The Art Of Gifting By Guys

While I always think men as weirdly wired creatures, I also find that there are many things I can learn from them, such as the art of gifting. I am not a good gift person, so I usually just ask the persons if they have something they really need at the moment. I could observe the person, make a guess on what they need and shop the product if I want to, but these days I just want to simplify the process, just like most guys do.  

Here are some examples of how guys make decisions on which gifts they give:

#1. The items that have the woman's favorite color
Once I received a book from a guy. It was a real surprise, because it was the same book that D gave me years ago. The new book has been reprinted in hardcover version.
Me: Wow, thank you, this is a famous book. How did you decide to pick this book?
Guy Friend: Oh, the book spine is in pink, your favorite color.
Me: ^_^

#2. The items they want to see the woman in it
Giving clothing to a woman is a bit tricky, but when a guy does that, it's because he thinks the clothing would look good on the woman. This is a conclusion of conversation with most friends.

#3. The items they can also use
When I met a friend recently, she was working on a grey Retina Display MacBook Pro, which looks thinner and lighter than a MacBook Air. As I am planning to buy a spare laptop (currently I am using an MBP that was bought in 2010), I ask her several questions on the specs.
Friend: Oh, my husband bought this for me. I don't really know the specs.
Me: Despite being thin, it looks very tough, probably due to the color.
Friend: Actually, it is available in Rose and Gold. The gold ones were not available in Batam (where my friend lives), and my husband was against the rose one, because it looks too feminine as he plans to borrow the laptop.
Me: ^_^

Similar proof was when I met up with another friend, she was wearing a Samsonite backpack, which looks good but which I also knew it was not her style.
Me: This new backpack is a bit different from your other stuffs
Friend: It's a birthday gift from husband. He chose this simple black one so he can use it too.
Me: ^_^

#4. The items within the price range
A guy friend suddenly hit me up with an urging question: where does one buy affordable women's shoes? He wanted to give a pair of shoes to his girlfriend for Christmas.
Me: Have you checked online shops? They usually have branded shoes within reasonable prices.
Guy Friend: Nah, still too expensive. I'm looking for anything below Rp 300,000
Me: Do you really love your girlfriend?

Another friend was ogling discounted items at The Body Shop, so I asked which one she liked.
Friend: Well, I really like this item, but my husband already bought another item, which was on sale but I didn't like it that much.
Me: You can give him some hints next time on your favorite items.
Friend: Unfortunately, that item is seldom on discount. So my strategy now is to find discounted items that I can like.

#5. The items that are functional because Form Follows Function (#ArchitectureStudentInsideJoke)
Years ago, a guy friend gave a watch as farewell gift.
Me: Wow, thank you. Why a watch, if I may ask? I would receive anything from you happily.
Guy Friend: Well, you don't wear a watch. I think you need a watch. And it can also remind you of the good times we had every time you look at the watch.
Me: (I was just speechless)

Another time, a guy friend gave me a bone-shaped pencil case with Totoro's face sketch and a water thermos, all in pink.
Me: Wow, these are so cute.
Guy Friend: And you can use them on a daily basis!
Me: ^_^

#6. Food
In most cases, food is the best gift. I mean, unless you have allergy or health issues, who can resist a box of chocolate? Or a cake? And the guy can also get a slice of the cake, which brings us back to point #3 (ha!).

The aforementioned cases do not hold true for all guys. There are guys who take the time to figure out the perfect gifts. Don't lose hope! Also, either it's a watch or a water thermos, one should always be grateful to receive the gifts. The guys have spent time to think and shop for the gifts, it was already an achievement.

If you are a guy, and you stumble upon this post by happenstance, what are your methods to find gifts for your loved ones? And if you are a girl, what do you give to the guys in your lives? 

Conversation With Work Colleague Via Skype/WhatsApp

As I've told you before, my work colleagues are based in other Southeast Asia countries. For daily report, I usually work with Pat and Jonah (from the Philippines) and when I cover for my Indonesian colleague, I work with Tyrone (also from the Philippines). For the weekly report, I work with Hazel, Sandra and Zahidah (from Singapore, although I think Zahidah is Malaysian as she understand Bahasa and proofreads my report, because Bahasa and Melayu are both similar and also different LOL), while for the bi-weekly report I work with Lordan (from the Philippines) and Sylvia (from Singapore).

Of all work colleagues, Pat is the closest colleague as I communicate with her on a daily basis. So far we already connected via Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Perhaps, Instagram is next.

Although Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines geographically share borders and similar cultures, we don't speak the same language, so English come to the rescue. It could be very tricky, because English is not our mother tongue and written words always sound too direct/harsh compared to spoken words. But so far, we manage to get along as we focus more on how to get the work done.

