Horny City

Don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about anything erotic or porn-related thingy. I'm talking about a city with complex traffic problem. The amount of private cars and motorcycle is increasing, while city roads and public space are limited. Tell me how would you manage this situation?

It's 5 pm and I'm listening to a terrible concert of car horns outside...

Leader

Born as a leader, lives as a student of life. I believe that's me. People say I have that sense of leadership, even though I enjoy being a follower and don't have to think about lots of things. In the mean time, the drive for being a natural-born leader is increasing in me through the process of being mature. I've been as the head of student council, the chief of our highs school marching band's club, and one of the founder of a youth initiative. The experience of being someone on top doesn't make me credible enough to be a leader. I believe that the process of knowing ourselves and the skill of communication will boost our competency as a leader.

Some leaders lead with their dictatorship to bound their subordinates. But they got lack of sympathy. The others lead with their family-style but got lack of respect, even lack of control. These bring a conclusion that being a leader is a learning process.

Time to Re-navigate

"It's saturday and I'm working. MAN!"

A short message appeared on my mobile screen while I was having my body treatment. She's been working there for 5 years, my dearest friend, and she hasn't been posted yet (except for the 3 months internship one in Paris). Everyday seems like monday, no raised salary but she has to work, work, and work. She's been waiting for her posting. But until now, she's still here and she has no time for romance nor private life.

I think it's time for her to move on. When job turns to be a monster and you loose your rights as a human... better you re-navigate your journey.

I did my first move in 2004. I left advertising and joined an NGO as a volunteer. Then my second move was in 2008. I left my friends and community and got an opportunity to work in Goethe Institut Indonesia. Then in 2009, I left art and culture and started to get involved with communications, political science and international relations.

As a communication officer, I can be involved with various people and occasions, various opportunities. Moreover, as a project officer who works on media literacy and peace building program, I'm getting closer to my goal.

Next year would be decisive. I am pretty excited for this, coz I am gonna do another movement in my life! :)

Our Past Are Forgiven

Yesterday morning I popped out to Kodam Park for jogging with my friend. We talked when we walked, and the topic was about office life. Emotional and impulsive bosses, betrayers, opportunists, etc. At the end of the conversation, we both agreed that our past have really thought us about how to be strong in handling any kind of situation. Including facing difficult people.

It is a bless that we have passed our past bravely. Yes, we have scars, but we are over them. These scars help us as problem scanners and measurers, alarms, analyzing machines, and problem solvers.

My past is forgiven.

Lucky

It's been three months and I'll finish my probation period in this office. Within a week, I'll be assigned as a full time employee! Hmm! :)

Me love surprises. But 2010 has more surprises!

Two years ago I was an under achiever. Three months ago I was penniless. I lived by the miracles. Now I'm an Officer in Program and Communication division, and Project Officer in a nation-wide program in the same time. Hm, that's a twice in a row! :)

Recently I read a blog belongs to a 40 year old woman who's still pursuing her dream. Meaning, she - although already has 2 kids and a nice job - is still far from what she hopes to achieve.

I must thank God for being not that late. I must be proud of myself for being consistent, focus, and tough enough in making decision and setting up plans. And of course, for not giving up looking for clues.

I am 30 and I've got what I wanted to achieve. Working in a well-known NGO, meet VIP people, deal with international forums, being in charged in a nation-wide project even when I'm still in my probation period, and recently... visit ASEAN Secretariat and got free dinner there.. (he he!)

My resume about this is 'consistency rules'. I had never been ceased to find the ways to my goals. I never stop the search. I never let myself down and I never let anyone pulling me out from my plans. I clean up every clutter that blocks my way. Ego control and stubbornness have to be managed very wisely.

YES! I'M IN !!!

" CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'VE BEEN ACCEPTED AS THE GRADUATE STUDENT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF  SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCE!"

I was surprised, and to be honest, I didn't expect that! 

This morning, I woke up at 7 o'clock and directly popped to my laptop. I accessed the admission's site of Universitas Indonesia. I typed my application number, and.. VOILA!

When I did the selection test, that f*ck*in "GRE" thingy, I swore a lot that those questions were ridiculous, crazy, out of mind, and silly! I gave up with the math session and I got home in a very bad mood.

However, the result is out of my expectation. I'm in! This got to be a sweet New Year's Gift for me! I thank God for this gift, and I feel more excited to live my life in 2010 with lectures, books, discussions, and.. new job's field!

Swallow it, don't bite it!

Tiny green little yummy! This is the sweet and chewy glutinous cake called "Klepon" (french pronounciation: Cleu-pohn).

Made from glutinous powder, javanese brown sugar and covered with grated coconut, this Indonesian traditional finger snack used to be a "must-buy-stuff" for every housewife who goes shopping to the market.

I want to share the recipe with you, and here it is:

Ingredients:

1½ cups glutinous powder

¾ cup lukewarm water

2-3 drops green food coloring*

8 tsp. grated Java dark brown sugar

1 cup fresh-grated coconut, mixed with ½ tsp salt

How To:

Mix the rice powder with the lukewarm water and green food coloring into a firm but flexible dough.

Pull off one full teaspoon of the dough and shape it into a ball with approximately 1-inch in diameter.

Push a finger into the center of the ball to make a hole, and put in approximately ½ tsp. of the grated sugar. Seal, and roll it back into the ball shape with the palms of your hands. 

Prepare all the balls and set them aside.

Prepare a pot half filled with water and bring it to a boil.

Drop the balls into the boiling water. Remove the balls with a spoon once they float to the water surface and then roll the balls in the grated coconut. Serve at room temperature.  (Makes 30 rice balls)

*Traditionally made from pandan leaves' essence