Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Saturday, October 14, 2023

‡ 2023 so far ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 11:43:00 PM

My first post of 2023!

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! ;)


 

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Friday, December 31, 2021

‡ Ending of 2021 ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 11:50:00 PM

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.


< Feb >

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


< Mar >

March is like the month of me being a fangirl and excited with new stuffs. Starting from Yoseob and Eunji performed the 2021 version of Love Day, watched the 2-day Dreamcatcher online concert (Day 1 - Utopia / Acoustic, Day 2 - Dystopia / Rock), Zack Snyder's Justice League, my brothers bought PS5, and adding new microwave in the kitchen.

I made my first visit to Dogs Ministry on 13 March, bringing Luna along. Oh, it's also my little brother's 23rd birthday on March!



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 :)

 

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Friday, December 01, 2017

‡ Almost ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 1:11:00 PM

Almost.

One word that can actually haunt us longer than we want it to be. 
One word that can make you remember hidden emotions.
One word that can bring you smile and tears at the same time.

Have you ever been in an almost relationship?





We Didn’t Date So Why Did It Hurt So God Damn Badly

 
We didn’t date. I didn’t need that spelled out for me.

I felt it every time I the words ‘just friends’ came out of my mouth. The words tasted bad but I couldn’t lie about what we were and I couldn’t pretend to be something we weren’t.

The problem with feelings and matters of the heart though is your heart does not give a fuck whether or not there is some label there. Your heart decides and that’s it. Suddenly you’re at the whim of making irrational choices that can only be justified because you love this person.

People argued it wasn’t real love. They say love is that which is reciprocated. Love is that which leaves you whole and not empty. That real love doesn’t hurt.

I don’t think love can be so simply defined. I don’t think it’s black and white. I think there are a lot of grey areas that gets lost and not talked about just because it isn’t the typical standard of what love is supposed to be in the eyes of everyone watching.

We didn’t date but I still looked at you like you were the best thing that happened in my life. Because at the time you were.

Every conversation. Every laugh. Every moment spent together where I envied anyone that took up your time that wasn’t me.

I missed you before you even said goodbye and wished I could freeze moments.

We didn’t date but I still compared you to everyone I met. And they always fell short of these expectations I suddenly had in someone.

Because it wasn’t just opening my door and paying for some tab or making sure I walked on the inside of the sidewalk, it was the respect you had for me.

In everyone I met it was you I was looking for only to realize someone like you couldn’t be replicated.

We didn’t date but my heart still raced every time we were in the same room and every time your name appeared across my phone. There wasn’t a smile bigger than the one you brought to my face.

We didn’t date but I still talked about you like you put the stars in the sky. Because you really did change my life so much for the better.

We didn’t date but you were everything I wanted so badly at one point. If people were interested in me I didn’t even notice because you had every bit of my attention.

And it didn’t matter what we were or rather weren’t, I was just happy to have you in my life. I was happy to have your time and attention even if it came few and far between sometimes.
 
Then suddenly everything changed with one conversation.

It’s the conversation that defines what you are and what you’ll never be. The conversation that depletes any hope of anything every happening in a future that will never be. The conversation that suddenly makes every encounter after that awkward.

Once every card is laid out and everything is talked about there is no hiding how you feel. There’s no secrecy or wondering. There is no hope. And you’re overcome with guilt for falling so hard like it was all your fault.

Then you have to get over it.

But how do you even heal and get over someone who wasn’t yours to begin with?
 

 
I sat in airport with a ticket like flying 10,000 miles away thinking that would make me forget him and how I felt. If anything it made it worse. I realized no matter where I went or how many airports I’d find myself in, during those few months, he was everywhere. Haunting my in a way. Found in street corners and gift shops.

When you love someone, they don’t leave just because you did. You take them with you.

I realized eventually I was going to have to face this head on. I was going to have to get over it. And there wasn’t going to be anyone comforting me because they all saw it coming and they were entitled to say I told you so.

When you fall for someone you aren’t dating you are blinded with rose colored lenses while everyone else wants to warn you that you shouldn’t do this, as if it was a choice you got to make.

You don’t pick who you love and you sure as hell don’t have a say in when it stops.

