Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau melihat aku selalu berusaha untuk duduk di barisan depan saat pelajaran Biologi, karena aku tahu aku butuh untuk menaikkan nilaiku supaya aku bisa mengenakan jaket kuning itu, dengan predikat sebagai mahasiswa kedokteran.
Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau membantuku saat belajar, karena aku mengerti pelajaran-pelajaran itu dengan lancar.
Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau membaca lembaran-lembaran catatan warna-warni berisi rumus atau rangkuman pelajaran yang kuletakkan rapi dalam binderku.
Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau menyaksikan aku yang bangun jam 2 pagi saat pekan ulangan, agar aku bisa menyerap pelajaran, didukung oleh otak dan badanku yang sudah segar setelah tidur, dan suasana sunyi dan tenang ketika semua orang terlelap.
Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau mendengar doa-doa yang kupanjatkan setelah aku shalat atau sebelum aku belajar dan ulangan. Memohon bantuan-Mu agar aku dapat menyerap ilmu dengan lancar, serta mengerjakan ulangan dengan petunjuk dari-Mu.
Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau tahu betapa kerasnya aku berusaha untuk semester ini.
Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau mengerti bahwa semester ini sangat berperan penting, penentu untuk menjadi mahasiswa undangan.
Ya Allah, aku memiliki banyak sekali permintaan saat ini. Aku ingin mendapatkan majalah TV Guide itu, dimana para pemeran NCIS berpose apik di covernya. Aku ingin segera menyusul ketertinggalanku dalam serial Chuck, terutama karena salah satu serial kesukaanku itu sudah tamat. Aku ingin segera membeli silikon baru bertema sapi untuk BlackBerry milikku. Aku ingin menyelesaikan buku-buku yang teronggok di lemari buku kamarku.
Namun, ya Allah, aku rela mengorbankan semua keinginan kecil dan 'kalah penting'ku di atas, demi satu keinginan terbesar ini: melihat buku raporku untuk semester lima, dan tersenyum bahagia karena aku tahu hasil yang kudapat sesuai dengan kerja keras yang aku lakukan. Karena aku tahu nilai-nilai tersebut akan mengantarku untuk lolos menjadi mahasiswa undangan.
Ya Allah, aku tahu ada banyak jalan menuju Roma. Dan undangan adalah salah satunya.
Ya Allah, akankah lengkungan senyum itu muncul di wajahku saat melihat nilai-nilaiku nanti, atau saat aku melihat namaku di peringkat paralel dengan kelas reguler? Akankah aku menangis penuh kebanggaan dan kebahagiaan saat aku melihat siswa/i SMA yang lolos menjadi mahasiswa/i undangan?
Ya Allah, aku memang tidak harus mengerjakan soal remedial Biologi. Tapi aku tahu, dibanding semester lalu, nilaiku menurun.
Ya Allah, aku tahu aku seharusnya bersyukur karena aku tidak harus mengikuti banyak remedial sejauh ini.
Namun, ya Allah, air mataku tidak pecah karena aku tidak belajar.
Dan ya Allah, aku tidak menangis karena aku menyesal aku tidak belajar.
Ya Allah, aku hanya menangis karena aku tahu aku sudah berusaha keras, namun aku tidak puas akan hasil yang kuterima, karena aku tahu aku bisa mendapatkan angka yang lebih tinggi.
Ya Allah, aku tahu satu soal ulangan Agama kemarin menanyakan tentang arti tawakal dan contohnya dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Aku menjawab definisinya dengan lancar. Aku juga menulis contohnya dengan lancar.
Ya Allah, aku berusaha tawakkal. Aku sudah berusaha. Dan hal ini tidak semudah dibanding menggoreskan tinta di kertas ulanganku.
Ya Allah, kini aku mencoba untuk menyerahkan semua pada-Mu.
Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau mendengar, Engkau melihat, Engkau tahu, dan Engkau akan membantuku.
Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau tidak pernah berkata tidak, karena aku tahu
semuanya sudah Engkau atur dengan sempurna agar indah pada waktunya.
Ya Allah, aku tahu Engkau sudah beribu kali mendengarnya, namun aku tahu hanya Engkau tempat aku meminta dan memohon.
