Simple_Thoughts

Book Review: First Date

2012-02-12T15:58:00.000+08:00

First Date is written by Krista Mc Gee. I got this book for free from BookSneeze.com, under a program with Thomas Nelson Publishing Company.
I was looking for something fresh, and I saw the cover on BookSneeze. I knew I had to read this book.
The main lead is Addy. She's just an ordinary girl, trying to blend in. She was chosen to represent her school in a reality show entitled "The Book of Love".
One of the main reason why Abby doesn't want to be on the show, is because she doesn't want to be famous. Her parents were killed when they're trying to stop drug deals in the area. They were missionaries, and Abby was raised by her uncle, Mike.
Abby ended up joining the reality show. The idea of the show is to look for a prom date for the President's son, Jonathon. She entered the show with one focus, to quit as soon as possible. But Jonathon is quite charming, and she soon felt that she has connection with him.
At the first weeks, Abby HATE to be on the show. But days passed, and she felt disappointed at her self, she felt she let her parents, her uncle, her school down, and she felt she let God down. She's too embarrassed to admit that she's a Christian, and she certainly doesn't behave like one.
Until one day her roommate, Kara, asked her whats wrong with her. Abby admitted how she felt being on the show. She even started to be a good friend, and enjoy the luxury given by the show.
There were ups and downs, and lots of lessons that Abby get during the show. But one thing that catch me, was when Abby was sick, and had to be treated in the hospital. She felt disappointed, as when other girls were having fun, she was stuck at the hospital. The day after she was released, she went to a diner with his uncle. They overheard a conversation, a plan to kidnap Jonathon, and subsequently kill the President.
Mike move fast, and let the Secret Service know. They manage to ruin the killing plan.
It was a blessing in disguise! When Hank was planning to kick Mike out of the show, suddenly Jonathon found out that Mike had saved his life, and thanked him on the show, so Hank couldn't kick Mike out.
The story shows how Abby was transformed, she begin to accept God's calling, begin to involve God even in small things like trying to be friendlier to people, even to Hank.
This book is good for light-reading, and it is totally heart warming! It put a smile on my face when I read the end of the story.
Love it!

Kina Grannis - In Your Arm Tour 2012

2012-02-08T17:09:00.000+08:00

Youtube sensation, Kina Grannis, ending 2011 with huge blast. She was featured on The Ellen Show, and performed her song "In Your Arm". In case you haven't notice, the video below, was shot for 22 months, featuring 188,000 jelly beans and her self. The video went viral, getting almost 2 million views within 2 weeks.

This year, She is going to do another round of world tour!
Started in Manchester, UK on Feb 3th, the Europe tour involves 16 cities, spread from UK, The Netherlands, Germany, and many others. The next month, she will perform in South East Asia, involving shows in Malaysia, Philiphines, Indonesia and Singapore. The next round is Australia Tour, and followed by USA Tour, where Los Angeles will be the final stage for In Your Arm Tour.

Get your tickets NOW!

First fruit of 2012

2012-01-10T19:08:00.000+08:00

This year, 1 January falls on Sunday. So I started 2012 by going to a sunday service. :D
My pastor, Joseph Price, shared about what God put in His heart for this year.

It was taken from Jeremiah 17:7-8

⁷Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

⁸For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Our church's theme for 2012 is "The year of unceasing fruitfullness"
How bad the situation in the world is, even if it's the year of drought, we will still be blessed. If we meditate on God's words, our leaves shall be green, and we will bear fruits, and what ever we do shall prosper.
And one thing that I remember was, he mentioned that in every month of 2012, God will give us a wonderful and pleasant surprise.. ~12 manner of fruits.

I've been looking for job in Singapore for quite a while. Around 7 months to be exact. My student pass has expired, and so I was thinking to go back home.
Sometime at the end of december 2011, a friend of mine who is taking a phd, told me that one of her senior researcher is looking for a chemist. She said he's working on organic chemistry, and looking for a phd candidate. I am a bit hessistant to take phd, because I didn't do well on my master's degree. So I told her, maybe if he's looking for a research assistant instead of phd student, i'll apply.
My friend told me to just go for it, and email the researcher.
And I did.
The researcher replied my email, and we do some chats, and at the end he asked me to drop by his office on the next day. So I went there, and he interviewed me.
I personally thought I didn't do well. He needed someone with experiment, someone who wanted to do PhD, and someone who can commit 5 years. I tried to be honest with him, I told him I was thinking to do research, but not a phd. I am okay with working 5 years and doing laboratory work, as that's my undergraduate study is. We talked for a while, and he told me, he needed to talk to his supervisor. The main decision will be in the supervisor who's coming in two weeks (early January).
January came, and I got an email saying that the supervisor asked whether I would be okay if they send me for a year in Israel. I thought that this is a good chance. I said yes. Then he emailed me back, saying that the supervisor wanted to talk with me. We made an appointment.

Later I told my parent about this. They were not really allowing me to go to Israel. It is to far. I'm a girl. They are worried. :) But at the end of the day, my dad told me, to go for it if I really wanted it. He just need to know if I'm sure with my decision, and asked me to prayed over it. We came up with this, if God really wants me to do this, if until the day of the interview, there will be no other interview/offer for me, it means that this is God's will. I kept on sending my resumes and applications. There was no interview/offers.
So I meet the researcher and supervisor. I came 15 minutes earlier, and found that the office was empty. Several minutes passed, until they appeared. They asked me to came inside their office. Then the interview begin.
During the interview, I noticed from the supervisor's body language, that he didn't really like me.
Haha.. I have to admit, it's my fault by being ressistant to do PhD. The awesome thing was, the researcher seemed to persuade him to take me. When the supervisor went out to check my mark, the researcher told me to say that I'm open to do PhD, but prefer to see how things worked first. He's also trying to explain to me how the PhD will works better for me. I told him that I did have the thought of taking PhD, but just not this soon. He said this is great. I thought this was really God's work. He has favour upon me. :) The supervisor was told that my marks are not so good, so the university won't pay for my tuition if I took Phd. Then he asked me to go outside while they will discuss.
They called me in afterwards, and told me this.
Our decision is, you will work for us until June. We will see how you work. If you do well, and if you want to do PhD, we will pay for your tuition. Not the university, but the research team. If you don't want to do Phd, than we will discuss what to do next.
All I can think was "Praise God". I thought I didn't do well, but God turned my lack, and make something good out of it.
This is the first blessing of the year, the first fruit of 2012.

Oh, and when I called my dad, he said "This is exactly what I prayed, you'll get the job, but you won't need to move to Israel. You won't be bond, because 5 year is just too long. This way, you'll get to know how it's like working with them." WOW!
So God answer his prayer! And this also fulfills one of my wishes for the year.

I still have to wait for the employment pass, they told me it will take sometime. But I know my God is able to change things, He is more than able to make everything processed faster.

I'm so excited to know what He has is store for me next :D Wohooooo..
I have an AWESOME GOD!

3 Wishes for Next Year

2011-12-26T20:05:00.000+08:00

For next year, I want to ask God three wishes:
1. A better temper.. I am a hot temper-girl.. I get mad easily, and sometimes a little bit moody. I felt bad for people around me, but I can't help it.. I wish i could manage my temper easily..
2. A better relationship with God and my family..
3. A satisfactory Job.. One that I love, and enjoy doing..

I know my God loves me. Can't wait for what He has in store for me for 2012!

A good friend passed away

2011-12-21T19:45:00.000+08:00

It's been almost two months since a very good friend of mine passed away. I'll have to admit, there were times back then that I regret. For example, I sometimes was too busy, to atleast say "HI".. or.. When he texted and all i thought was "uh, it's him again!" But, he's one of the nicest person I knew. He's like a big brother, that you can rely on. Just that, sometimes, we couldn't really know how important a person is until he/she is gone.
When I first heard the news, on Thursday night, I couldn't stop crying.
My close friend, called from Australia. She's the one who informed me first. All I could say was "for real? Are you serious?" and we shared our tears. He was involved in a hit-and-run. The driver who hit him managed to escaped. Remembering how he used to drive, all I thought was he must be driving really fast, and didn't manage to turn the wheel. I decided, I need to went back to Surabaya. At first I really wanted to be there just as soon as possible. But my sister calmed me down, and at the end I took the Saturday flight.
I went to the memorial on Saturday night, and saw his family. His mom looks really pale. It must be really devastating for them. It just break my heart :(
He was buried on Sunday morning, with only few classmates attending. I was his junior, but I felt that I need to pay my respect.
I never said to him how much I appreciate him. He was a kind person. He had a great faith, and really active in church. He had a crush on a girl, but that girl had a boyfriend already, yet he's still in touch. He had a girlfriend after that, but things were not well, and they broke up.
That day, his friend told me that actually he still had a crush on the first girl. It felt so bad, to knew that he wasn't "lucky" in relationships.
That day, I learned a lot of things about him. How indeed he was a good brother, how he has a passion to bring his family to Christ. The latest news I know, his sister is joining a church :)
I would say, there is still a part of me that felt bad. I never said how much I appreciate him when I had the chance. I could easily remember those time when me and my friend "mocked" him, make jokes on him, and laughed with him (because he's accepting it), but I couldn't remember when I told him that he's doing a good job. He is a good senior, a good leader, and ofcourse a good friend.
As for now, I still miss him sometimes, but I'm thankful that I had the chance to know him. I'm looking forward to meet him again one day in heaven :)
The lesson I learn are, be thankful with the people God put around you, whether it's your family, your friends, your colleague, your church friend, simply everyone. Be thankful that you're still alive.
You are God's beloved, be sure to share the love with people surrounds you!

My 2011 Christmas wish list

2011-11-25T12:29:00.000+08:00

This may sound too much..
But top of all, i want a job!!! Hopefully before the year ends, i want a job that won't bored me, yet won't make me die of working as well :)
So, I could enjoy working, becoming a blessing for those in my workplace, and affecting people's live with my work. Not too much to ask, isn't it? :)

Then I'll continue with the girls shopping wish list .. :D
1. Too Faced In Your Dreams ($59) - Sephora
2. That fancy yellow dress in Ms. Selfridge (at least i could share with my sister!! haha)
3. A new jeans skirt.. I need more skirt!!
4. Some new t-shirts.. Mine looked dull, and i've grown bigger.. hihi
5. Shoessss.. Yesss, I love new shoes
6. Handbag.. :D

Haha.. i think if i get those, i shall live happy.. Till new year! :D

p.s. I guess my new year wish list gonna stay the same though... hihi

Greatly blessed, Highly favoured, Deeply loved

2011-08-29T00:45:00.001+08:00

God works in the most unthinkable ways..
I've been a bit down lately with my unlucky in finding jobs. While you're just graduate, and your friends all settling down with their jobs, and you're the only one left with uncertainity of where you gonna work, how you gonna give back your parents, and how to make them proud, it just frustrating.
I had applied for various jobs, from the entry level (which i'm actually at, as a fresh graduate) till those junior executive jobs, from engineerings, administrations to the management trainee jobs. Really no luck at all. Many resumes sent, not even a single interview.
Since the beginning of my job-searching, there is one particular job that I'm not applying. Sales.
I just felt, my english is bad, and i have no confidence at all to talk to people and engage them to buy anything or invest their money.
But a couple of weeks ago, I actually met a guy who work as a Sales Engineer. He explained how interesting his work is. He told me that the job is not only about making incomes, but also building relationship with the client.
And a week after that, I found an advertisement about a Sales Engineer Position. The advertisement said nothing at all, only said, they wanted a 2-year experienced on sales/marketing person, with knowledge on chemical. I didn't think about it, because although i think the description are interesting (sorry, i can't share it), i thought I don't have the ability.
Suddenly, on Sunday, my pastor preached about how the believer will stand out. Despite of the bad economic, they'll still blessed. The world will see that God made them special. And he also said something about, when you ask God for a job, although you don't have the ability, He'll do it for you.
Ask God the ability to be excellence in your job.
I was so moved, that I drop my resume on that Sales Engineer job. I believe that if I'm accepted, then God has a purpose, and He'll surely give me the ability needed.
Few days after that, the recruiter called me, and we set an interview.
I felt that I did poorly at the interview, until even the interviewer started to suggest me what to answer if those kind of questions were asked. He said he's going to contact me in 3 days. 3 days later, no news at all. But I felt a bit dissapointed, but i realize that, even though i didn't get this job, I've been so blessed! I received new knowledge, and it surely will help me on my other interviews.
I shared this with my friends at church. They prayed over me. We stand in believe that God has a big plan for me, and set a really good job for me.
The next week, my pastor shared about how God reward His servant. How God acknowledge what His people are doing. In serving, it's not about how you do your job, but it's about whom you're doing the job for. I felt so blessed.
I actually sign up for helping the sunday school on a trip to Universal Studio. I have to admit, I'm totally afraid of going there. I felt that i did wrong decision by signing up. I might scream even louder than the kids. But with the help of my friends, I put my thought on serving the Lord, touching the kids' life, and have fun. I'm believing that God will give me boldness to be able to enjoy those scary games :p
On Monday, my team leader in sunday school ministry suddenly texted me, he reminded me on how God will reward His servants, and when He open the way, no one can close it. He encourage me to pray, for God to show His work, if the job is from Him, than He will open the way. If it's not from Him, He'll close the way (something like that). I felt so blessed, and so loved by God. He kept sending me messages.
I thought, i need to thank the recruiter for the tips that he gave me. Well, i do felt sad for not hearing back from him, but I felt he has given me lots of tips, that I need to thank him. So I drop him email, saying thanks and such. By the way, this is one week after the interview.
Out of no where, the next hour, that man called me. And said the company is interested at my profile. Praise God. If looking at the requirements, I'm totally out of it. And looking at the interview, i did poorly. I felt, this is really God's favor.
The next interview will be on next week. I don't know if this job is really from Him, but I believe He had prepared the best for me. I'm really greatly blessed, highly favoured, deeply loved by the Lord, Daddy God.
:)

Restful Increase - NCC

2011-08-08T13:09:00.000+08:00

This is a lovely song from New Creation Church - Singapore.
I'ld love to share it with you, as I'm sure you'll be blessed..

No longer striving, No longer stressed
In You, my Jesus, I've found my rest
No longer toiling, hard labour ceased
For You've assured me
Restful increase

Your open arms held nothing back
Your life for mine
You overpaid my debt
Free in Your love
I have found my rest
Your heart's delight
Is to see me blessed

You've given me peace all around
Now I'm enjoying
This Grace I've found
Health in my body, joy in my soul
Jesus, my future is filled with hope

Youtube artist in singapore?

2011-08-07T23:12:00.000+08:00

Just got some news.. Some Youtube artist are heading here. Guessed FarEastMovement, Jayeslee and David Choi say some good words about having a show in Singapore.. :p

Ryan Higa (@Therealryanhiga), is going down to Singapore..
Ryan is a well know youtube artist, focusing his videos on humour, and he's usually touring as a MC.
He was just finnishing ISA Seattle on the end of July, where he perform as an MC with Cathy Nguyen, and Kev Jumba. On his tweet few days ago, he said he *might* visit Singapore soon. I'm wondering whether this has any relation with a Boombox tour in Malaysia.. Still can't find any confirm date on the tour though..

Clara Chung (@Claracmusic) also mentioned in her website that she is going down to Singapore.
Clara is a youtube musician.. I like her new official video, "Heartstring", it was totally cute.
Her songs are catchy, and i think she'll totally deserved a sold out show here in Singapore.

Kina Grannis (@Kinagrannis) earlier this year mentioned that she's heading to South East Asia at the end of this year (2011). Till now, there is no official show dates. But when confirmed through email, she said, it's all still a rough plan, and there is nothing to be confirmed at the moment.. Guess we'll just have to cross our finger..

AJRafael (@ajrafael) is going to Singapore at the beginning of 2012. This is still a rough plan though, and this news is still needed to be confirmed.

At this rate, I hope WongFu Productions considered going down to Singapore as well.. And if I may dream a bit more, I hope the next ISA will be in Singapore.. :D

Book Summary: Just Like Heaven - Julia Quinn

2011-08-03T14:51:00.001+08:00

I was walking around a bookstore near by, and i saw this book. Julia Quinn's Just Like Heaven.
I remember few weeks ago, I posted a summary on one of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton Series, and wrote that she's going to release a new series on the famous (not-so famous) Smythe-Smith Girls..

As many Julia Quinn's fans know, any Smythe-Smith girls, as long as they are still single, will play at the performance. This was a tradition after all. They held musical performance anually, and to say that the performance rocked was overrated. It was horible. But the society are trying to be nice, and some people attended this musical because they felt pity to the Smythe-Smith girls.

Basically, this book is about the youngest Honoria Smythe-Smith. In her family, which has 4 kids, she's the youngest. The age gap between her and the nearest kid is 5 years old. Since she was little, she's the most chatty from all. Her one and only brother, which is around 8 years older, Daniel, always consider her as a trouble, and tried to avoid her the best that he could.

Daniel had a very good friend, named Marcus. While Daniel is really good at ignoring Honoria, Marcus is just the opposite. He can't bear seeing her ignored. He knew exactly how it felt to be lonely. He will, at the end, bring Honoria to play with him and Daniel. Ofcourse with Daniel's grunts. And so, Honoria is always well taken cared. Until one time, Daniel did silly thing, and forced to run away to Italy to save his life.

Before he left, Daniel make Marcus promise to take care of his little sister. And Marcus kept his promise. He scared all man who's not suitable for Honoria, the old man, the fortune hunters, and any one whom he felt not appropriate for her.

One day, Honoria was visitting her cousin, Sarah Royle. And she bumped into Marcus in the street, or to be exact, Marcus saw her drained over the rain. This brings the old memory back, how they used to tease each other. They were so close.

Actually, Honoria's planning to get married before the end of the season. That's why she agreed to visit Sarah. Meeting Marcus was quite good. But, she needed to be focus, and as she set her cap for Gregory Bridgerton (yes, the youngest boy of Bridgerton family), she need to work her plan.

When the boys (Gregory and 3 other men) were hunting, Honoria made a mole hole. She planned to make her ankle twisted, in a way, so that her future husband, Gregory, could save her in time. But Marcus turned out to be around, and saw the whole thing. He was quite delighted and amused at her plan. Anyway, when he planned to help Honoria out from the hole, he got himself trapped, and his ankle got twisted. He was too heavy for Honoria, and his leg hurts like hell when he tried to walk. His house was 3 miles away, but Sarah's house was nearer. So Marcus asked Honoria to go home and write a letter to his house, asking his valet to pick him up.

It started to rain, and probably Marcus was under the rain around 2 hours before he was picked up. On the other hand, Honoria slept over exhausted. The next day, Honoria felt obliged to visit Marcus. However she's the one making the hole, he felt into it, and so she's the one guilty. She visited Marcus, and quite pleased as he seemed to be better.

Honoria went back to London. And after few days, a letter arrived from Marcus' helper, saying Marcus was in very bad condition. Honoria became worried, and forced her mother to go with her visitting Marcus. At the end, they both went. And turned out that his condition is really bad. He's hot and high in fever. Out of curiousity, Honoria wanted to see his ankle, and surprised to find it swollen. The doctor missed this, and it was really bad, that Honoria knew they had to clean the wound for him.

This is when Honoria's mom become the hero. She forced herself to do the surgery, cutting through the dead skin, and at one point, Honoria replaced her. The doctors, coming around 1 hour later, was satisfied that they did a very good job. But he still suggested to let Marcus' leg amputated to save his live. Honoria can't bear the mind that she's responsible, and she might be the one making decision whether to save his leg or let it to be cut.

Marcus survived, and getting better. Honoria helped him through the recovery stages, and this is when she realize that she love him. On the other hand, Marcus thought that it was quite pleasant to have Honoria around, she seemed to knew his mind well, and he knew he loved her.

One day, a letter came from Daniel. He's coming back. Honoria's mom is quite pleased, and require to return back to London as soon as possible. The next day, Honoria was planning to write a letter to Marcus, saying that they're leaving. She saw Daniel's letter to Marcus, and thought a short peek will be okay. But she read the letter, and found out that Daniel forced Marcus to take care of her, and these were the reason why Marcus went to London although he hated to be there, and why Marcus scared off her suitors. She felt miserably sad. And wrote plain letter saying her goodbye, and went back to London broken hearted.

