Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Januari - Semacam Lagu Galau dari Glenn Fredly

Nggak spesifik juga sih akan ngebahas soal lagu Glenn Fredly, atau kisah yang dihubung-hubungkan sama lagu Glenn Fredly, hanya saja kurang lebih bulan Januari adalah sebuah bulan yang penuh kegalauan.
Aku bukan orang yang percaya cosmic, atau tahayul, tapi tidak sepenuhnya merunut pada kitab suci juga. Aku menikmati hidup dengan berbagai dimensi. Aku jelaskan ini karena hanya ingin mengungkapkan perasaan di hati saja.

Selalunya, tiap tahun itu kurang lebih mempunyai big theme. Contohnya di tahun 2015, kejadian-kejadian yang terjadi semuanya seakan-akan adalah jawaban atas doa atau permohonan aku secara nggak langsung. Aku kepengen ke US, di bulan April aku diberi kesempatan. Aku sedang bertanya-tanya, tiba-tiba aku dikasih kesempatan untuk menyelesaikan pertanyaanku. Susah dipercaya, tapi memang begitu. Tahun 2016, uji kesabaran. Semuanya serba misterius, menggantung, dan pelan-pelan terselesaikan. Jadi, seperti apakah tahun 2017?

Bulan Januari menjadi bulan yang galau hanya gara-gara, aku sendiri belum bisa memutuskan tahun macam apa ini. Apa yang harus aku siapkan, ceritanya nanti seperti apa. Masih meraba-raba. Bulan Januari sebagai bulan awal, dan juga bisa kusebut sebagai bulan transisi. Bulan penuh observasi. Tentu saja, aku percaya bahwa hidup itu bukan pre-destined seutuhnya. Manusia bebas memilih, tapi... aku percaya bahwa aku nggak sepernuhnya bergerak sendiri. Hidup aku seperti dituntun. Ada sebuah benang merah yang bisa aku jadikan panutan sepanjang tahun ini. At least that was what happened 

Bulan Januari juga menurutku seperti satu fase setelah kita menekan tombol restart. Seperti ada babak baru yang dimulai. Kadang, rencana yang tersusun tahun lalu bisa berubah 180 derajat di tahun yang baru. Dan semua perubahan ini cukup terasa di awal bulan, ya di si bulan Januari ini. Seakan-akan tahun ini emang benar-benar di-restart. Akhirnya, kita butuh waktu beberapa saat untuk kembali bisa beradaptasi lagi. Ada banyak hal baru, adjustment lagi. Tahun baru semacam menerima paket baru. Tugas baru lagi untuk naik level, atau tugas yang sama karena levelnya belum selesai. Januari seakan-akan menjadi semacam penentu.



Aku menulis ini, hanya sebagai pengukuhan saja kalau semua akan baik-baik saja. Aku merasa beberapa tahun belakangan ini 'program'nya sama. Ada semacam - refresh - di awal tahun. Dan seberjalannya tahun, kita jadi bisa lebih tahu patternnya seperti apa. Mungkin... ini hanya terjadi sama aku saja.
Either way, I have been thinking if I still have 300 more days to conclude what kind of year 2017 is. I feel good about it; though, these gloomy and sunny days coming and going. At least, I am starting with small goals. Building up what I am aiming. Little by little. So chin up Chen :) soon is February,  nggak ada lagi lagu galau ...

harusnya...

haha...

Walaupun mungkin aku harus sedikit merubah rencanaku di tahun 2017 karena segala unexpected things yang terjadi tahun lalu, aku masih merasa positif, kalau tahun 2017 akan menjadi tahun yang menyenangkan lagi :).