Anyway, here are some snippets that I had with my colleague:

#1. Let's Blame Tim Cook

Situation: I submitted the report a bit late because Tim Cook made a critical statement the day before, which resulted in many news links, and those should be included in the report

Me: Sorry I am late today, so many news on Tim Cook

Pat: Yeah, me too, let's blame Tim Cook

#2. Which One Is More Important?

Me: Which one is more important: me being on time in submitting report or me doing the translation correctly?

Pat: Well, actually both

Me: I knew you're going to say that

#3. Don't Tell Them That

Pat: Good timing today, Tifa.

Me: Yeah, I follow your advice to drop everything when the clock strikes 10.45 am.

Pat: Yup, the same tip I told Michael. But don't tell them I said that.

#4. Secret MacBook Sorority

Situation: when our boss told Pat and I to buy a Windows laptop (we both use MacBook Pro), because she believed the Mac slowed us

Pat: I can't afford to buy another laptop, we just have to show them that we can finish the report on time

Me: Just wondering, how many MacBook users are there in the office?

Pat: I think there are only three people using MacBook: you, me and Joni

Me: Wow, we should make an alliance

I really hope that one day I can meet this office's work colleagues in person. 

Kartini Day With The Piranhas

Kartini Day at the office has always been celebrated with the women wearing kebaya-kain combo and the men wearing batik. It sounds shallow, but it never cease to create a fun office atmosphere. Here are several photos of today's fun times.
 

The serious pose

The silly pose

The one with your color twin :D

Another Piranha's Silly Conversations

Another batch of silly conversations with colleagues, because these are just too good to be kept by myself.

Who's The Oldest Of Them All? - Part 1
Situation: during the DCOP's open house event, we chatted and talked about favorite pastime activities
J: You know, when I was in college back in late 1990s, you probably don't know, you were just a kid then...
Me: Mr. J, you and I were born on the same year. You were born in (insert the year here), right? I knew about that too.
J: Uh, yeah, I was. You too? I thought you were much younger.
Me (without batting an eyelash): Thank you, Sir.
He later turned to DA, who sat on his right...
J: And when I graduated from high school, it was back in (insert the year here) you know. By the way, which year did you graduated?
DA: Uhh, I graduated a year before you.
J: Oh really? You girls really look younger than your age.

Who's The Oldest Of Them All? - Part 2
Situation: Mr. J and friends was back from Sogo Jongkok, a small market in the middle of ministerial house complex (I will probably write about this place, one day. If I'm in the mood, that is...).
Me: So what did you buy there?
J: Well, I bought this shirt (pulling out one item), this trousers (and another item), this T-shirt (and another one), and..
Me: Ok, you seemed to have a good time...
J: Actually, I could buy more if the women didn't hurry me up. I'm an old person, and yet they rushed me around
Me: Who did you call young among these ladies? (looking at the women, who are in their 35+ and one of them is in her 50s)
J: (flashing a big grin)

Gossip Guy

Situation: The big boss (COP) walked along with a wrist bondage. 

ST: What happened to your wrist, Sir?

COP: I fell of my bike. I was in a rush to go home from the swimming pool because it's already drizzling.

Me: Oh my God, is there any broken bone?

COP: The wrist is broken, but the bones are still inline, so there's no need for a cast.

After the big boss walked away...

EM: Psst...psst..that is not caused by falling off the bike. It's caused by a bar fight. He tried to tackle a bottle with his wrist. That's why.

Me: What? Come on. He's in his 70s, no more bar fight for him. You're making this up, aren't you?
EM: (winked and left)

A Little Update On Piranhas

The project I'm working on will end in September 2017, but since we're on a budget, we will be discharged in several phases before the closing month. We will reduce the number of employees from around 300 currently to 100 as of  April. We have started doing this since December. I myself will end the contract in May, if nothing prevails.

This may sound a sad thing, but in the eyes of Piranhas, farewell equals to a feast, delicious foods and get together before departing for another project out there. Also, many of us actually looking forward to have a short break from the job. At least, I do.

Here are several conversation we had recently:

#1. On Finding Reasons To Get Fired

Situation: we were discussing on who leaves when, when DN, a next-office colleague, came and joined the conversation

DN: Oh you guys will leave in several months, while I will rot in the next office until God knows when
Me: You can make yourself get fired, if you prefer that way
DN: Oh yeah, I can circulate an email containing my nude photos. Would that make me got fired?
All: (silence for a second, before we all broke into the loudest laugh)
And as in cue, DN's boss, L, a woman in her 40s, came behind DN's back.
L: What were you laughing about?
DN: We were discussing on ways to get fired. I proposed to send an email containing my nude photos.
L: Are you going to send that email to the offices in Indonesia, or the US, too?
DN: Which has better chance of getting fired?
L: Instead of getting fired, you'll only be charged for ethics. You should come up with a better plan.
All: (did a double take on L, and then laughing hysterically)

#2. On Finding Post-Project Activities

Situation: as I said, many sees the end of project as a moment to have a career break. So here's what you possibly hear from some of us if you ask us,"What would you do after the project closing?"

