A Series of Jumbled Thoughts

Although it was kind of obvious from the very beginning, some may not know that I am a teenager - a female one too. But seriously, it's written in the description of this blog.

So yes, I'm a teenager and right now, I'm still a freshman in high school. That makes me a year 9 student (in the UK) or a ninth grader (in the US). In Indonesia I'm in my last year of SMP (SMP is kind of Indonesia's version of middle school, but consists of students from year 7 to year 9). I go to a school called SMP Negeri 8 Yogyakarta, also known as Bhawara. It is one the best - if not the best - schools in Yogyakarta. This is my third - and final - year of studying in this school. This may not be such a big deal for some people, but for me, it's very upsetting. Although I am excited of the future that I will have beyond my years in Bhawara, I cannot help but constantly think about how much I'll miss this school.

Why is it such a big deal? Well, when I first came to Bhawara, as a small year 7 student, I'd just come back from the UK. Other than that, before I headed off to Newcastle upon Tyne, my parents always signed me up to private schools - I had never been to a public school. Imagine how terrified I was, going to a school with an environment I don't recognise, in a country I've not lived in for four - almost five - years. That is why I will always remember this school. Because it is the first public school in Indonesia that I have ever studied in, since coming back from the UK.

When I stepped into the school for the very first time, everything felt so different, so strange (in a good way), so foreign. Honestly, I thought I was going to have an extremely difficult time adapting to this new environment and finding some new friends. But that wasn't the case at all. Everyone made sure that I felt welcome, and my classmates where kind enough to not isolate me and to treat me like they would any other. Soon, I finally found a place among these 320 or so students, a place where I really did fit in. I've also found great friendship among these people. A friendship that I will always hold on to, and friends who will always hold a dear place in my heart.

Not only did I find friends here, I have also found the most precious treasure anyone could ever find; knowledge. The lessons that I have learnt so far don't always come from the great teachers of Bhawara, but also from the experiences I've gathered from the years I've spent here. These experiences will leave a mark in my mind as memories. Memories I will hold on to, until the day I die (hopefully).

Being a part of the Bhawara community brings so much joy to the series of randomness that is my life. This school offers one thing, and one thing only; and that is greatness. I only have best wishes for Bhawara, and I can't wait to see what the next generation of pupils will grant this school. I hope that my generation will leave this school with satisfying achievements.

I salute the teachers who have taught us with as much patience as they have. I salute both our seniors, and juniors for putting up with our nonsense. And I salute this generation (our generation) of pupils for never losing hope throughout this three-year journey.

Red Queen is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy book series written by Victoria Aveyard. It tells the story of a girl, set in a kingdom divided by blood - Red or Silver.

The Reds are misfits, slaves to the Silvers. While the Silvers possess deadly superpowers, the Reds are merely ordinary human beings. Mare is a Red. She's a peasant. A thief, to be exact. Stealing from crowds of people, just to try ad feed her family - that's her life. It has always been that way, until one day, Mare discovers that she has a deadly power of her own. But what she has yet to realise is that her powers can easily be used as a weapon. She is forced to become a completely different person. She is forced to take part in a dangerous game. She thought that this is a game she understood. But this - a game of lies an betrayal - is something she has definitely not understood.

The Reds have always been treated like dirt by the Silvers. It has always been their way of life. But on one faithful day, a group of Reds decided that enough is enough. These Red-blooded rebels call themselves the Scarlet Guard. They are a group of young people, led by a tough, strong-willed - and at times, very understanding young woman, named Farley. With a strong, leader guiding them, they are capable of starting a war. They have started a war. Soon enough, Mare becomes the key to winning this war.

That was all I could write on the synopsis of the first book, without spoiling it. Honestly, I really enjoyed this book. It was definitely a fun read for me. Victoria Aveyard did a fantastic job at capturing every moment and making it last forever in our minds. Her phenomenal writing skills can be witnessed throughout the whole book, but shines brightly through her action scenes. This book is incredibly action-packed, and will have you asking for more by the end of it.

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Let's discuss the characters who were introduced to us in this series. First of all, Mare. Can I just say, I absolutely adore Mare. Yes, she's a strong female character, but she also makes a lot of mistakes. She's someone who's not afraid to look weak in front of others, and I love that about her. I really do enjoy reading about how she matures and becomes more of herself. I feel like she is a great fictional role model. We are also introduced to Kilorn who I don't hate, but also don't love. I find him quite annoying, although he is also amusing to read about, at times. I feel like he just doesn't understand Mare as much as he thinks he does. Next up is Cal. He ended up as one of my favourite characters, beside Farley. He's just so pleasant to read about. I was really interested by his way of thinking. He is a Silver but so kind and understanding towards the Reds. Of course I can't go on without mentioning his relationship with Mare. I really feel as if the only people who truly understand Mare are Cal and Maven. Speaking of, right now, I'm really unsure whether I love, like, or straight up hate Maven. I don't think I hate him, though, for I've always had a soft spot for great villains. Now, on to Farley. I have so much love for this character. She's strong and stern, but never afraid to manipulate the rules or orders, simply because she thinks it is the right thing. Although, at first, she seems a little intimidating, she ends up being a very lovable character - for me, anyway.

