Gloomy

Ups and downs along the year.
Pain and joy takes its turn.
Cry, my dear, for the healing.
Fight, my dear, for surviving.
Faith ahead is still in the mist.
Vaguely written, softly spoken.
Gloomy, like December.

You may bring the thunder.
You may release the storm.
But you will never take the light.
Within the heart.

Trained for Train

Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen.
How are you today? Surrounded by rain or showered by sunshine? Anyway, be alert and stay healthy. Don't forget to bring umbrella or raincoat. Weather sometimes does trick on you. But for this rainy season, we can almost be sure that it is going to rain.
But I am not going to talk about rain. Or even do a rain dance. No.
Well, maybe a little bit about rain in train. Do you know that rain can happen in a train? I experienced that. One day, I missed the Commuter Line to go home. The next train is KRL Ekonomi, which provides open windows and doors anytime, because there is no air conditioner. So, I took the train and after one station, it began to rain. I was standing up at that time, no vacant seat available. But hey, after the rain, people are starting to stand up too because the water blown by wind from the open windows and doors began to splash here and there, including the seats and floor. Some windows or doors could be closed, but mostly could not. I was feeling amazed. That was funny, sadly funny. There I was, inside the train, but soaking wet from head to toe. I should have opened my umbrella. Note: is it only in Indonesia?

Talking about train, it's like everyday I have a story to tell. I have told you some about the fake sleeping people, or the gadget mania. Today I am giving you the experience of powerful ladies (since mostly I take lady's coach). Getting in to the lady's coach is like surviving from evolution. But, it's not the one who can adapt to the environment wins or survives, it's more like the strong one will get the throne. That's why when I bring my Twinkle Little Star to work, I go to the opposite station first to get a good seat. Almost in every station there's a competition between the ladies to get the seats, or even to just stand up. Special case is in Tanah Abang. Be very careful, ladies. If your final destination is Tanah Abang, especially in rush hours, don't go out before the wave of passengers are getting in. Just sit down still, or you will get crushed, literally! Those ladies who are coming in, will run in full power into the train to get seat. They will push, tackle, and sit on you if you are coming on their way (okay, maybe I exaggerate, but you get my point). I ever saw an old lady collapsed because of the push, and no one seemed to care (I couldn't help with Twinkle Little Star on my arms). Some ladies will put their bags on the seat to get their friends a space. This sometimes makes other passenger who actually get in first could not sit down and they argue a little. The struggle to get a seat is bitter.

Two days ago, there was an empty space in front of me. When the train door opened, I saw two ladies were competing for that space. The first one actually had manage to put half of her body, but the second one bumped her really hard that she was pushed away and lose the seat. You really can see the look on her face was so sour plus annoyed and maybe a little bit angry. But, the second lady who got the seat didn't bother at all. Her face was flat cold. And she was immersed in her book, didn't care about the world. Meanwhile, the first lady still looked furious, you could see it because she looked at her few times with angry smile. Then I saw her getting her cellphone. I thought she was updating her status in social media about the incident or telling some friends about it.

Do you know that the fee for Commuter Line was raised from Rp 6.000 to Rp 8.000 since October 2012? They say it's for the improvement of service. Yeah, right!

Last Monday, I didn't really know what happened, but the train was really late. It was supposed to depart from Palmerah to Tanah Abang at 15.35, but it departed 16.05 with full passenger. It got overload when it arrived in Tanah Abang. So many people had already got in line. They were "fighting" to get in. Even men were entering the lady's coach, creating arguments and shout. The men refused to go out. They were afraid that there was no more train. It was so chaotic. At that time I just prayed that my Twinkle Little Star was not panic and acting up. In that full packed coach, the heat was on and the space was very limited. Thank God she was fine.

