Bali, Here I Come!

Bali, here I come!  

Excited yet Sad...

Just finished packing! Yeayyy... tomorrow morning I'll fly to Bali (^,^)

Hope the weather's good. Hope nothing bad will happen. Geez I'm still paranoid because of that catastrophe happened around South East Asia few days ago. The earthquake... the tsunami. May the victims' soul rest in peace. Anyways... since the catastrophe, I received e-mails & SMSs from my friends around the world. All of 'em were worried and said that they're thinking of me, my family & friends... also included me in their prayers. I'm so touched! Lucky me, having such nice friends. Love you guys! But anyways, I had confirmed them that in Indonesia, the catastrophe was only happened at North-West of Indonesia (Aceh). It's far from Jakarta (where I live). In other words, I'm perfectly fine. By the way... if u (my blog readers) have any family member that visit any of the countries that suffer the tsunami and haven't heard from them,

HOTLINES:
To contact representatives from India, call +91 11 2309 3054
To reach Thailand, call their emergency hotline at +66 2643 5262 and 2643 5000
For information about local residents in Sri Lanka, call +94 11 536 1938, for tourists the number is +94 11 243 7061
In the Maldives, the government hotline is +44 20 7224 2149
For more information on travelers in the Seychelles, call +248 321 676

HOW TO HELP?
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/12/27/quake.aidsites/index.html

The quake 8.9 on the Richter scale...
Strucked off:
- The Western island of Sumatra,Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- India
- Thailand
- The Maldives
- Myanmar
- Malaysia

It was the fourth largest earthquake since 1899 and a massive tsunami over 20th century..
More than 20,000 people dead...
More people missing by swept out to sea...
Many of them are children and the elderly...
More people homeless...

From the bottom of my heart...I'm expressing condolences over the "terrible loss of life and suffering" and include them in my prayers.



Bad News... Fluffy (Siskya's dog) died this morning. Cause: sickness. I was sooo shocked when Tisha told me that. I loved Fluffy sooo much!!! She used to lick my face to wake me up so I can play with her everytime I sleptover at Siskya's. And many other memories... God rest her soul... I've missed her already...

Oh well... enough with sad stories, I'm gonna get some sleep... coz I got an early flight to catch.

Happy Holiday Everyone!

Happy New Year too!

XOXO,

Amara

Our Daily Bread

I got this from a friend and I think this is really good...

Today before you think of saying an unkind word... Think of someone who can't speak

Before you complain about the taste of your food... Think of someone who has nothing to eat

Before you complain of not having enough... Think of someone who's begging on the street

Before you complaint of being ugly... Think of someone who's actually in the worst of states of life

Before you complain about your husband or wife... Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion

Today before you complain about life... Think of someone who went too early to heaven

Before you complain about your children... Think of someone who desires children but they're barren

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep... Think of the people who are living in the streets

Before whining about the distance you drive... Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet

And when you are tired and complain about your job... Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another. Remember that not one of us are without sin.

We all answer to one maker. And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down, put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.

Life is a gift

Live it...

Enjoy it...

Some wisdom...

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have.
"Wow, this girl in my office is a real looker. But it's not her Wynona Rider features that got me. I'm crazy about her because she's also understanding, intelligent, tender - so many things that my spouse is not."

Somewhere along the way, you'll find a woman or a man who will be more charming or sensitive. More alluring. More thoughtful. Richer. Have greater sex appeal.

And you will find a woman or man who will need you and pursue you and go loco over you more than your spouse ever did. Because no wife or husband is perfect. Because a spouse will only have 90% of what you're looking for. So adultery takes place when a husband or wife looks for the missing 10%.

Let's say your wife is melancholic by nature. You may find yourself drawn to the pretty clerk who has a cherry laugh no matter what she says: "I broke my arm yesterday, Hahahaha . . ."
Or because your wife is a homebody in slippers and pajamas, smelling of garlic and fish oil, you may fall for a fresh-smelling young sales representative that visits your office in a sharp black blazer, high heels, and a red pencil-cut skirt. Or because your husband is the quiet type, your
heart may skip a beat when you meet an old college flame who has the makings of a talk show host.

But wait! That's only 10% of what you don't have.
Don't throw away the 90% that you already have!
That's not all.

Add to your spouse's 90% the 1000% that represents all the years that you have been with each other.
The storms you have weathered together.
The unforgettable moments of sadness and joy as a couple.
The many adjustments you have made to love the other.
The wealth of memories that you've accumulated as lovers.

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don't have.
But faithfulness happens when you start thanking God for what you already have.

But I'm not just talking about marriage.
I'm talking about life!
About your jobs.
About your friends.
About your children.
About your lifestyles.