PH, 70 yo: I will return to Flores and see what I can help there
PA, 55+ yo: I'm scheduled to do pilgrimage next year, so I would probably prepare the things for my departure
AH, 38 yo: I want to return to academic sector, start on my PhD
IL, 39 yo: I want to start a small business using the severance pay
Me: I want to do Ramadhan fasting at peace, so I'd be most likely postpone the job search for 1-2 months

#3. On Scheduling The Farewell

Situation: Big Boss is taking leave, while we are planning the farewell

SR: I think it's better to hold the farewell on Dec. 29, because Big Boss is taking leave until Dec. 27. However, this would mean WA, whose last day is on Dec. 23, would not be able to participate.
AH: Who will pay for the food at the farewell?
SR: Big Boss
AH: Oh that's great, the food will be abundant and delicious if the Big Boss pays. Ok, we'll hold it on Dec. 29 then.

Conversation With DAP

Sometimes I forgot how childish adult men can be. Here's several conversation samples with one of the specimens.

On Weight Gain And The Intention Of Diet

DAP: Oh my God, I've gained weight ever since I came to this office

Me: I don't mind 

DAP: I do mind, all my jeans are getting tight on the waist area

Me: Go on a diet then

DAP: Yeah

(a few hours later, I saw him eating snacks)

Me: How's the diet plan going?

DAP: Tomorrow (grinning)

Slim...Not

Situation: there's a distribution of T-shirts and everyone gave their size.

DAP: I'm XL size

Me: Sorry, Pak Jeffry took the last XL size, you may want to take the XXL size

DAP: It would be too big for me!

Me: You've gained weight since working in this office. Why don't you try it first?

DAP: (grumbling while putting on the T-shirt) It's too big.. see...

(the T-shirt fits him just fine)

DAP: Err...

Me: Too big, yeah right...(leaving him speechless)

That's Not Dinner Yet

Situation: During the meeting in Surabaya. It's 7 p.m. and everyone is going out for dinner.

DAP: I'm famished, let's have dinner

Me: But we just had dinner! Your supervisor took us to that eatery at 5 p.m.

DAP: That's not dinner yet, it's a pre-dinner meal

Me: Ok, you just go on your own then, I'm still full

Feeling So Young
Situation: we're discussing our age. He was 2 years younger
DAP: This year I'll be 34 years old
Me: We're only two years apart. You're already 34 years old now, you'll be 35 years old this year
DAP: No, I'm 33 years old.
Me: You're born in 1981, right? This year is 2016. You're being delusional
DAP: Oh yeah, right


Auntie Knows Best

Situation: DAP is quite popular among the girls. I suspect this is because he's quite tall compared to other guys in the vicinity. So one of the girls (let's call her Rose) has shown genuine interest towards him, but the feeling is not mutual...

Me: Rose sent us email to ask our help for a backdrop of an event
DAP: But the information is not clear
Me: Ask her via email then, but don't forget to cc me
DAP: Can you do that? And cc me
Me: You're a big man, and yet you're afraid of her? This is ridiculous
DAP: I'm not afraid. It's just...I'm sure you handle the situation better than me
Me: *rolling my eyes*

Cute Girls On The Horizon!

Sometimes I caught him glancing at cute girls passing by, and then he blushed when he knew that I knew.

DAP: What?

Me: (smiling)

Female Colleague #1: It's good that he's glancing at girls. If he's checking out men, then we have a stiff competition here

Me: Good point

DAP: Hey!

Other times, I pointed out the cute girls for him

Me: Hey, the girl over there is pretty

DAP: I know (smiling sheepishly)

Me: Hmmhh

When Cute Guys Are Around

Sometimes the situation is reversed, in which there is a cute guy around and the girls will gawk at said guy

Female Colleague #1: Check out 11 hours, cute guy alert (whispers)

Female Colleague #2: Ohhhh

Me: Yesss

(Our eyes were following said guy, and then DAP walked in front of us and obscured our view)

The Girls: Hey!

The Whole Office-Bazaar Hubbub

There was a bazaar organized by a Japanese-themed mall in the office building this week. The items being sold on discount were various, from mattresses, to clothes, to toys, to food. To sum it up, there was something for everyone. Here is several conversation that took place in the office during the bazaar...

How It All Began
Female Boss (FB): Did you see the announcement  downstairs? There's a bazaar. What kind of items will be on sale?
Finance Manager (FM): (produced a brochure) Here it is. I took it at the reception desk
FB: Hmm, thank you (reading the brochure seriously)
(a few minutes before the lunch time)
FB: FM, let's go now before it's too crowded.
FM: Go where?
FB: To the bazaar!

