Bye 2012

Well, can't believe I've finally reached this post, in this date. 31st December 2012, last day of this year. This... Journey-ful year. Though somehow I can still remember the 1st of January when I first posted here for this year. It's sad though that I'm returning to Singapore tomorrow. Usually it's the second but well, time is time like I always said.

Honestly speaking mehh I feel lazy to talk about December cause it's what practically I've been blogging for the past 4 weeks! Haha. But well anyway here it is I suppose. Just a short recap, in this really going-really-fast month. Not talking about year even. December was a great month! Really. Though I wish my holiday could be longer -_-

[] December []

December flew by really quickly. I began this awesome month with accomplishing my first half marathon, which was really awesome! And then concluding my FYP journey with my presentation a day after that. It was whew. But I was just glad it's all over. After that I headed back to Indonesia, for a good break we all deserve after 7 months of ITP/FYP. I had a good break, though I feel my break wasn't long enough urgh. But well! There's a long one coming haha.

Then as I went back, there was my brother's wedding ceremony, and also wedding reception. These two event made me feel happy and proud of my brother and sis-in-law. Though at the same time I feel sad for thinking the sweet memories we both had when we were still in Singapore. Now he's a married man! Time flies yeah.

What can I say, but December was a great month to end this year. Like every other year, I had a great time spending the last few minutes, hours of this year with my cousin. So it was great. I hope this can continue till when we grow old. But I'm sure things will change too, as we will all have our own resposibilities, you know what I mean.

Oh well, farewell 2012! You've been one heck of a journey :)

[][][][][] 2012 [][][][][]

Above are little random moments of 2012 in photo (via Instagram! :P). I would say it's pointless to recap again the moments of this year, cause I've done it for the past 12 days. I'm just going to write my feelings and thoughts for this year of a roller coaster ride. This year of a journey that I've embarked, Quite a tough one. Though I'm glad I made through it.

2012 wasn't a great year, nor was it a bad year. It was really an -okay- year, though it's leaning towards the not-okay side. If I were to mark 2012, I would give it a 6/10, or max 6.5 haha. So yeah, really moderate year. But well, thank you for everyone who have given me sweet memories this year, which made my year sweet. And to those people who didn't really give me sweet memories, thank you for making me a stronger, and more patient person. Hah.

I always remember the story of the monk my uncle always told me. So to the up moments of 2012, I'm grateful cause my year has been made more sweeter with these memories. And the down moments, I take them as lessons, and I become a stronger person through these moments, these experiences. And as the Buddhist teaching of Anicca, the contemplation of impermanence, these moments are over. So I should no longer dwell in them.

And 2012 wouldn't be a good year, and would be so different if I didn't participate in these races above. I'm really proud of myself to have accomplished 6 races this year. Me, who didn't really enjoy running two years ago, has made running a hobby or even maybe a passion. Marathons to me are lessons. They taught me to be stronger in life, to always challenge myself further and not to give up. Don't take marathons simply as runs. They are more than that.

And always remember - all these begin with a wish to try.

If 2011 was an adventure, then 2012 was a journey. A year, where I feel like I've been put in a journey like the one in "Life of Pi". Feels like I'm being put in an ocean, in a wooden boat floating aimlessly to nowhere. I went through storms, I viewed some great sunrise, I enjoyed some quiet, still moments on the sea, I contemplated when seeing sunsets, sometimes I received drizzles and so on. But eventually, I've reached a paradise island. 

And I stepped on that island, stronger, better and happier than who I was when I stepped into my boat. And I'm ready to embark on another journey.

This year, the faith I have in myself was put to test. That's why I initiated project 12 words on the last 12 weeks of FYP. It was really a year where I need to be stronger, where I need to believe in myself REALLY a lot. Because of so much uncertainties and so much "not-so-great" moments, the only wish I had every night before I sleep was for tomorrow to become better.

I always tell myself that, I always believe that only I have the power to change the situation I'm in. To have the power to make my days better, to make everything great and better. To see the rainbow I have to brave the rain, to avoid the storms I have to adjust my sails, to regain happiness, I have to contemplate myself once more.

All these, in this year.

Oh well, 2012, here I am wishing farewell to you. You're now nowhere but int he abyss of my memories, in the pages of my mind. Whatever happened, happened and whatever will happen in 2013, will happen. The only thing we can do, and we should do, is to live the moment. I wish to have a better, brighter and smoother 2013. 2012 was okay, I want my 2013 to be FABULOUS then! And remember, only I have the power to make this a come true.

So long 2012, hello 2013!

Back to November

Today was quite a tiring day for me (or all of us I guess) cause tomorrow is my brother's big day! Was just following my dad to check out the location of tomorrow's venue, then spent the evening having dinner with my sis-in-law family. Then when I reached home, I was just lying down in bed when I didn't realise I was falling asleep till 12 -_-

And I lazed around till 1 and then I bathed. Oh well here I am! Can't believe it's the last three days of 2012. Time really flies! And I'm coming back in 3 more days :( Boo, I wish holiday could be longer but oh well! Anyway, just a short update, lets go back to November! It's going to be our last three days of reminiscing and looking back. 2012 surely was a journey!

[] November []

November was the month I've been waiting for all this year. Even before ITP started because I know it's gonna end in November hahaha. But yeah for the whole of ITP all I wish was for November to come quickly haha. Especially when it was the mid-part of it. And also November was the month of many events I've been waiting for! 

November days

November, just like October, happened in a blink too. On the 2nd weekend I went back to Indo for me brother's "sangjit" for a short weekend. I guess it was a much needed getaway to prepare for my last lap of FYP. Then there's those days also, those last practices before MD where I would spend it sitting on the bench outside FC5. Where I met that aunty having her food hah.

