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Sushi & Priority

After my husband wrapped up his meeting and dropped our eldest at campus, we headed to Senopati around ten. By eleven sharp, we arrived at Kintaro Sushi, right on time for brunch with Pak Thomas Sugiarto and his wife, Bu Lusiana Wibowo. On the way there, we listened to Pak Thomas on the Big Thinker podcast, sharing his life journey. A migrant from Riau who built his business from scratch in Jakarta, side by side with his wife who walks the same professional path. Their house is right behind Kintaro Sushi. Just a short walk. Living in such a strategic spot is quite luxury. 

Over sushi, salmon sashimi, rice bowls, and unlimited ocha, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Business. Marriage. Faith. Parenting. Life in general. One topic melted into another until suddenly it was past two. Three hours of non stop talking without realizing time had slipped away. We took a few photos, said our goodbyes, and left with full hearts and fuller stomachs. Thank you so much, Pak Thomas and Bu Lusi!

Next stop was Kuningan. My husband had a three pm meeting with an angel investor, but before that he dropped me at BTN Kuningan. I had arranged with my Relationship Manager to withdraw cash in all kinds of denominations for our year end road trip to Kediri and Pacitan. Two thousand, five thousand, ten thousand, fifty thousand. The twenty thousands were already gone, apparently. Life has its own shortages.

But wow. BTN Priority service honestly deserves a standing ovation. From the moment I walked in, I was escorted from door to lift to room. When I entered, they greeted me by name, and everything was already prepared. The cash. The forms. I sat down, handed over my ATM card, signed once, and done. Less than ten minutes. Of all the priority banking services we have (BCA, Permata, Mandiri, CIMB) I have to admit this one tops them all. Sat set. Extra. No drama.

After that, I suddenly had too much time on my hands. So I wandered. Passed Starbucks, noticed a surprisingly nice little park in front of it, walked around, and found a staff canteen at the far end. Interesting. There was even a cute ramen place tucked in the corner, affordable too. Sadly, I was still too full to justify noodles.

I ended up sitting on one of the many wooden chairs in the park, happily realizing it was a non smoking area. Rare joy. Unfortunately, joy was followed by very dramatic rain. Heavy, loud, unapologetic rain. I hesitated. Should I try to get to my husband’s office? Nah. Windy rain plus taxis plus falling trees and billboards did not sound like a smart combo. So Starbucks it was.

I bought coffee but didn’t drink it. Saved it for my husband. I just had some healthy chips they sell there. And yes, friendly reminder, you can ask for free drinking water at Starbucks. I did exactly that. Water and chips. Very economical behavior. Even better, the barista told me there was a fifty percent discount on the app. Total damage? Forty thousand from what should have been eighty something. Small wins count.

We were actually ready to head home after that, but then my gardener messaged saying there was food delivery waiting at my villa in Jagakarsa. So we made a detour. The food turned out to be from Kak Grace Tahir who was also having a birthday today! Such kindness. 

I also dropped off laundry for our villa guests who are currently honeymooning in Jogja. The laundry lady had already delivered it, so everything aligned nicely. On the way, I picked up satay I had ordered earlier for dinner.

We got home around seven thirty. Had dinner together with our eldest. Enjoyed the cake and lasagna from Kak Grace. Not only that, we also got another package containing breads from our DATE leader, Mas Adi. Full table. Full hearts. So much blessing today. Truly. So blessed!

Thursday, 11 December 2025

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