I bid adieu

22nd of August in 2013, I first came to Surabaya and on 22nd of December in 2018, I flew one way flight to Makassar. I am home for good (again). 2013-2018 was indeed a very colorful period in my life. Never in a minute, that I was putting to stay still. Things were dynamics, were ups and downs, and were ended in unexpected twist. Nevertheless, everything does not leave me in regrets, but a grateful heart. This post is about me saying 'good byes' to things that have given me so much life. I will divide it into 3 parts.

First of all, I bid adieu for Surabaya. I am going to go home for good. I have spent almost 3 and a half year in Surabaya and 1 and a half in Malang. Total 5 years. The conversation was just carried in the afternoon, a day before my departure. My big boss asked me..
"How many years you have been away from home?"
"5 years working with you and 4 years for college. Total 9 years sir"
"so... what have you learned for all these years?
I answered... "I know my self better. I meet my self" As in fact, I think that confidence is everything, and you need to know yourself well to be confident in yourself.
I believe tha a person needs to go out from her/his comfort zone at least once in a lifetime to know the real taste of world. A better understanding of oneself since you will deal everything by yourself.
Indeed as one has said... "Travel far and you'll meet yourself"

Surabaya is a wonderful city. People are more civilised compared to Makassar, my home town. Compared to other cities in Indonesia in general. You can see it on the road. People know the rules. Talking about the people, they are more professional too. The hospitality in on another level. Small or big places, most of the staff has a certain level in serving. I will miss ths the most. The customer service is sincere for most cases. Second, I will miss Pecel Tumpang so much. One of the few foods that I can only find in East Java. First, I hated it, but I grew fond of it more and more. Third, I will miss seeing pork menu on public place, like food courts in some area. Many restaurants in the hotels or in certain area will serve pork.

pecel tumpang

Now, I am going to bid adieu for 2018.
It is no easy year as well, but things are getting revealed. The bads and the goods. It teaches me to see in every sides. By that, I know what I did wrong, and what I did right. I learn not to blame on oneself , and I understand not everyone is on the same level of understanding about this.2018 has another plot twisted ending, but it surely for a better thing. I cant wait about 2019. Dreams and to do list are written and I know that trust the timing...
2018 is a year full of sweet escapes, a year full of tests, a year full of heartwarming stories, another year to fight for. This year I went to Semarang in Chinese New Year, I went o Matt Maher's concert, and Project Pop!!!

August 2018

I met Rina in 2018 June

Lastly, I am going bid adieu for my 20s, in 4 months, I am going to enter 30hood with a better personality. I know what I lack, and what I am good at. I was losing my self in the beginning of 2018 because I did not trust my self. I have values that I ignored. I did not fight back because I forgot how strong I am. All the things happened in 2018 especially in December made me understand that I am strong that is why people felt intimidated, and it was not my fault.

Also, I am going to bid adieu to Blogpost. Strawbearies will be continued in Wordpress platform with more thoughtfull posts. Thank you blogpost for being a home for Strawbearies for 7 years!!!!!

For the 2019 Chendani, I will walk with my head up, but with a tied toungue to say things that are not destructive. But, I am not going to be fake because I am not. All these experiences in Java taught me to be wise with my words. This Chendani is good enough, but there is no reason why I shouldn't be better :)

So 2019...

let's do it!
CVB

Marking my 5 Years!!!

My last post was in February, works have been occupying me for months. I think this is the right time to get back to the game. However, I am thinking to transmittingmy personal blog to wordpress platform as well. I have been writing in blogspot for 7 years! wow. Anyhow, please enjoy this story about me and my relationship withmy job.
I have been creating this post for many many times in my head. I just think I want to share about what I am actually doing. People may or may have not known what I am actually doing for living. I can say I am a student consultant. A person who consults people studying abroad. Which country is good for long term stay, which major I should attend, how much living cost to spend, the visa process, and et cetera... Sometimes, I take part as a family consultant. Not rarely, that my clients are becoming my long term friend. Maybe I took my job too personal sometimes, but in the end, I have been doing this for five solid years.
This job is actually more than just a consultation. I can go to another country for agent convocations, familiarize trips to universities, meeting another student consultant from another country. Get free stuff, from pens, notes, tumbler, USB to clutch. I can meet a lot of people from different country, and learn to be professional. Handling priority clients. But, as any newbie, I started roughly. I had a hard time to tune in for about 6 months, but slowly I could climb up and here I am writing to you in my fifth year working.

