Learning Through Life

Learn to be sincere from a lie,

Learn to be loyal from a betrayal, 

Learn to love from destruction,

Learn to give from the lack of,

Learn about hope from the emptiness,

Learn to have faith from the humanity,

Learn to be stronger from the weakness,

Let's learn and continue to learn from every single things in this life. 

Up, Down, Up, Down Lil Brenny

Felt so excited when I received the news from my lovely sister at home, telling that our Little Brenny @ Gumbebeh started to get up and down on her own yesterday. Brenny looks so happy, cute and adorable in the photo sent by my sister through MMS. Later, my sister also uploaded some other photos and video in her FB. Check it out : https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=279300545421421    It made me miss home extra damn much! huhu

***

***

***

I miss you, Bebeh. 

I miss you, Dad & Mom. 

I miss my brothers and sisters 

and..... super duper miss my fiancée!! 

Miss you all so much.

PTPTN vs. SCHOLARSHIP

"Nekelulus kepio e moti i penukaran biasiswa dit ptptn nu. Haro no surat kelulusan." 

Translation:  

The conversion of your PTPTN to Scholarship had been approved. The approval letter had been sent.

I received these magical words from my Dad via SMS at 18.28pm yesterday while I was preparing for the dinner. Guess that I've read it twice. As for the first reading I was thinking that  oowh.. Am I dreaming?? Am I mistakenly reading it?? But then, uncontrollably, I jumped highly, danced happily, shouted gratefully like the whole world is mine! Still remember both of my house mates came over me with that so undefined facial expression! hahaha Really appreciated Angeline's big hug. Thanks, Buddy!

The Worthwhile Letter

This breaking new really relieved me. I was feeling like dropping down a million pounds of stones from my head. I felt like flying freely like the birds in the sky.. Really grateful to God for hearing my prayer. Indeed, He is the only one who HAD stayed and WILL stay patiently listening to my heart' voice any time, any where. I was being strengthened! You have planned my life journey, indeed. I always believed that You have your own reason on every single thing that happened to me.  

Having a great tele-conversation with my fiancée just now, I shared about this good new to him plus some of the crucial situation I encountered throughout my life, especially on campus life and how did I come to the best solutions for it. I was touched when he said that "You have your own Guardian Angel."

 "Heavenly angels, often referred to as guardian angels, are mentioned numerous times in the Scriptures. Therein we learn that angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve Him, and sent by God to watch over the human race, to deliver his message, to guard and protect us from danger, to do battle with other spiritual beings on our behalf."

I really think that I've been blessed with good, supportive and kind-hearted people around. My family especially, relatives, friends, neighbours, simply to say EVERYONE. I believed that those who had been so good to me are "Guardian Angels" too. :)) 


Mom also called me before her bedtime at 2154pm. I could hear her happy voice through the phone. Again, she emphasized on the importance of prayer. Thanks, Mom! Thanks, everyone for your prayers for me. Thanks for being so good to me.  May God bless you all abundantly! 

I'm proud to make my parents, family and friends happy. I'm happy when I made people happy!!

Praise the Lord!!

 

Malaysia International Passport

Since I was here in Johor which is located on the tip of the Malay Peninsular and is connected to Singapore via one-kilometre causeway, I was thinking to grab this opportunity to go and visit the well-known Lion-city before finishing this teacher training. Heard about many interesting places in it, I get excited to go there with someone I really want to go with ~ my fiancée. :)

The thing is, we haven't applied for the passport for the purpose of travelling abroad. Just went through the info regarding International Passport application and I found this:-

Eligibility: Malaysian citizen.

Where to apply:  Any Immigration Offices and Malaysian Representative Offices.

Passport fees: RM100.00 for 2 years / RM300.00 for 5 years

Special fees: RM150 for 5 years

Eligibility for special fees: 

1. Children below 12 years old

2. Student below 21 years old with proof to study abroad on the day submission

Exemption of fees: For handicap or disable person on the condition that they produce a letter from Welfare Dept.

