I swear I miss writing yet I keep finding myself making up reasons not to write. Well, I'll have two posts this month: one for a quick update of my 2023 so far -- because the details will be unveiled by the end of the year, as always. Another one is for a short story inspired by one of my favorite songs.
This one will be the quick update, as stated in the title.
2023 days seriously went through so quickly -- not as quick as the pandemic though.
I visited Cilegon, Bandung, Purwakarta, and Tangerang a lot this year; mostly due to work. I completed a project which lasted almost a year. I met a lot of new people and built new relationships. I made my new passport; the last one has expired. I went to new places, including the Hong Kong trip I had with my Mom two weeks ago. I learned the hard way about having expectations, disappointment, and what's best for us does not always mean the best for others.
Me at HK MTR Station on last day!
I'm still in disbelief that 2023 will come to an end in less than 80 days actually. Moving forward, I will have another trip to Bali next week! (half-trip for self, half-trip for office event) There is another trip for Christmas and that means...
I need to increase my savings! *sheepish smile*
I have no idea what 2023 still keep in store for me, but, oh well, let's just face it!
Until next post! I'll write a short story based on a song (again) in the next one! ;)
Before we get into the reason behind this title post, I have 3 things to update here:
1. First vaccination: done!
Yes, I already received my first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on 21 June 2021. I will receive the second dose on 13 September 2021. With the rising numbers of positive cases (again) recently, the vaccination programs gain even more attention from the public. Hopefully, everyone will get the vaccines soon!
I am never good with selfie so, please, pardon me, lol
2. New family member: woof!
On 4 June 2021, on my Mom's birthday, a new family member arrived at our house! After a week or so considering everything, I finally adopted/purchased a Pembroke Welsh Corgi!
Isn't he the cutest? (until his sharp teeth meet your skin though, lol)
His birth name is Gandalf but I decided to name it after one of my favorite names ever since I was in junior high school: Loki. He was born on 24 March 2021 so he's only 2 months when we welcomed him home. For your information, we never took care of a puppy before; usually, they're adults already when we started taking care of them.
The difference? This little boy is VERY active. He loves running around, playing stuff, biting toys (and our hands or feet, lol). We're trying to train him well. So far his potty training is going (kind of) well, he listens (kind of) well to sit and shake (right) hand. He can get along (sometimes) with our beloved 8-year-old Shihtzu, Luna.
On 8 June, he was sick with a fever. He barely did anything so we brought him to a vet. On the next day, he wasn't showing any better signs so we drove to Jakarta Pet Care Center in Pluit for another checkup and the vet diagnosed him with flu and cough but no virus (we did the test). We needed to give him medicine daily for the next 10 days but, after 2 days, he's showing healthy signs already! He's all good now as well!
Wish us luck to train him to do more tricks ;)
Hello from Loki
3. Entertainments: what's new?
Netflix on the roll, of course! I have watched "Rurouni Kenshin: The Final" and currently celebrating the weekly new episode of "Hospital Playlist" Season 2. Also following "Loki" TV Series on Disney+.
Recently, instead of my Spotify K-Pop playlist, I often listen to YouTube for Japanese songs (anime, GRANRODEO, cover songs like kobasolo, Harutya, etc). This brings us to the main reason I'm writing this post.
As usual, I get inspiration to write something whenever I listen to songs that I like. I don't think I can commit myself to write a longer story so I'll be happy to put the words here for now.
I have 3 songs in mind which I have been listening to for the past few days so... I'll just pick one.
I'd recommend listening to the song while reading it.
Hopefully, it's a short story that you'll enjoy.
Inspired by
"Kimi no Namae"
by Fujikawa Chiai
The 1st ending theme of anime "The Rising of the Shield Hero"
Hope
"What am I looking at the empty sky?"
Another grey morning sky.
He heaved a sigh, resting his forehead on the window. For the next few seconds, he just stared at the sky blankly before finally straightening his body and turned around to face his messy working table.
He reached out the sealed white envelope that he had been trying to ignore since it arrived two days ago. Again, as if it would change anything, he read the sender's name silently.
"Why...," he whispered to no one, "...does it still hurt?"
"I don't even know the reason for waking up
I am too afraid of believing things
Because I've thrown everything away"
After hesitating for another hour, he finally opened the envelope carefully. He did not find a handwritten letter like the one he received last month and two months ago. This time, the sender gave him a ticket to a small, private musical performance.
