A day with Wie and Iyang (with Video!) / Friends.

A lot is happening daily! I think a lot always happens, it's just that we I am too oblivious of it. But since I got my new (lightweight) camera (which makes me able to carry it literally everywhere I go,) I've been documenting most of my life, and I realize a lot actually happens every day!

So I have a short queue of stories. We'll see if I'm diligent enough to write them all.

These pass few days (except today) I've been constantly hanging with these 2 DOP friends: Mr. Ijiang Tjandra (Iyang) and Mr. Wijaya Sutejo (Wie.)

Iyang and Wie in 07. They look way better now :)

It's been years since I've last met Iyang! And I don't think he's changed one bit. Except maybe now he's better in Chinese since he studies in Taiwan. We first met in CCRO, a Ragnarok Online private server. I am always grateful to Vivi who asked me to play. Those days were one of the happiest days of my life. They are all kind funny people, really fun to hang around them! I've done a post about one of them, Awen, here, and Wie was mentioned anonymously and a post dedicated to talk about him. Maybe I'll do some more about the others.

Iyang was the leader of our guild back then. My RO character was named Caramelle, and his was Ukitake Juushiro (Wow! I still remember!) Vivi's was Chlisya, Tony's was Joker (in fancy2 decorated characters), Awen's was Awen, Nuz' was Mochona.. I can't remember the rest.. I'd love to post photos of our guild back then, but all of it is in my old computer!!

Photo taken from Tony's facebook page. I think the green sniper on the right is me.
Still, our guild has way more member than this.

Anyway. We met online, but I first saw his face at school. Turns out he's my senior! He was doing this project for the Social class students, and he was selling this ceramic thing for Rp20.000. I ordered one to help him out, and until NOW I have not received that tortoise design I ordered frikkin SIX years ago (gives how old I am.)

But we got really close as friends later that academic year, when I was 16. We went to Tony's villa, and that's when I really fell in love with all these people. So, we really go way back.

He's a nice guy. You can see that he's kind. He's the guy you bully in the group, and I think he got fed up a few times because of that. *Biyane (sorry in Korean, red.) But that's why I love having him around when we go out! It's almost a guarantee that you'll have more laugh, watching him get bullied and because he's kind of funny too.

And in the orderly DOP fashion, all plans to go out is mostly pretty sudden. Including the one 2 days ago.

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So 2 days ago, I was up pretty early. All who knows me well should know by now that I don't do waking-up-early. But I woke up at 9 yesterday, having the fact that I slept at 3 the night before. 

That does NOT happen often. 

We went to visit a few banks, settle a few stuff, and by the time we had lunch at Grand City, I was feeling energyless. 

Lunch.

Didn't feel like talking, didn't feel like moving, slept in the car, I think it looked to my parents as if I was sick. All I can think of was go home and lay on the bed, if not sleeping, reading mangas and eventually fall asleep.

BUT. I was asked out by these 2 human beings. They planned to go out around 4 pm, and I was informed pretty early in the afternoon, and all along it has been a might-go-might-not-go situation cos I didn't know when I would reach home, and there was no firm confirmation yet that we will be going out. It was just hanging there, but leaning more towards the possibility of going out unless anything that hinders happens.

So, when I reached home at 3, it was a 99% possibility that we will be going out. And I was SO TIRED. Went straight to my room, threw myself on the bed, opened my laptop, read Hunter x Hunter, and waiting for myself to fall asleep while reading. It's really one of my favorite ways of falling asleep, aside from (1)talking to God and (2)creating imaginary scenes in my head (ranging from being Jeremy Lin's girlfriend <3 and being a part of Luffy's crew in One Piece.)

But poor me, my handphone rang and it was Iyang telling me that they were close to my house (already), and reaching any minute now. My mind really wanted to go and meet this old friend whom I have not seen for 3 years, but my exhausted body is saying the exact opposite. But eventually I dragged myself out of bed, put some light make up on (yes I do put on something on my face,) and got ready.

A while later, they arrived and we left for Tunjungan Plaza. Once we reached, both of them went to grab some food. I just found out that they postponed eating cos they thought I haven't eaten and waited for me. But turned out I have eaten. Too bad but thanks!! :D 

While they were eating, I drank Quickly. It's been very long since I last drank Quickly.

After eating, we went to play Pump at Stingers. Iyang and Wie was pretty confident about it. I'm not very familiar with Pump, but it's similar to Dance Dance Revolution (which I think I'm pretty good at,) so it was quite easy for me to adapt.

There were 3 Pump machine. In one of them, there's this guy playing on it and it's obvious that he's a pro. He has all these fancy dance moves and he uses both pads, whatever. Us amateurs went to the other machine and played. And to entertain your eyes, here is a picture of 2 very fine guys strutting their stuff.

