So Much To Look Forward To

New Year's Eve has always been celebratory. You go out, have a nice time, milking the last few hours in the year for what it's worth. You can't help but be a little nostalgic and reflect back on the year. Can you believe it? Another year has just gone by, poof, just like that.

And honestly, my year has definitely been one hell of a ride.

Keeping a blog was one thing I always was determined to keep. It's like this diary of mine, a record of what's happened, something I'll want to read back on in the future, something that will show me, and others, what has happened in my life, what I've gone through and what progress I've made.

I spent the last few days re-reading my old blog posts, and honestly I'm just about close to tears. So in this 2011 recap post, I'll be attaching links of related posts throughout. I'm not sure how to recap this year, since I've really already written most of what happened into those individual posts.

When I first wrote this blog, I was in 7th grade. I had just begun to adjust my self from Elementary School life to Junior High, and it was a bigger leap than I thought.

The thing is about 6th grade, it's that I finally found my niche. Having moved here to Indonesia, from the Phillipines during 3rd Grade, it was like starting all over again. New school, new friends, new country, new life...

Back in the Philippines, I had what you called a sheltered life. I didn't get out of the house that often, my parents have always been protective of me. That perhaps affected my socializing abilities. I wasn't exactly shy, but I wasn't really inclined to put myself out there either. Since I went to a sort of 'International school' the foreigners were put together in the same classes, so my social cirlce only circulated between those 2 foreigner classes. I already had made a best friend, one that goes back to my very first day of school, and I grew attached to her, and our small group of friends. We weren't outcasts, but we weren't 'popular' either. We were just us, original and special in our own way, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

So the move to Indonesia was sudden, and slightly painful for me. People thought I was quiet simply because of a languange barrier. I had yet to be fluent in Bahasa Indonesia. By 6th Grade, that did change. I was comfortable now speaking Bahasa Indonesia, and it seemed that I had slipped into a leadership role in the class of 6B, even though I wasn't class president or something like that. I felt my efforts were appreciated, and that I was given the chance to be my best.

7th Grade shifted the game completely. Things just change. People become slightly more superficial, social status comes into play as we enter teen-hood. The people I once hung out with in 6th grade, started to become people who were out to take me down. I just didn't like it. The whole popular groups beginning to surface, I was prepared to be an individual. I didn't have a problem spending time on my own, I've always been like that. I was a self-proclaimed nerd, and looking at my blog posts a bit 'alay' with all the laughter, LOLs and slight craziness. Hahaha.

But I was hopeful, naive, innocent and still giving my best in the things I did, even things that many didn't believe in or thought was 'uncool'. My naivety seems to have faded over all the crap happened, but my child-like hopefullness is sometimes what keeps me going.

8th Grade, things started to become better. AYC has helped me find myself in such profound ways, it was the experience that made me a better person. I didn't feel restrained, I was given the chance to try my best, though it wasn't easy thing to do with my confidence level so low after 7th Grade.

Making friends was starting to become a challenge, with people starting to conform  to what's 'socially accepted' and pretend and divert from keeping it real. I had a slight betrayal pop up in the 7th Grade, but it taught me to forgive and forget, learn from the past and all that. This was just a crazy year for me. I found myself in my first relationship, making a new group of friends, and experiencing what was arguably one of the best classes I've been in, perhaps even better than my days in 6B. Of course, drama had to pop up too, once the 2nd semester started in 2011. The whole 'Whispers of the Crowd' twitter fiasco thing just... ugh. I'm still cringing when I remember it.

It's kinda tough rereading through my 2010 New Year's Resolutions, and seeing not many of them accomplished or improve by much. Meh.

My family problems are not things I display publicly, but let's just say, 2011 has been challenging in that prospect. The restraints seem to have gotten tighter, and though I love my parents to death, there starting to misunderstand me and my intentions even more. But I have had one of the most memorable family vacations, that made me realize that no matter what, I wouldn't stop loving my family.

Friends? Like I said, friendships have become hard to maintain. I don't like it when a friendship ends, but if it isn't really working out, or stays the same as before does anything really need to be forced? Of course, though some things have fallen out, it's nice to know who my real friends are. SHOUTOUT TO MY ONE AND ONLY SMOOCHIE: CINDY WIJAYA! :D You're awesome, girl, and have always been there for me, even if it's been like forever since we hungout. You're the one who knows all my secrets, the one person I can vent to without being judged. Love you for life :*

School: Well, entering the ninth grade, I didn't expect things to be easy, but I didn't expect them to be so hard either. I was being super optimistic, like this post points out. I was looking forward to a busy year, helping the new generation of AYC, and keeping the action plan going. I had very well 'taken the pledge'.

Turns out, 9B is an eclectic mix, just a little bit of everything and of course things are kept interesting with the friction that's bound to spark from such big, conflicting personalities. Sir Darma has been an awesome teacher. I know not many students like him, due to his tendency to be a perfectionist, but I can see past that and admire him as teacher who's just trying to do his job. He constantly reminds me that he's looking for a 'leader' in the class, but I don't know why that person has to be me. I'm not in the mood for it, especially in those dark days at the beginning of 9th Grade (partly to due to the breakup). I guess this year, I just wanted to shove everyone's expectations down the drain, stop being so hard on myself, stop trying to impress other so much and do thing's for me. I've paid attention to other people's needs for so long, maybe I just wanted to be a bit selfish this year. Though I guess that didn't last long. Haha. Like I've said, I'm too nice for my own good.

The highlights though were of course, LUMOS MAXIMA and then Teacher's Day.

Oh, and we can't forget the Love Story now, can we? 2011 was the first year I entered being in a (at the time) very hopeful and established relationship. Of course, drama followed in the last days of 8th Grade and over summer break, I had well... broken up. First heartaches, first break-ups are inevitably messy, and though I handled things well, I just kinda wished I handled things better. Like I said before, I'm an individual. I'm not a stranger to time spent alone. But suddenly losing (in a really jerk-ish way, I might add) a boyfriend -- a friend -- and all the feelings of consistency, and having someone to rely on, that of course wasn't easy.

And then entering 9th Grade, with work that I welcomed as a distraction, I was just feeling a little lost. There was the whole retreat thing, and me almost catching a 'rebound' guy but realizing that was simply horrible, and wrong. Last night, I also realized these deep feelings, for a friend that was a strong and close friend at first, but is now coming close to an ex-friend. I've written a letter to 'him' which was a good way to vent, but I'm still not sure where we stand.

Culturally and knowledge-wise, I've learned alot in 2011. I've been caught in some awesome range of TV shows from the dramatic-thiller Pretty Little Liars to the kiss-ass Sherlock on BBC. I've gone beyond just watching things to analyzing them, getting more and more curious about the behind-the-scenes process not just in TV shows but in block-buster movies as well. I'm an official movie-junkie now, just beginning to scratch the surface of cinematography.

My taste in music has also quickly expanded. I've been downloading tracks like crazy, clogging my hard-drive so fast it's basically killing the processing speed of my laptop. Noel Gallagher, The Wanted and Coldplay are a few of my most-played. I've also taken an interest into classical music, tried a bit of Tchaikovsky pieces, being drawn to the ballet-performance aspect of their uses combining the ear-pleasing compositions with visual impact. I'm thinking of trying some Chopin next, since it reminds of that PS3/Xbox360 game 'Eternal Sonata' which revolves around a fantasy world loosely based on 'Frederic Chopin'. I'm strongly attracted to playing the violin now, though it's a bit of a long shot to start taking up lessons.

Reading has sort taken a backseat to all my busy-bee days, but I'm starting to make sure that will change. I've been spending most of my holidays reading novels, the most recently finished was 'The Power of Six' the sequel to 'I Am Number Four' and next on my list is the "Peter Pan and the Starcatchers" series :) I'm also planning to spend more time reading and analyzing classics, starting of course, with the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I love how the Sherlock Holmes series is so quotable.

