Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Year is Right Around the Corner


I remember that I always have time to reflect my days for an entire year and also to think about the best resolutions for the year to come. So, today is the last day of the year. Do I have any resolutions yet?

I have two resolutions last year. Yes, I did take a look at my post last year first before I write this one. I see if my resolutions are successful. Fortunately, I did make them. I did manage my money this year better than years before. However, I’m not satisfied with it because that’s not the best I could do. It will be something to work out still in year 2009.

Well, it’s time for contemplating what I can do best for my life next year.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

TRIP TO DUNIA FANTASI (FANTASY WORLD)

This is Christmas holiday, and semester break right now. The second day of it, I went to DUFAN with friends. I have to admit this embarrassing fact that the last time I went there was when I was in grade 5, sixteen years ago. I don’t believe it myself. Whereas, many of my friends could visit this amusement place monthly.

Having not visited Dufan in a long time, I see it has changed much. I still remember that time when, with heroic style, I rode Ontang-Anting (wave swinger) and Halilintar (Roller Coaster). I think those rides were the most wanted ones. Now, there are many more fun rides that could raise our adrenalin.

Below is Kora-Kora. This is the first ride I played with two friends yesterday. I thought that’s the scariest ride of all. Others might not agree with me. They would say Tornado (the next pic) is the scariest. Maybe they think so because it’s the newest ride.



















Other exciting rides I rode yesterday were Halilintar (Roller Coaster), Kicir-Kicir, Niagara-gara (Flume Ride), and Ontang-Anting (Wave Swinger).



























After all those extreme rides, we knew how to cool down. Riding a horse on the Merry go Round, and relaxing on the Giant Wheel were enjoyable.

Finally, I know that this trip is the best way to start my holiday, and is also a great way to end my year.

Friday, December 12, 2008

DOUBLE TROUBLE, DOUBLE BLESSING

This is the first time I give the students' report to their parents. I have never been a homeroom teacher, but this time my principal entrusts me to accompany my friend for the parent-teacher interview.

Not a usual chat with parents, this time I learn about parental concerns for their children. I notice how different parents bring up their kids keeping in mind their desires for their children.

I learn something special today about parents who have twin daughters. I adore these parents so much. A wealthy family who are so friendly, wise and off course they are highly educated. Being parents of twins who is one is a gifted kid and the other one is a slow one is very challenging. These parents know that their gifted child could accelerate to the next level of learning. In order to support their other daughter, they don’t give any special treatment among others. But what they give is challenge to foster their children loves of learning. The result is wonderful. The parents know each of the kid strengths and weaknesses. They are solid as a family.

One example of the parents’ support in their kids’ development is the fun time they share daily on the way to school. The dad and the mom actually have their own car with a driver, because their working places are so far from each other. But to accommodate private time with family, the drivers are in one car and will do their job after the parents take their kids to school. The mom said to us (my friend and I) that on the way to school is an effective time to review the lesson at school while planting the significant values of tolerance for others.

Wonderful!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

NASIHAT UNTUK PRIA LAJANG
(dari : www.rumahrenungan. com)

Seringkali kita mendengar pria lebih memilih untuk melajang lebih lama dengan alasan2 ekonomi. Lebih spesifiknya mungkin ingin punya rumah pribadi dulu, punya mobil dulu, punya gaji sekian juta dulu atau beberapa ratus juta untuk sebuah pesta pernikahan. Karenanya, sebelum mencapai pernikahan, para pria bekerja ekstra keras mengumpulkan uang demi kemapanan.

Ini tidak salah. Sudah selayaknya untuk punya kehidupan yang aman secara finansial saat berumah tangga dan memberikan kenyamanan bagi istri. Tapi, pada saat kemapanan itu sudah dimiliki, ada situasi yang bisa menjebak para pria. Saat seorang pria sudah begitu kaya, maka semua jenis wanita akan datang kepada dia menawarkan cinta. Tapi akhirnya semua menjadi buram, apakah mereka datang karena cinta, atau mencintai uang kita. Sampai akhirnya sesuatu yang buruk terjadi, hingga kita menyesal kenapa kita bisa menjadi begitu kaya.

