Life: 2022 Review

I thought the pandemic ended last year, but it wasn’t. This year has been a roller coaster ride for sure and I don’t really know to express my 2022, but I am thankful for the memories it gave me. 

Guess the conclusion that I have for this year by reading all the passages down below. This is not an English pop-up quiz, so if you are wrong, it's okay. HAHA. Good luck and enjoy the story of my 2022.

Young, wild and free would probably be the life I’ve been dreaming of. 2022 didn’t start that exciting for me. Even though the few days before January, I just witnessed my favorite boys and girls appreciate their achievements (read: watching year-end awards), I don’t feel empowered and instead, I feel down. I started to compare myself to them. When they are my age now, they already know what they want and are good at. While I’m not. This is probably what people say as a quarter-life crisis. I felt really lost in January. Even so, I had a few celebrations this month. I got to meet my BEM family and celebrate my dad's birthday.  Also, I got huge orders for the cold mochi that my mom used to sell. What I mean by huge is the mochi should be delivered to Samarinda, which is outside of Jakarta. It was a breakthrough achievement so far for our small business.

Obviously, I thought this year is going to be better than the past 2 years. Well, I know it is quite early to judge since it’s only one month passed. On the last week of January, my best friend faced severe heartbreak (nope, not because she broke up with her boyfriend). We decided to “run”, searching for some “healing” to Bali in February. It’s been 6 months since the last time I went to Bali, but Bali never fails me. It was still a good time to visit Bali because that time Bali is not as crowded as nowadays but it was more active and livelier than the previous year. I stayed for almost 14 days and couldn’t be happier and more ready to conquer this 2022.

Unlike any other month, March is very special to me. I have favorite months like August and December, but March is particularly special. 3 years ago, I just got back from Korea for good. The next day, my mom was rushed to the hospital and for the first week I’m back in Indonesia, I had to spend my time in the hospital and then I lost my mom. Since then, March is never been the same again. It became the most emotional month, and it was the turning point of my life. Enough with the mellow, this year I got to celebrate my friend’s birthday by having a staycation at the Kempinski Hotel in Jakarta. Our wish was to stay at the Apurva (Kempinski) Bali (but I believe we will someday!) though. We had a deep talk, took some crazy videos, and sing-along to Hospital Playlist OST and it was a fun day. March was closed with a challenging interview for the GKS Scholarship.

April’s highlight is no longer April mop anymore to me. Well, I never fancy it since I was a kid anyways. This year April was slightly different than the previous year. I had a few interviews this month, and though none of them came back with good news, I am actually very grateful for the chance. I started to use makeups that I haven’t touched for so long and got the thrill of answering questions. And not to forget to mention my favorite drama of the year, Twenty Five, Twenty One colored my April beautifully. Last, but not least, my best friend finally had a baby after 2 years of marriage! I’m so happy for her! I can’t wait to see the baby (up till now I haven’t seen the baby girl yet). Finally, I went to the church for the Passover for the first time during the pandemic. Definitely, going to an offline church is way much better than the online church. I'm such an old school, I know. 

The Return of my boy, Park Bogum. He finally finished his military duties and was back as the MC for Baeksang Awards. I was very extremely happy to see him back on screen. And by the way this year Baeksang Awards was so emotional, and I really love every bit of it. My favorite part is when the cast of “Hot/Passionate Singers” finally performed on stage their rendition of “This is Me” from the movie, “The Greatest Showman”. Congratulations to my Na Hee Do, Kim Taeri, and Crown Prince, Lee Junho, you both really deserved the awards. Well, May was a busy month for me because my housekeeper went back to her hometown to celebrate Eid Mubarak. I did the laundry, cleaned the house, and clean up the refrigerator by making use of the remaining ingredients. I made a Rose Tteokbokki! Even my chef brother comments it was not bad. He was surprised. HAHA. I’m so proud of myself. Since it was a big holiday, I got the chance to meet up with my very busy friends. We went to “explore” Jakarta. We went to have lunch in South Jakarta, then we went to the newly renovated Sarinah, one of the iconic social & entertainment places in Jakarta. But, oh my gosh, it was so crowded, and it was like there are no coronavirus at all. We only took a photo then we had our dinner and then we went back home. We went out for a full day, but it felt so short!