Not knowing what happen, Marcus went to London. He's planing to court Honoria, but he never did this kind of courting before. Honoria still felt hurt, and reject Marcus' courtesy as gentle as she could by saying she's busy.

On the day of the musicale, Lady Danburry saw that Marcus couldn't put his gaze away from Honoria when the Smythe-Smith Quartet played. And on another time, she saw Honoria couldn't resist looking at Marcus and Felicity Featherington. Lady Danburry knew she had to do something. She called Colin Bridgerton, and twisted the conversation, and left Colin alone with Honoria. Colin was really attractive guy, and Honoria found her self enjoy his presence. She might even felt in love with Colin if Marcus hasn't captured her heart.

Marcus couldn't stand looking at how Honoria smile, laughed, and chat with Colin. He was really pissed. So he grab Honoria's arm, and with not so politely, said to Colin that he needed to talked to Honoria. Seeing this, Colin simply smiled and moved out. Honoria was still curious at Marcus, and went out after saying her words to him. After a few second, Marcus decided to go after her and set things right.

And things does get right at the end. Daniel's back, and Marcus and Honoria get married. But ofcourse, you've to read the book to know how the proposal went! Surely you'll enjoy it as much as i do :)

Some Places in UK and Europe

2011-07-13T16:48:00.000+08:00

London, United Kingdom

This restaurant above is a Chinesse restaurant where we had our lunch :)

Pisa, Italy

The Leaning Tower

Gelatos - daily needs

Me :)

Rome and Vatican, Italy

Recoqnize this painting?

Or this painting?

Governor's Square

Some old buildings, Rome

Colloseum - Rome

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Can't ressist to drop all those beautiful mountains pictures

Venice

Venice = water everywhere

St. Mark Square, The Bell Tower

St. Mark Square

a Ride in a Gondola

A view from my flight to France - The Alps :)

Paris, France

View from the bottom of Eiffel

Some shots of Eiffel Tower

Notre Dame

Arch d Triumphe

The Pyramids - Louvre

Louvre

David Choi in SG, 21 June 2011

2011-07-13T15:31:00.001+08:00

I got an invitation for David Choi's meet and Greet and the Mint museum!
It was so fun..
He's a very friendly guy, with an awesome music talent, and warm laugh..
During the whole session, he played with some of us, engage us in his chats and laughters, and also willing to take photos/signed things for us!
Some photos of me and my friends :D

As for the show, started at 7 pm ended around 9.30, and here are the set list:

Youtube Love Song
Something to Believe
Valentine
So Weightless
And That is Love (NEW!)
Always Hurt
Only You
My Time with You
You were My Friend (NEW)!
Rocketeer
That Girl
By My Side
By My Side

My trip to europe

2011-07-07T15:48:00.000+08:00

Sorry for being absent from blogging, writing random stuffs, and books summary.
This month i went to europe, actually, i'm still in paris at the moment..
Will try to upload picture to calm you down as soon as I'm back :)

For the summary,
I went to Malaysia at 23rd June..

From Malaysia, we use Air Asia to London in the 24th, and to be honest the flight was not too pleasant. It was 14 hour straight, you have to buy food and drink on board (meal is not part of ur tix), and there were small kids crying.. I was lucky that my small cousins aren't that naughty :p and also, some of my family who had their tix decided not to go, so i had 3 chairs, just for me!! Lucky? :)

Arrived midnight at Stansert Airport - London.. Waited nearly 1 hour for our coach.. And it turns out that our driver went back because we're too long. So, we took a cab to Marlin apartment, neard Dogs Isle..
Stayed two nights there, and the apartments were awesome! The disadvantages were just the lack of tv channels, and wifi can't be connected with my phone :(
Anyway, during two days in london we visited some of the tourist attraction places.. And London's weather was pleasant.. Kind of gloomy but lovely :)

Then we use easyjet to fly from London to Pisa.. Yep, Pisa is where the Leaning tower is.. We stayed at Hotel Francesco, a 4 star hotel, which is only 5-8 minutes walk from tHe leaning tower.. And to be honest, in indonesia, you'll find 4 star hotel waaaay better than that.. But I guessed, the ratings here in italy are different? Oh well..
Anyway, two nights, we had citytour around leaning pisa, the market and the shopping places.
Pisa is a bit small i guess. We could reach almost anywhere with walking and bicycle..

After that we use eurostar (or trainitaly?) to Rome..
With my grandma in wheelchair, 9 big luggages, and 4 kids, it was horrid! We also didn't knew how to read the seat numbers, and it made a bitus attract the attentions of almost everyone :( i'm so embarrased.. But, they won't see us again, and hopefully it becomes a good joke for them to share with families and friend :p
Rpme was awesome, ancient, historical, but just awesome! :)
We Stayed at hotel Daniella, which unfortunatelly proveid wifi if you pay.. But the hotel room wa nice..
We had tour on the Vatican museum, and the city tour, and also Rome by night..
Rome was great!

After two nights in Rome, we fly again, this time to milano.. The fashion city? :p
Stayed for 5 nights at hotel terminal milano.
The hotel was nice. Loved the slow internet connection :p
But milan was a great city as well. Our hotel is 10 minutes walk from the central station. We used hoponn hopoff bus to experience a glimpse of the city..
And during those days, we used busses to travel to St. Moritz, Switserland and also to Venize..
Oh, and also to Foxtown outlets in Switzerland..

Swiss were lovely.. For first time in my life, i saw snow! Even if it's only a small white parts of the alps :)
Ad it was cold, humid, and just lovely :)

Venize was hot, humid, but super hot..
And the gondola ride was a bit dissapointment. For 30 euros, 6 people in one gondola, and the ride it self is only around 20 minutes.. But, as it was hot, I'm grateful.. :)

Then next trip is to Paris.. We already saw the eiffel two days ago, shop at le defense yesterday.. And today we're going to Louvre, and many other places.. See u in a bit! :)

Ciao, bonjour! :)

Book Review: I'll Walk Alone - Mary Higgins Clark

2011-05-24T22:10:00.003+08:00

I have just realize i missed the release date for this book :(
It's out sometime ago, last April if i'm not wrong..
And yet, i just know it today! What a awful fan..

Storyline

Alexandra Moreland, known as Zan to her close friends, was already separated with her husband Edward "Ted" Carpenter when she noticed that she's pregnant. When her husband offered her to take a responsibility of the kid, Zan refuses him, as she though he wasn't expecting it. But Ted has been nice and accepted her refusal. So they lived separatedly, and Ted was in a state where he had to pretend to love an artist under his management, Melissa Knight. Melissa was a huge and famous artist, she was irreplaceable in his company, and he needed the money he get from taking care her. All three of them lived quite peacefully, until one day, when Zan was in a hurry for a meeting with a potential client, she let their son, Matthew, to be taken care by Tiffany. Tiffany was a girl Zan trusted, she's been babysitting Matthew several times. But that day Tiffany was a bit sick, so Zan gave her a drink, and a flu medicine.
Later that afternoon, Matthew was sleeping at the baby carriage, and Tiff take him to the park. Tiff fallen asleep as well, and wake up two hours later, finding that Matthew is gone! It put her into a very stressful condition, and she just didn't know how she's going to tell Zan.

Two years later, Matthew is still gone. No one heard anything about him.
On the other side, Matthew was save with Gloria. All Matthew knew was they're hiding from bad people. And Glory was there to help him hide. They have been moving around several times, and Matthew missed her mother so much. He's been putting soap under his pillow, because it smells just like mommy.

Gloria was an make-up artist, so she could do imposter very well. This task started to iritate her, because it was longer than it intended to do. She also started to like this little boy, as he's so smart. But at the same time, she wanted it all to be done, and went on with her career as an actress. The man who plan all of this said it's going to be done soon. And it will end with a death!

As a catholic, Gloria went to church, she felt guilty. When she saw the Father, Father Aiden O'Brien, at the Reconciliation Room, she was just able to say "I know a murder that someone is planning to commit and I can't stop it." And feeling guily, she didn't tell him the rest. Father Aiden was left in shocked.

It was on Matthew's 5th birthday, that Ted called Zan up for a dinner. And so they had it. In the middle of the dinner, Josh, Zan's dear assistant, rushed in. He showed them a picture taken by a tourist when the day Matthew gone. It seems that the woman taking Matthew from the baby carriage was Zan! Ted can't believe it, and he just went mad at her.

Since then, Zan's life was shaken. It seems that all evidence shown that it was indeed her, kindapping Matthew. Even the baby sitter, Tiff, started to say bad about her, how it is possible that Zan put a sleeping pills into the pepsi she drank. Tiff was a bit irritated because these years, people has been accusing her for being careless. Ted didn't believe her as well. Zan's also getting her bank account drawn by unknown hacker, and some strange purchases appeared on her credit card. The key witness who Zan was talking with during Matthew's kidnap suddenly said Zan was late on their meeting. Her ex-bos, Barthley Longe, has did his best to beat her in every project she's going. Even the new potential customer, Kevin, who first thought he'll give the project to Zan, decided to choose Longe because of these matter. The world seems to be against her.

After dreadful details, Zan was put into jail, but Willy Meehan bailed him out. Willy and Alvirah were a good friend of Zan, since Zan wrote to Alvirah on how she loves Alvirah's article on kidnap. Alvirah liked Zan, and ordered her to re-do their apartment. Since then they're good friends.

Then Zan realized someone has set this trap for her. It was in her mind that the one to blame was her ex-bos, Longe. However, no one believed her, not even the detectives.
With Kevin, Willy, and Alvirah's help, and also the lawyer, Charles, they started to seek for the truth..

For sure, it wasn't Zan. If she said it wasn't her, so it can't be her, they trusted her.
And at the end, it was proved that some one did imposter her. It started with an ex-cop saying that there was 2 woman looked like Zan.. Which is ofcourse Gloria and Zan..
And Kevin found out that Ted was the one behind this all, since he found a spy-camera in Zan's rooms.

But there is only small time left, will the police able to reach Gloria's house and safe Matthew before Ted's man come and kill them? Will Zan ever saw her son again?

My review
It's been quite sometime since the last time i read Mary Higgins Clark's book. I recall last time, I could guessed easily who is the bad guy. But this time, i think i lose that ability :p
I fall miserably by believing that it was Barthley Longe who set up all these plots against Zan.
But I do like how Mrs. Clark put all the small details, like how Tiff notice the sandals that Zan's imposter looked different. Or how Father O'Brien notice the woman's hand is smaller than Zan's hand..
And she use Alvirah again! Alvirah is still one of my favourite character.. And it's good to imagine how she did good again..
But after finishing the book, and thinking for several seconds, it seems that Mrs. Clark was back at her usual plots after all. She hasn't changed! She put the small details that made us guessed the wrong person, and the bad guy was actually the guy we thought was kind, and how the police was wrong but able to resolve the problems at the end..
Anyway, this book is definetly shouldn't be missed if you're a Mary Higgins Clark's fan
:)

Book Summary: The Duke and I (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

2011-05-24T19:18:00.002+08:00

The first girl in Bridgerton Series..! Daphne's love story is definetly one of the most interesting story written by Julia Quinn. This book is the first book out as Bridgerton Series.

Before we go to Daphne.. We have to know a bit about the hero in this story.. :)

Simon.. his mother passed away when giving birth to him.. And as known by public, Simon's father, Duke of Hastings put much big hope for him. Even when Simon was only 2 years old, his father already give him a pony, a gun and some tutors! A bit to early for a duke's education in his nurse's opinion. But Duke of Hastings didn't care at all. All his life, he had waited for his heir. And when his wife finally gave birth to Simon, he's extremely happy.

Until...

At 4 years old, The Duke realize that Simon didn't talk.. He's so furious, and nearly hit the nurse. And little Simon started to yell "No!".. The duke was relieved.. But next, he heard Simon said, "Don't you h-h-h-h-h-h--"..
That's it.. The Duke decided that Simon is a moron. He went back to London, and since then it was quite common that people thought Duke's Little boy passed away.

When he was a bit older, Simon and the nurse went to visit his father. The buttler was quite surprised, as they all thought the Duke has no son. Simon managed to learn how to speak fluently, only failed one or two time.. They meet the Duke, and yet, facing his father, he can't control his emotion.. And so, Duke of Hastings ask him to leave, saying there is no place for Simon there.
Since then, it was in Simon's mind to keep being the exact opposite of what his father wanted him to be.

Few years later, Simon grew up, studied in Eton and Oxford (without his father's approval at first, but then knowing his son is good at study, he said nothing) and eventually befriended with Anthony Bridgerton. One day, he was on Lady Danburry's ballroom, and heard a woman voice "No".. He was planing to be present in Lady Danbury's party, greeted her, and left. If he's helping this woman, there is no way no one won't notice him.

"Nigel," the girl was saying, "you really shouldn't have followed me out here"

But I love you!" the young man cried out in a passionate voice. "All I want is to make you my wife"

He decided to help the girl, but as he stepping out, the girl hit the young man. And rather irritated to find some one actually view that incident, the girl, Daphne, saw him and ask "Who are you?"

But, Nigel, the young man, was still half-councious, asking Daphne to marry him.

Simon finally realized that he was facing Anthony's sister. He was surprised knowing that he did felt something for Daphne. And as Nigel kept on bugging, he can't help but hit him. Daphne, being a nice young lady, thought it was not good for anyone to see this scene. After several chat with Simon, they finally decided to let Nigel be unconcious in that place.

The night hasn't come to end, and after several encounters, Daphne and Simon ended up dancing together. Then, they come into a discussion, leading that they will play a court, so that Lady Bridgerton (Daphne's mom) will stop forcing and questioning her into marriage. And at the other hand, Simon, won't have to deal with debutantee and their mothers.

The following day, Daphne found he got several suitor, way to go as she has got very little gentleman courting her. Simon also decided he had to court her in order to make everyone think that they love each other. Anthony didn't agree at the idea Simon courting his sister. Finding it is neccesary, Daphne and Simon thought it is best to let Anthony knew the plan.

Ofcourse Anthony didn't agree at all at their crazy plan. But Daphne, manage to bring him to fact that it will definetly benefit her, as today, she had encounter men's starting to show their attraction to her.

So, heavy heartedly, Anthony approve the plan.

Slowly but sure, Simon and Daphne grow an affection toward each other. After one incident at

Lady Trowbridge's annual ball, where Daphne and Simon kissed, Daphne realize she did love him. But Anthony can't stand knowing his best friend is courting his sister. He knew Simon to well, he's a woman player! So Anthony and Simon are off for a duel.

Daphne know she had to do something, so with Colin's help, she went to the duel. She asked them all to stop, and she clearly stated the duel wasn't neccesary, as she will marry Simon.
Lady Bridgerton was so relieved. In her opinion, Daphne choose to love a good man. And the girls in Bridgerton family were excited for the upcoming wedding.

On the other side of London, Anthony manage to come to Simon's house. Atleast, as the oldest of Bridgerton, he has to make sure that his sister is safe and happy. And if Daphne chooses Simon, then he'll accept it.. "I give you my word," Simon said. "I will do everything in my power to keep Daphne safe and content."

It's a wedding for Simon and Daphne.. A joyous and full of laughter wedding!

Everything seemed perfect..

Until Daphne found out that Simon has lied to her. Simon said he can't have children, and Daphne was okay with that because she loved him. That's what matter. It turned out, it's not he can't have children, he just won't have children. They had their very first quarrel.

"Your actions, your choices—" she continued, her eyes growing very sad, "They have nothing to do with you, with what you want, or what you need. Everything you do, Simon, every move you make, every word you speak—it's all just to thwart him." Her voice broke as she finished with, "And he's not even alive"

Unable to control his emotion, Simon decided to left the house.

Thinking how Simon left her, Daphne felt alone. And she thought, it is time to go home.

So she went back to the Bridgerton House.

Seeing her alone, Lady Bridgerton can't help to ask where her husband be. Full of grief, Daphne manage to ask her mom to let her be home. Few days later, Colin paid visit. He was beyond furious. But Daphne insisted him to stay away from her marriage.

After three week, Daphne decided it is time to say something to Simon. She was writing a letter, when Anthony burst in to the room.

For sure, Anthony was mad. He might as well kill Simon as he let Daphne suffer. But Daphne made up her mind, that her marriage is her problem. Anthony should just stay away. But Anthony also had his mind set. He won't let Simon passed away from this.

After a bit of chat, they decided Anthony will be delivering Daphne's letter to Simon.

Finally Anthony met Simon. He can't help to ask Simon why he did this, "It's obvious you love her. And much as I can't comprehend it, she seems to love you as well"..

Simon could only manage to say that there are things Anthony could not understand.

Anthony stated, he was able to drag Simon to London, but he won't do that. If Simon did come to London, it should be because of Daphne. So Anthony passed her letter to Simon..

Later that day, Simon read Daphne's letter. He was shock. Daphne was pregnant.

So Simon went to London as soon as his carriage was ready.

Will Simon accept Daphne's pregnancy? Will Daphne forgive Simon for what he did?

Will they both married happily ever after? :)

Book Summary: An Offer from a Gentleman (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

2011-05-24T18:19:00.005+08:00

An Offer from a Gentleman is the third book from the Bridgerton Series. This book is the story of Benedict, and his dear wife, Sophie.

Sophie's story..

Sophie Beckett was a daughter of Earl of Penwood. She's not a official daughter though, as the Earl clearly stated that she was an old friend's daughter. All the servants never mentioned it, as they all quite adore Sophie. And the Earl didn't care a bit for her. He just make sure that Sophie is well accepted in the house. And he went on with his life, not really care about Sophie.
Until one day, the Earl married a woman, who has 2 daughters. Sophie was so happy that she will have a sister! But she found that the countess hated her.

And so did her first daughter, Rosemary. Her second daughter, Posy, is more friendly to Sophie. She sometimes show kindness and care to her, but most of the time Posy said her mother forbid her to be nice to Sophie.

Until four years later, the earl passed away. And one of the statement in his will is that Araminta, the duchess, will get 2000 a year, unless she take care of Sophie until she turned to 20, and in that case, she'll get 6000 a year. Araminta agreed to take care Sophie, but she left out the details why she wanted to do so.

Lady Whistledown's newest paper was about Lady Bridgerton's upcoming masquerade ball. She also wrote about Benedict and Collin, and how she think both of them are the prime catch of the season.
This made Araminta determined that either Rosamund or Posy is going to marry one of them. So they both have to be on their best appearance.

On the other hand, Sophie never once step into a ball. Araminta has made it clear that Sophie is considered a maid in their family. Lady Whistedown's paper is the only way Sophie can know how it feels to attend a ball.

Reading the first chapter, how Araminta treated Sophie, i kinda felt like reading Cinderella story, so I'll let that aside, and move on to after Araminta and her daughters went for Lady Bridgerton's ball. Sophie saw the carriage went away, and she was thinking to read today's Lady Whistledown paper.
But Mrs. Gibbons, the housekeeper, insist her going. She and three other maids helped Sophie to bath, get dressed, and of course make up.. She is indeed ready to go for the ball. Mrs. Gibbons assure her, that she'll have a great time, but she have to get back before midnight. (Really a Cinderella story?)

When Sophie met Benedict..
Benedict knew nothing about her. He just saw a girl, with utterly beautiful smile, as if she is really happy, her beauty come within, she just glow.
Brushing of the gentlemen surrounding her, Benedict said that she has own him a dance.
And so they danced.. Or actually, as Sophie never knew how to dance, Benedict taught her. Yes, dancing lesson, at a ball..!
The dance was held on a private terrace.. Benedict was a Bridgerton, and it was indeed her mother's ball. So it did make sense that he had a private terrace.. But, Sophie didn't know who he was. Innocently, she agreed to go with him.

They were on the way tp the private terrace, when Colin catch them up. From their apparance, Sophie finally realize, she was facing the two most eligible bachelor, Benedict and Colin..
Colin went away, leaving both of them together.
Benedict was a bit curious.. Why is this lady keeping secrets? She won't give out clue of who she was.
They did dance. It was a great time for both of them. And He's trying to know her identity, but she kept refusing to say who she was. Until the midnight gong was heard.

Sophie run, and she incidentally hit Araminta. Thank God her step mother doesn't recoqnize her. So she went directly to the carriage and went back.
Which left our man, Benedict, gazed at the empty stair. But luckily he still held one of her gloves. It said the initial, SLG, with a family symbol that he didn't know. He decided he'll ask his mother, Lady Bridgerton.

