Whoa, I haven't been really posting up about 'Currently' thingy as much as before eh?
It is nearly coming to the end of October. Not so long till Christmas time. Oh My, time comes and wooossshhh... flipping trough.Here goes again 'Currently' post. Just 5 things that currently are the cores of Chendani's life.
I am currently...
1. SICK started Thursday 13th. I went home and did not feel well and it continued till the next week and my body broke down eventually. I took 4 days off. Stayed home, Bed rest. Through those sick days, I survived my own. I took care of my own self. Cooked for myself, slept, cleaned the room, hahahaha. I think I can write a guide book of 'How to survive when you are sick and live alone"
2. super addicted to Kim Phil and Kwak Jin Eon. These two infamous winner of Superstar K6 has brought me to another level of all the K-pop thing. I love the combination of the two even though they are not officially a duo group. Jin Eon was the winner and Kim Phil was the runner up. Both have sung various songs together and I am craving for more. Kim Phil with his unique range, not a falsetto, a bit husky, rock and roll and combined with the super low sexy voice of JIn Eon. Can't ask for more. I have been watching Superstar K6 without ENG SUB T_T. Can;t fully understand it, but I can take a gist of it ;). I never really watched Superstar K before but I knew the winners and they were pretty good. Many of them are my fave; Ulala Session, Dickpunks, Eddie Kim, John Park, and Seo In Guk. These two have caught my heart dearly. Both have sung various songs about 'encourage' not just a simple lovey dovey song with rap like what we have from K-pop these days. I sincerely wish that both would be around for a loong loooooong timeee in this cruel industry.
3. watching too much of Korean drama hahaha... It is piling up. There were dramas that I wanted to watch because of one particular cast was on Misaeng for I want to see how they are outside all the misaeng thing. Some, I just wanted to watch based on dramabeans review. And I ended up not finish many of them. But, that's not stopping me to have the next list to watch
4. refreshing my 'favorite things' when I am feeling down. These past few days were quiet a torment. Being sick alone is never been easy. You just feel all sort of feelings. I end up try to come up with a ' solution' of course.
- watching misaeng, when I am feeling suffocated -
- doing laundry and clean the bathroom to clear up my mind -
- make up and take a selfie with style -
- back to Elmo and get all the cuteness overloaded -
- Immortal Songs 2 on Saturdays...-
- listening to my playlist; Let's walk a little (Jung In and Gary), Reminiscing (Jazztronik), Love Recipe (Clazziquai), Just get away, you deserve it (Sweet Sorrow), Anhyeondong (Sweet Sorrow), Lie, Lie, Lie (Lee Juck), Exhausted (Kwak Jin Eon, Yoon Jong Shin, and Kim Phil), and Don't Worry (Kwak Jin Eon and Kim Phil, originally by Deulgukhwa).
- writing is always... a therapy -
5. having a regular 'homesick' syndrome. I recognize its syndrome quickly now. It's coming shorter than before. It is coming in the third month or so. Hahaha... Don't ever think that I will not have homesick syndrome since I have moved so many time. The attack is still here. I am still feeling down, negative, and all the stuff, but I think I can handle it in a better way. I don't hesitate to cry and admit the fact that I am homesick because soon it will be gone.
Should I say that I am not excited of coming to the end of this year? Honestly, I don't want it end too soon. Another year, getting older, maybe same situation with upgraded problems, and all the busy schedules. I am strangely not really excited of a new year. Whoa... am I losing hope? or maybe am I one of those grown ups that just live lifelessly? However, I still love surprises that life gives. You just never know. What will happen. It tingles me thinking that maybe next year there will be another crazy adventure like trapped in the airport because of volcanic eruption or a spontaneous fun trip? I never know...
maybe?
I think I will just enjoy the process like I have always been doing...
I love anything about Korean.
It is obvious isn't it?
I like Korean food, I like Korean drama, I like Korean singer, and variety shows. But, I am still the 'odd' Chendani who prefers something that is out of the heat. Anti-mainstream? Not really! But, I guess... I always fell over a drama, singer, movie, or actors that are not so known by others. It is always me. It works the same way with other genres. I generally prefer Indonesian movies over Hollywood movies. Same with this whole K-wave thing. While others love Running Man, I love 2days and 1 night more. While others have watched "My Sassy Girl"and claimed it as the best Korean movie, I chose "Seducing Mr. Perfect" and "My Father" as the best Korean movie. Yes! Both are starred by Daniel Henney. No... I did not pick it because of Daniel Henney despite his super masculine look (Yes! I totally fell for him), but because those movies brought so much more about Korea to me.
