Long Live.

 This afternoon, out of nowhere, I sobbed. 

I wasn't sad at all. 

I'm pretty sure it's not hormonal, as well. 

But it was just the way that this particular song always gets me choked up. 

The song is by - you might guess - miss Taylor Swift 

and it is said to be her love song for her fans. 

The song is called 'Long Live', 

and it is like an account of the success she had, the journey she had to go through to get there, and what  happens next if, say, we say goodbye. 

There's something in the way she sings the lines, 

especially in the Eras Tour. 

The lyrics says:

"Long live, the walls we crashed through / I had the time of my life with you //

Long, long live..."  

When she said 'with you' - she would point to the crowd, 

and when she sang 'Long, long live' she would do two fist bumps before resuming her guitar playing. 

As a person and as an artist, she'd gone through so much. 

People have come and gone, problems come and gone. 

But she would always have the fans and her band with her. 

She did ask us: 'Will you take a moment? / Promise me this /That you'll stand by me forever...'

And somehow, every I hear this song, that feeling gets me good. 

That loyalty. That decisiveness to stay with her no matter what. 

But also, a hint of sadness (okay, there are 5% of sadness) 

That nostalgic, 'we did it', but also that we might not always have this forever. .... 

One day, she'd stop singing. One day, we'd be too old to be dancing around our room or fridge to her song. Nothing lasts forever. 

Ah, the art of living in the moment without worrying about the future. 

 

But, anyways, even though I sobbed like I was watching a K-Drama that I don't watch, 

I am getting excited to see her perform next year. 

I promise to cry in this song, do the point & double fist bump, and sing and dance for the other parts of the show. 

Long Live. 

-*^^*-

(ps: the crying could also be caused by jealousy of those who watched Coldplay playing in Jakarta last night. But that's a different story. Yes. I was heaps jelly. super jelly. super duper jelly. SO JELLY.)

26's 365th

 Tomorrow, you turn 27. 

Wow. What a year it's been :") 

Who would've thought you'd get here?

Even on the 1st day of 26, you couldn't see past the end of the year 2022. 

But life just continues to make you amazed. And God continues to be so gracious and good. 

So, here you are. 

Stretched, 

dreamt and dreamt, 

travelled, 

loved, laughed, lost, 

failed, succeeded, 

fell down, got up, 

took a breath, 

got some rest, 

learnt, 

created, 

reunited, 

cried, 

danced, 

be built and rebuilt. 

I am truly amazed and grateful for the amazing thing in 26. 

As usual, 

I'm saying this while standing in a stance: always anticipating a different kind of season in life,

one where everything's not all rosy and sunny like the ones I've been in. 

But I truly hope, whatever's meeting me in year 27
will be as unpredictable and remarkable. 

Truly, 

up and up. 

-*^^*- 

Mar. 21 '23

 I am a pro procrastinator. 

It is a choice, of course, to delay doing something,

even when it is important.

Things like replying to a chat, 

writing down a script/idea, 

picking up the phone, 

things like these.

Honestly though, it is often born out of terrible anxiety,

of either confrontation or the unknown. 

Or sometimes you really are not in the mood to do something, 

and it ruins your mood for the rest of the day. 

Doing it tomorrow is really my mantra 

- until there is no more tomorrow and it has to be done yesterday. 

:) 

But, yeah. 

I'm trying to do it less,

as little as I can,

but it's still piling up. 

I will try and try again, though. 

As usual. 

I will try again. 

-*^^*-

Mar. 05 '23

 (So, okay, 

I didn't finish it all in February.

I was stuck with demanding work days and dramatic travel days. 

My body was tired and so was my brain. 

But I want to finish what I started, 

so let's resume!

Starting now.)

---

I'm bracing myself for two weeks of hard work. 

So today, I'm taking it real easy, 

eating right, filling my cup, 

and enjoying a proper break!

I've had this bag of brownie crisps for almost a week now, 

and I've been saving it. 

I was skeptical of how it would taste - from the packaging, it looked too healthy and seemed like it'd be dry. 

