Blue Yabbie Pet

Apart from my chickens, I have another pet: Blue Fresh-Water Crayfish / Yabbie
Didn't purposely get it for a pet. What happened is, Mom saw some live ones in the market. Obviously they were intended as food.
Out of compassion, Mom bought some to release it in wild.
Then Mom and Dad realised that they can't just throw those crayfish in ponds, waterways or anywhere. They can be a scary predator. Crayfish can ruin natural habitat, so they end up to be my pet.
I dunno how long I'll keep them, until they all die I think. I've been keeping them for nearly 2 years now.
Somehow they do not reproduce any little babies for me
They are not much fun as pet, cos they always hide in their burrows (made from PVC pipes) - what a shy creature...

The Black Monster

I once visited a friend at our neighbouring country. I stayed at her place for a couple of days there.
Once day, she took me to mall for sightseeing...
And suddenly, her 2-3 years old baby girl shrieked "MONSTERRR !!!"
My friend quickly gave her baby a hug and say... "Yes! Black Monster... It's OK, mommy is here"
They were referring to a Bangali cleaning service guy - whom were busy mopping the floor and did nothing to scare the baby.
Apparently, my friend has been teaching her daughter "to-hate/ to-be-scared" those Bangali people. The code name is "MONSTER"... "If u not eating your food, Mommy'll call the Monsters to catch you (pointing at a Bangali worker)" or "Don't run, walk with mommy, later got Monsters, how??" etc etc
The sad part is, almost all the family members named those people as "Monster". Even the grandma told me proudly "Since very young, she already don't like those Bangali. Smart girl, you know. Those Bangali are scary and filthy, like Monsters, right?". So wrong.

In my neighbouring country, it's very common to see South Asian immigrants doing "unwanted" job, ie. Cleaning service, janitor, construction worker, etc. Although, you can find some other races doing unwanted job too.

But teaching a toddler to love and hate a certain race by judging skin colour is so wrong. 

She's so young, and they started to feed her unnecessary fears. And these kids will keep in their minds and develop hatred for ridiculous reasons for the rest of her life.

Why "RESPECT LEVEL" is inversely proportional to a "MELANIN LEVEL"?

Though seems trivial, these "RACISM" issue may cause a bigger problem in longer run. Learn from us, please :(

Look, In Indonesia, despite being colonised by Dutch and Japanese for centuries, I never seen any local Indonesians hate them as much as they hate Chinese. Odd, isn't it?  (Although, I believe those jugun-ianfu will have different opinion about this)
And vice versa, Chinese hates locals. Looking down on them.

I don't know how people in the pasts whipped out this hatred. Some said, the Dutch used to give more benefits to Chinese, so the locals got envy. Some said it's the sin of our former President Suharto. I dunno how true it is, but it seems to be deeply infused until today.
And sometime it blew up, just like 1998 incident.
Both races' morons fought for someone-else's victory! They don't even realised they are being used for military for a coup trial. Stupid...!

Yet it still happens...
Local kids will call Chinese by "mocking" names. Local government official will anyhow ask for more ciggy-money form Chinese, anytime, anyhow.
When I was young, my parents forbid me to speak Chinese in public, they are scared that locals will harm me by showing Chinese traits. I think, no matter what I speak, my skin and my eyes already shows my race. Being mute won't help much.
I don't understand Indonesian Chinese either. Those super hard-core ones (I met some who can mistreat and swear about locals' race) are hardly "Chinese". I mean, they are 3rd-6th generation Chinese that no longer speak Chinese, they know nothing about China, and they never ever set their foot in China. What's China about them is merely diluted gene and their cheap mobile-phones!!!

I won't teach my younger generation to hate someone based on unchangeable things, like: you can't change your skin colour.
Ehm... (I see what you do there... OK OK, I'll rephrase it)
I guess, the proper way to say it, it'd be better not to hate anyone or anything :)
Easier said than done. But let's give it a try, shall we?

Give Blood Give Life

A bag of my blood. May it save lives

More blood :) what a Vampire Delight

in the caring hand of TzuChi members

Thank You for poking me without pain :)

Update about Robi: a Closure

After a long wait for Robi's new E-KTP, we finally got it.  ヽ(*⌒∇⌒*)ﾉ Hurrraaaayyyyy!!!
With the help of kind and understanding bank official, Robi could get his name stated on his very own saving account and a term-deposit account.
Well done, Robi!

