[PART 1] South Korea Trip: unexpected in-flight meeting !!!

"...So we were having a conversation in Korean until he started saying things that I don't understand due to my lack of vocabularies. And that's how he started to speak English. Up to my surprise, he speaks VERY GOOD ENGLISH. Perfect. Like, the first Korean I know who speaks really good English. "

Woowww it's October already. Wow. I didn't sound that excited, eh? Okay nevermind. Oh and yesss I just came back from a short trip to South Korea! Yeah. Yeahhhh. Hahaha. I am so random I am sorry. So um yeaaaaaaah I was in South Korea for 6 days from 21-27 September 2017 and during that time I've encountered a lot of things worth to learn and remember which I am going to tell u right now(?), it doesn't sound right but ok whatever. (wow writing is so hard idk what to write this is so messy I need to practice). So I went there with my cousin, Lifi, and my bude; it was just the three of us. Memories that I had in South Korea was rather unforgettable though I kinda......, um, nevermind, that's another story. But despite "that", even my flight to Korea was pretty... unexpected?

It was a night flight at 11 pm sharp as I am about to board when the staff told me that my seat's tv was broken. Therefore, they asked me to pick another seat. I should have seated in 21D but because of it, I switched my seat to 22H just because yeah why not I don't care where I'll be seating though as long as I will arrive in Seoul safely. I didn't have anything in my mind but to sleep, the person who happened to sit next to me was a Korean man around 20-30 years old and busy (because he kept arranging paper something and his laptop). As soon as I lifted my baggage to the cabin, I jumped to my seat and started to close my eyes. The night view was beautiful but my dream seemed much more promising.

The lights were off during take-off and taxi, but the Korean man beside me turned the individual light and kept reading something up until 1 am. I didn't care that much because I was drowsy and 7 hours flight was tiring enough to give me back pain and a pain in the a$$:(( My whole body was aching.  It was so bad. I woke up and slept and woke up again every an hour because it was cold and I really want to pee: < but I can't because the guy next to me was sleeping. But that's okay I managed to endure it. I forced myself to sleep again because everyone was sleeping too. And it was pretty creepy and hollow so I decided to sleep even though it was really hard and uncomfortable.

My watch's needle pointed at 6 am and the sun started to creep above the lines (the earth is not flat, baby), people woke up and the stewardesses started to distribute the breakfast; I chose omelet from the three dishes provided because I just didn't hear what the other two were, so did the guy beside me. It was very awkward, we sat there for like 5 hours already and there was no conversation or even a glance, as expected. But I really really wanted to go to the bathroom so I blatantly asked him in Korean "죄송하지만.. 화장실 어디 있어요?" I was only asking where the toilet was using the Korean language because I knew he was Korean so why not maybe he can't speak English. He didn't say anything but I think he was pretty surprised so he only pointed out at the direction. So I was like "oh okay."

I came back to my seat and didn't say anything because he was exercising? hahaha, I am not sure but I just wanted to finish my breakfast that time because I was (and always) hungry. Then he got back to his seat again and started to open up a conversation. I didn't remember what he said exactly but I think he was saying, "한국말 잘하시네요? (do you speak Korean well?)" or whether he was asking how long have I been learning Korean. I don't remember.

I was pretty surprised so I said "아~ 한국어를 조금 할수있어...습니다. (ah~ I can speak Korean a little." the thing is I was having a crisis which formal sentences I should use since I still confused about this term. I still have a problem on when to use 존댓말(formal) / 반말 (informal) that I found myself dropping the 요 or switch to ~습니다/니까, I was afraid if I might have been rude for not using it, but I hope they understand because after all, I am a foreigner. lol. i am bule.

