ex oh ex oh

The first time I encountered xoxo I found it really cute, especially it came from a penpal whom with I was corresponding years ago. Those innocent years when your day was lightened up when you received a sweet email/letter. Without thinking much further what it actually meant, I figured it was a sweet way of closing an email.

Years past to recent years, the xoxo has been used in a totally different area, that is the office. At first I found it really disturbing. I mean work is supposed to be formal, no? Ok, I'll give away if you got an email or text from co-worker who you're closed with. But what if you got it from your boss? Even more disturbing when it's used after a long demanding request, even worse, written in capital letters. Your instructions come in a short email, closed with xoxo or love. What kind of new age blah is that???

Anyway, I don't know if it's just a thing that Americans do, or does other expats from other countries do this also? Again, you're at work, you get your instructions, no need to sugar cover it with xoxo. Besides, who're you trying to fool? Nobody ever felt loved when receiving long demands in capitals, xoxo is surely overrated.

I know you love me!
xoxo

Welcome 2008!

It rained all day!! Actually been raining the past few days. Anticipating the deadly traffic I decided not to go anywhere for NY eve. But then I felt a slight ‘missing’ feeling of being a true Jakartan. And to ease that the quick way was to just get out and go to Monas.

So there I was, walking toward Monas. With rain and all there was no way you could sit on the ground. You were already wet, but you would prefer not to be soaking wet (thanks to ella, ella.. umbrella). Walking, standing in front of the stage, so in total I spent 3 hours on foot (I had sandals on, but even so still couldn’t feel my feet).

Going back was another disaster. Packed. Totally packed. Although you were on foot you just can’t pass because waves of people were still trying to get to Monas.

Well, that was certainly a painful reminder of how it wasn’t a good idea to join “pesta rakyat” no matter how much one wants to feel like a true Jakartan. It’s just not worth it.

As time goes by we learn that each second in our life is a gift, each minute is a blessing and each hour is a treasure. Thank God for his never-ending love and care that give us the power to survive and triumph.

Blessings to you all!