Soulmate for Everyone (?)

The pessimistic side of mine sometimes take a peek of love. The lyrics to this song describes its observation this time.

incompatible, it don't matter though

'cause someone's bound to hear my cry

speak out if you do, you're not easy to find

is it possible mr. loveable is already in my life?

right in front of me or maybe you're in disguise

who doesn't long for someone to hold

who knows how to love you without being told

somebody to tell me why i'm on my own

if there's a soulmate for everyone

here we are again, circles never end

how do i find the perfect fit?

there's enough for everyone

but i'm still waiting in line

who doesn't long for someone to hold

who knows how to love you without being told

somebody to tell me why i'm on my own

if there's a soulmate for everyone

if there's a soulmate for everyone

most relationships seem so transitory

they're all good but not the permanent one

who doesn't long for someone to hold

who knows how to love you without being told

somebody to tell me why i'm on my own

if there's a soulmate for everyone

Natasha Beddingfield - Soulmate

This autumn weather does not fail in making me feeling gloomy. While eyeing people in love, the coldness of this weather strikes me even more. But let this pessimistic be a temporary one, for I shall one day see the optimistic rising from another side of me. I still would like to believe that there is a soulmate reserved for each and everyone of us, and that at the end it will not be a transitory one.

A Birthday Post

When you are in an estranged country, birthday is one of those moments which will make you extremely homesick.

Started the day by a skype call with my parents, cried of course, I just wanted them to pull me and somehow be inside my lovely warm house, eating mum's food for my birthday. That didn't happen of course.

But I may just be the world's most lucky 24-years-old in the world. My friends, got up at 10 AM, as they told me, to buy a birthday cake for me!

It was delivered at around 6 PM, after I "ruined" their surprised by coming to one of my friend's room when I was supposedly to be in mine.

the birthday cake

Went out for a nice Vietnamese meal. It was a simple yet charming birthday. The sky was clear, which has never happened, as long as I can remember it's always raining in my birthday. The twinkling stars accompanied us as we walked back to our residence.

Though I did not see a falling star, I made a wish anyway.

to the greatest friends

A Moment of Contemplation

Officially, I am 24 today, well at least in the other half of the world.

Here, not yet.

Not quite ready to be a year older, but with time, there is no compromise.

24 years, this life of mine has been quite a roller-coaster one. Turned upside down with love, twirled with decisions, slowed down by friendships, speed up with madness, led down with disappointments but mostly engaged with laughter.

But in my birthday, sometimes I like to contemplate. What has happened in the previous year, and what could be made better, what could be removed, what should be repeated, what shouldn't be repeated. And once you get the answers, you wish for a better year.

What could be made better: my effort

What could be removed: my complaining

What should be repeated: love

What shouldn't be repeated: bad practice of love, disappointments, high expectations on people

then here I go...

I wish for a good year, may the over-flowing love continue, may the laughter and joy be added, may the madness and craziness balances the dullness that I may encounter, and maybe if I'm lucky enough may love comes, in any form, in an unexpected way. Amen.

Invisible

Skype

GTalk

Yahoo Messenger

Facebook Chat

MSN Messenger

All the social chats we have. I have them, obviously. And how nice it is to be able to chat with your friends over those fancy communication systems. I love them, since I have friends and family living thousands of miles away.

As you know, you can set many status, like Available, Busy, Away and weirdly enough Invisible. Why in the world would we want to stay Invisible when we can just log out? Simple. Sometimes staying invisible is cool, you're there but not really there, people don't know your existence but you can observe people. You know when they come and go.

Who wouldn't want to set their lives into Invisible every once in a while? Where we can just be there without anyone noticing us, and get this, we can observe other people without them noticing us. Cool huh?

Can I Skip November?

Woaaaa November already! Raise your hands if you think time flies *me me me me!!*

I'm starting to believe that time REALLY flies. I mean it's like November already. Sweet November only reminds me of my birthday, which usually makes me super excited. Always a celebration, mum's food, friends by my side, family around me, what a lovely way to spend my turning of age and to face the fact live screams at you saying "HAH! you're a year older! grow up!!"

This November, however, is different. It will be a day where I spend my birthday without the family and friends I'm used to. I'm gonna miss my mum's food or the way my family gather together like we do during birthdays.

So if time does fly, can we just fly over this birthday? So I don't have to be sad and miss everything?

Unsure

How do you keep yourself from falling into the same hole?

How do you keep yourself from damaging your heart?

How do you keep yourself safe?

