My Xmas

December is a month when people celebrate miracles. 1 Dec is World Aids day. 5 Dec is Santa Claus coming. 22 Dec is Mother days for Indonesian people. 25 Dec is Christmas day, Jesus is coming!

My christmas from year to year are full of happiness, hopelessness, pessimism, encouragement, all combine in one memory of christmas. Sometimes I can remember it and keep in my heart as something that fulfill my entire life and to be my teacher to go through the new year.

Last Xmas, I was celebrated with my friend in Malang. Thanks Ria! We went to orphanage, brought some bread to those kids...3 years Xmas ago, personal sad story...5 years Xmas ago I sent some gift, shared with my friend, to an orphanagee in Flores....6 years Xmas ago I went to Sendangsono and Wonosobo with my lovely father before he got lever sickness (Thanks God he is fine till today!)..Some years Xmas ago, I was lost my job.It really hurt me...

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!joy to the world and peace on earth

Santa Claus is coming to town...

When I was a little cute girl, I had ever got gift from Santa Claus, eventhough I never seen he put something in my place. My father told me to prepare some shoes in order he could do his duty. "Do not forget to add grass in the shoes as a gift for his small antelopes" said my father. I just nodded my head without asking as I have no idea how come. Again, i was 6 years old, i didnt have too long thinking or analysis, ha,ha,ha... So I just did whatever my father said. I did it with my cousin, Libby. She was 3 years old.

Then we sat on the livingroom, watching TV with my father accompanied us. Maybe about one hour, my father asked us to check it whether we already got it. And we screamt happily, "I got it, I got it, me too, me too..." we jumped, danced, sang like what little girl did it. My father just smiled! We got a drinking bottle. We could use it to be school drinking water.

Do you have any idea who put it? Did real santa come?

Now, when some words pop up to my mobile as sms, I just laugh! Read what the sms says: I have already told Santa what I want for Xmas is a good friend that will stay forever. So if a fat man comes around and tries to wrap u up, please be cooperate!!

Flying with Michael Frank

Actually I am not familiar with this guy but I know he is jazz singer. His songs is mellow and easy listening. I just ever heard one or two of his song. I should call him grandpa as he is 64 old years now (born 18 September 1944 in La Jolla, California). Michael Franks is a smooth jazz singer and songwriter from the United States. He grew up in southern California with his father Gerald, his mother Betty and two younger sisters. His parents loved swing music and Nat King Cole is his early influence.

Some weeks ago, my friend asked me to accompany her visiting Michael Frank. I was surprised as he lived in US. We would fly there? Hahaha…no! He had world tour music this year around US and amazingly that he wanted to come to Indonesia. After Indonesia he will perform in Japan. Thumb for the Indonesian EO!!. Eventhough I did not know his songs better but I liked to come and “visit” him. His concert was in Shangrilla hotel 14 dec ago.

We went by taxi there as rain dropped very hard and little worry stuck in our mind, afraid of flood, due we would pass some street which has always been “a temporary small river”. Thanks God, nothing happened with those streets. All was fine.

Paid 250 thousand rupiah for silver class, for sure we had to sit on back line. Never mind! We could see his clearly. Two giants television in the right and left side, good sound system, colorful light system strengthened his appearance. Too bad, it was not much audience. Surabaya was not like Jakarta, I meant the jazz fans was not much as Jakarta and it was not really expressive. As Michael Frank was famous in 70-80ties era, I was sure the mostly audience was in old ages. Your mommy, your daddy, your aunty, uncle or even your grandparents! You could count the young audience was…including me and my friend!

We enjoyed him and his songs. He stood like statue, just sang without stage action. I didn’t know why. Maybe he was tired? Stage fever? Hmm, impossible as he had such experience many years how to perform in stage. ( THink… his albums issued at 1973 to 2006, it was about 19 albums) Or maybe his style was like that? As this was the 1st time for me, I had no reference. But, truly, honestly, I like his songs! When the cookie jar is empty, Tell me all about, Leading me back to you, The lady wants to know, Tiger in the rain, Rainy day in Tokyo were some of his greatest hits.