Besides the fictional fluff, I've been hitting a few informational books as well. Forensics science has always been an interest of mine (blame all those CSI shows, detective games and most recently Sherlock) and I'm simply sifting through articles, building up on the terminology which is of course advancely complicated. I've also started studying up on horticulture and classification of plant-life (my homeroom teacher does major in Biology).

And then there's writing, this old passion of mine. I have been keeping the pen sharp, joining my school's Skill Development Class for English Creative writing and picking up on a few of my short stories. I've also been studying the art of script-writing for well, let's just say slightly confidential purposes. For now ;)

2011, has been a tough, yet fun year. Lots of mall escapades, and 'productive hangouts' (as a friend put it) to remember on with a laugh. A lot of time spent driving away cases of boredom, having a lot of emotional feelings, and quiet nights on holidays. All of which is fine, since I'm discovering more about myself everyday.

Many people think of 2011 as one of the worst years. Maybe it's because 2012, 'the end of the world' is coming, and expectations are being set too high. The optimist inside me wants to disagree and say '2011 has been a wonderful year!' but the realist inside me solemnly agrees. Yes, 2011 has definitely been a crappy year, all in all.

There were many days spent with me keeping my head down, not feeling myself. But that gave way to feeling of optimism and days where I started looking up.

But when you've hit rock bottom, where is there to go but up?

In a nutshell, that's been my 2011. I've gone through a lot, emerging through the end of the year a much more stronger person than before.

It's okay to look back, have flashbacks and remember all the memories you've had. But don't you ever, ever let that stop you. As the inspirational Chris Colfer said, "Despite such a current challenging time, there is so much to look forward to."

"I promise, it gets so much better."

--Karin Novelia, Looking Forward To A Better Year :)

Spreading the Christmas Cheer

It's the 25th of December, or a day most people tend to celebrate as Christmas Day. I've had a wonderful Christmas holiday so far, though I must admit, the atmosphere is a bit... lacking.

I sent a few greetings to some friends across the water, specifically, from the Philippines. That made me think on the Christmases I spent back there. Decorating my classroom and the school with my mates. C.S.A. always was festive this time of year. Which made me start to see a huge difference between then and now. Perhaps it's the fact that Filipinos are mostly Roman Catholic so Christmas is a big deal for them. On the other hand, Indonesians are mostly Islamic.

Yes, this year, in my house there is no Christmas tree put up. No lights are hung, no tinsel and holly decking the halls. There is a paper mache snowman sitting in my room, but it's "melting" and falling apart. No carolers are trotting down the streets, and blasting Christmas CDs in my room can't go on all day.

But the thing, all those material things, though support and uplift the atmosphere, isn't what Christmas is all about. Christmas is a state of mind. It's one time of the year, where the world unites in a mood of feeling jubilant, cheerful and spend the day with family in friends, excecuting a ritual that fosters friendship, love and togetherness.

To have a holiday that conspires the universe to feel thankful and giving, isn't it just wonderful?

This year, I spent my Christmas at home. Nothing fancy. I woke up to find my Dad's home-cooking waiting on the table, the delectable scent simply mouth-watering. My Dad enjoys cooking, but it's a rare occasion, and to see him not working in Christmas day is also a blessing for me, this year. We dressed up, went out and tried some Italian cuisine at a local mall. We went shopping, Christmas shopping, together as a family. Nothing fancy. But memorable, none the less.

Christmas is also a reminder that there's only a week left in the year. And looking back, it's been one hell of a ride. But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself. I should save the nostalgia for New Year's Eve.

So, in the words of my favorite Christmas jingle, "FELIZ NAVIDAD, PROSPERO ANO Y FELICIDAD!". Merry Christmas, have a prosperous and happy year ahead! From the bottom of my heart, have a happy holidays! :D

Constant State of Boredom

Christmas holidays have come. I wasn't exactly looking forward to it, since I knew I wouldn't be going out much. And as I'm writing this, I'm sitting at home. There's nothing good on TV, nothing to snack on, nothing new to watch, and absolutely nothing to do.

In the words of the great Sherlock Holmes: "Dull."

I've even spend the last two days, over the course of an all-nighter that lasted until 2 am, to work on a Mathematics book that a group of friends of mine are compiling for some volunteer work. After the whole AYC thing, of course, I'm determined to keep our action-plan going. We're planning on helping their education, mainly in Maths, by writing our own book designed to help them get through their National Exams.

But the point is, I just started off my holiday not relaxing but doing work. It's not really suprising to me. That when I have nothing to do, I get this intense urge to do something productive. And those urges completely override any wants of watching TV, reading, eating or even sleeping. The last two just slow me down.

When I get bored, which is often, my mind goes to some pretty deep places. I think about things that, I guess, no one my age barely considers. I have always felt like there's something more than this mundane ordinance. All I really want is to feel something, do something extraordinary with my life.

I often say that I feel caged. Undoubtedly, it's true. Do people really think they have the right to belittle me? Just because of what, I'm a kid? Whenever I see people with talent, charisma, beauty and resources, the things that many people don't get a privilege to have, throw all their opportunities away, it pisses me off. I envy them, and berate them for being so stupid, so lethargically unmotivated.

I can't help but feel the need to scream just to be heard. To let the 'adults' see that I'm just not a normal teenage girl. To let them see that I have the motivation, the right intentions, the will to push myself and become someone that maybe comes close to perfection. Someone who will do anything to help the world, help make things better. A moot point, though. Words prove little compared to actions, so I'm left with these lingering silent screams in my head. All the while, I'm just searching for a way to prove that I am something great. Proving it more to myself, than the world, as I'm beginning to realize.

While I was working on that Math book, I kept reading back the first pages I wrote, summarazing the standard National curriculum. I kept on thinking that it was sloppy, rushed and just... bad. Perhaps, due to the fact that I set a pretty high bar for myself. But when I showed a friend, he said he was very surprised. He wasn't expecting me to have done so much in so little time. He also commented that I'm "damn good". Maybe I'm a better person than I give myself credit for.

I have a tendancy of brushing off comments like that. Like when someone congratulates me or give me kudos on getting top scores in my class, or for making a paper mache sculpture of a snowman, I politely say "Thank you" but then think "It's no big deal". Which really, it isn't. It's like no matter how well I do here, in my current environment, there's always something bigger waiting out there. Something more stimulating, more challenging.

I read on a Tumblr post once a quote that roughly goes like this: "Intelligent people are often depressed about the world, because they're they few people who understand how it really works."

Depressed. Now, that's a world that seems to have been popping into my head awhile. Not just recently. Ever since I moved here, there's always been this feeling of not belonging and being on my own. Not to say that I'm intelligent, really I'm not. I mean my Finals this term seem to have taken a nose dive. I may not comprehend algebra, or the property of cylindrical quadilaterals, but I do have a thirst for knowledge. A thirst to find somekind of meaning in life, which is starting to seem more obscure by the second.

I want to know how the world works. I want to go out there and explore. I spend so many days in the classroom, resting my chin on my hands, rifling through textbooks which I've read in advance, thinking that I'm learning things without being shown how to put them to good use. I daydream, thinking that I can do so much better. Though I enjoy learning, this pace is just too slow. I keep imagining myself in a life, where I'm being the best I can be. And I want that, so bad.

But for now, I'm bored.

--Karin Novelia, Feeling Dull.

Venting

I usually have random feelings, strange epiphanies and lots of opinions on different things. All these things on my mind also lead to intense urges to vent the best way I know how: by writing.

And posting such things on Twitter, seems sort of... trivial. The 140 character limit is also somewhat restraining. Blogger is pain to log in to. I have to get on my laptop. Tumblr, however, is easily accesible in my phone. (visit mine sometime: writewordstosay.tumblr.com)

So here are a few rants, reposted.

"One day, a girl fell for a boy she never expected she would go for. The boy never knew what it felt like to be desired, and all the girl did was boost his ego. So he looked at other girls, instead of her, and threw himself around. While he was chasing them, he never realized that he lost the one girl that could love him the most." -- A little bit on unrequited love.