Ya Allah, bantulah aku dan teman-temanku agar bisa menjadai mahasiswa/i di universitas yang kami inginkan, terutama lewat jalur undangan. Bantulah aku dan teman-temanku untuk melanjutkan jenjang pendidikan di tempat terbaik. Bantulah aku dan teman-temanku agar bisa membanggakan orang tua dan guru kami. Bantulah aku dan teman-temanku untuk menjadi orang yang sukses dan berguna bagi agama dan negara.
Ya Allah, bukakanlah pintunya untuk kami. Bahkan, kalau ada
jendela juga, bukakanlah. Muluskanlah jalan yang kami tempuh. Singkirkanlah kerikil dan batu-batunya. Tumbangkanlah penghalangnya. Mudahkanlah jalan kami. Bantulah aku agar aku bisa sampai di sana.
Ya Allah, bantulah aku dan teman-temanku sampai di sana.
Amin.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Unbreakable
What are the things that always succeed to drag you back to your past, specifically to your childhood? I have quite a few: Spanish child shows, namely Amigos and Carita de Angel; Sunday morning cartoons; everything about Bandung, and... unsurprisingly, Westlife. And I know it reminds everyone at my age of their childhood. I may not be the biggest fan of Westlife, but I'd be lying if I said their songs aren't nostalgic and memorable. They all are.
I can't recall when the first time I listened to Westlife was. I might be in my first or second grade of elementary school. Again, I'm not the kind of fan who knows all of the lyrics of theirs songs, word by word. There may even be still some tracks I can't sing to. I also may not know the exact time when Brian left. I may not know the exact numbers of albums they released. Well, at least I know they're from Ireland.
And I just found out that they split about a month or two at most.. (yes I was that late) and when I read the official announcement, I kind of froze, my jaw dropped for a few seconds. No, I didn't cry with devastation; yes, I was that surprised. I mean, I didn't see that coming at all. I grew up with the songs; when I was a little kid, the only foreign musicians I knew were them and Britney Spears (maybe some others but I can't think of them right now). If I was asked what kind of foreign men I considered attractive, I'd answer Westlife members without doubt.
Back then, I might not understand what the lyrics meant, I was at my first years on my elementary school. My English was lousy. I guess the only things I can speak in English very, very well were how to introduce myself, 'I love you', 'I'm sorry', and 'Please.' And some other simple words kids would know. With that, how the hell could I know what those songs really were about. But anyway, I still grew fond of the songs. When the songs played, I knew it was Westlife's.
One of my favorite was I Have A Dream. I didn't understand perfectly what the lyrics were about, and the only parts I knew the meaning were 'I have a dream' and 'I believe in angels', the others were just unclear. Well, everytime I listen to it, even until now, I get reminded of one moment when I was in the third grade of my elementary school.
So.. it was my last year in that elementary school in Bandung before I moved to Jakarta. And there's the show that school always has once the year ends, right? When every student gets involved in the show to perform something; song, dance, or a play. I was chosen to perform a traditional dance along with the other third graders. But, actually, I wanted to get involved in the choir; and the reason was nothing but they were to sing I Have A Dream. What made it impossible was: the choir consisted of my seniors from fifth and sixth graders, I already had traditional dance as my performance, and I didn't fully know the lyricsand my voice is like a dying cat. I still remember clearly that they were wearing white shirt with blue jeans when they performed. So, there, they were up on the stage and they sang the song ―I was stoned. Yes, they might sing well but I'm sure that the reason was the song.
I kind of felt bad about myself for not seeing their concert in Jakarta. I could recall how I wish I were Sherina, becase she got to sing with them the first time they ever toured here. Well, the second time they were here, I didn't know soon enough and the tickets probably were already sold out by the time I found out, I was busy at school, and I just wasn't in the mood for it I guess. If only I'd known that was their farewell tour, that it was the last time I'd ever see them together as Westlife, I'd have gone. But, the more I see it now, it was something right for them to do. They may no longer be in the same band, but they will forever stay in our unbreakable memories. After 14 years singing, touring, recording, producing hits that inspire and entertain the fans; they're not really over. They will always be well-known for their music and those unbreakable moments with them will always be cherished.
