April Sparkles a Little Extra to our Hearts

1. This month, I achieved a milestone: I successfully made dumplings for the first time! I’m so happy I could cry 😭😭 A week ago, I attempted to make pesto sauce using kale, coriander leaves, peanuts, and garlic. Since I didn’t have parmesan cheese at home, I substituted it with cheddar cheese which made my sauce too thick. So, I went to Grand Lucky, bought three types of dumpling skins, and transformed the sauce into dumpling fillings.
2. At Grand Lucky, I picked up some Bibigo Plantable Mandu, marking my inaugural mandu experience! Despite visiting South Korea twice, I never had the opportunity to try mandu there. However, this Bibigo version (endorsed by Park Seo Joon) proved to be an extraordinary delight! The mandu was generously sized, and the filling, skin, and flavor were simply impeccable. I’m truly grateful to the brand for its considerate approach to catering to vegans.
3. I also tried palmyra fruit for the first time in Gresik—locally known as siwalan. Palmyra tasted like a cross between lychee and rambutans, with a slightly thicker texture similar to kaong. The vendor prepared a simple drink using young palmyra, brown sugar, and coconut milk, which was incredibly refreshing and perfect for beating the heat. You have no idea how Gresik can turn someone very nice into a medusa!

1. In the past two weeks, I’ve consistently been listening to relaxing sounds on Spotify and diffusing essential ‘dream’ oil to enhance my nightly sleep. While I’ve been monitoring any changes in my sleep quality, particularly as I’ve struggled to fall asleep early lately, I’m currently approaching this ritual as just that—a ritual. My intention isn’t necessarily to change or improve anything, but rather to simply engage in the practice.
2. I’ve also experimented with different methods to manage dysmenorrhea (period cramps), and whether through suggestion or reality, they’ve proven quite effective. One technique I’ve tried is self-acupressure, where I massage the area between my thumb and index finger. While some recommend doing this for two hours alternating between right and left sides every 30 counts, I’ve opted to do it throughout the day aided by kutus-kutus oil and a gua sha massager.
3. This month, I’ve resumed running and I’m grateful for the company of Mario Monika who joined me on two running sessions. Additionally, I’d like to thank Pak Oyong for purchasing me a new pair of shoes, reigniting my joy for running 🫰🏼 Although they were short 3 km runs, I’m hopeful that they’ll pave the way for longer distances I can enjoy in the future.

1. My household chores have become lighter thanks to Mbak Sakinah. I no longer feel like sweaty cassava, as I only tackle tasks that don’t require prolonged standing and are effortlessly easy, such as tidying up cabinets, changing bed sheets, washing dishes, cooking, cleaning the pet’s sandbox, and doing laundry. I’ve also become obsessed with having a neatly swept floor every time I come home!
2. This month, Pak Oyong and I experienced celebrating Eid away from home again. Before the pandemic, we used to celebrate Eid in various parts of the world, and this time, although we didn’t cross any borders, it was still quite far, in Gresik City—known as Kota Santri. I will share this experience in a separate post because it was quite different from the usual hehe.
3. One evening, I enjoyed an absolute victory in a game of Monopoly. That night, my Dad, my nephew, and I spent two hours traveling around the world on a cardboard sheet. I enjoyed the game that night. It was a calm game without any rush, progressing without pressure, enjoying the penalties as obligations, and laughing at the bad luck. I hope I can behave like that in real life—of course, with lots of money and a few houses in Egypt.
4. During our holiday in Surabaya last Eid, we managed to squeeze in a staycation at an affordable hotel and enjoyed one of the best sex sessions in our married life in a bathtub with bath bombs and fragrant, soothing bath salts. The last time we had a bathtub was on our honeymoon, which was 9 years ago 😌 Perhaps next time, we’ll try in a caravan with a view of the mountains and a clear, serene lake. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

The next one is a story I’ll always be glad to remember.

At the end of March, Pak Oyong (finally) opened up about all the sadness he had held back since our long-distance relationship began. He cried, and it seemed like it was the deepest, longest, and most heart-wrenching crying moment for him.

Later, I shared this event with a male colleague, and his perspective troubled me for the following days. He believed that we should resolve our emotional issues on our own, so our partners don’t have to witness our struggles. He didn’t confide in his partner about his own struggles and preferred to deal with them alone. I didn’t probe further because I had many questions swirling in my mind.

I’ve always believed that vulnerability can help us understand ourselves better. I’m not afraid to show my vulnerabilities, whether it’s with my mom, dad, department heads, or best friends. I understand that this approach may not work for everyone, but I’m proud and will forever be grateful to Pak Oyong for his willingness to share his deepest feelings. He was truly my person.

1. One of the best podcasts I listened to this month was The Friday Podcast, featuring Ganindra Bimo as the guest. Here, he shared a lot about his film activities, a lot of personal insights, and married life. What I loved most was when he said, “In marriage, both husband and wife should give 100% in love.” And he reminded me about the attitude of gratitude, emphasizing that your gratitude determines your attitude.
2. This month I watched Baby Reindeer and rewatched Hometown Chachacha. Although both series offer contrasting viewing experiences, they are truly insightful. I am reminded once again that we never truly know what someone has experienced to shape them into the person who might elicit various reactions from us, such as curiosity, anger, frustration, or judgment.
3. And like fate, there’s a connection between the quote I stumbled upon on Instagram and the movie ‘One Day’ (starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess). I’m sure you’ll get it unless you haven’t seen the movie yet. Here’s how it goes:

I’ve been showered with so many small acts of kindness throughout April. From getting a hand while filling up at the gas station to being offered a seat on the MRT when I truly needed it! Jogging with Mario and Monika brings endless waves of hellos and finally, our New Zealand ticket refund came through (though it’s just 25% HAHA 🥲). Plus, I welcomed two new little furry friends into my life, stumbled upon an amazing noodle joint, joined a virtual assistant chat group, and even scored a tumbler for guessing a song! And let’s not forget the delightful treats—vegan cake, Thai milk bun, chocolate fudge cake, and a dozen croissants with all sorts of toppings. Feeling incredibly blessed by the world. Alhamdulillah!