Applicant needs to complete the Form Im.42-pin 1/97. The form can be obtained from any Malaysia Immigration office or downloaded from the website (should be printed both side using white A4 size paper).

For the first time applicant of 18 years and above, born in Malaysia (like me.. ^^), bring along your IC, Birth Cert. and 2 recent passport-sized photos with light blue background. Go through http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=34&lang=en for further info on conditions for other cases.

I am now counting the days for my fiancée to come over here on the 14th of Nov. Wishing to have a great time with him here soon! :)

                                                        

Inspirational Challenge Quotes

Been through www.quotations.about.com and found these meaningful inspirational quotes. Would love to share it here..

Every test in our life makes us Bitter or Better.
Every problem comes to make us or break us.
Choice is our’s whether we become Victim or Victor.

George S. Patton
Accept challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.

Amelia Earhart
Adventure is worthwhile.

Unknown Author
Anything unattempted remains impossible.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
As long as a man stands in his own way, everything seems to be in his way.

Chinese proverb
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

Joshua J. Marine
Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Mark Twain
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. Except a creature be part coward, it is not a compliment to say it is brave.

William Ellery Channing
Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Grace Hansen
Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.

I am Me

I am Me. In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me. Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine, because I alone chose it -- I own everything about me: my body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions, whether they be to others or myself. 

I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears. I own my triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes. Because I own all of me, I can become intimately acquainted with me. By so doing, I can love me and be friendly with all my parts. 

I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know -- but as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles and ways to find out more about me. However I look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically me.

If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought, and felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that which I discarded. I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me. I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me.

I am me, and I am Okay. Thanks God for creating ME. :)

Wedding Checklist ~~ He he he ~~

Thinking of starting to gather comprehensive and ideal information for WEDDING... ^.^

6-10 Months

1. Set the date
2. Determine the type of wedding you want.  If you intend to have your wedding solemnized by your religious leaders, consult them on this.
3. Check with the Civil Registry that grants marriage licenses and follow their instructions.
4. Discuss the budget with your fiance as well as with both families.
5. Telephone the Catering Sales Manager to discuss the wedding packages available.  Make early reservations to avoid disappointment.
6. Choose the bridesmaid and bestman.
7. Meet with florist and photographer to discuss budgets and options.
8. Select your dress, veil, formal wear gown and going away dress.
9. Choose the bridesmaid's gown and the groomsmen's attire.
10. Decide on the number of guests and make a list.
11. Decide where you will be living after the wedding. If you are moving into your own home, you will also have to plan to furnish and decorate your new home so that it will be ready in time.
    
    

4-6 Months

1. Mail the invitations and announcements.
2. Write thank you notes as gifts arrive.
3. Prepare the wedding thanksgiving speech.
4. arrange for a second fitting of your wedding gown and formal wear.
5. Put finishing touches to your new home home or your matrimonial room if you live with either parents.
   

3-6 Months

1. Meet with your religious officials to discuss the service and premarital counseling which many places of worship require.
2. Order the invitations, announcements and personal stationery.
3. Make honeymoon plans and reservations.
4. Make accommodation arrangements for out-of-town guests.
5. Choose and order your wedding rings.
6. See your doctor for a complete physical.
7. Help both mothers select their dresses for the wedding.
8. Ensure Civil Registry's instructions on marriage registration are carried out.
9. If immunisations are necessary for the honeymoon abroad, arrange for them.
10. Check on validity of passports.
11. Compile a list of wedding presents.
12. Confirm wedding ceremony arrangements.
13. Appoint a master-of-ceremony.
14. Co-ordinate colours of dress, flowers, cakes, etc. 