Violet did recoqnize the symbol. It was for Earl of Penwood. And she did curious of why Benedict insist to know that symbol. And so Benedict tell the story to his mother.
She can't believe that he'll like any of Penwood's daughter.. Oh well, Rosemary and Posy seemed not to be his type. And she didn't like the Countess as well.. But if Benedict like them, then she won't object it.

Back at the Penwood House, Araminta was furious to know someone used her satin shoe. Sophie tried to tell her, she could try brushing the shoe. And Araminta ordered her to brush all her shoe, which is waaaay a lot.. Suddenly the buttler announced a gentleman is there to meet Araminta. She was so thrilled, so she order Sophie to reassure Rosemary and Posy are presentable, and that Rosemary locked Sophie on her closet.

It was Benedict afterall. And when he saw both ladies, he knew that his mystery girl wasn't there. He tried to ask Araminta the possibility of any other daughter she had, far relatives, and such. Which made Araminta a bit curious. Then knowing his attempt failed, he went back. But Araminta and the girls spotted him holding a glove. And Araminta come into conclution that the one he's been looking for was Sophie.

Furious as she was, Araminta kicked Sophie out of her house. Sophie was left with no other option, other than to steal Araminta's shoe clip. And then the next morning, she went off outside London.

Two years later..

Sophie was a maid at Cavenders family. There was a party held by their eldest son. Benedict was bored and decided to leave, so he tried to find Philip Cavender who was the host of the party.
Philip was trying to rape her, and Benedict came in time. He saved her, but he was unaware that Sophie was the girl he's been searching for.

Benedict brought her to "MY COTTAGE". It was raining hard, and the housekeepers (Mr and Mrs Crabtree) weren't there. Sophie tried to search for the servant's corner, but Benedict insist that she should accompany him, lightning the fire and dried themselves. Then he asked her help to light the furnace in two rooms, as she is not a servant there.

Benedict was sick. So Sophie slept a bit, and watched him in his room. She must be fallen asleep, as the next morning she was surprisedly waken up by Mrs. Crabtree. But they realize Benedict was sick, and it was the urgent thing. Mr and Mrs Crabtree like Sophie, so they insist to keep her there.
With Mrs Crabtree's full stocked of food, and with Sophie's presence, Benedict went healthier day by day.
Oh, and so did their relationship grew. And Benedict started to realize he like Sophie's presence.
At the same day, Benedict kissed her, and asked her to go to London and lived with him.

Dreams come true?

With a bit forcing Sophie, Benedict managed to get her accompany him to London.
When Violet met Sophie, she tought she met this girl before. There was something familiar with Sophie. But she can't recall. Sophie was hired as an upstair maid of Bridgerton House.
But, one can't expect to enter Bridgerton House without feeling as a family, right?

One day, while trying to escape from Benedict, Sophie incidentally saw Araminta. She tried to hide, but Posy saw her. It might be her fearful expression that made Posy said no word to Araminta. And when they're gone, Sophie stayed hiding for another some time.

And Benedict kissed Sophie again.. It was in his bachelor house..
And since then, Sophie and Benedict tried to stay away from each other.

One day, Benedict asked Violet, how if he married someone with a far lower class than him.
Note that Violet was a good mother, she knew what, or who he's talking about. She assured him, she loved him and will accept what ever his decision is.

At that time, Benedict realize he loved Sophie. And when he went upstair, he saw Sophie played with his cousins, and he come into conclution, Sophie was his mystery girl.
He's mad! Sophie was forced to tell him the reality. Who she was, and such.
So she decided, it's time to leave Bridgerton House.
She said her farewell to Violet, and Violet insist to fetch her with their carriage.
Sophie was waiting for the carriage, when Araminta appeared. MAD. Because of her shoe clip.
Sophie was thrown into jail.

On the other side of the story, Colin had a very nice brotherly chat with Benedict. Which lead Benedict into conclution that he must mary Sophie. So he went to Bridgerton House, but Sophie wasn't there. His mother said that Sophie disappear just as she tried to find their carriage. It turned out Violet didn't realize that Sophie was sent to jail. Until Hyacinth showed her the latest Whistledown's page about Sophie.

It was now Araminta, the Countess of Penwood, versus Sophie, the maid. Will the judges trust Sophie? Benedict and Lady Bridgerton come to rescue her, and it is now three against one.
And Benedict insist that the magistrate had to release his fiancee. But Araminta insist Sophie stole her shoe clip. Then Posy saved the day, by dramatically asked to be jailed as she was the one who stole the shoeclip. It was a hard day indeed for the magistrate.. Poor him..

And so Sophie got the first turn to tell him the story. She told him everything from the beginning. How she was the daughter of Earl of Penwood, although never acknowledge as one, how Araminta hate her since the first day they met, and how she treated her when the earl passed away, how she turned to be a slave. Posy burstly told everyone that the earl actually left a dowry for Sophie. Araminta can't denied it.

And so that is the highlight of the day. Posy went back with the Bridgerton's family, while Araminta made it clear that Posy was a dissapointment for her. Much to everyone's surprise, Sophie punch her because of that. Yes, not because of how bad she treated her, not because of she took her dowry, but because Araminta didn't treat her daughters equally.

And I could assure you, since then, Sophie was Benedict, as much as he was hers.
:)

Book Summary: It's in His Kiss (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

2011-05-21T02:36:00.002+08:00

It's in His Kiss is Julia Quinn's seventh book of the Bridgerton Series. This book tells the story of
Hyacinth Bridgerton, the youngest of 8 Brigerton childrens.

As the youngest of all, Hyacinth is a little too smart, a little too outspoken, and ofcourse hated (in a good way) but truely loved by his brothers and sisters.. Hyacinth is Lady Danbury's favourite.
No one knew how Hyacinth can handle Lady Danbury. Lady Danbury is known for her sharp opinion on almost everything! But she is Hyacinth's role model, and Hyacinth adores her.

One of Lady Danbury's wish is to make her grandson, Gareth St Clair married Hyacinth. Both are her favourites, ofcourse it will be lovely to have them married.
Gareth is not in a good relationship with his father, Lord St Clair. He once forced into marrying a not-smart girl, Mary Wrotham, who was not quite right in head. Turned out that his father needed money, and he can't let his older son marrying Mary. So it is time for Gareth, his useless son, to be useful. Mary's father will give him money if Gareth married her right away. Gareth decided he can't bear it any longer, and he went away. Since then, the tons would never found a party attended by both of them together. Either one of them will appear.

Gareth's brother, Richard, passed away. And he also found out the reason why his father hated him is because he is not a St Clair. Her mother pregnant while his father is away, and so no one knew who's son he was. However Lady Danbury, her mother's mother, loved him, and supported him, so he could rent a small bachelor house, and able to attend parties of the season.

Each tuesday, Hyacinth will come to Lady Danbury's house, to read novels for her. In my own opinion, the novels they read seems silly :p
And sometimes Gareth dropped by to his grandma's residence. Hyacinth found out how he's devoted to his grandma, and started to like him.

Until, one day, Richard's wife come to Gareth, and give him a book, a diary of their grandmother. It was Richard's will to give it to Gareth if anything happened. The diary was in italian, so he went to Lady Danbury, and share the story to her. Hyacinth was there, and told them she understand a bit of italian as her governess taught her when she's young.

Then Hyacinth started to helped Gareth translated the diary. One day, Hyacinth found out that his grandmother hide a jewelry in St Clair House. She kept on translating, and sharing what she knew to Gareth. In the balls, or theathers, they sometimes talked about it, and making people curious that Gareth is courting Hyacinth. Violet, Lady Bridgerton, was happy finding out that they are close. She thought that her daughter will be a good match with Gareth.

Things happening, and both of them realized they have feelings towards each other. However, Lord St Clair made it certain to Gareth that he is no one, no title, and come from unknown father, and therefor is never a good match for Hyacinth. But love knows no reason, right?

They sneak into Lord St Clair house, trying to find the jewelry. First attempt, they only get a clue, that it was hidden there. They tried searching everywhere, but it was no where to be found.
One day, Hyacinth was reading a novel to Lady Danbury, and she come into this part of the novel

"If you want to know if a gentleman loves you,’ her

mother said, ‘there is only one true way to be sureIt's in his kiss."

And Hyacinth can't resist thinking of Gareth and his kiss. Does he love her?
Suddenly the buttler said that a visitor come for Miss Bridgerton. It turned out that the visitor is Gareth. Lady Danbury was quite surprised as Gareth usually just go right in..
Gareth proposed Hyacinth in front of Lady Danbury!
Gareth is finally engaged to Hyacinth. They were pleased, happy, excited..

One night, they went back into St Clair's residence to search for the jewelry. Another failed attempt. On the way back, they met Lord St Clair. Hyacinth was able to hide, so it's only Lord St Clair versus Gareth now. Lord St Clair manage to insult Gareth.. and Hyacinth heard it all.. She come into conclution that Gareth proposed her, not because of he loved her, but because he wanted to prove that his father is wrong.

Hyacinth won't meet Gareth. She's too upset.. But a chat with Violet, her mother, made her realize, she just simply love Gareth. She's in love.. She's a fool.. A fool in love!

On the other hand, Gareth has come to the conclusion that he must take action. Then the buttler announced that he has a visitor. It was Hyacinth! Using the excuse of the jewel search, Hyacinth come and seek her. At first they talked about it.. till Gareth realize, Hyacinth has something he wanted.. She knew where she belongs. Truth is he just loved her because of herself. So he told her the story of him and his father. How he's not his father's son. Buth Hyacinth, as lovely as she is, loved him, not because of his title. She won't care if he is with a title or not.

Things are going back to it's place. Hyacinth and Gareth are together again..

But they have some mysteries to solve.. Gareth's true father.. and the Jewel.. What will come next? :D

Book Summary: When He was Wicked (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

2011-05-21T01:55:00.001+08:00

When He was Wicked was the story of Francesca (the sixth children of Bridgerton).

Francesca is happily married with Earl of Kilmartin, John. John was a very nice gentleman, who has an older cousin, Michael Stirling. Michael was older, but his father was a younger brother of John's, so the Earl position was given to John. However they both are so close, so that Michael doesn't care about it. He never jealous of John, until, John married Francesca.
It was hard wanting a wife of your beloved brother. But, Michael manage it, becoming a very good friend of Francesca, telling her wicked stories.

One night, John was feeling a bit unwell, while Francesca wanted a walk. So Michael accompany her walking outside. When they comeback, they found John passed away. The grief was too much to bear for both of them. There were many things to handle, and Michael was appointed as the next Earl of Kilmartion. But then, they found that Francesca is carrying John's seed. So, while the tons waiting for her son/daughter, Michael will have to take the position of Earl of Kilmartin.

Several days after that, Francesca miscarriage. She was becoming deeper in grief. Michael, can't stand it all, and decided to stay as far as he could from her. Francesca could not understand, why she had to lose John, then their child, then her best friend, Michael. She confronted Michael. Michael saw her, and his passion to her was to much to bear, and so he asked Francesca to leave. Then, he left London, and went to India. So Francesca had to take care of Kilmartin.

Until four years later, Francesca decided it is time for her to end her mourn, and to find a husband for her own. She went to London to attend the next season. At the same time, Michael is back at London.
Without knowing, they both stayed at Kilmartin house, and finally when they saw each other, Francesca decided it is better for her to stay at her mother's place.

However, Michael was sick, malaria. And Francesca is the only one that can help. Each and every day, she visited him, taking care of him, and make Lady Bridgerton (Violet) curious. Janet and Helen (John's and Michael's mother) finally arrived at Kilmartin House, they are considered chaperone, so Francesca could move back into Kilmartin House.

From that moment, Michael started to realize, he still in love with Francesca. He can't bear knowing Francesca is finding new husband. Things happening, Michael kissed Francesca, and so Francesca run away from London, back to Kilmartin, while Michael staying at London, drinking, griefing that he can't have her, why he did that silly thing, causing their friendship in the edge again. Colin Bridgerton, had to intervere, and asked why Michael doesn't married her instead as there are no such law forbid them.

Michael went back to Kilmartin, her childhood-house. All the memories of John come through him.. But he knew he had to marry Francesca.. He can't live without her, as much as she can't live without him.. But John? Will memories of John affect their marriage? And there is still the problem of Michael's malaria. Could they live happily ever after?

Book Summary: The Viscount who Loved Me (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

2011-05-21T01:25:00.003+08:00

The Viscount who Loved Me is the second book from Bridgerton Series..
Julia Quinn did impress me with how she manage to collaborate all her books, and relate between one and others.

Anyway, this book is about Anthony, trying to find a wife..
If you recall, on the first book, Lord Bridgerton (Edmund - the father) passed away when all his children are still small.
However, Anthony, being the first kid, felt that he has a deeper bond with his father. Seeing how his adorable, lively, strong father passed away because of bee's stung, made him realize, his life will also ended young. Therefor, he decided not to love anyone. He saw how his mother, Lady Bridgerton (Violet) had to bear losing a person she care most, a person she loved most.

One day Anthony decided it is time to find a wife, and fulfill his duty as a viscount, to have children. The brightest young debutantee at the moment was Edwina Sheffield. Eighteen, smart, blond hair, blue eyes and lovely face, she will be a very good Lady Bridgerton. And most important, he will respect her, but not love her.

However, all the tons knew that if one wants to marry Edwina, he shall pass her sister's, Kate. Kate was Edwina's step-sister. Both live together with Edwina's mother, Mary. Due to their economic condition, Kate must wait until Edwina's reaching the age of 18 and debuted together in London's season.

Kate simply hate Anthony. For goodness sake, He was a well-known rake. His reputation is so bad, that she can't resist having him in her presence. However, Colin (The third son of Bridgerton), naughty as he is, lied to Anthony and said how Kate adored him. And Colin simply dragged Anthony, and introduced both of them. After several conversation, Anthony realized how Kate hate him.

When Anthony visitted The Sheffield's residence, he brought three roses, one for Mary, one for Edwina, and one for Kate. This simple act touched Kate's heart. No one has ever given her flower. She's usually behind Edwina's shadow. But, she also realize, this prove how good Anthony is in influencing ladies, and that indeed he is a rake.

Several things happened, and Anthony realized how he can't removed Kate from his mind.
Violet, Lady Bridgerton, knew that Anthony had interest in Edwina, and so she invited the Sheffields to Aubrey Hall. During their visit there, Kate and Edwina found how bad the Bridgerton could be when they play Pall Mall. How one try to beat others, and ofcourse, in fun ways.

Also, one time, Kate was out with Anthony, and she decided to told him that she approved him courting Edwina. She realize, deep down, Anthony is a good and loyal man. However, a bee stung her. Anthony still can't get the image of his father's death by a bee's stung, and tried to remove the bee's potion from Kate. They were caught in a questionable position, which lead to the decision of Anthony marrying Kate in the next week.

Since the beginning, before the marriage, Anthony told Kate clearly that he can be a good loyal husband, he will give everything Kate wanted, except one. He can't loved him.
On that moment, Kate realized she loved him, and can't lived without him. Their journey was just started, will Kate be able to remove the bar that Anthony set from them? Will Kate able to stick in a love unreplied?

Book Summary: To Sir Philip, With Love (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

2011-05-20T00:42:00.002+08:00

This book is the 5th book of 8 Bridgerton Series writen by Julia Quinn..
Another lovely historical romance, with the setting mainly in London, around early 1800.

Let me begin with introducing our heroine:
Eloise - the 5th children of Lady Bridgerton (Violet), warm, friendly, chatty..
Philip Crane - Husband of one of Eloise's far cousin, Marina, who just recently passed away..

It all begin with a letter..

Marina passed away at February 1823. Eloise wrote a comforting letter to Philip, offering her deepest condolences, without expecting any reply.. But ofcourse, the manner requires Philip to reply..
His reply, accompanied by a simple red campion flower (Silene dioca), a wild flower that Marina like, surprise Eloise.. She can't ignore how Philip mentioned the flower's name, and asked on her reply, whether Philip is love botanical..

And so the correspondence begin..

Until.. Eloise received a letter, or an invitation to be precise, from Philip, to go to his place, the Romney Hall. He's saying that Eloise and him could determine whether they will be fit, and that Eloise might want to be his wife..

Eloise, being Eloise, can not resist her curiousity. She decided to run, whithout any chaperone, and went to Romney Hall.
Philip, being surprised, was forced to accept her. However, it was him, who invited Eloise.

Philip's children, Amanda and Oliver Crane, do not like her presence. They did some tricks to her. But ofcourse, living with other 7 Bridgerton, Eloise is able to make a sweet revenge. Until, one of their tricks make Eloise fall, and injured her leg and face..

During these, Eloise gets to know, how Philip was never in a good relation with his children. He doesn't even know that his kids are able to swim. Simply said, Philip doesn't know how to be good father, as he do not have a good model from his father. And how he blamed, not his child, not his father, but himself..

Anthony, Benedict, and Gregory come, with a rush and rage. They thought Eloise did another silly things.. And they only offer one solution.. Eloise and Philip have to get married..
They will, ofcourse, but not without proper courting, and it means involving both Amanda and Oliver..

After the marriage, there are several things revealed, on Marina's death, Philip's deepest feeling, his kids' need, and ofcourse their brittle relationship.. These has to be taken care by Eloise, who's learning to be patient.. Eloise.. Patient? Can she? :)

Book Review- Bridgerton Family Series by Julia Quinn

2011-05-20T00:16:00.013+08:00

I read different genre of book. I have many favourite author. Julia Quinn is one of them, who i enjoy her words, and how she make connection between her books. Her book will be in historical romance genre.

One of my favourite Julia Quinn Collection is the Bridgerton Family Series..

Lady Bridgerton has total 8 children. Her husband, Lord Bridgerton passed away because of a bee' stung him.. Not a fancy way to die! And during the mourning, Lady Bridgerton (or Violet) found out that she's pregnant.. The Brigerton was famous for their appearance. They are wealthy, well-known, and you can't missed the girl's beautiful faces, or the man's handsomeness (if that even a word)..

List of the Children (and the Book list):
*Click on the title to find a sneak peak of the story
1. Anthony (Book 2 - The Viscount who Loved Me)
2. Benedict (Book 3 - An Offer from a Gentleman)
3. Colin (Book 4 - Romancing Mister Bridgerton)
4. Daphne (Book 1 - The Duke and I)
5. Eloise (Book 5 - To Sir Philip, With Love)
6. Francesca (Book 6 - When He was Wicked)
7. Gregory (Book 8 - On the Way to the Wedding)
8. Hyacinth (Book 7 - It's in His Kiss)

One of the pleasure reading these series is how Julia Quinn managed to trap me into this illution of the warmth and joy becoming one of the Bridgerton Family.. They might seem playing around with Violet, their mom, but for sure they all love her. I also adore how the eldest son, Anthony, showed how he manage to run the family, show his strength and capability as the head of the family. The three elder brother, Anthony, Bennedict, and Colin, reminds me of brothers that i wanted.. Although they aren't good at showing it, they are full of love, taken their pride of their sisters, will definetly fight for their sister's honor. Each one of the Bridgerton, have a warm soul, lovely in their own characteristic, and at the end, ended with good, passionate spouse.. Well, that's what fictions are for, i guess..

It's been a pleasure for me reading these books again, I have re-read ~~5 of them in these 3 days~~ ~~6 of them in 4 days~~ ~~7 of them in 5 days~~ (just realize one copy is missing), and ~~will~~ had write the story line and a bit of my opinion for each books when i have time in front of computer and link it afterwards
:)

Happiness in the Middle of Exams

2011-05-14T11:46:00.000+08:00

My exams in NTU are going to end soon!!

Tomorrow is my exam for Water treatment.. And I haven't study..
I should study as soon as possible.. :)

Just want to do a quick update..

There are two fun things happenning lately..

Kina's show in SF is live-streamed by Glenn and Ron.. They're awesome..

They got some trouble with the internet, but they tried their best to make it work..
I can't catch up the whole show, just manage to see Imaginary Friends' only :((

I have to study.. Oh well.. NEXT TIME!!

Jubilee Project did a live-stream as well.. (In the same time as Kina)

Tried to ask them the question for where does the money from merch selling goes to.. Didn't get answer though :(
I hope it goes for some good organisation as well :)

My UK Visa is approved...!