"Hope," he read the title printed on the ticket, frowning with confusion. "It's tonight..."
He checked the envelope again but found nothing that would explain anything about the ticket. Never once in his life, he attended a musical performance. The title was sounded so foreign for him and looking up for it on the internet did not help either. There was no reason for him to go to the unknown event.
Putting the ticket back inside the envelope, he shook his head and placed the white envelope back on the table. He walked to the door, ready to leave the room, and pretended that he saw nothing just now.
His hand was already on the doorknob when a thought crossed his mind.
Did he really have no reason to go?
"A world like this should just disappear
My heart is full of resentment, it's about to burst
What can I believe in?"
"Welcome to Orion Theater," a young woman greeted him politely.
It's ten minutes before the showtime. Wearing his favorite black shirt, his mind was still wondering if it's a wise decision to come at all. He gulped, feeling nervous all of a sudden and starting to think that he should return.
"Are you here to watch 'Hope', Sir?" the young woman asked, keeping a professional smile on her face. "This is a private event so, don't worry, there will be no more than twenty people attending the show."
He was not really listening. His mind was visited by unwanted memories, causing him to sweat even though the air conditioners were working perfectly inside the building. Clenching his fists, he closed his eyes and took a step back.
He felt as if he just wanted to disappear now before even more memories came and hit him harder.
"Sir," the young woman spoke softly, "the show is going to start soon."
"The floating clouds keep piling up on that day
They remind me that I've failed to keep your promise
And I endure it myself"
"Hey."
A familiar voice brought him back to the Earth. The person tapped his shoulder lightly, calming him somehow, "Are you alright?"
He looked up to the person as his eyes widened with disbelief, "Arvin?"
Arvin smiled at him before giving a small nod to the young woman who worked as the ticketing officer, showing her the ticket, "The show hasn't started yet, right?"
"It will start in five minutes, Sir," she responded, checking the ticket before returning it to Arvin. "Thank you, Sir. You can step in now."
"Where is your ticket?" Arvin turned his attention back to his friend. "Can't go in without a ticket, you know. Let's go. I don't want to miss the show."
He was so confused because Arvin sounded like he had been waiting for the musical performance. Not to mention that it looked like Arvin had expected to see him here.
Taking out his own ticket from the pocket, he finally handed it over to the officer who gave them the direction to go straight to the staircase and turned right to find the available best seats. Arvin thanked her and gave a sign to his friend to follow him.
"Enjoy the show, Sir."
"I doubt my life and deceive myself
My tears have already completely dried up
I keep repeating the bad things, drown in the dreams
And, just like that, I lose my way"
Arvin sat to his right, making himself comfortable on the seat. The lights were already dimmed so he could not really see the people around him when he walked in but he was sure he saw one or two persons that he had met before.
He clutched his shirt, having mixed feelings of confusion, sorrow, and anger. He wanted to ask Arvin about the invitation but, before he could even think of the words, a middle-aged man had caught his attention by standing on the stage in suits.
"Welcome to Orion Theater, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Hart, the owner of this beloved theater. Today is a very special day as 'Hope' will have its one and only musical performance here. I want to thank you all of the musical casts who have trained so hard for the past three months and...," the man stopped, scanning the audience as if he was looking for someone.
"I want to thank all of you who have made time to come here. Without further ado, Orion Theater presents to you...," Hart announced with a proud smile.
"Hope."
"But then...
See, your voice saves me by keep calling and calling me"
'Hope' told a story of a man who loved to sing and dreamed about becoming a professional singer. He lived alone in an apartment, far from his family who lived overseas due to his father's job. The man usually recorded himself singing some cover songs and uploaded it on the internet without revealing his real identity.
One day, he was humming one of his favorite songs while working as a part-timer at a coffee shop. Apparently, a customer recognized his voice, telling him that she was a fan of his covers.
"Neo?" the actress who portrayed the girl called out the man's name cheerfully. Her face beamed with happiness when she finally met the voice that always accompanied her through music. "Hi, Neo!"
The two became friends quickly as both of them loved music despite the difference in their ways to show it.
While she loved to hear him singing, he really appreciated her songwriting skill. She let him listened to her creative works. They would call each other, talking about their daily routines and ideas to discuss.
They finally made a promise that she would write special songs for him and he would sing them.
"But now...
