Moving to Wordpress

After more than two years blogging with blogger, I’m moving to wordpress. This is prompted by my office’s sharing session last Friday, and also because I was quite impressed by my colleague’s blog, that is so nicely laid-out in wordpress.

I wrote my first entry in my wordpress, while starbucks-ing in Mal Taman Anggrek. What? Why MTA and not PIM as what I usually do? Well, these past few weeks, you were so into ice skating, and this is the only place where they have the skating rink.

And so, while, you were happily skating, I experimented with wordpress. I heard it could do so many things in a much simpler way. That is so good news. You know how confused I often become when it comes to information technology. But I guess I wasn’t doing too bad, at least I never mistakenly deleted a whole blog like what some people did… ;)

The Museum Tour

Yesterday, I decided to take you for a museum tour. You were reluctant to go, because none of your friends or cousins could join us. I was a bit sad, because that means you didn’t think that you would have fun, just going with me. But I knew that you would, like always.

The first museum that we went to was the Textile Museum at Jalan SK Tubun, Tanah Abang. The textile collection was actually a bit pathetic. I wonder how can a textile museum display only such a limited collection, especially when we all know how rich our country is when it comes to textile and clothes. But then, that was expected.

My intention coming to this museum was not to look at the textile, but to let you learn how to make a hand made batik (batik tulis). At the back of the museum, at a pendopo, kids and adults were busy making batik in a traditional way. You began with copying the desired design onto a cloth, put on the hot wax according to the design, color it with any colors that you wish, dry it, and voila, you have created a beautiful hand-made batik handkerchief.


After a quick lunch, we went to the second museum, the armed forces museum, Satria Mandala, at Jalan Gatot Subroto. Needless to say, you were very excited, walking briskly from one room to another.

I like this museum, Apart from the National Museum, I think this is the best museum I have visited in Jakarta. It was quite big, with spacious open air area where they displayed old aircrafts, tanks and other war vehicles. The collection was quite many and well taken care of. Most importantly, when you were inside, the air-con worked very well. The only downside was, there was no tour guide available to take us through the collections. What a pity.

At the end of the day, you enjoyed the day very much. So, going just with mom can be as much fun, right honey?
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Holiday Program 2008

As always, when you are having a long mid year holiday, I enroll you to a holiday program. Last three years, you joined DoctoRabbit in Lebak Bulus. The year after, it was KidSport in Pondok Indah. And then, last year you went to DoctoRabbit again, but the one in Pondok Indah. This year, I signed you up to FastracKids.

They had three different themes for three weeks. The first one was Broadway Superstars, where kids learned to become actors and actresses, make-up artists, fashion designers and performance directors. The second one was Hi-Tech Whizkids, where kids were asked to make their own invention, and challenged to throw their ideas on new discoveries that would help them in their daily life. The third one was Millionaire Kids, where you learned the basic of economics, entrepreneurship, marketing and promotion.

I signed you up for the second and third theme.

On the last day of the program, parents were invited to attend a bazaar. I took a day off for this. When I came to the school, I was greeted by a little girl selling kids-made choco cookie. And as I went up the stairs, I saw some posters made by the kids, inviting people to come to the bazaar with their own words. I smiled, it was so amusing….. I saw other kids selling choco cookie and some artworks in the class, but I couldn’t find you. After waiting for about 15 minutes, you showed up all sweaty, with a jug of lemonade and plastic glasses on your hands. Apparently, you were selling the lemonade to the neighboring people!

At the end of the class, the money was distributed evenly to all the kids. Everybody received Rp14.000,-! I guess you can say that this is the first amount of money that you ever earned in your life. And you earned it by selling lemonade. I’m so proud of you…
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Dinosaurs Walk Again

We went to this “Dinosaurs Walk Again” in Plaza Tenggara Senayan last Wednesday. I took a day off for this, and was quite excited for what we might enjoy. In fact, I bought the early bird tickets, because I was so sure that it must be something worthy to see.

But then, I was disappointed. The dino simulator ride, which I expected to be thrilling, turned out to be a small machine that can accommodate four kids only, so you can imagine the long queue. The dino train ride was so pathetic, with a similar quality that you can find in a kampong’s fair. The fossil dig was quite okay. The so called ‘3D Dino Movie’ was also no different from a ‘layar tancep’, and no 3D glasses were provided!

The only thing worth to see was the robotic dinosaurs with its sounds and lighting effects. But then again, it was a small area. We can see it all within just a 15 minutes walk.

Well, that was all from me, from my point of view, an adult who always expect something out of what she has spent. What about you? As always, you enjoyed the day, you did not care about the pavilions that offer things that do not go with the dinosaur theme, you did not complain about the poor quality of the entertainment and the un-organized lay-out. On the contrary, you asked if we can go there again one more time! Oh well, so much for my expectation….