I am just saying that I love Korea Wave with a different current than the others. I can say that I was a little bit late, love something that is not really common about it, and I love the food because of the food, not because of Korean drama or whatsoever. Nevertheless, I am still one of the victims of K-wave.
As a starter, Korean drama was just like a fresh start to begin the K-Wave journey. I think every person in my age agree that we fell for Hotelier and All About Eve. Jang Dong Gun and Bae Young Jun era everybody! However, I was not really crazy about them, I just acknowledged that those were good dramas.I was not instantly getting into Korean wave. Instead, my mom fell for it so much in early time. She was madly in love with Bae Young Jun. She even joined the fanclub and flew to South Korea for April Snow screening. HAhahaa, yes... my mambo did it.
Ever since she came back from Korea, we were more and more into Korean food. I loved the utensils. I started eating ramyeon in a pot just like in the Korean drama. The first real Korean food I tasted was in 2006, in Brisbane Australia. Oh yes... I have been enchanted by the authentic taste of the broths and fell for Kimchi even more.
I think Korean drama and Korean food brought me trough all the K-wave journey. Then, in 2008 or 2009, I encountered Korean movie called Seducing Mr. perfect - casts; Uhm Jung Hwa and Daniel Henney. I could not remember how I met with this movie. Gaaah. I was in love. First, Daniel Henney was too hot. Secondly, the story was fresh and fun. Lastly, I bought the soundtrack. They were delighted. It took me to a surprise that South Korea has jazz (Of course it has the genre you moron!). The song was amazing. It brought me to a singer named Alex who is in a band called Clazziquai. Everybody else may love Super Junior or Boa, but my first favorite Korean singer was Clazziquai, an electro pop slash jazz trio. I instantly downloaded the whole album (OST). Well, I like Princess Hours soundtrack as well, but I was really surprised hearing this song. I am basically a jazz lover, so I did not need any other reason to be in love with it.
Then, it was my Korean movies era. I watched so many Korean movies including My Father (Yes, Daniel Henney in it again). My most fave K-movie. It was a story about an adopted Korean child who seeks of his biological parents. Daniel Henney proved his emotional acting whilst I admitted how mellow Korean movie can be. I discovered a Happy Sad Ending term here. It was enough to make me cry, but not because of sadness. It was beyond words. That powerful. (you may also check My Son, Little Prince, harmony, and Miracle cell number 7).
There were more Korean movies similar to this one added to my fave list, but anyway I think I have watched both these movies many times and still liked it. Then, it came to me the Variety Show era where I started with "We Got Married." It was all Alex's fault. He was one of the members and he was too romantic. We Got Married was so dreamlike show. It made one male and female celebrities hung out together just like a married couple. It was like a cruel show to make us 'live like a dream.' haha It was too surreal. They acted like a real couple even though they were not closed at first. Anyway, I was one of those who immersed into the show up to season 2. I haven't seen We Got Married for 6 years now (Yes, the program is still running). That show has made me know more about K-pop. The theme musics were so nice. Then, I knew about Yurisangja, Linus Blanket, Sung Si Kyung, Shinhwa, and finally.... Sweet Sorrow!
I did not love Sweet Sorrow at first. I thought it was just a skinny male group dancing and singing, but I was so wrong! They are so great in harmonization. Acapella and jazz, my dynamic duo. I would just love anything when these two involved. They got both. Enough said.
Wait a minute! I thought that I just met them in We Got Married show, but nope... I actually have heard them wayyy before We Got Married. It was in Seducing Mr. Perfect OST. The ending song. I thought it was sang by Alex as well, but later I figured that it was sung by Sweet Sorrow!!!. It was a very ear-catchy jazz tune.