Checking Things Out
(At 12.30 p.m.)
Me: Oh my God, it's so crowded
Colleague #1: Of course, it's lunch time. Everyone comes here to have a look
Me: How about if we come back at 02.30 p.m? The crowd may have dispersed by then
Colleague #1: Ok

At 02.30 p.m.
Me: Oh my God, how come it's still crowded?
Colleague #1: Hmm, perhaps we should come again? At 07.00 p.m.?
Me: Ok

At 07.00 p.m.
Me: Why are these people still come here? Didn't they have homes to go to?
Colleague #1: Hmm, let's just finish it quickly then
Colleague #2: Oh hey, you guys are here again? I thought I saw you a few hours ago

Lipstick Jungle

Situation: one of the items on sale was Purbasari's matte lipstick, which had been getting rave reviews on its durability, lovely colors and other good qualities. Most women bought at least one color of the lipstick series, so we tried each other lipstick to see which suit us best. I had to ask for other people's opinion, and DAP was there...

Day 1

Me: What do you think of this color? (showing my lip to DAP)

DAP: It's good

Day 2

Me: How about this one?

DAP: It's good, it's good

Day 3

Me: Hey, this is actually really good (pointing to cellphone charger cable)

DAP: Ok, which lipstick you're wearing now?

Me: Why does it have to be lipstick? I'm talking about this charger cable

DAP: Because lipstick is the trending topic of this week 

The Power Of Moms
FNA: It's so crowded downstairs, I couldn't buy the Number 90 lipstick
Me: Oh really? I just got myself two lipsticks a few minutes ago (showing the purchased items)
FNA: Oh, but you're a mom. Moms have power girls don't have
Me: You're asking for a spank. I'm not a mom yet, I'm an auntie.

Baking Class With Sarah : Chocolate Cheesecake

Sarah, a high school friend, has been posting photos of cakes and cookies she made. She even received orders for birthday cakes and other events. One day I kind of jokingly said,"Let's have a baking class. I'd like to learn how to bake cheesecake." She said,"Sure." 

She was excited to share her tips. She even offered to buy the cake ingredients in advance, we didn't have to do the shopping, we could pay her later. All we had to do was to go to her house. So I went to her house with four other friends and we had fun mixing all the ingredients.

Base:
125 grams digestive biscuits
60 grams butter, melted
1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Filling:
175 grams dark chocolate, melted
500 grams cream cheese, room temperature
125 grams sugar
1 tablespoon custard powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 egg yolks
150 ml sour cream

How to make:
To make the base, crush or process the biscuits into crumbs, add the cocoa powder and the melted butter, mix well. Tip them into a 22 cm spring form tin. Press the biscuit crumbs into the bottom of the tin to make an even base and put it into the oven for about 5-8 minutes.

Beat the cream cheese to soften it, add sugar and mix it well. Add custard powder and vanilla extract, beat until combine. Add the whole eggs and then the yolks, mix for 2-3 minutes. Add in the melted chocolate, and then the sour cream, mix to a smooth batter.

Cover the bottom of the spring form tin with aluminium foil to keep the water seeping into the tin. Sit the spring form tin in a roasting pan and pour in the cheesecake filling. Fill the roasting pan with boiled water to come about 1/4, and bake in the oven for 50 minutes to an hour (water bath). The top of the cake should be set, but underneath should still wobble.

Hahaha, can't help posting this one

Turn off the oven, keep the cake inside the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Take it out, peel off the aluminium, and sit it on a rack to cool down. Put in the fridge once it's no longer hot, you can release the cake from the spring form tin after 2-4 hours in the fridge. Don't forget to put knife around the cake to separate it from the tin before you release the spring form. 

You can also read Sarah's post on this baking session in her blogs.

Thursday's Sarinah Attack Almost Brought The Piranhas To The Brink Of Extinction

Thursday morning found us, the Piranhas, listening to the news on bomb explosion outside Sarinah. We soon heard/read more terrifying news on bomb and shoot out. We checked our colleagues who were out of office for field works, on their whereabout and safety, and also informed our families that we were safe.

It was a tense day for everyone at the office as we had to follow security protocol. We weren't even allowed to leave the floor to buy lunch. Thursday 12.15 p.m., we were about to head to nearest canteen when one of the bosses gathered us and told us to stay where we were.

Our expression turned sour as the boss told us to not leave the floor for any reason, not even for lunch. We soon opened our drawers and nibbled on all kinds of food we could find in the pantry: biscuits, wafers and, may Lord forgive us, the sinfully delicious instant noodle. We're still hungry though, and we couldn't function well without rice. Hungry and angry. Apocalypse was about to take place. 

The other boss came at the crucial moment and said everything was okay outside, we could go and bought lunch downstairs. The Briton even offered to buy us lunch himself if we were too afraid to go downstairs.

"We are not afraid. We simply respect DS (the scared boss)'s request to stay put," we said.
"I was here during the 1998 riot. I went home driving the car on my own. I saw burned down buildings and everything was in chaos. But I still reached home safe and sound," the kind boss said.