And here's a VIDEO of it.

We played a few games of Pump, and was exhausted not long after. There's a lot of screaming going on when we started to mess the steps. After the game Wie said something like "iki game mesti e kaki seng gerak tp malah tenggorokan seng sakit, keakehen teriak," (this is a game where we're supposed to use our feet, but now our throats are hurting due to all the screaming) which you might find very normal now but I found hilarious at that point.

It was around 6 I think, and being stranded without any destination, we decided to watch a movie. So we bought tickets for Ice Age 4, which starts at 7.35 pm. 

While waiting, we played this awesome game I just fell in love with, MONOPOLY DEAL!!! It was so fun!! Eventhough I was still a noob, it was still fun! We played at Studio Foodcourt next to the movies, and Wie won most of them. You can see through this game that he's a wise smart guy. Iyang bagged 2 games and I proudly won none.

It was saddening to be playing for 1,5 hours and win no game. But oh well, we have a movie to catch.

Movie Review: Ice Age 4 is alright, it was funny. Definitely better than The Lorax. 7/10.

After the movie, we planned to take dinner. But, we still had some coins left from playing Pump before (Wie and Iyang bought 20 coins altogether. I just freeloaded) so we went to play Pump again to use up all the coins. And the same guy from the afternoon (according to Wie. He said that this guy had the same earring with the guy from before) was still playing at the same Pump machine. Amazing with the earring detail there, man. So again us amateurs went to another machine to play. We tried an rated 8 difficulty only to embarrass ourselves. But who cares, it was fun :)

After the game, we decided to head for dinner, but all the restaurants in the mall are closing! So we went to eat at Ayam Goreng Presiden. There were lots of chickens on display there, but guess what, someone PREORDERED THEM ALL!! There were a BASKETFULL of chicken thighs and someone preordered them ALL!! *exhale.

So we moved to Ayam Goreng Pemuda, made our orders, and while waiting, again we played Monopoly! Here I won my first game! :D And there's this one point where Iyang took all our properties, and there was an obvious imbalance on the scene on the table there. I documented it.

Greedy.

err.

Dinner.

After dinner, we stayed there and played Monopoly again until the restaurant closes. It was around 10.30 I believe.

Then we went to send Iyang home. He just moved, so I wanted to see his new apartment where he's living in now, and guess what. We played Monopoly AGAIN in the lobby!! Cherry, Iyang's little sister, came to join us. Here, I managed to win more games :) Getting pro-er and pro-er!

We played until it's TWO am, and decided that it's late enough. 

And that's not the end of the day yet. One more last shock still awaits, and that is the parking fee. 

What about the parking fee, you ask?

Make a guess. How much do you think it was? We stayed there for 3 hours. Rp 3000? Rp 10.000? Rp 30.000? 

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NO. 

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It was frikkin Rp 79.000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SEVENTY NINE THOUSAND RUPIAHS!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Who pays that kind of money for a 3 hour parking??? The reason they gave us was that we stayed there past 12 o'clock, and it counts as an overnight stay, which costs Rp 75.000!!!! I was so shocked I could only laugh. It's so crazy that it made itself funny. It was an I-couldn't-believe-this-is-happening-to-me kind of laugh.

But well we paid it, and head home.

And it was the end of the day! :D Btw, once I met them, the tiredness earlier just went away.

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I am very grateful for all the friends God gave me. I know for sure I'm not a sociable person. There are people who are just good at making friends, and having friends for them is like a normal thing in life. Well, I'm definitely NOT included in that clan. I have always find it difficult in making friends. 

And that's why, I know that if I have friends now, it's all by God's grace. And I find them very precious.

A few years ago, before I repented to be exact, I would've never thought anyone would ask me to hang out and stuff. It did happen, but not a lot, and I view myself as someone unlikeable.

After I repented, I think my focus slowly shifted and these things doesn't bother me as much. Then, after a few months of getting to know Jesus, my family started to see a change in me. A positive change. I think it's a by-product of getting to know Jesus. You are transformed!

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 

- 2 Corinthians 3:18 

And this is not self claimed okay, my mom said this to me. I don't know if my friends feel this too. But whether it is the fact that God is transforming me, or He just sends the right people in my life, I do think I have more friends now and I am very grateful to God for them all!

The Flight Back

I'm no fashionista, but here's what I wore on my flight back here.

And the blazer for when it's cold later.

Basically wore everything from my City Plaza trip! (except for the grey dress) Maybe that's why I'm so excited of taking a pic of myself. Because they're all NEW(!!!) Except for the shoes. It was cheap and comfortable, btw. S$18 at 313's Vana (or was it Giovana?)