More and more Korean shows. X-Man, Love Letter, Family Outing, and even Running Man, but I think I was so into Korean variety show after I had a tv cable at home. We got KBS World. Mammamia, Immortal Songs 2, and the cutest of all was The Return of Superman. I could see why people nowadays love Korean show so much. From lovey dovey, food, trip, crazy game, and heartwarming emotion. They all have those in the show. They put it altogether finely. All the interactions are natural yet entertaining. Unlike Indonesian show nowadays. It just makes me sigh... Full of trashy conversation and one's weak point. It is just unhealthy to watch.
X-man
Living without TV, I am depending on streaming show. Every week I wait for Immortal Songs 2 and The Return of Superman new episode. Both are my ultimate favorite show. I haven't got bored seeing those two. Immortal Songs 2 as I have posted in my other blog, is a complete course of what Korean music world can show. Through it, I knew more about the past of Korean songs, I knew more about the ability of those musicians, and how fun they are in the studio. They teased each other, praised each other, and moved each other's heart trough their singing. Many re-discovery here. Moon Myung Jin and Ha Dong Qn found their place in the music industry again after a long absence.
Moon Myung Jin
I also found new face of Korean music. A fun Rock band - Rose Motel, A husky vocalist - Jo Jang Hyuk and the Male Bada. Not to mention, the sexy singer, JK Kim Dong Wook. I watched them in Immortal Songs 2, and I am freaking in love with them. That stage has had many things happened. Fun rendition from Ulala Session, a story telling from Ali, and many more. In short, I know more about Korean music. Additionally, I was introduced to Korean Musical actors and singers. South Korea has many adaption of Broadway - Rent. (Please check the Barbettes, Im Tae Kyung, and Mamammoo). Not to mention, I begun to know all the singers from the past as well. Names like Yoo Jae Ha, Kim Gun Mo, Lee Moon Sae, Pearl Sister, Deul guk hwa. Haha, Ah I just love this show. It makes me to be totally in love with Korean Music.
Deul guk hwa
And this year is my Korean Drama year I may claim. I have watched more dramas than the previous years. I can say my taste is a bit stirred because of MISAENG. It ruins everything. Hahaha, After Misaeng euphoria, I was really picky about drama that I watched. Sometimes, I left the show without finishing the first episode, some other time I jumped from episode 8 to the last episode for the ending sake. Dang it. However, indeed. Korean drama is so popular. They are really well made. Every TV production has their own thing. We have a high-fashioned complicated story or fun rom com from KBS, we have twisted and revenged base drama from SBS, we have medium tone drama from MBC, and well-crafted drama fram tvN. It is just so dynamic.
In the end... the main reason why I love South Korean shows because it is heartwarming. From Superman Returns, to singers and songs, to KPop Star hunt, to drama.
I bravely state that K-wave is a beautiful disaster for me. It is just a legitimate note that K-wave has moved me to the point where I can't move anymore. Overwhelmed.
I am a fan...
that's it.
I put a list of my favorites for several categories for fun...
Hotelier
Top 5 Favorite drama that I would like to re-watch
5. Hotelier - I love this show. And while others are crazy about Bae Yong Jun, I enjoy seeing Kim Seung Woo here hehehe
4. Triple - I love boys brotherhood!! as simple as that!
3. Oh My Ghostest - Hello Jo Jeong Seok!!
2. What's Up - my first encounter with Jo Jeong Seok and all those musical lyrics
1. Misaeng - Yes? YES!
Top 5 favorite actors that I would watch the drama or movie no matter what
5. Lee Gyeong Yeong - my latest discovery. This ajhussi knows how to act and how to maintain his glorious youth charismatic look.
4. Kim Myung Min - The guru of method acting
3. Lee Dong Wook - just because I think his smile is contagious and those long legs
2. Daniel Henny - OH PLEASE!
1. Jo Jeong Suk - good looking, good acting, good singing. What could I ask more?
Top favorite Singers that I would purchase the original album
5. Lee Juck - he's a good composer and his voice is so soothing!
4. Mammamoo - My favorite girl group indeed
3. Ulala Session - My favorite boyband!!
2. Jung In - Falling for her voice
1. SWEET SORROW! no need reason here ;)
Mamamoo
It is why I also hesitate to visit South Korea. Since I have known too much about it. Secretly, I feel a bit scared to go there hahaha...
However, one day... I must go there...
