Simple Things I Learn in 2014

2015 is ahead, so its time to do a bit reflection. Its been full of ups and downs the whole year of 2014, but I want to wrap up this year with reflection of what I learn this year. Because life is always about learning anyway ;)

1. To work hard

To be frank, I start the year of 2014 with a quite unpleasant situation. I was diagnosed with a disease, which made me have to postpone my study in Australia. At that time, I already quit my job and had no back up plan. Fortunately, people who interviewed me for a job 2 years back called me again to work in the institution (an international development consultant), as they were impressed by me. Long short story I left my hometown in Sumatra on 1^st January and started another full time job by 2^nd January.  Things happen and I took another part time jobs as a researcher with two most reputable universities in Indonesia, my ammeter, University of Indonesia and Gadjah Mada University. At the same time, the grant for my project (Youth Ecopreneurship Camp) was approved by East West Center, University of Hawaii so that in the midst of full time job, part time jobs, I need to act as the leader for the project I propose. Things were so hectic that I was afraid my health condition could get worse (Thank God it was not).

Launching of my project, Yep Camp with my full team (April 2014)

2. To not to work too hard

I was so occupied early this year that I had no fun in my life. One day during my sleepless night, I had a thought in my mind ‘Is this what I really want? I got career and money ahead, but I don’t think I am happy. I am still 25, I should have more fun!’. In mid of May after implementing my project, submitting reports for my jobs, and finished contract of my full time job, I throw everything up and I decided to travel to Europe and paid my travel expense from the money I collected since the beginning of 2014. Most of the trips were free because I was in Europe to attend two student International Week events in Vienna and Sofia, representing my previous organization (Indonesian Student Association for International Studies). It was one of the best decisions I made. Yeah I did crazy things, a lot (which I should not put here but you can just guess)! I had a lot of fun. Fun, which I could only explore in m 20ish. I met a lot of interesting people who inspire me a lot and broaden my perspective.

3. Be more fashionable

During my traveling trip to Europe, I saw people are so fashionable. My hosts were always able to mix and match dresses nicely. They could also do magnificent things to their already looking good face with make up. Make up is like a magic artful tool. I realize that when you are able to dress up and make up nicely and properly in the right moment people will notice you and give you more attention. So then I start developing interest on fashion and make-up, exploring my feminism side. Because by the end of the day I am just a normal woman who likes to have my opposite gender appreciate my appearance.

4. Learn how to cook

Back in Indonesia, I used to just buy food outside as it cheap and quick. Plus I don’t have time to cook, as I was extremely busy. However, during my trip to Europe I realize that most of fellow youngsters of my age could cook WELL! Yes, cook very good dishes! Whenever I pay a visit to my friends’ (and crushes) house, they are always able to serve me with good foods. In exchange, I could only cook plain tasted ‘nasi goreng’ to them which is the basic cooking knowledge for every Indonesian. Then, when I moved to Canberra to continue my graduate study in the middle this year, I realize that I don’t equip myself with this basic survival skill and I would not be able to afford myself eating outside as eating in any restaurant in Australia is freaking expensive. So then I start learn how to cook from my housemates, my friends and from Youtube. Moreover, when I went to Vietnam for a volunteer program in November 2014, my indulgence toward cooking was developed well because my fellow volunteers appreciate my dishes. So far I could only cook seafood well because I kinda pescetariasm, but I keen to learn cooking other type of dishes.

Cooking with my Cambodian fellow volunteer in Vietnam (Nov 2014)

5. Practise meditation

I have a sleeping problem and I overthink sometimes. Writing and yoga are my two main remedies. However, during my trip in Nepal I figured out that meditation could also be an effective way to have a balance physical and mental health. As I am now based in Kathmandu, I am trying to seize the opportunity to learn more about meditation. It also seems like the universe conspired to help me out finding inner happiness.

Summary:

Cities I lived 2014:

• Depok/Jakarta (Indonesia)
• Canberra (Australia)
• Hue (Vietnam)
• Kathmandu (Nepal)

Cities I visited 2014:

• Jogjakarta (Indonesia)
• Sabang, Aceh (Indonesia)
• Vienna (Austria)
• Budapest (Hungaria)
• Bucharest (Romania)
• Sofia (Bulgaria)
• Sydney (Australia)

Olivia

26 Life Lessons Learned by Age 26 (Repost)

Here is interesting list I repost from Mark and Angel, as I turned 26 a month ago I was searching on the internet if people of my age also think the same way. But again people are different and they experience life differently. So what these folks of my age learn about life at the age of 26 might be useful for you and me (ps. I personally love the point number 15):

1. Being an adult can be fun when you are acting like a child.
2. Love has nothing to do with looks, but everything to do with time, trust, and interest.
3. Laughing, crying, joy and anger… All are a vital.  All make us human.
4. The greatest truths in life are uncovered with simple, steady awareness.
5. Greed will bury even the lucky eventually.
6. Bad things do happen to good people.
7. Paving your own road is intelligent only if nobody has gone exactly where you are going.
8. Uncertainty is caused by a lack of knowledge.  Hesitation is the product of fear.
9. Time heals all wounds… regardless of how you feel right now.
10. Most of the time what you are looking for is right in front of you.
11. Your health is your life.
12. Chance is a gift, so act on chance when given the opportunity.
13. Kindness and hard work will take you further than intelligence.
14. People deserve a second chance, but not a third.
15. Marry your best friend.
16. Take lots of pictures.  Someday you’ll be really glad you did.
17. Money makes life easier only when the money is yours free and clear.
18. Carelessness is the root of failure
19. Your actions now create memories you will reminisce and talk about in your elder years.
20. Stepping outside of your comfort zone will put things into perspective from an angle you can’t grasp now.
21. Motivation comes in short bursts.  Act while it’s hot.
22. Purposely ignoring the obvious is like walking backwards toward the enemy.
23. Taking ownership of failure builds the foundation for success.
24. First impressions are completely worthless 50% of the time.
25. Personal glory lasts forever.
26. If you never act, you will never know for sure.