So we were having a conversation in Korean until he started saying things that I don't understand due to my lack of vocabularies. And that's how he started to speak English. Up to my surprise, he speaks VERY GOOD ENGLISH. Perfect. Like, the first Korean I know who speaks really good English. Wow, and I was like "다행이다!!! ㅋㅋㅋ (it's like, syukurlahhh~~)". After that, we had a longgggg and deep conversation in English and Korean. It was a very veryy nice talk for almost more than an hour non-stop; a very intense and exciting conversation that I saw another Korean passenger beside us was glancing and seemed to be bothered (or curious?) because we were having such interesting conversation bilingually. He talked about a lot of things that he currently doing in Indonesia and I can relate so much because I have a background in research so, at least, I didn't shame myself during the conversation. (Thanks Namche) He was amazing and inspirational that even just an hour of conversation with him I learned a lot of things. So much respect. It was then until he said, "let me give you my business card." to my surprise as he stood up reaching his bag and handed me his business card. That is the time when I discovered that the guy who happened to sit next to me, in fact, is a senior researcher at Seoul National University (SNU). Wow. I am grateful that my previous seat was broken, otherwise, I wouldn't have had such an opportunity to meet an amazing person during my flight to Seoul.

We continued our conversation about his researches in Indonesia about environmental and waste management. He literally told me everything from the purpose, method, how to solve it, and even the funding and relationship between Indonesia and Korea. It was amazing. I felt like I was listening to a professional business presentation than just a usual talk. It was very interesting and I, as well, curious about what he and his team did in Indonesia. I was amazed that Korean researchers care enough to fix such problems in my country and willing to put efforts in it. However, at the same time, I was worried and apprehensive to my own mind because I kind of have the thought like "we should have done this to our country, our researcher, our own people.". But yeah, it is not an easy task to bring people even though I know people and researchers around me who are willing and capable of doing this. Furthermore, it is still a long way to go for our country to reach that phase...

The conversation was getting much lighter as we started talking about travel and my plans in Korea. He even offered me to visit his office if I have time. But somehow I still am not sure about myself because my Korean language skill is still very basic. After this conversation, I committed to learning deeper in order to level up and bring my skill to the next level so I can keep up in professional and business-level conversations. The conversations that I had with him brought my spirit back in learning Korean and so does wider my networks & connections wherever I am. Time ran faster until I realized that our flight has ended and we finally arrived in Seoul, I bid him goodbye and gratitude for giving me such inspiration through his stories and experiences. We exchanged waves as I departed from the plane. It was amazing. At least, my impression on my first arrival in Seoul was good enough to be remembered. I wish to meet him again in the future when my Korean skill has gotten so much better. I will work for it!!

Continue to part 2... Train to Busan

Childhood Romance

He told me I was Venus.

I don't understand what he meant, he said he just like that name. So, I said yeah and called him 'astronaut', with terms and condition. In my definition, it is supposed to be a person who would never step his feet on Venus unless he determines to burn in flames. He never did understand the literal meaning.

8.00 a.m is when he told me he likes my laugh; the way my big front baby teeth appeared as I open my jaw, exhales the air out. I know that was gross and he was weird to adore that. I asked him why and he said "It's cute. Your dimples." I frowned and told him that I only have one. He giggled sheepishly, "One in your left cheek, the other one is only visible to me." I rolled my eyes in disgust.

At February 14th, he brought me white roses, bear, and chocolates. My friends were cheering and my teachers were asked me to accept it. But, I cried and threw him rocks, ended up spending my whole day in the principal's room (I wish I had the pic). I never liked surprises ever since. It wasn't because I hate him or anything, but it was absolutely ridiculous. We were only 7. What did he expect!?

The roses were nowhere to be found. The chocolates were shared with the whole class instead (they were very happy tho!). And I kept the teddy bear, as I have promised his mom to at least keep that. (note: I gave the plushie away for charity for Mt. Merapi Explosion in 2005, thanks, it was finally useful)

In grade 4, an incident happened. He was transferred to another school and I never knew where he is until now. He never bids me goodbye or anything, not even a chance for me to clarify things. I was mute the whole day, knowing that he was going to leave me miles away is pretty exhilarating and somewhat intoxicating.