But I guess brownies are brownies, right? 

Luckily, that is the case!

It was the most delicious, crispy yet decadent snack!

I finished the entire bag today xD 

Just another reminder to keep expanding my horizon by trying new things.

It is a gamble, I know. 

And most things would turn out to be more annoying than great, 

but if we never try, we'll never know. 

-*^^*-

Feb. 22 '23

In one of my favorite movies of all time, Julie & Julia, 
one of her friend says, "If only I could be my own assistant."

I would like to do that today, please! 

If I can split my brain and body into two, three, or four! 

And do all the tasks and thinking I'm supposed to finish within these short short days! 

Literally, I don't have enough digits to type everything I need to in time. 

Ah. 

It's a problem, 

but it's a problem I'm grateful for, still. 

These days won't last forever. 

I'll enjoy it while I'm walking through. 

-*^^*-

Feb. 21 '23

 I keep coming back to the simplest most basic gratitude. 

I am so thankful for a roof over my head, 

for food on my plate,

for clean water I can easily gulp down, 

for air I can freely breathe, 

for electricity, for internet, for my job. 

For living in a city and country with accessible healthcare and roads. 

For shopping malls in the weekend, for a beautiful warm office in the weekdays. 

These things seem basic, 

but I actually truly consider these as luxury. 

I know I have (and will still) take them for granted at times, 

but I won't take them lightly. 

#Blessed is not what our eyes see, but how. 

-*^^*-

Feb. 20 ‘23

Look, it’s not that I am against medications or medical interventions.

There are so many safe and effective products that I do use, too!

But as much as possible, 

I want to make sure my body is given the best chance it can to be its best self - because actually our body, as well as the nature around us, is incredible!

Like, remember how we all rush outside at 10 am trying to get morning sunlight to build our immunity and avoid covid? 

I’m talking about these kinds of things!

There are simple and natural things that I prioritize before taking supplements and lab-made vitamins, 

Just because I think they are as good and important!

It’s as easy as getting enough sleep. 

Making sure I drink enough water.

Plating a well-balanced and colorful plates, and carefully considering macro nutrients. 

Incorporating exercise (yesssss unfortunately we have to :’))

Letting sunlight in - for our health & for the hygene of our homes too!

Washing my face 2x if needed (to avoid acne).

Watching caffein & sugar intake. 

Mindful reading. 

Less stress. 

The last one has been the hardest one for me. 

I can feel all the stress & anxiety hormones releasing. 

BUT keeping a routine and to-do list, 

And making sure I ‘recharge’ my battery daily & weekly is sooo important and helpful. 

It’s not grand and expensive. 

It’s about doing the small and simple things, 

& being smart with my time, energy, resources, 

before resorting to additives. 

But hey, look,

I’m only 26. 

I’m pretty sure in the next couple of years, I might say something different, 

And in dire need of something stronger to help me cope with the long days! 

Lol.

-*^^*-

Feb. 19 ‘23

When I last visited Aussie two months ago, I didn’t expect me to go on book sprees!

Yep, not just one, but two xD

LOL

Once in Brisbane, fueled by boredom,

And a second one in Melbourne, in my local Dymocks. 

Of course we passed by Readings and other beautiful local bookshops,

But I had to restrain myself from entering, 

Because I am aware of the weight limit of our luggages xD

Anyways…

I’m halfway through a very interesting book called ‘Adrift in Melbourne: Seven Walks with Robyn Annear’.

It contains seven ‘routes’ around Melbourne CBD, 

And tells the history of these streets and buildings. 

Tbh, I expected a fictional narrative, 

Something that flows a little more fluidly between one story to the next, 

But as I keep inching away in this book, 

I’m continually amazed! 

I have passed these streets time and again, 

I’ve looked up and walked among these buildings, 

But I really don’t know their history and the rich story that goes well back to centuries ago! 

It’s just amazing to see how time changes things, 

How they used to be hotels, doctors offices, theatres,

But now they hold completely different functions!

It got me thinking about these people whose names are mentionned in the book, and their stories. 