That's right, your singing voice is just like the break of dawn
The gentle light that you gave me are filling my sad heart completely"
"Neo," she stopped playing the guitar, tilting her head cutely as she looked at the man who was sitting across from her. "Have I ever told you that your voice helped me through my darkest days?"
The man chuckled, "Yeah, you were rejected by your crush, failed your college exam, and got caught in the rain on your birthday. You're trying so hard not to cry but, when you accidentally heard one of my covers, you finally cried your heart out."
"You made it sound like it's a bad thing!" she hit his shoulder playfully. "Well, of course it is bad but... It's the first time that I feel that a voice can make me feel warm. Can you believe it? Someone that I didn't know at all. Yet your voice made me feel that I am not alone and it's okay for me to cry because I've done good enough."
"You always do," he ruffled her hair. "Cry but-"
"But show the world the even better you tomorrow, right?" she completed his sentence.
The two laughed.
"Although the true hope...
The true hope that you give me is still small
But it is keeping me on the right track"
Little did she know, Neo also felt that he was saved by her. He was not really sure what to do or which direction to go as he did not really have a close friend, not to mention he lived alone. He spent most of his time working part-time jobs or singing in his own room.
Meeting her actually changed his life somehow.
He became more friendly to his friends at college. He tried new things, from cooking to visiting new places. He made new memories, celebrating his life to the fullest.
One day he decided to reveal his true identity on the internet. He would do that when he published the original songs written by her.
The day never came.
"And the warm feelings that you gave me...
That's right, in return, I will keep calling for your name
I'll hold your hands tightly, I'll never let go"
She was sick.
There were times she mentioned headaches but she believed that it's because she often stayed too late to write songs. She lost appetite and often dropped things, feeling not well to go to somewhere new with Neo to find new inspiration.
She did not tell Neo when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
She did not tell Neo when she was hospitalized because she was not able to do daily activities anymore without feeling like someone hit her head over and over again.
"Yeah, sorry, Mom still wants to stay here for a little while," she said to him on the phone, telling him that she needed to accompany her mother in another city. "Don't worry. Original songs are still in progress! I will send them to you as soon as possible. No. No e-mail. I will send it through the mail just because I want to!"
She did send it. She kept the promise.
She prepared three different envelopes to be sent out one for each month.
Unfortunately, she could not send it to Neo by herself anymore.
"No matter where you are, no matter how many times
I'll keep calling for your name again and again
Until my voice is lost"
Neo received the first letter from her and, as he read the letter, the female cast performed the voice-over for the audience of the performance to be able to know what's written in the letter which came along with the pieces written by her and a demo track in a CD.
"I'm sorry for hiding this from you. I'm sorry that I am not able to stay by your side when you're singing anymore. These are the songs that I've written for you. I poured my heart into these pieces as the lyrics remind me of you, especially the one titled 'Hope' so... I hope you will always remember me the way we met for the first time.
Remember, Neo, your voice saved me. It's your singing that I listened to when I was fighting the war inside my head.
Who knows that somewhere, someone might be saved when you're singing these songs that I have written for you, right?"
Neo never sang it. He was heartbroken. He felt useless. Instead of what she asked him to do, Neo stopped singing. He stopped uploading anything. He was drowned in sorrow, blaming himself since he felt that he should notice something was up when she left the city for a long time.
She knew him very well.
The second letter arrived the next month. It's shorter than the first letter.
"You haven't sung them, have you? I knew it.
Don't blame yourself. It's me who didn't tell you.
Sing the songs, okay? For me."
Both of the letters were kept by Neo but he never tried to listen to the demo track nor singing the lyrics.
The third letter arrived.
"Neo. Thank you for coming here," the voice-over echoed in the theater.
You see, Arvin, your best friend, helped me to prepare all of these. Well, to be exact, I only wrote it but never sent it to him so, no, he did not know about my condition. I have feelings that my letters would not reach your heart. I hope this one will work for you.
Remember what you told me? It's okay to cry as long as you show the world the better you tomorrow.
I'm thankful that you cry for me, Neo, but I would appreciate it even more if you remember me when you're singing my song.
When you're singing, it's like you're calling out my name, you know?
So, Neo, I really wish you can sing again like you always do.
Like how I love you."
"Before the break of dawn, I look at the rainbow
In a world where no lie exists, I want to love you more and more"
The performance had ended.
