Hi, it’s been a long time since my last post. I’ve so much to update, but only have the time to do it now. 2025 has arrived and it means I had to post my annual life review. 2024 was full of ups and downs, but still, I’m very grateful for each of the events. God has provided and given me the best of each day in 2024. In the moment of bewildering, God always shows the way and I’ve become more dependent on God. I live it up all to Him. All I have to do is to listen to Him carefully. So here it is, the summary of my 2024.
January - Confused era
What 2023 gave me was incredible that I wasn’t able to move on yet. I was so confused in January. I've no plan at all. No travel plan, no job plans, nothing. I was so blank in the first few weeks, but I kept on moving on. Well, the first day in January was great. My family was able to spend the new year together (we skipped this year). We went to CafĂ© Kissa, my brother's second baby (?). He worked pretty hard to open the restaurant and my dad (I went there a week before) was finally able to taste it and get his “investment” return. The food was all great and tasted umami. They are a Japan-infused modern restaurant. I haven’t found the food that I didn’t like yet even after 3 visits. My parents’ decision to send my brother to Melbourne was right and finally, we can really see and feel the result of his study. I might revive my food review section this year and I’ll post the full review of this restaurant soon.
At the end of the month, I went to attend my university friend’s wedding. Another event that made me question, “When is mine?”. Out of 6 girls, half of them have finally got married. But, at some point, I knew that married is not a race. Everyone can get married at any time when they are ready. It needs a lot of courage and commitment to do so. And I’m not sure if I’m ready to enter that stage. Nevertheless, I was glad to finally meet my friends again. Plus, I was complimented that I look so Korean and slimmer. HEHE. Finally, a year of gym membership has really paid off (though I bounce back again now)!
February - In the Name of Jesus Christ
My high school alma mater invited us to an alumni gathering. I finally met fellow friends, seniors, and lots of juniors that I didn’t even know! I met a few of my old teachers and reminisced about the good old days at school. The school has changed a lot, but the great memories flash back. A short time, but it was good.
The following week, I helped my friends who joined a bazaar and exhibition at a wedding fair. It’s my 3rd time helping my friends. Always a good and fun time. Though it was really tiring. I had to explain the same stuff a lot and had to be extroverted and assertive as well. Not the type of job I wanted to have for a long time, but I always like to help. Their sales are my happiness. They gave me some bucks after the fair, but I purely just wanted to help them.
March - New opportunity unfolds
My part-time jobs decreased so much that I didn’t know how I could survive the month. But then I came across an opening that was looking for a Korean-speaking guide in Jakarta. I applied for it, but eventually, the agenda was canceled. But the PIC offered me a full-time job. I was like why not? I took every chance I could have. And it was someone offered me a job, not I’m applying for a job. So yeah, here I am, starting my days as an office worker in Jakarta.
Started my first full-time job after one year of working as a freelance. All I wanted was just no drama office, a good leader, and no stress! Let’s see if all I wanted will come true (for now, it’s confirmed that I have good chemistry with my leaders). I came in at an awkward moment since March was the fasting period for Muslims. So, I didn’t have friends for the first few weeks. Thankfully, I got the chance to be a translator in my second week, so I got to know some people from the other division. Even I got a chance to know somebody from the headquarters. It was cool for a newbie like me to get to participate in the audit from headquarters. So far the office life has been okay, it’s just that the traffic still killing me softly. I am barely at home for less than 10 hours on weekdays. Jakarta’s traffic was so crazy. Even though I didn’t have to drive, the road to the office was very frustrating. And I have to do it every day. That’s why when we pray, we have to be very specific. I think I didn’t mention that I wanted the drive to the office to be stuck-free. Well anyway, I had a quite good start in my office life and look forward to what God has in store for putting me in this office.
March ended with Passover week. I had 40 days of not eating fried foods for abstinence. One or two times I had to eat fried food because of the situation. I remembered that I had lunch with my leaders and they ordered fried oysters. I couldn’t say no since it was my first time eating with them. I should’ve told the truth, but I didn’t want to make the ambiance awkward. I have to do it better this year. I was quite occupied during the Lent, so it passed by quickly.
April - All the things I love
The highlight of April was probably IU’s concert. It’s been 5 years since the last time I went to watch IU’s concert. She is such a loveable and all-rounder artist that I really like. I’ve been following IU since her early career and watching her grow made me respect her more and more. My friend and I didn’t get the ticket by ourselves, but my friend’s boyfriend got it for us. IU’s concert ticketing is very fierce in every country she went to. I really wished to watch her concert in Korea, but I couldn’t so, watching her in Jakarta is a must. I really loved the concert this time compared to the one in 2019. Plus, we got the seats quite to the center of the stage, making it more memorable. A bit TMI, I met my coworker at IU’s concert. Such a coincidence.
