Precious Moments

Moving to Wordpress

2008-08-03T10:58:00.001+07:00

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

2008-07-09T03:21:00.003+07:00

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

2008-07-07T02:59:00.002+07:00

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

2008-07-05T11:12:00.006+07:00

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

2008-06-11T16:48:00.004+07:00

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

2008-05-28T13:45:00.001+07:00

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

2008-05-17T13:10:00.004+07:00

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!

2008-05-09T14:28:00.003+07:00

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

2008-04-09T18:09:00.007+07:00

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

2008-04-09T14:05:00.006+07:00

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

2008-03-19T11:51:00.003+07:00

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

2008-03-11T12:55:00.004+07:00

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

2008-03-05T18:35:00.007+07:00

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

2008-02-06T11:51:00.000+07:00

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

2008-01-22T17:35:00.000+07:00

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......

2008-01-16T11:33:00.000+07:00

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

2008-01-15T13:40:00.000+07:00

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.

Unconditional Love

2007-12-22T21:05:00.000+07:00

Talking about tough women, it so happen that I met one of them, just last night. She is a mother of a handsome kid, who was born with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

I was introduced to her by Eva, who asked me a week ago if I would be interested to help out in giving a communications training to spokespeople for autism. I said yes without any hesitation. And so, I met her last night, learning more about autism and her struggle to give the best for her 17-year-old son.

Gayatri Pamoedji is the founder of MPATI (Masyarakat Peduli Autis Indonesia). She has also published a book, Meniti Pelangi, where she shared her experience in raising her kid. When I read the first few chapters, I could feel her frustration and confusion, not knowing what was really happening to her son. But as I read further, I could also feel her determination, willpower, hope and belief that there must be a way to help her beloved son lead a better life.

I salute her for her persistence in fighting for the future of her son. A perfect example of an unconditional love, from a mother, to her son.

Mother's Day?

2007-12-22T16:58:00.000+07:00

Today is Indonesia’s Mother’s Day. An ex-colleague sent me this SMS:

Warning! This message is created only for the toughest worker of all time… but luckily you are one of them! Happy mother’s day to all multi risk, multi task and multi dimensional women I’ve ever known. May God, family and happiness always upon you :)

In the meantime, Kompas wrote that 22nd of December was actually selected to commemorate the struggle of Indonesian women in contributing to the Indonesian independence. They played their part through The Women Congress held on December 22-25, 1928 in Yogyakarta. However, during the new order era, the government has switched its meaning. They positioned Indonesian women as a domestic mother that doesn’t have their own traits, except as a supporter of their husband.

Personally, I have no interest in debating whether December 22nd should be celebrated as Indonesian women’s move in the political arena, or just an appreciation of their effort in putting together a healthy and happy family. I don’t really care whether it should be a mother’s day or women’s day.

To me, every woman is a very special person, because they have the sense, intuition, wisdom and strength to shape up a helpless, innocent human being to be a person that can excel in so many ways. They have so much love and care to give away. All they need to do is stretching their wings and reach out to the deepest part of a child’s – or person’s - heart and soul. A woman is, and should be, a strong, tough, independent person who stands on her own feet, while helping and supporting her loved ones.

I feel so lucky to be born a woman. Because a woman, is always a mother, even when they don’t have children of their own.

KidZania!

2007-12-10T16:41:00.000+07:00

At KidZania, we had a blast!

Gio Tampi's mom was kind enough to organize a group visit to KidZania last Monday. So around 52 kids from the second and third grades with their mom or nanny were all ready standing in a queue from 1.30 pm, while they only open the gate at 3 pm....

I was actually quite worried that you would feel tired even before we enter the playground. With all your friends around you, how could I expect you to stand still and quiet for 1.5 hours?

But it was worth waiting. KidZania was not only educative and fun for kids, it was also entertaining for adults, especially when you got to watch your loved ones enjoying themselves in the various activities.

And here are the activities and professions that you experienced during the five hours playtime: being a fire fighter, gas station attendant, F1 racer, dentist, constructor worker, supermarket cashier, riding on a bus tour on your own, getting a health certificate before obtaining your driving license and F1 racer license…. And I can tell that among the various activities, what you enjoyed most was when you were able to draw kidzos money from the ATM. Wow, I could see your face beaming with excitement!

Some tips for parents who are taking their kids:

1. Book and pay in advance.

2. When you already have a reservation, you can just come in half an hour before the opening hours. Don't panic and try to rush in, there's plenty of time to wait at the main arena, after entering the main gate, before they actually open the pavilions for activities

3. Although they say that it's ok for kids to go in without an adult, I wouldn't recommend it, especially for first timers and kids under nine. The situation there was just so hectic and there were just no attendants that ensure the kids know what they are supposed to do and feel secured. (in fact, I just got an SMS from Rafi’s mom that he hurt himself while playing, and they did not give him proper care)

4. Wear your most comfortable shoes/sandals because you will be either standing watching your kids or running around with them for five hours!

Nonetheless, for you and me, five hours just flew away like a flash. There's so much to do, so many profession to be. So, KidZania, we definitely will come back.

Your wish, my wish

2007-11-25T07:58:00.000+07:00

This is our pillow talk last night:

You: I wish you were mbak…
Me: What…??? Why…?
You: No, no…, I wish there were two of you, one is you as yourself and the other is you as mbak.
Me: Why?
You: Well, as mom, you can go to the office every day, and as mbak, you can pick me up from school every day
Me: Honey, you know that by going to work, I make money, and I can buy you toys.
You: What about other moms? They don’t go to work. Bude Vinny doesn’t go to work.
Me: Yes honey, but we are building our new house now, and it needs a lot of money,,,,
You: Well, bude Vinny is not working, but they have a house anyway…, so I don’t understand…

Hmmm, someday you will, honey, someday you will…. In the meantime,I guess I just have to try my best to be a good mom and buddy to you.

KidZania, We Are Coming....

2007-11-22T12:02:00.000+07:00

Tell me and I forget
Teach me and I remember
Involve me and I understand

I read the above in an article about KidZania in today’s Kompas. How true it is!

I’ve heard about this edutainment theme park since months ago, and I just can’t wait to take you there. In fact, just a few days after last Lebaran, we went there, coz a friend informed me that they are already open. But the guards told us that it is still being prepared and will only be ready for public by early November.

According to its website, KidZania is a kid-sized replica of a real city, with streets, buildings, retail and different vehicles going around the City. Here, children play adult roles and they learn how to be a doctor, a pilot, a construction worker, a private detective, an archeologist, an F1 driver and over 100 other professions and occupations.

Doesn’t it sound exciting? I just hope that it will turn out like what I expected, a place where you can learn while having fun, where you can gain knowledge and experience that can help you shape up to be a rounded person.

And today, finally, I saw the half page announcement ad in Kompas, KidZania will be officially launched on November 24.

So, KidZania, we are coming……!!!

Pesta Blogger vs Fasya's BDay

2007-10-27T19:42:00.000+07:00

I’m so proud of my office, and all the people in it. Today, finally, we manage to organize Pesta Blogger 2007, the first ever national scale bloggers gathering. The event was attended by the Minister for Communications and Information, Muhammad Nuh, and in his speech this morning, he declared October 27, 2007 as the National Bloggers Day. Isn’t it awesome?

My office has been planning for this bloggers gathering since a year ago. But nothing was really happening until we appointed Hanny as the project manager. With all her creativity and enthusiasm, amidst other work that has already drawn her, she made it happen. And everybody gave their full support. Unspun, of course, was the captain, with Nancy and Finnie (who sit right at Hanny’s back and front) closely assisting her. Shilla, Indri, Rommy, Adit, Pak Zae and even Fahrul were all there this morning, while me, I was playing cashier for bloggers who wanted to participate but do not have an entry code. Thank you and congratulations to all who have helped making this Pesta Blogger 2007 happened.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay until the end of the program. And the reason was because I need to take you to Fasya’s birthday party. I wish I could clone myself and be in two places at the same time. But since I knew that the Pesta Blogger would just turn out great, I chose to leave the bloggers event early. I just want you to know that an event with you is never less important than any other events.

Picture shows: Kakak Adit, Tante Lita Mariana, Kakak Nancy, Kakak Hanny, ME and Uncle Ong

Puasa

2007-09-15T12:33:00.000+07:00

I’m so proud of you. Today, on the third day of this Ramadhan month, you began your half day puasa. What I was so happy about was nobody really asks you, it came from you. You really wanted to, and refuse to take your favorite choco sandwich that mbak Irah brought you this morning.

Today you broke your fast at exactly 12 noon with a glass of water and four stack of choco sandwich. You promise that after 1 pm, you will continue your puasa until maghrib. Way to go, honey!

Stages Of Life

2007-09-14T16:13:00.000+07:00

Last year, when I was planning to buy my first shortsighted eye glasses, a question popped up in my mind: does this mean I am entering another stage of my life? You know, just like when you first enter school, have your first period, get your first job, get married and so on and so on. Does the fact that somebody begins to need shortsighted glasses mean anything?

That question reminded me of a conversation I overheard some 25 years ago, when I was in junior high, on my way to Bandung with some friends.

We were traveling by the most popular car rental back then, the 4848. It was a big old Cadillac that can accommodate 5 passengers and a driver. My two friends and I sat at the back seat, while another two middle-aged men sat in the front seat. I think we were somewhere in Puncak, my two friends started falling asleep to the sound of raindrops, when I overheard the two gentlemen talking about stages in life.

One man said that there are stages in life that changes every 8 years. This is how he described each stage as I remember it:

0 – 8 years old:

One has just begun to breath; they need a lot of help while trying to figure out about everything that is happening around them. Questions, questions, questions

8 – 16:
This is the period when one becomes more aware of her/himself. They have questions about themselves and a lot of times feel awkward and uncomfortable with their physical changes. Often, they find themselves in trouble, in school as well as at home

16 – 24:

One will fall in love with her/himself. It’s ‘narcist time’. They just love to see themselves in the mirror. Girls just want to be pretty. Boys try to be attractive for girls.