Top 5 things I want to experience there
5. Seeing Misaeng building and visit the film location, take a picture with the company id!
4. Eating jeon and drinking Mak geoli, eating chicken while drinking beer
3. CD hauls for sure, and maybe a little grocery cosmetic shopping
2. Experiencing staying in the duplex or visiting a university
1. Go to NAMI island!!
"One International"
Hahahaha, I surrender. I am K-wave overloaded. But, it is indeed fascinating how powerful the influence is.
And one day... for sure...
I will visit this source of wonderful storm in my life, South Korea.
Please check My latest blog; it will be about review - Let's Talk which will be updated biweekly.
Ah October.. Were born 4 fantastic people that I know, love me unconditionally.
On the 9th, was born a beautiful lady in Wisconsin,
USA. 19 plus years or so met me for the first time in the U. I have posted about her in here.
Then on the 10th of October was born a silly little creature, 6 months younger than me, my baby 'sister' Gindrong whom I knew a glimpse of sisterhood through her. We fought over strawberry ice cream, we annoyed each other and the next minute we sang like crazy, we chatted until 2 AM in the Morning, we took shower together, we swam for hours, we supported each other just like sisters do.
Next, I met this annoying girl in junior high and been a classmates for 5 consecutive years during junior and high school year. That's what I call an inevitable frienemy. She was born on 11th of October. My best friend and enemy; Chiuchiullia. This friend who could scold me when I did a stupid things. Been away for years, but just can't get rid of her hahaha.
Aaaaand in 1957, on October 14th was born a lady that just right for me. Through her, I was born into the world. Been raised by her for 23 years. Been loved by her unconditionally. Been scolded by her many many times, been supported by her more than I could ask for even though that meant that she should put aside her ego, been taught about life; how to appreciate it, me mambo agogo. Born as Vanni Horas, famous by being Inska Horas, and well known as my mambo.
Ahhh October... thank you for giving me my precious ones. I wish you all have a nice birthday, including you my mambo up there... hope you have a great feast with angels and saints. I know you keep watching me. I keep remembering you...For you in USA or in Indonesia, I hope you three the best I could think of. I love you all. Thank you for being with me trough ups and downs...
I never had a picture in my head that I can meet this white girl and be friended with her. She is even called the American Chen, and I am as the Indonesian Katie. We were raised by a totally different culture, but maybe with the same root; Catholic faith, we just clicked the right button!
I am making this post to celebrate our friendship, to celebrate her birthday. It's been 2 years since we last met, but we have been keeping in touch, and how funny that we are now working in the related field. Our jobs are dealing with international students.
It is Katie Weiseman's birthday todaaay.
my cantik friend in Batik
I met her at her dorm room in Winter 2010 in the University of Minnesota. Her room was just across the staircase, probably less than 20 steps away from my own room. She was our corridor assistant, a friendly girl with a wide smile that made you feel welcomed. We bumped into each other (duh, what do you expect, I needed to pass her room to be able to reach my room) often until one day we realized that we went to the same church and we were born in the same year.
I couldn't remember exactly how we got closer. I think it was started with Matt Maher. hahaha. Youth group from our church, Newman Center, I think they were called SPO - Saint Paul Outreach presented a small concert with Matt Maher and Audrey Assad, both are notable Cahtolic singer. I remember it was in the basement of our U called the Whole. It was a fun concert, we totally had fun.
Then, we just started giggling every time we met. She told her stories, I told mine, we shared coffee, went to uptown and downtown together. I went to her room when I was sick doing my paper, we hugged each other when we met between classes just because we needed a little warmth in our tough school year (and I may add tough winter). She told me about her friends (I recalled that she told me about 3 different Brittanys? and several more Megans? haha), I told her about my crushes (she tried to pronounce the names right, lol). That's what girls did anyway. Despite differences we have, we found things in common.
We both know how to have fun
I worked with Americans while I was there, and yes, I felt quiet different. I found there was a cultural clash that I could not define. However, while I am with this girl, I just felt fine, excellent, like we're just having different skin colors. Other than that, we're just the same. If you know what I mean :)
Sadly I needed to go home for good in 2011. It was a year and a half full of warmth. Thankfully, I made it my way to Minneapolis in 2013. We definitely spent time again together. I met her then boyfriend now husband for the first time. It was him that told us how similar we were within 10 minutes ride. Haha. He pointed out how we just started giggling whenever we talked. That's when American Chen and Indonesian Katie came up. I just knew him through her stories, but he just pointed out things that we were not aware before.