2-4 Months

1. Arrange a display of wedding gifts.
2. Confirm accommodation arrangements for out-of-town guests.
3. Submit wedding announcements to the newspapers.
4. Schedule a pre-wedding appointment with your hairstylist and make-up artist.
5. Come to the hotel and review all the final details with the Catering Sales Manager.  Confirm the number of guests expected.  Place seating arrangements.
6. Do a final check with the photographer, car-hire company and cake-maker to make sure the bookings are in order.  If it's a church wedding, time the journey to the church.
7. Make sure you have assembled any new or special outfits for your honeymoon and check swimsuit and suitcase.
8. Groom, bestman, fathers and ushers should make arrangements for the hire of the clothes, or double check that their own are in good order.
9. Arrange rehearsals for the wedding party. 

7 Days

1. Notify the Catering Sales Manager of the final number of guests and check on reception/dinner plans.
2. Go over the final details with the florist, photographer and musicians.
3. Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements and begin packing.
4. Make certain rehearsals are carried out and that any hitches are taken care of immediately.  Give gifts at rehearsals.
5. Make certain your guests have directions and know accommodation arrangements. 

1 Day

1. Greet out-of-town guests as they arrive or arrange for them to be met directed to their accommodation.
2. Pack everything you will need at the wedding venue. 
3. Make sure you have all bridal accessories, spare pantyhose, safety pins and other emergency items.
4. Find a quiet moment to exchange gifts between you and your husband-to be.
5. Take going-away clothes the night before the wedding and make arrangements for the bestman to pick up your honeymoon luggage.

 The Big Day

1. See you hairstylist and make-up artist for the final beauty preparations.
2. Have a good breakfast so you won't have butterflies in your stomach.
3. Relax, smile and thank everyone for his/her help.
4. Most of all, enjoy the celebrations you have worked so long and hard to plan for. 

After The Wedding

1. It's easy to forget that life does not stop after the ceremony.  Someone will have to tie up the loose ends of the arrangements while you are away on your honeymoon.
   

Ask Family and Friends

1. Check your wedding clothes after you have changed into going-away clothes and return them to your home or hire company.
2. Send wedding cake to those who could not attend the wedding.
3. Pack the wedding presents if on display or given to you at the reception and have them delivered as possible.
4. Send the wedding pictures for development. 

Sources:

http://www.surfwedding.com/wedchecklist.html

http://www.spreadsheet123.com/ExcelTemplates/wedding-checklist.html

http://www.spreadsheet123.com/ExcelTemplates/Wedding-budget.pdf

Being Alone for the Holidays

For a wide variety of reasons, many of us find ourselves alone for the holidays. With the emphasis on families and being with others, the holidays can be an especially lonely and trying time, even for those of us who are usually okay being on our own. But don’t worry, there are many things you can do to make the holidays a little less lonely when you’re alone.

1. Pick up the phone. Call friends and ask to be included in whatever they’re doing. It works for everyone.
2. Be proactive. Create an “alternative family” made up of people whose company you enjoy. Plan and prepare a potluck feast if you like. Remember that you are not alone in being alone during the holidays. Get together with others and have some fun.
3. Plan an outing. Go on a hike, or go to the movies, a park or a museum. Enjoy the outing with your group or by yourself.
4. Pamper yourself. Treat yourself to a day of beauty at a spa, get a massage or find some other special way to luxuriate. Do whatever you enjoy doing.
5. Reach out. “Build bridges the rest of the year, and cross them during the holidays.” If you can’t be with family or loved ones during this time of the year, send them letters or e-mails or call them — in other words, reach out to them.
6. Remember your bonds and blessings. Pull out photo albums and read old letters. If possible, get on the phone and talk with loved ones who are still living.
7. Help others. Volunteering at a mission or shelter for the homeless will help you feel connected. Participate in activities with this organization at other times of the year, not just on one day of the year. This will make the experience more fulfilling. 
8. Travel. If you have the finances, get away for a few days. Go skiing or take a tropical holiday. Singles groups often have tour groups during the holidays. 
9. Get through the day. If you’re unable to do any of these things, just get through it. Read. Sleep. Rent a video. And remember, tomorrow it’ll all be over.

