203. feb things

To be honest, I thought my time back here will not be as busy as it actually is. I'm much busier in Japan of course but I was expecting myself to always be at home and on the computer or at the drawing desk painting away which unfortunately, I have not had enough time to do.

My initial plans of looking for a job and saving up to head back to Japan in summer has failed miserably because it looks like I'll be heading back much earlier than expected again. Nothing ever goes according to plan. As much as I love Japan and all my friends there, I actually wanted some time away to spend some time on my own, paint, get some money and also reflect on some things but with a little bit of complaining, I'm glad I'm coming back to Tokyo pretty soon.

February has been so busy!

On the first week, I was out bringing PALM (Laura's and H's friends) around Singapore. It was actually fun hanging out with a band again here, I haven't been to any shows here in almost 2 years, so you can imagine the amount of culture shock I had. To my surprise, even when studying in Lasalle which is in Bugis, I actually haven't fully explored it. It was kind of nostalgic going around Bugis to be honest and with the people with me, I can't help but to see the change that has happened since I graduated from college. With that being said, I am actually happy where I am in life right now.

I mean, I didn't even know at the other end of the street I would walk by everyday to get to school had two temples, hindu and buddhist. I must have been always rushing to class (knowing me, I probably woke up late and was already running late) and listening to some angry music to even bother looking around. 

The following week was spend preparing for Chines New Year, for the first time, shopping became a chore. I couldn't find anything I really I liked and also I HAD to get something that isn't in black, I managed to get a white blouse. Which, I don't know if I ever will wear again, haha.

Chinese New Year week was so busy because dad came back from Jakarta, anytime dad is back = no time for anything else. Also, another surprise, H had a layover here for a couple of hours before heading to Melbourne. He was with another band and his band and I'm glad I got to see him for a little bit, I was kind of bummed that I couldn't go to Australia with him but my money is too tight. At least, now I'm heading back to Japan much sooner than expected.

Chinese New Year was the usual, visiting my grandma on the first day then to my aunt's, a a couple more houses. Second day is always the most hectic, visiting dad's friends then to my grand uncle, then back to my uncle's place. Visiting my uncle's place is always the highlight of my Chinese New Year because of all the Peranakan food and Penang Laksa. This year, there were a couple of additions to our family, two of my cousins have recently gave birth and my mom had fun with my little niece. This woman was born to be a mother, I swear.

After the first two days of Chinese New Year, we spent some time with dad before he went back to Jakarta to work. We had our dinner at Hyatt Hotel on Sunday and Monday he flew back to Indonesia. Now, I'm helping little sis out with her wardrobe for her new job starting next week. At the same time, I'm handling with some of the necessary documents for my Japanese language classes, looks like this week will be pretty busy again and next week might be busier.

I still have about a month left here again and it feels as if it's not enough. I feel like I still have a lot of things left to do even if I hate it here so much. I can't believe it's going to be the end of February. Where did my two months go to?

The only thing right now I'm looking forward to in March is probably lynch.'s 10th anniversary release, I'm most excited for an illusion re-recording/new version ♡

202. monument valley

gifs from missxdelaney.tumblr.com

I discovered this stunningly beautiful game last year when I was still in Japan.  It's highly addictive because of the artwork and relaxing music in the game, I think I've played it so many times on my phone that I've lost count. 

In Monument Valley, you'll have to guide a silent princess through a series of (almost) impossible geometry and fantastical architecture, there's a ton of optical illusions and you'll have to play around with the controls for a little while to get the hang of things. I love that she has a totem friend (only on some levels), also, there's crow people that you'll have to outsmart on some other levels.

I think the original Monument Valley was way more difficult to unriddle but I really enjoyed the art on Forgotten Shores. I love almost every level on it but my favorite has got to be The Serpent Lake and  The Thief. 

I've been so busy for the past week but this game allows me to relax for a little bit before the madness takes over again.

201. rebirth

Still my favorite spot in Tokyo, thanks to a friend who shared with me this last summer. I spent my last sunset in Japan sitting here, smoking a cigarette in the cold. 

The first week back here has been pretty hectic, busy signing up for Japanese language classes, job hunting, redecorating my room - it's a ritual I do anywhere I go if I plan to stay for a long period of time, it just makes me feel more at ease, unpacking with constant disturbance from H on my phone telling me about his latest obsession - tabasco sauce (inside joke), of course, accompanied by watching lynch. and Rollin' parody by Crystal Lake on my teevee. 

Weirdly, I barely had time to myself. So when I did, I just didn't feel like talking to anyone but just be completely alone in this silence looking for inspiration. 

It's a weird feeling always coming back, I don't know how to take it but I'm going to make full use of the time here to do something productive. I always get distracted by so many things in Japan. Don't get me wrong, I love it with all my heart but sometimes, just sometimes, I wish I could discipline myself to commit to my art. I still don't know when I'm going back but I'm sure it'll always be sooner than I expect it to be. Till then, I have my room for sanctuary and I always feel accomplished decorating it. :)