AntoAnettA~Life

The Master of Love

2010-06-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

ONCE UPON A TIME, A MASTER WAS TALKING TO A crowd of
people, and his message was so wonderful that everyone felt
touched by his words of love. In the crowd there was a man who
had listened to every word the Master said. This man was very
humble, and he had a great heart. He was so touched by the
Master's words that he felt the need to invite the Master to his
home.
When the Master finished speaking, the man walked through
the crowd, looked into the eyes of the Master, and told him, "I
know you are busy and everyone wants your attention. I know you
hardly have time to even listen to my words. But my heart is so
open and I feel so much love for you that I have the need to invite
you to my home. I want to prepare the best meal for you. I don't
expect you will accept, but I just had to let you know."
The Master looked into the man's eyes, and with the most
beautiful smile he said, "Prepare everything. I will be there." Then
the Master walked away.
At these words, the joy in the man's heart was strong. He could
hardly wait to serve the Master and to express his love for him.
This would be the most important day of his life: The Master was
going to be with him. He bought the best food and wine, and found
the most beautiful clothes to offer as a gift to the Master. Then he
ran home to prepare everything to receive the Master. He cleaned
his entire house, prepared the most wonderful meal, and made the
table look beautiful. His heart was full of joy because the Master
would soon be there.
The man was waiting anxiously when someone knocked at the
door. Eagerly, he opened the door, but instead of the Master, he
found an old woman. She looked into his eyes and said, "I am
starving. Can you give me a piece of bread?"
The man was a little disappointed because it was not the
Master. He looked at the woman and said, "Please, come into my
house." He sat her in the place he had prepared for the Master,
and gave her the food he had made for the Master. But he was
anxious and could hardly wait for her to finish eating. The old
woman was touched by the generosity of this man. She thanked
him and left.
The man had barely finished preparing the table for the Master
again when someone knocked at the door. This time it was another
stranger who had traveled across the desert. The stranger looked
into the man's face and said, "I am thirsty. Can you give me
something to drink?"
The man was a little disappointed again because it was not the
Master. He invited the stranger into his home, and sat him in the
place he had prepared for the Master. He served the wine he had
intended to give the Master. When the stranger left, the man again
prepared everything for the Master.
Someone knocked at the door again. When the man opened
the door, there stood a child. The child looked up at the man and
said, "I am freezing. Can you give me a blanket to cover my
body?"
The man was a little disappointed because it was not the
Master, but he looked into the eyes of the child and felt love in his
heart. Quickly he gathered the clothes he had intended to give the
Master, and he covered the child with the clothes. The child
thanked him and left.
The man prepared everything again for the Master, and then he
waited until it was very late. When he realized the Master was not
coming, he was disappointed, but right away he forgave the
Master. He said to himself, "I knew I could not expect the Master to
come to this humble home. Although he said he would come,
something more important must have taken him elsewhere. The
Master did not come, but at least he told me he would, and that is
enough for my heart to be happy."
Slowly he put the food away, he put the wine away, and he
went to bed. That night he dreamed the Master came to his home.
The man was happy to see him, but he didn't know that he was
dreaming. "Master you came! You kept your word."
The Master replied, "Yes, I am here, but I was here before. I was
hungry, and you fulfilled my need for food. I was thirsty, and you
gave me the wine. I was cold, and you covered me with clothes.
Whatever you do for others, you do for me."
The man woke up, and his heart was filled with happiness,
because he understood what the Master had taught him. The
Master loved him so much that he had sent three people to give
him the greatest lesson: The Master lives within everyone. When
you give food to the one who is starving, when you give water to
the one who is thirsty, when you cover the one who is cold, you
give your love to the Master.

counting numbers 1-20

2010-06-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

One day when my son arrived home from school. And we have a short conversation then:

My son : “Mom, I can’t count 1-20 when I was in school”.

Me: “How come son? While u learn every day, drawing, writing alphabet and also numbers.

My son: Yes mom, but I don’t know how to count 13, 14, 15 and 18. Can u teach me, mom?

After having that short conversation, I started to make something for him. I print some sheet works with picture that numbering 11-20, and asked him to count it. He could count that, even there is mistake for 1 or two. But it’s good. And I gave him praise, good job son!

I have to continually repeat it, so that he will not forget what he has learnt. And find out some ways to make him attractive to learn. And of course “a creativity” is needed here. Children like something colored and attractive.

And I am trying to give him my best as mom. And this is a learning process. Even sometimes I feel tired but I am trying for not humble coz this is mom’s duty. His father also has his responsibility on our son in his way sure.

don't delay me!

2010-05-02T22:10:00.001-07:00

It’s still difficult for me to arrange my time. To do the priority and something that not important enough or in the other words what I like. I still used to delay some tasks and start to finish it in hurry. Of course the result I got unlike what I want.

So what should I do then…? Thinking…and I find out this answer:

1. Do not delay anything, start working immediately when we have a free time.

2. Make a priority list, so I know which much be resolved first.

3. Take a deep breath when found a difficulties, a cup of tea or coffee, playing with kids to refresh my brain and back again in few minutes, I usually got the answer.

4. Be patient, don’t panic and stress. Face it all calmly.

Hem seems like I’ve got the way how..? But in practice I usually delay all, almost every day. Not practice what I know. What’s wrong with me…?

Maybe before I do the steps, the more important thing is” be hard enough to myself”. Don’t go to bed too soon, reduce unnecessary activities.

I wish I can do all so I don’t need to do all of that in a hurry and the worse didn’t do the tasks.

happy birthday

2010-04-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my cousin's birthday. Her mom was sad because there was no birthday cake just for a symbol. So she asked me to make a pan of cake. I made Brownies, with the ingredients. two cups of flour, 1 3/4 cups of sugar, 10 eggs, 10 spoons of butter, 10 spoon of chocolate flour 1 spoon of SP, 250gr of dark cooking chocolate.

heat the chocolate and the butter until melted, cooled it. heat the steam while preparing other ingredients mixed in a container next step insert chocolate and butter mixture that has been steamed before, pour in the pan and steam for 20 minutes until cooked. sprinkle with grated cheese and chocolate on top as a garnish and a wax figure one.

I got two small pans from the recipe. and her mom could smile than. It was nice, so many laugh and something funny were there. Although it was not a big party but although it was not a big party but it will be an unforgettable memory. Everybody was happy, and my cousins she must was happy too.....
happy birthday dear celia...

teacher at home

2010-04-02T17:14:00.001-07:00

It’s not easy to be a teacher. All the teachers we have from the preschool until senior high school, have to have a high ability and responsibility to their student. It’s not just about teaching alphabet, number, counting, physical science, chemist, but also morality and discipline. In preschool teacher need extra patient to face on the kids. Coz this is time for them to play. I understand now, why in most preschool completed with so many toys. Kids like to learn and play. Their learn method is not same with the elementary student or high. They need play, sing, and other activity that can make them understand.

