remind me of someone (I was thinking he really looked like Tennant pfft) but it turned out he is Shartlo Copley, crazy badass mechanic on all time fav The A-Team movie; 3.) Anyone have other X-Men installation movie, I need to recall so many things; 4.) I never thought this Godzilla could bring my tears out, well it maybe bcs a lot of burden and occasions happened that day, but hell yeah Godzilla is the hero! If only they change the alien shape/form, those couple of breeding alien just strange, even for me who said to be an alien-lover by a lot of people; 5.) Spectacular Now maybe just another coming of age movie but Sutter-Aimee story is not so usual with Miles and Shailene being utterly good delivered their acting. No wonder Shai cant bring herself at fighting scene between Tris and Peter on Divergent. On other side, Shai will meet her 'brother' Ansel on TFIOS ohyeah!

Music

Well this is not really thoughts about a song/an album, I will talk about this 'game' I have with Chita-Vatya-Luksi. On every week we post 3-5 songs on our dropbox folder based on a theme that been decided. We only played this routine for 2 weeks and so far so good hahaha (the list of songs can be seen on the side). I really love the fact that Chita post Lie to Me soundtrack there (how I miss dr.Cal Lightman and his sass-jerky attitude). Oh and anyway, I lately overdosed by EXO-M newest album. Ever since the issue about Kris broke out, it drive me to listen more to EXO-M songs instead. Overdose album only contain five songs but three of them always been on repeat on my phone music player: Overdose, Thunder, and Love Love Love.

Thats quite a rumble for what I watch and listen lately. How about my days? Well, still the same, you won't find it interesting anyway. Still unemployed (sorry but I just need to remind myself everytime I write here *sigh), sobbing over The Red Viper ending, and trying to livin' the life as always!

XOXO

Another monday in a week

Not even half a day and it is raining outside. My monday is likely the same like others in these past few months (read: unemployed) but my mind unconsciously keep a list of things which plan to make my days ahead quite different. Last weekend is a very hectic one, not that hectic with all important-ness of a businessman but indeed a chaos. Happy chaos. I met at least 3 person which I feel like had not seen them in ages (one of them literally disappears in my time continuum for five years straight). So here goes a mess report of what my weekends looked like:

Saturday: Bogor- Tokyo - Mecca - Netherland

The pain of glory for visiting foreign cultures only on Jakarta region surprisingly healed fast. I mean, usually your legs gave up and body ache struck everywhere after walking all day long but it didnt happen. There were Ennichisai Fetival 2014 at Little Tokyo (Blok M) and Movie-Day at Erasmus Huis on this saturday. Driven by thirst of adventure with free admission, Della and I were casually depart from Bogor at 9.00 AM. None of us are a big fan of Japanese wave but surely we had this great time strolling a round corridors in front of Blok M Square which dazzled into an exciting path with food and store stalls in each sideline. There are a lot of youngsters did a cosplay from hype anime/manga (which we suck at). Two medium stage filled with traditional and contemporary performances from this Rising Sun country always have crowds in the front and there was also street parade of mikoshi with children playing traditional instrument. Eventhough Della and I felt like a bit lost in translation but we had a lot of joy for sure. Our trip continued to Erasmus Huis, dutch culture center in Netherland Embassy (Kuningan). Earlier on thursday I found out that there would be a movie called 'Briefgeheim' show there, and after watch the movie inside Erasmus theater (arrived late for app. 10-15mins so we joined the show in the dark) we figured out that a lot of expat families came with children age of 7-11. No wonder the movie had this feel of spy kids with less tech and simpler plot. We took a note of several free events for next months and promised to go back. Bogor was still lively (thanks to satnite traffic in almost every spot) at 8.00 PM when we arrived at commuter station. Oh, if you wonder why I write Mecca above, Blok M Square have this Kaba miniature with great mosque architecture on their rooftop.

    

Sunday: Everyday Girls Day Moment

No, I didnt go to Girl's Day concert or fanmeet whatever (but I am smooth at Expectation karaoke). Depok became a full of reunion feel yesterday after I met Farida Nuzulia, my high school friend whom I never met for these 5 years. Dede Nisa (my SHS friend too) and me just struck in awe when we know Farida already stayed in Depok for a year in her sister house which surprisingly very near of Nisa's rented house. She admitted feel like cut out from high school peers stories from the moment we graduated last 2009, so we filled our precious three hours meet to catch up of what happen within our friend circles (you know, graduate-marriage-work stuffs lol). I cant join them for more chit-chat since I already had appointment to meet my college friends in Depok too, but we promised to hang out together often. When I finally meet seven other girls at Margonda, they already finished their lunch so we raid up Gramedia and had book shopping spree (exclude me and Ima). Eight of us then spent our afteernoon together by doing activities like other normal girls would do when they meet up: gossiping in a cafe. It sound glamorous but please view it in a modest way hahaha, we basically laugh at each other life at a moderate food stall in roadside. So yes, last sunday definitely girl's day!

