Top 10 Current 'Obsessions'

Everyone has something they're really into. Our interests change from time to time, it's quite normal. I've decided to make a list of my current interests (or so called 'obsessions'). Note that these are not in order, as I love them all the same.

1. Homestuck

Oh come on, a satirical yet dramatic web-comic that incorporates interactive games, full on flash movies and its own soundtrack? What is not to love? Yes, the reading is a bit tedious, but Homestuck is a whole genre itself. It probably takes a bit of patience from the start, though it does pay off. And to think it all started with 4 average kids who decided to play a 'simple' game.. (The adventure begins at www.mspaintadventures.com)

2. Doctor Who

Full of time (and space) shenanigans, Doctor Who is about a time traveler who travels through galaxies and time itself in a blue police box. The series has been around for awhile, with it's first episode airing in the 60's. The episodes are quite exciting and they take you to various lands, and let you see things that are out of this world. Literally.

3. Peppermints

From fandoms to candy, however did I do that? Anyways, Peppermints are my favorite candies. They remind me of the warm fuzzy feelings of Christmas. I always keep at least a handful on my desk, though I have to keep myself from consuming them all at once.

4. Prismacolor Colored Pencils

During my US holiday, I had obtained a pack of colored pencils from Prismacolor. I usually don't use traditional media, but these pencils are just amazing. They color and draw very smoothly and its great quality. I've ended up drawing lots with these.

5. The Leviathan Trilogy 

Many of the books these days focus way too much on romance, it gets a bit boring after awhile. Though this series does have romantic elements, it doesn't steal the show from it's action packed adventure. It's set in an alternate World War 1, with the Darwinists (who use fabricated beasts) at war against the Clankers (who use steam powered machines). The story follows a girl who cross-dresses to join the airship navy and an Austro-Hungarian prince on the run. The storytelling is amazing, and I've become utterly addicted.

6. Sherlock

I've actually have been a Sherlock fan since I've read the books when I was younger. I've always had a nack for the classics, and Sherlock Holmes is most likely one of the most well known. I wasn't really into the Hollywood movies though, but when BBC released their version, I was hooked. It's interesting watching a Sherlock Holmes and a John Watson in a more present like setting.

7. Left 4 Dead

There are a few times that my Dad has come home to my sister, my brother-in-law and I huddled around the dinner table with our laptop exclaiming strategies and cries for help. These are more than likely our 'Left 4 Dead' nights. It's a game set in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, in a situation that feels quite realistic. It takes many a strategy to get through the whole game, though it's really quite addictive.

8. 1800's - 1940's History

I'm a bit of a history buff, and I also have an interest in historical anthropology. Wow, I've just realised that sounded very nerd like. Moving along..

9. Mori Fashion

Mori (meaning 'forest' in Japanese) is a style that incorporates flora / fauna inspired pieces into a whimsical, forest inspired combination. The style itself uses mainly earth toned colors and layering.Vintage pieces work well with this fashion, so do patchwork and lace. The whole point of the fashion is to look like you live in a picturesque cottage in the woods.The fashion itself is very cute and quirky, it's also quite comfortable to wear as well.

10. TUMBLR

Tumblr is one of those little places in the interwebs that I lurk. It's were I find other people who share my interests, and it's a place I could geek out without having to be looked at weirdly. Although, I do geek out outside of it anyways.

Well, I guess that's my list. Until next time!

Off to Work We WENT.

Work, that thing in life that lets you be able to do more things in your life.

Last week, our work experience started. Claudia and I were working at the New Kuta Condotel at Pecatu (Dreamland).

The hotel itself.

At first I felt slightly nervous but also very excited about work experience. That probably would be a very average reaction. I actually had to wear office-y clothing, and I probably looked a bit weird in them.

The "work" was mostly taking notes and translating slides to Indonesian, and for the first few days it was VERY repetitive. We went through each hall at least 3 times.The translating was also quite difficult.Most of the words we hadn't even learned in English, let alone in Indonesian.

There were some odd little happenings here and there during our experience. For example, Claudia getting squished by the elevator doors.She thought that it was the wrong floor (thanks to a little boy running down the stairs), and scared me into laughter. Is that even possible; scaring into laughter?

The finger scanner also gave us a difficult time. They use it to record their employees attendance. The machine has trouble scanning my thumb as we arrived, which probably has something to do with me being "cold blooded" in the mornings.

We had the the most hilarious supervisor while we were there. She was really cool, and ends up making us / herself laugh. How many people can swat flies with a magazine and still sound business-like over the phone at the same time? (She has quite the hatred towards flies.)

At work we went around the different departments in the hospitality / hotel business. The one I enjoyed most would have to be the Food and Beverage Product department, as it was more hands on, plus hoping into the freezer was actually kind of cool. We took notes about the departments and the hotel itself and compiled it to a report. It was quite repetitive and monotonous; but in the end, it will help future trainees with their work experiences.

Overall this experience was interesting and a real eye opener about the inner workings of a hotel. The people there were very welcoming (and the food at the canteen was awesome). Although, I don't think working under the Human Resources department would be my first choice of future career. It was interesting, yes, but I prefer a more interactive, hands on job (I wouldn't mind being the pastry chef though).

A quick photo with Ms. Devi (Right) and Ms. Desi (Left)

Holidays Abroad

First week back from the holidays, we have to start blogging. I gotta say, this is the first time I'm using a blogging website other than Tumblr, where I mostly re-blog instead of blog. But hey, there are always firsts.

Which brings me back to my holidays. So what DID I do? I did many things during my holidays, and most of those things happened in Texas, where I spent my first Texan summer.

In Texas, summer is very dry and heaps more hotter than Bali. The sun also sets later, around 9:30 - 10 pm.

In Fort Worth, we stayed at my Uncle's house with his family. Our activities included shopping, science museums, and... SIX FLAGS! My favorite ride there was the roller coaster in pitch black darkness. I think I may have turned into a roller coaster fan.

The outside of my favorite ride.

This ride was actually built in 1966, and was the first of many mine themed coasters.

Then we went up to the 'Panhandle'. First to Spearman to see my Grandparents (and my Grandpa's half track), then to Amarillo where my Sister lived. We got to see the 4th of July parade in Canyon, which I thought was pretty cool, and also went to a history museum with my nephews. Then my Dad and I went to see a musical about the history of Texas. He watched it as a child, and they used a real canyon as a backdrop and also real horses.

"In the Panhandle, you can see so far yet see so less."

Historical planes during the parade.

Granny and Pa's house and Half Track

After going back to Fort Worth, we went to Roscoe. On the way we sampled chicken fried steak, and other Texan foods such as elk burgers. At Roscoe, my Dad's friend let me drive his tractor around. Apparently I'd make a good tractor hand in an hour.

On our last day we hung out at the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. It was, to put it in one word, epic. Got 13th place out of 56 in the laser race, not too bad. There was also a mirror maze; in which we were asked time and time again; "Are you real?"

It was a cool experience that included lots of shopping, great adventures and tons of Tex Mex (no, seriously, we ate it almost everyday). Hope to spend another summer there, even if it was oven heat.

Maybe I might ride that Batman coaster at Six Flags next time.