Little Girl Surprises Deaf Parents With Adorable ASL Holiday Medle

I just read this from one of my favorite blog:

Claire Koch, a five-year-old from Clearwater, Florida, performed in her school's Christmas pageant, and since both her parents are deaf, she surprised them by translating the songs into American Sign Language during the entire medley. 

Claire's enthusiastic sign language and singing were a true showstopper, outshining her classmates' dance moves.

My gut is telling me that this girl is going to do big things in life...

ps: Happy Holidays sweethearts and sorry for the radio silent the past weeks :)

Petition to sign

I do not have the heart to post those horrible pictures I sadly cannot forget. It's just too mean. 
But I am posting you this screen shot below, of what I did after the news broke me to pieces.

My sweethearts, If I can ask you just one thing, please join me to sign this petition so that we can stop this one cruel practice; living animals key-chain. Yes, you read that right. Living animals key-chain.

I just signed myself up and hoping that you would too.
Pretty pretty please...

Monday Morning

Exactly.

Incidental Comics

Nope

This is what I have been feeling at night these days...
ps: The striped top is making it feel even more real.

Gemma Correll

I have been thinking a lot about death lately

And no, you do not have to read this post.

But it's true. I do have been thinking a lot about death these days. Not in a creepy way tho... But more about how I want the memorial day to be.

I am a woman of many beliefs, one thing for sure... I know exactly where I am going when death calls. Being just a little bit of a control freak, I do want my memorial day to be something I know I will like. 

First, I do not like the idea of laying there alone in the coffin. It seems too lonely and it seems like there's nothing there to tell. So, you will not see any cold coffin. My loved ones will put my ashes in a beautiful bronze jar and they will spread them to the ocean and let some of the dust settles with soils and sands. That way, I can still be part of you, and the things I like about earth.

No veils and overbearing black dresses. Use your favorite colors unless it's black. Dress up! You know I like fashion. Another thing I like is good food, so the catering must be really good. There has to be cake, and wine, and meat. Red meat.

Pray. Not for me but for you,  so that you will find the strength to remember the good things about me and I wish that you will someday find it beneficial for you or you even want to pay if forward to someone else. 

Do not promise that you will never forget about me cause I know, someday, in the middle of a busy week, some seconds at some good times that... you will. And that's alright. It does not mean that you do not love me enough, it just means that you have a big enough of heart to move on and to fill it with new beautiful memories that may not have me in it. And that's okay too.

And last but not least... please play some seriously good music. One of the dearest in my life will give you a whole bunch of list but I tell you some of the 'must play': Bob Dylan's To Make You Feel my Love,Iris by Goo Goo Dolls, Pearl Jam's Just Breathe and a place that I am going... Beautiful by India Arie, and Jack Johnson, James Taylor, The Beach Boys, The Beatles.

So yea, I have been thinking about death lately.

ps: I love you.

To the Brokenhearted

I was planning to phrase a long winding paragraph of whining here, about things I am now facing in life. You know, just to get it out and make my head a bit lighter. Cause apparently, a bottle of Cab Sav (yes,a  bottle) I poured last night down all the way from my throat to my belly did not seem to work.

But then, I read the news here: Philippines Typhoon. And I rest my case.

My aching heart and prayers to the people of The Philippines. May you find strength in the midst of this fear and loss and I have faith this verse will help. Amen.

Banned Books Matchbox

This will look really cute on a coffee table, you agree?
Now where can I get them, please?

Abbey and Meredith

I am sure that some of you have read this heartbreaking story before. I did a few years ago and just stumbled upon the same article again this afternoon… realizing that Abbey was a female black Labrador just like Marilyn! The story is stated to be true and not hoax, it is the picture below that has not got any disclaimer yet... But imagine my heart if that's the truth!

So without further ado… Here’s me re posing the story. Grab your Kleenex cause I am out of them :')

Ps: I always wish that some mean people would trade life span with dogs. Dogs should live longer. 

