WHAT'S NEW???

Yeah, what's new? It's not even 3 months yet since my last blog after New Year but there were so many things changed within me and so many things have happened that I sometimes just wondering if things will ever get more ... interesting?? Or confusing?? Or tiring?? All of them...

First, NEW JOB! Yay!! Since February 1st I worked for a large & reputable firm as an office assistant. Never thought that it would be this tiring and busy... between learning a new & different system and also handing over my job at the old firm to the new person, I hardly found spare times to just hang out with my friends or relatives! I just couldn't wait for Friday night where I can catch up with my reading until late & sleep away the night until 8 or 9 the next morning :) Or was I just being lazy? He3x Last week I had a 2 day training at Singapore. Staying at Ritz Carlton, people thought I could enjoy it. I couldn't at all! I arrived at late Sunday afternoon, went books & CD shopping, had a bar of chocolate for dinner, a hot bath with a fireworks show just outside my window, felt very lonely sleeping on a King size bed... and that's the end of the good time! Monday morning woke up early, arrived at the office 15 minutes earlier and had the training until 7:30pm! Returned to the hotel with a dream of a quick bath and headed to a nice dinner. 15 minutes at the Mall I almost fell at 7/11 for walking sleepily between racks! So I turned my way to Burger King... didn't even finish the french fries before I changed and fell asleep.

The next morning i woke up late, the hotel alarmed didn't ring! Or maybe it did but my sleepy self pretended not the hear it (^__^) Jumped out of the bed, took a quick shower (fortunately I have ironed my clothes the moment I arrived), packed my luggage, left the luggage at the front desk, checked out and went to the office. Thank God I wasn't late. I was supposed to leave the office at 4:00pm at the latest but there were some errors in the laptop I was going to bring back to Jakarta until the last minute. As a result, it was already time to board when I arrived at the airport. I was so panicked when I looked at the monitor and the remarks beside my flight number already said: GATE CLOSING!! I ran my way to the gate!! ha3x It was like in a movie!! Not mention the commotion I caused at the baggage checking point, since I brought 2 laptops in 2 bags, I had to open each one of them and put them back in the case and I was already sooooooooo late! People looked at me in a very un-nice way! What a training...

Ah, will have to continue this in part 2... Already expected to be some place right now... Bye!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007!!!!

The first time in my life to spend New Year night at home with my parents!!! We used to spend New Year with a family gathering, but this year looked like everyone's occupied and have their own schedules. Not bad... just that I didn't have anything special at all... Spent the night watching DVDs in my room and prayed at midnight. Sent some text messages to friends and families...

Do I have a resolution in entering 2007? Like always, I just wished that I become a better person. At home, at work, at ministry, everywhere! And a soulmate as a bonus is highly appreciated and expected! (^0^)

My brother came before Christmas and stayed for about 10 days. Too bad I didn't get leave from the office so I couldn't spend much time with him. But we managed to dine out a couple of times, watched a movie at the cinema and on his last night he picked me up from work with my mom. We went to PlaNgi to have dinner, I bought him some things that he needed. After that he stayed in my room watching DVD, burning some CDs and just chatted about random things. It was already a quarter to midnight when I asked him to leave my room he3x He took me to work with my dad the next morning and headed directly to the airport.

Our church held the Christmas service on Sunday morning, December 24, 2006. I was on duty as a backup singer. After that we visited my uncle's house. Met some cousins and decided to have fun together. We went to PIM2 to watch Eragon. My little cousin, Krissy, tagged along. And boy did she eat a lot!! Ha3x She already had lunch at my uncle's so we were a little surprised to see her finished off a quiche with her hot chocolate at Starbucks. Just when we're about to order a 2nd one, she told me: "Why can't we just eat some rice??" She was actually hungry so I sent her off to KFC with my other cousin, Sarah. Then we watched the 6.15pm show of Eragon. After the movie, we were hurrying to take her home... but just when we were about to head to the parking lot, another request from her came up: "Can't we have some dinner now? It'll be too late for me to have it at home..." WHAT??? She just ate before the movie!! Well, I guess children ate a lot... so we gave in and had some dinner before we took her home.

