Thursday, December 30, 2004

How to Provide Aid to Victims of Tsunamis Blogger Family Forum receive donations for tsunami victims in Aceh and North Sumatra. For any further details and informations you may click HERE. For Money Aid Donation:
  • BNI Gambir No. 089. 000 000 343.901 a.n. Pratiwi.
  • BCA Sabang No. Rek 075-1244362 a.n Retno Kristiani
  • Bank Mandiri Thamrin no rek. 103-000204468 a.n Retno Kristiani
  • For Non-Monetary Aid Donation's contact person: Mbak Rieke JL Surabaya no 15, Jakarta Pusat or Jl. Flamboyant Citra I B4/2, Rempoa, Ciputat, Jakarta Initial items that you can consider donating (in kind or money to purchase) include:
  • Water purification tablets, and any other water purification tools
  • Oral Rehydration salts (Oralit)
  • Bleach, disinfectants, Carbol (disinfectant) Soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, talcum / calamine powder, sanitary napkins
  • First Aid medications, and over-the counter medicines for fever and diarrhea
  • Non perishable food, vitamins (especially for infants & children), rice, instant noodles
  • Buckets, and plastic water containers, garbage bags
  • Sheets, towels, hammocks, mosquito nets and any other linens / bedding
  • Any (if possible quick drying) clothing
  • Cooking and eating utensils
  • Mosquito repellant
  • Tents & tarpaulins
  • Writing utensils
  • SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR NON-MONETARY AID TO ACEH: Please contribute what you can, in the best way you can. A good format for immediate assistance is as follows:
  • Purchase plastic buckets (pails, ember), with handle and top.
  • Fill each bucket with small quantities of a variety of the most urgently needed non-food supplies (see list below).
  • Write the contents of each bucket on the outside of the bucket, neatly in permanent marker pen, in Indonesian.
  • Drop the bucket(s) off at donation drop-off points
  • RATIONALE: This format allows transportation of pre-sorted essentials to the stricken areas in Aceh. It is waterproof (once taped shut at the drop-off points by volunteers), pre-packed and durable. The goods are likely to get into the hands of individuals in the field more quickly, and in better condition than other formats. It precludes sorting in the field, in conditions which are not conducive to such processing (wet, muddy, disorderly). It allows easy distribution of a variety of most-needed supplies in a usable format and quantity directly to individuals and households. MOST NEEDED: Water containers (the buckets themselves), waterpurification tablets, bleach, disinfectants, disinfectant cleaners (karbol, pinesol), soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, basic first aid supplies, medications for fever and diarrhea (Panadol, Oralit, etc), over-the-counter cold and cough medicines, wound disinfectants (Betadine), plastic garbage bags, vitamins, towels, mosquito repellents, coils and sprays, mosquito nets, sanitary napkins, bedlinens, cooking and eating utensils, candles, quick-drying clothing, torches and batteries, washing powder, anything else that you would find essential in such a situation, yourself (in compromised shelter, in the rainy season, without electricity or water supply). Restrict contributions to supplies and brand names that an average member of an affected community in Aceh would be able to use without any further explanation or training whatsoever.Contribute only supplies that will be easily understood and are familiar.

