Showing posts with label journal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label journal. Show all posts

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Runny nose, sore throat, and silence

Two thousand thirteen, february, twenty fourth. Art Centre, Jalan Nusa Indah, Denpasar. Sunny day.

Packing up my camera for a photo hunt, I felt sick. I went anyway. Arrived at the meeting point and found out it was indeed some photography event going on. This is not my idea of photo hunting, models and vintage cars. All set up for hundreds of photographers (wannabes) to catch some light into their digital photo sensors. It tooked me some time to find my friends, so I wonder around to look for other events going on at this art centre, hooked up to a Balinese dance performance.

Finally got to meet the guys, I didn't take many shots. Instead I sketched a little. I took pictures of us together, for documentation purposes. Just before heading back home. And that was all.
Not a very productive weekend, if I may say.

Niki, Denpasar - not in the best mood, or health.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Bali Log Date: 27 Feb 2012 - blank film rolls


Senin, 27 Februari 2012
Kembali memulai minggu di akhir bulan ini, setelah akhir minggu sebelumnya saya habiskan dengan mengombinasikan antara kesenangan dan  kegiatan berbenah. Ya, akhir minggu adalah waktu saat saya membersihkan dan merapikan (memindahkan barang-barang ke salah satu sudut) kamar saya. Mencuci baju kotor, menyortir benda-benda yang tidak terpakai, dan mengatur kembali tata letak di kamar sewaan saya yang sederhana.
Selain itu, saya pun memanjakan diri dalam hobi dan kegiatan kesukaan saya, yaitu:
Berbicara sesuka hati, memotret tanpa memikirkan hasilnya, bertemu orang-orang yang menarik, menuju pantai dan membasahi alat snorkeling saya dengan asinnya air laut, dan berkumpul bersama teman-teman Lomonesia Bali + Semut Ireng + teman lain sesama pencinta foto (baik difoto maupun memfoto). Hari yang menyenangkan dan melelahkan, diakhiri dengan harap-harap cemas apa yang terjadi dengan rol film yang sudah saya gunakan.

Kemudian hari ini, 3 rol film kosong menyambut malam hari saya. Reaksi saya adalah? Senyum simpul.  Dan kemudian membicarakan hal-hal lain, sambil tetap meratapi kegagalan itu. Bukan sepenuhnya salah saya, hanya terlupa, bahwa film yang saya pakai sudah terlalu lama kadaluarsa. Dan itu artinya, masih ada beberapa rol film lagi yang terbuang sia-sia, yang saya beli bersama dengan 3 rol yang menghasilkan gambar kosong. 
(ternyata tidak kosong)