Actually, the surprise didn't end there. My older cousin drove the 3 of us (the others went different way), and on our way to Krissy's house she heard that he (my older cousin) was going to spend the night at my house after taking her home. So she said: "Well, why don't we just take my clothes from home and I could spend the night at Kak Titin's (that's how she called me) house too with Abang (what she called my older cousin)!" Hahahahaha too bad she was going to leave town with her parents the next day! Otherwise, I'd just take her home with me. (^__^)

On Christmas Day, I went to Gale's house in the morning then left to pick up Kota dan his girldfriend, Sachiko, at Plaza Senayan's parking lot. As Kota requested, he wanted to see Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, so we went there. We spent half day there, then had a very late lunch at The Duck King, PlaNgi. Then we headed directly to the airport because they had to take a flight to Bali at 6pm. So glad, I finally had 3 single CDs and 1 album CD of INSPI just for Rp 200.000,- They were already on SALE. But I still didn't get the album that I wanted. Well, maybe next time.

On New Year, January 1st, my niece & nephews visited my house with their parents. Since we (my older cousin and I) already promised to take them out but never find the right time, we decided to take that time to go out with them. I called Sarah on the way to PIM 2 and she caught up with us later on. We dined at HOT SHOTS. After touring the mall, we headed for some tea at The Tea Gallery, Senayan City. Bought some herbal tea leaves home. While us, the olders spent a quiet time drinking tea and reading magazines, the kids were playing games a the arcade and just never finished, not until we picked them up & reminded them that some of us already start working the next day.

After that, spent the whole 2 days at home, recovering from my bad flu and cough he3x Now back to work... and work... and more work... Till later everyone!!!

Of Christmas...

I love Christmas!! It always brings a very exciting feeling... the day my savior was born, the coming end of year holiday, annual bonus from the boss... (*_^) But also the busiest month throughout the year! When October arrives, I know for sure that my regular schedule would have to be changed, squeezed, and fitted with a whole bunch of activities that sometimes make me wonder how did I get through them all??? ^^;

Take my schedule for the last 1.5 months:
Monday --> praying night until 9pm
Tuesday --> Christmas rehearsal (the English class has been put on hold)
Wednesday --> another Christmas rehearsal
Thursday --> Sunday service rehearsal (if any), or a meeting
Friday --> nothing, yatta!!
Saturday --> usually a meeting or rehearsing in the afternoon, continue to Youth Service until about 8.30pm
Sunday --> Church until 12.00pm, Sunday English Class until 1.30pm. Then free... but usually something always comes up unexpectedly.

Hence, I skipped praying on Monday (regrettably) if I'm so worn out since Sunday. But still, here are times when I wish I could have a day off and just stay at home watching movie or reading the whole day! (^__^) But that'll have to wait until after Christmas of course...

A special youth Christmas celebration this year... we are going to perform a short drama with a Japanese setting, with me playing the wicked stepmom! Ha3x Yesterday I went with Kk to buy a set of yukata at Gonzo... We got lost a couple of times trying to find the place and the owner of the shop finally had to pick us up near Karawaci Mall he3x and she also gave a very big discount! Aaaah, can't wait until we all wear our yukatas on rehearsal tomorrow :) I think it would be great... Oh, mine is a shade of pink with grey background, and a pink obi, so nice... I didn't buy a pair of geta though, thought it's useless on our stage.