While on stage, Michael was accompanied by Charles Blenzig – Piano, Jay Anderson / Sean Conly – Bass, David Mann - Sax & Flute, Willard Dyson – Drums, Veronica Nunn – Vocals. He gave chance to all of his guy to perform their ability. Waow, so fantastic! Couldn’t say a word to describe how …

Thanks Michael!

New bustle....dating with "knitting"

Sometimes, when I am doing nothing in my spare time, I keep thinking to do something valuable. One day, when I was reading magazine, my eyes stuck in a lovely sweater which was knitting hand made. Ahaaa... why did not I learn about that. I ever saw my mother did that when I was a child, long time ago. If succeed, I can sell my product.

First step, I went to Gramedia, looking for certain books then bought it. 2nd step, I went to thread store, bought some thread and hakken needle. I was encouraged to try it. But, it was not so easy as I imagined before. I got confused when I learned the book. Tried many times and only got chain stick. Basic stick. Poor me. I gave up. I put that tools far away from me. All planning flew out of my head.

A week later, I met my old friends, and not on purpose to show my knitting tools and told my planning and what I had done before... "Hi, I can do that, let me show you..." one of my friends screamt to me. "Really..." I became full of spirit again. And they taught me a while. Result?? still no succeed when I tried by myself. Twice Gave up! But, I still had some friends. They could help me.

I arranged appointment with my friend to come to her home and would take brief course some days later. I also talked to another friend. And what she said?? "Hi, my mom can do that fluently. You can come here and learn with her". Again, it was good idea. Her mom was a retirement. She spent her day by doing this activity. A lot of goods already been made, just for spending her time, not for profit oriented. She made bag, hat, table cloth mostly for her family only.

Thanks God. I found the way to learn it. I had to be expert someday. Hopefully I could make it valuable by selling it. I can get money!
Now I am still studying and learning. I like doing it although my fingers and hand are quite painful. It is new activity for me. I am happy, I am zest. I can not stand to see my work. Hope it is not temporary enthusiastic

One fine day in Yogya

yummi...


tamansari







It was lovely Sunday morning. Sky was so blue. Sun shined brightly. She showed her soft gold color and smooth touchy.
I hadn’t had breakfast yet. It was better to fill my stomach up before I was getting headache. Planned to do short journey, it required full energy as I would have many activities by foot and via public transportation.

Arriving Kaliurang in the morning. Breathed fresh air. Felt the warm sunshine. Heard the melodius voice of birds and mountain insect. Thank God for let me through this day… Anyway, this resort was located on the slopes of Mt. Merapi, 24 km north of Yogyakarta and surrounded by an enchanting countryside. It lied at the foot of Plawangan hill on the southern slope of mount Merapi, some 28 km, north of Yogyakarta.

Fresh air of Kaliurang brought my step to feel the atmosphere of Beukenhof Restaurant. It located beside Ulen Sentallu museum. Yummy…sandwich and small sweet pancake. Both buildings were belongs to Javanese person who loved his homeland very much. Mr. Thomas Haryonagoro. The buildings were architecturally designed and built from local stone, sheltered by trees and featuring walkways, large courtyard spaces and gardens. So homey.
Brief summary of Ullen Sentalu that it was museum of Javanese art and culture.
Inside, you could see historical photographs of the palace, images of people, many oil paintings, including painted portraits of various sultans, their wives. and memorable events during the colonial era, various artifacts, and being displayed in glass cabinets were the actual items of clothing being worn in the portraits. Fantastic!
You also could find batik styles of Yogyakarta, Surakarta, and Chinese influence from the northern coastal towns of Java, and traditional Javanese wedding garb which was displayed and had a meaning. Again, waow, only that word came repeatedly from my mouth. Couldn’t count how much! 1, 2, …..100, I didn’t know.

Gentle sound of "Telogo Muncar" waterfall capture my mind to be back to yesterday morning. Same menu, I laughed by myself as I ate sandwich in Omah Dhuwur resto Kotagede. Kotagede? Silver craft center, friends….

It was better to go on pleasure by visiting another place. TransYogya busway brought me slowly since it had to stop over certain shelter to put in and out passenger. Finally I was ended in front of Bringharjo traditional market which was placed in point of Malioboro. Well known pedestrian street.