I realized things only after his leaving. He was always there in the canteen, struggling to use his chopsticks. His face would turn red as he gave up and use his hands to eat. He would be there in the library at my lonely times, bringing my favorite orange juice in a carton box. He would sit beside me, asking me to read his favorite Winnie-The-Pooh Bedtime Stories because he still doesn't know how to read. I urged him to learn how to read but he ignored, saying "It sounds better if you are the one who reads it for me." I rolled my eyes again, but he was too nice for bringing me orange juice, so I nodded instead.

It has been 10 years and I wish I could tell him what has always been on my mind. I was only his Pluto. In the end, I was abandoned and is no longer considered to be in his solar system. He thought I never liked him the way he does. Little did he know, 

he was wrong too.

For I also love him dearly, 

as a friend.

DISCLAIMER: It's NOT referring to someone or ANYONE. :)

#WKWKKWKWKWKW #fictionfictionfiction #someeventsarereal #mychildhoodisajoke #donttakeitseriouslyplzz #creativewritingpurposeonly

공감

"싫은 일은 하지 마라
미운 사람은 만나지 마라
가기 싫은 자리는 가지 마라
먹지 싫은 건 먹지 마라

살아보니 인생은 짧더라
경우에 어긋나지 않는다면
너 자신에게 먼저 집중하고 살아라"

-@o_ek_1101

진짜. 완전. 정말. 취고!! ㅠㅠ

First IELTS Test Experience

Yeah, I kinda screwed up the exam.

I got the result yesterday and wasn't really satisfied with my overall band score that I got. So faaaar away from my target. But alhamdulillah, thanks for the native ma'am who kindly gave me a pretty decent band. Lots of love for you ma'am. If not, I might have got even worse. But the most important thing, it still passed the minimum requirement though. :( 

First, I would like to say that the parts in IELTS which I feared the most are the reading and speaking section. Okay. You know, the reading part in IELTS is hella... hell scarryyy. They have different kinds of question apart from what you will find in TOEFL. There would only be a few multiple choice questions and the rest are random types of question which you had to find by yourself in your head. Whatever. You wouldn't find the answer anywhere. Uh well yea though some types of questions have, but it still hell-o-my-god-so-difficult-i-dont-want-to-do-it-again. Every single time I did the trial or mock test, when it comes to Reading section I always thought, "Yea, you're my enemy now Reading section.". It makes my head super dizzy for not knowing what should I write there. I was never confident in reading section. Never.

Meanwhile, I took the speaking test on a different day with the LWR test which was held on Saturday. The funny thing is I thought I would get like 4,5 or 3 in my speaking test that I panicked and couldn't even forgive myself. Let alone the high-level words I've memorised to say all week or the phrases and structures that could help me get 7 or 8, I even stumbled upon the words and sounded like a squeaky rat :((( My... I just don't know how to explain how bad my performance was. I might have screwed what I've prepared but it turns out my speaking band is one of the highest which slightly boost my overall band score. I don't know how?? Alhamdulillah. Same goes with the reading section: those which I feared the most, scored the most. Uhh-mazing.

The listening and writing section, meanwhile, the ones that I prepared more than those two little rats got lower band scores. I thought I was doing okay in listening, yeah I could hear everything almost perfectly, but I have to admit that some questions on the back pages are pretty tricky. It was difficult. The section that actually could get the highest band, I got the lowest:(

The writing section!!! I was confident with my writing, moreover, the topic is about astronomy and space which I am sure I have a lot of fancy vocabularies to use. It was about space travel and research something (which is my thing!), errr idk what I can recall is we have to elaborate our opinions about future space travel in International Space Station something and the impact of future developments in technology. 