Some of the audiences, including Arvin, clapped to appreciate the performance. Hart returned to the stage, thanking the cast and audiences once again before announcing the last message, "This performance would never happen without the help of Arvin who was contacted by her parents after they found her letters, along with the three letters she had prepared for Neo."
"And of course...," Hart looked at the person who sat next to Arvin with a gentle gaze, "...as the third letter mentioned, thank you for coming here, Neo. You might only receive a ticket two days ago but a third letter did exist. I'd like to give it directly to you if you could meet me backstage after this."
Arvin looked at his friend who had not stopped crying since the first letter was read. He could not stop crying even when Hart was speaking to him.
"We'd wait for you to sing the new song, 'Hope', and release it as you two have promised," Hart bowed to him and finally closed the show by announcing the special gratitude.
"All of the songs performed in this show are written by our one and only, who also wrote all the letters by herself..."
To be very honest, I don't really have much to share this year.
As I've mentioned in my first post in 2020 (although I only posted two posts, pfft), the world has been facing the global pandemic due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) since the early 2020. Since the cause of the virus spreads mainly from person-to-person, we are all required to always maintain physical distancing to stop the spread of disease.
This is the 13th year I wrote here... although the "actual" blog posts are being less and less. Can I actually blame the social media which I use daily? Oops.
Okay then, without further ado, let's start my recap of the year!
I started the New Year with flood (as I have mentioned here as well).
It's been raining since the New Year's Eve but I did not expect to be greeted with water in the first morning of 2020. I even had to work from home (Unimportant Spoiler: it would not be my first time for WFH in 2020 *smirk*) on the next day since the situation made things really difficult for me to reach the office -- I did go to the office again on 3 January.
4 January, I attended an outdoor wedding party. I knew the bride, Astrid, since 2010 when we worked together as members of HIMSISFO. I'm so happy for you when you gave me the e-Invitation and I'm glad I could attend the special day! I also met more friends there and, of course, we took picture(s) together!
With the happiest couple of the day/night!
My first movie of 2020 is "Ashfall". I really like the comedy and the action scenes (and less romance!). It's really entertaining.
The next one is "Abracadabra", an Indonesian movie starring Reza Rahardian, and that's the first time I (and my Mom) was the only audience in the movie theater. Apparently the movie is far from popular and the idea itself is pretty uncommon. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea (but the visual is eyegasm for sure).
I also watched "1917" (10 Oscar nominations), "Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll" (the anime series is very recommended! That episode 10 is legendary!), and "Girl on the Third Floor" in January 2020.
My first music concert in 2020 was Eric Nam's concert! I am not his big fan but I do like his voice and his latest songs. The fact that he's fluent in English (born and raised in US) made things easier to know him. So glad that I decided to attend his concert!
I love his "Love Die Young" song
Then on 19 January, I became a bridesmaid for my best friend, Monica -- this person that had became somewhat-sister-like-who-annoy-each-other to me for ten years. Here's a picture of us with the others!
Lots of love to Ben & Monica
Celebrating Chinese New Year on 25 January... nothing extraordinary special though. I mean, maybe because everyone in my house is adult, we didn't do a lot of things like we did when all the kids were still... kids, you know? Anyway, it's our first Chinese New Year without my Grandma who usually waited for us to greet her "Gong Xi Fa Cai".
January is also the month where I heard about the heartbreaking news of Australian bushfire. Quoted from WWF website:
"It’s been a year we’ll never forget. Even before the challenges of COVID-19, Australia was hit hard by bushfires during summer 2019-20 - the most catastrophic bushfire season ever experienced in the country’s history. So much was lost, and the impacts will be felt for years to come.
Up to 19 million hectares were burnt, with 12.6 million hectares primarily forest and bushland. 33 lives were lost and around 3,094 homes destroyed.
Early in January, WWF estimated that at that time, 1.25 billion animals had been killed."
Hopefully the recovery will work well.
New thing(s) I learned: Creating an instagramable video is not easy. Looking back to 5 January, Pan & Co at Emporium Pluit Mall, popular Japanese Fluffy Pancake. That epic fail that would be forever be remembered by us, HAHA.
Those boba. Why couldn't we make them fall beautifully, Han? lol
Two - February
(You might find the first month recap kinda long but, no worry, it's because I still went here and there every single day)
As for February, I started it in Bandung!
Together with Liliand David, we took a train to Bandung to attend Playlist Love Festival which would take place on 2 February. 21 artists including Epik High, Jaz, The Overtunes, Raisa, Glenn Fredly, Sheila On 7, and more. It was super fun (except the fact that a lot people being irresponsible by littering everywhere).
