Wolfram Alpha

I know it's still January, and my birthday isn't in any near day, but seventy days away isn't that far though. (evil laugh)

I was posting my 24x365 journal earlier, and today is Day 295. I never thought I would make it this far.  So for fun, I ask an equation of 70 days from today to Wolfram Alpha. Wolfram Alpha is computational knowledge engine, it's a fun searching engine for me. If you haven't try searching for something using it, better try, it's sooo fun!). And the result is this! 

Call me cheesy, superstitious, or whatever and right now I don't care. I am just so excited to see exact, whole, even numbers; Such as 10 weeks from now, 70 days from now, 50 days from now, 101st day of 2013. It's the day the Revolutionary War ends. Sun will rises at 5:55, and set at 5:55. Preeetttyyy numberssss... And it's New Moon.

So excited!

Universe and Signs

I have always have this weird faith in the universe. Because it speaks, in words that probably nobody would understands, but it speaks in a way that's always true, that it only took time and patience to understand. 

I was feeling rather unsettled the past couple of days, and I was told not to hold any thing back if it bothers. So after a rather reckless but considerate consideration, the word is out. And guess what happened, universe sends another message and I didn't see it coming, again. Signs received, so now let time do the thing. 

Some people came into your life for a reason, you never know how long they would last, if they're planning to stay, or would they go and when they'd go. And sometimes, the unfortunate happens. Some people are meant to fall for each other, but not to be together. 

This story of mine, inspired me co-writing the following.

The video is actually a song, I co-wrote it with Andhang. Andhang wrote this song, inspired by the stories from people around him. Andhang actually already wrote all of the parts. But something's just not right for him, that's where I stepped in. When he sent me his demo, I was clearly getting what the song is all about, it was like I was feeling the vibe. For me the song is about the signs from the universe. It's about meeting people. It's about looking ahead on what's going to be. It's about feelings. It's about changing. It's about learning to open a heart. For me it's about the universe, telling me things I clearly hadn't understand, just yet.

At first, things are running in my mind like crazy. A lot of things I want to pour out in a song. But I just couldn't find the words for it. Until one day, probably the first day of the "unsettling" days. I just sat in front of my laptop, listening to the song again, and again. And then it appears. (oh by the way, the lyric's in Indonesian) These are the final lyrics. 

Tanda tanda yang nyata

Menunjukkan bahwa ini bukan kebetulan

Tanda tanda yang jelas

Mungkin dua hati ini sudah semestinya bersama?

Mereka-reka rasa di dada

Ketika ragu menutupi

Merentas batas

Kau dan aku..

ada rasa tanpa nama

mengusikku dalam sadar

mungkinkah kau juga rasakan yang sama?

ingatlah bahwa waktu kita masih lama

If I may translate, it's something like this:

There are clear signs

That this isn't any coincidence

There are more clear signs

Should these hearts belong together?

Questioning feelings in my heart

While doubts clouds over

We just need to make way, 

for you and me

There's a feeling without a name

It's bothering me in my wake

Could you ever feel the same?

Just remember, we got a long time to go. 

Andhang previously titled the song as 'Kode' or Signs, and I thought, what if we use 'Angan' instead. In English, 'Angan' translate as notion. And I thought it holds something more than signs. It holds wishful thinking, a hope, and more joy in it.

PS: I probably don't make sense. But, I guess nobody is, sometimes.

Escape!

Got a holiday in the middle of the week, so I decided to go to Bandung for a day, stayed in for two nights. I took of after work on Wednesday, spent the whole Thursday at Bandung, and took an early shuttle on Friday and went straight to work.

Went to a couple places I sort of missed and never been before. Stayed at Nadia's, a house that is always warm and an always loving host. Waking up to a clear sky, watching TV till noon. Then off we went to lunch at Warung Lela. Always a favorite in the middle of a chilly weather. Met up with Zuhdi and Aris. Have a little chat, then Zuhdi and Aris got to get back to the thing they are doing. But we promised to hang out again for dinner.