Not imagining that I can be where I am since I started to move to Surabaya in 2013.
This August marking my 5 years living and working here. Started from scratch as a student consultant. Undeniably annoying new comer, spoiled little brat, low in sales, climbed up little by little and be the second best consultants  in the end of my second year working, I could be the best consultant if I did not focus on other thing. In the end of my second year,  I was promoted to another city to open a new branch.. I moved to Malang in 2015, opening a new branch there. Again, started from zero. No marketing events, only one other consultant, no car, no driver, only one small room in another office. Surviving for almost two years without marketing events, door to door to schools. Took me 4 or 5 months until the teachers finally recognized me as Chendani from Vista. Working as a scanner, a consultant, admission, administrative officer, and driver, and occasionally a manager. Had the best two duos that made us The STRONG Tiga Srikandi.
My life has not be just as quiet as I wished, I was called back to the head quarter branch for managing the dying office. Working and battling to climb up the stairs once again, now with the whole team. Bruised, falling down, tackled, mentally broken, but again... I survived. And here I am... as a center manager in the head quarter office.
Me and my job is love and hate relationship. There are times when I went back home and said to my self "ohhh I love my job," but there is also other time when I felt too lazy to go to work. I know I have to go to work wih a load of responsibility on my shoulders. I need to work it out so it does no feel like a burden. Facing a series of dynamic personalities, encounter many smiles and frowns, facing a lot of regulations, and yet I go to that damn office every day for 5 blessing yeas haha....

I really do in love with this job. Consultation is always exciting. You can feel it is like a first blind date. You can feel connected immediately or not. Then, you schedue the second meeting, and you have to be in contact for over a year before the kid goes to school. And when you hear no news about them meaning it is a good news .There are few of those who will send you farewell or thank you message along with cookies in a jar, or a simple gift before they leave pursuing their dream. I think I have a cool job.

I secretly enjoy whenever I need to wear my red heels and black blazer for an event in five star hotels. People would be swarming in, and I would talk for over 5 hours almost nonstop hahaha.. Exhausting but thrilling at the same time. I am now inthe position where I usually got invited to more important events with immigration, a country delegation, or schools director. Also because I am stationed in the head quarter, I oftenly got to greet my big boss' guests. It makes me practice my hospitality.
Working as a student consultant is aint easy. You hold half of responsiility for one's future. It is not only a sales working, but it is indeed a consultation, sometimes consolotaion, and it is all about confidence. My confident is the one that people buy.

Holding my confidence high is another story. There were many times I felt down. I felt insecure. Did I do a good job? Did I do a right thing? I sometimes questioned my self. However, I am thankful for this journey because it was never static. I was always moving. Climbing up step by step. Finally these past months I just realize, oh wow I am considered as a senior here. People could rely on me, on my decision, on my saying.
I am not perfect, there were times people questioned about me, but there were a few of those who kept faith in me; thus, I am here telling you proudly that I have ben surviving for 5 blessing years.

Happy anniversary to me.
Good Job little survivor.

Thank you for you who talk bad behind my back, kicking my insecurity so I can do beter
Thank you for those who listen to me so I can survive
Thank you for those who trust me... so I can trust my self too.

Thank you
CVB

Currently Post - Amayzing May part 2

Woof... I haven't been writing any Currently Posts since November. I apologise for that. Since real life needed my attention more than ever. I strangely sight the shifting in my life about things.
No more excitement from K-drama sadly. Even the reality shows are quiet boring somehow. Perhaps, I need to find a new thing to be addicted. On the positive side, I am not feeling exhaustiveness because a long run of Korean drama episodes or Reality shows. Another thing, I was not really into make up as well. So, what is my interest then?

1. Teddy Adhitya
In your Wonderland.
I never found a very seducing song as well as romantic tunes blending in the sexy voice. Ok, I am too much. But, truly. His voice is enticing!! He's an Indonesian, singing in English, and in RnB tone.

