Chicken Pox Attack -- the whole family now

We thought that the chapter on the chicken pox was over as ibu had fully recovered from it. But we were definitely W-R-O-N-G.

Friday morning, we noticed some blisters on Akira's shoulder. Aji immediately took Akira to the hospital and Kobayashi sensei claimed it to be CHICKEN POX. With a great empathy, she said, " Don't worry, we have a very good medicine for your son. He'll be allright in 5 days". Indeed. The good thing about Akira is he does not get cranky eventhough more blisters came out and he had slight fever. He still takes food and milk at regular portion. He still smiles and crawls even further now --not only in the living room but roaming around the kitchen and even managed to pass the sliding door toward the veranda. He seems to be just fine --except having those blisters all over his chest, back, scalp and face.

Sunday morning, Aji found some blisters behind his ears. From the look, ibu could tell that it was the early stage of chicken pox. Sunday morning, aji rushed to the emergency room at Shimin Byoin. The doctor seemed to be unsure about the blister because it was not on the suspected area such as scalp, face or trunk. (perhaps he was only medical student having little experience with such disease). After checking the articles on the computer on this disease and consulting other doctors, he gave the medicine --Valtex 1000 mg to take 3 times a day. You know what the medicine actually was meant for those who are suffering from Genital herpes BUT it could be used to relieve discomfort feeling for those catching the chicken pox. No cream was given. No vaccination offered eventhough aji mentioned that he has to present his thesis this coming Friday. The doctor just said that the chicken pox will go away from 1 up to 3 week depending on the patient's conditon. Somehow, at least aji will have to rest for 5 days and is considered to be contagious as long as all blisters are not crusted over.

Monday morning at around 5 AM, Wisnu seemed to be restless in his sleep but ibu was too sleepy to wake up. At 7, Ibu noticed some blisters on Wisnu's neck. Ibu checked Wisnu's chest and back....ooops there were already some reddish watery blisters. Ibu asked aji to take Wisnu to the Shimin Byoin because today somehow aji needs to pay the bills for the emergency treatment yesterday. They got home by 12.00 and aji said that Wisnu is positively infected. Yup! life is perfect.

We are running out of milk and groceries. In addition, the container agency wants the list of our things to be sent by this week--- meaning we have to finish packing this week. Aji should not go out and ibu can not take so many things by herself. What to do then?

First, trying to e mail Aunty Chie to ask for help--asking the possibility to accompany ibu to go shopping today. Unfortunately she did not reply, perhaps she had other things to do or did not check her e mail today.

What's next? Call uncle Keisuke. Indeed. Luckily he did not have anything to do today, so that he can help ibu carry all the groceries. Ibu met uncle Kei at Konan Center -- the giant store and purchase the things needed for packing plus milk for Akira and Wisnu. After that we went to a supa near Konan Center. We started shopping at 3.30 and got home by taxi--we do care about the others' rights for comfortable bus ride so that we took a taxi instead. With 6 plastic bags, one card board, two packs of pampers, 6 cans of milk and a roll of plastick pack it's impossible to take a bus though.

We arrived around 7 and uncle Keisuke stayed for dinner --although there were only spaghetti and chicken-corn-carrot cream soup served. Anyway, we had papaya (yes, tiny japanese papaya) and pineapple for dessert. Good food for such a good friend!

So now, the whole family with the chicken pox. When ibu got it, aji slept in the living room together with Wisnu and Akira. The following night Wisnu insisted on sleeping with Ibu as he felt ignored noticing Aji took over Akira. For almost a week aji slept with Akira. Since Akira got the chicken pox, aji slept alone to avoid being infected. Now that everybody got it, we were back together sleeping in the same room. yes, four of us.

oh Varicella Zoster Virus....why now, why us???

Akira - 8 months now

Akira turned 8 months last week. Well, as they say, second child does not take as much pictures as the first. It's not that we lose our enthusiasm, but you start to get used to things at the second time.


Anyway, we introduced several things this month to Akira.

1. Bath tub-- playing with the water

Akira used to get shower once a week ('coz we assumed that winter was too cold for him to take a bath) and got his face washed everyday. Now that the spring has come and it's beginning to be too difficult to put Akira in a shower as he moves more rigorously, it's the right time to play with the water in the bath tub. Wisnu also found it very fun to have Akira play with him, splash the water to Akira's face and introduce his bath time friends --the ducks and the shampoo container.



2. Music matt
Ibu bought the matt a year ago in Toys 'r Us in KG Mall for Wisnu and he grew out of interest of it lately. This matt makes sounds if you touch the pictures on it regarding the kinds of animals, say if you touch the picture of frog then you'll hear the frog's sound. Beside that, there are 7 notes which play different children . By touching one of the notes and the picture of animal, you can listen to the animal humming the song. (can you figure that out?). Very fascinating for babies who are learning to sit or stand up as well as the kids who like jumping around and hitting things .