The holidays can be a lonely time, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel alone. Stay focused on acknowledging and meeting your needs, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the holidays are over!! :)

The Benefits of Napping

Increases alertness. 

When your eyelids are almost too heavy to keep open, you’re not doing your best work. Make time for a nap and then go back at it. A NASA study found that a 40 minute nap increases alertness by 100%. Other studies have found that a 20 minute nap is more effective than either 200 mg of caffeine or a bout of exercise. Studies have shown that if you break up your day with a nap, you will be as alert and energetic for the second part of your day as you were for the first. So if you’ve got an event planned for after work, take a nap before going out on the town.

Improves learning and working memory.

Naps improve your working memory. This type of memory is involved in working on complex tasks where you have to pay attention to one thing while holding a bunch of other things in your memory. Napping also improves your memory retention; during sleep, recent memories are transferred to the neocortex, where long-term memories are solidified and stored.

Prevents burnout and reverses information overload. 
While we often refuse to take a nap because we feel like we have too much to do, studies have shown that putting in extra hours without rest dramatically reduces your productivity. It would be better to take a 30 minute nap and return to your work refreshed. 

Heightens your senses and creativity. 

Napping can improve your sensory perception as effectively as a night of sleep. This means that steak tastes better, the sunset looks more exciting, and musics even better after a good nap. Napping also improves your creativity by both loosening up the web of ideas in your head and fusing disparate insights together.


Improves health. 
When you sleep, you release growth hormone, the antidote to cortisol which which boosts your immune system, primes your sexual function, reduces stress and anxiety, and aids in muscle repair and weight loss. Napping gives your brain a chance to rest and your body a chance to heal.


Improves mood. 
The neurotransmitter serotonin regulates our mood, sleep, and appetites. It produces feeling of contentment and well-being. But when our bodies are stressed, higher levels of serotonin are used and the production of more is blocked. As a result, we can become anxious, irritable, depressed, overwhelmed, and easily distracted. 

Saves money.

Instead spending your money for coffee/nescafe + sugar, take a nap and boost your energy the natural and more effective way! 

It’s awesome. 

Seriously, napping. It’s awesome.!!

The Power of Laughter, Humor, and Play

Laughter has a powerful effect on your health and well-being. A good laugh relieves tension and stress, elevates mood, enhances creativity and problem-solving ability, and provides a quick energy boost. But even more importantly, laughter brings people together. Mutual laughter and play are an essential component of strong, healthy relationships. By making a conscious effort to incorporate more humor and play into your daily interactions, you can improve the quality of your love relationships—as well as your connections with co-workers, family members, and friends.

The power of laughter and play

Playful communication is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships exciting, fresh, and vital. Laughter and play enrich your interactions and give your relationships that extra zing that keeps them interesting, light, and enjoyable. This shared pleasure creates a sense of intimacy and connection—qualities that define solid, lasting relationships.

People are attracted to happy, funny individuals. Laughter draws others to you and keeps them by your side. When you laugh with one another, a positive bond is created. This bond acts as a strong buffer against stress, disagreements, and disappointment. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain to smile and join in on the fun.

Playful communication helps you:

• Connect to others. Your health and happiness depend, to a large degree, on the quality of your relationships—and laughter binds people together.
• Smooth over differences. Using gentle humor often helps you broach sensitive subjects, resolve disagreements, and reframe problems.
• Feel relaxed and energized at the same time. Laughter relieves fatigue and relaxes your body, while also recharging your batteries and helping you accomplish more.
• Overcome problems and setbacks. A sense of humor is the key to resilience. It helps you take hardships in stride, weather disappointment, and bounce back from adversity and loss.
• Put things into perspective. Most situations are not as bleak as they appear to be when looked at from a playful and humorous point of view.
• Be more creative. Humor and playfulness loosen you up, energizing thinking and inspiring creative problem solving.