"All I want is to live in a world where I don't feel caged, music plays 24/7, I'm surrounded by good food and good art, where my imagination can be set free and be allowed to make mistakes." -- Me, feeling restrained. And my dreams of a perfect life.

"I really miss those days as a kid where I would spend most of my time reading. It didn't matter where I was or what I was reading or how people would give me funny looks at the thickness of the novels I read. Reading, was how I escaped the world. It was my comfort blanket in facing reality. It was an addiction. It kept me from studying and doing homework. My irrational side didn't care. But I guess my rationality has matured. Now, no matter how bad I want to pick up a book, school and homework has become a top priority. Oh, how I miss being a kid." -- My thoughts after seeing my huge stack of unread novels.

Guess that's it for now. Writing urges are intensely itching, but hey studies call.

--Karin Novelia, Just Having a Lot of Feelings

A Little Appreciation to Get By

Hey!

It's been awhile since my last post. I actually have had a lot of urges to write, but school and all, no time, you know how it gets. I'm actually having finals tomorrow (Biology and Physics first for a change, whee...). I got bored and sick of studying so, here I am. Actually, I'm multi-tasking. I'm writing this while watching Sherlock (A FANTASTIC SHOW by the way. You reader, must watch) on my laptop and glancing at the latest season of Dancing with the Stars, while quizzing my friends tomorrow through chat.

Well, anyway I wanna talk about a very special day. It was the 25th of November otherwise known here as Teachers' Day. This 9th Grade year has been very interesting so far. A bit more complicated than I would've liked, but hey, I'm far from bored.

One pretty interesting aspect was of course the teachers. Having a few classes that were taught by teachers that were different to other classes sort made things a difficultly new experience, but I'm glad to learn how to adapt. My homeroom teacher, Sir Darma wasn't exactly someone who I haven't met. He taught biology for me back in 7th Grade, and my class 7F was the only one he taught. He's a bit... motivated and high-spirited, but his exuberance was something I hadn't seen in a while, so I welcomed his unique style of teaching. But his perfectionist attitude also made me glad that I wouldn't have to see him more than twice a week.

And when 9th Grade came around I was sort of beggin, Please, don't let Sir Darma be my homeroom teacher.

... Yeah, I barely get what I want. Haha.

So yeah, 9B, headed by Sir Darma. His ideas were always welcomed, at least by me, but the execution was a bit far out of reach. This led to the class slightly disliking his way of pushing us, demanding the best, demanding action even when we didn't completely agree with his plans or ideas. Even though I knew where my classmates were coming from, I sometimes just didn't like the way they commented Sir Darma.

It's nice to know, at least, that you have a teacher that cares.

Maybe my attachment to Sir Darma is a bit personal. I must admit, he did help me earlier this year. When I was lost, he was someone who offered a listening ear. And even though his advice wasn't completely helpful, I still appreciate his intentions.

And Teachers' Day really is all about that: appreciation.

My class starting to come together, pitching in ideas and making plans that even though were a bit last-minute was something that we wanted to accomplish together. We made what I liked to call: "The Wall of Superheroes" on our class softboard. We found images of renowned heroes like Superman, Mr Incredible, Catwoman, Batman, etc., and replaced their heads with the faces of our 9th Grade teachers. A bit comical, I suppose, but the whole 'teachers are Superheroes' analogy is something I find touching. We made a background of a city, and huge clouds in the sky with really inspirational quotes on teaching.

"A good teacher is like a candle. It consumes itself to light the way for others." -- Mustafa Kemal

Or

"A teacher affects eternity. He can never tell when his influence stops." -- Henry Brooks Adams

Sir Darma was in a bit of a mood lately. It seemed like he was fed up with our class. And it put us in a stalemate. We knew he was pissed -- he'd stop lecturing us in the morning like he usual does -- and was just so quiet, but we didn't know how to meet his expectations either.

So today, things would be different. They would be changed for the better :)

It was just after lunch break. We would have a period of Biology class, of course taught by our Sir Darma. So before he came out of the class opposite ours, 9D, we all held a red rose, some held candles and we form a walkway between 9D and 9B. As Sir Darma stepped out of 9D and saw us all lined up, I smiled when I saw his look of surprise.

When he came up to take the rose from each of us, we all recited a line from a personal letter I wrote specifically for that day. We told him how we realized his frustation of late, and how in reality, we do appreciate what he's done, all the time and resources he's given to our class. And how we want to start over, start anew and move forward together, better than before. The fact he said he was close to tears made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

 "Teaching us maybe like a rollercoaster -- lots of ups and downs. But we'll make sure it's a ride you'll enjoy! :)" -- 9B to Sir Darma

 A day of roses, candles, letters and songs, it's been one of the most personal touching Teachers' Day I've been through.

And since I aspire, to be an educator one day, seeing that little treats like this might be in store for me... all the pain and trouble of teaching, is starting to seem worth while.

Thanks for reading!

--Karin Novelia, Appreciative Student :)

The Benefits of Lying

I'm taking a writing skills development class (or what my school calls KIR), and our assignment this week was to write about a weird/unrealistic scenario. It was a struggle to find the right topic. When I found a nice one, "What if people never aged over seventeen?" it turned into this complex story line about forbidden love, a bit West Side Story-esque, and Romeo and Juliet inspired, but then I realized that I couldn't get it done in time and decided to shelve the story for better circumstances for now.

So that meant I had to come up with a back-up plan. I chose a topic that was my original first idea, which I'm sure if it were ever to come true would just set hell loose. "What if everyone never lied?" The story I ended typing out last-minute was a bit rushed, but the idea of course was solid. And when I was writing down the closing conversation, things really hit home. I won't post the whole story, but I'll quote the end bit.

“Why? Did anyone bully you? Say something mean?”

            “Yes… and no. I don’t know. When people speak their mind, bad things can come out of it. Just because you don’t like what they say, it doesn’t mean they’re wrong, does it?”

            “Even if they are right, you can’t let what anybody says bring you down, hun. What they say doesn’t matter.”

            “No, Mom, what they say does matter. And that’s kind of what sucks. You can have such a good attitude at whatever they throw at you, but that doesn’t change the way they treat you. And they tell people what they think and some people buy it. And they start treating you differently, too.”

            Her mother squeezed her as she said this, understanding her pain and not quite sure on how to respond. “But, I learned something from today. The truth can hurt. More often than not. And I took the truth today with a spoonful of sugar and am now stronger because of it. And it’ll be more than satisfying when I prove those people wrong.”

            Amelia lifted her head and looked at her mother’s face. “I also learned that when some people don’t tell the truth, it’s because they’re just looking out for you. They just care. It’s one of the benefits of lying, I guess. You can spare a person’s feeling, but still push them to be the best. You don’t say the complete truth, because you know it would destroy them. And that’s the last thing you want to do.”

MAXIMUM EXCITEMENT = LUMOS MAXIMA!

It's amazing, really, what a group of kids can do when they come together. Even more so, when the results exceed all expectations. This year in 2011, Santa Laurensia came out again to host it's bi-annual event, the LAURENSIA CUP!

I feel slightly well, really guilty cuz I feel like I didn't contribute much to this cup, even though I had so much free time and wanted to help out, I just couldn't figure out how. I signed to be part of the public relations (Humas) division. My job is to announce the details of Laurensia Cup to other schools and hand out proposals for anyone willing to participate. It was a little touch and go at first, but we managed to at least fill up the minimum quota for the games.

What really sucked was that my tasks were focused up until Laurensia Cup started. Once it did, I became a mere spectator, even though I was given a "Crew" member shirt. It was like I was trying to find something to do, but everyone was already assigned to do this and that, and my offer fell on deaf ears. It also felt like I was imposing.

Enough of the ranting. Let's get on with the showcase!