3. Baby school VCD from the Time Life
Yeah it is actually a bit late to introduce Akira this VCD --compared to Wisnu who started to watch this VCD at the age of 6 months. This VCD was found as ibu was searching for all DVDs of baby Einstein to show to Tante Niken the other day. Since Wisnu kicked the DVD player, ibu hid all the DVD and VCD collections to avoid Wisnu's demand to watch them on the lap top as aji would have to use the computer for his study. Akira would sit on ibu or aji's lap and get fascinated by the pictures as we spoonfeed him, otherwise he would bang the table or kick the glass during the mealtime.

4. Another hair cut
Akira got infected by chicken pox since Friday and it's difficult to put the cream on his scalp with his hairy head. Therefore, today aji cut his hair. Look ! Before and after.


Does not he resemble his father?

We should report to you that Akira now is trying to stand up, but so far his rear was the only part he could move :) we'll show you the pictures soon as we could spot good angles and moments on that! BRB.....!!!

A week of our silver lined clouds

We are just human beings. We have plans, things to do, priorities, but somehow along the way mishaps occur. Troubles, pains, difficulties pay a visit.

Aji was struggling with his final exams, papers, take-home-tests, thesis deadline. Like the Japanese say: "Important things come at the same time" meaning when you have important things to do, something unexpected take place. Who's on earth ever expected any disease like chicken pox?

Sunday morning Feb 12, Ibu noticed there are some blisters on her face-- thinking that it was somekind of allergic reactions, we postponed going to the hospital until Monday morning as ibu had an appointment to see Shigeta Sensei, the obsgyn. Sunday evening, ibu had a terrible fever, could not sleep, sore throat got worse.

Monday morning Feb 13, the more blisters popped up --not only on the face now, but all over ibu's body. With the fever, ibu dragged herself to go to the Shimin Byoin (Yokohama Municipal Hospital) by bus and 10 minute walk. Arriving at the hospital, Ibu tried to ask for assistance where to go first--dermatologist or obsgyn to a non- English speaking senior citizen volunteer, who turned out not understand ibu's question but showed ibu the way to the obsygn instead. The English speaking nurse at the obsgyn was not on duty, so that only two midwives tried to get ibu's message in English and desperate body language across . The clinic was not open, but they were willing to let Ibu lie down on one of the cubicle, check ibu's blood pressure, temperature, and immediately called the doctor. The doctor rushed in, checked the fetus' heartbeat and assigned one of the nurse to take ibu to the Infectious Disease Clinic.

At the Infectious Disease Clinic, the nurse was prepared and well-informed about Ibu's condition. Ibu could lie down comfortably on the clean, tidy bed while waiting for the doctor. The nurse checked ibu's temperature again and let ibu have a rest. The doctor came and she spoke English (what a great relief) and explained that she should consult the obsgyn about what medicine should be given with the course of pregnancy. The good thing was, the two doctors had discussions over the phone and decided on the medicine given, then the pharmacy was contacted and the nurse got the medicine ready so that ibu did not have to roam around the hospital . The payment event was delayed until next week . Ibu just could go home right away by a taxi as ibu was too weak to walk again to the bus stop and wait for the bus. Moreover the doctor said that chicken pox is so contagious that the one suffering from it should not move around and jeopardize others' health.

At home, Akira and Wisnu should be kept away from ibu. Wisnu was vaccinated so that he had 90% immunity toward the virus. Unfortunately Akira is too young to be vaccinated and he had to be away from ibu until the incubation period was over ---two weeks. Aji also had to maintain his stamina as he was facing his exams, at the same time juggling with the kids, doing the housechores and taking care of ibu.

Tuesday, Feb 14, the deadline for thesis submission. Aji had to go to campus and ibu tried to cope with the kids and housechores without standing the fact that the fever got worse and the pain started to be unbearable. The peak was when Wisnu felt ignored and he started to bang Akira's head to the wooden wall and pushed him really hard that Akira fell to the ground helplessly. Things just did not work out no matter what ibu tried to do or say , Wisnu became more violent. This is it. When aji came, ibu was sitting on the floor holding Akira with all tears, feeling helpless, desperate, exhausted, burn out and the worse thing was the headache and fever was really putting her down. Then ibu asked the possibility of putting Wisnu at the Hoikuen just for the next two days until aji's exam was over. Aji would have to cram with the books and someone just had to attend to Wisnu and for the time like this ibu just could not take everything.

Wednesday, Feb 15, it started to hurt to talk even to swallow her saliva as the blisters spread out to the throat, gums, tongue. Aji made a call to Aunty Niken but no one picked up the phone. Then, aji called Aunty Hiroko to ask for information about Hoikuen from the Ward office. Aunty Hiroko managed to contact one of the Hoikuen's Principle but unfortunately the Hoikuen was too full to accept Wisnu even only for a couple of days. Then Aji tried to call aunty Suzie to ask whether the church near YNU had volunteer or any day care center to take care of Wisnu. All these efforts seemed fruitless. Ibu never had any baby blues but this seemed to be even worse than what-so-called desperate.

In the afternoon, surprisingly Aunty Hiroko and Uncle Keisuke came and brought so much food: Inarizushi, oysters with nira, cabbage and clam soup, instant porridge, snacks. They cooked for us and walked 1 km to our apato to deliver the food. We were speechless, astonished and grateful for their sincerity. Ibu tried to eat those food eventhough the tears fell down when the food passed through her throat as it was so painful to swallow-- tears of pain but happiness for having such good friends.