"So, where to go?" I asked Nadia. Where to waste our time. For me North Bandung was never really that jammed in terms of traffic, compared to Jakarta. In only between 2.30pm until around 6pm, I have already went to Hegarmanah, Trans Studio Mall, to Nadia's aunt house, and arrived at the place we are going to have dinner at. That was pretty much a lot for me.

I went to this vintage shop "Garasi Opa" at Hegarmanah. They sell these kind of really vintage suitcases, old phones, irons, eating utensils  plates, glass, postcards, watch, purses, you name it. And didn't really have that much money to buy anything luxurious, I only bought two postcards. One picturing old Javanese ladies, and one picturing Cannes. Cannes, soon?

Then, Nadia wanted to look around for some glasses. So we went to Trans Studio Mall. It has been so long since I stepped my foot there. Probably sophomore year? And there was now a mini amusement park, and the roller-coaster was able to be seen from the streets. I was all "whoaaa whoooa" when we arrived. They did a pretty good job "rejuvenating" the place. 

After convincing Nadia to try a different kind of frame (she didn't like the rounded shaped ones, though I thought it looks sweet though), she finally opted to the more square glasses that I and the optician approves. I was still hungry, is it the cold or is it just my stomach? I dont' know. So we then grab ice cream. They don't have my favorite cookies and cream tho, but chocolate cookie crackle do pretty much fine.

Then after stopping by at Nadia's aunt's house, we went to Verde. It's a new resto/hang out place in Dago. I swear I was glad these type of eating places was not there when I was still in college, it would really rob my allowance. The atmosphere was nice, the food was nice, and the price... let me just say, it's right. The crowd was added with Yoyo, our juniors who happens to have a little of spare time to spend some time with the tourist (read:me).

Then we off went home after dinner and talks. And I was pretty much satisfied, and I thought, this escape plan was... 

GENIUS.

Reality Bites

Lelaina Pierce
I was really going to be somebody by the time I was 23. 

Troy Dyer
Honey, all you have to be by the time you're 23 is yourself. 

Lelaina Pierce
I don't know who that is anymore.

Troy Dyer
I do. And we all love her. I love her. She breaks my heart again and again, but I love her. 

The Carrie Diaries

Love is something we wait for.
We imagine our first kiss,
first sex,
or our first I love you.
But we never imagine our first heart break;
Maybe because it's even too painful to even imagine.
But in a way, the pain of love is what truly changes us.
It's the losing of love that makes us who we are.
The lost of a parent,
of your virginity,
of who you thought you might be,
of your innocence.
Those loses are perhaps our first steps into adulthood.
Life gets more complicated.
But it's also filled with promise,
and the possibility of opening your heart to new beginnings,
and new dreams,
and new places.

-The Carrie Diaries (Season 1 Eps. 01)

How It All Ends, Reborn

Two-thousand twelve had passed.

For me, it has been a year of reinventing myself. It's the aftermath of 2011. It's rebuilding it all, reshaping it all, and finding everything beneath the ruins. 2011 was all assuring that I am okay. Though it's a hard long walk along the year. But, I was starting 2012 with so much hopes and faith and optimism.

And yes it is.

First quartal.

January's always a beginning. Not big, still subtle, but you know you're taking the first step. I'm so glad that I get to meet new friends by joining church activities. It's also the start of my DIY things. At first, I just need a let out, a place to let go of any feelings inside. Accessories making and flower arranging was taking it's turn as the let out and it's becoming a thing just to keep myself busy, but it was super fun. It's also when I got my own real project to handle at the office. I got to collaborate with architects from San Francisco. And as the project's moving really fast, I get to learn a lot in such a short time. April will forever always be my favorite month. I got to spend my birthday with my family, and my friends. Presents and the attention is uber-sweet. And April is the month I started my 24x365 project. 

Second quartal.