I was very very confident. I spent most of the time correcting my writing style and learned how to produce a good academic essay. Academic essays are different and super hella absolutely complicated. I don't understand. I have always been so motivated when it comes to writing. But yeah, the band score wasn't that good either. Perhaps I was just being cocky. Since then, I realised I have a lot of flaws here and there to improve. Ijebutteo yeolsimhi hakesseubnidaaaa!!!1! Hahaha sorry. This one will always be my favourite, even though I got higher band than I used to get in mock tests, it still...so-so. I'll try harder next time:)

I admitted that I didn't prepare for the test well enough, I studied like crazy for only like 1-2 weeks even though I actually had like 3 months before the exam. Procrastination. Always. I just thought I have prepared just enough but I think it's just in my head. The thing that I learned is... to stop procrastinate and value your time, it worth more than anything else. Anndddd, don't. underestimate. any. section. Love them equally. (Aw!) Like in my case, I got higher band scores in the section that I feared the most, meanwhile, the sections that I prepared so much than the others (that I am confident at) got lower band scores instead. Good luck and good work!! 

May the odds be ever in your favour. 

[CLOSED] W.DRESSROOM Perfume Giveaway - Amortentia x Sajuseyo.id {Worldwide}

Hellooooooo!!

I am coming back with a good news today. It has been so long since my last giveaway (duh that was 3 years ago!!). Today I'd like to announce you that me and Sajuseyo.id would like to give you FREE W.Dressroom Perfume (Free Shipping) with the scent you can choose. Woohooo amazing. Right right?? This giveaway (worldwide) starts from today until July 20th, 2017 at 12.00 AM GMT+7 so make sure you're in!

Halo semuanya!!

Aku kembali lagi dengan berita baik hari ini. Hmm rasanya udah lama sejak giveaway terakhir aku (duh itu udah 3 taun yang lalu sih -_-). Nah hari ini aku mau ngumumin bahwasanyaaaa aku dan Sajuseyo.id bakal ngasih kamu Parfum W.Dressroom Gratis tis tisss udah termasuk ongkir alias shipping! Selain itu, kamu juga bisa milih variant apa saja yang kamu mau. Keren nga sih keren banget gewlak kan :(( kok awkward y. bodo amat dah ya.. Giveaway ini mulai dari hari ini sampaiii 20 Juli 2017 jam 12.00 WIB GMT+7 jadi jangan sampe ketinggalan ya! (maafin bahasaku yang agak maksa:(((( )

What is W.Dressroom anyway?

It's a perfume. Yea. Of course. If you are a BTS Army, Seventeen's Carat, or basically a perfume lover; you must have heard about this somewhere. It's that famous Jungkook BTS' perfume (as a Christmas gift from Taehyung) April Cotton no.97!! Who doesn't want? Well, even if you don't fancy the color or the scent you can choose anyyyyything you'd love to have. They are varied both in colors and scent for any gender!! Aw, I am so excited.

W.Dressroom apaan sih?

Parfum. Iya. Yaiyalah. Kalau kamu Army BTS, Carat Seventeen, atau penyuka parfum dan gratisan (seperti aku. aku suka gratisan wkwkw) pasti udah pernah denger dong ya?? yayayaa?? Itu lho parfumnya Jungkook BTS yang dikasih sama Taehyung buat hadiah natal alias April Cotton no 97!! #huhuakungomongapasih #maafinakuya #iya :(( huhu kok jd sedih akunya. Di giveaway kali ini kamu bisa mewujudkan impianmu samaan wangi sama Jungkook lhoh (?) :( Warna warni uw terus aromanya macem-macem deh... sesuai dengan kemaskulinan atau kefeminiman atau ke-diantarakeduanya-mu(?) 

SCENTS YOU CAN CHOOSE :

1. No. 02 Coco Conut

2. No. 12 Very Berry 

3. No. 14 Lemon Lime

4. No. 18 Gentleman Code 

5. No. 34 Always Happy 

6. No. 41 Jas Mint 

7. No. 45 Morning Rain 

8. No. 46 Pure Lilly 

9. No. 47 Fig Leaf 

10. No. 49 Peach Blossom (S.Coups Seventeen) 

11. No. 50 Green Apple 

12. No. 51 Juicy Grapefruit 

13. No. 64 Lovely Rose

14. No. 90 Pomegranate 

15. No. 97 April Cotton (Jungkook BTS)

HOW TO JOIN? // CARANYA GIMANA??
Just fill your entries in the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lucky Winner : Virra Priscilla