Source: True.

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey.  She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her.  I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office.

A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet.  I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, ‘To Meredith’ in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, ‘When a Pet Dies.’

Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:


Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.

Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog.

Since we don’t need our bodies in heaven, I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I’m easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love,
God…

Brainy Moments

Whoa! Who knew... Despite it accounts for only 2% of a person’s weight or about 1.4 kilograms, the brain consumes 20% of the body’s energy! 
Is this why no matter how much you eat during exam weeks (my case; instant noodles, PBJ sandwich, chips and that mouth watering traditional nasi goreng), you just cannot gain a pound?

My source: Today I Learned.

Beer in many languages

I am a gin and tonic girl, no doubt about it. Enough to make it as one of the 'must haves' in the fridge aside from soy milk and coffe and cream.

But the past weeks, I have been hanging a lot (if not too often) with some of my beer-gulper fellas! I think I can deal with the taste, and how it gives you that throat freshening effect on a sizzling 32 degrees day! I am telling you Bali's been on fire as if it's trying to grill your skin!

I just found this cute map below. Dedicated to all of my friends who cannot stand a day without holding a bottle in hand. Cheers!

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Another hard sea

Here we are again, my siblings and I, at one of the hardest ordeals the five if us have to face. No details to serve here but I am telling you... I was only an inch away to actually...giving up.
Luckily, giving up is never my thing, and echoing in my mind, is this quote below. My brother was here last week, and we both try to see this problem from the most logical perspective ever,  resulting in one realization that everything that us as family have been through, it does mold us to the people we are now; an old strong soul. 

Sweethearts, each families have different hardships and problems, but hear me out, if you are holding on to one and another, not only that the raging sea will make you a skill-full sailor, it will also shape you as a decent and thankful one, that will never brag about its ship's magnificent power (like what the captain of the Titanic did).

I am putting my foot down. My first step is being logical... the next are depending on many others, but the last one is... giving one of the biggest forgiveness ever.

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Die known as....

A perfect stranger just told me this one simple line, when I babble about how I do not want to die known as a communication practitioner in hotel industry; "Maybe, you can die as a writer."
Ah, I would really like that...

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New Crush; Boyfriend Jeans

I have a new crush.... Boyfriend jeans!
Loving this pair from the GAP like what I am so comfortable wearing here in this picture (been stocked up with mothballs in one big traveling bag) and also this one here.

Any new fashion crush you find lovely?

Serenity Prayer, not

Oh too funny!

This is my list for Coffee:
Fix that thing at work.
Energy to run every morning at 5:45 am.
Set an earlier date for my project and to actually wrapping it in time.

My Cab Sav:
That thing at work I cannot do anything about. My fault... meh.
The fact I will never look like a supermodel anyway no matter how often I run. So, yea...
Reality that the only thing that's going to make my project progressing is if I have a glass of red in hand. Every time.

Mother of an Angel Baby

Do you know that I should have this necklace too? :')
 

Unknown

Worry Not

Can jotting you worries down work like an elixir to an aching pain? It does to me. So here I am, dishing them out:

Health. Like worrying to the limit I cant stop thinking about it and over researching about this stuff...
Money. In the sense of calculating my age and what should I have laying around and in what year I can reach certain numbers. In the sense of being afraid of not being able to really taking care of people I love.
My Mama. But I cannot tell you why.
This ticking biological clock.
My work. My work. That project.
Safety. I still check my doors and windows for like a dozen of times before going to bed. And I  know I have three alarming dogs and one of them is a true guard!

I need to remind myself over and over again about this verse tho.
And I know... He is right.

Any worries you feel like dumping?

Saying Images

Happy People

Oh how I have been missing you all!