    Wednesday, December 29, 2004

    My Mom's Birthday is Today! Sometimes I know the words to say, Give thanks for all you've done, But then they fly up and away, As quickly as they come. How could I possibly thank you enough, The one who makes me whole, The one to whom I owe my life, The forming of my soul. The one who tucked me in at night, The one who stopped my crying, The one who was the expert, At picking up when I was lying. The one who saw me off to school, And spent sad days alone, Yet magically produced a smile, As soon as I came home. The one who makes such sacrifices, To always put me first, Who lets me test my broken wings, In spite of how it hurts. Who paints the world a rainbow, When it's filled with broken dreams, Who explains it all so clearly, When nothing's what it seems. Are there really any words for this? I find this question tough... Anything I want to say, Just doesn't seem enough. What way is there to thank you, For your heart, your sweat, your tears, For ten thousand little things you've done, For oh-so-many years. For changing with me as I changed, Accepting all my flaws, Not loving 'cause you had to, But loving "just because." For never giving up on me, When your wits had reached their end, For always being proud of me, For being my best friend. And so I come to realize, The only way to say, The only thank you that's enough, Is clear in just one way. Look at me before you, See what I've become, Do you see yourself in me? The job that you have done? All your hopes and all your dreams, The strength that no one sees, A transfer over many years, Your best was passed to me. Thank you for the gifts you give, For everything you do, But thank you, Mommy, most of all, For making dreams come true. Love, Your Daughter Happy Birthday, Mom! God bless you!

    Sunday, December 26, 2004

    Gege Mencari Cinta This book is amazing! That's the first sentence of my posting today about the book. Do you believe in first love? Well if you do, this book might attracts you seriously. If not, oh well, just read it! *maksa banget yeee*... Gege Mencari Cinta (Gege Looking for Love), written by Adhitya Mulya, writer of his first best-seller book, Jomblo. Gege is a simple-funny-no such a good looking-unnoticed man. His real name is Geladi Gernida. He crushed on Caca (a good looking-attractive-beautiful-charming lady), since when he was in junior high school. Beside his schoolmate until high school, Caca is also his neighbour. Although Caca is Gege's neighbour, but Gege is always un-noticed by Caca. Even they talk sometimes, but in something not-so-important things. And Gege always keep his feeling to Caca until he grew up to be a creative producer in a radio station. After about 10 years of Gege's life after high school, Gege saw Caca again.. in his office building, working in one of the bank in the building. His heart beating faster, and the story begins.. A very touching story from Adhitya Mulya. You should have it! There's plenty in the bookstores now. Truly recommended! Score 1-10, I give 9 for the story :) So have you read the book?

    Saturday, December 25, 2004

    Kurisumasu Omedeto Gozaimasu!!! Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. --Washington Irving Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always to be kind. --Helen Steiner Rice Merry Christmas, everyone! God bless you!

    Friday, December 24, 2004

    Happy Birthday, my love Nuy Kidy! Birthday comes once a year creeping up on us, we all cheer We all enjoy this special day and celebrate it, our own way A beautiful birthday wish for you and all your dreams become real too Now is the time, to ask for your dreams this day is lucky, so it seems Another year, crept up on you not just a year older, but wiser too! God placed his hand upon our shoulder our health and life, God is the holder Ask your wish, it may come true I know at our age, it's definitely due Close your eyes, wish good and hard I hope you enjoy your Birthday this year.. Today of all days, I wish I could be, The one in your arms, its your birthday you see. Could hug you and kiss you, and hold your hand tight, Be with you all evening, so perfect, so right. But reality is hard, you are too far away on the other city, But its so nice just thinking, of what might have been. Love you.. Wish you all the best in the whole world and always success in your life. God bless you, hunny..!

    Thursday, December 23, 2004

    Misoshiru a.k.a Miso Soup Thank you to Mamananda for sending me some japanese food stuffs. One of them is miso pasta, which is used for making a japanese soup called misoshiru or miso soup. Thank you to Emak Geboy for sharing her recipe at Info Dapur Blogger Family Forum. Here's the recipe, modified a bit by me according to Indonesian style :p Ingredients: 400 ml water + 2 cubes of chicken broth 2 teaspoon miso 1 block of tofu cut into dice style 1 cm 1 leek, cut into thin slices 1/2 teaspoon of pepper How to cook: 1. In a soup pot, heat the water and add broth. (I should use dashi for the broth but because I don't have dashi here and it's difficult to find dashi, so I just use chicken broth. Some people use fish broth) 2. Add Miso with a ladle or a large spoon, stir to help it dissolve. 3. Add Tofu diced into 1cm. cubes and boil lightly. When heated through, add the leek. 4. Serve in individual soup bowls and eat it while hot.
    It looks terrible because I didn't cut the tofu into blocks, but the taste is satisfication guaranteed!!