Thursday, Feb 16 Aji had the exam on economic Growth Analysis at 1. Ibu emotionally felt better and tried to balance attention between Akira and Wisnu to reduce Wisnu's aggressive behavior while aji was away. Wisnu seemed to understand that ibu and aji were putting high hope on him to cooperate at least for this day. The good thing was there was a plenty of food so that ibu did not have to cook. Aji could help wash the dishes after the exam, feed Akira, change Akira's diaper, and many more.

Friday, Feb 17, at 11.30 Aunty Chie and Ide Sensei --aji's thesis advisor came to visit and bring some food: macaroni salad, sauteed ekinoki mushroom and aburage, omelet, snacks. Again, we were saved for the day. They were not afraid of being infected by the virus but came down to our apato despite their tight schedule.

At around 5 pm, Wisnu was throwing all the plates, spoon to the floor since ibu made him stop palying with the water. Surprisingly, the bell rang but we did not expect anyone. Wisnu ran to the door and bursted into laughter to find out who was coming. It turned out that Uncle Keisuke came to bring more food: pumpkin soup and porridge. He cooked for us eventhough he himself was crammed with his exam. He even insisted on washing the dishes and asked ibu to rest. Gee... Wisnu was very happy to see Keisuke and had good time playing with him for some time.

Saturday, Feb 18 we survived with the food from Aunty Chie as well as Uncle Keisuke. Ibu started to move around the house doing the housechores as the fever was gone. For those who had ever got chicken pox before must have understood how itchy it was when it comes to the process of recovery. The urge to scratch really almost drove ibu crazy!
Aji was trying to finish his paper as the deadline would be on Monday plus the homework to be submitted on the same day.

Sunday, Feb 19 at 11.30 Aunty Chie came again to bring food: rice, fried chicken strips, potato chips, snacks plus banana. Wisnu finished all the potato chips and half portion of the chicken strips. We had good lunch!
At 6, Aunty Hiroko and Uncle Keisuke came and brought food (again); Inarizushi, Tai fish in shoyu sauce, Tofu with peas, instant porridge. They stayed for a couple hours as ibu could keep them company.

Monday, Feb 20, at 9.00 Aunty Chie came to pick Ibu up to go to the doctor for a check up. The doctor said that it is safe now for ibu to go out and meet people( adult) but Akira still has to wait for another week until the incubation period is over. We just could hope things will turn out all right.

Chicken pox came without any warning --when aji badly need time and concentration to study and accomplish all the assignment. Somehow,we realize the prayers and blessing from our parents which also save us and keep us strong here. We are lucky that we are at the good care of God and there were friends coming around and lend a hand.

The clouds really have fine silver lining. Now that the clouds are clearing away, but we cherish and appreciate for all the things all of you have done for us. When family were so far away, when the pain seemed to be unbearable, it turned out that we are never alone here. .

Selamat Hari Saraswati

On Feb 18, Balinese celebrate Saraswati's Day. We are in Japan and only has a little thing to show how to celebrate this special day. We pray in the morning and pray. We save a little prayer for Aji who has to present his thesis this early March and Wisnu who is enrolling kindergarten this year.

Regarding Saraswati's Day, do you know....

What is Saraswati's Day?
In India, Diwali Festival – the festival of light – is dedicated to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, and 'Navaratri' is to Durga, goddess of strength, might and power, Vasant Panchami is to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning. The festival is celebrated every year on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha . The day called 'Vasant Panchami' as Vasant means, "the spring season". This is the great spring festival, falling on the fifth day of the month of Magh, the first day of spring.

In Bali, Saraswati's Day is believed to be the day of the goddess Saraswati was born. It is a time for making offerings for books, especially the sacred lontar palm leaf books and the celebrations are mostly conducted at every family compound, temple, academic institutions like schools and universities throughout Bali. All books are the subjects of devotion on this day. One is expected not read on Saraswati day (when the celebration is still going on). Children go to school only to pray and join the celebration.


Who is Saraswati?
To Hindus, Saraswati represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, art and music is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. She is the mother of the Vedas, and chants to her, called the 'Saraswati Vandana' often begin and end Vedic lessons.

Saraswati is the Goddess of leaming, knowledge, and wisdom. The Sanskrit word sara means "essence" and swa means "self." Thus Saraswati means "the essence of the self." Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma.

Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge, symbolized by a beautiful woman with four hands, riding on a white swan among water lilies to tell humanity that science is like a beautiful woman.
She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus — the symbol of true knowledge — in the second. With her other two hands she plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the veena. She is dressed in white — the symbol of purity — and rides on a white swan that symbolises Sattwa Guna or purity and discrimination. Her hands hold a palm leaf; a lontar, (a Balinese traditional book which is the source of science or knowledge); a chain (genitri with 108 pieces) symbolising that knowledge is never ending and has an everlasting life cycle; and a musical instrument (guitar or wina) symbolising that science develops through the growth of culture. The swans symbolise prudence, so that one's knowledge may distinguish between good and evil and the water lilies (Lotus) are symbols of holiness. The Lotus flower is the holiest for Balinese.