June was full of Excitement. I finally got to go back to Korea. After two years of envying my dad and just watching it from the sofa coach, finally I got to breathe the Seoul air. Though I came at the most dreadful season, I am just so glad to be back there. Since I’m going to get my TOPIK test in July, I started to reach out to my Korean exam books and study again. One thing for sure is I really have an interest in language, so even though I had to study and prepare for exams, I feel energized and joyful throughout the process. Oh, one more thing, I got accepted for a new job. I wasn’t really excited about this and was confused about how to react to this.

Hi, Seoul, I’m back! Finally, I got to meet my family in Korea after 3 years. Why it feels like it was 5 years ago? Well, I had a blast summer in Seoul, even though my peaceful vacation was disturbed by the test and suddenly got called to work at the Korea office. After my almost 3 weeks stay in Seoul, I went back to Jakarta for two days, and then I flew to Singapore to surprise my friend for her bachelorette trip. Due to last minute decision, I couldn’t get the most affordable flight tickets, so I took a plane to Batam from Jakarta and then took the ferry to Singapore. It was a very adventurous trip, but I loved it. It was one of the most memorable months in 2022.

I Turned 27 this year and I have a bittersweet feeling about it. First of all, I didn’t like the fact that I am more close to my 30s instead of my 20s. But, on the other side, I am grateful to celebrate one year older. This year, I don’t have any wish list for my birthday present. But there is one thing that I wanted for so long which is a pair of Gentle Monster sunglasses. I asked my dad and brother for that and my Dad bought it two weeks in advance. Have some small celebrations with my friends since my birthday this year falls on weekdays, and it was hard to arrange the meeting. On the weekend, my brother cooked me a mushroom steak because I love meat so much. But, I was under the weather that day and I can’t even taste a bite of it. I felt sorry for my brother, but it was unavoidable. It was a roller-coaster month, but I am grateful for every tiny detail of it.

A Red carpet rolled out in September because ‘Young Actors Retreat’ was finally aired! Woottt! I can see my two favorite Parks, Park Seojun and Park Bogum on the same screen. The variety show was very entertaining and I just love every second of it. Hwang Inyeop has a very attractive charm and I am very surprised to know that he is older than Park Bogum! In September, I went to see Super Junior’s concert in Jakarta! This was my second time going and watching Super Show 9. All of the set-list is are pretty much the same, but the sound system in Jakarta was very much disappointing. But at least I get to see my boys closer than the one in Korea.

I spent the whole of October in Korea. Yes, I went to Korea again! This time I went on a “business trip”. It was my first and last business trip with this company. I had a blast one even though the ending was ugly. I only need 30 mins from my aunt’s house door to my office door in Korea. While in Jakarta, I had to spend 2 hours from my house door to my seat in the office. I just hate Jakarta’s traffic and insufficient public transportation. On this trip, I got to go to Busan on the week of the BTS Concert in Busan. I will make a separate post for all of my trips in 2022. Also, I finally did camping in Korea after watching many camping-themed variety shows. It was so fun even though it wasn’t as easy as it’s look on screen. Last but not the least, I got to see Nam Joohyuk for the last time before he enlisted! Another encounter that I am grateful for in October is I got to see my aunt that has been living in the USA after 10 years? I guess? It's been a long time. She is a very loving and caring aunt and she is especially very close with my mom. It was so nice to finally see her. Next time, I will definitely go to visit her in the USA. AMEN! October has been awesome.

November passed by so fast that I can’t fully enjoy the days. A week after I came back from Korea, I went to Bali to attend my friend’s wedding. The wedding was intimate and I truly enjoyed it. Even though I couldn’t enjoy Bali to the fullest this time, I am quite happy to escape Jakarta’s crowd for a while. I had a few mishaps and inconveniences throughout the month, but I was able to overcome them thanks to Song Joongki. Finally, I got to meet him after 4 years!! I went to the airport and saw him up close. I wasn't able to get a ticket to Scarlet’s event but managed to get one for Bukalapak’s event. He still looks the same even though 4 years have passed. There were many things that happened during the past 4 years, but he overcome them and was able to greet the fans in Indonesia. It was nice to see you again, Song Joongki! November is an unforgettable month because I got COVID-19 for the first time. After standing strong for two years, I finally got infected. Thankfully, I got very mild symptoms. I don’t even feel sick at all. I feel very fine. Well anyways, thanks to the virus, I got to work from home. Yay, another way to escape Jakarta’s crazy traffic. There is a good thing in everything.

