Vintage is the New Art

The Year End and New Year Vacation

2010-01-08T13:44:00.001-08:00

The ultimate HOLIDAY so far for me.

Never have I had a holiday that I can count the number of days sleeping in, lazying around the house doing what I absolutely like (watching TV), finishing 4 thick novels in a week, cooking to survive, and SWEATLESS.

The destination? NORTH AMERICA: Toronto, NYC and Philadelphia

The weather? WINTER: absolutely snowing and crazily cold

The people? BIG SIS: then was joined with the other family members (extended included)

The occasion? CHRISTMAS: best holiday of the year

The fun? COUNTLESS: meeting great people, spending time with family, exploring the city

The discovery? SNOW: the one falling from the sky and the snowman (and shoveling)

The adventure? SKI: drove up to Blue Mountain and went berserk skiing like crazy downhill

The food? GREEK'S SOUVLAKI, PHILLY'S CHEESESTEAK, THE KEG'S TERIYAKI SIRLOIN STEAK: meat, meat and more meat (irresistible)

The shopping? OUTLET MALLS: the best place to shop for great quality and great deals

Toronto was a wee bit boring after 2 weeks since I didn't have a car to drive around. It's a wee bit inconvenient to take the bus in the cold weather. Worst, big sis and I were lost during a bus ride for a good one and a half hour.

** Bus 169 heading for Scarborough Town Centre. According to the non-detailed directory, it will pass-by Van Horne (home). Ran to the bus. Sat there waiting for the operator to call out 'EDMUNTUN'. 45 minutes, no familiar stops read or heard. HMMMM... 1 hour, reached STC (the far east side of Toronto). Crap. Looking for familiar bus number at the bus interchange, there was none. Saw 169A coming from the other side. Ran and got on the bus. HUGE EMBARRASSMENT, the same driver as bus 169. ==". Blushingly asked the driver, "I went onto the wrong bus just now. Are you heading for Edmuntun?" Saw a nod and smirk. Thanks. Sat for a good 25 minutes. Anxious again. Said, "O, glorified God in the highest, please say EDMUNTUN." Sang that old hymn in Indonesian, "Heavenly Father, teach me to be still..." Right after, the operator said, "Next stop, LUCIFER DRIVE." Is the a sign? How odd. Finally, Edmuntun. Got down singing and laughing as we walked home in the chilly weather and slippery street.

Inconvenient, SEE WHAT I MEAN?

The bus stop is just a pole with a picture of a bus. No bus numbers. No directory.

Not a tourist-friendly place at all. (Thank God for Singapore's SBS transit -- fine, and SMRT.)

New York City was awesome! Despite the cold, I was satisfied with the sightseeing moments as well as souvenir shopping. Oh, must not forget, the unforgettable NY BROADWAY SHOW: THE LION KING!!!!!!

** The Christmas day attack on Detroit bound flight from Amsterdam resulted in MANY cancelled flights and major delays in all US-bound flight since then. Our flight to Newark got cancelled on the 28th. Only my family, extended family's flight was flying but delayed. SHEESH. Why all the time wasted, God? There must be something to be taught right? Stayed at Holiday Inn near the airport. Had to go for late lunch (2pm) since we were stuck in the airport figuring out our flight since 9am. Unreliable customer service. First good thing, THE KEG, the home of the finest steak I have ever eaten in my whole life.Second good thing, FREE PIZZA PIZZA dinner worth CAN$62. Why free? We waited for an hour or more, but no food. Called 967 11 11 again to get explanation. Was told that the delivery dude got the wrong room number (which doesn't exist). DUH, ask the receptionist! Why do they need to get the full name of the guest whose room is registered to when I ordered? After much argument, boils down to the miscommunication of Pizza Pizza staff. Was told not to pay for the meal. $62!!! The delivery dude came in just 20 minutes. Told him that we got the order for free. He couldn't believe it and won't leave. FINE. We gave him $5 for tip. The he left. That was all that he was waiting for. No free tip.

