Three Things that Make Me Happy Today

1. I'm somewhat recovered from my fever and severe headache of the past 3 days. Hence, I was able to conduct my church choir for 2 services in the morning. Then teaching Angelic Choir with other laoshi-es. And finally rehearsed with some of the church choir for Bang Albin's wedding.

2. I bought Catching Fire! The second book of The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

After watching The Hunger Games movie, I put the book on my wishlist for Christmas and got it from my office mate. After reading it, I want to continue I decided to buy this second book :) Fortunately, I could buy it today.

3. I finished all preparation for my new motorbike to be able to take it on the road!

After buying it, I needed to wait for 2 weeks for the STNK to be ready. After receiving it along with 2 plates of the vehicle number, I needed to fix them to the bike of course. Alas, I have no tools. So I went to a small workshop, bought 2 plates that function as the frame (so I did not need to have the plates drilled), and let the mechanics fix them for Rp.25.000,- (it includes the price of the frame plates, which are Rp.20.000,-)

So, I'm happy :)

Stardust - the Film and the Book

Just finished reading Neil Gaiman's Stardust. This is the first time I think the story line in a film adaptation is better than in the book. I think the plot in the film is more exciting and dramatic.

After a quick Googling: "..the movie version has a greater element of whimsy and humor, with Gaiman's blessing given to the screenwriters. Gaiman did not want people to go to the theater to see a film that attempted to be completely loyal to Stardust the book and failed."

Glad that Gaiman stated that :)

My favorite scenes from the movie were 1) when Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) was admiring herself after she's turning younger and  2) when Lamia suddenly burst an explosive charm on Ditchwater Sal who quickly tried to defend herself.