I set myself in front of some old buildings in the intersection of Malioboro and Sultan Palace a.k.a Kraton. Let read my story. Keep attention. I was serious. I meant it. No,no,no just kidding. I was just influenced by spirit of that buildings, and my sense moved around, back and forth, from the past to present time.

1st, Vredeburg Fortress! This fortress was built by Sultan to fulfill Dutch colony’s request, by this fortress they could watch Kraton more easily and as a defender fortress. But it is museum now. This ford becomes Museum Khusus Perjuangan Nasional by the name of Museum Benteng Yogyakarta.
2nd, Kantor Pos Besar (Big Post Office). In Dutch period, it was used as a post office and telecommunication center.
3rd, Representative office of Indonesia Bank firstly used as de Indische Bank office.
4th, BNI Bank, previously was Nill Maattschappij office and De Javasche Bank, but now it’s used as BNI Bank. Those old buildings were still in good condition and the architecture of their exterior even also does not get much changing.

My last visit for finishing this afternoon was coming to Water Castle, also known by the Dutch name waterkasteel (water castle).or Taman Sari, the Sultan's (king) recreation garden.

My guide told me completely and clearly. Of course, it was absolutely his job.
Formerly Tamansari was a recreation garden or a resting house for the Sultan and Family, about 2 km south of Yogyakarta Palace, this garden was built by Portuguese architect in European aquatic construction adorned with Javanese Symbolize ornaments. Tamansari was built in the Sultan Hamengku Buwono I period in the end of 17th Century. It's become a recreation area, a compound of bathing pool, canals, rooms at that time.
And what the king did there? The King would take a bath in the pool with a lot of pretty girls. And only one girl, whom he really likes, would be then invited to another private pool, having a private bath with him. Or, king would watch his girls swim from his private tower then he chose one of them to be his all night partner. Waow!

Tired!! I had to go back to hotel, using my time to refresh my body and soul. Before taking a bath, I spent it on swimming at Ibis hotel swimming pool. Yihaa….

Something unique in Padang Padang Beach

Padang-padang beach. Just an ordinary beach. White sand, reef, small green plantation under the water. When tide went down, we could walk upon the reef. When tide went up, we could swim.
I saw pre wedding arrangement, took a picture session. The pictures would be used for wedding invitation and some pictures were added in wedding ceremony as supported decoration. It become tradition in Indonesia recently. Many lovely places with good scenery will be used, like beach, hill or mountain.





Dinner? Sure! Sunset came, stomach sounded hard, warning to be ready to have dinner. Oops, two big pillows, little table and complete table tools. A pair of glasses, plates, spoons, forks, candle, wine…so sweet! It was a good idea to be one of hotel facility to reach guests. And went the sun went down, a young handsome man and beautiful woman came by small boat across the sea. Really??? They looked like a newly bride. Too bad I couldn’t steal a rare moment on my camera. Forgive me!

Bali beaches....I am coming

Kuta beach was very crowded. The White sand and big waves were still interesting people to stay there.
Instead of sun bathing, lying down, sitting, sleeping, surfing, screaming, laughing, chatting, so many seller there, tried to persuade visitor to buy their sarung fabric (unique motif in Balinese fabric), give massage, paint our fingernails with fancy color and picture, do temporary tattoo and do some hair arrangement to be like young Stevie Wonder or Alicia Keys.



Legian beach, neighbor of Kuta beach. It was quite beautiful in the morning when some sea shells spred out, lying down on the black sand and touched by waves all the time. People did some jogging, some old ladies walked through the small waves by foot, without slipper. Naked feet. fresh air and morning sun supported visitor to do some healthy exercise. 100% good news.



I love go there. Until now. Eventhough I just put my butt in white sand and do nothing. I can daydream, dream, think, imagine, or just sleeping….Watching people activity is also good to do. Seeing topless women, seeing women on bikinis. Judging them from their body shape. Too sexy, too skinny, too fat, too dark, too pale. So many…


Beaches...everywhere. When you were going to Discovery mall near Kuta, you also could find beach. Just walked to the back of the mall....

Warung Tunjung, Denpasar

One of tradisional food of Bali. It is called Nasi Ayam (Chicken Rice). It is rice accompanied by some vegetables with all chicken side dish. Chicken is cooked in some variation like sate lilit, chicken curry, chicken rica-rica, fried chicken, chicken meatball with soup, fried chicken skin. This warung locates in Denpasar, in small street. It names Warung Tunjung. Many people comes here. Cheap price too. Please try and you will not regret it.

