Dec 27, 2016

2k16

As we're stepping into a new year, 2017, I think it's only right to reflect on what had happened in 2016; for both the good and the bad. This end of year, is the perfect moment to look back and think about how to move on, about what to wish for the year to come. With this, I'll try to make this yearly post another tradition in this blog.


2016 is not exactly a year I can be very proud about. A lot happened in the span of one year despite the lack of schooling activities at the the first half of the year. 

January was particularly filled with fond memories. No stress since A-level's was over and a group of us, Diego, were going on a trip! Those days presented some of the most emotion-evoking string of events. Happiness for being finally free from the hair-loss-inducing national exam, grief from remembering our late friend, and sadness from realizing that it might be our last trip together in a long time. No matter what, those were beautiful days that I keep remembering until now, and especially during difficult times. Those moments of togetherness reminds me that difficult time too shall pass. Also that all of us can once again bravely look forward to our future just like when we were almost exempt of worry that January. 

The peace was short-lived. A-level results were finally out in March. It was finally time to truly consider available opportunities and take definite steps that will lead to another major part of my life, university. My dream constantly changed year to year, at least that was the case up to early 2013. Having been able to maintain the same dream for more than 2 years was really quite a feat to me. I wished to study food science and technology. People say, the way to a person's heart is through food. People say, you are what you eat. These are exactly the reasons why I held on to this dream for so long. But my grade was not good enough for a foreigner trying to find a place in the country I call home for 4 years. With that, I had to bury that dream and build a new one from scratch: accounting, the most sensible choice in my situation. 

By signing-up for accounting, I have to re-think and re-imagine my future, something I have yet to complete until now. It also means I have to re-adjust to a culture that I'm supposedly accustomed to, most of my friends live with this culture after all. I felt and still somewhat feel like an outsider, a puzzle piece that does not fit anywhere in the picture. Starting from trivial things such as chatting messengers to anything in between. The fact that I'm older than all my classmates by around 2 years does not help either. It feels like being lost in a one-way street. I have no choice but to walk on this path simply because it's the only one. But even so I still find it difficult to follow whatever there is. 

Every cloud has a silver lining. My situation is not thaat bad, there are even some positive things I gain from this whole happening and state of confusion. It provides an opportunity to make up for lost times with my family, it is also time to mend broken relationship with old friends. These are the things that would never happen if I stay in another country. Things are still awkward with most of old friends, we are back to saying-hi phase. I'm also still not used to with some of my in-the-brink-of-puberty little brother, he is still the cute little brother I left 5 years ago in my mind. But things will surely get better. 

In 2017, I hope to be a more flexible person, one who can adapt to any new situations. I also hope that I can maintain the level of relationship I have with people who matter the most and overcome the bridge between my classmates/old friends and myself. 

Dec 20, 2016

New Look

So, here is the new appearance of the blog! 

As I start anew in my hometown, I'd like this blog to look somewhat new. Besides that, I also want a cleaner and more mature look simply because I want the blog to grow together with me. I hope you also like the new face of this blog. There may be still minor changes in the future because I, myself still is not very satisfied with this change. So, let's wait and see for the final transformation. 

See you on my next post :)

Drama Review : The K2



This drama ended around a month ago, but I just got to start watching this when my exam was about to start the start of December. One of my classmates recommended this to me when the drama just ended, but you see, anything and everything else becomes more interesting when I need to study. That's why I only started then. Anyway, I did not regret a single second I spent watching this drama. I would definitely recommend this drama, especially if you are an avid action and political drama fan. Then, let's get on with the drama review!

Oct 6, 2016

20

Another milestone reached! I’m finally 20 years old, an age many people deem to signify adulthood. Being a 20 year old, gives me mixed feeling given my current situation. And surprisingly, or not, I'm not as excited as my other birthdays. The circumstances is definitely very very different, last year I was with friends studying for A-levels  in a foreign land and now I'm at home studying for mid-term exam. 

Aug 28, 2016

Togetherness

So, I just came back from a short trip with the youth group from my church yesterday. The prayer meeting (?) theme was "Togetherness". As we shared our experiences about togetherness, I couldn't help but be thrown back to sometime 1 to 2 years ago.

