Malaysia Bersama Kugy

Warning!: it is going to be a mixed language post ya.. Continuity of Malaysia euphoria where I spoke mixed languages; three! English, Melayu and Indonesia. Well, Melayu and Indonesia sama saja. lol

me and the malaysian guy, payung man is obvious

Setelah dari petualangan Batman 2 di Malaysia tahun 2014, aku dan sahabatku Kugy berencana untuk ke KL di bulan April tahun 2015, tapi seperti yang sudah diketahui, aku malah ke US. Rencana itu terpaksa ditunda walaupun tiket sudah kebeli. It was pretty sad, since our main point was to meet our friends in Malaysia, and it would be my first adventure with Kugy. Me and Kugy are in the group that we call Malindo 101 :) It contains my friends from University of Minnesota and Kugy who is my neighborhood friend. In short, we both agreed in the end that it was not a good time to go anyway since she had something come up as well,  We couldn't go last year, and we did not think when we could go anytime soon. The thing that we did not know that there is always another good time for it.. Well, it is just postponed. Until this year!
Exactly couple of days before my birthday, Kugy told me that one of our friends in the group was getting married, dan lucunya lagi, aku sudah membatin pada diri sendiri kalau si teman itu get married, I should go! LOL. What a conspiracy! He's my college friend, kupanggil dia Payung Man! Hehehe karena dulu, kami pernah dalam satu show ketika PERMIAS Minnesota mengadakan Indonesian Night. Kami harus mempertunjukkan tradisi pernikahan adat ala Padang. I became the mother of the bride, payung man became a payung man lol. He needed to hold an umbrella for the groom. Bisa dikatakan jadi dayang-dayang hehehe. Kita dekat jauh sebelumnya. Mahasiswa Indonesia saat itu hanya sekitar 50an, sedangkan pelajar Malaysia jumlahnya paling tidak 150an. Jadilah, kami sering meminta bantuan mereka saat kami mengadakan event. Aku pun akhirnya sering diundang saat mereka juga ada event. That's how we got closed.

It took me and Kugy only three days to decide to go to KL in the end of April. Everything went so perfect. I got a pretty decent air fare, and there we were on the April 29th met at the airport. But, before we went far into our adventure, there's always a pre-story to be told.
Tiap tempat selalu punya cerita. Oh My! And why! I have to have a drama with my flight story, at least ONCE a year, and it is the first in this year (I hope it is the last). I bought a ticket from Air Asia in April. You know what, I just got a text message at 6PM on Thursday 27th April! A day before our departure time. My original schedule was at 3.45PM an hour before Kugy's and I was supposed to arrive an hour before Kugy as well, but it turned out that I was rescheduled to the later time at 6.25 PM. Meaning I would arrive at least 1.45 hour after Kugy which was nearly midnight. It was quiet a hassle since we needed to take taxi to our place. Note, that place that we stayed is in Selangor, another state from KL. Took about 30 minutes from KL. So, I was pretty upset. I slept not really peacefully. My mind was so focus for getting an earlier flight. I arrived at Juanda (surabaya airport) at 1 PM, I rushed to Air Asia office and explained my situation. Thank God, I could be rescheduled to earlier time; 2PM! lol! 1 hour before departure. wew. But, anyway... I got through everything and finally arrived at KLIA 2 hours before Kugy's. I was Ok with it, I already prepared with a book with me, so I waited for her and finally met Kugy!! And guess what!!! the plane scheduled on 6,30PM, the one that I was supposed to take because of rescheduling, was DELAYED hahaha. Bless air asia.
Yeaay! It is my second time travelling with a friend and woo another Pisces lol. Anyway, we both arrived safely at our hotel. And our adventure was started at that very night.

Kami dijemput salah satu teman kami dan itu kali pertamanya Kugy mendengarkan aksen Malaysian English. LOL He was surely speaking pretty fast, yang terjadi I translated for both party. LOL! We slept at 2.30AM and decided to just straight going to KL for shopping. woohooo...