24 – 32:

A period when one has no fear in life. They will try everything, go anywhere, hike the highest mountain. It’s time to proof who they are. By this time, they will get their first job and start a family.

32 – 40:

Life is work. Work harder, earn more.

40 – 48:

Life begins. They would already have a steady career. Those who have a strong family bond will switch their focus to their spouse and children. However, some may have difficulties in marriage and start a new relationship.

48 – 56:

Time to enjoy life with what’s earned from their hard work. It’s time to travel around the world or buy a new big house.

56 – 64:

Life slows down. Time to reflect on oneself and become wiser and more religious.

64 – onwards:

Back to the first stage. They become dependent again while trying to figure out how life and the world have changed right in front of their eyes.

I believe what the man said makes a lot of sense. And knowing about these stages of life will help you understand where your life is going and therefore prepare yourself to face it.

Now, in what stage are you now, honey? Questions, questions, questions? No wonder....

Picture from here

Getting Old

2007-09-06T12:32:00.000+07:00

Used to be that time passed so slow
Now it seems to be so fast

Running fast to get back home
Wondering where which way to go
Wish I’ve seen it thru my mother’s eyes
Now I stand alone…
I’m sitting here getting old

(a lyric of a song your pakde Yogo used to sing, don’t know what’s the title and who’s the singer)

I think one of the signs that you are getting old is when you feel that you don’t have enough time to do whatever you want to do. And that is exactly how I feel right now.

I found a comment from a visitor yesterday, saying that I haven’t been writing for a new post for awhile. Gosh, yes, I haven’t, despite the promise I have made to myself that I would write at least once a week.

This is my wish list: when it comes to how I want to spend my time

1) I want to spend more time with you, playing, talking and helping you with your homework (last night, you refused to finish your homework until I got home)

2) Yet, I’m also enjoying my time in the office, ensuring that everybody is enjoying their work as well (and I still have that 40 pages translation to edit by this afternoon)

3) And I also want to catch up with that good buddy of mine that I recently found after 20 years! (I cancelled the plan to meet this buddy yesterday, so that I can go home early and spend time with you. Yet, I was only able to leave the office at 7pm)

4) Not to mention that I want to chat and gossip with my two best friends, tante Elza and tante Ira, whom I haven’t seen for more than a month (I really miss them!)

5) And I want to tidy up the house, re-arranging my closet and get rid of those old clothes (I think I have been wanting to do this since two years ago….)

6) I also feel that I’m not spending enough time with my mom and dad, they are really getting old (love them, and sometimes I’m worried about them….)

7) And I want to write my short stories, there are so many ideas that are playing on my mind (I just wrote a poem instead, as it is shorter and easier and less time consuming!)

8) And I haven’t even finished reading Jostein Gaarder’s The Orange Girl, after a year! (this is soooo embarrassing….)

The seconds are ticking, there is so much more I want to do…, and I’m watching you grow, and I’m so afraid that I’m losing important and precious moments that I should have had with you. ..

Without Me

2007-08-24T06:25:00.001+07:00

Your school held a Parents Class Visit and therefore there’s no class for you today. I was supposed to come, but since I only received the invitation last night, I have to skip it this time. I have to go to work.

Anyway, your bude Vinny called and asked if you would like to join Annisa, Bea, Pancar and Ardhika to go to Ancol, and you jumped out of the bed when I told you the good news. You took a bath on your own, and when I knocked in to say goodbye, you stood still with your big puzzled eyes:

You: Oh, you are not coming with me to Ancol?

Me: No, honey, I have to go to work

You: Oh, I thought you are coming….

Me: No, honey, I’m sorry…. I didn’t know that you don’t have to go to school today. Otherwise, I would probably have asked for a day off

You: Other kids, are their moms coming?

Me: Yes, honey...

You: So, who will I be with?

Me: Mbak Irah will come and accompany you, don’t worry

You: Oh, okay……

With that, you quietly continued your bath. It looked like you took it quite well, yet I felt so sad and wonder what went on your mind. Honey, I know there is no way mbak Irah can replace me.

And with this posting, I want you to know, that I really wanted to be with you and spend a fun day in Ancol with you. But then again, sometimes – a lot of times – things do not happen as what we want it to be.

Thank you for understanding.

Indonesian Science Festival

2007-08-13T05:47:00.000+07:00

You are always amused by science experiments and that's why I took you to PIM this Sunday. Not to shop, but because they are holding the 2007 Indonesian Science Festival. Actually, I wasn't really expecting much, I thought it's just going to be the boring science exhibition. Well, I was wrong!

The booths, though not all were ready for the visitors, displayed and demonstrated science in a very attractive way, especially for children like you. There are a lot of experiments that you can try, so instead of listening to the usual boring explanation, children can try and experience the wonder of science directly. Most of these fun booths were organized by DoctoRabbit.

To me, the most interesting booth was the one where they have this 6 grader student explained about various things that happen in our every day life, from how the wind blows in the morning and at night, how food are processed in our body, how a laser pointer works, to the 9 planets of our galaxy.

I was so impressed by Rizki, a very young scientist, who is a student of SD Cilandak Barat 06. The way he explained things were so clear and interesting. No wonder you spent nearly half hour chatting with him.

This is how science is supposed to be, fun and cool.

Picture shows Rizki explaining about how laser pointer works

The 2007 Indonesian Science Festival is officially held from
13-19 August 2007 at the North Skywalk 1st fl. and North Atrium,
Pondok Indah Mall 2.

Father and Son Day Out

2007-08-04T02:23:00.000+07:00

Last week-end, your dad took you to a one-day-cruise to Pulau Ayer. The trip was organized by the Jakarta Toastmasters Club #4067, where your dad serves as the Area Governor.

In case you were wondering why I did not come with you and your dad, here are the reasons.

First, I’m not too keen on traveling by boat. I would enjoy the breezy wind, but since I don’t swim, I might feel uneasy every time the sea gets a bit rough

Second, I’m not so much of a beach-type-of-a-person. I’m not too crazy about getting a sun tan, or riding a banana boat (for a very obvious reason!)

Third, I would like you to spend more time with your dad, without me. So it’s kinda father and son day out

Fourth, I also want to have some time on my own, catching up with my good buddies that I haven’t seen for months

Anyway, it seemed like you really enjoyed the trip, you met a new friend - Rayhan - and won several prizes from the games they organized during the trip. And you were so impressed by the Phinisi that took you to the island. So I guess it was a good day for all of us.

Picture of you and Rayhan, with Phinisi as the backdrop.

The Kite Museum

2007-07-12T22:13:00.000+07:00

Another three days to go before you are back to school. I called a few friends and relatives, wondering if they’d like to join us to spend the day. But I guess I was a bit late in calling them and everybody seemed to have their own plan already.

Well, what the heck, we’ll have fun even if it’s only the two of us, won’t we? We decided to go to Museum Layang-Layang - the Kite Museum, in Lebak Bulus area. And it turned out to be worth visiting.

The entrance fee is Rp10 thousand per person, a more reasonable price compared to the National Museum which I think is so under-priced. The tour started off with a video show about various types of kite. Then we went in to the display room that showcases different kind of kites, from different places in Indonesia as well as from other Asian and European countries. And we were amused by the tiniest kite in the world, which was only about 1,5 cm long.

Next, you were given a chance to make your own kite. Kak Hendra, the tour guide, was extremely friendly and helped you made one with Ben10's Ghost Freak and Four Arms drawing on it. We also saw how big kites were made in the small workshop they have.

And we found out that there’s going to be a Kite Festival this week-end in Rancamaya. Sounds like worth going too, isn’t it?

A Client-PR Consultant Conversation

2007-07-10T22:43:00.000+07:00

This afternoon, you managed to build up a three stack cards. You were so thrilled, and I hurriedly took a shot of it so that you can show it to your dad later on. And then, we had this funny conversation:

You: Mama, can you arrange so that the picture would appear in the newspaper?
Me: Why would you want that?
You: So that people would know that I managed to make it
Me: Yeah, but why would the papers be interested to publish it?
You: Becoz it’s not an easy job to do, and I can do it
Me: Yeah, but there are a lot of things happening out there, and there are many things that are much more important to be published. You know that the papers have only limited space….

Hahaha, I felt like I was talking to a client. Don’t worry hon, I’m publishing it in our blog. So hopefully, people would know……

My Sweet Little Boy

2007-07-09T23:04:00.000+07:00

10.30 pm, we were in the bedroom, and I was occupied with myself, scribbling and surfing the net. Apparently, the cappuccino I had this afternoon was quite strong.

Just then, I noticed that you were also busy with yourself, making something out of an empty yakult bottle, tissue roll, scrap paper and an empty face powder box. I wasn't sure what it is until you explained excitedly that it is a high tech weighing machine and microscope, where you can see the numbers automatically (??). Hmm, okay, another invention….

I went back to my notebook after we talked a bit about what your "new gadget" can do. And then, from the corner of my eyes, I saw you quietly put it away, leaving the playing area neat and clean, before finally settling in for your night sleep.

What a sweet little boy you are! You bring nothing but laughter and cheerfulness. Never nag, never been a hassle, never ask for too much.

And for tonight, this is all you asked for:

“Mama, can I please have a choco sandwich before I go to sleep?”

Sure honey, I’ll get it for you…., right away! It’s always been - and will always be - my pleasure to serve you.

