MAGICAL LIGHT

Jalan-Jalan Ke Banten Lama

noreply@blogger.com (The light) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:14:00 +0000

Jam 08:30

Aku merasa panas di dalam mobil. Sepanjang jalan Taqi nyanyi-nyanyi terus. Panasnya bukan main.jadi aku foto-foto saja.

Jam 10:28

Akhirnya sampai di banten lama. Disana ada banyak peninggalan Banten, aku mulai mengambil foto dan disana banyak barang keren.

Jam 13:20

Saya ada di benteng Banten. Di sana ada penjara bawah tanah dan ruang pengawas. Dulu benteng itu banyak meriamnya lho...

Jam 14:00

Makan siang KFC dengan nasi dan ayam lalu kita naik bus. Saat sudah jam enam, kita ke rest area dulu lalu melanjutkan perjalanan. Kita berpura-pura bermain zombie-zombie-an. Ceritanya ada banyak zombie. Jam setengah tujuh kita sampai di sekolah, tante Delfi sudah datang dan Abi ikut tante Delfi. Kita cerita-cerita tentang petualangan tadi.

Catatan Tambahan:

Mangkuk kuno adalah salah satu peninggalan kuno yang digunakan untuk menaruh makanan.

Golok adalah senjata berupa pedang yang dulu digunakan untuk perang.

Peluru meriam Ki Amuk yang tebal ini sangat kuat. Rumor mengatakan peluru ini yang menghancurkan Benteng.

Hikari the Green Belt Holder

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 05:23:00 +0000

Hi, friends,
It's been more than a year since Hikari's last post about his Karate practice. In November 2009, Hikari just started to join The International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Sacikeas Dojo. Right now, he is already a green belt holder.

It is not easy to get the green belt because Hikari always has excuses not to go to his Karate practice every Saturday morning. But Mamam and Papap are always persistent too to encourage Hikari to practice. Hikari then negotiated with Mamam and Papap. He said if he could jump 2 belts he would want to be given a prize. Can you guess what the prize is?

It's PSP 2!

Oh dear...

Well, this is a recap of what he has done in a year.

1) Exam preparation from white belt:

2) After the exam. Hikari got his first belt: yellow. Can you guess which one he is?

3) Finally, Hikari got his yellow belt. His first belt:

4) Hikari was demonstrating his skills to be able to continue from yellow to orange belt:

5) Hikari was now in orange belt level:

6) Now, Hikari holds a green belt after he successfully passed the exam in November 2010:

Hikari with his bestfriend, Abi.

Cara Membuat Perempuan Kecil

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 04:30:00 +0000

Ramuan ciptaan Hikari

Taruh lah beberapa gula.

Lalu 3 sendok bumbu... dan semua yang baik.

Bubuk emosi.

Debu rumah.

Akar Mandrake... taruh di luar saat rasi bintang Hydra...

Paginya, jika matahari membakar ramuan tersebut taruh beberapa air embun...

Lalu 10 tetes racun Taipan... Jangan terlalu banyak bisa menyebabkan ledakan besar...

Permata...

Rambut wanita...

Tanah liat...

Abu...

Kulit Lele Wels...

Terakhir... 20 kaca pecah...

Let's Go Fishing!

noreply@blogger.com (The light) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 07:06:00 +0000

Hikari has been nagging Mamam and Papap to go fishing ever since he got a fishing rod for his 8th Birthday's present 6 months ago. Unfortunately, Mamam and Papap hadn't got the time to take him to a nice fishing pool. To compensate for his enthusiasm for fishing, Hikari then has tried many times to fish in Eyang's fish pond using his big and long fishing rod! What happened was many of Eyang's fish died miserably because of Hikari.

Finally, on January 8, 2011, Papap took Hikari to Ancol. Actually Papap had an office gathering on that day. But Hikari insisted on bringing his fishing rod despite the rain and the wind.