2011
2013
She's with me in my rough time even though it was not a literal meaning. She's still in Minnesota, and I am in Indonesia. She cared about me when I lost my mom, sent prayers and messages. I just felt a little sorry that 10000 miles were really far away when she got married in 2014. I was just having a new job and work couldn't allow me to travel that far. I finally had a chance to US again in Spring 2015, we couldn't meet but we talked for HOURS on the phone hahaha. It was funny that we could talk about anything. We learned about each other's culture and the way of living. I am totally blessed that I have known her. I learned to respect differences because she was doing so. She tried to understand issues that related to my situation. For instance, racial issues, religions, immigrations, those things.
Now, we both feel that 10,000 miles is nothing. We exchanging messages, looking at updates on newsfeeds, commenting. Though, we both hope that we can meet again in person one day.
Indeed, friendship has no theory...
I have a friend that I only met once, but years after years of checking each other's news feed, we just found more things that we were in common. I have closed friends that are different religions from me, and we are doing very well. I have a friend that I had a crush on, and we are fine too. I have a friend from different ages as well inspite of her being too delusional sometimes, and annoying one haha, but I still love her and miss her sooo much. Friendship has no theory at all.
Happy Birthday my dear Katie, the American Chen . Happy anniversary for you and Matt. God loves you both and I love you both. Many blessings for you. I pray that things work for you both.
It was 4 years ago, I dragged my heavy luggages and legs to Minnesota International airport along with 7 other good good friends who just sincerely wished me to be well. That day was my farewell to America after 4 years being my home. Can't believe that it is 4 years already since that day. My life has been a roller coaster. Moving from one city to another. Crawling my steps to the position I have now.
I can say, I am proud of my self.
I am proud that I overcome all the obstacles that I had long before. I finally made a peace with my pasts, and bravely facing what is in the front. I love how life has brought me to the growth I have. How funny that there is a fusion in me. I keep trying to define myself. Am I Asian? Am I American? Am I Indonesian? Chinese? Dumb? Smart? Crazy? Normal?
In the end, I just conclude that I am a fusion just like California roll. I have Asian taste and a little bit of American hint. I am open minded yet pretty conservative. I am extrovert yet I respect some private times. Albeit still having a hard time to tolerate with "budaya Sungkan yang tidak pada tempatnya" a.k.a. Indonesian way of 'morals' (I am not generalizing, just to the extend where it is too much to have this type of attitude). Sungkan - hesitate? We are taught to 'respect' others by simply admitting or avoiding conflicts which sometimes is not really working. E.g. we hesitate to tell that we are annoyed by their attitude just to avoid conflict between us. In the end, we ended up having poker face and talk behind their backs. Again, I am not trying to generalize. I am OK with this type of attitude if it is really used in the right way. Me my self have been learning to increase the level of 'budaya sungkan' in me.
Before I went to the States, I was really outspoken to the point people got hurt because of my words. While I was in the States, I realized how bad I was dealing with this habit. A friend reminded me of how bad it was, and I tried to hold every sentence that came out from me. Filtering it. As a result, when I was back in Indonesia for good, I became too secretive. I tried so hard to still have my own space.It turned out to be not so good as well. This type of attitude is too much for a collective culture. But please... not letting your boss that you are going home (pamit, saying good bye) just because you are 'sungkan' that the boss is in the middle of meeting was just TOO MUCH. Simply leaving a message will do! Your boss needs to know her staff where and about during office hour (I am still bewildered recalling his reason. haha, sorry for the mixed terms).
Anyway, I love how collectivity and individuality culture takes part in myself. Like balancing out. Not too this and not too that. I am so grateful that I have experienced individuality and then back to the collectivity roots. I think I may say I am back with another level of me. A better one I may say.
I am still way far from perfect and not trying to be one. I am just glad to be who I am now. Appreciate of what I have been through. The ups and downs. I know I am blessed.
Just like what I had posted before, let's just count on small miracles that happening around. It is the best way to stay positive. Since the world now requires you more and bigger and stronger positive energy.
Whoa, I haven't been really posting up about 'Currently' thingy as much as before eh?