Mommy Gets two "Rockin' Girl Blogger" Awards

2007-07-07T23:13:00.000+07:00

Honey, you would never have guessed! Two of the coolest girl bloggers that I personally know - Hanny and Eva - passed me the torch of ‘Rockin’ Girl Blogger" Award. Never thought that cool girls like them would understand what I'm trying to say to you through this blog. Thanks, girls! I’m flattered. Now I get to name five:

Hanny. Can’t help it, I just have to mention her as my first choice. I’ve been a regular silent visitor to her blogs, from her previous Silent Soul to her current Di Sini. I really like her writing style and intriguing stories. Her postings often bring me back the feelings I used to have when I was much younger. Two thumbs up for your blogs, Han.

Eva. Hers is one of the blogs I regularly visit from the early days when I started familiarizing myself with blogging. I enjoyed her previous A Pilgrim for Life as well as her current Chipping-in. Her blog is exactly a reflection of who she is, her postings often about something that no one ever think or ask about. I like her thinking, it makes me think….

Christ. Well, actually, Me, Myself, Personally is not her blog, it belongs to her cute, adorable daughter. But since Amaris Allegra just turned 3 last May, Christ is helping her with the postings ;). What a cool mom she is, and that makes her a rockin’ girl blogger.

Elida, another cool mom blogger (hey, maybe we should start a cool mom blogger award!). Hers is The Madness of MokCikNab, where as described, she shares her motives, movements and melodrama in her life. Everyday events are told in such a way that can either make you chuckle or touched. Check out her posting on Baidura Ahmad, and her story about Ana, in Welcome to My Gubuk.

Last but not least, Riri. With her blog The Absent Minded Cook, we can feel her passion and talent in cooking, something that I’m envious of. She actually started blogging just recently and hasn’t been very active (and I know exactly why!). I hope this rockin’ girl blogger award will encourage her to write more, coz through her writing she can essentially make her passion for cooking contagious

Keep on blogging, girls…. (and cool moms too….). Pass on the torch.

You, in Trans TV

2007-07-07T11:05:00.000+07:00

Ok, just for the record, I need to put it here. For the second time, you were featured in a TV program. This time was in Trans TV’s “Good Morning On The Week End”, July 1 2007 edition. They were reporting about how children spent their holiday. One creative way is by learning how to make pizza!

And there you were, with your buddies from Rapid Reader, having fun while putting all the ingredients together. The pizza class took place at Papa Ron’s. There were about 15 children about your age and younger, all looked excited and in high spirit. And you looked so handsome and adorable when together with a friend, being interviewed. You explained about the ingredients and told the reporter that your pizza tastes so yummy!

7 years old, and you already were in two tv programs and one leading newspaper. Not bad, huh? 20 or 30 years from now, you might get interviewed for a different topic:

Legal - if you become a lawyer which I think is so unlikely
Information Technology – emmm, maybe…
Sport – don’t think so
Marketing – possible
Science & invention – potential, you can be a cool scientist

So, let’s get back to this posting when it happens. Let’s see if my guesses were right.

Acquired: Skill Number 2

2007-07-07T00:03:00.000+07:00

Learning from my own life, there are several essential skills and abilities that can help you enjoy your life to its fullest. The first three are:
1. swimming
2. riding a bicycle
3. driving a car

Playing with water is always fun, no matter how old you are. And I’m so glad that you have learned the basic, enough, that I don’t have to worry whenever you’re having fun in the pool.

And just about two weeks ago, you proudly told me that you have learned riding the bicycle without the training wheels. You looked so happy and so proud, and that really made me feel like a good mom – even though I wasn’t the one who taught you. I feel like I have succeeded in equipping you with basic, yet important skills that enable you enjoy your childhood. Congratulations honey…..

And for the driving skill, well, I’m not worried. Although you always said that you wouldn’t know how, you still have another 10 years to learn. So, it’s ok hon, plenty of time. For now, being able to swim and ride a two-wheel bicycle are enough to get you all the fun you want.

Picture from http://www.wpclipart.com/transportation/bicycle/bicycle_01.png

Time Machine

2007-06-17T23:35:00.000+07:00

This conversation took place in a taxi when we went home from PIM this evening:

You: Jimmy Neutron has a time machine. I want one too…
Me: Why?
You: Well, if I have one, I will let you use it…
Me: What for?
You: You can push the button to make everything goes fast. So you can work faster at the office and finish early
Me: And then?
You: And then you can pick me up from school, every day…..

Hmmm, if that’s the case, yes, I would want one too, honey. But, as I said before, in life, we cannot have everything that we want. We get some, we lose some. But no matter what, let’s just be thankful for the life we have, coz I know for sure, we are among the luckiest people in the world.

Just look around you, people in East Java are losing their homes because of the Lapindo disaster, children in Papua have to walk for hours before reaching their school, and all those construction workers that you see working for the Pondok Indah underpass, they have to leave their family in their hometown to be able to earn money. Not to mention all those babies in the orphanage who don’t have their mom and dad holding them at nights….

So, honey, aren’t we among the luckiest people? Even when we don't have that time machine.

First Grade, Second Semester

2007-06-10T21:03:00.000+07:00

You have just finished your second semester evaluation test last week, and thank God, you have done very well. Here’s the result of your test:

Pendidikan Agama Islam: 9.2
PKN: 9.5
IPA: 9.3
Bahasa Indonesia: 9.3
IPS: 8
Bahasa Inggris: 8.8
Matematika: 9.8

And following are some of your answers to the test that I found it quite amusing:

The Question: Apa akibatnya bila tidak ada tata tertib
Your Answer: Hidup akan berantakan

The Question: Mengapa malam hari udara terasa lebih dingin daripada siang hari?
Your Answer: Karena siang hari panas banget

The Question: Mengapa bola lebih mudah bergerak daripada kotak sepatu?
Your Answer: Karena kotak sepatu itu kotak

The Question: Buatlah kalimat sesuai gambar di samping (a picture of a kid singing)
Your Answer: Rudi bernyanyi di rumah dikasih tau ke anggota keluarganya supaya keluarganya senang

I'm actually quite surprised on how the school structure the questions. I feel that some of the questions are not supposed to be for children your age. But what do you know, you can answer it anyway. I guess kids nowadays are way smarter than what they used to be.

And I'm so proud of you.

Muffin and Pie

2007-06-09T21:01:00.000+07:00

Your dad was hospitalized for dengue, and when visiting him this afternoon, you asked for the muffin that the hospital served for your dad.

Then, while munching the muffin, you asked me casually:

You: Mama, can you make muffin?
Me: No, honey, I don’t know how
You: What about pie?
Me: I don’t know how to make pie either
You: Mama, you should go to Google
Me: Oh yeah?
You: Yeah, just type ‘how to make muffin and pie', Google will tell you how and you can learn making them
Me: Hmmmm, okay…… (totally speechless)

Picture from www.muffin-paradies.de/image/baeck.gif

Jimbaran, this one's in Ancol

2007-06-02T21:53:00.000+07:00

Yesterday was a holiday, and without any plan, we went to Ancol Dreamland. We haven’t been there for quite some time, but you still remember every corner that you have been to.

We got there just in time for lunch, and your dad suggested that we try this resto that he heard about the other day on the radio. Jimbaran Resto is located a bit further away, not far from the Ice World. Unlike the other parts of Ancol where it was packed with people, the beach where Jimbaran is was nice and peaceful.

Though so hot, we decided to sit outside, looking over the calm blue sea and enjoying the breezy wind. The sun shined so brightly that it made a glittery reflection on the sea. And while waiting for the food, you and your dad strolled along the beach, chasing crab and collecting seashell. It was really a lovely sight seeing you laughing and running here and there on a beautiful beach backdrop. And when they start playing the Balinese traditional music, it felt like we were actually in Jimbaran, Bali. It must be more beautiful if we were there in the evening.

Before going home, we stopped by at the old vessel playground near A&W resto, and we bought this power ranger watch. Costs me only Rp15 thousand, but you really have fun and were so proud wearing it. Hmm, I bet you like it as much as you would have like the Ben10 watch that I couldn’t get you.

Mekarsari

2007-05-24T16:48:00.000+07:00

Today, you and I and your bude Diana, went to Mekarsari, a modern fruit garden and agrotourism, located in Cibubur. We arrived at about 10.30, went around a bit with our own car before a security guard asked for a dispensation card. Apparently, personal vehicles are not allowed to drive inside the compound.

So, we went back to the front office and bought a ticket for a tour ride around the 264 hectare complex. Our first stop was the melon nursery, where you can actually hand pick the melon of your choice straight from the trees. You were quite thrilled and tried some samples of different kinds of melon. We also stopped at the salak (zalacca palm) nursery, where I bought a kilo of your favorite fruit.

Along the way, we saw several other fruit nurseries, greenhouses and also the Puri Tirto Sari Waterfall Building, some spotted deer and a beautiful, colorful Lotus Garden. There was also an outbound arena where they have flying fox and other stuff. You wanted to stop there but unfortunately it is open only on weekends.

The tour ride took us about an hour, and we were back at the front office just in time for lunch. Thank God they have KFC there, so it was quite convenient for us. Before going home, we bought some merchandise and some other fruits at the fruit store.

All and all, I think Mekarsari is an “ok” place. It’s quite clean and in order, but not as exciting as I expected. But most importantly, you had a good time there. I can tell by the way you keep on talking and giggling along our way home. I’m glad I decided to take another day off today. It’s worth it.

Letting You Decide

2007-05-22T21:38:00.000+07:00

I think it is so natural for children like you to stall when they are asked to quit playing and do other things. But I have a very good trick that never fails me: I let you decide when do you want to quit!

Just like today, we spent the day at Circuz Circuz Playground at PIM. I was beginning to get worried when one hour after your usual lunch time, you still refused to quit. So this is what I did. I asked you to determine the time you want to quit. After a tough negotiation, we agreed that you would quit playing 20 minutes later, at.1.30. And it never fails. At 1.29, I showed you the time, and you voluntarily went out from the playground without a fuss.