The concept for this year's Laurensia Cup is pretty unique. We took on a outerspace galactic theme, naming it LUMOS MAXIMA! It stands for "Laurensians Unites in Diversity through Sports with Maximum Excitement". I love how every single detail is authentic and original. This really showed how damn creative Laurensia kids can be :)

The opening started on 5 Nov 2011, a Saturday. And I have to say, it was a bigger turn out than I expected. My dear mates, Kenny and Karina were MCs for the ceremony, and I'm proud to say they did a great job. There was a ceremonial cutting of a bouquet of balloons: red, yellow and blue floating up into the sky, a beautiful array of colors, all of them imprinted with the Lumos Maxima logo. We also saw the cheerleaders do their thang and even our local Tiger mascot shuffle :D

The match was a thrill to watch. Especially the girls' mini soccer! The Laurensia uniforms, I absolutely adoreee. Cute and spunky with it's combo of dark grey and pink, it stands out! They also played well, and ended up with first place! Basketball, was intense. Girls managed to get second, falling just a little by Pahoa, another school. A lot of people say that it's the girls golden age. The boy's were unable to grab victory this time around, but hey, that's okay! All in the spirit of sportmanship!

VOLLEYBALL! That was the most amazing sports to watch. So much on-the-edge-of-your-seat action. Only the high-schoolers had volleyball, and unfortunately the junior high didn't, mainly because we couldn't form a team in time. Like, I've said before, VOLLEY is something that is lighting my heart's fire, and hopefully I'll get better as I pursue this sport.

The bazaar and food available this time around, I think was more ranged. There was Chatime, Kebabs, a takoyaki stand, Hop Hop (those bubble drinks) and even Crepes. The merchandise the bazaar team came up was amazing, too. All the Lumos Maxima cups, Hand-clappers to cheer the teams, keychains and shirts were all well-designed.

The week went by in a flash. All of those preparations, and cutting classes in the afternoon to supervise the Cup and being given free time to watch the games. It was paradise, a whole week of going to school with minimum studying and maximum FUN! It was a little bittersweet to seeing it come to an end.

It's 12-11-11. A Saturday, a full week since the beginning of Lumos Maxima. There's this sense of things coming around full circle. The final rounds were played that morning, the winners made clear. And soon, 5.30 pm came, and the gym was starting to fill up with an eager audience. The decorations for the closing, were SUPERB. They gym was completely transformed into a out-of-this-world space ship. Outside of the entrace were a few food stands, and once you handed in your ticket and got a Lumos Maxima stamp on your hands, you went into this tunnel, that branched out to both sides.

If you followed the tunnel left, you would step inside the interior of a silver-lined spaceship. To you're right, you meet the brown-rocky terrain of a planet unknown. It was cool inside, the blast of the air-conditioners they put up on full-power. The walls of the gym inside were lined with dark cloth, representing the blackness of space. In the dance room over head, the windows overlooking the gym were covered with boards, lined with little lights that were shaped to form the writing 'Lumos Maxima'. Life-size models of the mascots, Terra, Myu, Kevin, etc. Screens were displayed on both sides, projections of images throughout the show to be seen by everyone.

The show started, and the curtains to the gym stage opened. A model of MAXIMUS, the Superior One, the top mascot hung from the ceiling, next to an astronaut and some twinkling stars. The back of the stage was covered in reflecting tin-foil, giving off a real futuristic vibe. The use of smoke machines, just blanketing the stage made me think we really were on another planet.

Most of the performances were from our own school. The cheerleaders were great, doing a much more daring routine than the opening (TIGERS! GO, FIGHT, WIN!), than the bands performing top hits. From "Do Re Mi", "Stereo Love", "Jetlag", "Mistletoe", "Pumped Up Kicks" to a medley of "Sunday Morning/Chasing Pavements", the musicians got the audience on their feet, grooving, jumping and singing along. The dance numbers were well-choreographed too.

My favorite performance was SPADE <3 From costumes, to the mixed-song, the choreography was on-point and just bursting with energy. Hope I'll get to see them peform again!

After the winner's announcement, then came the main event: WHITE SHOES AND THE COUPLES COMPANY! I did hear a few of their songs before I heard they were performing at Laurensia Cup, and they are amazing! Though I did notice that weren't well-known since their music sort of requires an acquired taste.

The night was drawing to a close. The MC asked the audience to step outside to the parking lot and look up. A series of crackling (slighty ear-splitting) fireworks flew up into the sky.

And just like that, a legendary night was over.

Even though Lumos Maxima is over, the excitement lives on!

Huge thanks and kudos to everyone who helped make this all come true.

--Karin Novelia, Still Excited!

Something's Coming! Something Good!

There comes a time in your life when it seems like you've hit an all time low, or just feel so lost that life seemingly conspires to help you a bit by giving you an epiphany. Lately I've been having a lot of epiphanies. Basically, an epiphany is a sort of deep, profound realization. When you think of something that seems so obvious and englightening at the same time. When you're trying to figure something out and get your act together, something in your brain just clicks and the puzzle pieces fall into place.

I, for one, have something HUGE planned. But the thing about epiphanies, this new solution presents new problems. Like, one, this enthusiasm and illusion that this is most awesome-est idea in the world, might only seem that way to me. I might be terribly alone on this one. And even though I'll fight to make this work out as best as possible, I can't do this by myself.

While I work a few kinks out, I'm also trying to stay hopeful. Because just the thought of all this makes my heart a flutter with happiness and my eyes sparkle. Something that hasn't happened in a while.

And trust me when I say, something's coming! Something good!

--Karin Novelia, Feeling There's A Miracle Due!

Taking the Pledge

(This post was made in dedication for a Youth Empowerment themed blog, run by me and a couple of my friends. Visit the blog here at youthmakethingshappen.blogspot.com. Spread the word! Oh and this is my 80 post, wheeee! :D)

Sumpah Pemuda:

Kami putra dan putri Indonesia, mengaku bertumpah darah satu, tanah air Indonesia

Kami putra dan putri Indonesia, mengaku berbangsa yang satu, bangsa Indonesia.

Kami putra dan putri Indonesia, menjunjung tinggi bahasa persatuan, bahasa Indonesia.

I stood, back straight, on the grassy field within the dark green Columbus Hall of Santa Laurensia School that housed the Junior and Senior High classes. It was the morning of the 28th in this chilly October, the time of year when rain would frequent our area. The junior high school classes, from 7th until 9th grade, were lined up on the field as we progressed through our flag ceremony.

A ceremony for what you ask? Well, today wasn’t just any ordinary date. It was October 28 2011. 83 years ago, on this exact date, was the day that some call “the birth of Indonesia”. Not the date of Independence, but rather, the day we banded together and united in national spirit.

Historically, Indonesia did not gain independence until seventeen years later on August 17, 1945. The road to independence wasn’t smooth. And the revelations and ideas produced on this day was the spark that lit fire in the hearts of Indonesians who decided to strive for freedom from the colonial reign of foreign nations.

In the year 1928, the second Youth Congress (Kongres Pemuda) was held in Indonesia, joined by Youth organizations all over the country. In the Youth Congress the Youths would discuss many issues, from the economy to education to general welfare.

Can you imagine how the number of Youths that came together, sat down, and pitched ideas and dreamed of a better future of their country, were responsible for shaping the flourishing country Indonesia has become now?

A few famous items produced on that day were the national anthem Indonesia Raya and the inspiring text that opened this essay the Sumpah Pemuda or Youth Pledge. This Pledge, written from the minds of great Youth, has become as sort of reminder of Youthful potential, a guideline that drives the spirit of young Indonesians.

The message stated is clear: that 1) the ‘sons and daughters’ — the young people, the next generation — of Indonesia, acknowledged Indonesia as their homeland, 2) acknowledged Indonesia as their nation, the people within it despite the differences, their family, and 3) upheld it’s language of unity, bahasa Indonesia which has always been part of Indonesian’s unique culture. All 3 points of the pledges show how dedicated the Youths of that time were in defending and fighting for their beloved nation.

A sort of pulse-racing adrenaline ran through my veins when the pledge was read during the ceremony. I thought of how the past accomplishments the pledge writers must’ve made history and how their nationalism and drive was sort of over-shadowing the Youths of today. And deep inside, I had this burning, unquenchable desire to show that we – us kids – are capable of doing something great. Something life-changing.