Not only that I am feeling this stinging guilt towards my babies (yep, my dogs), I also realize that I have not been a good companion for most of my dearests! It's sad that we complain a lot about not having enough time whilst at the same time knowing that just the exact amount of hours, minutes and seconds were given to majestic people like Beethoven, Gandhi, or a great author in my country Pramoedya Ananta Toer. And they did amazing things in life; the world today is not the same without them and what they did is still is making a positive viral affect.

And look here I am, nagging, whining and complaining for having not enough energy to read, to walk my dogs or to simply enjoy a cup of coffee without having this rambling thoughts in my head "Mmm.. I have not done this, I have to check that... errr did I pay that already?.. shoot, what time is it ?!" 

This article came to the rescue. I just read them word.by.word and now am feeling a lot better. I think, I am not that bad. All the samples stated does sound familiar to me. For example, cotton-candy looking sky still make me stop for a minute or two, waggy dogs still make me so happy I want to kiss them in the face, I still enjoy my time alone... and I still am a firm believer that almost everything can turn into something better with good music.

Here's the link if you like to know : Habits of Supremely Happy People , and here below is one of my happy places.... Getting lost in a book.
(Ed.note: An essay collection of Charles Saatchi)

Babble

Nerdy Not

I did mention to you before that I am supposed to wear glasses. But to this very day, I am still sticking my nose to a book and forcing my eyes to work harder just because I have not yet found the perfect glasses that will not give me migraine after two hours. And no brands of contacts, be it cheap or expensive not giving me horrifying allergies. Oh, the drama!

That, and ahem... I am not that confident wearing them. 

But when my sister told me that my eyes can get worse as a result of my ignorance, I think I will have to obey this one rule.

So, here's my attempt, to not look that nerdy.

What do you think?

Weird

I am that girl.
I play Christmas songs in June just to get a better mood and wipe my own tears away. I make strange gestures when I have my 'Eureka!' moments and I cannot control them. Ever.
I may not like half of the songs from this month's top 40. They are not 'old' enough for my old-soul and for my ears. 
I am that girl.
I do not answer calls right away and that does not mean that I do not like you, nor too busy. It's just that, at that time, I do not have the energy to chat. I will call you back. I can make sure of that.
I am that girl. that will allow you to walk away if you think you want to. I will stop and actually smell the roses whenever I am in a rush. I like animals more than most people, I listen to Sinatra, Pearl Jam, Incubus, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles...and yet, read Tolstoy and Harper Lee and draw on people's note pads.

I am that weird girl. Who would really appreciate a card of a 'just cause' rather than expensive dinner and is offended if not getting an invite to a game night with beers with the boys but is fine with hitting the pause button to clubbing for...years.

Who would appreciate space. But might let you nestle under her arms if you really are in need. For as long as you mind that it's the dogs that she will be more often talking to.
Who thinks cartoon movies are the best next to all Sundance fest movies and wish that Pippi Longstocking can be her friend in life.

I am that girl.

Who's -no matter how much she would deny it- ... is a die hard believer of Love.

Yep.

New-born Sumatran Tiger Babies!

This news is both a happy and sad one. 
Happy that the Sumatran tiger cubs and mama are all healthy, safe and roaring loud! Sad that here in their very own country, Sumatran tigers are not yet having the attention and conservation they deserve. If you want to support the cause, let me know.
I did. With faith that my grand-kids will never have to learn about Sumatran tigers in the 'extinct' section of an animal's encyclopedia. I, one Sumatran lady will make sure of that. I hope you are in!
You can read the full story of Mama Tiger, Damai (means 'Peace' in Bahasa) and her cubs here.

ps: Help making sure our future children will still get to see them :)

huffingtonpost

Ephesians

Just what I need to hear. Again.

Saying Images

Real Women Eat

That darn extra five kilos seems to have no slight interest to go away from my body. But what can I say,  instead of seriously asking them to leave, I have been making them even more comfortable to nestle.

I am lucky to have a good metabolism tho'... I am not skinny but others might consider me lucky for 'only' having chubby cheeks and a bit of a curve as a result of continuously eating like a man.

