Day 2 of 30 days writing challenge.
Happy things
I will separate this part into several sections, as this will be quite a long blog. I found these things as things that indeed make me happy.
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Part 1 : Cat
Ever since I was a child, always knew one thing that will keep me happy: cats. I literally did everything with cats: sleep, eat, talk(!) and of course I always cleaned after them. My childhood dream was to become a Veterinarian. But you can't always get what you want (I'll stop this sentimental reminiscent, as this post is about things that make me happy, not sad. Lol). Currently living with my spouse and my cat, Miko. There's just three of us right now, and actually I'm happy, way happier than, let say, three years ago. Miko was with me too at that time, those worst years of my life, and she was indeed my pure source of happiness.
The thing about cat is, you either like them to bits/adore them or you despise/scared/not interested in them at all. Some people blamed cats for their infertility, but truth is I've done my med check (including toxoplasmosis) and the result came out fine. Things people did or say to you just to make you down, I'm kinda used to it right now. But for I care, I love my cat more than I love those people. The love people have for their cats is unconditional (maybe we'll discuss this more on day 21).
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Part 2 : Books (and manga)
Have always been a nerd ever since I can read. Spent my elementary school days in school library, read literally every book there. Got an award from school librarian for most checked out books. Every week, our parents took us to Gramedia, a book store, and probably spent all my allowance for books and comics. Not until junior high that I literally transformed into a manga enthusiast--earned my Royal Title as 'The Queen of Comics' there👸. My friend, Nadine, collected rent money from my mangas that we circulated in school, and the money was used to buy new mangas! It was a whole circle of manga sustainability. Lol.
But the love for books took its toll on me--for I am until now a nearsighted person. I remember the first time I had a blurry vision was after I run a full throttle marathon on Enid Blyton's Famous Five. I read the whole series under a blanket with a flashlight while the room lamp is off. Apparently you'll hurt your eyes this way, successfully. Lol. And it developed from there.
Some people bought house from scrimping scholarship money, but I bought books (and of course I went sightseeing--this will go to today's part 4) got three huge boxes full of books that I brought home from my days in Leeds, and all piled up inside my parents' home. Someday I'll move them to my home.
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Part 3: Plants
I always love to plant things. The way those greenies grow, they just soothe me. But now that I live in an urban space of a tiny apartment, can't really have a lawn and a garden. But we did have green spaces: at the window bay and at the balcony.
This summer, I successfully planted sunflowers in pots (never tried this before) and it was full bliss! Sunflower has a short period of life, as they're a seasonal flower. You can't really plant them all year round. But I glad I did. 2020 allows me to be home more, so I can have time to plant things. A blessing in disguise.
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Part 4: Sightseeing
Before pandemic era, I was a traveller both for work and for fun. It felt like ages since I last took a flight somewhere. As I mentioned before, spent some of my scholarship money for traveling--as I go with the proverb to 'seize the day' or 'carpe diem'. And I never regret it, although some people that went in my journey are not a part of my life anymore. It's funny how life brings people close to you and throw them away afterwards.
My happy place is Japan, well, because I am (or was?) a manga addict. Went there first at 2013 (maybe this is a material for day 3? Memories??) and came back several times. During my turmoil times, I even went to Hokkaido alone on winter times(!!!) This is pure madness. Lol. But it's unforgettable.
My second happy place is Jogja, and I apparently linked to Jogja now (spouse is a native). Some say that Jogja was made from memories (another material for tomorrow!) and it is indeed a romantic place.
I hope the pandemic will soon be over so people can travel at ease like before.
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Part 5: Eating
I love to eat, and since my spouse can't cook, I always do the cooking. Without cooking I won't be eating. Lol.
During this pandemic season, everyone's a chef, including me: I even brought myself a classic Soekarnoism cookbook, ' Mustika Rasa'.
Of course I altered some of the ingredients (if not available), and prefer to use simple materials. By the by, I always love Italian foods, but maybe twist it in a more eclectic way that's easier for me. Bought a small oven just to bake pizza. Lol.
Made so many pizzas these few months I lost count. Lol. But lately haven't bake any.
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Part 6: Music
During my undergrad early years, I joined angklung community, and at the 'sekre', I played guitar all day (when there's no schedule). Those are the days that I missed more, 'cause those days saved me from all other miseries. I know now that I was depressed even back then. And everything added up up till my breaking point.
If I can say what saves my mind, it's literally music. I learned to play keyboard during my craziest times (yes, one can say it like that). For two whole months I played everyday. Not that I'm saying I'm good at it, no. I'm far from good, but I always feel happy while playing the keyboard. I still can't read notes well, so mostly I play by instinct and of course cheating on looking up the chords. As long as I'm happy. Hehehe. Oh and guitar as well, I don't bring my guitar from my parent's home, maybe later on.
Books and music everyday, while on medication, is what saves me. I tappered off from my meds and can proudly say I'm healthy now. Alhamdulillah.
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Part 7: Toys
Have been spending about 5 whole years collecting toys. Apparently it was a coping mechanism for the love I didn't get from the person that I was married to. And it's said that collecting toys is a way for filling the affection you never get in childhood. I was truly happy for having them.
I was way overboard on collecting toys. At that time, all I did was buying more and more toys. My apartment was filled with toys, hundreds of them, big and small. All I wanted was love.
I can say that they are indeed my coping mechanism, and I am grateful to have them. I'm now slowly cutting down on toy addiction as I'm not really on frantic toy buying spree as before. And I'm sad since most of my toys are in my parents' attic. Still scrimping for buying display cabinets so I can brought them home. Wish me luck.
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Wow it's quite long. Okay, maybe that's it for day 2. Tomorrow we'll talk more about memories. Preparing my tissues. 😌
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