Can you smile?

What a nice boss!

I am. My cousin asked if I could order my helpers in Jakarta to help her family during the day. Yes, I have three helpers in an ‘empty’ house but I don’t feel fair if I order them. Instead, I need to check with them if they are willing to help and get extra pay.

I learn that people don’t like to be asked. That’s why I keep telling everybody how grateful I am because Mama rarely asked my sister and me to study at home when we were kids. I had memorable childhood, I could do whatever I liked (with responsibility).

Some closed ones who know me well had known how to handle me if they expect me to do something. I adopt pig behavior my cousins used to tell me. The more I’m pushed, the more I resist. It’s true! I have system that one could hardly tell but when it’s time to do, I would do, without whip. I like if people can trust me I would do.

It’s so funny too when I asked a girlfriend to kick me when I felt so low the other day, she refused. She said that she doesn’t need to kick me because I actually know when and how to do things. So the girlfriend who saw me overwhelmed by stuffs from Frangipani the other day, she told me before left to take my time and forget about high season. She is right! I appreciate people who could understand me. I'd like to do the same to my staffs. I treat them like human with system, not robot with program.

That’s my tip to keep staffs stay more than eight years! Don’t tell them what to do! Set rules for both parties in advance and let it works.

And if someone asked me to smile when in not so good mood? Just smile.

Picture of me in 1973.

Do I have another way to meditate?

It’s Sunday. I spent the day like many. Do nothing, do things I like. My friend went back to Jakarta before noon and left an empty space in the house. Busy lady, restless. She calls herself uptight. That’s when I notice I could be so quiet. I have busy mind that hardly one could spot.

I miss Pak Pugig. The compound feels empty without him around raking leaves, meditating in the shrine, sitting with Ibu in front of their quarter… I felt it even more after my friend expressed how different it feels without him around. Abandoned shrine, garden full of leaves, and empty houses. Betty had left her house after I saw her crying a few weeks ago. I’m on my own in this 9-are land.

I’m considering (close to decide) to close down Frangipani workshop since this morning. My offer to my staffs to continue the business hasn’t got good response. I heard they prefer to do other business, if so, I don’t see any point to keep spending for business that gives me no profit materially and spiritually. It’s time to shred off things that make my steps become not light.

I meditated through looking after today’s load of laundry (that means chasing the sun) and ironing two loads of yesterday. Doing repetitive work can be so calming. The other day my friend and I watched a woman carver in Cebok finishing a quarter part of a painting frame. She worked systematically and precisely while I felt scared of the tools hurt her tiny legs. She laughed when I thought out loud my concern. She finished the carving methodically in no time. I could see she has calm mind. The work makes it.

Tomorrow is waiting. So the two shops.

Picture of Monkey Forest prepares for the royal palebon.

How's that?

I don’t go skiing anymore!

My friend’s son and his partner spent a day in Ubud today. City boys. I enjoyed introducing Bali food, Ubud in general, and Bali because I could see their hunger for new experience. They cook so they enjoyed tasting Balinese food and, of course, the were amazed by the price (for people living in the UK). And after checking out the geography in map, that’s what they say! No more spending time in Europe during winter.

I found it easy for people to be able to enjoy Ubud. I start to imagine that I could sit in Ubud Tourism Board (if exists). I have proven myself that many friends fell in like with Ubud after they went to nice places with me. That’s one. I also think about starting villa business because I could see the growing demand. It becomes my neighbor friend's and my joke. The consequence of living in a resort island. He has lived in Ubud eleven years that he had passed the stage of entertaining pouring visiting friends. He giggled observing me busy with guests. He is right! I enjoy having guests but juggling time between friends and work needs special skill.

Today Neru made ‘morning sales’ like they say in Pasar Ubud, Frangipani also sold a leftover art (couldn’t believe there’s still), and there’s likely a prospect for renting Frangipani space. The answers to my meditation last night. Now I'm convinced how powerful is our thought. I should be really careful with what I wish for.

I look forward to enjoying Sunday before start working on Monday. My! I work now.

Picture of my company today.

What do you think?

I started the day a bit late because I have a guest. I tiptoed down the stairs but my steps still awoke my friend. It’s close to 6:30, I didn’t feel that bad. I had enjoyed my bed longer and I needed to start the day anyway. I shared my morning ritual with her like drinking freshly squeezed orange before having anything else. She also watched me mopping floors and doing laundry. I had time ironing when she’s having massage with Mbo Yan.

What a view! Stuffs from Frangipani had overwhelmed me. I visited Pallava to check out and couldn’t believe what I’d bought in the past. So many! It seems my staffs had simplified things, they just ‘threw’ them all to Bali. And it’s so ‘perfect’ since I don’t have troops of people like in Jakarta. It took me some time to sink in. OMG, it’s all on my hands?!

It’s true about if we feel happy, it’s easier to share love. If we have grudge, it’s not easy to feel easy about things. I recognized some inconveniences today. I have in the back of mind: a good friend who hasn’t replied to my email and text (I’m worried), an old friend who hasn’t responded to my effort to help (I’m curious), a long time friend who hasn’t responded to my query on some important things – for me (Is it one way?)… The list can be long but I don’t want to dig those out.

I spent the day with my friend. She’s worried much over many things that makes her going into details about any plan. It spun my head to answer What do you think? It’s been a while since I let go of making plan. I don’t plan my minute to minute now, I just feel what I want to do the next minute. I might appear too easy and slow but this pace is the result of a good reminder of those scary ideas about Parkinson’s disease, silent heart attack, and half paralyzed.

It seems that it's time for me to return to my old ritual before sleep that I have stopped doing for some time now. Meditation and sending good energy around. I will do now.

Picture of Tenganan boy.

What more can I ask?

I had nice long morning. Hm sound so nice! It is nice. It was sunny all day that I could get my laundry dry before I went out in the afternoon. Yes, I worked on more little things I need to do before entering new month that’s just next week. I couldn’t believe time flies so quickly, I already talked about what to do end of August! Yes, I would be occupied with things from this weekend on.

I had my hair colored first time in Ubud today. I took my own dye and got someone in a salon to help me. It’s a nice salon but not a happy one. I learned that happy ambiance is more important than a nice place. I was too late to judge so was trapped till finish. It’s fine. I learned to hold my feelings by not showing my unhappiness because of the treatment. They stayed nice till I walked out the door. I told myself not to return.