MANDATORY ENTRIES:

1. Follow Instagram @Sajuseyo.id 

2. Leave a comment / Tinggalkan komen di Instagram dan beritahu kami varian mana yang kamu mau (Tell us which variant you'd love to win! W.Dressroom Perfume List )

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (Optional)

1. Follow my blog via GFC / Follow blog saya di GFC
2. Tag your friends at @Sajuseyo.id 's Instagram / Tag teman kamu sebanyak-banyaknya
3. Repost and spread the news (Giveaway post) / Repost dan sebarkan beritanya!
4. Leave your hearts (Like @Sajuseyo.id pictures) / Like foto-foto di Instagram Sajuseyo
5. Add Sajuseyo.id Official Line Account @lde7235j or bit.ly/LINEsajuseyo /Add Official Account di Line
6. Write a review about this giveaway/Sajuseyo.id everywhere (don't forget to submit your link) / Tulis review mengenai giveaway ini di line/blog/instagram/dll

Note:

1. This giveaway is open worldwide
2. The giveaway starts from today and ends on July 20th, 2017 at 12.00 AM GMT +7 // Giveaway dimulai hari ini dan berakhir pada 20 Juli 2017 jam 12.00 GMT 
3. Photos are taken from W.dressroom websites // Foto diambil dari website w.dressroom 
4. Don't forget to put comments as validate. // Jangan lupa untuk meninggalkan komen.
5. Prize will be shipped from Indonesia. // Hadiah akan dikirim dari Indonesia
6. Only the entries in Rafflecopter form will be counted. // Hanya entri melalui Rafflecopter yang dihitung
7. Maafin ke-bilingual-anku yang tak termaafkan :(

International Giveaways

TOPIK 52휘 RESULT!!

안녕하세요 여러분들♡ 잘 지냈죠? 여기 왔어서 감사합니다!!

HEHEHEHEHE. So I did TOPIK Exam 52휘 on April 26th 2017 and the result is out today!! Yayyy~~~ For your information, TOPIK 토핔 stands for Test of Proficiency in Korean/한국어능력시험, it's like TOEFL/IELTS/DELF/DAF/etc but this one is to test your Korean language skill. Well, I started learning Korean in October '16 after I decided not to take JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and self-taught myself Korean after going through bunch of considerations. But for sure, I am glad that I did!

I would say that  I am pretty disappointed that I wasted my time and felt like I haven't studied enough for the test. Korean is though, man. I should've put more efforts. Well, sometimes I studied Korean during classes or while the others are studying for UN/SBMPTN I studied Korean instead, hehe I know I am bad. HAHAHA. And the fact that I decided to take Social studies for SBMPTN while I came from Science major feels like hell just now lol. I just don't know whether it's a right decision or am I throwing myself to hell. Naudzubillah. Lol what am I even doing for myself. I am sorry myself:'( Nevertheless, I didn't regret my decision.

Well... the test itself is 3 days after National Exam (UN). My health was dropped the day after that I only had 2 days left to prepare for the exam. GEEZZZ. I know, it's crazy but I have priorities that couldn't be neglected.  I HAVEN'T EVEN FINISH THE BOOK THAT I BOUGHT. MAN. Whatevs. So I locked myself in my room and studied like crazy in 2 days. Eh, don't get me wrong, I have studied the grammars and vocabs before and I only did previous test exams in those days. Tips for those who are studying languages: even if you feel like you can't study in some period of time, make sure to surround yourself with the language. As for me, I still managed to read 네이버 웹툰 (Naver Webtoon), random Korean apps, speak with natives, and watch Kdrama/shows/vlogs during my free time. Lol, it's funny that I said I didn't have time but I still managed to watch Korean dramas. 죄송합니다 ㅋㅋㅋ 나 나쁜사람이야 ^^;;;

There are two types of exam that you can choose, TOPIK I Beginner  (Level 1-2) and TOPIK II Intermediate to Advanced (Level 3-6). There is no speaking in both test, the differences are in writing and of course the difficulty level. Oh and also the prices, in Indonesia, the TOPIK I is Rp 150.000,00 and TOPIK II is Rp 250.000,00.