Pikiran saya pun melayang merambahi kekosongan, dan secara acak mulai menimbulkan imaji-imaji, potongan-potongan gambar dari waktu yang sudah lalu. Yang kemudian secara perlahan menjadi kabur, memburam dan kemudian menjadi gelap, sama seperti rol film saya.
(sepertinya jauh di lubuk hati saya, kesedihan melanda, tetapi saya hanya tidak ingin mengakuinya saja)
Selanjutnya, setelah sekian lama saya tidak menyempatkan diri untuk menulis sambil berpikir dan membiarkan memori saya menari, dan bermain dengan kata-kata. Ke-sibuk/santai-an saya membuat saya melupakan ritual ini, yang membantu saya merasa berada dalam gelembung pribadi tanpa batas, bebas melakukan apa saja. Menguntai kata-kata menjadi fantasi sekaligus nyata dengan pikiran saya sebagai batasannya.
Kata-kata di kepala saya sedemikian banyaknya, sampai terkadang saya merasa, hal itu-itu sajalah yang saya pikirkan, karena hal-hal lain tertumpuk di setiap lekuk dan cekungan lipatan otak saya dan tidak mampu untuk keluar akibat ukurannya yang kecil dan perilakunya yang malu-malu.
(dan sekarang saya mulai mempersonifikasikan kata-kata)
Apakah ini berarti saya seorang yang kaya akan informasi, atau tidak mau memilih? Apakah saya seorang yang tanpa tujuan, atau kurang serius dalam menentukan prioritas? Semua jawaban bisa benar, dan salah (sekali lagi saya tidak mau menentukan sikap). Setiap saat saya berkontemplasi dan memikirkan hal-hal di tahap filosofis, tanpa keinginan untuk menjejak, karena menjejak dan berakar adalah hal yang membuat saya tidak lagi merasa bisa untuk terbang, dan terbang merupakan hal yang sangat saya sukai.
(berenang adalah hal terdekat pada keinginan saya untuk bisa terbang, karena saat itu saya merasa bebas, walaupun udara yang saya miliki terbatas)
Impian, membuat kita berusaha, untuk melakukan lebih dari yang sudah kita lakukan, memunculkan ide-ide berani, yang dapat terkesan gila, namun dengan logika yang tepat, menjadi suatu hal baru yang akan mewarnai hidup anda. Saya, dengan segala keterbatasan saya, selalu bermimpi, dan ya, mimpi saya banyak, gila, dan kadang tanpa logika. Berpikir terkadang demikian melelahkan, sehingga saya bertindak saja, dan kemudian mendapatkan pelajaran darinya.
Waktu pun terus berlalu, dan saat ini, waktu menunjukkan pukul. Sebelas. Tiga puluh tujuh menit. Dan empat puluh detik. Goong…
Niki, Denpasar
Bulan ke delapan, kembali dari awal.
dan saya pun terbang

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Daily Log date: 31.01.2012 - Seems like a good time to write

Its 7 PM Bali time, the rain is falling, the thunder rumbling, wind howling, and i just got off from my first day of orientation on my new job. quite a good day, had my coffee, got some nibbles, and now, while waiting the rain to ease up a bit, lemme tell you about my day. but I just did, didn't I?

So, carrying on, the atmosphere is good, the pressure is there, the excitement also, the knowledge I will have to muster in a while, and all in all, good start. what else is there? so now I'm still in my working clothes, I think I dressed up a notch too formal for the office, wearing a too short pants that shows my striped socks, a checker shirt, and because of the rain, i took out my yellow raincoat, which is flashing.

Enough with the attire, so my friend borrowed a bike for me to ride on, and then, I still don't know how the process for my bike going, hopefully it will be done soon, or I will have to find something else instead. It's fun knowing that soon I'm going to have my own motored vehicle (not minding the extra work for maintenance and payments). Meanwhile, time seems to be on my side, and I already felt a little better than how it was on new year's day. A new hope and opportunities.

The rain seems to be getting ready to a stop, or at least not that hard anymore, lemme just finish this up, and write some more later on.

Niki, Gloria Food Court - Kuta, Rainy season.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Bali Log Date: 17.12.2011 - Cold weather, and some DIY Photo Scans

So, it has been a while now.
I think Im getting rusty by not saying things the way I used to.
It's December, Christmas is coming, A year is ending,
and boy do I got some news...

But carrying on, I just wanted to show you my pictures,
My friend processed it, and after a long while, I decided to do something about it.
So that you can also see them.

Here is what I did:
1. I set my laptop screen contrast to 100%, and then put a white background on it.
2. I stick my negative b/w film on the screen.
3. I took a picture of it with my digital camera, frame per frame.
4. I invert it in photoshop, and set it to monochrome.
5. Voila, here are the results.












And I do hope You like it.
Cheers,
Niki

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Bali Log date: 10.29.2011 - On appointments and promises

Let's see, how do I start this?

Appointments and Promises...

when you don't really know what to say, start with yourself 
(someone said that to me, or that is just what I think how i should write)

So, me as a person, make appointments only when I know I can attend it, and always tried to be on time.
But as we all know, some people are just not that punctual, or doesn't really bother to look at the time.
Waiting has been part of my life, not really bothered by it, but sometimes it could be a drag.
And not to mention the last minute cancellation (or as my friend Prima said "Last second cancellation").