Uncle Kelly sent me to the airport, reached at 8. Checked in, and then took time to record this. 

What do you call this? Installation? But it moves! I don't know. But it's very pretty! I loved it. And I think it's quite new cos the last time I was there (which was around 2 months ago,) it wasn't there.

Went through the immigration, and headed straight to dinner. 

Scenario.

My left hand was dragging and carrying these.

Right hand carrying all these.

So being alone, how did I carry this tray to my table?

By the grace of God, there was an empty table nearby. I was wondering how can I get all these stuff including the tray to my table. Prayed a little prayer, moved all the stuff to my right hand (so now it was: pulling the luggage as well as carrying the small yellow bag, with shoulders bearing my other heavy bag), and using my left hand alone, with my blazer hanging on it, carried the tray on it's side. Here's an illustration to help you.

I felt like Hercules.

After dinner, went to the gate to board. Put all my stuff through the checking machine.

And have any of you been wondering what's inside the yellow bag? Well, it's a curry sauce (which makes it liquid). And after passing through the machine, the curry sauce was inspected.

Officer: "What is this?"

Me: "A curry sauce."

Officer: "You cannot bring this."

Me: *puzzled face

Officer: "We have to throw this away."

Me: *puzzled face still

Officer: Because it's liquid and it's over 100 ml.

So the poor curry sauce was taken away. It even still has the "for mummy" post it stuck on it. And aunty took so much effort in making it ( ._.)

Proceeded to the waiting room, and used the time to blog the City Plaza Trip post. I was pretty early. Cos, the last time I flew back to Surabaya, I boarded 10 minutes before the departure time. Bad move, people. Learnt the lesson.

Entering the plane, I always have this secret wish to at least sit beside a good looking guy. Never happened so far. Sat between a grandpa and an Indonesia lady.

Watched "The Lorax" on the plane. I do not like it, would not recommend it.

Near landing, me and the Indonesian lady talked a bit. Turned out she had a liver disease O.O Really wanted to pray for her.. But wasn't brave enough to suddenly Jesus-talk her. So I prayed inside my heart. ( ._.) I was always confused in these kinds of situation. There were times that I just went for it and started sharing about Jesus to strangers and friends, and there were times when I lack courage.. But I really do hope the best for the lady..

Because I hand carried all my luggage, I didn't need to wait for the luggage carrying belt thing. Went straight out to find no faces that I recognize. A little while later, saw my dad and Bryan.

Bryan being brutally honest said that Papi forced him to accompany him picking me up, that he would rather watch TV at home -_-'.. Oh well.. That's my little brother for you!

Ttyl!

Back in Surabaya / Alone

I'm back in Surabaya again.

In a brief period of 2 months, I have had the warm / heartbreaking process of meeting and leaving my family 3 times.

13 May: 1st meeting - I came to Surabaya

17 June: 1st separation - I left for Singapore 

26 June: 2nd meeting - They came to Singapore

1 July: 2nd separation - They went back to Surabaya

13 July: 3rd meeting - I came back to Surabaya

22 July: Upcoming 3rd separation.

Meeting them is always a delight. It's always nice being around family. But then, leaving (or being left) by them is as hard.

During the 2nd separation, when they left for Surabaya, it was the worst feeling. We were living in our new apartment, so it's not like it's a hotel where you just leave and check out and the housekeepers clears the room for you. Living in your apartment gives you the sense of.. belonging. And ownership. And this feeling makes a huge difference on the experience I'm about to tell you.

Their flight was at 8 am. So, they needed to be in the airport at around 6. So at 5 am, the whole house wakes up and there was a commotion going on, while I stayed in bed half alive watching them. Everyone was running around, taking showers and dumping the last of their stuff into their luggage. Lights were blinding and it was noisy. And I like it. It makes me know they were there. And even while I'm still half conscious, I was fully aware that in a few minutes, it will be all gone.

5.30 am, and I was sending them off to the front door. There wasn't even time for hugs or kisses. Only papi did hug and kiss me. While Bryan will always be Bryan, the rest were in too much of a hurry I think. When the lift door closed, an overwhelming feeling of alone-ness rushed in. 

It was TERRIBLE! And I realize, it's always me alone! When I left them from Surabaya to Singapore, it's always me ALONE leaving and the FOUR of them being left. And now, its FOUR of them leaving and me being left ALONE. How fair is that?? *exhale

And the walk back to my room from the front door was pretty emotional. 

Imagine.

A house where all the lights are on.

A girl, alone, locking the main gate.

She walks in, turned off the porch light.

