Quarter-life Crisis....

Hi.. hi...

Yes, another post before August is ended.
Its title can sound a little sad, but no... no worries.. it is not a post full of my worry and whining about life. It is about something real, something that most of us have, is, or will face anyway.

Quarter-life Crisis usually comes to those people in their 20s. Mostly in mid 20s towards late 20s. or perhaps early 30s. It is not specifically for people in 25 years old, can be happened a little earlier or a little later. I think I am having it right now in the age of 27. Plus, perhaps because my life this year is full of surprise and uncertainty. It triggers me more to think about what I should do with my life.

What is it actually? Quarter-life crisis usually led by a question; "What should I do with my life" "What I have done" "What's next?". It is a period of time where you start questioning yourself. Perhaps, because you feel you are in the 'race'. Your high school friend is having the second baby, you college friend is owning her own company, you church friend is getting married, and here you are... not going anywhere, not doing something significant, just so-so. You start thinking that you haven't  done enough, and you should do something big. One thing for sure, you don't need to be like them do you? Look back, you have created a wonderful story on your own. Looking back, indeed, I have created a wonderful story on my own.



In my case though, I am totally walking blind-fonded. Not because I don't have options, I do have many options, but again, everything is still unsure. There is a 'pre-requisted' quest that needs to be done, to be able to conduct the next move. Sounds so exciting right? hahah, Thank God, I am in the age where I can be calmed a little bit and have no desire to rush everything, even though I am dying to know what would be happened soon. Naturally, as an Arian (a person born under Aries sign), I can be impatient, but God is good, He made me meet a lot of people who teach me how to slow down, and press the brake. I am blessed.

*Do you remember about Senior Syndrome that I have talked in my other blog yearssss ago, when I was in my senior year in college? I think I am in that stage all over again. The difference is, I am more relaxed. I am in the point where things are uncertain again. I mean... really. I have no power to move unless one thing is decided by the end of this year. Talking about what I want? Please, you better not asking. :) Partly, because I don't have any particular will. I am opened for everything. Well, I do wish to have things stay the same, but even if there is a change, I will accept it.  Life moves forward anyway. I am in a total surrender. My brain generates possibilities; I am having all the thoughts that are contradicted to another, but I try to hold my emotion such a fear that comes along, and let my intuition takes the lead. It works best like that. Things can be so unpredictable.
I reminisce how I felt when I decided to go home for good in 2011. You can find the story in here. It meant a lot because who knew, that it would be my last chance to be with my mom before she left this world. I am not saying this to scare you, but yep... life is too broad to be controlled only under your hand. And, fear is good. The bigger fear you have for what you are facing, the better things would happen. As odd as it is, life is unpredictable anyway You just have to... go for it.

*Oh funny fact, just a year a go, one of my friends mentioned about this, he too was having that syndrome again - or I may call.. a quarter-life crisis, a little earlier than me hahaha. Good thing, he now knows what he is doing, so I think he passes it finely. One more funny fact that he was having the senior syndrome with me back in the college years. Pal, if you read this, honestly I did not understand what you had through, but hey... here I am, I may say... "ah... this was what you have felt" lol

For you out there, who are in the Quarter-life crisis, Just don't be afraid. Take a chance! Not wasting your time to think too much. I don't mean, no thinking at all, but over thinking will give more troubles. Life moves forward indeed. There are too many great things are still uncovered. Things can be uncertain and perhaps, unstable, but who cares. Live as a happy person even your life can be flopped.
Worry less. Fall in love. Run. Stop. Kicking the stones, climbing up mountains, building your own 'history'.

Good luck to you...
and
Good luck to me...



CVB

Currently - August Edition

As you may have read in my previous post, July was gone pretty fast as I had so many things to do. I went home for holiday, Office was closed for two days as we went to Batu for gathering, two days after that, I flew to Medan for the first time for a wedding. Snap snap snap... time flicks just like that. Not to mention, reports were awaiting to be done. Oh yeah... busy busy busy... One whole month, and not a single post. I am sorry for that.

Now, to conclude July and enjoying August , aaand welcoming September with a new spirit, let's dig in for "Currently" mode...