Some of them are politicians, businesswomen, doctors, enterpreneurs. 

They wouldn’t know that their stories will still be told in 100 years time. 

They didn’t ask for this - but here we are. 

They focused on their work and their life, 

In whatever shape that took, 

And let history carried its due process. 

I wonder if I can have a similar journey. 

Would someday, somehow, someone tells my story? 

What would it take for the memory and story of mine to persist? 

-*^^*-

Feb. 18 ‘23

 I once took a surfing lesson. 

At that point, I hadn’t been exerecising, so my body had no physical strength whatsoever. 

I enjoyed the first couple of ripples, 

And I found in fascinating how saltwater reacted with our eyes. 

But as it got harder and harder, I fell behind. 

Here, my instinct was to give up. 

I was terrified of the waves. 

It wasn’t my first time swimming in the ocean - but it was only my 2nd time!

And my first time dind’t have any wave that felt this huge. 

I wanted to just sit on the beach for the rest of the session. 

That’s more me, anyway. With a good book, under the Bali sun.

But that was my rock bottom. 

Somehow, as soon as I gave myself permission to quit, I never used it. 

I didn’t have anything to prove, 

But I also didn’t have anything to lose. 

Weird, isn’t it? 

—

These days, 

This instinct to just let myself be overcome by the mighty wave is coming back. 

And I’m tryingt to not give in. To see this as a motivation and turn it into a goal instead. 

But maybe, 

Instead of trying to do it well and perfect, 

I should just let myself go and allow myself to play around. 

Make mistakes. Be imperfect.

Maybe it’ll take the presure off, and then I can actually do something.

Huh?

-*^^*-

Feb. 17 ‘23

 If I’m a fruit, I’d be a pear.

Sweet, humble, predictable, and something you can count on.

If I’m a flower, I’d be daisies. 

Bright, light, not begging for attention.

If I’m an animal, I’d be a melancholic dog.

Puppy-eyed, loyal, up for a little challenge.

BuIf I’m human, I am me.

Might not be rare and unique,

Might not meet expectations and become insecure because of it,

But hopefully, I bring joy,

To serve alongside a little sadgirl side dish.

-*^^*-

Feb. 16 '23

The when an idea seems so inconceivable and unlikely, 

it doesn't mean that it can't be true. 

The way we can forgive those who hurt us most. 

The way grief and joy can exist side by side. 

The way peace can grace her presence in the middle of a turbulent storm. 

How? We ask. 

But we won't receive an answer. 

It doesn't make any sense. 

No words can describe the intricacy and the insanity of these feelings. 

It's only when we endure these paths, 

we will see.

Our lenses have been traded. 

Our horizons are re-written.

-*^^*-

Feb. 15 '23

What is the best thing one can gift to herself? 

Chance? 

Or perhaps second chances. 

Success?

Yes. But also, the struggle and the journeys that lead to that hill. 

Memory? 

But also the experiences that will be forgotten. 

Lights and colors that cannot be captured. 

Feelings, no matter how fleeting. 

Laughters, smiles, fears, and tears along the way. 

I pray life won't be perfect. 

That the climb up will result in cuts and bruises. 

But I get to look back and be proud of what my hands create, 

where my feet have led me,

what my eyes have the privilege to witness,

the strength and perseverance that come through it. 

I want to gift myself a life lived to the fullest, 

and a heart filled gratitude and satisfaction. 

-*^^*-

Feb. 14 '23

 I love chocolate. Need I say more? 

So, when a few days ago my grandpa gave me a bar of chocolate he'd brought from Singapore, 

and I had a stash of Tim Tams in my fridge, 

I knew my V's Day is set! xD 

To be frank, 

I sort of wish I'd gone out today. 

Just felt like making memories and hanging out. 

But then, if I really think about it... 

I hate crowds. 

So, I'll stay home, 

savor my chocolates, 

and enjoy my own company!

(which I do! except when this one starts spinning out of control...)

-*^^*-

Feb. 13 '23

I used to think that love shouldn't hurt. 

