me-oh-write!

this tumblr is simply to increase my eagerness to write. Please, pardon my messy writings. Ayuwandira FS ;)

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How I stay productive, or more like–How I’m struggling to finish my final report a.s.a.p (Pt 2)

If you missed out to read the first part click here. In this part, I will explain more steps on how to focus and concentrate on your work, whatever it is. Here we go!

6. Eliminate DISTRACTION

Anything can be considered as distractions. Technology speaking, your smartphone and internet are your number one enemy to your productive soul. So, yes, ELIMINATE THEM.

Gonna tell you my experience in finishing my undergraduate’s final project.

Candy Crush and Hay Day are a few of the popular games back in the day. As lame as it was, yes, I was binge playing them and I was deeply aware how I could not take my eyes off of these addicted games. So, what did I do? I uninstall these apps along with the other apps which have the potential in distracting myself to reach my goals, that is to finish my work on time. Get rid of everything. Games, social media (i.e. Path and Instagram). If you think that this step is unnecessary, then you may try to shut down your phone while you’re working.

Not only that, I also limit myself to visit certain websites, for instance: Facebook and Youtube. Don’t get me started on Youtube. Perhaps it only began with the 3-minutes video, but what I know later is that I already spent 4 hours non-stop only in Youtube. So, I decided to install “StayFocusd” extension in my Chrome browser. What is the use of StayFocusd? Well, you basically can set a certain range of time in a day to visit a website. For example: In a day, I can adjust the setting to make myself can access Youtube for 2 hours only. Great, isn’t it? Yes, I know. My willpower is that low that I had to install this thing. -__-

7. Podomoro Technique

Ever heard of this? Podomoro technique is a technique to focus on your work for 25 or 30 minutes without distraction and to take a short break afterward around 5 minutes. If you want to learn more about Pomodoro, this article might enlighten you. There are many Podomoro apps in the Play Store. Well, technically, the apps are a timer. I, myself, favor Forest.

Forest is another form of Podomoro timer. The purpose is to build your own forest. For 30 minutes, a new tree will grow if you focus on your work and do not touch your phone (e.g. to check notification, messages, etc). The tree will die once you touch your phone. I know it is a virtual forest. But, you get the purpose of this app, yes? :)

8. Remember why you started.

All of these apps, to-do lists, instrumental music are useless if you do not have the will to reach your goal. Always remember why you started, or remember what benefits you may gain if you finish your work sooner or on time. This way, the motivation will come to yourself. Write your goals in a piece of paper, put in front of your work desk or in a note in your desktop to keep you focus on your goals.

9. When things get hard...

At some points when doing our works, we may get bored, or maybe we’re just stuck, things get hard, life seems more difficult than ever, etc. At this moment, you have to remember that you should give yourself a break. If you believe in your religion, then pray for the strength to go through everything; call your parents; eat dessert; workout; explore the nature; catch up with friends, help people, talk to strangers, etc. After doing one of those things, you can start fresh again! :D

Seriously, the key is just to start working!

May the force be with you!

the one who’s still struggling to be more productive,

AFS

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How I stay productive, or more like--How I’m struggling to finish my final report a.s.a.p (Pt 1)

In the midst of rapid growth of technology and fun entertainment out there (ciee udah kayak intronya paper gitu. Basi lo, yu), it’s getting more difficult to stay still in front of your computer or in your work desk, to do your work--all kind of works, final project, thesis, report, paper, even just one-piece-of-paper homework, you name it.

Well, lucky for you who have a very strong willpower to finish your work without any effort to avoid any distractions. Unfortunately, I’m a very visual person, so, I enjoy spending wasting my time by surfing Youtube, watching TV series, scrolling through Instagram/Path/Facebook posts, etc. Urgh, you see how spoiled I am by today’s tech and media?

But, you know, technology and media are two sides of a coin. You can use it for the good purpose, or not. They can be very distracting at times. Yet, if you understand and explore its good side and know how to use it, then you’ll start fresh.

So, here is the list on what I’ve done to finish my work, with the little help of technology.