Are you like the economy airline passenger that perennially peeks through the door of the first class cabin, obsessed with what he's missing?

"They have got more leg room! Oh my, the food is served in porcelain! Wow, their seats recline at an 80% angle and they've got personal videos!"

I guarantee you'll be miserable for the entire trip! Don't live your life like that. Forget about what the world says is first class. Do you know that there are many first class passengers who are miserable in first class-because they're not riding in a private Lear Jet?

The main message:
If you start appreciating what you have right now, wherever you are
IS first class!

My Random Blabs

What a looongg day... and all the things I did today were the preparations for Christmas. I went to a tailor to cut my new pants. It's too long for me... well hey, I'm not a tall girl. Thennn... I met up with mom at PIM... we shopped, shopped, and shopped... then I looked at my watch, ouch, it's already 9 PM. (I arrived there around 4 PM) heuheuhuehue... time went by that fast! ;D

You know, I started to think about getting a job... Holiday's over... by January, I have to get a job! One thing for sure... I'm not gonna work in Banking industry ever again! Enufff... so, anyone... if you need a fresh graduate who has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, feel free to contact me!

Kay thennn... gotta go... ciaooo alle!

O Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree in my house

Ocean's Twelve

via Google/imagesearch

Ocean's Twelve 

Love For Chic Choc

I'm so addicted to Chic Choc! (^,^) 

Shocking!

Few minutes ago...

I was watching DVD... then my dad came...

Dad: Do you have plans with your friends tomorrow night?

Me: Not yet... why?

Dad: Do you mind if I ask you to just stay at home? Just for tomorrow. We need to practice on a song.

Me: eh?

Dad: Yeah, I thought it'd be great if me, mom, your brother sing on Christmas Eve. Just one song. I've already chosen the song.

Me: You mean in front of our big family? Just the 4 of us? Daaaaad??? Are you serious?

Dad: YEAP!

Me: ***speechless*** (I was just starring at him with my-so-weird-look on my face)

Dad: Btw, the song would be "Mary's Boy Child". Great, huh?

and then he left... I was still amazed... that was just not my dad!!! Soooo not himmmm!!! My dad? What happened...?!!!

He's not the kind that likes to perform on stage or whatsoever... and now... he's... different.

If it's my uncle or anybody else, I'm totally cool with that... but it's my dad!!! I seriously gotta ask my mom bout this! Mooooommmmm.....!!!!!!

Questionnaire on Friendster

I got this questionnaire on friendster... it's kinda fun filling in this questionnaire, I'm telling you which movies are my favorite and worth to watch!

* Last Movie You Watched: at Cinema; National Treasure, on DVD: The Classic (Korean movie)

* You Laughed Your A** Off During : Boat Trip, Euro Trip, Finding Nemo

* You Cried SO HARD During : The Passion of the Christ

* Movie That You REALLY Want To Watch, But Its Not Yet Shown In The Cinema Near You: Purple Butterfly, Memoirs of A Geisha

* You Think This Actor Deserves To Receive An Academy Award Next Year: Johnny Depp

* And This Actress Deserves One As Well: Natalie Portman

* The Hottest Movie So Far: Lord of The Rings (all 3)

* The Corniest Movie So Far: all Jim Carey's movies

* The World Worst ACT You've Ever Seen: J.Lo and Ben Affleck in Gigli

* After You Saw This Movie, You Couldn't Sleep: all Horror movies!!! HUH!

* After You Saw This Movie, You Realized That Your Life Could Be Ended Soon: Armageddon, The Day After Tomorrow

* The Greatest Actor For You .. WHY?: Bruce Willis... He's my man! ;D hehehe

* The Greatest Actress For You .. WHY?: Audrey Hepburn... I adore her!

* If You Had Chance To Direct A Romantic Movie, Who'd You Pair Up?: Takeshi Kaneshiro and I! Hahaha... well, maybe Jay Hernandez and Natalie Portman

* The Most .. Romantic Movie Ever: Friends (Korean-Japanese), Turn Left Turn Right (Chinese movie), The Classic (Korean movie), Titanic, 50 first dates, and many more!

* Best Fighting Scene: Kill Bill vol. 1 (esp. the scenes in Japan)

* Best Kissing Scene: Ever After

* Best Make Out Scene: Original Sin, Unfaithful

* Best Costumes: The Lord of The Rings, Hero

* Best Soundtrack: De-Lovely, Save the Last Dance

* The Hottest Superhero: Wonder Woman

* You Memorize This Line To Death: You jump, I jump! (Titanic) ;)

* You've Watched This Movie For Million Times, But You Still Don't Get What's Actually Happening: Matrix

* You Wish You Could Play The Role Of : Noriko Nakagawa/Takako Chigusa/Mitsuko Souma in Battle Royale

* You Fell A Sleep In The Middle Of It: Cold Mountain

* Last DVD You Bought: The Classic

* Then, Your Favorite Movie Of All is : Too many... Can't pick one...