In conclusion, I cannot wait to continue this series. As of right now, I am on the second book. The third book just came out this past month. It is said that the main series will include four books in total, and I am beyond excited to read them all.

Many people may disagree with me, but "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" really did disappoint me. So, I'm hoping Episode VIII will be a lot better.

About two or three weeks ago, the title of the upcoming Star Wars movie was released, and I was ecstatic. "The Last Jedi". I can already tell from that title that it's going to be an epic addition to the Star Wars saga. Like I said, The last installment disappointed me a little. I loved the new characters, but the story line did not excite me. Even though there were some plot twists that hit me straight in the heart (I'm talking that one plot twist that brought tears to our eyes), the overall plot, I found, was quite unoriginal. I'm hoping that "The Last Jedi" will not only introduce us to exciting and complex characters, but also give us a brand new, exciting story.

Now, I want to talk about the characters I'm most excited to see on the big screen in eleven months. The first character is Luke Skywalker. Luke Skywalker is an iconic character. He's pretty much the most important character in this saga. However, in the previous film, he didn't get as much time on screen as other characters. So, I'm really excited to the story line that screenwriter and director Rian Johnson has cooked up for him. Next up is, of course, Kylo Ren/Ben Solo. In the last movie, I fell in love with this particular character. While some may think of him as a bad guy, I think he is just an incredibly misunderstood character. To me, he is probably the most complex character in the Sequel Trilogy. I also think his story line could be the most interesting. I'm very excited to see this character evolve. I would also love to see how he would interact with his mother, Princess Leia, and his uncle, Luke. Speaking of our beloved Princess Leia, she also happens to be one of the many characters I am looking forward to watch on the big screen. Like I said before, I would love to see a mother-and-son moment between her and her son, Ben Solo/Kyol Ren. I would also like to see how she is dealing with the death of her beloved husband. At the end of 2016, actress Carrie Fisher (best known for playing this iconic character) sadly passed away. She is a fantastic actress and a great role model. She will definitely be remembered for being a strong and courageous woman. Last but definitely not least, Rey and Finn. I really am excited to see what's next for Rey. She is a beautiful, brave, strong, and independent woman who, I think, is a great role model for many young girls - or young women - out there. This past year, I've been reading many theories on her story line, and I can't wait to see what will actually happen to her. In the last film we saw her say goodbye to Finn, an ex-stormtrooper who had the guts to flee from the First Order. In this upcoming film I would really like to see how he matures and finds his true self.

I think that's all I have to say about the upcoming installment of Star Wars entitled "The Last Jedi". It's still a long wait but I know tat in the end, it will be worth it. May the force be with us.

"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." - Cersei Lannister during the final confrontation with Eddard Stark.

While many people enjoy the A Song of Ice and Fire book series, a lot more of them enjoy the TV Series. What makes this show so special? Well, we all know that this show wouldn't even exist without George R. R. Martin's epic saga, but honestly, the show and the books are completely different things.

First of all, the story line of the show, I find, is quite different to that of the books. You may find many characters in the books have not yet been (or maybe will never be) featured in this universally acclaimed series. Some characters' names have also been changed. Now, this may annoy many fans of the books, but I for one, am not complaining.

This show has made a name for itself, even though, like I said before, it would be nothing without the books. Seriously, I have a lot of respect for David Benioff & D. B. Weiss, who are the creators of this show. It must have been a huge pressure on them. On a slightly different note, the writing in this show is phenomenal and for that I have a lot of respect for George R. R. Martin and everyone who has helped with the writing of this show. Some may argue that I am too young to be watching this show, but I can't stop now, for I am already in too deep.

The cast of Game of Thrones at the 2016 Primetime Emmy Awards

I also adore the cast of this show. One of my absolute favourite things to do is watch a Game of Thrones blooper reel. Honestly, this cast can still manage to be goofy while on the set of one of the most dramatic shows on earth. Aside from that, of course, their acting is amazing. I admire them for being able to not only portray, but also to actually bring their characters to life.

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The one and only, Daenerys Targaryen

This show has been running for 6 (almost 7) years now (since 2011). It discusses very important matters, like war, politics, sexuality, feminism, and many other topics. Over the years, this show has definitely taught me a lot. It is - perhaps it will always be - my favourite TV series. David Benioff, D. B. Weiss, and of course, George R. R. Martin have done a fantastic job.