Kunobatkan bulan Januari sebagai bulan yang mengajariku untuk bersabar... karena terlalu banyak hal yang cepat-cepat ingin kuketahui. Apakah aku jadi ke Belanda atau Penang tahun ini seperti yang kurencanakan sebelumnya? Apakah aku akan sukses tahun ini? Apakah 20 buku bisa terbaca tahun ini? Apakah aku akan bertemu teman baru? Apakah hubungan-hubungan dengan orang terdekatku akan lebih baik? Apakah akan ada anjing baru? Pertanyaan-pertanyaan ini muncul secara voluntary, Tentu saja, aku masih punya 300 hari ke depan untuk bisa mennyelesaikan satu per satu. Ah Chen,... nikmati saja. Tidak usah terlalu terburu-buru. Nikmati segala perasaan; sakitnya, bahagianya. Tidak perlu terkaburkan dengan ketakutanmu sendiri. Begitulah caranya untuk menghadapi tahun baru.

#iknowiamrandom


Cheers

CVB

Saturday, January 7, 2017

New Year - New Spirit

New year.
New responsibilities.
New challenges.
New page.
and perhaps new hair cut.

But now, let's take a look back to 2016.
As I have repeated and scattered around the posts here in there, 2016 was a year full of surprises. The bad ones and also the good ones. It was a year of evolving. It was exactly like an apprentice got a harsh training, when she passed the test, there's a reward, but then the trainer gave a little twist here and there. Crazy. It was one full of many emotions.



First half of 2016 was incredibly harsh. I got traumatised by an event in February 2016 which I could not go into details. By June, everything is starting to go into places. However, things are still unsure. The fate of Malang office was ambiguous throughout 2016. Not to mention, my plan to go to South Korea was also in the shaky place.
I was trying not to expect too much in the end of the day. A bit mellow here and there. But, I got my supporters behind me :) Especially my Tiga Srikandi. I am salute. They were strong enough even though they got such a blurred future as well.

Tiga Srikandi

By the smeared of faith, I got through 2016, and November was the peaks of almost everything. I got my visa approved to South Korea a week before departure. Furthermore, I got a call a day before I got my long vacation. The answer that Malang team seek was finally revealed, but not without surprise. I was asked to move to Surabaya, Malang office will keep going and still under my supervision. What a twist. I never imagined that the end of our road would be like that.

Therefore, here I am typing from Surabaya, exactly a month after my replacement. Meaning, 2017 started off fresh. New things, new responsibilities, new circumstances, new hair cut I may add. I passed 2016 with a lot of repressed emotion. I was over-whelmed for even the last days of 2016, it still gave me little surprise. However, I was not letting it to stir my faith in life. Faith about believing one heart says. No matter how hard my heart feels in grief, there is still a calamity in it. Strange, but it is what it is.

2016 was indeed a year of twists and weddings and a lot of flying. From a wedding in Kuala Lumpur, a bridesmaid in Medan, another wedding in Jakarta, and my bestie's wedding in Surbaya and Solo. Fiuh!!! Lots of weddings indeed.

Cacuk's day - Kuala Lumpur

Elvina - Solo


Eriko - Jakarta

Ket2 - Surabaya

Nevertheless, I couldn't lie that 2016 also gave me a lot of second chances! A chance to repair an old wound, a taste of simple love, a reminder for giving in, a dream or two coming true. At least, I got to go to South Korea. It meant a lot despite the unfortunate event involving losing money, it wouldn't lessen my gratitude towards life. 2016 has prepared me for a bigger me in 2017. It knew that all events happened o form a stronger me. 2017 started off pretty rough. New circumstances, new responsibilities, and suddenly a closed friend of mine might have a problem that he tries to process by himself first. Hope he is doing well, hope I can adjust fast. I am pretty positive that everything is going alright.
I also want to give a little space for those who left the world in 2016. One of them was my grandpa's sister in law. Please don't surprise if I am closed to my big family, including the extended family. Oma Hetty was one of those who kept closed with us even afteropa Tjiong *grandpa's brother passed away years ago. She even presented when my mom passed away in 2013. Couldn't forget about it. Love her spirit and I am missing her sweet smile. Also Maciu. Ah Maciu... she's one of my nannies when I was little. She's my mambo's aunt. Hope you two have a smooth journey. May God forgive all your sins and we love you.