Hope another weekend will be amazing as well. Like I've said to someone I (used to) know this week: Never thought you are all alone in this life.

Cheers!

I ain't the poorest people in the world

Like a week ago, I found these 3 pieces of my diary books. As reading it slowly and absorbed at whatever I ever wrote there (also realizing how I was such a dreadful human being for 10-5 years in the past); I feel like even for now, in this brand new 2014, I still havent change significantly, meaning my life still so-so with no huge impact for others. Please I dont have any good impact for myself either. Once there was old me wrote on one end of my diary page: Do every human always think that they are the poorest people in the world? Believe me, it is hard to think you are not, when you surrounded by amazing and incredible human being which achieve what you did not even dare to dream. I learn how to be grateful once in a while, and compel my mind to be positive as possible but alas, it is indeed hard. Not to mention, when you walk into the 'beauty' of being 20-ish, everything around revolves messily and you tend to lose sanity. It doubled or tripled mess for a people like me who ignorant enough to never making such things like life roadmap, life target/resolution, or even just listing off dreams (I actualIy did it once or twice but thats it, I dont even know why am I stopping). If you ask me now, "what do you really want then?" ...well, I dont have any good answers. This bugs me for a while (more like half a year actually) until today I blocked all my laziness to share this uber great reading.
Click here

Maybe I ever stumbled upon that kind of article several time but maybe again I wasnt in my clear state of mind so it is regrettably wasted. This time though, maybe I just need to be triggered a bit to realize that having 'me, the poorest human being' attitude is not right, and pathetic. Yes, I am not the best in any aspect yet achieve nothing impactful but still.. you have to know your life mean something. Let me sum up a bit some points of my favorite manifestos from article above:

1. Prestige is like a powerful magnet that warps even your beliefs about what you enjoy. It causes you to work not on what you like, but what you’d like to like.

2. One of the interesting things about success is that we think we know what it means. A lot of the time our ideas about what it would mean to live successfully are not our own.

3. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.

4. This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often.

God, let this feel will continuously linger from now on so everytime I feel like a piece of crap I know that life is more than that. I believe if we struggle enough, life will embrace us beautifully (its hard to write motivational things like that when I actually feel worse hahaha *plain laugh* God dont let me be that kind of person who only say things but cant do). Oh and off course, I have to share this one from my favorite quote of a seems-mediocre-at first-but-turned out-really-heartmoving-in the end movie with brilliant messages ever, Remember Me (2010). 

Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it's very important that you do it. Because nobody else will. Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we've touched.

Stay positive as you can,

-Icha

Leisure Alternatives for Those Who Broke and Bored (Which Make You Feel More Intellegent on the Way Home)

Have you ever feel bored on a typical weekend but had not enough money to go window shopping around mall, watching movies in cinema, or simply visiting your favorites cafe? Some months ago, uber-boredom struck yet I was so broke and somehow this idea to feel educated came. I was managed to online search nearest museum or art gallery from my current domicile, Bogor. Since then, museums, galleries, exhibitions, and their friends stole my eyes. Public museum usually priced lower so it more friendly to us :)

One time, I visited Museum Nasional in Jakarta. For you who unaware for its location, the museum located on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No.12 right across Monas (Monumen Nasional). It was unplanned trip as I actually want to visit other place in Jakarta but stranded there instead. It became a surprise and great memory though, because frankly it is one of the greatest museum I ever visited so far. The entrance ticket is only Rp 5.000,- for whole collection of so many Indonesian heritages. This museum divided into several sections and levels where you can find a yard filled with ancient sculpture replicas, a room of traditional appliances used in the past with each different influences of several civilizations, traditional and indigenous devices of many existing tribes from Sabang to Merauke, various diorama of Indonesian history (even pre-history), etc. Two hours was not adequate enough for me to adore every hall and corner available as the ambience back there was somehow comfortable. The museum is nicely arranged with clean and neat environment around, their collections also seen maintained which make it feels like home. Museum Nasional open every Tuesday-Friday: 08.00-16.00 and Saturday-Sunday: 08.00-17.00 while close during Monday and holidays.