So yeah, I tried my best to be punctual, and give people heads up when I'm running late (as it was how it's supposed to be when you make an appointment with another person or party). So, when the other person or party suddenly went out of reach and didn't give any notice, I tend to get frustrated or sometimes my imagination wandered aimlessly. Maybe I can even write a book about that alone already, a sort of thriller-fantasy on why people are running late. Haha...

Next on the topic, promises.
In my younger years, I made a lot of empty promises, to people, friends, lovers, family, and even to myself.
Now, I still do, but much more less frequent (Really nic, much more less? your words are contradicting each others). So, yeah... I learn to get all the variables (thanks to my full of calculation friends) and get more and more thoughful, before decided to say something that might alter other people life (or at least how they think about me).

This has its positive and negative side. The positive side is, I make less empty promises. I don't say things that I don't know I could fulfill or not. The negative side, well... people might think that I am too indecisive, that I don't know where I stand (which I really don't at the moment). So two sides of a coin. That's Life. I am still trying to get it balanced. The old easygoing-self against the new thoughtful-self is on a battle for life.

So, what do you think?

Do you value people's time when you make an appointment?

Do you have that much variables (thoughts) before making any promises?

Let's think about it while we still have time for ourselves...

But, not too serious, because life is just something for you to live through,
and "time you enjoy wasting is not wasted" - John Lennon














Cheers...
Niki




Friday, October 14, 2011

Bali Log Date: 10.14.2011 - Tinkering with winks, snort, and heat

Dear Readers,

I have been on a hiatus, and my words seems not to be up to date.
Today, I am still having this sleepy morning, a hungry after-breakfast stomach, and now,
an after-lunch blocked nose. The morning started out sunny, after yesterday Quake, 

check this for links 
Here is a recording from someone's house

Anyway, So the heat is getting stronger by noon, making the after (wrong delivery order) lunch me drowsy.

Yet, I already had 2 cups of coffee today, 3rd cup won't be good for me. So, maybe I'll just walk for a bit. get some fresh-heated air.

See ya guys later...

Jump JUMP...




Monday, September 26, 2011

September 26th, 2011 - Recent update on this little spot

Cold sweat, trembling hands, smokes and caffeine, computer screen, wireless headphone and mobile phone, my companion for the night.
I should've been getting home by now, but yet I'm still sitting in this tiny little spot of mine in a fastfood restaurant chain. Just finishing things up, not really proud of what I'm doing, but at least i did something tonight. My bladder is about to burst, and I'm still not moving from my spot. Let's review the day then.

I went to work early, do this and that, chats with my colleagues, and do some job (really nic, you should do more). Finished up work and went to find some nice spot to work on a project, and ends up getting stuck in a traffic jam. Turned around and find a food stall in a narrow alley at Kuta, ate the spiciest chilli ever (this might be an exaggeration) and then off to my favorite coffeshop and start typing. After a while, the computer freezes. Oh my! Well, finally gave up and restarted it, and start again from scratch (this time i remembered to save).

After that, I guess that's all...

wait for my next post, maybe, just maybe, it will get more interesting than this.

Niki Out.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Bali, Log Date: September, 17th-18th, 2011 - Rumbling Weekend

Honda '79
Saturday is, what Saturday supposed to be...
Slow and easy, even when I know work Saturdays. Things were going smoothly and not full of surprises,
although there are some things lost to mind. Got some confirmation on work related stuffs, finished the days work, and went home. After that, we had dinner at Kuta, meeting my friend there at the same time.

I went to go with my friend after, going to his place, had some drink and  lots of chat about his and my situation.
Also, we talk about his clothing line. He has been working on it over some years, and he said about how he was not doing it the right way. and he is trying to find ways to get more profit, while trying to be original at the same time. It's not an easy thing, but still doable, with a lot of efforts.

Sunday, another thing coming my way. Plan to the beach, a meeting at a cliff club, and another meeting with Lomonesia Bali.
I went out with my brother at noon, and after going to denpasar to pick up my friend, off we go to Padang Padang Beach at Pecatu. we reach the beach at 3PM.



