It's 31 December 2020.
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!
For previous references:
2008 | 2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019
One - January
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!
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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 Lili and 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).
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| Epik High during rehearsal |
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| The Overtunes; my second time watching them live |
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| Glenn Fredly; my first and last time watching him live before he passed away in April |
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| Sheila on 7; the last performer for the event |
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| 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.
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| 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 David at TangCity.
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| 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)
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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).
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| 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.
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| 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).
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| 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).
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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?)
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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?".
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| 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.
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| Season 1 with 8 episodes |
Yesterday, 30 December, I finally met with Brenda and 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).
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| 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?
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| 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.
Praying for all of us. Stay safe, stay healthy.
Until 2021!