In Toronto, I wanted to book Lion King tickets online. The cost, US$131.50.. plus tax becomes US$171-ish. When I logged onto the website for Dec 28 show, it was SOLD OUT until Jan 2, which was the date to go to Philly. Devastated and angry, I blamed everyone but myself. I tried to make it work. Searched sites that still sell tickets (agents). The price was from $200 and up. What..... Was already ready to pay, when I saw the delivery mode. NO pick up. Mail delivery to Toronto house in 3 business days. That's shipping, not arrival date. We were leaving Toronto on 28th! Impossible. Finally, after much 'Why God', I gave up knowing that there must be something that I must learn in this situation. Perhaps, patience and trusting God. He always has this element of surprise whenever it came to teach me a lesson. Firstly, our flight on the 28th was cancelled. Our flight out of Toronto was rescheduled to Dec 29 to Philadelphia then taking a ride to Newark. Which means, if we bought the tickets for the show on the 28th, we would have wasted more than $1200!! Secondly, once we arrived in NYC, I saw Minskoff Theatre where Lion King is showing. We decided to visit (just to take pictures, initially). Once there, the box office people were saying the next available show was on Jan 2, 2pm. I was thinking, since we were not flying to Philly, we could catch this one. Plus we can buy tickets right there. Parents agreed and finally asked how much it was. God's element of surprise kicks in again. $131 per person. NO TAX. Was given the best seat: Orchestra, Row L, Centre-centre. I was literally prancing around when we finally purchased the tickets. "See, your dream came true because you wait!" I couldn't stop thanking God for this divine surprise! The show was beyond amazing. I was tearing all the way because it was just too beautiful. Good things come for those who wait.

Philadelphia is an educational city. Old buildings. Historic places for the US Independence. Lots of Vietnamese. Lots of Indonesians. Lots of murals too. Not my favorite, because the place was quite dead during winter. Summer is the best time to visit that place. There's this town off Philadelphia called Hershey. Yup, that was where Hershey chocolate originates. The street is called Chocolate Avenue. How cute! We ate lots of Chinese food in Philly. I think I shall fast Chinese food for a month now.

Day 1 Snow in Toronto

2009-12-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Signs of snow... okay.. flurries... Can you see it?

This is Day 1 of snow in Toronto.

Since it was snowing yesterday, I decided to stay home and cook some lunch. EXPRESS LUNCH.
Some BBQ wings and scramble egg.

Dec 2009-Jan 2010 Holiday Pictures

2009-12-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Ho-Ho-Ho Update from North Pole (almost)

2009-12-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year again..

CHRISTMAS!

well, not yet.. but almost!

Instead of going back to hometown, Jakarta, I head up to Toronto, Canada!
Instead of warm, sunny weather, I have cold, cloudy weather!
Instead of wearing t-shirt and shorts, I wear layers after layers of clothing!
Instead of another Christmas in a tropical island, I will be having a WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Finally, I really enjoy singing "Let It Snow" and "White Christmas" because I will be experiencing it soon!! Whhee!!!

My first winter with snow ever! My first Christmas in North America, particularly, Canada.

It's going to be great!
I'm going to have to bundle up though, because I think I have already been feeling numb from the wind chills.

TODAY -- Sat, Dec 5, 2009 -- Toronto, Canada

Met up with Ashley Ee, the Canadian (hehe) who came to Singapore for exchange.
Rode the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) -- train and streetcar-- from Finch Station to Union Station, then to Harbourfront.
Had a great time strolling around Harbourfront area, Eaton Centre and City Hall.
Watched an ice skating performance outdoor in Harbourfront.
Caught a street dancing show in their mini Esplanade-like theatre studio.
Watched Jully Black outdoor concert and fireworks at the Cavalade of Lights at City Hall.
Figured that she's an awesome R&B artiste that has great band members!
Stood there at City Hall at 7 pm until 8.30 pm with the super chilly weather.
NUMB - NUMB - NUMB
I think I almost had a frostbite -- my toes were feeling it.
Final stop, McDonald's for some hot drinks before going back to the TTC all the way home.

Oh, weather update: - 5 degrees Celsius
I think throughout the whole strolling time, it was around 2 degrees to - 5 degrees.
I really hate the wind.