This symbolism illustrates the following spiritual ideas:

The lotus is a symbol of the Supreme Reality, and a white lotus also denotes supreme knowledge. By sitting on a lotus, Saraswati signifies that She is Herself rooted in the Supreme Reality, and symbolizes supreme knowledge.

The white color symbolizes purity and knowledge. The white sari that the Goddess is wearing denotes that She is the embodiment of pure knowledge.

The four arms denote Her omnipresence and omnipotence. The two front arms indicate Her activity in the physical world and the two back arms signify Her presence in the spiritual world. The four hands represent the four elements of the inner personality. The mind (manas) is represented by the front right hand, the intellect (buddhi) by the front left hand, the conditioned consciousness (chitta) by the rear left hand, and the ego (ahankara) by the rear right hand. The left side of the body symbolizes the qualities of the heart and the right side symbolizes activities of the mind and intellect.

A book in the rear left hand signifies that knowledge acquired must be used with love and kindness to promote prosperity of mankind.

The rosary signifies concentration, meditation, and contemplation, leading to samadhi, or union with God. A rosary in the rear right hand representing ego conveys that true knowledge acquired with love and devotion melts the ego and results in liberation (moksha) of the seeker from the bondage to the physical world.

The Goddess is shown playing a musical instrument that is held in Her front hands, which denote mind and intellect. This symbol conveys that the seeker must tune his mind and intellect in order to live in perfect harmony with the world. Such harmonious living enables the individual to utilize acquired knowledge for the welfare of all mankind.

Two swans are depicted on the left side of the Goddess. A swan is said to have a sensitive beak that enables it to distinguish pure milk from a mixture of milk and water. A swan, therefore, symbolizes the power of discrimination, or the ability to discriminate between right and wrong or good and bad. Saraswati uses the swan as Her carrier. This indicates that one must acquire and apply knowledge with discrimination for the good of mankind. Knowledge that is dominated by ego can destroy the world.

A peacock is sitting next to Saraswati and is anxiously waiting to serve as Her vehicle. A peacock depicts unpredictable behavior as its moods can be influenced by the changes in the weather. Saraswati is using a swan as a vehicle and not the peacock. This signifies that one should overcome fear, indecision, and fickleness in order to acquire true knowledge.


What are the other names of Sarawati?
She appears as a Buddhist yidam (buddha or bodhisattva who is chosen as a focus for meditation) in her capacity as embodiment of culture, learning and the arts, especially music.

People in diferent parts of the world know Saraswati in different names.In Tibet : Yang Chenmo, or when her musical aspect is emphasized, she is Piwa Karpo. In Mongolia: Keleyin ukin Tegri, In China :Tapien-ts'ai t'iennu or Miao-yin mu.

In Japan: Benzaiten or Benten, the goddess of love, eloquence, wisdom, the arts, music, knowledge, good fortune and water. She is the patroness of geishas, dancers, and musicians. Originally she was a sea goddess or water goddess, on whose image many local deities near lakes were based. Later she became a goddess of the rich and was added to the Shichi Fukujin (the seven lucky Gods). The island of Enoshima rose up especially to receive her footsteps.

How people celebrate this day?
The celebration of Saraswati's Day In India, the colour yellow is given special importance on Vasant Panchami. On this day, Saraswati is dressed in yellow garments and worshipped. People prefer to wear yellow clothes on this holy day. It represents the ripening of the spring crops. Even the food is coloured yellow by using saffron. Spiritually, the yellow colour is a sign of prosperity; it is the colour of love. Sweetmeats of yellowish hues are distributed among relations and friends. Some people feed Brahmins, some perform Pitri-Tarpan (ancestor worship) and many worship Kamadeva, the god of love on this day.

However, the most significant aspect of this day is that children are taught their first words on this day, for it is considered an auspicious day to begin how to read and write. Educational institutions organise special prayer for Saraswati. During Vasant Panchami, seasons undergo change and the coming of springtime is heralded. Trees display new shoots and new life is evident in the woods and fields. Nature decorates the mango trees with new blossoms, wheat and crops enliven with evidence of new life.

Meanwhile Balinese celebrate this knowledge day in several days. The series of Saraswati celebration are :
1. Pangredanan (the day before Saraswati--the day of preparation)
All the books and lontar are collected together, cleaned and dusted.

2. Saraswati Day
Saraswati day itself is celebrated by the Balinese people bringing offerings to their holy books and scrolls in their houses, while students celebrate it at school, usually in the morning, and the office-workers in their office. The philosophy of Saraswati day is that the most important thing for human life is knowledge. In the afternoon of Saraswati day we are not permitted to read or write the book because all the books are offered. In the evening, called Malam Sastra, people read books (especially religious books) in their houses or in the temple.

3. Banyu Pinaruh (The day after Saraswati)
"Banyu" means water and "Pinaruh" mean wisdom. In other words, we must have wisdom which always flows like water and which is useful for human kind. We pray for Dewi Saraswati (manifestation of God) to give us cleverness and wisdom. The people usually take a bath in the sea or a lake or river and drink traditional medicine which is made from many various leaves which is very good for our health. The philosophy of Banyu Pinaruh day is the second most important thing for human life is good health.