Is the activity at school enough for them? I am happy coz since he has gone to school he has friend now, he has time for play, and learn how to socialize with others. But to make kids learning process success, it’s not enough just hope on the teacher at school. We as parents especially mom, has a big ability for the success. And this I rule at home but not force him. He emulates what he see surrounds him.

Who is our kid teacher at home? Should we pay someone to do this job? It’s ok for them who have much money and little time at home coz they are too busy. What about parents with a little money and have many free times at home. We can save money by taking this job. This is our duty as a mom even we have so many tasks to do.

Just some minutes to one hour for a day, accompany them learning alphabet, numbers, telling stories, all are good for them. Creativity, and also patient that’s all what we need to be a teacher at home. Kid need courage and also compliment for every achievement they have made. Like what I have written that children are sponges, they emulate what they see.

I love reading and writing, and my son did that too, I never ask him to do that but it’s his want. He was interested to learn and my job was to accompany him when required. Sometimes I get angry because impatient by seeing him takes time to resolve some sum like two plus two, or something else. But he is still learning, and it’s not right if i have to shout. What I do then, leave it for a moment to calm my emotions, and might be able to start learning again a few hours later, when I feel calm.

Sometimes when I have finished my housework, like washing dishes my children like to help and at first was angry, because he can get dirty and wet, but finally I leave because I think he can learn to help and be independent in the end.

So as mom I am happy to do all that. See what I my son do right now, learning write and read with his own will, when he feel bore toys then he will look for pencil, papers or book, and start to learn. I am happy, because I don’t need to force him, no shout, no violence all happen naturally. And I hope this will be his good habit forever…hopefully

water

2010-03-29T10:40:00.001-07:00

Who doesn’t need water? We are not alien or strange creature. We are human and most of our body cell and its network not only consist of water, but each of the part surrounds by water. And the body cells need water to do their work.

Loss of water can disturbs the important functions of body. But I am not a doctor, and can’t explain it in right way.

What I know is water is vital for our live. People may die because of loss of water or not drink for 3 days.

Human need clean water. I thank God that I live with much water surrounds me. Turn on the taps and the water will come out. But in rainy season sometimes it doesn’t work, and we always confuse no water to take a bath, washing and other activity. We don’t have any bath reservoir. So we use water as we needed.

In Rote island, women usually carrying two large buckets of water, and they have to walk far enough from the reservoir to their home. I tried to carry that but I collapse in seconds too heavy. There are many ground waters in Rote. One of the biggest reservoirs becomes the source of the irrigation. We used to take a bath, washes, and do all the life activity there. For drinking water, we got it from the well, a shallow well. I was there, for 3 months before moved to our new contract till now.

That’s what the duty of personnel of mines and energy department. They usually go to a small village, make some test of ground water and build up well for them. So they don’t have to walk miles to get water from the source.

Imagine how people live in desert area were fresh water too difficult to get, many places in East Nusa Tenggara still face this problem. I can imagine how they feel, so in this moment when the water doesn’t work, it’s time to experience all the my neighbor hardship to get water.

anger

2010-03-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

I end this day with so much regret. I did something fatally mistake. I can’t hold my anger, and I released it to my son. I was so angry, and shouted to him badly. He was lying on bed, feeling hurt, I know he is hurt because I didn’t asked him first why did he hit his aunt.

After 20 minutes crying, he just stared at me from bed hoped that I would give him a hug. But I didn’t do that just to show him that i really angry. And I felt guilty looked at him like that.

Tak tahan, I hugged him then,sob he said," mom, aunt destroy my blocks, I’ve just made a Robot". Oh my God, what I’ve just done? I shouted to him and pinched,he only crying because I didn’t listen to him..I bring him to my hug and said, son please forgive mom, and help mom if someday mom in an anger warning mom by just say, “mom, be patient, listen to me first.” And he answered me : “yes mom, I love you so much
And now, in my silence, I down on my knees, I hope God will forgive me for my mistake. I should listen to him first and not shouted. Looking at him while he is sleeping make me sad, if I recall what I’ve done this afternoon.
Anger and also stress because some other problems made I couldn't control my self. I realized that it was wrong, I hope after this I can be more wise in manage my anger, because the anger only make people near me especially those whom i love so much become so stress.

I learn something important today, that everyone can angry, it's easy, but to angry in right way, and in right portion and also to right people, it's not easy. So self-control have to be done every time.

one thing touched me, when i hug my son and said that i' am sorry, seemed to anger and disappointment to me was evaporated.

Father, please forgive me

2010-03-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am sad, I am worried because the mistake I’ve just made

My conscience put me so bad by judging me so cruel

I collapse in seconds, my defenses broke down in once

Awoke with a sense of despair, I am dying…

My brain instantly had a stroke paralyzed, unable to think well,

Batteries run out, I need be charged, I fell down on Him, ask forgiveness for all the mistakes that I have been done. Father, forgive me.

One answer I have, I'm so proud of my strength that I could not fall, and it turns out I fell down... ..
In a strength that is too fragile, I should still remember Him, every millisecond or the smallest unit of time that I had to lean on Him.
Thank you Father, this sin slapped me so hard. My absence reminds me of your presence in my life.
Guide me Father, for I love you more, more fall down on my knees so I aware more often that I am just a weak human being, and Only depend on you I could have a salvation.

The cold water is flushed through my body, clean all the dirt, in the small room in my nakedness, I stripped and find God.