We live in a world that is plagued with apathy. It’s undeniable that this modern, competing world has little room for mediocrity. Not many of us get a chance of success, leading to this modern day belief of not to try. As George Zinavoy once said in the movie, The Art of Getting By:

“It’s more like we’re living in a dying time, you know. I mean, you’ve got global warming, wars, terrorism, tsunamis. We’re definitely on the downhill side so what are we looking towards? What’s the point?”

It is hard living in a world that makes you feel like trying isn’t even worth it. It’s even harder when you’re not even given a chance.

It’s easy to see why the adults of today have almost zero trust in kids. We haven’t really done much to show our worth. We barely have the will to go to school, we’d rather sleep all day and party all night. In extreme cases we’d rebel, drop out of school and do drugs and have sex.

But those stereotypes aren’t true. They most certainly don’t apply to most of us. I for one, am tired of being underestimated. And luckily, Youths have stepped up their game, and the Youth empowerment front is definitely on the move. Question is: will you play your part?

Trust, me this ‘dying world’ needs each and every one of us kids, to open up the path to a better future. So take the pledge and feel empowered!

--Karin Novelia, Done With Being 'So Ordinary'

A Day to Remember: Ten Years after 9/11

On September 11, 2011, several American Airlines planes took off into the air. It seemed like a normal day, just the regular routine. Until of course, 3 planes were hi-jacked, two of which crashed into it's target, the World Trade Center in New York's Twin Towers. One was directed into the Pentagon

Ten years after, the effects, the memory of it all is still strongly felt. I saw a post on Tumblr about the tribute of light dedicated to 9/11, where 88 bulbs are used to send a blue beam of light up to the New York skyline. Those lights would take the shape of the Twin Towers, exactly where they should've been. A few weeks back in my Religion class we were shown a movie, based on real recording and accounts of people on Flight 93, a flight that was hi-jacked on this tragic day. And now, on the last day of holiday, I am watching these back-to-back 9/11 documentaries on the National Geographic channel.

What I'm seeing is really saddening, really heart-breaking. How a single act of terror orchestrated by people with the wrong ideals and determination to even commit suicide to get their twisted visions realized has not only killed hundreds of people from all walks of life
(young and old, Americans, Asians or Europeans who were living in New York) but shook a nation to its core.

The families, friends of the victims and heroes were all affected by this. And it's really just unfair. People lost their lives to something that could've not have happened at all. All this tragedy and grieve and panic could've just have never been.

For someone like me, who was young and probably eating a bowl
of cereal and heading of to school, someone who was oblivious to 9/11, to feel so shaken by this, it's hard to imagine what people who were directly a part of this day must be feeling, even ten years after.

I turned from a president dealing with national issues to a war-time president. It was something I hadn't anticipated nor even wanted

This is what former President George W Bush said in the documentary/interview I just saw. He was visiting a class of little kids when he heard the news that "America is under attack".

We cannot change what has happened. But 9/11 is a part of history that we do not want to repeat, and should learn from.

My heart goes out to the friends of families of those whose lives were taken on 9/11. May God grant you serenity and patience to the upcoming days in your life. To those who have passed, Rest in Peace. You certainly have not been forgotten.

--Karin Novelia, Sending Condolences.

A Teacher's Promise

I found this link:

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/06/living/teachers-want-to-tell-parents/index.html

It's a CNN article about "teachers VS parents" and it really got to me. I for one, believe in education, and seeing people who dedicate there lives to educate others get cut down like that...

No wonder Mr Shuester from Glee feels like such an underdog.

This is a view written by an American teacher, but the trials and conflicts that most of them face as a teacher is something universal. It's not hard to imagine many teachers all over the world feeling the same thing.

Take a read, and see what you think about it. If you're a student, I suggest you start respecting teachers a bit more. If you're a parent, I suggest you start being a teacher's partner instead of their reason to quit. They are of course, just trying to help you educate your child.

And if you're a teacher, bravo. I deeply respect you profession and your role in this world.

One day, I'm gonna be a teacher. Maybe not one that works behind a desk, in just one school, I'll do it in my own way. Main point is, I wanna to educate, just like a teacher does.

Special thanks to my teacher, Mr Yudi Atmanta for posting the link on Facebook for me to see :)
--Karin Novelia, Teacher By Heart

September, September, September.

Hey, it's me, Kai, blogging to you from a classified located. Otherwise known as my living room. Hahaha.

Well, guess what? Today is the 8th of September. If you know me personally, or read this blog before, then you probably know the... significance of this date.

Last year, on this date, in just a few minutes, exactly at 6 pm, a guy asked me if I wanted to be his girlfriend. And I said, Yes.

So here we are, a year later. I always pictured this day a bit differently. My blind optimism always told me that we would make it to a year. But now, this day is actually exactly 2 months since he broke up with me. No, I'm not gonna get emo on you here. I actually didn't realize what the date was until just a few minutes ago, and you'd think realizing something like that would make feel at least a little nostalgic, but I don't. Not at all. Maybe I am faring a whole lot better than I thought.

Out of the 12 months in a year, I guess September is one of my favorites. 8-9-10 was a huge event in my life, and comeing full circle, it's been one hell of a year. But also a lot of big things happen this month.

This year, on September 8, 2011, FASHION'S NIGHT OUT which is an event I just learned off, but sounds totally awesome, is taking place. Oh, it's also Pink's birthday!

The 2010 Grammys were in September (I think). They have a band called The Septembers. There's the song "Wake Me Up When September Ends" by Green Day. Even Daughtry has a "September" song. There's 9/11 (okay, that's more of a tragedy than happy event). Most importantly, it's usually the start of Autumn! Cooler days, who wouldn't welcome that?

I guess my mainpoint is, there are moments that will forever be engraved into you memory, and there's nothing wrong with that. Happy moments, are worth treasuring. Crappy moments? Well, you'd wanna forget them, but they usually are a bit scarring.

But inspite of those crappy moments, they're are a lot of happy/uplifting things that happened. So, just remember to look at the brighter side of life.

Cheers!

Update: Hey, it's the ninth now, and when I think about it, there's TONS more good stuff coming up this September! The premiere of Glee! season 3 on the 20th, yesterday on the eight (lucky me) Cameron Mitchell put out a new Youtube video of him singing, Blackbird! I always wish I could get a nicely recorded version of just him singing songs he sang on the Glee Project. This is also the last chance song he sang the night he decided to leave the competition. He sounds great <3 and looks a tad better after his haircut haha :)

And yeah, today is 9th of September and I just found out (thanks to Tumblr) that today is DAMIAN JOSEPH MCGINTY'S 19TH BIRTHDAY!! Happy birthday, Irish Boy! Can't wait to see you on Glee! All the best, never lose your youthful spirit and charming smile! Love, you! :D

UpdateUpdate:

OH MY GOD! HOW COULD I FORGET THAT SEPTEMBER 9TH WAS ALSO MICHAEL BUBLE'S BIRTHDAY? I FEEL LIKE SUCH A HORRIBLE FAN! D:

Michael Buble. We're talking about the guy who's voice pulled me into the wonderful world called jazz music, and whose Crazy Love album was the first music CD I ever bought. HAPPY 36TH BIRTHDAY MICHAEL BUBLE! 36? He doesn't look a day over 20. He's having a new album out in October, called "Christmas", so it looks like Christmas cheer is coming to town early this year :)

And the fact that he and Damian share a birthday is amazing. Michael Buble is a huge star and a great singer in my eyes, but he isn't really shown much in the media and the public eye, so I guess I forgot about him lately. And once I saw Damian and heard him sing, I was like 'He's the new Michael Buble!' and he's whole youthful spirit will bring in a new life into this jazzy, swing genre they both do. All the best for both <3

--Karin Novelia, Snuggling Up for Autumn ;)

On Holiday, On Hiatus

Hiatus is a word that basically means 'pause' or 'break'. Taking a hiatus on something means that you are giving up on something for awhile. Maybe, temporarily. Maybe, for good.