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Garfield

This is Garfield, an alley cat that has become a regular visitor to our house since you gave him some leftovers food.

So I told you:

Me: Maybe Chico is his kid

You: No way…..

Me: Why not?

You: Because Garfield is a male cat

Me: So?

You: Well, male don’t get pregnant, so there’s no way Chico is his kid

Hmmm, that is so cute…..
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Your Workbench

This is your workbench. With this, you will be busy for hours making your ‘inventions’ out of used stuff. Then sometimes, you name your inventions with some cool names, like “the ten thousand megatron”, “the nine thousand time machine” or “the dorkatron”.

And what can those interesting inventions do? Apparently, the Dorkatron can change people! So if there is somebody who is lazy and crazy, we just have to point the Dorkatron to this person. Zap it, and after awhile this person will become a cool person.

Yupz…., that is what the Dorkatron can do….

A New Pet

After hamster and fish, you now have a more ‘serious’ pet, a kitten! We found her yesterday morning, just sitting miserably alone, cuddling herself, at our doorsteps. It’s just like somebody dropped her to our home. She has white fur, with three colors tails. And I thought, well, this is it. You were asking for a pet, so this might work for you.

So we brought her in. First, we gave her milk –which she refused – and then we feed her with smoke beef rice, which she loved. After that, we discussed about the most important thing when we have a new pet, what we are going to name her!

First, I suggested Kitty, then you changed it to Katty, then we tried Speedy (sounds like that internet provider, no?) And then, this morning, it seemed that you would settle for Chico. Hmm, let’s see how long you will stick to that name.

I think having pet is great for kids like you. In fact, not just for kids, grown ups too. Yesterday, when you were away for your English class, I found myself talking to the kitten, gosh, can’t remember the last time I talked to a pet. The good thing about talking to a pet is that they listen. They don’t try to give solutions or arguments. They just listen, which sometimes is just what you need when there’s so much on your head.

I hope Chico will stay with us for long and that we can grow her to a healthy cat. With Chico around, I believe you can learn to take more responsibility and of course, enjoy her company when I cannot be there with you.
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This time, it's pancakes!

Last Sunday, once again, you showed your passion for cooking. You asked if I know how to make pancakes. Hmmm, I thought….., pancakes…., shouldn’t be difficult although I’ve never really made it. It’s just flour and eggs, right? Probably with some milk. Nevertheless, I called your grandma just to make sure that I have it right. And I have to ask mbak to buy the flour, because it’s not something that I would store in my cupboard,

To me, it was so amusing to see how much you enjoy the making process: preparing the bowl, breaking the eggs and mixing it with flour and milk. You even got messy having that white flour all over your pajamas (yes, you were so excited, that you insisted making it before you took your morning bath).

The best part, of course, is when you got to decorate the warm pancakes with chocolate sauce and chocolate rice, before slowly chomp it into your mouth. You also liked it when we tried honey on it, but refused the cheese grate like the one I was having.

Cooking together is a great way to spend a Sunday morning. So glad that you got that idea. So glad that you do not think cooking is only for girls…

Oreo Milkshakesaurus

Last Sunday afternoon, we both were in the bedroom, not really knowing how to spend the day. It was a hot, quiet afternoon. Then suddenly, you showed me a recipe from your Dino Club cooking class, back in 2006. It’s the Milks Shakesaurus recipe.

So we happily went down to the pantry, and I pulled out an unopened box of Kenwood Wizard hand blender that I bought, probably three years ago (yes, three years ago, not three months…..). I was waiting for the right moment to use that cute little hand blender, and I guess that afternoon was just the right time to use it for the first time.

Fortunately, I have all the ingredients required for that recipe. First, we mixed the ultra milk with chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream. Then we added some ice cubes, poured it into a plastic glass, and finally, put on the smashed oreo on top of it. Wow, it was so yummy and perfect for a hot afternoon. We enjoyed it while talking and playing catch by the fishpond.

I’m glad that you enjoy doing cooking stuff as much as you enjoy soccer. I’m a true believer that cooking is not just for girls. In fact, I admire guys that are good with pans and ladle. I also believe that guys who cook must have a good self-confidence. It’s also a sign that they can be a rounded person.

I really hope you will become my kind of guy, honey…. I believe you will.

Picture from here
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Your fish died

Or rather, your fishes.

Just like what I always wanted, we have a small fishpond at the back of our new house. In the morning, after you and your dad left the house, I turn on the waterfall, read the newspaper while sipping my coffee and occasionally, glancing at the fishes that dance around in a group It is so refreshing, a good way to start the day.