Swimmed, got pricked by sea urchins, water was cold, waves is big, but had fun all the same.
Sea Urchin spines pricks

went to the Cliff Club called El Kabron (my spanish friend said it means "bencong")
El Kabron cliff club
The place was far, but the view was great, its also expensive, so only if you have more to spend ( I came to accompany my friend "The Emergency Exit Bali" for a band gig deal).
After that, off to Lomonesia meeting (stopped by for dinner before, and speed to the meeting place)
Good meeting, lots of ideas, lots of things to do, and now I'm blogging... hahaha...

Well...
Let's do this.
First thing first!

Friday, September 16, 2011

log date: 09.16.2011 - Friday Fried Rice

The last couple of days has been quite a ride.

I made another contract closing for a rent villa. it was all going really fast, one moment we were viewing it, the next, we're preparing a contract to sign and talking about how to deal with the payment and all.

And yesterday, everything is done. well, not done, I still have things to do today, but mostly everything was taken cared of. And then when I was chilling down the park, I got a call on my other client, their stove was on fire, it's quite scary, but luckily the response was quick, everything was being taken cared of, and today they should be installing a new set of gas equipments for the stove, and a fire extinguisher for safety measures.

So, enough with work, let's move on to something else. A cup of Bali coffee, and an open sharing of live stories, and a kiss in the park. my days turns out to be quite eventfull and yet all interesting.

And today is Fried Rice Day, the morning was gloomy, the sun is heating up now, and my client call for a re-schedule meeting. Hope for no Trouble, Do the Best You Can.

Niki.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

log date: 09.13.2011 - Tuesday Blunders

I got an early phonecall, telling me the internet is not working at a villa. really is a wake up call. with beady eyes, i called the internet provider, and got it solved.

Next up, a family of three march into the office, looking for a villa to rent. a little bit pushy on viewing, and didn't have any contact number. I managed to reason to them why this is possible and those are not.
So they left with a promise to call me at 3PM, and I made my staff checked out all the property they picked, it ended up with one only. they ended up not calling, so I guess that's it for today.

I will fill up some data for work, and then do some other stuffs, before finishing the day and went out for some fresh afternoon air.

Still considering it a good day, and I can't wait for news on the bicycle, soon I hope...

Monday, September 12, 2011

log date: 09.12.2011 - Monday Roll

It is Monday, and things are going great.
I went to meet a client, and everything was fine, a good start.
I went to look for a Villa after, and got some nice pictures.
in the afternoon, i went out on my own to take some more pictures of a house,
didn't find any trouble on the way, the place was so-so, but that's okay.

Carrying on, I met someone selling his bicycle. it was a nice one, and I'm thinking about buying it.
but I will make sure after he take care of the tires and all.

It's time for dinner, and i stopped by at a Kopitiam. had a black fried rice, and a black coffee.
and it was perfect.

And also, today is full moon, and we're gonna pray for my late grandpa at home. so after this, i will get home.

Not a very good piece of writing here, I know. But things are going great today, so no worries.
I will be writing more and more, and hopefully, it will get better.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Daily Log in Bali 09.01.2011 - New Month and Picking Up Relatives


Log Date: 09.01.2011
First day of the month, woke up and goes to work. Not too much eventful things at work (not that I’d like to share), very sleepy. Drove back home at 5, took a shower, and had an afternoon nap. After that, I went to the hospital to accompany my aunt, she’s taking an x-ray picture for her knee, and we went to dinner after.

After dropping off my aunt back home, I went to the airport to pick up my uncle and family coming from Jakarta. He arrived at 11ish PM. We went to dinner at Nasi Pedas Bu Andika in Tuban. After that, I drove them to their hotel at Thamrin Road, Denpasar. After some chats, I went back home. Time for bed.