Oh my. looking back the past two years, I am basically aware that each year has its own big theme. 2015 was a year of fulfilled prayers. 2016 was a year of twists. and.. how about 2017? Regardless the big theme that is going to be plotted, here is the list I want to list for 2017. The more realistic ones.


1. 20 books reading challenge.
2. 60 kg, 3 kg more to go haha
3. Building up a steadier praying habit :)
4. Traveling to Penang and the Netherlands, possibly South Korea again if things getting crazier :)
5. Laid back, Relax... Enjoy the ride.


Have fun! Not to worry over things, falling in love! Not afraid of heartbroken or sadness. Life is too short to be wasted. It is cliche, and true at the same time :)

In 2016, I have learned that every hardship as the antidotes haha. The bad things and the good things happening hand in hand.




Oh 2016, thank you soooo mucccchhh. More things to be grateful compared all the crazy shits happened. I love it. Though I have to admit, that I concluded 2016 with a tear in my eyes and smiling, all at once.
My new year eve was a blessing. I got to wait till midnight with my grand ma and grand pa. They are 95 years old! However, my grandma could stll read and told her opinion. She gave me a little wisdom that night. She told me "kau harus berdoa. berdoa saja. cerita apa yang kau punya susah. Nanti biar Tuhan yang atur" - translated as "you have to pray. Just pray. Tell what is burdening you. Let God takes care of it" what a blessing! :) My 95 year old oma is jjang!

my beautiful oma... 


Hello 2017. I am ready! Bring it on!





CVB

Monday, January 2, 2017

Sweet Seoul - a Korean Drama

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Shoot.. it's been like a year-story-ago, but I haven't got a chance to write about it. Life in 2016 is super hectic with all the unexpected things. Literally!
I am speechless. 2016 is really something. Making me cringe and smile at that time. Making me clench my teeth and laugh at the same time. Especially November. I couldn't express November in a word since there have been so many things happened. Nonetheless, this post will be entirely about my trip to South Korea... :)
Yes baby! Finally I MADE IT! Even though, it was not without a drama lol





Before we dig into a deeper passage, let me remind you that I am going to come back stronger in 2017. Expecting more exciting posts in Strawbearies or in Let's Talk. I know I owed you a loooot in the last 3 months of 2016. But hey, it was worth it. :) More details will be revealed in some other time.

Meda
First thing first, this has been my dream since long ago. Maybe even before I graduated from college. I was serious about it in 2014, and joined my dream is a friend of mine; meda. We had an innitial talk back in 2014 about meeting in South Korea. Both of us are the victims of K-Wave; however, what's more special about us is we love the underdogs. Forget the big names; we love 10cm, Sweet sorrow, etc etc. Therefore, in 2015 we seriously thought about it, and set November 2016 to be the best time. First reason was autumn, and second reason was my work load would not be so much. Frankly speaking, I had a doubt in the middle of 2016 because I had so many spending. Many unexpected travellings.








There I was with my cousin, Gina travelled all the way from Surabaya and Makassar, met in Jakarta hours before our departure to Incheon! All hyped up. We all worked on our visa by our own. Our visa were granted a week before our departure. Thumbs up eh?

Nov 21st and 27th of November was the period of joy and devastating part in my life haha. Now, which one first, I need to reveal?  Chronoligically?

Anyway, we arrived in Korea in the morning of 21st, Monday. We loved our place. We lived in airbnb near by Hongdae, very conviniently across Hongdae Station exit 5. It was a lofted officetell, was clean and neat. We were excited of our new place, and we were ready for our very first adventure in Seoul that very Morning.
Hongdae, Shinchon, and Edae, the golden triangle of universities. I personally love Universities and the surrounding. That was why we picked Hongdae as our staying place. As I have predicted, I fell in love with Seoul! That's it. That very first day, I claimed my self liking the place so much. We went there in the end of Fall season, yellows and reds were still around. Our first adventure was Ehwa University and the Gwanghamun gate and Cheongyecheon river. I always wanted to go to Ehwa University. It has the unique architecture, and I was amazed that Universities in South Korea was influenced by European style of architecture. Lovin it.