In April, Indonesia had Eid Fitri long holiday, so I got to meet with my friends. We got to celebrate my friend’s birthday after 2 years altogether. We’ve been friends since elementary school and growing up we had a hard time meeting up a full team. Each of us has our own schedule, but whenever we meet, we put all our effort into being connected. April is about eating good food, staying connected to my support system, and being able to listen to my favorite singer's live performance. It was a package full of the things that I love.
May - Happiest Month pt.1
After 2 months of working, I had to take my annual leave because I had a plan to Hong Kong. One of my friends is getting married in September, so we decided to have a bachelorette trip. We went to Singapore before for the other friend and we decided to do it once again for the other friend. It’s been almost 20 years since the last time I went to Hong Kong. I remember that I visited Hong Kong Disneyland when it was just newly opened, two decades later, I came back to the happiest place on earth as a grown-up lady hits differently. The lines to the rides were quite bearable. We surely went at the right time. However at the end of the day, I got sunburned and during the middle of the day, I found out that I had a period and I left my pads at our apartment. Such a troublesome, but I have the best day yet. We got to experience the newly opened Arandelle, the thrilling ride at the Toy Story area and got to watch the closing fireworks for the first time in my life. So pretty, I can’t. Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea vibes were quite different, but still, Disneyland is the happiest place on earth.
The trip was really amazing. The food, the activities, the weather, all were really great! We had trouble communicating with the locals and there were some days that we couldn’t access the internet. Thank goodness not all of us experience an internet connection, if not we will have huge trouble getting lost in Hong Kong and Macau!
After came back from Hong Kong, I had an express sleepover with my friend and my ex-professor. We had so much to catch up on but got so little time to do it. Nevertheless, it was all really great and I loved it! Also, I finally got the news that one of my university besties has finally got pregnant! I got the news on the opening of her food stall and got to celebrate it with my other friends. Such another milestone is unlocked. We got to witness each other seasons of life and I am really grateful for it.
At the end of May, I got the chance to meet one of my high school band crushes, CN Blue outside the concert hall. We had some insider tips, that they are going to have lunch at the Coach Restaurant. We had to do some acting and eat really slow and then they came down from upstairs one by one and I got to see them real close. Like super close. My bias was Kang Minhyuk and Jung Yonghwa back then, but now, hello Lee Jungshin! You really stole my heart with that haircut and black T-shirt, man! Even though I didn’t go to see their concert, I was able to see them up close instead. It was such another milestone achieved!
May was really incredible. Indeed, it was the happiest month so far.
June - Sudden shower
From early April to the end of May, all over Korea and some parts of the world head over heels with the character Ryu Seonjae from ‘Love Runner’. Ryu Seonjae was acted by Byeon Wooseok. I’ve been eyeing him since he acted in the “Record of Youth”. And this guy suddenly made a stop in Jakarta for his first Asia Fan meeting tour. The enthusiasm was really high, so the ticketing was undoubtedly hard. Thank goodness, I was able to secure 7 tickets before the general sales thanks to my acquaintance. But really, the show was great, but the event management was kind of terrible. It was held on Friday night in Jakarta, where it was kind of a doomsday. Everyone who didn’t get the tickets, went to the event hall hoping to get on-the-spot tickets. But only a few of them are willing to pay a high price for low-tier seats. The demand was high, but the supply was little.
Nevertheless, Ryu Seonjae in real life is Byeon Wooseok. He is really humble, kind, and genuine. His height is really the height that could make any girl flattered. His voice was really nice to hear and his live performance was not bad. It’s just that the audio system was not proper. Since I had to leave early, I asked my supervisor if I could leave early. He asked me where am I going, I said I wanted to go to Byeon Wooseok’s fan meeting. Now, he knows that I am a fangirl. Lol.
Speaking of my supervisor, in 3 months of working, I was given the “special” treatment from my supervisor, with a good intention. He brought me a pouch and hand cream, while the other teammates only got the hand cream. I forgot what did I do that he gave me another gift. But he said that he was thankful that I helped him a lot. Well anyway, I am grateful for this good relationship because it means we could make a great team.
(Update: he moved to another department, I feel sad, but it doesn’t mean that we are not working together anymore, it’s just that my direct supervisor changed and I have to restart my pace with my new direct supervisor, who is really busy and sometimes he doesn’t get the time to explain. I just have to figure it out myself.)