1. Set a deadline

For a thesis or other projects, you set the deadline for yourself. Nobody does it for you. So, you really have to set a realistic deadline for your work and commit to the schedule. I use an app called aCalendar in my Android as a friendly reminder. What I like about this app is the compact widget. You can choose to go for the monthly view or the weekly view. I, myself, prefer the weekly view. Below is my schedule for March 2015 when I juggled with several projects (i.e. Thesis, Film Project, etc).

2. Breakdown your work

Seriously, it will make your work a whole lot easier. Breakdown your work into several points in a to-do list. For instance, I can classify my thesis research into gather resources/journals; research questions; introduction, etc.. That feeling when you cross off the list is AWESOME, right? Right? In my Android, I’m using Wunderlist and Todoist.

3. Find a comfortable working place

For me, being trapped in my room is not a very good place to get my work done. Because, eventually, I’ll end up doing unnecessary things. So, I tend to go to other places, such as campus library, coffee shops, internet cafe--etc, as long as there are other people who are working on their business too, which eventually motivate me to do my work too. So, go explore and find a place where you can sit for hours doing your work without any distraction!

4. Bring a bottle of water! Even snacks! (in a library)

Sitting for hours could give a very unpleasant effect to your body. So, drinking water when doing your work can give you energy and prevent you from fatigue, and seriously who do not like snacking? XD

5. Set your working jam

Once I sit comfortably, I put on my headset and listening to some music which can enhance my focus and concentration. So, I suggest listening to focus@will. It has various types of classical music, etc. Also, I like some playlists in Spotify and 8tracks which contain instrumental and soothing music like this one below. Besides, I recommend listening to movie/game scores. Chilling and powerful scores, for me, are Transformer 1, Interstellar, Gravity, The Cinematic Orchestra,etc. They are my jams! :D

I think that’s it for now. Gonna add it if something comes to mind! :D

(to be continued..to Pt 2!)

the one who’s struggling to be more productive,

AFS

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It is funny when you think that going abroad is the only way to tell that you’re successful. People have priorities. Maybe going abroad is not one of them. Y’know, five or ten years from now, your “going abroad” is merely an experience. You’re going to miserably post  “throwback” pictures in your Instagram, anyway. So, do not shallowly think that going abroad=successful. For me, it is about the path that I chose to broaden my perspective. It is my way. I know you have your own way that you know--it can broaden your perspective too. Respect others’ priorities.

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Happiness?

“Money can’t buy happiness”

We all familiar with this quote. Back then, I was not bothered with this quote when Jessie J’s song has been playing in the neighbourhood.

Not until recently. I’m constantly asking myself.

What is happiness really?

It depends on the individual, I reckon.

Personally for me, money equals happiness. Albeit it does not directly mean this way.

Yet, I realized that.. when we have money, everything seems easier and practical.

You do not have to think hard the night before what do you want to eat tomorrow? Nope. You think about what CAN you eat tomorrow? Financially speaking?

You do not have to spare your morning time only to cook your own meal because it is way more cost-effective, although it’s healthier too.

You do not have to so worry about the text message from your friend, asking you to hang out in a mid-range restaurant.

You do not have to embarrass yourself, pretending to search for coins in your bag (you know you don’t have any more coins) only to buy two eggs.

You do not have to worry about what you’re gonna do when sickness hit your body.

For me, money gives me assurance. Assurance to sleep well at night. Assurance to do my work without distracted by these worriedness. Hence, I am happy.

I am not sure whether it’s because the current financial or maybe because I’m getting older that I’m worrying over things which I should not overthink?

What is happiness to you?

The overthinker and happiness seeker,

AFS

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It takes more than just the beautiful face to like someone. It takes more than..just because we're watching the same TV shows, or maybe listening to the same song.. It takes more than just sharing the same hobbies.. It takes more than just..comfort.. It takes something which beyond my mind to like one. to love one. That something which now remains enigmatic

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I said to myself everyday, repetitively: "It's enough--being a self-centered person. It's time to make yourself useful to your surrounding. You're exist for a reason. So, it's time to make your existence count. It's time

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Taking Chances

Watching The Mindy Project S03E21, and some of the lines just hit home. Annette: I thought, wow, I'm so lucky. He's been through so much and it didn't even affect him. But it did. You were always grouchy and now you're cynical

Danny: I’m not cynical..