I use this same trick when you are reluctant to get a bath, refuse to turn off the tv or don’t want to eat up your meal. I think it makes you feel appreciated that you are being involved in the decision making and therefore also learn to honor your own decisions.

The only problem is when you try it on me: “So, mama, what time are you going to get home? At which number the little hand is pointing at…..?” Hahaha, smart kid…..

Don't know what you've got till it's gone...

2007-05-20T10:00:00.000+07:00

I found a beautiful posting, while I went blog-walking on this beautiful Sunday morning. It belongs to an RCTI’s reporter who recently launches a semi-biography of Tukul Arwana.

This is what she wrote, in August 2005, one and a half years after her mom is gone:

"Dont know what i've got till it's gone..."

Satu setengah tahun yang lalu Mama ku pergi menghadap Tuhan. Sangat banyak hal2 yang belum sempat aku sampaikan kepadanya....

"Ma...akhirnya ira diterima kerja...ini berkat doa Mama"
"Ma...ini gaji pertama ira ...semuanya hadiah buat Mama aja"
"Ma...ira bentar lagi dapat bonus ..nanti gajian kita jalan-jalan ya"

Juga, pada saatnya nanti, tak bisa lagi aku sampaikan kepadanya...

"Ma...kenalin, ini calon suamiku..."
"Ma...mohon do'a restunya, ira mau menikah..."
"Ma...ini cucu Mama, ajarin ira jadi ibu yang baik seperti Mama ya..."

Arti seorang ibu seperti udara bagi kehidupan manusia. Begitu besar arti kehadirannya... namun seringkali kita tidak menyadari....Sampai saat kita harus kehilangannya

I can perfectly understand how she felt, and I feel so lucky that I still have my mom and dad by my side throughout the important stages of my life. But then, as Ira said, “Begitu besar arti kehadirannya... namun seringkali kita tidak menyadari....”

I guess this is what most children feel about and do to their parents. They love them, they know they should spend more time with them, yet there are a zillion kind of other things to do before they have time to express their love and care, to visit them, to spend time listening to their blabbering stories, or even just to give them a mere “how are you today” phone call.

Hmmm, gotta make that call now…. (after uploading this post…..)

xxx

(Picture of your eyang kakung and eyang putri - reproduced for their 80th birthday in 2004. Isn't she beautiful?)

The Net, now from Home

2007-05-19T14:50:00.000+07:00

We now have access to internet from home! No limit access, for only Rp150 thousand per month! Now this is what I call a fantastic deal: with that amount of money, the service is excellent while the access speed is amazing.

So today, we spent the afternoon surfing the net. We visited the sites of all your favorite characters, from Ben 10, Jimmy Neutron, Danny Phantom, Spiderman, Chalk Zone, Totally Spies and many more.

You have also learned to look for information in Google. You even looked for sites that have your name. And there it was, the Wikipedia says that your name can be translated into English as effort, vigor, diligence, and zeal. Hm, isn’t Google wonderful? Isn't the net the most brilliant thing men ever invented?

Being On Your Own

2007-05-16T09:43:00.000+07:00

As usual, when I wake up at night and can't go back to sleep, I browse the net from my O2. Last night, my blog-walking brought me to Di Sini, that belongs to my colleague, a young talented writer to be. She wrote a nice posting about my posting.

Just to remind you, she is the one who gave you that dinosaur and alligator eggs that hatched and grew bigger when you put them into water. You were so amused and kept on asking how it could happen. And until now, you still have them in the bathroom, refuse to put it away though they have become so wrinkled.

And just like you, she is also the only child in the family. I once asked her how it felt to be one, does she ever want to have siblings. To my relief, she said she has always enjoyed being the only child, never really feel alone and lonely - something I'm always afraid you would feel. In fact, I think she has become such a creative person because she has a lot of time on her own.

So honey, I hope being the only child will only make you a stronger person. Not always having me around would make you a decisive and creative person, somebody who knows what he wants and is not afraid of taking risks.

But of course, the world is not a place where you can find all answers. So when things are getting too much for you, when you are not sure which door to open, you know you can come to me. I may not be able to give you answers nor direction, but at least I will always be there, and here, for you. That's what a mother is all about.

xxx

Picture taken from here

Story Telling: Who is Telling Who?

2007-05-14T12:06:00.000+07:00

Last night was funny. As usual, as soon as I turn off the tv and dim the light, you would shout “tell me a story!”. And I would ask you “What story do you want to hear tonight? Batman? Ben 10? Spiderman?” And last night you wanted a combination of the three characters: Ben10, Jimmy Neutron and Danny Phantom

And so I began: “One day, Ben10, Jimmy Neutron and Danny Phantom were studying in the class room when something happened….,”. And then, before I could say another word, you continued the story for about five minutes, before saying ”Ok, mama, now you tell me the story…” So, I continued with few sentences, before, again, you interrupted with your version. And this happened repeatedly until I felt so sleepy hearing your voice and close my eyes. I fell asleep until you woke me up “Mama, open your eyes and continue the story….” .

Hahaha, I felt it was so funny, as if you were the one who was telling me a bed time story. Hmmm, this is the kind of moments with you that I would always treasure. And you know what, when I am getting really old, I would really like you to tell me a bed time story. I think it would be very nice.

Picture taken from here

Funny Talking Habit

2007-04-29T07:39:00.000+07:00

You have this funny habit. When you are sleepy, you become more talkative. You will talk and talk and talk about whatever – a lot of times about silly things that I don’t understand - and then suddenly….., quiet…., you fall into a deep sleep.

Another habit that I found it so amusing is when you pretend to be super heroes, jumping here and there, trying to save the world. You talk so loud and fast while “fighting with the bad guys”, that sometimes the words are just missing, mis-pronounced or not in order. And then you would giggle with your dancing eyes, before we both burst into a good laugh. And I would feel so blessed to have this chance of living each day of my life watching you grow.

Thank you for making my life so meaningful, and full of laughter.

Pop-Up Card

2007-04-28T10:11:00.000+07:00

Last night, when I got home from a farewell of a colleague, you showed me your latest artwork: a pop-up card! And you did it all by yourself, just by following the step-by-step shown on a TV program (not sure what it was, but you said it was similar to Faber-Castell – but it’s not)

Your pop-up card showed Four-Arms (one of the super heroes Ben 10 can transform into) at the center, talking to you, standing on his right. You are surrounded by other kids, and I think there’s also a little monster behind you. In front of Four-Arms, there is also another kid – yes, it is a two-dimensional card. I think it was so cute and so smart of you to make it all by yourself.

So what are you going to be when you grow up, honey? An Art Director?

Kartini Day

2007-04-21T11:44:00.000+07:00

Today is Kartini Day. What does it mean? To me, it is a reminder that there is no difference – in terms of opportunities – for men and women. Women can – and should - decide for themselves, fight for themselves, and be an independent individual. And for men, I guess it is also a reminder that they should respect women in any way.

And this is what I would like you to be when you grow up, a man who respects women.

But how do you show respect? I believe women want to be listened to, to be trusted, to be understood. Though at times they like to feel that they are being lead, guided and protected, they want to - and should – be an equal partner to men. And when a man can value what a woman want, that’s when he shows respect, and consequently, also earn it.

Trust me, women respect men who respect women.

(pic from here)

Quality Time?

2007-04-16T04:11:00.000+07:00

Sometimes I wonder how it feels to be the only child, with a working mother. I remember when I was little, the nicest thing when coming home from school was to find my mom busy in the kitchen preparing my lunch. Until now, I can still feel the warmth of having a hot meal each time I got home.

I can also still vividly remember the family tradition of having afternoon tea. Your grand dad was a civil servant, and he usually got home at 2 pm. So, after having his afternoon nap, we – me and my bros - all got together at the front porch, having tea and warm snacks - fried cassava or banana, or my mom’s specialty, fried lumpia – while talking about the day’s activity.

Now, how can anybody afford having that kind of family tradition nowadays? And this is what you do when you want me to come home early, you draw a picture of a wall clock, pointing at the hour you want me to get home, and ask me to sign on it.

Hmmm, I really hope that what they say about quality time is better than quantity is true.

The Dinosaur Story

2007-04-14T09:46:00.000+07:00

Saturday morning, we were watching a Hallmark film with dinosaurs.

You: I want to be a dinosaur, a young dinosaur
Me: Why a young dinosaur?
You: So that nobody would kill me. And you can be a fairy
Me: Why?
You: So that you could save me if somebody wants to kill me….

and then.....

You: But, I want to be a fairy too….
Me: Why?
You: So that I can do magic……
Me: Such as……?
You: Well, with magic, I can have any toy that I want. So that you don’t have to spend anymore money for my toys

(Hmmmm…..)

Anyway, the Hallmark story was about a mother who thought that a dinosaur had eaten up her two children. She was really desperate and wanted revenge by stealing the dinosaur’s eggs. She was so busy finding ways to destroy the eggs that she actually didn’t look for her children at the right place. And just when she was about to destroy the eggs, her children showed up.

Morale of the story: when you are sad, desperate, confused, angry, disappointed, try not to fill up your heart with hatred. It would be hard, but if you do, you might take the wrong decision, and therefore make others feel sad, desperate, confused, angry, disappointed. We certainly don’t wanna make others feel what we don’t wanna feel, do we?

(Pic from here)

Spending Time Together

2007-04-09T17:12:00.000+07:00

There was an interesting story in Nickleodeon last night, about a mother who wants to do things with her 12-ish year old daughter. This was their conversation:

Mother: I thought we are going do it together today? You’ve been putting it off for several times

Daughter: Why can’t you just go with your friends? Don’t you have any?

Mother: Well, excuse me for wanting to spend my time with my daughter!

Daughter: And excuse me for wanting to spend my time with my friends!!!

I guess in a few years, we will be facing this kind of situation. I just hope we don’t have to go through that kind of conversation. I will try to understand. I hope you will, too.