Real relationships have this start and end period. Concrete dates to look back at of how long it’s been. Concrete feeling that were mutual at one point. But almost relationships just have a bunch of grey areas and nothing defined and lines that drawn and rewritten. It’s games played and mixed signals and confusion.

Whether the other person wants to admit it or not I think feelings are present a least a little bit. Even almost relationships can’t be maintained if it’s just one sided and one person’s interest. For any relationship to last even if it’s just an emotional connection it requires the effort of both parties.

When those relationships end we put it all on ourselves thinking we were stupid and it was our fault we felt that way. But nothing is ever all yours to own entirely.

You look back at moments and you can’t believe you said the things you did or acted the way you did. But that’s love for you. If you aren’t being a complete fool and going to absurd lengths, I question if you really love the person.

We didn’t date but there were still nights I was crying myself to sleep at night.

We didn’t date but there were still moments where I’d do anything to numb the pain I was feeling.

We didn’t date but everything about him hurt like any other relationship I had actually been in.

Pain does not discriminate. And it doesn’t hurt any less just because you never dated. Sometimes that factor alone makes it hurt more.

I didn’t realize it was love every time those words drunkly slipped out of my mouth with goodbye.

I realized I loved him when all that pain hit me at once realizing what we’d never be.

Love is to happiness as heartbreak is to depression.

And I watched myself turn into this version I didn’t even know nor could I recognize. It hurt like hell because even if there wasn’t some label to it I couldn’t deny that everything I felt was so real.

We didn’t date but I don’t think I’ve ever experienced pain so badly in my life.

We didn’t date but I was barely eating sleeping or functioning because it hurt so badly.

And I had to present it to the world like I wasn’t feeling these things so heavily. I had to face everyone like I wasn’t falling apart inside. I had to carry on like getting through 24 hours was easy. But the reality was I dismissed myself often to breakdown and cry alone. And I couldn’t talk about it because what do you even say?

The hardest part of getting your heart broken by someone you didn’t date is when they want things to go back to what they were and you want to be strong but everything about their presence makes you weak. Part of you wants to say, ‘I need time to get over you. I need time to heal.’ But then you think that’s selfish.

You don’t want to lose them in your life but it hurts like hell standing in front of someone who isn’t yours when you are so in love with them.

It hurts like hell watching them love someone else and you have to just put on a brave face and stand there.

It hurts like hell playing the role they need you to but you love them enough to hurt yourself and do just that.

Because the truth is what they taught you most about love is how selfless it is sometimes.

You love someone and you want them to be happy even if it doesn’t include you.


 


Original article: here

Credit for the image(s) goes to the original owner(s)

 

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Saturday, October 28, 2017

‡ Thread of Love ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 10:28:00 PM

Love has been compared to everything.
Jewel, glass, firework, paper, light switch.

However I'm not going to talk about those analogies in this post.
I will think of a relationship as a thread.
This is one of the most favorite analogies to be used, of course.



When two persons are in a relationship, each of them is holding on the different side to keep the thread on balance.

When you pull the thread more to your side, it will cause a change in the balance that you have kept together.
But, no, it's not a problem if both of you agree to move along.

Remember, they keyword is both.

Therefore the thread will never stays the same.
It will move, it will change, and it will be tangled from time to time.

When two sides argue, the thread will be messed up by words, tears, and emotion.
Words will tangle the thread, making it not comfortable to hold on.
Tears will make the thread heavier to carry on. 
Emotion will cause the thread to be painful to keep.

You can cut the thread so both sides are relieved by the thread;
a thread so different from the first time when you promise to keep in your hand carefully.
It's messy, heavy, and painful.
Some even said that sometimes holding on does more damage than letting go.

Or you can spend your times to untangle the thread,
to learn how to carry the heavier thread,
to understand why it's so painful,
and to find a way for both sides to keep the thread balance again.

If one side holds the thread too low because the person is already tired of holding it,
can the thread be kept for two?

If one side wants to untangle the thread slowly but the other side is impatient to wait,
should they keep holding on it?

If one side decides to cut the thread while the other one still clings onto it,
who actually lost a treasure?

Of course, people can say that there is a better, more beautiful thread waiting for you to hold on.
However when you feel that a love is worth to fight for, there is no such thing as a better thread.

There is only a precious thread to hold, to keep, to love by two sides.