So happy..! I was worried because I'm a student (unemployed), and I heard that it was hard to get a visa if you're unemployed.. I think God's grace was over me.. I'm blessed! :)
Up next is the Germany visa.. Yayyyy..

That's all for today.. Good night! <3

Memories from my 17th Birthday Party

2011-05-11T22:46:00.001+08:00

I finally found the CD that contained some of my 17th birthday party photo..

If there is a bitter sweet experience i think this definetly is.. Will write more in detail later, but..

Meanwhile, enjoy the photo! :)

18th March 2006, Hotel Horizon, Semarang..

This is me..

This birthday party was planned in a rush, around 2 weeks before the date. My school has a fund-raising concert going on my birthday (March 17th), and I'm serving as vice comittee, so the birthday has to be postponed one day.

The theme was "Zorro" and Basically we made it like a mexican theme, all the performers, clothes, and dances.. (Although I don't think my dress is colourful enough)

This is the dancers helping as as the "short-walking" before I entered the place..

At first the event organizer said that it will be awesome if the "Zorro" pull me up on the dancing.. I REFUSE it.. First, I barely knew the guy! Second, I realize, I'm heavy!! (Even though I am heavier now)..

By the way, look at the dancers' colourful outfit..!

Oh and I did mentioned about the concert before, right? This is the picture of some of the performers.. "Rising Star".. The concert was quite successful.. There were Bobby "One Way", Edward Chen, and these guys. One thing I learnt from that experience, artists are unique. Being a LO is NOT an awesome job..

Me and the "Rising Star"

Followings are the pictures of the attendees.. People who crossed my life.. :)

Me and My Teachers..

(Mr. Seno, Mr. Sam, Mr. Ungguh, Mr. Edy, Mr. Zaen, Mr. Dar, Mrs. Wiwik, Mrs. Tina, Mrs.. ... ?)

Me and My Classmates (XII IPA 1)

Ribkah-Car-Mel-Devi-Love-Steviana-Nova-Son2-Yaya-Ririn-Ida-Cindy-Yoyo-Deasy

Johan-Ivan-Aldo-Chr-Bima-Ronny

Me and LifeTv Crew

Me and My Friends (thanks for helping me out!! They dance for the party..)

Cun-Nyoman-Car-Love-Ardy-Dini-Nova-Son-Gizca-Ryan-Steviana-Alvian-Alex

And.. At last..

Me and my big family <3

Yes-Gres-Felix-Tir-Anne-Mom-Dad-Ayi Ling2-Abo-Uncle Gandhi-Adri-Ot

My little cousin, Anaya <3

My lovely sister <3

My family <3

Lesson learned:

As i mentioned, I'm not really a party-girl type. I still felt sorry for "forcing" my parents to held this party.. All i could say, this is one un-nessesary thing, which make me happy AT THAT TIME, but after a few days, no happiness left..

Why I fell bad:

I had people who barely even knew me in school asking for the invitation card, just because it's held in a hotel!
I had people leaving when they know the party is not a party with loud music etc!
I had my self fell bad knowing that the church service at that time lacking personels at the camera team because they're either coming at my party or helping (working) at my party!
I felt disapointed at the EO for choosing certain performances (clowns at 17th birthday party?)which ended making my friends bored and complained.. (I did asked them to stop it before the situation getting worse.. I won't choose that as well if I knew it was that bad)

The EO was really helpful.. They offer cheap price.. They listened what I want, they come to my house.. They are new on the market, and I knew them from church, these guys are lovely. Maybe, it's just that I wasn't a party lover, and so my decision was not good enough..

The party COST A LOT! I felt bad at my parents as well, knowing how much money they have to let go :(

And.. my dad loses his expensive shirt on the hotel room!

Why I held a party?

I think, i just want to be exsist at that time.. The pressure of knowing friends who celebrated their 17th birthdays.. The pressure of feeling not-worthed if you're not celebrating it in a HUGE way.. And I think it's mostly because my own pride, wanted to prove that I can have a party? (I'm being silly)..

And so.. thats why i decided to held it.. :(

Lesson learned:

Always think twice...!

I love how my parents do not stopped me from choosing the bad decision like this, to make me learn how to choose wisely.. (I knew they might be looking at me anxiously knowing how much they spent for giving me such lesson)

Oh well.. I love my dad and mom, and my sister..

Ohhh.. And I realize.. I do love more private celebration.. Dinner with friends you really care about are much better than parties.. :D

Jubilee Project - A World Without Moms: Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-05T20:13:00.002+08:00

Happy mother's day!!

As Indonesian, I celebrated mother's day on Dec 22nd. However, here in Singapore, i found out that people celebrate Mother's day on May!! And it turned out that second sunday in May is celebrated as the international mother's day.. :)

So, I think I'll celebrate Mother's day twice.. I love my mom, and i personally think she deserves more than two days :D

For this special day, The Jubilee Project launch a new video, titled Jubilee Project - A World Without Moms: Happy Mother's Day. You could watch it here..

Till now (May 5th, 2011), for each view there will be ONE cents donated to Every Mother Counts.
Did you know that ONE woman dies every 90 SECONDS from complication of pregnancy? 90% of the death are preventable. It means, with enough money, the death rates can be reduced. Every Mother Counts is an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health. Their main goal is to improve the lives of girls and women worldwide. More info on this organization can be found at www.everymothercounts.org.

I saw this video, and I remembered my mom.. As you might know, or you might not know.. My sister and I live in Singapore, and my parents live in Semarang (Indonesia). We'll need a two hour flight to see each other. We sometimes called, or use facebook messages, or msn to keep ourself updated with whats going on here and there.. Thank God for internet!
My mom is a strong woman. She's my role model. She's not perfect, but she's cute, funny, and adorable. I love her, for being her :)
I'll see my mom in May!! YAaaaaayyy.. :) And we might tour to Europe together :)
I love my mooommmm <3

P.S. I love my daaaaad as well <3

P.S.S. I love my sister as welllll <3

Haha.. I love my family, I'm so blessed :)

About Jubilee Project

The Jubilee Project makes videos for a good cause. They are Eddie Lee, Jason Lee and Eric Lui - 3 dreamers trying to change the world.

By watching their videos, we're actually taking a part in donating, changing the world and ofcourse helping others..
So, share the news, share the links..

Oh, and you can be the donator also.. Just sign up here!
Donator agrees to give a cent for every viewer watching a certain video. And, if you're a student who have limited amount of money (like me), you could put a cap on your donation, for example, maximum $30, etc.. It's up to you! :)

Follow their twitter, @JubileeProject! And also on TheJubileeProject's facebook!!

Anndddd... they sell new t-shirt... "Doing Good is Contagious". http://www.jubileeproject.bigcartel.com

The t-shirt goes something like thisssss...

#DoingGoodisContagious

I'm happy.

2011-04-23T00:41:00.000+08:00

This is me.

(NOOOO.. I'm not Kina Grannis.. I wish I am as talented as her though!)

And this what makes me happy.

Yay.. the long waiting has ended.. My signed stairwells has come.. :)

*Happy Kinerd is in the house.. Sweet..

Book Review: Nature in Finland 2010 - Tarmo Lampinen

2011-04-15T03:21:00.000+08:00

I order this book last month, sometime near my birthday..

From this website --> http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1989035

How did i ended knowing this book?

Tarmo Lampinen is an awesome friend, a super kinerd, Kina's "adopted" brother, and of course an awesome photographer.. He tweeted some of his photos, and also post it on fb.. Those were really interesting.. He also had a website, which i forgot the link (note to my self: ask him!), contained more than 100 pictures, of birds, mushrooms, plants, and scenery..

How did i ended buying this book?

The money from this book's sale will go to his trip to Kinacon (in LA! And I also wanted to go!! But, i guess, i'll go next year!).. oh.. I also had some extra money at that time.. I know the book will be fun.. And Tarmo will definitely enjoy meeting his adopted family, and other Kinerds :)
I actually thinking of giving this to my sister.. But, after I had it, I know there is an oldddd friend of mine, who will love it more than my sister.. He's been nice to me, i guess it's time to send him something :)

The story behind it's arrival..

I was waiting for Kina's stairwell package.. (order here: www.kinagrannis.com) If you haven't order, you should! It's super lovely, I had id replayed several times already!

Back to the story, I got a notice from post office yesterday, and i thought wooww.. stairwells finally here!! Then I remember my friend sent me something from Mexico.. So I was expecting either one of this.. excited.. yay.. I rush to the post office, lined up, and face the lady there.. She saw my card, and say "well, didn't you see the word here .. AVAILABLE TOMORROW.. so come back tomorrow, at this time".

Sighhh.. >_<

Then the next day, got a class till 13:00.. Had lunch, and I rush back to the post office..

The item finally on my hand.. I saw the sender.. US, Blurb.. Hmm I thought it should be from Kina..

What's this.. I completely forgot about this book..

I found a seat, and open the package.. the package was really big.. like around 30 cm x 40 cm!

And.. it was this cute little book :)

A bit shocking, but lovely!!

On my way back to bus, I open it.. Page by page.. reading the words, seeing the pictures.. lovely!

I chuckle a bit.. Tarmo is quite good in writing the description.. Hmm.. I wonder if people on that bus thought I'm crazy :p

Oh.. and the last page was very surprising.. A bit different from his usual style.. Curious? Buy it! LOL.. Hint: it was a photo of his friend, lovely girl, from california :)

Going to send this book to Indonesia as soon as my friend reply me with his mail address.. :)

But.. How if i send this book, and my friend ask me to buy tickets for him to go to Finland? Noooo..

Power of Agreement! :)

2011-04-13T20:00:00.002+08:00

Remember the story in Genesis 11, about a group of people who decided together to build a tower that reached to the skies.
God took notice of what these people had agreed to do together.

His response? “If they can accomplish this when they have just begun to take advantage of their common language and political unity, just think of what they will do later. Nothing will be impossible for them!” (v. 6). According to God, agreement makes the impossible possible.

In Matthew 18, Jesus says to his followers, in New Living Translation “I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you” (v. 19, NLT).

NIV--> “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”

If you agree with another person here on earth concerning anything you’ve asked God for, he will do it for you.

I love this version most!!

"I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven WILL DO it for you. For where two or three gather together BECAUSE THEY ARE MINE, I am there among them."

Do you see how the verse begins with, “I also tell you this…”? This indicates that what Jesus is saying here relates to what he said just prior to this statement.

Even though you're alone, actually the Holy spirit is also agree with what you're praying (Matthew 9:29).. So, the minimum number is achieved.. But... Three will be better.. :) The power flowing out of agreement is, therefore, a three-person event: two people, plus God, agreeing for something to happen.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.”

A person’s faith can be attacked and defeated.

When our faith is attacked, we CAN lose our faith and, with it, the very thing or outcome we were believing for.

Coming into agreement with another person provides support for the faith point to which we’re trying to hold on.

The rest of Ecclesiastes 4:12 goes on to say, “Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” When you bring God into the agreement you have in faith with another person, He can undergird the faith you have together.

Hoahhh.. Start praying together, and come with agreement.. Ask your family, or your friend to put the same faith.. Agree with something :)

Can't wait till June...

2011-03-28T01:07:00.000+08:00

Why??

I'll have a trip to Europe!! <3 I hope I could made some good videos.. and have fun with my family :) Also I secretly hope that I could meet some kinerds and do ST-ing..
Planning a graduation trip to Macau.. If it failed, probably will ask my sister to go with me to Taiwan/Manila/Bangkok :)
David Choi's show in Singapore.. Before my Euro trip!!
Kina Grannis's show --> but the dates are still mystery.. :(
SCP : Sweet Candies Projects.. I wiiiiished i could go to kinacon :( Kinerds are awesome, and i do enjoy talking to them!

I really hope that I could finally meet Kina and David!! It'll be epic.. <3

Oh, but at the moment, seriously.. I can't wait till 5th April!! Stairwells!!!!
Annnddd.. New "heart" and "guitar girl" tshirts!! Ahh.. Excited!!!!!!

It will be super epic if the WF tshirt arrived as well.. It's been too long.. I missed it.. :(

Anyways,
Good day!! :)

Have I told you.... I love you?

2011-03-21T14:12:00.000+08:00

:D
Makasiiiiiiiihhhh Titin, Carissa, Ko Willy, Samuel, Silvana, Ce Angela, Wina!! :D
Edian.. Saking penasarane, aku buka on the spot, di post office!
Dan.. saya ngakak.. dan hampir nangis..
untung ga dikira orang gila :p

Thanks bgt!!

<3

Ni dari dua orang geje di NCKU :)

P.S.. Thanks yaaa.. Tin, aku sampe kudu muter2 biar bisa baca.. manteppp!! Ce, thanks yaaa.. hihihi.. Kayanya saya beneran perlu ke ncku deh.. (biar bisa pamer sama titin) haha..

Trus yang di bawah ini, special cake.. yay!! Thanks ya teman2.. Ini yg membuat saya ketawa dan hampir nangis terharu di kantor pos.. hihihi.. :p

At the end.. I dedicated this for you... <3 youuuu temen2 ~~tergeje~~ tercintaku..

On my birthday.. I felt blessed!

2011-03-19T11:53:00.001+08:00

So, March 17th 2011, was my 22nd birthday.. I felt old haha..
But this one actually a really great one.. It started with a birthday card, from my parents 3 days before.. haha..

When i got a call from a woman from SingPost, i thought.. wow, Rondhi just sent the gelaskin on thursday! That's super fast! FYI, i ordered a Kina Grannis Street Team gelaskin for my iphone, and Rondhi helped on the purchase for every one.. :)

But then, i saw the mail, and it was from my parent! So cute.. They never do such thing.. usually, only a call, saying happy birthday dear, and money is sent for treating friends dinner or something :D

I cried a bit. I missed them. and actually wanted to be with my family. My sister is having exam, and so i'll be alone in my bday..

Little did i know.. on 16th March, 23:50, a very good friend of mine, shinta, was chatting with me.. Another good friend, samuel, is also on skype chat with me.. Then at 23:59, sam congratulate me. And i said to him, i'm tired, and going to sleep asap. But then, shinta asked me to accompany her to grab some drinks from vending machine downstairs.. I'm tired, but i thought, well, accompany her wouldn't kill me or something.

So there i go.. After taking drinks, she said, "lets go to the food vending.. I'm hungry".. I thought "oh well.. okay.."

So we went to the other vending machine. Then, she started to act weirdly :p A suspicious mind come over me. I punched the lift button, but she's not moving to the lift, and she open the lounge door. It was dark..

And suddenly "happy birthday to you.. happy birthday to you.." and lights turned on..

I found out that my sister is there! and also all my friends, including Jess and Maria who lived far from where i stayed.. I felt blessed! Thankful for such a great friends I have..

We have a really good time, they put facemask on my face with creams from the cake.. (no pics, sorry) :p

We ate KFC, noodles, and cakes..

Diet is ruined, but it's all good..

I love my life.. God's been so good..! I felt blessed!!!

The Jubilee Project: Top Chef --> Fund raising for Japan

2011-03-15T21:34:00.001+08:00

Okay, so Last Friday, an earthquake occured in Japan..
It was very heartbreaking, and until now (Wednesday), there were still a lot of bad rumour going on.. Actually, it's not only rumour.. Hmm.. The thing is, they said, some nuclear reactors leaked, and so they suspect of a radiation leak.
Part of this rumours that I hate, is that several people actually share hoax, about how the radiation will travels through asean countries, and they need to put betadines, and such.. For these people who made this text, please grow up! Show your humanity.. Show your love.. It's already bad, and please dont make it worse by spreading that text :(

Anyway, back to JubileeProject's March Fund..
They actually posted a preview about what their March Fund Video, for hepatitis B.. It was an MV (Music Video) for Rooftop Pursuit's song "Why I Sing".. I have been waiting for the release of the video for several days, and then they actually perform in Boston University and showed the new MV in the projector..
It was really heartbreaking! My internet connection was bad, so I keep waiting for it to be downloaded to youtube.. Several day passed, no new upload.. And then, Friday, the Japan tragedy happened.
JubileeProject respond with a new video..

I'm still curious on what happen with the MV, so I tweeted them.. Check out what they respond..

So the MV is officially postponed...!

Oh.. You can still watch the preview of the MV here though..
http://bit.ly/hDvMju

The Fund Raising Video for Japan: Top Chef
Watch it here.. (as usual, i post the link, so that they will get more view. more view = more donation!)

Basically, it was a fun video, starred by Jason Y. Lee from the Jubilee Project, Arden Cho, Clara Chung, and Jennifer Chung.
As a person who spent quite amount of time in Youtube videos, I knew Arden, Clara, and Jen (not personally though!), and that's probably the reason why I could laugh at Clara and Jen's funny faces, impressed by Arden's ability to cook, LOL at Jason's silliness when showing off his ramen, and enjoyed the video overall.

In my personal opinion, it's hard to relate this video with what happen in Japan. And, it seems that they are wasting food :(

However, I do appriciate that they upload this video, and working with World Vision, they'll pass donations to Japan. Currently, each view will get 3 cents (as March 15th, 2011). And to added, they made this video around the end of February or early March, I can't remember, and that explain why it seems that there is no relation with earthquake in Japan.

Show your love to Japan by sharing the link!!!!
http://bit.ly/hPYdrs

You could also be a sponsor, and donate 1 cent per view by emailing them at project.jubilee@gmail.com.
The fund will go directly to World Vision in Japan, provide emergency supplies like life-saving food and water to those who need it most.

Remember, doing good is contagious!

A woman's prayer - credit: Anon.

2011-03-15T19:51:00.000+08:00

Dear Lord,
I pray for a man
That will be a part of my life
A man that really loves You more than everything
A man that will take me in the second place of his heart
A man that lives not for his self but for You
Face and physical attraction are not important

The most important is

I want a heart that really loves and thristy of You
And has desire to be like Jesus
And he must know for whom and for what he lives,
So his life is not useless

Someone that has a wise heart, not only smart brain
A man that not only loves me, but also respect me
A man that not only can adore me, but can warn me when i am wrong
A man that loves me not from my smooth levels but from my heart
A man can be my best friend in any time and situation
A man that makes me feel a woman when I am beside him
I am not asking for a perfect he
But I ask for an important he
So I can make he perfect in Your eyes
A man that needs my support for the strengh

A man that needs my prayer for his life
A man that needs my smile to cover his sadness
A man that needs my love so he could feel love
A man that needs me to make he life

And I also ask,
Make me woman that can made him proud
Give me a heart that really love You
So I could love him with Your love, not love him with my love

Give me Your gentle spirit,
So my personality does not come from my outside,
But came from you
Give me your hands, that I always be able to pray for him

Give me Your eyes, so I could see many good
Things in him not the bad ones
Give me Your mouth that is filled with Your
words of wisdom and encourage
So I could support him everyday
Give me Your lips, and I will smile at the every time

And i want that when we finally meet
Both of us can say
How Great Thou Art

Thank You for giviving me someone than can make me life perfect
I know that You want us to meet at the right time

Amen

Japan Earthquake and how it affects me

2011-03-12T10:27:00.001+08:00

I'm not in Japan.
I was online, chatting with some friends, and studying. Exam coming in 3 hours.
Suddenly one friend type "Earthquake in japan 8.8".. I was like.. "Oh noo.. That's HUGE!!"
I tried to google, and saw some crazy scary photos.. :(
It's so sad!!!
And a thought hit me.. Wait.. Jia is in Tokyo!
My cousin, Jia, is working there. Oh dear.. Can't focus on the notes i should study..
So, i text my aunty.. She's away on a trip abroad. Luckily she turned on her handphone.
She was shocked hearing the news. Thanks me for letting her know. She said she's gonna text my cousin.
More news on tv.. CNN.. Local tv.. Scared me!
It became harder for me to concentrate.. I texted my dad, telling him, how i am scared for Jia.. (I realize that i'm being so selfish, but i can't stand it). He comfort me, saying that it'll all be good, God have a good plan for everyone.. Including Japan.. Including all the disaster.. Perhaps God wanted the world to realize that we've ignored Him?
I haven't spent enough time studying for my exam. So, I force my self to close the laptop and tv.. Start studying, and it's really hard to concentrate. An hour later, my aunty text me. Jia is save. Thank you.. I was really glad!!
But this morning (it's 10am here now).. I saw a news that there is possibility of nuclear leakage.. The pressure on the nuclear reactor is increasing.. Oh dear..
I prayed that every thing is gonna be okay!