1. Songwise, I am really into spotify these days! Well, I was into it on my college days back in the States, but Spotify was exclusively only for US users only back then. It was just recently that spotify came to Indonesia. Hell yeah. My account is still active lol. I enjoyed the random play list given. My favorite discovery was Sara Gezarek. But, more Korean songs as well... I enjoyed HOMME's album so much. And yep.. finally I could discover more music. Rock on.

2. Dramawise, I am still watching current airing drama, but because of hectic schedules, I am a little behind, but now starting to catch up again. Currently and mostly done with 38 Force, and I don't know what to watch next. Since I have so many lines up. Perhaps trying some romance again Chen?
- To watch list: Let's fight Ghost, W, Uncontrollably Fond, The Good Wife, Age of youth, and Doctor Strangers.
- The review of 38 Force will be coming out soon.

3. Lfe itself. Oh wow August.
The 8th month of 2016 already.4 months to go and 2016 will be passed, new year will come. Do you remember that I was kinda down in the beginning of 2016?
 Now, I am seeing the pattern... everything is becoming clearer, and I am feeling blessed each and every day. This year, it might be still early to conclude what kind of year it is, but I have a feeling that it a year that my dreams are slightly, and slowly coming true... It was subtly different from last year. Last year was definitely, a year full of answered prayers. How it is different from this year? Again, it all involved a lot of magical thing occurring. I would not go into details for the sake of conclusion of the year, in the end of this year; therefore, please excuse me to be a blurry describer... LOL

Oh well, I have been dreaming to go to weddings since I have missed so many weddings, and this year was granted. Coincidence or not, many of my closest are getting married this year. From Medan to Makassar. and I am happy travelling for these wonderful people's special days.

Continue talking about 'dreams come true' thingy, you know... sometimes... it might not happened the way you wish. Most of the things happening around me is not exactly what I dreamt of, but... I have no authority to be fussy about it. Haha, I believe He knows it better. Again, I am facing uncertainty, but I am not panic, I knew it would be an exciting ride once again, for whatever would happen. Because I have learned that let the surprise be a surprise. Most of the time, 'the surprises' are not far from what I have dreamt about. Nevertheless, a 'surprise' is still a surprise. That's how 2016 has been treating me. Little surprises here and there, small miracles here and there...There haven't been big events unlike in 2015, where almost every two months had at least a big event haha... All in all, I am grateful.

I am sorry if this isn't going anywhere, hahaha...
Oh well... next week is September, and I pinky promise that Strawbearies will be active again for its "isi kepala yang berantakan" posts; hence, the hectic week coming.

Cheers...

CVB

Love in October

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 love you all...



CVB

3rd October 2011-2015

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.

#celebratinglife

CVB

Warm September

It's September, the first month with 'ber'...
meaning... not so long till christmas is here, and rainy season is coming soon.
You know what has been passing?
Events. mixed feelings, people come and go. Loneliness. Boredom. and warmest feeling.

August towards the end of this year is our busiest.
School expos, events, and so on are here. Office is busier, and I think I like it better.

Started with the last week of August, I was stumbled upon mood swings. At nights I felt nervous, felt good, then nervous again. Unexplained. However, I am going to tell you anyway. Our first event in the new education year was last august. Malang, where I am based, was the first city to hold the event. First event went just like that, what I liked about it, I got to do my first briefing, and of course met my beloved colleagues from other cities. Felt like my old self again. Meeting those familiar faces. Not saying that I am not enjoying my new environment, but you know... it is always good to meet familiar faces.
The next day was Surabaya event. Crowded as well, and always good to be back to Surabaya. Sheraton Hotel and the same waiter that I have known, he's been serving there for over 2 years now. We did the same thing we have always been doing after event. Eating in a private room, on the big dining table, just like one big family. Familar things always felt warm. Not to forget, I spent more time with a very good friend of mine from Singapore. Whenever we met, we just chatted everything. Everything that can be told. Caught up here and there with his luggage and banner. With his good sense of humor, and everything else. It was always always nice to meet someone that can go well with you wasn't it?

Then, Jakarta events. I needed to go to Jakarta because they were shorts of people; thus, I went there by myself from Malang. This small city at the mountain has a mini airport. I was quite nervous about it. It turned out not bad. Plus! I got a sweet surprise. I met Maliq and the essentials!!!!! One of my favorite bands! I was ashamed if I did not do a little selfie with Mr. Angga. I just asked him politely and snapped!