The kind boss finally went downstairs and bought food for all of us. After the food arrived, peace reigned. It's amazing what food can do to calm the Piranhas. We were told to bring home our laptops and that the office would be close today.

Hope you all have a safe Friday and weekend.

PS. I read that there were two foreigners (of German nationalities) who were injured during the event. I happened to know both, one was a UNORCID official whom I invited for an event held by my former office, and the other was the husband of a colleague at a former office. My hearts and prayers go to the families of victims and everyone whose lives are impacted by the event.

When It Comes To Health Issues, The Piranhas Are In The Nile

There was a free health check up in the office building a few weeks ago. Of course, everything that is free would attract the Piranhas. So we headed to the event to check our sugar blood level, blood tension and cholesterol level.

Here are several funny conversation that ensues.

1. On weight issues

Situation: during the queue, the health instructor took measurement of your weight and blood tension.

Health instructor: Please step into this weight scale

A curvy woman: Engg no need. I know the weight must be a lot.

Health instructor: (-_-)"

2. Trust the best result?

RA: How nuisance! I just had my sugar blood and cholesterol level checked in the lab. If I knew there would be free check up, I'd have waited.

HW: It's ok, Bu. You can still try the free check up and trust the one with good results.

RA: Ok, I'll have lunch first then

About one hour later...

RA: This must be wrong!

SN: What happened, Bu?

RA: My cholesterol level spiked from 169 in the lab result to beyond 200.

SN: What did you have for lunch?

RA: Enggg...KFC.

All: laughing out loud 

3. On weight issues...again

Me: The weight scale at the office must be broken. I checked my weight at the office, it's 57 kg. But at the health check up event, it's 55 kg.

AA: Or...it could be due to the gravity. The closer we are to the ground, the more accurate the weight measurement is.

SN: You should measure it in the lowest basement floor then *sarcastic mode on*

Meet The Porstars

Hello, here are some photos of the Porstars :)

Ratu Plaza's 711, Jakarta

Peacock Cafe, Yogyakarta

 
Ta Wan, fX, Jakarta

 
Roti Bakar Benhil, Jakarta 

Porstars

The new office employs more men than the former office. But the single ones are younger than me. There are four single guys in the new office. One is two years younger, one is eight years younger, one is nine years younger and one is 14 years younger (!). Instead of Mbak, I asked them to call me Bibi (Auntie).

"You're so weird. A lot of women wanted to be called Mbak (which signifies a young woman), but you want to be called Bibi. Why is that?" one of them asked.

"Well, I'm not young anymore, definitely older than you are. Why should I deceive you and myself with the name title? Besides, I like Return of Condor Heroes' main character Bibi Lung," I said.

Three younger colleagues and I had drinks after work at a nearby convenience store. Then we had this idea to make a clandestine Whatsapp group. I suggested that we named it Piranha Porstars, a word play on the number of the initial founders (MAE, FNA, DAP and I). FNA added RJP and IS later on. However, after a few weeks, IS left group for cellphone efficiency and it made Porstars having five members. We still call it Porstars though.

Here are some conversation we had…

On The Group Name

IS: I think there is a letter missing in this group’s name

Me: You mean, letter N?

IS: Yes

DAP: Oh yes, it should have been Piranhan Porstars

On Going Home

Situation: Being the eldest and the Auntie for all, I can’t help worrying if they have reached home or not. So I usually check them out. Here’s the kind of conversation we usually have

Me: Has everyone reached home?

RJP: I have

MAE: Me too

DAP: Just entered my apartment

FNA: I’m still on the commuter line. Three more stations to go

Me: But the journey is not over yet for you still have to row the boat, take ojek and swing from one tree to another…

FNA: Bibi, why are you bullying me too?

(Thirty minutes later)

FNA: Hurray, I’ve reached home

Me: It’s already 12:01 AM. No need to sleep. Go back to Jakarta for work, or you’ll be late

FNA: (-_-)”

On Having Lunch And Game

DAP: Let’s have lunch

FNA: Let’s. Where?

DAP: Tengjo?

FNA: Ah, that’s too far

DAP: Panin’s canteen?

FNA: That’s also far

DAP: (starting to lose his patience) All eateries are far…from Bojong. So where do you want to have lunch?

FNA: The canteen in the basement

DAP: Nope, I can’t play CoC there, no signal

Me: (-_-)”

Rules On Taking Ojek (Or When Kaleb And Yudha Take Ojek)

The existence of transportation apps Go-Jek and Grabbike is truly a godsend in this hectic city called Jakarta. We only need a smartphone to download the apps and order a service when we need it. However, for my friends Kaleb and Yudha, things are not as easy as that. Here are several situations where they found themselves in an uncomfortable situation with the apps.