How can you read the signs?

How can you avoid the turbulences?

So many questions, but no answer. I wonder if there is ever any solutions.

Like the little things in life, it remains unsolved. Though I sometimes prefer to be silence now. Truth be told, sometimes, for me anyway, it is better to let things hidden than be shown which will only unravel pain and scar.

Nomad

A nomad, a wanderer, no fixed residence. I think myself as this. Let me show you.

Born in Yogyakarta:

Lived there for 2 years (I think). Then moved to Salatiga:

Had a great childhood for 8 years in this small yet lively town. Then more exciting move to Sheffield:

Went to what I remembered as a fuzzy school, for only 2 months, I remember leaving the school without having any real friends. Lived in a shared flat near a Chinese restaurant. Then moved to Leeds:

...for 4.5 years, had a really great teenage life there. Met many wonderful friends, of which I'm still friends with now. Went to a great high school and a wonderful church. Theeennn it was back to here:

where I spent my senior high school and university, so like 7 years. Love the city with it's authenticity. I especially loved my uni life where I met my best friends. I think my parents have decided to stop their "nomadicness" (yes I invented the word) and built a house near a rice field in this city. And no, I didn't settle for this city. Went to the big mama city, Jakarta, to find money:

for about 2.5 years. There I moved 3 times, from one flat to another. Worked in a great company with great friends. Now living in Nantes:

for 1 year (I think, still many months to go). Next destination to live in? Here:

And so being a nomadic is not all fun. I sometimes get confused when people ask me where I'm from, I usually answer Yogyakarta because that's my birth town, but I don't really feel settled there. On the other side, it's also very fun. I learn to adapt fast in a new environment. And my definition of home is neither a town nor a country, it's simply my family.

When Dream Comes True

I remember a year ago, sitting in my office, counting my bank balance, checking AirAsia website for a ticket to Paris. If not mistaken, about a year ago AirAsia introduced a new route, KL - Paris. I was so excited. Counting my monthly wage and seeing if it was enough for a trip to Paris. But then I knew that it would be quite sometimes before I could set foot in this city of love again.

Tomorrow, I'm going to Paris. It seems so weird, to be only 2 hours away from Paris. After 9 years of vivid memories of Paris, I will once again explore the city.

Maybe dreams and wishes do come true, even if it takes time and in the most unexpected way.

Beauty Overcoming the Bad

As seen from my previous posts, I have been dealing with assignments, deadlines, foreign language, confusion, toothache, homesick. But come to think of it, it is the beauty of life. What is life without all these complicated "mambo jambos"?

Not the world's best photographer, neither am I a fanatic photographer, but I did some pretty good shots during the last days of Summer here. So enjoy the beauty, as sometimes, when you look closely it will somehow eliminate the bad.

Blurred (I)

A big shrug woke me up. Immediately I open my eyes, rub my cold nose and put on a puzzled look on my face.
"Yes?" I ask the kind Welsh guy sitting next to me.
"She's asking if you want chicken or beef for dinner," he explains pointing at the flight attendant.
"Umm, chicken thanks" I answer quickly without thinking.
Well I could use chicken AND beef right now.
The flight attendant nods politely and walks off as she prepares my fancy-economic-flight meal.
"Thank you for waking me up, otherwise I'll be starving to death." I say to my tatooed neighbour. He laughs.
"No problem!" he replies.

I fidget. To the left. Pull my so-called blanket. Fix my shoes. Rub my tired eyes.
The least you can do is provide me a comfy flight. After all I am doing this for the sake of the company.

I remember when the Project Director asked for a "volunteer" to be sent to France for one year.
"3 representatives are picked from each country, we will send you to our headquarter in Paris, France, give you training and you will be a part of our new system development. Of course, it will be a tough competition. First there will be a regional jury and then a national jury who will give the final decision. All section heads please send me the list of candidates by the end of the week, of course considering the competency and knowledge of each individual," explained our over-enthusiastic Project Director.
"OK Guys, I think we all know this is an exciting news for all of us! I think we should give this chance to our seniors. What do you think?" asked my all-smiley section head. Silence. "Ally, Rick and Dan. You will be my candidates, you all know the system well and you're young, this experience will be....life changing!" Dave finished his sentence dramatically.
"Umm sorry, Dave, umm I really don't think I can. I mean it's France. I don't want any life-changing experience, I have family here. No offence, it's a great offer though, thanks." stuttered Rick, facing the floor.
"That's OK Rick, besides what will we do without you here. What about you Dan?" asked Dave, looking hopeful.
"I'm definitely in Dave! This is so exciting!" Dan said excitedly. His eyes looked as if it was about to pop.
"And Ally? Al? AL?! Stop it with your twittering!" complained Dave.
I stopped immediately.
How did he know I was twittering? Pscyhic boss.
"Dave, I wasn't twittering, just answering some e-mails, work e-mails" I said making excuses.
"You don't have work e-mail installed on your Blackberry,"
Again! Supernatural power.
"I installed it this morning, anyway you were saying? Paris? Sure! I'm in." I gave him a wink and went back to my precious Blackberry on Twitter.
As if I'm going to Paris, I'm not that lucky dear boss. I tweeted.