Finally, I am able to sing, “Good tidings to you wherever you are”. The Christmas season finally arrives. I made mini vlogmas on my Instagram, but compared to the previous year, this year I didn’t have the Christmas spirit or truly joyful feelings. After 5 months of spending my time and energy working at this company, I decided to resign. I was tremendously uncomfortable and I didn’t sense any kind of achievement or new things. Since I only have 2 years left in my 20s, I decided not to spend my time on the things that didn’t spark joy. Especially, I finally can escape the Jakarta's traffic!! YEAY!! So, just before Christmas, I was able to find a little peace in my heart and spent Christmas joyfully. This year Christmas wasn’t as warm as the previous years. Even so, I am still very grateful that I got to close 2022 without regrets, and am ready for 2023. I had an impromptu trip with my university friends to Sentul. I DROVE THE CAR BACK AND FORTH TO THERE! It was such an achievement for me. HAHA.

Dear 2022, thank you. You’ve been nice and rough at some times, but I just want to say thank you for the memories. I think I grew in various ways. And I want to say a good job to myself to go through all of the days in 2022 well. I started to praise myself at the end of the day, not because I am proud of what I’ve done, but to give myself more love this year. We often forgot to praise ourselves even though we’ve been through a lot. So, if you read this now, go praise yourself, “I have done well”!

So, have you found out what is my message to you?

Hint: it has 12 alphabets.

According to the Chinese calendar, 2022 is the Year of Tiger. A tiger has a charismatic side and is one of the strongest carnivores in the jungle. I just want to say that you are strong enough to pass through all those hardships and be able to step into 2023 in a few days.

I wish you a Happy New Year! May your 2023 be filled with joy, peace, and hope. 

Let’s work hard and play hard this year. Good luck!

God bless you all.

JCP FEATURES: MAGIC LAMP

“Like so many things, it is not what's on the outside, but inside that counts”

- Merchant, Aladdin

“Wait. I want to post this on my insta-story.”

“I saw this on Instagram and let’s go here too.”

“This was viral on TikTok, let’s make it too.”

Those sentences are some clips of our daily life nowadays. Especially after the soaring high use of Instagram and TikTok. Many are “busy” making content for their profile. Due to the popularity of social media, anyone can be a full-time “content creator”. Compared to 10 years ago, life as a blogger was not much appreciated because it doesn’t seem to be a profitable job and it couldn’t be described as a job. But here we are now, where childhood dream job is no longer to be an astronaut, or a teacher, but to be a YouTuber or an influencer. Well basically, all job is equally good, but we need to aware that what we see is not the whole thing about that job, especially content creator.

Well, actually the content creator is not a new job description since the magazine we used to read, TV programs we watch, or even the flyers you received are created by a content creator. It’s just the form of content that is new and we don’t have the specific job description for it yet. We can call a magazine article creator a magazine editor. For TV shows, we can call the creator as the producer or advertiser for flyers makers. We started to call people who create content on the internet as a blogger around 8 years ago and people who posted a video on YouTube are called YouTuber. All these job naming is just a name for a person who creates content for other people to read, hear, or watch with a more holistic perspective. The distinctive difference between the new content creator and the previous one is the working hours and independence. As for editors, producers, etc they are dependent on a company or brand and have specific working hours. While the new type of content creator is usually self-employed, more on freestyle, and has no specific working hours.

Many think that being a content creator is just the happiest and easiest job on earth. All it takes is to make your content viral and voila! You can get instant popularity. But, there is no way in this world that success can happen in the snap of your hand. All needs hard work and few times of trial and error. (Well, sometimes lucks played some part in someone’s career, but not everyone got the same luck) I was once helped my friend’s brother in running his studio and content creation business. Our client at that time is e-commerce for outdoor activities. So, we went to the mountain to create content. I enjoyed outdoor activities and moreover, this is my first-time experience hiking plus spend the night at the mountain, so I’m very excited about this content making. But, on the way up, I realized this content creation is not easy as what I usually see on social media. To make a 15-second video I had to hike up for more than 3 hours, not taking any bath, get wet due to rain, and most of all I can’t go to the toilet as there was none. In sum, there is no such easy thing in this world, you’ve to work for it.

