Man, what a day! Seriously, Parung is wild. I woke up thinking it’d be just another boring day as a Research Associate. But nah, the universe had other plans. So, I’m outta bed, groggy as hell. I grab my coffee from that little warung on Jl. Raya Parung. You know the one? The one with the crazy old lady who always tries to sell me fried tempeh. I swear, she’s like a tempeh ninja. Anyway, I’m chugging my coffee, and boom! My phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “Need those reports ASAP!” Ugh, classic. I rush to the office on Jl. Cikaret. Traffic is a nightmare. Like, why do people think it’s okay to drive like maniacs? I’m stuck behind this dude on a motorbike, and he’s weaving in and out like he’s in a video game. Chill, bro! It’s not Mario Kart! Finally, I get to the office, and guess what? The printer’s jammed. Of course! I’m wrestling with it like it’s a wild animal. Paper everywhere. I’m sweating bullets. I can hear my boss’s voice in my head, “You’re a Research Associate, not a paper wrangler!” After that chaos, I head out for lunch. I hit up this spot on Jl. Pahlawan. They’ve got the best nasi goreng. I’m sitting there, enjoying my food, when suddenly it starts pouring. Like, monsoon-level rain. I’m trapped! I can’t even see the street anymore. I’m laughing and crying at the same time. Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs in, soaking wet. He’s got a soccer ball and a huge grin. He’s like, “Ayo, let’s play!” I’m thinking, “Dude, I’m 30 and have a job!” But I can’t resist. We end up playing in the rain. I’m slipping and sliding, and it’s the most fun I’ve had in ages. After the rain, I’m walking back to the office, feeling all philosophical. Like, why do we get so caught up in work? Life’s too short, man. I pass by the Parung market, and the smell of fresh fruits hits me. I stop to grab some manggis. They’re so sweet! But then, I see this guy trying to sell fake watches. I’m like, “Dude, really? In Parung?” He’s all defensive, like, “They’re real! Trust me!” I’m rolling my eyes. I mean, come on. Finally, I get back to the office, and my boss is waiting. “Where were you?” she asks. I’m like, “Just saving the world, you know?” She doesn’t even crack a smile. Tough crowd. The day wraps up, and I’m exhausted. I head home, thinking about all the craziness. Parung is a trip, man. It’s got its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I mean, where else can you get caught in a rainstorm, play soccer with a kid, and argue with a watch salesman all in one day? So yeah, that was my day. Just another wild ride in Parung. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!