1. Don't use other people's phone to order your ojek
Situation: Kaleb wanted to go to Senen, but he had yet to download the apps in his phone.
Kaleb: Bro, could you order a Go-Jek for me?
Yudha: Sure, bro.
(Several minutes later)
Go-Jek #1: Are you Yudha?
Go-Jek #2: Are you Yudha?
Kaleb: Why are you ordering two Go-Jek?
Yudha: Because I need one. Now, dear Sirs, could you tell us which one going to Senen and which one going to Tebet?
(Both Go-Jek drivers fumbled with their smartphones)

2. Put your own number in the profile
Situation: Henny, another university friend, felt compelled to help Kaleb and Yudha on this ojek apps problem
Henny: Ok, give me your smartphone, Kaleb. I'll help you download the apps for you. Here, put in your email and your number.
Kaleb: Wow, thanks. My email is...my number is...
(Ten minutes later)
Kaleb: Yes! I can finally order ojek with my own smartphone!
(A minute later, Yudha's cellphone rang)
Yudha: Hello? Go-Jek? But I didn't order anything yet? To Senen? (glared to Kaleb)
Henny: Whose number you put there just now? Was it Yudha's?
Kaleb: Of course. Because I don't remember my own number

3. Always confirm the details before hopping on a passing ojek
Situation: Kaleb had ordered a Go-Jek to pick Yudha in Tebet (they just never learn, don't they?), and it was taking him so long to arrive. So when he did arrive, we cheered.
Kaleb: What took you so long, bro?
Yudha: Well, there was this Go-Jek arriving and I quickly hopped on. But then he took me someplace else. When I asked him, it turned out that he was supposed to pick another customer, not me. So we went back to where he picked me up, and there was the customer and my own Go-Jek driver.

Run, Jog Or Walk

My new office is located nearby Bung Karno Sport Complex (or locally known as GBK). Now, if you've never been to Jakarta, let me tell you something: it's a luxury to be nearby such a huge sport complex. Therefore, I decided to make good use of it. I've been going there with the colleagues once a week to run, jog or walk.

I'm not exactly the sporty type, so I don't set a specific target for the activity. It's just nice to straighten my legs and have a breather after sitting and typing for hours. Most of the time I went there, I only walked around the big stadium three times. Now that I'm in my mid-30s, I try not to burden my knees and ankles by running. So I walk.

The great thing about going there is the sport spirit. People from all walks of life go there to do sport. A group of tattoed men glide on their skateboard, girls wearing shorts skid around on rollerblades or  men run in groups or solo. As the sun set, more people are coming to GBK. They probably go there to wait for the 3-in-1 traffic rule to end.

I can't help observing their sport apparel as they all look so fashionable. Since I only walk once a week, I don't spend much on my sport apparel. I always wear the blue sport pants and any random T-shirt. However, I recently bought a new pair of sport shoes because the old one shows signs of tearing down. It's white with dashes of pink for the logo. May the new shoes last longer and be a source of my sport spirit.

Another thing that catch my attention is that most people run with earphones (to listen to music) and smartphones (to measure the calories they burn during the run). I'm leaving all gadgets at the office and simply enjoying the moment. It's a good opportunity to be away from the electronic stuffs and have myself as the only company. I've only started using a smartphone since October 2013, and now I check the smartphone every 15 minutes or everytime there is a notification ringtone. It is not a healthy habit, and definitely not polite too if there is a friend around.

My colleagues and friends sometimes complained because I didn't bring my mobilephone during the walk-around-GBK. Since I walk and they run, I am often left behind and they will need to locate me. I told them to wait for me near Gate VIII, which is the same gate we use to enter GBK and go back to office. It sounds very old school to wait at a meeting point with total trust that your friends will be there when the time comes.

The biggest temptation after doing sport in GBK is the street food vendors that dot the area. I mean, I guess it's okay to have two bowls of empal gentong or bubur ayam after you walk five times around the stadium? Do I hear yay or nay?     

In the end, it doesn't matter what kind of sport you do: run, jog or walk. Just move your body, be in the outdoor and enjoy the moment.

Last but not least, if you happen to run in GBK and see a woman with blue pants around Gate VIII without gadget in her hands, feel free to say hi, the woman could have been me.

Campus Life

Now that I've told you about the post-grad school life, I'd like to share some banters with my university friends. 

#1. The Young Forgetful Lecturer
Situation: it's Friday night, we're having a night class.
Young Lecturer: Ok, class. Let's wrap it up in 30 minutes. Oh, on second thought, let's wrap it now
Student#1: Why so soon?
YL: I forgot to bring my laptop charger cable, and it's already out of power now.
Students: Oh ok

#2. Traveling With The Boys Be Like...
Situation: we were going on a field trip to a geothermal energy plant, everything has been planned a week before. But a few hours into departure time, this conversation took place.
YL: Has anyone prepared the safety shoes and helmets?
Student#1: No. But do we really need those?
YL: Yes, the plant manager told me.
Student#2: Why didn't you tell us about it?
YL: Errr *suddenly losing phone signal*
PS. We managed to get the shoes and helmets before leaving.