This year, I plan to create personalized christmas cards again... have I mentioned it in any of my previous posts? I stopped creating cards a few years ago, the year when I traveled to Bali after Christmas until New Year, if I'm not mistaken. The idea for the card just came up when I came across a nice craft book at Gramedia last month. It was interesting, didn't require complicated details, and I already had most of the needed materials. Sooooo, hopefully I could still have some time to work on it. My Christmas project! He3x

Y'know, I just love to personalized anything for anyone on any occasion. For me, the process of creating one is not just a simple: "yeah I have the material and I happen to remember him/her so why not create one?". When I made personalized stuff, I think about the people I intend to present it to. What color does she/he like, what picture would suit him/her, what kind of words he/she needed to hear the most right now, what I really would like to tell him/her... And that's why wrapping a gift is also an important thing for me, I consider it as a part of the gift itself. That shows my appreciation to the person receiving it. While it's a bother for some people, it's just my way of showing that I really care. I know, I know, the person doesn't always know, but I believe that my feelings will reach out to his/her. Sappy eh... ha3x

Well, I think I wanna go home early today... didn't have enough sleep last night, was afraid I'd miss something for the meeting this morning. Till later everyone!!

Of vacation...

This is our only picture together... since we took it ourselves, that's the result he3x All in all, the trip was great, but I hate the weather. A little trouble with the heat and the rain though, I got another allergy attack as soon as I got home. Aaaaaaaargh!!! I found the books that I wanted, got to visit to IKEA and also bought some useful stuff. All in all, the trip was satisfying. I really like the Christmas feeling with all the christmas trees and colorful lights along Orchard. Aaaaaah, if only Jakarta could feel the same way... (^__^)

Of food...

Yeah, we ate a lot!!! I'm not used to have breakfast at home, but Gale kept bugging me about it, so we had breakfast late and then by lunchtime I was still full. So we always had a late lunch too. The first lunch we had was at the foodcourt of Takashimaya. As usual, Gale didn't finish her meal here on the left. I don't remember anymore what she ordered, but I definitely didn't like its taste. Yuck!

But I really the dinner we had at Billy Bombers - Bugis Junction. We were lucky we just ordered 1 main course, otherwise we would've wasted so much food!!! The portion was incredible... see how Gale tried to cut the meat? ha3x But it tasted good... we ordered Grilled Pork Loin (half slab) and cheese fries. Since I couldn't handle coke, I ordered milk tee hee!! Very very not healthy ha3x But it was greeeeeeeeatttt! Before the food arrived we plan to order some yummy dessert. But oh boy, it was an effort just to finish the meal that we totally forgot about dessert!! (^0^) I'd definitely return to that place next time...

Last but not least... MOS BURGER of course!!!! I just love the Cheese Mos!! I found out about Mos through a fanfic of my fave anime, Gravitation. In the story, it was told that Shuichi loves to eat at Mos Burger. Since then, it's a must eat everytime I visit Singapore He3x Ooooh, I like the ice strawberry too, or whatever the name was I never remember... it sooooooooo cold, sooooooooo sour and yet sooooooooo sweet...

*sigh* Enough about food already!! Gonna go to lunch now... bye!!

Of Teaching...

I always think that I'm not a good teacher and won't teach at all. My biggest flaw is my lack of patience. Thus, I don't think teaching will be something I'd do a lot these days.

Last year, just out of my goodwill towards several requests from my juniors in church, I opened an English class for free. Started out on every Saturday afternoon at 3pm. Later on this year, it's changed to Tuesday Night Class at 06.30pm. When I first taught, I was so nervous cause I'm afraid that my students wouldn't understand me or whether I spoke to fast. I learned to control myself, and later to control my students. Everybody can join, but if you fail to come to class 3 times in a row without notice, you will be expelled. That's the rule made up by the entire class. So, after a year, there were only 9 students left. But they're committed and they also practiced what I thought them in their working places or in college where they go to. It's such a joy to hear their stories of their experience with English they learn from my class (^___^). I felt like what I've done was not in vain.