Malaysia is always special for me. Because it is so the same yet so different. I feel I can easily understand anything about it. The simplest thing is language. Aku nggak perlu susah-susah cari penjelasan dalam bahasa Inggris kalau misalnya cuma ada petunjuk dalam bahasa Melayu. Walaupun penggunaan kata yang dipakai tentunya berbeda, tetapi aku masih bisa paham apa maksudnya. Misalnya nih DEPARTURE alias KEBERANGKATAN jadinnya Balai Pelepasan. Food Court yang kita juga nggak pernah punya kata yang pas, dalam bahasa Melayu itu Gerai Santap. Kata-katanya masih bisa kita mengerti. Seru kan? Apalagi semua kata-kata pokok seperti jalan, kanan, kiri, tempat, dan lain-lain itu sama persis. Hanya ketika aku ngobrol sama teman Malaysiaku, aku lebih memilih kata-kata yang bukan adaptasi dari bahasa Belanda seperti kata persis itu berasal dari bahasa Belanda, tentunya orang-orang Melayu yang dijajah Inggris ini nggak ngerti hehe. Mungkin di sini aku akan lebih banyak berbicara soal sharing culture antara Indonesia dan Malaysia.
Pernikahan adat Malaysia juga tidak jauh berbeda dengan pernikahan/resepsi adat Indonesia. Akad nikahnya tentu saja sama dengan punya Indonesia. Pakaian mereka juga mirip. Pestannya sendiri lebih diisi musik bernuansa islami, dan berpantun :)



Dulu sewaktu kuliah, aku sering diundang ke acara Hari Raya (Idul Fitri)nya mereka. Jauh di tanah orang, makan nasi dengan tangan? Heaven haha. The food is similar. But, I am a big fan of their roti jala and ayam rendang ;)
Malaysia is always interesting for me. Three big races living together. They claim themselves as 'pretty racist' among themselves, lol. I used to make Malaysian anthropology as my topic paper. Our lingua franca (sharing language) is also interesting. I truly have no trouble communicating whether using Indonesian words or hearing Malaysian words.

Ah Malaysia, I am falling in love. I have promised myself to explore you more. I still have to go to Batu caves, Merdeka Square, Melaka, and Penang.
It is on my to-go-list. Perjalanan kali ini, kami lebih fokus ke temu kangen dan pernikahan sahabat kami itu. Oh and shops hehehe.Kali ini kuliner experience aku itu makan di tempat tongkrongan ala-ala food court punya anak muda yang buka sampe malam tapi makannya Bengkoang! hahahaha. Enak tapiii. Mereka bilangnya 'Sengkuang', di potong hampir berbentuk pizza mini dengan diolesi gula melaka atau gula jawa dan ditaburi irisan kacang tanah. Enak loh. Seger ala-ala rujak (sori, waktu itu ga sempet poto karena batere habis).

Curry

 Terus, pengalaman berikutnya itu makan Banana Leaf. Ini sih kebaiasaan Indian Mamak, atau Indian muslim kalau makan kari. Aslinya, kita beneran makan di daun pisang di atas meja, nasi dan kari dan lauk dicampur semua dan makannya pake tangan. :) Nah yang ketiga itu Rojak ala Penang. Nah, ini yang menurutku agak interesting. Latar belakang aku adalah Makassar dengan banyak influence dari Maluku karena orang tua aku semuanya berasal dari Maluku. Kalau kami bilang rujak ya di pikiran kami itu adalah rujak buah yang rasanya manis. Nah, setelah di Jawa baru aku tahu kalau rujak itu juga bisa digunakan untuk rujak cingur yang dimana lebih savoury. NAH, kalau di Malaysia juga begitu. Rojak a.k.a. rujak itu lebih asin.Isinya irisan mangga muda, bengkuang, gorengan, dan bisa milih mau pake telur atau ayam. Nah loh! hahaha Mereka juga ada rujak manis yang mereka specially sebut rujak manis. Sekilas Rojak ala Penang ini mirip banget sama Ddeukboki nya Oppa oppa . lol

Rojak

 I am so blessed. Karena setiap perjalanan itu aku selalu dibantu banyak orang. Punya banyak teman di mana-mana emang sangat menyenangkan. Aku beruntung banget punya teman sampai di KL. Kami jadinya sangat 'terpelihara' gagal travelling ala backpacker hahaha. Terima kasih Malaysia,
till we meet again.

with Shasha

Malindo 101 minus Jfarghali

Next on my to-go-list. Penang and Melaka :) Wait for me!
Till we meet again


CVB

Currently Post - May edition

Oh wow! I owe you so many stories. I have prepared two posts to be released, but I have no mood to release it. Lol. Prosticanation wins. dang.
I jump to my currently mood post first. Maybe, it can help to lighten up my mood.