#3. Which Canteen?
Situation: we often had dinner at campus on Friday nights and lunch on Saturday noons
Student#1: So where are we going to eat today?
Student#2: How about trying the foods at the Literary Canteen?
Student#1: It's so far away from the Engineering Canteen.
Student#2: But there are more girls there.
Student#1: So where is this Literary Canteen?

Arisan With High School Classmates

Arisan is a term in Indonesia about social gathering that takes place at a fixed interval (being an informal social network, this may be varied, from weekly, monthly or bi-monthly), at each member's home (or other place, as agreed by the members) in turn.

A few months ago, my high school classmates reunited at a restaurant and we decided to hold arisan to keep us in touch. It was the first time after more than 10 years that we finally sat down together. Still can't believe that we've been friends for 20 years.

During the gathering, we shared stories about work, life and future plans. Some work as civil servants, some work in private sector, and some open their own business. I'm the only one who works in a not-for-profit organization.

Anyway, here are some photos of us. Can't wait for the next arisan with these girls.

Having lunch at Bakso Lapangan Tembak Senayan, Cipinang Mall

 

Trying to look cool while exploring the mall, but it was no easy feat with such loud group :)

 Then we watched Kingsman: The Secret Service together. This photo was taken a few minutes before Dinna (wears black hijab) broke the good news: she's getting married next month! Alhamdulillah, so happy for her.

Facing Your Fears

"I made it to finish line on the kickboard swimming competition last week," he beamed to me from across the table.

We were sitting in front of a nearby 711 convenience store. It was 4 p.m. and we were having the usual afternoon break. He had a bottle of blueberry yogurt, while I sipped a small carton of chocolate milk.

"That was fantastic! I'm so proud of you," I clapped my hands excitedly,"How did you do it?"

"I just focused on the finish line and kept thinking that I should reach it no matter what," he said,"I didn't even check my time."

Our conversation may sound trivial for those who have passion for swimming. But the 1.79-meter tall guy sitting in front of me had been fighting his fears on bodies of water for years. He was drowned twice during his childhood, and the experiences left such a trauma that he would go feverish every time he enters bodies of water.

"All my friends had tried to teach me how to swim, but to no avail. One day, I went snorkeling in Tidung island in Kepulauan Seribu. I saw the fishes around me and vowed to myself that one day I would dive with the fishes," he said.

With the newfound determination, he went to Senayan Swimming Pool and tried to swim. But he was not successful...again. He walked around the pool and watched how the people swim. As he sat by the pool, an old Japanese man glided effortlessly in a freestyle. He slowly memorized the man's movements, went back into the pool to give it a try...and made it.

"After all these years, I finally made it. It was not perfect, but at least I didn't get drowned," he grinned.

He later joined a swimming club and has been practicing swimming albeit with a kickboard. The event he mentioned was the first swimming competition he ever took part in. I find it amazing that people can have fears and they can overcome it, if only they have the will and put a lot of efforts on it.

What are your fears? How do you face it?

A Farewell To Boss :)

Boss NPM's last day was today. So to give him a proper farewell, let's write something funny to remember him by :D.

1. The Workaholic Boss
Situation: We were excited to exercise our political rights for the presidential election on July 9 (and the holiday, of course. Ha!). But there was one person who was not happy about it.
Boss NPM: So we're going to have a day off on July 9?
Colleague #1: Yes, it's a national holiday.
Boss NPM: But we can cast the vote in the morning and then come to office in the afternoon.
Colleague #2: It's a regulation, Pak. We can't break regulation.
Boss NPM: So we're going to have a day off?
All colleagues: *Returning to our own cubicles in silence*

2. The One Who Is Mentally Healthy (Or So, We Hope)
Situation: During a 3-day workshop
Boss NPM: I'm not feeling well today. My throat is sore, my eyes are aching.
PFC: But your soul is well? (In other words: Are you healthy psychologically?)
Boss NPM: *Between angry and trying to hold his laugh*

3. The Serial Meeting Organizer
Situation: He usually discussed some issues on Communication with me, because I'm one of those assistants without officer :P.
Boss NPM: Tifa, please come to my room right now and bring your laptop with you.
Me: Yes, Sir.
(A few minutes later, I asked an issue that he couldn't answer and he would call related department.)
Boss NPM: Could someone from Finance department come to my room right now?
(And then the Finance person asked another issue, and the Boss had to call another person, of course.)
Boss NPM: Jack, come to my room now. I want to ask you something.
(In the end, the whole staffs would come to his room and we would move the meeting to the meeting room.)