Well, the flight was not bad. Arrived at Jakarta, straight to the event in Hotel Mulia. Again, familiar faces and places always give me warmth. Jakarta Vistarian crew has new faces as usual. Hope to see some of them at the next event. During events, I was with a partner that I was not really enjoying with. Did not know why I felt uneasy. Oh well, I just did my best and after Mulia event was more uneasy. Why? I was going to meet my Minnesotan friends. Our group chat was not really busy, I was a little bit doubtful with our meeting. To my surprise (or not), our meeting went just perfect. Only 5 of us, but my closest were there, and that's good enough! We had a good chat, good drink, and pictures! I even met my bestie's mother whom I knew via facebook. Felt good. Our conversation was meaningful. Full of our pasts and futures. We have shared the similar experience; thus we were agree on certain things. It was good.

Then, the next day, our last event. Held in Harris. I took care of my own booth. Practically speaking, that I had a nonstop consultation for 6 hours! Thanks to the banner saying 'study at UK and US', nobody was enrolled on my booth that day, but I surprisingly felt so good. Just enjoying what I did. Pure consultation. What happier about that, I met a student with her parents whom I met exactly last year, at the very same venue. She and her parents went straight to my booth and greeted me warmly! It's the happiest feeling ever. She was only consulting with me and continued by a few what's app conversation. However, seeing them still remembering me and greeting me warmly was just making me happy. "It's always nice seeing you", her mom said to me. I genuinely felt happy. Well, I hope what I did was also making them happy. Hope to see you go abroad by Vista ok? ;) hahaha

I am just surrounded by good people indeed. The first week of this month is not bad as well. Busy but good. Good to be busy. I had a day off and gone to Spa. Paid a little more to have a little luxury was acceptable. It was so nice. Felt completely like a woman. haha.


Ah this Chendani is changing a bit.
It is Ok if things are slow down. It is Ok if everything is not turned out as I wished. For it can turn out better than I expect. This Chendani just need to keep her confidence a little longer. She is now someone who was looked up to; thus, she needs to act appropriately.
This Chendani has learned one thing...

Be good...

and all the good things are attracted to you...

That's what nature has been set.

So this Chendani is trying her best to be just a good girl. Politely and humbly saying that you for everything that has happened.

Looking forward to what's going to happen.
First thing first, she needs to take care of her new baby...
she will keep giving you a fresh reviews from the underdog world. hehehehe... or maybe not so underdog.

Thank you for stay tune...


CVB

Monday Sickness

I woke up this morning, feeling lousy as usual and the numbers on that scale has made my day! To be crazier. I started questioning my metabolism system. Oh well, let's think about it some other time.
Now, let's face it. today is Monday everyone.

A cup of coffee is another cup of water for me.
I am looking at the calendar, and realize it is another Monday. 27th, the last Monday of this month. It is a Monday anyway. There is not so much difference. I am sipping my cold coffee and telling myself that I will not buy this kind of coffee again. That creamy written on the label is not actually creamy, but sweet. I want something strong, bitter, but still has its sweetness. I am dreaming of Starbucks hot mocha now. Imagining, how it taste and perhaps it can lighten up the rest of my day.

Report, students, emails, house chores, meetings are jumbling in my head. Can't decide which to be done first. It is Monday sickness. Everything needs to be done. Everybody is longing for more Sunday. Nonetheless, I have a little secret. I wish weekend doesn't come too soon.  Sometimes, busy weekdays are better when you are living alone. I guess I don't have to mention the reason behind it, do I?.

I had a pretty conducive weekend though, back in the kitchen, did a little cleaning theme, and had fun with the sims. But, here it is Monday when everything starts again. Road is busier, the queue in the bank longer, calls and emails are overwhelming. Everybody ready to work again..

Let's dig in..