Hikari was observing the surrounding:

Waiting for Papap to finish his job first:

Too windy:

Learning from the master:

Ciaaatttt....!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Early this month, Hikari started joining Karate class at his school. Now, every Saturday morning Papap takes Hikari to his Karate practice. How did Hikari end up joining the class? It's a funny story, actually.

The Karate class was a new activity in Hikari's extracurricular activities. Last year, they didn't have it. When the school distributed the list of extracurricular activities for this year, the Karate class was in the list. Papap asked Hikari which activity he wanted to join. Hikari chose to join Science club. However, Papap and Mamam thought Hikari could use some sports. We encouraged him to join either Karate or soccer. Mamam preferred Hikari to join Karate because it would teach him to defend himself while burning his excessive energy. Papap actuallywanted Hikari to join soccer but Hikari refused because he felt lazy to run around the field... Mamam also thought Hikari would become dark if he joined soccer hahaha... Finally, Papap and Mamam asked Hikari to join Karate class. At first, he rejected the idea. Hikari said he didn't want anyone to kick him. It took awhile for him to accept the idea of joining Karate. But, one day after returning from school, he told Papap and Mamam that he would join the class because his close friends would all join the Karate class!

It has been a month since Hikari joined the class. In the first session, Hikari was often called by the instructor because he was playing around in class. The photos here were taken from the second session. What did Hikari say about the practice?
"It is tooooooooooo serious!"
Oh my!

Nana-sai ni narimashita...

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:40:00 +0000

The 20 of July this year, Hikari became 7 years old. A month before his birthday, he already planned on what he wanted his birthday party to be. He even had imagined his birthday cake. It was a Pokemon theme. Weeks before his birthday, he also made a list of gifts he was supposed to be given... Isn't he something?

At first, Mama and Papap only planned to celebrate Hikari's birthday at school like his request. However, this year's 20 of July was a holiday. So, Hikari had to celebrate his birthday on the 21. Knowing this, Eyang Uti (Hikari's grandma) decided to make another party at her house.

This year's birthday was really something. First, Hikari found a birthday shop at a mall which sold a Pokemon-theme-birthday cake. Because it was very expensive, Mama asked Mama Raihan to make the same cake. Besides, Mama Raihan's cake is really yummy. We have ordered cakes to Mama Raihan before. Then, a few days before the birthday, Mama Raihan told Mama that it was difficult to find the Pokemon's accessories. Oooooh, we then hurried up to the store at the mall to order. But, you know what? The store was vanished! It was not opened at that mall anymore! So, again, Mama asked Mama Raihan for the rescue. Thank God, Mama Raihan agreed to make two cakes: the Pokemon cake and the cheesecake for Hikari's teachers. And for the party at Eyang's house, Eyang Uti ordered a Spongebob cake from a nearby store. Fiuuuuh...

The birthday party at Eyang's house was really merry. Most of our relatives came. Eyang Uyut Akung (Hikari's great grandfather) came too. Hikari had a wonderful day on that day because his friends from the nearby houses also came. We all had fun except when Hikari cleaned his hands on his white shirt! It was a big problem because his hands were full of cakes.

The next day, on July 21st, Mama, Papap, Eyang Uti went to Hikari's house with the other birthday cake (the Pokemon, remember?) and some lunch boxes for Hikari's birthday party at school. The birthday cake made by Mama Raihan served its purpose well. Hikari's classmates couldn't keep their hands off the cake!

All and all, Hikari was really really excited about both parties. Especially for the party at school, he couldn't stop smiling about it. He was showered with gifts from his friends, that's why! Pak Catur and Bu Ayu, Hikari's teachers, gave him some wise words. His friends also mentioned their wishes about Hikari. Do you want to know what their wishes are?

Hikari, may you become a good boy blessed by Allah. And, may you always
remember to tidy up your things after you are done with them.

What does your hero wear?

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Last April 2009, Hikari and his classmates had to wear a national custom from Aceh. It happened that the Kartini Day was celebrated by celebrating Heroes from all over Indonesia. Hikari chose to be Teuku Umar.

