#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou

"He does not have to hit you, but he can humiliate, manipulate, or control you and it is still domestic violence." - unknown

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#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he always blames you for your 'irrational' emotions and makes you apologise and feel sorry for yourself.

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he makes sure you feel unwanted by everybody else

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he makes sure you feel unworthy to live in this world

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he brags how you should be. pretty, skinny, long hair, big boobs, clear skin. you name it.

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he controls everything. What you have to eat, what you have to wear, what you have to say, who you friends are.

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he tells you not to contact your old boy friends and girl friends in high schools (or UNI)

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he always stands and walk by your side just to check if you do like what he tells you and not cheating.

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he tells you to stop eating because you have to be skinny like any other girls

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he tells you are a burden because you ask for his time and break you up.

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he breaks up with you cause he thinks you don't understand him, but in the next day he said sorry and asking for getting back together

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he threats you he will harm himself when you are mad at him

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he will always make you feel, you will never be good enough for anyone else

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he can do anything to abuse you mentally, emotionally. 

I am in love (with my job)

"Pekerjaan paling menyenangkan di dunia ini adalah hobi yang dibayar." - Ridwan Kamil.

Here it is, sitting in front of my desk, writing about how much I love my job and listening to a great song that I like since decades ago.  Yes, I am postponing to post another letters and start talking about what I do. 

So basically, I moved from the former company (for some typical-and-good reasons) to a start-up company that founded by my seniors in university. You know, the idea of moving from a settled place to unsettled place kinda scares me. But I know, this is what I've chosen. 

I do lots of things --since we are only eleven and most of them are IT guys and I am the only marketing people here, pls-- from a planner (you know, forecast, business plan -complete with its canvas/model-, marketing plan, budgeting and many more) to a social media strategist, website administrator, account management (both account executive and manager), writer -and editor- (yes, I do write articles and reviews. it's a lot) and many more. These, of course, give me headache. But the thing you should know, I really love it. 

Office that close to my home (plus without traffic), makes me able to workout before work in front of the desk. Work-life-health balance, checked!

Surrounded by happy-go-nuts-but-genius-and-caring-people, nice working-environment, great view from the windows (trees and few cars), and the most important thing: cheap and tasty restaurants! Well, we also have a real Italian pizza restaurant and an unique ice cream kiosk close to our office. Happy? YES WE DO!

But the most important thing here is, I love what I do. Writing is my passion since I was a kid. But I never been able to make a book (cause I am really bad in expressing through words -or facial expression) yet I can make short stories. And I can utilise (and improve) my writing skill here. To write an events, reviews, and articles is kind of confusing cause it depends on who your readers are. But I will consider it as a challenge. Improvement, right? :)

Social media, business plans (including its forecasting, budgeting, business canvas/model) website designing, presenting, and talking are things that I used to. They are some things that I have learned for long and I know, I like it. I found my passion in it. 

To be able to do what I love, is beyond my imagination. To be working here, is a blessing. 

I am happy with what I do. Are you happy with what you do too, readers? :-)

the unsent letter, the unspoken words - the fourth letter

The fourth letter

“I’ll be your bestfriend and you’ll be my valentine. Yes you can hold my hand if you want to, cause I wanna hold yours too. We’ll be playmate, and lovers and share all our secret world...” Big Girls Don’t Cry - Fergie

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Good morning, dear someone that is still sleeping on your coach.

I assume it’s still 7.00 in the morning in your place, isn’t it? Listening to a song that reminds me of you, drinking sparkling water from the bottle, seeing my colleagues sleeping –and working—and here I am, writing about you. It feels like a fresh memory while actually it was two years ago and you know, I miss you a little bit –everyday.

It still occupies my mind, every little thing about you. Throwback to the first time I saw you, when you came and knocked the door of my bedroom cause you need password for the Wi-fi. It feels like you just came in time, when I was tired with everything and wanted to escape somewhere where no one can find me, when summer has come yet the rain won't stop and everything felt cold both inside and outside. However, you came and stood there just like a little piece of sunshine.

I remember the day when we finally talked because there's nobody else but the two of us, so you asked. It started with names, activities, and favorite things. Then you asked for milks cause you wanted to make mac and cheese that turned out to be such an epic fail. I laughed way too hard. But in the other day, you laughed at me cause I didn't know how to drink your lemonade from your bottle.

I remember the day when you asked me what's wrong because my face showed it all. I gave you an awkward smile and went straight to my room to put my bag, and went back to the kitchen to have a bowl of tuna mix salad for my dinner all alone. However, you came in and took your epic-fail mac and cheese from the fridge and sat in front of me.

You kept asking me why and looked at me like I need some help. Oh hell yeah, I did need some help.. I told you, the country you've lived since you're born is quite cold and there is no one to talk. I felt lonely and lost all the time. You asked me if I needed a hug and it was more than that.

I remember the day when you almost left the place, cause you have to go back to your hometown –it was summer and your family has plan to go overseas for vacation-- and our lips landed on each other lips. Spent the summer night to see the moon and talk about "what if" and how I will remember and missing you cause you are the best thing ever happened in the coldest country I’ve ever visited.