Credit: photo by Tarmo (@itsfinnfan)

thoughts on Kina Grannis updated: March 10th, 2011

2011-03-10T16:17:00.000+08:00

I felt so bad for ignoring my own blog..
These days, i am filled with lots of hecticness with school project, and it does stressed me out..
Thanks God.. for music..
It helps!
Favourite song that i played a lot (and sing along) is You can win- David Choi, In your arms - Kina Grannis ~~ I love them both..! and also been listening to lots of Hillsongs music :D
I've also starting to be active in the Kinerds forum, shoutbox, and tinychat.. Kinerds were all lovely!
But.. i felt bad.. i'm not good at music.. =[ while they are so very very talented..
check out some!!

Fansofkina (here)
Jacq (here)
Aurore (here)
Austin (here)
Erin (here)
Shir (here)
Daniela (here)

Anyways.. I love being surrounded with awesomeness..
Kina is so lovely.. And she deserve those love from kinerds..

Book Review: The Promises She Keeps

2011-02-16T22:44:00.000+08:00

What would you do, if you are ill, and counting days before you die? What would you do, if somehow each time you survive from near to death experience, and there is another tragedy happening?

A book by Erin Healy :)

A young and talented artist named Promise is facing death. She tried to keep people remember her by trying to be famous. She actually survives from several accidents.
A character named Zack Eddy asks if he can take photos of Promise so he can draw pictures of her from them. During the shoot, her shawl blows away. Promise dives for to search for it it only to tumble down, almost drawn. Zack takes pictures of her dive to death, but miraculously she lives.
The other character is Chase, who is an autistic artist who fall in love with Promise..
In my opinion, the writer described this character well.
I would say, she has made enough desciption, that even without knowing he's autistic, I could conclude the symtom..
The third character was Porta, she was very cold blooded and hateful. She highlighted the whole story, because it's rare to find such character in Christian fiction.

The story was interesting, as more character being involved in the suspense story..
Other near death experiences always occur with Zack nearby occurs. He shows his photos to his pagan witch mom Porta Cerreto who believes Promise is the Goddess of Immortality and plans to use her for own purpose. As she stalks Promise, she orders her son to kill Promise to disprove her theory.

I would definetly reccomend this book, for a lazy saturday afternoon :)

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Matt Koval: 8 Dates

2011-02-15T13:40:00.001+08:00

New series by Matt Koval, The title is 8 Dates.
Basically, through out the weeks, we'll get to know about Eva and her dates. She never had a date in 5 years, and her cousin Matt is trying to help her to find a date on valentines day.

Introduction
Why Ava needs help, and what cousin Matt suggested her to improve before starting on dating.

Dates 1:
What not to say on first date..
Ava is kind of new to this dating-thing.. So she ask sort-of unapropriate questions..

Dates 2:
Meet the second date online.. Found out that he has no arms (he's limp)..
He's fun, hillarious, charming, but Ava can't resist to think about his limpness, and start asking silly question..

Dates 3:
Dating her older (senior) friend. He's nice, didn't mention about calories, let Ava choose the dessert (even two desserts) until it's time to leave..

Dates 4:
Dating someone who thinks u looked like his mom? Good or bad?

Dates 5:
Ava uses different approach.. by being sexy.. But then, his dates turned to be a zombie (not litterally)..

Dates 6:
Okay, this one is her effort to be a gay, with the help of wikipedia..

Dates 7:
Dating some one who can't forget his ex-girlfriend.. Awww..

Dates 8:
Last date? Turned out to be a date-coach.. what will Ava's score be?

Final Dates (Valentine day)
Additional date. at the valentine day.. Ava's been waiting for hours.. lonely, sad..
Destiny is not on her side this time, her date is sitting somewhere at the other corner of the resto.. saaad..

My comment:

I started following this because of Philip Wang (http://www.wongfuproductions.com/) is involved in date #2.

Seeing that the series is hillarious, every week i'll go to youtube, seeing the latest update from Ava and her dates..

Date #8 should be her last date, and I was upset seeing that it ended badly, but then there is final date.. I'm so happy.. Until.. I saw the final date... Nooo, I wanted a happy ending.. huhu..

Matt Koval (www.twitter.com/mattkoval), would you made another additional date for the two-cat-lovers?? pleasseeee...

Valentine

2011-02-12T17:09:00.000+08:00

Valentine day is coming!

I'm single, but I'm happy.
Hopefully someday soon, I'll have someone who loves me and appriciate me..
Ofcourse I will love him too :)

Listening to David's Valentine.. Truly encourage me..
I'm feeling joy, blessed, thankful to God for putting me in such lovely family, and lots of great friends..
I love them all, and I knew they love me..
Love is not only a boyfriend/girlfriend thing..
But if you think it is, and you're still single, just believe that Love will find it's way! :)

Lyrics:

I see a couple strollin' down the street

They're so in love,
There is not a worry
And to the clock they said goodbye
They ain't in a hurry

And sometimes I feel kind of lonely
Ask myself where is my one and only
Until she comes to me, I'll wait
Until then I shouldn't be feeling this way

Won't let no Valentine's get me down
Or when Christmas time comes around
Just cuz I'm alone right now
Don't mean I should hold a frown

Oh in the meantime love is here you'll find
The simple things that slip your mind
The joy of hope for better days
You know that love can find its ways

When you finally find the one who you can call your own
You can tell yourself the wait was worth it all
Cuz you got something here to last forever

I can smile cuz there's so much in store
The future holds for me more than I will ever know
Shouldn't make no room for feeling sad

Won't let no Valentine's get me down
Or when Christmas time comes around
Just cuz I'm alone right now
Don't mean I should hold a frown

Oh in the meantime love is here you'll find
The simple things that slip your mind
The joy of hope for better days
You know that love can find its way

Won't let no Valentine's get me down
Or when Christmas time comes around
Just cuz I'm alone right now
Don't mean I should hold a frown

Oh in the meantime love is here you'll find
The simple things that slip your mind
The joy of hope for better days
You know that love can find its ways

Happy Valentines Day!! :)

P.S. For David Choi Fans out there, beside the well known fyeahdavidchoi.tumblr.com, there is a new blog dedicated for davidchoi.. It's davidchoifans.blogspot.com.. :D

Jubilee Project: Beautiful

2011-02-11T17:57:00.001+08:00

February!! It's the love month..
Okay, had to admit, it sucks to be single on feb.. hihi
However, Kina Grannis's Valentine make it much much better.. ;)

I'm a huge fan of Kina Grannis, i have stairwells at my ipod, and valentine is one of the best song of her! :)
Anyway, as usual, a new month means a new fund raising from the Jubilee Project.
I always love to share their video, simply because it is a good video for a good cause :)
These month's fund is dedicated to Becky's fund, which is basically provide education, guidance, and help for women who got domestic and dating violence. I am lucky to be born in such a loving family, but I'm sure not many are as lucky as I am.. Becky's fund is a great organization which would help women to stand up and stopped the cruelty happening at their life. In my humble opinion, even though women got beaten by their "lover", it's hard to stand up, and try to stopped being the target. We're usually think, "oh well, this to shall pass", or "but I love him", or something like that.. OR... Sometimes, when people know that there are violence in others relationship, they tend to ignore it.. :$
Check out more about Becky's fund here..

The link for Jubilee Project's Beautiful is here! I won't upload the video, as I'm not sure whether it will count for the donation.. Just click on the link, it will direct you to the video :)

Share some love, share the link!!http://bit.ly/g5blgt

About the video..

These people, husbands, fathers, boyfriends share what they thought about the women who made their lives complete.. :)
I actually favourited some quotes.. But to be fair, I'll put all their quote.. Sorry for the typo if any..
"You're most beautiful when you're mad at me."
"You're most beautiful when I came home after a long day at work"
"When you're bossing me around" --> we love to be the boss!
"You're most beautiful when you're natural. No make up" --> good, means we don't have to put makeups? then we could safe the money to buy new shoes and clothes.. :p lol..
"You're most beautiful when you're wake up in the morning. Specially when you have your mouthcrown?"
"You're most beautiful when you and your sister are doing homework together"
"You're most beautiful when you helped me dressed in the morning"
"When you're talking about your dreams"
"You're most beautiful when you tell me why we didn't won a present"
"..." some spanish words?? I can't catch it.. sorry
"When you're laughing at my stupid little jokes"
"When I see God in you" --> I want my future boyfriend sees God in me :) But it will be great if we can see God in each other, and we could impact others life.. :)
"When you're taking care of the sick"
"You're most beautiful when you danced" --> nice dance! :)
"You're most beautiful when you make no sense at all" --> whattt?? haha..
"You're most beautiful when believing your self"
"You're most beautiful when I think about you as a mother/model"
"When we fall asleep together on the phone" --> I love to talk on the phone, but never felt asleep while phoning.. :/ (hey Eric! haha)
"You're most beautiful when you're right and I'm wrong" --> that's what i called girl power! :)
"You're most beautiful when you smile when you see me" --> the question is, did you smile back? make sure you do!!
and..
Get ready, these are my favourites.. and The Jubilee Project put it on the last.. which is kind of sweet!
"You're most beautiful when you're the last person I see before bed, and the first person I see when I wake up!"
"You're most beautiful with each new day, as we grow old together"
"You're most beautiful when.. you're always beautiful!" --> Awww...

See, almost all the guys did quite good job.. Ladies, its our turn.. Make something like .... You're most handsome when....? Shall we?
oh well.. just an idea..

Book Review: Two Little Girls in Blue ~ Mary Higgins Clark

2011-02-02T01:21:00.000+08:00

Do you believe in TWIN'S POWER?
I always dreamed of having a twin sister.. Starting from the movie i watched long time ago, where there is 2 twin girls, having the ability to teleport to their sister's place, or knew exactly what her sister think..
I also wanted to have a twin daughter.. Which I thought must be lovely.. :)
Anyway.. This book, Two Little Girls in Blue, basically tells a story about twin girls..

The story..
Steve and Margaret Frawley has 2 daughter, Kathy and Kelly. That day was the twin's birthday. After celebrating their kids' birthday, Steve and Margaret went to a dinner in New York. They went home eventually, and their kids are gone! Kidnapped.. The worst nightmare that a parent have..
Eight million dollar. That's the amount asked by the kidnapper.. Steve's company, which is in a bad condition, thought that it's the time to increase their reputation, by helping Steve to pay the sum.
The day came, and Steve manage to give the money. He expect to see both his kids in exchange, however, all he found was a car, a dead-driver, and his daughter Kelly. There's also a note, saying that the driver is sorry, he had killed Kathy and dumped her body.
On the other side, the kidnapper's group was helped by a lady (Angie), who wanted to have a child. Kidnapping both girls have made her dreams came through, and as Kathy is sick, Angie loves her more than Kelly. And when Kelly is returned, Angie held Kathy and threat her as her own daughter.
Steve and Margaret, being broken hearted by the death of Kathy, held a private memorial. However, during the service, Kelly constantly said that Kathy wanted to be home. Margaret heard this, and eventually became anxious.. If Kathy is alive, she should be found as soon as possible.
Lead by Kelly's warning, Margaret found the strength to force the FBI agents, and also her husband, who didn't believe that Kathy is still alive.
Kathy is in a very sick conditions, and Angie started to be mad at her. As Kathy getting weaker, her conditions became more in danger. The FBI agent tried to found her, depending on Kelly's institution. However, as Kathy getting weaker, so does Kelly..
At the end, there are a surprise on who the plan maker for the whole kidnap scenario.. Read it!! :)

My comment:
I actually read this book 3x.. First was around 5/6 years ago, and the last was somewhere around last November. It was great to read about twin's telephaty, and their interaction.
In my humble opinion, in this type of writing Mary Higgins Clark is the best. She manage to involved me on Kelly's feeling, and also Margaret's stress. I felt that, a mother should be loving her kids, and I am really pleased in how MHC express Margaret's feeling and frustration when no one believed her and Kelly.
I enjoyed reading each and every pages.
I really hated Angie, for being so selfish and so ignorance. And also I found the clerk's role a bit weird, why she didn't contact police, but go and check the kidnapper.. And there are a lot of people who actually suspect the kidnapper, but they didn't say a word to the police.. weird..
Anyway, I truly recommend this book.

Book Review: Mary and Carol Higgins Clark ~ Dashing Through the Snow

2011-01-30T12:42:00.000+08:00

Another Christmas Time book from MHC and CHC :)

The story involved Alvirah, Willy, Luke, Norah, Regan and Jake... The setting was in the village of Branscombe, New Hampshire, where people are preparing for the first (and many hope annual) Festival of Joy.
There were a local market, own by a man who's recently wed. His wife is sort-of-full of ego, that she decided to force hum not to give any bonusses as usual to the employee, but only giving them a picture frame!!
The employees, needing money, learn that they have won $160 million in the lottery. Alvirah and Willy understand the joy and pitfalls of lottery winnings as they won $40 million a few years ago. One of the co-workers, Duncan, decided at the last minute, on the advice of a pair of crooks masquerading as financial advisers, not to play. But he's actually the one providing the numbers, and was incharge of buying the lottery for his co-workers. Then he suddenly goes missing!! These two advisers is a liar ofcourse. They do not have any ability to be a financial adviser at all! A second winning lottery ticket was purchased in the next town, but the winner hasn't come forward. Could Duncan have secretly bought it?
Duncan's lover flew over fom California to New Hampshire, trying to surprice Duncan. However as Duncan missing, she is the one to be surprised..

As Alvirah and Regan is in the village, they started to help finding Duncan, and unfold the mistery.
My Comment:
Yay.. another book!! I love christmas! And I always love this mother-daughter duo's christmas series..
More over, I love Alvirah's character.. hihihi..
Alvirah, a former cleaning lady who won $40 million in the lottery, her husband Willy, Nora Regan Reilly, a mystery author, her husband Luke, their daughter Regan, a private investigator, and her husband Jack, from the NYPD is all in this story.. What more can I ask.. I miss them!!! :)
I recommend this book highly, I just can't put the book off, as I enjoyed it so much.
I totally hate the fnancial adviser's character!! And also the wife of market's owner! huh.. And felt sorry for Duncan and her lover..
I love the final part when everything is unfold.. The workers got their bonusses, and the b*tchy lady got her part for being a b*tch.. ups.. did i say that? lol..

Book Review: Just Take my Heart - Mary Higgins Clark

2011-01-30T11:59:00.003+08:00

Just Take My Heart is released on the middle of 2010. I live in Indonesia, so not until late December then I have the chance to have it.

The story is basically about Greg Aldrich, the husband of a Broadway star, Natalie Raines. And Emily Wallace, an attractive 32 year-old assistant prosecutor.
So Natalie Raines live with her friend, Jamie Evans. And she recently tried to divorced Aldrich. Aldrich was too much to handle as he always stalked Natalie, trying to find if she had any lovers.
When Natalie was found dead in her house, Aldrich is the person to be accused, more over, Jimmy, a criminal, said that Aldrich paid him to kill Natalie, but Jimmy didn't accept it. Did Aldrich really plan the murder?
Emily Wallace is assigned to the case. As she spends increasingly long hours preparing for the trial, a seemingly well-meaning neighbor offers to take care of her dog in her absence. Unaware of his violent past, she gives him a key to her home...
Aldrich's trial is making headlines, because it involves a star, murder plan, and romance, what else can the public want? Her boss warns Emily that this high-profile case will reveal personal matters about her, esp. the fact that she had a heart transplant. And guess who the donor is!!
As Emily is getting busy, her dog is being ignored. A nice neighbor offer help. Emily thought that Zach is so nice, and she did ingore her dog too long, so she just simply give her keys to Zach. Without her knowing, Zach is a bit creepy, touches Emily's personal things.. Ewwww...
During the trial, Emily experiences sentiments (guessed it's from the heart?) kinda make her judgement blur?? And the jury decided Gregg Aldrich's fate, but Emily senses something is not right.. Her heart keeps on giving memories about the case (~~weird~~).. She keeps on searching informations, and her life is actually on risk...

My comment:
After reading this, I hate to say, that I could guessed the end.. And it's kinda weird if you're in an office and someone had heart transplant and no one knows? I thought at least she would need several days before and after the transplantation. More, the heart source is also weird, is it possible to be a donor without no one knowing?
Then Emily's reasoning and the juror session was a bit boring, ~~perhaps as I'm not into law?~~ I guessed it was too long.. hehe..
This is good to read for a lazy afternoon, but probably better if i borrowed from the library instead of buying it..
I would definetly reccomend her previous books to bought though. But for the sake of MHC, and as I'm good fan, I keep the book at my bookshelf.. :)
Anyway, I always love MHC's book, and after long time not reading her books, this kind of reminds me to her older books. And I do re-read My Gals Sunday after this.. haha..

My favourite author: Mary Higgins Clark

2011-01-30T11:46:00.004+08:00

Mrs. Clark is my favourite author. I've been following her books since I was in highschool, and thankful that the library was so good, that they have almost all her books.
I started reading The Anastasia Syndrom, followed by Loves Music, Loves to Dance, and ever since, I read almost all her book.
Someone message my facebook today, and I just realize that I never even had any post dedicated to her.. What a bad fan! :(
Anyway, I'll try to make a review of her books, and post the links beside the list. And I'll try to update it as soon as possible, because there are so many books. I do have read them all, but I might not remmember all, so probably I could review some of her latest books only. And no worries, I'll update the list, if any new book coming..

MHC and CHC:

He sees you when you are sleeping
Christmas Thief
Santa Cruise
Deck the Hall
Dashing Through the Snow (reviewed)

MHC:

Where Are The Children?
A Stranger is Watching
The Cradle Will Fall
A Cry in the Night
Stillwatch
Weep No More, My Lady
While My Pretty One Sleeps
The Anastasia Syndrome and Other Stories
Loves Music, Loves to Dance
All Around the Town
I'll Be Seeing You
Death on the Cape and Other Stories
Remember Me
The Lottery Winner and Other Stories
Let Me Call You Sweetheart
Silent Night
Moonlight Becomes You
My Gal Sunday: Henry and Sunday Stories
Pretend You Don't See Her
You Belong to Me
All Through The Night
We'll Meet Again
Before I Say Good-Bye
On The Street Where You Live
Daddy's Little Girl
The Second Time Around
Nighttime Is My Time
You Belong to Me
No Place Like Home
Two Little Girls in Blue (reviewed)
Ghost Ship: A Cape Cod Story
I heard that song before
Where Are You Now?
Just Take My Heart (reviewed)
The Shadow of Your Smile

COMING: I'll Walk Alone (April 5th, 2011)

Reflections of (almost) 22 years living life in earth

2011-01-27T20:51:00.001+08:00

I wrote this because I just realize, it's almost 22 years since I was born. I am still figuring what my role in this huge world.

I warned you, this would be probably boring. It's basically the summary of my life, and the lesson I learnt.
Please leave comment :)
I started life in a very wealthy family, or atleast I think so, we never had no money. I always get anything I wanted. Parties in McD, or KFC, or anywhere I wanted to during my birthday. Going out with friends every saturday. Going to my dad's office, and ask for noodle, or any food I love. Going for homestay/vacation abroad.

I live in a very glamour life.. I stayed at Ungaran, which is a small city, and our family is quite well-known. If you said my dad's name at that time, most probably they know who you're looking for. He has a good reputation at our city, even when those people from goverment came, they/the assistant would mostly look for my dad, to borrow his car. When I think about it now, I guessed I must be very happy as a kid. I remember comparing my self to friends at my elementary school. I was quite arrogant, I guess. But I did manage to do some good deed. I remember helping some people paying of their tuition (even though it's paid with my parent's money).. I guessed at that time I just simply thought the money would never run off.

Until.. 1998, the economy was bad. My dad's company started to have problems, and suddenly it's all ended with a huge problem. Some one sued my dad, and the world started to tremble down. Yet, at that time, I just realize how strong my mom is. She didn't divorce him, inspite of everything that happen. It was really a bad memory for me, and I couldn't share it here. I'ld just simply say, at that time, crying was almost my daily activity. I cried when my mom n my sis are not around. I put on my mask and act happy infront of them.

Till one day, I think, my mom went to this pastor who stayed above our house. And don't know how, I ended to be there with her. And I just can't ressist crying infront of them. Missing my dad too much I guessed.
So we went to see him, though I can't enter because I'm too small. But I remember, that time, I was a bit relieve.
Another positive thing is that, what my dad has been through, bring him closer to God. And I guess this is the foundation of the existance of my faith.