Here is the picture of them receiving all the documents. I hope they'll use it wisely.

I would like to thank Ven. K, Mr. HK and Mr.HW for inspiring and giving me a chance to help others.
May all being be happy :)

Note:
Holding the fund for so long under my name was actually a burden. I feel bad keeping their money.
But today, after passing it over. I feel free and happy... "losing" money never felt so good, esp. after seeing their smile. Priceless ＼（Ｔ∇Ｔ）／

Happy 50th Bday, WWF Indonesia

For their 50th Bday, WWF Indonesia sent me a picture of my long lost cousin  (´ε｀ )♡
Cute, isn't it?
Feel very honoured to be able to support this foundation. Keep up the good work!

Update about Robi. Part 3

The project was done a couple of month ago. I was just lazy to write. Hahaha

But I guess I owe you a report. Here are the before-after pictures of the house make-over.

the bathroom

the front yard

the new room

The project was running well, but just like other mercy-project, there were some obstacles. I even doubt that the new room will be given to Robi.

Mostly because of greed, Robi's family member asked for more and more, kept on complaining that they needed more which none has anything to do with Robi. Of course, not all their wishes are fulfilled, we insisted to focus on Robi's welfare, rather than the whole extended family.

The leftover fund for Robi is not fully handed-over. I still wait for Robi's legal ID, so he can open a bank account under his personal name, rather than borrowing name from others (I even doubt his relatives)

But that's just me, I know I am abit way over-reacted about his relatives' attitudes. But one can't be too careful about money, right? Especially when it involves needy people.

Previous Posts: Part 1, Part 2

Tail-less Pui (part 2)

The latest news about Apui's condition is "Apui is recovering, and he is a happy doggy"

WARNING:
The following writing contains pictures that some may find to be disturbing. Reader Discretion is Advised.

Tail-less Pui

WARNING:
The following writing contains pictures that some may find to be disturbing. Reader Discretion is Advised.

A couple of days ago, I saw A-Pui hiding under a car. Usually when I call his name, he’ll greet me with wagging tail, but this time, he just looked at me, curling his body without getting up. I saw a wound on his butt, it was dark, I couldn’t really tell how severe the wound is.

The next day, I asked my staff about A-Pui, he said maybe someone run over the dog’s tail. My brother asked me to get a vet to give him a check. Just in case it was serious.

Update about Robi. Part 2

The warung where they work is closed for fasting month. The aunt that owns the warung was sick too. So during this month, their income is kinda halted. People with hard life are trained to strive; without the warung, Robi’s mom managed to get some seasonal orders to make “kerupuk jengkol”.

“We do anything to ensure our next meal”, she said.

Here are some pictures taken when we visited her:

1. Half the jengkol bean

2. Lightly fry the jengkol bean

3. Fried jengkol bean

4. Crush the bean into sheets using some heavy stone, swipe a little salt during the process

5. What it looks like after crushing, still pliable - need to dry it under the sun

6. Drying it under sun, depends on the weather, usually takes 2 days

7. This is what kerupuk jengkol looks like after being fried and seasoned with chilli paste. Picture is taken from here.

and this is the video of Robi's mom crushing the bean into sheets

Update about Robi. Part 1

Here is a little update about Robi and his mom. (more story here) About 2 weeks ago, the team from Sby: Mr.HK and Mr.HW accompanied by Ven.K visited Robi to check out their real condition. They live in poor, messy and sad condition.
Their visit wasn't heavily published. In fact it was kept low-profile just to ensure the privacy of the mother and child. We (esp. me) do not want other parties to take advantage of this event for their own political benefits. I also worry that some people will "attack" the mother and child for their sudden lucky stroke.