I forget how it ends, but I still remember how warm your soul was, when I needed it the most. A kiss that flew me away, a hug that put back the pieces of broken heart, a smile that brought a little sunshine in a rainy day, and the silliness that melts all the frozen inside. 

You're just like home. Though I've tried many times to walk away, in the end I will always come back to you. Always...

the unsent letter, the unspoken words - the third letter

“Tuhan memang satu, kita yang tak sama. Haruskah aku lantas pergi, meski cinta takkan bisa pergi...” Peri Cintaku - Marcell

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Dear someone that I start to catch a feeling with, how was your day? I am hoping that your day is good and as bright as your smile.

I am lying on my bed; there are so many thoughts in my head and you are one of it –or mostly. I am starting to think about how sweet your smile is and how funny your face is when you are laughing. Also, I have been thinking (and dreaming, frankly speaking) about you lately. It was weird, and kind of torturing for me because you know, I can only like (or love) you like that in my dreams. We are really different in so many ways.

First of all, considering your age, you are no longer looking for relationship that only for fun. I know you’re starting to find your only one, and destiny. So am I. However, the idea of marriage really scares me to death. Because, I will spend the rest of my life with someone and I am going to comply with my husband. In the other side, I still want to chase my dreams to have master degree overseas, be an entrepreneur, a radio announcer, and when I’m finally settled I would like to be a prekindergarten teacher. Will I be allowed to do that? I want to travel around the world to see another culture, perspectives, learn new things. Can I?

Second reason. I don’t know about your type, but considering your former crush –someone that I replace in my division—I am totally different. Well, honestly I am nobody’s type –or that’s what I’ve believed until now.

Third, I do not know if your colleagues like me or not. They see me as a lost one, still a childish one –since I am the new girl in my department and ten year apart from your age. It feels like I am in the jungle when I came into your room and they are ready to kick me anytime soon. Well, let’s hope it’s just in my imagination. Hopefully.

The last one is the most crucial. We have different perspective regarding our faith. For me is my religion, for you is your religion. Checkmate, case closed.

I know I always keen on someone that has different faith with me, and that’s kind of torture that I cannot bear. If you asked me, what I like about you, the answer will be probably “No” cause I have no idea at all. It’s just come naturally. The only thing if this is real, I finally can let go what I thought I couldn’t. You make me.

One time, you I found a good quote from Augusten Burroughs. It says, “The people I’ve loved in my life have never been easy to love. I’m not used to normal. I’m used to disaster.” The second I read the quotes, I’m thinking: “Yes, I always love people that never been easy to love.” And yes, you are one of it.

the unsent letter, the unspoken words - the second letter

“So why don’t you go your way, and I’ll go mine. Live your life, and I’ll live mine. Baby you do well, and I’ll be fine. Cause we better of, separated...” Separated - Usher

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Dear someone that I used to know, it’s been a while since our very last conversation. It is kind of weird to talk to you again after all through a letter, or a short story written in letter format.

I know, now you’re belong to someone that really suits your type. A dream girl comes true, if I could say. Skinny, long and black hair, pretty and all the qualities all you want that I don’t have at all. Congratulation. She wins your heart.

I keep saying I have moved on –well, I have—but sometimes the feeling is just there and I have no idea what should I do to fix it. I try to ignore and act like it doesn’t matter at all, while in the reality it kills me mentally. People say it’s okay to feel that way, because it’s normal. It is very human, they said –and I guess so.

I dreamt about you, two nights ago. It was weird, and it makes me throw back to the memories when you were mine and I was yours.

I remember the day when you told me, you like me. I like you too, and it wasn’t weird at all. Then you asked me, “so now we’re in a relationship huh?” and my cheeks were blushed.

I remember our first fight. It hurts me until now. It keeps haunting me every-night, it affects how I think about myself; it does more damage than the day you left me behind.

You left me, and I can’t remember exactly how we broke up. All I can remember is just its unbearable pain. I cried every freaking night and it was so hard to breath properly –at that time. It feels like there is something that gone from its place. I feel empty, hollow, and lost. All I could do was just asking myself, “What did I do wrong?”

I keep questioning myself, until one of your friend –which is my friend too—in campus told the reason why we broke up. You said, “I don’t want to bother her internship in Germany cause I know, she’ll be worrying I’ll cheat on her. I don’t want her to stop chasing her dreams just because of me. She deserves better.”

That, that’s the reason you never told me before. All I know, I was not good enough for you.

And the idea of not good enough still haunts me every-freaking-day. I’ve tried to fall in love again, but I am afraid I will never be good enough for someone I’ll love in the future. Too much laugh, too much love, too much care, too much independent (this is the reason sometimes you hate me cause I did not like to ask you for something I need), too sensitive, and sometimes my mind cannot be understood. I am afraid they will leave sooner or later. The worst, they don’t even want to get closer since the first day I know them.