Ah, I remember something. I ever took my Twinkle Little Star on KRL ekonomi on the way home from office. Little did I know that it was full, not like when I took one another day. I was in the last coach, full with passengers, mostly men. They gave us a seat, but it was so crowded and hot. Worse thing was when we reached the destination, the last coach was not in the platform, so I had to squeeze between people to get to the next coach. I tell you, squeezing among passenger and vendors in the train was like trekking in the jungle. Moreover with the limited time before the train departed. I bumped people, I stepped on melon and goods the vendors selling. I even almost fell down. I was so concerned about my Twinkle Little Star, that she might get hit accidentally. When finally I was outside, I felt the great guilt. She looked a bit tense. I swore that I would never take her to this kind of train again, ever. I couldn't risk her safety.

Hey, what time is it? I have to prepare a meeting. Sorry, guys, I have to go now. I'll tell you other interesting story another time.
See you...!

Five

Oh, is it five months already? Man, time is surely flying. Okay, let's have a review. (still) Sleep deprived? Check! (still) Not loosing weight? Check! (sigh...)  Learning bubble talk? Check! Sleeping on stomach - alert? Check! Fever-cough-runny nose package? Check! Just so happy over a smile of my Twinkle Little Star? Check!!!

Now, the work review. Office tasks? Check! New novel script? Hmm... it's tricky. I have "plenty" of time on the train, just let my mind hanging, thinking of plots and characters. Yet the realization part outside that "plenty" of time is not simple. So far, still on chapter I.

I need more powerful will power! Goooooooooo...!

Daycare Day One

Hi, Guys. Maybe today is not such an important day for you, but it is for me. My Twinkle Little Star goes to Daycare in the office. The train trip was okay, although not convenient enough. I think she enjoys this new environment. Hopefully she'll stay strong and cheerful. ^_^

Twinkle Little Star

It seems like every parents gush about their babies. I do too. First three months is challenging. Tear and blood, smile and laughter. All worth it. How adorable to see the clock and starts laughing just because the second hand is ticking. Life is just so simple.

Fictitious

I thought a lady wearing hair roller on top of her head in public is just a scene in comics or comedy movie, but I really saw one in the train station platform this morning. Sometimes fact is more fictitious than fiction.

Oneliner

When it is after 12.00 o'clock, the time runs faster, because the hour hand is going down.

                                                                                                                     - Lik Siti -

Nonirexia

Anorexia is when you think you are fat when in fact you are so skinny. Nonirexia is when Noni still feels that she is slim when actually her usual clothes don't fit at all anymore, or in other words, she is delusional. And she is me.
Oh, my...

Sunset and Sunrise

Dear Friends,
In this past month, two big things happen to me. A sunset and a sunrise in my life. Losing someone I deeply love and having someone I dearly love.
Mami, you are the greatest mom in the world. I wish you are happy in your new place now. Our thoughts and prayers to you. You are loved and always in our hearts (230512).
My chubby angel, you bring us happiness more than you know. The sunshine that warms our days. Our hopes and prayers for you. Wi yov yu so much! (180612).

Third Novel

Dear Friends,

Hope you enjoy my third novel entitled "Sempurna" (which I know it is imperfect), released in May 2012.
And thank you so much for your supports and comments.

Love,
Noni

Bahn..huff!

It has been almost a month I take Commuter Line and frankly it still amazes me how we are so "understanding" with the inconvenience. I have to take the CL to other destination first just to get a seat because when the train arrives in the station where I'm located, it's already difficult to enter, especially with this "voluminous" body. And not everyone is gladly offering her seat to pregnant lady. Some stare and just close their eyes, even purposely ignore (Come on, woman, can't you see the protruding belly right in front of your nose? You saw me! And you are a woman, you know how uneasy this phase is). You know what, sometimes I ask directly to the ladies to get me a seat he he. And the chance of getting sour face is 50-50. That's why I decide to do the "go to other direction strategy" so I can get a seat without troubling anyone. The fact is, there are special seats for pregnant ladies, elders, mom with kids and handicapped people. When get to that seat I bluntly ask for a seat, because it is my right, if I may say that. The funny thing is, the doors to those seats don't have any additional step to enter or exit, and some train stations still have low platform. So, if I have to exit from that nearest door, the platform is so far below that sometimes I have to sit first on the train floor just to get my feet on the ground. Otherwise I couldn't reach it. Normal ladies just jump. I couldn't, or the baby will be delivered right on the spot...
Huff...
     

