As fresh as the essence of life in equilibrium

Women in unity

2011-05-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

i written this article not so long ago and would like to dedicate this for mother's day because we women are mothers for our and every children.

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We have the abilities to raise family and nurture our children, care about our environment, work and support each other, everything with unconditional love. So, when women are united for a better place to live and at the same moment, they create a power that has similar function on how this earth cares about human’s need.

Naturally as human we are a social being; we need to interact with others. Through this interaction we are able to unite and form a better and stronger influence.

Unity is a single word but it has a powerful meaning. So when I hear the word of unity in a society, I understand it as a group of people with different backgrounds that are bond together because they share the same interest and live peacefully. However and unfortunately, in today’s world we tend to live under more tensions and predicaments from global warming, terrorism, health problem, poverty to discrimination.

All of these issues are real perils in our society and will present unpromising future for our next generation if we fail to bring positive solutions. Therefore, I believe unity is the key to improve the quality of human’s life.

When women say “together we create a better future”

Men and women, young and old are together hand-in-hand in perceiving a better future. These are done from private to public sectors and intergovernmental to non-governmental organisations. Such co-operations are more visible these days and it also marks our presence as a global community that share the same interest.

In the case of discrimination towards women for example, we can take the UN Women as a concretion of unity. .It is one of the United Nation’s agendas to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide that was initiated last year on July. They also focus on areas such as violence against woman, peace and security, economic empowerment, etc.

In the province of Blitar, Indonesia for example, the UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) - now known as UN Women, helped the drafting of a local law on the protection of women migrant workers. Protection fund to cover legal costs from discrimination as well as the allocation of female doctors for medical examinations to avoid sexual harassment, are both included in the decree to shield the migrant women.

In some parts of Africa, it is mentioned that young women between 15-24 years old have greater risk to be HIV-positive in compared to young men with the same age. In Rwanda, The UN women accommodate HIV and trauma counselling for women who are the victims of sexual violence. This is done by providing assistance to the Association Rwandaise des Conseillers en Traumatisme (ARCT Ruhuka). The UN Women is also partnering with non-governmental organisations, private sector and civil society. Nicole Kidman, a well-known actress is also involved as one of their goodwill ambassadors for the organisation.

This unity through the UN Women’s agenda proofs that people all over the world are together to end violence and tackle problems that women are facing today.

Another top global issue that people are often discussing about is climate change or global warming. Again, we can refer to The UN Climate Change Conference which took place in Bali in 2007. Hosted by the Indonesian government, this event is attended by approximately 10.000 participants from 180 different countries. At this conference, men and women worked together to share their views, discussed current environmental crisis and generated possible solutions to restrain the carbon dioxide levels.

All of this teamwork between people completes the frame of unity that has an important role to achieve optimistic outcomes for some of the problems in our society. It also shows our willingness in creating a better place to live.

Women in modern world

Women’s movement can be dated back as far as in the 18th to the beginning of 20th century. At this stage, the feminists were fighting for women rights to vote and take part in the politic world. On September 19th 1893, Governor Lord Glasgow signed the Electoral Act into law and this has resulted in the emergence of New Zealand as the first country in the world that allows women to vote in parliamentary elections.

Today in a global and modern world, most of us are free to vote. Nevertheless, it is also not uncommon to see women as top leaders, well-known public figures and working mothers.

Women are united in various fields. In health movement for instance with breast cancer as the most feared disease for many of us. In the United States, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) has been a pioneer in increasing women’s awareness towards breast cancer issues. Celebrating their 25th year’s anniversary in 2009, the organisation continuously promotes awareness and shares knowledge about the disease.

On the other hand in Indonesia where breast cancer is the second cause of women’s decease, a similar foundation also present in the capital city, Jakarta. It is called, Yayasan Kesehatan Payudara Jakarta (YKPJ) - Jakarta’s Breast Health Foundation. They not merely provide plenty and useful information but also an online consultation relating breast cancer issues on their website – www.PitaPink.com (Pink Ribbon).

There are many other organisations existing but these are just few examples on how women are together from politics to health issues and their movements have always been a spotlight for unity in previous, present and future time.

Simply just because we inspire

We know, hear and read the story about Lady Diana, J.K Rowling, Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and other inspiring women from various fields and backgrounds. But, one thing I know that women do inspire and it is just like our mother earth.