Besides work hard, time also plays a part in your success. Who would know that YouTubers that started their channel 12 years ago would gain the spotlight like they received now? If you look at it carefully, many of them have started their career 10 years ago and just got the time to shine. More about time and timing, you can read it here. I’ve made a post about it on my previous JCP Features, so you can check it out there.

Actually, being a content creator is not just making any content. They have to carefully think about what they should make because there are thousands, even millions type of people that will look at their content and make a judgment of it. Their reputation is at stake. As you know, there were many issues with public figures or content creators regarding hateful comments. Many of them got hurt badly and many of them chose to end their precious life.

A few months ago, there are many content creators out there that reminds their followers that what they share is just a surface of their life and just like you and me they are not perfect. Like an iceberg, what we see on the internet is just the tip of their life. They choose the best part of their life or what they do and share it on the internet. Everyone has their own problem and mistakes, so they don’t need to add more of them. Mostly, the aim to create content is to give entertainment, hope, or information. As a semi-content creator, I also just wanted to share the good things here, since life is not easy for everyone. Personally, my aim is to encourage others and share the good stuff with all. We are all the same human beings and we are given the same abilities. It’s just you need to take action to make it happened. I watched one of the TEDx Talks videos titled “Stop Looking for Your Passion”. She said that it’s okay that you don’t have passion but do something. She encouraged us to work and take some action whatever it is.

Everyone already has their own problems and crazy life, so why sharing the negativity or discouraging content? We always see other’s grass is greener, but we don’t know how the others make that grass green. So, comparing your life with others is not really a bad thing to do, but you must know that great things don't happen instantly. Everyone has their own pace and there is an endless way how people achieved what they aim for.

2021 is on the way to the end of the first half, yet I’m still doing my 2020 monthly project (surely my time management didn’t get any improvement). It might have heard like an excuse, but being a part-time content creator is damn hard! See, being a content creator need persistence and consistency, which not everyone can have. In the last month of 2020, I learned how to live a content life. Not about being online all the time and sharing content, but how to fully enjoy life. Obviously, 2020 is not the best year ever, but there is always joy in everything. I started to post my daily activities during the Advent weeks in 2018. At first, I wanted to show how great it was spending Christmas in a winter country, but then I got to reflect that there is always a grateful thing every day, especially during the year-end. Then I continued the ritual up until now.

As I enter my 20s, I started to reflect back on my life more. I started to read self-improvement books or contents (like TEDx), or I started to analyze the main idea of the movie or drama that I watched (should I become a movie columnist?). Basically, I started to pay more attention to little details around my surroundings and fill in my mind and heart with positivity. After I got some insights, I have the urge to share them. Both offline and online. I started simple, by sharing it with my friends. Sometimes I shared it on my blog, but mainly on my Instagram, where I can reach more people I know personally but cannot be reached offline.

Just like what ‘The Aladdin’ movie (the older version) portrayed, he once didn’t want to buy the lamp because of its appearance. But the merchant said, “like so many things, it is not what's on the outside, but inside that counts”. And that lamp turns out to be a magic lamp! So, appearance is not everything, but what’s inside that counts.

This is my last post for JCP Features. I’ll prepare more thorough content in the future and share positivity with all of you. In the second half of my 20s, I’ve decided to restructure my life and I will take that as a chance to share more good stuff. It took me a long time to brainstorm and deliberate for this post. Even though I know that there aren’t many people who read my blog, but I had to finish what I started. Anyways, thank you to everyone who read this post and I’m signing out for now.

XOXO,

Further reading:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQaBpe7Fxuz/

(currently the most relatable account on my timeline)

TEDx Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MBaFL7sCb8

https://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/1137037/things-about-aladdin-you-notice-as-an-adult/

Count Your Blessing!

HEY YA! 

wishing all the best in 2014. Less bad, more good. Enjoy your storyline! :D

God Bless All

Love yaaa!! :*

This time, I'm going to share God's blessings throughout 2013.

Enjoy!

JANUARY

Nothing really special this month. I spent the most boring new year (?). Counting my days to national exam. Oh! I went to Trick Art Museum in Grand Indonesia while celebrating one of my boy friend's bday! We make some unique surprise for him. We told him to use a carton that writes it's my bday in the MALL. HAHA. 

It's My BDAY! WOHOO!!