Other students from different classes wore different customs from different part of Indonesia. Theyall gathered in the Function Room to watch performances from students. It was so cute to see children wearing customs they wouldn't even want to wear on a usual day. It was far more interesting to witness that a child wanted to wear a custom because he was inspired by his hero. Just like Hikari and Teuku Umar. If children are willing to wear superheroes' custom, why can't we introduce them to our heroes through their custom?

Going to Taman Mini (for the hundreth times)

noreply@blogger.com (The light) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Hikari lovesssss to go to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (amusement park). Ever since the first time we took him there, he always finds an excuse to go there. His favorite places to visit are the museums. He especially loves Musium Komodo (Komodo Dragon Museum). He loves not only to see the reptiles, but also to touch them!

The pictures below are the second time he went to the Komodo Museum. He asked Eyang Kung (grandpa) and his cousins to go with him. They were watching the crocodiles:

And then they went to the See-and-Touch area. Here, they could touch the big python.

After they were satisfied with the reptiles, they went to the Insects Museum.

Across the Insects Museum, there is the Fish Museum. Of course, Hikari wouldn't want to miss it for the world.

Satisfied with the fish, they wanted to ride the cable car.

The next time, Hikari went to TMII, he took everyone from his grandpa, grandma, Mama, Papap, and his uncles. This time, he went to the Bird Sanctuary:

Done with the birds, he headed to the... where else... Komodo Dragon Museum. This time he spent more time playing with the python. In fact, Hikari and the snake guard has became good friends.

And then, on Sunday, April 19, Hikari persuaded Papap to go to TMII again! This time, he promised he only visited 2 places: the Birds Sanctuary and the Komodo Dragon Museum (again!).

He spent more time in the Komodo Dragon Museum. Hmmm... the Komodo Dragon is still small.

And then, Hikari headed to his python. Without hesitating, he grabbed the snake and put it around his neck. Oh my God...

Was that the end of his trip to TMII?
Nope. The next day, he managed to persuade his grandma to take him to TMII again. Sigh.

Festival Cikeas

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:33:00 +0000

On Saturday, 28 March 2009, Hikari's school held a big event called Festival Cikeas. It was a kind of talent-show event. The event was attended by school students in Cibubur and around. The school was really really crowded on that day.

We arrived at the school a quarter before 8. The event would start at 8. But, when we wanted to turn right to enter the school's compound, the policemen didn't allow us to. They said the school was full and no car could get in. So, Hikari and Mama had to get off the car and Papap had to park the car a bit far from the school.

Hikari joined coloring competition that day. He had prepared his color pencils and all. He was very excited when he saw his friends joining the competition too.
While Hikari did coloring, Mama and Papap walked around and enjoyed the day. We strolled down the school area and observed some works done by the students.

The two pictures below are traditional games displayed in the school's compound. Papap wanted to try playing Engklek but then he had a second thought. Probably he didn't want to compete with other children.

After doing coloring for an hour and a half, Hikari joined Pak Fian and his Environment Police group. Pak Fian called Mama a day before to confirm Hikari's participation in becoming Environment Police Officer. Hikari told Mama how much he wanted to take part in the group. He couldn't wait to do his part.

Soon after he had done with the coloring competition, he joined the group, put on his uniform, and got ready to patrol the school area. The uniform has a lot of messages. One is Stop Global Warming, another is Save Water, and others. The patrol group also brought some signs. Hikari's sign was No Smoking! His friend also brought Do Not Litter.

The jobs of the groups were to clean the area (Hikari and his friends call it Operasi Semut or Ants Operation), to inform people not to litter, to inform people not to smoke, and to inform people to put the garbages in their place. Quite some jobs, don't you think?

Eagerly, Hikari and his friends started their duty. They walked in group and cleaned the area where they passed. It turned out the jobs were not as easy as they looked. So many people were not aware that they had to put the garbages in their place. After awhile, though, Hikari began to complain. He was tired and thirsty. Haha...