Again, I may not be that biggest fan of Westlife, but the songs they sing were there as I grew up. And their songs will always remain in my iPod (unless the iPod breaks, but of course I don't wish so), as the memory of them will remain in my beautiful childhood memories.
Goodbye to you my trusted friend,
we've known each other since we were nine or ten
Together we've climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and ABCs
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees
I can't recall when the first time I listened to Westlife was. I might be in my first or second grade of elementary school. Again, I'm not the kind of fan who knows all of the lyrics of theirs songs, word by word. There may even be still some tracks I can't sing to. I also may not know the exact time when Brian left. I may not know the exact numbers of albums they released. Well, at least I know they're from Ireland.
And I just found out that they split about a month or two at most.. (yes I was that late) and when I read the official announcement, I kind of froze, my jaw dropped for a few seconds. No, I didn't cry with devastation; yes, I was that surprised. I mean, I didn't see that coming at all. I grew up with the songs; when I was a little kid, the only foreign musicians I knew were them and Britney Spears (maybe some others but I can't think of them right now). If I was asked what kind of foreign men I considered attractive, I'd answer Westlife members without doubt.
Back then, I might not understand what the lyrics meant, I was at my first years on my elementary school. My English was lousy. I guess the only things I can speak in English very, very well were how to introduce myself, 'I love you', 'I'm sorry', and 'Please.' And some other simple words kids would know. With that, how the hell could I know what those songs really were about. But anyway, I still grew fond of the songs. When the songs played, I knew it was Westlife's.
One of my favorite was I Have A Dream. I didn't understand perfectly what the lyrics were about, and the only parts I knew the meaning were 'I have a dream' and 'I believe in angels', the others were just unclear. Well, everytime I listen to it, even until now, I get reminded of one moment when I was in the third grade of my elementary school.
So.. it was my last year in that elementary school in Bandung before I moved to Jakarta. And there's the show that school always has once the year ends, right? When every student gets involved in the show to perform something; song, dance, or a play. I was chosen to perform a traditional dance along with the other third graders. But, actually, I wanted to get involved in the choir; and the reason was nothing but they were to sing I Have A Dream. What made it impossible was: the choir consisted of my seniors from fifth and sixth graders, I already had traditional dance as my performance, and I didn't fully know the lyrics
I kind of felt bad about myself for not seeing their concert in Jakarta. I could recall how I wish I were Sherina, becase she got to sing with them the first time they ever toured here. Well, the second time they were here, I didn't know soon enough and the tickets probably were already sold out by the time I found out, I was busy at school, and I just wasn't in the mood for it I guess. If only I'd known that was their farewell tour, that it was the last time I'd ever see them together as Westlife, I'd have gone. But, the more I see it now, it was something right for them to do. They may no longer be in the same band, but they will forever stay in our unbreakable memories. After 14 years singing, touring, recording, producing hits that inspire and entertain the fans; they're not really over. They will always be well-known for their music and those unbreakable moments with them will always be cherished.
Again, I may not be that biggest fan of Westlife, but the songs they sing were there as I grew up. And their songs will always remain in my iPod (unless the iPod breaks, but of course I don't wish so), as the memory of them will remain in my beautiful childhood memories.
Goodbye to you my trusted friend,
we've known each other since we were nine or ten
Together we've climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and ABCs
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees
Friday, January 06, 2012
The Best of Me - Review
To start off.. I think I must state that I love Nicholas Sparks. I admire his writings, and so far I love all his novels I've read. If I were to write modern romantic fiction, I'd most likely look up to him. Yes, his novels mostly revolve around love, but they also teach about life, and everything in between: friendship, family, the pursuit of true happiness - and he writes all of them beautifully. All the details are incredible. .