I enrolled for TOPIK I since I still am a beginner and it's my first time to sit for the exam. I would like to know how the exam is like and to test how far I've gone in Korean. The thing is, I don't even get it why the beginner level's passages felt like crap @%#-$(*°¢&€√|{£!!!-____- I ran out of time!! I had ten questions left (with long passages each:)))) ) in the last ten minutes. So what I did was buletin indah yang penting gercep asal jawab bodo amat dah(?), lol I meant randomly chose the answers since I don't even understand what that is. I was pretty slow or enjoying the passages too much, I am not sure which one ㅋㅋㅋ

And here's the result...!

I AM VERY GRATEFUL. Not that bad thooo. At least I tried :D

If you are going to try the exam, you can check their websites >> topik.go.kr

The exam is on April but the registration starts 3 months before, in January, and is only last for A WEEK it means you have to gercep alias fast and furious alias 빨리빨리. In Indonesia, it usually held twice in April and October. So, if you are going to apply for the exam soon make sure to check the dates!!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. 질문 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요^^

Best of luck, 화이팅!

The Beauty in Diversity

Yesterday I had a very interesting conversation with a friend of mine. We started from a multicultural group chat containing French, Iranian, Koreans, Turkish, Chinese, and me, Indonesian, who speak absolutely random and nonsense (but fun!). He is younger than me, quite the same age as my brother  but I would say that he has a knowledge of more than teenagers here. So we replied to our snapgrams, and started to talk about languages. At first I was pretty shocked, because he explained to me very briefly about his native language. About how Persian is different with Arabic or the similarity of their old characters with Chinese characters. A lot of new things that I discovered (or am I just dumb I don't know) about Middle East countries etc, especially his. This is due to the fact that I very unlikely to get such information in my country. Too much... hoax. I don't know which is which anymore.

Well, let me say.. I realized how much the difference of how people from all over the world perceive the world. Complicated. Don't know how to explain, man, why English why!! But one thing that I know for sure is that we acknowledge quite similar thing, but turns out... I didn't understand pretty well. There is some abcd that I couldn't get, I mean...the things that might be usual to talk about there, is pretty unusual to talk about here. We know what we're talking about, we're on the same direction, but there is something like missing puzzles...because we live in a different countries, brought by different perspectives. But still beautiful. I don't know if it's just me, but I rarely have such conversation with locals. Things like the Middle Eastern wars, Sunni Shia, or Islam itself.

I don't know how it happened, but we ended up talking about deeper Islam. What do you mean? I don't know, just don't ask, I am confused too-_- To be honest, it was pretty awkward when we discovered ourselves being Sunni and Shia. I acknowledge that the rumours and news that spreaded in my country is quite...yea. DON'T GET ME WRONG. At first I was afraid that I might say something that would trigger "misunderstanding" between us, for I myself don't quite understand.  In my country, we rarely assume ourselves as some certain group. Though we know that some countries are majority of bla bla-muslim. We just refer ourselves as Muslim. And I absolutely have no problem about that as long as we could be tolerant to each other and prevent unintentionally conflicts.

I was afraid, I don't want to break a friendship just because a small misunderstanding. He calmed me by saying, "We all are muslim *cute emojis* take this one it's better. I told you this bcz it can make enmity" and other things that unsuitable to be posted along (because it might hurt others).

What I want you to realize is not the conversation that we had or else. But this conversation got me reflected upon the things that happened in my beloved country recently, the country of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, Indonesia. I love differences and learn from various perspectives, it taught me to be tolerant and understand other people better. I like it the most, when I listen to people's stories about how they perceive the world or simply about how they live their life. It's not that I want to justify or forcing certain perspective or believes; I just love the beauty of tolerance in diversity. 