May does not have so much of changes. Many travellings - more towards short weekend getaway involving only meeting and eating. Not necessarily a big adventure. True to the theme of this year, I will be travelling quiet a looooot. Half of them are for weddings. Yes! Wedding bells everywhere. Hitting 27 and I am feeling a bit helpless, like something un-accomplished just yet. I am not satisfied of what I've got now. I have been asking myself... "What's next?" and the answer is so vague. I am feeling like I am in the middle of midst, unknowingly stepping forward. It is a frustrating feeling. Because if I am just doing what I have now, it feels like I am just stuck.
Have been asking .."what should I do?" "what am I supposed to do?"
Perhaps because I am facing uncertainty again?
Many things I still want to do, and I have been planning things regarding to my current situation, but at the same time I know that in the middle of year, something else will be happened again. Bah! Things are still unsure, and I just don't like it. Half of my self wants to move forward already, but I am fully aware that I have to stay steady and make a move or do something when the time is right. Oh just another 'wait'
Bear with me Chen... bear with me...

Anyway, May! It is less than a week before it is June.
Half way trough 2016. wew

Currently
1. I have watched too many suspense/thriller less romance drama. I am feeling like ready for a romance drama again, but what a bummer I can't sit down steadily for anew drama that I am about to watch. My heart still seeks for mystery to be solved.

2. My reading ambition is also in halt. Sticks with 7 books in total for the #menuju20buku2016

3. in a full attempt to get back to 60Kg again and try to post blog regularly. Check Let's Talk, a bi-weekly blog about reviews of anything.

I owe my story in KL and a new series that I have been working on :)

Cheers!!!
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

Hey (dear) April - Currently post

I can't believe myself that I did not post anything in March. Not because I did not feel well. Things are gradually getting better to tell you the truth. More challenges. But I think it is gonna be a fun ride.

So here are my currently post.

Lee Seo Jin

Choi Jin Woong

1. Just to put an accalmation mark on how I like Lee Seo jin!!! More of ahjussi fans these days. Including Choi Jin Woong who stars in Signal, the recent drama that I finished. God Bless Kim Won Suk he is just one genius director alive. Apparently, Misaeng and Signal remind me of my very own sinetron (indonesian soap opera) titled D.T.K Dunia Tanpa Koma. It is a story about journalist world and drugs dealer. It was pretty solid. The casts are just amazing. However, it was a shame that the production is not continued as it was planned because the rating hit low. Come on!! Peeps wake up, dont' just watch those shitty shows on tv these days. I haven't been enjoying Indonesian tv shows for the past 5 years. It is purely a shame. Too much shitty, too much teasing, too shallow.


2. Many things are happened in Indonesia. Plastic bag costs Rp 200 per pieces, LGBT is going to be legally banned, and more blurs on TV because of cleavage and topless man. hahahaha ahhh... that's my country. Hopefully our generation and our president can do something about this very soon.

3. I am more and more excited about 2016. More traveling plans are set but not without challenge. It seems like one plan go one plan down. Consequences are awating. But I find it is interesting and challenging. I somehow feel high-spirited. Waiting for the actual things happen. does it go like planned, or does it go better than the original plans. we just never know.

4. Can't stop hearing 'History' by One direction. lol

5. I am officially an alien. I am not a big fan of the Decendants of the Sun. Yeah you can curse on me. My heart and soul is for UEE and Lee Seo Jin in Marriage Contract. I was so melted by episode 9. It can't go any romantic than 'trying-to-hold-on-more-on-your-hand' and a peck on a cheek while crying. lol

And It is April!!!
Hey dear April, my favorite month. I know you have been treating me well each year and I have a little hope for you to give me some magical April this year. You are exciting, and flowers bloom making the scenes prettier. Can't wait to see what is going to happen. You know that I will be traveling a lot again this year (within April). What is going to give me? Looking forward to it.

CVB

Dear March

Hey there, shortly, minus 2 days than the regular, we will meet the next month real soon.
Hey there March, the first hint when Spring time is coming near,I smile.
Hey there March, you know why I am writing this to you?
Since, it was working a bit with February. It was tough, I got a very rough valentines day I may be honest, but towards the end, also, compared to January, February was much better. And, I am carrying this positive feeling to the proceeding months ahead, including you hey March.
I get this feelin' that it will be go faster just like years before when I was really looking forward to April, but that does not mean that I don't care so much about you.
March is the month when I oddly feel so romantic. It is calming, and a little bit showers make it a perfect day to remember about love stories. The beautiful ones of course.

Hey there March, let me marching towards the rest of 2016 with more positive energy. Finding the loose ends that I have for the beginning of 2016. Tighten it up.
For example, my 2016 resolutions; money problem, gettin the ideal weight, and my #20booksin2016 are working pretty well.

As simple as those things are progressing, as happy as I can be.

Hey there March,
again...
please be gentle just like slow showers in the morning these days.
Malang is cold, but I feel warm inside thinking about you.

