Handini Audita

I know it is already a bit late for "new years" related post. It has been 10 days already since the very beginning of the year 2013.

Last year, I spend my new years eve in Edinburgh under the Edinburgh castle. It was cold and windy since it was in a "minus temperature". Under very minimum amount of budget, we had an unforgettable new years eve which will last forever in our minds. My 2012 new years resolution was made in the "Elephant House" coffee shop which was the location where J.K Rowling wrote the famous Harry Potter book. Even though there are some of my 2012 new year resolution that were not achieved (haven't got a book published under my name), but I still felt blessed knowing that there were many great things happening in 2012.

In 2012, I managed to find new friends and create a priceless friendship. To Hao, Sasha, May, Maya, Dias, Linie, Lily, Ubie, and many others that I cannot mention one by one, the true friendship that you guys give is so meaningful to me. I hope our friendship can last forever.

In 2012, after a long "war", I finally received glory by receiving a Master Degree. It was something that before, I never imagined to be able to happen this soon. I am blessed to have such a supportive family and friends that made it possible to happen, having a master degree in International Marketing at the age of 22.

This year, I had the chance to spend my new years eve in warmth, surrounded by my family. We celebrate new years eve without going to the crowd. Instead, we spend it at home, having quality family dinner. My sister and I bought cakes, to celebrate my parents 23rd wedding anniversary which happens in 1st January.

Having blessed during my 22 years of life, from this moment on, I've decided to make the rest of my life meaningful.

I've decided to live to inspire...

That's why my 2013 resolution is strongly related to become a better person. I want to spend my future time as meaningful as possible to have a better life for me and give better life to others.

I wanted to be a healthier person. By being healthy, I will be able to have more time to do good things ahead. I will have the ability to be more productive and active that will yield to a more meaningful life. 

Then, I wanted to be a nicer person. Give more smile, less anger. By being a nicer person I believe that I will distribute more impact and inspire more people.

Last but not least, I wanted to do more great things. This includes spending my time to do more meaningful things. I would start to eliminate activities which is not necessary. By smartly selecting activities, I would be able to accomplish more achievements in life that will inspire my self to be a better person and  inspire others to do meaningful things.

By focusing on those three elements of life, I hope that my goal in 2013 will be better achieved.

I want to make my life meaningful.

I have to live to inspire...

Lots of love,

Nothing lives eternal. Not a person. Not an animal. Not even a single thing.

Today I lost something that captures moments in my life. Happy moments, sad moments, and priceless moments. My camera.

I bought that camera when I was still in my 3rd semester during my undergraduate study. My father bought that for me as a gift for the appreciation of my achievement at that time. It was my very first digital camera. I took my camera with me almost everywhere I go to capture priceless moments. I also bring my camera to the UK. My camera had capture so many wonderful things that reminds me of wonderful moments of my past.

But now, my camera is gone. For the very first time, I did not bring my camera with me. Usually I always put it in my bag so I carry it everywhere I go. But since my arrival from the UK, I start to spend a lot of time at home. So I decided to put my camera in one of my cupboard. I thought it was save. But today I've just realize that it is gone. The cover bag of it is still in my cupboard. But I cannot find my camera inside it. I'm so sad of it...:(

Oh well, nothing is eternal. I have to let it go. I hope that God will give me an opportunity to be able to buy another camera to replace my lost camera. So pray and work for some extra cash. Start saving up..!

With Love,

Good bye September..

Hello October...

Every year around, October has been the most exciting month of the year. October is always filled with excitements because of Halloween celebrated at the end of October. The festivals filled with great imagination and creativity. Last year October was my first experience celebrating Halloween. I don't know if this year I will have the chance to experience Halloween celebration or not. Another October excitement is the celebration of my Birthday...!

This year will be a special October filled with exciting challenges and exciting moments. This October, I will celebrate my 22nd Birthday. This year October, there will be the Idul Adha celebration which will enable me to meet up with many family members. Also, this October, a family of mine is having her wedding party.

Exciting challenges is also waiting for me this October. The challenge of finishing my first masterpiece, and the challenge to be accepted for my dream job.

So Hello October... Hope to become the best October ever..!

Kisses..