My dear friend from Jakarta came just after twilight. We met up at Neru. We had hilarious chat with Ayu. When we had dinner it’s already close to 9. We tried a new warung (or more of small restaurant?) close to my place. My friend said how lucky I am to have such quality eating place on my doorstep. I am.

And it’s just nice to chat with my neighbor, the owner of the warung, after one year living in the house. He has lived in Indonesia nine years and owns several types of business like spa, villas, painting studio, and the new venture restaurant. All in my neighborhood. I picture myself after nine years living in Ubud, I would like to be like him. To be able to say I enjoy doing small business.

Picture of a gallery I saw from where I sat at lunch.

What did I learn today for tomorrow?

I learned about some truths I have known before. Or, shall I say I rediscovered a confirmation?

Weather is like business, unpredictable. I washed five big towels and there was no sun all day. Yesterday was sunny but I had thin whites. Well, what could I say? Ubud is in humid season. It could reach 75% in the morning. I could smell musty wood and clothes. Putting things in the sun becomes my morning ritual, also let wardrobe open all morning. I feel sad observing my leather sandals become moldy. It’s tough for low-priced ones, I already had two pair of sandals broken.

My living room looked neat after I worked on a few hours. I giggled. I like to say that guest is the most powerful drive to tidy house. Two boxes that had been sitting under stairs two months were opened and sorted out. It took less than an hour!

I also found out that any size of storage is… enough! And, always, loaded!! When I opened the small storage under stairs I thought I could not load a plastic container and two duffel bags. With quick rearrangement, all gone inside the tiny storage. That’s when I believe that any size of storage is actually enough. The bigger the storage, the more clutter we keep. It’s confirmed!

My unusual day didn’t end usual. I could not sit Neru in the afternoon because I couldn’t find parking space. I made five rounds but to no avail. I gave up since I didn’t want to walk along Jalan Hanuman to reach Neru. It’s a bit too much. Well, I still have option to send Ngurah to rescue. If not then I would…

Ayu laughed at me when I showed my nervousness about learning how to ride motorcycle. She said I should feel more nervous about driving big car but not riding automatic motorcycle. Yes, I have put learning the skill in my urgent to-do list. I could not rely on my big car anymore to move flexibly in Ubud especially next month when Ubud expects a stream of guests for the royal palebon and holiday season.

I look forward…

Picture of a typical parking space in an Ubud busy road.

Isn’t it nice to have shorter to-do list?

I don’t have choice but to look after my tasks one by one. It is so many that I don’t want to feel overwhelmed before I get in touch with it. I take one task at a time diligently and systematically started since getting up.

My good friend confirmed that she’s coming this Thursday and would stay with me three nights. It’s a sweet surprise. She is good in showing her love for me, this is going to be her second visit this year. A friend can be surprisingly… nice and loving. I’m lucky, I keep telling everyone and myself.

I did laundry early and touched what need to be touched without delay. I have enjoyed being free from procrastination so I would perfect it in many ways I could. Still I couldn’t handle all before left home in the morning. I was needed at Neru since Ngurah was away to kampong today. I’m happy to do, I took all my paper homework to get it done while tending Neru.

I took time to call Agus, my senior staff in Jakarta. I have left the boys ‘alone’ the past months during Frangipani closing. I apologized him for that. I told him that I don’t like to call to discuss ‘heavy’ things when I’m not ready because I believe in good result resulted from proper telling-and-listening process. Today I feel open and had let him telling all in his mind. We ended the chat with good laugh. I proposed him to have business with me in Jakarta and Bali that he agreed to consider.

Having talked with Agus, I feel very good. Another bogging issue was solved through smooth communication. I kept doing one by one, bit by bit, but sure. When the clock struck five, I’m a happy girl to have found better way to deal with things.

Looking forward to spending time at home is luxury after a day out. Productively.

Picture of a shop sign in Manila.

How long it takes to get home?

Oh I like to say this: There’s no place like home!

I long for my home after six days away. Leaving from Malang takes longer than from Jakarta because the travel from Malang to Surabaya could take more than two hours, like today. I thought I wouldn’t reach airport in time but glad…

I had terrible time in the car, the usual taxi driver's way of driving. I couldn’t think of any better way to cut the travel time from Malang to Ubud that I need to go through different mode of travel. It breaks my back. I didn’t feel ‘on the ground’ when got in Bali. But one thing for sure, Bali air always gives me good feeling. Simply fresh!

I told my cousin Aga to drop by a hypermarket to stock up fruits and else. We ended up spending four hours shopping, dining, and chatting. When I got into the house, I’d completed twelve hours travel from point to point. I moved my stuffs from car to house through a completely dark garden. I don’t know what happens with Betty’s house, it’s so dark.

I left everything in living room then opened up bedroom: turned on all lamps, unrolled kilims, wiped clean desk, putting back picture frames that make a house into a home, then turned on computer. Unpack suitcase was next. Spending time in bathroom is my favorite. I enjoyed the green near the outdoor shower. Ah…

When I sat on bed putting on body lotion, I realized, I don’t feel tired anymore. My home has energized me.

Picture of andong driver my friend and I took in Yogya last week.

What did I do in different setting?

Wow! I could finish homework in a completely different setting. Malang is cold in the morning. I didn’t have plan for the day so I just roamed the house when remembered that I still have homework from Frangipani. I was not sure I had the drive to do but I “just do it”.

Yes, I managed to finish a piece of work I’d been procrastinated two years! I worked with Dhana’s Japanese cartoon on television blasted out in the background and Mama gave order in the garden, plus Yu Sih dusted the floor and carpet near me. It’s the usual busy morning in Mama’s house.

Having finished the homework, I feel good. I’m happy. Funny I feel, when in Ubud I imagined to be away for a while, when am away from Ubud I miss my life there. I enjoyed Yogya very much but three nights is just enough (my friend also agrees). Do I enjoy Malang? My friend thought so after I talked about delicious food of Malang that I enjoy buying very much (yes, buying). Actually, I found out, three nights in Malang is also enough. I miss my morning chores and I can’t wait to touch my Ubud home-and-house-work again. I know… I have to enjoy the moment…

We all stayed home today. It’s like a real Sunday. Auntie and Rio came over and helped Mama bought a DVD player as she found out hers is already obsolete. Mama needs the new player for watching digital pictures she took in Europe. It’s nice to know that she’s willing to change bit by bit. It took long for her to change to digital camera.