Again, the keyword is two.

So if one side decides to let go of the thread and lock it in their shelf,
the thread is nowhere to be found. 




This applies not only for a romantic relationship;
I think a thread of love between two best friends who care a lot about each other also exists.

Do you think the same?

 

For every happiness, I thank you.
For every mistake, I apologize.
For everything, I forgive you.

I wish you a happy journey of life.
Things will never be the same anymore but, for whatever reason, let's be happy.

Always.


 

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Wednesday, April 19, 2017

‡ Jan to Apr 2017 ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 6:18:00 PM

Hello 2017!

Yes, I know, it's already April so greeting the 2017 is a little bit late -- okay, it's very late.
However this is my first post on the blog this year!

Nope, no more new year's resolution to be written here.
I know, I finally break my own tradition but, well, changes can happen anytime and anywhere! (I know, lame excuse)

How is your 2017 as the year has knocked the fourth month?

Mine has been quite a colorful journey up to this day.
New Year, Singapore, Chinese New Year, Valentine, Easter.
It will be so rude of me if I just sum my January to April in a sentence so I'm just going to ramble everything as much as I can here.


-


Travel.
Semarang on 4 January 2017.
Taking a flight early enough to open the new year, right?
I was asked to help for a project in Purwodadi for a couple of days so, no, I didn't stay there long enough for more fun -- but I think the others spend their time very well there together! Glad that you all enjoy the moment!

My second flight in 2017 is for holiday purpose!
Yes, I visited Singapore for the fourth time and, yes, I will be happy to visit the country next time if I have the chance.

This time my companions are no other than Jeanette and Valentcia who agreed to purchase the flight+hotel within 5 minutes.
From 15 to 18 January 2017, three of us spent our days as much as we can according to our picked destinations!
Maybe I should put the details on another post for my visit to Singapore. Yes, I definitely should do that.


I also visited Cikarang last month for another project.
This time it's interesting as I was given the chance to meet a team from German! Speaking of practicing my English professionally, right?
It's only a week but I think (maybe) I will meet them again in August.


Movies.
Up to today, I have watched 28 movies at cinemas. I wonder if I will pass the records I made for myself last year (46 movies).

Movie of the year? Definitely Beauty and The Beast.
It's such a timeless movie and, despite some minor stuffs, I think the live action version of this Disney fairy tale is perfect!

However the movie with best score goes to Hidden Figures.
La La Land and Lion are also worth to mention because they are great but I just love Hidden Figures to the bits!



Music.
Dreamcatcher!
If you love anime and K-Pop, you definitely should give this group a try!
Their songs, "Chase Me" and "Good Night" can pass as opening soundtrack for anime!
(I'm so happy to discover their songs because I miss watching anime like how I used to do years ago)


 And Ed Sheeran's new album? Gold.
I love (almost) all of the tracks in 'Divide' because they're beautiful!
I always have things for beautifully written lyrics, seriously.
  

Events.
The first wedding party I attended this year is Surya and Norita's wedding!
More will come after August, I guess. Like people said, most weddings are held during the months of -Ber (September to December).


Oh, and today is also another event to note.
Jakarta is full of curiosities and interests lately due to the governor election. Politically, it's interesting as people pay more attention to how important their votes can change a city. However I always wonder why (some) people choose to spread 'hate' than 'peace'.

I personally go for #GueDua but, today, on the second round of election, it seems like my wish doesn't align with the expectations. However, as they say, whoever win the election doesn't matter, as long as the citizens vote for them.

For better Jakarta.


Personal.
My 2017 is not all bright and happy. I had some days full of... How should I put it?
Unstable emotion? Trust issue? Internal struggle?
Maybe a little bit of each. I personally (and secretly) wish January will stay as the most complicated month of 2017 for me; yes, please, no more complicated month to mark my calendar.

However, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
Fortunately, things work out and I learned a lot of things (hardly), although it's confirmed that I still have a lot to learn and do.

I also (kind of) celebrated my 3-years work anniversary at STEM!
To sum up, I've worked as a professional consultant for five years! Five years, people!

Now where am I in the line of writers though?
That's a rhetorical question.
I should be the one who answers that, I know.