Kertalangu Village...it had not interested in me yet...

Kertalangu cultural village located in the middle of 80 hectare everlasting rice cultivation at Jl. By. Pass Ngurah Rai-Sanur. This place closes Ngurah Rai Airport, Nusa Dua and Kuta area. The facilities was build in efforts of Development based and community of Kesiman Kertalangu village society.

I didnt know how this place looked like, so I went with my friends in the mid noon. Oops, it was so hot with sun shined over our head. It was not enjoyable to walk along the jogging track as far as 4 km in the middle of rice cultivation, surrounding by fresh vegetables and rice plant. Near entrance place we could see horse playing ground and Bali Handicraft Center to see how the society processed and created various kinds of handicraft product like ceramics, candle, glass, resind, wind chime, earthenware vessels and wood and stone carved.

What else we could see there? Hmmm... There were 9 fishing ponds in the middle of rice cultivation completed with gazebo and restaurant as a family recreation facilities. Tourist could learn and practice traditional Balinese dance, instrument, gamelan or others Balinese culture, an expert and friendly instructure would be ready to train you. SPA and beauty salon were available with complete, comfortable, facilities, and an expert therapists in a luxurious rice view as an other alternative to spoiled our body's. Open Stage Any kind of events could be performed in this place e.g: wedding, launching product, birthday party, exhibition or traditional art performances Kecak and Barong dance. Restaurant was near to beautiful and luxurious rice view with a various kinds of food available, eventhough the menus was not completed enough . The last was photo Studio Complete and sophisticated photo technology to make a picture before wedding or souvenir wearing a Balinese costums.

To be honest I didnt find any enjoyable moment there and did not know what to do except feeling hot in my skin. Sunshine touched and stabbed my lovely white skin. Situation was also so quite and calm. There was not much visitor eventhough it was long holiday.

Warung Made .....Poor me!

As I looked for something cheap in "Warung Made" resto in Kuta, I ordered bacon sandwich for dinner. Wrong order hahhahaha, as this should be for breakfast instead of dinner.

originally located in Kuta was only a small joint serving traditional snack to rice farmers and surfers. Run by Made’s family, and recently become the most popular eatery in Bali with its strategic location, resembles a traditional country house, full of painting pictures, ancient things, with wooden warung style tables, long table and bench seating, and a good view of the bustling main road. Made’s Warung is a people watching place galore, and cool just to sit and sip a drink. The staff are all Balinese and I chatted with a couple of them

I ever heard that the special menu is Nasi Goreng (fried rice) but unfortunately i was not in the mood to eat it. Again, I was not lucky. Why? As the sandwich was very dry and so crispy like dry bread. It was not what I had ever eaten before in another place.

As I was curious, I asked the waiter, why? Then he apologized because usually waiter would inform how it look like to avoid dissapointing and it can be changed to original sandwich.

Poor me, as I already eaten it up without complaint, cause I was very hungry, and when I was full, my mind became normal again and realized what happened.

Well, please all the waiter, your friend already apologized, do not repeat your treatment. As till now I always heard and read (from blog,mailing list) for unclearly message and treatment is done. Do not dissapoint your client and your company.

Balinese gado-gado

One of my lunch in BaLI was Balinese gado-gado (mixed Long beans
Cabbage, sliced thin, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Sprouts, Tofu, potato, cucumber, boiled egg, crispy shrimp crackers, poured by peanuts sauce).This Balinese salad is is flavorful and unique, served cold with a tasty peanut sauce. Suddenly hungry? Want to try??

Toasted Bread

My breakfast at Ayu Beach Inn, Poppies Lane I,Kuta,Bali. Yummy toasted bread, accompanied by ommelet, butter, jam and some fruits like watermelon and pineapple and a cup of hot tea or coffee.Just simple menu! Worth it for 130.000 rupiahs single room with fan on peak season of moslem Idul Fitri holiday.