Daily Log in Bali 08.31.2011 - Bicycle day


Log Date: 08.31.2011
Started the day early, drove to a friend’s place at Teuku Umar to borrow his bicycle, and rode down to Kuta to another friend’s place, the time was 7.35 in the morning. The appointment was at eight. Woke the friend up, and then after some grumbles, we’re ready for a bicycle day….
Started up by going to Legian Street, turned right to Benesari Street, and then go thru Poppies II Street. Back to Legian, got into Poppies Lane, and turned up in Kuta Beach. Ride on along the beach, went straight thru some street along the beach, until Double Six beach. Park the bike on the sands, and went swimming.
After some strong under current swim with the surfers, went for lunch at a Warung nearby. Ride on to Dyana Pura, up to Seminyak, and passing Kayu Aya/Oberoi. Went to Sari Dewi Street up to Art Café, stopped for a while, and rode back to Seminyak Square trough Kayu Jati Street. Just remembered that there is a Photo exhibition at Drupadi Street, so went to look for it, it was at Kendra Gallery. Talked to the Gallery assistant, about Lomography and stuffs, only after that, my friend realized that she lost her hat. We went back to Art café to look for it, it was noon and the sun was scorching hot. I came prepared with some long sleeves and a hat, my friend, not so lucky. The hat was gone.
We went through a shortcut from Art Café, got to Dyana Pura Street, and went to Legian, to my friend’s place. I dozed off for an hour or so, and after I woke up, said goodbye and ride back to Teuku Umar. Meet some friends there, returned the bicycle, and had some talks about the upcoming event we’re brewing.
Went home, stopping at Kopitiam Oey, and that is all for today.

Daily Log in Bali 08.30.2011 - Date by the Beach


Log Date: 08.30.2011
Woke up, had breakfast, and watched some TV. Packed some things and went out for a drive. I got an appointment at 2.30 PM. Went out to lunch first and met my friend, for the first time. Drove to Petitenget and located the Mano Beach Side Café, not as great as we imagined, but got some drinks and chat. The sun was glaring at us; the waves are calling, but didn’t go for a swim.
The sun got lower, people are coming, and we decided to walk down the beach. Took some pictures wet our feet in the sands and tides. Walk to the south, and after a while, went back to the car. Then we go for a dinner at Warung Italia at Kunti Road. Had some salad and Pizza, and thinking about coffee. Decided to go to Gloria Jean’s (yet again), stayed there until nearly closing time, and then went back to my friend’s place.
After some time, chats, food, books, and TV, I went home. Good Day…

Daily Log in Bali 08.29.2011 - The Music Never Stopped and Hotel Hunting


Log Date: 08.29.2011
Woke up and had some eggs for breakfast, had lunch not long after. Stayed at home and watch DVD, “The Music Never Stopped”, good movie. After some snacks, went out to Kuta for a walk, went to a hotel and ask for vacant room for my uncle coming to Bali at September 1. Cannot book the room and the traffic was packed. Went to eat and got knocked off. The price just isn’t right. Get some coffee, and drove to find some places, ended up in Kuta Sentra Parking, Gloria Jean’s Coffee, had another cup.
Went home, had some sashimi, and watch a movie on tv with my aunt. Got sleepy and went to bed.

Daily Log in Bali 08.28.2011 - Surveys


Log Date: 08.28.2011
Woke up, had some breakfast, and cook lunch. Went out to my friend’s place on Teuku Umar, and meet some friends there. Plan our survey to a place called Popo Danes, a Gallery for art events. Didn’t find anyone in charge there because it’s Sunday, got around the place and make some plans for our event.
Get back to my friend’s place and talk about our plan for the exhibition and how to make it work. Uh my head isn’t working that well. Went out to Denpasar Junction to see if there is any space for exhibition, the place is not too good. Called it a day and get home.
Got into a chat with a friend, possibly want to buy a house in Bali. Sleep at dawn.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Daily Log in Bali 08.27.2011 - Got Off Work Early, Discovery Mall, Late night Coffee