More updates soon...
Pictures still not transferable at this moment.
Will try soon.

Ending the Semester with JOY

2009-11-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

The semester is OVER!
So happy that holiday is here!
Christmas... where will I be?
In the land where I can finally sing Let It Snow for real without being ironic.. hehe..

When I looked back, I am amazed at the journey I took this semester.
So many ups and downs, but in the end, JOY kicks in to give me strength.
It's worth it, you know -- all these toils and hard work.
What matters most is the process anyway.
How we managed ourselves despite the tribulations.
How we finally made it to the end.
It's worthwhile to know that at the end of the day,
a huge widespread smile draws across our faces.

I've been through a lot just this semester alone.
Thanking God for the days He gave and the strength to endure it.
Thanking God for the people surrounding me.
No matter how annoying they get sometimes,
I still need them to mold me.

Just watched The Bucket List.
Heard this profound quote about living a worthwhile life:
(In the movie it was said the Egyptians were asked this when they die to decide where they would go.)

"Have you found joy in your life?"

"Have your life brought joy to others?"

Think about.
Your life would not be worth living if your life is not full of joy and giving joy to others.

What a good question to end this semester and the thought for this year.

Blood Tree

2009-11-02T22:42:00.002-08:00

This is my final performance poster. If you wish to come, please do. All is invited and it's free too!

Ending of a Semester

2009-11-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

I have been MIA as I am ending my final year 1st semester in NIE.
This semester is actually my LAST full semester in here because next year, I'll be attached to a primary school for 10 weeks before my graduation. That is super long, but I can't really think about that yet.

I'm rushing assignments nowadays. This week is the craziest week as I have my final performance and my other assignments to hand up on the same week!!
So yes, RUSHING.

Meanwhile, I tried hard to still have social life outside school. It's not working properly right now as my life at this time revolves around school or schoolwork. So social life = school friends.
As long as I get to meet people everyday, I think I'll be fine (SO HIGH I).

Anyway, I can't wait for my holiday!! It's soon, it's soon! Nov 13 to be exact! Wheee!!

Til then.

21 years old

2009-10-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

as of now, i'm 21

can't believe it still..
but yeah, the fact is there..

I thank God for the 21 years of my life being filled with tremendous blessings and favors.

I thank God for Dad and Mom because without their dedication in raising me up, I really don't know where I am now.

I thank God for my siblings because without them, I'd be the only child and that's BORING.

I thank God for the relationships I've built for the past 21 years with great men and women who constantly build up my faith and my life.

I thank God for bringing me up in the most beautiful island country, Indonesia.

I thank God for placing me 4 years ago to Singapore to do my undergraduate studies and also to meet great people.

I thank God for the talent that He gave for me to live the last 21 years with.

I thank God for the GIVER of life and another year of life.

I thank God for October 12, 2009, because today, I'm 21 -- officially and adult!

2009-10-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, just a little quick update.

Recess week is over.
I have 2 more assignments to hand in.
And yes, I'm still sane.. That's good because I would keep the insanity to the end of the semester.

Next week it's going to be one heck of a busy week. VERY!
Let's see if I can still post stuff here.
Most likely I will because it's my ........................ !!!

Thoughts on Obama's Speech on Education

2009-09-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Read President Obama's speech to K - HS students here:

Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama

Back to School Event

Here are my thoughts ---

The statement that struck me the most:

"But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities." (Obama, 2009)

I agree with him on this. Sometimes we always think that good education = good teachers/ schools. Thus, people blame the institution for failures. But most of failures come from ourselves and our failing desire to be educated, to take responsibility of our own education. If there's no will, there's no way. No matter what force we exert to other people to be educated, if they just have no acceptance to it. In other words, to succeed in education does not rely only on the external establishment but also on our will to be educated and to take full responsibility of it.

Another statement:

"What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country." (Obama, 2009)

Education will take us far. Education is not only to land on good jobs. Education is both for ourselves but importantly on giving back to our country. Which also means that if education is just to fulfill our needs to survive, it will be a short and unfulfilling life we will have. Thinking about what we can do for others is part of our responsibility and what we can look forward to in our education.