After several days (1 or 2 months, I guessed), my dad is back at home. Life is hard for us, but we're surviving. And we move to Semarang, a bigger city compared to Ungaran. My life is never be the same. We struggle trough life as the factory is in a bad conditions, and at the end need to give everything out. Leaving my parents with only our current house, and everything else is under mortage on bank.

We've been through those instant noodle days, where we have nothing to eat besides instant noodles. Again, I was so glad that my mom could stay cold-headed despite the hardness they suffer. At that time, I was in Junior High. I sort-of become "straight a" student, aiming for the best in my class, and kind of separate me from my previous friends. I make other friends, but I don't think I could talk as convinient as I used to be with my elementary school friends. Life changes me, changes my mind on the life it self.

Highschool time, life is still hard.. haha.. But God is good, somehow each time we need money, he simply give us in his outrangeous way. I manage to have a sweet seventeen birthday party, in a hugh new hotel, with friends, and I was happy. At that time, our school held a music concert, we invite some singers from Jakarta, the event went well. As they realize it was my birthday, they even sang for me after the concert done. I was happy. I felt important. Then some of them went to my birthday as well. I was happy. Very happy. Super happy. Proud of my self. After all those gone, i just felt silly. Totally waste of money.. sigh.. I never learnt from what life has thought me. One of the things I could take note, is that sometimes people would do anything for you, if you have money. On the other hand, if you have money, you do have to think how to spend it WISELY. I failed.

So I graduated high school, and still suffer the bitterness of how I could silly headed, and still wanted to get a 17th birthday party, and wasted those money. I previously applied to several universities abroad. Got invited to a univ in Sydney, but I thought that it was another bad univ that would give you letter of acceptance if you have money.

I also got rejected in two univ in Singapore, NTU and NUS. I guessed I didn't do well in the entrance exam. Though I manage to meet the NTU prof, and ask for another chance, but ungranted. If I got it that easily, then there will be lots of student with same case at mine, it wouldn't be fair, right?

So I went to Surabaya instead. And study chemical engineering at UBAYA. During the orientation, I got the news that I'm accepted at the government university, as doctor. I never wanted to be a doctor. I can't stand the feeling that someone's life is at your hand. I won't be able to do anything if there is an emergency case. So, why did I even try the test? Simply to prove my self. I would say, I hate the admins at that university, who say that chinesse like me, won't be able to be accepted to their univ. Besides that, I guessed I must be hurt badly by the rejections from NTU and NUS, and I just need to prove that I'm smart.. Or maybe to prove that I'm as good as my cousin who's studying medicine in government univ too.

My dad ask me if I wanted to enter the medicine school instead of chem eng. He said, it's okay to let go the money which we have paid to UBAYA. But I made my decision, I just stick at chem eng.
Uncles and aunties called. They thought that it was a silly decision, and some even wonder whether it's my dad's will that I went to UBAYA instead of the government univ. I tried to explained to them.

So four years I struggle during my bachelor degree. Ups and downs, I manage to sometimes get scholarship. Grateful for it. There were times when our family didn't have money, and yet God provided the scholarship, so we could survive. There were times I questioned why oh why I choose chem eng. But seeing it now, I felt blessed. It was all good.

I made friends, knew people's characteristic, and even changes lot. I first is a selfish girl, ask my friend, they'ld say so! I hope they think i'm better now :) I'm still moody, but a lot better :) I even manage to be an tutor/assistant, and learnt emosion control.. haha.. 4 years changes me!
Now I'm in NTU, I am marvelled, how God's way is beyond my imagination.

I always dream to go abroad, US is a dream country for me.. haha.. But I don't think I will ever go there, even only for vacation, due to our economic condition.. God's way is not my way. I got accepted in NTU, and they sent me to study in Stanford. It is one of the best univ in the world, and I wouldn't think i will ever study there. Too expensive, too demanding, too presticious, and many other reason. I survived 2 months in stanford, manage to get gpa 3.5 from 4. Even got the chance to enjoy LA, Hollywood, Universal Studio, and San Francisco with my friends. And now I'm studying at NTU, who was previously reject me, but now giving scholarship to me. God plays in the weirdest way!

What I learnt from these almost 22 years is:

I have to rely my life on God. He should be number 1, numero uno! I should be grateful!
I need to learn more from my parents. How my dad teaches us, and make us how we're now. How my mom kept her faith and stand with my dad during the heavy time.
All that I am now, its not because of my own strength. My friends changes me. My parents encouraging me. And My God is taking care of me in His hand!
Failures are always there. Troubles will always exist. But it's how we responds to it will let us to a better life..

I wonder what the life will bring me in another 5 year. Where will I be then....

What did live taught you? Share your story..

WongFu Productions: These Four Walls

2011-01-21T23:28:00.008+08:00

20.01.2011

Wesley Chan wrote this on his twitter....

21.01.2011
I thought tomorrow is the day.. But then, I saw a post on Singapore Love Wongfu Productions' facebook account, saying that the video is up..
The link is here.. But I put on the video here as well.. Enjoy!

My comment:

I first thought that Wes would make sort of Italy's edition of "One day in HK".. With stories, actors, etc..

But then, this is not typical Wong Fu videos..

This video's main actor is...

a pinwheel..

I thought it's quite hard to understand what Wes' trying to say.. (or perhaps it's just my low understanding of art..) However, I do find that this his creativity need to be given a Kudos.. Well, who would thought to use a pinwheel to explain that the world is bigger than what we know, and the boundaries (walls) are actually built by ourself? The world is just bigger than the walls we made..

I have to admit, Italy is beautiful. Never been there, yet it is indeed one of the place that I'ld love to go. Actually, I'ld love to go to many countries in Europe.. Haha..

I enjoyed the scenery.. As well as seeing the lovely pinwheel rotating on those different places.. It's kind of reminding me to childhood, with the warm feeling.. And the mary-goes-around looks nice, isn't it? I wonder when is my last time riding on that machine.. hmmm...

Anyway...

The scene that I love most during the whole video is... These four...

NOTES: These PICTURES ARE BASED ON WESLEY CHAN from WONG FU PRODUCTIONS's VIDEO: THESE FOUR WALLS.

I'm only doing screencaps and editing it :)

Credits:

Video by : Wesley Chan

Effect by : Wesley Chan and Brian Chan

Music by : George Shaw

P.S.: I want to go to Italy badly, like, NOW!!! :p Oh well.. Guessed next June I'll ask my fam to extend the europe trip, and add Italy..

Additional Note..

These four walls was released 21 January 2011 at Youtube.

And the music score was out today, 24 January 2012 at George Shaw's website. Go check it out!

Kina Grannis - A humble, lovely singer

2011-01-17T02:10:00.008+08:00

Kina Grannis is a girl with a lovely voice, face, and great songs!! She won some contest ( like Doritos Crash the Super Bowl, and the recent one Sirius XM’s 2010) which proves that she really is good..

I came to know her (know = youtube + twitter ~~stalking~~) at first is because of David Choi and her collaboration in the song My Time with You.. I love the melodies, and lyrics, and even their humming part.. I just simply love it as a whole!

I had to admit, her voice and her simple acts was enough to capture my ear's heart (if ear ever has heart)..

Check out the video that captures me down here!

Yap.. Since then (2 months ago?) I started ~~stalking~~ following her twitter, and found out that she reply most of the tweets she got.. And that she does have (or at least tried to make) a personal interaction with her fans (kinerds, kination, and even she replied me and my friend!)..

She was previously unsigned, and released some self-released albums such as: Sincerely, Me ; One More In the Attic ; In Memory of the Singing Bridge ; and the latest one, Stairwells..

I'm not really sure, but I think now she's signed by an independent label, and working on re-launching of Stairwells with additional songs..

What I like about her is that even the Kinerds do have a good friendship with each others, even with Kina and her family. Her shows, like the most recent one in El Rey is a very warm-communicative concert, where she manage to meet-and-greet the fans/supporters afterwards. Kina's sisters also appears alot at her videos, singing with her. Simple, warm, attractive. I would say those three words explain Kina's style..

Oh, one of my most favourite song is VALENTINE.. You can get it for free from Kina, at the link here.

(see, she's that nice!)

Do support her by buying her albums (although Stairwells are currently sold out now), itunes are still a good way to support her http://itunes.com/kinagrannis!

Here is Valentine - Kina Grannis

Kina rocks!!

UPDATE:

During one of her QA twitter session, I asked her of going to Indonesia.. As you probably knew, David Choi is having a show to Singapore and Indonesia this June.. I was wondering how awesome it is to have both of them going here for a concert.. Here's what Kina replied..

The Jubilee Project's January Fund Raising Video: 50 people 1 question

2011-01-13T22:43:00.006+08:00

On top of my new year resolution is to do good, and share goodness...

And what else to do then to share the video from JubileeProject?

May be you've known them from my previous posts about their video?
Anyway, they are basically 3 people, with one passion, to make videos for a good cause. And they will post a new video (I guess 1 each month?), supporting one organization or one cause.

Follow their twitter, @JubileeProject! And also on TheJubileeProject's facebook!!

The fund for this month (January) will go to SUS.. Each time someone watch this video, a sponsor will donate some amount of money..
If you have the money and the passion to give.. You could do so, by emailing them at project.jubilee@gmail.com saying how much you would like to donate, and what's your top donation (so you won't be broke after donating).. Or, if you don't have the money.. Just simply watch the video!! SHARE IT with your friends, and WATCH.. WATCH... and WATCH some more!! haha..

SUS is basically an organization that provides necessary mental and physical services for the neglected and needy. These people needs medicines ofcourse, but they also need a second chance to live..

If you're reading this after January, you could check their newest video on: here..

About the video...
Jubilee Project: 50 People, 1 Question
(as usual, just click the title to see it on youtube)

I've seen the teaser, and was very curious about what the question is..
And when the video finally out... i was surprised!
So.. the question is..
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET?
The answer on the video varies.. From not taking school seriously (ups.. that's seems like me..), having a bad relationship thing, school/college things, not having a good relationship with parents, not joining a protests, letting marriage weathering die, until a funny response of buying the wrong size of bra.. :p

At the time I watch this, I remembered all the things that I regret, from losing on competitions, not buying the clothes I really like when it's on sale, not being nice to my grandma, not thinking before speaking and at the end hurt some people.. The list was actually goes on and on through my mind.. And I kept watching and thinking at the same time.. Untiiill...

This girl showed up.. Saying she has no regret as the things she has done in life is what makes her who she is today.. Way too cool! Good point! I was too full with my own negative thinking to realize that without it, I wouldn't be who I am today..

I remembered what my dad said when I was very upset getting a complaint on how bad I did on my work..

He said.. "God has a good plan for you. Do you realize that during these years, 17 years you're with us, you live in a glamourous life, getting everything you want from us? Then four years in uni, when you have problems, you still got your good friends backing you up? Now it's time for you to realize that the world is not that simple, girl, Outside world could be mean, but you still have God to rely on. And believe if you have problems, it means He wanted you to learn something. You learn from your mistakes.. Maybe you need to be changed afterall.."

Anyway, back to the video, My favorite is when this lady showed up!

She said, "My biggest regret?".. and thiiiiink.. and show some hillarious facial expression.. and said "I don't have one. I love my life, and I have nothing else to say than It's great to be alive.. No regrets.."

Bummer!!

IT IS INDEED GREAT TO BE ALIVE..

THANK YOU GOD...

for my life, for who I am, for my family, for my friends, for every success I had, for every problems I had, for every failures I suffer, for every smiles and every tears..

Everytime, you're always there with me even when I'm down and didn't realize it.. :)

Thanks God..

Book Review: Precious Moment _ Storybook Bible

2011-01-13T21:55:00.002+08:00

I love precious moments! But at first I thought this book is too expensive.
However, I got it at the end, and like it!

This book is very nice to read, esp. for small kids.
It contains bible stories, and with the lovely pictures of "precious moments icons"..
The story it self is on a large font, so it's easy to be read.
The book basically covers some classic bible stories, from creation, the eden, flood in noah's time, and until Jesus going back to heaven. 15 stories at the total..
Also some praises and wisdom from Psalm and Proverbs.. And additional stories of faith.. Besides bible stories, there are also simple songs and prayers.

I would suggest to buy this for a "bed time story" time, so the kids can read along.. I'm sure it will add a value to the quality time we have...

I think this book is best for kids up to 10 years old.
Above 10, they may think it's too boring because the stories inside are somewhat popular stories that they might have known.. :)

I got this book from the BOOKSNEEZE.COM.. And ofcourse, this review is based on my personal point of view, and I'm not forced to write a positive comment.. :)

HaPpY NeW YeaR!! 2011 will be a ROCKing Year

2011-01-06T22:15:00.000+08:00

Happy new year!

Few days ago, we have a special sun-rainbow appearance.. Check it out!

Cool isn't it??

Book Review: A Wallflower Christmas - Lisa Kleypas

2010-12-26T20:56:00.001+08:00

I've been reading all four series of Wallflower girls by Lisa Kleypas. And when I saw this on the bookstore oneday before christmas, I just simply can't resist it!
I've been planning to find some books related with christmas, so I could feel the joy and such.. :)
I eventually finish reading this book on the same day.. December 24th..

The Story
It's not about the 4 wallflower girls.. But about Lilian and Daisy's brother, Rafe.
Rafe was the only son of Bowman family, and so the father, Thomas was very hard at him.
Rafe had refuse all his father's will, and he step up, made his own business, and succeed.
But one day, he had to go to England, find a wife, as it is his father's will to have Natalie, a daughter of blue-blood, Blandford family as his daughter-in-law. If Rafe failed to marry her, then he won't get the opportunity to have the Bowman's England business.
On the effort to know Natalie better, Lilian invite Hannah (a poor cousin, who is Natalie's chapperone) for a tea.
During the meal, however, Rafe feels interest in Hannah. In the other hand, Hannah never approve Rafe as Natalie's husband-to-be. She think as an American, his culture are diifferent, he's ungentle, weird and not-appropriate for her beautiful and charming cousin, Natalie. But at the same occasion, Rafe showed how he would treat something that blocks his way.
The kiss between Rafe and Hannah is a changing moment for both of them.
For the Christmas time, Lilian planned to have a party. All the wallflowers are there.. Lilian (and her husband ofcourse), Daisy (and her husband Marcus), Evie, and Anabelle. During the events, Rafe found out more about Hannah, and knew that he couldn't marry anyone but her. Hannah, found out that beside Rafe's outrangeous manner, he's just a simple, lonely man. They soon found they love eachother. The wallflower help Hannah preparing for the dinner, giving her their maid, pearls, gloves, and simply showed their cares for the new addition to the wallflower group. Hannah looks adorable for the dinner, she's decided to tell Rafe how she felt, but the dinner is ready and the Bowman family and Blandford famliy are prepared to tell the happy wedding news to everyone.. The news is brought up, a wedding is set..
Natalie, being broken hearted, run away from the dining hall... and cried out, feeling too late to tell her feelings to Rafe..
Or is it??

My comment
It was a pleasure reading more stories about wallflowers. I do love the appearance of Hunt and Sebastian, kind of remind me to their stories, and make me wanted to re-read it :)
However, the story is a bit classic, so the ending is not so predictable.
I've always love a historical romance, and Lisa Kleypas is one of my favorite in this particular topic.
I love the christmas setting, and i could simply imagine how Lilian with her passion being jealous at her husband. How Evie and Annabelle tried to force Lilian away from all the sewing activities.
I'm drawn into the Charles Dicken's christmas ghost stories when Hannah told the story to the kids.
I laugh hardly reading a boy manage to stole Thomas's wig and put it on the christmas tree.
I cried reading Lilian telling Hannah about Rafe's soldier toy story..
I just simply love the characters.
Except for Thomas Bowman's character.. But then, without him as a bad father, the story won't be complete.. :)
I'm ready for my christmas!!

For Sol

2010-12-26T16:08:00.001+08:00

I knew how you'ld love to see some sneak peak of singapore..
So I made this short slide-show for you.. Take a look.. :)

enjoy!!

Music: Imagine - David Choi - youtube cover.. http://www.davidchoimusic.com/

P.S. Esplanade theatre is the place that David sings last year, and he also manage to go to the night Safari, and also the Merlion in Sentosa.. Check out more details at his Singapore Video, i think he have 10-11 videos :)

Have a great new year!

Stanford...

2010-12-16T14:46:00.001+08:00

This is a photo-slide of stanford university. Stanford is a very good university, and I'm thankful for getting the change to be there..
Hope someday I could go there again.

Photos: by me and my friends
Songs by: David Choi

Wongfu Production: Too fast

2010-12-11T14:26:00.004+08:00

Too Fast by Wong Fu Production
Philip Wang, Ted Fu, and Wesley Chan..

These guys started making movies from colleges. They met at UCSD, and made movies with their friends, basically for their school projects... Now, they already graduated, moved to LA, and continue their dream. They have millions subscribers!
They produced two big movies, A moment with you (sorry, no link provided, it's only on dvd, and sold out), and the newest and booming one, Agent of Secret Stuffs (35 minutes), starred by @therealryanhiga..

So today, they upload a new short video, titled Too fast.. Check it out, here!
It's basically made for Subaru..
Starred by Randall Park (a well known comedian in LA) and his wife :)

Storyline

A guy, named Brandon..
Since he was a kid, he done everything fast!!

When his father explained that after this, his body will start change etc.. He changed!! :D

Before

After

This happen all the times, in friendship, and even in relationship!

This is Kelly, a girl that he likes..

On their first date

He porpose her on the night! And 8 days later, they're married and got kids!

Conclution: too fast is not always good..

My comment:

Hmm.. This is weird.. :)

Okay, the story doesn't make any sense (ups.. sorry..)

Buuuut..

I would still recommend this, if you are bored, and need some laugh..

Because...

Randall's expression was super! And his laugh is contagious!!

I also loves his wife's expression.. :D

Seeing this 3 minutes clips, made me wonder, did Wongfu put enough effort on the story line.. As written on their blog, they did the shots in 2 days, edited in 1 day.. But for these little and rushed time, it is quite good~~
Seeing from the bloopers, they actually did quite well with the details.. I heard Ted's voice directing the actors on their gestures, and also words.. Guessed all directors are perfectionist :p

Anyway, it's quite entertaining.. At least I laugh a lot during these 3 minutes.. And it was a good laugh :D

Check out others videos by wongfupro, at their youtube channel!

Note: All pictures are courtesy to Wongfu Production

Book Review: Same Kind of Different As Me

2010-12-10T16:23:00.002+08:00

I just realize I haven't post the review for this book..
I read this book at August 2010, during my 6 hour trip from SF to LA.
So I thought this book will be a nice one to read.. Guess what..
I CRIED DURING READING IT!!
Oh well.. My friends all were suprised coz of a sudden, i cried.. :(
Story line:

The story is about two man and a woman that changes their life, one white man and his wife, also one black man.. It was described in two point of view, so it's kinda interesting..
Ron Hall is a wealthy international art dealer who travels the world buying and selling rare and expensive works of art. He has grown rich and so also grown selfish and has grown away from his family.
One time Ron Hall reluctantly volunteers at a homeless shelter (at the insistence of his wife).
He soon comes into contact with Denver, a man his wife is convinced is going to change the city.

Denver grew up as a sharecropper in Louisiana, living a life that seemed little different from the life of his ancestors one hundreds years before. He eventually walked away from the cotton fields and found that, while life on the streets of Fort Worth was difficult, it was easier than being a sharecropper.

It was here, in a homeless shelter, that the two men met, one serving food and the other being a reluctant recipient of this charity.
The idea from Deborah, Ron's wife is that Ron could serve the evening meal once a week, and we'd be in and out in three, four hours maximum.
They will minister from behind the rusty steel serving counter, safely separated from the customers.
They will enter and leave through the rear kitchen door, to minimize contact with those likely to hit them up for money. The whole arrangement seemed like a good way for them to fulfill Deborah's desire to help the homeless without our touching them or letting them touch us.
So Ron met Denver, and became interested in this man. In other hand, Denver tried to avoid all kind of cares shown by Deborah and Ron. But at the end, they manage to be good friend.