2. Movies. 

I have been into movies lately compared to years in the past. I am starting to watch recent movies or previous ones that I have missed. I think this year will be my movie of the year. When I was in high school, I went to cinemas more often compared to any years after that. Except in 2014 and in the beginning of 2015, I went to cinema quiet a lot for Indonesian movies haha. Oh well, I watched Guardians of Galaxy vol 2, and I LOVE IT!!! It's been a while, I haven't really been a fan of Action movies but this one is really something. Not just because of the story line which is SO TOUCHING, but all the characters, and the effects! Yes, the effects haha. 

3. K-songs and musics in general. 

My other blog which used to be filled with K-drama reviews, been dilated to Songs recommendations. Will put up a new post soon. Let's Talk

4.  I have been interested into Pasifika Life - Fijian, Tongans, all the Pacific Islander culture. Specifically those who from New Zealand. I have been enchanted by one school choir in Newzeland, Dilworth College which choir named Fortissimo. I found them really manly for a highschooler, and the sounds that they produced were heavenly. Plus, the dancing. I found it really powerful and warm. I am glad that Disney took it as the cultural background of one of their newest movie - Moana.

5. Morning Glory routine. I just realise that I need more time in the morning to fully awake. Sometimes, by just laying on the bed, and wandering through posts and my minds. When I was in Malang, the sun raised early, and it helped me to be energise. I made a routine in the morning to brew my own coffee and fixed my brekky. SOmetimes, I did a little fancier, and somehow I found it fun. So, I am back in the morning glory routine. To prepare earlier, to drink coffee, to enjoy my morning for starting a better day :) 

So, yes... a brighter day, an amayzing may. 

CVB

Blessings in Small Miracles

Hi hi...
I am sorry for a long hiatus... many things have happened. I am busy in the office as same as in the house or in the weekend. Traveling here and there, work is getting hectic, house chores are awaiting. But, I need to post this. I have owed you much since June. Not to mention what a productive July; no posts at all! Additionally, I have been missing me writing in Bahasa. So, allow me to release my secret mellow passion in terms of Bahasa Literature.
NOTE: the rest of the post will be in Bahasa *mixed

...

Berkat itu tidak perlu megah. Hanya sepotong roti atau sebuah genggaman hangat. Tidak perlu gemilang... hanya beralamatkan "selamat malam" sebelum tidur, dan sebuah selimut yang baru dicuci. Hanya itu...  

Blessings...

Ada banyak banget kejadian dalam hidup aku selama 2 bulan ini yang membuat pikiran aku tertuju sama satu hal. I am blessed...

Ada banyak Small Miracles yang terjadi. Simple sih... nggak se-wow dapat uang dari langit. Tapi, cukup bikin aku untuk berhenti sejenak dan merasa bersyukur.

Kejadian-kejadiannya nggak jauh-jauh dari ketemu orang baru ataupun ketemu orang lama. Untuk itu kita mulai dengan kejadian di Bulan Juni!

Waktu itu aku nekat ke Solo sendirian untuk menghadiri kawinan dari salah satu bestieku di Seattle dulu. Acaranya sendiri hari Sabtu, tapi aku extended sampai hari Selasa dengan alasan mau menghabiskan cuti. Aku nggak kenal orang lain di Solo selain si mempelai cewek. Well, aku pergi dengan mindset kalau aku bakal banyak menikmati a lot of my me time, explore kota Solo, dan hanya sendiri saja. Aku nggak bakal berpikir bahwa rencana yang brilian itu diporak-porandakan oleh alam semesta :)
 Aku diberi kompensasi kamar hotel semalam, dengan teman si mempelai wanita satu lagi. Kita sebut si teman ini C. C juga dari Seattle, tapi kami belum pernah ketemu sebelumnya. Si mempelai jalan sama si C ini ketika aku udah transfer ke Minneapolis. Kami (me and C) sebelumnya cuma ngobrol sebatas di WA aja, baru pertama kali ketemu pas hari H di kamar hotel. Ajaibnya, obrolan kita nggak pernah selesai. Kelihatan kalau kita berdua setipe. haha. Lalu, di acaranya sendiri, kami didudukkan satu meja yang isinya semua ada teman si mempelai wanita dan pria dari luar kota. Aku dan C akhirnya kenalan dengan teman mempelai wanita yang lain yang kita sebut E. Dalam waktu 2 atau 3 jam di pesta itu, kami bertiga sepakat kalau kita ini baru ketemu sehari, tp it tells everything. Kita langsung klop dan berjanji untuk keep maintain our friendship. Sama halnya dengan teman2 si mempelai wanita yang ada di Solo. Langsung kayak ketemu teman lama. Pembicaraan kami ngalur ngidul ke mana-mana. Dan C akhirnya extend sehari dan ikut aku pindah hotel.