Commuter Liner

So, it has been a week since I move to my new (rented) house. It has also been a week I take Commuter Line (local train) to go back and forth from house to work. Not like what I imagine, the nice comfortable train where we can sit back and relax, read something or have a chat or just observe the surrounding while wait for the train to arrive, it is so the opposite! It's a full pack of people who squeeze in and get stuck like sardines. And we have to deal with it every working day. I really wonder what happen to public service. Can at least the railway authority add some coaches in certain working hour or add the frequency of the schedule. It is not humane to live like that, man. Especially for certain people, such as elders, handicap people, pregnant ladies or women with little children. For this time being, I still get the privilege to sit (thank you, kind people), but sometimes it is hard to get one when you can't even move.
Or when people who sit are "sleeping" (or can I say pretending to sleep), or busy with their cellphone that they do not see around, just stuck their faces to the gadget. Yes, I observe some people choose to ignore others by playing busy with their gadget mode or sleep mode. Perhaps they think that it is already hard for them to get the seat, why bother give it to others? It's a jungle, man, whatever it takes to survive.
But, there are still some considerate people, I never loose hope on that, who are willing to help others or at least assist the one who needs to get a better place/spot. Let's be that kind of person.
Anyway, I will tell you the special first day working with CL. It is unforgettable. I took the train at 07.14, which I thought vacant enough, and there I was, stood up in amazement to see how many people were lining up in the platform. I wondered how I could get in. I actually could, but not for long because the wave of more people would come in the next station. A lady advised me not to stand up, asking someone to give me a seat, or my protruding belly be squeezed like a lemonade. And she was right. As soon as I got the seat, here went the people like the school of sardines, making no more space. It's crazy.
Going back in the afternoon was the same case. Moreover it was raining like cats and dogs, with big thunder included. I brought the umbrella but it is not significant at all to keep the body dry. And the station, and the street were flooded by the fast current of the water. A motorcycle was even sank to the gutter because the rider could not see any gutter, it was completely full of water. From the railway station I took angkot. Unfortunately, it didn't run well since the water hit the engine and it broke down couple of time. And when I arrived at home, in wetter condition than before, the electricity went out, which is just wonderful because I have no candle or flashlight yet. Just great.
So, the conclusion of my first experience was wet, bloating, tired to the bone, dark like in the cave but hot like burning stove. Such a happy day...

Easy cheesy

Hi, Guys.
It's almost the end of March and I haven't made any progress with my new script. Man, back to office really means a lot of work, just realize that haha. The program is to write after working hour, at home. But the sweet rest and sitcoms in Youtube just distract me from typing new chapter. I am easily exhausted now (excuse). Wish I can spare energy starting April so I can finish my script before the bundle of joy arrives.
Anyway, just out of curiosity and a bit refreshing memory, and the mark of 7th printing, I read some comments about DIA. One point that I get is that it's an easy reading. That's true. Frankly, I haven't got any capacity yet (according to myself) to write something heavy or so meaningful or inspirational. Not yet to that point. I admit it. Perhaps one day.
I write an easy stuff because in one particular time of our life, which is full of challenges and daily routine that probably create stress and tiredness, I want to be able to sit back and relax and enjoy a simple stuff, like reading a light book. Smile a little bit, laugh a little bit. Just like a dose of warm beverage in the afternoon. Refreshing. At least for me... hehe.
But I really appreciate what you guys have commented and expressed about my book. A lesson learned.
By the way, I was told that in the end of April, my third book will be published. Will there be any difference from the previous books? Hm, let's see. I just want to say that I did my best. I just hope you will enjoy it.
See you, Guys.