One thing that I remember is that when Denver said to Ron, if he becomes his friend, it is forever. WOW!
They began to show the respect and admiration to each other, teaches others (also me) about life.. They have different types of life, high class, and lower one.. But it attracts each others! And noted, it's a real story guys!
What made me cried most is when Deborah got sick and eventually died, and Ron thought his friendship with Denver will also died. But how Denver showed that he care, and he do care.. well, it's so warming my heart! :D

In conclution, this is a warm novel, should read it, then you'll feel blessed for what you have. It will change our perspective to live.. :D

The Jubilee Project: The Waiting Game

2010-12-08T22:23:00.009+08:00

THE JUBILEE PROJECT

These people loves making videos..
They also loves to make difference..
So.. They made VIDEOS for GOOD CAUSE!

By watching their videos, we're actually taking a part in donating, and ofcourse helping others..
So, share the news, share the links..

Oh, and you can be the donator also.. Just sign up here!

Even the videos which is sort of documenter (reporting the jubilee project, the wedding documentation, etc).. It all came out with a purpose, and you also can participate.. :)

Follow their twitter, @JubileeProject! And also on TheJubileeProject's facebook!!

I previously wrote a review on their Love Language! Check it out!!

Another video from The Jubilee Project which I like is...
The Waiting Game

Check the video at: http://bit.ly/d3JYCP

Story line:

A guy asking her girlfriend to meet up, promised he won't be late again.

She waited him in the park..

And at the time promised,
He didn't showed up..

.........

32 minutes passed the meeting time..

And he's not there!!
Where's the man???

Well he did tried to go there.. But he just realize that he bring no money, so he had to run!!

Is he too late?

She's gone.. He's actually going to propose!!! *hint: I saw a ring :p

......

Did she left??
Check out what happen to them, here, at youtube!

*p.s. you have to watch it till the very end!

My personal comment

I love watching their videos actually, coz they have a message in all their videos..

I thought there are two strange things.. :)

When the man first called, it's as if he didn't really rushed into the meeting place.. If lets say I'm having a meeting, I'll tried to go to the place directly, so, I'll probably ended up with talking on the phone and walking :)
The meeting place! Is it just me or the girl is already there? Maybe it would be a bit make sense if the first scene is not on a fountain.. Hmm.. probably somewhere else would be better?
Whyyy when he late, he didn't text her??? :(

On the contrary, I love this video due to several reasons. The scripts is actually very nice :) I love the small details, like when the man bought flowers, and when he was in hurry, he give a flower to the "sesame street figure" (was it elmo? i forgot the name).. And I love the script because it's unexpected :) At first my heart broke seeing that the man late.. But seeing his running, and tried to manage being there.. Make me melt :D

Also when he finally arrived, but the girl is gone!! Hwaaaa!! I want to shout out loud!! Whyyyy!!!

Seeing that his trying to porpose (at least in my opinion, he's going to do so!).. huhu.. noooo...

But then, I watch till the end.. And the ending :) make me smile.. Totally made my day..

Overall.. This clip is a sweet romance video.. I guess this is The Jubilee Project's style.. Looking forward for their next video :)

Note: All photos are courtesy of The Jubilee Project.

Picture collages of WESley chan from Wongfu Productions

2010-12-04T16:44:00.004+08:00

The title says it all..

Wesley Chan is one of the member of WONGFU PRODUCTION..

You can check their website at: http://www.wongfuproductions.com/

Several of his scripts are filmed, and in my personal opinion, the scripts are aWESome..

He also design some of the AREYOUANICEGUY t-shirt.

Not to discredit Philip Wang or Ted Fu, I do think THREE of them did a GREAT job!

Phil has his own role, he's more of the spokeperson of wongfu, and the name wongfu was also based on Phil's nickname :) (source: WongFu's old site)

Ted is the more-mature more-logical guy.. I think He's the tech guy :)

I'll make a collage photos of Phil and Ted next time..

But this week, I wanted to appriciate Wes :) Sorry Phil, Ted.. :)

I'm looking forward for more of Wes's scripts, and ofcourse more WONGFU VIDEOs!!

The Jubilee Project : Love Language

2010-11-30T15:10:00.009+08:00

These people loves making videos..
They also loves to make difference..
So.. They made VIDEOS for GOOD CAUSE!

By watching their videos, we're actually taking a part in donating, and ofcourse helping others..

So, share the news, share the links..

Oh, and you can be the donator also.. Just sign up! jubileeproject.bandcamp.com

Even the videos which is sort of documenter (reporting the jubilee project, the wedding documentation, etc).. It all came out with a purpose.. :)
Follow their twitter, @jubileeproject! And also on TheJubileeProject's facebook!!

Here is the link for their latest fund-raising..

http://bit.ly/h45By6

The title is the Love Language..

Brief storyline..

A guy, seeing a girl sitting on a bench.. He's actually interested in her..

But she's reading, and listening to music with her earphone..

He started to make a move, by asking her for a pen..

She gave it, yet still listening to her earphone..

Next day..
He sit on the bench.. Waiting for the girl..

She's no where to be seen.. Until...

She finally showed up..

And still with her earphones on!

He asked her, what she's listening to..

And she didn't say a word..

Then he got an idea!

He wrote it on a post-it!

And she replied "a special song"

He ask her "Can I listen to it?"

She wrote back "No, I'm embarassed"

Anddd... They keep on writing notes...

Until one day..
She ask him "Do you want to listen to my song?"
He wrote "I'ld like that"
And he was surprised when he heard the earphone..
WHY???

Check out their video! http://bit.ly/h45By6
The ending is indeed adorable.. :)
I'm sure you'll love it!

My personal comment:This is a so-called "so-sweeeeeet" love story!
From the first time, I thought the guy was a bit creepy.. The pick-up line is ehem.. a bit old.. haha..
Anyway, it works! :D
Watching the progress on how they become close, it is so adorable!
I love the details like how they communicate with post-it paper.. However, if I am the guy, I'ld probably think, "hey.. what's wrong with this girl, why she doesn't even want to talk or put off her earphone when she's talking to me? I thought we're already close??"
Anyway, I feels sympathy when the girl finally trust the guy, and let him hear the music she's been listening to. And was shocked to know that there's no sound.. But in my little mind, i said "i knew it!"
haha..
Anyway, I SUPER-LOVE the ending.. so cute ^^
I thought, well yea, sometimes it is hard to have a problem like deaf, mute, blind, or even if you're broke your feet during a sport game and got a limp.. :( People sometimes didn't even care!!
This short clip reflects.. "we should see the inner beauty, not only outside appearance, or the cover"
Yea, it's hard.. But.. At least if we try, maybe we can change the world?
And it's good to know, that JubileeProject care :)
HOW ABOUT YOU?

P.S. I also love their other video, and wrote a review for the Waiting Game..

Check my review out here!

Note: All photos are courtesy of The Jubilee Project.

Beloved People.. :)

2010-11-29T22:58:00.000+08:00

From the top, Going to Stanford and joining the NEMS, give me the honour to know and befriends with several nice people.. Shinta, Indra, Maria, June, Licar, Jess.. I'm so happy to know you guys.. We'll make more memories, I'm sure, and I'm looking forward for it!

Middle-Bottom.. Photos of a very great friends..

These 4 years, I've been living in Surabaya, study hard, and ofcourse playing hard..

These people are awesome!!

Carissa, Wina, Titin, Sam, Love, Sil, Agnes, ko Willy, ko Yur, ce Ipol..

Love y'all.. Don't miss me!!

Agent of secret stuff

2010-11-29T20:20:00.008+08:00

It's better to be late than never...

Agents of Secret Stuff..

This is the new movie done by wongfu production
I've been waiting for a looong time.. And they did the premier on 23rd November, and post it on youtube the next day, 24th. Check out the official trailer: here!
Psttt... I felt inlove from the first time.. :p

Anyway, it was 25th at 4 pm (noted that singapore is 16 hours ahead of CA now), and i'm kindda awake suddenly.. Realizing that the movie should be out soon (coz u wait since the night before), I tried to check online.. Then puff.. Suddenly someone tweeted that the movie is out..
Hell-yea!!

My phone's signal is really bad and it took like forever to see it..
So I openned my laptop (totally bad idea if you want to sleep again), and check out the full video..
Clik here to watch Agent of Secret Stuff

It's been viewed by more than 3 MILLION people.. THREE MILLION! SUuuuPer!!

So a bit summary, the story is about Aden (it's ryan @therealryanhiga, check out his twitter), a guy who's waiting for being and ASS (yea, ASS - Agent of Secret Stuff). And his last job, which will give him the ASS title, is to save a girl, named Taylor (Arden Cho @arden_cho).. Aden never had a normal life before.. I mean, all he know was how to be an ASS.. So he's kindda weird!! See some prove of his weirdness in these photos..

Yea... It's Ryan!! Check out Ryan's other youtube videos here!

Anyway, Aden started to learn.. How to trust, make friends, and such..
He also learnt to ride a bike!

And the love is in the air!! It was before the prom night, and Aden is too shy to ask Taylor out.. He's just joking around.. And suddenly Melvin (@d_Trix) showed up, and ask Taylor for a prom date..
Aden is jealous, suddenly he see, a blade coming out from the rose that Melvin gave.. Aden tried to save Taylor, by knocking Melvin.

Taylor is totally pissed of! She just can't take it anymore.. She choose to leave Aden, and accept Melvin!
Aden started being frustrated, questioning what was his life for and such..
Until he sees that the rose really had a blade!!
He has to save Taylor.. But how?? Is it too LATE????

Check out the full movie here!

IT is totally WORTH IT!! :D

My comment:
I can't stop laughing at the early scenes!! Ryan did well, infact, he looks like an ALIEN!! :D
Arden? Looks great.. She looks adorable.. And i love the fighting scenes..
d_Trix? He's totally geek.. Sorry! But it means your acting is good, right?

My most fav scene:
1. The badminton
2. When Aden learnt to ride a bike, -and fell off- :p
3. The fighting scene.. D_Trix!! Ryan!! Arden!! good job!!
4. The dance, and the kiss! :)

Random:
1. Philip's appearance -- a bit weird :p LOL

Anyway, keep on making video guys!! :D

Notes: all photos are courtesy to Wongfu Production and Ryan Higa

Review: SuitCASES-silent theatre by the Finger Player's

2010-11-22T17:27:00.010+08:00

So I found this performance online at: www.fingerplayers.com

And they said "a silent performance".. (What's that suppose to mean??? How can a theatre performed silently!)

Anyway, I never went to a theatre before, only school performance, and wouldn't consider it as a true theathre experience..
Looking at their website, and finding out that this particular company "the Finger Players" are a non-profit organization, and they have got several awards, my curiousity arised.
I thought "WOW! This is should be perfect for a first experience!"
So, I booked the tickets for their main season. FYI, they only have 2-3 season a year, which each is 2/3 days performance only. And I went for the show at 29 Oct.
Here is the link to their youtube clip :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaRzUrj0Ai8

It was held on Singapore National Library, 5th floor. At first I thought not many people will love this kindda thing. But I was wrong! They only have around 100 seats, which I would say 90%occupied, I wasn't sure that the seats at the back are full, it was too dark.

So the show begin
And.. The lights are off! There are four women, dressed in white raincoat, and their faces covered liked geisha (traditional japan entertainmer woman). It was quite scary for me, as the music is like the horror movies..
I thought "DANG, is it a horror theatre? what a way to start!"
But than, I thought I've paid 31sgd, and so I confinced my self to be brave and to enjoy..

The story
As I said these four women, represent a traveller. Each of them has Suitcases.
As the prologue, these travellers build the city, a little by little, in ritualistic and mechanical motion (this is a bit creepy for me).. Till I realize, Man, they're trying to build singapore as background!

The story was separated into four parts:
1. Sense of Belonging
The first traveller, open her raincoat, and open her suitcase. Inside was a red ballon. She then held the red ballons. It represent child's playing and a person face. She kisses the ballon, and the ballon is creativelly used to create graceful momentum. She dance with the red balloon, sensually, as the expression of a raw desire. But then she becomes too violent, and the ballon exploded into small pieces, which with a great sorrow, she gathers, and then she put her raincoat again, and become anonymously.
2. Evolution
The second traveller, attemps to impress other travellers. But all she got was rejection, and humorously expressed by unexpected use of dialects by the other travellers. With a despair, the traveller rolls up her shirt, revealing a face-like thing on her belly, a bit strange-green hues, and scar tissue texture (gross!)..
This face narrates a story of creation theory, using puppet to express the beginning of Being, the propagation, and its development which led to self-distruction. Then the Being exploded into particles, and waiting to be assembled again.
(After the show, i just know from my friend, that it actually echoes the current situation of global warming!)
Then the focus is back on the traveller. She earns the companionship of the puppet of the original being. (It was a great form of art, I couldn't describe how I feel, I love the soundtract, it really set the atmosphere!)
3. Revolutionary Change
The third part tells about breaking out of meaningless life routine. Represented by the third traveller, trying to adapt into life, by study, working, having fun, eating, sleep, study, working, etc.. Until one time, she feels enough and doubts the purpose if such life routine. This challange the other travellers from being a teacher-like, to a police like, with their batons who force her to go back into the routines. This confrontation is expressed in a puppet, showing up from her suitcase, with a scary face, half safety dummy, half eyeballs with flesh. (It was again so abstract, hard for me to describe, but the light and shadows were giving great atmosphere as well).
4. Hidden Ailments
The final chapter, is about a traveller, which has a bad body odor. Others tried to clean her up, brutally! Failing to remove it, they tried to stuff her into a suitcase! Or other word, they refuse her, and ask her to go back to her origin. The traveller breaks down, cried. With despair, she bares a scar on her chest (for me, it looks similar to the secont traveller). Seeing this, the other travellers, put out ther raincoat, and reveal their own ugly (disquisting) outgrowth to each other, and they extabilish bond. (In my opinion, it represent that we all have ugly thing, and we sometimes tried to hide it. Then in this case, they can know each others' ugliness, being open toward other and befriend)

The closing
They ceremoniously hang up their raincoats, and happily standing together with their new friends, under the singapore's rain..

What I feel after the show
This was a great theatre to start! It makes me think during the show, and I tried to catch up all things happening on the stage.. I love their acts, and the music create great atmosphere. My friends, Singaporean, said that it indeed reflected Singapore's life, how heavy the pressure from the community, etc.
Overall, It was great! I'll be looking forward to their upcoming shows.. And also other theatre performance as well

Our Problems vs GOD

2010-10-24T19:31:00.004+08:00

In live we sure have something to worried..
School, bills, debts, friends, parents, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, boyfriend, girlfriend, and many others.
It's simply just because we're human, and we do think a LOOOOT of those things..
I my self have a lot in my mind, but this picture below blessed me!!

Yes, OUR GOD PROMISE TO PROVIDE EVERYTHING...!
What we have to do is simply BELIEVE.
He said once, BELIEVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN!

As seen above, He has ask to carry our problems. It's our response that will determine the result..

September Babies

2010-09-29T00:14:00.003+08:00

October is coming!!

It's 29 September, 2010, 00.14 am, and i'm still online!! haha
I have so many friends born in this month.. Few days ago, Shinta one of my new-best-friend, celebrate her birthday here at NTU.. Boy, we did surprise her!!
We bought a tiramisu cake, and knock rudely at her door, and sang "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" loudly.. lucky no one at grad hall complaint.. haha..
Then we eat!!

Next in Line is my best-friend Carissa, born on 26. I thought I'ld miss her b'dae this year as she's back there in Indonesia, while I'm here at Singapore. But God's soooo good to me, ehm, to us.. Guess what, she got the changes to go here, and we met at 27th. So me, and Samuel, bought a cake, and actually planned to surprise her.. Unluckily, when me and Sam are texting (planning on the surprise), she saw the text message!! I'm so embarassed.. haha.. Anyway, the cake is so delicious.. :D

Coming next on 30 is Samuel.. Yes Samuel the one i just mentioned above.. haha..
We did something special for him this year. We celebrate his birthday yesterday on 28!
He didn't expect it ofcourse, and looking at his face when he open his room door was FANTASTIC! I can't stop laughing, so from 7 of us, only 2 able to sing, while, me, I laugh all the way.. haha.. sorry sam!
He's like, stunned, unable to even say something.. haha..
anyway, we had early dinner.. Eat noodles and KFC.. I miss KFC!! haha..

FUN FUN FUN ..
Birthday are FUN!!
Happy birthday to my dearest friends, and to all september babies out there..
Wish u had a great birthday, celebrated with great families, or friends, or people who cares about you!! :)

Living in NTU

2010-09-14T02:14:00.003+08:00

Almost 2 weeks I'm here..
Staying at the grad hall, in a single room..
I'm comfortable here..
Room's great, food's okay, friends are great..
My sister is here, so i could hijack her room whenever i want and she's fine with it..

The thing that i don't like is just my own schedule
the course's time is not comforting..
Monday 11.00-12.30
Tuesday 09.30-10.30 followed by 18.30-21.30
Wednesday 11.00-12.30 followed by 13.00-17.00
Thursday 11.00-12.30
Friday 09.30-10.30

Also got a lab, the wednesday one.. had to do the prelab before class, and had to hand in the final report on friday.. life is so challenging!!

but I'm sure I CAN DO IT!!!

Stanford summer session is over

2010-08-15T15:48:00.005+08:00

Today stanford summer session that i'm taking is over. Got two exam, one at 9 am, one at 3.30 pm.
The first one is still okay. The second one, i just gonna leave it to God.. :)
Hmmm.. 8 weeks passed sooo fast!! I recall the first week, still getting used to everyone..
Now I don't know what I feel..

I just know, stanford is indeed a good university, i love the lectures, i just hate that i have to take all the exams.. can i just sit in class, and not taking any exam, and passed? hehe.. (P.S. I noted some of you might have question about life in stanford during summer session, leave me a comment down there, i'll reply asap)

My lecturer.. Are all very unique.. Sandy, very funny when he bump his head with his hand.. we can hear the sound, very loudly.. hahaha.. Craig, one of the nicest lecturer i ever know. he is very interesting, can make the lesson more understandable.. Derek, what can I say.. he's so cool.. and he did succeed in making me interested in the rivers, streams, and canals.. ;) Royal.. He help a lot on the project, and indeed he's one of the most supportive lecturer..

The TA.. what can i say.. Jun Hee, she's nice, her english is a bit hard to understand (it's my lack of knowledge, definetly not her fault). She's so helpful, but sometimes did wrong calculation on problem session.. maybe she's nervous because a nice girl like me is there? hahaha.. Xindu, also nice guy, but not much interaction as the office hour is in sunday. I mean, helloo, sunday?? office hour?? anyway, he's nice. Liana, one of the attractive person! Derek is fun, Liana is also fun!! She's the type of supportive, looks to be happy almost all the time. Never join her problem session, so can't give much comment. Todd, no prob session ofcourse, but he's so detailed! Which is good by the way, as our paper really got many minor typo. MANY!! haha.. felt sorry that he actually had to corrected all those 18 pages typos.. hahaha..

My mark? Forget it.. What's done is done.. hahaha

My room? Nice, a bit cold, but blanket does help a lot!!

My roommate? wonderful! She's so smart, and not lazy like me.. hehe.. she also wake up very early and i did feel blessed, she makes sure i'm awake on the last final exams! Thanks!!!

My classmates? Fun!! I did meet looots of interesting people. I hope at NTU we'll get to know each other more :)
I am going to have FUN in NTU forsure!!! :P

Learning to Cook

2010-08-05T16:09:00.004+08:00

After almost 6 weeks here,
I started to learn cooking.. finally.. hahaha..
Luckily I have 3 friends, who voluntered them selves to be my experiment bunny (thought they're just lazy to cook.. hahaha..).. I'm so grateful that they agreed to taste it..
Things I managed to cook:
1. Spinach soup with prawn
2. Sauted Pok Choy with garlic
3. Noodle+prawn+pok choy
4. Scrambled egg tofu
5. Fried prawn
6. Soup : chicken+beans+tofu+garlic

I just cook the simple simple simple things, as I said I could not cook.. hahaha
I hope I'm getting better at cooking :P

New York Mets vs San Francisco Giant, my first baseball game

2010-07-18T15:45:00.007+08:00

I just come back from AT&T park, watching the baseball game..
Tonight it was NewYork Mets vs San Francisco Giant..

As you can see, we sat at third floor, section 5.. almost the highest..

I love the view!!!