    Wednesday, December 22, 2004

    Mother's Day "Happy Mother's Day" means more Than have a happy day. Within those words lie lots of things We never get to say. It means I love you first of all, Then thanks for all you do. It means you mean a lot to me, And that I honor you. But most of all, I guess it means That I am thinking of Your happiness on this, your day, With pleasure and with love Happy Mother's Day, Mom.. I love you!

    Tuesday, December 21, 2004

    NU-Layout! It's my new layout. Inspired from some bloggers who made a special Christmas template for their blogs. Well this is just last for Christmas and New Year, and after that I'll be back to my current layout hehehe.. I still like my current layout :) So.. anyone... please make a comment... :p Scratch it dude!!

    Saturday, December 18, 2004

    2nd Winner? Really?? See the picture above the blog? 2nd Winner Best Entry Award in the 1st BF Anniversary. I got 2nd winner in the blog-posting competition which was held right on December 6th, where we the bloggerfammers should post some words about Blogger Family. Anything. Well thank you very much for Blogger Family forum, you are such a great virtual family, and to me this family is not just a virtual family, but as I said on my post about blogger family, as I think about the distance between us, I am thankful that though we are physically separated by many miles, spiritually we are forever tied together. Whoa... I still didn't believe, it happens :p~
    Best Entry Award, BlogFam 1st Anniversarry!

    Friday, December 17, 2004

    Makassar BloggerFamily-ers Rendezvous Few days ago, on Dec 12th, the BloggerFamily-ers of Makassar get together and hang-out together :) Me, Leo, Adhi, and my friend Bati. I'll post some of the photos here, the rest just check here at Blogger Family's forum :)

    Wednesday, December 15, 2004

    Happy Birthday, Eunice! See the little girl lower right on the picture? Her name is Eunice Imanuela. I called her Eunice. Born at Makassar, on December 15th, 2000, which is 4 years ago from now. Yes, today is her birthday. She is my cute little sister. She is a gift from heaven. She is my Christmas surprise 4 years ago. She's adorable! Today we decided to make a special occassion in her class for her birthday. Mom bought 2 chocolate cakes and brought them to Eunice's school, so Eunice can enjoy her birthday in her classroom with all her classmates. Anyway, here's the pictures of today:
    Happy Birthday, Eunice! Oh my chocolate cake, what happened to you? What 4 years old? Whoa.. Ssh.. be quiet, it's a special photo-session for today! Thumbs up for Eunice!!