July - Nice to See You Again
The highlight of July is that I got to see Kim Seonho again after 1 year! It was so nice to see him again. This time I was able to say what I wanted to say to him and he replied to me. Even though I didn't get the front row, at least I got an enough good view to see him. The fan meeting rundown was pretty much similar to last year, but the fan project was well-made. I really love this year's fan project. Thank you to the editor and fan project manager who made this high-quality fan project. You can watch the fan project here.
Another bunch of people that I was really nice to see again was my student executive members. We met again at one of our members’ weddings. It was a mixed feeling, some of them are married, even some have kids already. We used to stay late at our student executive office, cramming our brains to create purposeful events and working our asses off to find funds to execute our events. But now we are at the stage where we are occupied with building our own life. The life that we wanted to have for the rest of our lives. It was a nice wedding reception dinner. It’s been a long time since I dressed up for a wedding (since most of the Chinese got married in the 2 nd half of the year). Though I have a big acne, I’m pretty satisfied with my look considering my limited makeup skills. I need to re-watch the makeup tutorial beforehand since it’s been a long time since I had to do party makeup. But overall, it’s pretty good.
August - Happiest Month pt.2
August is my favorite month since I have my birthday in August. As I entered my last year in my 20s, my thoughts about birthdays changed. It’s not about big, festive celebrations with lots of gifts and surprises, but it’s more about the effort, thoughtfulness, and time that surrounds me willing to share. I had a blast and blessed birthday this year and wouldn’t ask for more. Thank you everyone for spending my last birthday in my 20s. I couldn’t mention you one by one, but I’m so grateful for each of you.
I finally upgraded my iPhone after 5 years as my birthday gift from my dad. (Well, he paid 80% of the bill and I’m still paying the installment.) Even though it was an impulsive purchase, I made a great move. Because the iPhone 16 didn’t launch in Indonesia until now. Many people said that I could’ve just waited for the iPhone 16, why did you buy the iPhone 15? But, it doesn’t happen that way, guys. I didn’t regret upgrading the phone, but I’m starting to get tired of paying the installment. Why phones these days are very expensive, huh?
From the beginning of the month till the end, there isn’t one thing that I am not grateful for and happy about. I cherished every little thing that happened in August. From morning swimming with my baby Gwen, dinner with my best friends, to free lunch with my coworker paid by my supervisor’s corporate card. I was able to somehow maintain a good relationship with the people who hired me as a translator last year, so I was hired again this year. I am really grateful for the interpersonal relationship that I had. Most of all, I was able to get pocket money to cover my upcoming unpaid leave. It was a really hectic month, but my heart is full.
September - Short rest
After a hectic month in August, I was finally able to rest for a short time in Bali for my friend’s wedding. Though I went there only for 5 days, I had a great time there. The wedding was intimate and fun, even though on the wedding day I was wide awake for almost 24 hours. I woke up at 3AM to get ready and have my makeup done and finally sleep at 2AM-ish. But after the wedding party, I was able to get enough rest to have my first trip with my BEM (student executive) family. Bali is always a good idea. From great food, coffee, beach, to beautiful sunset.
This year September is Jung Haein’s month. His drama, “Love Next Door” and the movie, “Veteran II” premiers in September. I used to like him in the drama “When You Are Sleeping”, but started to dislike his similar characters after he became the main cast. His appearance in “D.P.” was stunning as he became an army and he was good in uniforms! Spend the rest of September with Jung Haein and make the report for the BOD meeting.
October – Preparation
As my departure to Korea to have my vision correction procedure was getting closer, I chose October as a preparation month. I used to use soft lenses every day and now that I had to wear glasses for one month, it feels somehow not so comfortable. My supervisors and some coworkers seemed to notice the difference and asked why I used glasses.
Besides the preparation for the correction procedure, October was filled with good food and two bridal showers, one was my BEM family member and the other one was my cell group head. I met with my high school seniors and as always we liked to reminisce about the good old days! Our high school days were one of the best times of our life and I’m really grateful to be part of this group.
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| Pretty clouds on the way to the bridal shower |
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| Best food I ate in October |
I got a thank you card from my supervisor’s son. I was really touched. I did give him some gifts before, but didn't expect that he would write something to express his gratitude (maybe forced or driven by his dad, idk, but nvm) along with a gift from his trip to Malaysia. Jiwoo, you are such a sweet boy! I had a new mood lifter whenever I saw his cute handwritten card. I placed the card near my bed and made it visible so that whenever I’m down, I can always read the card and be happy again.
