Packing Up

I know, I've neglected posting but well I've really been busy and any day where I refrain from spending even one second in front of a computer is an immense acheivement.

Started packing, which turns out to be really easy. I managed to tidy things up yesterday, sort out my clothes, even packed up my books. After much deliberation (well, not really) here are the 5 books I'm taking with me (+ 1 which will me there in Singapore since it's with a fellow scholar right now).

1). The Complete Adventure of Sherlock Holmes, Volume II by Sir ACD (Barnes and Noble):

How could I leave behind the world's greatest consulting detective? This will satisfy my inner detective, give me a sense of Victorian London (a period I just adore, by the way) and of course remind me that even the greatest people have their flaws.

2). The Book Thief by Markus Zusak:

An eloquent novel that demonstrates the power of words and how good and bad go hand in hand. Also useful when I want too read about a Death that's almost human.

3). The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern:

A book to pick up whenever I want to venture to the Cirque de Reves and experience the magical and impossible. Also to remind me that the difference between dreams and reality might not be that apparent.

4). Artemis Fowl and The Last Guardian by Eoin Colfer (Disney Hyperion):

The last book in the first fictional series I ever read on my own volition. So yeah, a bit sentimental this one. And this is the Hyperion version, where the covers are just amazing, and makes Artemis look like such a badass haha. Whenever I want a glimpse of the snarky and suave anti-hero, want an adventure filled with magic, faeries and plenty of witty banter.

5). Life of Pi by Yann Martel:

 A great read I'll pick up whenever I have any doubts or lose my faith.

6). Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain:

To remind me of my strengths and that I'm not the only one who sees nothing wrong with being quiet.

So that's it. The small myriad of novels that will decorate my shelves for the next 4 years. And honestly, Wednesday can not come fast enough.

I'll try to make up for the missing posts. Somehow.

Cheers!

--Karin Novelia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off The Grid: Day 12

Happy Birthday!

 

I wake up to the sound of those two words and see my little sister standing over me beside the bed. I wipe my eyes and stretch, mumbling a groggy "Thank you" in reply. I'm sleepy. Really sleepy. I spent the night giving Taylor Swift's new album a listen, and though I found the record fantastic, it did little to prolong my sleeping hours.

 

Then I hear my stomach growl and find it pointless to fall asleep. So I get up and get out of my room.

 

My Mom comes over and hugs me. "Happy Birthday, sweetie," she says.

 

I smile and hug her back, trying to ignore that tight feeling in my chest. The words sound hollow and I feel myself numb.

 

Come on. I try to cheer myself up. Grouches who are pessimistic on their birthdays don't live long.

 

I don't hate birthdays. I just don't see them as a big deal. Well, at least I don't see my birthday as a big deal. Celebrations tend to be simple. Just the fam. The one time I tried to throw a big bash, it was tedious and I felt like the fakest person alive. The days I did show excitement for my birthday, I usually ended up disappointed. So yeah, there's that too.

 

My birthday has basically ended, and it really has felt like any other day.

 

But it turned out better than I expected.

 

If there's one way I celebrate my birthday, I try to spend the day feeling as childish as I possibly can. I watched Ponyo, which is a Japanese-anime movie made by Studio Ghibli (they make awesome animations, their repertoire is a must-watch). I remember watching this one, years ago when it first released and it was magical and fantastic. It made me feel like a kid again.

 

I got out of the house which was a relief. Took a look around the department store, scouting things and neccessities I might need for the move, but that didn't even lead to any purchases. The shopping bags I did bring home were full my mother's stuff. 

 

What do you want for your birthday?

 

That question leaves me tongue-tied for awhile. Any question really that refers to "what I want" is usually answered with silence than actual words. I don't really like to shop. Or correction, I don't like to over-shop and no matter what I do, I'll always feel guilty about purchases however minor. I'm scared I'll go overboard, or splurge on something I want but don't really need. I need to be certain that I deserve whatever I'm getting for myself, and well, that seldom happens.

 

Everyone's pretty occupied. My birthday seems irrelevant in hindsight, and I really see nothing wrong with that. We planned on watching Skyfall this evening, but since my Dad had to work late, it'll have to wait for tomorrow.

 

My parents even forgot to buy me my birthday cake. And I didn't remind them. There's a slice of Oreo Ice Cream cake left over from my sister's birthday, and I've been saving it for awhile.

 

They did feel bad about it though, and tried to make it up for me with one birthday ritual: blowing out the candles.

 

The place the small green candle in front of me, one my Mom usually uses for aroma therapy. The scent of green apples fill the air.

 

Blowing the birthday candles is synonymous with making the birthday wish. Does anyone else find it a bit strange? We're asked to thing about our wishes and hopes by having these gentle flames lit in front of us, these little beacons of orange light. Then we're asked to blow them out, as if their disappearance makes all those wishes come true.

 

What did I really want right now? I really have no idea.

 

I look at the faces of my smiling family, think about the life that awaits for me in less than two weeks. I think about the friends I've just met, the friends I'm leaving behind, but so far with gladness and cheer.

 

What more could I really ask for?

 

Make a wish.

 

I blow upon the candle and watch the restless flame die.

 

But I don't dare to wish for anything more.

 

--Karin Novelia, Birthday Girl

Off The Grid: Day 11

Just bursting with energy today. Found myself having difficulties last night (still got zero hour's of sleep in me) and I think I'm just waiting for the crash to come. I ran around this morning, even had sushi for breakfast. I planned on going on doing some Pre-Move Shopping and listing things I wanna bring along. Sadly, didn't leave the house as planned.

In other news, my Twitter timeline which was just bursting with Halloween pics, made me envious of the other side of the world. I strongly stand by my opinion that if I chopped my hair and curled it up a bit, I'd be an decent Sherlock/Fourth Doctor. Which I guess says I have a thing for scarves. Haha.

I can't seem to focus too long on a single train of thought. Might be the buzz, but I can feel it wearing off. Might turn in early tonight.

And sorry for such a horrid, useless post.

Goodnight, readers.

--Karin Novelia