So this holiday, which is pretty much over in a couple of days, I've decided to take a 'hiatus'. A hiatus on everything that seemingly held me back. I'm gonna retrace my steps a bit, and just see the good in my life.

That started with a nice trip to a place I feel comfortable calling home: Jogja. I go to that place often, and I still remember the round trips we made every other year from the Philippines when I was still living there. Usually, we would sleep over at my Grandparent's house in Muntilan, but it was still going through some renovations after the Merapi volcano eruption.

So instead we slept over at my Mom's chilhood home in Jogja. This is the house where I spent my Indonesian childhood. And after not seeing it in so long, it was pretty nostalgic.

I just loved the homely hospitable atmosphere I got in that house and from the relatives on my Mom's side. And also the fact that I can't help but try to speak a little Javanese when I'm around them (I'm no good at it though, haha). My Mom's one out of 7 siblings, and my Dad's the eldest of 3. So the big family meetings, with my Aunts and Uncles, are well, bigger, when we visit my Mom's brothers and sisters, who have spouses and kids.

First day there, we went to Kuwaru beach, about an hour's drive from the house. It was so refreshing and relaxing. Digging my feet into the wet, cool sand, and let the waves hit my feet. I got really wet, but I didn't really care. The last time I went to the beach was, when I was four, in the Philippines. It brought back a treasured memory where I remember there was this sort of levitating rectangular rock in the water that would slowly moved back and forth across the water. I don't remember if it was like a tourist site addition or some kind of natural phenomenon that pulled the rock, but I do remember my Dad taking me by the hand to step on it, and we just rode it for a while, feeling the water, feeling the breeze...

We ended the day with a nice late lunch at a fish joint. Food was great, atmosphere was great, host was gracious and my family was really getting along. My love of seafood, especially fish was also rekindled. The first dish my Mom cooked up when we got home was grilled "Gurame". Yum! :D

Second day, we went to Ambarukkmo Plaza, a mall pretty close to our house there. We went to Timezone, and we played there for like everyday for four straight days, wasting a lot of money. I mean it's not everyday my Dad's gives us that much money to spend in and arcade. Good news is, I got surprisingly good at claw machine games and brought home four little plushies :D

Then we drove a little farther out, to this seafood joint. One made of bamboos and floated on water, one where you could even go fishing at the space provided to catch fish for you to eat. Fish was basically the only thing we ate there. Hahaha.

The next day, my Dad wanted to head out to Muntilan for his Junior High reunion. Everyone in my family five were supposed to come, meet the Grandparents and all that, but I started barfing in the wee early hours of the morning and so I had to stay behind. And just lay in bed. Drink some funky warm honey drink my uncle gave me to get better. Cautiously, and painfully slowly get food into my stomach and fight the urge to barf.

It was a lazy, unproductive sick afternoon, but it was sort of relaxing and calming, having the house sort of to myself. They have Nickelodeon, probably the only channel I don't have back at home, and time just flew by as I watched "Fairly Odd Parents" a show I missed so much. Who ever pitched the idea to crossover the Timmy Turner's and Jimmy Neutron's world, I. Love. You. Totally made my sick day a whole lot better.

My fam came back later that afternoon, with my Grandparents surprisingly, and we had a nice time together at AmPlaz. My Grandad, little sis, big bro and Dad headed off to Timezone (again) but I already had my fill the first time, so I walked around with my Mom and Granny, window-shopping and a bit of actual shopping, since there was a small bazaar going on the Ground Floor. Batik clothing was everywhere.

The next day was a bit, boring. I was stuck at home, waiting for my Mom and my Jogja relatives to come home from somewhere. Spent most of the afternoon with my Dad, my brother and sister, playing around in the bedroom. My little cousin, Alvin, upgraded to PS3 so that was fun to play. Haha.

Fast forward to tommorrow, we were planning to go fishing. The fishing spot that was near my Aunt's house only opened at around 3, so we just hopped in a car, taking our time to get ready and just drove around, taking in the sights. We passed a few colleges and more historically my Dad's 'kos' he used in high school. 'Kos' is an Indonesian term, which I can't really find the right English translation. It's like this small house that a 'landlady' owns and rents out rooms in the house to anyone who wants use them, but it's not like a fancy apartment. You usually share a kos with friends, or other people.

We also stopped by "UGD" (Unit Gawat Dagadu), which was carrying a "Rumah Moedik" theme this year. "Dagadu" is a Jogja clothing brand. They have the cutest print tees, which hilarious comedic prints, which I guess you have to Indonesian to fully understand :) hahaha.

My Mom bought a few souvenirs for her friends, but as much as I like shopping, I wasn't in the happiest mood and that killed any shopping urges, so I just window-shopped, one of my many simple pleasures.

Afterwards we went to my Aunt Teresa's how in the Mirota housing complex where she lives with my Uncle Aggie. She works at Mirota Batik, a renowed Batik store there, so maybe it's like a work deal (?)

We then took a quick drive to the fishing spot and just sat down, tried our hand at fishing. We caught a few fish, and I'm surpising good at it, catching 5 in just a few hours. ;)

It was really cool outside that day, and windy around the fishing pond, since behind us were cropfields and trees. And when things get all quiet and calm, I have this dangerous tendency to just reflect on my life.

I love my family.

Despite their flaws. Despite the dyfunctionality of them all.

My Mom's siblings are pretty diverse. I have one who's into plants, herbal stuff, one who's a pro at fishing, one who's into massaging techniques, one who is a more corporate marketing guy like my dad. My Dad's brother, I'm closest too, but I haven't seen him lately after his first kid came along, same case with my Dad's little sister. I like seeing my Grandparents, since they're really the only one I have. My Mom's parents died when 18 years ago, when she was still growing up, and it kinda got to me how I'll never get a chance to know them.

But away from this heavenly trip, I did realize how... disconnected I still am from my family. I guess from this little family community in Jogja there's only one thing I envy from my little cousins, Alvin and Fiona. They grow up around all that love and family care. This one house they live in with their parents, a few other of my Mom's siblings that haven't moved out a a litter of kitten that set up home in the backyard (okay, that kinda doesn't have any connection, but I adore cats!).

My family's really the only one who moved out, and yes, the first nine years of my life in the Philippines will always be the best nine years of my life, but I realized then and there, as I stared into the clear water of the fishing spot, looking at my own reflection, waiting for my fishing pole to bend, that I was missing a lot of stuff back here, back at... home?

My parents married fairly young, and me and my brother are the only kids in the 'second generation' that are goig through high school. I have an older cousin, who's in university now but she can get along well with all of the adults. My little sister, has it best. She's the same age as Alvin, so they get along great, goofing around like kids should, and Fiona sees her like her own big sister.

I guess, simply, what I'm saying is that although I've never felt more comfortable with anyone else other than my family, I realize that there will always be a feeling of never... truly belonging.

I grew up away from all of this Jogja, traditional charm. Me, my brother and sister, will always be the 'odd ones out', I guess, because we were raised in such a different culture.

But you know what? That's okay. It only adds to the diversity in this group of people I call family.

And honestly?

I wouldn't wish for anyone better.

--Karin Novelia, Family Girl :)

WHEEEEE! (or Things I'm Currently Obsessing Over)

(Originally posted on my Tumblr, writewordstosay.tumblr.com. Go check it out! :D)

1. Michael Buble's "Haven't Met You Yet" has become my life's anthem B)

2. TOMMOROW NIGHT THE GLEE PROJECT FINALE'S IS AIRING IN ASIA! WEEEEE! :D Though I'm still confused why it has popped up on DVD. I should've watched it by now. TEAM DAMIAN! ;)

3. Speaking of The Glee Project: CAMERON!! D': HE SHOULD'VE BEEN IN THE FINALE! As much as I respect and admire his decision to leave, he should still be on Glee! The show needs a conservative, goody-two-shoes nerd I can look up to! RYAN MURPHY, I don't care if you should follow the competition's rule, PUT CAMERON ON THE SHOW!