I think back to those high-school days,

when unreciprocated crushes brought tears to my eyes.

But then I look at people who grieve their loved ones, 

that pain, is it not born out of love? 

I used to think that real love is always a two-way lane. 

One-way streets are called obsessions. 

But then I look at those who faithfully cared for their loved ones, 

who stand by their side when the other person might never give anything back. 

No words, no affections, no affirmations. 

This selflessness, 

isn't in born out of love? 

All my preconceived ideas of what love should be

was broken by love itself. 

Love so gentle, 

Love so stubborn, 

Love so strong and enduring, 

Love so consuming,

Love so selfless. 

I wonder, one day, 

if I get to love a new human in my life, 

what shape would that love request? 

-*^^*- 

Feb. 12 '23

 Yesterday was not the one of the best days in my book. 

The day starts off fine, 

but as we come into the noon hours, 

I was just too tired to do anything. 

I was supposed to call around and gather some much needed information, but I couldn't do it. 

Instead, I lay down until the sun sets. 

Was that fear? Was that anxiety? 

Was that just my social battery in dire need of recharging after days of socializing? 

I think it's a combination of all that. 

Plus, the thought that on the next day (today), I would have to go and meet more people,

who and how I didn't know. 

Most mornings, 

when I sit down to start a Zoom meeting, 

I feel my tongue literally not wanting to move. 

Some days, 

instead of getting ready, 

I spend that extra time lying in bed, just weighting and re-weighting if getting up is worth it. 

Calculating time, to spend as little out there as possible. 

I don't know why. I mean, I sort of know. 

I just want to fly under the radar, be invisible, and only talk when I know I will be listened to. 

I hate confrontation, and speaking up, and not having things in my control. 

The goal is to have more good days than bad days. 

-*^^*-

Feb.11 ‘23

 I have not seen someone sing with such technique and storytelling as Phillipa Soo in Into the Woods!

Her performance as Eliza in Hamilton is great, but ‘On the Steps of the Palace’ shows of her skills like crazy!

On a side note, it also shows what an incredible composer Sondheim was.

But back to the song!

She sang it with a more operatic technique (to my ears) 

Her melodies are strong and enuniation beautiful!

And those Sondheim lyrics are something to sing, but she delivered every word effortlessly.

I cannot believe someone can sing like that.

I read somewhere that skills are what gives us the liberty to be better storytellers.

Just like Pippa - as she master various singing techniques, 

she has more tools up her sleeves to create her performance.

For example,

From the timing and the tones she chooses, these informs the audience of what goes through her mind, and what kind of a character she is. Is she playful? Is she excessively worried? 

You can find the answer from her acting, sure, 

But even just from listening to her sing, you’d be able tell, 

Because she has an extensive tools to create all these effect on her instrument.

Crazy good. 

I might never do the things she does with my singing voice.

But I wonder, will I ever be able to do that with my writing?

Become so skilled, that each word, sentence, paragraph, piece, be so deliberately crafted,

That it cuddle you and strike you in the heart at the sametime?

Well, that’s the goal anyway.

-*^^*-

ps: frozen by tiredness

Feb. 10 ‘23

 The most difficult thing about moving alone to Melbourne and living in a studio

is that there was no oven in my room!

It’s for the best,

But that made me miss baking. 

How is it that if you mix flour, butter, milk, 

You get that batter?

How is it that if you mix at a certain speed and time, 

It changes the chemistry of the ingredients and give you fluff?

I love the magic seconds of when the batter comes together.

I love snacking on the chocolate chips xD

And I love that what makes me happy can make other happy, too. 

Unfortunately,

The kind of baking I love uses a lot of sugar and butter,

Which isn’t the healthiest!

I love baking with the music blasted loudly,

But I also love baking with the silence of midnight. 

-*^^*-

ps: long days. may i stay grateful.

Feb. 09 ‘23

I don't have a lot of regrets. I've learned to live life this way.

But if I can reverse the clock back in time, there are things I do want to change. 