#ineedanothercupofcoffee
#morningGlory
and more Lee Jin ah

CVB

That Last Day Again. That New Place Again

Part 1

That Last Day Again

May 28th 2015

Gosh, it's always hard to say goodbye even though I am not leaving the company. However, I am going to move to the other city. Ending my 1 year and 9 months and 10 days in East Surabaya office, I felt loved. Despite my rough time in the beginning, annoying colleagues, stressful moments, and other negativity, I learnt a lot and in the end, established a beautiful bond with these crazy peeps. There was a high turn-over, but for those who remained, we all agree that we are the crazy bunch who have survived.
I have this love-hate feeling towards Good Bye. It is a bittersweet feeling. You always feel loved when it comes to good bye. Yes, there might be people who relieved that they are going to separate with you. Yes, it is always hard to be parting with something that you are used to, you are comfortable with. Then, people will say, "if you want to move forward, you have to go out of your comfort zone." (long sigh)
So, here I am on my last day in the office. Got a little surprise from my crazy colleagues. They knew me too well. I was given a big Plush of ELMO, a towel, and last batch of Starbucks! I will not have a lot of chance of Starbucking in the new city. Good! I need expense-diet. That little surprise has brought tears to my eyes... I love these peeps! Our fun time in the office. Our stressful moments together.
Oh well!
People have been congratulating me and wishing me well. They also said that I must be excited. Excited? Low level yes. Not as much as in the past. Moving to a new place, will have to adjust again, adapt again, get to know around again. I have to step outside my comfort zone again.
At last, everybody is moving forward. There is no time to regret anything. I have to put aside my inner ego to just be under the blanket. Here is that time when I am at the start-point again. Gaah. It is actually not really comfortable, but I have this slight feeling that "everything is going to be alright"
For it is always going to be alright

:)

Till we meet again my Genk Koplak!
Going to miss our BS on skype, everybody's laughter, my kriwul manager, free pizzas and starbucks, and everything about it!

Love you full!!!!

Part 2

That New Place Again

June 2nd 2015

Sorry for getting a little cramp here, but I was so busy till I did not have time to post this up. Therefore, here is a short glimpse of my new place.

Malang is my 4th city to live. I have no idea how long it will last. How it will turn out out. But, surprisingly Malang reminds me of Minneapolis in some ways. One! it is cooler than Surabaya although it is not comparable to Minty Minneapolis' Winter, but it has its own cool weather since it is up in the mountain. Two! I have stayed here for about 4 days and I did more walking than other city I have lived in Indonesia. Just like in Minneapolis, I think I walked about 30-45 minutes to Newman Center every Sunday. Not to mention walking from Marcy Holmes to Downtown. Now it takes me 12-15 minutes to go grocery shopping, and I plan to walk to the church every Sunday and go back by Becak hahahaha. Malang is small, so it is useless to ride a cab. Too short, too much to pay. Three! I live in a rented room of a 20 rooms - house. Reminiscing, Centennial Hall. We have 2 communal kitchens, and people dont really care to each other and most of them are still students. Will see how it goes...It is also walking distance to office, my main reason why I picked this place. 

All in all, I want to tell you one last thing. There is a reason why I felt tired of moving, tired of adapting into a new place. I think it is because I forgot the excitement of 'new place'. New place usually goes with a new hope, new dream, and new life again. I forgot these. I was too immersed to the negativities, to the pressures, and all the bad things that might be happened. I forgot how to have a hope again. Haha. Oh well! New place new hope kinda theory was actually working for me. The fact that I lost nearly 13 kg when I was in Minneapolis can be taken as an example. I had tried so hard to lose weight in Indonesia or Seattle, but it finally worked in Minneapolis. I indeed moved to Minneapolis with a high determination. I think Minneapolis was the place that I excited moving to the most.
Last Sunday I went to the mass, then I started finding my grip again. Mass and church are always the most familiar thing I found in a new place. It reminded me to have a hope again. Just like starting a new habit in this new month (I started a new habit on 1st day of June btw). 

Moving to anew place can be made as when we enter a new year. It is with hope. 

Well! Let's do it right then!

:)

Oh I forgot to tell you. I heart all the houses around my place and office. It is so Dutch influence and pretty! 

Pictures are coming!!!

CVB

Magical April (Wrap Up)

It's been 2 weeks since I have arrived from US. I think this time I just type it to wrap it up!
I will tell you what the trip has given to me.

So, you might have known that I flew by Korean air from SBY to DPS to ICN to ORD. Not bad actually because I had a minimum time of layover. I love the food in Korean Air because I do love Korean food and they served wines. However, I got a narrower seat, so that's the problem. I couldn't have a good sleep.