I cannot believe that it has been a year since my first arrival to Glasgow, United Kingdom. It was a very long and unpredictable journey. I was very lucky to experience that, even though with a very sudden preparation. It was not an easy journey to step my feet on the Royal Land of United Kingdom. This is the short story about my very long journey in the Royal Land of United Kingdom.

Going for master degree after graduating my undergraduate study, had been the very long plan of mine. My parents was very kind to give full support until their very limit. Not only financial support that they are willing to give, but they also wonderfully give mental support in the form of motivation and advice. However, going to study in the UK was not the plan! We did not even consider having me studying in the UK. Not even a single thought.

Our plan until the very last minute was to prepare for taking master degree in Australia. The land that were deeply attached to my heart because I spend most of my childhood time in that beautiful land. So we prepared every single detail of it to go to Australia. Financial planning, IELTS tests, recommendation letter, and any other documents to support my application to universities in Australia. Months after the preparation I was blessed to be accepted in one of the best rating university in Australia. A university which the vice president of Indonesia (Mr. Budiono) graduated from. The class starts at February 2012. I was accepted approximately on June 2011. So I still have a lot of time before my departure. I was blessed.

God hands work in an unpredictable manner. One day, somewhere in the beginning of August 2011, I visited my friend house just to have a chat. Her name is Myra. A very good friend of mine during my undergrad study. That day, I cannot remember the beginning of the story, Myra suddenly told me a story about her big brother who had finish his master degree in the UK. She suddenly gives me an advice. I remember it so well because these sentences had changed my plan dramatically.

She said to me: "Dini, why didn't you go to the UK instead? I know that the Poundsterling rate is so damn high. But think about it, master degree in the UK will only take 1 year if you're on track. In Australia it takes 2.5 years if you're on track. So if you accumulate your spending until you finish your course, UK will be way much cheaper. The education system in the UK is also so good."

That sentences opened my eyes dramatically. It changed my mind in advance. At that moment I suddenly  think, "I have to study in the UK".

So as I went back home, I called my dad directly to talk about what Myra said to me. He agreed directly. From that second, our plan turns into a different direction. We will now focus on getting my master in the UK.

As I arrived home, I rushed into my laptop and starts Googling the universities which provides the major I am interested to study (Marketing). So I came by three Universities (University of Strathclyde, University of Birmingham, and University of Manchester). There is one problem that occurs. The class for the year 2011 admission starts in mid-September 2011. It was August already at that. Time seems to be impossible for me to enter the September 2011 admission period. So I act nothing to loose. I just continue to do what I have to do.

Right the next day, I contacted an Education Consulting Agent (IBEC) to help me with my application. I understand that with this very limited of time, I will need an education consultant. I was lucky enough to be advised by Mr.Hendra, the head of that education consulting agent. He gives me lists of documents that I have to send to him to complete my application. I also contacted my professors to ask for another letter of recommendation. They were surprised because I changed direction in a very short period of time. One of them even said: "Handini, it is impossible for you to be accepted this year. The time is very limited and you will still need to process many other things. It is impossible. It is impossible.." (he said the word "impossible" three times). But I replied: "Sir, you cannot say you can't before you try".

Seeing my dedication and motivation, they easily signed my recommendation letter. I prepared all the documents needed just in one day. The next day, I directly fly to Jakarta to meet Mr.Hendra and to complete the application documents.

Things does not always goes smooth. When the day I arrived in IBEC office, Mr.Hendra starts to call those three universities I've selected to ask if they still can provide just one more seat for one student. We have to wait until 16:00 Indonesian time because we have to wait for UK office hours. Unfortunately, University of Manchester and University of Birmingham is already full. They cannot accept more students.

Frustrated? Not even. I still have an opportunity with Strathclyde. So I decided to still go with my application. Again, I act like I have nothing to loose.

Finally.. Couple of days after my application, I received an Unconditional Letter of Acceptance. This means that I am fully accepted to take master degree in University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom. I was filled with joy. Right after I received the email from  the university conforming my status, I directly complete any payments needed to be payed (tuition fee). I also booked a student accommodation online.

After that process, I have to apply for my student Visa. I will need a CAS number (Confirmation of Acceptance for Study) to apply for my visa. The University said that it will take approximately 1 week for me to receive it. Unfortunately, things does not go as expected. I've waited until Mid September, the CAS number has not been sent. I called the University conforming this situation. They said that they cannot control this situation because CAS number is issued by the Ministry of Education in United Kingdom. It is not the University that issued this letter. So the only thing that the university can do is to issue a permission letter to arrive late for class. It is a kind of relieve hearing a slight solution for my situation at that moment. But deep inside my heart, I believe that I can arrive on time.