One thing in particular:

There was this boy,

He was involved in an accident that made it necessary for him to have a ‘pee bag’ with him wherever he goes.

To put it mildly: he didn't smell best.

On top of that, 

he also has this playful twinkle in his eyes and a way of laughing, 

that were more often met with annoyance rather than reciprocated with playfulness.

We used to be so unkind to him.

We weren’t actively bullying him, I don’t think,

But we just wanted to stay away from him.

I now imagine how hurtful it must’ve been,

For a kid who couldn’t change who he was, 

But was exiled because of it.

If time could wind back,

I would want to be better educated on his condition

And I would invite our classmates to change our attitude towards this guy.

There are so many things in his life that he couldn’t control;

He is making do, his style.

And we could be supportive rather than pushing him aside. 

Moving forward,

It is a personal mission to be kinder and meet people with more compassion.

-*^^*-

ps: pe”ase let to ofany typos. wrote his in between dreaming and waking!

Feb. 08 '23

 Ahh. The infamous words: 'self-care'. 

Upon hearing this, 

our mind might race to thoughts of pampering your body and soul! 

Oh a cup of tea and a great book by a cloudy window. 

A whole skincare routine.

A massage or a little chocolate. 

A walk in the park. 

I learn though, that sometimes, self-care doesn't have to feel nice, 

and I'm talking about one specific form of self-care: exercising. 

I am having such a hard time with the idea that we have to exercise consistently 😂😂

I don't love the sweat and the pain. 

I don't want the shakes and the burns!

But, I understand and want its benefit :")

I know, when I exercise, I'm actually taking care of myself, 

now, and in the long run. 

It's good for my mental health, 

it's good for my physical health, 

it's good for my routine. 

Sooooo,

Yeah. I’m on a journey to really see exercise as ‘self-care’. 

Hope I’ll meet you in this path, too!

-*^^*- 

ps: another day of domestic drama xD ah c’est la vie.

Feb. 07 ‘23

 I might never be the best writer.

I might never produce an award-winning musical.

I might be extraordinary,
and I might disrupt the industry,
but I might not.

So, when do I say, “I made it?”
Do I have to wait for my name to be echoed through a bookstore?
Can I quietly make it, without public recognition?

I am in that sweet spot of agony where I don’t have these answers.

I am both content yet ambitious.
I am both a dreamer and a realist. 
I am boht longing and shying away.

All I can say for now is that I’ll keep inching away
towards whatever’s ahead.

I’ll stumble and get back up,
I’ll get stuck then start again,

And I’ll keep doing the things
that challenge me and fuels me at the same time,
that allows me to be generous to others 
in whatever shape that would take.

-*^^*-

ps: a long and weird day.

Feb. 06 '23

 When I was in 8th grade, my school had these hosts of posters hanging in the hall. 

One of them says this:

"Shoot for the Moon; even if you miss you will land among the stars."

As an overachiever at the time, this quote spoke to me. 

I didn't fully comprehend it then, though. 

If I may brag: when I was younger, I can shoot for the moon with one eyes closed. 

But as I got older, and my academic passion declined, 

this quote taught me about excellence in spirit.

Sure, I might not be able to get that perfect score anymore. 

I might not write the best story or be the number 1 in what I do. 

But, if I just try my best-est, and I give it my all, 

the result will not betray me. 

All our labor will not be in vain. 

Anyway, that's how I interpret that quote, 

and I still do live by it in some ways until today :) 

-*^^*-

ps: phew what a day! but my flow of calm & peace is back!

Feb. 05 '23

 Ooh! Can I tell you about my office's outing? 

So on the last weekend of January, we had our first office outing in 3 years. 

We travelled for around 4 hours by bus to this beautiful camping ground - although, it was more of a 'glamping' situation. We had rooms instead of tents, with beds, and hot water, mini bar, and even a bathtub in my room, overlooking a beautiful forest. 

The area was called Situ Gunung, 

and the area we explored was called 'Lembah Purba' (ancient valley).

This isn't your average trekking experience for several reasons. 