4.Soma Ribek (Two days after Saraswati Day)
On Soma (or Monday), Pon, Wuku Sinta, is Soma Ribek day. "Soma" meaning Monday, and "Ribek" meaning full. On this day, Balinese bring offerings to the rice box. They thank God for food and beverage in their lives and pray to Dewi Sri (Goddess of prosperity, manifestation of God) to give prosperity. This celebration remind them to be selective when choosing food and not to over eat to improve their health. The philosophy of Soma Ribek day is the third most important thing for human life is food and drink.

5. Sabuh Mas (Three days after Saraswati Day)
On Anggara (or Tuesday), Wage, Wuku Sinta, is Sabuh Mas day. "Sabuh" means belt, and "Mas" mean gold. On this day, Balinese bring offerings to the deposit box or the place where they keep their jewelry. They thank Mahadewa (manifestation of God) for cloth, money, gold, etc in our lives. This celebration remind them to be selective when spending money. The philosophy of Sabuh Mas day is the fourth most important thing for human life is cloth and gold, etc.

6.Pagerwesi (Four days after Saraswati Day)
On Buda (or Wednesday), Kliwon, Wuku Sinta, is Pagerwesi day. "Pager" meaning fence and "Wesi" meaning iron. On this day, Balinese pray to Sang Hyang Pramesti Guru (manifestation of God). All Balinese have offerings to their Sanggah (temple in their home) and at all of their temples. This is the second biggest holiday after Galungan day for the Balinese. The philosophy of this celebration is that we must keep knowledge, health, food, cloth and wealth high in lives to keep the universe in balance.


From Yokohama, to all celebrating this day of knowldege, we wish you : "Selamat Hari Saraswati!"

sources:
http://www.hinduism.co.za/vasant.htm
http://www.koausa.org/Gods/God10.html
http://www.indo.com/indonesia/news362.html

Valentine's Day in Japan

Bicara soal Valentine's Day, udah pada tahu kan sejarahnya? Terlepas dari itu, walaupun pernah ada gembar gembor bahwa Valentine's Day bukanlah budaya Indonesia dan sempat rada dilarang..tapi tetep aja bukan para kaum muda (baca: ABG) sibuk menyambutnya. Biasanya tradisi memberi kartu berbentuk hati, memakai baju pink dan hiasan serba pink di departemen store atau kafe-kafe yang kita jumpai pada hari Valentine ini.

Tapi tempo hari, ibu ngobrol sama Tante Chie tentang Valentine's Day di Jepang. Ternyata cara orang Jepang merayakan Hari Valentine ini sangat berbeda dengan di tempat lain.

Pertama-- 14 Februari merupakan saat bagi para WANITA (catat: bukan pria) memberi coklat kepada pria. Aihhh.. ini urusan emansipasi apa yang lain? Kartu doang disini mah gak laku, biar berbentuk hari dan berwarna pink juga!

Kedua-- Coklat yang diberikan kepada para pria ini ada 2 macam.
Giri Choco : (harganya sekitar 100-500 yen) yang diberikan kepada pria mana saja sebagai tanda "coklat kewajiban'. Walah, kenapa disebut kewajiban? Istilah ini dimulai dengan kata GIRI yang diambil dari bahasa kuno Jepang yang berarti tanda balas budi atas kebaikan orang yang diberi hadiah atau tanda pengorbanan dari pemberi hadiah demi untuk kebahagiaan penerima hadiah. Nah Giri Choco ini biasanya diberikan kepada rekan kerja, boss,teman,dll pokoknya siapa saja yang bukan ditaksir. Jadi jangan ge-er dulu yah kalo dapet Giri Choco dari cewek Jepun!

Honmei Choco: (harganya minimal 2000 yen) yang diberikan kepada yang ditaksir berat.Disamping coklat, para cewek Jepang juga biasanya memberi dasi atau kemeja bagi si cowok pujaan hati (Honmei)


Ketiga-- sebagai balasannya, si cowok yang menerima coklat biasanya KUDU ngasih permen atau coklat balik ke si cewek, tapi tidak pada hari Valentine, melainkan pada 14 Maret yang disebut "White Day". Nah kalo si cowok membalas memberi coklat, biasanya berarti "OK deh..gue juga naksir berat ama lu". tapi sekarang ini katanya sih para cowok ini sah-sah aja memberi balik coklat atau permen kepada teman/boss/saudara.

Lucunya banyak orang Jepang sendiri tidak tahu sebenarnya sejarah Valentine's Day di Eropa sana. Sebenarnya juga yang bikin gara-gara acara meberi coklat kepada para cowok ini adalah sebuah perusahaan coklat bernama Morozoff di Kobe pada sekitar tahun 1936 namun upayanya kurang berhasil dan dicoba lagi pada tahun 1952 walaupun tidak mendapat sambutan. Barulah sekitar tahun 1958 perusahaan lain, Mary's di Tokyo coba-coba sampai akhirnya perusahaan besar Morinaga tahun 1960 melakukan kampanye untuk tradisi memberi coklat ini yang didukung iklan besar-besaran. Pada sekitar tahun 60-an para cewek Jepang masih sungkan untuk menjalankan tradisi ini. Akhirnya pada tahun 70-an banyak perusahaan yang menawarkan produk coklat homemade dan bahkan para perusahaan coklat menawarkan jasa kursus membuat coklat!