4. The Forgetful Boss
Situation: I got a message from my colleague that Boss NPM asked me to contact a person for an event.
Me: You want me to contact Ms. A?
Boss NPM: Yes, she's a forestry expert who works in the 5th floor.
Me: Ok, who has her number? Because I don't.
Boss NPM: Well, I have her number.
Me: Okay. May I have it?
Boss NPM: Wait a minute, I've called her last Friday. She said she couldn't come to the event.
Me: -_- "

5. The Boss Who Is Always Panic Whenever His Employee Is Taking Leave    
Situation: I was taking a leave. This conversation was reported by my colleague, who was taking care everything during my leave.
Boss NPM: Is there anything urgent? Are you overwhelmed with work? I will ask Tifa to return to office ASAP.
Colleague: I don't think so. Everything is OK.
(However, he did call me when I was checking in at the airport.)
Boss NPM: Hello, where are you at the moment?
Me: I'm at Sultan Hasanuddin airport, in Makassar, South Sulawesi.
Boss NPM: When are you coming back to Jakarta?
Me: Well, in about five hours, I suppose. I'm in the middle of checking-in.
Boss NPM: When are you coming back to office?
Me: The day after tomorrow. Because tomorrow is still my day off.
Boss NPM: Can you come tomorrow? Just for half day. There's a meeting in Bogor at 2 p.m. that needs your presence, it's about the visit to Madura.
Me: Argh. Okay, half day it is.
(P.S. This is also happening whenever other employees taking leave)

Despite his antics, he is a kind boss who is ready to help out whenever I stuck in a rut. Boss NPM, thank you for everything and good luck on your future endeavor :).

Just Another Reunion Event

Last Friday, I went to a small reunion gathering with former colleagues of the first media I worked at. The newspapers in question was re-launched in 2004 (it was an old time newspapers that was given a new life, I don't think I need to mention the name here) and then had to be closed down again in June 2005.

Many of us has worked in other media, while some have moved on to work in other fields, such as university lecturers, insurance company employees or lawyers. We have been having this kind of reunion since three years ago, thanks to one of the successful colleagues who is willing to pay the bill :).

After all these years, we still like to joke around and tease each others just like the old times. Here are several snippets from the event:

#1. Just to Make Sure, part 1

Situation: on the way to the meeting point (a restaurant on Jl. Sabang).

Len:  Tif, this event is a treat from Pak Agung, right?

Tif: Well, he's the main sponsor of the last two reunions. And you know that there would never be a gathering without a sponsor.

Len: Oh that's true.

#2. Just To Make Sure, part 2

Situation: The men had yet to order any food when we (read: the women) arrived
Mcd: Why haven't you guys order something?
Iam: Oh, we're waiting for Mat to come first. It's on him, right?
Mcd:  Nothing changes, really
 

#3. Health Matters

Situation: a waiter approached our table

Waiter: Are you ready to order?

Drb: Yes, I'd like to have one starfruit juice, please.

Tif: Do you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol level? (They say starfruit juice is good for those ailments. -Ed)

Drb: Errr, not really. I just want to take care of my health in general.

Tif: Hmm, okay. I'd like one strawberry smoothies.

Waiter: And for the dish?

Drb: Grilled squid
Tif: *face to palm, forehead to table*

#4. The Kids Are Alright (What About Us?)
Situation: I was talking to Drb about his family, Tem and Mcd were sitting nearby
Tif: How is Badai (his son, the name means Rainstorm, because he was born during a rainstorm) doing?
Drb: Oh he's good, I'm about to be a father-in-law soon.
Tem: Oh no, what about us? We haven't even married yet!
Tif, Drb and Mcd: -_-

I'm so glad I worked with these funny people for every reunion meeting always brings smiles to my face :).

Low Light Photos With Pentax K-x

Last week, my colleague Can approached me to tell that he just bought a Sony DSLR. As he further elaborated on his new camera specification, he then asked me what my camera  could do.

"Can it take good photo in low light situation?"

"Is it light enough to be carried on a daily basis?"

"How many mega pixel is your camera?"

You know, the comparing questions. And I thought we're past high school, where peer pressure existed.

I've long decided to stay away from the camera question, that's why I didn't buy Nikon or Canon (two big camera brands here). I just want to have fun with my camera. If the camera is available in red, then it's a bonus:).

One thing I've learned in the three years with Pentax is every camera comes with its plus and minus. As a photographer (or aspiring phographer wannabe), you have to find which setting works best with you, play around with the camera to get yourself used to it and just have fun.

After all, it's not the camera that makes a photographer.

Responding to his first question, here are several photos I've taken in low light condition with Pentax. They're not the best photos as I'm just an amateur. But these prove that any DSLR, either a Sony or a Pentax, can take photos in low light condition.

Taken in the toilet at Qi Lounge during an event my office held last year. The dress code was Rock and Glam, but I didn't have time to dress up. 

Taken in Karimun Jawa islands last year

During the concert of Tim Knol and band in Erasmus Huis. I had a crush on the guitarist (far right) but too shy to approach him :P.

Have any photos taken in a low light condition? Do share please:)