And somehow here I am now in my economic seat, on my way to Paris. Four seats in a row. Ridiculous. I can barely fit my feet in the space in front of me.
"Where are you off dear? Paris is it? Or are you taking a connecting flight?" ask the woman on my left.
"Paris" I smile at the mid-fifty lady.
"Studying? You'll love Paris, my daughter used to live there. It's great for you young people. It's almost like Singapore, but even better she said," explain the lady while rubbing her hands for some extra warmth.
"No, it's for work." Short simple answer.
"Oh I see, well it really doesn't matter whether you work or study. Paris will love you! Can you speak Mandarin?"
"Ah well thank you. No actually I don't have the slightest clue of Mandarin," I tell her apologetically.
"You look like you can speak it. Are you mixed race love? You don't look 100% Asian to me!" Another question.
"Yes well, I'm not, it's that obvious? My dad is British, my mum is from Singapore."
"Ah well that explain. Anyway, can you see if the toilet is free? My bladder just can't take this cold, I'm not so young anymore!" the lady explain.
"It's free, you see, the green light" I tell her pointing towards the toilet behind our seat.
"Thank you love, excuse me..." she makes her way to the toilet.

Sigh. I need my twitter.
Truth be told. The only reason I gave my all to be here in my position is one reason: to get away from everything. My lousy routine every morning, my again failed relationship. The two main reasons. I needed a challenge. And here it is the challenge. I'm heading towards it.
I already miss Singapore though. It was hard saying goodbye to my family and my friends, but I assured myself that it's for my own good.

"Excuse me again love, I'm relieved now, I think dinner is ready, I saw that lovely flight attendant getting it all set and ready," say the woman, giddy and excited as if she has just told me a big secret.
"That's nice, just what I need now, my dinner."

Menangis

Nangis? Spesialisasi gw. Nonton film yang sedihnya "biasa-biasa" aja bisa nangis, apalagi nonton Hachiko yang sedih setengah mati, nangisnya ga brenti-brenti. Ya nangis, udah jadi kebiasaan gw. Saat mau brangkat ke Prancis, gw nangis. Sedih banget ninggalin temen-temen, terutama saat say goodbye ke keluarga, berasa air mata ga ada abis-abisnya *lebay* tapi entah kenapa saat masuk ruang tunggu air mata gw hilang.

Saat sampe di Lyon hari pertama, langsung online di Skype ama bonyok. Air mata gw ngalir, berasa banget uda sendirian di negeri orang. Saat itu puncak kelebay-an gw lagi tinggi dan kangen semua hal yang berbau indo. Liat bonyok ama adik di Skype langsung nangis tersedu-sedu. Tapi cuma hari pertama doank. Hmm..lumayan kalo dibandingin saat pindah ke Jakarta, nangisnya ga abis-abis tiap malem.

Di Nantes, baru sekali nangis, tapi ga heboh-heboh amat. Cuma tersedu sesaat *halah* trus langsung bisa berhenti. Jadi total di Prancis baru nangis dua kali, bangga banget yah gw ama diri sendiri :P hebat kan!

Tapi...saat ini gw lagi pingin banget pulang. Kalo lagi pusing gini, biasanya mama gw selalu punya cara menenangkan gw. Sekarang harus nunggu jam yang tepat untuk bisa ngobrol ke mama lewat Skype. Mau ngobrol sama siapa pun di belahan dunia yang berbeda musti nunggu waktu yang pas. Pas online udah keburu ilang rasa pusingnya, adanya cuma rasa menggebu-gebu pingin nyeritain pengalaman hari ini.

Hmm..pantes aja yah gw lagi sedih dan galau ga bisa menitikkan air mata. Aneh banget buat gw, soalnya gw cengeng banget. Tapi kali ini gw ga nangis, bahkan mau dinangis-nangisin juga ga bisa kluar air matanya. Is this a sign of maturity? Or merely a sign of loneliness?