Wanita mana yang tidak akan datang bila kamu begitu tampan, cerdas, kaya dan muda? Semua ingin merasakan keindahan dari meteri yang kamu punya. Itu semua gambaran bahwa uang bisa memanipulasi perasaan. Dan parahnya, itu adalah uangmu! Bila saat ini kamu memiliki mobil dan seorang pacar, kamu tidak akan pernah tahu, apakah wanita ini masih mencintamu kalau suatu saat kamu hanya naik sepeda motor. Bagaimana kalau kamu tak lagi punya rumah pribadi dan hanya ada tempe di atas meja makan. Tahukah kamu? Tidak. Karena dia datang pada saat kamu bisa memberikannya kenyamanan2 finansial yang dia idam-idamkan. Cintakah yang kamu punya? Bukan. Kamu hanya memiliki wanita yang mencintai kenyamanan yang bisa kamu sediakan.

Beruntunglah bagi pasangan yang telah menikah dan mereka berdua memulainya dari bawah. Mensyukuri mobil mereka, karena mereka berdua pernah merasakan panas-hujan dengan sepeda motor. Menyenangi spring bed baru mereka, karena mereka berdua pernah tidur bersama di atas sebuah kasur busa kecil. Terharu dengan rumah pribadi mereka, karena dulu mereka pernah tinggal hanya di sebuah kost.

Beruntunglah para pria yang memiliki wanita yang begitu mencintai mereka dan mendampingi di saat-saat berjuang menuju kehidupan yang lebih baik. Bila ini tidak juga mengubah pikiranmu, maka teruskanlah mengumpulkan uang dan berjuang menjadi tersohor. Sampai suatu saat kamu sadar, bahwa menjadi kaya seringkali adalah sebuah kutukan.

Note:
Teori dan nasihat yang bagus walaupun jamak alias common! Tapi kurang setuju juga kalo seakan-akan wanita sebagai 'predator' dan pria yang melulu dieksploitasi. Gender gak ngaruh kalee... Kalo stereotypenya seperti itu sama-sama ada tuntutan mungkin ya?! InsyaAllah, pria ganteng, pintar dan kaya tidak mau dengan wanita yang hanya menuntut kemapanan financial. Trus gimana pria dengan silver spoon in their mouth (kaya karena keturunan)...kasian juga kalo mereka tidak yakin dengan cinta pasangannya. Males juga sih kebanyakan teori kayak gini (walaupun aku baca dan malah aku post disini, hehe...). Menurutku pribadi, apapun yang sudah ada atau diperjuangkan bersama adalah blessing. Masih gak yakin??? Doa yang kenceng!!! Setuju??? yuk mari!!!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

APA YANG AKU BUTUHKAN SAAT INI?

Jawabannya adalah PIJAT. Selesai!

(Hehehe...memang aku gak butuh nulis banyak...cuma butuh pijat. Pegel semua nih badan.)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I FEEL FREE...

Today I have my lesson observation done from my teaching coach and my principal. The result is not yet in my hand, but I just feel satisfied coz it feels as if my hunchback has gone. I said so because off course I felt I did it well. It means I’m saved from the harness of the working world. That is getting fired.

I feel funny to talk about this. However, I stay positive. I am a good teacher though. I love what I do. This is my world.

Monday, October 13, 2008

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL TOUR
OLD JAKARTA, SUNDA KELAPA AREA

Sunda Kelapa was one of several ports along Java coastline once used by the Sundanese Kingdom of West Java. My tour of Old Jakarta includes the following sites, which are near each other: Sunda Kelapa harbor, the Bahari Museum and Menara Syahbandar, the lookout tower. Close by - in the Kota area of the city - is Fatahilla Square. I visited Fatahilla Square few days before, but my friends and I wanted to experience the Cafe Batavia again.