Mental health benefits of laughter and humor

The mental health benefits of laughter are tied to the physical benefits. When your body is relaxed and energized, you are better able to think and communicate clearly. This helps you keep your own emotions in check, relate in a positive way to others, and resolve conflict.

Laughter is a particularly powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. Having a sense of humor offsets depression and anxiety by:

• Releasing endorphins. When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, powerful chemicals that boost mood and override sadness and negative thoughts.
• Putting things into perspective. Most situations are not as bleak as they appear to be when looked at from a playful and humorous point of view.
• Connecting us to others. Our mental health depends, to a large degree, on the quality of our relationships—and laughter binds people together.

How to Live a Good Life

How to live a good life will vary from person to person. People have different expectations and also other interests. Happiness is essential to live a good life; you don’t need to live in luxury and you also don’t need to be rich but you need to be satisfied with the things which make you happy.

It is not always easy to live a good life because everyone has to deal with some problems in their life. It is often a matter of accepting certain circumstances which makes your life difficult and you may even be happier than the richest person in the world.

Here are some tips which may help you to live a good life:

*Be yourself

Everyone has a different character and it is best you don’t listen to persons who want to influence your life and try to make you a different person. People may want to push you to marry, to make career, to build a house and even to live according their religion. Advice may be useful but you need always to be yourself and live like you want to live. It may be possible you want to marry and have children but it is perfect possible you want to stay single and have some other priorities in life. Be always yourself and live like you want to live, as long you live according respectful values in life.

*Live healthy

A healthy lifestyle is important for everyone and will protect you more against several diseases. However, good health can never be guaranteed; it is important you eat a well balanced diet with all the necessary vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and you need to limit the intake of sugar and fats. Drinking plenty of water is necessary to clean your body and to strengthen your immune system.

*Having friends

Having friends is a necessity to live a good life. Friends are valuable in our life and can help us in good and bad times. Everyone needs friends to make fun, to share their problems, to ask advice, to accept us like we are and even just for a listening ear. A friend is always there for you, no matter what the reason may be.

*To enjoy your job

Some may want to make career but it is perfect possible you want an office job or another job with fewer responsibilities. To live a good life, you need to choose a job you like because it is impossible to live a good life if you don’t like your job. Money may be important but is perfect possible you feel better with a lower paid job which satisfies you. A good work/family balance is important to live a good life. Everyone knows the popular saying: we work to live but we don’t live to work which means your work may not dictate your life. You have to enjoy some other things in life; everyone needs entertainment and this will vary from person to person.

*Financial planning

Everyone needs money to survive and financial planning will help you to live a good life. You don’t need to be rich; you can perfectly life a good life with a low income. It is often a matter of setting priorities, making a budget, creating a savings plan and emergency fund and setting money aside for entertainment and to enjoy your life.

*A positive attitude

Everyone has to deal with some problems in their life. Some may struggle with financial problems, others relationship problems or health problems. It is not always easy to deal with these problems but with a positive attitude you will survive most of these problems and make you stronger against the difficulties which you may experience during your life. Being optimistic will also strengthen your immune system and will help you to live a good life.

*Limit stress

Everyone has to deal with stress in their life. You may experience this in your job but also in your daily tasks or family life. It is best you take time every day for some exercise which helps to relieve your stress and provides a better sleep. You don’t need to choose intensive exercises; even walking, jogging, yoga may help you to relieve your stress and will help you to maintain good health. It is important you choose an exercise you like and you will enjoy health benefits and relieve your stress.

How to live a good life is often a matter of setting some priorities but you need always to be yourself. Be a friend for other people and help them if they have problems. Living a good life is creating all these things to be happy. You may be millionaire and still don’t live a good life; It is better you take care for your health, accept some difficulties in life, be a true friend for your friends and you will live a good life. You can’t have everything but you may enjoy the things which your life offers.

Friendship and love are more important than power and essential to be happy. Living a good life is often easier than you may think; you need to try to reach these goals which make you happy and according respectful values.