    Tuesday, December 14, 2004

    Bomb Again!!!!! Totally Grieved This news I copied from Kompas. The news which makes me shakes in cries. Again.., in my country, another persecution. Again in my country, when people said that this time is the better president. Again in my country, another one!!! "...Teror tak habis-habisnya menghantui Palu, Sulawesi Tengah. Minggu (12/12) malam dua gereja menjadi sasaran peledakan bom dan penembakan. Gereja Kristen Sulawesi Tengah Immanuel di Jalan Masjid Raya dibom, sedangkan Gereja Anugerah Masomba di Jalan Tanjung Manimbaya diberondong tembakan. Kedua peristiwa itu terjadi bersamaan sekitar pukul 19.05. Akibat dua kejadian itu, tiga orang mengalami luka-luka. Korban adalah Binti Jaya (61), anggota satpam Gereja Kristen Sulawesi Tengah (GKST) Immanuel yang terkena serpihan bom, sampai semalam masih dirawat di Ruang ICU Rumah Sakit (RS) Bala Keselamatan. Dua korban lainnya adalah Rada Krisna (38) dan Nofri (18) yang terkena tembakan di Gereja Anugerah Masomba. Keduanya dirawat di RS Undata. Selain itu, ada beberapa anggota jemaat yang dirawat akibat shock, antara lain Arni dan Vina, anggota jemaat GKST Immanuel; dan Estevin, anggota jemaat Gereja Anugerah Masomba. Hingga saat ini belum diketahui siapa pelaku kedua peristiwa tersebut. Berdasarkan informasi yang dihimpun Kompas sampai Minggu malam, dua peristiwa itu sangat mengguncang Palu. Apalagi di saat itu kedua gereja tengah dipadati jemaat yang sedang melakukan kebaktian. Di GKST Immanuel saat itu diperkirakan ada 500 anggota jemaat, sedangkan di Gereja Anugerah Masomba, meski lebih kecil, juga dipadati jemaat. Saat kebaktian di GKST Immanuel yang dipimpin Pendeta Erna Lagerence tengah berlangsung, sekitar pukul 19.05, tiba-tiba terdengar ledakan yang keras. Suara ledakan bahkan terdengar sampai radius satu kilometer. Akibat ledakan tersebut, bagian depan gereja yang tengah diperbaiki rusak. Pintu utama gereja jebol, plafon ambrol, dan kaca-kaca pecah. Jemaat yang tengah beribadah langsung panik begitu mendengar dentuman keras. Mereka berhamburan keluar gereja dan tidak menghiraukan lagi barang-barang bawaan mereka. Sandal-sandal tercecer di dalam gereja. Dari sejumlah informasi, bom yang meledak itu tepat di dekat pintu utama. Diduga bom dimasukkan ke dalam bungkusan plastik. Namun, masih belum jelas apakah bungkusan itu diletakkan di dekat pintu atau dilempar dari luar. Hanya berselang dalam hitungan detik, ratusan anggota jemaat di Gereja Anugerah Masomba di Jalan Tanjung Manimbaya, Kelurahan Tatura, Kecamatan Palu Selatan, dikejutkan oleh bunyi rentetan tembakan. Dua orang yang berada di barisan paling belakang terkapar terkena tembakan. Rada Krisna terkena serempetan peluru di lengan kiri atas, sementara Nofri terserempet di kepala bagian belakang. Keduanya dilarikan ke RS Undata. Menurut Rada, sedikitnya terdengar lima kali rentetan tembakan. Di lokasi ditemukan sembilan selongsong peluru kaliber 5,56 mm..." I am really really grieving...! I couldn't understand what is in those terrorist's mind. They are not human. And I spontaneously cried and speechless when I read the headline on my morning newspaper, Kompas, on December 13th, 2004. Again.. I read another persecution. And, just because the victim is churches, which is a very minority in Indonesia, seems that the publication is reduced. Grrr.. everybody seems wants to close their ears about this. It's not fair! This is not fair! I don't understand, why must some people killing each other? Why some people so stupid thinking that killing another people is a good thing to do?? Why there are teachings says that killing is the way to act in life? I don't understand, why some people really loves to kill? Why can't we live in peace in one peace world with different types?? This is just so unfair :( Killing others.. that's just alike no human at all. Killing others are an essential terminlogy just for beasts and animals who didn't have mind to think clearly. We live in a God-rejecting, unbelieving, and hate-filled world. Believers have long been ridiculed and persecuted. The world would be quite satisfied to get rid of all reminders of God, and for many, that includes getting rid of the people who believe in God and seek to do his will. The very fact that someone obeys God is a condemnation of everything and everyone that is not godly. It is a gross fallacy to think that being a Christian is somehow being a wimp. It takes real courage and inner strength to reject the pleasures and temptations of the world for the things of God. It takes courage to stand up to ridicule, persecution, and worse. Prayers help us explore the uncomfortable. God provides therapy through the Bible. As we pray, it will take us into emotional geography that we might otherwise avoid, and lead us to process painful feelings we might otherwise just stuff down inside. By praying we vent and lay our stuff honestly at His feet. All I can do now just pray. Pray for our enemies, pray for the terrorists. I can't hate because hate is just a part of those terrorists which leading to all negative acts and reacts. Pray and wishing a peaceful earth.. When is it? Only heaven knows... GBU!