It may not yet be the turning point of 2012, but this is the starting point. Hanging out with new friends, enjoying work so much, and I'm starting to feel so happy again. This is when I found my old-self again, through a good-friend of mine. I'm starting to remember how was I. Bought new guitar, starting to do stuffs I used to love to do. 

Third quartal.

After a very impulsive attempt, this is when, in the first time of my life, I cut my hair really short, and pretty boy-ish. Turning over from accessories making to singing and doing music covers as my keeping-busy activity. I went to Singapore to watch Sigur Ros, solo travelling. This might be the most memorable moments of 2012. Everything's like coming into place. Starting the running habit, not yet a routine habit, but I'm getting there. Coming to the end of the year, I spent a lot of time with friends and also enough with family. Though to be honest, family time's still not that much, but I still try to find time.

Closing the year, I was so glad to have my family and my friends by my side. 

The aftermath of 2011 brings me closer to new friends who now holds special places in my heart.

2012 opens doors to a lot of things, love, life, heartbreak, starting over; to me and to the people around me. Everything happens so fast I'm still grasping it in.

I didn't really have anything in mind starting 2012. I just wanted to go through the year, making the best out of it, and finding everything along the way. And it turned out pretty good. I couldn't ask for more for 2012. It has been a wonderful transition. And now, 2013 is the year I've been waiting. BIG plans for 2013. I'm hoping for new adventures, new love, and a better me.

2013 will be a year of faith, and I am very excited about it.

Universe, bring it on again! 

And My Heart Goes Nananana

I never thought, listening to someone voice, for just a little bit, and most importantly where the voice is spontaneous, could make you long for the presence of that person. Like you miss them and you want to enjoy their presence.

So then I went and did this cover version of one of my favorite song by Adam Sandler on The Wedding Singer. It represents, the sweetness of someone's presence.



But then again, I wish I had a chance to say "Hello, I miss you", oh there I just did :)

Sigur Rain

The best experience ever. It's a dream come true. Never thought I would experience this. I was shivering since the beginning. Enjoying it too much it feels like a sweet lullaby. 

Nearing the end suddenly it rains. As the encore starts, the rain was getting heavier in rhyme with the beat of the song. And after the last encore, the rain stopped. It was magical. 

I was in awe. Literally in awe. I just couldn't believe it. I was still covering myself with ponchos (I was pretty sick the day before, didn't want to get worse) when I saw other people were already taking their umbrellas and ponchos of.

Magical. Goddish.

From Where I

23 November 2012

at the airport waiting for boarding, free wi-fi, and hey! the everlane side pocket is perfect for passport and boarding pass. first time solo travelling. super exciting

arriving at noon at Singapore. strolling down the promenade at Marina Bay while waiting for lunch gathering with friends working nearby. It's a very bright day actually, putting some sunnies.

after lunch, walking to the concert venue. sort of get lost. but it's fun. Singapore is small, we wouldn't get so lost and so late anyways.

woops! it's raining hard. so close to the venue, but so foolish that I was hesitant to buy ponchos at 7-eleven. and now, stuck at the bus stop, waiting for the rain to stop pouring so hard.

arriving at the venue! concert was beyond awesome. Sigur Ros was playing magic, and made the rain Gods too happy. One of the best concert!

 24 November 2012

Walk again, now around Garden's by The Bay. I am super impressed with the parks at Singapore. They're truly what you called a park. Continue the day with some museum hops, meeting with Ucha, and dinner then hang outs around Clarke Quay and also meeting Bobo after awhile. He's different now. 

 25 November 2012

Henderson Wave. Awesome place, pictures and all. Then off to...

 Ikea!!! The day started rather late so I was rushed at Ikea. Only a quick glance at everything then had a BIG lunch. Then off we go home :(

Waiting at the airport. Tired, but so happy. Another great journey. Bought some chocolates and magazine to cure boredom and stomach cramps.

Thank you, Singapore. 

Takk, Sigur Ros.

Thank you, Universe.