Just before October ended, my fangirling group and I got free tickets to watch Taemin’s concert! My favorite member is Minho in SHINee, but surely Taemin has taken over my heart after watching his solo concert. His stage presence was really great and I couldn't really understand how SM made his debut with a mushroom hairstyle, lion hair during the Juliette era, and many more absurd concepts. Taemin is really a great performer and I am really grateful to watched this well-made concert for free.
November - New World
November was epic! It was colorful and a eye-opening experience I've ever had! Getting my vision corrected is the best decision I've ever made in my whole life. Thank you to my dad who supports my decision to do it in Korea. I've wanted to have my vision corrected since a few years ago and I took the test in April 2023 in Korea. But, I didn't get enough time to do it in 2023, so I finally decided to do it in 2024. Before my contract extension, I told my supervisor that I had a prior plan to Korea for two weeks. He said okay and let me go. Even though I had my salary cut due to insufficient annual leave quota, still I have the best time. The vision correction procedure was really quick and easy; I barely felt any hurt. But the post-operation, opening my eyes was really uncomfortable. I couldn't wash my face and hair. Even, I barely have the energy to eat on the first 3 days. Even so, I can see clearly without any glasses or lenses for the first time after 13 years! My supervisor had also a LASEK procedure and he said to me before I did mine, "You will see a new world". And I finally understand what it feels like to see a new world with clear eyes.
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| Post-procedure +2hours |
Alongside my visit to Korea for vision correction, I also had some meetups with my friends and acquaintances while I was there. One of my university friends was also joining me two days after I arrived in Korea. While I was in recovery, she went to Busan with her sisters and then we spent time together after that. The weather was so nice and I really loved my impromptu itinerary. This time I got to visit Busan and Daegu. This was my first time in Daegu and I wanted to explore more.
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| Revisiting my Korean language school |
After I came back from Korea, I went straight to work, and every weekend I was occupied with a lot of things. I haven't got a chance to just stay at home and get relaxed. I got free tickets to Choi Jinhyuk's fan meeting, then the next day I had a wedding to attend and a bowling game in the evening. The next weekend, I have another wedding to attend. What a busy month, but, I was go grateful for every second of November.
December - 2024 Last Gift
I posted everything that happened for the first 24 days of December and I made the highlight on my Instagram under “Mini Vlogmas ‘24”. As always, the first day of December is opened with my grandpa’s birthday. He is 84 years old this year and even though his memories come back and forth, he still walks and talks. His requests might be ridiculous at some time, but I must say that my aunts and uncles should fulfill it, since he is their father. Well anyway, his birthday fell on Sunday this year, so almost all of his children and grandkids were able to celebrate his birthday this year.
The next week, I went to my best friend’s engagement ceremony. It was my first time going to a friend’s engagement ceremony. It was really intimate and it’s getting clearer that my best friend is getting married soon! OMG!
The following week, on the 14th of December, my BEM family and I finally executed our annual gathering and charity program. This year we created a blood donation program and fundraising to be donated to dog shelters and reading houses. We also collected old clothes and bags. It seems very simple, but we really worked hard preparing this charity. After the blood donation, we had our annual gathering dinner at one of our member’s places. It was a packed day, but my heart was full. I’m so grateful for these people. Thank you, Lord, for letting me be placed between these great people.
On the 20th, I had a year-end team dinner. Our team has decreased in size, but almost everyone attended the dinner. We did it at the same place when we had a break fasting dinner before Eid Mubarak. That was the first time I joined the team. After dinner, we went to the hit photo box and had our MZ-style photo session. It was fun since I’m the youngest one there. I was the one who taught them how to use the photo box. Everyone seems impressed with the photo box nowadays.
I woke up early the next day since I had to go to Bandung. I’ve promised to my aunt and niece to spend the weekend with them, especially with my niece as she is going to Australia soon. That weekend was the busiest week, but I’m so grateful for the time I could have.
Since Christmas falls on Wednesday, coming to the office felt quite light. December was almost perfect except for the time that I got voice phished. Not everyone knew about this, but I feel pathetic by the fact that I could get phished. I still couldn't move on for almost 2 weeks after it happened. Even though God has assured me that He will replace it with a better one. It was not the amount, but the fact that how foolish I am. But, what has gone, is gone. Let’s think it that I chased away bad omen and did some unintentional donation of the year. To the one who took away my money, may you have a good day with it and find another way to get money. May God bless you.
2024 was fun and I had a blast! Thank you God for all your providence throughout the year and I’m living 2025 in Your Hands again. Please take care of me this year, too.
Thank you for keeping up with this part.
Thank you for keeping on going forward.
Have a great 2025, peeps! May your days be bright and joyful!
