Ministry of Zero

Hello, everyone.
I hope you are doing good despite we're still living in the COVID-19 pandemic era.

It's 31 December 2021 and, of course, I am here to share my recap of the year!
As usual, the format will be different from the previous years and, yes, it might be shorter than usual (read: I just write the way I feel like I want to do it).

For  previous references: 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020

< Jan >

Kicking off the new year, there's nothing special that I did on on the first day of the year. Maybe I'm the minority but, as the years pass, I guess I just see the New Year Day as the first day of the new year only. I mean... That's that? I always prefer staying at home and watch movies until late -- of course, not that I will reject all invitations if there's any (although I will think again due to this COVID-19 situation).

Anyway, my January is pretty basic with movies, work, and preparation for Chinese New Year.

Recurring activities of the month: [Netflix] K-Drama: Sweet Home. I am always a fan of mystery/thriller genre.

Recommendation of the month: [Webtoon] Omniscient Reader.

I attended a wedding reception for the first time since the pandemic began; it's the wedding of Siddharta, my senior at previous company, and Celine. There's also the Chinese New Year where some of my good friends sent me hampers -- thanks, everyone!
In the same month, I also heard the news of Actor Ng Man Tat has passed away due to liver cancer at 70 -- he's like one of the legendary actors that filled my childhood movie-time. Rest in peace.

Recurring activities of the month: [Social Media] Clubhouse

Recommendation of the month: [Food] Kwetiau Arang Sister

Recurring activities of the month: [Travel] Staycation plus trying new food.

Recommendation of the month: [Netflix] K-Drama: Vincenzo

< Apr >

It's Easter! I also went to Tangerang for the first time in the year to meet up with my best friends there (Brenda, Valentcia, Shandy). I realized that most of my friends stay in Tangerang now, lol.

There's nothing much happened in April but I think it's the month where I spent most of my hours with the screen for TV series or anime.

Recurring activities of the month: [Music] Yuki Kajiura's songs dominated my playlist

Recommendation of the month: [Manga/Anime] Jujutsu Kaisen, [Netflix] Girl from Nowhere

< May >

Contrary from April, I had lot of activities in May. Like meeting up with Monica for the first time since her wedding on Jan 2020, met up with Hani, Yuka, Lili for the first time since early 2020, tried to purchase clothes from thrift shop, visited Museum Macan.
I also celebrated my 30th birthday -- you can check it here for more details.

Then on 29 May, when I met up with Brenda and Valentcia for lunch, I had the first conversation with the kennel where I decided to buy a new dog.

Recurring activities of the month: [Music] Highlight - Not The End; it's their comeback after all of them have completed mandatory military service!

Recommendation of the month: [Manga/Anime] Kimetsu no Yaiba, [Netflix] K-Drama: Move to Heaven, [Food] Kaibaibo Korean Bakery

< Jun >

Loki, a Corgi, joined the family on 4 June, exactly on my Mom's birthday, Loki arrived. I spent most of my June to play, teach, and take care of him as he's still a puppy. You can read here for more details.

I also attended Yuka and Hani's wedding reception as her bridesmaid, went to my first all-you-can-eat sushi at Nonama Restaurant, and got my first COVID-19 vaccine on 21 June.

Recurring activities of the month: [Pet] Loki, Loki, and Loki!

Recommendation of the month: [Netflix] K-Drama: Hospital Playlist Season 2

< Jul >

Dreamcatcher is back! Their music video is heavily inspired by "Us" -- a very recommended movie as well. I also purchased the album and, not proud of it, despite how much I love them, I never actually purchased their album previously.

On July, I also received the goods news of promotion at work. It's a significant one so I'm really thankful for the opportunity and trust!

Recurring activities of the month: [Pet] Still, Loki. He's only 3 to 4 month-year-old on July.

Recommendation of the month: [Anime] Fruits Basket

< Aug >

Gold medal Olympic for Indonesia! Thank you Greysia Polli and Apriyani Rahayu!
I attended a mass (physically) for the first time on 7 August as I was invited for the wedding mass of my best friend since college, Shandy, and his beloved wife now, Adel. And, with that, I also had my first experience with Antigen test.

Recurring activities of the month: [Apple TV+] Servant. Mythic Quest. Since I got 3-month free subscription since I bought the iPhone 12 in the end of July, I streamed whatever I can within the month, lol

Recommendation of the month: [Apple TV+] Ted Lasso. Must watch.

< Sep >

I'm finally fully vaccinated on 13 September! Yoseob also announced his comeback as solo with "Chocolate Box" album. "Squid Game" is getting worldwide popularity. Despite it's not my favorite, I'd still recommend it.
On 24 September, we visited Dogs Ministry again. This time with Loki (9-month-old) as well and he had swimming time actually!

Recurring activities of the month: [Game] Doraemon: Story of Seasons. I love to play game but, unfortunately, once I play, I cannot really stop. It's like hit big or not at all. This game is similar to Harvest Moon which is, I think, one of the first games I played on PlayStation platform. I ended up with Nintendo Switch Lite afterwards so I could play it. Oh, yeah, I haven't really touched it for weeks.

Recommendation of the month: [Netflix] K-drama: Squid Game. You know. You definitely know.

< Oct >

I finally went out of the town to... Bandung! I took a bus (Jackal Holidays) from Seasons City. 4D3N is good enough quick escapade from the routine life. It's also the place where I lost my audio converter for both of my phones (Type C and lightning).
My Mom took MRT for the first time where I helped her to purchase a pair or running shoes (which I don't think she wears often nowadays). I also attended an intimate wedding reception of a good friend and colleague, Robby, and Freshca. The second wedding I attended in 2021!
Psst, we celebrated Luna 9th birthday on 28 October! On 30 October, I watched Dreamcatcher's Halloween Midnight Circus!

Recurring activities of the month: [Music] I'm repeating "my long forgotten cloistered sleep" for hundred times.

Recommendation of the month: [Netflix] Midnight Mass.

< Nov >

I met up with friends and took MRT while exchanging stories, managed to watch some old and good movies (Memento, Whiplash), also visited a friend's house at Alam Sutera!
And... I purchased the limited Minalima edition of Harry Potter books (only the first and second book are released until now). Then on 28 November, I went to Alam Sutera to enjoy the beach vibe (lol) at Hey Beach and also celebrating Brenda's belated birthday! On the next day, it's my brother's 28th birthday.

Recurring activities of the month: [Pet] I'm making it a routine to take Loki for a night walk after work at a nearby housing complex.

Recommendation of the month: [Manga] Summertime Rendering. Must. Read. I finished it in 3-4 days because it's sooo good. It will have anime adaptation in 2022.

< Dec >

My brother decided to buy a car (after longgg discussion) then I finished the driving courses (yeay me!) which I took at Satria Jayanti - branch Tanjung Duren. You know what, I definitely still need time to adjust myself behind the wheel.

Travel to Medan is definitely the highlight of the year. My last visit to Medan is in April 2014.
I actually planned to go to Bali but, since my father is staying in Medan since March 2021, I decided to go to Medan with my mother (then my Aunt and Uncle followed as well so, apparently, it's me who tagged along, lol).
I had 1 night spent at Eco-village Silimalombu which is located in Pulau Samosir. It's a very unique experience but I'd need to spend more time there to get more new experiences! Psst, I watched the sunrise at 6:30AM there!

Recurring activities of the month: [Gift] Receiving and sending Christmas Hampers.

Recommendation of the month: [Movie] No Way Home, especially if you're a fan of Spider-man.

Well. That's my 2021.
I'm blessed. I'm safe. I'm healthy. I'm all good.

Let's hope for better year in 2022 :)