Putting that aside, I had a haircut two weeks ago!
Trying to have 'hime-cut' but I don't think it's a success (Google it; I'm not going to post my picture here because I don't look good in the new haircut, lol).
Now I have a problem to take a picture for VISA purpose... which I'll tell you the purpose later. Later as in later... 2-3 months?


-


Well, I guess that's it for now.
I should give a post dedicated for Singapore later.
And I should have an interesting post in June. ;)

Thanks for reading.
Have a blessed life ahead, people!


 

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Saturday, December 31, 2016

‡ Scenes of 2016 ‡

Written by Erlia Eleciel | 5:26:00 PM




How is your 2016?

Mine has gone somehow a little bit too fast that I still can't believe the calendar of 2016 is on the last page today. However, still, there are many memorable things to cherish and I'd be happy to share them here.

Yes, here I am with another review of my year!

This year I'm going to write down the moments as many as possible, completed with the pictures if there are any. Let's just say it will be like a diary-summary-list.

There are Instagram and Path, but this blog is the first of all when I really want to remember moments. ;)

For  previous references: 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015


-


Scene 01: January

Take 1. New Year in Surabaya!
Take 2. My first movie in 2016: Single. Watched it my best friend, Jeanette.
(This year she will still be there and I kinda miss the apartment... or more like the fun with her? Ha!) 

Our first selfie in 2016!
 
Take 4. Not there but it's the wedding day of Randy and Enny! They're friends whom I have known since my college days. A bright and lovely couple! I will look forward to see Randy-Enny Jr.!
Take 5. Back to Jakarta and finally met my own Christmas 2015/New Year 2016 gifts: Amazon Kindle and the set of Hogwarts Library! I bought it through bistip.com.


Kindle Paperwhite & the set of Hogwarts Library

Take 6. Watched Ip Man 3 with my Mom and little brother. I still think the second title is the best.
Take 11. Monsieur C (yes, a very awesome writer-best-friend of mine) returned to Jakarta for holiday and he brought back the complete series of Harry Potter I requested him to order! Ah, no, I don't open them to read. I put them in my book shelf with care and love. Oh, he also gave me a lot of snacks! (waiting for his next return for snack, oops!)

The complete series of Harry Potter! It costs me around IDR 200,000 only!

Take 13. Chronosphere Episode 1! Tried the escape game with Chris and we managed to finish it (fortunately).
Take 14. Sad news of the day: Alan Rickman left the world. It's such a heartbreaking news.

A word that will always remind us of Alan Rickman
 
Take 16. 2 stages of Tick Tock Escape Room! Twice ALMOST made it. (Speaking of unable to save money, blame me)
Take 19. Paid a visit to Cirebon for a meeting with client. Been a while since I spent a night at Hotel Amaris. I pretty like staying there.
Take 20. Reading The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom. It's a dreamy yet sad story with lessons of love in music.
Take 21. Received a packet from Singapore. It's a gift from my soulmate-author-friend, completed with a handwritten letter: "I would never find the joy in writing if it wasn't for you." (on another note, I will meet her in two weeks! Yey!)


Gifts to be treasured from a beloved friend

Take 24. Stephen and Ely's wedding day! Met up with some old friends from HIMSISFO there.
Take 25. Finished watching Signal Episode 2 and I knew I had found the best mystery drama from South Korea! A really recommended series! (This is coming from someone who is not really into K-drama)
Take 27. Succeed in escaping the stage Devil's Triangle of Pandora Experience.
Take 29. Super belated birthday surprise for Brenda. We're getting 'better' in giving belated birthday surprise, eh?

Wefie with best friends is always perfect, right?

Scene 02: February

Take 1. Watched The Finest Hours; drenched in rain on my way back to hotel. Oh, I watched this when I was in Cirebon for a cut off project at client's office.
Take 8. Chinese New Year with Monica. Chung Gi Wa to Beatrice Quarters to Taman Anggrek. We met Jeanette there!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Take 9. Failed to escape The Lost Tribe with my officemate at Pandora Experience. It was really fun though!
Take 15. Chronosphere episode 2 with Chris. Speaking about epic fail, he said. Ah, we could do better, couldn't we? *laugh*

one team managed to escape, one team was not! Until next time!
 