Or, like a real woman.

ps: I have to jog this afternoon. Wish me all the determination to not bail. Haha.

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Life as Mahony knows it

I need to protect my humans. For they have saved me from living alone on the street.
Not every people are nice.
I say that again... Not every people are nice.
Sleeping early is not an option, I have to stay up late, or at least until I am rest-assured that my humans are all safe and sound in their bed.
You know... because not every people are nice.

I love mornings. I love doggy dancing with Mama and I love our weekends because that means my friends and I are going to devour a bowl of fresh milk...and my humans are home much much longer. Oh, and a day without a nap is miserable.

I can understand why humans can be worry, or sad or tired. They have work, they have bigger responsibilities and chores and they see many other humans and they are not always nice, you know... So, that's why.
By the way, my silly best friend Marilyn would bark to differ. She thinks everyone is nice. Blah!

Being a dog is fascinating. But we do have our worries and anxiety, take example the newbie in the house, Axl. I have told him many times that our humans are the best but I think he still worries that he's going to be sent to another home. As much as I like having Mama's attention all to myself, I know Axl is also crazily loved. I just know. I trust my humans.
Us dogs somehow find it difficult to hold on to anger and grudge and revenge. Once your kindness is sniffed, we just like you. Am good at  this. Sniffing kindness and sniffing a wacko at the same time. That's why I have to make sure only good people are hanging out with my humans.

Everyday is a responsibility. To guard, to watch over and making sure everything is on its place, and nothing gets dirty. Especially my paws. I love watching Marilyn and Axl making a fool out of themselves chasing tennis ball. I'd sit still next to Mama.

My humans soft voice and their belly rubs are daily treats. And I know how hard it can be out there for my other friends who are living on the street....
I think of them sometime. I hope they will find a home too. For them to guard. And mama and papa, for them lo love. And ask for a doggy dance and fresh milk and love.
Not many people can give that.... Because, you know, not all people are nice.
But I hope you will find them.

Semoga bukan hanya di 17 Agustus ini

Semoga bukan hanya di 17 Agustus ini,
Matamu bekaca-kaca saat memandang dwi warna dan kamu mendoakan yang terbaik bagi Ibu Pertiwi
seraya berhenti berserapah atas ketidaklayakkannya

Semoga bukan hanya di 17 Agustus ini
Kamu mengaku "Indonesia Raya" selalu mendebarkan hati saat ia berkumandang
Atau menyadari Pancasila ternyata punya makna dalam setiap lantunan katanya

Semoga bukan hanya di 17 Agustus ini
Kamu berkata bangga, sekalipun sebuah bangsa tak selalu tanpa cela
Kamu memilih berharap pada pemimpinnya dan merasa lebih baik menjalani kewajiban seorang bernegara, dibanding mengutuki para pelaku cela tadi

Semoga bukan hanya di 17 Agustus ini
Kamu menyendengkan telinga pada kakek-kakek pejuang, yang mungkin sudah bercerita padamu berulang-ulang
tentang seorang sahabat yang meregang nyawa dalam pelukannya

Semoga bukan hanya di 17 Agustus ini
Kamu berproklamasi kamu cinta, pada bangsa ini
bukan hanya pada sejarahnya, tetapi juga pada perbedaannya.
Pada masa depannya yang bisa berbeda, tergantung benar tidaknya apa yang kau katakan tadi

Yang semoga bukan hanya di 17 Agustus ini

Dirgahayu, Indonesia Raya!

ps: Sang Merah Putih yang berkibar di halaman depan rumah, dan lagu yang membawa saya menjadi salah satu vokalis di gereja dimasa kecil dulu; Indonesia Pusaka, ciptaan Ismail Marzuki.

Happy Independence Day

What I See in Friendship

As time goes by... do you realize how trials and tribulations' absolute power somehow perfectly function as a filter to show you who your true friends are? 