What to do

What to do when all things seem to go wrong. Yesterday, I was telling you about my Toothache and Homesick, well today was supposed to be that relaxing day of me laying in Pornic beach. I was looking forward to it. So that's what my friends and I did this morning, we took a tram to the bus station and was ecstatic to see the bus. And to our disappointment, there was a long queue and the bus could not take more than 45 people, that's what I understood anyway (I've a lame French). And yes, we didn't get inside the bus. So we thought "hey, let's go to the train station for some cheap tickets", and well 42euro for 4 people was not exactly the cheap that I had in mind. We decided to ditch this beach trip.

We took our "beach picnic" food to a park near our residence. I feel very annoyed and missing home terribly. Well, at least it was a good view from the park. Some people doing some rowing, which looks fun.

...and we enjoyed the salad made by my friend Dominik, he calls it his Polish-African salad.
And by the way I'm sick and tired of this sun, it is constantly reminding me of Indonesia. Just be cold already!

Toothache and Homesick

Almost a month that I have been here in France. I am starting to feel really really homesick, especially when I go shopping. In Jakarta I always had my best mates with me choosing this and that at the shopping centre, asking them which one suits me better or them begging me to buy a new jacket. And eating out together, buying my "Quickly" drink or simply sit at a coffee shop and talk for hours. Then we would wait another hour for a taxi and another hour for the traffic jam while we take Christa to her house and then back to the flat. Oh! How I miss those days!


Then back at home I would always have my mum and my sister with me...I miss them both as they're always fighting about my "taste" lol. They're always cooking me all this delicious stuff and I can't have that here, the kitchen is miles away from my room and it's always bread for everything. Excuse my complaints.

And well, homesick is not the only thing I'm dealing. Apart from the "interesting" courses, I have this stupid toothache at the back of my mouth, which I should've done the operation while I was still in Jakarta. I hate going to the dentist.

Oh, sorry for this batch of post, I really don't usually do this kind of post :S I'm trying to figure out a way to bring a bit of the atmosphere back home into my 9 squared metre room (in a very noisy building where people like to skype with their dog while shouting and singing loudly in the middle of the night.....just saying)

But on the other hand, Nantes has been very good to me, not adding my pain of homesick and toothache. It has been sunny for the past 2 weeks, a trip to the sea this weekend (hopefully) will cure everything.

Drizzle in Nantes

Nantes is what they say a town of drizzle. No it's not rain, it's drizzle. In Nantes, it's a speciality apparently. We will get this drizzle from time to time and we'll just have to get used to it. And well, what they say is right as I was welcomed with the famous Nantes drizzle as I dragged my suprisingly not-so-heavy luggage trying to find my way to my 9 squared metres residence.

And as I entered my building, I found my room was isolated from the others. Next to an exit (which has been proved noisy at night), in the corner (far from the kitchen which is in the other corner) and no neighbour. The room is small, well that's what you get for 9 squared metres I guess, and cold, my theory is because of its position. Brr...and it's still summer, which means the heater is off. Pfft! Boo to me coming from a tropical country.

Started my course this week and I was shocked. Lots of mathematics which means I need to dig deep and remember my maths courses from what it seems forever ago. This going back to school thing is definitely harder than I thought. Who knew the transformation from an employee to a student could be this complicated.

Though it seems I'm complaining (which I'm not btw *rolls eyes*), I am enjoying this moment. New friends and new country, a very tasty (tasty?! I must be hungry!) experience. And my life right now, wouldn't want to change it!

And let me introduce you to the famous elephant of Nantes:

...aaaanndd did you know that crepes were originally from Nantes? We have the best ones in France! I love this fact! :)

So Europe?

Arrived at Lyon two days ago and my first thought was "Wow, I'm really in Europe, but it doesn't feel like Europe". The long flight and and the many transits were okay, not really blown away by the experience though. Had a headache for half of the flight and was squeezed sitting in the middle at the back row and was fed too much food. Bleuh. But hey! I managed to arrive safely here.

I didn't think I would make the journey smoothly, but I surprisingly did. An Indonesian lady who has lived in France for 12 years showed me the way to the immigration at Schiphol Airport. I was accompanied by another Indonesian lady (well, I accompanied her) who was visiting her daughter during 1 hour while waiting for my next plane. Then before jetting off to Lyon, I was greeted by another Indonesian woman, whose friend was picking her up at the airport. The airport was really quiet and so calm. They both helped me to take Rhone Express and showed me the bus. I got on the wrong bus, and a French lady helped me out (in English!). And finally I saw CISL.