Sunda Kelapa harbour is one of the most interesting and picturesque sites of Jakarta. To watch the bustling activities at Sunda Kelapa is a feast for the eyes. Lined up along the quay, the large wooden sailing vessels are painted in bright colors and still carry the same design that has been used for centuries by islanders of the archipelago.

Pinisi boats awaiting cargo at Sunda Kelapa Harbor.
Strike up a conversation with the sailors and workers, and you may be invited aboard one of the schooners.

We can rent a canoe to ride along the harbor and acroos to the Bahari Museum

I forget to take picture of the Bahari Museum. The sturdy construction of the warehouses ensured the centuries-long survival of the buildings, which now house the collection of the Maritime Museum. The museum now displays Indonesia's maritime history.

Menara Syahbandar - Lookout Tower is where we can see an excellent view of Old Batavia.

Menara Syahbandar from below

Oops, missed the harbor scene

We asked a man who paddled our canoe who said we had one more site left to visit. That was Pasar Ikan (Fish Market). Unfortunately, our time was not right. Fresh fish is sold at the covered market starting at 3 a.m. every day.

(Source: The Jakarta Explorer, 1999)
LOVE WILL KEEP US ALIVE

Another wonderful live music I experienced last weekend. It was performed in Cafe Batavia, North Side of Fatahilla Square. I love all the songs the performers sang. One of the songs made me melted in my mind. Oh my...I miss sayangku so much.

"Love Will Keep Us Alive"

I was standing
All alone against the world outside
You were searching
For a place to hide

Lost and lonely
Now you've given me the will to survive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive

Don't you worry
Sometimes you've just gotta let it ride
The world is changing
Right before your eyes
Now I've found you
There's no more emptiness inside
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive

I would die for you
Climb the highest mountain
Baby, there's nothing I wouldn't do

I was standing
All alone against the world outside
You were searching
For a place to hide
Lost and lonely
Now you've given me the will to survive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive

Thursday, October 09, 2008

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL TOUR
FATAHILLA SQUARE

Yesterday I went to Taman Fatahilla (Fatahilla Square) with two friends. This was the town square and administrative center of 18th-century Batavia. Flanked by the Batavia city hall on the south and the Dutch Reformed church on the west, the town square was the center of much activity during the 18th century. The square in front od the city hall was used for public executions as well as pleasant events such as weekly fairs, markets and holiday festivals.

There are many things to be seen and to be visited in this town square. I would love to put the photos rather than explaining much of them.

The old town scene along the way to the Fatahilla Square
Museum Sejarah Kota Jakarta-Jakarta History Museum

Behind the Museum there's a statue of Hermes (Greek Mythology)

Here are what we can see in the museum.
Replica stones from the first Hindu Kingdom in Java, The Tarumanegara Kingdom of the 5th century

Si Jagur - Old Potuguese Cannon

Museum Wayang - Puppet Museum

Balai Seni Rupa - Museum of Fine Arts

Cafe Batavia, one of the Jakarta's oldest buildings

Saturday, September 27, 2008

JAZZY FRIDAY WITH IRENG MAULANA AND FRIENDS

Initiating my long holiday, I went out to dinner with a friend last night. We called it 'buka puasa bersama'. We went to a place in Kuningan area, and found a table for two, right in front of the stage. Waiting for the band to start, we ordered our meal.

Finally, Ireng Maulana and Friends came to the stage. Who doesn't know Ireng Maulana, anyway? I'm not a fan of Jazz music, but I know this guy is one of the best guitarists that Indonesia has. Yes, I remember He and his band, Ireng Maulana All Stars, became the main band for a memorable music quiz when I was a little, called Berpacu Dalam Melodi, hosted by Koes Hendratmo. Many beautiful songs were sung by the performers. Most of them were popular songs. It was wonderful.