(picture from here)

Citos

2007-04-08T14:25:00.000+07:00

I believe many would have the same opinion that Citos (Cilandak Town Square) is one of the most convenient place to hang out in Jakarta. I used to come here regularly with a buddy and really enjoyed the day just sipping glasses of cappucinos while surfing the net.

Yes, in addition to its nice, comforting ambiance, what I like most about this place is that we can connect to the net from almost every café. My favourite spot is Mister Bean Coffee, where they have comfortable sofas and a lot of electric plug. This is very important for those who come to browse the net, so they won’t have any problem when their computer battery is down.

So this Sunday morning, I took you to this favorite place of mine. We enjoyed a good breakfast at the Coffee Bean, before moving to Mister Bean ‘cause the Coffee Bean apparently does not have any electric plug for me to charge my Viao (too bad, Coffee Bean, you guys should have thought about this…..).

And on Sundays, Citos usually have a special program for children. Today, there were clowns and a lot of children games and a Lego promotion where they let children play with it. Lego is one of your favorites, so you were really having a good time.

Hmmm, I love this place, it’s a perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday. I’m glad that you like it too.

Picture taken from here

MTV, Is It For You?

2007-04-08T10:12:00.001+07:00

I think everybody agrees that TV programs can affect the way you think, they way you act, both in a positive and negative way. That’s why I try to be very careful, yet liberal about it.

When you began watching TV regularly, I only let you watch Disney Playhouse, and sometimes, Disney Channels. Then, when you were nearly 6, I let you watch Cartoon Network and sometimes, Nickleodeon. Some people misunderstands, you know, that as long as it’s cartoons, it’s save for children to watch. Well, I don’t think that’s the case. There are actually a lot of violence even in cartoons.

But as you get older, it will be more difficult for me to make restriction on what to and not to watch. That’s why whenever I’m home, we always watch the TV together, and I try to explain about the scene whenever I feel I need to. Usually, you just said ignorantly “yeah, yeah, I know, it’s only on TV…….”. Well, at least I tried.

These past few days, however, I notice that you began to stop clicking the channels at MTV. You seem to enjoy the music and the programs where people do silly things. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing, but I let you watch it anyway. In fact, I think it would be better if we watch it together, rather than you watch it when I’m not around. You know, sometimes people keep on doing something just because they get more curious (of the reason why they are not being allowed to do it). And I don’t want that to happen to you.

Anyway, I can perfectly understand when you want to watch Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon, but MTV……, with all those sexy music shows and wacky programs? Aren’t you too young to enjoy it?

The Ben 10 Watch

2007-04-07T08:15:00.000+07:00

I’m sorry, honey, the Ben 10 watch that I promised to get you if you have good grades is sold out every where. Even Tante Shilla couldn’t get it in Singapore. Apparently it is such an “in” thing.

You have been asking for this thing since about 2 weeks ago. Some of your friends, including your best friend Rafi, already got it. And it was sooo cool you said. Just like in the TV series, with that watch you can make-believe that you transform into a super hero just by pushing the button, either to be xlr8, canon bolt, upgrade, fourarms, ghost freak, diamond head, heat blast, grey matter, stinkfly, rip jaws, wild mutt, wild fin (what strange names they have…!!!)

So I told you, I would buy it for you as a reward if you manage to have good grades in your mid semester test. And you made it! You called me on my cell when the results was announced. “Mama, I have 9.8 for math, 9.5 for English, 9.2 for Bahasa, but only 8 for science….,” you said excitedly. Well, what do you know, it is a much better result than the last mid-test. Unfortunately, the watch is sold out everywhere. I know you are so disappointed.

But honey, in life, there will be disappointments. Things will not always turn out as what we want to. And when this happen, there is nothing we can do but make the best of what we have, be grateful of what we have. Don’t loose hope though, who knows, the best is yet to come.

Just like in your case. I really want to keep my promise for getting you that Ben 10 watch. But since it is nowhere to be bought, I was thinking to buy you the Ben 10 character instead. It will cost me twice the watch……, so…., I don’t know….., I haven’t decided yet…..

PlayStation

2007-04-06T02:23:00.000+07:00

You are always good at making stuff, and very creative too. Yesterday, when I got home, I found you with something that I first couldn’t figure out what. But when you hold it in the proper way, I couldn’t help but smile, a make-believe-play station!

You know that I wouldn’t buy you that game, yet. You never really whine for it, but I know that you actually want it, very much. Hence, this silly make-believe-playstation, made from two plastic photo frames (got them as a game prize in my last office away day), complete with a cable that you can plug into the TV.

I think there is still a controversy on whether this kind of game is good for kids your age. I once read a child expert (Kak Seto if I’m not mistaken) commenting that playstation can actually bring a positive impact, because it involves strategy and quick decision. But of course, as long as the kids are not addicted to it.

And now, there is this new kind of playstation at a quite reasonable price, Rp399 thousand. The game comes in various cartoon character version, such as the Hot Wheels, Avatar, and many more. Toy City and Metro display this new version of playstation at strategic spots and kids are allowed to try and play that game. In fact, just this afternoon, you spent almost an hour at Toy City playing that game (it was the Avatar version, your fave).

Seeing how much fun you had when playing that game actually makes me so tempted to buy it for you. But I’m not sure that you will not get addicted. And you know I will not always be around to remind you to stop if you are playing the game for too long. So until I am absolutely sure that I can trust you with that game, I will not buy it for you. I hope you don’t mind. (I still think your make-believe-playstation is so cute though……)

My Blog, Your Blog

2007-04-04T13:02:00.000+07:00

I started this blog since August 2006 for two months, then I stopped for about 6 months, and decided to get active again on your 7th birthday last March. Since my first posting, I haven’t really told anybody that I have this blog, mainly because I think this is a very personal thing, from me to you.

But two of my trusted friends told me that I should share this blog. She wrote on her blog, “I saw her blog. I can perfectly understand how personal it is to her. In fact, I can say it is so beautifully personal. From a mother to a child. I can feel the emotion. The abundance of love.” The other friend said that I should go public and that he would link it to his blog. Well, thanks for the encouragement, guys, now I feel like I want to share it to the rest of the world.

Anyway, about a week ago, just before your bed time, I have explained to you about this blog and why I started it. We were looking at this site from my O2, and you were really excited to see your pictures and some of your favorite cartoon characters in it. And I was really touched when you tried to read some of the posting out loud. Your comments to this blog was that I should have put more cartoon characters (hahaha…, this is so you….).

I just hope that this blog – our blog - will be what it meant to be, to warm up your heart and cool-off the burning questions you may never find the answers. When you are old enough to write, I certainly would like to see you chipping-in as well. Can’t wait for that moment to come…..

Bending the Rules

2007-04-03T08:45:00.000+07:00

Last week, I came to your school to see you practicing soccer. It was really fun watching you running here and there, having a good time with all your friends. And you glanced at me every now and then, as if to ensure that I was watching all your silly actions.

When I knew that your time to practice was over, I asked you to go home. You were stalling for some time and when you finally agreed, you told me that you need to tell your coach that you are going off. Fine, I thought, that was a very polite thing to do. I’m proud that you are actually doing what you are taught in good manner. However, your coach was busy being the referee for another game. And despite your attempts to get his attention, he didn’t notice that you were asking permission to leave.

And so I told you that it’s ok to go home without telling the coach. You insisted, “I have to tell the coach that I’m going home. Otherwise, how would he know? What if he were looking for me? I have to tell him first, mama. That’s the rule”.

Now, how do you draw the line on exceptions for rules that you have been taught? It must be difficult for you to understand that sometimes it is okay to bend the rule a bit for a good reason. For you, it’s either good or bad, right or wrong, white or black There is no such thing as “Yeah, that’s the rule…., but…..”, as what we, adults, often say.

Unfortunately, as you get older, you will be facing this kind of situation more often. There will be times when you know what you are supposed to do, but it would be better not to do it. Or you know that it is not a nice thing to do, but you got to do it anyway. All for a greater good. But then again, how do you draw the line?

I guess only a wise person can draw the line properly and only time can teach you to become a wise person. Until then, you might just have to follow your heart and learn from your mistakes.

(picture shows you were waiting to get a chance to talk to your coach)

Comics

2007-04-02T12:38:00.000+07:00

I think you have just begun to like reading comics. I bought you comics before -Batman, Cars - but you did not seem to be too interested. After flipping a few pages, usually you just let it lying there.

But with the one you bought last week end, I can feel the difference. It was a comic on Avatar, The Legend of Aang. The size is quite handy, with colorful pictures.

You began reading it as soon as we paid for it. You kept on reading it on the car, and you read it again before going to sleep. And yesterday, when we went to the mall, you brought it with you and you just sat down reading it whenever possible. You told me what the story was all about, and you asked me to buy you the second series.

I wonder though, whether comics are good for kids your age. Some people said that comics are good as an introductory to the habit of reading. The colorful pictures will make kids like you enjoy the book and eventually, enjoy reading. But other people said that it makes kids lazy to read real books, because with comics, they can tell the story just by reading it a bit and looking at the pictures.

Hm, I wonder whether there is a study on this issue.

About Death

2007-03-30T15:03:00.000+07:00

Chrisye, the Indonesian music legend, passed away at 4 am today. He died because of lung cancer. Probably because he smoked too much

Our first conversation about death took place when you were about 4 years old, not long after we watched Lion King, where Mufasa died. So I told you that every man on earth will die some day. And you looked worried.

You: So you are going to die too?
Me: Yes, honey
You: But I don’t want you to die!!
Me: Well I hope I’m not going to die soon….. I will die when I am old
You: Old, like eyang?
Me: Yes, honey
You: So how come eyang has not died yet?