Lebih beruntung lagi, kami akhirnya diajak ke luar kota, ke Tawangmangu dengan salah satu temennya si mempelai wanita yang tinggal di Solo. One day was well spent. Tawangmangu was gorgeous. Ingetin aku sama perjalanan dari Seattle ke Portland.
Keesokan harinya juga nggak kalah menarik. Akhirnya, si mempelai wanita itu bisa spend time with us. Caught up. And with that I felt so blessed!!! Perjalanan aku ke Solo ditutup dengan aku naik kereta api Indonesia pertama kali. 7 Jam di kereta. Not bad!!! I enjoyed it so much.
Kesimpulannya,  semua rencana aku batal kejadian, tapi disempurnakan dengan caranya sendiri.

Kedua, kejadiannya baru-baru aja, nggak lama. Mungkin sekitar minggu lalu. Finally, satu perusahaan aku yang punya kantor-kantor cabang kota-kota lain, akhirnya kumpul di satu tempat. Amazing. Satu peristiwa itu aja udah luar biasa menurut aku, dan ternyata apa yang terjadi di sana bener-bener bikin aku grateful. Peristiwanya adalah Gala Dinner and Gathering with all Vistarian (for the staff working in our company) sekaligus ngerayain HUT Babeh (big boss) kita. Lokasinya di klub Bunga Batu, dan semua staff dari Jakarta, Bandung, Bali, dan Surabaya diundang ke sana. Kami para manejer masih punya sedikit tugas pas di sana. Ada mini meeting yang harus kami jalanin. Lalu masuk ke big event kita yang paling ditunggu-tunggu - Gala Dinner. Beberapa rombongan kami delayed, tapi the party went on greatly! Tiap center harus perform, jadi ada total 10 atau 12 performances. Semuanya seru-seru, dan bisa dibayangin, orang yang nggak kita sangka-sangka berjoget, bisa berjoget. Semuanya get loose. Semuanya meninggalkan egonya masing-masing, dan enjoyed the night. Including our big boss. hahaha I wouldn't go into details with that. Yang paling amazing adalah pas team aku perform. Team anak Malang - Tiga Srikandi dan Satu Gatot Kaca, karena kami cuma ber4. Dibanding center-center lain, kami termasuk yang paling sedikit anggotanya. Performance kami ditaruh di bagian akhir acara entah karena alasan apa. Aku udah kebat-kebit, ciut gara2 banyak banget team yang performancenya keren-keren sampai pake power point, rekaman, kostum. Sedangkan team malang hanya bermodalkan music live itu pun kalau aku nggak kagok main piano krn belum latihan sebelumnya, poster yang kita buat juga seadanya bermodalkan karton dan spidol, dan kami cuma perform nyanyi lagu yang tak lebih dari 2 setengah menit.
Lirik lagunya kami ganti-ganti berisikan curhat dan juga sedikit bertujuan untuk lucu-lucuan saja. Intinya mewakili nestapa seluruh staff VISTA yaitu terkait dengan market dan target dan pengalaman2 waktu event aja sih. Nggak ngayal2 banget. Latian full team dengan si gatot kaca itu juga dilakukan beberapa jam sebelum acara dimulai. Perform pake musik pas detik beneran perform. Aku di titik pasrah to the max. Hahahaha, tapi yang terjadi kami yang mendapatkan sambutan yang paling meriaaaaaaah *lebay. Mugnkin gara2 kami yang terakhir, jad nggak ada lagi team yang meninggalkan ruangan untuk persiapan performance mereka, kemungkinan kedua juga gara2 lirik kami amat sangat sentimentil ke mereka hahahaha. *I feel you dear allstudent consultants... lol. I am lovin it. Bukan hanya performance kami, tp tiap momen itu sendiri. Kapan lagi, di satu ruangan isinya semua VISTARIAN yang bisa juga jadi orang-orang gokil.....Nggak ada perbedaan kalau kamu itu Driver, Manager, Student Consultant, atau Admin, we were all as O.N.E.