What I see in friendship is its endearing ability, to hang in there, to survive waves of troubles and changes. To reach out deeper, allowing each other to grow and be even more real every single day.

We may have added hundreds of friends along the way... but the true ones somehow... diminishing.  

I am just glad that Adis Nasier here, is one in the latter category.

Jakarta 2009

Bali 2013

At ease

Long weekend is here!

I have set a very detailed plan and that will include: wolfing at least 2 slices of carrot cake, going to the beach with my dogs, sinking my nose to this book and be Quiet:), visiting my bestie Adis for Lebaran.

On a more mellow note, I have been badly missing my sisters and brother, and nephews too. There's never a day go by without us checking in with each-other, but it will be nice if we can be at one place all together anytime soon.

And, as if they are giving me a nod to my 'need to be cured emptiness', look what I just received here this afternoon...

ps: I love you.... 

Above: Isaac, Detrianne and baby Nathanael, Benevolent, Maharani. Below: Brave Joseph and a 'really-really big cat'

Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls

It's been a bookish week and is still going. I am going to sink my nose to another book but this one that I just finished is a must share!  Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls  is a collection of narrative essays by David Sedaris, every page is a charmer with its witty humor and intelligence and is just amusingly educating. At the very last page, I almost feel like I know him very well...

David, you have stolen my heart in a thousand phrases.

order here

Moonwalking with Einsten

Moonwalking With Einstein is not an easy read for me but I am enjoying it!
Tho' Joshua Foer kinda makes me feel like I am way below his league, I secretly admire him. If you pay attention really closely, this book has a fair share of dry humor  (I like!) despite it being a true science genre!  

Order here

Life as Marilyn Knows It

Everyday is a blessing, and waking up wagging your tail is the only way to greet morning as it breaks. Oh, with a hundreds of kisses on 'my human's' sleepy face too.

A walk on the beach is too hard. I say run. 'My human' sometimes forget to bring our ball but I can always find another one on the beach, laying unattended. I am sure no one would mind. I mean, people are kind and sweet and they have a lot of things to be thankful of so losing a ball on the beach would not bother them.

Thunder storm is unpredictable and can be very scary. But as long as I have a roof on top of my head, I will be alright. Especially if I can still see a glimpse of 'my human's' shadow in another room. I know everything is going to be fine.

Denta stix? Nom...nom...nom

I cannot decide which one I like the best; sunshine or rain? I do not get why mankind can open their blinds to square back how a day is going to be by just looking at the sky. You can soak in the warmth of sunshine... and playing under the rain is just as fun!

Anyone welcome to our house is welcome to my heart. This valids to Axl too, another dog 'my human' brought home a month ago. I like him. Almost as much as I like tennis balls, but not as much as I like denta stix. My friend Mahony has a different idea but that's fine. We are resulting a good dynamic, she and I.

I do not get what can happen in human's life... They can be very angry waking up and going to work, they can cry when it comes to their friends or relatives and even families.
Sometimes, they came home with a sour face and they look very weary. My over the top greeting seems to always work its magic to cheer them up. Once they caress me, I think my happy energy got transferred to them too. But still, I do not understand what can cause their unhappiness. I mean, I know thunder storms can be very scary but humans are bigger than me... So, it cannot be thunderstorms... It must be something else.

Every meal is a bliss. And I will finish them to the very last crumbs. I am thankful for everything that is given to be by 'my human'. 

Whenever 'my human' is away, I just spend time thinking of them and waiting earnestly so see them coming home and end their day with me snuggling in their arms. I would like to let them know that tomorrow is another happy day.

Oh, did I say that Life is a blessing?

One fine day at the beach.

What's your retirement plan?

Did I just ask you that? Sounds too far ahead? 

I would love to lie to myself and say "Ah, that's still ages to come." But you and I both knows, that days, weeks, months and years will fly in a bullet speed. So yes, let's talk about what's your plan when the work force is no longer your first identity.

A few years ago, I may not have had the gut to say what I am about to say... but now I think I am there. Someday, (and judging from my most likely to working 'law of attraction power ' *wink,... I trust that it will happen).

I will leave the industry that I am now in, once and for all and 'slave' myself to fight for animal rights. Though the idea of joining rangers in the wilderness still frightens me, I know I can take part in it at some level. Working at the animal shelter, learn their language and characters, travel to bring out more of a 'humanity bent' of the society, and the world. Ah, no, I am not drafting a beauty pageant contest speech :).
My love for animals has been built since I was a toddler and now, it has gone enormous. Not only for dogs. I was tempted to share you links of recent happenings here in...my very own country. Sumatran tigers and elephants were slaughtered to fulfill mankind's greed and hunger of filthy wealth. But nah... I do not want to cry again :'(.

I cannot do much now, and maybe neither can you, my sweethearts. But if you want to partake in preserving the earth and its beauty, including the animals, you can contribute a sum of donation here: donate for animals rights . I did and am not looking back.

ps: What's this idea below sound? :)

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Washoe's Language of Love

Washoe was a female chimpanzee who was the first non-human to learn to communicate using American Sign Language, as part of a research experiment on animal language acquisition. Washoe learned approximately 350 words of ASL.

Kat, her caretaker  was pregnant and missed work for many weeks after she miscarried. Upon Kat's return, she decided to tell Washoe herself by signing"My baby died".
Washoe stared at her, then looked down before finally peered into Kat's eyes again and carefully signed "CRY".

Do I need another reason to love animals more than I love most people? 

Washoe (September 1965 – October 30, 2007)

NY Times

Friendzoned

Ah, have you been? Or, are you friend-zoning someone in particular?
Here's and easy way to tell whether or not you are being hauled to that area.

What my Dad Thought of Me

I posted this picture before I moved in to the new hose. But, today, my dear cousin Ruth made a comment that broke me to tears.. In a good way :) Since it means so much to me, I am sharing them as below:

Ruth Sinaga Yes He is indeed...and I remember ur bapak..my tulang bontot...once told me that he always believed that u could stand on ur own...he always had a faith on u...Tress...
To which I responded with saying "Now I want to cry..." And she went on:
Ruth Sinaga Hehehe....I'm sorry Tress...really didn't mean to...Seeing u right now with what u've achieved in ur carreer..makes me remember what he said to me once about u n the good qualities u have in u to survive.

I always knew my Dad and I had this strong bond.... And maybe, we still do. But,  little did I know that he really  thought of me that way, and that he actually talked about me in such honor and pride to people around him and to our families. God's great grace is the only answer why my family and I have made it this far. It's no one's strength. And I still am the same old kid who's easily frightened and keep making mistakes.

But I cannot be thankful enough to hear this message today. I just cannot. Thank you sister Ruth, for reminding me about how beautiful life actually is and what a wonderful man that I grew up with.

What I see in 'Success'

You know...I wrote a whole paragraph and deleted them all just now. I could not get my head around in what I see in success. I really cannot.
My mind works in another way in this case, so here's what success is NOT about.

It is not about the number on your pay-check. That's not how I see success. That's just a bar on how you have worked on your God given talent. Same goes for the title on your business card, or the changes you made to your social media profile.

Not about how powerful your name is to a certain entity, or business. Or what privilege you have in a company. That's a brownie points of your influence so far, and how your company appreciates you and at the same time expecting you to do more. But no, my friend, success is not that... simple.

It is not about being the youngest in the board of directors, nor about what car you drive. Not about successfully tying the knot with someone and breed, or being single and living large. My friend, to this very last words I am typing I still cannot find the most prominent meaning to what a success is. So, I am letting that to be yours to decide. I hope someday, I will find the answer to it too.

Or, maybe this?

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