Children are sponges

2010-03-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Children are sponges. They absorb every word that comes out of your mouth. They mimic your body language and they emulate your behavior. (Nanny 911)

The sentence above is an excerpt from a book I was reading. And it proved. The children quickly absorb what they hear from the world around them. Schools, homes, and also when they playing with their friends, is a good medium to absorb. My husband and I early on made it a rule that any upset as we both were strictly forbidden to demonstrate in front of our children, the right time to talk about the problem is when our son has gone to bed. All with the aim that we do not lose control in coping with anger, because usually when we are angry all the words are not worth going out. Any upset which we felt, when we hold it at the time, and discuss it 5 hours later we might have forgotten the origin of our anger. When angry we would be smiling to see our son’s babble, funny, so even though we were angry, just still smiling. So when we have the discussion session later, the problem seemed to evaporate.
It is forbidden to say the words that are not appropriate in the house. Neither I nor my husband was and always keep reminding each other.
After 3 months we lived apart for a reason. And my job became increasingly severe. We have to adapt with new environment, especially my son. He has no friend with the same age with him. When I leave the house for doing my activities, he stay at home with his granny and antie. I am often surprised, how fast children imitate the words he heard. Once my kids say "lase ni... (sort of a curse for our region" I continue to ask: "Why did you say that? Who’s teach you the words?". "Antie Nita's from," she replied innocently. On bed while I tell him story, I also give him an explanation. That the word is not good, if your aunt say that again, not followed. The next day when he heard that word he turned and said to his auntie "what did you say auntie? You are not supposed to say so auntie! "(aunt blank). Since then I gave notice on the home, is expected to each at home to not get the words that do not deserve. And Thank God everything would like to cooperate.
Once I was visiting a friend's house along with Jericho. Her son age my son, so they play together. Her son’s likes to say "Tolo ni." My son confused and I was sure he asked to himself what did the word mean. I just watched, when Jeri would imitate it. And right 10 minutes later without any conscious Jeri said: "Tolo ni." I admonished him and Jeri replace the word "Tolo ni" with na'na'na, and rhythm in accordance with the word "Tolo ni." Why is this child like swearing, because his mama did that too, the curse words like interjection in that house. After done business, I immediately took leave her home.
I am trying to do good things for him. I avoid the things that are not worth as I can. One day while I was reading, he asked me, “Mom, why do you like reading most.” And I answered him, by reading we could know anything we want. And he took his book and pencil and began to learn. Sometimes he takes a book ask me to telling him some stories about fish, or anything else.
The essence of all is to establish communication with the child. How do we convey the message that we want to them. I used to shout out and the results, he also screamed when he ask for something. And I know that it’s false. Slowly I began to change the way I approach him with a soft communication and have an eye contact more often. Sometimes he start whine when he want something. And I don’t serve him if he ask in that way. I always say that I don’t understand what you want is you ask me in that way. Stop crying, calm yourself ad start to talk. And since I used this method, I don’t need long time to overcome his whine. I am learning how to make him comfortable to convey his feelings, when he was sad, angry, disappointed or happy and as well as how to forgive and apologize.
Every time I learned to tolerate my child. I learn how to overcome my anger, how to share my time with him and enjoy it all. Although sometimes I am too tired when arrive home after having some activities in college, and greeted with a pile of dirty dishes, but kisses and big hugs from my beloved son, all tired I feel erased already.
I just wanted him to speak polite in his social, Because I can’t fully control him when he is going to elementary school, but by building a communication from his early age I expect as his age increasing he can judge which is good and what does not, which ones need to be imitated and which should be ignored.
Hopefully….

Baby likes nang ning, ning nang, ning nung

2010-03-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

Baby likes dancing
What I saw from my son and my nephew when they were five months is they could dance, move their head, hand and also leg and most of their body. I did to my son when he was 6 months, he moved his head when I sing nang ning ning nang ning nung, while he was in my lap. It sounds like not a song, but they recognize it the tempo and the rhythm. And start dancing when they hear that. And now I have a nephew 6 months old, also start to move his body especially her head when she hear nang ning ning nang ning nung.
After reading an article baby born to boogie, then I look at my children. And I’m sure it true. And the research showed that baby respond to tempo and rhythm of the music instantaneously. And dance comes naturally to infant.
Based on a study of 120 infant, 5 months to 2 years, suggest human may be born predisposition respond to music rhythmically. And I think its effect on their psychology too. Because when they start dancing they will make a funny movement. And it can make us smile, because it’s not usual and a little bit strange but wow that’s great. Looking at our son who is responding to music, sitting in my lap and start to move his head follow the tempo and rhythm. And they start to smile and laugh because people surrounding them are smiling when looking at him. And they start to smile and laugh because people surrounding them are smiling when looking at him. Smile and laugh can reduce a stress that the baby experienced because of hunger.
I never had a question in my head about how the baby respond to music, until I read that article. For me its natural because I was used it and have an experience with them. I saw it in my son, my other nephews. It's funny, but the finding do the study and they have a conclusion that baby love a beat.
What I see from my son and my nephew when their five months they can dance, move their head, hand and also leg and most of their body. I did to my son when he was 6 month, he moved his head when I sing nang ning ning nang ning nung, while he was in my lap. It sounds like not a song, but they recognize it. And start to dance when they hear that. And now I have a nephew 6 months old, also start to move his body especially her head when she hear that “nang ning nang ning nung”.

learning from the past (failure)

2010-03-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

Everyday is a learning process. Not must be attended a class, if we want to learn something. Learning process can be done everywhere. At home, markets, on a trip, on a conversation we have on a chat, church, from books or anything. Even one inspiring sentence can change someone.
I have a dare to write and post my writing to kompasiana, after reading Mr. David posting title good reader, good writer. Actually I’ve been learning English and writing since last months ago. Met my old friend on social network, we shared information and he suggested me to start write. I was so ashamed to my writing, but in our conversation he always gives me support and checks every post I’ve just made. Thank you friend. I shared to two friends of mine and my husband the link of my blog. And they respond always positive. Actually my first aim to write is to earn money from the internet. But all change, it became second priority after I posted my writing to kompasiana I lost my focus if I just think about money, so I decide to write and also learning how to make a good writing. I believe money will come by itself and my English will be improved too. It’s a must to learn English if I want to write in English.
I had a positive respond from Mr. David Solafide, “touching”. Wow it means a lot for me. I realize that my writing is far away from a perfect. But people learn from a mistake. Learn from mistake, make us bigger and richer. I feel like I found myself back, after prisoned in a frightened jail for years.
Failure made me lost everything. It just like I’ve lost myself. It sunk with all the dreams and ambition. Pregnant in college, forced me to back home, get married and be a housewife. Almost 4 years I just stay at home, do all the homework, everyday just cooking, washing clothes, dishes, making bread to sell, ironing, preparing all my husband need and care of my son. I do all myself. I asked to myself, is this what I want, while my longing to be a civil engineer shadowed me all the time. If my neighbor, have a conversation outside our room, I just stay in. Read or try new recipe. I feel that they judge me as arrogant. But that’s not the reason exactly, I’m not arrogant. I have no confidence after gave birth, become not open minded, closing.
I am the proud of my family, my father especially. My failure made my parents so stressed. But he has a brave heart. Never stop give me support, he has faith that I can rise from my failure. And he sure that my longing to finish my study living deep in my heart. Oh dad, I love you so much. I have a lovely husband, who never stop help me to rise and free me from the jail of frightened. Our life is getting better, since my husband became a government employee two years ago. Hope just on his fee is not enough. Especially for the future of my children. We both have to prepare our children future. And I think I have to get a job too.
One day, my father asked me to continue my study. It needed two months before I took a decision. When I told to my husband, he gave me a permit. It means we have to live separate for a while. I was so afraid, thinking all the possibilities would be come, but he assured me that everything will be allright. And I am here now. Defeat the frightened with a decision and action.
All the frightened that I have been thought really happened, but it solved in their way. I learn how to live by faith and struggle. Learn from the past. From the failure I learn to respect life, I learn how difficult being a parents, finding money for their children. Forgetting themselves, their need always on the second priority. I even never give him a present on his birthday, or Christmas day. I cry on my reflection time, in silent moment, in a conversation with God. And I can feel his invisible hands, pulling me with his love, strengthen me in every tear that falls. Convince me of its presence in the unseen presence.
I thank God for this failure, I know this is one of his greatest mercy. I believe his blessing on the way to touch me. I just need to finish my job, working hard for gain my goals. And let the impossible things in God hand, I believe He will solve the impossible things become real.