Lalu keesokan harinya kami ada small gathering with fun games. Nah, yang paling seru itu adalah pas acara bebas, ada sekitar 14 orang main basket di kolam renang, dan it turned out to be the most brutal game ever!! hahahaha.... bola dipegang 1 orang, direbutin 3 orang. Pokoknya kami nggak berhenti sampai ada 1 yang mati kali hahaaha.. Nope, we did not have any bad intention of course. For your information, 14 orang itu terdiri dari team malang, bandung, surabaya, dan bali... lol.
I always love togetherness. Kebersamaan. Rasanya orang yang paling melankolis pun akan setuju kalau lagi barengan itu juga menyegarkan. Apalagi kalau pas ketemu dengan orang-orang yang seru.
Oh iya, malamnya kami para managers juga ngumpul buat menyampah hahahaha.Spill the beans, we are very transparent to each other. Badmouthing.lol Ok, I won't go details for that, biarkan itu menjadi cerita kami aja.

I can conclude that those days were one of the best days ever!!!
Feel loved, giving love, enjoying every moment about it.

Kejadian-kejadian seperti itu membuat aku percaya kalau ketemu dengan bermacam-macam orang itu anugrah. Entah itu dengan orang yang cocok atau bahkan dengan orang tak cocokpun. Dari interaksi singkat atau pun panjang. Ada banyak hal yang sadar nggak sadar bisa kasih sesuatu ke kita. Dari pertemuan aku dengan orang-orang di Solo, membuat aku percaya bahwa Same feather Flocks together. Pada satu titik, kapan pun dan di manapun, ada orang-orang yang frekuensinya sama bisa dipertemukan. Di klub Bunga, aku berpendapat kalau kebersamaan itu hal berharga. Dan ketika aku bertemu orang yang kurang cocok, aku jadi bisa bercermin, dan mengambilnya sebagai contoh yang nggak mau aku ikutin. Tidak ada banyak argumen, lebih ke posisi mengamati dan mengamini bahwa ada beberapa kelakuan yang memang sebaiknya nggak dilakuin pas kita hidup di komunitas Kolektif. So, I feel blessed when I met annoying ones lol... Guess, I have met one too.. hahaha

Again, aku mau bilang kalau hal-hal kecil seperti ini nggak kalah ajaibnya sama hal-hal besar.
Count everything. and yes... give thanks...

:)




CVB

Being 27

Before I start, let me take this chance to express my gratitude to those who drop birthday wishes on social media, threw me a party, and sent me presents or lovely messages. All well received :) Thank you once again... :)

