2011 has been very colorful to me. I’ve been blessed with so many events that shaped me to be a better person as I am right at this very moment.
God has given me so many opportunities that I did take and enjoyed. Even the road to the enjoyable moment was not always happy and jolly. To be honest, most of the road is bumpy and flaky. Even when I have achieved the goal, keeping it is rather difficult and need extra work and did test your patience.
Among other goals that I have successfully achieved, these are the most dear to me:
Having a boyfriend
Now, I care so much about my man. It’s been almost a year now. We have had our ups and downs but we are keeping it together. I know I am committed. And as far as I understand, all relationships need efforts 
Attending international course
Advanced Course on Public Procurement for Large Projects. That was the name of the course. One good thing about the course is that it was held in Rome! Another good thing is: my participation was totally funded by the organization that invited me. I received full scholarship from the organization, including living costs. For that, I am forever thankful to God, my family, friends, and everyone in my office who have helped. I have met some of the most tremendous friends coming from all around the globe and gained terrific experiences and useful knowledge during the course. Another good thing is that I am still communicating with the people I met during the course. I do hope friendship stays forever.
Becoming a Senior Associates
Well, I do believe that hard work get me to my position now. But without the help of God and my team (also my family who has been tremendously caring and supportive), I wouldn’t be able to stand where I stand right now. I feel grateful as well as stressful about this position. I’ve passed 2011 smiling and crying because of the responsibility of this position. I promise 2012 will be an improvement as to my maturity and my knowledge. I have much work to do on this!
Going to Europe
Well, this was actually not on my wish list of 2011, but somehow God worked a miracle for me. I got to spend 11 days in Europe and I was ecstatic about it! I went to Rome on IDLO’s invitation and costs, but got to extend the trip by taking a 3-day leave. I used the leave to visit Paris and the Netherlands with my own money. Overall, the trip was worth every penny of it! Got lost a bit in Paris but it was all good! I miss and will definitely be back to Europe!
OK, those are some of the pictures I took while I hovered around Europe. I had good times, of course. Bought some stuff, snapped lots of pictures, met lots of interesting people, and [the most important thing] went to beautiful places!
At the end of 2011, I had a chance to spend some time working with a British barrister, who is so freakishly smart (he is a PhD from Cambridge). It was a good learning experience. I got to spend some time hanging out with an Australian girl who works in my firm as an intern, too. Even though I am thankful and hold dear to these things, I guess these are just not that fundamental to be considered as achievements, right? 
Well, talking about achievements, the most memorable achievement of 2011 is meeting [and maintaining a relationship with] my boyfriend. I am the type of mushy girl, so I guess meeting a guy who you can have a “connection” with is a valuable thing and I’d really like to see our relationship grows. Not to mention, all the efforts during 2011 that I put up to keep our relationship intact. Those things have helped me to become wiser and stronger.
I still have many targets on the upcoming years, so I do not set any particular goal insofar as relationship is concerned on 2012, save for nourishing and maintaining this connection and bond I have built with my boyfriend. But let’s just see where the universe lead us, shall we? 
OK. Enough about the achievements. People say that there can be no perfection in the world, isn’t it? Well, I understand it perfectly. Discussing about my 2011 resolutions, not all of those resolutions come true. I have mentioned those that came true. But what about those that did not?
Hm.. Check out the list below by yourselves!
Writing in newspaper(s)
I made a vow last year to write and get my article published in at least 3 newspapers. But I guess I am a procrastinator. I kept procrastinating one thing that is a part of my passion: writing. I know 2012 is the right time for me to publish my article. I can not miss it again now!
Be nicer to clients
I also made this vow last year. It is the part of my plan to establish my own office someday, that I have to be able to solicit clients. I guess I am to some clients, but sometimes I am just too ignorant to the other clients. Probably it is my curse of being a moody person. To clients who are approachable, I am very caring and personal. But to those who stepped at my shoes, do not expect a smile from me. Even if I am smiling, it is fake. Well, as a lawyer, i guess I have to be fair to all clients. Will keep working on my attitude on 2012.
Be slim and exercise!
One of my colleague wrote: “Diet, Diet, Kurus” on a piece of paper and stick it to my computer at my desk last year. I’ve been planning to go to the gym more often and watch my diet, however I completely FAILED. On 2012, there will be no excuse to go to the gym. It is a MUST as I have to put off many kilograms! So help me God!
Have a social life
OK, my Australian friend said that I should have a social life to keep my life balance. She is totally right. I intended to do that on 2011. Being a lawyer puts you in a bucket hell of stress. And I guess my social life did not improved well, that’s why I still have those sleepless nights. 2012 may be the year of improvement for my social life. More friends, more smile, more happiness!
OK, probably those are the things that need reevaluation. I will post a 2012 resolution some time later as I realize that I have babbled too much in this post.
I know things need effort to be achieved, but I am willing and committed. Rene Suhardono (one of Indonesia’s finest career coaches) said that: “your vision is different than your dream. vision is a manifestation of your dream. To achieve your vision, there is a tuition you need to pay.”
I totally agree with him. If you dream of getting abroad, your tuition is to learn foreign language (say English) and perhaps saving your money so that you will be able to pay your expenses while you are there. And be serious (even impatient/exciting) about it! My British acquaintance once said: “All good people are impatient.” I guess his words implied that an extra work is needed to achieve extraordinary things.
Now, if you would excuse me, I have a job to do to arrange my goals on 2012 and make them happen!
Be well and be positive,
S.