Reference:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

Random Things

2009-09-15T19:24:00.001-07:00

Pictures are sort of better than words.
Depends whether you're a visual or descriptive person.

smiling chair in playhouse

the truth about shopping

no more of this for me =p

featured in random writing haha!!!!

unconditional love

2009-09-13T09:34:00.001-07:00

just some thoughts i have lately.

so grateful for the unconditional love given.

at the point of my lowest
you picked me up
at the peak of my worry
you calm me down

i know you'll never leave
so my fear has been long gone
knowing i can trust you

in this life
no one else i desire
to spend my forever
but you
because you gave everything
the unconditional love

2009 - Adelene Tjoandi

Video Skyping 101

2009-09-05T09:00:00.001-07:00

Skype is probably one of the finest invention.

Could be better with non-laggy video call.
Free is real good through =p

My first Skype conversation with my brother who is in Canada now.

Along with the the featured appearance by my cousins.

The coin trick

The card trick

Yay it's them!

Hey little cousins!

RT @Justin Facebook Note: Earthquake Story

2009-09-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

A true story by my brother from his Facebook Note.
Love him and my cousin too much =p

E arthquake Story: September 2, 2009 (2:55 P.M )

Yesterday at 7:39pm

So here we are, arrived in Pola Bugar for our badminton practice. (we as in Stesha, the driver, and me) We just stepped down of the car and climbed the stairs up to where the courts were. Stesha and I didn't see any sign of the coach. We headed for a bench, sat there, and took out our hps to sms (I was smsing the coach; Stesha was smsing unknown people. =P)

"Message sent," read the screen of my phone. I felt my head moving in a wavy motion. In my mind I was thinking, "Stesha, stop moving the bench." But then I saw the hanging lights were shaking too. I still dunno why but I looked back to my phone, ignoring what I saw. But then Stesha said, "Wow, kok goyang?" (This next thing is really dumb.) I just replied, "Earthquake kali," and went back staring at my phone waiting for a reply. Stesha was already panicking, "What!? What!? Earthquake??"

Then after a few seconds, I finally said, "Iy, gempa kayakny. Kebawah yuk." I still wonder why I didn't panic. Maybe it's because the people playing in the courts were just acting normally and resuming their game.

Anyway, we went down and out. Weird thing is, I saw the coach already outside. We went to him and paid the lesson fee. We were then told to go back home. After I got in the car, I saw my phone. It was a reply from the coach. "Masi ada latian. Ini siapa?" --"

My Comment:
"classic stesha... your coach is one unique person.. HAHAHAHA..."

Kern and Adelaine Lee's Wedding and My Kebaya

2009-08-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Singapore, August 10, 2009
Shang-Rila Island Ballroom

Kern and Adelaine "Dolly" Lee's wedding was my second wedding celebration I have attended in Singapore.
Exclusively for this wedding, I nominate it as one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. Simply stunning and elegant. I enjoyed myself. I'm glad I can actually be a part of the wedding celebration.

Yes, I did sing for them:

The Prelude with Mike Blanding and Angelene Tjoandi in "Fly Me to the Moon". Re-arranged by us three and our beloved person on keys, Arnold Manzano (brother of the bride).
The Procession with the ENCS Music Team in "That Is Why". Re-arranged by Arnold, Angel and me.
The Worship with the ENCS Music Team (complete with Ps Neli and Tina Atiga) in "Shout to the Lord" and "There Is None Like You"

Nervous, yes. Most importantly, I'm really dedicating my singing to God for just giving me that talent, which I will always be thankful for, and to Dolly for just being a great encourager and friend. Oh, and to my PARENTS who are VERY supportive in so many ways to help me cultivate that talent. Hope I did make them all proud!!

The fact that I wore my Kebaya that day made me wanna jump up and down in joy! It was my VERY first Kebaya and I it is VERY beautiful. Thanks to Majalah Kartini (magazine) for the design inspiration and to Ms Nadia Adiprana (and husband) for taking the time to drive me all the way to the tailor (TWICE!) despite their busy schedule. Yes, my first Kebaya is custom made and design by myself. Woots! I'm urged to make another one when I'm in Jakarta =D

Here are the results..... Paparazzi swormed to take pictures of both Angel and I in Kebaya.

So whaddya think?

Elevate '09 Promo Video

2009-08-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

More Info:
http://www.encsmusic.com/elevate09/

You outta join!!!

The CRAZIEST Weekend

2009-08-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

It went like this ....

FRIDAY

UniFire @ YMCA -- SO AWESOME. Sang and truly blessed with the opportunity given to bless others through songs. Had so much fun afterwards too.

the worship time by ENCS Music Team

birthday song dedicated to P Neli

SATURDAY

Work @ Lakeside -- BUSY as we head towards the concert in a few weeks time!
Spiritual Growth Series: Love People @ YMCA -- simply great! Encouraging and energizing!
Music Rehearsal @ 3 Rifles Bldg -- late, but fun.
Dinner @ KFC, Kovan -- with my three favorite girlfriends!!! After dinner talk is always amazing. Whatever comes out, it's out... Shhhhhh...

the love God chapter complete with banana

jai & i after the class

adel with jai's BIG shades

gorgeous myanmar babe, angel, and i with ab's name tag

SUNDAY

Church @ Vivo GV Max -- THE ULTIMATE! Went nuts today on stage with the aid of Stomp the Yard choreography.
Ash's Farewell Party @ Marche, Vivo -- again, ULTIMATE fun. Pose for the camera and food! Bye, Ash. See you again when you've watched Nacho Libre.
Jai's Baptism @ YMCA -- awesomeness. finally. so proud of you. most supporters award goes to Jai. lol.
Naz's & P Neli's Bday Party @ their crib, Pasir Ris -- LOTS OF GOOD FOOD! chicken lollipop is the best! Love 'em homemade desserts. jammin' and writtin' songs good too. met the guy who wrote "Count on Me Singapore", Clemens?

(photos coming up)

Packed? Yeah.. Not a single thing called WORK OUT or HOMEWORK. great.
Substituting my play time (and surely sleep time) to exchange the time lost.
Wait, it's not lost. It went to something great. Relationship and encouragement.

GOOD NEWS!

Will be starting my vocal lesson SOON! Finally... the moment I've been waiting for. I need it already. Going another level in developing myself.

LIFE IS GOOD. GOD IS BETTER. (thank you)

True Love

2009-08-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

In my inbox this morning .....

It was a busy morning, about 08:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 09:00 am. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are? 'He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.' I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.

"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.”

Be encouraged to live life to the fullest!

Not a Typical Monday, but Can Be

2009-08-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Thinking about Math assignment at this hour!
Thinking about Music Arrangement assignment too!
READINGS! Whoa!

Been relaxing and taking things easy lately.
Trying to not make homework or work a chore. It's not if I don't make it to be.

Pilates -- I love to hit the gym just for this class.
Felt so refreshed and healthy right after. Psychological?
Just a day, can it make a difference?
The genius who put this idea into action --->
(Joseph Hubertus Pilates)

Eating late -- a big NO NO, but can't help it. Need that dinner after a heavy workout.
Fish, olio fussili, coleslaw, lime juice -- finished 3/4 portion only. A good start of living healthy again, I suppose.

Still aiming at 2 kg above ideal weight. IT'S POSSIBLE! Hurrah Fitness First!

That's my Monday. What's the menu for tomorrow?

I'm IN!

2009-08-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new blog!

First posting is rather confusing... It's late already and I have a class tomorrow. So I shall keep it as short as possible.

The reason I change the blog address is because I was lazy to maintain the other blog as it requires me to sign in with my old email address, which will affect my current gmail address. Basically, I change the blog so that I can sign in with my highly utilized gmail address.

So, do LINK me up and leave a comment or shout or give something nice for me.. I'll be sure the blog will be filled. At least with updates =]

xoxo

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2009-08-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

I'm still working on this page..

Meanwhile, visit my old blog HERE for old posts.

Come back to visit soon!