Below: Papap was examining the evolution of a butterfly. This sign is put under a tree where butterflies usually put their eggs. This sign is put in the school's garden so that students can learn even though they are not in the classroom.

We also went to see the students' book project. The students' work was compiled and then displayed. Hikari's class made a book about environment.
This piece below is written by Billy, Hikari's classmate. He was describing about his and his classmates' experience in an Outbound session:

This is the sample of the book by the another first grader class. It's called A Book about Complaining.
And what is inside the book? Look for yourself:

It was a tiring day, but we all had a lot of fun.

Tersesat di Negeri Sayuran

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:18:00 +0000

On Tuesday, Mama and Papap got an invitation from Hikari to watch his class performance. This performance is something that he has been telling Mama for some time. At that time, he bravely invited Mama to watch. Then, on Tuesday, he held out the invitation for Thursday's event. Unfortunately, Papap couldn't leave the office so Mama had to go alone to watch Hikari. Hikari's grandparents and uncle actually planned to watch him too but they came late and the performance had ended.

The performance was tittled 'Tersesat di Negeri Sayuran' or Lost in the country of vegetables. The story was about a boy called Tobi who got lost in the country of vegetables. He then was chased by Monster Sariawan (Monster Canker Sore). The monster chased him through the forest and Tobi kept running from the monster. Finally, Tobi remembered that Monster Sariawan was afraid of the vegetables and fruits.

So, Tobi went to Bu Strawberi (Ms. Strawberry) and Bu Tomat (Ms. Tomato) for help. Unfortunately for Tobi, they didn't want to help because Tobi always disliked eating fruits and vegetables. Then Tobi went to Pak Bayam (Mr. Spinach) and Pak Wortel (Mr. Carrot) for help. Again, Pak Bayam and Pak Wortel refused to help. Tobi got angry. He kicked Pak Bayam and Pak Wortel hard until they both fell off the ground.
Pak Bayam and Pak Wortel called Pak Terong (Mr. Eggplant) and told him about Tobi's misbehavior. Pak Terong was angry at Tobi and Pak Terong chased Tobi to give him a lesson. The other vegetables also chased Tobi. The monster also chased Tobi.
Finally, Tobi's mother came to rescue. She gave Tobi a meal with vegetables and fruit juice. Tobi became healthy and the monster was defeated.

Interesting story, isn't it?
Hikari played Pak Terong (Mr. Eggplant). He wore Mama's shirt because he didn't have any purple clothes. Actually Mama had made him an Eggplant custom from a pink cloth, but Hikari refused to wear it because he said his friends would only wear T-shirt.

Before watching the performance, Mama had to buy a ticket cost Rp. 10,000.- Students and teachers had to pay Rp. 5,000.- The guest receptionists who were students from other classes showed Mama where to buy the ticket. After buying the ticket, the students gave Mama a glass of healthy drink with fruits cubes inside.

This performance is done by each class in Sacikeas. On Thursday, Hikari's class got the turn. The event was really fun, not only for the performers but also for the other students. While the performers get themselves ready, the other students take part in showing the guests directions, selling the ticket, and distributing the drink. The whole event teaches the students to be independent and creative. Also, it is really fun to watch!

Hikari's Work at School

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Every Friday, Hikari brings his worksheets home so Mama and Papap can see what he has learned and how he learns it.

Some of the worksheets require him to describe what he has learned that day by drawing. This is Hikari's report on Outbound session:

The title is Outboundnya Gagal karena Hujan (the Outbound session is cancelled because of the rain)

And then, Hikari explained again: Hujannya masih turun jadi tidak bisa outbound (the rain still fell down so I couldn't do the outbound activity).

On this picture, Hikari drew things in his perceptions about that day, in details. We couldn't help but laughing when we saw a small sign next to his outbound net. The sign says:
CLOSED. OUT OF BUSINESS.