After days and days of waiting, on 20 September 2011, I received my CAS number. FYI, that is just 5 days before the first day of class. As soon as I received the letter, I rushed to the UKBA (UK Border Agency) to apply for my Visa. It was the most challenging moment of my life (in Indonesian, we called it "Sport Jantung").

I got my Visa approved on Friday, 23 September 2011 at 10:00. The flight that I booked will fly on Saturday, 24 September 2011 at 0:15. So I received my visa just 14 hours before my departure! I rushed to the UKBA to collect my Visa. Then go around Jakarta to search for Poundsterling. FYI, it is not an easy task to ask for a lot of Poundsterling in a very limited time. Fiuuuhh... Such a stressful day.

But again. Even though it was so stressful, but I felt so much blessed. This means that I can arrive in time for class. I don't need to skip any classes.

Short story short, I flew to Glasgow, United Kingdom and arrived safely. I did not have anyone to pick me up in the airport. This is because all the Indonesian students which I have got contacted to is busy with their student orientation activities. It's all right. I use taxi to take me from the airport to the student accommodation which I booked already. I was lucky enough to have such a pleasant place to live. Collegeland, is my home for the next 52 weeks.

My first day of school starts on Monday, 26 September 2011. I was very happy to meet lots of great people from many different countries. India, China, Pakistan, Italy, Greece, Thailand, and many other countries that I cannot mention one by one. I also have a friend from our closest country neighbor, Malaysia.

On the 2nd of October 2011, I met all the Indonesian students in the Glasgow area for the first time. It was the day where we go around Glasgow in Batik. We proudly promotes Batik in the nation of far away. We chat and exchange numbers so that we can keep in touch.

My first holiday in the UK is a trip to Loch Ness. I was invited to take a one day trip by an Indonesian friend of mine. As I remembered, I think it was the next weekend after the Batik day. I took that opportunity to get to know some Indonesian friends a bit more personal and closer. I am blessed until this moment (the day I write this article), we still remain best friends.

Among the Indonesian students, we had a very good relationship. To some, we act like family. I am very blessed to receive such a caring family in Glasgow. "Duke Street Citizens", "Roebank Citizens", and the "Blackfriars Court Citizens" is my most closest family of mine in Glasgow. Thank you for the wonderful love and joy you give to me. Especially for "Pakdhe Dito" who always cook for me every time I got "home sick". I will not forget the sate buntel, tongseng kambing, and the katetong..:D

During my study in the UK, I manage to travel to many different cities outside the Glasgow area. I'm very happy to meet more and more friends when visiting to different cities. I am happy to meet more and more great Indonesians such as Davina from Leeds, and Happy from Manchester. You guys are uniquely awesome!

The most unforgettable trip was when we celebrate new years eve in Edinburgh. It was unforgettable because we have to struggle in the freezing weather and the storm. Plus, we go from one club to other club just to find a "free place" to sit and warm up (mahasiswa gak modal). Having no sleep time because we have no place to sleep. We also experience being kicked out from a student accommodation building because we secretly sleep in their common room. The experience was Priceless!

London was also a memorable city during my stay in the UK. It is because I visited this city twice for two important events. Both were priceless! My first trip was a "business trip" to one of the world biggest consulting company. My second trip was a trip to hunt for BIRKINS...!!!!! That's why I called London as a priceless city, because I always conduct a priceless trip to London.

Another awesome events while living in the UK is the opportunity to experience London Olympics 2012. I was lucky enough to receive free tickets to see a female football match between USA and Colombia in the Hampden Football Field. Even though I have no idea about football, but I felt blessed having the opportunity to experience the "Olympic atmosphere". 

I understand that reading this post creates an image that all I did in the UK was just to travel and to have fun. Well, it's not true at all. I've experienced several ups and downs also in my study period. The best experience which adds values to my study is the opportunity for me and 5 of my other friends to work as a consulting team for one of Scotland biggest food and drinks distributor. I was blessed because I can experience a very rare opportunity to experience the "Scottish" working environment. It was one of the best learning process of my master degree period.