Well, I must say, lately I've been a fan of Japanese, Chinese (Hongkong & Taiwan), and Korean movies! European movies are also unique & interesting. Well maybe I'm just a lil bit bored with Hollywood's. My recommendations:

Japanese: Battle Royale, Madadayo, Tokyo Godfathers, Grave of The Fireflies, Space Travelers

Chinese: Turn Left Turn Right, Infernal Affairs I-II-III, The House of Flying Daggers, 20-30-40

Korean: The Classic, My Sassy Girl, My Crazy Love

European: Goodbye, Lenin! (German), Taxi 1-2-3 (French), Yamakasi (French), Life is Beautiful/La Vita e bella (Italian), Asterix et Obelix - Contre Cesar (French) 

Well That's it for now... but I'll keep this post updated! 

Bored.

I'm so bored. I'm so bored. I'm so bored.

I stayed at home for these last few days. Well, one exception though... I hung out at Glenn's house last sunday till 2 a.m. hehehe... I was with Alva, Odjen and of course Glenn. It's been a while since the last time I hung out with them. We were playing around with K-ci (the adorable Golden Retriever)... he's so so spoiled!!! But I'd loooove to have one myself!

We were also watching the final cut of Soulid's videos. The contents of the video are soulid's road show, promo tours, interviews, performances and their 3 video clips. I must admit, it's a bit weird seeing the audience (esp. the girls) screaming their names hysterically and worship them like crazy! Hahaha... but I'm proud of them though... they're really talented and they've worked very hard. Glenn said that they're gonna perform in Singapore on Dec 11th 2004. He said, "Hey, why don't you come along with us?" ... hahahahah... just for seeing their gig? I guess not! If one them is my boyfriend, maybe I would. Haha... But I'm hoping for the best for them though! They're currently recording their second album. Probably will be out on January or February 2005, I hope it's gonna be a good one!

Oh well... I think I'm just gonna watch another DVD now... nite2

Just Watched The Polar Express

via Google/searchimage

The Polar Express 

I love the north pole! (^,^)`* 

This Holiday Season...

via Google/imagesearch

Oouuwwhhh.... Christmas presents!!!  

It's 5.07 AM (GMT +7), I just got home. I went out with my cousins - Ara, Alva, Lala, Lami and Marcel. We went to Plaza EX (Entertainment X'ntre)and watched Polar Express. Oouuwwhhh... Loves it! I've always loved Christmas! One of my favourite times of the year.

My cousins and I were discussing about our childhood afterwards. How much we believed in Santa Claus... (thank's to our parents)

I'd still love to believe in Santa Claus though! ;) I'd love to be on Santa's lap and to have him asking me, "Amara, what do you want for Christmas...?"

Then I'll say, "All I want for Christmas is ______________________" ;D

via Google/imagesearch

Louhan, a cross breed between chiclid from S. America is considered a hybrid tropical fish, having very striking features in appearance and colour, the most attracting feature of all is it protruding forehead. Keeping this fish, among the Chinese community in Oriental Asia, is belief can bring good luck & fortune to it's owner.  

I got an sms this morning... from Cokie, one of my friends.

"Junior had passed away... please pray for his soul. Thank you Amara"then I replied:"Cok, sorry to hear that, but who's Junior anyway?"--  I had no idea who he was! Seriously!he replied back:"He's Bambang's brother."--  well, I must admit that Cokie's really good at being weird! If he started to be that weird, it means that he's not serious at all. But I decided to go on with his game. So, I replied him back:"Who's Bambang?"This is the reply:"Amara! He's one of my louhan fishes! You have forgotten all about them, haven't you?"Ach soooooooo!!! Then finally I sent him this message:"Of course I still remember bout your louhans! But I never knew their names though. It's been a while since the last time I came to your house, huh? Well, Please accept my condolence. ((:"Hahahahaha... he's such a funny guy. I got the hidden message of the sms though. It's been a while since the last time I hung out with my friends. It's not that I forgot all about them... it's just, I need some time to be left alone. I'm having a boyfriend and I'm trying to make this happen. I couldn't do that if I hang out with my friends everyday. But well, probably on December I'll start to go out with them again. Coz you know, I've missed them too!