The Best of Me was no exception. I bought the book at Times Changi Airport, on my trip to Singapore last October. I already saw the book in Kinokuniya Takashimaya, and decided not to buy it. But I was waiting for my flight back to Jakarta, and that happened. I remember I was very indecisive; whether to buy it there but I felt I already splurged, or just wait until those novels show up in bookstores here in Jakarta. Short, I was just so tempted—I'd been waiting for the novel, and yes, I saw all of those pictures of the fans holding the books next to Mr. Sparks during the book signing and they said the novel was great— so I brought that home, thinking I got nothing to lose anyway. And yesterday was finally when I got the time to read the book, because I was busy trying to finish the unread books on my shelf. And.. here we go..
I admit, simply said, there were a few slow parts, but the action parts eventually made up for it. I could say I was a little bored in the middle of reading. Not the kind of bored that I just want to put the book down and stop reading; but more to like, "Let me get to the ending already," because I was dying to know how the story unfolded.
The book focused not only on Dawson and Amanda, the main characters, but it also told the other characters that supported those two. When I was reading, I tried so hard to picture which actress and actors will suit the characters well. I Well, for Dawson, I had no idea, but his character reminds me of Christina Perri's song titled A Thousand Years, because the lyrics fit the situation Dawson's in perfectly. Unlike when I was reading Safe Haven, the first time I read the descriptions given about Alex, the main guy, my mind went straight to Eddie Cahill. I didn't have specific reasons, I just thought he was perfect for the role lol.
Back to The Best of Me.. As I learned more about Amanda, I thought of Amanda Seyfriend — that's kind of ridiculous though, because I might've thought of her because of the same names — but she starred in Dear John, and can't possibly be picked again to play another character based on Sparks'-books-turned-movies. It's not impossible, but it's highly unlikely. Anyway, what we're looking here is a 42-year old blond, with mesmerizing blue eyes. Yes, Seyfried's a blond, but her eyes aren't blue and she's too young. Then.. Cate Blanchett crossed my mind. I mean, she's in her early 40s, blond, and she has bright blue eyes. I don't know, but since I heard they're turning the pages into screen, I can't help but wondering who the stars might be.
Well, not only the characters, he also wrote the details perfectly; what happened in the war when one of the character joined the Navy, the medical terms, even to how the things are put in the house. About the ending, well, I can say this: it was tragic in a good way. The last chapters were not the way that I imagined it'd go, but I can't say they were fully unpredictable, because somehow I kind of knew how it'd end. And my little guesses about the epilogue were right, but I was still surprised anyway. Well, I guess everything was just well-put and it was the best closure the book could've had.
Nicholas Sparks surely has his ways to touch hearts, his ways with words that compels me to continue reading. It was a page-turner, but barely a tear-jerker. I didn't shed a tear, but I did scream a a few times, especially at the end. I liked he book, but it still couldn't top Dear John; maybe because the more a book can make me cry, the better it is. So, I give a 3,5 out of 5 for this book.
And here are my favorite quotes from the book, at least the ones that I can think of:
“The past can be escaped only by embracing something better.”
“But if he’s drinking to escape these days, it’s probably to escape from me. Who wouldn’t want to escape from that? Especially when it comes from someone you love? When all you really want is for that person to love you as much as you love them?”
"...the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. What the younger generation didn’t understand was that the grass was greenest where it’s watered."
“Don’t take my advice. Or anyone’s advice. Trust yourself. For good or for bad, happy or unhappy, it’s your life, and what you do with it has always been entirely up to you.”
------------
PS: I just went through a very great, new experience last Wednesday. Although the stupid me didn't take any behind-the-scenes pictures.. but oh well, it was a fantastic opening of 2012. I will not reveal what it is now, but I could say that I learned a lot, and I'd surely write about it later whenI have time and the urge to write the result comes out! And here I am, crossing fingers for the best outcome.:-)
The Best of Me was no exception. I bought the book at Times Changi Airport, on my trip to Singapore last October. I already saw the book in Kinokuniya Takashimaya, and decided not to buy it. But I was waiting for my flight back to Jakarta, and that happened. I remember I was very indecisive; whether to buy it there but I felt I already splurged, or just wait until those novels show up in bookstores here in Jakarta. Short, I was just so tempted—I'd been waiting for the novel, and yes, I saw all of those pictures of the fans holding the books next to Mr. Sparks during the book signing and they said the novel was great— so I brought that home, thinking I got nothing to lose anyway. And yesterday was finally when I got the time to read the book, because I was busy trying to finish the unread books on my shelf. And.. here we go..