    Sunday, December 12, 2004

    Indonesian Film Festival, Best Movie.. Remember the picture on the left? Feel familiar? Yup! It is one of the Indonesian film titled "ARISAN!". This film had been in the cinemas started from December 10th, 2003 until 2-3 weeks after that. And then available on the VCD and DVD. Great movie I said. It's ARISAN!, a film directed by a young talented woman named Nia Di Nata. Now, why I talked about something had passed a year ago? Because last night was the FFI (Festival Film Indonesia) 2004. And Arisan! had been chosen as the BEST MOVIE Award. Cool! Arisan! is about friendship and principles are put to a test in the circle of Jakarta's social elite which can be as turbulent as the city's slums. The lives of several upperclass, thirty-something Jakartans are boldly revealed for the first time in Indonesian cinema, following the career and social life of three life-long friends who seem to have conquered the metropolitan. Unfortunately, the truth is not exactly as pretty as the impression. Exiting times in Indonesia! When the film released, everyone's eyes were at is "Arisan!". Three bestfriends live a normal life, that is, at first look. After a while we see them strugle with unhappiness in different forms. Meimei (Cut Mini Theo) hears from her doctor that she won't be able to become pregnant and sees her husband run away. Andien (Aida Nurmala)'s husband slept with someone else, and Sakti (Tora Sudiro) -who is gay- is afraid that his mother or best friend Meimei might find out that he is. Well, she finds out, but in a way he never imagined she would. This film is the first BIG HIT in Indonesia where it is all about 'coming out'. Sakti and Nino (Surya Saputra) learn that in modern Indonesia, being gay is as normal as in other countries (far from the reality, but common in some areas of Indonesia). Screaming girls in the cinema when Sakti and Nino first kiss. No sensor in Indonesia, and that was surprising!! Over all, this film is not only good because it doesn't show any stereo type Indonesian gays (mostly transsexuals or overacting feminate gays), but two people like everyone else. It is also a film technically quite good, although the editing could have been better. Two thumbs up for Arisan! And yay.. BRAVO INDONESIAN FILMS!

    Monday, December 06, 2004

    Family As I sit down to write tonight I am thinking about family. I am thinking especially about my own immediate family. I've got a new family. A new virtual family but a lot like a real family. The family's name is BloggerFamily. Founded by Maknyak on December 2003. That was last year! Day by day in a year we built a very strong relationship, really like family-thing. We got joy, we got sad, we got all the things to share. As I think about the distance between us, I am thankful that though we are physically separated by many miles, spiritually we are forever tied together. We are a family. In its narrowest sense, family refers to those people with whom you share DNA. Telltale signs of your closest biological ties might be such things as large ears, dimples, or hairline. But most of us speak of family at the more abstract level the soldier had in mind as well � a team, a club, a company, a political party, the citizens of a city, state, or country. It isn�t biology alone that defines the circle of those we love or the people with whom we share daily routines. We define ourselves positively by choosing to protect the welfare and interests of others. Families face a tremendous challenge today. With all the pressures, distractions, and obstacles in our path, how are we to remain close and keep the family alive, but healthy? Do we have what it takes for a family to remain together when schedules attempt to pull them apart? It takes determination for a family to continue to stay in touch when jobs, school, recreation, and relationships try to pull them apart. It takes a real commitment for a family to remain close when everything around tries to tear it apart. It takes a dependence on God for a family to survive the attacks being launched by the enemy of the family. It will not just happen. Let me assure you that our family is no different than any other. There are times we seem to be miles apart when we are all in the same room. There are times we act as though we have never heard the word �communicate� much less want to do it. There are times when it seems that to express our feelings is the most difficult thing in the world. There are times when it seems that no one wants us to express our feelings. Then, there are times when it seems that we all want to express our feelings at the same time and that �my� feelings are all that matters. There are times when we cannot wait to be together. Then, there are times we cannot wait to be apart. There are times we cannot wait to share the latest news. Then, there are times we are determined not to share anything. There are times when there is no other person on the universe we�d rather be with than our family. Then, there are times when we would prefer to be with anybody in the universe rather than our family. There are times when we ache to be together. Then, there are times that being together makes us ache. That is family. We love each other. We encourage each other. We hurt each other. We long for each other. We misunderstand each other. We want what�s best for each other. We try to understand each other. We would die for each other. Here are four suggestions on keeping your family healthy:
  • Love each other. Really love each other. Love each other with the words and love each other with action.
  • Enjoy each other. Seize every opportunity to be together and enjoy every moment. Don�t waste any opportunity.
  • Share each other. As hard as it may be, if God is at the center of your family, you have something to share that the world desperately needs. Share the blessing of your family.
  • Celebrate each other. Don�t just celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Celebrate the fact that you are a family. Celebrate the fact that God has given you to each other. Celebrate who you are, your history, your present, your future.
  • Tonight I�m thinking about family. I am thinking about my family. I am thinking of our family. I love my family. I am thankful that God chose to give us families. Take a minute to look around you now. See team and club, company and parties. Then determine anew to honor your place in "the family." It's BloggerFamily! Welcome to the family! Today it's BloggerFamily's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