Eine Kleine Schoene Stadt

Karlsruhe, eine kleine schoene Stadt! I've missed this city soooo much!!! via Google/imagesearch 

Quarter-life Crisis

They call it the "Quarter-life Crisis." 

It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn't know and may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now. You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. 

What you don't recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren't really cold, catty, mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you. You look at your job... and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you. Your opinions have gotten stronger. 

You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn't. One minute, you are insecure and then the next secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life, but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward. 

You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you. Or you lie in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Or maybe you love someone but love someone else too and cannot figure out why you are doing this because you know that you aren't a bad person. Getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic. 

You go through the same emotions and questions over and over, and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future and making a life for yourself... and while winning the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender! What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out. We aren't alone in their state of confusion... 

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF US!

Weird wednesday

Hmm... actually, today Ara and I were gonna go to Glodok to buy some DVDs. We ran out of DVDs to watch! But we decided to just buy 'em next week. Then I had lunch with my mom & dad in a Japanese Restaurant. Yummmm (^,^) ... I ate sushi, sashimi, agedashi tofu and some bites of Unagi :P Geez, I always love Japanese food! But then, I got texted by Calik, "Ruli's father passed away this morning. Please forward this message to the others." ... I was like, WHATTTT!?? ... Oh geez! May God bless his soul. 

So, I went to Ruli's house after lunch. I met some of my friends from high school and I haven't met some of them since we finished high school. It's like a small reunion actually. Isn't that ironic? Having reunion on someone's funeral? I felt sorry for Ruli and his family. It must've been a great shock for them, losing a husband and a father.

Then I went to Pondok Indah Mall, coz I didn't feel like going home yet. I bought some books there... hehehe... I haven't finished reading "The Devil Wears Prada", but I just can't help it! I bought "Wanderlust" by Chris Dyer, "Cintapuccino" --- Indonesian chicklit, and FINALLY... "Shanghai Baby" by Wei Hui! I've been searching this book for months... other bookstores always ran out of this book. Finally, today, my mission completed! :) In 3 days, I've finished reading 3 books: "Kembang Jepun" by Remy Sylado, "Love in Prague" --- Indonesian teenlit, and "Natsuka" --- also Indo teenlit. Well, what can I say? I love reading! I hope those books I just bought are good. And I hope "Shanghai Baby" is as good as "Memoirs of A Geisha". "Memoirs Of A Geisha" is one of my fave books. 

I heard that someone's gonna make the movie. Zhang Zi Yi would be Sayuri (if I'm not mistaken), Michelle Yeoh and Ken Watanabe are also taking part in that movie. I can't hardly wait!!! Well, anyways, "Kembang Jepun" is similar to "Memoirs of A Geisha", but too bad, non-bahasa indonesia-speaker can't read this book. Coz it's in Bahasa Indonesia. 

One more thing, last monday, I went to cinema with my friends. We watched "It's All About Love". HOLY CRAP!!! That was the WEIRDEST MOVIE I've ever watched! Save your time, save your money, don't watch this movie. Weirdest movie ever!!! Really. I mean it. Don't. Aaite now... I suddenly forgot what I want to talk about. It's getting late. I guess, that's it for today. I'm signing-out! ;)

Breakfast

Fruit pie tartlets and tea! My kick-start for today... YUMMY!!! (^,^) ... {Vielen Dank Radit and Nia!!!} 

Paddy Field

Paddy Field

Puncak, West Java

I love these trees... beautiful!  

Tea Yard

The Tea Yard ~ Puncak Area ~ West Java

First thing first!

Hello World,

I'm starting my so-called-blog. So, hello! 

Some infos no one is asking for, I love watching DVDs [love-movies], write some stuff [based on real-life experience], read interesting books, hang out with my friends and/or cousins, love dogsss (dying to have a dog), beaches, learn new things, do sports [I play tennis, swimming, bowling... but I tried some sports before such as basketball, softball, athletic, volleyball, bowling, jet ski, etc... well, told you that I keen to do new stuff! ;) hehehe] and I can't live a day without music!!! Music is also my life...

I'm a huge-huge fan of Audrey Hepburn! I love all her movies... I also like Natalie Portman. Gawd she's adorable! I love sushi :) I know some people don't like raw fish, but you gotta try this one! But basically I love Japanese, Chinese & Italian food! I enjoy eating tasty food :) I'm also addicted to bread. Any kinds of bread... butter bretzel is my German love. And of course, French croissant! Yummy... (^,^)

I'm obsessed with this thing called traveling! I'd love to know and experience other nation's culture, other nation's language, landscape beauties... my goal is, I wanna travel around the world before 30!

Have fun reading my blog!