Then about 3 months ago I opened another class in Sunday afternoon. This time for Sunday School children. I was more nervous than before for my 1st session. Their ages vary from 7 to 13 years old. I was afraid (again) that my way of teaching would be too serious for them and I had to find a different way of teaching so they wouldn't get bored so easily. Boy, I was wrong! I had so much fun! Yes they were critical and more eager to add up their vocabulary, but that brought a whole new perspective in teaching for me. It's not the way you teach. But first of all, your willingness to give out the best to your students. Then you hear and pay attention, in the end they will tell you indirectly what's the best way to teach them.

In one session, we were discussing DAILY ACTIVITIES. What do you do from the time you wake up until you return to bed at night. Then a conversation about breakfast, lunch & dinner came up. Then they started talking about food... and suddenly Natan raised up his hand and told me: "Teacher, you shouldn't be talking about food in class! Now I'm hungry and I want some ice cream too as dessert!" (they just learned about appetizers, main course & dessert). Everyone roared with laughter! In the end, we ended the class sooner and went together to buy ice creams at Hero supermarket! Ha3x Of course I had to ask for their parents' permission first, just in case any of them are not allowed to have ice creams. It was so much fun. Right now I put the course on hold for a month, because they're rehearsing for Christmas Celebration after Sunday School class, I don't wanna tired them out with my class. But actually some kids already complained to their parents: "Why do we have to stop the English Class? I'm not tired, it's okay to have it after the rehearsal!" But I still said no, cause I know how tiring the rehearsal is. Just told them to be patient and we can continue study soon (^___^). Aren't they devoted? Oh, and I told them not to call me Aunty but Big Sis intead! Hehehehehe

That's all about teaching classes. Other than that, more and more people are coming up to me asking me to teach them about accounting, programs, project management, etc. I'm not a 'know-it-all' type of person or a genius of some sort. But I'm thankful to God to allow me to work in a place that provide enough experiences and granted me with wisdom to understand things in a way I never thought I could understand. And I want to return what I get by teaching others and pass on my knowledge, who knows in the future they're the ones who will teach me another new stuff? It's possible. Now teaching is not a terrifying job for me anymore, instead it is a way for me to also 'upgrade' my knowledge (how can I teach f I don't learn too?) and also a way for me to thank God for the blessing He has granted me abundantly until today.


These are the faces of some of my Tuesday night students. Taken 2 months ago in our trip to the zoo after passing the exam. Next time I will post the faces of my Sunday School class. Until then, keep learning and sharpened your mind! Have a blessed day!!

Of Family...

[edited]

no need to make you feel miserable with my own personal problem (^___^)

Of Love and Life

Life has been good to me. And love has been discovered :) Found a partner yet? Nope. But at least, after a few years, I found someone to have a crush on he3x What's so special about him is that he's totally different than all the types of guy I've fallen for. He's younger, he doesn't wear glasses, not exactly what you call a hunk he3x So what's so special about him? Thinking that I've always dreamed of going out with older men (happened once, but lately seemed like more younger men are attracted to me) and wished to have one to spend the rest of my life with.

Let's just say that he could makes decisions for me. Despite my being the eldest in the family, working in a position that requires me to make decisions not only for myself, but also for others; and also a leader in my church's youth ministry. With him, I could feel at ease, I don't always have to be the strong one, and he's able to positioned himself as equal to me. That's what I've been wishing for. So yeah, I really fell for this one. Does he like me? I have no idea. There are still some things I need to consider. Just being friends with him right now is good enough for me. At least we're good friends now. The rest I leave in God's hand. I believe that He has provided the best for me.

Of work...

Can't wait until we finish everything we're working on right now and starts with the new company next year. It'll be more hardwork and more learning too, but I'm optimist that I'll be doing fine and so will my boss. Sometimes I am so amazed with what I have achieved until now. You know, what I am and what I have right now are somethings that I've never dreamed of. This was not how I planned my life would be. But God is amazing!! He always gave the best for me!! Until now, I know that I live by grace only.

Well, till my next post... hopefully soon as I have some things I'd like to share with you peeps. Till then... and have a blessed day!!!