Ide memberi coklat pada para cewek pada tanggal 14 Maret ini juga dimulai oleh perusahaan marshmellow pada sekitar tahun 1960 demi meraih kocek para cowok yang bisa dikatakan tengsin kalo sampai menerima coklat dari cewek dan tidak membalas memberi. Hari ini dinamakan "White Day" karena marshmellow yang diberikan berwarna putih. Jadilah sampai sekarang para cowok yang menerima coklat dari para cewek punya kesempatan untuk membalasnya. Untunglah mereka karena punya waktu sebulan untuk menabung (kalo mau memberi untuk banyak cewek) dan mikir-mikir apakah mau nerima pernyataan cinta sang cwek pemberi coklat. Aihhh...

Ada juga yang pernah melakukan survey online pada tahun 2000 tentang Valentine's dan White Day ini di Jepang.Dari 269 respoden, mayoritas adalah cewek, single, berusia dibawah 30 tahun yang merayakan hari Valentine's. Sedangkan White Day hanya dirayakan 45% cowok Jepang yang itu pun rata-rata berusia 20 tahun-an. Entah kenapa juga rata-rata yang merayakan Valentine's Day itu adalah para lajang (koreksi: jomblo kali yeee), sedangkan White Day rata-rata dirayakan orang yang sudah menikah.

Itu dia...kalo ibu harus kasih coklat kepada aji, Wisnu dan Akira untuk Valentine's Day ini.... kira-kira bangkrut juga yaaa . Tapi kalo dipikir-pikir nanti pas 14 Maret ibu bakal dapat jatah 3 hadiah sihhh...mau juga!!!











Sources:
http://tanutech.com/japan/valentine.html
http://japanesefood.about.com/cs/holidays/a/valentinechoco.htm
http://japanese.about.com/library/weekly/aa020401a.htm
http://www.okada.de/archive%2Djapanasitis/valentine/valentine.html

Ada apa dengan Wisnu?

Hari Sabtu pagi, sekitar jam 7, Wisnu beringsut berbaring di sebelah ibu yang masih mengantuk. Tak seperti biasanya, Wisnu cuma mengemut ibu jarinya tanpa mengeluarkan sepatah kata. Pun waktu Akira menarik-narik tangannya, tawa Wisnu tak terdengar juga. Sambil masih memejamkan mata, ibu usap-usap kepala Wisnu; tapi kok terasa keninngnya agak panas? Apakah karena tangan ibu kedinginan atau Wisnu demam?

Ibu buka mata dan melihat wajah Wisnu yang terlihat layu. Pipinya kelihatan lebih merah dari biasanya, matanya sayu.. Lho? Kenapa 'nak? Demam ya?

Ibu bangkit dari tempat tidur dan meyentuh kening serta leher Wisnu yang memang ternyata terasa panas. Hm...memang pilek dan batuknya belum pulih 100%, ditambah lagi kemarinnya Wisnu tidak tidur siang dan berangkat tidur agak telat pada malam harinya karena terlalu senang atas kunjungan Oom Kei dan Tante Hiroko.

Pagi itu, Wisnu cuma nungging di tempat tidur-- tidak mau minum susu, tidak mau makan, tidak bersuara..aihhh... Mana nih anak ibu dan aji yang biasa ngacak2 rumah ?

Sungguh mengkhawatirkan melihat Wisnu yang biasanya tidak mau diam menjadi anak yang lunglai dan diam seribu bahasa. Sekitar jam 10.30 kami angkutlah Wisnu ke rumah sakit terdekat, Senin Hokken Byoin, yang ditempuh dalam 10 menit jalan kaki. Kebetulan hari sabtu ini dokter Kobayashi, praktek jaga. Saking senewennya sampai ibu lupa mematikan kompor sehingga aji harus balik lagi pulang ke apato untuk mematikan kompor dan menemukan bubur untuk Akira sudah gosong dan pancinya pun hangus. (untung gak kebakaran!!!)

Di atas stroller Wisnu pun tidak bicara. Pipinya merah karena demam. Pandangannya kosong.. aihhh..

Menurut dokter Kobayashi, kalau dilihat dari gejalanya, 80 % kemungkinan Wisnu terkena influenza, tapi belum bisa dilakukan pemeriksaan influenza karena demamnya baru pagi ini sedangkan pemeriksaan tsb biasanya dilakukan 8 jam setelah demam dimulai. Rumah sakit ini cuma buka setengah hari pada hari Sabtu, jadiii...tidak bisa tidak, percaya saja deh sama dokter Kobayashi.

Memang dokter Kobayashi pernah menganjurkan agar Wisnu divaksin influenza pada bulan Desember, tapi karena kemungkinan untuk anak yang beriwayat alergi seperti wisnu vaksin tsb bisa berakibat shock berat dan kalo sampai fatal..bisa "lewat" juga...
Nah, untuk resiko sebesar itu rasanya nyali kami tidak cukup deh untuk coba-coba. Tapi tokh dokter Kobayashi mengatakan sekarang ini sudah ada obat manjur untuk infulenza: Tamiflu.