We have the abilities to raise family and nurture our children, care about our environment, work and support each other, everything with unconditional love. So, when women are united for a better place to live and at the same moment, they create a power that has similar function on how this earth cares about human’s need.

We can not look flawless only by what we are wearing but also how we contribute to people around us. Besides my mother who always been an inspiration, there is one more important lady who has taught me the meaning of life. She was my nanny and her name is Darmilah. Her strength lies in her kindness, and her wealthy is shown through how she lives her life in modesty.

One day, Darmilah sat next to me and said that if I’m about to grow as a real woman, it is important to keep in mind to always act in kindness. When we are about to do a good deed, we should not let our mind question whether someone else has to know it or not. What she has said actually reminds me of the famous Oprah Winfrey’s quotation, “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not”.

Two different women living in a different part of the world but share an outstanding way of thinking, support the idea of how women should not care only about outside appearance but also their inner beauty, positive attitudes.

So if questions arise, whether or not it is possible for women around the world to unite? The answer is yes it is very possible and whether all of us men and women can achieve unity in diversity? The answer is yes, there is no doubt!

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Reading sources:

http://www.unwomen.org/
http://www.unifem.org/gender_issues/hiv_aids/
http://unfccc.int/meetings/cop_13/items/4049.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_suffrage
http://www.elections.org.nz/study/education-centre/history/votes-for-women.html
http://www.nbcam.org/
http://www.pitapink.com/id/index.php

I have to tell him: I'm on maternity leave :)

2010-08-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

This picture on the left side was taken from google. I found this really hilarious though i do not have that big bumps (yet). But somehow this image reminds me how my pregnancy has pushed me further into an absent of composing musics.

I received another email last month from a New Yorker musician, singer and songwriter from mymusicstream website who have requested me to write a song for him. Unfortunately i had to say that i won't be able to do it, at least not in the near future not until I'm feeling very well.

When i grabbed my keyboard few weeks ago i came up with some soul music but i fell into sleep haha i felt exhausted on my first trimester.

Right now i just want to hear to Jack Johnson and enjoy my cup of tea, get some more inspirational thoughts and kick off my pillows ^-^.

Pregnancy and weight gain

2010-08-20T02:24:00.000-07:00

Probably you have similar question as i do (how much should i gain while pregnant?). My last visit to the doctor was that she told me right in front of my eyes that I have to watch over my weights so later i won't have any difficulties in delivering the baby - for a short moment i have the impression that she acted like 'Simon' on american idol ^-^. However, I'm really glad and somehow found my morning sickness has naturally decreased my weight so i'm in a good weight, i suppose.

Ok, so how do I know whether i have gained properly during my pregnancy?

I found this useful links (Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator) click here. You will be required to enter your weight before pregnancy and how many weeks you are currently pregnant. It is measured in lbs (pound) so for those who mainly use Kg to measure your weight then you may want to first check your weight from Kg /lbs or the other way around in this website (the weight converter) click here.

Later the weight gain calculator shows you the result of a healthy wide range for your pregnancy including mid to max weight you should maintain currently up until your 40 weeks.

Eating for two is just a myth ladies!

Eating for two while pregnant is just a myth, we actually do not have to eat too much while pregnant because our body needs only extra 300 calories per day. Over eating can cause us many problems including difficulties in giving birth, heartburn, leg pain etc. For more details you can read professional advices - click here.

pic: google

My first trimester: what is happening on earth?!

2010-08-20T00:26:00.000-07:00

What is happening on earth?

I have to admit that the first trimester was rather difficult than pleasant. All i wanted to do is just to spend my whole day on bed and sleeping. My mood changed drastically, my body was very much exhausted along with some muscle pains and 24hrs i felt a constant dizziness. At the beginning i thought i have some flu so i went to a private clinic to do a blood test. I did a home pregnancy test but the result was negative.

Later on, I continued taking tablets and vitamins to treat my 'flu' until i finally felt some improvements and decided to take another home pregnancy test and this time the result is positive!. My husband and I were really happy but on the other hand I had to cancel my trip home for my brother's wedding where the tickets are already bought. (flying airplane for the first trimester is not really recommended especially for a long haul, you need to consult this with your medical practitioner).