Green tea poridge

never tired of bibimbap

The famous Deep Dish Pizza

Anyway, as I said, I passed the immigration nicely and arrived at the hotel safely. By the help of a nice United Airline's stewardess, I found my way trough CTA (Tram) to the hotel from the airport. The hotel was nice, but I got a little misunderstanding which was solved in no problem. I got myself to meet with one of the students I sent to Chicago. Had a nice dinner with her, and I put myself into a deep sleep in no time. The next morning, I went to my appointment. A respected hospitality school in Chicago. I love hospitality school, they sure know the word 'hospitality' meaning. I had a good lunch and I enjoyed myself in a hot bath tub later on that day. The next day, I treated myself to have little shopping. Chicago was famous with Willis Tower, Millenium Park, Deep Dish Pizza, and MICHIGAN AVE. Well, it cannot beat Manhattan nor Rodeo Drive, but still it's a nice long road full of shopping craze. I always got back to hotel with soar feet.

hey chipotle

I reminisced the most in Chicago because I did have a lot of time by myself. I ate Panda Express while I was looking for Chipotle, of course I did eat Chipotle, I had a little me time at the Corner Bakery, regular trip to the Bean :D, and finally, I watched a musical. I claimed myself as a musical fan now. I crave for more.  I also had a priviledge to visit a city campus. It is just like Chicago. Old and New buildings.

 Who wants to reject the view of Lake Michigan and BUckingham Fountain while they are in library or study room? I wont. haha.

Michigan Lake and Buckingham Fountain

I actually went to the mass in Chicago. The church was located in the heart of downtown, in between the tall buildings. It was a flat church, there's no bell tower, it's definitely looked like a city church. Neat. I had a chance to do architectural tour as well. Got into the cruise and went trough the rivers to see the buildings,. It showed that Chicago is indeed a city with old and new side by side. You could find a building built in 1900s, next to a modern look glass tower. It was the first meeting with the group that I would be at the rest of the trip. In the end of the day, I fell in love with Chicago even more. Nope, I did not want to leave. I wanted to just stay.

However, I could not wait to see my dream place, D.C. DC was a traditional city. Not old, but traditional is more suitable. It has similar buildings across the streets, not too tall because buildings cannot be taller than the capitol state building. I love the museums and monuments though. My heart was for Lincoln Memorial Hall. I was ecstatic to see it from a far. I could not stop smiling, and oh Mr. Lincoln was so handsome sitting there. You could also see the monuments from a far. I could not believe myself that I finally was there. In DC, I had enough of sandwiches and cold salad, so me and 4 other people went to Chinatown and had some Asian food with decent rice. The university that I visited also gave me a traditional feeling. All the faculty buildings were looked like big mansions. It's a huge university. But, one thing that I didn't like about DC, its traffic. Yea baby. Traffic.

oh Dear handsome Mr. Lincoln, I heart your statue

Chinatown, DC

on Amtrak

Next, I enjoyed our ride on AMTRAK from DC to Philadelphia.We passed Baltimore, Maryland which I just figured that it was an industry city. In my mind, Philadelphia was a small city, and I am sorry to think like that. I surely underestimated Philly, and awed by it. It's a modern city even though it still has its 'old city'. Oh you could see many historic places in Philly. The first hospital, Benjamin Franklin's place, Liberty Bell, and the old flag of America. I just could not get enough. We only spent 2 days there, it was surely not enough. I went to UPenn though. An IV league school. Well, maybe I am biased, but I think UW and UofM are more beautiful. hahahaha. Maybe because it was so hugeeeee, and it's just like a city.