 Dr Simon Tan and Ciara

Thanks for making FYP and ITP so much more bearable

There was Deepavali where we went to Vithya's house though I was only there for a while. November, though it was the month I've been waiting for, it was also the month which I feel the most stressed. FYP report was really hellish, especially the last week where everything felt so rushed and scary. Broke down on the last night of FYP while doing my report. But couldn't do it either, without the help of my Dr Simon Tan, Ciara and my friends. So thank you all :')

It was such a great moment to have submitted my report on the last day of November haha. Felt like whatever I went through for the past 7 months had disappeared into thin air. All that's left was just memories, bittersweet ones, and relief. Though I still had to worry about my presentation. Well FYP, the whole experience was just really rough and scary, but at the same time, it definitely made me to be a stronger person. Yup, definitely.
 

MD XXXVI! 

Thank you SPSB for the memories

And thank you to everyone who came and supported us

Then there was MD XXXVI on the 16th. My last concert with SPSB, and also most probably, the last band concert I performed. Cause not sure if in the future I will have the chance to perform again. The three years in SPSB went by pretty quickly. But I truly enjoyed my time there, especially with my clariboe section. I've learnt a lot, gained a lot, and band was the thing that made my polytechnic life so wonderful and colourful. Things would be so different if I were not to join band. And I definitely made the right choice of continuing with band :)

Takk Sigur Ros!

And last but not least, another event worth mentioning in November and 2012 was Sigur Ros concert on the 23rd! I was so happy to know that they were coming to Singapore. Got the tickets back in June and well I was so happy that I could get the chance to catch them live, at least once before I die. And I did! So thank you Sigur Ros for the wonderful night. It was truly a beautiful, memorable and life-gratifying one. Hope to see you again!

Well, that's all for November, the month I've been waiting for this year. Now that it's over, and soon this year will be over too. One more month left to look back. I have been having fun so far reminiscing. Bittersweet memories, oh memories.

Tempus Fugit

 Soon we'll say goodbye

Tempus Fugit is Latin for "time flees" or also commonly used in English as time flies. Which is a nice phrase to be used in this time of the year. 3 more days! To the end of 2012 and then the new year. It's kinda ironic though, how a few months ago (actually up till now) I can't wait for 2012 to be over. And well it's ending now, and... I've nothing to say.

I guess every year it's the same. I mean there's always this sense of anticipation and enthusiasm about the upcoming year. Like what's gonna happen in the new year? How will it be? Even in 2011, as much as I loved that year, I still couldn't wait for 2012 to come cause I'm rather optimistic and interested to know what's gonna come.

Not knowing that well, 2011 was better than 2012 haha.

Anyho, today I roasted the chicken round two! Now with garlic, lemon and I spread butter on the skin of the chicken and it crisped up nicely! Yay. My brother came back last night with my sis-in-law and yup, it's 2 more days!! Haha. They must both be excited and nervous. I hope it will be an awesome and smooth riding day for all of us! :)

Random times of the day, I would think and reminisce back of this year. And to also remind myself of next year. Maybe, perhaps, 2013 is really the year which I wish would never come. But it will come, it will and no one can stop it from coming.

Aaaaaaanyway, let's go back to October. Two months back! Wheeeeee

[] October []

Before October starts, I told myself that the next two months will fly by rather quickly. I think indeed it did. October was really an okay month for me. I was starting on my report, finishing up my experiments, redoing some cause I don't like the results. It was just a month, that happened. But happened good. If you know what I mean?

Photos from two months ago

October began with my first, and last section comp which we won 3rd! It was I suppose, a sweet parting gift for me and band? Hehe. It was a great experience though, and I love the song of our choice (Cappricio for clarinet octet, or we call i cappucino haha). I guess the practices we went through had paid off. Thank you Lionel for sorting out our parts etc! :)

There was Kathina at the temple, and of course the awesome me-time I had at Labrador Park! I remember, it was 19th of October and I discovered a mistake in my calculation, so I had to re-do everything (from the calculation which I tirelessly did for 3 days). So I was really stressed, I decided to go somewhere to clear my mind off. And I'm glad I did.

There was real run, my 5th and 2nd last race of the year. It was an interesting run with different terrains. Really good experience! :P And also I can still remember spending the Saturdays at Vithya's practising for our busking performance on the 31st. It was a wish of us to busk before we graduate, and eventually we did. I wanna jam again!!

Taboo!

And of course - band photoshoot for MD booklet. Was a great time shooting around the band room. But also it made me sad for I then realised more and more of how much I would miss band. And last but not least, my October ended beautifully with my band (Taboo) busking performance at FC5! Though there were a few hiccups, I enjoyed my time fully there on that spot. Knowing I have successfully accomplished one item from my before I graduate to-do list.

As Mark Twain said - 

"In twenty years time you will regret the things you didn't do than the things you did"

Nice sunset. Roast chicken.

 Sunset today!

I hope 2012 will end this way

So beautiful.

I've really... I don't know what else to write for my titles you see. So to blatantly write the content of today, yes there were nice sunsets today and also, I roasted some chickens...! Which kinda failed. But still taste alright. Though not so nice. But okay. What am I talking about?! Anyway yup that's what I did today. I'm going to go for 2nd try in roasting chicken tomorrow!

So for the chicken wise it was just literally salt and pepper... With olive oil. So it was really plain. Tomorrow I will cook a whole chicken and I already buy lemons and garlic and onion and everything else! Haha. Isn't it awesome. Cross my finger! It's gonna be awesome. And here is a photo of my awesome chicken today haha. Looks plain right.

And thankfully there was beautiful sunset today! I quickly ran, cause I reached home from grocery shopping at 5.50 PM. And the sun usually sets at about like 6 plus here. So I went to a good spot where you can capture sunset, beautiful sunset that is, and snap snap snap! Today ended beautifully really. And I hope, so will my 2012 too, since we're only left with like 4 days to the new year? Time flies huh! Can't believe the new year is coming so soon.

Anyho, I realised a trend. I remembered last year, there were beautiful sunsets too, at this time of the year. And it's the same scenario where I wished I could see beautiful sunsets but just couldn't do so. And somehow the sky gave me beautiful sunsets at the end of the year. My my, feels like time is playing tricks on me, or am I playing tricks with myself.

Okay, September it is! It was three months back, yet it felt like a week ago, though somehow, I couldn't remember much things happening then, freshly.