Drawing is really a great way for children to describe what they feel about one particular thing. It can also be used to check on children's understanding about one event. At home, parents can use the same method to deal with their kids when the kids are in their 'difficult' time.

To Anyer

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:55:00 +0000

On 24 January, Hikari went to Anyer together with Papap and Mama. Papap's office had a family gathering there. Before the trip, Hikari was so excited about going to the beach.

When we arrived in Anyer, Hikari jumped off the car and ran to the direction of the beach. Nothing and nobody could forbid him to swim. Eventually Papap and Mama gave up and allowed him to swim in the mid of the burning sun.

After swimming, there were some games held by the committee. Everyone participated in the games, especially the children. You know what Hikari did? He didn't want to join the games. He played with bubbles instead. And when he got bored with bubbles, he went directly to the cottage and... asked for a nap.

Science Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:47:00 +0000

Saturday, 7 February, Hikari joined a Science Competition held by an organizer. The competition was held in another school nearby. Some other elementary schools in Cibubur also participated in the event. Hikari's previous school (when he was kindergarten student) also joined it.

At first, it was Hikari's teacher who asked him to participate. Mama was at school to collect Hikari's report book. During the consultation time, Ibu Siti, Hikari's teacher asked Mama if Hikari would like to join the competition. The teacher said it was not a matter of winning or losing. It was more like an experience. Mama agreed and asked Hikari if he wanted to join.

Hikari was okay with the idea. He was afraid at first if he would lose but Mama and Papap encouraged him to do it. Besides, Hikari loves science. He feels like a scientist whenever he deals with science project. He even chooses Science club as his extracurricular activity.

So, early Saturday morning, under the heavy rain, Hikari eagerly gathered at 7 in the morning at school. He and several other students were so enthusiastic that even the heavy rain couldn't kill their enthusiasm. An hour later, we departed to the school where the event was held. Fortunately the rain had stopped.

Mama and Papap watched Hikari's enthusiastic face while he marched to the test room, far away from us, through a very long alley. He didn't seem to be nervous at all. Perhaps, the idea that he was with his friends, playing around, was enough for him.

Two hours later, when we picked him up, Hikari emerged cheerfully from the alley. Outside, he was greeted by Pak Rizal, the driver from Hikari's kindergarten. It was a nice reunion. Apparently, Hikari's previous school also joined the event.

On the way home, we asked Hikari how he felt. And he said, "I could do 20 numbers very well!"
Papap said, "Very good! How many numbers were all together?"
Hikari answered, "FIFTY!"
Hahahahahahaha....
Anyway, it's the experience that counts!

Hikari and Abi, his classmate.

Losing Ninoy

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Hikari has several pets. Two of them are birds; a white Kakatoa named Kaka and a colorful Lorry (Nuri?) called Ninoy. The birds were presents from Eyang Uti's friend. We have been having them at home for about 6 months, and Hikari was so possessive about them. He talked to them day to day, fed them, sometimes yelled at Kaka for being so noisy.

Then, on the 25 of December this year, the rain poured down all day and all night. In the morning of the 26, we were shocked to find out that Ninoy was sick. It laid on the bottom of its cage and didn't move for a while.

Ninoy a couple of months ago...

Hikari was hysteric. He begged Papap to take Ninoy to the doctor but that day Papap had to go to the mechanic. Before he left, thought, Papap took Ninoy out of the cage to a wet warm spot in our garden. Ninoy was very weak. Then, Mama gave Ninoy some honey mixed with Hikari's medicine for flu. For awhile, Ninoy was able to move a little, but nothing more. So, Hikari called his grandparents. He told them about Ninoy hysterically. He wanted both his grandparents to visit him soon. They couldn't make it but Eyang Uti sent her driver to take Ninoy to the doctor.