But yesterday, we found one of the fishes you bought last week, died. It’s the Blitar Koi, that was said to be the toughest among the Koi family. It laid still at the edge of the little pond. Apparently, it jumped out of the water and fell into the hard surface. It happened several times before, but usually somebody noticed it.

I was afraid that you would be upset.

You: So what do we do with it?
Me: We’ll burry it
You: I don’t want to do it
Me: It’s okay, mbak will burry it
You: Where?
Me: Somewhere in the back yard
You: I’d just like to see it
Me: Okay

You touched the dead fish, and walked away.

This morning, we found two of the smaller fishes died. And it just died in the pond. It didn’t jump out of the pond. But it died anyway…… (sigh……)
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Moving House

Finally, after 7 months of construction, our new house is ready for us to move in.

Though very excited about it, I think we are going to miss the house where we live now, the place where you grew from a healthy toddler to a smart, sporty kid. The place where you learned to take you own bath, ride a bicycle and tie your shoe lashes.

My favorite part of our current house is, naturally, the bedroom, where we shared hours and hours of laughter and silly talk. We play card, work on a puzzle and share the best laughter by just playing ‘throw and catch’.

I let you do whatever you’d like to do in there, cause I believe, you have to let out all the creativity inside of you and being cheered for it (though it made the room totally messy!). I let you pin your drawings and artworks on the wall and put ‘some’ of your toys and stuff that take up almost half of the room.

The room is like a little sanctuary for us. You make your ‘inventions’ while I browse the net, you do your homework while I read. And when you have a busy day, we spend the evening quietly watching your favorite TV series, while I hug you to your sleep (or sometimes you hug me to my sleep).

Well, not all are happy memories in there. There were also times when you were teary because I made you take a bath or have that last spoon of your dinner. Gosh, I’m so sorry for making such a fuss over such an unimportant thing.

Thank you, God, for our new house, our new home, where you are going to grow to be a cool, witty teenager, before turning into a wise, handsome young man.

Hector

The day out for your birthday was not only for you and for me. We invited Hector, your best buddy from school, to join us. We had lunch and spent the whole afternoon at Timezone, before looking for your birthday present.

You knew Hector since you entered pre-school. I was worried on how you would adapt to your new environment. But you two seemed to connect right away. In class, you and Hector always wanted to sit side-by-side, chatting and giggling throughout the lesson, up to a point that Ibu Nur, your class teacher back then, forbid you to sit together. Oh well, but you still have your break time to catch up…..

On the second year of your pre-school, your teacher purposely put you in different class, But then, I noticed that you still play and chat with him during breaktime. It went on during your first year in preliminary school. Only on your second grade, you and Hector were reunited in the same class, the 2B. Naturally, the same thing happened, talking and laughing during class. Your teacher, Pak Asep, expressed his amazement on how the two of you were so connected. And when Hector forget to bring his assignments, you gladly help him out. In fact, this last couple of months, you pick him up every morning and check with each other about school assignments before arriving at school.

I’m glad that you have found a good buddy. As they say, a good friend is hard to find. But once you’ve found them, he or she will become a very important part of your life. A good friend will tell you things that you should listen to but do not want to believe. A good friend will know just what to do when you are down and troubled, He will stay by your side to see that you pull it through. A good friend will not only share your joy, but also your confusion, doubts and sorrow.

Hector seemed to be a fun, cool little guy. I’m happy that you two are good friends.

Your 8th Birthday

It’s the evening before your birthday, I was still in my office, chatting with my good friend:

Me: BTW, I’m taking a day-off tomorrow, my kid’s birthday
Her: Ooooh, happy birthday......
Me: Yeah...., I’m enjoying motherhood
Her: How old is he?
Me: He’s going to be 8
Her: Wow, 8. Time flies.....
Me: Yups, but this year, I’m not as confused as last year, as to whether we need to have a birthday celebration at school
Her: But you are going to have a birthday party at home?
Me: At home, yes, but we’ll wait until we move to our new house by end of the month
Her: Oh. And he’s okay with that? Good boy...
Me: I’ll just do a mom and son day out tomorrow
Me: He’s okay, but that’s after I told him that I’m going to buy him the DS….
Her: Day out to?
Me: Day out to buy a birthday present and a new pair of shoes
Her: Ha ha. Exactly like my nieces, when they have to choose between present and party, usually they choose present
Me: Yeah, he’s learning to spend money wisely
Me: Last week, he lost his croc sandal in school. I was so sad. I wanted to buy him a new one, but am not sure whether it’s doing him any good
Her: Buy him, then give it to him with some advice
Me: But he’s actually not asking.....
Her: Oh well, don’t then
Me: Sometimes he didn’t ask, but I really wanted to buy him. So I’m wondering if I’m teaching him consumerism
Her: Hayya. So who needs to learn spending money wisely here?
Me: Hehehe, exactly!