Now, a year had went passed by. It felt that everything happens so fast like a glimpse of light. It was priceless yet meaningful. I cannot regret any single thing from this very long journey.

Today, just one year after my arrival in Glasgow, I am now returned to Indonesia. I returned back home on August 2012 before the Ramadhan. Now, I cannot wait for my second journey to the UK. But this time, the journey is for GRADUATION.

Never be the first person who doubts your own ability.

Don't be afraid to change to different direction for a better cause.

Always remember to believe in yourself...

Dream.... Believe... and Make it Happen...

Written With Lots of Love,

This article was written because I was inspired by a powerful chapter in such a good book written by a great writer named Ollie..

I remember the time when I was only 3 years old. Yes. When I was still the little miss dini. I was a little girl living with a loving parent. I am very lucky to experience such a loving childhood.

It was not a common thing in my country at that time to send a child to pre-school in such an early age. So I spend my entire day just to play at home during the day. When evening come, at around 16:00, I will spend my time playing with other children in the neighborhood. During the day, I will see other children who is just a couple of years older than me, carries a big backpack and were neatly dressed in school uniform. Those "big kids" will return back home in the afternoon. Then they will take a nap. In the evening, they will start playing with me. As a 3 year old, it was a very big dream for me to go to school. Any kind of school. As long as I can wear backpacks and neat uniforms. So I asked my mother. "When will I be able to go to school?". Then she answered, "Be patient dear.. If you be good, eat a lot of food, and you are 4 years old, you will be able to go to school".

So I did what she said. I behave at my best manner every single day. I always finish my meal. I also always look at the calender. Waiting and waiting for the day when I turn 4.

Finally, after months and months of waiting, I turn 4 years old. I was very excited since I will go to school. As I just turn 4, my parents had been able to put me into kindergarten. I felt like such a big girl. I was waiting patiently day by day for my first day of school.

My first day of school turns out great. I met lots of new friends. I enjoy every single day of my kindergarten. Then, one by one, my friends starts to have a little sister or a little brother. So I asked my mom for a little sister. Then my mom said "Be patient dear. If you pray everyday to God, He will send you a little sister".

So I did. I prayed every single day. I've waited and waited for the little sister to arrive. Until one day, 28 June 1995, my little sister was born.

I was so excited to play with my little sister. But my mom said I have to wait till she is a bit bigger. So again, I waited.

At school, my friends who were just 1 year older than me were graduated from kindergarten. They move to another school with bigger kids. I asked my mom, "When will I graduate from kindergarten?". She answered "Soon.. If you behave good, you will graduate next year".

So I did. I behave good every single day. I've waited and waited for the day of my graduation. Until the days had come. I then went to elementary school with bigger kids.

It happens again and again. After spending a couple of years in elementary, I want to go to a higher degree, junior high school. So I have to wait. Waiting over and over again.

Today, near the end of the year 2012, I have accomplished several events which were my goals in the past. I've graduated from University. I've experienced living overseas without my family. But yet, it does not keep me stop waiting for other events to happen. I am still waiting for my life career to happen, waiting for the day of my marriage which I still don't know when, waiting for my PhD study, waiting and waiting for other big things to happen. When those big things has happened, I will still be waiting and waiting again for the very very next big thing.

Waiting...

Life might be the art of waiting..

Tomorrow is never a guarantee for anyone.

So start dreaming, and start to make it happen.

With Love...

When I was still in the UK, I saw lots of posts about a unique specific cake. Rainbow cake!! This particular cake was posted by most of my friends in Indonesia via the social media. I was actually very curious at that time. I want to know how that cake taste like! Unfortunately, I was searching for it in bakeries around Glasgow city areas, but cannot find a single bakery that sells this unique cake. Oh well.. I guess I have to wait till I return to Indonesia (my thought when I was still in the UK).

I was so excited to try this cake. But I don't know where to go to purchase this cake. Luckily, I heard an advertisement in the radio about a new bakery in Jogjakarta  (the city I lived in Indonesia). The bakery is called "Paris Bakery". The advertisement says that this bakery provide enormous variation of French cakes. I was so excited.. I am so sure that this bakery sells rainbow cake. Plus, I am also sure that this bakery sells macaroons. One of the French desserts that I love the most.