[] September []

September was another month happening with lots of events - which I liked. I guess after feeling homesick and so on, it was a month to distract me, to sort of give me "presents" to cheer me up. Funny how, like I said, it felt like as if it happened a few weeks back but I couldn't remember clearly of the things that happened. I have to refer back.

September happenings

So as seen from the first photo, I was tearing the calendar, which was then left with two more pages. I began the month by getting my new camera, Sony DSLT A57! Really love the camera, just so cool! Haha. Then there was an exchange with the Baden-Wurttemberg youth wind orchestra from Germany! It was a fun night of interacting and making music with out fellow friends from Germany. Truly a memorable one, playing 1812 with them hehe.

Not forgetting the 4th race of the year which was Safra Bay Run 10K! First time running in that event and it was great I suppose, met quite a few familiar faces :P Then there was Azmi's birthday celebration with Saeyeoh, Kai and Ardin which was a great Sunday I enjoyed! And of course, Ciara finishing her Masters! It was a great Friday to know that she finished her presentation. Can see the relief of her face after weeks of stress! Those days :P

Ubin with 1.5 and mid-autumn

It was also the month which I watched THIS Buddhist Film Festival screenings! I watched 3 screenings with Saeyeoh and I must say all of them were just great and thought-provoking. Glad to have met the director of "Angin" too (in the photo) Mr Winaldo. The screening I went to literally goes along the theme of this year's festival which was "Open Your Mind" :)

There was mid-autumn, where I spent a Saturday night (after Souls of Zen) to Chinatown and snap those pretty lanterns. And to end of September, I went to Ubin with some of 1.5 peeps (above) for a great Sunday time out! It was a nice outing though quite a few couldn't make it. Really a great way to end my September I suppose.

I guess these events, were small appetisers I should enjoy. Because the months to come, were really heating up! Haha. Oh well, they are all over now. 

And how can I forget!!!

5th of September - One year anniversary of the awesome Green Desert @ SP Fall 2011 trip!

Jakarta

 Shot while going to Jakarta

One reason why I love my hometown

Right so today I went to Jakarta to accompany my sister for her dress fitting, together with my sis-in-law for hers too. Oh gosh my sis-in-law looks so pretty in her wedding dress! Can't wait for the 30th where she'll be all ready, walking the aisle with my brother. Aww so sweet haha. At times I still can't believe my brother is getting married! :P

It was really frustrating when watching just now though. So well I went to watch at the "Premiere" basically like the "Gold Class" from GV (it's at good price here! Like 12 bucks? :P). So I expect good and meaningful experience there. BUT NO. A few kids (prolly 6 years old?) were inside the cinema. Their mother was in front, and the kids were at the back. AND THEY WERE SO FREAKING NOISY. Gosh. They made comments (being kids) about EVERYTHING in the movie. And one acts like the know-it-all kid.

Dude I bet they don't even know what's LOTR and who's Bilbo Bagins! And when everyone "ssshhh" to them one kid made a comment "why are those people so noisy?". Okay I know they are kids. But mum - maybe you could at least asked your children to keep quiet or even not bring them at all? It's a cinema! Not your house! Urrgghhh.

Okay bitch mode off...

Alright let's forget the bitterness of this and go back to August! :)

[] August []

August was I guess... A happy month. Cause I finally got to go back home for a short holiday, and I spent some time with mum, sis, brother and my sis-in-law in Singapore. Still remember I was doing lots of scanning with Ciara in that month, though results were not that great haha. It was rather stressing but well, it was okay I guess? I know Ciara was really stressed but I'm so glad she pulled through everything. Ahh, those days really :)

 August days

There was Space challenge too, which we won. Though some things cropped out, lets not talk about it anymore since everything is fine now, it was a good experience I guess :) There were fun times I had with the people from the company I was attached too - from K session and then Ubin at the end of the month. I got to know about them better.

 Back home, finally.

And I got to go back and spent Hari Raya back in my hometown! Which I last did... 11 years ago. So it felt good to be back during Hari Raya in my hometown, and to also be back there during Indonesia's Independence Day. For eleven years, I spent the birthday of my country in somewhere else haha. So it's good to be back, yeah? Plus... Going back was really something I need. I was so homesick back then. All I could think of in August was - going back.

Merry Christmas 2012!

 Only time will tell

First of all... Wishing you a merry Christmas 2012! May the joy of Christmas brings warmth, happiness and joy to you and your loved ones! :) Well sadly this year I didn't get the chance to capture some nice Christmas lights to showcase during Christmas post. Like last year. But nevertheless, it's a rainy Christmas here in my hometown! :)

Was feeling better when I woke up today. I had a good long sleep... Woke up to find myself broken in sweat. So that explains the going away of my fever I suppose. But I decided to spend my day at home, wasn't feeling 100% well either. But well I guess the rest paid off, feeling really good as I'm writing this now. Great Christmas day spent at home I suppose? :)

As for dinner my dad decided to have a satay-session at home! Cause turkey is too mainstream mwahaha. It was good. I tried making truffle oil-infused chicken satay. Kinda failed but still taste heavenly haha. Only to realise later, that truffle oil IS NOT meant for cooking. But more for drizzling. Mehh. But it's okay I still kinda succeed haha.

Ahh... Another Christmas has gone. But it feels like as if last year's Christmas was a month ago or something like that. Christmas is just another day, another time, where I would reminisce the good old days of 2012. It's a day of just quiet contemplation of the year. How the year has been for me. How the ups and downs of this year - made who I am today.

Alright, so what happened in July? Here's a recap...

[] July []

July was truly an exciting month for me, filled with events and happenings! From IBM XXX, Jurong Lake Run, turning 20, Race Against Cancer, getting my ukulele, dinner with GT, finishing SPACE challenge and last but not least, Hair For Hope 2012! So many events, which made July one of the best months of 2012. And one of those that flew by too.

Turning twenty in this month, and in this year, has made me think a lot of what's gonna come. Can't believe I'm entering the big two. I mean... Entered. Life's gonna be pretty interesting. I'm no longer a teen, but a young adult venturing into the life of being an adult. Of being someone older, and hopefully, wiser. And I'm turning 21 next year! Woo la la.