are you ready for a changes...?

2010-03-13T09:10:00.001-08:00

Some couples days ago a friend of mine held a demonstration on campus. They oppose the decision of campus employs a lecturer, with a behavioral reasons. After facing the dean and not getting results, they begin to act a little extreme. Some began hitting the window, there is also breaking the lights and hit some old drums, making noise and disturbing other students who were studying.

I just stared and shook my head. What is there in their minds? Most severe they began to affect the younger generation who really don’t know the problem exactly including me. The problem occurs when the faculty hires a lecturer who has been dismissed also caused demo by the students, some years ago. The lecturer considered not cooperative with students especially in providing the assessment.

Many versions of the story I heard from some, but whatever it does not become an issue for me. Otherwise all the reasons make me even more curious about the assessment system was holding by the lecturer. And I am asking to myself is it really like that? Only I and a few students took the coastal engineering court, and most don’t take it because this court taught by the killer lecturer, that’s how he has been called.

I felt pity on them. Their mindset is so narrow. After several months, I’ve been a student of Flores University, i know exactly how is their learning pattern. Rely on a hundred percentage of attendance, doing homework that most of that the cheat result, they began to demand their rights. I can understand, if the lecturer gave them only C or D. If the homework that doing by the students just copy and paste, so what have they got? What they have learned? It’s normal if the lecturer want you to take this court again in next term. Only a fraction of the total UNFLOR engineering students can be said as students, and the rest did not.

Changes, that’s want to be applied by the lecturers. Changes promote and create more quality. Changes will not happen in one day, it needs process, months and years. What happened during years is student becomes very spoiled by some teachers. Or what is it in English “harap gampang” maybe “please easy”. A pack of cigarettes could make a student get A, and everything will be okay, even if you never attendance the class. Oh my God, what this university can be?

I agree and support the lecturers who want to make changes. And it’s sure there will be many obstacles on doing this.

Change has these characteristic, and they are:

1. Changes very mysterious

2. Changes need change maker(s)

3. Not everyone can adapt to change. Some only can see using the eye of perception, only can see the reality without an ability to see the future.

4. Changes happen all the time, that’s why it’s important to us following the change. A small change impacts to others changes.

5. There are two sides of changes they are: the hard and soft side of changes. Hard side tends to money and technology while the soft side tends to people and organization.

6. Changes needs times, money and power.

7. Changes need extra efforts to touch the basic value of organization. Without touching the basic values, changes will not change the behaviors and habits.

8. Most of changes were colored by myths. One of the myth that change followed by progress.

9. Changes product an expectation. Changes make people hope for a changes and it direct to a disappointment if the changes not happen.

10. Changes always scary and cause panics. But using communication techniques changes can be a party and cause collective effects.

(adopt from Change, Rheinald Kasali, Ph.D)

On the initiative of the lecturers, Engineering Faculty rose from the dreams of backwardness and start moving forward to meet the changing.

Progress will not happen without change. If we want to grow up, we need to change. Change our mindset to be brave enough to accept the changes. If don’t change and can’t adapt to all the changes then we just confine our steps at one point.

I support the idea of the lecturers, so there will be no safe by cigarettes. But with the efforts and awareness to train the brain, change the learning pattern from yes please to I can do by me, I believe this faculty will get name and class. I also hope this faculty can further the next 5-10 years and can produce graduate qualified. Hopefully…………..

Sedih tak punya baju baru? Tentu tidak…..Sedih tak punya buku? Tentu iya....

2010-03-13T05:03:00.000-08:00

Sedih tak punya baju baru? Tentu tidak…..Sedih tak punya buku? Tentu iya

Dalam tulisan ini saya hanya ingin berbagi tentang betapa berartinya buku atau lebih tepatnya bacaan bagi saya dan tentunya bagi kita semua. Karena membaca tidak selalu harus buku bukan, dengan bermodalkan sebuah PC atau laptop dan sebuah flash modem (cdma dengan tarif 50rb per bulan), kita bisa mendapatkan artikel untuk dibaca,belajar bahasa Inggris secara online dari bbc.co.uk, dan bahkan bahan belajar untuk anak pra sekolah pun tersedia dalam salah satu search engine terbesar, “Uncle Google”,satu dari anak kecanggihan teknologi. Bahwa penting dan bermanfaat jika kita meluangkan waktu bagi buah hati kita, tiga puluh menit atau lebih membacakan cerita untuk mereka saat tidur siang ataupun malam. Semakin sering kita melakukanya, lihat bagaimana mereka berimajinasi, menceritakan kembali dengan bahasa mereka sendiri dan menjadi kreatif. Bercerita sudah saya lakukan sejak anak saya berumur 8 bulan, tidak setiap hari, tapi sesering mungkin saya berusaha meluangkan waktu di sela-sela kesibukan saya, dan kadang tertidur bersama karena keletihan. Sekarang anak saya akan berusia 4 tahun, melihat apa yang sudah bisa dilakukannya, membuat saya semakin bersemangat untuk terus membimbingnya, membuat dia semakin mencintai buku dan pensil. Ini hanya tulisan dari seorang ibu rumah tangga yang ingin berbagi dan semoga bermanfaat.