Friday, September 26, 2008

TRADITIONAL DANCE ON LEBARAN ASSEMBLY

Today is the last day of school before we have 3-week holiday for Lebaran and mid-semester break. Wondering what I would have to do during my days off from school, I'm grateful that I can recharge my energy for the days ahead.


Today, we have Lebaran Assembly at school. All teachers and students were all gathered in the gym. Related to the theme, the assembly was all about Lebaran or Muslim practices in form of songs, dances, video project and play. All grades participated in performing something. And my favorite performance was Tari Saman,from the Grade 10 class.


Tari Saman is a traditional dance from Aceh, where almost all of the people are Muslim. The lyrics of the musics are in Aceh language or Arabic, and usually the music is generated from the dancers clapping hands. In Aceh itself, Tari Saman is use to perform in traditional big events, specially on Prophet Muhammad birthday.

"Propet Muhammad is the central human figure of the religion of Islam and is regarded by Muslims as the messenger and prophet of God, the last and the greatest law-bearer in a series of prophets of Islam."(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad)


What makes Tari Saman itself is so interesting to me, is their skilled-hands movement and punctuation formation. Individuals need perfect concentration while the group performs together as a team.


Here is the link of the dance if anyone feel interested to know. Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87ZIfpL9nSk



Saturday, September 20, 2008

WISATA MASAKAN INDONESIA

Kemarin sore buka puasa bersama teman-teman kantor di wisata masakan Indonesia Jakarta City Center (JaCC). Teman-teman memilih tempat itu supaya bisa berlama-lama ngobrol, tempatnya nyaman karena tidak terlalu ramai dan bisa nge-jam nyanyi. Menurutku tempatnya bagus dan representatif sekali untuk menjadi wadah yang menyatukan kuliner dari berbagai daerah di Indonesia yang begitu kaya.

Sayangnya...tempat itu bukannya tidak terlalu ramai, tapi tidak ramai alias sepi. Ketidakramaian itulah yang aku khawatirkan. Hadirnya one stop kuliner Indonesia jarang sekali aku dapatkan, dan kini aku dapatkan satu tempat tetapi tidak banyak pengunjungnya. Mungkin hasil akirnya adalah tutupnya usaha itu.

Apakah karena kurang publikasi atau lokasi yang kalah pamor dengan shopping center yang mengelilinginya atau memang banyak orang yang tidak menyukai selera nusantara dan lebih memilih fancy restoran?

Berdiskusi dengan sayangku tentang hal ini...dia mengatakan bahwa aku seorang business analyst. Aku tersenyum... Tidak sejauh itu...aku hanya fokus pada apakah banyak orang yang/ masih menghargai masakan nusantara.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

NO POINT OF TURNING BACK

Let us keep moving
Let us test our fears
Let us try to love this project
Let us make our shared visions come true.

Monday, September 01, 2008

SELAMAT DATANG BULAN RAMADHAN

Di negaraku yang mayoritasnya penganut agama Islam, tidak heran kalau Bulan Ramadhan terasa sangat berbeda dengan bulan-bulan lainnya. Suasana bulan ibadah ini sangat kental terasa terutama di desa-desa dan daerah-daerah pinggiran.

Yang berbeda dari biasanya adalah, jam kantor yang hampir semua instansi (khususnya pemerintah) pada umumnya berakhir lebih awal. Nah, ini yang menjadi masalahku di bulan Ramadhan ini. Sebagai seorang guru di sekolah national plus, jam kantorku mulai jam 7 pagi sampai jam 4 sore, yang artinya pulang ketika kemacetan pulang jam kantor belum parah. Nah bulan puasa ini, semua pulang lebih awal...kemacetan jalan mencapai tingkat yang membuat otakku kram. Ya ampun...lelahnya.

Yang pasti, yang aku tunggu di bulan ini adalah pedagang-pedagang kaget yang menjajakan makanan-makanan yang menggugah selera sepanjang perjalanan pulangku. Makanan-makanan yang jarang ditemukan di hari biasa. Oh, satu makanan yang gak bisa dan tidak boleh dilewatkan di bulan ini. KOLAK!!! Selain beli di suatu tempat, aku yakin mama juga pasti akan masak kolak. Ehm...yum...