Nah, tapiiii..ternyata juga obat sehandal Tamiflu ini juga punya efek samping.Pada hari pertama pemberian obat , suhu tubuh penderita akan meningkat sangat drastis tapi turun sesudah beberapa jam. Pada hari kedua, pasien juga akan demam tinggi lagi (tapi tidak setinggi hari pertama) untuk kemudian turun. Barulah hari ketiganya akan normal.

Efek lainnya? Penderita akan mengalami mimpi buruk -sampai mengingau dan berjalan dalam tidur, dannn berdasarkan riset sekian persen anak akan kejang. Duarrr!!! Kumaha yeuh?? Kalo sampai kejang, rumah sakit ini tidak melayani emergency anak. Tapi ternyata kita bisa telpon 911 dan akan datang ambulans menjemput untuk dibawa ke rumah sakit yang bertugas jaga hari itu (Di Yokohama ada pengaturan jadwal untuk setiap rumah sakit secara bergiliran menerima pasien anak untuk keadaan emergency).

Dokter Kobayashi juga menjelaskan jika nanti Wisnu mengingau dalam tidurnya , harus dibangunkan dan diberi minum serta temperatur ruangan harus dijaga jangan sampai terlalu panas karena semakin panas suhu ruangan, semakin memburuk mengingaunya.

Sebenarnya Akira pun harus tidur terpisah kamar dengan Wisnu, jika pisah rumah tidak memungkinkan karena virus ini menular. Ibu dan aji pun sebaiknya menggunakan masker penutup hidung supaya tidak ketularan plus sering-sering berkumur di kerongkongan dengan air hangat untuk upaya pencegahan. Setelah demamnya turun pun selama dua hari Wisnu harus tetap di rumah karena bisa menulari orang lain.

Tetek bengek mengenai influenza ini memakan waktu sekitar lebih dari 15 menit plus karena dokter Kobayashi khawatir bahasa Inggrisnya tidak memadai untuk menjelaskan semua itu, dipanggillah dokter lain yang akan membantu menerjemahkan. (Padahal dokter Kobayashi lumayan lancar dan dapat dimengerti bahasa Inggrisnya). Setelah itupun berkali-kali ibu ditanya apakah mengerti.

Setelah obat ditebus, kami pulang ke rumah dan sedikit 'mencekok' roti dan obat tsb kepada Wisnu. Hasilnya? Wisnu muntah. Tapi sesudah itu dia bisa tidur pulas beberapa jam. Mengigaunya pun tidak parah. Sorenya malah Wisnu sudah mau makan dan minum obat dengan suka rela. Malamnya tidur tanpa mengingau...ahhh...lewatlah krisis itu.

Keesokan harinya pagi-pagi Wisnu bangun, sudah bisa langsung bangkit dari tempat tidur dan berkata " Minum susu. Ini bukan Wisnu, ini robot". (kadang Wisnu tidak mau dipanggil Wisnu tapi "robot"). Nahhh berarti sudah sehat nih!!

Kalau dipikir-pikir, tiba kembali saatnya Wisnu mengacak-acak rumah, menumpah-numpahkan air, rasanya kok legaaa sekali dibanding harus melihatnya terkulai dan tidak berdaya karena sakit. Ya, gak papalah ibu dan aji beres-beres rumah terus 'nu, yang penting kamu sehat!!!

Belajar duduk nih!

Aku letih berbaring terlentang atau telungkup terus menerus
aku ingin cepat bisa bangkit sendiri
tapi mengapa ternyata , butuh usaha dan latihan

hmm..dari posisi terlentang, aku sudah mulai bisa berguling
sehingga posisi badanku tertelungkup
dan..aku angkat kepalaku tinggi-tinggi
sambil mulai menggerakkan kakiku
aku ayun-ayun badanku ke depan dan belakang
bersiap menggerakkan kaki






tapi eh..kok baru kaki kananku yang bisa dibentangkan ?
aduh..kok berat sekali mengangkat kaki yang kiri ini ?
Apa karena kaos kaki yang kupakai? Rasanya gak juga ya...






ahhh..mana sih kakiku yang satu, bu?
aku hampir jatuh nih...









karena sulit, jadi aku coba kembali ke posisi dua kaki terlipat, ayun-ayunkan badanku sambil menjaga keseimbangan





Oops..coba aku gerakkan kaki kiri dulu sekarang
Lho..kok sekarang yang kanan susah dilipat?
Berat amat sih?

dan pelan-pelan aku bentangkan kedua kakiku

Nahhh..berhasil juga nih!

Aku bisa duduk sendiri !!! COOL!!! Ini dia senyum kelegaan plus kemenanganku. Horeee...!!!

