Sawarna, West Java, Indonesia

danced and sang in the rain after caving at Buniayu. perfect ending to a perfect trip.

(Source: dropdeadduhnel)

please let me have this for my birthday. please.

A moment of silence by Jorge Maia

zenhabits:

(via The Expert Enough Manifesto | Expert Enough)

someone take me here!

indonesianbeach:

DERAWAN ISLAND, Kalimantan Indonesia

The Derawan Islands are in the province of East Kalimantan in Indonesia. They include Derawan, Sangalaki, Kakaban, Maratua, Panjang, and Samama Island and submerged Reefs and Islets. They are located in the Sulawesi Sea, on the coastal shelf of East Kalimantan (2°17’N - 118°13’E).

Battery Dance Company Show

I think most people have had the feeling of wanting to be like someone else. Of course we have. We will always have aspirations of being someone better that we are at that moment.

I wish I was more sociable and less awkward around new people. In a new environment, I’m the type that would sit back, watch, listen and assess the whole environment before having the courage to mingle. People’s first assumptions of me are that I’m jutek and galak. [arrogant and mean?? I can’t find the right English word to describe those words].  And to some degree they’re right. Although I don’t mean to be arrogant, if anything I generally feel mediocre to everyone else. And galak? Okay, I would admit to that, but I don’t think I’m mean. I can be mean. But having the capacity to be callous, doesn’t mean you are.

Wait. It seems I’m trying to justify myself. Let’s get back on track.

So… I ‘m not the most sociable person, and I get uncomfortable being the center of attention. I participated in a traditional dress competition for Kartini Day once, and cried as I ran off the stage when I realized everyone was looking at me. I’d get sweaty palms and stutter if I had to call someone I didn’t know. I’m not even face to face with someone and I’d get self conscious.

One day I figure I HAD to change. First year of college I signed up for the students organization at my faculty. The division I chose : external relations. A year of sweaty palms and stuttering later, I got asked to be the head of the division. Big accomplishment? Hell  yes. Not in terms of position or whatever, but for ME to get involved in an organization and actively participate in it, is something. After that I had the courage to apply for a volunteer position in a local NGO by myself, albeit after failing to get my friends to apply with me.

And now? I teach middle school students. I get up and talk in front of a whole class every day. HUGE. If someone told me 10 years ago this is what I’d be doing today, no way I’d believe them.

Quoting Steve Jobs :

“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose”

I guess my point is… stop being scared. If you want something as simple as changing yourself or something more grand : changing the world; go for it. You don’t have anything to lose. Maybe your passion, what you love to do, is something you feared.

I did change and I’d like to progress even more. Maybe someday I can change the world.

*this note is more of a self reminder rather than a post for inspiration*

“…Never mind, I’ll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you too…”

I love my job. I really do.

or do I?

Random thought crossed my mind recently. Do I love my job because I love to teach and (hope to) inspire my students? or is what I get out of what I do compensates for something I’m missing from my life.

I love the feeling when my students ask how I am or what is wrong when I’m feeling down. I appreciate that they ask about me when I don’t come in and ask if I’m feeling better the next day. I try to give them my best effort and attention, and I’m sure it’s the same the other way around. I love seeing them happy. That’s what I’d get from a life partner right?

Would I feel different about my job when I finally find my significant other? I hope not.