Sunday, August 31, 2008

SONG OF MY HEART

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

COMING STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART

Lovely evening when I have a nice package to open from other part of the world. Wondering what's inside. I opened it carefully. Inside, there's a cute birthday card with lovely written sentences. I know it's a late package for my birthday, but it is never be late for a sincere gift.

I feel loved having those things. Great books to read, a photo frame, a cute birthday card and an envelope of rose petals. I cant stop smiling looking at what I've got. I'm sure my smile will last for long as I read the books and see the rose petals i plan to display in my desk.

I texted a beautiful man who sent the package to let him know that it has arrived...I know he prepared well all of this. In my life, this is the best gift ever. He makes my days. He gives me the world.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

MEME GAME
Yesterday, my beautiful student told me that he mentioned my name in this meme game. He said, to play this, I have to copy from his and answer with my own. Always ignored and never felt interested to join such game. Well, what I think now is it's okay to join sometimes if I have time. Moreover, I want to make some people know that I am thinking of them.

1. Four places I go to, over and over:
a. my parents' house (where I live)
b. my brother's house
c. Pak Santo's house (where I practice singing)
d. Sam Ratulangi #5 (where I work)


2. Four people who e-mail me regularly:
a. Keith, sayangku
b. Natalie
c. Ketty
d. Sherryl


3. Four of my favorite places to eat:
a. in front of TV
b. DeJohn, Tebet
c. Angkringan Pak Man
d. Mamink Daeng Tata


4. Four places i’d rather be:
a. Here, in my hometown
b. Redding, California
c. Yogyakarta
d. Bali


5. Four TV shows I could watch over and over:
a. Friends
b. Wisata Kuliner
c. Jalan-jalan/ Jejak petualang/ Jelajah...
d. Tom and Jerry Cartoon (I'm getting out of idea)


6. Four people I think or I hope will respond...
a. Keith
b. Sheryll
c. Domie
d. Natalie

Dear friends, I am tagging you to participate in this meme game. Copy and paste to post it in your blog. Then invite at least 4 bloggers to do it again. Be honest, have fun!

Monday, August 18, 2008

TANAH AIRKU, INDONESIA

Hari Senin ini aku masih libur dalam rangka Hari Kemerdekaan. Aku menggunakan banyak waktu untuk membaca, khususnya membaca pikiran-pikiran orang yang menghibur dan memberi inspirasi lewat tulisan di blog mereka. Aku merasa kecil dan bodoh.

Terutama di usia ke-63 Kemerdekaan bangsa ini, harusnya aku lebih mengenal Indonesiaku. Mengaku 100% nasionalis, aku jadi malu. Bukan berarti aku tidak mencintai bangsaku, tapi ternyata aku melihat banyak sekali orang asing yang lebih mengenal negara ini. Mereka tau keindahan maha luar biasa yang bisa dinikmati di negeri ini. Mereka menikmati dan mencintai keragaman budaya dari negara kepulauan ini. Banyak dari mereka yang belajar bahasa dan budaya Indonesia.

Belum lama aku membaca sebuah buku tentang Indonesia. Buku itu cukup detail menceritakan sejarah sampai perkembangan setiap kota di Indonesia. Kelengkapan informasi yang membuat aku berucap, “oh ya?”. Bodohnya adalah aku di posisi yang salah. Ternyata author dari buku itu adalah seorang Belanda yang bekerjasama dengan photografer berbakat Hungaria yang telah tinggal di Indonesia sekitar 20 tahun. Hey, lama dia tinggal di bumi Indonesia ini tidak melebihi umurku, apalagi umur bapakku. Tapi mengapa dia bisa membuatku diposisi yang terheran-heran dengan realita di bumi ini. Bodohnya!