Epik High during rehearsal
The Overtunes; my second time watching them live
Glenn Fredly; my first and last time watching him live before he passed away in April
Sheila on 7; the last performer for the event
Thanks for being the best companion, you two!
Fun fact, we actually had purchased the tickets via Traveloka but it turned out we won free (giveaway) tickets because we purchase train tickets to Bandung. Well, we sold the tickets with cheaper price to others afterwards.
Next, I watched "Mangkujiwo", an Indonesian horror movie which I think is a prequel of "Kuntilanak". I watched it with my friends from previous office. We have a LINE chat group and we talk about the most random topic there; I don't exactly remember how it started but we usually hangout together for dinner. This meetup is the last one we had in 2020 -- we haven't met again afterwards (only via chat group).
On Valentine's Day, I met with Monica (different Monica from the one who got married in January). This Monica was my classmate during college. Smart but weird but superb but sweet, I haven't met her for 6 years! We thought we could meet more often now that our offices are not too far from each other but... 2020 said 'no'. Hmph.
A picture before watching "Milea" and after dinner at Zenbu.
Oh, I also visited Christfanie, a senior from my previous office, who just gave birth to a lovely baby girl, together with the others. Today, she said to me that her baby is already learning to walk. Wow, time flies, eh?
25 February... Flood. Again. Don't ask me why.
Go on to 27 February, I attended Digital Economy Summit 2020, an event held by Microsoft (I was in the same room with President Joko Widodo and CEO Microsoft Satya Nadella!). My youngest brother finally passed his thesis defense (sidang skripsi?) on 29 February, the same day I met up with Brenda and Davidat TangCity.
At Ritz-Carlton Pacific Place
New thing(s) I learned: Music Festival with various artists is super fun! Also I finally tried RATA, the invisible aligner! (Haven't finished the treatment due to wisdom teeth; see March and December recap... and also me being lazy)
You can check their IG Profile @rata.id
Three - March
Wisdom teeth.
I did research about wisdom teeth because my gum was hurting a lot. Turned out I had my upper right wisdom teeth out but the lower one was still covered under gum. Due to this condition, my gum was swollen. Since I was not sure if I should remove the teeth, the dentist helped to cut open the gum instead.
On 2 March, Indonesia had the first (public) COVID-19 case announced and my office announced the Work From Home policy starting on 16 March. The government also announced restrictions for various industries and activities.
As captured from Kompas.com
No one would thought we would be living in the era where shaking hands are prohibited, masks are required even when attending events, travelling is prohibited. I even attended Sunday Mass via online streaming -- just like most of other events like wedding, music performance, etc.
March is definitely the month where people tried to adjust themselves with the new rules for everything.
New thing(s) I learned: Teeth/oral surgery hurt like !@#$%*. When the anesthetic disappeared, I cried at hospital while waiting to complete the payment. It's like... I couldn't even describe it with words.
The actual picture for gum flap is kind of scary so I uploaded this one instead, lol
Four - April.
WFH is still the 'on streak', of course. Although some offices still require work from office though.
If anything, the restrictions became even tighter since the numbers did not give good news to the world.
I'm getting used with the WFH policy and, apparently, I made sure I still got my movie portion via Netflix -- although, strangely, I rarely picked the latest series and watched older series first.
As captured from bbc.com
It's also the month where I finally tried playing PlayStation4, lol. Had it since I-don't-remember-when but never touched it so my brothers tried to pick some games for me. Psst, I ended up never finishing any of them. I blame myself for being busy... No?
New thing(s) I learned: Found Fauzan Al-Rasyid's Twitter and Instagram account. While people learned how to cook and other stuffs, I found him sharing knowledge about tips in writing in Bahasa -- grammar-wise mostly. You can follow him @fauzanalrasyid.
All those highlights are very, very helpful!
Five - May.
I was supposed to go to Penang on 22 May with Lili but gotta say bye-bye for now. Also supposed to attend ONE OK ROCK's concert but it's currently being postponed until further notice.
I finally finished watching 4 seasons of "The Good Place" -- really recommended series! I love all the twists in each season.
When you think Season 1 is good, you should watch until the end!
On 23 May, I brought Luna(our Shihtzu) to Central Park Mall for the first time ever since she became a part of our family. The mall was almost empty since most of the shops were closed; our purpose was to have her walk around the park though.