Annette: Oh, you are. You think everything is gonna end badly. So, you don’t even take chances anymore!

Danny: I’m just realistic, mom. I don’t believe in fairy tales. When you married Dad, you thought he was the greatest person in the world, right? When I got married to Christina, I thought she was the greatest person in the world. And now what? We hate them both, mom. We hate them. And I don’t want to end up looking at Mindy that way, okay? I don’t want to split up from her and not live with my son, and have him feel like I felt. Alone. I don’t want that. That’s what marriage is, mom. I’m sorry. But that’s what marriage is.

Annette: It’s okay. Danny, maybe the problem isn’t the marriage. Maybe the problem is we picked people who didn’t deserve it.

The bold lines, personally for me, just hit home. I don’t know if it is because my mom’s fear is becoming my fear too, which is being in a relationship only complicate my life, and eventually I will end up hurting and broken. Yes, I think I’m afraid all of those things will happen, I am so reluctant in taking chances anymore. For me, the worst things that could happen in a relationship outweigh the joy and happiness that I could feel of being in a relationship. 

I know, when you finally open yourself to the world, to someone who care about you and vice versa, you will show your true color--even your dirtiest imagination. And yes, when you establish a relationship, all bets are off. It could go both ways, either you’ll have a happy long last relationship or you simply just wasting your time by dating someone who you know is not ready to commit for life. For me, I don’t know If I want that for now--all of the uncertainty and the drama that might occurred in a relationship. 

See? 

That’s me being cynical. Maybe this cynicism is the result of my mom’s advices, or maybe because of my past relationship which still haunting my subconscious state of mind, or maybe, I am surrounded by people who fail in a relationship, or maybe, just maybe, I’ve been single for a long time--I forget how grateful it is to have someone who care about me. Well, I’m not sure.

But, a good friend of mine advise me this: “taking chances is the only way you can learn about being in a relationship”

AFS,

a hopeless cynic

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Cherry Blossom in Stockholm, Kungsträdgården. So beautiful! <3

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The L Bomb

G: Are you saying that you are jealous right now? Because your cousin texted me?

A: Of course not! I am a grown up woman. I do not easily get jealous only because you're chatting with my cousin! And for God's sake, she's my cousin! Why would I get jealous over this silly thing?

G: Seriously? Why your voice suddenly become so high-pitched anyway? Haha

A: Whatever, forget it. I hate you

G: Haha, I know

A: Yes, I hate you.

G: And I do love you.

followed by awkward laugh...

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Chaotic

I think I miss the way you put silly emoticons while we’re chatting only just to annoy me and make me say “I hate you” (which by the way I do not mean it). Yet, I know. My life is in a chaos already just because of the thesis that I have to finish as soon as possible. Which lead me to my point: I do not need any “personal” problem to make my life even more chaotic. 

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I'M ON FIRE!!! Thank you, God for never let me alone.

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Content.

It was perhaps months ago when I feel that..

I need love to be happy,

I need someone or boyfriend (or whatever you call it) to feel loved, or important,

I need to get busy with texting, chatting or whatever it is, to feel entertained,

Yet, then..

I realized that I am now in the point where..

I don't feel the excessive urge to be loved, 

Forcing myself to be with someone is not giving me any assurance that I will feel happy,

Forcing myself to be with someone because I don't want to feel lonely, is merely the shallow minded version of myself, oyea, the hormone too, of course.

Being with someone is somehow-- suffocating. trapped. 

Or, maybe, because now I realize that my quality time is so much worth it rather than by wasting it-- trapped with someone that I know I am not going to spend the rest of my life with.

However, the other part of me, whispers: "just let's see if you still think the same when you see your friends are happy being trapped with their other-half"

Well, I'm not sure..

But, all I know, for now..

I feel content.

I like the way the things are right now.

I have my parents, friends, and hobbies to be trapped with.

for now,  I like my bubble which filled with thoughts, dreams and passions. I like my space.

For now--

AFS

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Is it weird if I have a dream to make a short action movie? Well.

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I am not shutting you out because I don't feel anything. But, for me, it is better not to emotionally attached to someone that I am not going to see in person in the next couple months.