I feel idle. A neighbor came and we ended up discussing her new business – laundry by kilograms. It’s new for me but I contributed ideas of how to manage different colors (I’m laundry expert now). The rest of the day? Not many I did. I continued reading book I started since left Ubud and spent more time listening to Mama explaining each picture shown on television. I understand that she needs someone to listen.

Tomorrow is another travel day.

Picture of my sister and me with Eyang in her house.

Have I taken a walk down memory lane?

Malang is cold. It’s sunny but it’s so cool. I drove Mama to running errands since early morning. In Malang to start the day at 7:30 is… biasa. I enjoyed and felt sad at the same time when driving around the city. Having visited Yogya, I envy with the city plan. We could still enjoy old Dutch houses in many places in Yogya. The city built the malls among the old houses. In Malang, the old houses are demolished to create space for big malls. Even the old city stadium has gone now. No more open space.

Mama took me to an old Chinese shop selling kitchen utensils. I love it! It’s typical: big shop with lots of stuffs stacked up neatly according to size and shape, also categorized according to function. I bought simple sieve I could not find in ‘modern’ shops. I also bought nice old style water jug and tray for my house. I give up finding nice water jug for the house, old style must be nice for a change. The shop attendants observed me. It must be strange to see a modern girl buying ancient style home wares.

The next destination was binatu! The dry-clean shop from my childhood days! It looked different now with a grocery occupied half shop. I still remember the smell of brown paper wrap when Papa picked up his suit and pants. When I thought out loud, the shop attendant commented that they stop using paper because it’s not practical. People like using plastic now. Ooh…

When Mama mentioned a photo print shop, I was excited right away. I knew whom I would meet – the shop attendant I knew since my university days! She told me today that she has worked for the shop since 1986. She looked the same except… slightly bigger. She’s mother of two teenagers now. She remembered with whom I liked to come in the past and many people in Malang. She said I looked just the same. Twenty two years and many stay the same in small city.

I also visited the old bakery not far from the shop – was E & H that we pronounced it EH (or echt?) and later became Enak & Harum. The shop looked modern and has a beauty salon inside. The pastries looked the same but smelled different. I bought some for the sake of nice memories. I enjoyed walking on the old sidewalk on the way back. Some shops remained the same, like the tobacco shop. The jar, the cabinet, the smell. I wonder if people still consume raw tobacco like in the past. It must be.

My walk down memory lane ended in Eyang’s house. My auntie was busy sorting out papers when we came. I found a pile of old pictures on a side. Oh… what a nice thing! I always love to flip over nice memories. I admire Eyang Mama who always wore kain batik and kebaya (remarkably elegant!) and Eyang Papa with his strong look in all poses and occasions. I wonder if he ever laughed out loud. I took some pictures to keep in my file. Also it would be nice to share nice past with loved ones.

Picture of my big sister and me in an occasion at Eyang’s house when I was 7. I remember how Uncle Anta directed my pose.

Have I shared enough?

I didn’t sleep well. Early morning flight made it. I awoke several times to check out time. There were times when I just relaxed but once-a-day flight had made me nervous. It was still ten to five when I was already in taxi to airport. I enjoyed watching sunrise while waiting for my 6 o’clock flight to Surabaya. Airport has its own rhythm in the morning.

I didn’t book my taxi to Malang so had to wait an hour to get a seat in a shared-transportation. The woman who manages the transportation ended up sharing me her life story that she lost her husband fifteen years ago. Her husband jumped off the cruise ship where he worked. How she struggled to claim the insurance that took three years. She shared…

Last night I had a two-hour ‘farewell’ dinner with my travel mate simply because we were too lazy to go out. We had buffet in the hotel. We talked about our usual topics plus… He reminded me to share more about my ‘burden’ with whoever I feel comfortable to talk. I bit my finger, where do I go wrong? He sees me as a strong woman and that is not good (his version). He cares because he is following his mother’s life as strong woman: was a successful woman and now suffers from Parkinson’s disease in her 60s.

Aaarghh… This is not the first time someone reminded me about the 'possibility'. Not that I never thought about it, I often ponder. Have I shared enough with others? Like sharing my burden or throwing my trash? I feel very fine at the moment, I don’t have anything stored in mind except nice plans (and some nice memories). I don’t have anything to worry but now I start to worry because others feel worry.

So I let Mama shared with me about many things in the afternoon. It gives me mixed feelings but I let her shared her recent trip to Europe, her new friends, her plan to rearrange the greenhouse, her sister’s new life in Malang and her plan to throw a party for her son’s wedding next month… I reflect. Have I shared enough? Do I cover my issues with layers of nice things (according to my friend’s theory)? It got me thinking…

Picture of women in Tenganan carrying offering to pura.

Isn’t it nice meeting new people?

Our last day in Yogya. We start to know each other’s like and dislike, also rhythm. My friend is selective about bedroom and transport. Retired from 15 years being an hotelier, he expects good sheets and nice room. Feeling traumatic of his father’s car accident, he could not face car coming to his side so I have to sit behind the driver all the time. Fine. It’s good that he’s easy about what and where to eat, it’s me who need to be fed at the right time. Nice.

We had long discussion over breakfast. We talked a lot about philosophy and spirituality. Nothing heavy, just for fun. We also discussed about being men, and women’s value. How Balinese, Javanese, and foreigner see both sexes from different point of view depending on the culture. We talked more about culture with an antique dealer my friend introduced. It was a really nice chat in his house full of Javanese antiques. My friend was happy to have met 'Javanese him' in Yogya. Yea, they’re alike for they like talking about culture and the history of Java and Bali. I enjoyed the conversation so much. Meeting people has certainly enriched us.

And more when we met a Dutch who has been living in Yogya (unplanned) for twenty years. He’s also an art dealer specializing in Chinese-Javanese bed and shrine, and metal safe box. He has big business. The storage is an immense treasure. I could have liked a lot of his stuffs but good I have passed the days I enjoyed collecting good quality stuffs. My friend’s eyes became larger and larger since as Balinese he saw less of such in the island. I enjoyed following my friends trying to make a deal many of the stuffs.