The heaven and the hell? It's our personal matters and the Lord's absolute right. We have no right to decide or accuse ones who deserve to enter the heaven or hell.  If we can't change the world all at once or attain world peace, at least, let's be good to each other in society as a human being.

Why do we have to war? If we can live together in peace...

May peace be upon you. Assalamu'alaikum~

Friday Reminder: Finding Inner Peace

Assalamu'alaikum!! (May peace be upon you) اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُم

Ramadhan is coming very near already. Oh, didn't you see that coming? So these days, recently, I felt like my iman (faith) has been decreasing gradually, astaghfirullah, and I kinda missing the peace during my prayers. Have you ever felt like... you just don't feel it? I felt bothered and blamed myself a lot about it that I tried various ways but the 'peace' never comes back. Perhaps it's because the sins I realized or not realized I've commited in the past. Or it might be because my mind had been occupied with everything wordly that I forget the akhirah. But today I would like to share a few things that probably could help you finding the "peace" back, or at least, reminding you(and me too) of Islam, Qur'an, anything.

I would like to recommend you an app, it's Nouman Ali Khan podcasts  which you can download it from App Store. It contains of da'wah lectures of Mr Nouman Ali Khan that you can actually access it from Bayinnah Tv or FreeQuranEducation in Youtube. It's very good especially if you would like to save your internet data (because if you don't, it's hours lectures in Youtube man). You don't have to start with an hour lectures, just begin with short 5-10 minutes lectures, but do it constantly in the morning or in the evening so you'll get used to it. Just as you like. As for me, I am trying to listen at least one lecture everyday to keep myself reminded. Mashaallah may He makes us among the people He loves.

Learn Tajwid. Download any apps or buy any books that could help you understand Al Qur'an better. Be an educated muslim! Educate and surround yourself.. start reading Sirah Nabawiyah and take reflections upon it.

Memorize at least one surah; read the tafsir, understand the tajwid, listen to lectures about it, and act upon it. Just one surah, but focus, and make sure to dig deep down inshaAllah it would give a good impact in your life. Focus on one thing and reflect, open more doors. The more you recite, the more you understand.

Help people. Good causes are good causes, people wouldn't judge your religion or where'd you come from. If possible, be a part of good cause in non-muslim event (volunteers, etc), not only among Islam communities. Be a better human being, better muslim. Be an example of what true Islam is. Let's put aside all those bad news about muslims these days, rather than debating the whole day (and keeps debating anyway) let's just put our focus on ourselves instead. We can't change people to what we want them to be except Allah is willing to give His blessings and hidayah. All we have to do is to pray, guide, and remind them. I am not saying that we have to give up, but we have to understand whether it's our personal lives or in society. Inshaallah there is a way.

Fix our intention only for Allah. This one is very hard, I admit. When you're going to give, expect only for Allah. If we are doing good for others, don't say that you help them, we're actually helping ourselves. There is nothing to big for Allah to give. It's easy for us, because Allah made it easy for us. Be faithful and keep reminding each other for we are imperfect human beings.

Guys, Allah doesn't need us. He is independent and qiyamuhu binafsihi, he doesn't need our struggles or anything. It's us who need Him.

It's a reminder for me too,  Ramadhan is near and I wish we could prepare ourselves before its coming. May Allah Azza wa'Jalla makes us of those who are committed to our faith throughout our lives. May Allah overlook our shortcomings and not make us among the dhaalim. And may He protects us forever. Aamiin..


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List of lectures I recommend in Nouman Ali Khan podcast:
1. Have Genuine Love to the Book of Allah
2. How We Lose Our Iman
3. You're the Best For People
4. Purify your Faith
5. Amazed by The Qur'an series
Well, I have to say, everything!!! 

Portia, to the Knight.