Ini adalah pertanyaan yang hinggap di kepala saya ketika tiba di kupang. Mau kemana besok yah? Ke toko baju atau ke gramedia? Baju baru atau buku? Biasanya sudah saya rencanakan sebelum ke kupang. Tapi membeli baju baru, sepatu baru, tas baru semuanya terkalahkan dengan membeli buku. Buku buat saya, buku buat suami dan buku buat anak. Bagi saya penampilan tidak penting isi otaklah yang penting. Biasanya yang saya beli biasanya buku resep masakan, buku pengembangan kepribadian dan buku-buku agama. membeli buku resep masakan, sampai di rumah bisa dicoba resepnya,kalau berhasil dan rasanya enak, layak jual dan jadilah usaha, biasanya yang jadi testernya suami dan anak. Ketika sedang dalam masalah mau lari kemana, curhat ke siapa juga bingung? Kami keluarga baru di daerah baru. Satu-satu pelarian hanyalah buku, membaca, memahami dan jadi diam dalam jawaban yang tersirat dari otak sang penulis buku yang saya baca.

Buku buat suami, biasanya majalah computer PC-media dan beberapa tutorial yang berhubungan dengan computer. Informasi yang ada terus diupdate, dan beberapa orderan servican pun berdatangan. Atau ada yang minta dibersihin laptop atau pc-nya dari virus.

Buku buat anak, belajar menulis dan berhitung, belajar mewarnai, alkitab kecil sudah menjadi miliknya. Tapi bukan tidak hanya membeli, saya punya tugas besar disini. Terus membimbingnya dengan penuh kesabaran, meskipun saya sebenarnya bukan orang yang sabaran. Tebalkan huruf dan lafalkan. Hitung jumlah pensilnya dan lingkari. Suatu hari setelah kami hitung bersama jumlah pensilnya ada 16-20 secara acak,

Mama: kenapa yang kamu lingkari hanya angka 17 nak?

Anak : Karena saya suka 17 mama….

anak : “mama, bagaimana caranya menulis nama saya?”

Mama : J E R I (mengeja)

Anak : bukan mama, yang benar itu J O E. (sambil menunjukkan huruf-hurufnya), (haaaaa? Jdalam hati saya). saya menatapnya sesaat (bingung), kalau dikoreksi pasti bos kecil ini akan minta dihapus koreksiannya. Dan akhirnya saya hanya bisa berkata: “yah sudah kamu selesaikan saja yah, kalau sudah selesai baru panggil mama”. Rasanya itu lebih efektif daripada harus mempertahankan pendapat saya karena bagi dia jawabannyalah yang paling benar.

Disaat yang lain barulah saya jelaskan jawaban yang sebenarnya. Dan itu bisa diterima oleh anak saya. Benar-benar harus sabar. Bocah kecil itu paling senang dibacakan cerita pada saat tidur siang dan tidur malam. Dan saya pun mulai mengarang, terkadang dibacakan dari buku. Cerita favoritnya adalah cerita tentang ikan dari Disney Ensiklopedi.

Suatu hari ada percakapan kecil di antara kami:

Anak : mama, ikan hiu paus itu baik kah?

Mama : menurut kaka baik atau tidak?

Anak : baik mama, karena dia tidak makan anjing laut tapi plankton plankton kecil.

Jelas sekali bagaimana dia menyebut plankton-plankton kecil, seingat saya baru sekali saja membacakan cerita tentang ikan hiu paus.

Sejak saat itu saya selalu berusaha meluangkan waktu lebih sering untuk menemaninya membacakan disamping saat tidur siang maupun malam.

Kadang ketika bercerita dalam keletihan dan mata tak bisa diajak berkrompomi maka anak saya akan berkata : “mama, kalau cerita itu yang benar, mama mengantuk kah?”. Dan saya menjawab : “iya sayang” Dengan penuh kasih dia memeluk saya dan berkata “kita tidur sudah mama e….”.

Kadang saya merasa minder diantara ibu-ibu tetangga lain, yang rata-rata adalah pegawai. mereka memiliki banyak baju bagus. Yang selalu mereka bicarakan adalah “di Ba’a sudah buka butik baru atau sudah lihat belum koleksi baju barunya, sepatunya bagus”. Dan saya cuma tersenyum kalau diajak kesana dan menolak dengan halus. Saya membutuhkan baju, tapi tidak seminggu atau dua minggu sekali harus belanja baju, sepatu dan tas. Beberapa potong cukup disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan.

Ketika kembali ke kamar, melihat anak yang aktif, tawanya, manjanya, tangisnya haruskah saya merasa minder. Melihat suami yang sedang melahap kue tart susu buatan saya dengan nikmatnya, haruskah saya merasa minder? Minder karena tak punya baju bagus atau apalagi yang lain? haruskah….? Tidak.

Bersyukur untuk apa yang sudah saya miliki dalam hidup, suami yang mencintai saya apa adanya dan juga seorang putra yang menggemaskan. Itu saja yang ingin saya lakukan dalam hidup saya saat ini hanya bersyukur. Ketika bersyukur maka semua pikiran minder itu akan hilang dan berganti dengan “terima kasih Bapa, atas berkatmu.”