FEBRUARY
Valentine huh? Nothing special this month. Even I didn't gave out chocos for my friends like I used to. I was given some chocos though. Thanks for the love (?). This month, I've started joining our yearbook committee.

MARCH
One of my maknae friend turned 17 this year on March! Happy Sweet 17th Velly! Also, this month we took our yearbook photos! PHOTOSHOOT baybeehh~~! :D (idk why I'm so excited).

BTS of our YB' Photoshoot

YB Committee BTS Photoshoot

APRIL
The most crucial month of the year. This is when the WAR started! National exam this month and the start of thinking for our future. This month is the most nervous time of the year. PLUS! My bestie turning seventeen! It's also a crucial moment! HEHE. I think that was the last 17th party I've attended. Bye-bye 17th party season. (I'm missing it now~).

my name tag. the photo came out nicely! acne-free photo! :p

MAY
Month of bothersome for around 2 weeks? Still going to school for no reason. HMMMHH! I was like the only one who diligently, without one absent, going to school...... :")) There were just 2-3 people everyday that stills come to school. HAHA. This is FREAK! Dealing my boring school days for our yearbook and prom! Yoohoo! This month, all the seniors are going out for Recollection (a religious camp) for 3 days and 2 night in Puncak at the same villa when I was 7th grade and 10th grade's retreat. (why you teacher no creative la?? #singlishmadness)

My AWESOME TEAM! :D We won the 1st place!!

SENIORS!!

JUNE
ENDED MY HIGHSCHOOL JOURNEY! It's my graduation time! Thank God, I can pass my exam and graduate! Thank you also for the award of being an exceptional character. I didn't deserve it, but You gave me still. THANK YOU. Thank you my friends, teacher, and family for the support, for the togetherness, for the patient, for EVERYTHING. (for more story of my graduation click here). After graduation, the seniors (me and my teams) prepared a farewell party, which is PROM NIGHT PARTY! It was not as good as we expected..... but, it's okay. At least, we experienced what PROM like. Hehe. Thanks for the hard-work. :)

my homeroom teacher

Up: My first Award. Down: 2nd award for being loyal with the school foundation. :")

Look! My graduation bouquet are very cutee!! :3

JULY
HOLIDAY!!! This month, my mom has opened her own shop, called Agashop. For more info you may read my entry here. :D Nothing special in my holiday though. I helped my mom at the shop almost everyday and hanging out with moi friends. Oh. I also have my farewell sleepover with Holy and Angel. IT WAS FUN AND FAT! HAHA. 

AUGUST
Part two of my holiday. Spending my birthday on holidays. It was not good. :( I miss my friends on my birthday. But, at least I can call it a celebration since there was a cake! :D BUT, this is the month of misery. Something bad happened to my uncle. He was in jail this month and the worst part is he spending his birthday in jail. :( Stay strong, kuku. We'll support you. At the end of this month, I've finally started my university life. :")

SEPTEMBER
Month of study... 

OCTOBER
This month three big event happened! First, my second field trip! A trip to Pramuka Island for Eco-tourism study. I'll tell the full story in the other entry (someday). Second, my youngest auntie gave her third birth! The baby name is Brandon Wijaya. He is so cuteee. Hello cousin! :* Third, THE HEOL MOMENT IS HERE! Finally perform the Indonesian Traditional Dance for the Indonesian Culture class. I got the most famous Balinese Dance, Tari Pendet. At that time, I was very ugly. LIKE WHATTTT! HUFFTTT. But, thankfully it ended!

magnae cousin! :*

NOVEMBER
LAST MONTH OF STUDY! TEST EXAM PROJECT ALL THE WAY. 

DECEMBER
HOLIDAY MONTH!! Got 1 month + 1 week holiday. On 1st & 2nd of Dec, mom, Hannie eonni, and I went to Singapore and Malaysia. In one day we were at 3 different countries. Geez. World is not that big. HAHA. It was a great adventure!! :DD The rest of my December were spent by doing some crafty thingie, going to the shop, decorating the shop, going to church, and lastly hanging out with my friends! :D

I think that's all the recap of my 2013 adventure. Thank you for all the supporting teams! Thank you God that I can still continue my journey to 2014. Thank You for the memories, the bad or good times, the valuable lesson, the adventure and thrill, and of course the joy, 2013. You are not the best year so far, but I'm still grateful.