[Sunday, 17th November 1986. 11:34 pm. Location: unidentified, yet]

I built a wall, a fortress so high, that keeps me a prisoner of my own mind. I came back to the day where I've been told all the pretty things you think I need to hear. You're right, they wind themselves around my ears and brittle bones; creating a new flesh of me. But you're wrong too, it didn't affect me the way you thought. Had you ever been straightforward, I would not have stepped any further.

We are two muted gray figures of a silhouette, stopped between two panels of lights. To the fingers dancing past 2 a.m. I told you I wasn't into it I was a denial, but you dragged me along until I drowned in a sea of lures. I was spellbounded! Captivated! Enchanted!

You told me once, "Amor vincit omnia", and the time stopped for a while.

Someone should have reminded me, not to fall in love or fall in fools (I am not quite sure); for I have, and wounded my knee into benevolent promises. I struggled to orbit, freaking lost my axis.

After all that happened, I decided to build the walls even higher than I could ever imagine. I regret the things I have said upon the blisters. Sometimes I talk to myself about the things I wish I could take back for I no longer have a chance to transmit the signals anymore. Now that it's gone, I just realised how much I need them.

Don't ask me to write a poem anymore. Believe me when I said all those things, I meant it. It's not that I hate the things that happened, but I hate myself for doing what I shouldn't. I blamed myself, I used to..

But then I remember why I started, and I know why it never worked out with anyone else.

The shadow behind your cape,
Portia.

Post-Graduation Reflection

Heheheheeee I am so excited. Oh finally, the day that I have always dreamed of since the first time I stepped on the yellow gate (which turned green eventually). Yeah, since the very first day. Pretty ironic I know. The thing is... I have always wanted to just get out of this place as soon as possible hehe but wouldn't I be such an ungrateful human-being? I used to think that choosing this school was the second-worst decision I've ever made in my life (sometimes I still do) but Allah showed me another way to make my life full of meanings. Mercy to Allah for His blessing that the days I spent my 3 years in high school filled with a lot of experiences, lessons, and a lot of skipped class (and research's lab activities!). The only thing that keeps me doing what I love. Alhamdulillah....

Oh. Haven't I told you? I graduated today!! YAY. I've never been this happy before. Errr..nope, I did too at the last graduation. Ehehee. Sorry, not sorry.

Talking about graduation makes me think about the old days I had spent my life in private school, how the teachers and school systems are so well-managed. The relationship between students-teachers-parents are glued and they cooperate to improve each individual's developments. Well, not to mention that it's pretty costly, but it does worth it. I am very much disappointed with the public school's schooling system, I just... really don't get the idea. In private school, I've always learned that teachers are our family who pushes us to learn about new things and develop curiosity. The first time I went to public school, I never knew, I was pretty shocked that the relationship between students and teachers (let alone the parents) is pretty...er how do I say it...unnatural and rather enmity? If I ever had the opportunity to change anything in my life, I would like to finish my 12 years of study in a private school. Despite all the circumstances, I won't regret the decision.

I remember myself doing my first-ever graduation speech as a representative of one of the private school's branch in front of Mr. Amien Rais, Indonesian political who owned the institution, even though my national exam was among the lowest. Going down the stage, Mr. Amien Rais greeted me and told me that my speech was amazing. As an elementary school student who values everything, I get so hyped by it, even though I know it doesn't have a meaning but it does affect me during the entire year. It has always been my problem. I never liked studying for grades but I love and enjoy learning that I could stay up all night to read my favorite books. Well, it's my fault though, dumping things away that I think isn't that important is one of my hobbies. Just kidding! Grades are important hahaha I am just that ignorant.

Thinking about the past today, I realized how much I have developed and changed. Both good and bad. I could feel the dynamics in my way of thinking and life's principles. Well, things are though and there are a few things I regret that I did. But so what? There always comes a lesson in every hardship. At least, now I have graduated... I am not that bright of a student no matter how hard I tried, I could never make it as a center of my focus, but I know for sure that the other things going around unnoticed are pretty much my thing. I cannot wait for the opportunities ahead, I wish it will be another good decision. See you.