Firstly, not only the camping ground we had was very 'proper', 

the trekking path itself has already been so well prepared, 

which was great for first-timers, myself included!

It felt more like a walking trail,

but GORGEOUS with ferns and ancient species,

oh and blood-sucking pacet. Ughh. 

But still, beautiful nevertheless. 

The focal point of the trail is a set of waterfall, called 'Curug Kembar'.

We walked around 3km to reach them, and my gosh it was breathtaking. 

The waterfall itself looks like any other, sure,

but its location was the selling point. 

The raven was so lush, and green, and the height made it look ever more majestic. 

I imagined that some Marvel crew would come to see these, 

and got inspired to use it in the next movie. 

It was that epic. 

Walking under the waterfalls were like walking in a storm!

I experienced a similar situation back in '18/'19, 

when it the wind and rain attacked Melbourne, 

but we were too stubborn and went out to the Asian grocery to get hotpot. xD lol.

You couldn't really open your eyes due to the water and wind. 

The road was slippery due to moss and mud. 

But once you were across, you would sit right next to the pond, 

and when you look up, these twins were faithfully soaring. 

Incredible. 

Have I tantalized your inner adventurer into wanting to go there?

Oh I hope you would go!

Juuustt,

one final thing:

along these trails were suspension bridges. 

And, uhm, suspension bridges are 2 things: 

A. it's so high up with nothing connecting it to the ground; and you can literally see everything, including the valley or river underneath. Beautiful but terrifying. 

B. it's shaky. It's not a stable kind of bridge. You will feel the swing, up to the point where the bridge is tilted to the right or left. On the first bridge I crossed, I walked like I had been drinking on a Friday night. Left, right, trying to catch my balance. 

The combination is honestly scary. But, it doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a go!

Along the way, don't think too much about the scary part. 

Instead, immerse yourself in the nature. Let your mind be enveloped by the trees, and leaves, and the smell of the soil. Let your soul drink from the fresh river running through. 

It was an experience like no other. 

-*^^*-

Feb. 04 '23

 I woke up this morning feeling fairly refreshed. 

After a late night, I was grateful that I didn't have to wake up early today 

and got to spend the wee hours of the day in bed. 

But I decided I didn't want to spend the day idly. 

My weekends have become too precious to just let it slide into nothingness. 

Sure, it would've been nice not having to do anything;

but it was better to do things that are meaningful and refreshing. 

So I summoned my best friend: to-do list. 

I started jotting down all the things I wanted to accomplish today: 

- cleaning up 

- cooking

- reading

- writing

- exercising 

Did I do it all? Of course not. Ha!

I am an ambitious planner type of person. 

Of course I put too much and spaced it all out too little. 

But my day had become more purposeful. 

I was thoroughly refreshed by doing something - something other than mere mindless scrolling. 

And the feeling of accomplishment also contributed in making this day some depth. 

It was a good morning, 

and it has been a good day. 

-*^^*-

Feb. 03 ‘23

I feel like one day, I might leave all these behind for a different world.

By these, I mean all these creative aspirations.

I love this world with all my heart.

I love books, writing, performing arts, theatres. I live and breathe in of songs and dance.

But maybe in a different universe,

I will pursue something that will make an impact on people's lives and their future. 

Not just an impact, but a real difference.

System is the keyword.

I want to dive into the complex reality of welfare, and challenge why the heck we can't provide everyone bare minimum descency.

I want to tease each strand of problems,

sort out each knot, 

cut where it truly matters and where people's being are at stake. 

And it makes a difference whether I'm doing a good job or if I'm failing. 

Because it will mean food or education or justice or healthcare for someone who needs and deserves it as their basic right.

It will mean something real.

I don’t know.

Maybe I will be stubborn and live in this fantasy world forever,

creating pockets after pockets of escapism.

But maybe, 

Just maybe,

one day I’ll get so sick and in need of a sobering pill. 

And I’ll end up in this world.

-*^^*-

ps: the day ends with a lovely 5-hour dinner. love love love.

Feb. 02 '23

Today is an exercise of loving myself, as I reflect on 5 things I love about myself. 