    Thursday, December 02, 2004

    Grieving at the Beginning of December On November 30th, 2004, I read Kidy's posting in his blog. He posted about Lion Air crashed at Solo and Bouraq's accident at Makassar. At that time, I browsed to Detik News to read full articles about the crash. I didn't notice in that day about news on TV because I was so busy at the clinic and that day was so hectic. When I browsed to Detik News, one of the articles mentioned the name of the victim on that tragedy. I read one by one, if there's any name that I knew. And I found one! One name.. Frans Natanieliem. At first I was shocked, but I thought, the name might be same but maybe not the same person as I thought. On December 1st, yesterday, me and my friends were talked and discussed about this Lion Air tragedy. I told them my anxiety about one of the victim's name, might be someone I knew. Today, December 2nd. One of my friends, Helvine, asked me what is the name which I talked about. I answered, "Frans Natanieliem". She replied, "Where did he live?" I said, "On Veteran street, but he got relatives also stayed at Dr. Sutomo street, where we used to rent some comic books." Then she told me that the name might be the same person as I thought, because last night she was passing-by the street and she saw some banners and flowers in front of the house. Aaargh! Now I am shocked! Frans Natanieliem is a great brother of my bestfriends when I was in junior high school until now. I.. I.. Hmm now I'm wordless. I can't think more words. My friends name, Monanita and Monalisa Natanieliem. They're twin. I pray, wishing Monanita-Monalisa and family given a really big heart for this tragedy. May the Holy Spirit encourage them. Can't type more words.. I'm totally wordless. Here's a picture when I was in junior high school, my picture with (from left to right) Monalisa, Monanita, Lia and Siska (Siska passed away on year 2000 because of leukemia): Here's the last photo with Monalisa Natanieliem, taken on 2001 at Mal Taman Anggrek, Jakarta: This tragedy also reminds me that I am not the controller of my own life. I'm not the pilot of my own life. Life is short and fragile. Life is a gift of grace. It must be maximized and used to its utmost. Being reminded that all of us will die and give an account for how we lived our lives is not often welcome, but it is essential. Each of us will one day be the main attraction at a funeral. People will say nice things about us, shed a few tears, haul us to a cemetery, stick us in a hole, throw dirt in our face, and then go back to the church building and eat chicken. That�s not meant to be irreverent or cold. It�s just the simple truth. Life will go on even though we are gone. The impact of our days on earth will be measured in how we have utilized the life we�ve been given. Being reminded of this for a few moments by the passing procession is a healthy thing in a culture that avoids thinking about death at all costs. Each of us needs to pause and remember our own mortality from time to time. As I�ve learned in the World Trade Center tragedy, Bali tragedy, place crash's tragedy, every person who dies has a story, a family, a void that no one else can fill. Let�s not forget. Let�s not rush past. Let�s show a little respect.