I made a big buy finally in a Sumatran art dealer. He sold many of wooden model horses as part of a merry-go-round in the past (that now made of cast resin!). I spotted one in Solo yesterday but was too lazy to deal so I’m happy to have found many selections in one place. I lost a bit of my appetite for stocking up remembering the large stock of merchandise from Frangipani. When I decided to buy two wooden horses, I imagined an installation for the garden at home. It’s really nice horses: heavy, colorful, and cheerful. Anyway, I bought two more later via phone for Neru. I felt not good if I don’t carry anything for either shop.

We ended our three-day shopping nicely. We both feel satisfied with the experience and merchandise we accumulated. Three nights are just enough.

Picture of an old wooden model horse I bought today.

Have I showed up?

Wow life is plain and no dynamic here, my friend commented after spending twilight in the center of Yogya yesterday. We took becak and andong with horse before dark to pass the street we’d been in the afternoon. Night was still very young that we didn’t know what to do. We checked out a mall and were just walking briskly inside to observe the people and what’s in the mall. Bored, we went out watching the street and decided to have early dinner on the sidewalk of the famous Malioboro. Those lesehan restaurants.

I agree with my friend’s observation about Yogya keeping the same dynamic since the last time we visited. People walk downtown before dark and continue till late. Many batik clothing and tee shirt vendors sell in the same areas. Many eating places set up after dark. My friend doesn’t think he sees any gap in economy so it’s good and so many youngsters around because of the nature of the city – student city.

We went to Solo today – without plan. We stopped by Candi Prambanan on the way. It’s already hot when we got there around 10 o’clock. We giggled as we looked like Amandari guests in Ubud – be in a cold car, visited places in a quick manner, be under umbrella always… Yes, we didn’t have to stay long because Candi Prambanan has fence around the complex to control access after the big earthquake. I’m lucky I’d once been when the complex was still open so we could go inside each temple.

I didn’t realize that Solo is not that close from Yogya. It was quite tiring sitting in the car. My friend joked a lot with the driver who looked confused with our relationship (that later he asked me during lunch what relationship I’m with my friend). We fought a lot but giggled a lot as well. So funny.

It’s good that I visited Pasar Triwindu before it’s closed down end of this month. The local government plans to build a building in the area to accommodate the antique vendors. The vendors expressed their disappointment as they feel the traditional style of market has different attraction. I don't have opinion although I agree with them. I understand that sometimes it needs a big courage to make a significant change to be better. So we’ll see…

I didn’t buy much. I lost ‘interest’ already remembering a pile of stuffs at Pallava. It would take me long time before I could shop again. Good my friend bought quite a lot so we didn’t waste the trip. Oh not a wasting trip for me actually, I hardly feel bored with the market. It’s a sea for treasure hunting.

We felt drained by the heat. When we walked in a nice mall after siesta, we already lost interest to see things. I met two good childhood girlfriends in the evening. It’s strange, I had decided not to let them know that I'm in the city but I surrendered after they caught my energy. They sent their picture together through cell phone in the afternoon. It was fun actually to meet old friends. I shouldn’t have hesitated to just show up.

Picture of Candi Prambanan.

So are you two off to Yogya tomorrow?

A friend of us asked when we met at his place for ‘farewell dinner’ he created for us. So funny. My friend said that our friend liked to create a reason to invite his close friends for dinner at his place.

It was my first time to visit his house ten minutes away from my place. I used to meet him in occasions, mostly formal, so I saw him in different format last night. Warm and funny! His house is very beautiful. I liked it because it’s small – about 400 square meter – but has spectacular view overlooks Ayung River. The free from distortion view starts from the wooden deck by the small living room. It took time for me to realize that a well-known architect lives in such a small space. He plans to move to a 15 times bigger place soon – after ten years living in Ubud and more than twenty years in Indonesia.

Great! I enjoyed arts he collects and the company of new friends I made. Nice and kind people. I was just worried about the time since we got home close to midnight. I tried to pack up more before sleep to make sure I don’t leave anything behind. Yes, I started at 4:30 this morning. I had very short morning to get myself ready before 5:45.

Ubud was still dark when we left my neighbor friend’s shop. It’s quite challenging to drive in the morning because many joggers along the way. It’s school holiday so many kids jogged as well. I drove slowly – for the joggers and my Queen friend. He is nervous easily.

Our first travel together went well so far. I’m in the room at the moment taking a refuge from Yogya heat. We had planned the trip about a month ago. I thought it’s impossible to go since my friend hardly left the comfort of Ubud (that’s the reason why our good friend threw him a ‘farewell dinner’ last night). This is his first visit to Java after seven to eight years.

My friend was excited when we landed in Yogya airport. Truly, me too was excited. And we were happy that the hotel I chose (out of no choice) turned out to be a very nice hotel a la Raffles – colonial style. They say it’s a renovated Dutch hotel. Our rooms are super! Like mini suite with marble and fine things. We looked at each other, we didn’t pay that much for such luxury! So I’m happy to have chosen a nice place to stay for a mini break.

We went touring the city by becak after brunch. We avoid making itinerary, it’s our promise since we planned the trip. We ended up letting the becak driver made itinerary for us. We mentioned what we want to see then he took us to places. It was really hot sitting in a becak. Glad I took an umbrella with me so could protect our legs from the heat. We went to see some antique shops, had gudeg for lunch, then went inside the Keraton. I don’t remember I’d been inside in the past. I enjoyed the complex and a puppet making workshop inside the complex.

It’s nice to be in a new place with a new company because different company brings different interest. We plan to roam Malioboro before twilight and meet my good friend at dinner. I look forward to adventuring more…

Picture of Keraton Yogya.

Can I get back-care?

Betty, are you okay? No, I’m not okay. My 80s year old neighbor replied when I checked on her. The plant vendor asked me to communicate with her since he found her crying for no apparent reason. I made sure she’s fine before I left. It touched me that she could describe her feeling clearly.

I got up thinking about my next several minor homework. It’s me. Thinking too much of anything. I don’t know but I feel too much. The good thing about feeling overwhelmed is… it makes me feeling calm. I felt very calm all morning. I packed up clothes and stuffs for travel, I arranged the house, I didn’t busy myself with doing laundry although I have a high pile already, I ate breakfast well, I responded to each email and text messages…

The truck carrying Frangipani stuffs arrived just before noon. I sat in Pallava stairs with my neighbor friend watching people unloading. I cried to see some precious stuffs (to me) being in the truck unwrapped! My dear Symon painting. For one, I have to understand that my Jakarta staffs might have felt overwhelmed by the sudden activity but (how I hate saying but) I also feel disappointed to have found my staffs I feel proud of (so far) didn’t do things in my standard.