Then there was IBM XXX - my second last concert with SPSB. It was a great movielicious concert as we played songs from various movies - and Howl's Moving Castle being my favourite haha. But the rest are also awesome. Thank you for those who came and supported me! Especially Neal who just POP-ed, and he went for it! :) I Believe In Music!

These photos were taken on the 21st of July. One day before RAC haha. It was a fine day with pretty sky and clouds (as shown). I love taking pictures of clouds, and watch them. I think they're like life itself. There are times when skies are beautiful, showing beautiful patterns. And there are times when skies are grey, dark and grotesque. But still, we can always see the beauty of it, and enjoy it everytime. Just like life! Make every moment beautiful! :)

And last but not least, Hair For Hope 2012! It's my 3rd time shaving this year and it's still an awesome event! Pretty symbolic one, you have to go through it, to experience it really. I spent the 2nd day with Nivedha to "cover" the 2nd day event and I got some nice shots! Also get to know more people - the survivors who never fail to give me inspiration. Met Firdaus too as he was the MC for 2nd day. Great event as always. I hope I can take part next year too :)

That's all for this happening month of July. 5 months before, all these awesome events happened. And these were the events that made this year really memorable! Then I wonder, what will I do in next year's July? How will 2013 July be?

Only time will tell/

Christmas Eve

Ten years has went by. I hope the memories and friendship shall continue

24/12! Christmas eve of 2012 hehe. It's a great Christmas eve I suppose, though it ended with a fever urgh. But feeling better now. Still having this flu bug and I really really want to get well very soon! Like really soon! But anyway it was a great day today. Days of memories revisiting and also days of reminiscent. It's Christmas eve after all!

So I woke up early in the morning cause I was going for a reunion with my primary school friends here in Indo! Some of us met 2 years back, while some of them, I haven't met for 10 years - since I left Indo to study in Singapore. So it's good to see them back. I'm glad though we change, some parts of us remain the same. I guess some things just don't change.

And I was also meeting my friend - Nicky whom I've never met since P4! Oh man he's a grown up young man now haha. Currently studying in India and he's still kinda the same - just older :P It was a great meet-up nevertheless. Began with a meal of porridge, then we headed to McDonald for further talking session. I had a good laugh with them too :)

Well meeting them up really makes me think back of how much time has quickly fly. Can't believe it's been 10 years since I left Indo to study in Singapore. Yet just now, the memories which I had in P4 (when I left) still clinged with me like it just happened a few years back. Today was surely a day of reminiscent, of the sweet past we used to have.

In the evening I went to have dinner with mum and sis. It was yummy. We went home and I went to my room to lie down. I didn't realise that I fell asleep - and I woke up with a fever. Just chills in my body and I wasn't feeling well. And cause paracetamol has betrayed me, my bestfriend now is water. And my immune system. So go go go!

And what a perfect time to go back to June - in this reminiscent Christmas eve!

[] June []

June was... Pretty much alright I guess. Quite exciting - during the weekends. Some days are just like crap, which I shall not talk about. But weekends were awesome! Why are my weekends in June awesome? Here they are:

- Weekend 1: Band camp @ St John Island

- Weekend 2: Rest day, great sunset on Sunday (10/6)

- Weekend 3: USS with 4E1'09 clique! Neal couldn't come though

- Weekend 4: Sister's graduation

- Weekend 5: CORRINNE MAY CONCERT with Weiping!

June Memories

June was also the month where a few significant things happened. It was the month I played my first solo - Indiana Jones Selection! Though it was only like 4 bars long but it was the first time I played a solo in my 6.5 years of band life. Really nice :) It was also the month which I started going to the temple. Which then becomes a habit I carry out every Sunday.

Great sunsets of June and Corrinne May Concert with Weiping :)

June was also the month filled with quite a few beautiful sunsets! As shown above. I remember the 10th of June was such a fine day and I had such a great time taking pictures there haha. It was a beautiful day really, I still love the photos taken on that day. 

Still remember the days of June when I would buy youtiao from Clementi and have it with soymilk below T11A. Then there was a morning when the morning was beautiful and I took a picture (above). And how much I miss having youtiao with my fellow GTs during OCIP at Lanqi. Oh my! It's been 6 months since June and I could still remember all these.

Days of June... Haha.

PS: Happy 850th post!

Rainy Sunday

Beautiful Mt Gede in the evening!

As the title says it's been raining whole day long since the afternoon. And it was rather heavy. So now at night, it's really really cold. I've to shut all my room's windows (usually I'll open a bit) cause it's just too cold. And in this weather, I have to get flu -_- it's really horrible for a person like me cause I'm allergic to NSAIDs and paracetamol. While almost all flue medicine contains para. So... Well thankfully I have one medicine that doesn't contain so yup.

And I really hate getting my nose blocked. Just urggh, and also especially when you're about to sleep. Well I can only rely on my immune system to get rid of this bug, really hopefully soon, just in time for my brother's wedding reception! Haha. So I've been taking lots of fruits and vitamin C and so on just to improve le system haha. Go body go!

It's been a rainy day so there's nothing much I did today, except for cutting my hair and also going for grocery shopping with my mum. Churches in my hometown are now filled with people, I think the Christmas masses are starting! Ah, Christmas is here once again. Christmas is just a bittersweet reminder of the year for me. That a year is ending and I have another one starting in front of me. Oh well, life's pretty much interesting I guess.

It's a time, a period for me to look back throughout the year, you know.

And talking about looking back, I guess let's go back to May! The normal month.

[] May []

May was... Really a normal month. Nothing much happened. I was into the first month of ITP and things were starting and starting. I can still remember I was just busy reading articles and so on. Band continued, went to a few concerts. Going every morning, having lunch with Vithya and telling her how much I can't wait for ITP to end almost everyday (sorry and thank you Vith). Those days!

 Great moments of May

Some of the great events that happened include:

- Playing 1812 in band (10th of May!)

- Graduation 2012 (went to Vjie's one!)

- Sisters coming over to Singapore

- Sundown 10K 2012!