I couldn't pass this good news "live" to my family and friends home so I was thinking "oOk...maybe later by email or so". But what happened then the morning sickness symptoms got me even worst. I couldn't eat properly like i should, vomited right after food, couldn't concentrate and the dizziness made me feel like I'm flying - (so yeah it was like: what's happening with me??!!my feet is few meters off the ground:)).

End up sharing the good news only to friends who have been in regular contact with me by emails, amazingly few of them were dreaming about me getting pregnant ^-^ so they came to find out if their dreams were right. On the other hand, some were disappointed not hearing the news directly from me at the first place but i guess once they really know how it feels to be part of those 75% pregnant women with a terrible morning sickness, they will see how much efforts that need to be made even just to grab a laptop and sit down in front the computer.

I even wish to move the toilet next to my bed :D

one pregnancy but few doctors

Choosing the right doctor during pregnancy is very essential, for me the feeling is almost similar to find the right soul mate. I have been changing doctors (gynecologist) few times and finally met this middle aged gynecologist that able to make me feel comfortable and relax. I disregard the fact that she speaks only Polish because the most important key here is the way a doctor deal with their patients and once again how can they make you feel safe/comfortable and relax. I have met doctor who speaks good English or younger doctor but i just did not feel the 'click' so always listen to your heart and body.

Here are some interesting facts which i found while changing doctors:

Prenatal vitamins for pregnant woman should not contain vitamin A only for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and later when you enter your 13 weeks then you can start to change your vitamin that enriched with vit. A and DHA because if you take them to early vit.A may contribute a birth defects to your fetus.

My current doctor recommended not to consume oranges in Poland because they may contain a lot of chemical sprays.
If your whole tests show good results during the first trimester, it doesn't mean you have to sleep or rest the whole day but some small walking in the afternoon or even swimming is recommended.

Eat more small meals than few larger meals and better not to drink water gas. So definitely I'm counting down to be able drink cokes/sprites again :D

Is it me ?

I'm sure we've heard some weird or strange things on pregnant woman start from craving certain foods to performing unusual behaviors. I looked at myself one day in a mirror and told my self after my wonder of what was happening on earth. I started to question my self whether I was cloned to someone's else.

I love junk food - the best way for my husband to feed me during my first trimester was for him to run to McD or KFC for a" first aid", i have no problem in processing the food and seems the fetus was also enjoying it.
Let me eat that hot sauce!- even though as an Asian i should be capable to eat spicy food but I don't heritage this habit from my family and since i'm pregnant the first thing i check on my dinner table is "where is my spicy sauce?!".
Take that make up off! - I'm not a make-up artist but i have been investing my time for make-up and since I'm becoming pregnant i just realised that 5kg make up tools i have collected look like a 'trash' now.
Get me a golden kiwi - I don't know if my past life in New Zealand should contribute to this one but somehow i was surprised with my craving for kiwi fruits. One day I badly wanted to eat the type of golden kiwi and i told my self that it may not be possible to find them here. However, thanks God listened to my prayers, my sis-in-law brought home two pieces of them which she found it accidentally on a supermarket and a piece of golden kiwi cost almost similar to a sweet mango (of course compare to its size mango is much larger).
Smelly pickles are nasty - This is a nightmareeeeeeeeeee..... that's all i can add.

and other things including loosing taste for eating beef/food with curry sauce.

Tips to whip or tips and wit

I do not have much tips really to be shared but from what i have read online on how to encounter your morning sickness is to prevent it by eating some dry crackers (I don't agree on that point because it has failed me) Every time i try to nibble dry cookies, i feel more nauseas and want to vomit.

I found mint candy helps a bit, ginger?hmm never tried. However, it is true and better not to keep our self hungry so that is why eating more small meals is highly suggested. Tomatoes with paper and salt was more effective for me than a piece of dry biscuits/cracker.

Every pregnancy is different and being pregnant is a natural process, it's not a disease so i guess by the end of the day all i can do is just to enjoy all of this process and be more witty rather than sad. My doctor who said she vomited from one lamp to another lamp when she got pregnant, joked that she would hit me with a belt if i don't smile during my pregnancy ^-^.

pic:google

where have i been ?

2010-08-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

"Where have i been?"

Few relatives and friends have been actually asking this question to me in the past few weeks . So i guess it would be probably inappropriate to leave the question itself unanswered.