Sudah sudah Mbak. My friend calmed me. Let’s face it, we cannot expect 5-star service like ours to others. Let it go! I did after telling myself that nothing I can do. It happened. I feel blessed that I won’t be around the coming seven days. I could pause my worry and let time solves.

Can I get back-care? I just knew that Yumi’s salon offers this kind of service. A 'facial' for back, same procedure. It’s enough to help me feeling at home for a while.

Picture of a Tenganan male with full tattoo in the back.

What do I feel in the end of the day?

Harus sering-sering begini nih! My friend texted me. She felt excited of wearing baju adat and thought that it would be nice to do often. I told her that I’m lucky to have more occasions to wear baju adat for socializing in Ubud. She sighed. She said she socializes more with Papuan as part of her job. I laughed imagining her in grass skirt.

As plan, today we went to Tenganan in eastern part of Bali to watch an annual event – Geret ritual or Perang Pandan (pandanus war). We took separate cars since she left from Denpasar. Ana my driver said it takes us an hour from Ubud but it seems more. I was in bad shape when we made a stop in Candi Dasa. I asked for a stop because of motion sickness. I had empty stomach from home.

We left the restaurant almost noon. Tenganan is not far from Candi Dasa. The sun was in the peak when we got the special village. This is my second visit to the village. It looks so different than my first visit. There’s a row of food stalls and else like market on the way in. This village has small population so what I saw today is the opposite. So many visitors: local and international.

It took time for my friend and I to get a nice shady place. My friend brought a professional camera so she needs to get the best view. She’s good in taking the heat and direct sun. I melted already under my parasol (so strange that I was the only one who carried it). I know it’s impractical considering the dense crowd and I’m short but what can I do?

I don’t know how long we had to wait for the war to start, I believe it's more than an hour. I had nice chat with a young couple from Yogya who make money from selling pictures and footage for news. A profession that becomes possible nowadays. It’s so nice to know. This kind of event is photographers’ destination. Professional or hobbyist. I wonder how would they get nice view if the background is… photographers. It’s just too many from many sides. Later my friend showed me pictures she made and yes from many pictures she took it's only a few that can be considered ‘distortion’ free.

I feel that Perang Pandan is quite violent. Some men took the war seriously, some looked like trance. Each session has two men fighting using a stack of 50-cm long pandanus leaves and ate shields to cover. They hit each other and try to hug so could rub the other’s back with the spiny leaves. We could see the blood dripping but it seems they had fun instead. They laughed a lot. I couldn’t stay too long: the heat, the people who shoved and stepped on my feet, the crowd… I felt suffocated.

I walked to the market and sat on a motorbike. Before too long I made friends with an American. We laughed knowing that she is an exchange of my sister who lives in her birthplace, Colorado. Yes, she lives in Kuta now. So funny how people move in the world. Her boyfriend joined a bit later. He said that he’d rather participate in the war than standing in the heat for hours. Yes, we saw a foreigner guy joined the war. I wonder if he could take the medicine for the scratch. It’s turmeric and… vinegar!

We ended the day watching Tari Rejang. It’s like a debut for girls but girls of two to twenty years old could join. I enjoyed the kain they wear as part of the village attire. It's special textile that has special motifs and colors. They also wear a lot of gold jewelry. Very feminine. They stood in line in the pura courtyard listening to gamelan and didn’t move a lot. Only later they moved like dancing but only for short time. The show was closed by three perahuan performance. Perahuan is a woman or man dressed in all white that dance a bit 'wildly' in trance. I was a bit scared since I once thought a perahuan could be anybody in the audience. The music had hypnotic rhythms and sounds, and I was… in the cloud when a perahuan showed up among the audience not far from me. Aaarghhh…

I felt drained on the way back to Ubud. I went straight to shower and clean the whole body. What a nice day I had. I feel very rich.

Picture of Tari Rejang dancers walking to the pura courtyard.

Do you feel enough?

It’s another jomblo Saturday night (my cousins and friends could cry for me if I say this). I simply feel merry. Why? I have finished small irksome homework the past days. True what they say about the feeling of overcoming procrastination. It’s addictive. I looked around often to check out what still left undone.

But you’re still young and beautiful! A good friend from the uni days called me. He thought of me while driving. He’s worried that I’m not… happy! I assured him that this is the best time in my life. So he asked me to elaborate my definition of happiness. In the end of my explanation he just sighed You’re a different person now. What?! He’s happy for me in the end, that’s more important for me. Nice to know.

I went room hunting today. It seems July is visitor peak in Ubud (or Bali as well?), hardly any room available. Some friends from Jakarta have already checked out the royal palebon schedule next month for they are going to come to take pictures. More visitors in Ubud. Hm. I don’t plan a trip out next month. I want to stay for Neru, Pallava, and friends. It’s going to be a busy month that I look forward to.

I ran across two neighbors we didn’t realize we’re neighbors until today. The first one is Mendez, owner of my favorite Warung Mendez. I know he works in the neighborhood but I didn’t know that he runs a nice villa complex close to my house! So we talked about how we as orang Jawa ended up in Ubud since May last year, exactly the same month. How we enjoyed the place and feel cocok with the lifestyle. Of course, who doesn’t want to be an owner of a prestigious warung that runs beautiful villas and a guest chef for ambassadors in Jakarta?

The second neighbor I met at Ayu’s salon after I finished getting facial. A young family lives just off my house. I met the husband in a school campus where he works last February and the wife with two years old girl stay home. New Yorkers live in Ubud? They argued a bit about Ubud lifestyle the wife found still hard to adapt after four months. So when I said I feel cukup about the town, the husband could not agree more. He also feels enough. I feel it’ll take longer for the wife to agree with us.

Speaking of cukup, I feel more than enough when got home in twilight. I lit up a floor lamp that illuminates my room brightly. I treat myself. It’s Saturday night by myself. Who knows I might miss this moment later? I enjoy the Now.

Picture of a high roof built as part of the royal palebon next month.

What’s the trick?

I sat in Neru for a few hours displaying necklaces. I observed jewelry could work in attracting people especially ladies! I arranged them on tables near the display window and it had caught some ladies to stop and have a look. The trap hasn’t worked yet but I know it will catch the right fish some time soon.