There was a time when I thought "What the heck am I doing here?!" and here I am two days later: a lot less homesick, made great new friends, went round Lyon's city centre, and eating leftover pasta from lunch. At this point I can't say that I'm loving it, but I'm sure one day I will. So Europe? OUI!

For Good

I made a thank you video, to my amazing friends at AAB. I think this video summarizes all the things I've been through and all the fun I had.

For Good

Inventing Shadows

I love love love Dia Frampton from The Voice. Love her unique voice and her new solo Inventing Shadows.

Dia Frampton - Inventing Shadows lyrics



It's not surprising it could end like this

Your eyes are open even when you kiss

You're so distant

So cold, so resistant

You see the world in only gray and black

Now how can anybody live like that

Without screaming, without dying for dreaming



And you stare out the window at the passing cars

And you look at the sky, thank your unlucky stars

No you're never quite happy right where you are



So you keep on inventing shadows

Where there are none, no there are none

Yeah you keep on inventing shadows

Where there are none

You don't even see the sun, can't you see the sun



It can't be shocking I might want to leave

The way you're living's like you're half asleep

You just drain me

If I go who could blame me



And you stare out the window at the passing cars

And you look at the sky, thank your unlucky stars

No you're never quite happy right where you are, right where you are, with all that you are



And so you keep on inventing shadows

Where there are none, no there are none

Yeah you keep on inventing shadows

Where there are none

You don't even see the sun, can't you see the sun



You're so young, so beautiful, so flawless in my eyes

Don't you know the world shines

Every time you smile

Why can't you just smile



So you keep on inventing shadows

Where there are none, no there are none

Yeah you keep on inventing shadows

Where there are none

You don't even see the sun, can't you see the sun



You dim the lights in the world I see

How I wish that I could still believe

Time to save me

If I go, who could blame me







Lyrics | Dia Frampton lyrics - Inventing Shadows lyrics

The Greatest Gift Ever

Bu Yeni: Congratulations! You have been accepted at AAB, you can now go and tell your mother-in-law-to-be that you have a job.

I could never forget the day Bu Yeni said that to me (I have no idea why she said "the mother-in-law-to-be" bit though). I was relieved, well I was unemployed, a fresh graduate, and all I wanted was a job. And boy was I lucky to be recruited at one of the most prestigious companies in the country. I was ecstatic.

As I started working, I had so many mixed feelings. I began by being grateful for having a job in Jakarta. Then after I started my job it was stressful, then I found out that I had such an amazing team. I learned a lot of team work, I appreciate every support, every help, every argument. I love my team.

But a job is just a job, what makes it different in AAB is the atmosphere and the friendship. Just as I entered my second year, I met a lot of new friends which soon became my best friends. Never did I expect to gain so much from this job.

I'm gonna miss being mentored by CHA, REL and BAG.
I'm gonna miss the advise from my first friend in AAB, CAD.
I'm gonna miss being calmed down by DEY with his soft, calm voice.
I'm gonna miss the arguments with RGR, I believe she has learned to be meaner and tougher.
I'm gonna miss our so-called overtime and chits chats between hours with ETH and RWD.
I'm gonna miss CAA's wet hair in the morning and her slow slow response.
I'm gonna miss everything about AAB and everyone in AAB.

If I could crumple AAB into a mini pocketsize keyring, I would. It'll always be a part of me. Peace of mind :D

By the way...Anyway...Busway

Me : two please (shoves 7000IDR through the tiny hole)
The woman : (shoves back 2 tickets)
Me : (silently walk pass a man and gives the tickets to him)
The man : *kreeeeekkk* (that was supposed to be the sound of paper ripping)

If that wasn't too obvious, that was one of the many repeated conversations I've had before settling my feet on one of the most (supposedly) reliable bus service in Jakarta: the Transjakarta or you can simply call it the busway. Oh busway how I have so many controversial feelings for you! But let's talk about those feelings later shall we?

On to the main topic. I was just thinking as I was on the busway, Blok M route, when I looked at the tickets. I don't know if this applies to all routes but it does to the Blok M and Lebak Bulus routes. As we know almost all ticket machines are now disfunctioned (surprise surprise), which is a complete shame and waste of money by the way, and all tickets have been replaced to "paper tickets". Here's a preview, just incase you haven't seen one.



