BOOK | ON CHESIL BEACH

I bought this book 2 years ago when I accidentally stumbled on a small bookstore in Melbourne (I totally forgot the bookstore name!). I wasn't looking for books, I was just walking around with my friend, Diane, we were trying to find a dim sum place that has a good review on Yelp. We did not find the place but I'm glad I found this book. I'm not sure what happened back then, cause I never finished it for some reasons.

On Chesil Beach is a very unique book, just like Ian McEwan's other works. It is 200 pages long – only covers about two hours of time: the first two hours of a newlywed couple’s honeymoon in which they fumble to consummate their marriage and that both of them have very embarrassing sexual dysfunctions. 

The main characters, Edward and Florence, sitting in a hotel room on the beach embarrassed out of their minds. It’s 1962, on the cusp of the sexual revolution, and the pair have neither the presence of mind nor even the vocabulary to communicate openly with each other. There is only a handful of words spoken until the very last chapter of the book. 

If you can imagine, this is such an awkward but interesting book to read. By awkward, I mean, we can feel how strange it was for both Edward and Florence - they're trying to rule their own dysfunctions, they want their first night as a married couple to be as special as they imagined. It's hard to explain without spoiling tho. I'd say just give it a go ;) 

BABY STEPS TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE

I've been more aware of my wellness and environment for the past year, I'd say I've been pretty sustainable at this point and very proud of it. I wasn't really going big like completely stop using plastic, become more organic or even change my diet, but I've taken some little things seriously. 

Today I'm going to share with you how I take baby steps to become more sustainable without overstressing it or even overdoing it. These things that I do are so easy that you can start doing today.

(MORE) TV-SERIES TO WATCH IN ISOLATION

Here we go again! Another month, another tv-series recommendation for accompanying you on quarantine. But, seriously you guys, how are you doing? I'm doing okay most of the days, but you know, some days are harder than others. 

My way of coping up with this whole pandemic situation is either I'm binge-watching or I don't at all. There's no in-between. How about you? 

Here are some of the series I've been watching during isolation. Hope you enjoy it as much as I am. 

IF MY WOUNDS WERE VISIBLE

I have been pretty open about my experience with mental abuse for the past year, to put in mind, my intention was never to seek attention nor I want people to pity me, but to raise awareness about that invisible abuse that leaves invisible wounds as well. 
Today is the first day of June, also known as World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day (WNAAD). Today is the celebration for all narcissistic abuse (mental/verbal abuse) survivors who strongly survived throughout the abuse and healing process, and also for those who did not survive. Survivors, if you read this post, thank you for surviving. What we've been through is not easy, you should be proud of yourself!  
To be frankly honest, I never thought I'd experience something like this. I grew up in a pretty healthy environment (although there are a few neighbours who like to gossip, I never cared what they're saying anyway), with a loving family, and I gained nice groups of friendship throughout the time. Some people said I'm one of those friendly, lovely, people. I took it as a compliment and motivation to be a better person for everyone on my surroundings. We always want to try our best, aren't we? 

IF MY WOUNDS WERE VISIBLE (bahasa)

Aku cukup terbuka tentang pengalamanku tentang kekerasan mental selama setahun terakhir, niatku bukan untuk mencari perhatian atau aku ingin orang-orang mengasihani saya, tetapi untuk meningkatkan kesadaran tentang kekerasan tak terlihat yang meninggalkan luka yang tak terlihat juga .
Hari ini adalah hari pertama di bulan Juni, juga dikenal sebagai World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day (WNAAD). Hari ini adalah perayaan untuk semua yang telah bertahan menghadapi kekerasan narsisistik (kekerasan mental / verbal), dan juga bagi mereka yang tidak bertahan. Survivors, jika kamu membaca posting ini, terima kasih telah bertahan. Apa yang kita lalui tidak mudah, kamu harus bangga pada diri sendiri!
Sejujurnya, aku tidak pernah berpikir akan mengalami sesuatu seperti ini. Aku tinggal di lingkungan yang cukup sehat (meskipun ada beberapa tetangga yang suka bergosip, toh aku tidak pernah peduli apa yang mereka katakan), dengan keluarga yang sangat penyayang, dan mempunyai sahabat-sahabat yang baik. Beberapa orang berkata aku adalah salah satu dari orang-orang yang ramah dan menyenangkan. Aku menganggapnya sebagai pujian dan motivasi untuk menjadi orang yang lebih baik untuk semua orang di lingkunganku. Kami selalu ingin mencoba yang terbaik, bukan?