First of all, please accept my sincere apologize for my sudden inactive behavior on FaceBook or any other social blogs with my footprints there ^-^. I have not been disappearing, ignoring you or wanting to make you feel worried intentionally.

In the last couple of months my life was at this stage of what i would call a "roller coaster life". It's not really a matter of being far from home... (I've been traveling since 4yrs old with my parents and later because of own decision, so basically I've been rotating and away from home).

The reason of this roller coaster life is because a little tiny beautiful creature i have inside my womb! - Yes i'm pregnant! :)

So during the first trimester I've been experiencing what other 75% pregnant women should feel. It calls the "morning sickness" - (which i don't agree on the term since the symptoms such as headache, nausea even vomiting can appear at any time of the day!not only in the morning!). I had a terrible mood swing and even put myself into a cry baby mode where i often shed a tears just by watching a very touching advertisement on TV. ^-^

I'm now entering the second trimester of pregnancy I may feel a bit relieved since i have more energy to sit in front of my computer and (click click clik - write something) ^-^.
Although i don't feel like I'm free from this 'morning sickness' but at least i feel better than the first trimester (I believe many pregnant women are not looking forward to go back to that stage especially those with discomfort experience).

Back to blogger

the thing with FB is sometimes my cellphone is not compatible enough to check every single thing that is happening over there especially when there is no signals at all - and I have been spending my time in our summer place where it is located in a remote area, surrounded by forests and just few meters away from Belarus - (ok, i think the last part is not necessary to mention haha).

I do feel really unpleasant for not being able to keep in touch on a daily basis with all of my family and friends like i used to do over the FB. But, the first trimester have paralyzed me from my daily routines - i have not been composing any musics, writing articles and even start to distaste my hobby:make up (so i assume i have a baby boy? :D)

I will try to keep myself update here from now and personally think there is no compulsory for you to follow my updates or i come to your news feed with disturbing issues which you may not be interested - the choice is in your hand dear Kings and Queens ^-^.

On the next article i will share to you more in details about my pregnancy what kind of surprises i have met so far, odd things and hopefully some useful tips. But for now i'm going to give you an extra bonus :D

This is a picture taken from my last USG a little baby on 13th week and few days old, I guess it is pretty clear to see the little head and tiny hands. The doctor said he/she is healthy inside with a strong heartbeat (for those who are also pregnant, when it is possible, try to have your husband next to you during the USG and feel this nice and warm feelings hearing to the baby's heart beat-there's nothing grateful in this life than what God has given to us - life).

Thank you...thank you... for all your kind supports, prayers and GBU all. Also happy fasting for my family and friends.

Talk to you soon

Recognise your friends

2008-11-07T03:27:00.000-08:00

Don’t count your chickens before they hatched!

There is always a tendency to have a fuzzy face-off in every kind of friendship. Nothing can go as smooth as a silk. But to have the most valuable and reliable friend through our up and down, thick and thin, we need to recognise type of friends.

“I thought I knew you…” how many music writers describing love or friendship and have included this sentence to their lyrics?

What have caused a disappointment or heartache is actually varied in any kind of conditions. However, when we cultivate links with our colleagues or close friends, both internationally and locally. There are some considerations need to be made in order to have more assurance of a real friendship!

According to the book of “When friendship hurts” written by Jan Yager. Precisely, there are 6 types of friends that you need to be really careful when maintaining a relationship with them.

The Promise – Breaker : is a type of friend who continuously break his/her pledges. You see that words? Continuously – not sometimes …
The Double – Crosser: is a friend who is keen to hurt you by telling negatives rumors about you or simply never want to talk to you with unclear reasons. A double-crosser can really involve emotional issues, and you may want to end up the friendship. This kind of friend may turn up to another person who is close to him/her and tell the lies to make you or your friend/family also gets hurt.
The Self – Absorb: This is the type of friend who wants to be listened, at the end of the day you may notice that he/she actually shares more about their life rather than listening to yours. He / she seems to careless about you and will do listen just merely they wait for their turn to speak out – pathetic isn’t it?
The Discloser: If you ready to let the world know the most secret thing about yourself, then talk to this kind of friend. He/she will be delighted to share your secret with other people, even though they have promised that the secret is just between you two. For some stages, as the book says: “Telling this person a secret makes her feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. Like the game "hot potato," she has to pass the hot secret along to someone else in order to relieve the anxiety knowing the secret made her feel. There are also some Disclosers who simply have a big mouth.”
The Competitor: Competition with friends can be as healthy as it can, but over competitions can harm the friendship. Mainly when it involves win or loose, which is not what it suppose to happen when you are with your best friend. It is because the competitor will do compete in every single point of life. I keep my ears for the competitor type of friend to listen to their brags – as long as it is not more than 1 hr. (lol).
The Fault-Finder: I wouldn’t mind to tell my friends sometimes that the T-shirt that she/he wears is not really suitable. But if I have to be the fault-finder, it is guaranteed for me to get rid of by my friends. The fault finder is a type of friend who likes to be over critical and judgmental. He/she can put you down so much by commenting things in the most destructive ways.