Ehwa Univ



When in the heart of Seoul, the road was still having the mark of ancient Korea, not to mention tha grand mountains behind the panorama. The dried river, the old shrine, and so on. It was lovely. On top of that, in front of the statue of Lee Sun Shin *the great general, there was a conselebrated mass held for the Sewol Ferry victims back in 2014. Me and Gina were excited over the simple coincidence. We got to see a national event.
Seoul

Seoul, Requim Mass

Monday, November 14, 2016

Currently Post - November story

It has been a week in November, and don't know why and how, but November will be the peak of 2016.

Honestly, 2016 is like a long suspense drama. Each story is revealed bits by bits leading to a big climax. The ending can be anything. We can make a guess, but plot twist is also a probability. Since, everything happened in 2016 is unexpected so far. Also, though there are things that have been expected, the story will not be the same as I have thought. It can be worse, can also be better version of what I have expected. So, trying to guess what is 2016 about is just wasting my energy.

I have been feeling uneasy since the beginning of 2016. I have one event that I couldn't tell, because I have no courage to repeat it in my head as I am telling it. It already made my world shaken a little bit. Then, it has been ups and downs in 2016. Actually it is more exciting than I can imagine remembering all the bad things happened as a starter of the year. Things which have been happened, obviously is having connection to each other. At least it is nurturing for me to get prepared of whatever the ending given.

We all living in the uncertainty right? However, there is an obvious case and hidden one. Currently, I am facing a very exposed matter that I am dying to know the ending so bad. Not only one, but more... Unfortunately, I am planning to let you know once I am facing the certainty about it which should be revealed soon. At least one thing is pretty clear now. For this matter, it is related to traveling story.

Yes baby... I'll be traveling again soon :)
I am going to be a bridesmaid in Surabaya and I will continue my journey to the place, I'll be revealing once I am there :)

Talking about this traveling adventure.
I have been planning this for a long loooong time. Truly a long time. In 2014, I have talked about this plan to a friend who has similar liking about traveling. Last year, we made a promise to do it at least this year, and finally it is happening.

It is another completion when I just take care of everything about it financially. I got my visa without my parents' help. For me, it is achievement. I grew up in the middle class environment when sometimes we are spoiled. Parents can help. I still get some help like borrowing credit card to buy ticket since my credit card limit is not enough, but other than that, I am proud to say that I am able to do it on my own. It is not bragging, but a proof that I am celebrating my independence.

Therefore, I am willing to enjoy my trip at the fullest. By not over-doing it. Plan things imperfectly, and go along the wind blows. Not saying that I am not having itinerary, but I am trying not to be greedy haha...

Again, 2016... I don't know how to define you anymore. You are like a tvN drama which is revealing a little mystery time by time.
lol

oh my




CVB

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Practical Living for a Solo Soul - Advantages and Disadvantages living Alone

FINALLY! oh yeah Chen, so much for a series eh? haha...
Well, things happened! A lot than I expected, so... I managed to conclude this series A MONTH after I promised. Yea Right!

Anyhow, here I am... will blabber a little bit about what I think that are disadvantages and advantages of living alone. I have actually tipped a little bit about this on my December series 2015 - Changes in Me after 7 years living alone, but for this post, I will go for a little detail about what's good and what's not so good about living alone.

Again, this is a very subjective post for it is based on my humble observation and experiences.