- Discovered Ketsana's song haha.

Sundown was special to me cause it was my 2nd 10KM race, and my first night race. Though in those days I spent most of my running at night, after ITP haha. Thanks Doreen for training with me, and also running the race (though she went waaay faster than me haha) together :D It was one of the best races I went to. Cause I really loved the route! Pretty awesome.

V-jie's graduation was really sweet too. Can't believe this friend of mine who sat with me on the bus trip to Duolun has graduated! It's also an event that made me really really really can't wait for my turn next year haha. Funny how I've been saying "I can't wait to graduate" for the past three years. And next year, it's my turn! Mixed feeling actually.

And (referring to my diary) I wrote this on the 20th of May (Or 21st in this blog)

"I'm waiting for the day where these days would turn into a memory. Into something we can smile and laugh about, and at the same time something rewarding that we can look back upon to. And the only way we can and we should make this a reality is to make these days, great days. So just push it, give in your best and live in the moment!

And I'm also waiting for the day when I would return back into this page of my blog, or that page of my diary where I would smile like an idiot, reminiscing the days that passed by me in the blink of an eye. Yet a bittersweet reminder to me of how fast time could fly."

Now that I'm back to these words. What do I feel...?

Winter Solstice

Sunset today :)

Yup, the 22nd of December, in Chinese Calendar is... Winter solstice! So as tradition I have to eat tang yuans, or glutinous rice balls. And I have to eat according to my age +1. So now I'm 20, so I had to eat 21! Well they're all in my stomach now. I hope these 21 tang yuans will bring me prosperity and luck till the next winter solstice. AKA throughout next year :)

Don't know why but wasn't in a good mood today. I don't know why either but maybe it's the time of the month, or just the hormones and like I always said, just life. But well, let's not talk about today, this rainy Saturday in my hometown. But well I'm happy that at least I managed to capture a beautiful sunset today! Though it was cloudy, the day ended with PURPLE SKY. How beautiful ya? Syaz if you're reading this, wish you were here in my hometown cause you love purple skies! ^^

 Purple sky! Oh the love

Alright, lets just go straight to April! The month where anticipation began, and... Nevermind.

[] April []

April was... Really speeding in the first half. Cause that's when I was in the US (Chicago!) and my hometown. Then the other half, 16th of April I can still remember, was the start of my internship. So yeah just like March it's a half-half month kinda thing. But well I love the first half! Haha. I really love Chicago, the windy city. It's really windy haha.

 Chicago - 04/2012

Le vertical photos

So I can still remember I went back from New York to Chicago on 31st March and landed on 1st April at night (12.30 AM I think). So yup then I spent the rest of my US trip in Chicago. For only till the 6th when we started heading back to Indonesia. The remaining days I spent in Chicago was really lovely. So in some days me and my aunt's friend (who went with us) decided to split ways. So like I would go here (e.g museum) and he'll go there.

Le horizontal photos

I LOVE Millenium Park

So I spent some of the days walking and roaming around the city alone. And it was really good! Love the city's simple outlay so that I can go here and there myself. Love the vibe, the skyscrappers. And it was really, literally, the windy city. Though it was spring temperature can reach a low 10! But all's good. My all-time favourtie place in this city is the Millennium Park! Which you can see that huge metallic structure in the picture shown hehe.

Then I went back to Indo, spent a week there and then, back to reality. Back to something I was excited and anticipating about - Internship. Part of me was really woo gosh yeah bring it on guy. Another part of me was errm okay I can do this yeah huh? What will I do? Oh no guy. I can still remember waiting for Vithya below T11A at 830 just so that I we can meet first and talk after such a long time. Then head up to the companies we are assigned to.

The first week of ITP was - horrible. One was because I wasn't accustomed to working life. I'm still in the "student" gear. Two, I was feeling terribly homesick. Three, I wasn't told by anyone that I have a project with Dr Simon Tan when everyone else had one. So it was scary! Haha. Then on the Thursday of the second week, Dr Simon Tan told me I'm working with him on a project, and I went THANK YOU SO MUCH haha. Like as if he was an angel sent from the heavens that brought me the lights of heaven. Okay dramatic much, but I was really happy!

Ahh, to think that all these happened back 8 months ago... I'm just happy that I "survived" through it. I just now foolishly smile looking back at those days. April was a month of anticipation. A month where I was embarking on a journey, that was filled with uncertainties. Deep in myself I know I have to be brave and go through this storm. Just like Coldplay says from their song "The Scientist"...

"Nobody said it was easy. No one ever said it would be this hard"

The world didn't end on this winter solstice

 I miss this city

New York

Yup! So here I am proudly announcing that THE WORLD DIDN'T END. Like I mean, as I said previously, duh, it won't. Anyway yes it's a rainy and busy day today in my hometown. I think it's cause people are having long weekends (Tomorrow till Tuesday due to Christmas) so there were lots of traffic going on in the road etc. Rather hectic! :P

And also today's winter solstice or as we know it. I had facial today (yes preparing for my brother's wedding reception next week!) and eeewwww I had so much dirt on my face. It's so disgustingly good haha. To take them out. And of course, winter solstice would mean tang yuans! And so we made tang yuans today in the evening. I always love making them! :)

Here's what happened during the tang-yuan making process haha.

 

Aren't they pretty? 2.5 hours of rolling! Haha while watching Armageddon (how apt, on this day) and yup it was a great movie of course.

Okay back to March! Lets go.

[] March []

 US trip in March

March, I must say was an "unexpected" month. It's the month by which I discovered that I am going to the US. Which I really have no plans of doing so... In my life! Never expected myself to go to US -that- soon you know, though I've always wanted to go there. And so I did! I visited a few states there, namely Chicago, New York, Washington, Maryland, Boston, and Connecticut. It was truly a great experience. I love traveling, especially to countries I've never been before.

Great scenery from my hometown in March

All in all, I spent half of March in my hometown and the other half in the US. There were a few beautiful sunsets I captured in my hometown during March. It was a great month I guess. After a hellish year 2 I get to go back to rejuvenate and so on. I started doing the blog challenges and journalling prompts haha. And was also the month I get my results for the 4th Sem! And I'm very happy with the results, I think my hard work and sacrifices have been paid off.