It has always been easy for me to see the best in others

and let doubt scream loudly in my mind.

But, why not celebrate things I’m proud of, 

Or at least jot them down as a reminder

For those days when insecurity seems to win?

First of all,

I love that I’m rather easy going.

By no means I’m saying I’m not uptight or particular about things,

But in general, I can make do with what’s available. 

I’m pretty happy about that.

Number two,

I love that I see life as an adventure. 

I’m always up for new experiences and lessons, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

I’m not an adrenaline junkie or an extreme sport participant, 

but once in a while I don’t mind getting out of my usual route just to see what’ll happen.

Third,

I love that I romantacize things. 

I know, it brought me into trouble, too. But life as a romantic infuse things with purpose,

that little things become beautiful with its own place in the universe.

Mine is a rather optimistic base, with a dash of reality just to balance the taste.

Next, number four.

I love that I can be organized and manage sizeable projects,

Plan trips and exams months in advance,

yet live inside a pile of an organzied mess.

Aka, I love comtradictions. Hey, the world’s got black and white and gray, right?

Finally, I love that I’m a good listener.

Yes, I have to learn to speak more and to speak up,

But so many people has something to say, quick to respond, needs to be heard.

I love that I get to sit there and listen, 

and observe the world as it goes, 

and pick up things because I listen.

Hey, hasn’t this been a good list?

Let’s call it a day, and see what else tomorrow brings.

-*^^*-

ps: the day has been hard and causes self-doubt for unexpected reasons.  huh.

Feb. 01 '23

So, I haven't been here in the loongest time. 

Why not make a little cameo?

Throwback to the days where I was blogging daily, 

writing bits down with my made-up emojis and exaggerated excitement. 

This month, I'll try my very best to write something daily!

The goal is 28/28. 

The objective, as ever, is to make memories. 

Wish me all the best lucks in the world. 

-*^^*-

ps: today was a rather normal day at work, after 2 days of hecticness. much enjoyed. 

Happy New Year! 2023!

This morning started in a somewhat gloomy tone. 

The rain wouldn't stop pouring, and it flooded all around the city. 

I was supposed to be at lunch with my friends, and we had to reschedule it. 

Weather triumphs over most things. 

But fortunately for me, the weather situation had not been a reflection of my 2022. 

My 2022 has been quite fun! 

As live continues to move forward and we push past the fear and precautions, 

I think I'm finally back on making some real memories: 

- IC 2022 & volunteering pre-event xD best opening!

- back to share & serve in youth

- travelling more
(train rides upon train rides...)

Jogja & its beautiful hidden gems

Jakarta & its magnificent glory

- reunited with cousinsss after 3 years :')

- BALI. & staying in new, incredible places!

- new paint!

- cutting hair after 1.5 years xD

- reunions with high school friends! 

- family reunions, too. 

- writing new kids performance. love love love it!

- belajar naik TransJakarta xD

- being a nomad and 'couch-surfed', but much more fancy xD

- beer garden and midnight in Jakarta. 

- capsule hotel experience!

- 26-hr shooting experience. recovery took days.....

- attended a proposal! my heaaarrtt

- bridesmaid duty <33

- best friend's wedding + another's engagement party!

- wisdom teeth removal... 

- new opportunity at work. what an unexpected twist!

- going back to Melb!

- re-visiting Syd!

- & new visit to Brisbane 

- HAMILTON! 

- Do Ho Suh exhibition at MoCA

- GoMA & State Library of Queensland

honorary mention of things I've been watching/reading/listening to: 

- Extraordinary Attorney Woo (Netflix)

- From Scratch (Netflix)

- Nicole by Niki

- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

- Multitude by Stromae

- Renaissance by Beyonce 

 Overall, it hasn't been a bad year at all. 

2023,  I have high expectations. 

My resolutions are kind of vague,

but I just want to stay consistent in good habits & growth. 

I want to write more, travel more, learn more, & just grow more. 

Here's to being stretched, pushed, molded, shaped, watered in 2023!