ADVANTAGES:
1. Independent!
There's no doubt about this. Meaning, you can decide things finely without being too dependant on other people. I have seen how different me or other 'perantau' with people who grow up entirely with their family. Not saying that they are fully not independent, but yeah.. there's slightly difference. For example, I know how to pay tax, how to change the LPG when it is empty, how to change the dispenser, how to change light bulb, and how to clean my own bath room. Simple things, but it does matter.

2. Independence!
I am differentiate this with point number one, because this is more about decisions. I decide my own things, and my parents let me decide it. Not all of course, but little things like where to travel, what to buy, what to eat, I decide them on my own. I don't have to wait for other people, and just go!

3. Creative!
Oh yeah... somehow, you are more creative because there's some limitations, and you have solve your own problems. No vehicles for grocery shopping? Walk and bring back pack, limit it for your own needs, and done! not so much fuss about it :) Especially, you get creative when managing money for the entire month lol.

4. Maturity...
It is not entirely true, but I feel it more. Again, comparing my self with others.. or comparing my friends who live abroad or away from their parents, they have moved one step forward in order of maturity. Perhaps because you face problems on your own, small or big. Friends and Families are still on reach, but for the immediate action, you are the one who will handle it eventually.

5. A lot of Me Time
Plenty of them actually. This is an advantage, because you have time to process things in your head beforehand. Your head becomes busy, and you can catch on details or things that other people are not aware of.

DISADVANTAGES
1. Lonely...
this is an ultimate price that you have to pay. Well, friends do help, but when you are at your rented place, you are going to realize that there's only one brush teeth at the bathroom, there's only one towel hung, there's only one bed, there's only you. Yes, I do still feel lonely at home alone. I love being with my family when I am home in Makassar for Christmas. Dogs barking, my niece is crying, my father is watching on his pad, my mom is watching tv, Here in Malang, I go to church by my self, I eat while I am watching TV since it is the only source of voice that I can think of. Not so bad, but it is definitely the down part of living alone.

2. Individualistic...
Somehow, it grows deeper in you that you can't really stand when you are around with many people for a longer period of time. You are longing your loneliness. hahaha what a contrary, but it is the fact. You have no problem to go alone and sometimes will not follow the majority.

3. Everything needs to be done by YOU
From laundry, paying bills, and other small stuff. Even when you are sick, you need to boil water, cook yourself a bowl of porridge. It is not fun at all, but manageable. *sigh

4. Everything needs to be decided by YOU
Sometimes, it is great to have such an independence for deciding what you wanna do, what you wanna eat, but it all eventually depends on your mood. It is nice to have heard some ideas from other person as well.

In the end, it is all about you against the world huh? Not so bad actually. But, yes... you have to remind yourself that you are human who needs some social interaction, more than just meet up, but a person who is just be there for you.
I enjoy my solo living so far, but I did feel loneliness, and I knew that I am growing to be more individualistic. The things is, you just need to balance out yourself. I believe each matter has the bad and the good...

Good luck!! :)

CVB

Friday, October 7, 2016

Currently - October Mood

Let the intermezzo is in!
A halt for previous series. I need to release my October mood. I have been haunted by this idea that I am doubting my own heart. It is like... I know the answer is there, but my mind is still speculating this and that. It is confusing and exhausting. It reminds me a lot of those days back in 2011 when I struggled on whether to go home or to stay in the States. Here, all over again with different matters, with more uncertainty. Growing up, things are not getting easier haha... Here it is an excerpt from an Indonesian movie in early 2000, starred Rachel Maryam and Marcel Siahaan - Andai Ia Tahu. 

Kejujuran itu seperti es krim
Kalau tidak dilahap... bakalan cepat meleleh.. 
hilang ditelan hawa panas. 
Bisep di tangan itu kan otot fisik. Nah.. kejujuran itu otot mental. 
Dan otot harus dilatih terus.. biar kuat...

Hari ini latihan kejujuran gue... 
Jujur pada diri sendiri...