It was very easy to find the location of this bakery. It is in a big road which I know called monjali. To be specific, it is near Mustokoweni hotel. If you wish to read further information about the bakery, check out their website http://www.parisbakeryindonesia.com

The bakery was actually like what I was expected in the first place. They sell FRENCH DESSERTS! I can find lots of French cuisine and many famous cakes. And what I love the most is that they sell rainbow cake!! Yayyyyy...!!!!! 

I ordered several desserts which I love eating. I ordered the rainbow cake which I crave so much, a caramel macaroon, a red velvet chocolate ball, and a caramel latte.. Gosh.. How many calories is that...??? Fat fat fat... Lol

The cakes I ordered

I love how the macaroon tastes. It actually taste similar to the macaroons I made while was in the UK. It is soon delicious. I can still taste the almond mixture in it and it is not too "eggy". The only thing about the macaroon that I dislike is the size. They are so small.

For the red velvet chocolate ball, to be honest, it is my least favorite. I am a big fan or red velvet. But unfortunately, the chocolate covering the red velvet is so dominating. So I cannot really taste the red velvet. I guess I'm just a big fan of traditional red velvet with cream cheese frosting...:(

There is nothing special about the caramel latte which I ordered. They are good but just fine...:)

Take a zip

The cake of the day of my order today is of course the RAINBOW CAKE!!!! Not only because it is the cake which I crave so much since I was still living in the UK, but I personally think it is the best one I ordered today. I love the moisture of the cake and the taste of the cream cheese. The size of the cake is also very big for me. It makes me sooooo full. The only thing about it is that because the cake was put in the fridge by the bakery, the texture of it was very hard when it was just taken out from the fridge. However, it is very forgivable since it becomes very moist once it spends a couple of minutes outside the fridge. It is worth a try.

Rainbow Cake: The Cake I've been craving for

Some of you might be wondering the price I spend for these cakes. I spend Rp.48.400 in total (Red Velvet Chocolate Ball Rp.3500, Macaroon Rp.8000, Rainbow Cake Rp.13.000/slice, and Caramel Latte Rp.19500). To be honest, I have to consider it as not so cheap. However, the price is worth the value. I think the cake is made with a very good quality raw materials. The cakes is also very fresh.

Most importantly, they generously give free gifts for visitors who posts BlacBerry Messenger status about the Bakery (I did it because I want the free gift). Anyway, I'm wondering what gift I will receive from them because of writing this post..??? LOL.. (Just kidding..:P)

FREE GIFT..!!!!! Yummeerrssss....:D

If you are visiting or living in Jogjakarta, this bakery is worth a visit.

Bon Appetite... ^^

P.S: I am writing this article from the bakery....:)

It has been a tough long year during my study in Glasgow, United Kingdom. I've had been overwhelmed with deadlines of works which seems to continuously came. That is why I was so happy when I submit my final dissertation project on the 10th of August 2012. Fiiuuuhhhhh... Finally it is over. The final task to complete my master degree has been accomplished.

I was lucky enough to find cheap flight tickets right after my submission to travel to Indonesia, my beloved home country. I arrived in Indonesia on the 16th of August 2012. I was so happy to be able to come back home at that time, because I am able to celebrate the Ramadhan day with my beloved family. I was very busy since the day I arrived. Not too busy of work related activities though... I was  very busy with the schedules of meeting up with family and friends. 

Right now, all of those meeting up activities is finished!!! 

And there is another problem coming up on me..

I cannot control my "laziness".....:p

Yes.. I have been so unproductive these days. Not because I have nothing to do, but because my brain does not want to work.. Lol

Have you ever feel that way? That feeling when you just want to do "nothing". Or as what I call "the art of doing nothing". Actually, it is the art of doing nothing "productive" just to be clear.:D

My daily "art of doing nothing" starts when I wake up every morning. I wake up at 10 everyday.. Woohhoooo... That is definitely not morning! Then, I brush my teeth, and wash my face. After that, I just hang out in my room. Checking my Facebook and emails. Then watch YouTube all day (I looovvveee make up tutorials and Vlog videos). Then, when I feel so, I will take a shower, eat, and sleep. Gosh.... Such an unproductive day.... 

It is just so annoying to have the feeling of unable to accomplish the targeted work which I have to accomplish because being so in love with the situation where no deadlines appears.

Gosh.. I sure need to be productive soon..!!!!

With Love,