(I paused, half smiling, half confused, not sure how to answer that naive question tactically)

Me: Well, eyang is still in a good health condition at the moment, so nobody’s going to die soon
You: Ok, but, mama, you cannot die!!! I don’t want to sleep on my own!
Me: So, when are you going to be ready to sleep on your own?
You: Not in a thousand years……

So, honey, someday, I will be gone too. And when that time comes, I want you to remember me as a fun person, not just somebody that you can always confide on anything, but also a buddy that you can talk about silly things. A wise mother who gives you a freedom to be what you want to be. I believe you will be a fine young man, not because I’m there by your side, but just because you are. I just hope I will be given a chance to see what a fine man you turn out to be.

The Crocs Sandals

2007-03-29T08:32:00.000+07:00

Your old sandal was broken and it gave me a reason to buy you a new one (of course!). Well, actually I have been meaning to buy you this Crocs sandals for some time. It is supposed to be so trendy and fashionable these days that even the Hollywood celebrities are wearing it (so they say….). However, I wasn’t actually sure that you would like it, because shape wise, I think it was quite unusual.

But to my delight, you want it as soon as you try it on. So I guess, it is not just fashionable but also comfortable, knowing how fussy you are when it comes to shoes and sandals. It also looks sturdy and easy to clean – two things I should consider when buying things for you. So there goes Rp350 thousand from my purse (quite pricey for a kid’s sandal, huh?), and Rp30 thousand for the accessories to go with it. But I know it is worth it, coz you even insisted on wearing it right after we paid, for the rest of our stroll at our favorite mall, the Pondok Indah Mall.

What really makes me smile is that, your sandal size has actually reached the number of my size (37/38). Wow, you have really grown, my dear! And with this Crocs design that is meant for both boys and girls, I get a chance to wear it too! Hahaha, and I thought I would never have a chance to exchange wearing things with my kid, since you are a boy. Hm, exchanging things to wear makes me feel that we are buddies.

Thanks, Crocs.

A Visit To The National Museum

2007-03-28T17:10:00.000+07:00

This might be a bit late, but I think I need to put it here as a record. After all, not every kid has the opportunity to have their picture featured in Kompas, the number one daily in the country.

Yes, the picture here is your picture, with your cousin Annisa, when we were visiting Museum Nasional (also known as Musium Gajah, because of the big elephant statue in front of the building), during your school holiday last January 2007. I think it was the last day of your school holiday, and I haven’t really taken you anywhere. So, I took a day off but wasn’t sure where to take you…., and suddenly, the idea popped up, why not go to the National Museum and also the National Monument? And to my surprise, you were really enjoying your tour!

The tour guide at the Museum was very friendly and really tried to make the tour interesting for kids like you. However, the questions you kept on asking were “Why is this thing broken? Why is this thing not mended properly? Why is there no lamp in this room?”. I couldn’t help but smile. You were not really interested in the things they displayed there, but more to the orderly of the museum. And it was the National Museum that we are supposed to be proud of.

Come to think of it, we shouldn’t be too surprised. You know how much they charge for the entrance fee? Rp750,- for adults and Rp250,- for children under 17!!! Cheaper than the parking fee! I think they put it low so that people will not be hesitant to come and visit. But you know how our people are, the more you pay, the more you appreciate and the less you pay, the less you appreciate. So, I don’t think it works. If we were to pay higher (I’m sure tourists wouldn’t mind paying a bit more), they can use the money to mend the museum more properly, have more tour guides, adding more collection and perhaps have a good promotion program that will make the museums a more popular place to visit.

What do you say?

I Will Make It For You

2007-03-26T10:37:00.000+07:00

This conversation took place when we watch Jimmy Neutron , on a lazy Sunday afternoon

You: Mama, I wanna have a lab like Jimmy Neutron
Me: What kind of lab?
You: Well, I wanna have a little house where there is an underground floor, and there is where my lab would be
Me: What do you wanna do in your lab?
You: I wanna make inventions
Me: What kind of inventions?
You: I dunno, I haven't done it yet. But you can tell me whatever you want, and I'll make it for you

Awww..., isn't that sweet....

Silly Dreamer

2007-03-26T09:47:00.000+07:00

We were watching Strawberry Shortcake, The Sweetdreams Movie at Disney Channel yesterday. The story was about good vs bad dreams. And Strawberry sang a beautiful song, something like this:

Silly dreamer
You can always dream with open eyes
It's never silly to believe you can make all your dreams come true
Have a sweet dream through the night
And with the morning light
You can make your dreams come true
Your heart is where your dreams come from
Whenever you need to dream, just look into your heart

After awhile, thinking that you must have a lot of big dreams, I asked you:
Me: So, honey, what are your dreams?
You: I just want to have a Ben Ten watch, the original one, and also the Ben Ten gun, and the swords. I want all the cool stuff

Hmmm, too much watching Ben 10 movies…..

Old Train Ride

2007-03-21T13:00:00.000+07:00

Last week-end, I went to Losari Coffee Plantation Resort & Spa, for my office annual outing. It was a beautiful place, so beautiful that I’m lost of words. I was away for two nights and was actually worried that you would cry again like the last time I went to Surabaya and Semarang.

But when I gave you a call on the first day I was away, it sounded like you were just as cheerful as ever. “Yeah, yeah…., I know that you are going to be away for two nights….,” that’s all you said. Hmm, to be honest, I was actually disappointed that you didn’t seem to miss me at all. Oh, well, I guess you have become a big guy now.

The most exciting thing while I was there was when we went on an old train ride. And I kept on thinking about you, ‘cause I knew you would be gone crazy on that train. The train was so chic, the scenery was breath taking, and the sun was shining while the wind was breezy. I promise you that someday, we will spend a holiday at Losari and ride that ol’ train together. It would be just like what the sign on the train says: “It takes only one hour. But the memory of your railway mountain tour will last forever”.

It’s going to be a joy ride, just like what our life would always be…..

Rainbow

2007-03-20T14:10:00.000+07:00

Today, for the first time, you saw a rainbow. A beautiful long rainbow, in a mixed color sky: blue, grey, white, yellow, orange. It was really a cool sight and you were really excited.

You: I wanna go and climb the rainbow
Me: Why do you wanna go there?
You: Because there is a treasure at the end of the rainbow
Me: What kind of treasure are you expecting to find?
You: Well, I'm looking for gold and coins and ring and necklace and also some toys....
Me: And what do you wanna do with the treasure after you find them?
You: I wanna fly in a small aero plane, and from the above, I'm going to give away the treasure to the poor people....

Wow, what a noble intention you have. I hope it won't fade away even after you find out that life is not always as beautiful as the rainbow we saw today.

Do remember that the sky is even more beautiful after a storm, though the rainbow is not always there at sight. And so, when life is unkind, try to remember the good times. True treasure is always there in your heart, the beautiful memories that no one can ever take away from you.

Just like the beautiful memory of the first rainbow you saw today.

(written on march 19, 2007, 10.29 pm)

To Give And Not To Expect

2007-03-13T16:14:00.000+07:00

I have written about my confusion on whether we should celebrate your birthday at school or not. Well, finally, we did that. The difference with the past years was, we did not distribute invitation to your friends. This means we didn’t have to provide goody bags, and that most possibly you would not get any presents from your friends. You were a bit worried about not getting any presents, but I assured you that you would get what you wanted from me and your dad.

The first plan was we would order McDonald’s Happy Meal and give away the toy character that goes with it. But me being me, when I saw a cute tumbler at McD, I decided that we should give away a set of tumbler and toy character to your friends. This means that we need to package it in a nice plastic party ware. And ofcourse I wouldn’t have time to look for it by myself. So I asked our driver to look for it. He bought it, but the size was too big for just a tumbler and a character. So again, me being me, I decided to add it with a sack of chips and a small carton of milk. So there you go, a nice goody bag for all your school friends!

Anyway, the lesson I want you to learn out of this is, it always feel nice to give (in this case to give away goody bags – and we also had fun while preparing it, didn’t we?). But never expect anything in return (don’t expect any presents from your friends). When you do something nice to others, never expect anything in return. Expectations can lead to disappointments, and disappointments can really hurt you.

So you see, didn’t it feel good to see all your friends having fun with the toy character that we gave them? It feels good to make others feel good, ain’t it? And that is a precious feeling that I want you to always have.

Happy 7th birthday, sweetheart…

(written on March 11, 2007 at 03.20 am)

Tough Decision for Your 7th Birthday

2007-03-13T16:09:00.000+07:00

This is the toughest decision I have to make for you so far: whether we are going to celebrate your 7th birthday at school or not. Since your 4th birthday, we always did that. I really enjoyed doing it and it gave me a feeling of being a good mom.

There are several considerations why I think we don’t need to celebrate your birthday at school this year

There is only one consideration why I think we should: I don’t want you to feel disappointed.

Tough, ain’t it?

(written on February 28, 2007)

What Do You Wanna Be?

2007-03-13T16:06:00.000+07:00

I always enjoyed a morning talk with you. You know, those lazy talk about whatever, just after you wake up. And this morning, we talked about what you wanna be when you grow up.

I asked you to tell me 5 professions that you wanna be, and here's your answer: you wanna be a zoo keeper, a pilot, a captain of a ship, a captain of a submarine and treasure hunter. Hmm, and I thought you wanna be a handyman (that was your answer when eyang asked you 2 weeks ago)

And then I explained to you about my office. You seemed to understand the concept of managing a company, but you said you would not know what to do in an office. That's okay, hon, you still have a long way to go, before deciding what you really want to do. And I assure you, you have my full support of whatever you wanna be, as long as it makes you happy....

Be whatever you want to be, and be a star.

(written on 29 January 2007)

A Spaceship On A Sunday

2007-03-13T11:14:00.001+07:00

Today, for the second time, we spent the whole Sunday just the two of us in our bedroom. And we enjoyed it all the same.