Setsubun Festival

On February 3, Japanese celebrated Setsubun. Setsubun occurs one day before the Spring Begins. The Setsubun (literally "sectional separation") is originally referred to the eve of any of the 24 divisions of the solar year based on Japanese Lunar Calendar. However, the Setsubun associated with "Spring Begins" gained significance as a symbol of Toshi Koshi (year passing) or Jyo Jitsu (accepting the old year) by marking the completion of the cycle of the 24 divisions of the solar year. Setsubun generally always precedes the lunar New Year, and in the ancient ideal was often actually referred to as New Years' Eve.

Setsubun has been celebrated in many ways, but perhaps the most common custom found throughout Japan is the traditional Mame Maki or the scattering/throwing of beans (mame) to chase away the evil oni (ogres, evil spirits, as depicted in the illustration which heads this article). In some ritual forms, the Toshi Otoko [literally "year man" but referring either to the "man of the house" or to men who are born in the animal sign of the coming year (dog for the year 2006)] will throw mame within the house or at someone perhaps dressed as oni and repeat the saying Oni wa Soto; Fuku wa Uchi (Get out Ogre! Come in Happiness!). After the ritual throwing of the beans, family members may then pick up the number of beans corresponding to their age; eating these brings assurance of good fortune in the coming year.

Eventhough Setsubun is not marked as national holiday, children in Japan are looking forward to for the fun . Some children wear the masks of oni, others madly throwing beans, and all gleefully shouting for evil to hit the road. Prominent temples in Japan may also find monks or celebrities showering large crowds of people with mame to ward off spirits and welcome the renewal of the coming New Year.

The origin story of this setsubun was :
One day an ogre disguised himself and came to the house of an old widow. He possessed a magic mallet, and with it, he fashioned a beautiful kimono. Temptation got the best of the old widow, and she succumbed to its beauty. She plotted to steal it away from the ogre by getting him drunk. Not satisfied with just the kimono, she thought she would get the magic mallet as well. Surprised by the abrasive greed of the old woman, the ogre revealed his true self. So scared, the old widow got hysterical and starting throwing the first thing handy, a bunch of beans she had on hand. They must have hurt, because the ogre fled the scene leaving the widow without her greedy desires but nonetheless wiser and healthier.

Other celebrations of Setsubun involve eating Nori Maki, a special sushi roll. Particularly in Western Japan, many may face a "lucky direction" (in geomantic form) and try to eat the entire sushi roll without saying a word. Those who are able to accomplish this feat (the roll is about 20 cm long) are promised luck with their business, longevity, and freedom from illness. In some areas, the Nori Maki is made with a stuffing of seven colors which represent Shichi Fukujin (seven gods of happiness).

Fuku Mame (Happiness Beans) are sold at Setsubun. Beans such as these may chase many an ogre away. This particular brand also sports images of Shichi Fukujin (the Japanese seven gods of happiness) sailing merrily along.

On the night of Setsubun, many Japanese will decorate a holy tree in front of their houses with a head of a sardine, a clove of garlic, or an onion. Such talismans are designed to keep the oni away as the New Year approaches (though the neighbor's cat may not be so intimidated). Oni are said to be stung by the leaf of the holy tree (a vitalistic Shinto symbol in its own right) and thus keep their distance from the home for the coming year.

We also had very good chances to celebrate this Satsubun twice a day. First, in the morning, Wisnu and Ibu went to Hazawa-cho Minami Kaikan because the Tsumiki Play Group is inviting us to experience this unique celebration. The children colored the mask of oni, while the mothers were making a simple origami for the bean pocket. Then, the mothers wore the masks and let the children chase them around to throw the beans by saying, "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi". Unfortunately Wisnu was more interested in eating the beans than throwing them away!!! He even cried aloud upon seeing one of the voulunteer wearing the oni mask.

At 5 pm Aunty Hiroko and Uncle Kei came to our house to celebrate this with us. They seemed all way prepared for this !! First, uncle Kei put the card boxes in front of refrigerator to prevent the mame being scattered under the fridge. Then Aunty Hiroko and Uncle Kei prepared the beans and the masks while explaining the procedures.

We had fun throwing the beans to Uncle Kei and shouted "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi", but Wisnu said, "ibu, ibu, udah (stop)". Yes, Wisnu loves Uncle Kei so much that he did not have the heart to let Uncle Kei be showered with the beans, although Aunty Hiroko would love to do so!!!

After that we ate the beans -- eventhough we should have eaten them just as much as the number of our age, but there is so much to eat and it's delicious!!! Then aji has to throw one bean to every room of our apato while Ibu was serving the Indonesian Siomay and Fu Yung Hai.... huehehh.. Chinese food cooked by Indonesian for japanese celebration !



After that there is delicious caramel pudding from Aunty Hiroko: maple, macha (japanese green tea), pumpkin, plain and original flavor of caramel pudding. Ehh.. Wisnu fisnished two cups so that Aunty Hiroko and Uncle Kei decided not to eat any of them.

At about 6.50 Aunty Hiroko and Uncle Kei helped us sweep the floor!!! We tried to stop them but they insisted on doing so. Wow, japanese tradition : clean your own mess before you leave...




So, please come again soon!!! (as ibu promised to cook Tom Yam Gung for Aunty Hiroko)



Sources :
http://www2.gol.com/users/stever/setsubun.htm
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2285.html