Olivia

My 8 Days Precis on Nepal Odyssey

1. Serendipity 

The past few days, my roommate and me have been practising meditation every morning. Meditation was not my plan to go to Nepal, but I ended up meeting people who taught me about mediation on the plane. Now I am having a roomie who practises meditation every morning and who happens to enjoy my companion doing mediation with her. I always thought there is another way of reducing my tense level of stress and anxiety other than yoga and writing, which I practise regularly. Doing meditation in the morning appears to be an effective remedy for my mental balance.


2. Pious

Last Sunday morning, my roommate out of the blue asked me if I would like to go to church. I was a bit surprise. Frankly, I hardly go to church when in Canberra, not only because I am moody but also because no one asks me to go to church with. In Nepal where most people are Hindus, someone just asked me to go to church. On top of that, the one who asked me was my roommate, a devoted Hindu who has never been to church her whole life. I nodded to her suggestion and we finally went to (coincidentally) a protestant church whose service I am familiar with. I met interesting people there, including a local people who have several Indonesian acquainted who are currently living in Nepal and married with Nepali. Its been a long time I have not been to church and I feel so peaceful listening to the gospel of Lord.

The church is hailing for Chirstmas! ;)

3. Sincerity

Landlord was genuine when trying to teach me to speak Nepali. My supervisor was genuine when teaching me new software. My housemates were genuine when accompanying me shopping. My roommates were genuine when accompanying me out to see places, talk sh*t about love and learn trivial stuff about Nepal. Even people on the street was genuine when I asked them the way. How do I know if it’s genuine? Through the most basic way of understanding human’s mind, the eyes. In Nepal, people do good things to you not because they are expecting immediate benefit return but because they just enjoy doing nice to others.



Ps. I love writing. Its not just a mere hobby, it is also therapy for my sleeping disorder problem. This piece comes from my seemingly unwary mind that think too much about random stuff on earth and my own future.



Good night world.

Love,



Olivia

Doing Internship in Nepal During ANU Semester Break

Its been a long time!

Long short story, I am in Kathmandu now. I am doing internship for ForestAction Nepal, an NGO focusing on policy research on forestry and related issues. I will be here for a month or so before returning back to my hometown in Sumatra and to Canberra to continue my 2^nd semester of graduate study.

Despite the fact that I have already been sick only after 3 days of my stay in Kathmandu, I enjoy my overall experience in here. On my flight from KL to Nepal I sat next to two ladies, one from Australia and another one from Malaysia who were going to Nepal for holiday and pilgrimage respectively. We talked a lot during the trip that we did not even realize that we almost arrive in Nepal. The two ladies taught me about meditation, which I would like to learn once my health condition gets better.

Upon my arrival in Kathmandu airport, a friend of mine (who I met from my last year trip through Couchsurfing) welcomed me with a yellowish shawl full of Buddhist words as the tradition to welcome people who visit Nepal. He put the shawl into my neck while saying ‘Welcome back to Nepal’. It was so sweet of him. He was there with his friend who also put another shawl to my neck and they immediately dropped me to my hostel. It was 10 PM already so we need to call the lady to open the door because I booked a place in a homestay nearby my office. My first night in Kathmandu was a bit spooky as the room in so cold (esp because it is winter here atm) and the alley to my room was so dark. I could also hear dogs barking non stop outside my room. It was too cold that I could barely sleep with only one blanket.

I went to office late the next morning and met my supervisor, a really helpful guy who just graduated from Delhi University few months back. The office is not too big but it is enough to accommodate researchers with brilliant minds who are passionate about their job. Just like the way NGO work, the working atmosphere is so relaxing and there is no clear hierarchy among the staff member.

I went back home early that day and asked my friend to help me move to the girl hostel he suggested. Later that day we went to Thamel (the main spot for tourist in Kathmandu) to chill at Shisha bar, one of the most popular bars in the area. I started staying in the girl hostel the following day and I really enjoy living with local people here. The hostel is full of young ladies who are still pursuing study at uni or just graduated. So most of them are below 22. I feel so young surrounded by them. Hence I don't think they create gap with me as they perceive me as young as them.  :P

They are so friendly and caring. They never try to exclude me for whatever they are doing like watching DVD in room, going out to visit temples or just shopping. I kinda look like Nepali too so when I go out with them it looks like I am part of a group of young colleague girl.  Knowing that I am sick, my roommates are so kind to not to create noise when I sleep early like 7 pm and lend me blanket when I feel so cold. The landlord could not speak English properly but always ask if I need tea or biscuit. I guess Nepali is so good in hospitality because I don't only receive good treatment from my housemates but also from my workmates who always try to make me feel comfortable.

Me and several colleagues at office today

Anyway, as I mentioned so far so good. I just need to get myself fit again so I can start my yoga class this weekend.

Cheers all.

Love,

Olivia