Hey, I am afraid.

the unsent letter, the unspoken words - the first letter

“Dirimu di hatiku, sudah terlalu lama. Biarlah ku mencoba, untuk tinggalkan semua.” Biarlah – Killing Me Inside

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Good morning you, someone that I should’ve forget years ago. I am sitting on the coffee shop and listened to the song that we listened when we went back home from the biggest mall in Serpong, at that time. All I can remember is your silly wide smile with your white teeth, and your big hand that held mine. I was afraid we would crush someone’s car cause you only held the steer with one hand. Well, it’s been a long long time ago – 8 years and still counting.

My mind is wandering back to 11 years ago, when it was the first time I saw you in my house –or in my living room to be precise. I sat in the dining room when I caught you saw me from the living room, and it made me blushed. And if I could count, it happened more than once –or two! I can’t remember every detail that happened in the first time, but I still remember pieces that feel like a fresh memory.

You know, I still remember the day when you picked me up with your precious motorcycle and we went back from my school with laugh and silly things. I like the smell of yours; I like how big you were so I could hug you at that time. It felt safe, in your arms.

You know, I still remember the day when you picked me up at my house just to go to the most hype place in South Jakarta. Just to enjoy night lights, a glass of ice chocolate and a cup of coffee. We really had a nice night and drinks, until we decided to go back home. You hugged me so tight and it made me cried. You said sorry, for leaving.

You know, I still remember the day when you picked me up and it was so hard to decide where we would go. Until we decide to go to the biggest mall at Serpong, at that time. 

With a cup of latte macchiato, a glass of ice lemon tea and a plate of ultra moist chocolate cake, we talked about anything. Laid my head on your laps and you played with my hair. It felt nice after all, furthermore when we went back home you held my hand, listened to a song that still stuck in my head, and when we arrived you kissed my lips. Long, and intoxicate one. I flew away, but then I hit the ground again.

Did I forget to tell everyone that you aren’t mine but someone else, and so am I? We –at that time—have someone that cannot be left for someone else, cause that’s who we are. I knew, I was so stupid (and selfish apparently)

I still remember the day when you really mad at me, cause you’ve waited for so long in front of my house but I wasn’t home. Well that’s, the last day I hear anything about you.

Now I know nothing about you, where you are, still with her or not, or anything about you recently... All I know now is, I am missing you and this is not good at all. You are belong to someone, and all I need to do is back away.

Hey, it’s been eleven years. It’s not that long after all, isn’t it?

I don't want to have kids

So, my colleague asked me today. "Tika, do you like kids?" with her confused face (and I was wondering why. perhaps, it isn't shown on my face(?) and I answered, "Yes, I like kids. But I don't plan to have any." and one of my boss continued my answer with "for now, right?" and I was just standing there and smirk. "No, I don't want to." 

and so does, here my writing begins :)

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Hidup dikelilingi dengan keponakan yang lucu-lucu, baik dari kakak dan para sepupu, membuat gue menyukai anak kecil. Main-main bareng, makan bareng atau sekedar bukain buku untuk baca bersama, gue suka akan hal-hal tersebut. But thinking of having kids, I think no.

Dulu, pas gue baru masuk kuliah, gue berpikir mengenai menikah dan mempunyai anak. Akan tetapi, semenjak mengenal yang namanya dunia bekerja, hal itu mendadak nguap ilang begitu aja. Mungkin itu seperti keinginan sesaat karena berpikir, bekerja dan menghasilkan uang itu sangat menyenangkan. I want to be independent, you know. Tapi entahlah, mungkin nanti siapa tau gue kepengin hal itu lagi.

Lalu, ketika gue magang di Jerman, gue ternyata jatuh sakit. I have diabetes type 2. Dan dari sanalah, gue mulai berpikir untuk mempunyai anak. My teacher told me, "It's okay Kartika, you still can have kids. Don't worry."

Alasan pertama gue adalah penyakit. Mempunyai penyakit diabetes, membuat gue berpikir untuk mempunyai anak. Apalagi, kalau anak gue nanti perempuan. Kemungkinan dia akan menerima penyakit gue, lebih besar. Belum ditambah riwayat penyakit di keluarga gue, yang belum gue ketahui. Mungkin gue dibilang nanti nggak mau punya anak, karena nggak mau susah untuk urusnya dan menjaganya. Nope. Lebih kepada, gue nggak mau dia hidup menderita serba dibatasi karena penyakitnya akan membuat komplikasi kemana-mana. Yang kemungkinan, dia akan iri sama nanti teman-teman sebayanya, you know.

Alasan kedua gue adalah, murni nyambung sama postingan kemarin. I want to work so hard, be rich as hell, so then I can help others. Di dunia yang penuh dengan penderitaan ini, banyak anak-anak yang nggak terurus. Pendidikannya nggak selesai karena orangtua yang tidak peduli, makan dan minum pun mereka masih harus mengais sampah, tidur di tempat yang tidak layak. Dengan bekerja keras dan menghasilkan sebanyak-banyaknya, gue ingin membiayai mereka yang kurang beruntung, terutama anak kecil dengan keadaan yang gue sebutkan di atas. 

Dan menurut gue, it's a win-win solution. I have foster kids, they don't inherit my hereditary disease, and they have chances to live a better life. So then, the world would be a better place to live for anyone in this world.