first hospital

a museum

UPenn - University city

My UofM

Coffman Hall, UofM

Last place, the place I heart the most, the place that I want to stay forever, was Vermont. Burlington, Vermont. It reminded me a lot like Duluth, MN. Small peaceful city, with lake Champlain and mountains around the city, I could just stay there forever. Okay, I sound too much. The thing is, Burlington is very peaceful, very pretty, very small. The downtown's size is like one factory outlet. You could find almost every big franchise like Panera Bread, M.A.C, Urban outfitters, and Starbucks. But, not as many as in other places. There's only one Mc Donald. haha. Burlington focused on their local products more. Thus, you could find cute little coffee shops or boutiques along the street. University of Vermont was taking my breath away. Who could dream to be studying with the view of mountains, but you just realized that you are actually in a city, not village. I mean, there's business going on, there's big companies, but yes, not as busy as other cities. Just, a perfect place to study. If you get a little bored, hop on the train and off to Boston or maybe Montreal, Canada? And, what made me more excited was Von Trapp Lodge. As a die hard fan of Sounds of Music, I was just crazy about eating lunch at the lodge. it was indeed a beautiful lodge. Oh I just loved it loved it.

church street

church street

Von Trapp Lodge

Lake Champlain

The view from UVM

SO!!?? The conclusion is? Do I like Chicago, DC, Philly, or Vermont? or Seattle? or Minneapolis?
hahahaha

The conclusion is, America has different places. Different states different stories. Different faces. Different things going on. It's not like Indonesia which is also has different tribes even languages, but every places has their own thing. I had traveled from West to East coast. This East Coast trip made me believe that there's so much more about America. It has its conservative people, modern look, traditional look, histories, and the list is on and on.

taken in 2013

Off to Wisconsin in 2013

LA and San Fransisco were my first cities that I visited in USA. I went trice to LA, but still not a big fan.I went there to visit my uncle and to let my parents had a little taste of Hollywood. I have visited Miami and disliked it, I guess Bali was way better. I have lived in Seattle, WA for 2 and a half years. I visited Portland for 2 days, also visited Wisconsin for a few hours drive. I stayed in Minneapolis for 1 and a half year, and called it my second home. My so-called hometown. Minneapolis was one of the two cities I called home. Makassar and Minneapolis - home. I still love Chicago! Never get tired to get back there. I could claim it as my favorite city in the world! DC was still adorable with its museums and monuments. Maybe I would go back there in 10 years? Philly was nice as well, but comparing Chicago and Philly, I already fell in love with Chicago. I might go back there again to explore more on its arts museum. But, Vermont oh Vermont. It is just a peace little town. People were nice, views were beautiful. I am basically not a big city girl, so to live there? I think I will not get bored. hahahaha Oh my!

Gas Work Park, Seattle, 2011

I could say this trip was an A satisfaction. I got a very good overviews with the schools I visited, met a lot of inspiring people, ate Eistein Bros bagel - Everything with strawberry cream cheese (My college favorite food), I enjoyed my 'me' time, I have made friends, met my old friends, and got to know more about America and myself. It is always true, that you could find yourself when you travel. I find a piece of me whenever I travel. This time, I found a 'fusion' in me. Well, I have been Westernised, even the American woman who helped us trough this trip said that I was the most American person that she has ever met (from South-East Asia). hahaha I took that as a compliment. Yes, I am different from many of my colleagues or friends in Indonesia. Now and then. But, I just knew that I have adapted well. Adapted in an individualist culture, and adjusted my self in collective culture. Not perfect, it was a rough start at the beginning for both places. My first time in America or when I was in Indonesia for good, but I have been doing well. This is very meaningful to me since I am at the point where I feel exhausted to adapt in a new environment again. Nonetheless, next month, in June, I will have to adapt some more. I will be moving again. Guess what. These are cities I have lived; Makssar, Seattle, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Makassar (again), Surabaya, and next...? Malang. hahahaha you see the sequence? I will be moving to Malang with everything new. New place, new coworkers, new environment, new position, and new rented room of course. Still in the same company and same area. Believe me, moving to a new place has never been easy even I have done it many times. But, I guess, I will do it alright because I have done it many times anyway :). Well... this trip personally has made my way to be prepared, to be aware of what I should do in this new environment again. Because new environment might require new strategy. 

Once upon a time in Chicago - SPring 2011

me and mambo in Hollywood, 2011

Wish me best of luck, and till we meet again America.

One other thing that this trip has given to me. It made me want to do a solo traveling. I guess many places in South-East Asia are waiting for me ;).

So, hopefully, soon I will be able to type my other adventure.