Well, okay honey, since I'm planning to buy you a pricey birthday gift, I will not buy you a new pair of croc sandals. And I wasn’t really planning for anything special either for your birthday tomorrow. But then, I thought, it would be nice if I wake you up tomorrow morning with a cake and candle. So, me being me, I just called up Holland Bakery to order a special birthday cake for you.

I’m so looking forward to your birthday tomorrow..., your 8th birthday...

A Parent's Wish

A very dear friend sent me this link some weeks ago. I just opened it this morning, and yes, it is a tear jerker but so beautiful. It’s some kind of poetry, from parents to their children, their wishes when their children grow up and the parents grow old. Here are some of the touchy words:

On the day when you see us old, weak and weary
Have patience and try to understand us

If, when we speak to you, we repeat the same things over and over again
Do not interrupt us…, listen to us
When you were small we have to read to you
The same story a thousand and one times until you went to sleep

When at some moments we lose the memories or thread of our conversations
Let us have the necessary time to remember
And if we cannot, do not become nervous
As the most important thing is not our conversation
But surely to be with you and to have you listening to us

Some day you will realize that despite our mistakes
We always want the best for you
And we tried to prepare the way for you

You must not feel sad, angry nor ashamed for having us near you
Instead, try to understand us, and help us like what we did when you were young

Help us to walk
Help us to live the rest of our life with love and dignity
We will pay you with a smile and the immense love
We have always had for you in our hearts

So honey, when you grow up and I grow old, I hope you will be there for me, just like I’m always here for you. Take a good care of me, just like I do to you now, with warm love and understanding.

IBU

Last week, you learned about poetry writing. Your teacher gave you the liberty to choose whether you want to write about Mom or about Dad. And you chose to write about Mom! 

And here it is:

IBU

Ibu
Aku sangat menyayangimu
Aku sangat menghormatimu
Aku mengagumimu

Engkau wanita yang mulia
Berbakti sepanjang masa
Mengurus keluarga
Menyayangi keluarga

Ibu
Aku takut kehilanganmu
Tanpamu aku tidak bisa tidur
Aku tidak tenang bermain
Aku tidak mau kehilanganmu

Thank you, honey. I’m so proud of you. I love you too….

Free PS3? No way......

Last week when we went to the supermarket, you asked for Fruitilllo Magic, not because you want to enjoy the colorful instant drink, but simply because there was this wordings written on the box: BERHADIAH PLAYSTATION 3.

And this morning you asked me to carefully read the terms. I scanned it through and read it outloud "....kirimkan 10 kartu silver (seri berbeda) & dapatkan hadiah langsung Playstation 3"

Your eyes beamed with excitement, "hey, that's easy, mama. I nearly have it all..!"

I felt a bit of skepticism. I thought, there’s no way that it can be that simple! Then I carefully continue reading the rest of the wordings on the box

"Periode program 1 Mei-31 Agustus 2006"

"But now it's already 2008, mama..." you asked with your big puzzled eyes

"Yes, honey. So I guess the program is over" I answered as calm as I can.

"But why did they do that? Why are they still selling it when they know that it's now 2008?" you asked sadly, trying hard to hide your disappointment.

Hmmm, good question, honey, and I don't have the answer. Perhaps they were just too busy thinking about sales target that they forgot to think about how an innocent, naïve young children like you would feel when they found out that the promotion program was over….

The Magicians Shop

Late last year, while wandering around at the Poin Square, we found a small kiosk selling off various stuff for ‘magicians wanna be’. They sell more than 1000 kind of stuff, and some are so easy that kids like you can learn to do the tricks in just a few minutes.

Since then, you have been asking to go there again and again. And it was on January 2nd – you were still on your school holiday - when you called on my mobile phone. You were whispering, full of excitement, as if you were going to ask for a very important thing.

You: mama, can we go there again?
Me: where?
You: that place….
Me: what place?
You: that place that we went to…
Me: where?
You: you know…..
Me: yeah, what place? (I began to feel impatient)
You: the shop where they sell magic stuff? Can we please go?
Me: oh, when do you want to go there?
You: tomorrow, mama. Can we, please, please go tomorrow?
Me: tomorrow?
You: yes, mama, tomorrow. Tomorrow is still a holiday, right? Please?
Me: but I’m working tomorrow….
You: oh, you are working?
Me: of course I’m working tomorrow. You know that…..

A short pause, then:

You: Yeah, I forgot that you are working tomorrow. Okay, bye.

Click. You hung up. And I felt a pang. It’s not everyday that you call me on my mobile.