Liitle chat about Manadonese

2004 year, I went to my family land, where my father and mother come from. I went to my mother land, Kolongan,Manado, North Sulawesi. Arrived Sam Ratulangi airport, I was impressed by word "Si Tou Timou Tou" that stated in front of entrance of airport. This word was very well known in North Sulawesi region, especially in Minahasa inhabit. It meant human grew up to humanize human. I thought, it meant we live to help each other, to do interaction, close and honest relationship. By doing that, we kept ours to be human who had feeling, mind, thinking, soul, art, creativity and faith of God.
Anyway, do you know Minahasa? Maybe you know Manado. Actually Manado is capital city of North Celebes but Manado is identically with name of Minahasa tribe. People will say Manadonese than Minahasan. So, dont forget Angelina Sondakh,ex Indonesian princess, Pinkan Mambo,singer, Rima Melati,actress, Greysi Polii,badminton player and Ben Joshua Rompis,actor. Also, Bunaken,the beautiful and famous undersea park in the world, bubur Manado (mixed vegetables porridge),the yummy breakfast, tarcisius,the little primata in the world and kolintang, taditional music tools from mawenang wood.

Ketapang (Banyuwangi) Crossing

6 am, 29 Sept, I was tired after leaving Mutiara train ex Surabaya-Banyuwangi then change to train bus. But looking at beautiful scenery at the sea, some ferry was back and forth with full of passanger, openbaar vervoer a.k.a public transportation and personal cars, all made me relief from my tiredness.

Catched a cold

I was very headache yesterday. Then I ate on Pasadena steak after office hour, it was about 6 pm. Eventhough I knew the taste of the food was not fine but I didn’t care. I was hungry and I was really pain. I ordered Chicken steak and hot tea. Hmm, it was quite relief. I felt quite better. But I was still hungry as the quantity of that steak was not much. I didn’t care of it as I could eat again at home. Ms. Tee would prepare for me. I did expected she didn’t repeat her doing on the day before when she didn’t cook for me and was waiting for my order first. Psst, you know at that time my mood was very bad so when she asked me, I didn’t answer her question. Suddenly I was very upset due she didn’t prepare for me. Small problem?? No need to be overstated?? It should be if I was in good mood!
Anyway, Thanks God, He fulfilled my request. She prepared me some fried spice potatoes (perkedel), simple chinese spice mix vegetables (capcay), small roasted chicken. And for dessert was es dawet putih. So I was not angry anymore to her. I was graceful. Pufff…I was full. Had a meal twice!
But, after that, I was very headache. I couldn’t stand to drink 2nd paramex, my pain drug. I already drank it at noon when I was at office. Now, I had to drink again. I was really not able to stand it. I felt queasy. I didn’t know why although I have already eaten and fulfilled energy to my lovely body.
After that, I decided to sleep or at least took a rest, laid down on bed. I went to bathroom to clean my body and brushed my teeth. And what happened inside bathroom?? I vomited!! All of the last food was threw up…. Oops!! Disgusting, huh!!?? Conclusion: I was headache due my body was on bad condition. Catched a cold!

MEGONO

Hi, what is in your mind when you read word Megono? Hmm, wierd word at glance... There is connection with Pekalongan. Ahaa...what!!,what!!, ... cannot stand to know it...

Pekalongan is a city in north coast , 2 hours from Semarang, capital city of Central Java. Only that? How about Batik? Correct!! Pekalongan is well known for batik product. Together with Solo Batik, Yogya, Madura and Cirebon batik.

FYI, batik is traditional fabric of Indonesia who has traditional motif represent culture of some specific place.

Anyway, besides B\batik, you can find traditional food in this area. One of them is Megono. For sure, you will be addicted to eat it everytime you come to Pekalongan.

Megono is slice of young jackfruit combine with coconut spice sauce. It is delicious and spicy because of mixed coconut and traditional spices as laos (ginger family), cinnamon and clove. It can be aeten with hot rice, fried fish, dish of mixes spicy raw vegetables (lalapan-Ind) and pete (ind) - kind of beans with pungent odor, popular in Indonesia)

How to make it? Easy. Just boiling the young jackfruit then slice it to be small pieces. Nix it with spicy scraped coconut. Yummy, ready to be served.

Dont be confused with Gudeg, traditional food from Yogyakarta. Gudeg is made by bolied youhng jackfruit, but it is not sliced. Also, dont be trapeed with Urap-urap from East Jave. This traditional food is made by mix vegetables & spicy scraped coconut only.