Almost Seven

Hi, Guys.

If you see me now, you might not recognize me. I am BLOATING! It is so amazing to see the body expands to every direction. A little bit surprising and crazy, but feeling the bumps and kicks from inside is truly joyful. But, having swollen ankles sometimes very annoying.

Anyway, good news for this month is that we are having a new place to live, plus filling it with bunch of stuffs that exhaust the purse. Fun, yet having headache to cope with the expense. Such a rookie.

One thing that I learn from this process is that now I understand why moms like to do a survey to some stores just to find the "cheapest qualified" items. When you have limited budget, seeing quite different prices for the same items is challenging, especially when you have bought the more expensive ones. Regrets are painful indeed. I should have surveyed more... huff.

Oh yeah, and we already experience the real life of being conned. Some people really have the heart to trick someone else for their own interest. How dare! Being nice sometimes is not enough. We should be nice, but still aware and careful.

But, we learned the lesson. Do not get fooled, man. Be very cautious.

P.S. Dia is now in 7th printing. Alhamdulillah...

Sixty six and counting

Guten Tag.

February has come. Valentine day is approaching, but that's not what I am looking forward to. I am waiting for 11 February where I can see my precious one on the screen. Since few weeks ago it has been demonstrating active gestures, which are getting stronger each day. Really love that moments.

Anyway, I am gaining more and more weight. That "slim" body was just a memory now. I wonder when I can fit into those clothes anymore. I don't think it's going to be soon. No problem, I'll catch up.

At least I have a will not to be too overweight. I walk every morning to my office, for vitamin D and a little bit of sweat. Well, actually it's not merely because I need to exercise, but part of it because I can't cross the street to get to the angkot! This particular street in the rush hour is just like never ending marathon. And motorcyclists even use the pavement for their new road. Outrages. It's so much different with the situation in Goettingen, where bicyclists and pedestrian have their own path and privilege to be respected. When oh when my country will come to that level...

Dreaming.

Four and a half

Good afternoon.

What can I say about my new routine. It's new and exciting, yet challenging.

I have to make sure that I get all the nutrition I need, provide brain exercise, and keep my balance. Selfishness should be gone by now.

Anyway, I like reading stories in the afternoon and a little music in the morning. I don't know whether "Price Tag" and "Lazy" would make a wonderful choice, but it sure is a nice song to dance with. About the Mozart thing and such...hmm...perhaps later on.

A bit "internal bumpy feeling" here and there is beginning to exist. Curious and curious.

Well, other good news is in April my third novel will be published by GagasMedia... yippee!

Can't wait to get the cover design.

Hm, I should start to write again for the next one. Ganbatte ne!

Day One

First day at work. Still a bit awkward. Almost get in to the wrong office. Twice.

Happy New Year!

2012 is here. How's your last night? Merry?

I couldn't sleep. Not that I celebrate new year's eve somewhere until dawn. It's just difficult to close your eyes when the fireworks, traffic and horns were that loud, especially when you live near big four junction. Oh yeah, last night was heaven. Kidding.

You know what, as far as I remember, I never celebrate new year's eve, at all. Somehow I don't get the point of celebrating it. Yeah, so it's the beginning of new era, so what? I need to get some sleep.

I am no fun, huh? Hehehe... Well, everyone has different preference, so I guess it's okay to light fireworks, blow the horns, march on the street, but also is fine just to stay at home.

Hm, that reminds me of something. What kind of day that I celebrate then? Birthday? Not so much. Graduation? Not really. Achievement? I couldn't really remember. I think we, my family, are the kind of mild personality type. Not too excited, yet not too dramatic, but always grateful.

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful year ahead. Lots of happiness and achievements. And when we experience low tides, just hang in there and be strong. Get up and keep on moving forward. Ganbatte ne! Semangaaaaaaaaaaaaat....!

P.S. The fourth month will be my 3rd novel launching, hopefully. Wish me luck!