Well, March was sweet I suppose. I get to fulfill some of my life-long dreams like visiting New York. I really love that city. It has such an awesome vibe and just loving the energy! The US has opened my eyes to many things. New experiences, stories written in my book of memories. I still have half of April in US too, which I'll cover tomorrow night :P

My wish is to visit the US again. But this time round I wanna ditch the tours and so on. I just want to go there and bask myself in the country, and the city. And the people too. Because truly, the US trip has taught me independence traveling. I think I can manage that in the future. I miss New York! I will visit you once again, I promise hah.

20/12/2012

 Nice sunset on the last day of year 2

What a beautiful date to end the supposedly end-of-the-world tomorrow haha. Well nahh I believe the world doesn't need a special, specific date to end. It ends as and when it wishes. Well if it ends tomorrow then okay, tomorrow is its chosen last date. But yup, I don't believe that the world is coming to an end tomorrow. Cause... It just won't -_-

Anyho today was an okay day. I was so shocked and happy to see the blue sky when I woke up today. I was like yay today's gonna be a fine day! But uhh my happiness wasn't lived the whole day of course. The sky turned dark within like two hours.And then it just rained like there's no tomorrow (no pun intended) and yeah. Sadly.

But the sunset was nice today, though I didn't get the chance to capture it. The sky was yellow and it was just so pretty! Then there was a part of the sky where there's a gradient of blue and yellow. Which gave off a purple hue. It was beautiful. And yes I'm irritated that I couldn't get to capture it. But oh well too bad I guess :P More sunsets to be followed in the future!

Well if the world is really coming to an end tomorrow, then I must say it's such a pity I've wasted the past 7 months for internship and FYP when I could have... Uhh traveled the world HAHA. But no regrets! Also 2012 was the year in which I strike off a lot of items from my life's to-do list. Though I still have a lot, but well. NO GOD DAMNIT THE WORLD ISN'T GOING TO END. Hah. I'm just crapping around don't worry.

Okay lets go back to February!

[] February []

Well February, I could still remember, I put it as like as if it's the month "that never happens". It's the leap year today so there were 29 days in February. Well perhaps due to the little amount of dates in February, the month felt like it never happened. And also maybe because I was busy with exams and assignments. Like seriously, it was quite stressful! Maybe all these stressed got me off track of time. And I wasn't really taking notice but time was just flying.

Not many eventful things happened in February but to name a few:

- Making KK wall with some people from my awesome team!

- Immunology video haha. Love the kidneys made by Sam!

- Mugging hard at school. Still remember staying till 9 with Kai.

- End of year 2! Hellish year.

- Awesome lone time at Labrador Park

- West Coast Park with Candy haha

- Sending Neal off for NS with clique

- Going back for holiday

Yeah these are the things. February marked the end of my 4th semester in poly, which also means my 2nd year in poly. 2nd year was really the most eventful year for me. Inner Mongolia OCIP, Mt K for LEAP intermediate and SPSB band exchange to Korea. It was also a tough year, the year which I've learnt the most. So all in all it was a great year in terms of academia and also aesthetic wise. Still can remember the last day of "exam" and it was really, whew.

February was also the month which I kinda go back to myself more. When times were stressful I wrote in my diary and so on. The faith in myself was tested and I supposed, I won the test. I discovered the joy of me-times where I went to Labrador Park alone and since then on I really loved that place and well I went back a few times there already.

It was also the month which I realised how fast time was flying. When we sent Neal off to NS, couldn't believe how 6 years ago we were still in short pants and now he's already serving his nation in his uniform. Time flies huh. But well I guess time is time. Then after that, I went back for my holiday and that was it I guess, for the month of February.

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Adhi's 2012 year end blog challenge #6 - Shuffle your iTunes, list down 5 songs that played. Write your thoughts?

Song 1 - Book of Days by Enya

One of my favourite song from Enya. It's a reminder for me to always live life to the fullest. To write great stories on every page of my Book of Days.

 

Song 2 - Paradise by Coldplay

"Lying underneath the stormy skies, I know the sun must set to rise" - The next time you have down moments in your life, just remember this phrase :)

Song 3 - Epiphany by Pixel Apartment 

This song is by a Singapore artist! Really cool song, one of the best piano songs I've heard in my opinion. Support local! Haha :P

Song 4 - Story (To Be Continued) by Chen Min

So much nostalgia for this song. It's a nice song, though it kinda reminds me of the "sad" moments during ITP back in June haha.

Song 5 - Shining Light by Annie Lenox (cover)

I prefer her version than Ash original. Although both are superb!

Reminiscence

 Right, sorry for not blogging last night! Uhh well... I just don't feel like blogging I don't know why. So I decided not to. So today I will blog! It was a nice day today. Apparently it didn't rain the whole day, just cloudy throughout. But it's good, with the fact that it's been raining here like everyday. So to not have rain today, it was a good sign I guess.

That I will get more blue skies and less grey!

And it was so gorgeous this evening. I was on my way to Brasco (this factory outlet like an hour away from my hometown) with my mum and sis. Somehow although it was cloudy, the sunset was really pretty! And you can actually see Mt Gede CLEARLY under the sun ray. The creaves and so on. It was so beautiful! Totally didn't expect this scene in these days.

As for shopping wise, unluckily we were caught in a jam so we didn't have much time to shop. Thus didn't get much things either. I got myself two pairs of short pants though! Oh nothing can express my love for short pants haha. Love love! Anyway there wasn't much T-shirts either so yep, no regrets not getting any. Two pants is enough hehe.

Today is the 19th of December. Which means, including today, there are only 13 days left to the year. So as usual, like last year, I decided to reflect on every month of the year and on the 13th day (AKA last day) I will reflect on the year as a whole. Whew, so apart from doing my blog challenge I got to do this too! But nevermind it will be fun hehe.