4. All of the above has just reminded me: just saw the video of Cameron and Damian singing "Haven't Met You Yet"! They sound awesome together! Congrats to Cameron for winning the fan favorite <3

5. Let us all hail the talent that is GREYSON CHANCE <3 <3 <3 A friend of mine recommended his "Unfriend You" which sort of hit home, and now I looked up his video on Youtube performing "Waiting Outside The Lines" and he is so talented. And younger me. Wow. His piano skills, we're apparent from his first break when people watched him performing Gaga's Paparazzi, but now hearing him sing and original song... Kudos, man. Kudos.

--Karin Novelia, Possibly Having OCD

Life Mottos

Life’s a complicated, fickle little thing but hey somehow I’ve gotten by.

Lesson learned and all that. It’s nice to have some life mottos to live by.

Here’s a few of mine! :)

1). Always be the better person… even if that means letting yourself get hurt along the way.

2). Say no to arrogance, just cuz you’re on top today, doesn’t mean you can’t be on the bottom tommorow.

3) Friendship before love. It’s easier to ‘forgive and forget’ with friends than lovers.

4) Writing can change the world. Express things you’re afraid to say onto pen and paper.

5) Life’s too short to hide your feelings. Go out there and tell someone that you care about them :)

--Karin Novelia, Living Life :)

Let's get you up to speed......

I. Am. A. Ninth Grader. Wow.

I can't believe how fast the final semester of 8th Grade ended. I had a nice holiday. Went out of the country and roamed all over Hongkong, with a short stint to Macau and then Singapore. And of course, all over malls with some of bestest of friends :)

It's been taking some getting used to all of the new surroundings. New class, new friends, new teachers. I had to constantly remind myself that I was not "8A/23" anymore. I am now, and proud to be "9B/16" :)

My class adviser is Sir Darma, and the decor of the class really reflects what he teaches: Biology. Complete with a small aquarium filled with goldfishes and guppies, and small potted plants airing out the classroom, I have to say, the whole atmosphere it quite COZY. :D

Sir Darma is known for being a creative yet perfectionist teacher. Though he might be easily-overworked, I know he wants the best from us 9B kids, the students put under his care, to help find our true potential. His ways may not be the most preferable, but his intentions are good.

I've been managing to handle classes so far. I've found a new sense of purpose, diligently slaying homework beasts that spill out of schoolbag with such... gusto.... that I've been getting a lot of things done in front of schedule.

One of my commitments for the upcoming year, is to become more active outside of the academic stuff. And yes, that includes: AYC :)

The Asean Youth Convention was the start of beautiful friendships and everlasting memories. It was definitely the best 10 days of my life last year. And a year has passed since then. One of the things we did when us delegates arrived home was to spread some Youth Empowering fever! Just last July, a number of students attended GYCi (Global Youth Congress International) sister event to AYC, GYF (Global Youth Forum). It was nice to see some friends depart on an inspiring experience and come back with a little more youthful panache ;)

Tomorrow even, another batch of kids will fly to Singapore to attend the 3rd AYC. Damn, I really wish I could go with. But the registration was open to 8th Graders only, and I do have a school retreat coming up that conflicts with it. I have, though, enjoyed taking a 'consultant' position, sharing personal experiences and making sure that the new advocates are ready for what's in store for them.

Don't worry. Though the newbies will fly off to find their wings, us experienced AYC-ers have bigger plans to deal it at home. That is of course preparing for AYC JAKARTA! :D

Some negativity, or rather pessimism, is thickly surrounding this matter. Does no one really believe that we can prepare a huge event like this? Not just prepare it on time, but make it special, make it unique, make it OUR OWN?

Everyone has their own vision for this AYC Jakarta plan. I can sum mine up well, in this lovely little sentence:

"Deliver not only an AYC experience, but the complete INDONESIAN experience as well."

Best of luck then, to all of this talented 'future leaders' :)

Asides from that, there are tons of extra-curricular stuff going around school that I want to take part in. Apparently, I'm taking over Yudhi's Writing Club. The thing I'm focusing on is selections and finding possible writing competitions. Then there's the school's magazine, "VieR", and I really wanna make it a swell edition. And in terms of extracurricular period ("Ekskul") I've taken... Volleyball. Yes. My new athletic goal is to become good at the sport. Maybe, go professional. (My friend even laughed at this, and I admit it might sound silly, but I'm really being serious! :D)

Besides trying to maintaining this blog, I've also joined the free period class ("KIR") of: Creative Writing. Along with some other Writing Club members. And I have been working on my first novel for a while now. About to hit 50 pages of A4 paper, small font and narrow margins, so yes, that's actually quite a lot.

And... my love story? Well. I guess that's another story for another day ;)

-Karin Novelia, Going Through A Fast-Paced Life

The Whispers of the Crowd

(This post was originally posted on my Tumblr, www.writewordstosay.tumblr.com on Monday, May 2, 2011)

High school. I guess, we’ve all been there. If there’s one things I learned from the media and TV shows is that there are things called stereotypes.

In high school there are ‘classes’, whether you choose to be the one who’d label them or accept the difference, they’re there, the ‘geeks’, the ‘populars’, the ‘quiet ones’, the ‘smart kids’ and all that. I prefer to be the latter. I don’t like to label and judge people. I prefer to just sift around this pool of diversity called the student body and not jump to conclusion about a person.

But then again, life is ironic, and sarcastic and just plain mean. Isn’t it frequently said, “Treat others the way they want to treat you?”

Well, ask anyone I know, and they probably will tell you that I don’t like to trash talk other people. But just today, I saw a bunch of girls trash talking me.

Of course, no names were mentioned. They have the nerve to talk about someone like that, but behind the person’s back. Take that either way you want.

They called me a ‘bitch’, honestly, it’s first time anyone has ever called me that. Reading their tweets, I think I’ve figured out the reason behind this sudden slandering. And if my suspicions are true, then yeah, they’ve just called me a bitch based on their own misunderstandings, their own judgments.

This kind of prejudice is what forms the stereotypes, and all the high-school drama. The way I see it, I’ve only pissed off one person by what I did. But then ‘the posse’ teamed up and started talking about me too.

Seeing all of this brought me down for a second. They tried to bring me down, and judge me, and they said things about me when they know NOTHING about me, or what I’ve gone through, or why I’ve made the decisions I’ve made. What gives them the right, really?

Keep your opinions to yourself. I don’t need you guys hating on me, especially when I did nothing wrong, or least had no intention of making anyone of you made.

Maybe when I walk by you guys tomorrow, I’ll hear you whisper something about me. Well, I won’t listen to the whispers of the crowd. I’ve got my own voice, and it’s telling crystal clear right now, that I didn’t do anything wrong.

I'm Baaaaack! (Like, for real this time)

Oh dear, I had no idea I've left this blog for so long D:

Sorry, for not posting for so long. When I finally felt like blogging again, I stupidly forgot my password and only had a chance to change it now.

6 months. Wow, that's a long time. Of course, I've still be active on Tumblr, just reblogging everything I find awesome, but my more meaningful writing can only belong here.

Expect a total dashboard spam of new posts. I've got TONS to share ;)

Burberry Dress

(Originally posted on my Tumblr, writewordstosay.tumblr.com on March 25th, 2011)

I've been a fan of Burberry since like FOREVER. There edgy Britain clothes looked refined, elegant and somewhat classy. I was browsing there website and found this item labeled “Silk Chiffon Asymmetric Dress” in Burberry Prorsum and I instantly fell in love with it. I’ll admit it is a bit revealing, but cover it up with a nice blazer and you got yourself a good outfit :)

Too bad Burberry is way out of my price range. Sigh

--Karin Novelia, Craving For Burberry

Nostalgia

(Orignally posted on Tumblr, March 21st. writewordstosay.tumblr.com)

The Past is a strong word.

It reflects the moments that have been. The events that have passed. The words that have been said. The things that have been done. The feelings that have been felt.

They are things that we are glad have happened. And things we wished never did.