Yes, the picture's quite lousy, but I figured the post would be better with it.:]
I admit, simply said, there were a few slow parts, but the action parts eventually made up for it. I could say I was a little bored in the middle of reading. Not the kind of bored that I just want to put the book down and stop reading; but more to like, "Let me get to the ending already," because I was dying to know how the story unfolded.
The book focused not only on Dawson and Amanda, the main characters, but it also told the other characters that supported those two. When I was reading, I tried so hard to picture which actress and actors will suit the characters well. I Well, for Dawson, I had no idea, but his character reminds me of Christina Perri's song titled A Thousand Years, because the lyrics fit the situation Dawson's in perfectly. Unlike when I was reading Safe Haven, the first time I read the descriptions given about Alex, the main guy, my mind went straight to Eddie Cahill. I didn't have specific reasons, I just thought he was perfect for the role lol.
Back to The Best of Me.. As I learned more about Amanda, I thought of Amanda Seyfriend — that's kind of ridiculous though, because I might've thought of her because of the same names — but she starred in Dear John, and can't possibly be picked again to play another character based on Sparks'-books-turned-movies. It's not impossible, but it's highly unlikely. Anyway, what we're looking here is a 42-year old blond, with mesmerizing blue eyes. Yes, Seyfried's a blond, but her eyes aren't blue and she's too young. Then.. Cate Blanchett crossed my mind. I mean, she's in her early 40s, blond, and she has bright blue eyes. I don't know, but since I heard they're turning the pages into screen, I can't help but wondering who the stars might be.
Well, not only the characters, he also wrote the details perfectly; what happened in the war when one of the character joined the Navy, the medical terms, even to how the things are put in the house. About the ending, well, I can say this: it was tragic in a good way. The last chapters were not the way that I imagined it'd go, but I can't say they were fully unpredictable, because somehow I kind of knew how it'd end. And my little guesses about the epilogue were right, but I was still surprised anyway. Well, I guess everything was just well-put and it was the best closure the book could've had.
Nicholas Sparks surely has his ways to touch hearts, his ways with words that compels me to continue reading. It was a page-turner, but barely a tear-jerker. I didn't shed a tear, but I did scream a a few times, especially at the end. I liked he book, but it still couldn't top Dear John; maybe because the more a book can make me cry, the better it is. So, I give a 3,5 out of 5 for this book.
And here are my favorite quotes from the book, at least the ones that I can think of:
“The past can be escaped only by embracing something better.”
“But if he’s drinking to escape these days, it’s probably to escape from me. Who wouldn’t want to escape from that? Especially when it comes from someone you love? When all you really want is for that person to love you as much as you love them?”
"...the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. What the younger generation didn’t understand was that the grass was greenest where it’s watered."
“Don’t take my advice. Or anyone’s advice. Trust yourself. For good or for bad, happy or unhappy, it’s your life, and what you do with it has always been entirely up to you.”
------------
PS: I just went through a very great, new experience last Wednesday. Although the stupid me didn't take any behind-the-scenes pictures.. but oh well, it was a fantastic opening of 2012. I will not reveal what it is now, but I could say that I learned a lot, and I'd surely write about it later when
Monday, December 26, 2011
2011
It's only a few days left until 2012 starts.. Wow. That's fast. 2011 has been quite a year, and so many things happened as the year went. Everyone's writing their best memories on 2011 through Twitter, but I guess 140 characters are not enough. I'd rather blog it in one post, than tweeting it several times.
Let me begin with... how do I begin?
Maroon 5 Concert
Seeing your favorite musician performing live.. is wonderful beyond words. I was left starstruck for a week or so. Why couldn't I live in the concert forever? No, I wouldn't want to literally live there.. It's just I want the feeling of finally seeing your idols in front of your eyes to last forever. But basically I don't have that much to write about the concert itself, because I already wrote everything here.
PMUN 2011
An MUN that was held by Parahyangan University was also one of those amazing things that happened through 2011. I gained friends as I got to know the other delegates, and I learned quite a lot from the event itself.. So fun.