[] January []

Well it's the new year! 2012 arrived and well to me 2011 was a year filled with adventure. Part of me is excited to know what's in store for this new year and another part of me is nervous as well. I know I'm going to start internship this year, and also in January was the last lap of year two. Life was kinda stressful! But it was whew, alright. And also this year is the year which I begin writing a daily diary. Though honestly, I failed writing everyday hah.

But at least I kept track of what happened on each day! :)

Great events that happened in January:

- DBS course counselor at SP Open House

- LEAP intermediate KK December team sharing

- Covering SPSB's MD XXXV with Jasmine!

- CNY back at my hometown

Yup these are the four major events that happened in the month of January. It was quite an -okay- month I guess. Apart from beginning the new year, it was rather interesting. 2011 was so much fun so this was the month that I was still carrying the optimism and sunshine from the previous year. Things were rather stressful sometimes because it was the last few weeks of year 2.

I had to juggle studies, and also other things as well. Still remember those days where presentations were almost every day and yet we have to study for tests as well. Oh! Ms Kwek's killer practical which was actually fun haha. Covering SPSB's MD XXXV was also fun. As a photography enthusiast, it was a great experience to cover such events with a fellow photographer friend Jasmine! Though it was also when I decided that - I should go back to band.

KK sharing session was fun as well. Reminiscing the great times we had and making that video montage. Somehow it's like an event that makes me... Look forward to the coming year. Like I wonder what's gonna happen in this year? What adventures will I embark on? And also to fortify my thoughts - that determination will yield results! 

Ahh, January. Can't believe this was 11 months ago huh? :)

Okay ehhh no blog challenge today! I hope this is a good enough review about January. But yeah that's what I'll do - list down the things that happened and just talk about the month in general. I think it's good hehe. Alright see you tomorrow~ To an awesome Thursday!

December

 Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

Sorry for the weird title but well sometimes I just couldn't help it with the fact that... It's December now haha. And the year is ending woohoo! I hope not the world though. Well at times I still can't believe that time is flying rather quickly. 2012 is ending, and 2013 is ahead of us. Thing that have happened throughout the past... 12.5 months just flashing back in my head like a video being re-winded. Some... Bitter flashbacks and some sweet ones.

I once watched a video interview of Enya. And she mentioned "December is a month of reminiscent". And I totally agree with her. Somehow this is the month where the year plays back in your mind, at random times of the day... Random moments. And also it's the random moments of the year that play in your head. Sometimes you can't help but to wonder why all these happen, and why. Also some of these moments bring a smile to your face, or.. An irk.

December is a month of reminiscences. The pages you wrote in the year are flipping back. The movies you watched tend to play again and again. As I've always believed things happen for a reason. So whatever happened in this year, be it bitter or sweet, salty or sour, they must and they definitely have a reason to why they happen. You know.

Two more weeks exactly to the last day of this year and I somehow can still remember the moments I had in every month. Some of them wasn't great moments I suppose. And whenever I think of them I just feel urgh, trying to get them out of my head. Some of them, really nice and I wish I can go back again and again to those moments. Though this year doesn't have much of those I-wanna-go-back-again-and-again moments. A few only.

Well as Vithya once said during those days in ITP, whatever happened, happened and whatever will, will happen. I've decided to let these moments go. These moments have turned into memories. And memories are things which will never retrieve back. Will never happen again. So going with the Buddhist teaching of Anicca AKA impermenance. They are gone and never coming back. They are, over. So let them go, and I know I will.

Why the emo post I wonder.

Okay back to challenge number 5! Woohoo. Crap, I might really need to increase the number of challenges! Haha. Will do so, don't worry :)

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Adhi's 2012 year end blog challenge #5 - What did you eat today, and did you like it?

Well... Hmm I ate lots of things today. For breakfast I had beehoon which is oh so much of salty goodness! They're just good haha. Then I munched on some doughnuts which are nice too. For lunch I had friend chicken liver (it's good ok) and some fried corn fritters! Don't forget the sambal. Arrgh so good. And then I wash it all off with a cup of tea.

Of course I enjoyed what I had today. The food from home is always the best. It's really good and I just like it. There's nothing that can compare to the food of home, not even a 5 star restaurant that cooks the food I had at home. Because what make the food of home best - is the love put into it, the memories you have with it. And well to put it all in all. Just home.

Okay that's all for today. More post coming up and yes I will include more questions inside the challenge! Hehe. And to end off today, I'll end it with a quote.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure"

by Marianne Williamson

The World

 Mt Gede on a cloudy Sunday, today.

Right so just as I've expected I didn't write yesterday! I went to Jakarta to catch The Hobbits and it was one hell of an awesome movie!!! Can't wait for the 2nd part and this time round I really want to read the book. I hope I can and will finish before the second part arrives haha. It was really a great movie, in terms of storyline, visuals, songs and action. Love the humour too! Thankfully I've watched LOTR over and over so I understood the movie so much better.

Well the Jakarta trip was alright I guess. I didn't get much stuff there, anyway my main objective was to watch The Hobbits! Haha. Would love to watch Life of Pi but I didn't get the chance to so yeah. Met my aunt again and OMG her dog just got a haircut and he's like bald now haha. With fur still, but just so cute and different! :P

As for today it was an okay Sunday I guess. The weather was so fine and fair in the noon and I thought we're going to have quite a good weather but apparently... Not. It started raining in the afternoon and then the rest of the day just turned cloudy hah. But hey at least I managed to get a cool photo of Mt Gede, which is the mountain near my hometown!

And I really hope these "fine weather" is a sign of more good weather to come :)

Okay so back to holiday write-up! May this week be a fabulous week for all of us :)

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Adhi's 2012 year end blog challenge #4 -Great moments of 2012

Well I must say... 2012 wasn't exactly a great year for me. Compared to the previous 2011, which was fun, full of adventure and just great. But well as I always believe, everything happens for a reason. Whatever happened, happened anyway. So though 2012 is not a great year, there's always another side to the year that I'm grateful and thankful for. I suppose, in this post, let's just bury the bitterness and show how awesome this year has been.