Your project for today is a space ship, made by carton boxes i got from Hero Supermarket yesterday. It was really cool!! Someday, just someday, you might be able to build a real one

(written on December 3, 2006)

Distraction

2007-03-13T11:14:00.000+07:00

I have promised myself that I would start writing for you again on your 7th birthday. So here I am, a couple of days after your birthday, writing this while having my hair done at Roger's.

I feel that I owe you an apology. I started to write in this blog because I wanted to capture every fun and precious moments we have together. So that it will always be there for us to look back. But then, it's been 6 months since my last post.

There is no real reason, except for a distraction I could not possibly avoid...., something that is beyond my power to control…., something very wrong that I keep on doing with a conscious mind. I hope you understand, because after all, I’m just an ordinary human being.

I promise you though, that I will start writing again. Nothing should come between us, coz you, my dear, are the most precious thing in my life.

(written on March 8. 2007, 08.45 am)

Encouraging and Not-so-Encouraging Articles in Tempo

2006-09-11T13:04:00.000+07:00

By now, everybody knows that Pluto is no longer a planet in our galaxy. The decision made by the International Astronomcal Union (IAU) is widely spread globally and there is no way that people that has access to internet or print media have not heard about it – unless they are damn ignorant.

This is why I was really disturbed when I read Tempo this morning. Not by the scientific part., but the part about how our teachers are going to explain Pluto’s new status to their pupils. Their response – as written by Tempo – startled me.

A teacher from Padang said that he’s now more careful in reading the newspapers. He is waiting for the news from Ministry of Education whether they should explain this latest development to their students. Otherwise, he will just stick to the 9 planets, as this is what the formal guide book from the Ministry says.

I am speechless. This is so “the old regime”, whereby there have to be guidance and approval from the top level. If this is the kind of attitude our teachers have, what would become to our children?

Fortunately, Tempo also carried out a very encouraging news about Indonesian students that have just won the Foreign Minister’s Award in Asia Cup International Court Moot Competition. The team consists of four law students of University of Indonesia. And they are all very young, one is aged 18, the other three aged 20. It’s not easy to be able to shine in that kind of competition.

The competition required them to debate and argue, just like real lawyers in court. That’s why they have to be very fluent in English and know inside out about what they are talking about. Their competitors come from renown universities, such as Kyoto and Osaka University, National University of Singapore etc. And they beat them all. Wow, their parents must be very proud.

Now, I am picturing you being a lawyer in a reputable firm - about twenty five years from now. Would I like that?

(Written on September 8, 2006)

Mountain Talk

2006-09-06T17:12:00.000+07:00

One effective way to wake you up in the morning is by making a conversation about a subject that you are interested in. So this is what we talked about this morning:

Me: Wake up, honey, the sun is already up. Do you know that the sun is actually a very big fireball? You should never see the sun directly or your eyes will get hurt
You: And I will be wearing glasses?
Me: Yes. It’s actually very bright, and it’s very, very hot there. Next to the sun is planet Venus. Because of its proximity to the sun, Venus is also very hot and it’s red, just like a charcoal. Next to Venus is Mars, and then our planet Earth
You: What about our planet, Mama? Is there fire in our planet?
Me: Not exactly. The fire is inside the earth. We can only see it when there is a mountain erupted
You: Is there any mountain erupted?
Me: Yes, recently, Mount Merapi, nearby Jogja.
You: But I didn’t see it…..
Me: Yes, because it’s far from here
You: Where?
Me: Well it is located between Bandung and Bali (the two places outside Jakarta you have been to).
You: How far?
Me: It takes you around six hours by car
You: How long does it take by plane?
Me: About an hour
You: But I didn’t see any fire when I was there (you must have confused it with Tangkuban Perahu)
Me: That’s a different mountain that we went to, honey. That one is Tangkuban Perahu, near Bandung, and it’s an in-active mountain. So there’s no fire in Tangkuban Perahu (I later found out that Tangkuban Perahu is actually an active mountain! Mild eruption occured in 1969)
You: So what’s in Tangkuban Perahu?
Me: Well, there’s still some hot stuff there, I’m not really sure. There is a lot of sulphur, which is quite smelly, remember? We call Merapi an active mountain, because sometimes it still erupted, while Tangkuban Perahu is called in-active mountain because it doesn’t erupted anymore
You: But has it erupted before?
Me: Yes, it did
You: Were there people then?
Me: Must be, I don’t really know, it’s a long time ago
You: Before I was born?
Me: Yes before you were born
You: Before you were even born?
Me: Yes, honey

With that last words, you started getting ready for school.

First Evaluation Test

2006-09-05T16:37:00.000+07:00

You are going to have your first evaluation test this week. The first test will be on the subject of PKN (Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan - Nationalism), whereby you have to understand - or in your case to memorize - the five religions in Indonesia, also what their house of worship and religious celebration days are called. You are also required to know about different culture in Indonesia, their local songs and traditional dances. The subject is aimed to make us respect differences in our country.

On the subject of religions, I can see that all those words are hollow to you. Otherwise, you would have asked me why there are so many religions, while they all have the same intention. Or what makes one choose one? I don’t know how, but there must be a better way – rather just than just asking a kid to memorize what each house of worship are called – to make a kid understand the concept of respecting others’ belief, isn’t?

And when we talked about culture, I asked you whether your teacher have explained about Indonesia as the biggest archipelago, have your teacher showed you a map of Indonesia. And surprisingly (well, actually I’m not really surprised), they haven’t! Now, what good is it to know that the song Ampar-ampar Pisang is from South Kalimantan and Tari Piring (the Plate Dance) is originated from South Sumatera when you don’t even understand that Indonesia is the largest archipelago? Not to mention the words Bhinneka Tunggal Ika which must sound meaningless to you?

Another thing that I found it strange is about the number of books that you have for the various subjects. According to the national curriculum, first graders are not supposed to master reading and writing. You are supposed to begin learning about it. But contradictively, your entire lesson requires you to be able to read and write. You have books for every subject. You even have a multiple choice as part of your day-to-day practice. Isn’t it strange? Luckily, you have no problem in reading or writing since I hired a teacher to give you extra lesson twice a week when you were in the kindergarten.

---ooOoo---

Anyway, after dinner, you picked up a book about our planet, different countries and different seasons. Now, this was more interesting to you. You studied a picture of planet earth carefully

You: There is a lot of water on our planet
Me: Yes, our planet mostly consists of water. That’s also why you should never litter, to prevent flood
You: No, I never litter (Good!). If I litter, there will be flood, and when there’s flood, we will have more and more water on earth

You paused, still looking at the picture, then:
You: But how come the water doesn’t fall off from our planet?
Me: Because there is gravity. This gravity also makes us always stand on the ground

Then I went on explaining excitedly about galaxies and universe, up to a point that it’s getting too much for you. So you just laughed and shouted “Mama, I’m getting confused, you are being too animated …..!” Ha…ha…ha, this reminds me that I am talking to a 6-year-old, I shouldn’t be too excited!

Hm, I wonder whether you will turn out to be a good citizen of the universe, rather than just being a good Indonesian citizen as what the subject of PKN is trying to achieve. Who knows, maybe you will be the first person encountering a friendly alien? Or maybe you will be the one discovering a new planet with human beings? With the kind of interest and enthusiasm that you showed me, I believe it is not impossible.

(Written on September 4, 2006)

Mommy’s Almost Perfect Day

2006-09-05T16:29:00.000+07:00

Yesterday was my off-day. And it almost turned to be a perfect day. It begun with you woke up smiling, get dressed without a fuss and we even have 15 minutes to watch Sponge Bob together while you were drinking your milk (how I wish this can happen everyday). Then you told me that you don’t want to arrive too early at school because then your friends weren’t there yet.

After you left, followed by your dad, I have my own time: reading Jostein Gaarder’s The Orange Girl on granpa’s rocking chair, while sipping tea and listening to January Christie’s jazzy voice. I could also hear the birds chirping just outside the window, while the cool morning breeze gently touched my skin. What a beautiful morning! At 10 am, I went to the bank and finished my errands just in time to pick you up from school. You always looked so happy when I stand there at the gate waiting for you. As planned, we then went to Gramedia bookstore to buy colorful pens and had lunch at HokBen where we met Annisa and Bea. It was fun.

In the afternoon, while you were having your swimming lesson, I went for a foot reflexology at Ka-ki-ku (literally means my foot). It was my first visit there and found it to be extra nice and comforting. Not like the noisy salons, this place was very serene, dimly lit with some jazz oldies to soothe you. And it’s not only for foot, because the masseuse also gave me a back massage and complete the service by offering a cup of hot ginger tea. It was just right. I like this place and will certainly come back.

Going back home, we cooked cheese omelet for your dinner and together we did your homework. It was a fun day for us and it almost turned to be a perfect day for me. Unfortunately, you got too sleepy. You refused to change into your pajamas and I end up putting off the light and TV without your consent. You were mad at me and I was mad at you. Oh, how I wish we had ended that day with me telling you a story until you fall asleep. That would be a wonderful way to end a perfect day. But like they say, nothing is perfect, right?

(Written on September 1, 2006)

Picture from here

Drawing

2006-08-30T08:53:00.000+07:00

I was amazed. Yesterday, as I came home from the office, I found you with a drawing. It may looked like an ordinary drawing of a 6-year-old. But then I realized that it was actually a copy of Einstein Kristiansen’s drawing that you saw from the Faber-Castell VCD. Which means that you can actually memorize and visualize what you saw in the VCD and then put it together on your own!

The drawing is actually quite complicated. On the VCD, Einstein begins by drawing ten straight lines which then turned out to be the feet of two dogs standing opposite each other. On top of the dog, there are three penguins, two hens and a smiling face (supposed to be Einstein’s). And below, hey, it's a monster!