Take 16. Watched Deadpool. Indeed an unique superhero he is. Not even sure if he is supposed to be called a superhero! Will look forward to his appearance in the next Marvel movie!
Take 17. Project at Cikarang started! Home for months. (Though it will be a short one, turned out we were surprised later! Ha!)
Take 20. Received the copy of "How To Script A Kiss" where I wrote one of the stories: One Special Night. Come to think of it, it's the last project I actually joined where I got selected. Oh well.
inspired by The Script's Never Seen Anything Quite Like You


Scene 03: March

Take 5. Watched Comic 8: Casino Kings Part 2. Watched the first part with my Mom and two youngers brothers before. Unfortunately, not as funny as I thought it would be.
Take 8. Watched Zootopia. The first animated movie I watched on cinema also the first movie I watched in Cinemaxx, as well in Cikarang! (Buy 2 get 3, HA!)
Take 9. Watched London Has Fallen. Three of us (Cikarang team) took our time to Summarecon Mall Bekasi for a quick break.
Take 12. My little brother's 18th birthday! (He's in college already now, taking IT as his major) 

Ervan, my youngest brother, with me and Erric, my first younger brother

 
Take 20. Watched The Mermaid with my Mom. Said it's the highest-grossing film ever in China.
Take 22. Met an old friend, Bali, at Mall Lippo Cikarang. It's always nice to spend some times to update news from others. Oh, I also watched Allegiant with my team.
Take 23. Watched Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The beginning of Justice League, I see. The fifth movie I watched in March! Wow!
Take 29. First time learning how to drive a car! I was convinced by my team (and my curiosity). In case you're wondering, nope, I'm not able to drive a car properly on street yet.


Scene 04: April

Take 4. Visit to Cileungsi. Had dinner with the team there.This is an unplanned plan (what is that word?) but, sometimes, the unexpected is good, isn't it?

Bebek Jumbo!

Take 7. Happy 2nd work-anniversary at STEM to myself!
Take 9. Another heartbreaking news: Kouji Wada passed away due to cancer.
Take 15. Valentcia's belated birthday surprise with eMpTy. The girls recreated the same pose from four years ago at the same exact place. (Trust me, the comparison pic was taken after dozens 'clicks' by Wien)

Happy belated birthday, Valent!
 
Let's take another comparison picture in 2020!
Take 16. Watched The Jungle Book with Monica and Wien. An interesting movie indeed. I don't follow the cartoon version though.
Take 26. Watched Backtrack in Cikarang. Because we had a voucher for one free ticket and it's going to expire so... Jumpscare! *laugh*
Take 30. Visit to Big Bad Wolf Books Indonesia at ICE BSD. First time to AEON Mall. Ah, I haven't read the books I bought there. Oops! (There are a lottt of foods to enjoy at AEON!)

Books I've bought at Big Bad Wolf Books event




Scene 05: May

Take 1. Watched Captain America: Civil War. It feels more like The Avengers 3 for me. Still, I enjoyed it with my younger brothers.
Take 2. Watched Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2 with Monica. After 14 years, the sequel is brought to cinemas! FYI, this movie makes people want to visit Yogyakarta.
Take 5. Meetup with old friends from Junior High School. From AEON to karaoke! 

Friends since Junior High School

Take 7. Visit to Ancol with Jeanette and Wien. From Alive Museum to Seaworld. It's been a longgg time since I visited Seaworld. It's a fun day!

Posing at Alive Museum
 
Take 19. Visit to Cirebon (again). A quick meeting before returning to Cikarang with team.
Take 21. Watched X-Men: Apocalypse. This movie reminds me of several conversations happened between a friend of mine with her new acquaintance. *laughs*
Take 22. I went to JF Hair Studio to have a (little) change. You know, green hair. You can read the detail here.

Take 24. My 25th birthday! This year I spent my birthday in Cikarang for work. Still thankful for all the birthday wishes and greetings! My team and I went to watch The Green Room that day as well.

A quarter of century

 
Take 29. A special day to remember. I'll keep it in heart for now. *winks*

My name is engraved there!



Scene 06: June

Take 4. Mom's 51st birthday. Her four children finally managed to be in a frame. Ha! I also attended Nicky and Maria's wedding party at night.