CVB

Dear mambo, your little girl has been doing quiet well she guesses. She is now going to a place where you love. Malang. Just because the weather is so you. Please always guide her just like you have always been doing. She might feel a little scared, a little tired, and a little worried, but you had made her become a survivor hadn't you? So, she should be fine, don't you think? Just like you had always said to her, "if something new comin tru, just close your eyes and 'cambok saja' (Just do it). Things will never get wrong unless you are stealing or not telling the truth" 

So I guess, I will just do it...

 your daughter

Magical April (continue...)

It is surreal. Period.
Cold breeze, the sun, spring smell, dollar bills, store-keeper greets 'How are you.' I strangely feel just like at 'home'. It is always good to be back here in the States. Washington, Illinois, Minnesota, or California, wherever we go, it is different yet the same. It is the right place to be individualist, escape from those 'kepo' questions. It is nice to be alone for a while. What's even better about it, because I am not entirely alone. I am blessed to have good friends, to meet new friendly people, to be with a nice companion during this trip.

Arch Diose of Chicago

I arrived here on April 16th, in the morning. I passed the immigration smoother than I thought. It was only 3 minutes process. I did not need to prove any more documents. I was a bit worried about the immigration, just because in 2013, I got a hold. I needed to wait for an hour an a half in the immigration room, and it was not fun at all. This time was smooth. I got a little problem checking in at the hotel. But, hail to the hospitality school (it was a hospitality school who sponsored my accommodation), they know the word 'hospitality' really well. They solved it in a minute, and I had so much fun in the schools I visited. People were nice, and I got to say hi to everyone. Here is the thing. For most Western people ( I think more American, in this context), they don't have a particular attitude to give a name card, unlike Asians, where we usually give out name cards with both hands. For those (Americans) who have dealt a lot with Asians will do the same. It is just daring to see those lol. I know I just caught on small details that probably not really appealing for you.I just found it fascinating.

Book of Mormon

For the fun part, I had a multiple visit to the Bean. It is just a stupid steel shaped like a bean, but I just love it, and never get sick of it. Especially when you have good companions with you. The skyscrapers are new and old hand in hand. I fell in love with Chicago at the first sight. I visited this city in March 2011. It was a very short trip, was only about several hours, not even a day. On top of that, there was some unfortunate events happened that made me 'galau' even more in my senior year. NONETHELESS, I figured that I love the city, and promised myself to go back, to experience it for real, so I could not remember the bad thing happened before. And yes! It's answered. I had so much fun, I had enough sun in the weekend to see the city clearly. I had friends coming down from Minnesota. I finally had a chance to watch musical for the first time in my life, and I could confirm that I am a fan of musical. You guys have to watch Book of Mormon. It was hilarious!!!

the Bean

I am overwhelmed for all these things that are happening. It is a blessing indeed. I am blessed, you don't know how grateful I am.It is too much till I don't know how to express my gratitude. One more thing that makes my April is even more magical. 2 days before my departure, a new announcement came. We are not going to Maine as planned, we detour to..... *drumrollllllll* WASHINGTON DC! My dream place. Ah! I have told many people that I want to go to DC! and here it is, in front of my eyes. I am just overwhelmed.We will have a chance to go to the Monuments and the White House.

In contrary, I am a bit afraid because everything is just so perfect. BUT! I decide to just accept everything with gratitude. As my papo said, just give thanks before you even get the thing that you want. Thus, here I am, say Thank You every single day, and do good. Yap, do good.


In the end of the day, I feel I am well-fitted here. I don't want to leave. Do you think I take things for granted? Maybe.

Sweetest Handjajas

Ah 'home'. Where is home anyway? There have been so many places that I have lived, but only in the place I feel accepted, I call it home. I found home when I met my friends, D'Handjajas. I felt like home when I talked to my super CA, Katie on the phone. Home, where I can do whatever I want and not feeling watched. But, lastly, home is where I grew up. Where I could meet papo and Gassing and Echong. Laughed with my cousins, or simply had a meal in my rented room in Surabaya. So, where is 'home' anyway?














Breathe Chen, breathe...
Enjoy every beat of it.

Tomorrow, we'll be flying to DC, and I don't want to leave Chicago.

Hey Chi-town, I am mad about you... ;)
Could I promise myself to go back to you someday?

On this trip, you cure my heartache, you make me feel loved! I couldn't ask for more.
Thank you

Love
CVB