(Written on 30 August - on my way to the office)

Late Again

2006-08-29T13:12:00.000+07:00

Bad Habit No. 1
I always feel distressed when I know you were going to be late for school. Like yesterday. It was Monday and you are supposed to be on time for the Monday ceremony. But no, you were late for nearly half an hour. When I got home at 8 pm, your nanny told me that the school wouldn’t let late comers to come in until the Monday ceremony was over. So I had a chat with you:

Me: Honey, you cannot be late for school, especially on Mondays when you have the Monday ceremony
You: But it’s okay mama, the teachers were not angry with me
Me: Well, it doesn’t feel nice isn’t it when your friends are in there and they won’t let you in?
You: Many of my friends were late too: Ube, Pancar, Rafi. So we played together, and we had a good time. So, it’ okay, mama
Me: But next time you have to be on time
You: But I love playing with my friends who are also late

Hm...., I cannot go on talking about this. He got a point, you know.

Bad Habit No. 2
The reason of you being late for school is because it is very difficult for you to wake up in the morning. To be on time, you need to go off by 06.40 latest. Theoretically, you would need 10 minutes to bath and 5 minutes to get dressed. And you can always have your breakfast on the car. So theoretically (again), if I try to wake you up at 05.45, it should be okay. We should have plenty of time to chit chat, play a bit and spend longer time bathing (since you love playing with bubles from your bath foam so much)

But it is so damn difficult to wake you up. And I'm not kidding when I said you sleep like a log! Half of me want to let you sleep, but the other half said that I need to discipline you. For the first half an hour, I usually play it soft, telling you funny stories, tickling your toes, kissing your hairs and softly pat your cheeks. Sometimes it works, you wake up smiling and we can start a good day. But when after half an hour of trying to wake you up and you still sleep like a log, what do you expect me to do? I begin shouting and start threatening you with a day without TV or your other favorite toy. And usually it ends up by you not taking a bath and I’m dressing you up while you are still in bed. Bad, bad habit …….

Bad Habit No. 3
The reason of you not being able to wake up in the morning is because you sleep late at nights. Like last night. I came home at 8pm, finding you playing in the bedroom. We then did your homework, coz you always refuse to do it without me. It was just five line of writing, yet it took you an hour. Then we played some games again, had a chat for awhile and finally you doze off after I told you a story at 10 pm.

So what should I do? Do I have to come home earlier every day? Even so, you don’t get sleepy until 10 or 11 pm, even when you don’t have afternoon naps. And for me, I really enjoy spending time with you after a day in the office.

This is like a circle of bad habits. I need to break it somewhere.

(Written on 29 August 2006, on my way to the office)

Question of the Day

2006-08-29T12:35:00.000+07:00

You: Mama, why is the sun always following us?
Me: Because the sun is so big and it is on top of us, so we can see it from wherever we are

You paused, as if you were really thinking hard about something. Then come the next question:

You: Mama, why is it the shape of our planet round?
Me: ……..???? (anybody out there can help me explain this very smart question?

(Written on 26 August 2006 – a conversation in a car on our way back from your swimming lesson)

The Most Important Person in My Life

2006-08-29T12:18:00.000+07:00

How would you know who is the most important person in your life? Sometime you just know it, but in many case it’s hard to substantiate it.

Well, now I know how to substantiate it when I said that you, my son, are the most important person in my life.

Last night, my office threw me a surprise birthday party. Well, actually, I wasn’t really surprise, knowing how nice and creative all my colleagues are. I was just wondering who would come to my surprise birthday party.

So the party went, one by one my ex colleagues and clients showed up, and it was really really nice to meet them again. I’m really touched that they come for my birthday.. The food was also extra yummy , we had pasta, fruit salad, shrimp and mussel…..plus some wine. But something was missing ……., I wish you were there, surprising me with your big hug and a loud shout “mama …..!!!!,” And I long for you even more when friends, colleagues and clients who knows you asked me how were you doing.

When I got home at about 11 pm, you were already in your peaceful dream. Your dad told me that you kept asking about me. That was also your first question when you woke up in the morning “Mama, why did you come home so late last night? I was waiting for you.”

Honey, I was actually waiting for you too the whole night, though I know it’s a wishful thinking knowing that it was way past your bed time. Then I realized why I wanted to see you so much on that special night for me. It’s because you, my son, are the most important person in my life. The person I want to share all my precious moments with.

(Written on 26 August 2006 - Picture shows flowers from Daisy of Pfizer beside one of my favorite photos)

That Annoying Tooth

2006-08-29T11:51:00.001+07:00

That tooth has been bugging you for weeks. It was weak but it wouldn’t come off. And tonight, you got really annoyed by that tooth and asked me how can you get rid of it quickly.

I didn’t know how, so I suggested that you eat an apple. And on your third bite, it came off! Phew! You were so relieved – and so was I, for I really didn’t know whether eating apple would work out.

(Written on 23 August 2006)

The Batman Cloak

2006-08-28T18:27:00.000+07:00

The tailor has promised you that your Batman cloak would be ready today. And so, that was your first question when you woke up this morning “Mama, let’s pick up my new Batman cloak, let’s go now, mama. It’s Wednesday isn’t?”

You were all excited and restless over the new cloak, which made me silently pray that the cloak would turn out exactly as what you expected. Looking at your eyes and smiles and wiggles, I wouldn't be able to bear it if you were dissapointed.

You actually already got two Batman cloaks. The first one was made by your Bude Diana. Very nicely done, compared to the batik cloth that you used to wear as a cloak. Then a few weeks later, I found a nice Batman costume in Metro. Wow, you were so proud wearing it, and you showed it off when we went to the malls. You looked very proud when people look at you and said: “Hey, there’s Batman …..”. But both cloaks are not as big and long as you wanted it. So, I decided to make you another one.

Back to that day the cloak was ready, I had to attend the parents meeting, and while I was at your school, you kept on calling me asking the same question again and again. Only when I got really firm that you stop.

When I got home, I found a paper attached to the stairs with your drawing of a wall clock pointing at 5 o’clock, the time I told you you could pick up the cloak at the tailor.

And for the rest of the evening, as everybody can foresees, you proudly wore the cloak, jumping here and there, refuse to put it off, until you doze off …… I wonder what was in your mind when you were wearing that Batman cloak. Hmm ……

(Written on August 23, 2006)

A Super Duper Time at Disney Lantern Fun-tasy

2006-08-28T18:07:00.000+07:00

Last night, we went to the Disney Lantern Fun-tasy. And I know that you enjoyed a super duper time there. From the very beginning when we arrived there at 4.30 pm until we went home at 7.30 pm, you couldn’t stop laughing, wiggling and humming. You tried all the games, and patiently stand on a queue. You bravely tried the high slide and wall climbing, but your favorite game was the ‘magnetic suit', whereby you wore a special suit that made you stuck to the wall. You also made a new friend, Shelly, whom we shared a table while having dinner at HokBen stand.

We arrived home at about 8.30, and as usual we had a little chat, played a little game, and you dozed off soon after I told you a short story about Cars. However, at about 11.30 pm, I was awaken by your cough. And I realized that you threw up, poor darling. I think you caught a cold, because it was a windy night. So I changed your cloth, gave you a glass of water and cuddled you up. And a guilty feeling slowly creeping up on me while I was hugging him to sleep. I’m so sorry that I didn’t bring you a jacket to protect you from the windy night. I should have known better. With all those activities, you were all sweaty, and it was really windy ...... Well, I learned my lesson.

(Written on August 18, 2006)

A call from a Big Boy

2006-08-28T16:14:00.000+07:00

Today, I received a call from you, asking where I put the vcd that your dad bought you the other day. And I just realized, hey, you’ve grown! You’re not that little guy anymore. There was no whining, no mumbling or shouting, just a straight forward question. You talked so clearly, so confidently that I feel like talking to a 12-year-old.

And when I answer your question, you repeat it and hung up the phone. Just like that! Hm, I think you have made a big step.

(Written on August 14, 2006)

Pic from here

Swimming Lesson

2006-08-28T16:09:00.000+07:00

I’m so proud of you. It’s been only your third swimming lesson since I enrolled you two weeks ago, and I can see that you are beating your friends (who’s been taking swimming lesson earlier) already. Between the four pupils, you were always ahead.

On your second lesson, your teacher told me, “He’s a fast learner, very diligent and obedient”. And then he said that you can begin using the flippers right away, which make me happily spent 250 thousand rups for your flippers.

So, do you think you want to be a professional athlete? I would be proud. But then, I would be proud of you whatever you do. I just want you to take swimming lessons so that you can swim safely, ‘cause I know how you love to be in the water. Besides, they say swimming is good for your posture. And good swimmer can also attract girls you know… ha…ha.. ha.

Anyway, I think 6 is a good age to start the swimming lesson. I really hope you wouldn’t end up like me, who cannot swim, and therefore missing all the fun of water activities.

(Written on August 10, 2006)

About Precious Moments

2006-08-28T13:40:00.000+07:00

I have been very excited since I became familiar with this blogging thing earlier this year. I think blogging is a great way to keep notes of all those precious moments in your life, so that it’s always there for you to come back. And for me, of course, my precious moments are moments that I spent with and for my kid.

Born in March 2000, he has become the smartest and most adorable kid a parent could ever want. A little guy with big curiosity, I know that sooner or later he will pop up the big question. And when that moment comes, I hope this blog can give him an answer, for I actually have only one answer to all the questions he would have.

And my answer would be, because I have fallen in love with you, my son – and keep on falling deeper every day – from the first moment I saw you, in June 2003

Now, like I said in the introductory part of this blog, Precious Moments is created to warm up your heart and cool-off the burning questions you may never find the answer. And when you cannot find the answer you are looking for, my son, let’s just move on and be grateful of the precious moments that we have shared together.

(picture of mother and son from here)
(picture of waterfall from here)