In some circumstances, people with negative habits may have had a difficult childhood or been through a harsh treatment by close people in their formative years. When it is almost impossible to hope for a change or better qualities of characteristics, and when your friend is becoming less trustworthy, you may want to end the friendship or simply embrace the idea of “ignorance is bliss”.

You may also want to underline the idea that it will not be our rights or abilities to change someone’s belief, or the most unlikely element– traits. Complexity is part of our way of thinking, but how to simplify the perception of life; it will also depends on our mind. Because once you get lost and wind up in a vicious or intricate pattern of friendship, it will be harder to feel the passion of life.
Just… don’t get stuck, ok? – Good luck!

-@srini Indah-

Photo: Allposters

Idealism + Realism = Perfect life

2008-11-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

The determining factors of a perfect life is always been an enigma. Simply just because everyone has different way of satisfying their needs in life.

I can not congratulate myself for defining perfect life and happiness either. For that reason, at times, I'm dubious when it comes to idealism. Merely because perfect life or situation does not always emerge from heaven above and sometimes, we are positioned to have no options rather than to sacrifice our self. However, I will try to define the balance amid idealism and realism, and how they connect to support a perfect life.

Having a stable life is never been as easy as it seems. People that I considered to be fortunate are those with freedom of choice, speech and opportunity to improve their life's standard in a good way. However, when you look at the gloomy part of the world, unstable and uncertainty are shown almost everywhere, particularly in the third world countries. In a situation like this, when people are attempting to afford their daily needs, struggling for a shelter, is a heart-breaking pictures. In fact, i could feel a life time compassion when i put myself on those people's shoes.

We may be aware of a phrase : Nothing that we can not accomplish in this world, everything is possible and tenable. I do not think it is odd to fully support the idea, we actually able to set incentive in our mind by looking up to the mentioned phrase. But, the fact that is human are created with limitations, dream and despair are two side of coins. So it will be unfair for someone to hurt somebody's feeling intentionally, be a self-righteous or embrace the idea of super power .

So, let's see how the two elements of idealism and realism support each other to create a perfect life:

First of all, is to Believe (Idealism) - and I think this is the fundamental point . Love is not necessarily abundant if we do not have a faith on something/someone/somebody. Believe is the engine of how we create a circle of life. The new elected of the U.S President, Barack Obama repetitively mentioned the word of "Believe" during his political campaign with remarkable achievements.

Secondly is to Accept (Realism) - people who are living in a great denial are in a misery. A serious physiological issues that can lead to a major health problem. (Stress - stroke - and RIP) for instance, someone wants to be pretty but has never been a beauty, wants to be rich but often lacking, wants to be famous but always unknown.

Your investment is worthless when negative power and ignorance possessing your soul. There will be too many to loose. Perhaps it will be a noticeable faults by the end of the day, when we realized that we do not have a real friend, nothing can be trusted.

This life is as perfect as it is, everything depends on our mind. How we appreciate others is a way to shape our beauty, how we help others is how we show wealthy and how we present a true care is when we are known to be thoughtful.

No branded bags or shoes are valued in a situation of war - just run and safe your life! It is not a matter of collecting friends on Facebook to be recognized as a well-known person, it is not a matter of how talented you are as a human being or how perfect looking you are.

It is all about combining two elements which are believing and accepting, both yourself and others. What people need out there are a real hope, assistance, understanding, bright future, sustainable security, peaceful life as well as eternal happiness with some sorts of connections of visions.

We need others as they need us. Carry our life with honesty, kindness and joyfulness.

*apologize for any offensive statements.

-@srini Indah-

Photo: Google