Jul 24, 2016

Orientation Thoughts

Orientation is finally over for me, at least for the in-campus one it is. I never knew that such normal activity can evoke so much thoughts that it even made me start writing diaries again. So this post is a special one, I'm sharing 4 days of my diary (almost word for word) I wrote during the orientation period! 

!Warning! Quite a bit of angst ahead

Jun 17, 2016

Hello, Goodbye

On this rainy day, I am saying goodbye to yet another phase in my life. 

May 20, 2016

The Truth About Instant Noodle


Online articles about this cheap common cuisine always talk about the bad side effects of consuming it. Let me tell you something different this time.

May 19, 2016

Swollen Eyes, Blocked Nose, Chapped Lips

The past week has been super eventful for me, in the sense that I got busier at work and at the same time I discovered my life would essentially not go according to what I want it to be. I guess, you can say that this post is somewhat a follow up of my previous post : Of Doubts, Regret and Disappointment. As you can see from the title, this post will be rather angsty. Don't say that I never warn you!


Apr 24, 2016

Drama Review : 태양의 후예 (Descendants of the Sun)


This ultra popular drama has just wrapped up with three special episodes just this week. And I must say that I was hooked! Being a completely pre-produced drama, we can be certain that the plotline does not change despite the demands of the viewers. Plus, they also have more time to edit and think through many parts. They stuck to their plan, and I guess it really was for the best! A drama to be anticipated, indeed! Star-studded cast, collaboration between great writers (one of them wrote for The Heirs too, if I'm not mistaken) and huge budget. All of them are the supporting factors of the huge success of this drama and the drama itself surely does not disappoint despite the great expectation. It is action-packed yet balanced with some fluffy romance! Well, let's get on with the review :)

Apr 14, 2016

Of Doubts, Regret and Disappointment

They say, you won't appreciate what you have until it's gone. The events and talks that I've been having these past few weeks highlight just how much that statement really holds true. 

Apr 6, 2016

Daydream

Hi! This is the promised full review of Day6' newest mini album 'Daydream' :) 

Apr 1, 2016

Simple Happiness

Hi! This is a very quick update :)

These days I've been quite happy despite all the uncertainty about university :D

Mar 9, 2016

The Meaning of Home

Tonight is my last (probably ever) night in SA hall, a place I unconsciously called home for the past 2 years. After a week of staying here again, I realize that home is not home without the people, it's just a building you stay in. 

Mar 5, 2016

My Take on (My) A-level Results

So, A-level results were released those morning. Quite a few people left the school with happy hearts because of their "outstanding results", that is 80 rank points and above. Personally, I'm not satisfied with my results even though it only falls a little bit behind the rank point that I expected. 

Feb 28, 2016

My Fangirl Heart Breaks Once Again

The dreaded day has finally come, a member of my favorite band withdraws from the group. This comes as a surprise, a horrible surprise at that. Day6 is super new and has only released 1 mini album, who would've thought that a petty scandal will lead to this?

Feb 19, 2016

Missed Chances

For the first time in forever, I'm actually very grateful that my parents don't know the link to this blog because I'm about to spill something that my mom told me not to tell anybody.

Feb 1, 2016

Drama Review : 응답하라 1988 (Reply 1988)


This is the second drama that I finished after holiday officially started. This drama is sooooo good especially after the very underwhelming Dream High 2. This is the second Reply series that I watched, skipping Reply 1994. Nevertheless I can safely say that both installments are impressive and well-produced. Actually, I dare say that Reply 1988 is much more awesome than the already awesome Reply 1997Let's get on with the review :)

Jan 18, 2016

What I Learnt From A Trip to Bali with Friends

The Udin Explorer
So  I just came back from a trip to Bali with a group of friends and having some kind of withdrawal. Suddenly living without them is not the norm for me. It just feels right not having to wake up early and wake everybody up, not being able to have late night galau sessions and stuffs like that. Dayum, my life will be very bland after the trip.