Around noon, Pak Endang, took Ninoy to the vet. Pak Endang returned some 3o minutes later. He didn't take out Ninoy from his car. Instead, he came to Mama and whispered. Ninoy was gone. Pak Endang didn't have the heart to tell Hikari what happened. Mama hugged Hikari quietly. Mama told Hikari that Ninoy was gone. Hikari didn't scream. He hid his head on Mama's shoulder and cried silently. Mama asked him to bury Ninoy in our garden but he refused. Hikari didn't want to see Ninoy's being buried. Then, Pak Endang agreed to bury Ninoy at his house.

When Papap returned home, he promised Hikari to go buy another bird the next day. So, on Saturday morning, Hikari woke very early, commanded Papap to take a bath, called Eyang Kung to get ready (and then dragged Eyang Kung from his mosque), and took off to Pasar Burung Pramuka. The three of them began the hunting of Ninoy's replacement.

Hikari went home with a black Jalak bird. Mama was surprised because Hikari didn't want to buy another Lorry. He was probably traumatic with the losing of Ninoy. However, Papap was glad Hikari didn't ask for another Lorry because the bird cost around 1.5 million rups!!!

Now, Hikari is happy with the new bird. First, he named the bird 26, and then Maxie, and finally... JACK SPARROW. Jack Sparrow's photo will be posted soon.

Market Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:50:00 +0000

Today is a Market Day in Sekolah Alam Cikeas. Market Day is a day where students sell their hand-made goods to guests. This is how the school conducts the Market Day:

First, days before the Market Day, students make some handicrafts, such as photo frame, and sometimes cakes. These handicrafts and food are then offered to the guests on the Market Day. Each class makes and sells different things. Hikari's class sold photo frames from used wooden Ice Cream spoon. They sold the frame for Rp. 5,000. The parents buy their children's handicraft.

Besides that, the school has this system that makes the students bring their used goods to school. For example, on Tuesdays, students who have used paper, newspapers, magazines, etc. at home bring those used papers to school. The school collects the garbage. On Wednesday, the students bring plastic bottles. This system goes on until Friday, with different garbage each day, ranging from used paper to used clothes or used bags. These used goods are then sold to the villagers around the school on the Market Day. The villagers can buy the goods with very very cheap prices, from Rp. 500 to Rp. 5,000.

On Market Day, there are also some competitions that Sacikeas students and public can join. Different from other school, Sacikeas holds competitions such as Papercraft competition, Scarecrow competition, etc. Hikari joined the papercraft competition. In this competition, the children have to work together with their parents. But, the parents have to allow the children to do most of the work, like working with scissors, glue, folding, cutting, etc. This competition is meant for the child and parents to work together and for the child to exercise their motoric skills. Very fun and beneficial, don't you think?

Here are the photos from today's event:

Hikari in front of his class (the second floor), trying to be funny.

Hikari's School

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:09:00 +0000

Hikari now studies here!

The Function Room of Sekolah Alam Cikeas

Check out his school:
The playground!

Hikari's class, SD1 Adenium

Hikari is in front of his class (the second floor)

The classroom

This is how the students learn about science. They are investigating how Oxygen works:

This is the place where Gardening Class works. They learn how to cultivate the land while studying science and biology:

Farming! Students learn about animals and their habitat here:

Outbound, guys!

The most important thing of all, Hikari loves being in his school. He refuses to stay at home even when he is sick. He is eager to start the day to go to school. That's the reason why Mama and Papap put him in this school.

6th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:47:00 +0000

Hikari's 6th Birthday was celebrated with a small gathering. Only his grandparents, uncles, and his closest friends attended the gathering. He was nonetheless still cheerful. You must know why: his grandparents and uncles showered him with a lot of birthday gifts!

Hikari, Zidan (Hikari's friend), and Grandma

Kindergarten Graduation!

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:52:00 +0000

In Indonesia, or Jakarta, at least, kindergartens have started to hold a big ceremony when their students have finished the highest grade of kindergarten (to continue to elementary school).

Hikari's kindergarten also held this Graduation Ceremony. In this event, Hikari had to perform for a couple of times: Reading out the Koran translation, dancing, singing & dancing, singing, and dancing. Whew! But, he definitely had a good time.