Ubud streets are still quiet. I walked to Kafe to have lunch. I made a few stops. I’m happy that Neru is among nice shops in Jalan Hanuman. It’s artist street. Many nice shops selling products of one’s creativity. I feel sorry for us for not many shops are well exposed. I’d been walking in the street many times but still I missed some nice shops on the way. That’s when I understand how few-day-tourists missed Neru. Mood doesn’t always match. They might have passed Neru many times but the mood was not there to make them stop.

So I visited two very nice shops. One is a lampshade shop, decorative one, made of metal and glass a la Mediterranean. The owner is Indian. I took time to enjoy each piece. Wondering how he sells the products that have immaculately made. Each piece is so beautiful. How do these products get exposed? Ubud is small (or big that I don’t realize?).

The second shop is my favorite Danish silver designer. She lives in my neighborhood. I visited her third shop in the area. Does she make money out of the first two shops? I wonder. She has really nice silver shops. I always admire how people work and sell their art. It whips me to discipline. Can I do if I work harder? Grr…

Ubud is hot after lunch time. I couldn’t do more. My brain couldn’t work properly. Now I know why in Siem Reap tourists are encouraged to take siesta during the hottest hours of the day. It’s so hard to enjoy anything even nice things. I drove home before 3 in the afternoon. I already melted.

I could smile a bit now. The past three days I made significant progress. Now I know how to whip myself. I plan a nice trip that I look forward to but with conditions. I intimidate myself if I don’t do this-and-that I wouldn’t enjoy my trip. I repeat this to myself: How could I enjoy the trip if I still have homework to do back home? The trick has worked (kind of).

Picture of a woman statue my neighbor friend gave me to put in my bathroom.

When does the time off start?

I believe a holiday starts since the idea of going pops up. Arranging the trip is the next chore before getting up at 4 in the morning to go to airport! It’s the roller coaster feeling that we look for. Booking a fixed schedule flight at promo rate is first. Accepting the condition is like making a commitment to self, or it would cost us the ticket.

I spent almost all morning checking out hotels’ website and making phone calls. Getting a discounted room from a website is inviting but then it would be like making a bigger commitment because no show would cost us all the reserved nights. Booking directly to the hotel is secure but the rate won’t be that low. It seems regarding many things we have to pay premium for flexibility.

Now I know why my friends liked to contact me to get recommendation of hotel around Ubud or in Bali. They simplify the trip plan. A friend said that her cousin thought I were a travel agent that she had to tell the cousin to book herself. Hm. Actually I did the same, I contacted a good friend to get recommendation and he was so nice to visit hotels of my standard. Pity I didn’t take his recommendation because my travel mate has different idea. Another challenge when traveling with a mate I haven’t known yet. In what standard you are? Local style, branded, or the Aman group?

Anyway, it was fun. We had hilarious communication to decide what type of room and in what rate. My friend was happy when I told him that the hotel has ‘daily maid service’ as part of the room amenities. I’m happy to find myself more flexible than most people in arranging a trip. I could sleep in hard mattress and got wifi connection from the neighborhood although stay at one of the Amans' would be nice too! Bon voyage!

I ended up staying home. The weather was too nice. I ticked off some more items. Small but disturbing because takes time to get it done. It needs quiet as well. Now I know that I like to busy my mind so finishing a quiet item needs a big push. Anyway, it’s so nice to work in Ubud. I shared the feeling with my neighbor-to-be through email. Giving her idea not to hesitate to move soon...

Picture of neighbor-to-be’s land.

Would it be possible?

It was raining since I awoke in the dark. It’s pretty hard. I miss. It’s been long I didn’t enjoy the soothing sound. I stayed in bed for a while enjoying and wondering what I would do on the day.

I skipped doing laundry. I continued taking stock of necklaces. There were some mismatched between note and necklaces. I don’t want to burden myself with recalling. My friend had been nice helping me out in selling last year, I shouldn't burden her either. I just restart a new stock list for Neru. Oh I’d been too slow.

I spent some time in the noon at Pallava with Ngurah and Pak Agung rearranging the remaining stuffs so that the shop still looks active day and night from outside also preparing space for unpacking. I don’t have idea when the truck of Frangipani stuffs arrives. I would be away next week so I could not help with ideas later. I take easy, I realize more and more that actually there’s little aspect in business that I have 100% control. Many factors. It should be fine.

Ubud is still quiet when I passed downtown. Only a few tourists walked in the streets. The activities in Puri Ubud preparing the grande palebon have escalated. Jalan Suweta is closed for public now. I wonder how up market business up the street survives a month and half street closing. Huge bamboo frames for the sarcophagus and offering are under construction. Said it’s going to be the biggest palebon in the century because the man in question is Raja of Ubud. Hm. I have marked my calendar to make sure I would be around in the week of middle July. Ubud would be very busy receiving guests from other kingdoms in Indonesia and tourists from all over the world. What a month they pick!

I stayed home all afternoon enjoying the on-off drizzle. I’m happy with my progress. Another item ticked off. I often dream a life without items to tick off. Would it be fun? Would it be possible? It might be fun but impossible.

Picture of Bali classic art I spotted in slow traffic today.

What else can I do?

I often thought that I have all the time for myself or I have the highest command to decide how I would spend my day. Usually it’s true until 10 in the morning; the rest of the day is either for work, friends, or personal interest. The combination of two is already tight. Life in Ubud? Tight?

Having done household chores, I used the rest of morning taking stock of my long abandoned necklaces. I already have all my works in Ubud only hadn’t had time to set my hands on it for Neru. Taking stock is like playing Mahjong because I didn’t have memory for the batches anymore. This part of memory had been washed away by time. Time flies so quickly.

I kept checking time since I had lunch appointment with my neighbor friend. I could not skip although I also need to get necklace business done soon. My friend and I needed to sit and talk about our away-from-Ubud trip next week. This is going to be his first trip to Java after seven years! He looks forward and I? I have to baby sit him for three days as he is going without his troop of assistants. It seems he has made himself ready to go around without palanquin. Said two trunks of stuffs have been prepared for the trip. I believe…

The meeting was great. We picked up our air tickets together in a travel agent in the neighborhood. Oh so convenient! Apparently my good friend was in really good mood, I went home with a very very nice bronze statue depicts naked woman in sacred dancing pose. I found it sitting on top of his toilet, now it resides on top of mine. I’m happy to have an art piece I could enjoy in bathroom. It’s so good to find my friend in his high.