Mom with four of her children

STEM team at Nicky and Maria's wedding

Take 11. Watched Now You See Me 2, the sequel of one of my favorite movies. Anyway, Daniel Radcliffe is in the movie!
Take 16. Took SAP Exam and passed! Yey! Although I expected myself to get better score but, well, we've done it, friends!

We passed the exam!

Take 23. Watched Central Intelligence. Blackout at the house we're staying in Cikarang so we took a shot for a comedy movie. Lesson learned: "Be a hero in your own story."
Take 26. Visit to Paws and Tails Dog Cafe. My Mom and little brother visited AEON for the first time as well.

The dogs are so cute there!


 
Scene 07: July

Take 2. Watched The Legend of Tarzan. I fell for Robbie Margot here; even before I realized she would be in Suicide Squad!
Take 3. Watched Rudy Habibie. Heard about how good Reza Rahardian in the previous movie. He is indeed very good. Lesson learned: "Every problem has a solution."
Take 4. Watched Independence Day: Resurgence. I coincidentally watched it on the exact day of America's independence day!
Take 6. Visit to IKEA. There was sale everywhere at the day so I grabbed some stuffs to home! (where are those stuffs now, I wonder)

Instragammable spot ;)

Take 16. Received my belated birthday present from friends: laptop bag! I received it after spending lunchtime with Jeanette, Monica, and Rufina. I always bring it whenever I leave Jakarta for work.

Jeanette's not in the frame because she left first, HA!

Take 23. Watched Skiptrace. Because Mom is a fan of Jackie Chan, of course. Who is not?
Take 24. Watched Star Trek Beyond. Wow, I watched a lot of movies in July!
Take 31. Preparation for Go Live in Cikarang. A senior, Rini, came to be our companion. (The more, the merrier!)

Reminder of the month


Scene 08: August

Take 1. Go Live in Cikarang! The project is somehow delayed due to several reasons, from May to August. Anyway, managed to finish another cycle with the help of team!
Take 4. Watched 3 Srikandi. Our kind of celebration as a team after the Go Live. It's an entertaining movie to enjoy.
Take 6. Watched Suicide Squad at The Premiere XXI. Talented stars but not an awesome movie. A new experience of watching at cinema though! *grins*

The rose is a gift but not in the way you think of ;)


Take 13. Watched Alice Through the Looking Glass. The most ridiculous reason of war that I have ever seen. Seriously. Yep, I'm disappointed.
Take 17. Watched The Nice Guys at Puri Indah Mall and Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV at Central Park Mall. Double movies in a day!
Take 21. Writing #MyCupOfStory as a loud argument happened. The argument left a 'scar' when the term of 'leave' is spoken. Anyway, the story I've written can be read here!
Take 26. Watched Mechanic: Resurrection. Not very bad but too invincible that the main character became unrealistic for me.
Take 27. Watched The Secret Life of Pets. Second animated movie to watch at cinema. Couldn't surpass Zootopia's score. Oh, 7 movies in a month!
Take 28. The day Monica 'trapped' me to agree on a plan that I never expected to happen but, somehow, I'm glad I agreed. *laughs*  The time is coming near!

Countdown to the day!


 

Scene 09: September

Take 4. Watched Train to Busan. The first Korean movie to watch at cinema in 2016. It's recommended!
Take 10. Felix and Nina's wedding day! They've been together for more than 10 years and they're so lovable! Congrats!
BINUS friends at Felix and Nina's wedding


Take 11. Willy and Yola's wedding day! Two wedding nights in a row!
Take 12. Hilda's bridal shower with bridesmaids at Fortunate Coffee PIK Jakarta. Five bridesmaids planned the simple gathering secretly to surprise the bride-to-be. It worked!

My first time joining a bridal shower!

Take 17. Goodbye home for 6 months at Taman Simpruk. The house full of 'surprises: from Gekko (Tokek), big spider, hundreds of ants, to millipedes' invasions! Anyway, we're leaving the house for good this time. *laughs*
Watched Warkop DKI Reborn: Jangkrik Boss Part 1. Such a nostalgic movie! Of course, the original has its unique touch!
Take 18. Hilda's bridal shower with Agatha and Livia. We've been best friends since 2002 and we've agreed to have a bridal shower when another one of us will be married next time!
Accidentally at the same cafe where Amelia, Christa, and Selvi were surprised by their friends for a bridal shower as well.
I also went to watch Bad Moms at Cinemaxx Gold. (Buy 1 get 1 free! HA!)