Her first time walking around the park
Received bluetooth earphones, stick aromatherapy, beautiful mug, and a box of chocolate bombolone for my birthday this year! As you probably already know, delivery is everyone's favorite way to deliver happiness during 2020.
Delbert and Fenni, a couple who are both also my best friends, met their baby girl Faelyn on 27 May. We only met her virtually though -- hopefully we could meet in 2021 after everything is better!
New thing(s) I learned: Anime could be so absurd that it's so good. Found "Asobi Asobase" and I laughed until tears came out, lol.
I just can't not laugh when watching Asobi!
Six - June.
A new project at office started and I met new people. Oh, actually, two projects but one is the second phase from previous project which has started months ago.
I also went to client's office for the first time on 10 June and the roads were pretty busy -- like how Jakarta has always been. June is the month where my life started to get busier and busier and busier that I kinda screwed my time management (it's been screwed since forever, Er).
Hmm. Let's pretend that I uploaded this by mistake.
I talked a lot with various people during June. One was very different with me but we liked similar things somehow. Another was pretty similar with me but we have so many different preferences as well. There's also others with different way to finish things up but, well, we managed to work things out.
(Psst, you do notice now that I can't write long enough now for the recap, right? HAHA. Because there's really nothing I can share. I mean... 12AM - 8AM sleep, 8AM - 6PM work, 6PM - 12PM entertainment time).
New thing(s) I learned: Being close with another person is not always measured by time and distance. I think this pandemic teaches this to a lot of people.
Kinda my favorite quote of the year
Seven - July.
I visited my office! For once or twice, I think, since there were things we needed to finish. Of course it's almost empty since permission from the respective parties are required to work from office -- which I think is still a very wise policy, considering the cases of COVID-19.
I found new food to love by Cup Story which is also handled by a friend of mine, Hani. I seriously love the banana chocolate pancake (you can check the Instagram profile @cupstory.idn).
I suddenly want to order some again...
Then I had my first staycation in 2020 at Ciputra Hotel, trying the bubble bath and all. It felt kind of nice to take the quick break since I had been staring at my bedroom wall for 4 months everyday, lol.
New thing(s) I learned: Paper flowers are beautiful! I received them as a gift and it reminded me that a bouquet of paper flowers are actually better than actual ones (again, for me).
Each color represents different meaning
Eight - August.
I had my first physical meetup with a friend in August. Well, just a quick lunch at Pancious and catch up with the old friend of mine. I also visited The Breeze BSD for the first time (took the train VERY carefully, following all the protocols),
I bought new rice cooker for Mom. Ah, I also visited Taman Mini Indonesia Indah -- I only went to TMII twice, I think. First is during primary school for study tour or something. Second is for a social event to the transportation museum(?), I think.
Finally wear the hat again
A good friend of mine delivered a belated birthday gift for me: Nendoroid Loki!
I literally squealed when I opened it.
Psst, Yang Yo-seob, my favorite idol all the time had been discharged from mandatory civil duty on 31 August!
New thing(s) I learned: I guess working and talking with a lot people make me realize (even more than before) that we see the same thing in different perspectives. Ones can see it in a good light, others can see it as a very bad thing.
Well.
Nine - September.
Another planned trip was cancelled: my solo trip to Singapore.
Work? Busier than ever that I really wanted to know how to do Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, LOLOL. I literally could have meetings for 10 hours straight (or more? no?)
Can we learn this?
What else can I write about my activities in September? Hmm. I don't think there's anything else?
New thing(s) I learned: I can't think of one for this month, HAHA.
Nothing to do with the month recap; I just want to use this
Ten - October.
Eight month since PSBB, I'm getting really used to do online shopping with al the discounts, like most people do, I think.
Brenda, one of my best friends, went to Turkey with her parents (I know, this is my recap, not hers) and we had a quick video call when she's on a boat to somewhere...? HAHA.
Found a lovely, sweet song titled "Gangnam Station Exit 4" by Plastic (feat. Sean Lee & Dain). Not my typical favorite song but it's so soothing to listen to.
My October is closed with my visit to Dufan (where most of the rides are closed) and Ancol (of course, following all the protocols and stay away from the crowd). I miss having fun with my friends though but what matters most for all of us is to survive and stay healthy for now!