I wasn't familiar with baseball. Played it on my elementary school..
But watching these game, feeling the atmosphere, and how the crowds loooove the giants...
I suddenly became a giant fans!! :)

Today, the Giants win.. They made some homerun, and some great catch!!!
This is the view of the At&T park after the game ended..

Review: Wonders Never Cease, A Novel by Tim Downs

2010-07-13T07:54:00.004+08:00

I just received this book from Booksneeze..
At first time, I thought this would be a nice novel to read if I have the time..
But after starting 2 chapters, I know I have to finish it, and I did finish it in a day! :)

The story is about ex-movie star, Olivia Hayden, who's at the hospital. One of the nurse, named Kemp, tried to make a fortune. He, along with Olivia's agent, and also a publisher, managed to make a scheme, so Olivia will believe that she's choosen by angel to pass a message-by making a book!

During the whole manipulation process, Kemp's girlfriend's daughter, named Leah, got involved. And she claimed to see a real spirit.. Who's that??? No one believed that Leah actually sees angel. . Natalie, her mother got confused as the school started to feel that Leah got a mental problem..

Lots of entertaining chapters happen, especially because involving money, celebrities and mystical things, and the ending is a bit unpredictable..
I didn't really feel deep about how the characters.. But I love the twist, it's a bit shocking, because I assume that at the end Olivia will realize, or Kemp and his team got caught, or something like that.. Anyway, I think Tim Downs set a great ending for this novel. And still leaving me with curiousity.. Is there an angel for real outside there :)

I'm looking forward for the next novels by him..

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve

2010-07-10T12:21:00.009+08:00

The NEMS student from stanford visited Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.
This place was located about 25 minutes from stanford university.
One thing I could say, this place is really cool.

This is the main building, and it is very efficient. Nearly 0 carbon emission!!

The class room have a blower, so they will heat the room for an hour or two before the class started, and after they start, the blower is turned of. The student's body heat is used to maintain the room temperature! Less electricity! Nice..

Then we also went to the reservoir..

They are not used as Stanford's drink source, but only used as a backup for firefighter.. The main problem is a lot of sediment there! So the capacity is lower than it supposed to be.. And there were problems about fish and birds habitat..
But the dam was great. Build around 1882, but still exist now, even after earthquakes!!
And also there's a cool tree.. This place was used as a recreational area. The picture you see below show a tree, where there was a sign nailed to it..
And see how the tree feels about it!! The holes are getting smaller each year!

Food in the states

2010-07-06T12:22:00.004+08:00

For me as an asian girl, food is one of my major concern while studying in the state..
I've been here for almost 2 weeks, and junkfood seems to be the easiest and cheapest food :D
So, I've been eating many different junkfood, some of it are:
-> Jack in the box (there's one near Stanford)
-> Subway (at Tresseder Union, Stanford)
-> McD
-> Burger King
-> California Pizza

I do love to eat junkfood in Indonesia..
But, it's now a bit too much, the portion is waaay to big for me.. Next time I eat junkfood I definetly will take the kids meal :p
I miss Indonesian food!!! :p

Stanford!!!

2010-07-03T21:38:00.008+08:00

Last week I just arrived to San Francisco.. It's summer here, but I still feel very cold..

The airport was so big, compared to Indonesia..They even have many separate building for the parking lots.. Here I took photo of one of it..

I've been in Stanford for almost 2 weeks.. Here I upload some pictures of Stanford..

What I like most about Stanford is that they've very environmental friendly..
Look at the picture at me and my 2 friends (Sam and Indra)
The building at our back, is a cool building.. This building is the place where we have classes during our program.. Will tell the details on my next post..

It's done!

2010-06-07T21:12:00.000+08:00

My final assignment is finally done!

It's really all by His grace. never thought it would be finish in time, but Hey! I've got a big God! :)

So.. This week will be a busy week, trying to finish all the administration at college, and then next week.. another journey shall begin.. Horrayyyyyyyy!!!

Give Thanks

2010-05-31T23:00:00.002+08:00

This week's sunday kids service has put "Give thanks" as the main theme.

I know how hard it is to give thanks. And even in kids' eyes, it will be harder to give thanks.

When I said the theme was about giving thanks in everything, a kid spontaneously said "hah.. no way! if momma angry at me, should I laugh? if I get a red mark on my exams, should I smile? If my friends said something that pissed me, should I be calm and just relax? I'm not crazy!!"
As the kid has said, there could be dilemas to give thanks.
Well.. In my opinion, that's a simple truth. Giving thanks is easy when things go as what we wanted to. When things are out of our plans, it WILL be hard to give thanks.
But the question is WOULD WE STILL GIVE THANKS? It's not only the matter of what people think about us, not about what other people do, it is about WHAT WE DO. What our RESPONDs are.

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to THE HOLY ONE
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son..

The first step to give thanks, is by realizing that Jesus has take the first step to save us. We've given the chance to be saved, and knowing Him is one of the biggest miracle. Then, give thanks for the air we breath freely, thanks for the sun shining brightly, thanks for our family, thanks for the chance of living yet another day in our life..
There are lot more reasons to give thanks.. Let's start the day with speaking with Him.. NOW!
Thanks God!!

Afraid..

2010-04-11T00:21:00.002+08:00

I'm soooo afraid..

May is coming so soon, and should have done the final assignment before that. Then there's the exams.. After that June's coming.. Time to leave surabaya..

Afraid..

Afraid of missing my crazy, geje n lovely friends.. Afraid of missing my beloved Surabaya University..
Afraid of forgetting wonderful moments I've got in this city..

Afraid of moving to Stanford and Singapore.. Afraid that I can't do the course well.. Afraid of making new friends.. Oh God..

So many things that I'm afraid of.. Hmmmphhh...

I know for sure, where ever I am, He's there for me. And I also know I would definetly miss my iritating, irressistable, and yet unforgetable friends.. I love them so much, as much as I love my family :)

I must be thankful.. This oportunity is given to me, and I will do my best..

Always - Kirk Franklin

2010-04-08T00:09:00.004+08:00

I was down at the moment, and went to church as usual.
It was the easter ceremony, and the choir starts to sing. I don't usually go too early.
Just once or twice saw the choir coz I'm usually a bit late.
But that day, I went earlier (or perhaps they started a bit late than usual)..
And the choir had just start to sing this song: ALWAYS - (originally by Kirk Franklin)

You know I've had some lonely days
I've made mistakes and had to pay
I've had some friends who walked away
Just like mama told me

But there's someone who's love is real
Who cares about the way I feel (I know you feel)
Every pain that erase every stain
There's peace when I call out Your name

Jesus You're my everything
The cross You did that just for me
So whatever You take me through
I promise You
I'll spend my always with You

No one can touch my heart like You
or make me smile the way You do
I finally found someone who
who really truly loves me

And when my strength has come and gone
Your life in me it makes me strong
Your hand is where my heart belongs
You took all my pain
And erased every strain

Jesus, You're my everything
The cross You did that just for me
So whatever You take me through
I promise You
I'll spend my always with You

Jesus, my whole life has changed
Since the day I cried Your name
For everytime You brought me through
I promise You
I'll spend my always with You

This song was sung along with a flash video from donghaeng. The story about 3 people, asking a pastor to babtize them. And they told the pastor how they've walked to be there. How they read at the bible that Jesus ask them to bring their cross. They DID MAKE a small cross, and CARRIED it on their back! The pastor cried. They said, Jesus has done it for us, and it's now our time. "pastor, would you babtize us?". The pastor cried, then hug them, and said "of course"

I thought about my ups and downs, and realize at those time, I usually forgot HIM! When the choirs sing the verses, I started to cried, as I sing along.. What ever You take me through, I promise You, I'll spend my always with You.. Spend my always with You..

What I think of.. My Sister's Keeper

2010-02-09T00:26:00.003+08:00

Movie title: My sister's keeper

I've never read the book, so I don't know the whole story.. I do interested at the book, but I've got no many times to read it.. So I decided to watch the movie instead..
For me, Cameron Diaz acts beautifully. I really thought that she was a horible mom, but at the same time, a very loving mom.. She could show well, how she only thought for her eldest daughter, and seems to forgot her other children, but yet she loved them all.. And Abigail Breslin's role also made me curious.. What have she thought by doing the set-up play with her sister.. and I really felt how deep they love each other.. The biggest appreciation should go to the writer.. Too bad it's a fiction.. :) But couldn't imagine how if it's a true story either..

I thought the film a bit boring.. The beginning of the movie is rather slow, but I guess it's because of the details added to show the background.. I got surprised by the ending, knowing that it's all a play set up by two kids, and yet the whole family got a bit shocked.. I could say that if you're looking for a bit of drama, or if you want to cry a bit, you should watch this movie..

Overall, this movie gave a lesson to me, how to appriciate other, meaning that even though a kid, could have feeling.. We should also consider what they thought, and not only ours even though we're older. The mom in this movie, is probably thinking for her daughter's best, but is it what her daughter really want? Well, same things could happen in our live.. Isn't it?

Be Thankful, Could You?

2010-01-26T23:26:00.001+08:00

I'm currently doing my final assignments, and in the chem.eng. department at my college, we have to do a final assignment about designing a factory and also a research.. Well, the deadline is coming soon, and actually some of my friends had done both, so they will graduate this march.. For me, it's a weird situation.. I always considered my self as at above the average, but now, I was beaten! The fastest I could do is probably on May.. a egoistic side of me started to grow..
I started to think all the "what if" question.. What if I don't enter chem.eng here? What if I don't choose the factory title? What if I entered economy? What if.. What if.. What if..
A selfish me..

Then, yesterday, I had a meeting with the lecturers that guide my research. We've actually had a problem. My research is about reducing the color of coffee effluent, using photo-fenton reaction. Every thing was okay, till we discuss the methods. And BUMMM!! She's mad at us! Well, it's our fault, or my fault actually. I missed the word "dilute with water". And she assumed it is the main problem. So, okay, we do a trial again, we run the experiment. And guess what the result is? The same problem appear.. Wondering what she'll said..

Huumm.. But the main thing is, These days, I started to learn, being thankful is a hard thing to do.. It's easy to thank when everything is okay, but what if everything start to go wrong? What will you probably do? Start complaining like me?? Or will you be thankful for the problem?

From the things happened these days..

I wanna thank my best-best friend, C and W for being there.. If I got accepted at NTU, and could make it on time, it's because of them.. If I'm not, I still wanna thank them anyway :) Sorry for not being able to be focus.. And so so so thankful for having you guys as my F.A. partner..
My fam ofcourse is a precious gift from Above, and I do love them, and always thanks God for them..
Also wanna thank my lecturers who guide the research. I know that it would be better for us, finding the problem now.. Even though we haven't found the solution, at least we've find another way which don't caused an effect.. Thanks to S and Y for surviving together at the lab.. For S especially, who got so tired for doing the Total Fe analysis, and still eager to do the calculation together.. Jiayooo..
Thanks for the Lord, He teach me to become better and better every day.. I still have a lot of complains, but He always teach and show me how to be thankful.. :) Hope that I could be a better student in the "thankful" major..

What should "mahasiswa" do??

2009-12-20T17:59:00.001+08:00

Mahasiswa harus menikmati masa mudanya.. Tapi yang bermutu.. ~~Soe Hok Gie

Soe Hok Gie adalah sesosok mahasiswa yang sgt vocal pada jamannya.. Ketika jaman pak Karno, dia mengkritik habis2an.. Namun ketika jaman pak Harto, dia juga ngrasa ga ada perubahan.. Dia ngga takut untuk bersuara, tetep kukuh untuk nyatain pendapatnya..

Beberapa bulan lalu aku baca buku tentang sosok Soe Hok Gie.. Menurutku keren sih..
Dan mbaca buku ini, mbuat aku sdkt berpikir, sbg mahasiswa, apa sih yang bisa aku lakukan?? Apa yang sudah aku lakukan???
Kayae ga ada.. Hiks..

Hari ini, kick andy di metro, nayangin ttg soe hok gie.. Jadi keinget lagi tentang pertanyaanku pada diriku sndiri.. Hmmmm.. What could I do?? What have I done for my country..
So.. My next plan.. Cepet lulus, then continue my study and focus on it.. Bring my country's name on my shoulder.. Yup.. That's my promise..

Kalo Soe Hok Gie bisa berperan di political, humanitary.. I could to.. In my own field.. Amiiiin..

Ayrine's first NGO experience

2009-10-27T11:32:00.002+08:00

NGO.. What's that?? I even dunno what it stands for..
The person who's tell me that NGO stands for Non Goverment Organisation is Sari..
Applause for her..

Anyway,
The story started with a post at www.couchsurfing.com
A guy named CAKCAK said there will be an NGO meeting in Sby n they need some volunteers for translator.
I thought this was a great opportunity.
I love to see whether I could be involved with such humanity, social things..
So I just simply e him that YES I could help, but only for a day.

So the day was last saturdat, 24th oct. It was actually 3 days meeting. I was afraid at the beginning, wondering whether it was a good decision that I joined them.
Then I come at the meeting point at Hotel Santika, at 8.18. I was late..

And intoduction begin. There are 7 translator, 4 from Untag (which I guess pro), and the rest was from cs.
We're soon introduced to Mrs. Wardah (sort of the leader I guess), and not long after that we're divided to 3 groups.
I am paired with Mas Tomo from UNTAG, and we'll go to Kampung Kebraon.
We're accompanying 6 foreigners, from NGO and also community leaders from their country.
At kebraon, we've some sharing with the villagers. Seen how they survive and manage their life as the river guardian.
Also learned some historical stories about the network maintained by UPC.
We also learned how people at Japan, thailand, and philipines had the similar situation.
Its a learning process for everyone..

After that we went to kali bratang, see how to make fertilizer (kompos) and also plant some bamboos simbolicly..
Next, we went to ITS, for a regional workshop. Prof. Johan silas explained about the kampung improvement program that he maintained.
Also there are some presentation about the history of this program, and from thailand, philipines, and even MONGOLIA!!!

I saw these, and did some translating. Really hope I am usefull..
I like how these people showed that they care, that they listen, they learn, and they do things for the villagers..
Well but not every translator enjoy the day like me.
Just found it out late at nite.
So even in NGO, we could find a sleepy and bored person, a nasty person, and even a weird person with such complicated mind..
But as prof. Johan said, its a learning process..

Glad I joined them, even for a day only.
It was nice and open a new horizon for me..
I'll see whether its my call to use my knowledge as chem eng to help.. Hmm..

So, it's my first experience, and I'm still eager to find out more about NGO..

Nostalgia di Malang

2009-10-26T18:33:00.001+08:00

I just come back from malang. Memoriesss.. Lots of memories flying over. Remembering two months ago when I stay there..

I was working for the factory in pasuruan (it's part of the undergraduate degree lesson), and if I stick on staying in surabaya, it will waste many time. Porong is still very crowded. So we decided to rent a room in Malang. And everyday we drove through malang-purwosari, pasuruan.

What we do when we come back to malang?
EAT!!!
After we come back from the factory, we always walk to a baked meatball restaurant. Our room was near ABM, and the meatball there was SUPER!!

So..

Today after finishing the report and send it to the factory, we decided to drop by, and buy meatball! I loooovee it..
Actually, we buy "soto" first, for 6500 rupiah, it is considered so cheap. then afterthat the second round goes for the meatball.. Soo full ..

Then we go to brawijaya museum. Cool place, too bad no picture-taking is allowed.
Inside the museum, we found many old-guns, old-car, and library. To bad it's seem oldies, no maintainance. Very dirty, dusty, and a bit humid.

Then we crossed the street, went to the malang library. Still in Ijen street. the library is so cool! There are many sciencetific books, but they also have comic books! cool!

Too bad it was very crowded, and it was very hot, unlike the UBAYA library which is very cold. The aircon didn't operate really well I guess.

Before we went back to surabaya, we drop by to Bakpio Telo

Buying some food for friends in Surabaya. Trying the Vanilla-telo icecream. (I didn't like it at all, bad choice)Fiuuuh..

I really love to go to malang, to be exact, my stomach is very satisfied!
Malang is truly a great place for an eating trip!

Go malang Go!!!

What the world need

2009-08-09T19:39:00.002+08:00

Reading this words in a friend's note
If you want more love, give more love!
If you want more kindness, give more kindness!
Exactly that's what i think we need to do now!
Imagine the world, while every one start to act, and not waiting others to start.
Love first than u will feel be loved..
I'll try to do so.. I promise my self..

2009-08-09T19:37:00.001+08:00

If you want more love, give more love!

If you want more kindness, give more kindness!

I totally agree with this quote... That's exactly we need to do..

Just imagine..

What the world will be, if everyone start to change their selves, instead of waiting others to change..

siip lah..

Mawapres 2009 => liburan!!

2009-08-01T17:09:00.003+08:00

I've just be back from the Ministry of education's award event, for the best college student. I'm lucky to be the runner up from East Java Region. The winner on East Java was Cia, from Petra university.
I'm sent to Jakarta as an audience (the ministry said, it was to appriciate the finalist). For me, it means that I'm just a cheerleader..
Well, it's indeed so fun. Like finding an oase in the desert. A break between the study time, the exhausting study time with looots of assignment to be exact.. LOL..

The event for the non-finalist like me is seminar, with many speaker.. There's the best student from year 1993, then the dean of machung univ, Ir. ciputra, and many other. The whole point is to teach how to be different, try to reach our dream, and don;t just add another point at the statistic of the job seeker, but be a jobmaker! Amen!!

this is exactly what i've been thinking. What will I do after I graduate.. I surrender it all to God.. :)

Oh, then there is also an ESQ seminar, teaching to be more humble. the point is we should not be selfish, nor arrogant with what we've achieved. Always remember that there is A BIGGER GOD.. And not to be proud if we're called having achievement. Do people who really truly know us, laugh when we're said achieved a lot? Coz they know who you really are. Will they still be proud of you? Or is it just your own selfishness? At that time, I really think. What's an achievement? Do I have any.. :(

Seeing the finalist, I've actually feel terible. I wanted to be part of them!!!
But after seeing what they've achieved, and it's teribbly GREAT, I am thankful to be invited there :)
I thought eventhough my friends who are non-finalis, they also have a GREAT achievement. And we did have so much fun!
I went to Cempaka Mas and we tried the busway! We spoke about many things, like the democrazy in the college, the Indonesian government, and many others. And what I love most about them, is they are educated so well, and we could feel it when we spoke to them!
Some of them have a great potition in the Student Excecutive, or legislative, also many are debaters, meaning they're more than capable to have a discussion. Comparing it to me, i felt shy.. I'm no body.. LOL.. :P
I've never had any position in the college, and I know its only by HIS grace that I could be there..

I would love to say to these friends..
Molly from Jakarta, Athik from Malang, Aldo, Adrian and Gilang from Bandung, Bangkit, Eza, Sri, Rudi..
Guys, I'm thankful to meet you guys. Really wants to meet up sometime, and share a discussion again..
It's been a great holiday, to have dinner together and try the busway (eventhough Adrian and Sri felt to give up for another trip back to hotel :P)
And not forget to mention, to have another dinner back at the hotel. Wooow.. I'm soo fuuuuullll...

From this trip, I am thinking..
This kind of event is actually a waste of money.
I did have fun. I did enjoy being there. But seeing those luxury facility...
It's just too much for such event.

Keeping your mind on Track

2009-07-26T13:05:00.002+08:00

Have you ever heard the expression "keep your foot"?

Joyce meyer said that for her, it means not to lose our ballance n get off the track. Well, it means that some one can stay on the track when he keep his mind on what he’s doing…

I am a type of person that’s quite hard to keep my mind on something (except when I’m reading comics hahaha).

A confession, sometimes in church, when I’m listening to the preacher, enjoying what he said, suddenly I can think about something else. My mind wander. And after a while, I realize, ups, I don’t catch what the preacher said. Even though my body is still on the church, my ind has been at the malls, home, school..

Well, Joyce Meyer also said that in the spiritual warfare, the mind is the battlefield (That’s why I said that I’m struggling in the battlefield of the mind).

Back to the topic, the mind, this is where our enemy (the evil) makes his attack. He perfectly knows that eventhough a person attends church, if he can’t keep his mind on what’s being taught, he will gain absolutelly NOTHING.

When we ‘re having a struggle, say a problem, the satan keeps reminding us that there’s something wrong with us. But the truth is, it’s definetly wrong. We just have to keep our mind focused.

Lets try to keep our foot, keep our focus on what ever we do…