    Monday, November 29, 2004

    Season of Longer Darkness Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning. For God has said, �I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.� That is why we can say with confidence, �The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. Ah, it�s now November. Outside Indonesia, winter starts settling in as autumn�s colors fade to duller hues of gray and brown. Hints of winter�s coming chill shock our unsuspecting faces. We leave for work or school in the slow fade of the night�s darkness. We return home in the early evening�s dark embrace. From the beginning of November until late December, each day brings a longer darkness. Each night descends with more haste and departs with greater reluctance. We live in the season of longer darkness. Not a few folks of faith find themselves in the spiritual season of longer darkness. A job loss, an unwanted divorce, the death of loved one, the lingering illness of someone precious, the diminishing reserves of retirement, the bitter loss of the mind�s ability, a grievous wounding by a friend, the spiritual failure of a hero... any of these and many more hurts can leave us in the season of longer darkness. In the season of longer darkness, faith�s fire doesn�t burn as bright and its moments of shining don�t last as long. Life is much more a struggle and faith is very much a battle with our will. How do we survive the season of longer darkness? Where do we find fresh hope to continue what seems like a longer and harder journey of faith? In the physical season of longer darkness, there are surprising moments of joy and delight, things like...
  • The refreshing chill in the air after a long hot summer
  • The beauty of a cold clear night where the world sparkles under a full moon
  • The purifying clean and the soft hushed tones of new fallen snow
  • The opportunity for more rest during the longer nights
  • In much the same way, God brings us blessings in the spiritual season of longer darkness. Because life is more a struggle and the spiritual dimensions of our life are more a battle, we often miss these touches of grace, these surprising moments of joy and delight. However, if we look closely we will find them. While sometimes overworked, the little poem �Footprints� still resonates within our hearts because we have found its message true. God does join us in the darkest parts of our season of longer darkness. FOOTPRINTS "One night I had a dream-- I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord and across the sky flashes scenes of my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to me and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life. This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way, but I've noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you should leave me." The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you" -Author Unknown- Yes, sometimes, and maybe even often times in the season of longer darkness, we face grueling periods of perseverance brought on by life�s trials or our own failures and sin. But even in this long season, and even in the darkest of nights that try the human soul, we are not abandoned. No matter what our circumstances suggest, our God is faithful and he has promised that the night will pass; he will not forsake us. No matter how long the night may seem, morning will come with its joy. So hold on if you are in the longer season. And if you are not, find someone who is, and help point them to the Light until their darkness passes.

    Thursday, November 25, 2004

    Glenn Fredly in Concert at Score! Yesterday I went to Score! at Panakukkang Mall, to attend Glenn Fredly's concert by SIMPATIzone-Telkomsel. I got 2 tickets and I ask Bati to accompanied me that night. It was written on the ticket that the show starts on 10 pm, but the reality is the show started on 11.30 pm! There was too many quizes, games and ads made us boring and sick of it. There's no table available when we arrived on 9.30 pm. There are some available tables but they're reserved already. Because it took so long, we only watched Glenn Fredly sang until 4 or 5 songs and then we went back home. We went back home on 00.30 am. The concert was so hillarous and Glenn always give his best and great performance. He sang "Akhir Cerita Cinta", "Hatiku Terganggu", "Kau Milikku", "Kau Masih Di Sini", "Belum Saatnya (Berpisah)". I don't know the rest of the songs sang on concert because we went home after that. The concert was so great, but it was too late for us!