Top: Look at the expression of Robi's mom when Ven.K gave them a surprise visit
Bottom: Ven. K, Mr.HK and Mr.HW giving the donation to Robi and his mom

I've received mixed opinion about this donation. I'll write about the negative ones:

•    Some have asked me “They only donate some fried noodles, what’s so great about it?  A lot of people donate more than that. So, will all people who donate fried noodle get such fund as well?”
• “I doubt that the noodle that they donate really from Robi and his mom. More likely it is from his aunty. So, they don’t really deserve such help”
•  “The amount of money raised for Robi and his mom is too much, too much for them to handle. They wouldn’t know how to manage it”. “Are these people crazy? Why do they donate such big amount?  Do they have too much money? Don't they know there are more people that live in worse conditions?”
•  “They have survived on their own for long time. Why suddenly they need help from outsiders?”
• etc



front yard



Interior

The truth is, I also questioned the donation fund, not about whether they deserve it or not, I worry more how to utilize the fund to benefit them only. I don’t want the money to end up to those who are not on focus. The money was raised in the name of Robi, I think we have to respect donors’ wish to help him, rite?

Ven.K personally interviewed Robi and his mom about what they want and need most. They wish to fix their house. As you can see in the picture, the size of the land is… I think it is quite spacious, but the building size is kinda small to accommodate 5 people. (They never offer us to have a peek in their current 2 rooms, so we didn’t ask too). According to them, Robi’s uncle is to sleep on common room because they have no extra space for him. Looking at the house condition, they really need a make-over.

So, the plan is to fix their house, build another room at their backyard, fix their bathroom/toilet (I doubt it works at all), fix their kitchen, removing the broken hand-water-pump, etc. A lot of things are to be done. Thanks to Mr.KT + Mrs.M, really appreciate your willingness to take charge of this project. Without both of you, I wouldn't have a clue how to do it.

backyard: where we gonna build a new extra room for Robi and his family

the kitchen

bathroom / toilet

We believe that the house make-over wouldn’t cost the whole fund; there’ll be some amount left. The leftover is to be put in bank’s term deposit; they’ll be allowed to consume their monthly interest, while the major fund is only to be withdrawn on rainy days. Btw, there was some discussion whether we should just help them to start up a small business, so they’ll be able to support themselves in the future, so we could utilize the money to the max. But we all agreed that Robi and his mom are quite dim-witted, so starting up a business will be too risky.

So, that’s my update about Robi’s case. I’ll be back with more report, hopefully their house can be fixed ASAP.

Btw, big thanks to Ven. K, Mr.HK and Mr. HW who have put effort to help the family, and flew all the way to Padang just give them a visit. Your effort is greatly appreciated. 

Kids' Report

Another year has passed.
Lisa has been so kind to send all the tuition receipts and their school reports.
The kids have done a good job at school. I am such a proud foster mother. Hahaha.

I am getting a new kid this year, so it'll be 3 boys and 3 girls this year.
Would this action contribute to my "caga" attributes?
Dear, do you know how hard it is to keep up to your noble qualities?

Chasing Virtue

About two weeks ago, a thread  Padang-originated “touching’ story was spreading around the Blackberry and Facebook world. So touching, that the true story was added too much seasonings which made way too dramatic. Naturally, it brought tears to those who listen or read the thread; and brought some sinister to those who happened to know the actual characters and despise them.

For those who were touched by the story, their reactions are predictable: they have a thought… “oh, how I wish I could help the kid and the mother”. THOUGHT ONLY, NO ACTION DONE. Well, some think by shedding tears, broadcasting and adding more drama to story is a noble action. Pfffttt!!! :p

But there was one guy who made an effort to get extra information about the mother and child, and he was willing to actually help. Since he wanted to give the most suitable aid, he asked me to tell the condition of them. I know those characters in the story, but not so much in detail. So, I decided to investigate their condition.  I guess I would be unwise to disclose it here, in case it’ll spread through irresponsible-broadcasting. The result of my investigation is, they are coming from middle-low family, staying in a decent house for free, get free daily meals from where they work, and they do have salary (below the government rate, but with the meals, I call it even)
Don’t get me wrong, I report to the guy as it is, without any personal opinions added. Until I wrote this, the guy is still discussing with his friends on what’s best to donate for the mother and child.

What I am trying to say is… any story, fiction, or even real event can be so dramatic with the power of pen – or maybe in the current world, the POWER OF FINGERTIPS.

I know those who wrote and spreading the story having “GOOD’ intention, BUT THEY ARE JUST LAZY and unwilling to put more effort YET they wanted to be acknowledged as the HOLY and GENEROUS one.