I friggin love that sculpture on last photos above, its just like a time and space portal which sucked ppl inside *creep*

Another day, I was on Bandung with some friends and decided to go for Museum of Geology. Under the flag of Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Museum of Geology is a very worth to visit place with admission ticket for only Rp 4.000,- Located on Jl. Diponegoro No. 57 Bandung, it is nearby the heart of Bandung City and easy to be accessed with any private or public transportations. There, you can find great description about Indonesian geology aspect; including collection of many fossil replicas found in Indonesian land, geology condition and its development of several big islands in Indonesia, common disaster history and each prevention steps delivered in a very interesting way (earthquake simulation is a must-to-try), also a room full of Indonesian resources which will make us so grateful to live in such generous mother land. When I was stepping my feet there, the museum was quite crowded from local visitor yet the place still convenient to stay and ofcourse two hours there was not enough to explore. Museum of Geology open every Saturday-Thursday: 08.00-16.00 and close during Friday and holidays.

if only they have brontosaurus fossil

Two examples above only explain general recognizable museum in two big cities in Indonesia. I believe there are many other museum spot in various cities in Indonesia where you can visit and being surprised enough to realize that there is such place existed in your town. There is also my own experience where I found a hidden ‘Museum Perjuangan Bogor’ lies only in front of most crowded shopping spot in the town with entrance fee only Rp 1.000,- It seem unmaintained and desolate outside (in contrast with shopping area just across of the building) but inside, their collection of Bogor history especially during colonization era is priceless.

To be honest, I never consider museum or gallery as an escapee or stress reliever until last year. Society around us tend to choose strolling around mall or eat in fancy cafeteria or restaurant in case of boredom attack. I won’t say those are a bad habit because I do that a lot too, but you won’t lose anything to try on visiting local museums which (I think) mainly well-preserve by government. Thankfully, some communities nowaday also going out to museum a lot including photographer community who usually take these wonderful museum collection or building as an object or even only for their background.  A website named Wisata Museum provides list of museums on several provinces in Indonesia on http://www.wisatamuseum.com/ may help you find your interest on visiting on nearest museum available in your area. In my conclusion, hanging out in museum not only save your money for other necessity but also make your image as an intellegent youngster, which is kinda cool (no? okay). But why don’t you give a try?

Love peace and gaul,
Icha

First post on 2014..

... dedicated to the one and only Wengky Ariando!

Who is he?

Uh but anyway as this is my first post on 2014, should I be congratulating you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR? Its already february but whatever I havent blogging since last year lol. Seize the year folks!

Back to bussiness, to answer it you just need a few seconds to type his name on google and click enter! But long story short, he is one of my closest mate (eh iya ga cun kita temenan kan?) who recently share me about this quarter-life-crisis. And well according to this link I am having that kind of syndrome at the moment, hell yeah.

1. You’ve been daydreaming about doing something crazy.
2. …but you feel paralyzed by indecision.

3. You feel increasingly nostalgic for your high school and college days.

4. The idea of making a budget terrifies you.

5. You’re starting to think of your dating life differently.

6. You have a sudden, intense fear of failure.

7. You’re bored with your friends.

8. You constantly compare yourself to your friends who are your age…

9. …or your parents when THEY were your age.

10. You feel like your twenties aren’t turning out how you expected they would.

Me myself already feel 8/10 from that list since last year (at the time when I finally finish my undergraduate thesis) but thank God I dont feel like constantly living in such syndrome. It is a thing which somehow rises in unexpected time, like when your classmate get married (read point 8 lol). At such time, I likely feel so unsignificant for hours or days but then I see a light at the end of it as by either searching a sanctuary or listening to certain music. A quite and comfy food court, breezy songs (London Grammar, Laura Marling, and friends), and a cup of cold coffee or green tea will be the best combination for recent me. Even when I managed to get a grip of myself for a while, it doesnt mean I fully overcome this quarter-life-crisis thing. I still frequently lost, unsure, etc like those list above mentioned. An exact answer may not come immediately to our life but if we patient enough, always be the best of ourselves, and get closer to God everyday, hope still there remained for us :)

So how about you guys? Mind to share the story with me?

Oh and about point 3. I DO MISS MY DAYS ON HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE, like a lot.

XOXO,

Icha