Good night, sleep tight.

I May Be, But I Am

I may be tired, but I am blessed.
I may be lacking, but I am learning.
I may be walking alone, but not really.

This is the third day, and probably the longest day I had so far with the workshop and meetings. Started at 10am and ended at 8pm.

I may be tired, but I am blessed. To be able to learn, and to meet wonderful, smart, passionate, and helpful people is beyond anything I had ever imagined. I am truly blessed.

I may be lacking (in terms of knowledge), but I am learning. And the people around me are just as eager to share their knowledge. Therefore, I am still blessed.

I may be walking alone, but not really. Facing some things alone, like the late intimate meeting, may sound scary for a newbie like me, but it's less now. I know colleagues are always supporting me, and the great power above would always help me afloat. So once again, I knew I am blessed.

No Doubt Like Lykke Li

"... but how we move from A to B, it cant be up to me 'cause you don't know...

...I think I'm a little bit, little bit, A little bit in love for you

But only if you're a little bit, little bit

Little in l-l-love form me, oh, oh..."

"... we're so lucky

still holding on

just like venus in the morning sun

you and me got gravity"

music, represents

Vice Versa?

It might not be the best cover version, but well, it's been a while since I produce something categorized in the music thing. After sunday mass, I went to my room and start doing this project. I'd wanted to record this for a while, it's been one of my favorite songs at the moment. So there I went. My room. Figuring out how to produce similar sounds, picking the tone at the keyboard, finding the chords, arranging the clapping, the tracks division, the sound of the drum bass, the harmonizing and sooooo on.. it was pretty exhausting at one point. I was done half way at that point. So I took a break.

Moments later, I was repeating the whole track, 18 layers of them. One by one, starting from the drum bass. At first, I used the drum bass sampler from the keyboard, but it doesn't produce the sound I wanted. So I started hitting my guitar, and pretty much it sells. Next, the clapping. This was the most fun. I even did three layers of it. Haha! One for the ordinary clap, one for the other ordinary clap, and one for the double clap. The clapping,  I must confess, was the best part of the record. Then I continue with the guitar, the keyboard part, and the vocals with the harmonization.

  Love Lost (Temper Trap Cover) by ireinna

PS: If you hear any hiss-ing sound, thats the rain. Any weird out of tempo knock, that's the street vendor or my cousins dinner cooking. Haha!

PPS: Check out my mix-tape on 8tracks to find out my latest "jam".

Afternoon walk

It has really been a looong time since I been on a walk around town. And today was the exception. After project meeting, I had a dinner reservation with the girls at Union. Instead of going back to the office and driving all the way back through traffic jam, I decided to be dropped at the nearest Transjakarta stop, then take one stop ride to Senayan. So here am I. Already at Plaza Senayan, not sweaty at all, but dusty, in my brand new Everlane backpack, and feeling super cool. Afternoon stroll is da bomb! Ha!

The Backpack

So I bought the Everlane backpack awhile ago. After a hustle bustle from San Francisco through this and that through here and there it has finally landed so safely and so pretty in my fat hands in Jakarta! (Thanks to Rocky and Kak Almer and my bro).

The detail was so nice. The website doesn't lie. Seriously. The canvas was so sturdy. The leather snap and the drawstring was sleek. The interior was also sleek. The laptop sleeve. Not a single regret. Here's pictures of it.

The Soul Searching

These are pictures from last week when I went soul-searching for a new guitar. The first three pictures, it was a Dame guitar. It was on sale, I tried it. It sounded dry, the grip doesn't feel right. But the color and the shape is pretty much what I'm looking for. But then... I pass. 

Andaru was suggesting Yamaha. So we went to look for a Yamaha. I tried some, but this one, sounded perfect. Yamaha APX500II. In crimson red. After rounds of thoughts, and two chicken strips later, bringing home my new guitar.

PS: This is sort of an impulse buying, with a few thoughts. :P

(Photos by: Desire S.)