Hello, colorful things behind me
New thing(s) I learned:Purchase Bardi Smart Bulb where I can control the color, turn it on/off, change the warmth, etc. I am considering to purchase other smart electronic stuffs. Hmm.
Not doing any marketing; just part of my recap
Eleven - November.
"The Queen's Gambit".
One of the most popular Netflix Original Series which I would recommend to you as well. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, this 7-episode TV series is a fictional story about an orphan cheese prodigy named Beth Harmon.
I originally started watching it for Thomas Brodie-Sangster, but ended up in love with her
I also started to watch "Dr Romantic", a South Korean medical TV Drama which I have heard for quite a while but I wasn't paying any attention to it because I thought it would be all about romance hence the title. However I was wrong and I actually really like it that I'm continuing to Season 2 now (2 episode more until the last episode!).
Let's see what's more. Oh, I visited movie theater again for the first time since they have re-opened around September, I think? I watched "The Collector", a South Korean heist movie. I purposely picked the less crowded mall to try this and the protocol is all good!
New thing(s) I learned:The Ghost Pepper Noodle. Well, more like new food I tried. To be exact, it's my brother who ate 95% of it, lol. I tried for two bites and... if you can't take spicy stuff, do not even think to try it. That's all. Tears might be shed but do not make hospital becomes your next destination.
Not red for color but scarily spicyyy
Twelve - December.
Now, the last month of the year.
Yuka and Hani got married on 5 December! The wedding reception was also supposed to be held this month but, due to the pandemic, they're postponing it until later so we could only watch it from Instagram Live for now.
Captured via IG Live
On 13 December, I had my second physical meetup. This time I met Chris. Yep, that one friend I have known since two decades ago (do I count it correctly?). We visited two new malls, Senayan Park and Astha District 8, but forgot to take any picture together, lol. Fun fact, his house is only 10-minute drive from mine but we only meet probably once a year. Yeah, even before the pandemic.
I didn't take a picture at the iconic spot though
I finally took long annual leave for the first time since I started working at my current company. I supposed to take the leave from 20 December but postponed it to 22 (until 31) December and... I still couldn't believe that it's already 31 December.
Then again... I still feel like I haven't done a lot of things when 2020 started but now 2020 almost ends so...
Ehem.
For this year's Mother Day, I ordered a bouquet for my mother but it's not an ordinary flower bouquet. It's the money bouquet! HAHA. I was interested in it for a while but did not have any occasion to order it then I thought, "Why not for Mom?".
Ordered it from @moheizt.jkt
Recommended Netflix Original Series this month? Alice in Borderland.
Currently its' very popular and people (including me) are waiting for Season 2.
Season 1 with 8 episodes
Yesterday, 30 December, I finally met with Brendaand Valentcia. We have planned the meetup for multiple times but things happened and, voila, we had yesterday when they wanted to take the MRT. From Dukuh Atas BNI to ASEAN, we visited M Bloc before going to Grand Indonesia to grab pizza. Before that... we spend an hour at parking lot to take pictures (and laughed a LOT).
Hello from us, 2020.
New thing(s) I learned:Wisdom tooth extraction is even more painful than gum flap removal. I had two of them extracted (upper and lower right). Yep, the same one that made me cried in March. The gum covered the lower again so the dentist suggested to throw them away since, if I chose gum flap removal again, I'd probably need to visit the dentist again next year.
As per today, I still have the stitches inside my mouth. Ugh, right?
Bye, you, wisdom tooth
Well, that's my 2020. Nothing much, nothing fascinating.
Even now, 2 hours to 2021... I'm just sitting in my bedroom and going to watch Netflix after posting this, HAHA.
Still, I'm grateful for what I have during the year and that my family are all healthy and safe.
Aside of all the good news and interesting stuffs I've been through, I also heard a lot of sad news, even from my close friends, and I really wished I could be there for them as well but, for now, we could only give our support virtually.
Vaccines for COVID-19 are ready to be distributed in 2021 but everything will definitely take time to be adjusted. My company is still applying the WFH policy until (at least) June 2021, if I'm not mistaken.
2020 might feel like a long (or maybe short) journey for us but I hope 2021 will bring us better days.
† Hati Kudus (1994-1996) [Kindergarten] † Hati Kudus (1996-2002) [Elementary School] † Bunda Hati Kudus (2002-2005) [Junior High School] † Regina Pacis Jakarta (2005-2008) [Senior High School] † Bina Nusantara University, Information Systems (2008 - 2012)
