Moving to Wordpress

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

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

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

This time, it's pancakes!

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

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

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

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

Oreo Milkshakesaurus

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

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

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

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

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

Picture from here
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Your fish died

Or rather, your fishes.

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

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

I was afraid that you would be upset.

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

You touched the dead fish, and walked away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your 8th Birthday

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

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

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

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

A Parent's Wish

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IBU

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

And here it is:

IBU

Ibu
Aku sangat menyayangimu
Aku sangat menghormatimu
Aku mengagumimu

Engkau wanita yang mulia
Berbakti sepanjang masa
Mengurus keluarga
Menyayangi keluarga

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

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

The Magicians Shop

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

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

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

A short pause, then:

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

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

KidZania!

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

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....

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

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

Getting Old

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

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.

Father and Son Day Out

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.

XX

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

The Kite Museum

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

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

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

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.