Hikari was reciting the Koran translation.

Hikari was singing and dancing.

Singing and dancing, again.

Finally, he graduated...

Puzzle Master

noreply@blogger.com (Mariskova) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:20:00 +0000

Early March, Hikari's school conducted a School Competition which was followed by the school's students and other students from different schools. There were many games/activities that the school provided, such as Puzzle competition, drawing competition, computer competition, swimming competition, and others.

A week before the competition, Hikari told Mama that he wanted to join the event. He said that he wanted to participate in the computer and puzzle competition. But, at the end, he decided that he only wanted to join the puzzle competition. Although suprised (because Hikari never asked to join such event), Mama gladly signed him up for the game.
The night before the D-day, Mama found Hikari busy with his puzzle collections. He has a lot, mind you. It never crossed Mama's mind that Hikari might be preparing for the competition on the next day. Well, he probably was.

That day, Hikari woke up early. He even reminded Mama not to be late for the school. What a surprise!

At school, Mama was even more surprised. Mama thought the competition was just an internal event with no outside participant. Actually, the competition was a big one. Some other kindergarten students from other schools also participated. Mama was sad because I couldn't accompany Hikari that day. Mama asked his teacher to accompany him. Out of ordinary, Hikari didn't seem to mind that Mama wouldn't be able to accompany him. So, Mama left for work.

That afternoon, Hikari's teacher called. She informed Mama that...Hikari won the first place!
Alhamdulillah! What news!
The most interesting story from the teacher is Hikari could finish the competition in FIVE minutes only! Even the teachers and committee were surprised.

Well, Hikari was very proud and excited when he knew that he would be given a trophy. He hardly could wait for the committee to call his name. When he was called out, he almost ran to get to the stage and took the trophy. When he got home, he showed the trophy to everyone. He didn't care about the money, the certificate, nor the souvenirs that he received.

We were very much surprised. Happy surprised, of course. We didn't expect it because we took the competition so lightly. In fact, when we knew that it was a rather big-scale competition, we didn't panick. Hikari also took things lightly. So, imagine what happened when he knew he won. This is his first experience. He had mentioned that he would want to win again! Haha!

The First Beach

noreply@blogger.com (The light) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:07:00 +0000

Before Hikari's birthday, Papap planned to take some days off from work so he could take Hikari and Mama out of town. He said we needed a holiday. Mama couldn't agree more .

When Hikari was asked where he wanted to go, he mentioned that he wanted to go to the Safari park and to the Beach. At first we agreed to go to the park. But, when Eyang Kung (Hikari's grandpa) heard about Hikari's wish to go to the beach, he asked us why we didn't go to Carita Beach.

Carita village is Eyang Kung's hometown. It's been awhile since his last visit to his own hometown, while Mama hasn't visited the village for 5 years already! How about Hikari? He'd never been to Eyang Kung's hometown at all!

So, Papap agreed to take us to Carita Beach. Beside, let me tell you a secret, Hikari had never been to a beach before in his entire 5-year-time life. He has seen seas, in Japan (Kobe, Tokyo, and Yokohama), but he'd never played or bathed at the beach.

In Carita, our family houses are located just across the beach. Long time ago, when the beach was still free from resorts, we could see the beach and the waves from our terrace. Now, it is just history. Resorts block our view to the beach. How irritating!

So, on the 25th, we headed to Carita. There were only four of us -the three of us and Eyang Kung. Eyang Uti canceled her plan to join us because she was busy. Hikari was very much excited when he saw the sea from the car window. He couldn't wait to go play at the beach. We spent 3 days and 2 nights there. Whenever there was time, Hikari would spend it at the beach. You can imagine how tanned he is right now! It makes Mama remember my childhood. Mama used to spend mornings and afternoons swimming. That's probably why Mama's complexion is darker .

The beach acrossed our family land is clean and wide. Only the waves are brown because of the sand. But, there is no coral there so we can play in the water comfortably. When Mama was a kid, the beach was wider and cleaner than now. The only things that occupied the beach were trees. Now, they are cottages...