Went through the front door. Locks it.

Walks pass the living room, turns the lights off. From the outside, you can see one room turns dark. 

She walks through the hallway, checking the toilet. Finding the light on, she turns it off. One more room goes dark.

She went to her parents room. The bed were messy, she couldn't bother. She went to the master bathroom, turned off the light. There goes another room. Not long after, the master bedroom goes dark as well.

She goes into her room, and turned the lights off. The silence was deafening.

Now, the only light in the house comes from her bathroom. It was the last room with the lights on. She took a pee (HAHA ruined the mood), and turned the lights off afterwards. 

Now the whole house was dark.

THAT WAS EXACTLY HOW IT WENT. With every light switched off, the reality that I'm alone in this whole house keeps hitting harder. When I crawled onto my king-sized bed, it seemed so BIG. And empty. It was usually the 3 of us sleeping together: me, Bryan, Aiko; sharing the same blanket. And you cam imagine the pulling and tugging, fighting over the blanket territory. And I can always feel part of Aiko's body next to me. I always made sure some part of our body were in contact physically. Either my finger touches hers, or my legs touches hers, anything. It makes me comfortable. 

And now there was nobody!! The huge bed felt really uncomfortable. And at that time in the morning, surrounded by darkness, I was busy rearranging the position of the mattress in the room, just to make myself feel a little better.

Aware of the fact that there was nobody else in the house, I prayed to God, reminding myself that He takes care of the house, and His angels guards it (Ps 34:7.) And I talked to God to sleep. Took a while there.

The next morning, woke up at noon. And I guess the sunlight made me feel all better. By then, they've reached Indonesia.

Skipped breakfast, tidied up the house. Separated all the pillows and bolsters from their sheets and kept them. Same goes for the bedsheets and blankets. Packed up all my stuff, swept and mopped the floor, took a bath, made sure all windows were locked, and by 3 pm, left for Ang Mo Kio. 

I needed to take care of some school and bank stuff, and that's why I only was able to fly back almost 2 weeks after.

I was excited of meeting them, hands down, but at the same time I know that I'll have to leave AGAIN. It's like two sides of a coin, you can't separate one from the other. And this will keep happening probably until one day I decide to move back here, or until I have a boyfriend/husband to fly back to Singapore with.

So, yeah! I'm in Surabaya now. See you around!

City Plaza Trip!

I found out this Youtube channel recently. It's called Clothes Encounters.
And I'm pretty obsessed with the channel and it's owner, Jennifer Im. She's SO PRETTY!! Argh maybe I'll do a post about her later. Ilovehershesgorgeous!!!!!!!

So she goes around thrift shops and find good items and style them and shows it on her channel. And I like her taste a lot! And watching her makes ME want to shop!

So on Wednesday (that's July 11th), me and Jiin went shopping together!

Wong Jiin

It's been ages since we last really talked together, due to our FYP and stuff. We had lunch at NEX's Graffiti cafe and caught up with each other's life.

Then we went to Salvation Army Family Thrift Store at Upper Serangoon. But didn't last long and did not get anything. I kind of expected the ambience but Jiin wasn't inspired. And it's no fun when your buddy wasn't enjoying it so we left for City Plaza! Yes, that building which color palette is sickeningly eye catching.

We had a budget of S$50 each (which would buy us a lot of things if we were to go to a thrift shop I believe). Jiin took me to 3 of her favorite shops there. She's been there so often so I had complete trust on her lead.

The first shop was at level 3, it was called SKIM. I remember I went there before with Melisa 2 years ago. I didn't get anything there, but Jiin bought 2 items.

*Try guessing the prices of the items! Answers in the end of the post. See how close is your estimation!

Jiin 1: Bag

How the inside looks.

Jiin 2: Dress

The dress suites her really well! If I were to wear it, it would become a top due to my super long torso.

In this shop, Jiin spotted a dress for me, and it suites me quite well. But my motto was always: "Look around first." Who knows you find something you like more? 

I think her's was more to: "Like it? Grab it while you can."

The second shop was a blogshop, and I didn't check the name out. It was also on the third floor in a corner. Jiin yet again spotted a vintage looking dress (she has a good eye. If I were to see it hanging on the rack, wouldn't pick it up.) It looked good! But again, I went with my motto, and left the shop to look around some more.

The third shop was on level 2 (I think) and there was a corner where they have a 3 for S$40 promotion, which makes it around S$13.3 per piece. But no trying. I dug in and found this blazer:

Kim 1: Blazer

I've been looking for a blazer that fits for a loooooooooooooooong time. But it's pretty hard to find one that looks good on me due to my longer torso and shorter legs (still hoping for a miracle ToT.)