jangan ambil hartaku

2010-03-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

Sore itu hujan sangat deras, jalanan terlimpas curahan air hujan yang sepertinya tidak ingin berdamai. Kilat, dan Guntur terus saling menyambung seperti ingin mengatakan akulah yang lebih berkuasa. Seorang anak terus bergelut dalam pelukan mamanya. Dekapan erat yang terlalu rapuh untuk dijadikan sandaran. Mama mari kita ke kamar, saya sudah mengantuk. Seperti kehilangan akal, ibu itu menuju ke kamar, dan tidak ada apa-apa disana. Kasur yang empuk, bantal, bahkan selembar Koran untuk beralas tidur pun tidak. Yang tersisa adalah lantai basah yang mulai becek karena seng yang bocor terus menitikkan air membasahi lantai seperti hendak membanjiri lantai dengan genangan kecil. Dan anak itu terus menangis karena terlalu ingin meletakan tubuh kecilnya untuk berbaring setelah capek bermain seharian. Sang mama hanya bisa memeluk anaknya erat, dengan hati yang remuk redam, berusaha menenangkan buah hatinya tanpa kehadiran suami tercinta. Matanya berkaca-kaca dan air mata mulai membasahi pipinya, terus diciumi anaknya, sambil berharap hujan akan berdamai dengan dirinya.
Dalam dekapan yang luar biasa hangatnya dan penuh kasih sayang anak itu tertidur, sang mama beranjak ke ruang tengah, ruang tamu dan melongok ke dapur yang hanya berisikan satu drom untuk menampung air minum. Dia mencari tempat yang agak kering untuk juga bias ikut meletakkan tubuhnya sejenak sambil menggendong anaknya. Akal sehatnya mulai bekerja dan ingatannya mulai normal kembali, pada saat itu baru dia tersadar dia baru saja kehilangan suaminya. Suaminya meninggal tujuh hari lalu, tepat pada hari ketiga satu persatu barangnya diambil oleh penagih hutang, tanpa sedikitpun belas kasihan, dan tak menyisakan satupun. Awalnya rumah itu adalah gubuk beratap daun, suaminya adalah anak tunggal dalam keluarganya, sejak kematian mertuanya maka rumah itu menjadi milik suaminya. Dia menikah tepat ketika umurnya baru saja menginjak 25 tahun, karena pergaulan bebas dan di bangku kuliah. Keluarganya sendiri tidak ada yang menyetujui pernikahan itu, bahkan bapak dari sang mama mengharapkan anak dalam kandungannya itu diadopsi saja olehnya, supaya anaknya bisa melanjutkan kuliah. Tapi semua itu tidak diinginkan sang anak. Berjalan satu tahun kehidupan rumah tangga semuanya berjalan aman, karena untuk hidup dan menutupi kekurangan mereka masih bergantung dari mertua sampai sang suami mendapatkan pekerjaan tetap. setelah tiga bulan sang suami bekerja juga kematian sang mertua, pasutri itu mengambil keputusan untuk mengambil pinjaman bank, dengan tujuan untuk merenovasi rumah.
Baru sebulan pinjaman itu diambil dan rumah itu masih dalam renovasi, sang suami jatuh sakit. Dan uang sisa pinjaman habis untuk biaya rumah sakit sang suami tercinta, bantuan dari orangtua sang istri sudah tak terhitung banyaknya, sementara mereka pun harus memenuhi kebutuhan mereka sendiri. hanya ada satu jalan tersisa meminjam dari rentenir, dengan ketentuan 1 buan pengembalian dengan bunga. Beberapa bulan kemudian sang suami meninggal, meninggalkannya dengan bunga pinjaman yang sangat besar.
Dia menangis pilu dalam diam, isak yang tertahan tak ingin mengusik kepulasan tidur buah hatinya. Memeluk anaknya dengan kasih, dan terus berteriak histeris dalam hatinya, bagaimana nasibmu nak….?
Nyanyian tangisannya terganggu oleh gaduh di depan pintu rumahnya, suara perempuan berteriak minta dibukakan pintu, bangkit berdiri dia berjalan perlahan membuka pintu. Ketika pintu terbuka sang rentenir masuk bersama seorang pengawal dan seketika merampas anaknya yang sedang tertidur pulas dalam gendongannya. Tangisnya pecah dan bertanya “ada apa?” dengan angkuh sang rentenir menjawab “ hutangmu masih banyak, anakmu saya ambil cepat sini berikan anakmu!” sang ibu terus menangis mempertahankan anaknya miliknya satu-satunya saat ini. Langit runtuh diatas kepalanya, berat sekali dia tak mampu memikulnya saat itu dan oh aku bermimpi dan menangis.
Ketakutan, kulihat kesamping, “terima kasih Bapa” kata pertama yang keluar dari mulutku. Jagoanku masih tertidur pulas disampingku. Kupeluk dan kucium keningnya,….
Mimpi itu masih mempengaruhiku hingga seharian. Aku seperti ketakutan, dikejar mimpi. Aku menelepon suamiku dan menceritakan padanya. Dan dia mengatakan : “ma, itu hanya mimpi.” Terima kasih Bapa kembali aku masih memiliki harta, mereka berdualah hartaku yang termahal.
Dari ketakutan aku lalu terbakar api keberanian. Berani untuk menghadapi semua rintangan di masa yang akan datang. Mempersiapkan diriku untuk mandiri dan tidak bergantung pada suami. Aku pernah gagal di masa lalu, hamil di bangku kuliah. Dan sekarang melanjutkan kuliah S1 di tanah kelahiranku.
Dari international civil engineering ke Teknik Sipil Universitas Flores. Jauh sekali dari suasana tempatku kuliahku dulu. Tapi inilah hidup dan harus aku jalani. Dimana pun tempatnya aku kuliah, pulau Jawa, NTT, Papua apakah ada bedanya? Semua memang berbeda, beda wilayah, beda fasilitas dan banyak yang lainnya. Tapi satu yang sama, semua lembaga pendidikan adalah tempat kita menimba ilmu. Berapa banyak ilmu yang bisa kau timba, hanya ditentukan oleh dirimu sendiri bukan lembaga. Lembaga hanya menyediakan fasilitas dan kitalah yang menentukan mau maju atau tinggal diam di tempat. Inilah tempatku, dan dari tempat ini pula aku ingin memajukan diriku, keluarga kecilku, keluarga besarku, tanah kelahiranku dan juga negaraku. Aku hanya ingin maju, terus belajar dan bisa mandiri dengan cara yang benar, aku yakin aku bisa capai semua itu dan bukan hanya mimpi

Beauty and Body Care

2010-03-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

One day I have a chat with my old friend. We share about any woman life. We talked about child growth, marriage life and also beauty. I have a new worldview after that. I think she’s right, sometimes after married and childbearing, most women who stay at home don’t care about their own life. It may cause by busyness with the house, child and husband. Another reason may beauty and body care more often conotted with expensive. Actually beauty and body care can be done at home too. Not always havet to go to expensive salon to get a beauty. Knowledge of how to treat the body and health of woman is also necessary.

I rarely use moisturizer at home. On my friend advice, I slowly began to change my outlook. Actually I have had some tools but a little knowledge on how to use it make all not used properly. Moisturizer is very important for woman. It protects skin from aging, radiation and moisturizing skin from the dryness.

Loose powder, moisturizer, foundation, are basic element for beauty care. There are many products of it, cheaper to expensive one. We can find one suits with our skin and also budget.

moisturizer, powder and lipstick, having that 3 components in our dresser is enough to start the beauty care at home. Some additional like mascara, lip pencil, body scream, pressed Powder can be added depend on our need. Simple make up, enough to being beauty for a lovely husband that’s my friend said and I say it now too.

I LOVE TO READ

2010-02-27T19:48:00.001-08:00

Book is the window of the world. By reading we can go anywhere we want. We don’t need any passport or ticket to go there. By imagining the information that we get from the books, we can now about England, we know the airport name or anything else that we read from the books. I loved to read all books, especially about Personality growth, children growth and also sanity books, I but don’t like the politic one.

By reading all of that books we learn about life, how to survive among the problems come to us and keep in faith to God. I also read civil engineering books, because I am learning about that. I just have only a few good books, but it doesn’t matter because we can get any books by downloading it from the internet. There are a lot of free e book that can be our reference. Like one of my friends said, ask to uncle Google, one of the biggest search engines in internet world.

There are some brilliant persons who can master something without have to go to school. To learn something about computer troubleshoot, they just go to a book store, buy some books about that, find some articles that related to that, read and practice it him/herself and master it. It depends on someone diligence and willingness too.