I just turned 27 about 10 days ago. I am not a type of person (or woman) who hesitates to say about age. Age for me is a measurement; how well I am doing, how much I have learned, how far I may go. For me, being 27 is another special turning point. I just realize one thing when I turned 27. 27 is an odd number, not young, not old. 27 is the first mark entering late twenty, don't you agree?Three more years, and I am entering the 30s-hood. Some say that life starts at 30. I can't picture it in my head just yet. Am I still here fighting all alone, be a daddy's girl at home, or... something else. Let the future be the unwritten page. Nevertheless, can I say that turning 27 is special?
What special about me turning 27 is, just three days before my birthday, I got to meet three different people who asked me similar questions. All leading to the future me. It is like preparing me to construct what my future could be.
First person that I met was my very boss. I got to do a presentation in front of him on that Friday. I could say that it was an evaluation. His saying about me was striking me right in the heart. He always has this punctuality about his staff. At least it always works on me. I could bear working at his company and reaching my current position was all because of him saying that I had to trust myself and should not be afraid of rejections. I could say he might not be perfect, but he has own gig about observing people, and I respected him for that. After the presentation, we had a small heart-to-heart conversation. Despite my headache, we conducted pretty casual conversation (not work-related topics) and there he was giving me questions; "what is your future plan?", "will you work on the company again?" Giving you a little background for those who haven't known, my papo owns a small firm in Makassar and people do expect me to go back to him and work with him. Of course, it is on my agenda and that's what I told my boss about my plan in the next two years. However, secretly wishing that it will be my last-last plan. Meaning, if I do not longer get any other great opportunity, or if I am not getting married (let's say) with people who are not from Makassar, I might go home by that time. I make my father turning 65 as my turning point as well. That's what I told him. He nodded acknowledge-ly since he knew my family, and what situations we have been through. He said that, it was OK for me to go back to my father, though, he would be happy if I still stay with him. I smiled contentedly. I was glad that he was the first one that wake me up. He said that I needed to have a goal. Humbly say to you that I have been living my life after moving to Malang kinda un-purposely. Not intentionally, but because I just don't know what I am going to do. He, on that day, activated my brain to have goal again, to dream again.
Just like story in novel or drama where you are going to meet people on the same day that has similar purpose, I met a second person who gave me more insights. It is like building a story up. The second person that I met was giving me another chance, another hope. She's a parent from a student that I once helped. She's been trying to keep in touch with me (reminds me of mambo), she gave me another perspective about going home and back to papo's company. There's a little concern on her voice that I rarely found from other people. Others might tell me to go back as soon as possible, she said the opposite. She told me that why don't I take another chance? Like working in the international corporation? Suddenly, it sounds promising. Suddenly, I don't want to go back just yet. I said to her that I am still open to opportunities, but to work at a company like the one I am working is mostly no. However, if there is another chance, I will take a look at it deliberately. She said that 27 is still a young age. She added that "it is good to have your own company, but you are still young, you can go anywhere you like, you can learn much more" and she's right.
Lastly, on the very same day, I finally got to meet my aunt who came from the Nederland. She's my papo's older sister. She took care of us, nieces and nephews, daringly. On the bed, she talked to me like a real family would converse. A traditional suggestion, at the same time a loving one :). She was worrying about me having my own family. I haven't shown any signs of in a relationship. Many guys I have brought home, but they only are friends. She's not the type of annoying tante who pushes me to get married. She only advised that I should pray sincerely and she's willing to be a match-maker haha. No, she's not the type of annoying tante-tante who just gives you meaningless advise or just wooshing around saying I should be married now. Nope. She did it sincerely. I was grateful about that. The short conversation that we had in the dark gave me a blissful feeling. In the end, what I want is to be secured, settling down, and how to get it? It will be a great adventure to follow.
Papo has said to me and to my boss when I first recruited in Surabaya. He said that he would be OK whether I continue on my own path or I choose to go back. He clearly said that I don't need to come back to his company if I wish to. He kept his own word. Many people have guessed that he want me to come back, but after I discussed this matter to him again, he said the same thing with what he had said before. I am OK to continue on my career.
I should take this seriously. I just consciously knew that I haven't taken my future seriously. I may say that I am too absorbed of current situations, but not in a good way. I can say that I am in my comfort zone and stays there waiting for the future calling me which is not how it works. I have to pursue the future. Setting what I really want to do.
But again, in the end of the day, what we set is not settled by our own will. There must be a conspiracy within the universe, and it will do if it sees through our efforts. Work on it Chen. I can only take a rosary and pray for our limitations as human. Life is a scenario and God is a director. It is always like that isn't it?
Ah, after three months of gloomy me, I can see where this year takes me. Everything does happen because of reasons. Meeting these people, all these thoughts, all the gloominess, all came together in the end, so thank you once again..

I had a blast. People wishes, birthday presents, little not-so-surprised party, elmo cupcakes, and a lovely lovely lovely  love-card from my 93 year old opaaaa... It is amazing that he can still writes, and can give me the best immunity for a 27 year old me.

He made me realize one thing that all this long I never been alone. People kept coming to assist me, to guide me, to let me take my own lead of my own game, and on top of that, yes I still have that BIG DIRECTOR up there... Ok PDnim (just like South Korean addresses director), give me roles. 

CVB

Currently

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...

Cheers...
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

Life is F.U.N.N.Y

Life is indeed funny...

You never known where it brings you. What it gives you...
You can be born green, you might go to Hogwarts when you are 11, or you probably fall in love with someone younger than you,..
You never known.

Sometimes, we don't expect
Always, we cannot predict
Only rely on the heart which never tells a lie...

Nevertheless, life brings so many things in the plate.
Life is indeed funny...

Just like mine. I can never predict, and I did not expect.

Makassar
Seattle
Minneapolis
Surabaya
Malang

Life is definitely funny.

you just never known, Chen

Will it stop?
Is it just coincidence?
Does it mean anything?
You never known....

It is going to be turned to another page.
It is still a blank one.
What's going to be written?
You never known...

Life is indeed a funny thing...

This is my May story

CVB
#LastWeekInSBY
#packingweek

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