Gue takut... 
Takut kalau intuisi gue mengenai banyak hal selama ini salah... 
Gue takut... 
Takut kalau gue bangun besok matahari nggak muncul di timur...
Atau gimana ketika gue bangun besok...
Gue baru tahu..

Kalau hati bisa salah...

Renata - Andai Ia Tahu, 2002

Honesty is like an ice cream. If it is not eaten, it will be gone out of the heat. Biceps in our hands are muscles, honesty is mental's muscles. And muscles are supposed to be trained.
My honesty train for today is.. honest to my self.

I am scarred...
Scarred if my intuition about many things are wrong.
I am scarred...
Scarred if I wake up tomorrow, the sun is not showing from East.
Or how about if I am waking up tomorrow, I just know that... heart can be wrong...

It is representing what I have been feeling. Following heart. Intuition. All is my thing, but... I am in that position where my head speaks louder stirring my heart. I have fears. Nonetheless, I also encountered one good quote early this month...

Are you feeling a bit shaken, maybe stirred, and maybe fearful, and completely, utterly, wildly terrified? 
Good! Keep Going!

So... Chen... Clench you teeth hard and keep going!!!  

CVB


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Practical Living for a Solo Soul - How to deal with loneliness and homesickness

Heylo..

Here I am back again with the long-named-series. This is the second episode of the series. Living alone, or solo always stumbling upon these two issues. Loneliness and Homesickness, depending on the duration of your status living alone. If you are the first timer, usually homesickness and loneliness come together like a combo. Most of the time, only homesickness since you are excited making new friends for the first few months. For the veterans; those who have been living up to 10 years by themselves, maybe.. once in a while, they will feel lonely without realizing it. For my case, I still feel these two. Intertwining. Especially when I lived in Surabaya. Funny eh? Because, I could not recall if I was really lonely or homesick when I was in the US. I think, it was only the first year when I was in Seattle. New environment. That's it. However when I am in Surabaya and Malang, once in a while, here and there, I still feel lonely or homesick. Anyway, let's dig in into things that probably can help you to deal with these two 'sickness'

First thing first, always knowing yourself first. Whether you are actually an introvert or extrovert ones. Perhaps, you can be both... sometimes you are outgoing, and some other times you need your quality me time. For the extrovert case, mostly they are OK. Because they often feel lonely when they are not doing anything, but they immediately reach out friends so they basically can deal with loneliness well. However, they especially lonely at nights actually.
While the introverts are looked fine at home alone. Nevertheless, this is actually the dangerous part. Since the introverts don't really realize that they are feeling lonely. They shut themselves at room, and by the time goes, they actually nearly depressed. People! You need to meet up!
So... what is the solution?

Everything needs B.A.L.A.N.C.E. and you should find a community Whether you are a an extrovert or introvert. A community is good. Starts from there. I am totally aware that introverts sometimes feel better at home, but they still need people. :) Starts with the common interest, whether it is religious, work-related, school clubs, or game community. With community, you start to converse, you are releasing your bottled up energy. You will find one or two persons who have similar common sense with you, make friends. People; how individualistic they are, they still need interaction.
Next, Call Your PARENTS! or family. Have you heard cases that people who firstly are not really closed with their family, finally getting closer when they are away? Yep! It is true. It happens to me, my cousin, and some of my friends. I personally feel much better after talk to my dad.

Now, dealing with homesickness.
For me, I learn to cook food that I like to eat at home. I learn how to make Mie Goreng Kanton *Chinese Makassar specialties. It helps. Food is one thing that is easily making you feel like at home. Other thing, reminiscing by turning on your family Sunday tunes, or what you and your friends would listen while on a drive. I also re-watch my family favorite movies; The Sound of Music, Lion King, and Sr. Act 2.

Also, you could just walk out and wander around. Maybe chillin at a grocery store, strollin a long your neighborhood, or listen to songs while walking around. It helps to clear your mind. And be strong :). Just remember that you always have a home to come back. The home will never move away, still there, and always welcome you back... :)





CVB