Regrets. That’s a strong word too. It portrays the feeling of wanting to change the Past. But of course, we all know that’s never possible.

I hate dwelling in the past and having those regrets. And I hate that I do it so often. But lately, my present has been so great, I haven’t even thought about ‘my old life’.

And considering what I went through just last night, I’ve learned that memories can be a painful thing.
So take it from me: Don’t dwell in the past for too long.

Memories can be good or bad. But it’s the good ones we really want to remember. But if we start thinking the past is better than our present, then regrets just start to surface. We start to miss the things we had.
That’s nostalgia. Try to avoid it

--Karin Novelia, Drowning in Nostalgia

Valentine's Day

(Tumblr post on March 21st)

It’s VALENTINE’S DAY <3

Yes, I know this movie came out in 2010, but I only had the chance to watch it yesterday night :D

It was awesome (though yes, a small problem did emerge from this movie), and it really well-written.
A whole bunch of different love stories between the various characters all seem to intertwine and mesh to make a really sweet movie! Recommended watch :)

--Karin Novelia, writewordstosay.tumblr.com

Blogger Silence, Tumblr Uproar

Hey heeeeey! Sorry for still being a bit quiet on this blog.

I've made a Tumblr account, and have been blogging on it for a while. I made simply for it's practicality, and suitability for short post, videos and pictures, but don't worry, I'm still using this blog.

So go ahead and open writewordstosay.tumblr.com and take a read :D

--Karin Novelia, Soon-To-Be Addicted Tumblr-er

What's Up?

Heeeey, like I've said on my previous post, I'm gonna start keeping this blog of mine up and running :D

Then why have I've been gone for the past week? Well, three words: Eight Grade Edutrip.

Here in Santa Laurensia, the Eigth Graders take the week off or so for their Edutrips. There are even all sort of places offered up for the students to go. This year the choices were Jogjakarta, Singapore-Malaysia, Beijing and the newest offer NEW ZEALAND.

Honestly, I wanted to go to Beijing. But I ended up choosing... JOGJA!

I was really excited for this trip. My parents were both born in Jogja, but I never really went there for sightseeing. And after just getting back last night, it was GREAT! :D

Well, I'm gonna post all about it in a special back-to-back post feed. I'll even call it "Travel Sniffles". The term Travel Sniffles, is one I've stated on my blog before. It's that nasty little cold I always get after travelling, and I yeah I'm sneezing right now.

Guess that's the gist of it.

Valentine's Day is on HBO right now, so I gotta get going! Cheers :)

--Karin Novelia, The Sniffling Traveler

Hello.

......

Hello there. Thank you for taking another look at my blog. Though I don't think anyone gives a damn about my stupid blog. It's been nearly 2 months since my last post. And I guess for the sake of the people who might actually still check up on my blog I'll post again.

So you're probably wondering why I haven't been posting again lately. Well, let's just say not long since my last post, something happened that made me scared to start posting again. Let's just say, apparently, there's no such thing as "freedom of (written) speech".

I reread my post on my New Year's resolution and damn. It's sort of suffocating. When you get this grand picture of how you want things to be and you find building inside of you a burning fire that drives you, pushes you. A passion that essentially, gives you the will to live.

And seeing your plan's fall apart... there's no worse feeling.

So, yeah. I almost decided on giving up on this blog. Deleting it and every single written word. Because at one point, this seemed like far too much trouble in the first place.

But I realized today, that writing... it's my getaway car.

It's the only way I can truly express my emotions. Lay out my opinions. Call it pathetic, that I find myself so caught up in my own nerves that I can barely figure what to say when I talk to others, but at least I realize my own faults.

I'm trying to fix them, I assure you.

Writing is my microphone. Writing is how I speak. I believe in the power of words. I've seen time and time again what people have done with their writings. How they've changed lives with a simple pen and paper.

Though like I've stated before, to make sure what I write on this blog doesn't get me into trouble, I'm gonna be more careful with what I post. But rest assured, I'm back :)

-- Karin Novelia, Retracing Her Steps

A Link To The Past

Hey, 2nd post in 2011! You know the New Year festivities has really gotten me thinking about the future. My expectations, the endless possibilities. But, of course it also has gotten me thinkgin about the past. Like I've written down in my previous posts, one of the main things that happened in 2010 was the sudden spike in my love life. 

These are the tweets I wrote out when I found myself waking up at 5 a.m. last Thursday and opened my phone to read a super sweet text from my boyfriend who is all the way at Turkey at the moment. The thing is about getting into the relationship it seemed so sudden, such a blur, I couldn't believe 8-9-10 had even happened at all. But ending up with this guy... a guy I used to see a lot back in Elementary but never really had the chance to get to know... was it really I coincidence that we met up again now?

Well, who knows? The universe works in mysterious ways. Here are the tweets! :D

When I first saw you, all those years ago, I'll admit, I felt attracted. Though it was obvious you were crushing on someone else.

So you exited my mind. And there were rare days where I did see you and I did enjoy it. It's like everything stopped at the sight of you.

But we were always walking off in opposite directions. With our own friends, crushing on other people. Like we were in our own little worlds.

Middle school. We saw each other again now that we were in the same school building. Actually, you seemed to be everywhere. Always busy.

The first time I met you. Beyond just a glance, with an actual conversation. First impression: So Out Of My League.

I'm no expert in this game called Crushing and Falling In Love but at least, I know what I want.

You were exactly the kind of guy that I would fall for. And exactly the kind I knew was out of my reach.

So I guess I sort of... went against my own instincts and blocked the possibility of even crushing on you from my mind. Friends. For now.

Does it sound stupid to have fallen for someone, even unconsciously, within the span of ten days?

Not stupid, per se. Just foolish.

But it wasn't just any 10 days. It was the best 10 days of my life, spent by the 20 of us. And among that 20 was you and me.

If there's one thing I regret about those 10 days it would be the fact that, at times, I wasn't at my best.

All because of that one night that was such a nightmare, the repercussions of what happened still able to be felt now.

But you... you were always just there. You'd have your seat next to mine, you'd walk around with me, you'd stand next to me in photos.

Remember how we got so close? First day, USS. You asked to finish my lunch, and I let you. Then you asked again and again the next day.

In those 10 days, we were in a bubble. Staying abroad, away from the pressures at school and home. Free to enjoy the trip and have fun. 

I guess it was a once-in-a-life time opportunity, spending that time with you.

I hadn't even begun to realize my feelings for you until after we came back. 

In the car on the way home from the airport. Dark night, awkward silence. Then my phone vibrates with a new text message. It's from you. 

I refrained from asking the question that pops into my head when a guy texts me for the first time. "How the heck did you get my number?"  

I guess a huge part of me didn't care. I was glad you texted me. You saved my night.

A week went by and we were always texting. You were actually... showing signs that you were interested in me. I couldn't believe it.

When I told my my closest friends about you. How you acted towards me, how you made me feel, how "gw lw" became "aku kamu". They'd say...

"Maybe he likes you, Rin." Hearing that for the first time made my ears ring. It sounded impossible. Yet in the end it was true.

And hearing it, straight from you, that you did like me, that was a feeling like no other.

Honestly, I've never been in this kind of situation before. Where a guy shows interest in me first, and I guess, charmed me into liking him.

You are cute, I'll admit that. You're one of the most nicest-looking guys I know. There's something about your smile. You're... alluring.

The thing is, from what I've heard, you had this sort of bad boy reputation.

At first it was just warnings from friends. "Be careful with him" stuff like that.

From others it sounded a little more harsh. As if they were just waiting for this to end, expecting things to go wrong.

"Hah, you won't even last a month..." I once heard someone say. God, sometimes I'd just wish they'd shut up! Hadn't I made MY choice?

I did made my choice. On that day you chose to pop the question came my decision. I said, yes.

And since then you've surprised my again and again. You've shown, proven to me that I was right -- there's more to you than meets the eye.

I can now say from the bottom of my heart: I love you. And I hope that'll never change.

-- Karin Novelia, In Love With A Boy She First Saw Years Ago