    Sunday, November 21, 2004

    Vacation @Bali On November 17th, 2004 I went to Bali, and went home again yesterday (Nov 20th). It was very fun vacation, and I got some photos to share with all of you :) Place Where I Stayed I stayed at Sekar Sari Inn, on Kartika Plaza Street near Jatra Hotel. It is 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport and 15 minutes to Kuta Centre. The place is very clean and nice. Although it's a very simple place to stay, the price really worth it. 150.000 rupiah/night for single bed, and 175.000 rupiah for double bed. Cheap price for Kuta area in the peak-season. The bed is queen size, so it u wanna stay for 2 people, just take room with the single bed, because it's enough. The room with double bed is enough for 4-6 people. The room got a 14" TV with local stations, self-controlled air-con, and a clean private bathroom. Breakfast also included, and will be ready on 7 am. Place Where I Dine I had a favorite place to eat. The prices are mid-range, but really worth with the taste. Asian Spicy, right in front of the Kuta Paradiso Hotel. Really comfortable place, full of asian ethnic decorations. I ate there dinner and lunch! Hehehe... I've tried udon with beef, yakiniku with rice, seafood kweetiau, Tuna Steak with vegetables, etc :) This place is fully recommended, but those who got any stricted diet, u gotta check carefully. Food which served with pork is written there clearly there so those who can't eat pork may choose other food :)
    Seafood Kweetiau and Udon w/ Beef Cold Ocha (Green Tea) and Beef Yakiniku w/ Rice Hainan Chicken with Rice and Hot n Sour Soup Tuna Steak w/ Vegetables and Ice Campur
    In front of the Waterbom Park, located in the heart of Kuta, they got the biggest shopping mall I ever seen! Its name is Discovery Shopping Mall. Since it's new, they only got Kentucky Fried Chicken, Centro store (shopping place such as metro, only at Plaza Semanggi and this shopping mall) and Starbucks Coffee just now. I stopped there on my way to Kuta Centre and took some pictures, also dropped by at Starbucks Coffee for a Green Tea Frappucino and some cheesecakes :)
    Discovery Shopping Mall in the afternoon Night shot about Discovery Shopping Mall Green Tea Frappucino and Chewy Chocolate Cheesecake @Starbucks
    Place Where I Went, What I Did I went to the Bali Bomb Blast place. Now they build a monument to memorize the very very worst thing happened in Bali, Indonesia. Last year I went there, there's no monument yet, the fench still got many t-shirts signed from all visitors with many f**king writings. Madness and sadness gather in one feeling. I know that feeling and I can feel it through my heart when I was there. The feeling was too strong and I cried there. This time the t-shirts are gone also those writings. I got a very big monument. Still there's a complicated feeling, but the feeling not too strong like last year. The monument is so huge, at the center of it there's names of the victims. I saw my mom's friend' name also written there. My mom cried.
    I went to Joger, but when I arrived there what I got is only bunches of people who made very crowded visitors. I changed my mind and I went to another places. I went to Sukawati and Pasar Seni. I bought some hand-made bracelets, keychains for friends, 2 samurai-looked like pants, short bali pants, 2 bedcovers and many more :p
    I went to Kuta beach, there's so many people. Honestly, I never seen too many people in Bali like this time! Too many people, too crowded! I can't enjoy much actually.
    Ever see a flying phinisi boat? I did. See? Hehehehe... Kuta beach, almost sunset.. Temporary tattoo @my left ankle hehehe.. Still tattoo and.. yay.. rasta-gal hehehe.. This is Kuta Square at night. Mom said that this view really looked like the airport in Dubai.. Amazing! Loves those lights!
    Last words, i really enjoy my vacation in Bali. And I will come back to Bali for the next vacation IF i got enough money and time to go there hehehe... Anyway, I want to recommend a book that really helpful if you planning to travel to Bali. This book is very recommended for any travellers, local or foreigners. Very infomative and really helpful for self-travel.
    Bali, from Lonely Planet.