[theonewiththevows-deactivated20]

The Evolution of: Bradley Cooper

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As I told you, this tumblr is simply to accommodate my train of thoughts and else, not to reblog things, especially pictures. However, there is always still more room to appreciate this very God's creation: Bradley Cooper. I love his perfect wide smile. And don't get me started of how deep and manly his voice is.

Strangely enough, I bumped into this kind of smile at a Sport Bar months ago and I have been fell into a trap; wondering whether I can see that smile again or not. Months later, it was so surprising that, once again, God let me to see that smile again, in a library. Smiling at me, if I need to be precise. That was the five seconds of eye contact that successfully made me faint inside.

So, God, please allow me to know who that smile belongs to~ 

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How I (really) prepare myself for the IELTS test

Well, I basically already told you  (in the previous post), but it was somehow in quite a big picture. 

So, here I am going to tell you what I really did in preparing myself for the IELTS test.

1. Listening

I have been training myself in listening through TV series. Nah, I lied. It was not a real training, well, practically, but, you know, I really love spending most of my time watching TV series. So, IT IS REALLY HELPFUL. (God, no need for the capslock, jeez). The list of TV series I found quite easy to follow yet teach me many things are: Chuck (I love Zach), How I Met Your Mother (of course), Friends (I know!), The Big Bang Theory (a lot of technical words, but-hey, as long as it comes from Sheldon! :D ), LOST, House M.D., etc. Well, I think you got the picture. Pick a genre of TV series that you like, then you can learn a lot from it. AND REMEMBER, try not to use the subtitle in your own language as often as you can! 

I also force myself to watch interesting videos from TED. Have I told you about BBC PODCAST? Definitely, my playlist in my phone is full of the podcast. I downloaded podcasts from "6 Minute English", "The English We Speak", "The Why Factor", "English At Work", etc.

2. Reading

I just think I need to buy a book in English (of course). Because I am still learning, then I bought book which not that heavy, and more like chick-flick. Well, you can buy book that suit your taste, of course. For you Android and iPhone users, download News app that allow you to access any news in one tap, such as: Flipboard, taptu, BBC, etc. Follow journalists or book writers on twitter. I often got new words from them! When you stumble on words you do not know, Write it in your special notebook. Notebook you're going to use in preparing for the IELTS test. Do not only write the meaning of the words, but also write the word usage in a sentence, synonym, phrasal verb, etc. For instance ==> Word: "discuss (v)". Meaning: to talk about (something) with another person or group. Word usage:  She discussed the plan with several colleagues. 

I know what you're thinking, using the word "discuss" for an example? We all know that. Yet, me myself sometimes subconsciously "rape" this word. Sometimes, I put "about" after the word because of the influence of my mother tongue. So, it'll become something like this: I just discussed about the travel plan with my boyfriend. 

Yes, English language can be this tricky, but you can tackle this issue by checking the "partner" of the word in Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

3. Writing

Urgh, this one is the very tricky part. All you need to do is "Start writing everything in English". That is why I made this tumblr account (well, I also kind of forget the password of my old account). You can start a blog. Or, if you do not want to bother making one, then you can write on your diary in English (e.g. Dear Diary, I bump into my crush today, but, I quickly ran away because I remember I do not wear any make up today). I also write my lecture notes in English. When I was preparing myself to final exam, I took notes by writing them in English. But then, I know, sometimes you get stuck and not sure about the proper grammar. All I've been doing is type the sentence in google, and you will get the correct answer.

4. Speaking

Didn't I told you about my monologue in my room? Yes, most of the time I talk about everything in front of the mirror in English. Sometimes, I pray in English too. :p

And this is the most fun part, I have a friend that also like to talk in English. So, what we do is go to coffee shop, and talk in English like a native (although we did not sound like one! ahhaha). Oh yeah, I joined English Club in my campus. I also participate in International Conference that need me to talk in English. 

So, yeah. That is pretty much it. Gonna add some if something comes to mind! 

I know it is an old saying, but, seriously-

Practice makes perfect,

AFS

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I observed and conclude that IELTS tips is the highest hit from my tumblr content among other things. I think I’d better post other IELTS tips. Stay tune! :)