One of the great moments of 2012 is definitely the concerts I went to. I've never really went to a pop or outdoor concert in my life. But well this year, for the first time, I did! My first ever official pop and outdoor concert was Corrinne May Live in Singapore back in June! Oh it was so good to see her live, hear her live. She's really one awesome singer! :) 

And not to forget, Sigur Ros of course! Which just happened like almost a month ago. My life's to-do list is ticked, to watch them live. To see Jonsi right in front of my eyes, and just to see them right in front of me! And oh man Hoppipolla was just AWESOME :D

Not only the concerts I went to, but the concerts I performed. From IBM XXX, which was filled with movie-licious songs, MD XXXVI which to me, I think and I feel, was the best performance I was in, ever haha. Loved all the songs there especially 1812. And not forgetting my busking performance too with Vithya and Kai (we're Taboo!) which I never expected to do so in life, but hey, we just did it! Would love to do all these again in the future when I got the chance.

Not forgetting too, the great races of 2012. I went for 6 this year. Sundown 10K, Jurong Lake Run 6K, Race Against Cancer 15K, Safra Bay Run 10K, Real Run 10K and last but not least SCMS 21K! Started running early in 2011 and well it has been a hobby. I'm glad that I was able to accomplish all of these. And it all began with a wish, and a want to try. And to get out of your comfort zone, which I began with SCMS 10K last year. 

Looking back, I've never expected myself to have finished all these races. Come to think of it I was once a guy who doesn't really like running. I dread 2.4 and I didn't even have the thought of running these 10K races etc. Didn't know at the end of this year, I managed to finish a half marathon. And of course, I would love to "complete" my journey by running a full marathon. Which I hope to do so next year. Remember, it all begins with a wish, and a want to try. 

And how could I forget - My US trip! Haha. Back in March-April. Gosh it's been really long. But it was one great trip. I opened my eyes to so many things - new culture, food, people and so on. It was my first time sort of exploring a city (Chicago) "alone" in some days. And it was good, to just have me times when I'm traveling :) I would really love to go to New York again in the future. This time round, no tours. Just me and a great adventure in front of me.

Right what else... I didn't have much holidays and trips this year, due to ITP/FYP. But well, I do have quite a few fun trips with my friends. To Ubin with my company, and with DBS 1.5 and also just random outings here and there. But I love the me-times I had too. With myself. In Starbucks every Sunday after going to the temple. Or last time, in Labrador Park, spending time to watch the sun set while I wrote my thoughts down. I shall have more me-times next year!

And I guess talking about the temple, this year I'm glad that I get "closer" with my religion. Though I didn't really go to the temple last time, and only started going there every Sunday this year, I'm glad. For through this I get more curious about Buddhism and I research on it more. Especially from the chantings I did in the temple. I'll continue this of course, next year :)

Arggh alright I'll think of more great moments haha. Soon, when I write my "full report" for this year haha, which I always do so. But if I forget to mention these then just refer back to this post ok! :P Alright see you tomorrow!

PS: Love this quote from The Hobbits by Gandalf!

"The world is not in your books and maps. The world is OUT THERE"

To Jakarta!

Wee I'm so excited about tomorrow cause I'm going to Jakarta! With my sis and one of her friend and we're going to watch THE HOBBITS! And also Life of Pi! Two movies which I thought I'm not going to be able to watch them but hey life's smiling on me and I'm so going to watch it haha. So excited! So yeah as per warning I might not be able to blog tomorrow :P

Today was a normal day I guess. But it ended nicely with me, my mum and sis going for a little shopping trip. We went to try a new seafood place in my hometown. It's really cheap! They have this offer by which you pay-whatever-amount-you-want for your food. But you need a credit card (which I don't really get why). So like today a set of seafood dishes for 3 person costs Rp 125000 (like S$15!) but we paid 100000 cause we can pay whatever amount we like. But quality wise... It's ay-okay. Not woo la la fantastic. But worth it I guess.

And yeah it was nice. I kinda like their concept for marketing. It's really a way to get people to come to the restaurant to try their food, spread their words around people and then = more people will come after that. Smart of them. Anyway after the shopping trip I went to get a new pair of short pants! They're having sales so yeah it's a good deal so I just got one pair :P

Alright that's all for now. I'm so excited for tomorrow aaaaahhhhh! Okay back to challenge #3! I might really need to add more questions to my challenge.

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Adhi's 2012 year end blog challenge #3 - ONE place you want to go to

Okay the reason why I caps lock that ONE is because I have MANY places that I want to go to. Well today I will start small. So I'll just name one place, which is near to me as the place I want to go to. But seriously, I really one to go to this place. Seriously!

Image credit wikipedia

TADAH! Just kidding of course why would I want to go to McDonald when I passed by two outlets almost everyday. Hmm I love their breakfast though.

MOVING ON...

 Buddha Park at Vientiane Laos

Image credit venitism.blogspot.com

 

I really want to go to Laos. Yes LAOS! Okay I know as compared to the other Indo-chine regions such as Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, Laos may not be reall "famous" and well-known but that's it! I really love her rustic charm and there's just something so nice and beautiful about the country that makes me want to go there :)

Perhaps one reason is because after I listen to Ketsana's song "The Prayer (Chanting Inner Peace) that really inspires me to go to the country where she originates from :)

Such a nice song yeah. I've been listening to this song since the first time I heard it, like seriously almost everyday. And as the title says "Chanting inner peace" I really feel that this song calms my heart, gives inner peace to myself :) Saw her website that says she's coming up with a video to this song. Can't wait for that! Must be beautiful :)

Well my dream is to visit Laos next year. Perhaps for a graduation trip and I hope I can do a solo trip there. If not with two people. And yeah seeing from the pictures which I researched on, I think it's a beautiful country. And I would also like to go to one place in Laos - Luang Prabang! Looks so charming and beautiful there. Peaceful and natural.

 Such beauty! 

Image credit: www.travelsense.asia

And of course being a Buddhist, a trip to Laos will not be complete if I don't go to the beautiful temples! And I hope I can take part in the procession whereby we give monks food in the morning. I think it's a nice event we should attend when we have the chance to :)

Image credit: kids.britannica.com 

Alright that's all for now. May my dream come true. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu! :)