I've had 3 blazers so far. 

One I bought out of impulse in Indonesia around 4 years back. And because I was so keen on having a blazer, and the fact that it was pretty cheap (around Rp 80.000 / S$11), it was almost as if I couldn't see the fact that it was too SHORT for my torso. When I tried it again at home I regretted it completely.

The second one I bought at a flea market. The length was nice but the cutting isn't, which I couldn't predict before since there was no mirror during at the flea. And the material makes it look very.... un-iron-ed.

Third one I bought at Bysi. Was too tight around the armpit area. I think it's just too small. But somehow I was blinded during buying as well. I'm a terrible shopper.

So when I saw this one, it was kind of a gamble as well since we're not allowed to try. The length was nice, I was more worried about the fit. But since it was S$13, I went for it. We'll see how it fits! Then Jiin (AGAIN) spotted a dress for me:

Kim 2: Top/dress

I liked it because of the arm. It's from a different material, I don't know what it is. It looks leather like, but it's definitely not leather. It kind of stretches. Anyone knows what it's called? There was 2 choices of color: Black and grey. But we went with the grey. The shop lady also suggested grey.

To complete the set of 3, Jiin bought this:

Jiin 3: Cropped top

The material I've never seen before. It's this metallic rigid thing.. I have no idea. And she's SO BRAVE to pick it up!! I wouldn't, for sure. Too shiny. I applaud her.

So, since we found no other dress we liked better than the one on the 3rd lever shop, we went back and bought it:

Kim 3: Dress

And that's the end of our City Plaza trip!! :D Such a great day.

But I still feel like buying some accessories. So we went back to NEX to look around, and it's easier for both of us to part our way there. I can take a direct bus home and she can take the purple line back home.

Diva was having a sale, so we went there. I was looking for a short necklace, cos I have a lot of long ones, and (yet AGAIN) Jiin spotted this awesome elephant necklace. It's so bold and unique, I LOVE IT.

Kim 4: Necklace

Suddenly wondering why a necklace is called a neckLACE. Does it used to be made of lace or something? Am I asking a dumb question?

A closer look.

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So! Have you been guessing the prices of the items?? Here are the REAL prices!!

Jiin items

• Jiin 1, Bag: S$25
• Jiin 2, Dress: S$8 (!!!!!!!!!!!)
• Jiin 3, Cropped Top: 3 for S$40 (With my blazer and dress/top, which makes each item about S$13)

Kim items

• Kim 1, Blazer: 3 for S$40 / S$13
• Kim 2, Dress/top: 3 for S$40 / S$13
• Kim 3, Dress: S$23
• Kim 4, Necklace: S$6

I know I went over my budget by S$5, but I was very happy with what I got. We were both happy :)

I obviously need to train my eyes in spotting good buys. Jiin's like a pro. Hahaha! So yeah, fun day!!

There goes my July 11th. TTYS!

On top of NEX! Panorama courtesy of my new NEX 5D!
(Just realized that the NEX shopping mall and Sony NEX has the same name!)

LIFE IS SO COLORFUL.

like a rainbow!

NEX-5D

I just bought a Sony NEX-5D! It's a secondhand product but it's still in a super good condition, he only used it once. Almost brand new.

The price for a brand new one is around S$ 1,190. I got it for S$ 750!! Saved almost 350 bucks.

Went to www.clubsnap.com (as suggested by Bern), and looked up for people selling their NEX 5. Found this guy with the username of "appleslut" (I know right), but he has a good deal. So I texted him, and the next day the camera was mine! Thanks to Bern for helping me with all the dealing process. It's my first time dealing with someone I met online, I was pretty clueless of what to do.

Clubsnap is a great website for those of you who is in Singapore who likes photography. It's a forum filled with all things photography, so you can check that out!

And here's the star of the post! *drumrooooolllllll*

JJANG!!

*happy.

Anyway, I think I won't be posting on tumblr anymore, since it's just tedious. So this will be my only blog.

Seeyou!

Wooyoung

Wooyoung is my favourite 2PM member.

How CUTE is that??

I first saw him in Dream High. He was playing Jason, a cool talented student of the academy.

Him as Jason.

Jason and Pil Suk as a couple (Pil suk played by IU)

Why do I suddenly post about him?
Cos I just saw this video of him in youtube.

How can a guy with such a cute face, have a body like that? And has such an ability to dance? I really like the vid! Replayed it a few times.
He is such a unique combination of a being. So unusual. I don't think the face goes with the body!! Such baby face and such toned body??

Whatever. I'll just enjoy his existence.
Bye!!

Looks like Fung2. I miss you nak : |