Less than a day, I'll meet you and I can't wait to be in the adventure with you...

Hey there March,
see you soon



CVB

Currently - February Shots

February waktunya Pantang dan Puasa. Entah mengapa aku berpikir kalau ini momen yang paling bagus untuk menetralisir segala 'keanehan' yang terjadi selama ini. Gloomy days, hal-hal yang direncanakan nggak kejadian, yang nggak direncanain kejadian. Mungkin akunya aja yang belum siap dengan 'gaya baru' seperti ini. Masih keenakan dengan tahun 2015 yang semuanyaaaa ajaib. It was a good one. But oh well, life goes on, Chen! Jadinya... I prepping my self for this Fasting season to be able to balance myself out again. Hitting the lower keys. Being humble. Stay true to reality and nurturing my prayer life.

Anyway, sticking to currently post, here I am blabbering about what I currently like or would like to have/do.

1. Rosy cheek, nude-matte lipstick color, and minimum make up. I just realize after I changed my hair color, I began to soften my make up. I used to doing a lot of bronzing and highlighting and bolder lip color. Maybe it is February; pink mood everywhere.

2. Surprise surprise!!! I am really enjoying One Direction and Justin Bieber's newest songs. Hahahaha Belum pernah!! Selama mereka eksis, aku dengerin lagu-lagu mereka. What a miracle.

3. Eyes on RYU JUN YEOL. Pemeran Jung Hwan di drama Reply 1988 really captured my heart. (I am sorry for mixed language here). Be honest! He is not the type of man that we say 'Handsome' at the first time meeting. Nonetheless, he surely does have some magical charm to chant us growing fond of him. Baru nonton 2 film/dramanya, udah bisa dibilang aku ngefans sama dia ;)

4. My favorite playlist aside from One D and Justin B is REPLY 1988 OST. Those re-made Korean oldies with the soothest voice selection of Kpop singer is JJang! My favorite is Oh Yuk singing Lee Moon Sae's Little Girl, Lee Juck singing Ddeulgukhwa's Don't Worry, and December singing Byun Ji Sub's Can't I tell you that I love You. love love love.

5. Still! Immortal songs 2 and Superman Returns are my oasis on the weekend. I impatiently waiting for the latest episode coming out. Their preview in the end always makes me curious. Especially Superman Returns's newest family! :)
For Immortal Songs 2, I secretly wish that it runs for a loooooong time, and at the same time I secretly feel afraid if it does not do well. I love Immortal Songs 2 because it shows you so much creativity of Korean artists, and the song selections are just.... so good.

6. Culinary speaking, I am so into cooking my own food these days. Chendilicious is back with light bulb recipes (modified recipes) in the kitchen. My ultimate favorite is Rice porridge with chopped cabbage and carrots with a side dishes; chicken or minced beef with oyster and sweet soy sauce. Of course with a hint of green chilli. Though, I am not refusing to have Korean chicken wing one of these days.

I predict that I am going to release a monster in me for the next 7 days. PMS is coming. And I truly hate it. I am sick of emotional roller coaster. But well, I am a human... what to do?

I know... just drinking teh kotak and watch KBS world. Or just listen to this sexy voice

Cheers!


CVB

Dear February

6It is the last two days of January, and I can say that 2016 was started roughly. There were too many gloomy days, bored than ever, un-motivated to the max, and I am sick again. On top of that, today and tomorrow, I have to attend education expo. Meaning, I need to talk, but I am losing my voice. Hahahahahaa completed!!!

(sigh)...

Nonetheless, I have this vibe that everything after this will be great. 2016 still have eleven months to pass. I just need to shake my self a bit in the early of 2016.

Dear February,
You are the shortest month in 2016, I hope you'd be a good transition to cure my lonely heart. Be busy, be meticulous, and be efficient. I hope my self will adjust this new situation. New year really means new year!. Everything is back to zero. What I have been through in 2015 is just left. It is a brand new year. I cannot carry out my habit in 2015, things need adjustment. Maybe because 2015 was ended too nicely. Started nicely as well. I was hoping that 2016 would be the same, but surprise is a surprise isn't it?  The solution for this situations is... I just need to start a new habit...
Anyhow, dear my self in February, please adapt well... you are living in present, not past. I know you can do it, you have been through the worst, so please chin up. Cheer up. Work things out. You are the handler of your own remote control. You can mute yourself doing nothing, or press play and rock and roll.

Dear February,
even if you might be gloomier, I will be prepared...
Let things go, let loose our self, and enjoy the ride don't we?

CVB