I spent the afternoon before dark in Ubud soccer field watching World Community Drum Circle as part of Annual Sacred Drum Festival. It’s funny that I often got Ubud happening calendar from my friend in Jakarta. The parking space was zero when I made my first round. I was about to drive home after made the second round to no avail. I tried my luck for the third time and it’s there! I parked near the field.

It’s a nice event that engaged the audience to play drums together and conducted by a facilitator (they call) in the center. The main facilitator is from the US and visited Bali for the first time. The others are Balinese and Japanese from Hong Kong, and I don’t know where. They are good in conducting some 200 mixed of Balinese and foreigner audience. A Japanese lady facilitator gave lesson in making different sounds with drum. She's very energetic. Some 100 in the audience were in charge of drums or other percussion instruments and the rest moved their body to the rhythm while clapping. I joined the latter because the instruments were all taken.

It was very alive. I noticed everybody smiled and laughed. It’s very uplifting for everyone. I ran across the heavily pregnant Ayu and husband. She was shy at first, she didn’t want to raise hands and clap. She giggled a lot though. So it’s good after someone handed her an instrument that she started to play. She laughed a lot and played the instrument while moving her body to the rhythm. I observed from the corner of my eyes. Before too long she’s very into the music like everybody else. It's like we were in a community trance.

An hour and half passed. I didn’t realize that I had stood that long. I moved a lot but didn’t feel tired. I bowed to the organizers. In Ubud, many are possible to happen. International book festival, world yoga and sacred dance festival, and now a two-hour annual world community drum circle. Those activities had engaged people in the field from other parts of the world to visit Ubud.

It got me thinking. What else can I do in Ubud?

Picture of the crowd in Drum Circle in Ubud soccer field this afternoon.

Why is so quiet here?

Ubud is so quiet. Soo quiet. Not many tourists walking. Traffic is super smooth. Many shopkeepers got together outside their shops. A day-long get together. I’m thinking about some people who run out of time and some others kill a day by sitting idly while chatting.

I ran to meet Metri to discuss more about reporting system for the two shops. I prefer to catch her in the morning before she starts working in the other shop. Some girls work for two business places, some hardly find job. I’m still looking for a girl to tend Neru but funny I feel: many girls want to earn money but been weeks I couldn’t get candidates. I’d talked to many people and they just promised to let me know if one interested. Over a month have passed now. It seems that people are happy with this quiet life. Mangan ora mangan waton ngumpul.

I spent time in Neru working out some pending emails. It’s true they say about emailing is time consuming (though I only spent some minutes on each issue). I still have lots of homework from Metri and others. Linda also sent me a bulk of files to work on. Well, maybe that’s how I should run my life or I end up sitting idly by the empty road of Ubud (that I like very much).

Pak Pugig, my landowner’s father, is hospitalized for the second time this month. I haven’t seen him since I left for Manila. It’s still fresh in mind the way he looked at me when he expressed good wishes when parting. Like father and daughter. He had brought activities in my compound: raking leaves and doing banten at least once a day. I miss him.

Picture of banten: a product of quietness.

What do you do in the afternoon?

Ah? Someone I met last night asked me how I spend time in Ubud. His wife snapped quickly Don’t ask her, she loves Ubud! Oh? She thought my thought would not represent major opinion about life in Ubud. She needs someone who says about different thing – not happy life in Ubud – because she heard many nice stories already. She wants to get a good mirror of life after years of living in big city.

The couple interviewed me about living in Ubud since they plan to move to Ubud soon. It’s still amazed me some times that people could decide a place for retirement without assessing the place before. I’d been in and out Ubud a couple of years when decided the place to spend the last part of my life. So when the time came, much sooner than I’d expected, it’s so easy for me to start living in the place. Anyway, I admire persons who are able to project. I’m not good in making major decision based on projection, I need to feel before.

I found it not easy to share with people how I spend my day. Like how I spent my Sunday today: I got up a bit late because I enjoyed morning in bed, I did big load of whites because I didn’t plan to go out (so could chase sunlight), I worked on issues I need to report and work on next week, I planned to write emails to seven name cards I got last night to share my contact (I forgot to bring name cards ugh), I planned to write several thank you emails, I planned to design new name card and paper bag… I planned? Yes, I haven’t done when I’m writing this post. The Ubudian-to-be couple invited me to lunch than check out their land. Yes!

Such unplanned item often filled my day. I’m happy to do as long as I don’t have tight schedule but I also noticed that lately I could only do shorter list. Life after 40s? Don’t tell me… I might be able to drag my body but my mind doesn’t cooperate so better not to push. In such circumstance, I just do what I feel like to do, not I need to do.

So how would I spend my evening? I need to clear up the list of ‘I planned’…

Picture of my whites near the pond this morning.

Can I continue delivering?

It’s Saraswati Day. Hari ilmu pengetahuan. Everyone dressed up for the day. It’s another nice day in Ubud. The offering is four times more, the activities are a lot more. School girls and boys are in baju adat and looked really happy. I didn’t realize but I’m happy to have chosen wearing all white today.

I read an interesting post in Paredes’ blog titled Is there a bodhisattva in your life? Paredes talks about everyday bodhisattva – those who guide us through the lessons we need to master by pointing out the obvious mistakes we should have learned earlier but keep repeating.

According to Buddhist belief, a bodhisattva is one who delays his own enlightenment or ascent to heaven in order to save others by leading them to their own salvation. They are the heroes who help get others liberated first before they enjoy their own liberation.It is interesting. It’s interesting to me since I become aware of everyday bodhisattva in my life after I live in Ubud. People here have ample time and space for others. They grow with desa kala patra concept – to also share time with community. Actually, they share more of their time with community than spend for selves.

I had long talk with a nominee this morning. A person whose name is given as having the ownership of a piece of land but who is not the actual owner. Nominee is a profession especially common in Bali because foreigners are not allowed to own land under their name. Anyway, the duty of a nominee is to look after the land entrusted to her/him. They act as if the owner in making sure the land has paid all duties to the government (tax) and banjar (joining fee, pura sesasih/donation, public facility access bill). All the usual cost as warga.

It sounds easy but I learned from her that actually those minor issues clinging to her daily life. Officers from the tax office or banjar could call her in the evening asking about this and that concerning her duty as warga. Since I knew such profession exists, I wonder the benefit of being a nominee because she works without pay. She gets percentage when the land is sold, that’s all. And most likely the land would never be sold. So?

She repeated many times that she likes to help and sees the landowner happy living in Bali. She feels malu if Balinese make things difficult for foreigners living in Bali since she believes Balinese will get benefit in many ways. Ah far from selfish thinking. Is she one of our everyday bodhisattvas? I bow in my heart.

She has given me lesson to continue delivering whatever challenges have to be faced because that’s the intention she has chosen to do. I also learn that I don’t have to worry about the pressure because in fact we have auto-regulation in self that signals us to stop when reaches a point we cannot bear anymore. She stops being a nominee after representing five clients. I’m glad to hear the answer to my wonder of when she calls it enough.

I spent nice afternoon and evening in Yeh Gangga, Tabanan, attending a good friend’s melaspas for her new house. It’s a big melaspas for a brand-new house, my driver Ana told me. I’m happy to travel an hour from Ubud for her. It’s nothing because she also has good friends flew from Manila and the US just for the event. It’s always nice to do nice things for other.

Picture of Yeh Gangga sky from my friend’s place.

Why worry?

Quiet day. I prefer to be quiet today. It was sunny all day but I didn’t do laundry. I didn’t go out. I did things against my biorhythm. I had lunch at 11. I ironed clothes at 2. I had coffee at 10.

Some times I feel I have taken life too seriously and suddenly I feel I have taken too much. So day like today is day to reset and regroup. What’s more important for me now?

Frangipani closing has created chaos. My staffs and the landowner. I am cowardice, I protect myself from the unpleasant things. I gave authorities to my staffs to decide and talk with the landowner. I sensed her unhappiness that she actually expressed it in sadness. I found myself staying away even more. I could help her in many ways but what she feels about missing me as renter, I could not help. I would call her after all the issues resolved.

That’s when I also noticed about myself. When I appear distant and gloomy, closed ones prefer to stay away from me, not the opposite. They might have the same reason I have for my landowner. It’s better to stay away till the sun shining again.

I spent early evening busying self in Pasar Ubud, supermarket, Neru, then motor biking with Ayu to Tebokang to have grilled fish I like. We ended the evening watching Balawan in a café. As youngster, I thought she liked any kind of music but again… what I thought is not necessarily what she feels. Good Balawan had more easy listening music later so we could stay till the first session ended.

Neru has reminded me. Egoless. Nothingness. I don’t have to think about many things too seriously. It’s not necessarily serious for others anyway.

Picture of street art in Nicanor Garcia Street, Makati City.

What makes me happy today?

I had a great day but I don’t feel like writing. I happened to read Eight Tips for Making You Happier in The Next Hour and feel the eight tips could help me breaking down my day:

1. Boost your energy: stand up and pace while you talk on the phone or, even better, take a brisk ten-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. Plus, because of “emotional contagion,” if you act energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic, too.

I enjoyed my busy morning so much. I did many and systematically. It boosts my energy for the day. True. It’s good to know that busy body has sped up metabolism. And the sunlight? No doubt. It brings shine to my face and mood too. I felt it when I drove this morning. Here I love having the reason to drive long distance. Being driven is also nice.

2. Reach out to friends: make a lunch date or send an email to a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Having warm, close bonds with other people is one of the keys to happiness, so take the time to stay in touch. Somewhat surprisingly, it turns out that socializing boosts the moods not only of extroverts, but also of introverts.

Yes, my friend who lives in Denpasar asked me to meet after my meeting today. I said yes right away. It’s nice catch up under trees in the cool breeze of Sanur. Fab! Later I got a catch-up email from long time acquaintance-becomes-friend. I had reached out and she returned it. Those have made me simply happier.

3. Rid yourself of a nagging task: answer a difficult email, purchase something you need, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and cheer, and you’ll be surprised that you procrastinated for so long.

I made little progress in this department. I only sent a brief text to Linda asking her to send soft-copy of irksome homework for me to get done shortly. I have procrastinated very long and time has pushed me to finish it now.

4. Create a calmer environment: clear some physical and mental space around your desk by sorting papers, pitching junk, stowing supplies, sending out quick responses, filing, or even just making your piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizeable dent. Try to get in the habit of using the “one minute rule”—i.e., never postpone any task that can be completed in less than one minute. An uncluttered environment will contribute to a more serene mood.

I did tidying up my space before left this morning. I sorted out laundry according to colors and treatment since got back from marathon travel. I realized I couldn’t finish the laundry after ten days now so no point to separate. I shoved it back to a large basket for sorting out later. I got my floor back. It’s so easy to feel serene actually.

5. Lay the groundwork for some future fun: order a book you’ve been wanting to read (important: not something you think you should read, but something you want to read) or plan a weekend excursion to a museum, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening store, movie theater—whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; people enjoy almost all activities more when they’re with other people than when they’re alone.

I planned out two itineraries for next weekend’s trips with closed friends in and out Bali. Yes, it’s the anticipation that makes me happy. Not just that, seeing my good friends’ excitement has also given me good feeling. Yes yes yess…

6. Do a good deed: make an email introduction of two people who could help each other, or set up a blind date, or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do good, feel good—this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

Mmm what did I do today? I gave Mbo Yan’s number to my friend who enjoys good massage and will have boyfriend coming in two weeks. She looked so excited when I told about Mbo Yan’s great hands.

7. Act happy: put a smile on your face right now, and keep smiling. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile has a positive influence on your emotions—turns out that just going through the motion of happiness brightens your mood. And if you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.

I believe. If I smile, even motor bikers like to return my smile malu-malu after they cut my way. Tidak apa-apa.

8. Listen to your favorite music. Studies show that listening to music is one of the most effective ways to boost your energy and mood (second only to exercise). In fact, in one study, 92% of people felt happier when they listened to music they liked. For an added boost, dance around the room, too.

The past two days I listened to my iPod with speakers. I have rock music collection in my tiny Shuffle so I’m happy to listen to energy boosting music anytime of the day. I dance around the room when listening to Yes and Duran Duran (yes I belong to the great 80s). And Rick Wakeman’s piano collection had stopped me from doing things, the music is too beautiful to be listened as background. It comes out as foreground by itself.

Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal. To the contrary. Studies show that happier people are more sociable, likeable, healthy, and productive—and they’re more inclined to help other people. So in working to boost your own happiness, you’re benefiting others as well. In fact, I think we have a duty to be happy.

Agree!

Picture of happy kids in three-wheeler in Intramuros, Manila.