Hilda kept the properties for the next bridal shower ;)

Take 19. Anak Kost! First night at Fontana Kosy Kost. After years of being called as 'anak kos' when I was still studying in Binus (because I was ALWAYS around there even when I could be at home), I became a real 'anak kos'. *laughs*
Take 24. My second time coloring my hair: blue-ish purple but, unfortunately, never made it to surface. *sad face*

I wish the colors could stay :(

Take 25. Ichsan and Isabella's wedding day! Third wedding party of my classmates from college! Congrats!

Third time meeting these people in a month! How fun! ;)



Scene 10: October

Take 2. Dion and Hilda's wedding day! I am honored to be a part of my best friend's special day! (The dresses are all by Hilda's sister, Winda Halomoan! Pretty, right?)



The pretty bride and her bridesmaids squad!
Take 8. Joel and Evi's wedding day! Second wedding of officemate in 2016. Congrats, Jo!

We have other pics; this one is the normal pose ;)

Take 15. Watched A Monster Calls. Been a while since the last time I watched a movie by myself. It's actually a pretty touching movie (if only some kids didn't ruin the moment).
Take 16. Double movies! Inferno and The Accountant. A day could be fine for hours and then ruined in a moment due to miscommunication. Yep, argued a lot at night due to lack of understanding. (Still feel sorry)

Double movies in a day is always fun

Take 19. Last day in Cikarang. Yes, for good! Bye, my life as 'anak kos'!
Take 24. Watched Bridget Jones's Baby with Monica. It's a sweet, fun movie!
Take 26. Watched Doctor Strange. I like Benedict Cumberbatch and watched this movie for him!
Take 29. First time took Transjakarta to Karawaci. Managed to do it alone! Oh, it's also the first time trying board game at The Bunker. It's fun!
If only board games are not too expensive, I would buy a lot!

Scene 11: November

Take 5. Monica's baptism day. She asked me to be her Godmother and, as my Godfather once told me, one way to enrich your soul is to guide. Proficiat, Mon!

Hopefully we can be the brighter light for God and the World together!

Take 9. Watched Hacksaw Ridge, a biographical war film. I thought it would be full of drama. Apparently there are moments of laughters. It's a great movie!
Take 11. Erica's Bridal Shower at Pala Adas. She's a friend of mine since elementary school and I am so happy for her! Thanks girls for the plan!

All in white for the bride-to-be!

Take 12. Watched Keeping Up With The Joneses in Ultra XD. I seriously didn't feel anything different between Ultra XD and 2D.
Take 17. Watched Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in 4DX3D. The movie that I've been waiting for years! (Niffler is cute! Newt is cute! Oops)
Take 18. Back to Cirebon for a day. There's a meeting to attend and I spent another night at Hotel Amaris!
Take 19. Samuel and Nathalia's wedding day. Couldn't manage to attend the special day. Congrats to Sam and Nat! That evening, Monica received Sacrament of Confirmation as Teresa. Hello, Teresa Monica Dewi Putri!

...and then we had dinner at Gojira. We're all about food. ;)


Take 20. Daniel and Erica's wedding day! Met several old friends there. It's been a while!

Prettiest bride and the most handsome groom!


Take 22. A special one's birthday! Thought I wouldn't be able to give the birthday cake but God is good! Happy birthday!

Tiny cake by tinytreats

Take 26. Brenda's 26th birthday! eMpTy finally managed to give a surprise on the D-Day! *laughs* I also watched Allied after the surprise at Balekota. A realistic ending, indeed.

Not a big surprise but, yep, on D-Day! On D-Day!

 Take 27. Harris and Amelia's wedding day! Thankfully I could attend her special day. (Still apologetic for unable to make it for Selvi's wedding day on 2 October and Christa's wedding day on 5 November)

HIMSISFO for the special day

Take 30. Driving to Purwodadi. No, of course, I didn't drive. My project manager, Christine, and I were accompanied with the office driver for 10 hours. Yes, 10 hours. Another new experience. Ha! (I laughed a little bit too much with Christine)
 
Wefie at Purwodadi!