Log Date: 08.27.2011
Saturday, went to the office, nothing much ado, and go out for lunch with my colleagues. Went to the Bali Galleria, ate Tongseng Ayam at MM Juice resto. My aunt was planning to cut her hair, but decided to leave after waiting for some time.
Next stop, Discovery Shopping Mall, my aunt and my colleague went shopping; I went to find some DVDs. Bought one, titled “The Music Never Stopped”, recommended by a friend. I hope it’s good. While waiting, I decided to grab a cup of coffee and charge my phone.
We had dinner at NY restaurant, me, my aunt, my colleague and her husband, and two other friends visiting from out of town. The food was okay; we chat and laugh about stuffs. After the two friends went to the airport, the shopping continued. I went to the bookshop, walk around, and after that, sit down on the front stairs of the mall, just relaxing.
We went back after dropping off my colleague at her place in Kuta. Went to the office to take the other car, and then I went off to meet a friend of mine. We meet at Teuku Umar Road. Had some coffee and talks about stuffs, life, work, hopes, dreams, mistakes, family, and all other stuffs that we can think of. The night rolls on, getting later and later. Someone suddenly came up and called my name. He introduces himself, funny how we should meet like this. I do hope everything is okay.
As the night is getting too late, and also the food stall is closing, we went back home. It’s time to get some rest. Extra rest, since tomorrow is Sunday and I have no plan, except getting my photo scans, which my friend told me, was good. Yay for that…

Daily Log in Bali 08.26.2011 - Pura Penataran Beratan and Pura Tanah Lot


Log Date: 08.26.2011
I Woke up around 8 in the morning the next day, and walks around the garden. We checked out at 12, drove to the Pura Penataran Beratan, just beside the lake. Took some pictures and went downhill. Stopped for lunch at the Babi Guling Andi Jaya Restaurant, it was full, and the food was great. After that, we drove to Tanah Lot, The Pura on top of a rock at the beach.
We drank holy water and get blessed by the Balinese there. The waves were pretty big. We didn’t stayed until the sun sets, although people said that sunset at Tanah Lot is great, oh well… suddenly I got some weird message from an unknown person. Hmm… what is this I’m getting into, I do hope things will be okay. Still in Tanah Lot, I bought a swimming short. We walked around again and see the souvenirs shops. After finished shopping, we drove back to Kuta, I took another car to go, and went home.
After freshening up, I went to Denpasar to meet some friends… we talked about a plan to do an exhibition. I am all fired up. This is good stuff. We really need to get this going. I will make sure of it. So well, tomorrow I will update the meeting notes. Time to get some rest now; there are still work tomorrow… good night good people.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Daily Log in Bali 07.20.2011 - Bedugul Trip


Log Date: 08.25.2011
Woke up early and pack all the stuffs in the car, drove to the office. Wait for my aunt to come and off we go to Bedugul. Well, not really, we stopped by the supermarket to buy some stuffs, picked up my aunt’s friends in Nusa Dua, and then went to Bedugul. We stopped at the Café Tahu in Baturiti, had some variety of tofu cuisine. 




 Drove up again and reach our rented villa, stopped by at a Buddhist temple before. The villa was nice, located uphill, with 3 bedrooms and a nice terrace, facing the Beratan Lake.






After settling in, I decided to take a walk down to the lake. Through the vegetables farms I went down, passing some farmers, cows, and local people. After asking around, I finally reach the Lake. Not much to see, beside the water and plantation around it. Took some pictures, and after going around, I went back to the villa, got lost on the way back, but manage to reach it in time. It was a nice walk.




It’s getting colder, and we went out to find some food. We stopped at the market, ate some satay. Bought some to take away, and went back to the villa. We had some barbequed corn and some sausages, drink some wine, and after some cheerful moments, went to bed. I get to sleep on the top bedroom, it was totally cold…

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Daily Log in Bali 07.24.2011 - Kopitiam Oey and Idealist


Log Date: 08.24.2011
Got up early, went to the office early, no such luck with listings, got a client, pass it to my colleague, got back from the office.
Went to Kopitiam Oey in Denpasar, had a Bali Coffee (my third one today), opens up my laptop and browse. Zenith came, browse some more, show some things from the web.
Vivick came, returns my camera, chat about collaboration possibility with Lomonesia Bali. Went our separate ways, I went home, got hungry, went out to eat. And pack for tomorrow trip.