Bali Trip
There's no doubt that Bali is one of the most beautiful, must-visit places in this world. I'd been wanting to go to Bali for several years, and no, that's not even an exaggeration. And I basically went there as a reward from my dad because I won the first prize on a speech competition, so that just added up the awesomeness. It felt very nice to enrich myself with knowledge of my own country, to be surrounded with such breathtaking views. Everything about that island is very beautiful, and Bali certainly has that one thing that makes us want to go back there again, and I definitely will someday.
David Archuleta Concert
Many people don't know this but here I am admitting that I'm an Archangel at heart. I have adored him since he was still competing on Amarican Idol almost five years ago. No matter how tacky that might sound, but everytime I listen to his songs, I'm dragged back to my middle school memories, which were beautiful. The concert was held outdoor, on a f-cking football field, and it was raining a few hours before the concert, you imagine how muddy that place was. So the venue was pretty much the worst element of the concert, not to mention the time management was also horrible. The audience was NOT so well-behaved, and I heard there were a few pickpockets. Thank God I came home safe and sound. But it was so unfortunate that the only good things about the concert was the fireworks after the show.. and of course, David Archuleta.
Idul Fitri
It doesn't mean that the previous Idul Fitris were bad, every Idul Fitri is special to me, but I just felt this year's was one of the best. I know that a few of my family members were ill during that time, and we spent a lot of time in the hospital, but I guess it was why we got so close. I'm looking forward to more lebarans like this one, with the presence and perfect health of every family member. Amen.:)
Competitions
I'm not being snobby, but I joined quite a few competitions this year. I joined essay and paper writing contests, and speech contests as well. I didn't win them all, but the experiences I've gained are the best lessons I could learn from. The highlight was: Last November, I went through the finale for the speech competition (the first stage was held on June), and I won the first place again. And I wouldn't have made it that far.. gosh, I feel like I'm winning Oscars or something, without support from my parents, teachers, and my AWESOME classmates. Did I say AWESOME?
School
What I'm thankful of is.. I think I pretty well at school this year. I've worked quite hard to keep up with the subjects.. I tried hard not to fall on curve, and thank God I didn't. I even managed to be ranked first in my class last term. Alhamdulillah. What surprised me was I didn't have to retake any exams during the finals. I usually always had to take make-up tests for a few subjects, so I guess that's quite awesome that I got decent marks for all subjects last finals. But too bad my luck didn't last long, because on my recent exam week.. I failed a few tests, but oh well, life has its ups and downs.:-)
Singapore Trip
Last October, me and my classmates went to Singapore. We visited Nanyang University, Universal Studios of Singapore, and Singapore Science Center. And well, going to Singapore wouldn't do without shopping! Hell, the first two sentences sound like a holiday report I used to write on my elementary years when I got back to school, LOL. Anyway, we went there after finals, so it was great that we could forget about school for a while and have some fun.
GK Sunset
I... already blogged about this in this post, and I'm not going to blabber you on how successful the event was or how proud I am of my schoolmates. It was indeed a historical night, a night that all of us will never forget. Enough said.
Bandung Trip
First best thing about the trip is: Bandung. That city never fails to make me feel like home. Second best thing: a very motivating and inspiring visit to ITB. Third best thing: one of the best times spent with my best friends. Certainly two days to remember. And.. I already wrote down how amazing the trip was, so I guess I don't have anything more to write about anymore.
There were absolutely more good things about 2011, but the ones mentioned above are the best that I could think of right now. I feel so blessed for everything's happened through the year, beyond thankful for what's been showered upon me. I know life will always have the goods and the bads, but I'm looking for better things to happen next year.:-)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I Need Something More Than Just ':' and 'D'
... because there's basically no emoticons that are able to describe how happy I'm now that HOLIDAYS HAVE JUST STARTED (!!!!). No, I'm not going on a vacation, but it feels nice to be temporarily off from school and have some fun without getting worried that I have school tasks left undone at home. And I should spend this break wisely, since once I get back, I'll be very busy as assignments and exams preparations will pour in.
And other than that... I have nothing to write.
And other than that... I have nothing to write.
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