Scene 12: December

Take 1. Started the blueprint phase in Purwodadi. I also got the chance to know my (temporary) partner. She has a lot of funny and interesting stories in life. *laughs out loud*
Take 3. We're in Semarang!
Take 4. Sunday Mass at Cathedral of Semarang. I was so sick in the morning that I couldn't sleep for a wink. Thankfully my partner gave me a medicine... which didn't work the way it should be but, anyway, I was cured!*laughs*
Take 6. Back to Jakarta; my first flight using Citilink. The plan to give Jeanette a belated birthday surprise is a success! It's unfortunate that Brenda couldn't join in person.

Succeed in surprising Jeanette!

Take 9. Cut my hair shorter than I planned. I originally wanted to keep it longer but my hair loss was getting worse.
Take 11. Goes to Bandung! A short escape in MPH group. Only seven of us made it. This take consists of Kawah Putih, Bakso Enggal Malang, Kane Pizzeria, Roti Gempol, and Marlo Kitchen. Anyway, also my first AirBnB experience!
Take 12. Back to Jakarta after the short escape. This take consists of Mie Rica Kejaksaan, One Eighty Coffee, and Sate Maranggi Purwakarta. Until next trip, MPH!

A group picture during the first (incomplete) MPH trip


Take 13. Watched Sing with my Mom. Third animated movie in 2016. It's a lot of fun with good songs!
Take 17. STEM (early) Christmas lunch at SATOO at Shangri-La Hotel. We also exchanged gifts there; I got a cow-shaped pillow from Edwin. 

Been a while since STEM-ers gathered together
Take 18. Watched Rogue One: A Star Wars Story at CGVblitz Velvet Class. Thanks Ci Fanie for the voucher!
Take 22. Watched Assassin's Creed after made a silly mistake. I (freaking) bought tickets for Wednesday and realized it on Thursday, fifteen minutes before the movie. Oh, and I'm honestly disappointed with the movie.
Take 23. My second time to receive Sacrament of Reconciliation. Glad that I could make it on the last day in schedule!
Take 24. The first time best friends since junior high school spent Christmas Eve together! Me, Agatha, Hilda, and Livia. From lunch to dessert to Mass to dinner

Took this one at Latteria PIK. Until 2017, girls!

Take 25. It's Christmas and I spent it with writing a story that I had not touched for three years! Yey!
Take 27. Sad to hear the heartbreaking news of Carrie Fisher passed away due to heart attack. You'll always be loved.
Take 28. I went to watch Cek Toko Sebelah at night with my family. It's unexpectedly a fun yet heartwarming movie! I recommend it to people who want to enjoy a year-end movie! Wow, I watched a lot of Indonesian movies this year!

However, there's also another heartbreaking news of Debbie Reynolds passed away; she's the mother of Carrie Fisher. Looking at these pictures of them make my heart breaks. Rest in peace, beautiful mother and daughter.

Debbie Reynolds with Carrie Fisher


Take 30. Last workday in 2016! I wasn't able to snap a pic together last year because I was in Surabaya. I had a new picture to cherish the day!
My last movie in 2016: Passengers. Watched it with Delbert, Fenny, Hendy, Very, and Wien. Couldn't understand why the review is bad. I personally think it's a very good movie!

Random wefie at 3rd floor!

Before we watched Passengers. MPH's last wefie in 2016


-


As I just finished writing all of those above, it's already 5 PM here, less than 7 hours to 2017!

2016 has been a year full of surprises and changes for me.
I'm thankful to God that I am allowed to experience all of those moments, good or bad, happy or sad, they're all parts of my life.


15 wedding invitations, 46 movies, Escape Game, learn to drive a car, ombre hair, SAP exam, bridal showers, Bandung trip, Purwodadi project, lunch at SATOO, Christmas Eve with best friends, and a lot of more wonderful moments.
Thanks for everyone who have made my 2016 a great year.

If there is one thing I'm missing in 2016, it's the fact that I haven't succeed in writing a book but that's another story to tell in next post. ;)
I even still owe you the details of UWRF last year! Sorry! *bows*

Anyway, I hope you have a blessed 2016.
It's been an awesome movie of 2016 for me. Hopefully the movie of 2017 will be another masterpiece!

Have a great New Year's Eve.

I'll see you in my first post of 2017!   


   


 

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