Culture also can be a factor of the reading activity. Habits to receive lessons from teacher, without sharpened the ability to analysis something by reading him/herself. That was I observed from the environment where I learned today. When got a task from the lecturer, students prefer to find the cheat than to find the answer themself. Otherwise there are a lot of books can be borrowed from the library or they can find the answer on the internet. To be an active student we need to read more and understand, without reading we can’t answer all the questions that the lecturers give on class. That’s why only a few students can answer all the questions when discuss time, while the others just keep on silence. When we find something that we don’t understand, we can bring it to class and have a discussion with the lecturer. But it still sounds strange, because of the culture. Students here like to get out soon from the class than have to have a discussion.

This is the difference of learning method here compare to the big cities like Java and its surrounding. More factor affect it, besides the culture, the facility availability also be the deciding factors. Technology achievement makes everything be possible. It changes everything. The ability of a person to receive the change also becomes a factor of improvement. Laziness is like a disease that prevents us from developing. When laziness descend quickly eradicated, do not let laziness dominate us. Because laziness can’t make us able to move forward to the fore but could only move in place.

Dora and Diego

2010-02-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

My son four years old likes to see Dora The Explorer. He can watch it 3-4 times a day. Arriving home from school it’s his time for watching and playing game. Almost all the dialogs in some episodes, has memorized by him. Dora is a little girl. Dora has a friend named Boots and has a bag pack from her parent, it’s a magic bag pack, that contains everything that Dora needs. Boots is a little monkey.

Dora has a nephew named Diego who likes to save the animal. If Dora has a bag pack, Diego has a rescue pack. My son likes to say this sentences “Rescue Pack for rescues”. From Diego he knows about the river dolphin, or jaguar. Or sometimes he retold the episodes that he’s just watched, of course in his own language and understanding. Dora turn back the books to library, and Diego saving the baby dolphin river, are the episodes that he likes most. I bought the cd in Kupang last couple month ago. There are many episodes but he just has 3 for each of both Dora and Diego. Actually I can download but the bad connection makes it never success.

Usually arrived from school I just let him in front of the laptop for playing game and watching Dora. He usually playing an online game, I got this link from my friend. It’s an edugame and useful for kids to learn English. Here is the link. http://concurso.cnice.mec.es/cnice2005/132_English_for_Little_children/presentacion/presentacion.html. At least there are 8 words that he can learns for a day, and 4 words he can memorized for one time playing. It’s a simulation game, so by listening continually he can absorbs to his mind.

There are also Dora and Diego games. It’s good to practice his brain how to classify by colors, shape and counting. He can also learn about animal, dinosaur, dolphin, jaguar and many more.

I prefer the episodes of Dora and Diego to be watched than the serial TV that sometimes not good for kids. In Dora and Diego they learn something new in each episode. Sometimes we need to accompany them when they are watching, to explain the meaning of some words that he doesn’t understand.

The episodes of Dora and Diego, and also some edugames is good to kids growth in order their learning of English or life. So mom start to make all of that as your kids show too. Of course without disregard the kids learning time for schooling.

A LITTLE BOY

2010-02-25T02:28:00.001-08:00

One day, when I was sitting in my mom’ stall. A little boy went down the street without sandal under the sun. taken some brooms . He stopped in front of my mom’s stall and look at a glass of green nut mush. I know he was thirsty, so I called him to come in. I gave him a glass of water and a glass of green nut mush. He wore a dirty cloth, no sandal while the asphalt is so hot under the sun.

And this is a short conversation between us …:

Me : Are you thirsty ?

The boy : yes I am

Me : are you going to school? And in what grade are you now?

The boy : I am in 2^nd grade in elementary school

Me : where do you live?

The Boy : I live in Potu, I sell this brooms to help my parents earn money for schooling. (Potu is an area in my home town, it about 3 km from center of town)

Me : why don’t you use a sandal? Isn’t it hot out there?

The boy : I don’t have any sandal ..

Oh God, this little boy, he is maybe just 8 years old. To help his parents he has to walk 3 km without sandal, selling his broom. Two thousand rupiahs per each. No complaint for school. Maybe it’s the effect of poverty, forces a little boy to work for earning money. Actually, it’s time for kids to playing and studying. But I’m sure when he arrived home he must do other homework, and tired in the learning time.

This reality helps me to reflect my life. Sometimes I grumble when facing problems that’s come to my life. Look at this little boy’s life makes me so ashamed. Should I complaint to a small problems in my life while there are million people live in poverty, homeless, hunger, diseases and less education out there?. They may be complaint too for this life, but what can they do. Live in complaint just make their life become more difficult, so the only way is just face It on.

It’s just a small picture of poverty. There are big cases in big town caused by poverty. And all of that brings people to death, criminality and prostitution.

So thank God I can eat for today, I can sleep on bed, I am not homeless, I can go to school have a better education to build a better life. In every condition I have to thank God for everything. I just can give a pair of sandal for now, hope I can do more someday…..

Love and friendship on the internet

2010-02-17T19:46:00.001-08:00

We had conference using Yahoo messenger last night. We were five, I and all other friends. Almost 7 years we haven’t met each other. We have our different activities and life now. Although we are living in different places, felt like we were still in senior high school, no time space. Actually all of us met again in the social networks named facebook. We can find the old friend and anyone we know who were in the same school in elementary, junior, senior and university. It’s like a reunion. And yes some of friends make it happened a couple month ago, by connecting friend using this. I wasn’t there at that time because I was not in that place.

Using yahoo messenger I can chat or make a video and audio call. Distance is not a big problem for a couple who live separate. Yahoo messenger make it easy and also other similar messenger. My son 4 years old, always miss his dad and ask to called him everytime. But sometimes he wants to show any handiwork that he’s just made and he said: “dad, dad look I’ve just made a train.” He thought that his father can see all on a phone call. Sometimes he kissed the phone as he kissed his father. So I told to my husband to use video call feature, so we can see each other. And since we use that, my son feel happy and always want to show anything soon to his dad. Yahoo messenger is helpful for us.

can a small capital work in credit bussiness?

2010-02-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

I ussually do all the homework myself. Washing, cooking, carry my husband and also my son. That’s the duty of a mother and wife do. To sustain our financial, I used to make some homemade bakery, like donut, lumpia, panada, and cake. I have no selfconfidence when I made it first time. First reason is about the taste, is it taste good or not.? And the second one is can all of that be sold out…?

My lovely Husband, never stop to support me. So before he left to his office, he picked up some cakes and put it in his office canteen. And it’s surprised when he arrived home after working, no cakes left, all sold out. Wow. It’s a good start for me to start a small business at home. 2 months passed away, and I got sick, to tired. And my husband asked me to stop a while for my goodness.