This is only HALF of the original size, since half of it has been ripped. I was curious at how the busway industry in Jakarta has contributed to global warming, a lot I presume.
I mean if you're gonna rip out the paper in half and THROW it in the bin straight away then there's no need to print out such huge tickets! At the end we're also gonna throw the other half anyway, and this usually happens even before we enter the busway. What a waste of ink and paper! And not to mention, hel-lo we already have ticket machines, why not fix it???!? Again, waste of money!

When I was in Penang, Malaysia for a holiday, I took their buses called Rapid Penang. They also had bus tickets, trust me they also contribute to global warming, but at least their bus tickets were wayyyyy smaller than what we have in Jakarta, about one tenth to what we have with smaller prints. Not that I'm comparing (I know how sensitive we are about it).

A Trophy...for getting married

When my parents found out that I received a scholarship, they were ecstatic. I don't see it as my accomplishment alone as the whole family has always helped and encouraged me even when I was at the bottom.
However, that's not the point of this whole post. My parents told some of their close friends at church. The response of one them is still stuck in my head. Why? Maybe it's because I hated how uncreatively he responded to the news. I will call him Mr. B

Mr. B : When are you going?
Me : (answered the man)
Mr. B : You should get married first! (excitedly)
Me : (WHAT?!?!?!!) *smiles*
Mr. B : ...and give your father grandchildren
Me : Well, let's find out if my dad wants grandchildren shall we? (turns to my dad) Dad, is grandchildren your priority?
Dad : Nope!

I love my dad! He is the best in the world for having the most genius answer.
Another reaction to this news was a friend. I will call him Y.

Y : So what's your plan in the next few years?
Me : Get a Masters degree.
(then we had a little chat and he finally found out about my scholarship)
Y : hmmm....don't forget your age. You're gonna be 24 this year.
Me : (so?!)
Y : Remember you're a girl and you need to get married soon!
Me : *smiles*

This is why I am blessed to have my parents as my parents! They don't think like these people. No offence, they can have their opinion but to me their response is utterly weird. Why must I (a girl) should think about marriage and giving my parents grandchildren when I have just received a scholarship?

This is the problem with the society in which I live in. They have this stereotype that when girls come to a certain age, like mid 20s, they should be fixing a wedding gown and not be off in some strange land getting their masters degree. My parents however, have never taught me this stereotype nonsense. This is why I am always left confused by people who make such comments.

My parents have never taught me something just for the reason "because you're a girl" like for example:
You need to be able to cook : not because I'm a girl but because someday I might live by myself and have to cook for myself
You need to learn how to wash your clothes : not because I'm a girl but because someday I'm gonna leave my parents and have to do my own washing
You need to tidy up your room : not because I'm a girl but because neat room = nice room = more comfortabe to live in

Their reasons were logic and not simply because I'm a girl.

An Inspiring Chat

Last Saturday I went to an orphanage in Tanjung Barat. There I met a girl called Hela. She told me she was in year 10. I introduced myself and then got myself into what turned out to be a very inspiring chit chat.

Me: What year are you in Hela?
Hela: I'm in year 10.
Me: Have you finished all your exams?
Hela: No, it's in 2 weeks, please pray for me so that I can get good grades.
Me: Of course I will! What do you wanna do when you grow up?
Hela: Umm..a doctor, actually I just wanna be a useful person. Doctor is a useful person right?
Me: Yes! Absolutely!

Then we stopped for a bit. She then continued for some shocking questions!

Hela: Do you have a family? Like your own family?
Me: Not yet.
Hela: But you already know who your soulmate (she used the Indonesian word "jodoh") is right?
Me: Nope (totally unexpected question!)
Hela: Well, I hope you find him soon.

I'm in love with this witty little girl!
The conversation continues. I was told to pray for the person sitting next to me (which was Hela of course).

Me: What do you want me to pray you for?
Hela: Exams, so that I could get good grades, to have more friends and be a useful person to others.
Me: OK, anything else?
Hela: umm....I want to pray for you, so you can find your soulmate soon!
Me: *speehless*

She is just the sweetest girl! Not only does she care for herself, but for others too. Her conversation with me was also like a slap for me, as I barely ever pray for myself about the "soulmate" topic.

Thanks Hela, you are an angel.

First post in 2011!

Hello all!!

Wow what a month! This has definitely been a hectic January in 2011! But I have been L O V I N G it!
A lot has happened last year and I am being thankful and have taken all the lessons from 2010. This year is gonna be fantastic. I have no idea why but I can just feel it!