Sempat terfikir, apakah karena masalah sosial ekonomi ataukah kegagapan teknologi yang membuat banyak orang pribumi terbelakang? Hari ini aku melihat banyak penulis handal yang mempromosikan Indonesia pada dunia. Banyak fotografer berbakat yang membuat kita merasa terlibat melalui bidikan kameranya. Mungkin semua sudah ada bagiannya. Syukurnya, hari ini apa yang aku lihat, banyak anak negeri yang membanggakan dan dengan bangganya mereka mempublikasikan Indonesia pada dunia. Memang seharusnya kitalah punya sense untuk peran ini. Aku baru tahu...dan akulah yang terbelakang disini. Mungkin seperti sebuah phrase dalam iklan...”Buka mata, semua ada solusinya”. Aku bisa dan aku mau menjadi bagian untuk membangun bangsaku. Walaupun kontribusiku tidak terlihat dan sangat sederhana, tapi inilah caraku, ini mampuku. Yukk...

Sunday, August 17, 2008

DIRGAHAYU INDONESIA KE-63
ULANG TAHUN DHANIKA KE-1

Dirgahayu artinya panjang umur atau wish for long life. Ya ampun baru tahu arti kata ini setelah aku mengalami 27 tahun Kemerdekaan Indonesia. Aku tahunya juga dari acara kuis di TV. Yang lebih mencengangkan lagi, aku baru tahu kalau Dirgahayu adalah bahasa serapan. bapakku sih bilang bahasa Kawi (Jawa Kuno), tapi aku tahu Malaysia punya lagu nasional yang berjudul Dirgahayu Tanah Airku. (Kemana aja sih mbak Rika, kok baru tau?)

Tahun ini aku merasa lebih punya rasa kebangsaan. Mungkin peristiwa perayaan yang aku alami tahun ini membuatku lebih bersyukur menjadi bagian dari Indonesia, negara kepulauan terbesar di dunia ini.

Tahun ini aku melihat lagi permainan-permainan khas 17-an yang sudah hampir punah. Panjat pinang, makan kerupuk, balap karung...kangen masa kecil sebelum wajib mengikuti upacara sekolah. Malam 17 Agustus, akhirnya sudah lewat. Beberapa bulan kebelakang aku sibuk mempersiapkan acara heboh di gereja parokiku. Sebagai anggota paduan suara dan sekretaris panitia, akhirnya aku merasa lega. Mungkin tidak 100% berhasil dengan sukses, tapi setidaknya lega karena sudah berhasil terlaksana.

Yang special di tanggal 17 Agustus kali ini adalah ulang tahun keponakanku tersayang, Dhanika, yang pertama. Kado yang sukses aku berikan dihari ulang tahunnya adalah tulisan HAPPY BIRTHDAY di dinding dan balon-balon yang aku pasang di pintu dan jendela. Senangnya bisa menjadi bagian dalam kebahagiaan di hari pentingnya.
Hanya perayaan kecil, berkumpul dengan keluarga dekat. Banyak kado-kado indah untuknya. Yang paling penting adalah doa berupa harapan-harapan baik untuk kehidupannya. Gak terasa anak lucu ini sudah berusia setahun. Selamat Ulang Tahun, sayang!

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Zona 80'an



OMG…just watching Metro TV channel and a song from Ari Wibowo titled Madu dan Racun (Honey and Poison) was on the air (Courtesy Selekta Pop TVRI, the only one TV station at that time). I remember that song was really popular when I was around 4 years old. My parents always remind me how centil I was when I sang that song. I used to sing and dance to it when I had the chance. Family gatherings became merry when I stood in the middle. I thought I was a great entertainer. So now, where has this confidence gone?

The song was created by Sidosa in 1975, 10 years before it was published. The title was Bingung (confuse). Sidosa a.k.a Ari Wibowo (his commercial name) made a new arrangement and changed the title into Madu dan Racun. He said was just iseng (not serious) making that song. No one predicted that from iseng, he made that song boom, and sell more than one million copies.