New Coat

26 June, 2006

Absolutely it's not about a new coat I've bought from the store recently. I am not that pathetic to show off something I've just got or bought, mind you? As you see here, a new coat I mean is a new cloth for my web blog that I'd love to change every season. Yup, summer is the theme. May y'all enjoy nice weather in summer time, although you get nasty weather sometimes like today

Playing On Now

20 June, 2006

Look who's coming on your house tv show every Monday. Yeah, the most sarcastic chef in the world, Gordon Ramsay from Hell's Kitchen is here!! Despite his bloody rudeness, I love the show. Not to say I enjoy his boiling temper done to the contestants who compete to be the world class chef, but I found it's interesting to see how tough the contestants are to be, how they would survive and how they would overcome the stress while working under pressure.

Asheville NC at a glance

19 June, 2006

Yes, the Biltmore Estates is what Asheville NC all about why we came down there to pay visit on one of our vacations.. The centered focus of the estates is Biltmore house that has 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, priceless art and antiques. No question why the house is said as the largest house in the United States of America. Flowers on the outside of the house were so spectacular and full of vibrant color. According to the history, the house was built in the early l900's by the George Vanderbilt Family. It has been open for the public to have around-estate tour for quite a long time, 75 years if I am not wrong. The interesting one is the family treated the maids or servants just like part of family whose their own bedrooms, dining room and living room which I am sure were pretty exclusive for such servants in past century.

Asheville is a quiet town completely surrounded by mountains. The downtown itself is not that quiet but it's okey to me just to get there once, especially if you are a chocolate lover you should drop by the Chocolate Fetish store where you can get the best-famous-homemade chocolate of the town. As usual, finding parking spot was always our problem on our way exploring the downtown everywhere (which is common I would say). Two things of the city that impressed me a lot are unique buildings and street artists. And another thing is many cafes everywhere that reminds me of cafes in Jakarta, my hometown. Those three particular things I could observe from this city have convinced me why most people name Asheville as the Paris of the south.

The scenic view outside downtown reminds me of mountainous area (Puncak and Bandung) in west java of Indonesia, my home country. Yes, I felt like at home. One attraction we enjoyed pretty much is Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This ever-old-train took us for scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, through tunnels and across river gorges in the Great Smoky Mountains.

I personally thought the vacation was one of my best. For those of you who like to get away from the crowded city, this is the best place for you to get tranquility, quietness and calmness. Not recommend to those of you who like to brand-shopping till you drop (with several huge shopping bags all over the hands) because Asheville as Paris of the south is more about arts, not fashion world. Overall, Asheville in west part of North Carolina is a nice place to visit

They Did It!

08 June, 2006

American Idol: No doubt to me that the soul patrol, Taylor, is now crowned for the 2006 American Idol. He has charisma and a unique singing style ( a unique grey-hair color, too) that help him establish his own audience or fans. What I do like about him that the fact he never tried to copy anyone's performance but himself. He definitely has his own sound and personality. Congratulations Taylor!



The Apprentice: I would say this season was really difficult to predict who would be the winner until I saw the final weeks. Clearly because they are not as qualified as candidates in previous seasons, particularly in Apprentice 1 and 2. I didn't say this season is the worst one, although the fact it is, I just say this season has less-exciting competition (do I sound so polite?) Watching how the final two managed each final task and how they did the final debate in well-manner, I like Sean quite lot. He was organized, energetic, encouraging, care and such a good leader to his team. I was quite impressed when he said he had strategy of his own to pick the right teammates. Sounds he had prepared everything to prevent the team from having bad conflict. Lee, the opponent, was more like politician, not a leader. To pick Lenny (Jewish Russian) as part of his team was the biggest mistake. My advice: Having same religion doesn't mean you both have same vision to go in business. I was not surprised at all when in the end I heard Trump was firing Lee. Congratulations Sean! You deserve it.

Tired of Cry

05 June, 2006

Pain is not gone yet but I try to deal with it no matter how hard it is to me. Oh yes, I won't ever forget how sweet our days we had when we were having fun together. Now, only the pictures can bring me back to those memories.

I miss you, Mom! I know you are with God in a better place now.




Having a good time at strawberry festival and a long walk around Sky Meadows State Park was a good try in getting rid of my pain for short while. Not knowing any notice, I turn my face back to reality, hey my eyes still tear up then. This pain is so great and has not subsided yet. I wish I could run, I wish I could hide it. I know one great powerful way to deal with my pain is to give it to God that He will take it away.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to friends and relatives who are so kind for showing love to me and to my family during this difficult time.

Hard Time

Our loss is heaven's gain; for we have no doubt that when our time comes, your loving spirit will be there to welcome us. Good bye Mom, I love you with all my heart! I'll see you in heaven..