He brought back some star fish and clams back home...

Hope we can manage to be back soon.

Gosai ni Natta!

noreply@blogger.com (The light) — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:47:00 +0000

20-07-2007

What a unique date to remember.

The date when Hikari became five years old.

Hikari celebrated two previous birthdays in Honjo, Japan. This year's birthday, however, is celebrated in Indonesia.

Long before it was even July, Hikari had asked Mama to make a small celebration at school. He also had asked Papap about his birthday wishes (read: presents). So, when the day nearly came, Mama arranged the celebration with Hikari's teachers. It was a bit tricky because Hikari's birthday fell on the first Friday of his first week in his new class. And, it turned out that Hikari's classmates and teachers are different from the previous class.

Hikari also had ordered the theme of his birthday cake. He wanted the cake to feature Dinosaurs. Other times, he wanted it to picture Fish and the Undersea World. It was quite confusing, so Mama decided to order two cakes from Mama Reyhan: a Dino cake and Fish. This one is the Dino cake.

The cake was delivered the day before July 20. Mama had to hide the cake so that Hikari wouldn't mess it up. On Friday, when Mama opened the cake in class, Hikari was hysterical, instantly. His friends were also amused. Hikari was circled by his friends. They tried to touch the cake. Finally, the teachers had to calm them down. Then, the small-simple celebration could run smoothly. We prayed, said thanks to God. After that, some of Hikari's friends sang songs for him.

After we returned home, Hikari was overwhelmed by the presents he got. Hikari got presents from everyone in the house (being the only grandchild, that is). Then, it was time to blow the candles on his Fish cake.

It was a really great day for Hikari. It was great for Mama and Papap too.

Happy Birthday, Hikari. We love you. Always.

School Performance - Saman Dance

noreply@blogger.com (The light) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 18:06:00 +0000

Go Swimming!

noreply@blogger.com (The light) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 19:58:00 +0000

Hikari loves swimming, but he hates having water over her head. That's why he refused to go to swimming. It's a big problem since his school has swimming activity once every two weeks.

Papap, then, persuaded him to go to a swimming pool. He said that they would only play with water. Papap also brought Hikari's water car so Hikari could have fun in the water and forgot that he was -actually- afraid of it. So, we went to El Dorado Swimming Pool near our house. Papap chose the place because it is designed to fit a child's imagination of fun swimming.

The trick apparently worked! Hikari who was first doubtful to put his feet in the water, later didn't want to climb out of it. Now, Hikari is usually the one who asks for more swimming trip.

Can't Take My Eyes Off Him!

noreply@blogger.com (The light) — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:59:00 +0000

At the back of our house, we have a very small artificial pond. Full with fish. All sizes and types of fish. That pond has an admirer. Who else? Of course, Hikari.

If we let him, he would jump into the pond whenever he feels like it. And I mean, whenever. The time doesn't have to be on a clear sunny day, or in the morning, or before taking a bath, or in his fit condition. Sometimes, he would jump to the pond chasing fish even when it is a rainy day, right after taking a bath, AND he is having a terrible flu. Imagine that!

Now, in our house, we just can't take our eyes off him! If we don't watch him, he'll be gone to the pond, making excuses like "I'm just seeing the fish". Yeah, right. It never proves 100% true hehehe...

Look at him here. While he was having a terrible flu and a slight fever, he still played in the pond, after the rain :(

Soccer

noreply@blogger.com (The light) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 12:25:00 +0000

Child playground is difficult to find in this city. It isn't like in Japan where you can find a park/playground almost in every corner of the street. They are clean and free too.

Here, empty lots are a lot, but they are not playground. They are not safe, either. So, whenever Hikari feels bored at home, he will go outside and play with his ball in front of our house. Not in the playground, of course, but in a small street in front of our house. Fortunately, our housing complex is not crowded with vehicles.

Check out Hikari playing soccer with his teammate: Grandpa!