What I loathe most is those IGNORANT, NAIVE and SENSELESS people who broadcast and begs others to donate (in a forcing tone). Flooding timeline with dreadful pictures.  Adding  God’s name, Jesus’ name, Buddha’s name or whatever religious terms to intimidate others (or maybe they thought it'll add more good-karma points). Yet, I bet she/he’ll never every donate, not even a single cent. Click, click, click… and hoping good-karma flooding their merits’ account.

Almost on daily basis, I got broadcast from my FB and BB about sick people, poor people, needy people whose lives on a thread without people’s donation.  Some people don’t even check whether the information is correct. These kinds of donation-broadcasts are prone to misuse, some using private bank account to collect – it could be fraud, how sure are we that they are honest about it? And the most important thing, do those people really need it? Well, I am sure everybody needs extra cash when they get into trouble; but this is LIFE: when we get into trouble, don’t just sit and wait for people to help, u need to put some effort and fork out some from your own pocket too. Not just becoming a parasite with angelic face showered with tears (I got a bad experience from this event).
Some devious people can just become INSTANT-CON-ARTIST when given a chance.

Rhino Chopstick

Today I received a pair of chopstick from WWF Indonesia as a token of their appreciation for my support. So sweet of them, isn't it?
The chopstick is made of wood coming from the conservation areas at Ujung Kulon National Park.

But I dunno if the varnish they used for the chopstick is food-grade at all. Hum... maybe better to keep it as a souvenir. Thank you WWF :)

Loving Daddy - 爱心爸爸

In the search of touching stories,

I suddenly remembered the interview from "A Date with LuYu" on Phoenix TV a while ago: it was about a poor but generous high school Physical Education teacher, 柏检-Bai Jian that provides home and education for 24 unfortunate kids (and counting, I guess). I was teary when I watched the interview, hiks...

Here is the transcript from the interview (I just realised it wasn't the same interview on TV, but still worth reading) or if you can read Chinese, look here

I know the story is quite old, but still it's not much known. It would be beautiful to spread this around.

There are still some people with golden heart in this world. There's a hope, isnt it?

Kids' Report Card :)

I've been supporting 5 needy kids for their education needs since last year.
2 days ago, a friend sent me one of the kids' report card.
He is still in playschool, only 5 years old. I hope I'll be able to support him to higher education level.
Here is his picture and his report card :)

Btw, I pixalated his picture and name to protect his ID and innocence. Thanks to AD for reminding me :)

Puppies Adoption List

The four puppies of Chocolate will soon up for adoption. Maybe in about 3-4 weeks time, when they are fully whelped from their mother.
All of them are un-named, except Petir (so I just emergency-ly name them; their foster parents will rename them); here they are:

Petir

1. Petir
Petir means Thunder, was named so, 'cos the mother was in labour when there were big thunders.
He has all white fur except on his head, as if he's putting a mask
He is the bravest, most playful among all of the brothers; not scared of humans
He will be adopted by my neighbour, afterall he is the rightful owner of Chocolate

Brownie

2. Brownie
He has all brown fur, except on the tips of his toes.
He is a shy one, often get bullied by his brothers, they like to bite his hind legs
He will be adopted by local bank's security guard. He'll grow to be a tough boy!

Erick

3. Erick
He is the chubbiest among all. The fastest to get milk from his mom; he somehow got a trick to kick his brothers away while drinking milk.
He's kinda moody, he can be friendly at one time, and being ignorant for next second. Apart from eating, he loves sleeping too, anytime, anywhere.
He will be adopted by Erick, a friend from temple.

Harry

4. Harry
An auntie fell in love with this pup cos of his pattern, it reminds her of her late dog, Harry: the white line on his forehead & his big white collar
He is the shy-est among all. He often run to his box ignoring his brothers who are busy playing or eating.
He likes to hide in small, hidden places and get stuck! Then he'll cry for help.