The profit I get from this small business is good. I got some order, but still I’m too tired finally and got sick. I need someone to help me in the kitchen. And the same time the problem appears, it’s so difficult to find any local people that can help me. Even if I got one, our room is too small for one more person. We are a new comer in Rote Ndao, and still living in a leasing room, with one bed room, one kitchen and bathroom. So I just accept small order as I can.

Once I got some money from my husband, it's 1 million, I decide to try another business. I order some woman’s goods from my sister who lived in Surabaya, and sell it to other with a credit payment. The profit is big enough, and I did it for 3 months. But it’s stop, coz some reasons. One, small capital, I can’t order new order before I got the payment, and it’s difficult to keep the money in an urgent condition. Two, lately payment, this business can’t run with people who are not discipline in payment. There must be a return to capital, and half of profit should be invested. So I need enough capital about 5 million, so the profit I get will become bigger, so I can use one third for sustain my life, and the rest return to capital.

a trip to rote

2010-02-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

Rote island. It is unfamiliar for me when i came to that place1,5 years ago to lived. My husband works as a government employee in the resident office. But time passed by and rote has become my second hometown now. In the morning the road is still sleepy, you just can find 1 or 2 motorcycles.Women go down to Ba'a market carrying on their baskets full of different vegetables to be sold out. On the road as they passed we can called them and buy all that we need.

It's surprised for me coz its cheaper than in ende. For a family with a small number, only with a thousand, we can prepare lunch and dinner. You can get some fresh fish in Ba'a market with price 10000 for 2 days. or 5000 and 20000 depend on the type of fish. For better type u can buy it with 20000-50000. Better type better taste. And the seller mostly women than men.

To go to rote expecially from ende we have to on boat 2 times, because there is no direct trip to rote. We have to transit in kupang and go on to rote. There are 3 alternatives we can choose, by boat that consist of two, pelni boat and bahari Express, and also by plane. From all of that 3 choices, of course by plane is the expensive one, and it makes trip by plane become rare. So boat become the primary transportation mode to connect Rote Ndao to Kupang. Pelni boat carry all the goods in and out to Rote Ndao, while Bahari Express is a Boat Passenger.

Seewed is one bussiness opportunity that can be done in Rote Ndao. Many farmers have better life after produce it. The crash crops, can be an export commodity and of course it can be one interesting alternative to start a small bussiness with a small capital.

Valentine Day

2010-02-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

almost 6 years we spent time together. but no present i had from him. and who cares? i dont need any present, chocolate, flowers....all that dont mean much to me. one day i asked, kaka

(thats how i called him, my lovely husband) what present would you give to me on valentine day tommorow? and he laughed at me. and said "u are like a teenager". and we laughed together. but i really had my present in the same day, a night with love. "everyday is a valentine day, u will got all my love everyday, i am not a romantic guy, but i do love you and our son just u and him" and the words stay deep in my heart.

"I love you", he doesnt say that word so often, but once he say it can always make me smile. and i feel his trully. OMG i miss him very much. in this valentine day we cant spent time together, because we lived separately for a temporary momet and for one reason.

although we are separated so far away but he will be in my heart and in this valentine day i wish our love will be strength, we will be more trusting on each other. I love you my lovely husband.

tak berjudul

2010-02-12T03:53:00.000-08:00

ada banyak sekali yang ingin aku tuangkan dalam lembaran putih ini. tapi ku tak tahu harus mulai darimana. menulis, satu kata, dua kata, tiga kata menjadi satu kalimat, dua kalimat, tiga kalimat dan berkembang menjadi satu paragraph. mampukah aku menulis hingga sembilan paragraph atau lebih dan menjadi sebuah cerpen atau tulisan. ku tak tahu.

ada seseorang yang membuatku terinspirasi untuk menulis sejak 10 tahun lalu. dia adalah sepupuku, mahasiswa S2 UGM waktu itu. setiap hari yang dia lakukan adalah membaca, membaca, membaca, menulis, menulis dan menulis. aku ingin seperti itu, tapi ketakutan selalu menghentikan langkahku untuk menulis, bahkan untuk mencapai tiga paragraph pun aku tidak pernah mampu.

"Kau harus selalu membaca, membaca apa saja, dan sepotong koran, ensiklopedi, novel, apa saja yang bisa kau baca disekelilingmu" dari satu kata kembangkanlah hingga menjadi satu paragraph. jangan pernah berhenti ketika satu kata telah kau mulai. imaginasi itu tidak terbatas, apa saja bisa kau jadikan bahan untuk menulis.

Tetapi, semua yang saudaraku katakan hanya menjadi teori dalam kepalaku. aku tidak pernah berusaha untuk memulai, semuanya berakhir dibawah kaki kata malas, oh aku tidak mampu menulis, tulisanku tidak bagus dan berbagai macam alasan lain.

sepuluh tahun berlalu sudah. mengisi kurun waktu sepuluh tahun ada banyank sekali hal yang terjadi, yang datang dan pergi seperti pasir tersapu angin, pergi dan tak mungkin kembali. terkadang dalam lika-liku kehidupan itu, dalam tawa dan tangis, ingin selalu kutuangkan semuanya dalam sebuah tulisan. hanya untuk berbagi dengan sekitarku, tapi yang aku punya hanyalah empat diari yang tak penuh selama sepuluh tahun. yang berisi curahan hati atau kata-kata hebat dari para penulis hebat yang sudah kubaca bukunya.

sampai semalam aku berbincang-bincang dengan sahabat sekelasku ketika di SMA. aku terkagum-kagum membaca tulisannya, hebat!! Dialah inspirasiku dan motor penggerakku untuk mulai menulis. aku bangga padanya.

gairahku untuk menulis seperti hampir meledak dari dalam diriku. seharian yang ada dalam kepalaku adalah mulai menulis. menulis apa saja, aku tidak ingin semua kekuatan negatif itu mencengkeramku dan mengekangku erat, aku ingin bebas berekspresi lewat tulisan. seperti perasaan lepas ketika aku menyanyikan sebuah lagu, melepaskan semuanya. melepaskan semua beban dengan menulis, seperti mencampakkan beban-beban hidup itu dalam sebuah kertas. dan sedikit kelegaan mulai merayapi diriku.

aku tahu akan banyak rintangan tapi aku yakin dengan kemauan yang kuat akan selalu ada jalan. Dan kedua orang yang menjadi inspirasiku, kakak Christian Dan Dadi dan sahabatku Jacky Kerans, aku harap mereka akan selalu ada untuk membantuku. terima kasih untuk semuanya.