19 June

I’ve never realised that a number of people close (well literally) to me celebrate their birthdays today.

Violace Wihardjo, the youngest of all , is  having her 17th birthday this year. She is my husband’s cousin and I’ve known here since like 11 years ago – yup when she’s in P1. It’s amazing how I have seen her grown from a 7 years old child to a young adult. Her age somehow is a reflection of how old I am now

Another birthday girl – Yoan is my childhood friend and I’ve known her since our “monkey love” days (well  she did marry hers)   Our friendship has spun over 15 years  andthough on & off without any contacts, I was extremely glad that I’ve found her again.

Third on the list is my lovable, senior aged Operational Director (she would kill me for this) Ibu Helly. She turned 60 today and has taken the liberty to take a leave from the office to celebrate it at her home. She is still the force of our company, shouting at every exhibitor and/contractor (our company is in the EO business)who does not comply with the rules & regulation. But then all of us here are so gld to have her here – and boy! we will miss her when she retires next month.

Last but not least, my boss – Ian Roberts. He just gotten his Javelin and no doubt he will need my advice for the next couple of weeks at least .

Well guys Happy Birthday and may all of you be blessed with good health and happiness!

Twilight

As much it is a little controversial,  I’ve watched the movie twice.

Most of fans (including me) claimed the the movie is nothing compared to the series but then who can resist the temptation of watching R Patz’s brooding eyes in the first 2/3 of the film. Well I certainly can’t (my gulty pleasure)!

I understand that it ie very difficult to compressed a 500 pages book to a a 2 hrs movies. But I was disappointed about some of the cast acting (especially Kristen’s). I mean if you didn’t read the books it is impossible to realise that Bella loves Edward to the core. And the meadow scene is just too short and insignificant.

So anyways I’m crossing my fingers for New Moon and hopes that with the new director – Chris Weitz can makes the movie as good and entertaining as it can- at least on par with the book.

Keep the optimism high!

P.S: Definition of controversial – whether you review the film by quality or simply by the R Prattz factor

Edward and Bella

First time the Twilight books buzzed around me I decided to ignore them. The reason was simple : I did not want to get addicted and spend my days (and my free times) reading them. And also not to mention the money that I have to fork out to purchase all four of them. So first step I borrowed from my sis and voila .. here I am reading Twilight – for the second time

I started reading them one book by one and I found myself so immersed in the story that I did not wish for the story to end. I was in fact in a dilemma : whether to continue reading cos I want to  know the ending OR to stop cos I didn’t want the story to end. And when I did finished it, I just simply couldnt brace myself to let the book down cos I can’t bear myself to be away from the Cullens and their intriguing story.

One of my cousin told me that those books are for teenagers – you know ppl who only started to know their first love and think that love is everything, and so that was I told everyone who read them (before I read of course). Well the books are classified for Young Adults and that’s why the author keep it simple. I love simplicity and that was appealed to me most.

Anyways happy readings!

Long time ……

It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve write a new post. A few reasons even though it may not justify my early set of procrastinating.

First of all, I was nearing to my exhibition in early June which takes place in Surabaya. And now that its over I can fit a few minutes (well actually more than that) to write this one

Second and most importantly I ‘ve decided to read the Twilight series (that will expalined more in another post). I’m addicted and have decided to read them for the second time this week – so I guess it will take me another two weeks to write another post ??

Oh well nobody reads my blog anyway *disappointed* so never mind …..

Rp. 2,000

Last Sunday, Audrey and I were planning to go to Playan. Her sling back was already on her shoulder when she decided to rquest some money from me . She opened up her wallet and gestured to me that its empty. ” Mommy… Audrey minta money donk “ I replied “ Mommy lagi gak ada duit sayang … “

“Kan Mommy yesterday baru ke ATM” she replied triumphantly. *Belaga bego mode:ON”  She then went up the stairs to ask money from her Nai2 instead whom finally gave Rp.2,000.

She ecstatic and was so proud of it. She offered to pay everytime we were at the cashier. Once when we were paying for her friends presents she insisted to pay with her money ” Mommy pake duit Audrey aja!”

And so I took one Rp. 1,000 and put it on the cashier table. But after about 1-2 min she sweetly asked me : ” Mommy moneynya Audrey dah belum .. mau dimasukkin ke dompetnya lagi ”

*GUBRAK*

The beginning of my culinary journey

Recently I’ve embarked on a culinary journey every weekend . So for the past couple of months or so I’ve spent my weekend afternoons making cookies (even though they bailed out on me *hiks hiks*) and muffins. Sunday evenings are also spent making simple dinners ranging from pork chops to chicken teriyaki – which again bailed me out as result of putting in too much sake .

Anyways LIFE has to go on despite all setbacks! Gambate! I’ve found myself a great recipe website that I can fall back on – and today I’ve found another great website – Just Bento and it’s sister site Just Hungry.

I’m trying to be a better MOM and planning to make a simple bento for her to bring to school So gambate!!!

Proud of You

Here are some comments that her teachers wrote about her at school:

- Audrey is a happy girl who is always happy yo do music and movement activities. She participates in an increasing variety of experiences independently and initiates herself doing purposeful activities when playing in interest centers
- Audrey likes story and likes reading on her own requests her favourite book. She’s able to responds to comments or questions from others during a conversation.
- Audrey is an active and playful child, and is able to play together cooperatively with her friends
- She also can complete any given tasks
- Audrey is an active child who enjoys learning and playing so much.
- Audrey is a sweet and cheerful girl. She does not have difficulty in socializing with peers in class as she converses during class activities.
- She is able to work independently and has no difficulty in following 2-3 step instructions.
- She manages to describe things she sees using complete sentences and uses pictures cues to tells tories.

Way to go girl! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

I like u mommy

Audrey, last  night decided to sleep with her nai2 again *sigh*  and I helped her to get ready. And right before she went up the stairs, she decided to give me a hug while saying ” Good night Mommy” 

I felt sad, somehow, and was gazing through when she suddenly shouted ” I like you Mommy *pause* i like you nai2 * another pause – and this time a longer one* and I like you Daddy (not wanting to forget everyone).

My head perked up and I smiled – the biggest smile in the day. My little angel can make my life hell as much as she can make life a truly fulfilled one .

Ihhhh ada monster

My little girl has abeen sleeping with her Grandma (whome we called Nai-nai) for the past 3.5 weeks. So two nights ago when I went up to Nai’s room to feed her cough medicine she suddenly shrieked :” Ihhhh ada monster … Naiiiiiiiii help Audrey … ada monster “ while pointing her index finger at me ( yes me!!)

Urrgh! Pengen marah tp gengsi – kan harus maintain my gengsiness donk sebagai Ibu …. So I just did my best to conceal my pride and anger at the same time. It’s just damn difficult!!!

My first batch of muffins

Last Saturday, I made my first batch of muffins – choco chips of course! Made them together with Audrey and we have a pleasant (and infuriating) mother & daughter afternoon time *so sweet*. They turned out good (well for a novice like me ) and edible!! Interested in making some ?? Here we go:

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Position rack in center of oven. Butter, or line with paper liners, 12 – 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inch muffin cups.

Makes 12 regular sized muffins.

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 cup (240 ml) milk or cream
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour
2/3 cups (135 grams) granulated white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (170 grams) milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips