It’s a good lesson.

I thought and talked a lot about how we communicate lately. This week is special and tough. It challenges my skill to have a good communication with many persons that have different roles in my life. In Ubud, I often keep communication with much fewer roles so fewer skills needed. So, it’s something!

I have learned a lot the past days – about others and myself. I know that I could easily lose confidence to make myself clear when one thinks I should improve my way to deliver. I’m one who prefers to avoid an argument. Many had told me that there are times that we need to make ourselves clear although it might cause a heated argument. That’s when I need to push myself to have confidence to keep the communication going because being in turn-off mode completely is not a good thing in a good communication. I would stop trying to communicate then.

I also know that I could express myself much better through writing than oral. And again, it has cause me having a mild issue by being unable to share more orally. Well, I do my best to be more chatty at ALL times. Closed ones who know me well know that I could only be chatty in a few occasions but not all. Mood? Just omit. Mode as well. Being with chatty persons, I prefer to be in listening mode so I could learn and enjoy while giving the other person an undivided attention.

I know I like to think fast therefore I might often create confusion. I could control my emotions well so far so don’t need to learn to count to ten before reacting. But in delivering what’s in my mind (especially what bothers me), I think I need to consider well how to give my lines ‘a good mood’. I often appeared as one who had negative thought about something just by the way I expressed myself while in fact I often didn’t feel anything when uttering.

That gives me lesson to also think positive about what messages others trying to tell me when their lines sound a bit negative. I would dig deeper to know why they express it in such way. Find the reason, not just listen to the surface. I apply my rule to handle the new situation with Mama passing away. I talked a lot, a lot, yesterday since I came from the airport after 8 (!) hour travel from Jakarta to Malang. I was tired but had to make sure my emotions and positive mind worked at all times.

I made it. I managed to extinguish any slight negative signs by staying positive and not pointing their negativity. I took things lightly and invited closed ones to laugh a lot when discussing complicated issues. I found it nice to be able to ‘direct’ closed ones to think positively by not reacting to their negativity.

When I ended a 1.5 hour telephone conversation with an auntie in Jakarta, I felt all tired. She shared what she had thought about my new life in Ubud. She thought I was being inconsiderate. I didn’t point to her way to share her thought with me although I felt she had judged me without enough information. I laughed a lot when guiding her to think with ‘mathematical equations of 1 + 1 = 2’. She laughed in the end after learning my point. I told her that it’s not difficult to see an issue when we know the ‘mathematics’ of an issue. For one, ask yourself first why this happen then find the mathematics of the issue to relate self and the reaction. Happy learning!

I’m happy that I have learned a lot the past few days about how we relate to others. I would improve my skill to communicate, keep encouraging myself to be tough by not easily losing confidence, and stay positive.

Picture of a sign in airport. Mix of languages without mixing up the message.

It’s on the cliffs.

I had barely slept last night. I believe I watched ceiling all night long or slept with eyes open. My mind was open all the time. It came to me. What is this? Suddenly I see a huge thing coming my way. I feel totally alone and insecure.

Glad people who are able to sleep a lot to escape life. Or, do things that make self lose consciousness. I am not one so no other choice but thinking how to chew issues one by one then swallowing. Or, solving first, not just making the issues disappear by swallowing.

I keep trying to chop the huge thing into smaller pieces. It’s still big to swallow. Or, I have too much on my plate. While the past years I become familiar with a new age business of life coaching, now I’m thinking I might need to get one. I need partner to sort out my stuffs. A professional.

The idea itself has lightened me. I could not wait to travel back to my safe cocoon in Ubud. Again, traveling has given me a long list to do back home. At home, it’s not easy to see what I need to do and to appreciate what I did.

I spent half day with friends, two hours here, two hours there. I met Indonesian community in Manila in a friend’s house. They held a birthday celebration together. I’m amazed to see how thick they could be in every way. For one of course the friendship but also the food they prepared! It’s more than I could find on tables in Indonesia. I told them that that was Eid before Ramadhan. It’s so traditional and elaborate. I’m impressed.

I talked to some ladies about life in the Philippines. Most of them have lived here more than five years. There’s one I talked with has spent about twenty years. They say that life is not that easy here but they take it easy. I also learned that gula Jawa (palm sugar) is a precious commodity so anyone who goes back to Indonesia has to carry many for others in Manila. Yes, gula Jawa is the core taste of many Indonesian dishes.

It was humid outside. I felt tired all over. I think I know now which part of bungee jump is the hardest… the take off! Realizing that I’m standing in the brink of the cliffs is the hardest. And I’m still there now… It makes me harder to breathe, of the height, of the decision.

Picture of what makes us standing well.

It’s a nice stretch.

I had a quite short morning I realized. My friend picked me up around 9:30 to go to a talk about pina (pineapple fiber cloth from the Philippines) by a well-known Filipina clothing designer in Metropolitan Museum. The speaker also showed her work (traditional clothing and dolls dressed in the Filipino traditional costumes) in the same premises.

She is such a nice soft lady I met in Bali a couple months ago in a friend's housewarming. So it’s good to seeing her again. I liked her speech; so light, truthful about the Filipinos, and witty. I enjoyed watching and touching cloth she designed. It’s ‘rich’ with ‘value added’ (I copied the way my friend put it). I admire the organization behind the works. It must be really something.

I spent the afternoon lunch-place hunting and shopping. I bought a wooden stool I had been eying and a nice old wooden plate with a character. I know I live in a place with so similar culture and crafts but I must say these looked different and I like it.

I also followed my friend to a meeting in a nice restaurant. It’s about slow food movement (the opposite of fast food thing). The Filipino lady is interested in promoting red mountain rice from north part of the islands. The rice grown in highland rice terraces so it’s special because of the more beneficial minerals. That’s what I learned from her when I asked about the benefit of eating rice grown in highland. She gave Ubud rice as an example. I learned about rice in my kampong in the Philippines? That happened. So I learned quite a lot from her about the movement and what she projects to participate in the movement. It is so interesting. I always admire a simple – but big – idea that needs a global movement to realize.

I also learned about the art of selling food. I used to mingle with people from art business so I could easily feel familiar when talking about the business. But food business? That’s something new for me and believe it or not the business is not much different than of the art business. Sourcing suppliers, working with them by sharing new ideas how to present the ‘art’, then starting to test market. She supplies healthy food to hotels that promote healthy food with, especially in the Philippines, low sugar. Yes, the Filipinos love sugar so much that it’s so hard to find the ‘right’ taste of practically any food. Even one lady said that the pasta also tastes really sweet like a dessert. Nice learning about culture!

My friend and I dropped by a book launch in a bookshop for a while in the early evening. I didn’t buy the book – a memoir and recipe book of a well-known café owner in Baguio. I just enjoyed observing the people in the event. It’s all interconnected with other events like in Jakarta. People simply know each other from different communities.

It’s a nice stretch I did today. It’s a bit too much for my situation recently but some times I just don’t know how to deal with myself. I often feel like I’m in between should do and should not do. I just don’t want to take this situation too heavy. Also when I know that my next trip is still in the dark.

Picture of pina cloth in the exhibition.

It’s humongous.

My sister and I developed a new routine. Since we talked via online chat yesterday, we thought it’s cool to stay in touch that way so we did again in my morning and her evening today. It’s a bit in the odd hours but that’s the only time we could meet up. She put her laptop in kitchen so she could chat while cooking after office. She showed me her ever busy kitchen.

We giggled a lot like the old days that later I realized I only had limited time to get myself ready. I’d made a date with my friend who once lived in Jakarta. She had wanted me to see her apartment since she moved into the apartment almost two years ago. So I did today.

It was nice of her to pick me up and bring me back to her place. I always liked to see her place in Jakarta and now the apartment didn’t look much different. Those arts I like. She also likes to collect stools like me. So I enjoyed her apartment very much. I also met her helper that was our mutual friend’s helper before. Well, in a few hours we were doing girls stuffs. Talking a lot! We also called our mutual friend in Bali. Talk talk talk.

We spent the afternoon with our mutual friend from Jakarta watching an indie film by a Filipino lady. The title is Hubad or naked. It’s about being an artist and an art-performance producer in the Philippines. The complicated scenes are interwound nicely. It’s interesting and different. I enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm of the film maker and the audience.

We had drinks in an alfresco museum cafe before home. When I sat in silence, I felt like life has overwhelmed me. Good friends are like tranquilizer. I could think calmly and properly when I don’t feel alone. The issues that have been waiting back home are humongous.

I should be okay..

Picture of notices at Saturday morning market.

It’s communication.

Mama passed away around 3:15 this morning. It was not easy for her last night. She could not breathe that she needed oxygen. I had planned to fly back today but hadn’t found way to get ticket. I brought the thought to sleep.

Then I got the news a few hours later. My mind went blank for a while before I started making phone calls. Not many to call. Text messages and phone calls started pouring in after the news. I also shared the news with my online friends so at one time I could run seven chat boxes. It’s strange the way we are connected nowadays. Less physical, but more in thought. Jauh di mata, dekat di hati.

I had a chance to talk with my sister in the US too. We’d been busy with our lives that we mainly stayed in touch through emails, not phone calls. I must say that we had rediscovered our way to communicate after talking for a short while. Not just with my sister but also with relatives that I hardly had regular communication.

Some friends shared me nice things about Mama. How remarkable, how nice… It’s so nice that friends could express that. The rest are good wishes for Mama and for us.

I have passed the day well and would like to end the special day with a meditation.

Picture of Mama when she entered university.

It’s CR.

I felt slightly unwell in the morning. I was in cold sweat for a few minutes like I’d been hungry too long. I missed taking vitamins for so many days now so I might have suffered from low blood pressure or blood sugar level. Manila weather is erratic: humid one day, cold the next day. I feel ‘not smooth’ as well especially having learned that someone I know from long time passed away at 88 a few days ago. A Chinese lady who’d been Queen mother of the family all her life. She was very healthy when I knew her 15 years ago. Energetic, full of life, in her high-heeled boots at all time even when walked in vast airports abroad. She had a very good appetite for food and for life for sure. Said she passed away smiling and looked peaceful. May God be with her.

I had nice chat with friends online while doing work from Museum Nasional. It’s not a big work but it became big because I had dragged myself to do it. I’d like to help: for them and myself. In the end, I’m just happy that I did something for a larger community. By the way, right after I sent it back, I got another batch to do. That’s fine.

Comfort Room. How I want to go in and stay as long as I want… But Comfort Room (CR) in the Philippines is WC in Indonesia or Restroom in many countries. Well… I read it when I was waiting for my room in Tonton Massage ready. My ritual when I’m in Manila. I didn’t particularly need a massage but doing a ‘lazy yoga’ (that’s what they call the Thai style massage) was all my stiff body needed. It was not that super but I found it quite an experience every time I felt a girl walked on my body or stretched my body using both of her legs.

In general I had an okay day. I made plans with friends, finished small work for Museum Nasional, got an idea for my ‘long term’ activities in Manila, and did lazy yoga. The rest is running in the background. I’m worried about Mama but nothing I could do at the moment; neither here nor there.

I just got an idea. Instead of looking for something impossible like CR to comfort me, I think I just need a small lawn to lie down and look up to the sky…

Picture of greens in a place in Ubud.

It’s not thorough.

Time went slow. It has both sides: happy and inexplicable. For one, time stops so my connection with my life in Ubud. I brought homework to do though. Tomorrow is Monday again and I had planned my week. My good friend contacted me early in the morning like she just got up from a long sleep. Recovered from jet lag, she’s ready to see me anytime in the week. So great!

Today my friend and I went 'mall-ing' again for several errands. We also had a chance to check out a CD shop. It’s been long I hadn’t bought CD. Not many to select or simply because I didn’t ‘dare’ to be open to new artists. I bought a CD from one group I never heard Workshy. When I checked their discography in the Internet? Aaarggghh.. They are from the 90s. Where was I? Especially because the group is “somewhere in between Matt Bianco and Swing Out Sisters, with a little Burt Bacharach thrown in – meet sophisticated coffee-table soul and smooth jazz band Workshy”. Said in the Internet. I’m familiar with the work of the other three artists but this one. It seems that I didn’t follow music thoroughly in the past. Till now apparently.

My day wasn’t bad at all especially after I found a place for treasure hunting – Tiendesitas – in the end of the day. Funny that I’m interested in wooden Saint statues with joints in arms and legs a la Pinocchio. I saw some that similar to the one featured in interior book of the Filipino style. Nice. I would return to check out some time next week.

Mama hasn’t showed progress. I monitored her via communication with closed ones in Malang. My biorhythm showed nice analysis except my aesthetic drops to -58%. Better not to move things although my emotional is 93%.

Picture of a cart pulled by a single horse – kalesa – in Tiendesitas today.

It’s a drag.

There are times when I need to drag myself to be active since get up. Today is one. I thought it was Sunday. I blamed it on my wrong perception since I could not find the reason why I felt so lazy and unwilling to do anything all day. I also thought about my life rhythm in Ubud where I had slow but busy morning almost everyday especially weekends.

Anyway, I just followed other people’s rhythm today. Went to Saturday market and ran several errands. We went to a nice little art shop in a small mall for interior. Again, I put myself on customer side, seeing other country’s art from tourist view. I decided to get a very low stool like chopping board with animal head and tail. It doesn’t really matter if it’s old or two months old. For someone who comes from a country with rich tribal art, I am strange to have selected this stool. I just loved it.

I felt tired all day that I really had to drag my legs to follow my want. I also felt sleepy of no reason. I’m still worried about Mama who hasn’t showed any significant progress since two days. She’s still weak in bed not wanting to eat and wanting to go home. The thought has bogged me down in a way that I could not make any progress of my work either. Nothing is wrong. It’s all in my mind. I asked Tante Indre to help me finding a private nurse for Mama to help her in hospital and later when she’s back home.

I don’t know. I might have looked calm but I hardly felt one.

Picture of Saturday Market in a village in Manila today.

It's a jump.

I feel physically tired. New place, new rhythm, old issues back home. I haven’t come to a new routine. My new routine is sending regular texts to Tante Indre asking about Mama’s progress. Mama had undergone endoscopy this morning. Said the doctor didn’t see any abnormal. Like I always believed, though one could not be too sure, Mama is in 'normal' condition. It’s something she ate that wasn’t accepted by the body that had caused it. The good news is she had started to want to eat and wanted to go home.

I didn’t do much but did many. I accepted a small work from Museum Nasional to translate. I reviewed an agreement. I imported more music into my iTunes library. I also learned how the Filipinas work, not much different from the Indonesians. The girl I interviewed said that she and her husband don’t have time to relax. The option is to relax but no money. They just got married two weeks ago.

Well, I thought and talked a lot about the concept of bungee jump the past days. I found the concept quite applicable to any situation in life. Yesterday I congratulated the Heritage chairwoman for having such a great idea to promote young artists through the Heritage that I thought it’s a bit complex to materialize. Not wanting to discourage, I emailed her Like all, let's bungee jump to find out. She told me that she said jump in the meeting but should have said bungee jump instead.

As much of a risk it is
to follow your joy, it’s
a greater risk not to follow it. When we don’t follow our joy, we die before we die.

Robert HoldenMy day wasn't bad at all. A good friend had made my day. We have stayed in touch for years but rarely had a chance to meet up. She spends her time traveling from country to country and when she’s around I’m not. Today, out of the blue, she sent me a quote. It was a nice surprise that I thanked her for thinking of me. Her reply touched me. Jauh di mata, dekat di hati. It tells all about my feeling these days.

Picture of traffic in Manila.

It’s not here.

It’s Galungan Manis today. I still carry Ubud mood to Manila because I care about Neru that’s still closed. Ngurah had decided his holiday according to past rule about holiday before I know the common practice of business in Bali. As non-Balinese I’d been extra careful in deciding but it seems he had given me a not quite right information about how business goes in Bali regarding numerous Balinese holidays. It gives me lesson again to remember Ronald Reagan’s rule Trust but verify. So my new rule about Balinese holiday could only be applied after September the first. It wouldn’t be fair if I react because there’s an act.

I didn’t sleep well in the plane last night. I sat in a row in front of the row of emergency exit so the seat is not a reclining seat. It’s good that the flight was half empty so I had the row just for me. After trying several positions, I found a position to lie down without my back feeling divided into three. It’s tricky fun. It’s not bad that I could fall asleep at least two hours straight. It’s enough.

Manila has nice weather today. Dry but not hot. My mind is still roaming among places: Ubud, Malang, Manila, and Jakarta. Business in Ubud only resumes tomorrow. Both of my staffs shut off their connection with boss that should be fine with me. It’s just strange not able to get my message through.

Mama is still weak they say and she might have to undergo endoscopy soon. I really hope nothing is serious. I have several issues to sort out here. In Jakarta, Linda is in the last phase of closing deal with ex Frangipani space renter. My mind splits. My heart too. I feel uncomfortable but somehow I also know that wherever I am I would feel the same. I should be there, I should be here.

Picture of a set up shrine for Galungan Day near my house entrance.

It’s a quiet day.

It’s hari raya Galungan. It’s unusually quiet in the morning. Very quiet almost no sound but roosters and birds in the afar. I respect the day so I didn’t have any music on. I was keeping quiet too, I didn’t do household chores except mopping porch. I was thinking about the most common question Are you afraid of the dark?, this morning I’d like to ask Are you afraid of the silence? It’s deafening.

I took my time doing things slowly but I was also aware that I might end up not having enough time. I didn’t commit to any project then. I wrapped up the house slowly to prepare my farewell driving with my Jeep to Denpasar. I don’t like the word farewell, it’s my friend who reminded me that this would be the last time I drive my car.

Cousin Aga tried to stop me from selling the car. He told me nice things about the car. He showed me Jeep garage he just found. He reminded me some possibilities to maintain the car. He offered me to do things just to make sure the car stays. I told him that it’s not easy for me either. Being parted from something/someone who’s been with us for long time is never easy. I thought about my good friend who just left her husband recently. I don’t have a say but I understand the situation from both sides. There’s a situation where being together is not easy anymore but deciding to end is never easier.

Anyway, I didn’t look back when I closed the car door. I forgot but I’m okay. I’m ready for a new phase. Change. Traveling is also a change. I realized that when I packed up cosmetics. How I’d carried my routine to ensure the change is smooth. As usual, I carry a lot. Me and my familiar routine. It reminded me of Papa. He was not keen on traveling although I remembered he could enjoy his trip very much. He liked to share many nice stories about his experience being in a new place. Ya, Papa liked his comfort routine and zone at home that he hardly showed eagerness for traveling. I told my cousin today that I wish I could share my life now with Papa and Eyang Mama. I was still young when they both passed away over twelve years ago. I hadn’t had the maturity to value time with them.

I spoke with Mama first time since she was hospitalized this morning. She sounded weak but fine. I asked her what might be the culprit. Rujak! Uh… I didn’t say anything but she knew that I knew. She is not supposed to eat food like such. I told her that I would see her after my trip. She wished me Selamat jalan! I felt and still feel ‘sad’ that I could not be with her but…

Wish all well today – like the spirit of hari raya.

Picture of a set of banten on top of my car’s hood this morning. I could feel the love.

It’s time.

Chop chop chop… I was thinking what might be the sound? Someone’s mending something? The smell didn’t cheat. Someone’s chopping meat in a house in the back of my house. Ah yaa… tomorrow is Galungan Day! I remember that today is cooking day. Big cooking: lawar and duck satay.

It's so warming when meeting Ketut my house-owner making a penjor in the parking lot. I felt wow since he made the penjor for the compound to be fixed in front of my gate because the compound’s merajan (shrine) is in my garden. I feel honored. I’m glad I didn’t allow them to move the shrine out when I took over the house. I enjoy the life beat of the shrine.

I watched Ketut prepared his penjor artwork while starting my car engine. I told him about our nice neighbor yesterday casually so didn’t expect him to become upset because of the incident. He didn’t like someone violated the privacy of his compound where my house is. Ehm… I tried to calm him down by telling him that I understand our annoyed neighbor’s point. After half an hour of nice talk, I learned something from him. I have to learn how to deal with people who have different idea. I tend to avoid while trying to understand that people could have different idea. Not exactly right, it seems.

Anyway, I had a really nice day with my childhood friends who are half Balinese. They came to Bali for their father’s cremation next Sunday in Kapal. I feel sorry that I would miss the ceremony but I would definitely attend the next ceremony that follow two weeks later.

I picked them up in Sanur and brought them to my house. They loved my house. We sat in my bedroom-cum-studio to check out my necklace creation. Both are crazy about my necklace since I started the business. Today they asked for a collection I still keep. I gave up. I took them out and before too long they took four necklaces without price tag because I haven't spared time to price. Ah ah…

It’s really nice to get in touch with them again. We talked a lot about our (or just mine?) new life. My friend just adopted a baby boy that makes her life has a totally new rhythm. I often thought about her being brave to change lifestyle. What about me? People often thought the same about me. We sat on stairs looking at Sanur beach feeling amazed how time has brought us to today. We’ve known each other all our life.

What would we be 25 years from today?

Picture of Sanur beach from my friend’s family house.

It’s full.

What a day! I was on my way out of compound when Steve’s staff stopped me. He handed me a piece of paper he took from my rear wiper. It says something really bad about my car! It must be from one of my annoyed neighbors. I understand that he must have suffered the past weeks (or days if he stays in one of the villas). It took me 6-10 minutes every morning to get my car engine to start. I had discussed the problem with cousin Aga but he said that it would be costly to repair and no guarantee still. It’s an old car and spare part is rare in Denpasar.

Fine. I need this kind of neighbor. It kicks me real hard to make a final decision. Yes, I will sell my car soon. Very soon! I’d been thinking long time but didn’t manage to materialize because of so many factors. Put the issue off is one. But today is the day! I didn’t delay, I contacted persons that could help me to make this happen. It’s done in a few hours. My plan has laid.

I worked in Pallava since quite early (my time). I moved some stone statues to Neru so Neru has a bit of Pallava to show. It took a few hours to arrange things here and there. I felt a bit low for I had to work with Ngurah. I didn’t want to amplify the feeling but it just came helplessly. My friend noticed right away. He cared so we sat and discussed how to deal with the situation. Ngurah is not ready to accept the new arrangement because now I live around unlike the first three years he joined. And I’m kind of too soft to tell him that things have changed now. My friend felt for me and shared me tips. The nothing-to-lose tips. I agreed with him.

Done with two, nephew Dhana texted me about Mama was going to hospital with ambulance. She had stomach ache since yesterday and was too weak today. I was on phone since then. Glad Mama was in good hands. Auntie Indre looks after her. Doctor said Mama needs good rest because photos and tests show good result. I don’t know what to say. I know Mama knows that she needs good rest and that she hadn't had a good rest the past weeks.

Tomorrow would be another busy day for me. My childhood friends called to surprise me. They stay in Sanur and want to see me in Ubud. My other good friend would drop by from Benoa. I don’t want to plan anything for tomorrow now. I take things one at a time. Today is already full.

Picture of photographers during Perang Pandan in Tenganan.

It’s the technology.

I felt like me in my school days yesterday. Why? I was busy in the house creating this-n-that and forgot to take shower all day. In the evening I worked on a creative project that I hadn’t been doing long time. It reminds of a friend who once called me – Miss VA (Value Added). Looking at my work, I realized that I worked on something simple. I give it a value added.

That kind of project is addictive. It’s so hard to stop so I continued doing till pass midnight. Everything was perfect: lighting, tools, and… music! Yes, very me in my younger years. I took shower close to 00:30. I enjoyed the warm water. It's perfect weather for an early day.

Today is another day at home. I didn’t plan my day. I let it open. It’s cloudy and sunny but weak all day. I had an issue to ponder again regarding Ngurah. My good friend 'congratulated' me for facing the issue. I don’t blame anyone, it’s me! Soft boss who went speechless when things gone irrational – my way to avoid saying not nice things. My strength that becomes my weakness. I don’t give in (yet).

I enjoyed technology all day. The past days I realized that having lyrics in iPod is a lot of fun. Not for singing, more for reading. Some singers have ‘empty’ lyrics but nice composition. Some others have really good lyrics and super composition. Among few is my favorite Sting. I found a nice website that has all of his lyrics (some in non-English language) so I loaded all lyrics into my iPod (oh yes, I have all 97 songs except some singles in other language).

I’m happy with the invention of Mac and the Internet. I needed a minute only to load each lyrics, even less. Mac is great for multitasking. I also had nice chatting with a good friend in other country while uploading. I’m lucky to have a chance to live in the era. My next generation must be luckier if they know how to explore the technology.

My bedroom is still partly messy. It’s hard to drag myself to finish things since I started a book, the classic Chocolat by Joanne Harris, that I finally found a secondhand copy the other day. I enjoy it so much. So dangerous!

Picture of a mix of technology and arts on my desk to accommodate both need and aesthetic.

It’s an observation.

I parked my car away from house car park since yesterday afternoon since my neighbor had a water pipe work on my way. This morning I was sitting in my car waiting for the engine to start when noticed how early Balinese starting the day. It was before 8 o’clock when the garbage collectors had started their rounds in Steve’s compound. This Australian guy owns a painting studio (he paints), a spa, a restaurant, and four villas with plunge pools. All are in the entrance of my house compound.

I stayed for almost fifteen minutes getting the car engine to start then stayed on for a while. I observed how the spa prepared the day. And before too long, a pick-up car came and the boys loaded up the garbage. I could imagine the amount of waste every day. Of the different activities plus numerous banten offerings from the premises.

I’m glad that I’m not ‘alone’ in this morning world. I noticed in the Internet that next to tips of how to let go is tips of how to… get up early. It seems that getting up early is a common issue for many. Hm. I don’t get up very early anymore but by 7 o’clock I have finished a load or two laundry and mopping porch, bathroom, and either living or bedroom. Still I envy my good friend who uses his 'dark' morning to do administration work of his shop. I’m still ‘behind’ on the way I use my dark morning. I liked to read and do leisure things. My friend takes his leisure after 7 when his household resumes.

I ended up staying home all day. I worked with Pak Agung cleaning glass windows and cobweb around the house. I shared him tips how to clean those efficiently. I also took out clothes to tidy up and select for my next travel. I don’t like doing it last minutes. I’m quite (or very?) particular about clothing. I ironed and did many things else in bedroom.

Balinese have started to prepare grande offerings for Galungan Day on Wednesday. No one talked about the Independence Day tomorrow. They talked about preparing duck satay and negotiated with boss or colleagues when to take day-off.

It’s Saturday night again and jomblo. I went shopping to prepare my lone Saturday night. Having met Pak Pugig’s family, I felt warm of a family. Ketut, the son, was busy trimming the compound garden so we talked about plants. Meme and Pak Pugig showed up later with Skubidu the dog. Meme caressed Skubidu’s head while telling me and neighbor Mbo Ayu how she feels missed when doesn’t see Pak Pugig around. Mbo Ayu and I looked at each other. What had we missed in our generation?

Back home, a basket of banana from Ketut’s wife, Novi, had waited for me. I’m not alone.

Picture of Kajeng Kliwon offerings prepared by Novi yesterday.

It’s a gift.

It’s my sister’s birthday. Happy birthday Sis! I appreciate your prompt birthday card for me via snail-mail since you live in the US eleven years ago while I often missed to send mine for you at the right time. I don’t blame the unpredictable post office service, I should have sent it one month before. Anyway, wish you good health and… life!

Ah shopping day! The girl in a Japanese clothing shop commented. I looked back and stared at my plastic bags on the floor. Yea… I bought many already and more in the car? Oh. I didn’t plan to shop a lot but it happened today things fell into places. With shopping, things always fall into places.

I picked up Neru’s name cards and else in printing shop. I gasped. It looked really good. Simple and elegant. The boys who worked with me laying out the design in the computer before printing were also happy with the result. Name card reflects its owner, one boy said. Yea… monochromatic and asymmetrical.

The rest of 'unplanned' shopping started when I checked out secondhand book for my next reading. I tried to find a new copy in a bookshop the other day but hardly found one that kicks. I really like this secondhand bookshop owned by an Australian lady married to a Balinese poet. The collection of new, old, and rare books is enough. The girls laughed when I picked up fat paper bag from the counter. Belanja lagiii… They had known that I never walked out the shop empty handed.

I dropped by Neru for a while to talk with Ayu who’s ready to join me full time from September the first. She’s okay with her remuneration I offered. I also told her to be open with me like boy-girl relationship. She laughed. Oh okay, I might have picked up wrong analogy. They might not be open when not satisfied or there’s a new 'view'. Hh.

So I had a look at a tie-dye skirt I’d been eying the past weeks when passed the Japanese clothing shop after visiting Neru. Grr… Now I own the tie-dye skirt and a white shawl to match. The girl said that I have Japanese style. I don’t deny. Except those sock things yaa…

I ended the round visiting Mbo Arini in the market. A friend wanted me to buy her long skirts and sleep wear. It took me long again to decide gifts for friends. I took out Mbo Arini’s stock to select. She just smiled and Go ahead but please buy. Have I ever failed walking out the shop without carrying at least 8 pieces? Hardly.

I was happy driving home carrying gifts for loved ones. I enjoy the process of collecting ideas then realizing them. Like when I found the perfect gift for my dear friend and the work that follows the finding is fun! Excited! Pity, my sister lives so far away. I could have shared more with her.

Picture of my sister with Ma and Pa in Eyang’s house.

It’s only two.

Observing and listening to people the past days, I came to a conclusion while I was in the shower this morning. Basically, we only have two major issues in life: financial and relationship. And those two are related. No money, no honey; too much money, too much honey. It’s laws of nature.

It’s strange that the past days some friends from the past asking about how I am now. It’s a bit bothering me because people are curious to know but come to think about it positively, I should see that they care. I had decided not to share much especially with not so close friends so I feel annoyed when they demanded more updates. My good friend said that they are not my friends. They should have stopped and given me privacy to share a little or all. I hadn’t thought about the ‘not so nice’ gesture, I could only see after my friend reminded me how a real friend should behave. Uh.

I sat in Pallava trying to get things done when my friend and I talked about again… the two major life issues. I took time to talk it out with him, not seriously, but hilariously. My funny spiritual friend. A friend that I could hate and hug without feeling afraid to lose. I could not start working with him around so it’s good that lunch time had come.

Had had lunch together, he’s on with his agenda and I worked half afternoon moving things in Pallava with Pak Agung. We worked quickly. I liked working with him, he is as quick as lightning. Later my good friend told me that he also liked to work with me. He was in panic once when he hadn’t heard from me almost one year – a year before I decided to move to Ubud. It’s so nice to know that I have ‘a place’ in someone’s daily life.

So I’m satisfied with my progress today. Anticipating a reward does me good. I’m racing with time in finishing a task list before my next travel. I look forward to doing more tomorrow in Pallava. It’s Friday again?

Picture of kerbau in Bali Zoo.

It’s dirt.

You can fool yourself
You can cheat
until you're blind
You can cut your heart
It can happen

You can mend the wires
You can feed the soul apart
You reach

It can happen to you
It can happen to me
It can happen
to everyone eventually

It Can Happen by YesThis is Ubud I used to feel when I first came to settle down. Bleak. It’s raining all morning and weak sunlight some times. My place was the usual quiet. I was kind of lost what day is today. I felt high yesterday and not so today. I preferred to stay home to write more.

I feel blessed for my liking for art. It enriches me in many ways. I read a lot in the Internet about antiques and collectible items from around the world especially tribal art. My friend laughed at me for I look sweet but inside I’m tribal. Ya, hardly thought about how deceitful I have looked. Anyway, writing art descriptions for Neru has bogged me down for weeks. I know but keep procrastinating. I couldn’t believe myself.

It got me thinking. Procrastinating is like sweeping dirt under the rug. It’s hidden but still there. It’s my today’s topic. How I want to recognize the dirt under the rug so I could avoid sweeping them under. Now I’m confused. I simply have to keep moving so I don’t have dirt to hide. Maybe that’s the answer.

So I enjoyed It Can Happen from Yes 90125. It can happen to everyone eventually.

Picture of old wayang puppet in Neru.

It’s my world.

If this world doesn’t meet up to your standard. Invent your own world. My good friend showed me his new tee. He loved it. He said that the tee is suitable for people like him, me, and some of his friends. I laughed agreeing. Yes, I had invented my world in Ubud.

I’m boss in my own world but Ngurah had tried to compete with me. He also wanted to decide. I could have rule to only have music I choose to be played at Neru but he thought he could also prefer to listen to radio when I was not around. Having tried some ways to get my message through the past two months, today I asked him if he has issue about having my music in my shop. He fell silent for a moment before bluntly told me that he’s bored with my music!

Fine. We went through numerous CDs from closed-down Frangipani. I selected the CDs while sinking in what’s in his mind. He doesn’t like my music (exotic music for me, not for those who often listen to live gamelan in banjar). I found a middle way to accommodate my world and his. Ngurah, please keep my music on and you listen to your radio with headphones.

Later I had a meeting about similar topic, finding a middle way, with architects. Like working out a puzzle, we tried different options to find a win-win solution. In the end, we giggled realizing the situation we face. Like Ngurah case, it’s about culture that we have to accommodate without giving in.

My just-married cousin and his wife laughed a lot when I told them how I dealt with difference in cultures. The couple came to Bali for honeymoon, as I missed their wedding on 8.8.08, I treated them lunch in Ubud this afternoon. They enjoyed Bali very much like many but they also realized that living in Bali might not be as easy as it looks. That’s when I shared my experience. It’s so nice to see a young couple with plans to enter a new world of their own.

I learned.

Picture of traditional rice cookers on top of a public transport in Ubud today.

It’s coming.

Are you okay? I was surprised when an old friend called. Yes! Why? No, I thought about you yesterday and I think I need to check with you. It’s so nice! Yes, I could see her point. Sometimes I also liked to kick myself to reach out if someone passed my mind suddenly. Time is precious.

It’s Monday again and I already have dates for my next travel. I disciplined myself since today. I set a target of what to do so I could claim the coming trip as reward. It would be nice to feel that I don’t leave undone homework behind. Like dolphins, I like reward after singing.

I started with one this morning. I made short descriptions of art in Neru. I couldn’t do much but I made progress. Actually, once I’m in, I could work full time and over time. I continued reading art and travel books as part of my research while sitting Neru this afternoon. Ngurah takes another day off again. It’s okay. I got an idea. I might have to sit with Maria, my Timor art supplier, soon to learn more about Timor/Flores art. I got mixed up. I need to learn more about tribal art of eastern Indonesia especially after talking long time with a tribal art collector from New Zealand this noon. We exchanged knowledge.

This coming weekend would be a long weekend for Indonesian because of the Independence Day on Sunday the 17th and the 18th becomes national holiday. I heard all flights to Bali are already fully booked weeks ago. I could not feel the celebration. Unlike in Java, Balinese don’t take Independence Day ‘seriously’. Or, I didn’t notice? But, it easily slips from my attention because I don’t see busy-ness in fields around my kampong. In Java, a month before August various matches have started and could make the whole kampong get together every afternoon to watch.

Anyway, for Balinese, they anticipate even longer long weekend starting this weekend because Galungan is on Wednesday the 20th. The preparation starts one day before and Galungan Manis (one day after Galungan) is considered as important. So here in Bali, if all holidays are observed, the long weekend starts from this Saturday and resumes on Friday next week. Happy holidays!

Picture of shield from Brazza Valley, Papua, displayed in Neru.

It’s Sunday exercise.

I’m not sure if Balinese observe Sundays. I have a feeling that Sunday is like any other day for them. Their real holiday connects with their Hindu and Balinese ritual. That’s when they give themselves a real break from daily life. And that comes often. Or, quite. Today is ten days before Galungan day – one of the important holidays in Bali. Businessmen have started to alert their customers about this coming long holiday – a day before and a day after plus Kuningan day, the ten days after). Don’t be surprised, Galungan comes every six months. And many more holidays in Bali – big and small.

Anyway, as an ex-Jakartan, I still observe Sundays as a Sunday. Time for myself to decide what to do. I didn’t start the day with plan, I kept it open. I started my car to give it a go after being inactive for two days. My dear old car needs attention. I found out recently that like German Shepherd the dog, my car also needs good exercise – running long distance.

So I went. I bathed the car first in the usual car wash while I wrote my morning email and had lassie in a café next door. My trip to Denpasar was super smooth. I enjoyed every second driving on a Sunday noon in such a nice weather. The sun was mild. Beautiful!

It seems that I had made a perfect unintentional plan. I managed to meet my dear friend who flew from Jakarta last night for a wedding today. I left Ubud without big hope to meet her as she only had a slim free time between two parties to see me and she’s still jet lagged from London. I had finished my shopping when she called. Forty minutes later I hugged her and husband in their hotel in Benoa. She could not believe I could come that fast. This is Bali! An hour from mountains, you see beach and vice versa.

We had an hour lunch by the beach. It’s so nice to change view. I kept uh ah being in the luxurious hotel complex. I told them I don’t remember the last time I went to a hotel with buildings. No such things in Ubud. No flat land and simply it doesn’t match the atmosphere. They laughed. My good friend believed that I had merged totally with kampong atmosphere in Ubud. Yes. I told her my experience walking in super luxurious malls in Jakarta a few weeks ago. I could not stand it anymore.

That was perfect. I got home around 5:10 in the wet drizzle. Ubud could be dry for days but once I washed my car… Bang! Rain!

Picture of people praying under the trees in Tenganan.

It’s about men.

This is Ubud I like: raining in the dark and sunny in the light. I like it because of my recent interest: gardening. I didn’t have to do a chore, watering garden, and trust that the wet soil is enough till tomorrow. My moat had filled with an ankle high water and I intend to keep that by paying attention to pour water from tap if the water level goes down. To fill up from zero is too much. So I’m glad.

I considered going to Denpasar for… rrr errands? I chewed over my girlfriend or my cousin to accompany me, or roam the city by myself. When I’d done thinking it’s already noon. When I called my cousin, he didn’t pick up my call. I understand. We’d been practicing TST (tahu sama tahu) – mutual understanding – for many months now. Not pick up the call means leave me alone and I will get back to you the sooner I feel like. So I take easy. I know our consensus ethic.

I don’t mind either as I’ve been engrossed by the book I continued reading since yesterday – Tony Parsons’ One for My Baby. I found the book in Jakarta house’s bookshelves just before left for airport. It’s a secondhand book that I rarely owned. It must be from those charity bazaars that cost me thirty cents per book. No pain if the book is no good. I saw some four unread secondhand books in the shelves and gave this one a try.

It’s an interesting book about… men. It says the author has bestselling book titled Man and Boy. I have no doubt about his mastery in writing about men! One critic says ‘Heartbreakingly universal and full of killer lines on love and love lost’ It’s truly about what goes inside their mental. We used to believe that they are the strongest creatures among the genders. I conclude: women have slightly stronger points.

The book is about love lost, love search, infidelity, past/present hurt, care, insecurity… You name it. It’s all human, not just female things. I noticed the weakest point of men that they don’t want us, female, to know. How they long for good relationship whatever definition of ‘good’ is. They could silently hurt by reality. Uh uh enough say. Just read the book if you have a chance to find. It’s published in 2001.

The author has given me firsthand knowledge about how to understand men. In the news, a look-so-nice US senator admits to a love affair. I smiled. Who can resist the power? Of being a good-looking man, or powerful one. Inside, we are all struggling for happiness we don’t know.

Hey that sounds so depressing! Yes, I checked my biorhythm of today and it says my emotional touches the lowest point. I have to be careful, so others. I better stay away from people and they from me. So when my good friend nudged me to just go to Denpasar, I stubbornly said N o. And when he suggested more, I said I have decided.

Picture of my busy-ness today.

It’s a swing.

So this is the date that people have been waiting for? I believe many people have chosen today as their wedding day. Lucky number? I didn’t wait for the day, I only realized when I saw nice numbers on my cell phone screen. Hm… nice. My good friend had picked 9.9.99 for his shop opening. I like that better. Ultimate number!

Anyway, I feel relaxed since awoke. It’s so nice. I awoke smiling! I enjoyed bed and front yard longer waiting for the sky to be a bit lighter. It’s so luxurious. I looked forward to spending the day… at home.

I was productive in the morning, as usual, but then spent most of the day finishing a book I started from my last travel. I long for reading and indulging myself with things I like doing. Ubud is quiet again. That’s not my excuse of not tending Neru but… ehm I’d like to give myself a break too.

Tomorrow is another weekend. I’m thinking about my life in remote kampong. My face becomes sensitive the past days that I need a cream to ease. I could only get the cream in Denpasar, if the pharmacy has. An hour drive, an impulsive shopping that might follow a cream for sensitive skin… I need to plan it well.

Picture of a well-known swing in Tenganan.

It's shorter.

I learned to say No. My good friend invited me to have coffee in his garden in Sebali. I wish, I said. He’s nice though, he shared excess plants from his garden with me later. He’s inspired by my garden project the past days. Nice. The spirit is getting higher and higher. I couldn’t wait till I see more bushy green surrounding me.

I ran errands since morning. I trimmed my morning chores to be able to go out early. Almost successful. Two shops I visited in Pasar Ubud just opened, so late! Business is quiet, they say. I had to dig their merchandise out to find what I need since they hadn't prepared their stalls. Ah me went too early. Outside the sun was already high.

Later I sat with printing shop boy more than an hour working on my design for Neru name card, receipt, and blank card. I had to hold my breath to keep my patience level high. The boy didn’t show enthusiasm. He was busy rubbing his itchy eyes. The ice broke after I handed him an eye drop to ease his eyes. We worked faster and with light heart. Pheww..

When he asked who I am in Neru; I told him that I’m driver, courier, and shop-keeper. He stopped writing for a second while mumbling Ah, you are the owner. That’s when I realized a shop owner’s job descriptions. All-round. Yes.

More, I ran here and there to get things done. The sun was higher and hotter although the breeze was still cool. I went to bank, supermarket, and post office; dropped by Neru and Ayu’s shop before home. I panted getting home at 2 in the afternoon. Four full hours but many in task list have been ticked off.

The task list is getting shorter and shorter now.

Picture of San Agustin Church and Convent in Intramuros, Manila.

It’s a one-minute rule.

Now you are in Bali, you need to learn ‘menang megandong’, ‘ngentungan kapak metali’, and a bit of ‘ajer gianyar’ cultures. My dear Balinese friend responded to my news about gardener through a text message. Yes, I had asked Pak Agung to be my gardener. It took me long before finally asked him this morning. As a Javanese, I felt sungkan – improper – asking an Agung to work more for me. He belongs to high caste although he’s been my staff in Pallava four years.

So what’s the meaning of all those cultures my friend mentioned? I’m only familiar with the first one ‘menang megandong’ that means ‘asking someone something difficult to fulfill for own benefit (like shooting in the dark)’. I need to learn about the other two. I had asked my friend to teach me later. I guess the spirit is the same ‘trying is free’. Great. I learn about Balinese culture every day.

I stayed in all day. I promised myself to clear up minor tasks in the list. I adjusted necklaces for a customer, wrote some notes to send tomorrow, negotiated Frangipani space contract (again), and watered garden with Pak Agung in the afternoon. It looks simple but it took all day. I also tidied up bedroom categorizing CDs, books, and stuffs. It takes time. That’s when I know that it’s not easy to consider a task applicable to a ‘one minute rule’ before actually set my hand to. It could be even more than ten minutes.

I feel flat, goodly need to have a break but in general I should be satisfied with what I have done today.

Picture of Tenganan blue sky.

It’s the baggage.

I think I feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuffs from Frangipani that I could not stay in Pallava longer than ten minutes but then I keep thinking about what should do and how. My childhood friend thought I’m tough, in fact I feel like chicken that wanting to close eyes to shut off reality. I need to regroup.

What do I need? Time? Staffs? Spirit? Ideas? Companion? Discipline? All.

I don’t do much today but have good ideas for tomorrow to clear up the to-do list. Actually I reset everyday but hardly got there. I feel like tourists I observed from Neru. They walked hastily carrying big fat bags (must have destination) or walked slowly with nothing and no destination. That’s holiday!

In my case, I could do both. Hastily with so much in the baggage or slowly with less but both with no destination. I'm not on holiday!

Let’s see what I can do tomorrow…

Picture of the deceased’s 'baggage' carried and burned as part of a cremation ceremony.

It’s not priority.

There’s something I need to structure so I could get things done in time. This is Ubud. No traffic so I should have all the time to do things I need to do. In fact, I could hardly finish my ever growing to-do list.

It was cloudy in the morning so I didn’t need to water the garden and I didn’t load laundry either. I thought I could leave house early. I was wrong. I ended up getting out of house at the usual 11. I moved around house practicing ‘1 minute rule’: do things that need less than one minute to finish. Yes, I fought procrastination. I tidied up stuffs from Jakarta trip. It took that long? I did other things in the Internet and for sure I took time to enjoy music that come through my new speakers.

Blame it on the latter. I made a quick visit to a printing shop that I couldn’t get it done right away because I had to sit Neru at noon. I observed a lady in the printing shop, she sat with the guy discussing her printing design. That could take forever. I should do the same but I didn’t have time!

Who said I don’t have time? My dear friend picked me up half an hour after I got in. He kidnapped me to lunch that I had to close Neru. We visited a friend’s shop before lunch. Another good friend spotted us so she and husband dropped by to join. It went longer than I expected. Actually I didn’t know what I’d expected. Once I decided to leave the shop unattended, I have let myself lost in time.

I asked myself why I couldn’t make priority. It seems that I don’t have priority, what comes first becomes first priority. My new habit of not planning has a not-so-good effect. I’m considering to apply ’10 minute rule’ instead. By ‘believing’ that an item can be done in less than 10 minutes I should be able to do at least 5 items per hour. Hm sounds so ambitious.

Ayu and I visited pregnant Ayu late evening. Ayu delivered a cute baby girl in a nice hospital in Batubulan. I’m happy that she got good treatment in the end. She’s in good hands during pregnancy to labor. She looked weak but I told her that before we know it she would ride motorcycle and wear jeans again. Her eyes lit up to the idea.

I had a nice day despite the procrastination.

Picture of Lake Batur in the afternoon.

It's a push.

My sister shared good news about she's going to move to a condo with golf course in the back, four bedrooms, and three bathrooms. She only mentioned this configuration, she might know that I must have known that the kitchen is ample. In short, she hinted that I could visit soon. Nice.

Anyway, she talked about not having to do gardening and shovel snow. With two step away golf course, she's ready to play golf right after getting up. I told her that I smell this is going to be a house for elders. I’m happy for her. In my case, I’d moved to a high maintenance house instead. Bali house style is typical: looks nice but it’s labor-intensive. The natural material houses dust and cobwebs. And the bushy garden can make us busy like having thick snow. Even more because it's all year round? Or less? I don’t know.

Yes, I included watering garden as my morning chore from today on. I enjoyed watering after discovering a trick to avoid mosquito attack. Every day I learn new trick of surviving Bali house without helpers. It’s really fun. I also realized what makes my weight stay. I read somewhere that doing housework can burn many calories. Great! I want my retirement in Ubud.

My friend, Ayu, is still in labor since last night. Mbo Yan stopped me from coming to visit. She’s afraid I could be fainted on the spot. She knows me too well. Yes, I better wait till the baby is delivered. I really hope it happens soon. I care for her.

I went to Denpasar again. Apparently my iPod had demanded more. After nice high-end headphones last week, I demanded to have nice speakers so I don’t need to disconnect with my surroundings at home when enjoying music. I’d set my standard too high after months of feeling happy with more than ten year old small computer speakers. I treated myself, my excuse.

On the way back, in Sanur, I met up with old friend from my office days who likes gadget so much. We hadn’t met long time and he keeps the same style. I laughed when he took out his gadgets one by one. He took time to explain the reason of buying each. I felt like I’m way behind. Yes, I learned from my last visit in Jakarta that everyone uses Blackberry now. Push emails, that’s all about. While in Ubud, I’m happy that no one can push me, not even text messages let alone emails. My friend thought that I must be busy with someone that I was often late in replying his communication. He didn’t know that I don’t live the Blackberry way like Jakartan nowadays. My blackberry could be in my breakfast.

Picture of a street art in a street in Manila.

It’s a project.

I’m back to working on morning chores I like. This morning I worked on a project: cleaning cobwebs. It’s been a while since I asked Pak Agung to stop doing because I don’t like the conventional way to clean. The dirt fly all over. I found a way to do. I bought cobweb broom (round bristles) then covered it with damp men under-tee. It works very well. The cobwebs and dirt stick to the damp tee, no more mess flying around. Now I could share my discovery with Pak Agung.

It also came to me the need to water my thirsty garden. It’s been three months since Pak Pugig, the land owner, fell unwell that he moved back to stay in his family compound ever since. No one waters my garden. Pak Pugig liked gardening. He said that it makes him sweaty and healthy. I cared about he worked in the garden because the mosquitoes are unbearable but it seems he could manage.

Anyway, after considering without executing for so long, this morning I could not stand it anymore. This garden was too thirsty. My 'moat' (I also have pond with deep water) near house is dry, the soil crack. I unrolled the water hose and started watering the garden. Wearing shorts and tank top, I was an instant target of striped mosquitoes. They are amazing. Their ability to detect human flesh is amazing. They attacked me in a second I walked in the garden. A part I don’t like at all. It had stopped me from looking after my garden. Ninja style might be the proper outfit for the activity.

I’m considering hiring a gardener. It’s a bit complicated since I have Pak Agung but I don’t have heart to ask him more than what he had volunteered doing. It’s not in his job description so far. Hm. I’m serious about this. I want my green garden back in no time. Dry season is still on a few months.

I invented a Ninja style outfit in the afternoon after I bought a sprinkler. I wore long pants and Bali sarong to cover my flesh. It worked. Very little if none mosquitoes flew near me. I also enjoyed my idea of using sprinkler to wet grass and soil. It helps me saving time. I did activities downstairs while waiting for the sprinkler to work. It's another way to exercise because I had to move the sprinkler every about fifteen minutes. I had to jump off the porch, turn off water tap, move sprinkler, then turn on water tap. There's a point or two where I was too lazy to turn off the water tap, I let my pants wet because of the moving sprinkler. It was fun. My idea has developed though. I need to buy professional gardening hose with roller because the garden needs quite long hose to reach point to point. Hm.

A project always lit up my spirit. Actually, now I’m considering another project for tomorrow.

Picture of Saturday Market in Salcedo Village, Manila.