Mr. Ant & his food

the sky was finally clear
wind blew softly
smell of after-rain was so nice
sun started to shine brightly

that place was very quiet
the only sound you can hear was His sound
Master's voice echoed in the grand Borobudur...
but, his soothing voice kinda made me calm and sleepy

then i stared on the paved floor where i seated
a big ant was so busy walking back and forth
going in and out of a hole between the paving blocks
he brought a white stuff out of the hole
i thought it was its larvae, but why did he put it out in open air?
he continued bringing the white stuff out and placing it in front of me
they looked like rice grains, some were big, some were small

maybe i am just fantasizing,
but kinda feel that he presented those grains for me
it's a warm feeling :) though maybe delusional
but I thank you, "big" ant!!!
it's wonderful that you've shared your food with me

Paper vs Styrofoam

On one fine afternoon, I accompanied my Mom to arrange dishes for my Big Bro’s wedding. The original plan was that they’re going to use Styrofoam bowls for some dishes. I rejected the idea; I meant my parents have been campaigning not to use Styrofoam as it is bad for our environment. How could we use in on our family’s big occasion? I opted for paper bowl, which is so hard to get so me and mom went to visit some aunties that are veterans in catering world.

The conversation went on like this:
ME:         Auntie, do you know where to get paper bowl like this? I want it to be used for  Durian-Ice (showing   paper bowl I got from local KFC)

AUNT 1:   Durian-Ice? No need such fancy bowl, just use Styrofoam bowl. I know who can supply them
Me:        No, no, no. I don’t want to use Styrofoam. 不环保 (not environmentaly-friendly)
AUNT 1 & 2:  What???
MOM:     What Ming meant is, Styrofoam is bad for earth cos it’s not easily degradable
AUNT 2:   Aiyoooo….. you worry about the rubbish? No need to worry, let the hotel handle it.
AUNT 1:   Yes, the price you pay for hotel includes the rubbish fee. They’ll put all used Styrofoam bowls into big plastic bag and they’ll dispose it. You will not see them anymore. Easy.

AUNT 2:   OK, now we confirm to use Styrofoam bowls. styrofoam bowls are so convenient and so cheap too. This's the best choice. I’ll call my friend to show you the samples, k?

ME:        (speechless)
      
So, moral story of my day is “It’s not plastic or Styrofoam or carbon-emission that kill the earth, it’s our IGNORANCE”.

Now, anyone can tell me any ice-cream cup's supplier in Jakarta? due date is mid Oct 2010.

Wishful Gaze

In front of me, there's innocent eyes from the boy that I can"t bear to see, I was trying to look away, denying what I see. I was holding my breath as I walk into those ruined rooms, how can they sleep in there? And again, I need to face my biggest fear: to see into their eyes. Those eyes that showed a big expectation from each person who came to visit them and promised to help them, and most of them never come back. Those poor children..

It"s all started last Sunday, my friend V asked me to join her to visit an orphanage, she brought some cakes, snacks and milk powder for them. Seriously, I was very uncomfortable to be there, it is not because of the kids' attitude, of course, so far, they have been very welcoming to strangers (I guess they get used to get visited)
 

Well, before this,  I've visited this particular orphanage before with DaAi team. Exactly like my previous visit,  I didn't interact much to the kids unless they speak to me first, it makes me feel uneasy. I refused to say or do much in the orphanage, I also refused to create too much attention about the visit. ... not because I'm cold... but I really care about them in a different way.
 

Here is the picture of 2 youngest member of the orphanage.

These 2 babies that strike me the most. Both were surrendered by their poor parents whom unable to provide necessary care for them. I know their parents didn't have evil means abandoning them. At least in the orphanage, they can get necessary food and clothing and companion of orphanage brothers and sisters. Most parents will ensure their kids will get the best nutrition in their kids' early age. I am not quite sure how much nutrition the babies will get, but I am sure they'll stay alive.

It is painful to see that the kids live in poor condition, wearing either too big or too small clothing with holes here and there, eating whatever provided, sleeping anywhere they can find. More pics here...

I don't want to give any hope to them for that I cannot commit, not that I don't want to...
I wouldnt complain much, cos I cannot help much
I cannot promise much too..

How can I help, I cannot always provide them.
I hate the feeling of this hopelessness... but in my deepest heart, i really want the best for them..

TV Interview Clip

 A looooooong waited file has finally arrived. Here's the clip of my interview from Da Ai TV.
Finally it is here.
Dear friends, I was on TV!!!!

note:
many thanks to Ms.Hsu who sent the dvd from across the ocean
many thanks to Mr.Ng who extract the dvd into this short clip of me only... hahaha...(maafkan aku, baru sekali ini masuk tipi, pak... jadi agak kampungan)