Lasem oh lasem...

last saturday I went out with my friends to a new mall. Actually it is not new,  just me, old fashion. DOnt hv time to go there, as it is far away fm my home...hahahha....
for sure no new store there, same like another mall in this city.

you know that batik is trend now. So, most of dress stores sell batik, batik decor and real batik. Real batik, off course, the prices is expensive. But I think it is worth it. You know, fabric is soft, the color is so colorful, the sewing/sticht is good and neat.

Something funny when i was at batik store. I asked the lady seller,"where does it come from?", "Jakarta" she said. I expressed my surprised. Did Jakarta have batik?? Maybe she realized, then she said " this is Lasem Batik" Ooohhh....near Cirebon? I asked, "No, near Rembang,Jepara" Ooo I was wrong. Score was 1-1. hahhaha I admitted I was stupid. Karma fall to me as I underestimated her. I know where Lasem is. My geograpic is good, how come I could be wrong. I saw the color is so beautiful.  The dominant colors of batik Lasem are dark-red, blue, light-brown, green, dark-brown, and purple. The influences of Chinese culture and javanese can be seen at batik Lasem in the motifs of dragons, baby bamboo, ban ji, peacoacks, kilin (Chinese mythologic dragon), chicken, butterflies, golden fishes, peony flowers, chrisantenum flowers, , parang, kawung, udan liris. Waow...how expert the lady explained to me. I think it must as she sells something different.

Lasem, is a small town, a seashore, and is believed that the first Chinese was landing there from China. This town became a living community also an important harbour at the north of Java Island since 9th century. This was one of the most three important harbour in the Majapahit Kingdom era. Remember Ca Bau Kan movie, the setting is here.

Anyway, I want to buy it but, usual reason, I dont hv enough money! Never mind, as I dont plan to buy it. Just hoping somebody will buy for me! Huahahahhaha.....

worthless

pernah nggak sih dalam hidupmu, kamu merasa nggak berharga, nggak dianggep, krn kamu masih baru, masih belum ada apa2nya. Siapa sih elo??
aku ngerasain beberapa hari yg lalu...
semula ku pikir aku too sensitif, tapi nggak lah...kadang2 org lain nggak merasa dia udah memperlakukan aku kayak gitu...yg bisa tahu ya cuma aku sendiri...

thus, aku sebel ama siapa, kapan, dimana, kenapa? rahasia lha yauw...Only God knew.

Just for throwing away my deepest feeling about something hated me.. Just writing it to make me free and relief!!

Damn...

welcome to be next victim, my friend said when i told her. Off course, she is also the victim. there is new rule in my office. for sick leave, we must attach sick letter fm doctor, doctor payment receipt, medicine receipt, medicine receipt payment.

the problem is i dont know this rule, this is new rule, and I heard it after i was absent....so i didnt attach medicine receipt payment as usually i got medicine all in with doctor examination receipt.

2nd problem is they cut my salary. it is quite influence my financial. some plan must be erased! you know my salary is not much, thus, lost some amount is really tragic. Hahhaa, too hyperbolic,hahhaha.... Think this metaphor,fall already and then hv the ladder fall on me....

Panda Kungfu

I like this movie. It is very funny. Animation. Eventhough I am not young anymore, but I like seeing animation if the story will make me laughing kik,kik,kik...or touched, uhuk,uhuk,uhuk...
The picture is like real. Just seeing the movie and you will have same opinion like me. I have no word to say to describe this film. It is good!
Next time if I am in the mood, I will tell more specific about this movie.

Actually I dont hv money. Poor me. But my friend want to pay me first. Good....
I am lucky as the ticket price is only 10.000rupiahs. Why lucky? Because it plays at good place.
Hm, I think, this Plaza has 2 cinema. The old one and the new one. The new one, off course, offers expensive price but with good facility than the old one. Eventhough the old one is still fine. In order the viewer doesnt leave the old one, the management made a decision to lower the price. Whatever they did, as long as it give us benefit, so what!!
Correct??

pheww...

Finally...after thinking and looking for the unique name for this, today I find it. What do you think?
To hope i can share many words, picture and everything for you.........